cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermal conductivity and interface thermal conductance of thin films in Li ion batteries

Abstract Laser physical vapor deposition is used to deposit thin films of lithium phosphorous oxynitride in nitrogen and lithium nickel manganese oxide in oxygen ambient on Si substrate. LIPON film is also deposited on LiNiMnO film that is deposited on Si. Graphene films consisting of graphene platelets are deposited on Si substrate from a suspension in isopropyl alcohol. Li-graphene films are obtained after Li adsorption by immersion in LiCl solution and further drying. Transient thermo reflectance signal is used to determine the cross-plane thermal conductivity of different layers and interface thermal conductance of the interfaces. The results show that LIPON film with lower thermal conductivity is a thermal barrier. The interface thermal conductance between LIPON and Au or Si is found to be very low. Thermal conductivity of LiNiMnO is found to be reasonably high so that it is not a barrier to thermal transport. Film with graphene platelets shows a higher value and Li adsorbed graphene film shows a much higher value of cross-plane thermal conductivity. The value of interface thermal conductance between graphene and Au or Si (100) substrate is also much lower. The implications of the results for the thermal transport in thin film Li batteries are discussed.
The O2-assisted Al/CO2 electrochemical cell: A system for CO2 capture/conversion and electric power generation

Economical and efficient carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration technologies are a requirement for successful implementation of global action plans to reduce carbon emissions and to mitigate climate change. These technologies are also essential for longer-term use of fossil fuels while reducing the associated carbon footprint. We demonstrate an O2-assisted Al/CO2 electrochemical cell as a new approach to sequester CO2 emissions and, at the same time, to generate substantial amounts of electrical energy. We report on the fundamental principles that guide operations of these cells using multiple intrusive electrochemical and physical analytical methods, including chronopotentiometry, cyclic voltammetry, direct analysis in real-time mass spectrometry, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and coupled thermogravimetric analysis–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. On this basis, we demonstrate that an electrochemical cell that uses metallic aluminum as anode and a carbon dioxide/oxygen gas mixture as the active material in the cathode provides a path toward electrochemical generation of a valuable (C2) species and electrical energy. Specifically, we show that the cell first reduces O2 at the cathode to form superoxide intermediates. Chemical reaction of the superoxide with CO2 sequesters the CO2 in the form of aluminum oxalate, Al2(C2O4)3, as the dominant product. On the basis of an analysis of the overall CO2 footprint, which considers emissions associated with the production of the aluminum anode and the CO2 captured/abated by the Al/CO2-O2 electrochemical cell, we conclude that the proposed process offers an important strategy for net reduction of CO2 emissions.
Bibliometrics and University Research Rankings Demystified for Librarians

In the six years since I first researched university research rankings and bibliometrics, much of the world suffered an economic downturn that has impacted research funding and open access journals, research institution repositories and self-published material on the web have opened up access to scholarly output and led to new terminology and output measurements. University rankings have expanded beyond the national end-user consumer market to a research area of global interest for scientometric scholars. Librarians supporting scholarly research have an obligation to understand the background, metrics, sources and the rankings to provide advice to their researchers and their institutions.
Challenges in matching secondary structures in cryo-EM: An exploration

Cryo-electron microscopy is a fast emerging biophysical technique for structural determination of large protein complexes. While more atomic structures are being determined using this technique, it is still challenging to derive atomic structures from density maps produced at medium resolution when no suitable templates are available. A critical step in structure determination is how a protein chain threads through the 3-dimensional density map. A dynamic programming method was previously developed to generate K best matches of secondary structures between the density map and its protein sequence using shortest paths in a related weighted graph. We discuss challenges associated with the creation of the weighted graph and explore heuristic methods to solve the problem of matching secondary structures.
Learning from History: A Queer Problem

The author explores the ways in which the development of “grand narratives” of U.S. history may have influenced the direction, tactics, and expectations of lesbian and gay activists. Moving beyond the critiques of identity politics, this study uses and explains postmodern concepts to outline narratives of U.S. reform, and lesbian and gay histories and suggests that lesbian and gay politics have been formed symbiotically within these narratives, shaping them and allowing them to shape those politics. Finally, proposals for using history and postmodern theory to break from this pattern are offered.
Spontaneous Mutation at Amino Acid 544 of the Ebola Virus Glycoprotein Potentiates Virus Entry and Selection in Tissue Culture

Ebolaviruses have a surface glycoprotein (GP1,2) that is required for virus attachment and entry into cells. Mutations affecting GP1,2 functions can alter virus growth properties. We generated a recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus encoding Ebola virus Makona variant GP1,2 (rVSV-MAK-GP) and observed emergence of a T544I mutation in the Makona GP1,2 gene during tissue culture passage in certain cell lines. The T544I mutation emerged within two passages when VSV-MAK-GP was grown on Vero E6, Vero, and BS-C-1 cells but not when it was passaged on Huh7 and HepG2 cells. The mutation led to a marked increase in virus growth kinetics and conferred a robust growth advantage over wild-type rVSV-MAK-GP on Vero E6 cells. Analysis of complete viral genomes collected from patients in western Africa indicated that this mutation was not found in Ebola virus clinical samples. However, we observed the emergence of T544I during serial passage of various Ebola Makona isolates on Vero E6 cells. Three independent isolates showed emergence of T544I from undetectable levels in nonpassaged virus or virus passaged once to frequencies of greater than 60% within a single passage, consistent with it being a tissue culture adaptation. Intriguingly, T544I is not found in any Sudan, Bundibugyo, or Tai Forest ebolavirus sequences. Furthermore, T544I did not emerge when we serially passaged recombinant VSV encoding GP1,2 from these ebolaviruses. This report provides experimental evidence that the spontaneous mutation T544I is a tissue culture adaptation in certain cell lines and that it may be unique for the species Zaire ebolavirusIMPORTANCE The Ebola virus (Zaire) species is the most lethal species of all ebolaviruses in terms of mortality rate and number of deaths. Understanding how the Ebola virus surface glycoprotein functions to facilitate entry in cells is an area of intense research. Recently, three groups independently identified a polymorphism in the Ebola glycoprotein (I544) that enhanced virus entry, but they did not agree in their conclusions regarding its impact on pathogenesis. Our findings here address the origins of this polymorphism and provide experimental evidence showing that it is the result of a spontaneous mutation (T544I) specific to tissue culture conditions, suggesting that it has no role in pathogenesis. We further show that this mutation may be unique to the species Zaire ebolavirus, as it does not occur in Sudan, Bundibugyo, and Tai Forest ebolaviruses. Understanding the mechanism behind this mutation can provide insight into functional differences that exist in culture conditions and among ebolavirus glycoproteins.
Evolutionary affinity propagation

Evolutionary affinity propagation, an evolutionary clustering algorithm that groups data points by exchanging messages on a factor graph, is proposed. The algorithm promotes temporal smoothness of the clustering solutions at distinct temporal snapshots by linking variable nodes of the graph across time, and is capable of detecting cluster births and deaths. Unlike most existing evolutionary clustering methods that require additional processing in order to approximate the number of clusters, evolutionary affinity propagation determines the number of clusters automatically. A comparison with existing methods on simulated and experimental data demonstrates accuracy and robustness of the proposed framework.
HealthATM: personal health cyberinfrastructure for underserved populations.

Background There is an opportunity for personal health record (PHR) systems to play a vital role in fostering health self-management within underserved populations. If properly designed and promoted, it is possible that patients will use PHRs to become more empowered in taking an active role toward managing their health needs. Purpose This research examines the potential of a cyberinfrastructure-based PHR to encourage patient activation in health care, while also having population health implications. Methods A multi-phased, iterative research approach was used to design and evaluate a PHR system called HealthATM, which utilizes services from a cloud computing environment. These services were integrated into an ATM-style interface aimed at providing a broad range of health consumers with the ability to manage health conditions and encourage accomplishment of health goals. Results Evaluation of the PHR included 115 patients who were clients of several free clinics in Los Angeles County. The majority of patients perceived ease of use (74%) and confidence (73%) in using the HealthATM system, and thought they would like to use it frequently (73%). Patients also indicated a belief in being responsible for their own health. However, fewer felt as though they were able to maintain necessary life changes to improve their health. Conclusions Findings from the field tests suggest that PHRs can be a beneficial health management tool for underserved populations. In order for these types of tools to be effective within safety-net communities, they must be technically accessible and provide meaningful opportunities to increase patient engagement in their health care.
Sources and characteristics of summertime organic aerosol in the Colorado Front Range: perspective from measurements and WRF-Chem modeling

Abstract. The evolution of organic aerosols (OAs) and their precursors in the boundary layer (BL) of the Colorado Front Range during the Front Range Air Pollution and Photochemistry Experiment (FRAPPE, July–August 2014) was analyzed by in situ measurements and chemical transport modeling. Measurements indicated significant production of secondary OA (SOA), with enhancement ratio of OA with respect to carbon monoxide (CO) reaching 0.085±0.003 µg m−3 ppbv−1. At background mixing ratios of CO, up to ∼ 1.8 µg m−3 background OA was observed, suggesting significant non-combustion contribution to OA in the Front Range. The mean concentration of OA in plumes with a high influence of oil and natural gas (O&G) emissions was ∼ 40 % higher than in urban-influenced plumes. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) confirmed a dominant contribution of secondary, oxygenated OA (OOA) in the boundary layer instead of fresh, hydrocarbon-like OA (HOA). Combinations of primary OA (POA) volatility assumptions, aging of semi-volatile species, and different emission estimates from the O&G sector were used in the Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) simulation scenarios. The assumption of semi-volatile POA resulted in greater than a factor of 10 lower POA concentrations compared to PMF-resolved HOA. Including top-down modified O&G emissions resulted in substantially better agreements in modeled ethane, toluene, hydroxyl radical, and ozone compared to measurements in the high-O&G-influenced plumes. By including emissions from the O&G sector using the top-down approach, it was estimated that the O&G sector contributed to
Rethinking ‘wait and see’ philosophies for childhood disruptive behaviour: a guide for paediatric medical providers

Childhood disruptive behaviours are some of the most frequent concerns posed by families to child-focused medical providers. While prevalent and holding the potential to exacerbate into Disruptive ...
In vitro studies of disease-linked variants of human tRNA nucleotidyltransferase reveal decreased thermal stability and altered catalytic activity.

Abstract Mutations in the human TRNT1 gene encoding tRNA nucleotidyltransferase (tRNA-NT), an essential enzyme responsible for addition of the CCA (cytidine-cytidine-adenosine) sequence to the 3′-termini of tRNAs, have been linked to disease phenotypes including congenital sideroblastic anemia with B-cell immunodeficiency, periodic fevers and developmental delay (SIFD) or retinitis pigmentosa with erythrocyte microcytosis. The effects of these disease-linked mutations on the structure and function of tRNA-NT have not been explored. Here we use biochemical and biophysical approaches to study how five SIFD-linked amino acid substitutions (T154I, M158V, L166S, R190I and I223T), residing in the N-terminal head and neck domains of the enzyme, affect the structure and activity of human tRNA-NT in vitro. Our data suggest that the SIFD phenotype is linked to poor stability of the T154I and L166S variant proteins, and to a combination of reduced stability and altered catalytic efficiency in the M158 V, R190I and I223T variants.
Practice Change From Intermittent Medication Boluses to Bolusing From a Continuous Infusion in Pediatric Critical Care: A Quality Improvement Project.

Objectives To determine whether implementing a guideline to bolus medications from continuous infusions in PICUs affects nursing satisfaction, patient safety, central line entries, medication utilization, or cost. Design This is a pre- and postimplementation quality improvement study. Setting An 11-bed ICU and 14-bed cardiac ICU in a university-affiliated children's hospital. Patients Patients less than 18 years old admitted to the PICU or pediatric cardiac ICU receiving a continuous infusion of dexmedetomidine, midazolam, fentanyl, morphine, vecuronium, or cisatracurium from May 2015 to May 2016, excluding November 2015 (washout period), were eligible for inclusion. Interventions Change in practice from administering bolus doses from an automated dispensing machine to administering bolus medications from continuous infusion in PICUs. Measurements and main results Timing studies were conducted pre- and post implementation in 29 and 26 occurrences, respectively. The median time from the decision to give a bolus until it began infusing decreased by 169 seconds (p 0.05). Annualized cost avoidance was $124,160. Conclusions Implementation of bolus medications from continuous infusion in PICUs significantly decreased time to begin a bolus dose and increased nursing satisfaction. The practice change also improved medication utilization without negatively impacting patient safety.
The predictive value of discriminatory human chorionic gonadotropin levels in the diagnosis of implantation outcome in in vitro fertilization cycles.

Objective To determine if early serum hCG levels are predictive of implantation outcome in patients undergoing IVF-ET. Design Retrospective study of IVF cycles using receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. Setting Tertiary-care, university hospital-affiliated IVF program. Patients Three hundred fifty-one conception cycles were studied. Interventions None. Main Outcome Measure Implantation failure, defined as chemical pregnancies, ectopic gestations, and first trimester abortions, or implantation success, defined as delivered singleton and multiple pregnancies, and second trimester abortions. Results For each post-ET day 14 to 20, mean hCG levels of the implantation success group were significantly greater than implantation failure outcomes ( P Conclusion Discriminatory hCG cutoff values may be useful in predicting implantation outcome in IVF-ET cycles and may guide clinicians in identifying those pregnancies at risk for adverse outcomes and instituting more intensive surveillance in this population. This information also may be useful in providing counseling to IVF patients regarding pregnancy prognosis and result in cost savings.
Longitudinal changes in brain activation during anticipation of monetary loss in bipolar disorder

BACKGROUND Individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) show aberrant brain activation patterns during reward and loss anticipation. We examined for the first time longitudinal changes in brain activation during win and loss anticipation to identify trait markers of aberrant anticipatory processing in BD. METHODS Thirty-four euthymic and depressed individuals with BD-I and 17 healthy controls (HC) were scanned using functional magnetic resonance imaging twice 6 months apart during a reward task. RESULTS HC, but not individuals with BD, showed longitudinal reductions in the right lateral occipital cortex (RLOC) activation during processing of cues predicting possible money loss (p-corrected <0.05). This result was not affected by psychotropic medication, mood state or the changes in depression/mania severity between the two scans in BD. Elevated symptoms of subthreshold hypo/mania at baseline predicted more aberrant longitudinal patterns of RLOC activation explaining 12.5% of variance in individuals with BD. CONCLUSIONS Increased activation in occipital cortex during negative outcome anticipation may be related to elevated negative emotional arousal during anticipatory cue processing. One interpretation is that, unlike HC, individuals with BD were not able to learn at baseline that monetary losses were smaller than monetary gains and were not able to reduce emotional arousal for negative cues 6 months later. Future research in BD should examine how modulating occipital cortical activation affects learning from experience in individuals with BD.
Coastal marine ecosystem connectivity: pelagic ocean to kelp forest subsidies

The movement of trophic resources between and among ecosystems, referred to as cross‐ecosystem subsidies, is a common phenomenon. In the marine environment, both adjacent and distant ecosystems are connected by oceanographic forces that transport nutrients, organisms, and other materials. Kelp forest ecosystems are one example of an open marine system that both exports and receives trophic subsidies. Though rocky reefs are rich in kelp‐based energy produced internally, kelp forest organisms also rely on phytoplankton, and the influx of holoplankton and meroplankton from adjacent open ocean habitats. In this paper, we seek to clarify the identity of holoplanktonic and meroplanktonic subsidies, quantify their energetic and nutrient contributions to the kelp forest, and further explore the impacts of these subsidies for individual consumers and for kelp forest communities. We reviewed six individual subsidy organisms that are commonly advected to kelp forests on the West coast of North America, and show that these organisms from the pelagic ocean represent important resource pulses for kelp forest consumers. In addition, we summarize the characteristics of subsidies, consumers, and recipient ecosystems that provide insight into the dynamics of subsidy influx and impacts to recipient systems. Finally, we provide suggestions as scientists move forward with efforts to quantify the impacts of cross‐ecosystem subsidies. Trophic subsidies are a major force shaping both marine and terrestrial communities and ecosystems. Quantitative information about these subsidies and their impacts on food webs will not only improve our understanding of these ecosystems, but also improve food web models, and predictions of ecosystem response to change.
Generation of alkalic flood rhyolite: Insights from evolution of the Paisano volcano, Davis mountains, Trans-Pecos Texas, U.S.A.

Abstract Extensive silicic lava (flood rhyolite) constitutes part of the mid –Tertiary Paisano Volcano shield. This lava, borderline peralkaline quartz trachyte/rhyolite, forms part of a sequence of peralkaline rhyolite – quartz trachyte – trachyte produced as eruptions tapped deeper portions of underlying plutons. Flood rhyolite lava extended as far as 20 km from dikes of the eruptive center of the volcano, creating flows as thick as 100 m. Flood rhyolite was nearly aphyric to sparsely porphyritic, relatively hot (~911 °C) and erupted over a topographically subdued region, forming two lobes that extended north-northeast and southeast from a highland of previously-erupted rhyolite domes. Flood rhyolite extrusion followed eruption of a local ignimbrite, which filled valleys, flattening topography. Successive silicic flows off-lapped each other away from the volcano. Flood rhyolite eruption was followed by a second eruptive sequence that contained coarsely-porphyritic mafic trachyte lava. Silicic lava was most-likely generated by filter pressing from mush zones of mafic plutons. Glomeroporphyritic trachytes of the volcano are mixed rocks, silicic lava incompletely segregated from entrained fragments of mafic plutons. Continued evolution of quartz trachyte/low-silica rhyolite to peralkaline rhyolite was dominated by fractionation of alkali feldspar.
Stochastic Life-Cycle Sustainability Analysis: Its Mathematical Formulation and the Role of Resilience

During their life-cycle, engineering systems typically suffer from deterioration due to regular operation, and exposure to extreme events and harsh environmental conditions. As a result, regular or exceptional recovery strategies are often required to restore the system to a target safety and functionality level. There is a need to evaluate the associated impact of such strategies on the life-cycle sustainability of engineering systems. This chapter proposes a novel stochastic formulation, named Stochastic Life-cycle Sustainability Analysis (SLCSA), for evaluating the sustainability of engineering systems throughout a time horizon of interest. In the SLCSA, the sustainability of the system is evaluated for a fixed time horizon in terms of its environmental impact, which includes the impact of the construction and recovery strategies that are associated with the various components of the system. The formulation proposes state-dependent stochastic models that capture the effects of gradual and shock deteriorations in the evaluation of the environmental impact on the system as well as the resilience of the system described by the recovery strategies. Moreover, the formulation accounts for the relevant uncertainties, such as those in the external conditions (e.g., environmental exposure and potential hazards), and those in the environmental emissions, associated with the materials and energy used throughout the system life-cycle. As an illustration, the proposed analysis is used to evaluate the life-cycle sustainability of a typical reinforced concrete (RC) bridge.
Induction of apoptosis by MCL-1 inhibitors in chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells.

BCL-2 family proteins play a critical role in the survival of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells and a number of new agents have been developed to target pro-survival protein members of this ...
Show Me Your Partner and I’ll Let You Know if You are a Leader

We integrate the research on evolutionary leadership with the evolutionary psychology of mate choice to investigate if the perception of an individual’s leadership capability is affected by the att...
Antibacterial activity of lipo-α/sulfono-γ-AA hybrid peptides

Abstract Development of novel antimicrobial agents combating drug resistance is in an urgent need. Herein we report the design and synthesis of a series of short lipo-α/sulfono-γ-AA hybrid peptides. Several short peptides exhibit potent and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity toward both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Membrane depolarization and fluorescence microscopy studies indicate that these short lipo-α/sulfono-γ-AA hybrid peptides can mimic the mechanisms of HDPs to kill bacteria by disrupting bacterial membranes. In addition, these short peptides also show capability to eradicate the biofilm formation of E. coli even at very low concentration. The further development of lipidated α/sulofono-γ-AA hybrid peptides may lead to a new class of antibiotic agents to combat drug resistance.
Circadian Changes in Gut Peptide Levels and Obesity

Abstract Disruptions in biological rhythms that conflict with the normal light–dark cycle, such as occurs in jet lag, shift work, or altered meal timing, have a significant effect on energy homeostasis and often lead to obesity. A significant contributing factor to circadian-induced alterations in energy homeostasis is due to changes in the levels or rhythms of gut peptides. Gut peptides are produced in and secreted from specialized endocrine cells of the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas and coordinate digestion, absorption, and the metabolism of nutrients across the tissues of the body. Changes in the patterns of sleep or mealtimes can alter the release and action of these hormones and lead to increased food intake and aberrant nutrient processing and thus, perpetuate negative metabolic consequences. In this review, we discuss the biological clock, rhythmic phenomenon of gut peptide secretion, possible mechanisms of circadian regulation of gut peptides, and the negative health effects of abnormal rhythms as it relates to obesity.
Serum folate metabolites, asthma, and lung function in a nationwide US study

In a U.S. nationwide study, a high serum 5-MTHF to UMFA ratio is associated with decreased odds of asthma, increased FEV1 in children and adults, and increased FVC in adults.
Nonlinear plasmonics with monolayer semiconductor excitons

The far-field linear and nonlinear optical response of excitons in two-dimensional (2D) semiconducting transitional metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), such as MoS2 and WSe2, have been the subject of intense investigation over the past decade. Here, we report on our experimental results measuring the linear and nonlinear response of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) propagating on metallic waveguides interacting with excitons in a single WSe2 monolayer. The WSe2 monolayer was encapsulated in hexagonal boron nitride and transferred on top of a metallic waveguide. The measurements were carried out at low temperature (below 11 K). We measured the linear absorption of SPPs by excitons, resulting in a 73 % attenuation of the transmitted probe. To determine the nonlinear response, we performed both optical pump-SPP probe and SPP pump-SPP probe experiments. For the SPP pump case, a differential transmission response exceeding 4 % was achieved. Time-resolved pump-probe measurements reveal a fast component of the nonlinear response of 290 fs with a slower 13.7 ps component, consistent with previous optical measurements. These plasmonic structures could open up new opportunities to probe fundamental light-matter interactions in 2D material-plasmonic heterostructures.
Reductions in anti-inflammatory gut bacteria are associated with depression in a sample of young adults

We assessed the gut microbiota of 90 American young adults, comparing 43 participants with major depressive disorder (MDD) and 47 healthy controls, and found that the MDD subjects had significantly different gut microbiota compared to the healthy controls at multiple taxonomic levels. At the phylum level, participants with MDD had lower levels of Firmicutes and higher levels of Bacteroidetes, with similar trends in the at the class (Clostridia and Bacteroidia) and order (Clostridiales and Bacteroidales) levels. At the genus level, the MDD group had lower levels of Faecalibacterium and other related members of the family Ruminococcaceae, which was also reduced relative to healthy controls. Additionally, the class Gammaproteobacteria and genus Flavonifractor were enriched in participants with MDD. Accordingly, predicted functional differences between the two groups include a reduced abundance of short-chain fatty acid production pathways in the MDD group. We also demonstrated that the magnitude of taxonomic changes was associated with the severity of depressive symptoms in many cases, and that most changes were present regardless of whether depressed participants were taking psychotropic medications. Overall, our results support a link between MDD and lower levels of anti-inflammatory, butyrate-producing bacteria, and may support a connection between the gut microbiota and the chronic, low-grade inflammation often observed in MDD patients.
Timing of PCR and Antibody Testing in Patients with COVID-19 associated dermatologic manifestations

A recent study from Spain noted 40 patients with chilblain-like lesions in suspected COVID-19.1 None tested PCR positive for SARS-CoV-2, but 30% had detectable antibodies. The rapid increase in chilblain/pernio-like cases during the COVID-19 pandemic is likely SARS-CoV-2-associated. The relationship between skin symptom onset and COVID-19 PCR/antibody test timing, however, remains uncharacterized. We established an international registry for cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19.2, 3 Providers reported time between dermatologic symptom onset and positive/negative COVID-19 laboratory results, when available. From 8 April-30 June, 2020, 906 laboratory-confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases with dermatologic manifestations were reported, 534 of which were chilblains/pernio.3 Among PCR-tested patients, 57%(n=208) overall and 15%(n=23) of chilblains/pernio cases were PCR-positive. Antibody positivity was 37%(n=39) overall and 19%(n=15) for chilblains/pernio. We evaluated 163 patients with timing information on PCR and/or antibody testing (Table 1). For patients with suspected COVID-19 and any cutaneous manifestation, PCR-positive testing occurred median 6 (IQR 1-14) days after dermatologic symptoms started while PCR-negative testing occurred median 14 (IQR 7-24) days later. For patients with pernio/chilblains, PCR-positivity was noted 8 (IQR 5-14) days after symptoms and negativity median 14 (IQR 7-28) days later. Antibody testing (IgM or IgG) was positive median 30 (IQR 19-39) days after symptom onset for all dermatologic manifestations and 27 (IQR 24-33) days after chilblains/pernio onset. Like Hubiche et al, our data highlight the low frequency of SARS-CoV-2 PCR+ testing in COVID-19 patients with cutaneous manifestations. Positive predictive values for COVID-19 PCR are influenced by viral shedding kinetics, which are difficult to assess in non-respiratory presentations.4 Our data reveal that early PCR testing is more likely to be positive than later testing, even when date-of-onset is defined by cutaneous manifestations rather than systemic symptoms. Most COVID-19 antibody data are from systemically-ill patients; the kinetics of antibody production in mild-to-moderate COVID-19 infections remain unclear.5 Here, positive antibodies resulted median 30 days from disease onset, beyond the frequently used 14-21 day testing window. In outpatients with true infection, many factors influence the likelihood of a positive antibody result: antibody production, test availability, assay sensitivity, and timing of care-seeking in relation to symptom-onset. These variables influence our interpretation of individual test results and our understanding of the association between pernio and COVID-19. More population-level testing data is necessary to optimize diagnostic test timing. Positive identification of COVID-19 in minimally-symptomatic patients, including patients with skin findings, is critical to the public health effort.
Skills and dosage calculation pilot study: Maybe not in another dimension?

Abstract Background: This research investigated undergraduate senior nursing student success on skills and dosage calculation testing when participating in a return-to-campus re-demonstration of skills day. The re-competency day occurred after students were on summer break for 3 months and served as the gateway to higher level clinical rotations (pediatrics, adult critical care, and obstetrics). Methods: This correlational pilot study utilized Pearson's correlation component (r) to understand if a relationship exists between success with dosage calculations and nursing clinical laboratory skills in undergraduate senior nursing students participating in a return-to-campus re-competency skills day. Results: The study demonstrated that a statistically significant, large, positive correlation existed between passing clinical skills exam and passing the dosage calculation exam, r = 0.53, n = 38, p = 0.001. Conclusion: There is a relationship between nursing students’ success with dosage calculations and nursing skills when re-competency tested following a summer break. Knowing this allows for nursing educators to intervene earlier if a student appears to demonstrate weakness in skills or dosage calculations.
Efficacy and Usability of Intranasal Glucagon for the Management of Hypoglycemia in Patients With Diabetes: A Systematic Review.

Abstract Purpose Hypoglycemia is a common and sometimes life-threatening adverse event associated with insulin, sulfonylurea, and meglitinide therapies. In patients who are disoriented or unconscious, treatment with injectable glucagon is recommended, along with a call for emergency medical assistance. However, limitations of this formulation include difficulty with reconstitution and an unwillingness to administer an injection. In July 2019, intranasal glucagon was approved for use in the acute treatment of severe hypoglycemia in patients ≥4 years of age with diabetes. The purpose of this systematic review was to describe the efficacy, usability, and tolerability of intranasal glucagon 3 mg in patients with diabetes. Methods To identify studies, the following databases were systematically searched: Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane CENTRAL (EBSCO), ClinicalTrials.gov , and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, from inception to March 3, 2020. Comparative studies included patients with diabetes and an active comparator. Usability studies enrolled participants who used a device for glucagon administration. Findings Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. In 5 comparative studies in insulin-induced hypoglycemia (intranasal vs injectable glucagon), the criteria for successful treatment varied. In 3 studies, it was defined as an increase in blood glucose of ≥70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) or an increase of ≥20 mg/dL (1.1 mmol/L) within 30 min of glucagon administration. In 1 study, the criteria were stricter, with success defined as an increase in blood glucose of ≥27 mg/dL (≥1.5 mmol/L) within 15 min. In the pediatrics study, success was defined as an increase in blood glucose of ≥25 mg/dL (1.4 mmol/L) within 20 min. In 2 studies of intranasal glucagon monotherapy in clinical practice, the primary end point was the percentage of patients who awakened or returned to normal status within 30 min of intranasal glucagon administration. In these 7 studies, almost all of the participants met the criteria for success as defined in their respective studies. The mean time to treatment success was between 10 and 20 min with intranasal and injectable glucagon. Nausea and vomiting were common adverse events with both formulations; watery eyes and runny nose occurred more frequently with intranasal glucagon. In 3 simulation studies, caregivers and noncaregivers administered intranasal glucagon within 1 min versus 1.3–5 min with IM glucagon. Implications In patients who are disoriented or unconscious, treatment with injectable or ready-to-use intranasal glucagon increases blood glucose within 15–30 min. Intranasal glucagon was preferred by most caregivers and noncaregivers due to its ease of use. Additional studies of intranasal glucagon in younger patients (1–
Like a Phoenix from the Ashes

History holds clues about how to prepare the UN for an uncertain future with multilateralism under siege in the age of new nationalisms. With the UN’s obvious weaknesses on display, including the disjointed responses to COVID-19, this essay returns to 1 January 1942 and the signing of the Declaration by the United Nations. It views the 75-year history through a counterfactual prism: “Would the World Be Better without the UN?”
Energy and economic assessment of distributed renewable gas and electricity generation in a small disadvantaged urban community

Abstract A methodology for assessing the efficiency and economic viability of renewable gas generation and energy conversion to compliment residential PV is proposed and demonstrated for the 10,000 resident example community of Oak View in Huntington Beach, California. Renewable fuel production processes included in this work are (1) processing of community-produced organic fraction of municipal solid waste in an anaerobic digester, and (2) using solar generation paired with water electrolysis. Six pathways – three ending in natural gas pipeline injection and three ending in solid oxide fuel cell electricity production – were evaluated for each PV capacity scenario. The renewable fuel production potential based only upon waste from the studied community was determined to be 2400 MMBtu per year of renewable natural gas (RNG) from anaerobic digestion, and up to 28,500 MMBtu of hydrogen from electrolysis using only excess solar PV electricity. With current costs the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) for renewable fuel production is $40–203/MMBtu, depending upon the energy pathway and scale. The LCOE for renewable electricity production is $0.37–1.28/kWh. A combination of LCFS and tipping fees as low as $20 per ton can yield renewable fuel at $2 per MMBtu. Likewise, a tipping fee of $32 can lead to the production of renewable electricity at $0.18 per kWh. Using future costs, the unsubsidized cost of electricity can drop as low as $0.15 per kWh, and renewable fuel can be produced at $18 per MMBtu. If Low Carbon Fuel Credits exist in 2050, a tipping fee of less than $9 per ton can yield renewable fuel at $2 per MMBtu. On an energy basis, over 80% of the community electrical demand can be met through a combination of local solar PV, anaerobic digestion, and fuel cell operation (80% zero net electricity). In this scenario, solar PV meets 52% of the community electrical load, while excess solar production produces hydrogen that is passed through a fuel cell to meet 26% of the electrical load. The remaining 3% is met using RNG produced through anaerobic digestion using only organic waste from the studied community. This analysis indicates that the production of renewable fuel in the urban environment is currently not economically feasible but will become competitive with conventional energy in the future.
To Bleed or Not to Bleed: MCS-Related Shear Stress Promotes Redistribution of GPIb and αIIbβ3 from Platelets to Microparticles Thus Impairing Platelet Hemostatic Function

Purpose Bleeding is a leading cause of readmission and 1-year mortality for mechanical circulatory support (MCS) patients. Mechanical damage of platelets and coagulation proteins induced by MCS-generated high shear stress is the main driver of bleeding. We previously demonstrated that hypershear promotes platelet pro-apoptotic behavior resulting in membrane reorganization and generation of platelet-derived microparticles (PDMP). Here, we test the hypothesis that hypershear alters surface expression and shedding of adhesion receptors GPIb and αIIbβ3 from platelets and PDMPs thus affecting platelet aggregability - all potential bleeding contributors. Methods Human platelets were exposed to shear stress in a hemodynamic shearing device (30-70 dyn/cm2, 10 min). Integrin GPIb and αIIbβ3 surface expression and PDMP generation were quantified by flow cytometry. Single platelets and PDMPs were distinguished by FS/SS characteristics. Shedding of soluble GPIb and αIIbβ3 fragments was quantified by ELISA. Platelet aggregation was measured by optical aggregometry. Results Platelet exposure to hypershear led to a reduction of platelet GPIb surface expression, with a significant drop of GPIb+ platelet number and fluorescence (73.5 ± 2.9% and 953.1 ± 101.0 AU vs. 94.3 ± 0.7% and 1620 ± 72.4 AU for intact platelets; M ± SEM, ANOVA, p ≤ 0.05). Yet, no shear-mediated shedding of soluble GPIb fragment or β3 subunit was found. Downregulation of platelet GPIb expression coincided with a progressive increase of GPIb- & αIIbβ3-positive PDMPs after shear (up to 3.3 ± 0.6% & 12.5 ± 2.8%, correspondingly). Surface density of GPIb and αIIbβ3 on PDMPs was 2-4x higher than on platelets, post-shear. Platelet aggregation to increasing concentrations of ADP and TRAP-6 was significantly impaired by 70 dyn/cm2 shear stress. Conclusion MCS-mediated hypershear and platelet stress accumulation 1) induces downregulation of platelet adhesion receptors via ejection of receptor-enriched PDMPs; 2) does not induce shedding of soluble fragments of GPIb and β3, and; 3) mechanistically limits platelet aggregatory and hemostatic responses. Shear-mediated redistribution of primary adhesion receptors from platelets to PDMPs coupled with impaired aggregability may mechanistically contribute to MCS-related bleeding.
Serum trypsin-like immunoreactivity in dogs with diabetes mellitus.

Background Concurrent exocrine pancreatic dysfunction and decreased pancreatic organ size are common findings in various stages of human type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is incompletely described in diabetic dogs. Objective To compare canine trypsin-like immunoreactivity (cTLI) of diabetic dogs with that of healthy controls. A secondary aim was to evaluate the correlation between duration of DM and cTLI. Animals Thirty client-owned diabetic dogs and thirty client-owned control dogs. Methods Cross-sectional study. Diabetic and healthy control dogs were included if they had no clinical evidence of pancreatitis and if serum samples obtained after food was withheld were available. Serum cTLI was measured at a reference laboratory and compared between groups. Canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI) was analyzed concurrently as an indicator of pancreatitis. Results The median cTLI concentration in all diabetic dogs (36.4 μg/L [range, 7.0-288 μg/L]) did not differ from control dogs (28.7 μg/L [range, 12.8-58.6 μg/L]) (P = .07; difference -7.8 μg/L [95% Confidence Interval (CI), -23.5 to 0.6 μg/L]). There was still no difference in cTLI between groups after exclusion of dogs with cPLI consistent with pancreatitis (n = 8 diabetic dogs). There was no correlation between cTLI and DM duration in all diabetic dogs (r = -0.07, [95% CI, -0.43 to 0.3], P = .7). Conclusions and clinical importance There was no evidence of EPI as evaluated using cTLI in this cohort of diabetic dogs, but concurrent increases in cPLI suggest cTLI might not be the optimal indicator of exocrine pancreatic dysfunction in dogs with DM.
Particle resonances in stellarators

Resonances of high energy particles in magnetic confinement devices due to electromagnetic instabilities can strongly modify the particle distribution, leading to a reduction in fusion power and even discharge termination and particle loss to the device walls through an avalanche. The existence of a mode particle resonance depends on the properties of the equilibrium and particle parameters, and their number, location, and density can vary with device design. Recently, the advent of more powerful computing capabilities and advanced theoretical understanding has led to the design of non-axisymmetric devices or stellarators, which could prove to be more advantageous than tokamaks. Stellarators have the advantage of being immune to major disruptions because of the very low plasma current. One of the problems shared by both types of devices is the existence of resonances in particle orbits, which can lead to large amplitude high frequency instabilities and subsequent induced particle loss. We examine the number of resonances, their location, and dependence on particle energy for some stellarator designs.
Electrochemical oxidation of NADH: Kinetic control by product inhibition and surface coating

Abstract The electrochemical oxidation of NADH to NAD+ was reexamined using aqueous buffers and a glassy carbon electrode. Using cyclic voltammetry, it was shown that NAD+ was an inhibitor of the oxidation process. This makes the reaction self-inhibited and that accounts for several anomalous observations which were previously made. In the presence of excess NAD+, the NADH oxidation is first-order in NADH. Rate limiting one-electron transfer in an ECE mechanism is indicated. Previous chronoamperometric data which indicated that NADH+ had a lifetime of about 10 ms, were also reinterpreted. It was shown that the previous result was achieved only if the electrode surface was precoated. Therefore, the result cannot be used to calculate the lifetime of NADH+ . It is suggested, however, that this lifetime is less than 1 μs.
Stencil printable phase change material [heatsink applications]

Conventional phase change thermal interface material is in the form of a tape or pad with carrier or backing liner. Such configuration requires the bulk material to be processed into sheets of thin tape, cut to required sizes and either supplied as an individual unit or in a roll before being dispensed and attached onto the heatsink. Pressure is required to hold the tape firmly during the attachment process so as to allow for initial adhesion. All these processes involve various equipment, labour and overhead costs. Yield losses in making the tape as well as in the process of attachment onto the heatsink also increase the cost of the final material. A new process of attaching phase change materials onto heatsinks is by using a stencil printing technique. The phase change material's viscosity was reduced before it was transferred to the heatsink. This stencil printing process provides more flexibility in attaching phase change material onto a heatsink surface with higher yield of attachment. This paper aims to discuss the characteristics of stencil printable phase change materials and the method of stencil printing. The thermal performance of the stencil printable phase change material before and after reliability testing is also discussed.
Putting the Barn before the House: Women and Family Farming in Early Twentieth-Century New York

Putting the Barn before the House succeeds on several levels. It successfully uses oral history interviews as evidence for a historical argument, and it argues plausibly that farm women in Broome C...
Sperry, Roger Wolcott

1913–1994 American neuroscientist known for pioneering research and theories on split-brain hemispheres. Keywords: brain; hemispheres; mind–brain; cerbral organization
Rural Unrest During the First Russian Revolution: Kursk Province, 1905–1906

The provincial, particularly the rural and agrarian, aspects of Russian history have received renewed attention of late. In many ways, the book under review fits well with two other recent publicat...