cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TrbB from conjugative plasmid F is a structurally distinct disulfide isomerase that requires DsbD for redox state maintenance.

TrbB, a periplasmic protein encoded by the conjugative plasmid F, has a predicted thioredoxin-like fold and possesses a C-X-X-C redox active site motif. TrbB may function in the conjugative process by serving as a disulfide bond isomerase, facilitating proper folding of a subset of F-plasmid-encoded proteins in the periplasm. Previous studies have demonstrated that a ΔtrbB F plasmid in Escherichia coli lacking DsbCE.coli, its native disulfide bond isomerase, experiences a 10-fold decrease in mating efficiency but have not provided direct evidence for disulfide bond isomerase activity. Here we demonstrate that trbB can partially restore transfer of a variant of the distantly related R27 plasmid when both chromosomal and plasmid genes encoding disulfide bond isomerases have been disrupted. In addition, we show that TrbB displays both disulfide bond isomerase and reductase activities on substrates not involved in the conjugative process. Unlike canonical members of the disulfide bond isomerase family, secondary structure predictions suggest that TrbB lacks both an N-terminal dimerization domain and an α-helical domain found in other disulfide bond isomerases. Phylogenetic analyses support the conclusion that TrbB belongs to a unique family of plasmid-based disulfide isomerases. Interestingly, although TrbB diverges structurally from other disulfide bond isomerases, we show that like those isomerases, TrbB relies on DsbD from E. coli for maintenance of its C-X-X-C redox active site motif.
On the Selection of Error Measures for Comparisons Among Forecasting Methods

Clements and Hendry (1993) proposed the Generalized Forecast Error Second Moment (GFESM) as an improvement to the Mean Square Error in comparing forecasting performance across data series. They based their conclusion on the fact that rankings based on GFESM remain unaltered if the series are linearly transformed. In this paper, we argue that this evaluation ignores other important criteria. Also, their conclusions were illustrated by a simulation study whose relationship to real data was not obvious. Thirdly, prior empirical studies show that the mean square error is an inappropriate measure to serve as a basis for comparison. This undermines the claims made for the GFESM.
Nonlinearity compensation in WDM transmission

This paper introduces a technique that compensates for nonlinear inter-channel crosstalk in wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) transmission. Electronic pre- and post-compensation of four-wave mixing are experimentally shown in carrier phase-locked WDM.
A Global Network? Transnational Cooperation among Environmental Groups

A rich literature theorizes about the development of transnational networks among social movements that may signal the emergence of a new global civil society. This article presents empirical results from an international survey of environmental groups. We find evidence of a relatively dense network of international action by green groups, and a substantial resource transfer from green groups in the OECD nations to those in the developing world. At the same time, the patterns of exchange within this network raise questions about the more optimistic claims of the global civil society literature because participation in this transnational network is largely an extension of the factors that encourage domestic political action. In addition, power inequalities and value differences that exist within this international environmental network may limit transnational cooperation among environmental groups.
Comparing Sample Size Requirements for Significance Tests and Confidence Intervals

We compare the sample size requirements for significance tests and confidence intervals by calculating power of each. The power of confidence interval is defined as the probability of obtaining a s...
The Value of Repeated Evaluation After Initial Failed Nuchal Translucency Measurement

Objective. The purpose of this study was to assess the value of reattempting the nuchal translucency (NT) measurement after an initial failure. Methods. Women undergoing NT measurements by NT-certified sonographers within a combined screening program over an 18-month period were categorized as “desiring” screening (all women), “eligible” (live fetus with crown-rump length of 45‐84 mm), and “defaulters” (failed to keep a visit after a failed NT measurement attempt). If the NT measurement was unobtainable, patients with live fetuses and a crown-rump length of less than 84 mm were offered reexamination. Results. Nuchal translucency measurement success rates at the initial visit for those desiring (n = 837) and eligible (n = 767) were 73.3% and 80.0%, respectively. Composite NT measurement success rates for up to 3 visits were significantly greater than for only 1 visit for those desiring screening (84.8%; P < .0001), eligible for screening (86.6%; P = .0004), and not defaulting on follow-up (97.0%; P < .0001). The screen-positive rates were similar for 1 and up to 3 visits (10.4% and 11.0%). One additional (16.6%) aneuploidy was detected through a second visit. Conclusions. Reattempting NT measurements significantly increases the overall NT measurement success rate and detects additional aneuploidies at constant screen-positive and invasive prenatal diagnosis rates.
Efficient image reconstruction using partial 2D Fourier transform

In this paper we present an efficient way of doing image reconstruction using the 2D discrete Fourier transform (DFT). We exploit the fact that in the frequency domain, information is concentrated in certain regions. Consequently, it is sufficient to compute partial 2D Fourier transform where only m times m elements of an N times N image are nonzero. Compared with the traditional row-column (RC) decomposition algorithm, the proposed algorithm enables us to reconstruct images with significantly smaller computation complexity at the expense of mild degradation in quality. We also describe the implementation of the new reconstruction algorithm on a Xilinx Virtex-II Pro-100 FPGA. For 512 times 512 natural and aerial images, this implementation results in 68% reduction in the number of memory accesses and 76% reduction in the total computation time compared to the RC method.
Dynamic inference of abstract types

An abstract type groups variables that are used for related purposes in a program. We describe a dynamic unification-based analysis for inferring abstract types. Initially, each run-time value gets a unique abstract type. A run-time interaction among values indicates that they have the same abstract type, so their abstract types are unified. Also at run time, abstract types for variables are accumulated from abstract types for values. The notion of interaction may be customized, permitting the analysis to compute finer or coarser abstract types; these different notions of abstract type are useful for different tasks. We have implemented the analysis for compiled x86 binaries and for Java bytecodes. Our experiments indicate that the inferred abstract types are useful for program comprehension, improve both the results and the run time of a follow-on program analysis, and are more precise than the output of a comparable static analysis, without suffering from overfitting.
Protostars in the Elephant Trunk Nebula

The optically dark globule IC 1396A is revealed using Spitzer Space Telescope images at 3.6, 4.5, 5.8, 8, and 24 μm to be infrared-bright and to contain a set of previously unknown protostars. The mid-infrared colors of the 24 μm detected sources indicate several very young (Class I or 0) protostars and a dozen Class II stars. Three of the new sources (IC 1396A:γ, 1396A:δ, and 1396A:e) emit over 90% of their bolometric luminosities at wavelengths greater than 3 μm, and they are located within ~0.02 pc of the ionization front at the edge of the globule. Many of the sources have spectra that are still rising at 24 μm. The two previously known young stars LkHα 349a and 349c are both detected, with component c harboring a massive disk and component a being bare. On the order of 5% of the mass of material in the globule is presently in the form of protostars in the 10^5-10^6 yr age range. This high star formation rate was likely triggered by radiation from a nearby O star.
Insect herbivores drive important indirect effects of exotic plants on native communities

Exotic plant species can affect native plant species both directly via com- petition and indirectly by modifying native species' interactions with other organisms in the community. Both direct and indirect effects can have strong fitness impacts on the native species and can result in cascading effects throughout the invaded community. Many exotic plant species escape from the herbivores with which they co-evolved, but in our study system, the exotic Egyptian alfalfa weevil (Hypera brunneipennis) has been intro- duced to California and is able to feed both on the exotic plant Medicago polymorpha and on the California native Lotus wrangelianus. Because these two plant species share this common herbivore, the possibility of strong herbivore-mediated indirect interactions be- tween these introduced and native plant species is plausible. We used observational studies and manipulative field experiments to determine whether exotic Medicago affects herbivory on the native Lotus and whether Medicago reduces the fitness of Lotus through direct competitive effects and/or herbivore-mediated indirect ef- fects. Both observational and experimental data indicate that Medicago increases weevil herbivory on the native Lotus. Additionally, Medicago reduced Lotus fitness through direct as well as indirect mechanisms. In 2002, Medicago reduced Lotus fitness even when her- bivores were experimentally reduced, suggesting direct competitive effects of Medicago on the native Lotus. In contrast, in 2003, Medicago reduced Lotus fitness only in the presence of herbivores, indicating that the fitness effects in that year were largely indirect and mediated by herbivores. Our results demonstrate that the net fitness consequences of indirect and direct effects of exotic plant species on native plants can vary temporally, depending on the abundance of members of the herbivore community. Also, rather than limiting the success of exotics, introduced herbivores that feed on exotic plants may provide additional, indirect avenues through which exotic plants can reduce the fitness of native species.
Decreased peak arteriovenous oxygen difference during treadmill exercise testing in individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus.

Abstract Cade WT, Fantry LE, Nabar SR, Keyser RE. Decreased peak arteriovenous oxygen difference during treadmill exercise testing in individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2003;84:1595–603. Objective To determine if arteriovenous oxygen difference was lower in asymptomatic individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection than in sedentary but otherwise healthy controls. Design Quasi-experimental cross-sectional. Setting Clinical exercise laboratory. Participants Fifteen subjects (10 men, 5 women) with HIV and 15 healthy gender- and activity level-matched controls (total N=30). Intervention Participants performed an incremental maximal exercise treadmill test to exhaustion. Electrocardiogram, metabolic, and noninvasive cardiac output measurements were evaluated at rest and throughout the tests. Data were analyzed by using analysis of covariance. Main outcome measures Peak oxygen consumption (Vo 2 ), cardiac output, stroke volume, and arteriovenous oxygen difference. The arteriovenous oxygen difference was determined indirectly using the Fick equation. Results Peak Vo 2 was significantly lower ( P −1 ·min −1 ) compared with controls (32.0±1.2mL·kg −1 ·min −1 ). There were no significant intergroup differences in cardiac output or stroke volume at peak exercise. Peak arteriovenous oxygen difference was significantly lower ( P Conclusion The observed deficit in aerobic capacity in the participants with HIV appeared to be the result of a peripheral tissue oxygen extraction or utilization limitation. In addition to deconditioning, potential mechanisms for this significant attenuation may include HIV infection and inflammation, highly active antiretroviral therapy medication regimens, or a combination of these factors.
Electroweak instantons, axions, and the cosmological constant

Abstract If there is explicit violation of baryon plus lepton number at some energy scale, then the electroweak theory depends upon a θ-angle. Due to a singular integration over small scale size instantons, this θ-dependence is sensitive to very high momentum scales. Assuming that there is no new physics between the electroweak and Planck scales, for an electroweak axion the energy difference between the vacuum at θ ≠ 0 , and that at θ = 0 , is of the correct order of magnitude to be the dark energy observed in the present epoch.
Design of a real-time rotor inertia estimation system for DC motors with a personal computer

Various traditional measurement techniques of moment of inertia were examined. Two computer-based measurement methods using the motor's torque constant, back EMF (electromotive force) constant, mechanical time constant, and armature resistance with straightforward formulations were investigated. A PC-based inertia measuring unit was designed by using a multifunction interface card for signal processing and acquisition circuits. This low-cost inertia computation and measurement system can be used to assist in modeling and controlling DC drives in real-time. The system can also be integrated into an existing DC motor measurement or testing laboratory. Experimental results are presented. >
An open-label study of a functional opioid κ antagonist in the treatment of opioid dependence

Several lines of evidence, including the well-established observation that kappa opiate agonists produce dysphoria and psychotomimetic effects in humans, suggest that dysfunction of the endogenous kappa opioid system may contribute to opioid and cocaine addiction. The objective of this open-label study was to determine the effectiveness of a functional kappa antagonist as a treatment for opioid dependence. This was accomplished by combining a partial mu agonist/kappa antagonist (buprenorphine, 4 mg, sublingual) with a mu antagonist (naltrexone, 50 mg by mouth), theoretically leaving kappa antagonism as the major medication effect. Subjects were treatment-seeking heroin-dependent (as per Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed.) men (41 +/- 7 years old; 19 +/- 8 years heroin use) eligible for methadone maintenance. After inpatient detoxification and a naloxone-challenge test to verify that they were not physically dependent on opioids, subjects received naltrexone. Starting on the fourth day, patients also received liquid buprenorphine. All patients received medication at the clinic 6 days per week and a full program of psychosocial treatment. The major endpoints of the study were: pupil diameter to determine if the mu agonist effects of buprenorphine were blocked by naltrexone, urine toxicology, and retention in treatment. Five patients (33%) completed the 3-month study. Four were abstinent from opioids and cocaine for the entire study, and one was abstinent from opioids and cocaine for the last 9 weeks. Six subjects dropped out due to either minor side effects or disliking the sensation of sublingual buprenorphine. There were no significant changes in pupillary diameter. The positive response to treatment exceeds that expected from naltrexone alone (90% dropout). These promising results suggest that controlled studies of this medication combination should be conducted.
Kidney Stone Volume Estimation from Computerized Tomography Images Using a Model Based Method of Correcting for the Point Spread Function

Purpose: We propose a method to improve the accuracy of volume estimation of kidney stones from computerized tomography images.Materials and Methods: The proposed method consisted of 2 steps. A threshold equal to the average of the computerized tomography number of the object and the background was first applied to determine full width at half maximum volume. Correction factors were then applied, which were precalculated based on a model of a sphere and a 3-dimensional Gaussian point spread function. The point spread function was measured in a computerized tomography scanner to represent the response of the scanner to a point-like object. Method accuracy was validated using 6 small cylindrical phantoms with 2 volumes of 21.87 and 99.9 mm3, and 3 attenuations, respectively, and 76 kidney stones with a volume range of 6.3 to 317.4 mm3. Volumes estimated by the proposed method were compared with full width at half maximum volumes.Results: The proposed method was significantly more accurate than full width at...
Chronic norepinephrine elicits desensitization by uncoupling the beta-receptor.

Abstract The goal of this study was to determine the mechanism of beta-adrenergic receptor desensitization after chronic elevation of circulating NE levels. Osmotic minipumps containing either NE or saline were implanted subcutaneously in dogs for 3-4 wk. Physiologic desensitization to isoproterenol was confirmed in conscious dogs, i.e., left ventricular dP/dt increased in response to isoproterenol (0.4 micrograms/kg per min) by 5,625 +/- 731 mmHg/s in control dogs with saline pumps, and significantly less, P less than 0.01, by 2,093 +/- 263 mmHg/s in dogs with NE pumps. Myocardial beta-adrenergic receptor density as determined with 125I-cyanopindolol binding was 49% higher (p less than 0.05) in the NE pump group. However, beta-adrenergic receptor agonist binding with isoproterenol demonstrated a significant shift into the low affinity state for the animals with NE pumps. Basal, GTP plus isoproterenol, 5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate, sodium fluoride, and forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in the NE pump group were significantly depressed (P less than 0.05) by amounts ranging from 20 to 40%. The functional activity of the guanine nucleotide binding protein Gs was also reduced (P less than 0.05) in animals with NE pumps. Thus, the process of desensitization in response to chronic elevation of NE levels in intact, normal dogs does not involve a decrease in beta-adrenergic receptor density. Rather, it is characterized by reduced adenylate cyclase activation and uncoupling of the beta-adrenergic receptor in association with decreased activity of the GTP-coupling protein Gs.
Talker Versus Dialect Effects on Speech Intelligibility: A Symmetrical Study.

This study investigates the relative effects of talker-specific variation and dialect-based variation on speech intelligibility. Listeners from two dialects of American English performed speech-in-noise tasks with sentences spoken by talkers of each dialect. An initial statistical model showed no significant effects for either talker or listener dialect group, and no interaction. However, a mixed-effects regression model including several acoustic measures of the talker’s speech revealed a subtle effect of talker dialect once the various acoustic dimensions were accounted for. Results are discussed in relation to other recent studies of cross-dialect intelligibility.
Evidence and Evolution: The Logic Behind the Science

Preface 1. Evidence 2. Intelligent design 3. Natural selection 4. Common ancestry Conclusion References Index.
Disruption of Klf4 in Villin-Positive Gastric Progenitor Cells Promotes Formation and Progression of Tumors of the Antrum in Mice

Background & Aims Kruppel-like factor 4 ( Klf4 ) is a putative gastric tumor suppressor gene. Rare, villin-positive progenitor cells in the gastric antrum have multilineage potential. We investigated the function of Klf4 in these cells and in gastric carcinogenesis. Methods We created mice with disruption of Klf4 in villin-positive antral mucosa cells ( Villin-Cre + ; Klf4 fl/fl mice). Villin-Cre + ; Klf4 fl/fl and control mice were given drinking water with or without 240 ppm N -methyl- N -nitrosourea at 5 weeks of age and thereafter on alternating weeks for a total of 10 weeks. Gastric mucosa samples were collected at 35, 50, or 80 weeks of age from mice that were and were not given N -methyl- N -nitrosourea, and analyzed by histopathologic and molecular analyses. Findings were compared with those from human gastric tumor specimens. Results Preneoplasia formed progressively in the antrum in 35- to 80-week-old Villin-Cre + ; Klf4 fl/fl mice. Gastric tumors developed in 29% of 80-week-old Villin-Cre + ; Klf4 fl/fl mice, which were located exclusively in the lesser curvature of the antrum. N -methyl- N -nitrosourea accelerated tumor formation, and tumors developed significantly more frequently in Villin-Cre + ; Klf4 fl/fl mice than in control mice, at 35 and 50 weeks of age. Mouse and human gastric tumors had reduced expression of Kruppel-like factor 4 and increased expression of FoxM1 compared with healthy gastric tissue. Expression of Kruppel-like factor 4 suppressed transcription of FoxM1. Conclusions Inactivation of Klf4 in villin-positive gastric progenitor cells induces transformation of the gastric mucosa and tumorigenesis in the antrum in mice. Villin-Cre + ;Klf4 fl/fl have greater susceptibility to chemical-induced gastric carcinogenesis and increased rates of gastric tumor progression than control mice.
Would Advance Knowledge of 1930s SSTs Have Allowed Prediction of the Dust Bowl Drought

Abstract Could the Dust Bowl drought of the 1930s have been predicted in advance if the SST anomalies of the 1930s had been foreknown? Ensembles of model simulations forced with historical observed SSTs in the global ocean, and also separately in the tropical Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, are compared with an ensemble begun in January 1929 with modeled atmosphere and land initial conditions and integrated through the 1930s with climatological SSTs. The ensemble with climatological SSTs produces values for the precipitation averaged over 1932–39 that are not statistically different from model climatology. In contrast, the ensembles with global SST forcing produce a drought centered in the central plains and southwestern North America that is clearly separated from the model climatology. Both the tropical Pacific and northern tropical Atlantic SST anomalies produce a statistically significant model drought in this region. The modeled drought has a spatial pattern that is different from the observed drought, ...
Long-Term Morphological Changes in Simulated Supercells Following Mergers with Nascent Supercells in Directionally Varying Shear

AbstractMergers involving supercells remain a challenge for severe thunderstorm forecasting. In this study, mergers between supercells and ordinary cells (e.g., cells forming in a similar environment but too young to be fully developed supercells) are investigated. A series of numerical experiments are performed using an idealized, homogenous environment supportive of cyclonically rotating, right-moving supercells. Warm bubbles are introduced at different times, resulting in two storms of different maturity; their placement is used to control the location of the merger and the relative maturity of the second storm. Simplified conceptual models for the long-term outcomes of mergers are developed. In the simplest mode of merger, outflow from the new cell cuts off inflow to the original. If the new cell’s cold pool is not sufficiently strong to cut off the inflow to the original cell, the minimum separation of the updraft maxima during the merger becomes a key controlling factor in the outcome. If it is less...
Approaching Single-Photon Detection Level in Communication Band via Frequency Upconversion in GaP

We have observed frequency upconversion of the incoming photons within the communication band to a visible band in a gallium phosphide crystal. Such a crystal is capable of reaching the single-photon detection level.
School crime and student rights: “surprises” from a federal initiative

The National School Crime and Student Misbehavior Project, sponsored by the federal Departments of Justice and Education, introduced law enforcement and community development techniques in three urban school districts. Contrary to the project sponsors' assumptions that schools were crime-ridden and that due process requirements were preventing school administrators from responding effectively to criminal activity, the study found school safety and respect for students' procedural rights to be compatible. The new project techniques produced few benefits by themselves, but may be incorporated into more promising approaches to school crime and student misbehavior.
The herbal medicine boom: understanding what patients are taking.

One in three people take herbal medicines. A guide to common herbal preparations, their effects, side effects, and interactions.
Assessing Neolocalism in Microbreweries

ABSTRACTNeolocalism can be defined as a conscious effort by businesses to foster a sense of place based on attributes of their community. Substantial research exists defining neolocalism and how businesses engage with it. Microbreweries are important actors in this movement and provide an ideal test case to develop an assessment tool. This project developed an assessment tool, using three key indicators of neolocalism, and tested its efficacy using data from microbreweries in Colorado, Oregon, and Texas. To develop the tool, three primary indicators of neolocal business practice were identified from existing literature: (1) use of local names and images in labeling and marketing; (2) environmental sustainability; and (3) social and community engagement. These indicators are important both to consumers and businesses in efforts to create a sense of place and engage with their community. Using these three indicators, more specific factors were developed to further define the index. The data are based on Int...
The global financial crisis: A key perspective

In his memoir former Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke offers a unique perspective on the global financial crisis. He exposes the reader to most interesting interactive dynamics between the Fed and Congress, the Presidency, other governmental institutions and agencies, important economic and financial private entities, the press and public opinion.
Past and Present: Weibo, Historical Events, and News

This chapter mainly examines how the past is made use of in the service of the present in the age of social media. Two types of “past” have been analyzed in relation to the present on Weibo: historical events and the ongoing news events that fade quickly from public attention. Weibo provides a space that invites both elite and grassroots users rewriting and reusing of the remote past. Current news events are also explained in the context of unresolved past. The ongoing news events are simultaneously being updated and stored, and becoming reference of a newly emerging event, through three types of mnemonic practices: online commemoration, memory accumulation, and first draft of history. These practices of remembering either incite criticism of the current power structure or produce meanings that serve to strengthen it.
SGLT-2 Inhibitors: Is There a Role in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Management?

Objective: The purpose of this review is to identify and evaluate disease management of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) who were treated with a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor as an adjunct to insulin therapy. Data Sources: A PubMed (1969 to March 2017) and Ovid (1946 to March 2017) search was performed for articles published utilizing the following MESH terms: canagliflozin, empagliflozin, dapagliflozin, type 1 diabetes mellitus, insulin dependent diabetes, insulin, sodium-glucose transporter 2. There were no limitations placed on publication type. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All English-language articles were evaluated for association of SGLT-2 inhibitors and type 1 diabetes. Further studies were identified by review of pertinent manuscript bibliographies. Data Synthesis: All 3 SGLT-2 inhibitors, when combined with insulin, resulted in an overall reduction of hemoglobin A1C (up to 0.49%), lower total daily insulin doses, and a reduction in weight (up to 2.7 kg). ...
Association of midlife lipids with 20-year cognitive change: A cohort study

Abstract Introduction Existing studies predominantly consider the association of late-life lipid levels and subsequent cognitive change. However, midlife rather than late-life risk factors are often most relevant to cognitive health. Methods We quantified the association between measured serum lipids in midlife and subsequent 20-year change in performance on three cognitive tests in 13,997 participants of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study. Results Elevated total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides were associated with greater 20-year decline on a test of executive function, sustained attention, and processing speed. Higher total cholesterol and triglycerides were also associated with greater 20-year decline in memory scores and a measure summarizing performance on all three tests. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol was not associated with cognitive change. Results were materially unchanged in sensitivity analyses addressing informative missingness. Discussion Elevated total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides in midlife were associated with greater 20-year cognitive decline.
A review of hydro-pneumatic and flywheel energy storage for hydraulic systems

This review will consider the state-of-the art in the storage of mechanical energy for hydraulic systems. It will begin by considering the traditional energy storage device, the hydro-pneumatic accumulator. Recent advances in the design of the hydraulic accumulator, as well as proposed novel architectures will be discussed. The review will continue with a discussion of energy storage flywheels. This will include recent advances in flywheel design and the properties of flywheels, particularly when compared to accumulators, as applied to hydraulic systems. These differences necessitate a discussion of the hydraulic system architectures used to incorporate flywheels, which will cover the various methods that have been proposed for utilising energy storage flywheels in hydraulic systems. The review will conclude by highlighting some of the unanswered questions in this area of engineering research and design.
Spin-Selective Photoreduction of a Stable Radical within a Covalent Donor-Acceptor-Radical Triad.

Controlling spin–spin interactions in multispin molecular assemblies is important for developing new approaches to quantum information processing. In this work, a covalent electron donor–acceptor–radical triad is used to probe spin-selective reduction of the stable radical to its diamagnetic anion. The molecule consists of a perylene electron donor chromophore (D) bound to a pyromellitimide acceptor (A), which is, in turn, linked to a stable α,γ-bisdiphenylene-β-phenylallyl radical (R•) to produce D-A-R•. Selective photoexcitation of D within D-A-R• results in ultrafast electron transfer to form the D+•-A–•-R• triradical, where D+•-A–• is a singlet spin-correlated radical pair (SCRP), in which both SCRP spins are uncorrelated relative to the R• spin. Subsequent ultrafast electron transfer within the triradical forms D+•-A-R–, but its yield is controlled by spin statistics of the uncorrelated A–•-R• radical pair, where the initial charge separation yields a 3:1 statistical mixture of D+•-3(A–•-R•) and D+•-...
The need to protect fresh and brackish groundwater resources during unconventional oil and gas development

Abstract Freshwater shortages in the United States have led to increased use of treated brackish groundwater for domestic, agricultural, and municipal uses. This increased use highlights the need for protecting groundwater resources, especially during unconventional oil and gas development. We analyzed the criteria that define protected groundwater in 17 oil- and natural-gas-producing states. In general, we find that these criteria are ambiguous and do not protect brackish groundwater to criteria established for Underground Sources of Drinking Water (USDWs) in the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Underground Injection Control Program. This lack of consistent protection, and continuing unconventional oil and gas development in formations containing USDWs, highlights the need for all states to protect groundwater to the same federally defined standard for USDWs to safeguard fresh and brackish groundwater for present and future use.
The utility of abnormal initial arterial blood gas values in determining clinical futility of trauma cases with severe hemorrhage.

Abstract Background Patients who experience trauma with severe hemorrhage requiring immediate surgery and massive blood transfusion often present with markedly abnormal laboratory values. These cases require valuable resources; however, little is known regarding prognostic factors that correlate with mortality. The purpose of this study was to determine whether abnormal initial arterial blood gas (ABG) pH, a marker for severe blood loss, could serve as a prognostic indicator for these patients. Methods An IRB approved retrospective study was performed at LAC + USC Medical Center Level I Trauma Center. Data was collected from trauma patients with severe hemorrhage admitted between June 2015 and April 2016 who were immediately admitted to the OR following entry into the ER. Baseline variables of age, sex and mechanism of trauma were collected. The pH readings from the initial three ABG data were obtained, and mortality was determined for each patient. Results We identified 247 patients, 84.2% of which were male. Ages ranged from 1 to 91 years (average = 38.4). Overall mortality was 13.8%. The average initial pH value for non-survivors (7.10 ± 0.13) was significantly lower than for survivors (7.34 ± 0.07) [p Conclusions Consideration should be given to initial pH values when resuscitating “red blanket” patients. However, the pH values alone cannot reliably be used to determine clinical futility in individual patients in the early period after injury.
Tissue‐Penetrating, Hypoxia‐Responsive Echogenic Polymersomes For Drug Delivery To Solid Tumors

Hypoxia in solid tumors facilitates the progression of the disease, develops resistance to chemo and radiotherapy, and contributes to relapse. Due to the lack of tumor penetration, most of the reported drug carriers are unable to reach the hypoxic niches of the solid tumors. We have developed tissue-penetrating, hypoxia-responsive echogenic polymersomes to deliver anticancer drugs to solid tumors. The polymersomes are composed of a hypoxia-responsive azobenzene conjugated and a tissue penetrating peptide functionalized polylactic acid-polyethylene glycol polymer. The drug-encapsulated, hypoxia-responsive polymersomes substantially decreased the viability of pancreatic cancer cells in spheroidal cultures. Under normoxic conditions, polymersomes were echogenic at diagnostic ultrasound frequencies but lose the echogenicity under hypoxia. In-vivo imaging studies with xenograft mouse model further confirmed the ability of the polymersomes to target, penetrate, and deliver the encapsulated contents in hypoxic pancreatic tumor tissues.
DO INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATIONS NEED RE-INVENTINg? AN ANALYSIS OF THE RELEVANCE OF THE U.S. SIC SYSTEM FOR PRODUCTIVITY RESEARCH

Two separate empirical investigations into the conceptual structure underlying the U.S. SIC were undertaken. Government industry specialists and industry classification experts reviewed individual4-digit U.S. SICs and judgmentally determined if these industries had been constructed by grouping similar production processes, or, alternatively, by grouping similar markets. Independently, an algorithm derived from the diversification index developed by Gollop and Monahan (1991) was used to measure the heterogeneity of establishment production functions, by 4-digit industry, using the Census Longitudinal Research Database file. The two reviews yielded broadly similar results: Only about one fifth of US. industries have been designed to be approximately consistent with aggregation conditions derived from production theory.
Feasibility and Acceptability of a High School Relationship Abuse and Sexual Assault Bystander Prevention Program: School Personnel and Student Perspectives.

Relationship abuse (RA) and sexual assault (SA) are concerning issues for high school youth that occur at alarmingly high rates. Therefore, school-based prevention programs are often developed to t...
AdaCAD: Crafting Software For Smart Textiles Design

Woven smart textiles are useful in creating flexible electronics because they integrate circuitry into the structure of the fabric itself. However, there do not yet exist tools that support the specific needs of smart textiles weavers. This paper describes the process and development of AdaCAD, an application for composing smart textile weave drafts. By augmenting traditional weaving drafts, AdaCAD allows weavers to design woven structures and circuitry in tandem and offers specific support for common smart textiles techniques. We describe these techniques, how our tool supports them alongside feedback from smart textiles weavers. We conclude with a reflection on smart textiles practice more broadly and suggest that the metaphor of coproduction can be fruitful in creating effective tools and envisioning future applications in this space.
The spectrum of concrete: Material research and experimentation expanding previous sound lab results for various acoustical environments

This paper presentation continues progress of an active multiphase acoustical research project emphasizing implementation of prototypical concrete systems in multiuse spaces to transform unhealthy learning environments. Building upon research results shared during the December 2017 and November 2018 ASA paper presentations, various admixtures/additives are being explored as viable ingredients to develop concrete mixtures capable of decreasing excessive reverberation and flutter echo while increasing clarity and speech intelligibility. Faculty and students, working in both physical and digital realms with industry partners, are analyzing and validating consequences of manipulating materials for resultant acoustical criteria. The work presented here showcases research and development of how concrete can be processed, shaped, surfaced, and implemented into full-scale built form to provide scholarly merit applicable in/with similar spaces and/or functions.
Endogenous Opiate Systems May Modulate Learning and Memory

It is becoming increasingly realized that the endogenous opiate peptides have numerous effects on a wide range of behaviors and physiological conditions. Some of these effects may reflect the multiple physiological roles these peptides might play other than the ones related to pain perception; these additional roles may, in fact, be of more importance to the organism than the antinociceptive function with which the peptides were originally associated. Learning and memory processes might represent important functions modulated by the peptides.
Wildfire Detection using Wireless Mesh Network

Forests are one of the prime protectors of earths ecological balance. Unfortunately, the forest fire is typically only discovered when it has already spread over a massive area, making its manage and stoppage onerous and even impossible at times. The end result is devastating loss and irreparable damage to the environment and atmosphere. Among other terrible penalties of forest fires are long-term disastrous outcomes such as impacts on local weather patterns, global warming, and extinction of rare species of the flora and fauna. Millions of hectares of forest are destroyed by means of fire each and every year. Areas destroyed through these fires are massive and trigger greater carbon monoxide than the average automobile traffic. Monitoring of the plausible threat areas and an early detection of fire can substantially shorten the reaction time and also minimize the potential damage as well as the cost of firefighting. Economic fire alarm structures are quintessential in imparting an early warning in the event of fire. They help to save lives and protect property whilst additionally satisfying the needs of insurance groups and government departments. The proposed system is capable of detecting smoke, different flammable gases and fire and notifying any hazardous situation using an Iot Dashboard. This wildfire smoke detection system with IoT framework provides a smart and cost efficient solution that saves lot of flora, fauna and human lives.
Associations between sleep apnea and subclinical carotid atherosclerosis the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis.

Background and Purpose- Many health effects of sleep apnea (SA) may be mediated through accelerated atherosclerosis. We examined the associations of snoring and several measurements of SA with subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in a large multiethnic population sample. Methods- This analysis included 1615 participants (mean age, 68 years) from examination 5 (2010-2013) of the MESA study (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis). Sleep measures including SA (apnea-hypopnea index [4%], ≥15 events/hour) were derived from full in-home polysomnography. Carotid atherosclerosis was measured using high-resolution B-mode ultrasound. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were used to evaluate the associations between sleep exposures with carotid intima-media thickness and the presence of carotid plaque, respectively. Effect modification by age, sex, and race/ethnicity was examined. Results- In multivariable analysis, SA was associated with an increased odds of carotid plaque presence in individuals aged <68 years (odds ratio, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.05-2.06) but not in older individuals (odds ratio, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.67-1.37; P interaction=0.078). Greater hypoxemia (sleep time <90% saturation) was associated with increasing carotid intima-media thickness in younger (0.028±0.014 mm) but not in older individuals (-0.001±0.013 mm; P interaction=0.106). Self-reported snoring was not associated with carotid atherosclerosis. In assessing race-specific outcomes, greater hypoxemia was associated with increased carotid intima-media thickness in blacks (0.049±0.017 mm; P interaction=0.033). Conclusions- In this large multiethnic population-based sample, sleep disturbances are associated with subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in both men and women, particularly in those <68 years of age. The mechanisms underlying the association between SA and carotid atherosclerosis may differ for carotid plaque and carotid intima-media thickness.
How to Park a Car Blindfolded

Abstract In this paper, we present an algorithm that achieves global asymptotic stability for a broad class of driftless nonholonomic systems using limited data rate. Moreover, we prove in a constructive way that the minimum data-rate for this class of systems is zero, hence providing a data-rate theorem, which was an open problem in the literature Li and Baillieul (2004). Finally, we present the Dubin’s car as an example of system in such a class.
Trends in List and Net Prices of Self-administered Systemic Psoriasis Therapies Manufactured by US-Based Pharmaceutical Companies.

This economic evaluation reviews the trends in list and net price data from SSR Health for the 2007 to 2019 period of self-administered systemic psoriasis medications manufactured in the United States.
Teaching Metaphors to Scientists: A Mixed Methods Approach

Teaching STEAM students from the perspective of technical and professional communication presents an opening for diverse pedagogical strategies to help develop more well-rounded STEAM students. The strategy discussed in the following article utilizes Conceptual Metaphor Theory in the classroom to help students learn to ground their research through experiences that are relatable to wider audiences. Lakoff and Johnson discuss at length that good and potent metaphors and, by extension, communication are grounded in experiential frameworks. Using experience as a starting point for teaching STEAM students as well as Technical and Professional Communication students is one of the ways we can develop better scientific communication. In addition to this entry point, the methods in this project take a more quantifiable conceptual approach to research in order to help legitimize the study of language on a very technical level. These techniques can be taught in a writing classroom as well as engineering and science writing classrooms to produce critical analysis that blends STEAM with writing in interesting ways.
Uncertainty Potentiates Neural and Cardiac Responses to Visual Stimuli in Anxiety Disorders.

Abstract Background Intolerance of uncertainty and worry about future events are cardinal features of anxiety. However, the neurobiological and physiological mechanisms underlying these characteristics of anxiety remain to be fully elucidated. Methods Individuals with diagnosed anxiety disorders (n = 29, 22 female) and age-matched comparison subjects (n = 28, 17 female) completed a task in which pictures (aversive or neutral content) were preceded by cues indicating certainty or uncertainty about the emotional valence of the subsequent pictures. We assessed functional magnetic resonance imaging and heart rate activity with respect to the 1) cue period, 2) emotional valence of the pictures, and 3) modulatory effect of uncertainty on responses to subsequent pictures. Results Individuals with anxiety disorders and comparison subjects exhibited similar functional magnetic resonance imaging and cardiac activity during the cue period and for the aversive versus neutral picture contrast. However, individuals with anxiety disorders exhibited greater modulatory effects of uncertainty on their responses to subsequent pictures. Specifically, they displayed greater functional magnetic resonance imaging activity in a number of cortical regions (visual cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, superior temporal gyrus, and anterior insula), as well as significantly reduced cardiac deceleration to pictures preceded by the uncertainty cue. Conclusions These findings suggest that heightened neural and autonomic reactivity to stimuli during conditions of uncertainty may be a key psychobiological mechanism of anxiety.
Stopover ecology of the least sandpiper (Calidris minutilla) in Iowa: implications for reservoir management

Vanausdall RA, Dinsmore SJ. 2021. Stopover ecology of the least sandpiper (Calidris minutilla) in Iowa: implications for reservoir management. Lake Reserv Manage. 37:300–312.Multipurpose reservoirs...