cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Role of Mineral Complexation and Metal Redox Coupling in Carbon Cycling and Stabilization

The association of carbon with mineral phases has been increasingly recognized as a major stabilizing mechanism for protecting organic matter against microbial degradation in soils. However, direct investigation of organo-mineral interactions has been hampered by a lack of methods that can simultaneously characterize soil organic matter and soil minerals. To elucidate the specific mineral–OM binding mechanisms, scanning transmission X-ray microscopy−near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (STXM–NEXAFS) was applied to map the major mineral elemental (Si, Al, Ca, Fe, K) composition and to determine the spatial distribution of carbon and carbon functional groups in soil clay fractions from a landscape topographic gradient at the Christina River Basin Critical Zone Observatory (CRB-CZO). Pyrolysis-field ionization mass spectrometry (Py-FIMS) was used to identify organic matter composition in soils. We also investigated Fe speciation to link iron-redox-coupling processes with soil C cycling. Selective chemical extractions, X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), micro-XAS techniques, and Mossbauer spectroscopy were employed to characterize soil Fe speciation. Ferrihydrite, because of its ubiquitous occurrence in the environment and its high surface area, contributes significantly to the sorption of organic matter and protects it against microbial degradation in soils and sediments. In addition, ferrihydrite often forms in the presence of dissolved organic matter in the natural environment, which leads to coprecipitation of organic matter with ferrihydrite. To examine the mechanisms of organo-ferrihydrite complex formation associated with these two processes, C and N NEXAFS spectroscopic techniques were employed. Such studies on mineral complexation and metal redox cycling provide new insights on carbon cycling and stabilization in the Earth’s critical zone.
The Role of Syk in Cell Signaling

Many multichain antigen receptors on the surfaces of immune cells signal by stimulating the phosphorylation of key intracellular proteins on tyrosine. This occurs even though the transmembrane components of the receptors themselves lack intrinsic enzymic activity. Instead, these receptors associate with and signal through cytoplasmic proteintyrosine kinases. These kinases are now known to include members of a new family of proteins for which the prototype is a recently discovered enzyme known as p72 syk .
Development of HOPE-Genomics: An IT platform for patient-directed cancer genome sequencing education and return of results.

1532Background: Profiling of somatic/germline tissue has the potential to improve outcomes for patients with cancer. However, the realization of precision medicine is hindered by patients’ limited ...
Immediate-access grafts provide comparable patency to standard grafts, with fewer reinterventions and catheter-related complications.

Abstract Background No independent comparisons, with midterm follow-up, of standard arteriovenous grafts (SAVGs) and immediate-access arteriovenous grafts (IAAVGs) exist. The goal of this study was to compare “real-world” performance of SAVGs and IAAVGs. Methods Consecutive patients who underwent placement of a hemodialysis graft between November 2014 and April 2016 were retrospectively identified from the electronic medical record and Vascular Quality Initiative database at two tertiary centers. Only primary graft placements were included for analysis. Patients were divided into two groups based on the type of graft implanted. Patients' comorbidities, graft configuration, operative characteristics, and follow-up were collected and analyzed with respect to primary and secondary patency. Additional outcomes included graft-related complications, time to first cannulation, time to tunneled catheter removal, catheter-related complications, and overall survival. Patency was determined from the time of the index procedure; χ 2 , Kaplan-Meier, and Cox regression analyses were used, with the P value set as significant at Results There were 210 grafts identified, 148 SAVGs and 62 IAAVGs. At baseline, the patients' characteristics were similar between groups, except for a greater prevalence of preoperative central venous occlusions in the IAAVG group (16.3% vs 6.8%; P P = .4) and 18 months (SAVG, 29.0%; IAAVG, 43.7%; P = .4). Secondary patency was similar at 1 year (SAVG, 50.7%; IAAVG, 52.1%; P = .73) and 18 months (SAVG, 42.3%; IAAVG, 46.3%; P = .73). Overall survival was 48% at 24 months. IAAVG patients required fewer overall additional procedures to maintain patency (mean number of procedures, 0.99 for SAVGs vs 0.61 for IAAVGs; P = .025). There was no difference in occurrence of steal syndrome (SAVG, 6.8%; IAAVG, 8.1%; P = .74) or graft infection (SAVG, 19.0%; IAAVG, 12.0%; P = .276). Seventy-five percent of all grafts were successfully cannulated, with shorter median time to first cannulation in the IAAVG group (6 days; interquartile range [IQR], 1-19 days) compared with the SAVG group (31 days; IQR, 26-47 days; P P P Conclusions IAAVGs allow earlier cannulation and tunneled catheter removal, thereby significantly decreasing catheter-related complications. Patency and infection rates were similar between SAVGs and IAAVGs, but fewer secondary procedures were performed in IAAVGs.
Optimal Pre-hydration Age for CO2 Sequestration through Portland Cement Carbonation

An emerging technology of CO2 sequestration in Portland cement (PC) is through accelerated carbonation, where PC is intentionally carbonated at early hydration age and reinitiates long-term hydrati...
A Soft Robot to Navigate the Lumens of the Body Using Undulatory Locomotion Generated by a Rotating Magnetic Dipole Field

In this paper, we describe a soft-robotic actuation concept to enable a mesoscale medical robot to navigate the natural lumens of the body, such as blood vessels and intestines. The concept comprises a simple soft robot with two embedded permanent magnets with alternating magnetic polarity, and a rotating (nonuniform) dipole magnetic field that is swept over the robot, resulting in a traveling-wave undulatory motion that propels the robot forward and backward. This soft-actuation technology can be fabricated in a wide range of sizes due to its simplicity, and has the potential to be applied in a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic contexts. We conduct experiments and numerical simulations to verify the movement of the soft robot. Then, we confirm the benefits of using nonuniform dipole fields over using uniform fields, as well as the benefits of alternating the polarity of the magnets embedded in the device.
Use of Carbonic Anhydrase IX Inhibitors for Selective Delivery of Attached Drugs to Solid Tumors

Central to the goal of precision medicine lies the ability to target an effective drug specifically to diseased cells, thereby avoiding the uptake and collateral toxicity that arises when good drugs accumulate in healthy cells. While antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have pioneered many efforts in this field, small molecule drug conjugates (SMDCs) with high specificities for diseased cell types are now displaying equal if not greater potential because of their improved abilities to penetrate solid tissues. For both technologies, however, success has invariably depended on an ability to identify a receptor that is overexpressed on the desired pathologic cell (e.g., cancer cell, virus-infected cell, inflammatory cell, etc.), but absent or weakly expressed on all other healthy cells. While few cell surface receptors can satisfy these criteria, one that has attracted considerable recent attention has been carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX), a cell surface enzyme that is expressed in virtually all hypoxic tissues, but minimally expressed, if at all, in healthy tissues. Because most solid tumors are hypoxic, CA IX-targeted SMDCs are now being explored as broad-spectrum agents for the diagnosis and therapy of CA IX-expressing malignancies. The following chapter highlights some of the groundbreaking research in this area and provides key insights into how the design of a CA IX-targeted SMDC can impact efficacy.
Endoscopic vitreoretinal surgery: principles, applications and new directions

To analyze endoscopic vitreoretinal surgery principles, applications, challenges and potential technological advances. Microendoscopic imaging permits vitreoretinal surgery for tissues that are not visible using operating microscopy ophthalmoscopy. Evolving instrumentation may overcome some limitations of current endoscopic technology. Transfer of the fine detail in endoscopic vitreoretinal images to extraocular video cameras is constrained currently by the caliber limitations of intraocular probes in ophthalmic surgery. Gradient index and Hopkins rod lenses provide high resolution ophthalmoscopy but restrict surgical manipulation. Fiberoptic coherent image guides offer surgical maneuverability but reduce imaging resolution. Coaxial endoscopic illumination can highlight delicate vitreoretinal structures difficult to image in chandelier or endoilluminator diffuse, side-scattered lighting. Microendoscopy’s ultra-high magnification video monitor images can reveal microscopic tissue details blurred partly by ocular media aberrations in contemporary surgical microscope ophthalmoscopy, thereby providing a lower resolution, invasive alternative to confocal fundus imaging. Endoscopic surgery is particularly useful when ocular media opacities or small pupils restrict or prevent transpupillary ophthalmoscopy. It has a growing spectrum of surgical uses that include the management of proliferative vitreoretinopathy and epiretinal membranes as well as the implantation of posterior chamber intraocular lenses and electrode arrays for intraretinal stimulation in retinitis pigmentosa. Microendoscopy’s range of applications will continue to grow with technological developments that include video microchip sensors, stereoscopic visualization, chromovitrectomy, digital image enhancement and operating room heads-up displays. Microendoscopy is a robust platform for vitreoretinal surgery. Continuing clinical and technological innovation will help integrate it into the modern ophthalmic operating room of interconnected surgical microscopy, microendoscopy, vitrectomy machine and heads-up display instrumentation.
Epigenetics and Type 2 Diabetes Risk

The influence of environmental factors on type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk is now well recognized and highlights the contribution of epigenetic mechanisms. This review will focus on the role of epigenetic factors in the risk and pathogenesis of T2D. Epigenetic dysregulation has emerged as a key mechanism underpinning the pathogenesis of T2D and its complications. Environmental variations, including alterations in lifestyle, nutrition, and metabolic demands during prenatal and postnatal life can induce epigenetic changes that may impact glucose homeostasis and the function of different metabolic organs. Accumulating data continues to uncover the specific pathways that are epigenetically dysregulated in T2D, providing an opportunity for therapeutic targeting. Environmental changes can disrupt specific epigenetic mechanisms underlying metabolic homeostasis, thus contributing to T2D pathogenesis. Such epigenetic changes can be transmitted to the next generation, contributing to the inheritance of T2D risk. Recent advances in epigenome-wide association studies and epigenetic editing tools present the attractive possibility of identifying epimutations associated with T2D, correcting specific epigenetic alterations, and designing novel epigenetic biomarkers and interventions for T2D.
Occupational Exposure Assessment for Air Contaminants

INTRODUCTION Framework for Occupational Exposure Assessment PROPERTIES AND MEASUREMENT OF GASES AND VAPORS Properties of Gases and Vapors Basic Concepts of Fluid Flow Uncertainties in Physical Measurements Measurement of Air Volumes and Flow Rates Gas and Vapor Sampling Methods Analytical Methods for Gases and Vapors: Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectroscopy Direct Reading Instruments for Gases and Vapors PROPERTIES AND MEASUREMENT OF AEROSOLS Basic Aerosol Properties Particle Motion in a Viscous Medium Inhalation and Respiratory Tract Deposition of Aerosols Sampling of Aerosols Direct Reading Instruments for Aerosols Sampling for Pollutants of Biological Origin EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES Variability in Occupational Exposures Occupational Exposure Assessment Strategies Exposure Modeling Reconstructing Historical Exposures
Mortality and trends in stroke patients with seizures: A contemporary nationwide analysis.

Abstract Objective Seizures are frequent among stroke patients. The goal of this study was to provide updated trends in seizures prevalence and mortality among hospitalized stroke patients. Methods Data from the National Inpatient Sample was used to estimate trends in seizures prevalence among stroke patients as well as mortality by seizures status, between 2006 and 2014. We used a logistic regression model to examine the association between seizures and mortality, accounting for extraneous factors. Results Overall 372,957 patients (6%) stroke patients had a secondary diagnosis of seizures. We found 29% higher odds of in-hospital death among stroke patients with a secondary diagnosis of seizures. The prevalence of seizures was more than two times higher among patients with hemorrhagic stroke (11.4%) compared to those with ischemic strokes (4.8%). The prevalence of seizures among stroke patients was 6.6% and 6.2% for all strokes, 12.6% and 12% for hemorrhagic strokes, and 5.3% and 5% for ischemic strokes respectively in 2006 and 2014. Although there was a steady decline in both groups, mortality rate among hospitalized stroke patients with seizures was consistently higher than in those without seizures for all strokes, ischemic strokes, and hemorrhagic strokes. Compared to patients with ischemic stroke and seizures, mortality rate was higher among patients with hemorrhagic stroke and seizures. Significance Seizures were present in nearly one out of 15 patients hospitalized for stroke and were more frequent among those with hemorrhagic stroke. There was a decline in mortality among stroke patients during the study period, which remained significantly higher in patients with seizures than in patients without seizures, and in those with hemorrhagic stroke compared to those with ischemic stroke.
A Radiation Oncologist's Guide to Axillary Management in Breast Cancer: A Walk Through the Trials.

The axilla is the most common site for breast cancer nodal metastases. Aggressive management includes axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), radiotherapy, and systemic therapy, but carries the risks of lymphedema and “overtreatment”. We review the clinical trials that led to de-escalation of axillary management and their nuances that are often overlooked. With the rise of sentinel lymph node biopsy, several trials conclude that ALND can be omitted in specific populations. However, the subtleties in those trials, such as the role of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, have yet to be clarified. These discussions carry forward into the era of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, where ongoing trials investigate who needs ALND and/or radiation. This review examines the clinical trials that form the standard of care, and highlights why axillary management is individualized today.
Association of hippocampal volume polygenic predictor score with baseline and change in brain volumes and cognition among cognitively healthy older adults.

Abstract A high hippocampal volume polygenic predictor score (HV-PPS), computed based on GWAS summary statistics (n = 33,536), could be protective against declines in brain volume and cognition in older adults. Linear mixed-effects models with random intercepts and slopes were used to estimate associations of HV-PPS with baseline and annual rate of change in both brain volumes (n = 508) and cognitive performance (n = 1041) in Caucasian Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging participants. Higher HV-PPS was associated with greater baseline volumes of the hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus, and slower rates of ventricular enlargement and volume loss in frontal and parietal white matter, all adjusted for intracranial volume. In addition, higher HV-PPS was associated with better executive function performance and slower rates of decline in verbal fluency scores over time. Individuals with a genetic predisposition toward larger hippocampal volumes show better baseline executive function, slower decline in verbal fluency performance, and slower rates of longitudinal brain atrophy.
EDMD-Causing Emerin Mutant Myogenic Progenitors Exhibit Impaired Differentiation Using Similar Mechanisms

Mutations in the gene encoding emerin (EMD) cause Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD1), an inherited disorder characterized by progressive skeletal muscle wasting, irregular heart rhythms and contractures of major tendons. The skeletal muscle defects seen in EDMD are caused by failure of muscle stem cells to differentiate and regenerate the damaged muscle. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Most EDMD1 patients harbor nonsense mutations and have no detectable emerin protein. There are three EDMD-causing emerin mutants (S54F, Q133H, and D95-99) that localize correctly to the nuclear envelope and are expressed at wildtype levels. We hypothesized these emerin mutants would share in the disruption of key molecular pathways involved in myogenic differentiation. We generated myogenic progenitors expressing wildtype emerin and each EDMD1-causing emerin mutation (S54F, Q133H, D95-99) in an emerin-null (EMD-/y) background. S54F, Q133H, and D95-99 failed to rescue EMD-/y myogenic differentiation, while wildtype emerin efficiently rescued differentiation. RNA sequencing was done to identify pathways and networks important for emerin regulation of myogenic differentiation. This analysis significantly reduced the number of pathways implicated in EDMD1 muscle pathogenesis.
Tutorial: Motor-based treatment strategies for /r/ distortions

Purpose This tutorial summarizes current best practices in treating American English /r/ distortions in children with residual speech errors. Method To enhance the effectiveness of clinicians' cueing and feedback, the phonetics of /r/ production is reviewed. Principles of acquisition, which can inform how to practice /r/ in the early stages of therapy, are explained. Elements of therapy that lack scientific support are also mentioned. Results Although there is significant variability in /r/ production, the common articulatory requirements include an oral constriction, a pharyngeal constriction, tongue body lowering, lateral bracing, and slight lip rounding. Examples of phonetic cues and shaping strategies are provided to help clinicians elicit these movements to evoke correct /r/ productions. Principles of acquisition (e.g., blocked practice, frequent knowledge of performance feedback) are reviewed to help clinicians structure the earliest stages of treatment to establish /r/. Examples of approaches that currently lack scientific support include nonspeech oral motor exercises, tactile cues along the mylohyoid muscle, and heterogeneous groupings in group therapy. Conclusion Treatment strategies informed by phonetic science and motor learning theory can be implemented by all clinicians to enhance acquisition of /r/ for children with residual errors. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12771329.
Deep reinforcement learning based path tracking controller for autonomous vehicle

Path tracking is an essential task for autonomous vehicles (AV), for which controllers are designed to issue commands so that the AV will follow the planned path properly to ensure operational safe...
Near-Miss Deterrence: Incorporating Near-Miss Effects into Deterrence Theory

We investigate the applications of near-miss effects to theories of effective deterrence. Classical deterrence theory specifies two types of criminal deterrence: general deterrence, in which potential criminals are deterred from offending by the threat of punishment, and specific deterrence, in which criminals who have already offended are deterred from re-offending by experiences with punishment. In this paper, we introduce a novel category of deterrence–Near Miss Deterrence–that falls between general and specific deterrence. Under near-miss deterrence, transgressors do not experience punishment directly, but rather feel a sense of subjective closeness to an avoided punishment and adjust their behavior accordingly. Across two experimental studies (N = 2,049), we study how individuals behave after getting away with a first instance of cheating, and demonstrate the deterrent effects of near misses. We show that participants who cheat and experience subsequent "close calls" with punishment reduce their cheating in levels comparable to cheaters who are punished. By contrast, participants who avoid punishment by wider margins do not decrease their cheating. We do not find evidence that this effect is driven by transient shifts in affect. These results have important implications for theories of deterrence and for policy. Note: The first two authors contributed equally to this work
Monetary and fiscal policy interactions in the post-war U.S.

Abstract A New Keynesian model allowing for an active monetary and passive fiscal policy (AMPF) regime and a passive monetary and active fiscal policy (PMAF) regime is estimated to fit various U.S. samples from 1955 to 2007. The results show that data in the pre-Volcker periods strongly prefer an AMPF regime, even with a prior centered in the PMAF region. The estimation, however, is not very informative about whether the Federal Reserve's reaction to inflation is greater than one in the pre-Volcker period, because much lower values can still preserve determinacy under passive fiscal policy. In addition, whether a PMAF regime can generate consumption growth following a government spending increase depends on the degree of price stickiness. An income tax cut can yield an unusual negative labor response if monetary policy aggressively stabilizes output growth.
From freeform to metaform: design, fabrication, and testing

Freeform optics and metasurfaces are two emerging optical technologies that show promise for addressing the needs of modern consumer devices like augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) displays and mobile cameras. Recent advances in fabrication and testing have been critical to the success of freeform optics. In parallel, various methods for metasurface fabrication, including electron-beam lithography (EBL), have been researched and well established in the last decade but have been limited to fabrication on flat substrates. Metaform is a new optical component that consists of a metasurface conformed to a freeform substrate. We will explore the advances in nodal aberration theory, freeform design methodology, nanofabrication, and metrology necessary to make metaform optics a reality. To validate the developed processes and highlight the advantages of metaforms, we will examine a compact metaform imager inspired by the needs of AR displays. By leveraging the benefits of both metasurfaces and freeform optics, metaforms can thus be used to navigate critical design tradeoffs between optical performance, system volume, and form factor.
Safety and Efficacy of Microwave Ablation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the Setting of Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt.

This retrospective analysis reviews five patients with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) who underwent percutaneous microwave ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma between January 2017 and September 2020. Mean tumor diameter was 2.0 cm (range 1.3-2.9 cm), and mean tumor distance from TIPS was 2.3 cm (range 1.5-3.3 cm). There were no major adverse events, and the TIPS patency was 100% post-ablation. The technical success rate was 100%, and the complete response rate was 100%. In this small study, percutaneous microwave ablation appears safe and effective for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with TIPS in the short-term follow-up period.
Theory, Methodology, and Implementation of Robotic Intelligence and Communication

Abstract This paper makes several uncommon claims. First, it suggests a theoretical approach, even though the theory comes with a clear methodology and implementation, so that we know what we do, how we do it, and why it is best to do it that way. Second, it pushes forward HARMS communication in natural language and explains why it is better that way. Third, it insists on the semantic approach so that all the HARMS agents “understand” (or even understand) what is going on--along with what is not. Fourth, most specifically and, hence, perhaps least importantly, it proposes one particular method of doing it, mildly hinting that some of its principles are unavoidable.
The Empire Abroad and the Empire at Home: African American Literature and the Era of Overseas Expansion

The Empire Abroad and the Empire at Home refers to American empire: the acquisition of foreign lands and peoples, and international economic and cultural supremacy, whether or not racially motivate...
Portrayal of neurological illness and physicians in the works of shakespeare

William Shakespeare was arguably one of the most prolific writers of all time. The topics explored in his works include both physicians and neurological illnesses. In addition to a review of the portrayal of neurological diseases such as dementia, epilepsy, parkinsonism, and parasomnias, this article describes the roles of physicians in Shakespeare's plays. Furthermore, a novel hypothesis that King Lear, one of Shakespeare's more tragic figures, suffered from dementia with Lewy bodies is explored based on evidence from the dialogue of the drama.
Television shopping: The effect of persuasive strategies on parasocial interaction, subjective well-being, and impulse buying tendency among older women

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of persuasive strategies on perceived parasocial interactions between the host and viewers in the television home shopping environment. The effects of perceived parasocial interactions, perceived social involvement, and perceived loneliness on mood, and mood’s consequent influence on perceived risk and impulse buying tendency are examined. A questionnaire assessed perceived use of persuasive strategies, parasocial interaction with the host, social involvement, loneliness, mood, risk, and impulse buying. Through two different sampling methods, 109 usable responses from female television home shopping shoppers aged 55 to 80 were retained for data analyses. Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) version 7.0 was used to derive the maximum-likelihood estimation for analysis of the model. In this study, three models were tested—the theoretical model, the fully recursive model, and the empirical model. The fully recursive model was run after the theoretical model resulted in marginal fit. The effect of level of persuasive strategies on parasocial interaction was not significant. However, the results indicated that parasocial interaction between hosts and viewers significantly influence older middle-aging and elderly consumers’ subjective well-being. Discussions of the results, practical implications, and limitations are also described.
Wave-Mud Interactions Across the Louisiana Inner Shelf to the Shoreline

Abstract : The wave-driven dynamics of the coastal ocean, which is important for transport processes, mixing and circulation, is strongly affected by mud deposits on the continental shelf and in the nearshore. However, the mechanics of wave-mud interaction is not well understood. The overall objective of this work is to contribute to the understanding of the damping effects of mud on waves and to improve modeling and prediction of wave evolution along muddy coastlines. The specific objectives of the proposed effort are to: 1) establish a comprehensive dataset from two newly acquired sets of field observations (ONR-funded wave-mud MURI) of waves propagating across more than 25 km over a muddy seafloor, from 13 to 2m depth, 2) determine the characteristics of mud-induced dissipation of wave energy from intermediate- to shallow-water depths, and 3) identify the effects of nonlinear interactions on the evolution of the dissipating wave field.
Teaching Logic as a Tool

The typical discrete-math course has a unit on formal logic, but is concepts and notations are rarely applied in other units of the course. Instead, logic is viewed as an isolated topic, perhaps motivated by an application or two. Not surprisingly, students develop a negative view of logic as a topic that is of academic interest only.
Role of aspartate 298 in mouse 5-HT3A receptor gating and modulation by extracellular Ca2+

The TM2–TM3 extracellular loop is critical for activation of the Cys-loop family of ligand-gated ion channels. The contribution of aspartate 298 (D298), an amino acid that links the transmembrane domain 2 (TM2) to the TM2–TM3 loop, in mouse 5-hydroxytryptamine3A (5-HT3A) receptor function was probed with site-directed mutagenesis in the present study. This negatively charged residue was replaced with an alanine to neutralize the charge, with a glutamate to conserve the charge, or with an arginine to reverse the charge. Human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK 293) cells transfected with the wild-type and mutant receptors were studied by combining whole-cell patch-clamp recording with fast agonist application. The D→A or D→R mutations resulted in a receptor with reduced 5-HT potency, and accelerated kinetics of desensitization and deactivation. In addition, the efficacy of partial agonists was reduced by the D→A mutation. The D→E mutation produced a receptor with properties similar to those of the wild-type receptor. In addition, the potential role of this residue in modulation of the receptor by extracellular calcium ([Ca2+]o) was investigated. Increasing [Ca2+]o inhibited 5-HT-activated currents and altered receptor kinetics in a similar manner in the wild-type and D298E receptors, and this alteration was eliminated by the D→A and D→R mutations. Our data suggest that the charge at D298 participates in transitions between functional states of the 5-HT3A receptor, and provide evidence that the charge of the side-chain at residue D298 contributes to channel gating kinetics and is crucial for Ca2+ modulation.
Aqueous ammonia soaking (AAS) as a biomass pretreatment method: Pilot-scale study with switchgrass, bench-scale use with poplar, and methane potential from anaerobic digestion of pretreated switchgrass

The main objective of this thesis was to evaluate aqueous ammonia soaking (AAS) as a pretreatment method for lignocellulosic biomass preparation for biofuel production, in a variety of settings. This thesis, partially fulfills the Master of Science degree requirement, is prepared in the journal paper format, and includes three papers that have been published in or are prepared for submission to a journal. The objective of the first chapter was to design and fabricate a pilot-scale soaking and washing system to safely and effectively generate AAS-pretreated switchgrass. Based on economic, safety and convenience factors, a 75-L soaking vessel was constructed and demonstrated to be effective in pretreating 4 kg of dry switchgrass per run with 20-L of aqueous ammonia. This pilot-scale system increased cellulose content and decreased hemicellulose and Klason lignin content of the remaining solids in a similar manner as observed in bench-scale experiments. To our knowledge, this is the first description and report of design, operation, and handling of a pilot-scale AAS biomass pretreatment system. The objective of the second research paper was to quantify acid soluble lignin and acid insoluble lignin content following four pretreatment methods of eight transgenic and one wild type poplar varieties. The transgenic varieties of poplar (Populus spp) had modifications in the lignin biosynthesis pathway to reduce lignin content or make varieties more susceptible to delignification. All pretreatment techniques were successful in removing a fraction of both acid soluble lignin (ASL) and acid insoluble lignin (AIL) from the transgenic varieties removing 12-70% ASL and 5-52% AIL. The objective of the last paper was to evaluate the energy yields from the anaerobic digestion (AD) of AAS-pretreated switchgrass and AAS-pretreated switchgrass plus
Evaluation of an ultra-wideband diplexer for simultaneous UHF and X-band operation using modulated Gaussian pulses

Multi-band antennas are rarely well-matched between feedpoint and transceiver when the antenna bands are separated by more than an octave. Often, multiple antennas, each assigned its own band, are substituted for a single antenna when the frequency ratio is prohibitively large. To realize a common multi-frequency architecture, the antennas and transceiver are linked by a multi-band matching network. Dual-band radio-frequency matching networks currently achieve frequency ratios up to approximately 6∶1. RF networks designed to operate in two bands whose frequencies differ by more than 6∶1 are not yet well-established. In this paper, an ultra-wideband diplexer is presented as the matching network to achieve operation at X-band and UHF frequencies at a ratio of 7∶1. Dual-band operation is demonstrated in simulation using a time-frequency technique: modulated Gaussian-envelope pulses ported between Matlab, PSpice, and Fourier-transformed to calculate scattering parameters.
Smoothing-inspired lack-of-fit tests based on ranks

A rank-based test of the null hypothesis that a regressor has no effect on a response variable is proposed and analyzed. This test is identical in structure to the order selection test but with the raw data replaced by ranks. The test is nonparametric in that it is consistent against virtually any smooth alternative, and is completely distribution free for all sample sizes. The asymptotic distribution of the rank-based order selection statistic is obtained and seen to be the same as that of its raw data counterpart. Exact small sample critical values of the test statistic are provided as well. It is shown that the Pitman-Noether efficiency of the proposed rank test compares very favorably with that of the order selection test. In fact, their asymptotic relative efficiency is identical to that of the Wilcoxon signed rank and $t$-tests. An example involving microarray data illustrates the usefulness of the rank test in practice.
Continutation of the Wave Function for Higher Angular Momentum States toDDimensions: II. Elimination of Linear Dependencies

Abstract In a previous paper the authors have developed a finite expansion for the wave function which allows the methods of dimensional scaling to be applied to higher angular momentum states. The terms in the expansion, though, are not necessarily linearly independent and so the expansion requires a little refining. The sources of linear dependence in the expansion for the wave function are explored and protocols for dealing with them are presented.
Substitution of Charged Amino Acid Residues in Transmembrane Regions 6 and 7 Affect Ligand Binding and Signal Transduction of the Prostaglandin EP3 Receptor

Expression of the rabbit EP3 receptor isoform 77A in COS1 and HEK293tsA201 cells demonstrated specific binding of [3H]prostaglandin (PG)E2 and receptor-evoked decreases in intracellular cAMP levels. Competition binding with PGE2, PGE2 methyl ester, misoprostol-free acid, misoprostol, and sulprostone suggested that a negative charge at the C1 position is essential for high affinity ligand binding and that the charge at this position is more important than steric bulk. Charged amino acid residues within the transmembrane (TM) domains of the receptor were mutated, and the resulting receptor proteins were analyzed for the effects of these mutations on receptor structure and/or function. Positively charged TM residues are candidates for interaction with the C1 carboxylic acid moiety of prostanoid ligands. Substitution of R329 (TM VII) with either alanine or glutamate resulted in a loss of both detectable [3H]PGE2 binding and receptor activation despite expression of the receptor protein as determined by immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence. Substitution of K300 (TM V) with alanine had no effect on binding or signal transduction. Substitution of the conserved aspartic acid at position 338 (TM VII) with alanine caused a loss of detectable receptor-evoked inhibition of cAMP generation, although this mutation did not appreciably affect ligand binding. These studies suggest that R329 but not K300 is a key determinant in receptor/ligand interaction. Furthermore, D338 plays a critical role in G1 activation by the EP3 receptor.
Investigation of Role of Beta Alumina in the System Na2O‐Al2O3‐SiO2

Beta alumina was once considered to be merely a metastable polymorph of corundum. Its status as a distinct and stable compound (Na2O.-11Al2O5 and analogous formulas) is now quite firmly established. Yet the published phase diagram for the system soda-alumina-silica takes no cognizance of its existence. A study of the alumina-rich portion of the system was conducted to determine whether or not beta alumina should be incorporated in the diagram. Conventional methods of investigation were used, with certain innovations designed to overcome difficulties inherent in the system. Solid-state sintering and modified quenching techniques were utilized to minimize soda loss. Sintering was at 1400°C. or thereabout, in platinum envelopes which were immersed in buffering mixtures so as to reduce volatilization. To the same end, extra-large quenching charges were employed, and these were held at 1600°C., far below the liquidus temperatures of most of the mixtures studied. Phase identification was primarily by the X-ray powder method. The results of these studies confirm the status of beta alumina as a discrete compound, and are believed to justify the insertion of an additional tie line, linking beta alumina to carnegieite, in the soda-alumina-silica diagram. A large primary field of beta alumina, occupying a portion of the present corundum field, is also strongly indicated. The phase diagram accordingly has been modified so as to incorporate these latest findings. The revised diagram, although in some respects tentative, is believed to be in fuller accord with technological experience. It is believed also to be in complete agreement with all recent laboratory studies in the system lime-soda-alumina-silica.
Ethnic factors in the variability of primary vesico-ureteral reflux with age.

Objective. To determine any ethnic difference in the rate of spontaneous decrease in the incidence of primary vesico-ureteral reflux (VUR). Materials and methods. Voiding cystourethrograms on 738 patients with urinary tract infection were reviewed, and the incidence of primary vesico-urethral reflux was correlated with age, gender and ethnic origin. Results. There was a gradual decrease in the incidence of primary VUR in whites between 0–10 years, while the incidence of primary VUR in blacks was very low and remained the same. After 10 years of age, no difference was present. Conclusion. The possibility of delayed maturation of the antireflux mechanism in whites is considered as a possible explanation, and the possibility of an ethnic basis for this is suggested.
Targeted noninvasive imaging of the innate immune response

Monitoring the immune system is complicated by its enormous cellular heterogeneity and by the continuous flux in the phenotypes and numbers of immune cells throughout the body. Measurements can be performed on tissue biopsies or peripheral blood, but these methods do not provide whole-body systemic information and may suffer from sampling errors. Noninvasive imaging techniques could provide an alternative strategy to sampling-based approaches and are being developed to allow for whole-body measurements of immune cell locations and changes (1). In particular, positron emission tomography (PET) is a highly sensitive imaging modality that provides three-dimensional and quantitative information on the accumulation of radiolabeled probes specific for either intracellular proteins or cell surface markers. The versatility of PET comes from the possibility of using radiolabeled small molecules, peptides, or proteins of interest as molecular probes, allowing for measurements of a wide range of biological processes in vivo (2). However, in practice, canonical approaches to produce libraries of PET probes specific for various cellular immune subsets are lacking, and many clinical applications of this imaging platform rely on a very small subset of probes, in particular the fluorinated glucose analog [18F]-2-fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG). In PNAS, Rashidian et al. (3) describe a potentially generalizable solution to the current limited availability of PET imaging assays for cell surface markers. The authors focused on alpaca-derived antibody fragments comprised of VHHs [the variable domain (VH) of a camelid heavy-chain–only antibody]. VHHs consist …
An Outcome-Adaptive Allocation Method for Clinical Trials With Dual Binary Objectives

This article presents an outcome-adaptive allocation method for dual-outcome clinical trials, where the allocation probabilities for each treatment depend on the relative performance of those treatments with respect to both outcomes. The method for computing such allocation weights is presented for cases where treatment performance is based on intertreatment comparisons, hypothetical standards, and a combination of the two. Simulation studies show that this method allocates patients away from inferior, ineffective, or harmful treatments and toward superior or otherwise beneficial treatments, at the cost of a moderate power loss when compared with balanced designs. This method also performs well in the presence of dependent outcomes. An example from a study of stem cell transplant patients with two objectives is presented to show how this method works in practice, where patients are allocated most frequently into the most efficacious treatment and away from those that do not work as well or are relatively ...
Integrating Education on Addressing Health Disparities into the Graduate Social Work Curriculum

The purpose of this article is to propose an elective social work course as a means of better preparing social workers entering practice in healthcare to meet the challenges of promoting health and reducing health disparities in minority and underserved communities. Course offerings specifically targeting health or medical social work training vary widely. The additional training provided at places of employment and through continuing education after the master's degree is often inadequate for competently addressing the issues clinicians face in practice.
A provably secure streamcipher based on a high speed quantum random number generator

We propose a novel low-complexity streamcipher device based on random numbers from quantum sources with security from NP-complete problems. We demonstrate a generation rate of 20 Gbit/s.
Isochoric (p-π-T) measurements on liquid and gaseous air from 67 to 400 K at pressures to 35 MPa

Comprehensive isochoricp-π-T measurements have been carried out on liquid and gaseous air along 16 isochores at densities ranging from 2 to 32 mol · dm−3. The air mixture has a nominal composition of 0.7813 N2 + 0.2096 O2 + 0.0092 Ar. Thep-π-T data cover a temperature range from 67 to 400 K at pressures up to 35 MPa. Comparisons with experimental results from independent sources are presented using a fundamental equation of state based. in part, on thep-π-T data from this study.
Family History of Venous Thromboembolism and Identifying Factor V Leiden Carriers During Pregnancy

Objective—To estimate whether there is a correlation between family history of venous thromboembolism and factor V Leiden mutation carriage in gravid women without personal history of venous thromboembolism. Methods—This is a secondary analysis of a prospective observational study of the frequency of pregnancy-related thromboembolic events among carriers of the factor V Leiden mutation. Family history of venous thromboembolism in either first- or second-degree relatives was self-reported. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of family history to predict factor V Leiden mutation carrier status were calculated. Results—Women with a negative personal venous thromboembolism history and available DNA were included (n=5,168). One-hundred forty women (2.7%, 95%CI 2.3- 3.2%) were factor V Leiden mutation-positive. Four-hundred twelve women (8.0%, 95%CI 7.3–8.7%) reported a family history of venous thromboembolism. Women with a positive family history were twofold more likely to be factor V Leiden mutation carriers than those with a negative family history (23/412 (5.6%) versus 117/4,756 (2.5%), p<.001). The sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of a family history of a first or second degree relative for identifying factor V Leiden carriers were 16.4% (95%CI 10.7–23.6%), 92.3% (95%CI 91.5–93.0%) and 5.6% (95%CI 3.6–8.3 %), respectively.
Culturing practices and antibiotic use in children with diarrhea

To the Editor. — Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a common cause of bloody diarrhea and postdiarrheal hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) in the United States.1 However, in many hospital laboratories, a routine stool culture does not include testing for E coli O157:H7.2 Furthermore, some studies suggest that the empiric use of antibiotics in children with E coli O157:H7 infections may increase the risk of HUS.3,4 During a recent investigation of E coli O157:H7 infections and HUS, we reviewed the culturing and antibiotic-prescribing practices at a metropolitan children’s hospital in Texas. We reviewed all emergency department and urgent care records from July 6 to 29, 2000. Of the 2460 records reviewed, 287 (12%) recorded a diagnosis of acute diarrheal illness in a child ≤18 years of age (Fig …
Population-level correlates of preterm delivery among black and white women in the U.S.

Objective This study examined the ability of social, demographic, environmental and health-related factors to explain geographic variability in preterm delivery among black and white women in the US and whether these factors explain black-white disparities in preterm delivery. Methods We examined county-level prevalence of preterm delivery (20–31 or 32–36 weeks gestation) among singletons born 1998–2002. We conducted multivariable linear regression analysis to estimate the association of selected variables with preterm delivery separately for each preterm/race-ethnicity group. Results The prevalence of preterm delivery varied two- to three-fold across U.S. counties, and the distributions were strikingly distinct for blacks and whites. Among births to blacks, regression models explained 46% of the variability in county-level risk of delivery at 20–31 weeks and 55% for delivery at 32–36 weeks (based on R-squared values). Respective percentages for whites were 67% and 71%. Models included socio-environmental/demographic and health-related variables and explained similar amounts of variability overall. Conclusions Much of the geographic variability in preterm delivery in the US can be explained by socioeconomic, demographic and health-related characteristics of the population, but less so for blacks than whites.