cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thin film deposition by PECVD using HMDSO-O2-Ar gas mixture on knitted wool fabrics in order to improve pilling resistance

In this work knitted wool fabrics were coated by a Si:Ox:Cy:Hz thin film with the aim to promote pilling resistance. The wool samples were plasma coated in a radio frequency (RF) glow discharge using hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) as the precursor, in mixture with argon and oxygen gases, for different deposition times and reaction pressures, at constant discharge power. Deposited films were characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and surface morphology by means of scanning electron microscopy; moreover, propensity to pilling of treated samples was investigated, showing that treated fabrics had a better pilling performance respect to untreated ones.
Antibodies to the RNA Binding Protein Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein A1 Colocalize to Stress Granules Resulting in Altered RNA and Protein Levels in a Model of Neurodegeneration in Multiple Sclerosis

Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system (CNS). Data suggest that antibodies to CNS targets contribute to the pathogenesis of MS. MS patients produce autoantibodies to heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNP A1). hnRNP A1 is an RNA binding protein (RBP) overexpressed in neurons that functions in pre-mRNA splicing, mRNA trafficking, and translation. Previously, we showed that anti-hnRNP A1 antibodies entered neuronal cells (in vitro) via clathrin-mediated endocytosis, caused mislocalization of endogenous hnRNP A1 protein and increased markers of neurodegeneration including decreased ATP concentration and apoptosis. In this study, we hypothesized that anti-hnRNP A1 antibodies might cause stress granule formation and altered levels of RNAs and proteins that bind hnRNP A1. Methods: Neuronal cell lines were exposed to anti-hnRNP A1 and isotype-matched control antibodies in vitro and examined for neuronal granule formation, including stress granules, P bodies and transport granules. In addition, RNAs that bound hnRNP A1 were determined. Levels of RNA and their translated proteins were measured upon exposure to the anti-hnRNP A1 antibodies. Results: Anti-hnRNP A1 antibodies induced and localized to stress granules, a marker of neurodegeneration, within a neuronal cell line. The anti-hnRNP A1 antibodies did not induce P bodies or neuronal granules. Clinically relevant RNAs were found to bind hnRNP A1. In addition, the anti-hnRNP A1 antibodies caused reduced levels of RNA and protein of the spinal paraplegia genes (SPGs) 4 and 7, which when mutated mimic progressive MS. Conclusions: Taken together, these data suggest potential mechanisms by which autoantibodies may contribute to neurodegeneration in MS.
The effect of moisture and mold on the electrical properties of electronic hook-up wire insulations

Failure of electronic apparatus under conditions of high humidity and temperatures conducive to the growth of molds focused attention upon the role of molds in deterioration. Early investigation of this problem solely by cultural biological techniques resulted in extensive use of lacquers and varnishes containing fungicides as coatings for electronic equipment and components.
The elite young athlete: strategies to ensure physical and emotional health

This article presents a current review of the risk of physical and psychological injury associated with participation in elite youth sport, and suggests strategies to ensure the physical and emotional health of these young athletes. Although there is lack of epidemiological data, especially with regard to psychological injury, preliminary data suggest that the risk of injury is high in this population. While there is lack of incident and follow-up data, there is also concern regarding burnout, disordered eating, and the long-term consequences of injury. Modifiable injury risk factors identified include postural control, competition anxiety, life events, previous injury, and volume of training. There are presently no studies designed to determine the effectiveness of injury prevention measures in elite youth sports. However, there is adequate evidence arising from injury prevention studies of youth sports participants - including neuromuscular training, protective equipment, mental training to enhance self-esteem, and sport rules modification - to prevent injuries in elite youth sports settings. Although not tested, psychosocial prevention strategies such as adoption of task-oriented coping mechanisms, autonomous support from parents, and a proactive organizational approach also show promise in injury prevention.
Assimilation of satellite NO 2 observations at high spatial resolution

Observations of trace gases from space based instruments offer the opportunity to constrain chemical and weather 10 forecast and reanalysis models using the tools of data assimilation. To date, attempts at assimilation of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) satellite remote sensing have focused on updating emissions and concentrations. These initial efforts evaluated updates at length scales of ~100 km using once a day measurements from satellites with ground pixels of 13 km × 24 km or larger. In the boundary layer, NO2 has a lifetime on the order of five hours and corresponding 1/e concentration variations near urban and point sources occur on spatial scales on the order of 50-75 km. Accurate observations and modeling of these 15 variations require spatial resolution of order 4 km. In addition, because of the short lifetime, NO2 variations are more strongly coupled to short time scale meteorological parameters than longer lived chemicals such as CO or CO2. In the next few years, we anticipate the launch of several instruments with ~3 km spatial resolution. In addition, some of these instruments will be in geostationary orbits and thus have hourly revisit times. In anticipation of these instruments, we investigate the potential of high space and time resolution column measurements to serve as constraints on urban NOx 20 emissions using a geostationary observation simulator coupled to a data assimilation system. We find that constraints on emissions are strongest in regions with high emissions and are most effective when coupled to hourly assimilation of meteorological observations. We find that errors in the meteorological fields result in unrecoverable biases in the updated emissions confirming a conjecture that simultaneous meteorology and chemical assimilation is essential to accurate description of the emissions and chemistry. 25
Electronic structure of K 2 Bi 8 Se 13

${\mathrm{K}}_{2}{\mathrm{Bi}}_{8}{\mathrm{Se}}_{13}$ belongs to a class of complex chalcogenides that shows potential for superior thermoelectric performance. This compound forms in two distinct phases, $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ and $\ensuremath{\beta}$. The $\ensuremath{\beta}$ phase, which has several sites with mixed $\mathrm{K}∕\mathrm{Bi}$ occupancy, is a better thermoelectric. To understand the origin of this difference between the two phases we have carried out electronic structure calculations within ab initio density functional theory using the full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FLAPW) method. Both the local spin density approximation (LSDA) and the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) were used to treat the exchange and correlation potential. The spin-orbit interaction (SOI) was incorporated using a second variational procedure. The $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ phase is found to be a semiconductor with an indirect LSDA/GGA band gap of $0.38\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}∕0.46\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$ compared to $0.76\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$ for the observed direct optical gap. For the $\ensuremath{\beta}$ phase we have chosen two different ordered structures with extreme occupancies of K and Bi atoms at the ``mixed sites.'' The system is found to be a semimetal for both the ordered structures. To incorporate the effect of mixed occupancy we have chosen a $1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2$ supercell with an alternative $\mathrm{K}∕\mathrm{Bi}$ occupancy at the mixed sites. The system is a semiconductor with an indirect LSDA/GGA band gap of $0.32\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}∕0.41\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$. We find that the mixed occupancy is crucial for the system to be a semiconductor because the Bi atoms at the mixed sites stabilize the $p$ orbitals of the nearest-neighbor Se atoms by lowering their energy. We also find a strong anisotropy in the effective mass near the conduction band minimum, with the smallest effective mass along the mixed $\mathrm{K}∕\mathrm{Bi}$ chains (parallel to the $c$ axis). This large anisotropy suggests that $\ensuremath{\beta}\text{\ensuremath{-}}{\mathrm{K}}_{2}{\mathrm{Bi}}_{8}{\mathrm{Se}}_{13}$ has a great potential for an $n$-type thermoelectric.
Tetrahedral node for Transmission-Line Modeling (TLM) applied to Bio-heat Transfer

Transmission-Line Modeling (TLM) is a numerical method used to solve complex and time-domain bio-heat transfer problems. In TLM, parallelepipeds are used to discretize three-dimensional problems. The drawback in using parallelepiped shapes is that instead of refining only the domain of interest, a large additional domain would also have to be refined, which results in increased computational time and memory space. In this paper, we developed a tetrahedral node for TLM applied to bio-heat transfer that does not have the drawback associated with the parallelepiped node. The model includes heat source, blood perfusion, boundary conditions and initial conditions. The boundary conditions could be adiabatic, temperature, heat flux, or convection. The predicted temperature and heat flux were compared against results from an analytical solution and the results agreed within 2% for a mesh size of 69,941 nodes and a time step of 5ms. The method was further validated against published results of maximum skin-surface temperature difference in a breast with and without tumor and the results agreed within 6%. The published results were obtained from a model that used parallelepiped TLM node. An open source software, TLMBHT, was written using the theory developed herein and is available for download free-of-charge. TLM tetrahedral node removes the associated drawback with parallelepiped node.TLM model can be used in solving heat transfer problems in biological systems.Heat source, blood perfusion, and different boundary conditions are considered.Validated against analytical solution and results from parallelepiped TLM node.TLM computation was 1550x faster than analytical computation.
Predicting geographic transience in homeless young adults across three U.S. cities: Who are these frequent flyers and distance travelers?

ABSTRACTPrior research reveals high rates of geographic mobility (i.e., transience) among homeless young adults (HYAs). Yet to date, little is known about predictors of different aspects of their transience as well as characteristics of the most highly transient HYAs. This study thus used the risk/resilience framework to identify predictors of three measures of HYAs’ transience (i.e., number of intercity moves, total distance traveled, and average distance traveled) as well as to identify the characteristics of the most highly transient HYAs: frequent flyers (i.e., HYAs with seven or more intercity moves), distance travelers (i.e., HYAs who have traveled average distances greater than 1,092 kilometers), and combined frequent flyers and distance travelers (i.e., HYAs with seven or more intercity moves and average travel distances greater than 1,092 kilometers). Purposive sampling was used to recruit 601 HYAs (ages 18–24) from Los Angeles, Austin, and Denver. Three Ordinary Least Squares regression models i...
Colonic Transit and Anorectal Manometry

Disorders of colonic and anorectal function affect 10-20% of the population (1). Over the last two decades the development of several new tests has facilitated better diagnostic approaches and treatment of these problems. This article provides an overview of the tests used for assessing colonic and anorectal function.
Mechanism of Charged, Neutral, Mono-, and Polyatomic Donor Ligand Coordination to Perchlorinated Cyclohexasilane (Si6Cl12).

We report the detailed computational study of several perchlorinated cyclohexasilane (Si6Cl12)-based inverse sandwich compounds. It was found that regardless of the donor ligand size and charge, for example, Cl– and CN– anions or neutral HCN and NCPh nitriles, their coordination to the puckered Si6Cl12 ring results in its flattening. The NBO and CDA studies of the complexes showed that coordination occurs due to hybridization of low-lying antibonding σ*(Si–Cl) and σ*(Si–Si) unoccupied molecular orbitals (UMOs) of Si6Cl12 and occupied molecular orbitals (OMOs) of donor molecules (predominantly lone-pair-related), resulting in donor-to-ring charge transfer accompanied by complex stabilization and ring flattening. It is known that the Si6 ring distortion results from vibronic coupling of OMO and UMO pairs (pseudo-Jahn–Teller effect, PJT). Consequently, the Si6 ring flattening most probably occurs due to suppression of the PJT effect in all of the studied compounds. In this paper, the stabilization energy E(2...
Physico- and bio-activities of nanoscale regenerated cellulose nonwoven immobilized with lysozyme

Lysozyme-cellulose conjugates are of wide interest for food packaging, tissue scaffolding, wound healing, and antimicrobial applications. Here a recycled cotton-based source of regenerated cellulose in combination with carboxylated carbon nanotubes and graphene oxide was configured as nonwoven nanofibrous mats through electrospinning and utilized to immobilize lysozyme. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform-infrared spectra, thermal-gravimetric analysis, tensile test, and antibacterial assessments were conducted to characterize and determine physical and bioactive properties of the nonwoven nanofibrous mats. The resulted cellulose-lysozyme conjugates were found to have robust bioactivity with no indication of cell cytotoxicity. The study confirmed that the carbon-nanoparticle-modified cellulose nonwoven mats revealed a high antimicrobial activity after immobilization of lysozyme.
Crimes Against Humanity: Superior Orders, Duress, and Moral Perception

The next two chapters consider various defenses that can be offered by those who are accused of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. I make no attempt to be comprehensive in examining possible defenses. Instead, I focus on those that are the most interesting from a philosophical point of view in light of our earlier discussions. Hence, in this chapter, I begin by examining the defense of superior orders (that one was just following orders), and eventually turn to the related defense of duress (that one had no reasonable choice). In Chapter 11, I examine several procedural “defenses” that would nullify the trial itself – that the trial involved an ex post facto proceeding, that the defendant had been singled out for selective prosecution, and that the punishment did not fit the crime for which the defendant had been charged. A consideration of these procedural defenses will lead to an examination of the rule of law in international prosecutions. In general, I argue for an expanded understanding of these defenses. In 1946, the Nuremberg Trials were begun, attempting to bring to justice the perpetrators of the Holocaust, among others. Politically, what was groundbreaking was that the trials were based on international norms rather than the laws of any particular country, and that most of the defendants were former members of the German military forces being tried on German soil largely by non-Germans.
Transplantation of the Pediatric CAPD/CCPD Patient

In 1923, Ganter reported using peritoneal dialysis (PD) to treat patients with renal insufficiency (1). The technique lay dormant until its successful use to treat acute renal failure in adults in 1946 (2) and in children in 1949 (3). PD became more widespread in the late 1950’s with the advent of commercially prepared peritoneal dialysate solutions and a closed system of infusion and drainage (4). In the 1960’s, the development of automated delivery systems and of a permanent peritoneal access catheter allowed adults with chronic renal failure to be treated with intermittent PD (5–7).
The road to long-term survival: Surgical approach and longitudinal treatments of long-term survivors of advanced-stage serous ovarian cancer

Abstract Objective It is unclear if the types of surgical procedures performed on long-term survivors (LTS) of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) contribute to prolonged survival. In this case-control study we review the surgical procedures performed on LTS and describe their individual longitudinal disease courses. Methods Women with FIGO stage III–IV high-grade serous cancer of the ovary, fallopian tube or peritoneum were selected from the University of Chicago ovarian cancer database. LTS were those surviving >7 years and controls were short-term survivors (STS) living 1–2 years. Patients with non-serous histology, low grade, and low malignant potential tumors were excluded. Results We identified 450 women with stage III/IV HGSOC including 45 LTS and 78 STS. LTS showed a trend towards lower disease burden, yet underwent more aggressive surgical treatment. Interestingly, only 15 LTS (34%) were debulked to microscopic disease and 9 LTS (21%) underwent suboptimal debulking. Two LTS (5%) recurred within 12 months. LTS had heterogeneous clinical courses with 13 (29%) never experiencing a recurrence with 143 months median follow-up and 32 (71%) experiencing a recurrence with 115 months median follow-up. Of the women who recurred, 19 (59%) underwent at least one surgery for recurrence. Conclusions Aggressive surgical treatment intended to achieve microscopic disease, primary debulking surgery, preservation of sensitivity to chemotherapy, and recurrence amenable to secondary debulking are associated with long-term survival. However, clinicopathologic data are insufficient to predict long-term survival of HGSOC. Biologic characterization of these patient's tumors likely holds the key to understanding their unusually favorable courses.
Record of an Exceptionally Low Nest of a Red-bellied Woodpecker in Florida

Abstract Woodpeckers typically excavate and nest in cavities high above the ground, avoiding predators or potential disturbances like fire or floods. I report the exceptionally low nesting attempt of a Melanerpes carolinus (Red-bellied Woodpecker) pair, 40 cm above the ground, in a small Cocos nucifera (Coconut Palm) snag in Everglades National Park, FL. I monitored the nesting progression and eventual failure with a nest camera. The placement of this nest seemed particularly disadvantageous, and I describe the setting of the nest and discuss the circumstances surrounding the nest failure.
Fatal Hypermagnesemia: an acute ingestion of Epsom Salt in a patient with normal renal function.

Background Generally, it is very rare for clinically significant hypermagnesemia to develop in an individual with normal renal functions as the renal handling of serum magnesium is a very potent process and it has the capacity, under conditions of hypermagnesemia, to completely block Mg (magnesium) reabsorption from the thick ascending limb of Henle. Therefore, hypermagnesemia usually arises in the setting of renal failure. Case presentation We present a very rare case of a 40-year-old African American obese female with prior normal renal functions, who presented post-cardiac arrest following accidental overdose of Epsom salt. The patient was initially given supportive therapy and was later considered for the dialysis despite normal renal functions, as serum Mg levels kept on creeping up and clinical status kept on deteriorating continuously. Conclusions Seemingly harmless magnesium containing (over-the-counter) (OTC) can potentially be lethal, and such consequences must always be taken into account when using such medications for a prolonged period of time.
A newly defined cullin-RING ubiquitin ligase promotes thermotolerance as part of the Intracellular Pathogen Response in C. elegans

ABSTRACT Intracellular pathogen infection leads to proteotoxic stress in host organisms. Previously we described a physiological program in the nematode C. elegans called the Intracellular Pathogen Response (IPR), which promotes resistance to proteotoxic stress and appears to be distinct from canonical proteostasis pathways. The IPR is controlled by PALS-22 and PALS-25, proteins of unknown biochemical function, which regulate expression of genes induced by natural intracellular pathogens. We previously showed that pals-22 and pals-25 regulate the mRNA expression of the predicted ubiquitin ligase component cullin cul-6, which promotes thermotolerance in pals-22 mutants. Here we use co-immunoprecipitation studies to define protein-protein interactions in the IPR and show that PALS-22 and PALS-25 physically associate with each other. We also identify a previously uncharacterized RING domain protein in the TRIM family named RCS-1 as a core component that acts with CUL-6 to promote thermotolerance. Furthermore, we show that the Skp-related proteins SKR-3, SKR-4 and SKR-5 act redundantly to promote thermotolerance in pals-22 mutants. These studies describe a newly defined CUL-6/RCS-1/SKR-3,4,5 cullin-RING ligase complex that promotes thermotolerance as part of the IPR in C. elegans and provide insight into how organisms cope with proteotoxic stress.
Conservation research across scales in a national program: How to be relevant to local management yet general at the same time

Abstract Successfully addressing complex conservation problems requires attention to pattern and process at multiple spatial scales. This is challenging from a logistical and organizational perspective. In response to indications of worldwide declines in amphibian populations, the Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative (ARMI) of the U.S. Geological Survey was established in 2000. This national program is unique in its structure, organization, and success in integrating information at multiple scales. ARMI works under the principle that a good study design is tailored to specific questions, but stipulates the use of methods that result in unbiased parameter estimates (e.g., occupancy). This allows studies to be designed to address local questions but also to produce data that can easily be scaled up to accomplish the objectives of a broad-scale monitoring program. Here we describe how the implementation of the Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative results in research that is applicable across scales – global, in contributing to the understanding of amphibian decline phenomena; continental, in synthesizing local data to understand large-scale drivers; regional, by characterizing threats and assessing status of species at the range scale; and local, by working with National Park, Wildlife Refuge, and other Federal and State land managers to identify research needs and serve conservation-relevant research results to inform management decisions.
Multiple Negative Regulators Restrict Recruitment of the SWI/SNF Chromatin Remodeler to the HO Promoter in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Activation of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae HO promoter is highly regulated, requiring the ordered recruitment of activators and coactivators and allowing production of only a few transcripts in mother cells within a short cell cycle window. We conducted genetic screens to identify the negative regulators of HO expression necessary to limit HO transcription. Known repressors of HO (Ash1 and Rpd3) were identified, as well as several additional chromatin-associated factors including the Hda1 histone deacetylase, the Isw2 chromatin remodeler, and the corepressor Tup1. We also identified clusters of HO promoter mutations that suggested roles for the Dot6/Tod6 (PAC site) and Ume6 repression pathways. We used ChIP assays with synchronized cells to validate the involvement of these factors and map the association of Ash1, Dot6, and Ume6 with the HO promoter to a brief window in the cell cycle between binding of the initial activating transcription factor and initiation of transcription. We found that Ash1 and Ume6 each recruit the Rpd3 histone deacetylase to HO, and their effects are additive. In contrast, Rpd3 was not recruited significantly to the PAC site, suggesting this site has a distinct mechanism for repression. Increases in HO expression and SWI/SNF recruitment were all additive upon loss of Ash1, Ume6, and PAC site factors, indicating the convergence of independent pathways for repression. Our results demonstrate that multiple protein complexes are important for limiting the spread of SWI/SNF-mediated nucleosome eviction across the HO promoter, suggesting that regulation requires a delicate balance of activities that promote and repress transcription.
Expression and prognostic relevance of calcium calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase 2 (CaMKK2) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

e19002Background: CaMKK2 has restricted tissue expression in humans, regulates diverse cell functions, and is overexpressed in several human malignancies. Blocking its function reduces cancer cell ...
Racial Differences in Treatment and Survival among Veterans and Non-Veterans with Stage I NSCLC: An Evaluation of Veterans Affairs and SEER-Medicare Populations.

Background: Surgery is the preferred treatment for stage I non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with radiation reserved for those not receiving surgery. Previous studies have shown lower rates of surgery among Blacks with stage I NSCLC than among Whites. Methods: Black and White men ages ≥65 years with stage I NSCLC diagnosed between 2001 and 2009 were identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database and Veterans Affairs (VA) cancer registry. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine associations between race, treatment, and survival. Results: Among the patients in the VA (n = 7,895) and SEER (n = 8,744), the proportion of Blacks was 13% and 7%, respectively. Overall, 16.2% of SEER patients (15.4% of Whites, 26.0% of Blacks) and 24.5% of VA patients received no treatment (23.4% of Whites, 31.4% of Blacks). In both cohorts, Blacks were less likely to receive any treatment compared with Whites [ORadj = 0.57; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.47–0.69 for SEER-Medicare; ORadj = 0.68; 95% CI, 0.58–0.79 for VA]. Among treated patients, Blacks were less likely than Whites to receive surgery only (ORadj = 0.57; 95% CI, 0.47–0.70 for SEER-Medicare; ORadj = 0.73; 95% CI, 0.62–0.86 for VA), but more likely to receive chemotherapy only and radiation only. There were no racial differences in survival. Conclusions: Among VA and SEER-Medicare patients, Blacks were less likely to get surgical treatment. Blacks and Whites had similar survival outcomes when accounting for treatment. Impact: This supports the hypothesis that equal treatment correlates with equal outcomes and emphasizes the need to understand multilevel predictors of lung cancer treatment disparities.
Human antibodies from combinatorial libraries.

Publisher Summary Combinatorial antibodies will play a significant role in the design of vaccines and new antiviral agents. Antibodies may also provide a way of determining receptor function in vivo and serve as templates for the design of small molecules. Combinatorial antibodies have been shown to provide an accurate functional reflection of the natural response as demonstrated by the ability of cloned antibodies to compete with serum antibodies for binding antigens. Combinatorial antibodies also provide a useful (if somewhat incomplete) guide to the molecular biology of the response. With its ability to provide large numbers of human antibodies directed against a single antigen, the combinatorial approach allows for the rapid assessment of immune dominant as well as neutralizing epitopes in the context of the human response. This information should be utilized in the future to guide the design of more effective vaccines. The new-found ability to generate human antibodies and to evolve their specificities and affinities, ex vivo promises increased the use of this class of molecules in the service of human health.
EM-seq: Detection of DNA Methylation at Single Base Resolution from Picograms of DNA

Abstract Bisulfite sequencing is widely used to detect 5mC and 5hmC at single base resolution. However, bisulfite treatment damages DNA resulting in fragmentation, loss of DNA and biased sequencing data. To overcome this, we developed Enzymatic Methyl-seq (EM-seq), an enzymatic based approach that uses as little as 100 pg of DNA. EM-seq outperformed bisulfite converted libraries in all metrics examined including coverage, duplication, sensitivity and nucleotide composition. EM-seq libraries displayed even GC distribution, improved correlation across input amounts as well as increased representation of genomic features. These data indicate that EM-seq is more accurate and reliable than whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS).
Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio: a possible marker of remission in children with chronic spontaneous urticaria

Abstract Background Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a disease that seriously disturbs the quality of life of the patient. Currently there is no prognostic marker of the disease. Our aim in this study was to determine possible prognostic markers of CSU in children. Method All patients younger than 18 years of age who were followed by the Pediatric Immunology and Allergy Clinic of Diyarbakir Children’s Hospital with a diagnosis of CSU between June 2017 and February 2019 were included in the study. Clinical and laboratory findings were compared between the symptomatic patient group and the patient group that remained in remission for at least three months without use of medication. Results Of the 52 cases included in the study, 32 (61.5%) were male. Mean age at time of diagnosis was 9.4 ± 4.4 years. Twenty-four cases (46.2%) went into remission. Young age at the time of diagnosis and being in the initial months of the disease were found to be associated with good prognosis (p Conclusion For childhood CSU, younger age and initial months of the disease are good prognostic indicators, while only neutrophil/lymphocyte count can be used as a remission marker.
6 – Melodic Organization

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews certain aspects of musical structure relevant to perception and memory. The importance of pitch proximity in audition is reflected in the fact that melodies all over the world use small pitch intervals from note to note. Violations of proximity have been used in various periods and genres of both Western and non-Western music for a variety of effects. For example, in the Baroque period of Western music, a predilection for polyphonic counterpoint converged with a tradition of writing solo pieces for a single melody-instrument playing alone. Fission based on pitch proximity was used to enrich the texture so that out of a single succession of notes, two melodic lines could be heard. The kind of figure-ground effect produced with interleaved melodies in different pitch ranges can be produced with brief melodic fragments embedded in longer tone sequences. A single note taken out of context is meaningless, and it gains meaning only from its contextual relationship with other notes.
Poetic Sound Similarity Vectors Using Phonetic Features

A procedure that uses phonetic transcriptions of words to produce a continuous vector-space model of phonetic sound similarity is presented. The vector dimensions of words in the model are calculated using interleaved phonetic feature bigrams, a novel method that captures similarities in sound that are difficult to model with orthographic or phonemic information alone. Measurements of similarity between items in the resulting vector space are shown to perform well on established tests for predicting phonetic similarity. Additionally, a number of applications of vector arithmetic and nearest-neighbor search are presented, demonstrating potential uses of the vector space in experimental poetry and procedural content generation.
Antinociceptive, hypothermic, and appetitive effects of vaped and injected Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in rats: exposure and dose-effect comparisons by strain and sex

Abstract Advances in drug vapor exposure systems utilizing e-cigarette technology have enabled evaluation of Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) vapor effects in laboratory animals. The purpose of this study was to 1) establish a range of parameters of THC vapor exposure in rats sufficient to produce a behavioral dose-effect curve in a battery of tasks sensitive to THC; 2) to investigate sex differences in the effects of THC vapor exposure and THC injection (intraperitoneal, IP) on these behaviors in two strains of outbred rats. Male and female Wistar and Sprague Dawley rats (N=22, 5-6/group) received THC via IP injection (1-20 mg/kg) and passive exposure to THC vapor (200 mg/ml; 5 conditions) in a within subject design. The effects of vaped and injected THC were determined using the tail-withdrawal assay for nociception, rectal measurements of body temperature, and progressive-ratio responding for food pellets. Plasma THC concentrations were assessed after 10 mg/kg IP THC or THC vapor. THC produced dose and exposure-dependent antinociception and hypothermia. THC vapor produced inverted U-shaped effects in motivation to obtain food, while IP THC reduced PR breakpoints. Plasma THC concentrations were higher after 10 mg/kg IP THC (152 ng/mL) compared to the highest vapor exposure condition tested (38 ng/mL). THC vapor exposure produces reliable, dose-orderly effects on nociception, body temperature, and food-maintained behavior that is comparable to effects observed after IP THC. There are considerable differences between the time course of behavioral outcomes produced by these two different routes of administration.
Accessing Complex Constructs: Refining an Interview Protocol

A well-developed interview protocol is an essential data collection tool in qualitative research. An established process to refine interview protocols can help build quality and consistency into data collection. However, despite the importance placed on interview protocols by academic texts, there is little guidance regarding how to systematically develop and refine interview protocols, particularly when exploring complex constructs, such as beliefs and identity. In this special session, attendees will learn and practice an approach for refining interview protocols for investigating complex constructs in engineering education. We share this interview refinement approach as it enabled us to determine if our interview questions prompted participants to provide data essential to answering our research questions for a pilot study investigating students’ beliefs and identities. This special session will also include conversations around best practices related to data collection to access complex constructs and how these practices can impact and shape future research. We welcome attendees of all experience levels (novice to expert) with regard to designing interview protocols. The session will be facilitated by Dr. Emily Dringenberg, Dr. Rachel Kajfez, and their graduate students. Dr. Dringenberg is a qualitative researcher well versed in beliefs. Dr. Kajfez is a mixed methods researcher well versed in identity. Both have multiple NSF grants exploring these complex constructs.
Advanced imaging improves detection of baffle leaks and stenoses after atrial switch compared with transthoracic echocardiography

Current guidelines for adults with atrial switch repair recommend baseline cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) for assessment of ventricular size and function, systemic and venous baffle obstruction and leaks, and valvular function. It also recommends transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) for outpatient follow up. Many such patients with implanted cardiac devices may need cardiac computed tomography (CCT) when CMR is not feasible. This study reviews and compares CMR, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), CCT, cardiac catheterization with angiography and TTE in detection of baffle problems in patients after atrial switch operation. The medical records of patients who had at least one imaging study performed after atrial switch operation at our center from 2010 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Results are reported as descriptive statistics for demographics and imaging findings. The principal outcome measure was detection of baffle leak and/or baffle stenosis. Fifty-seven patients had at least one cardiac imaging study after atrial switch operation (36 Senning and 21 Mustard operations) during the study period. Nearly 33% (19/57) had baffle complications of stenosis and/or baffle leaks identified. All 57 patients had TTE performed but baffle problems were noted by TTE in only 8 (14%) patients (7 baffle stenosis and 1 baffle leak). Of the 49 patients without known baffle problems by TTE, 24 had advanced imaging (TEE/CCT/CMR/angiography). Advanced imaging identified baffle problems in nearly half (11/24, 46%) of them (7 baffle leaks and 4 baffle stenosis). Baffle problems were present in (8/23) patients with transvenous cardiac devices. Baffle complications are common after atrial switch operations and in our study occur in 1/3rd of the patients. However, TTE is not sensitive enough to recognize these complications. Advanced imaging for detection of baffle complications should be considered in all patients after atrial switch operation.
The Pickrick Protests: An Interactive Geo AR Experience

With AR’s dynamic and immersive qualities, the Pickrick AR project aims to serve two purposes: to support the civil rights movement in remembrance of the African Americans who fought for equality and to educate students about this special moment in history via a pedagogical tool. With considerations of the Covid-19 pandemic, this tool aims to create an immersive and enlightening experience within the real physical space without the presence of a tour guide. In this paper, is an introduction to our design concepts, specifically in how to integrate multimedia information and create a user-friendly interface by using Human Computer Interaction (HCI) principles and the Sense of Place (SOP) Theory.
High speed manufacturing of aluminum alloy 7075 tubing by Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion (ShAPE)

Abstract Shear assisted processing and extrusion (ShAPE) was used to extrude aluminum alloy 7075 tubing at speeds up to 12.2 m/min without surface tearing. This work presents the first experimental evidence for high-speed extrusion of 7075, which improves upon conventional extrusion where 2.0 m/min is the limit. The increased speed is primarily attributed to more extensive shear deformation, compared to conventional extrusion, which results in a high density of low angle grain boundaries that facilitate continued deformation and delay the onset of surface tearing. Mechanical testing after heat treating to the T6 condition provided an ultimate tensile strength of 565.3 ± 4.6 MPa, yield strength of 495.7 ± 8.7 MPa, and elongation of 16.4 ± 1.0%. Strength values exceed the ASTM International minimum standard and are on par with American Society for Metals (ASM) typical values, while elongation was substantially improved compared to 7 and 11% for the ASTM and ASM values respectively. It was observed that low temperature extrusion at 341 °C and 40 rpm gave superior material properties in the T6 condition compared to high temperature extrusion at 441 °C and 120 rpm because of variances in nanoscale second phase size and distribution.
Intraoperative breast radiation therapy with image guidance: Findings from CT images obtained in a prospective trial of intraoperative high-dose-rate brachytherapy with CT on rails

Abstract Purpose Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) is an increasingly popular approach to breast conserving therapy in the treatment of early-stage breast cancer. A drawback to IORT compared with postoperative adjuvant radiation therapy is that it is not performed using image guidance. Our aim was to report on how our institution's unique IORT workflow integrates CT image guidance and how these CT images were used intraoperatively to change applicator positioning. Methods and Materials We retrospectively reviewed the first 29 patients who participated in a prospective clinical trial of breast IORT at our institution. All patients underwent lumpectomy, multicatheter balloon placement, intraoperative CT scan, and high-dose-rate brachytherapy treatment delivery to 12.5 Gy to 1 cm from the balloon surface. This report focuses on the intraoperative CT findings that led to clinical changes, followed by repeat CT for IORT treatment planning. Results After initial intraoperative CT, 7 patients underwent an additional intraoperative CT scan (24.1%). In 6 patients, the initial intraoperative CT scan identified large air cavities and/or poor tissue conformity. This defect could be improved in all patients with adjustment of the balloon applicator before planning and delivering IORT. Intraoperative CT scan was used in one patient to localize a biopsy clip and aided in excision to negative margin. Conclusions In our study, intraoperative CT identifies actionable findings in breast IORT, including residual tumor or errors in applicator positioning, in almost 25% of patients. Clinical results of the described trial will serve to further validate this image-guided approach to IORT.
Consumer Behavior in East/West Cultures: Implications for Marketing a Consumer Durable

Whether to research consumers in the same way in countries with cultural and environmental differences is explored. Analysis of survey data describes East/West advertising-influence, price-influence and age segments. Results suggest different East/West research methods and marketing strategies for cameras and similar recreational durables with nondurable components.
Improving the efficiency and dynamics of 3D integrated POL

The 3-Dimensional (3D) integrated non-uniform flux inductor has shown good performance in achieving high power density and high efficiency in Point of Load (POL) module design. In this work, both single-phase and two-phase coupled non-uniform flux inductors are designed to build an 18A POL module with a QFN package. The non-uniform flux inductor's unique property of varying core loss at different load conditions is analyzed, and the two-phase coupled inductor design that considers both efficiency and dynamics is demonstrated. The module evaluation shows improvement in efficiency and power density in comparison to conventional design.
The “intra-abdominal version technique” for delivery of transverse lie by low-segment cesarean section

Cesarean section is the delivery method of choice in all shoulder presentations of viable fetuses. The classic cesarean section is usually recommended when there is a transverse lie because of the potential technical difficulties associated with extraction of the fetus when a low-segment incision is used. This paper illustrates a technique that avoids the need of a classic cesarean section and permits the use of the more desirable low-segment cesarean section. The advantages of the procedure are discussed.
Subalternidad global, exterioridad e Independence Day. Repensando la democracia radical y la biopolítica. Notas sobre Laclau-Mouffe y Hardt- Negri

The article analyzes the work of Laclau-Mouffe and Hardt-Negry, perhaps the most influencial theorists of Postmarxism. The goal is to show that their work does not account for the exteriority of subalternity in globalization and, thus, they are not able to theorize globalization in its geopolitical dimension. The article shows that the work of these authors is still confined to and by the linguistic, epistemological framework of postestructuralism (Lacan, Deleuze, Foucault), and, as a result, remains defined and limited by the geopolitics of the (post)imperialist European nation-state. The article discusses the firm independence Day to prove that the theoretical proposals of these authors have been already co-opted and deployed by global neoliberalism.
InP double heterostructure bipolar transistors: comparison of doped and undoped InGaAsP composite collectors

In composite-collector double heterostructure bipolar transistors, the wide-gap layer in the collector is offset from the base by a spacer layer. This offset is chosen to maintain the lower turn-on voltages of the double heterostructure design and to improve the gain, but without introducing too much impact ionization in the narrow-gap spacer. Another design option is to vary the bandgap of the wide-gap layer; in InP/InGaAs devices, this can be done with the quaternary InGaAsP. Here we compare the dc performance of such quaternary devices with different doping levels in the collector. We find that at low collector doping the composite-collector structure behaves more like an ordinary double HBT than at higher doping levels. >
A multiple vehicle path covering problem with localization constraints: Formulation and algorithms

Most of the multiple vehicle path planning algorithms that arise in surveillance applications in the literature currently rely on the use of the Global Positioning System (GPS) information. However, intentional and unintentional interference in both military and civil scenarios can easily disrupt the GPS signals, and as a result, render the path planning algorithms not applicable. This article provides a new way of addressing this difficulty by combining techniques from cooperative localization and path planning. Specifically, this article formulates two fundamental problems related to path planning of vehicles in GPS denied environments and provides novel algorithms to solve the same. Simulation results are also presented to corroborate the performance of the proposed algorithms.
Levels of acute phase proteins remain stable after ischemic stroke

Inflammation and inflammatory biomarkers play an important role in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Little information is available, however, on time course of serum markers of inflammation after stroke. First ischemic stroke patients ≥40 years old had levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), and fibrinogen measured in plasma samples drawn at 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after stroke. Levels were log-transformed as needed, and parametric and non-parametric statistical tests were used to test for evidence of a trend in levels over time. Levels of hsCRP and SAA were also compared with levels in a comparable population of stroke-free participants. Mean age of participants with repeated measures (n = 21) was 65.6 ± 11.6 years, and 13 (61.9%) were men, and 15 (71.4%) were Hispanic. Approximately 75% of patients (n = 15) had mild strokes (NIH Stroke Scale score 0–5). There was no evidence of a time trend in levels of hsCRP, SAA, or fibrinogen for any of the markers during the 28 days of follow-up. Mean log(hsCRP) was 1.67 ± 1.07 mg/L (median hsCRP 6.48 mg/L) among stroke participants and 1.00 ± 1.18 mg/L (median 2.82 mg/L) in a group of 1176 randomly selected stroke-free participants from the same community (p = 0.0252). Levels of hsCRP are higher in stroke patients than in stroke-free subjects. Levels of inflammatory biomarkers associated with atherosclerosis, including hsCRP, appear to be stable for at least 28 days after first ischemic stroke.
Lytic Effects of Staphylococcal α-Toxin and δ-Hemolysin

Several preparations of staphylococcal alpha-toxin and delta-lysin were studied in order to compare hemolytic activity with capacity to lyse bacterial protoplasts. delta-Lysin in relatively low concentration lysed protoplasts of Sarcina lutea, protoplasts of Streptococcus faecalis, and spheroplasts of Escherichia coli. Lysis of bacterial protoplasts by preparations of alpha-toxin appeared to be due to contamination of the preparations with delta-lysin. Data comparing the protoplast-lysing activity of various lytic agents are presented.