cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In vivo magnetic resonance volumetric and spectroscopic analysis of mouse prostate Cancer Models

BACKGROUND Mouse prostate cancer modeling presents unique obstacles to the study of spontaneous tumor initiation and progression due to the anatomical location of the tissue. RESULTS High resolution (130 µmx × 130 µmy × 300 µmz), three-dimensional MRI allowed for the visualization, segmentation, and volumetric measurement of the prostate from normal and genetically engineered animals, in vivo. Additionally, MRS performed on the prostate epithelia of probasin-ErbB-2Δ × Pten+/− mice identified changes in the relative concentrations of the metabolites choline and citrate, which was not observed in TRAMP mice. METHODS T1-weighted MRI was performed on normal, TRAMP, probasin-ErbB-2/Her2/Neu (probasin-ErbB-2Δ), and probasin-ErbB-2Δ in the context of decreased Pten activity (probasin-ErbB-2Δ × Pten+/−) mice. Volume-localized single-voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (SVS 1H MRS) was also performed. CONCLUSIONS The data presented supports the use of combined MRI and MRS for the measurement of biochemical and morphometric alterations in mouse models of prostate cancer. Prostate © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A Categorical Approach to General Systems

The purpose of this paper is to sketch a simplified version of Goguen’s general systems theory [4], [2], [3] using graphs and sets instead of categories insofar as possible, accompanied by intuitive motivation and simple examples. We also introduce basic theorems relating some fundamental concepts of system theory but space limitations preclude much background information and all proofs. These details will appear elsewhere.
The management of pregnancy and delivery in 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA lyase deficiency.

3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaric (HMG)-CoA lyase is required for ketogenesis and leucine degradation. Patients with HMG-CoA lyase deficiency typically present with hypoketotic hypoglycemia and metabolic acidosis, which can be fatal if untreated. The patient is a 28-year-old female with HMG-CoA lyase deficiency who presented at 4 weeks gestation for prenatal care. Protein intake as well as carnitine supplementation were gradually increased to support maternal and fetal demands up to 65 g per day for protein and 80 mg/kg/day for carnitine. Fetal growth was appropriate. At 36 5/7 weeks, she presented with spontaneous rupture of membranes. Twice maintenance 10% glucose-containing intravenous fluids were initiated. During labor, vomiting and metabolic acidosis developed. Delivery was by cesarean. Preeclampsia developed postpartum. The patient recovered well and was discharged home on postpartum day 5. Stress of pregnancy and labor and delivery can lead to metabolic decompensation in HMG-CoA lyase deficiency. Patients should be monitored closely by a biochemical geneticist, dietitian, and high-risk obstetrician at a tertiary care center during their pregnancy. Fasting should be avoided. Intravenous 10% glucose-containing fluids should be provided to prevent catabolism and metabolic decompensation during labor and delivery. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microwave measurements of the spectra and molecular structure for the monoenolic tautomer of 1,2- cyclohexanedione.

The microwave spectrum for the monoenolic tautomer of 1,2-cyclohexanedione was measured in the 4–14 GHz regime using a pulsed-beam Fourier transform (PBFT), Flygare–Balle-type microwave spectrometer. The molecular structure and moments of inertia were initially calculated using Gaussian 09 using MP2 and 6-311++G** basis sets, and these calculations were used to predict the rotational constants and microwave spectra. Rotational transition frequencies were measured and used to determine rotational constants (A, B, and C) and centrifugal distortion constants (DJ and DK). The rotational constants for the parent isotopologue, one singly substituted deuterium and six singly substituted 13C isotopologues, were used in a least-squares fit to determine gas-phase structural parameters for this molecule. All hydrogen atoms were held fixed to the calculated positions, as well as the carbon atoms at positions 1 and 10 and the oxygen atoms at positions 6 and 7. The rotational constants for the parent isotopologue are A...
Abstract 1966: Regulation of RKIP function by Helicobacter pylori in gastric cancer cells

Raf kinase inhibitory protein (RKIP) is a negative regulator of the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade initiated by Raf-1 and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and is an activator of apoptosis in human cancers. STAT3 (signal transducer and activators of transcription) is often constitutively phosphorylated in gastric cancer. RKIP is a negative regulator of STAT3 and has been positively correlated with a higher survival rate in gastric cancer patients (Chatterjee, et al., Clin. Cancer Res., 14:2994-3001, 2008). Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is associated with high levels of activated STAT3 as well as activation of the transcription factor NF-κB in gastric epithelial cells, through mechanisms involving macrophage-derived IL-6. H. pylori infection led to a dose- and time-dependent increase in STAT3 activation and Snail, a protein that is a negative regulator of RKIP transcription. In addition, H. pylori and IL-6 treatment stimulated the phosphorylation of RKIP in a protein kinase C- (PKC) dependent manner. Interestingly, H. pylori stimulated RKIP transcription which was enhanced in the presence of the histone acetyl transferase, CBP, and inhibited in the presence of the PKC inhibitor. Surprisingly, RKIP stimulated STAT3 transcription in gastric cancer cells, an effect that was reversed in the presence of CBP. After H. pylori infection, RKIP localized to the nucleus and enhanced H. pylori-mediated apoptosis. Collectively, these results indicate that RKIP function is regulated by phosphorylation after H. pylori infection and acetylation by CBP. Moreover, our study demonstrates that RKIP post translational modifications regulate apoptosis induction (via phosphorylation) and inhibition of cell survival (via acetylation) in gastric cancer. These results also suggest the existence of a feedback loop between RKIP, H. pylori infection and STAT3 in gastric cancer. Supported, in part, by NIH COBRE Investigator Award Grant P20 RR17695 (DC and SM). Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1966. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-1966
Identifying Absorbing Aerosols Above Clouds From the Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager Coupled With NASA A-Train Multiple Sensors

Geostationary satellite data from the Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI) in conjunction with A-Train data are used to develop an algorithm for detecting biomass-burning smoke aerosols above closed-cell stratocumulus (Sc) clouds. The detection relies on spectral signatures, textural characteristics, and time-dependent spectral variation of SEVIRI data. A-Train data including the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) and the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) are used as reference data for the SEVIRI algorithm development. The 15-min repeat cycle of SEVIRI provides the capability for identifying smoke above closed-cell Sc with an OMI aerosol index value exceeding 0.5 and a cloud optical thickness greater than 6 at 0.81 $\mu\mbox{m}$ . The user accuracy of this algorithm is ∼49% when using only spectral signature and textural tests. When incorporating the “temporal consistency” tests into the algorithm, the user accuracy increases to ∼65%. The producer accuracy is over ∼77%, implying that the SEVIRI algorithm generally identifies smoke above clouds when CALIOP also identifies the same feature at the collocated pixel. However, CALIOP has the tendency to underestimate the presence of thin smoke aerosols above liquid clouds during daytime. This algorithm can be used to detect and study the daytime variation of smoke above liquid clouds.
Application of Adaptive Optics in State Tactical Laser Weapon System

The basic principle and application level of adaptive optics in solid-state tactical laser weapons are introduced. The existing problems and the future development of adaptive optics subsystem in solid-state tactical laser weapons are reviwed.
The sediment budget of an urban coastal lagoon (Jamaica Bay, NY) determined using 234Th and 210Pb

Abstract The sediment budget of Jamaica Bay (New York, USA) has been determined using the natural particle-reactive radionuclides 234Th and 210Pb. Inventories of excess thorium-234 (234Thxs, half-life = 24.1 d) were measured in bottom sediments of the Bay during four cruises from September 2004 to July 2006. The mean bay-wide inventory for the four sampling periods ranged from 3.5 to 5.0 dpm cm−2, four to six times that expected from 234Th production in the overlying water column. The presence of dissolved 234Th and a high specific activity of 234Thxs on particles at the bay inlet (∼30 dpm g−1) indicated that both dissolved and particulate 234Th could be imported into the bay from the ocean. Based on these observations, a mass balance of 234Th yields an annual input of ∼39 ± 14 × 1010 g sediment into the bay. Mass accumulation rates determined from profiles of excess 210Pb (half-life = 22.3 y) in sediment cores require annual sediment import of 7.4 ± 4.5 × 1010 g. Both radionuclides indicate that there is considerable marine-derived sediment import to Jamaica Bay, consistent with earlier work using 210Pb. Such sediment input may be important in sustaining longer-term accretion rates of salt marshes in the bay.
Senile Cerebral Amyloid — Evidence for a Neuronal Origin of the Fibril Protein

ASc of pre-senile and senile Alzheimer’s disease and asymptomatic senile patients are morphologically indistinguishable with the histochemical and immunoperoxidase techniques utilized. Core and dyshoric amyloid stains similarly. Congophilic angiopathy amyloid of ten stains differently from core and dyshoric amyloid with histologic and histochemical stains, but possesses similar antigenic determinants. GAGS and a large variety of serum glycoproteins are present in ASc; the IgG noted morphologically in Asc does not appear to be bound to brain or vascular components. ASc is distinct from AA. Our data support a local source for the fibrillar protein of ASc Neurofilament protein is the only local protein to be identified in ASc; many of its physicochemical properties suggest an amyloidogenic potential.
Organometallic myoglobins: Formation of Fe-carbon bonds and distal pocket effects on aryl ligand conformations.

Abstract Bioorganometallic Fe–C bonds are biologically relevant species that may result from the metabolism of natural or synthetic hydrazines. The molecular structures of four new sperm whale mutant myoglobin derivatives with Fe–aryl moieties, namely H64A–tolyl- m , H64A–chlorophenyl- p , H64Q–tolyl- m , and H64Q–chlorophenyl- p , have been determined at 1.7–1.9 A resolution. The structures reveal conformational preferences for the substituted aryls resulting from attachment of the aryl ligands to Fe at the site of net –NHNH 2 release from the precursor hydrazines, and show distal pocket changes that readily accommodate these bulky ligands.
The Telomeric Response to Viral Infection

The ends of linear genomes, whether viral or cellular, can elicit potent DNA damage and innate immune signals. DNA viruses entering the nucleus share many features with telomeres in their ability to either suppress or co-opt these pathways. Here, we review some of the common mechanisms that viruses and telomeres use to manage the DNA damage and innate immune response pathways. We highlight recent studies on the role of the telomere repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) in response to viral infection. We discuss how TERRA can be activated through a p53-response element embedded in a retrotransposon-like repeat found in human subtelomeres. We consider how TERRA can function as a danger signal when secreted in extracellular vesicles to induce inflammatory cytokines in neighboring cells. These findings suggest that TERRA may be part of the innate immune response to viral infection, and support the hypothesis that telomeres and viruses utilize common mechanisms to maintain genome integrity and regulate innate immunity.
Host outdoor exposure variability affects the transmission and spread of Zika virus: Insights for epidemic control.

BACKGROUND Zika virus transmission dynamics in urban environments follow a complex spatiotemporal pattern that appears unpredictable and barely related to high mosquito density areas. In this context, human activity patterns likely have a major role in Zika transmission dynamics. This paper examines the effect of host variability in the amount of time spent outdoors on Zika epidemiology in an urban environment. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS First, we performed a survey on time spent outdoors by residents of Miami-Dade County, Florida. Second, we analyzed both the survey and previously published national data on outdoors time in the U.S. to provide estimates of the distribution of the time spent outdoors. Third, we performed a computational modeling evaluation of Zika transmission dynamics, based on the time spent outdoors by each person. Our analysis reveals a strong heterogeneity of the host population in terms of time spent outdoors-data are well captured by skewed gamma distributions. Our model-based evaluation shows that in a heterogeneous population, Zika would cause a lower number of infections than in a more homogenous host population (up to 4-fold differences), but, at the same time, the epidemic would spread much faster. We estimated that in highly heterogeneous host populations the timing of the implementation of vector control measures is the major factor for limiting the number of Zika infections. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Our findings highlight the need of considering host variability in exposure time for managing mosquito-borne infections and call for the revision of the triggers for vector control strategies, which should integrate mosquito density data and human outdoor activity patterns in specific areas.
Precision time protocol over LR-WPAN and 6LoWPAN

Precision time synchronization is critical for distributed sensing, and coordinated actuation in various low-range wireless applications in Internet of Things and Robotics. The state-of-the-art time synchronization protocol however, known as Precision Time Protocol (PTP) is designed for wired networks. In this work, we make an effort to enable PTP for Low Range Wireless Personal Area Networks (LR-WPAN). IPv6 over Low power Personal Area Network (6LoWPAN) represents the upper layers for LR-WPAN MAC and PHY layers in the protocol stack. Since 6LoWPAN offers additional advantages of software portability and interoperability with IPv6 based networks, we enable PTP over 6LoWPAN interface. We leverage PTP software abstractions and the networking stack to implement hardware timestamping feature for LR-WPAN and 6LoWPAN interfaces. To achieve precise timing, we expose 6LoWPAN interface as a Precise Hardware Clock (PHC) that enables accurate times-tamping of external events, precise hardware interrupts and pulse-per-second signals generation. We transform 6LoWPAN enabled ultra-wideband radios to wireless PHCs and achieve sub-nanosecond synchronization accuracy.
A Systematic Review of the Efficacy of Levetiracetam in Neonatal Seizures.

Objective Seizures are the most common neurological complication in neonatal intensive care units. Phenobarbital (PB) remains the first-line antiepileptic drug (AED) for neonatal seizures despite known neurotoxicity. Levetiracetam (LEV) is a newer AED not approved for neonates. Retrospective and pilot studies have investigated the use of LEV in neonatal seizures. Our objective was to compare the efficacy of LEV to PB in neonatal seizures based upon published data. Methods We searched PubMed to perform a systematic review. We found no studies of LEV with comparison or control groups; therefore, we utilized data from two randomized controlled trials of PB as our comparison group. Results Five studies of LEV met all inclusion/exclusion criteria. The pooled sample size for LEV was 102 (48 received primary LEV, 54 received secondary LEV). The pooled sample size for primary PB was 52. Complete or near-complete seizure cessation was achieved as follows: primary LEV 37/48 (77%), secondary LEV 34/54 (63%), and primary PB 24/52 (46%). Conclusion Our findings suggest that LEV may be at least as or more effective for neonatal seizures as PB. Our review, though limited, is the first to examine LEV efficacy compared with PB in neonates.
High activity before breeding improves reproductive performance by enhancing mitochondrial function and biogenesis.

ABSTRACT Understanding of physiological responses of organisms is typically based on data collected during an isolated event. Although many fundamental insights have been gained from these studies, evaluating the response to a single event ignores the fact that each individual has experienced a unique set of events throughout its life that may have altered its physiology. The idea that prior experiences can influence subsequent performance is known as a carry-over effect. Carry-over effects may explain much of the variation in performance found among individuals. For example, high physical activity has been shown to improve mitochondrial respiratory function and biogenesis and reduce oxidative stress, and has been linked to improved health and longevity. In this study, we asked whether the bioenergetic differences between active and inactive individuals carry over to impact performance in a subsequent reproductive event and alter a female9s reproductive outcome. Female mice that had access to a running wheel for a month before mating gave birth to a larger litter and weaned a heavier litter, indicating that high physical activity had a positive carry-over effect to reproduction. Mice that ran also displayed higher mitochondrial respiration and biogenesis with no changes in endogenous antioxidant enzymes. These results provide a mechanistic framework for how the conditions that animals experience before breeding can impact reproductive outcomes.
Export agriculture, transnational farmworkers, and labor resistance in the Mexico–US borderlands

This article discusses the system of export agriculture in northern Mexico and its impact on transnational farmworkers employed in both sides of the US–Mexico border. Since the late 1990s, a transnational industry producing fresh produce for consumer markers in the USA has taken hold in the San Quintin Valley in Baja California, transforming the economic and social fabric of this border region. This industry has generated a new labor regime predicated upon the employment of a flexible and cheap source of indigenous workers from the poorest states in southern Mexico. I examine the contours of this regime, the forms of labor resistance it has elicited, and the new types of labor migration it has generated by Mexican workers to the USA. As I show, indigenous farm laborers engage in novel forms of labor and political protests to claim for their rights. These developments, I argue, speak of the class formation of transnational farmworkers who, mobilizing local and transnationally, combine traditional labor demands with wider claims for their civil and political rights.
POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF GULF STREAM INTRUSIONS AND COASTAL RUNOFF ON THE BENTHOS OF THE CONTINENTAL SHELF OF THE GEORGIA BIGHT

: The Georgia Bight has a broad shallow continental shelf. The major nutrient inputs are deepwater Gulf Stream intrusions along the shelf break and nearshore outwelling from Spartina salt marshes and river runoff. The middle portion of the shelf is not appreciably affected by either process. Nine stations off Georgia were sampled to detect possible differences in the benthos of these three regions. All sediments were moderately- to well-sorted sand. A large coarse fraction occurred at the outer stations. Surface sediment carbon and nitrogen were extremely low at all stations (> 0.1% C and > 0.01% N dry wt). Sediment chlorophyll a values ranged from 29 to 142 μg m2- (1 to 6 μg gm-1). Macrobenthic biomass at the inner three stations was significantly lower (3 to 9 grams wet weight m-2) than middle and outer shelf regions (14 to 22) but all were lower than shelf environments in other areas. In contrast, meiofaunal densities (853 10 cm-2) and biomass (543 μg 10 cm-2) of the middle shelf regions were higher than inner and outer stations. Nematodes generally dominated the meiofaunal taxa. ATP biomass (μg ATP cc-1) ranged from 35 to 106 among the shelf stations with no apparent regional patterns. Microbial biomass was relatively constant along the coast but increased north to south along the shelf break. Interstitial glucose concentrations (5 7 to 100 ng cc-1) and glucose uptake (6 to 19 μg-1 hr-1) at the inner stations were similar to those observed at the outer stations. ATP biomass was positively correlated with glucose uptake but negatively correlated with denitrification rates. Nitrogen fixation (3 to 20 pmoles C2H4 cc-1 hr-1) and denitrification (0.1 to 0.5 μg N2O cc-1 hr-1) decreased along the shelf break from north to south. Preliminary results suggest that a combination of an unfavorable sedimentary regime and low nutrient input results in an impoverished benthos but that nitrogen-rich Gulf Stream intrusions may influence benthic processes on the outer regions of the continental shelf of the Georgia Bight. Microbenthos, with high metabolic rates and fast generation times, probably reflect more immediate nutrient effects, whereas the distribution of macrobenthos might reflect integrative effects of intrusion.
Diagnosis of Recurrent Thyroid Cancer in Patients with Anti-thyroglobulin Antibodies

Whole-body radioiodine scanning, measurement of serum thyroglobulin, and various radiographic methods are used to monitor patients with thyroid cancer for the risk of recurrence. Over the past decade, substantial improvements in thyroglobulin immunoassays and a greater recognition of the limitations of 131I scanning, particularly regarding its relatively low sensitivity for neck recurrences, have led to recommendations that rely greatly on accurate thyroglobulin measurements and neck ultrasound (1,2). However, significant limitations of current thyroglobulin immunoassays include inadequate sensitivity during levothyroxine (L-T4) therapy and the presence of interfering antithyroglobulin antibodies in approx 20% of patients. The latter issue, circulating antithyroglobulin antibodies, is especially difficult to circumvent and has been largely ignored in current monitoring recommendations. Indeed, the early and accurate detection of recurrence or tumor progression is difficult in this population. This chapter discusses potential alternative peripheral blood markers. The use of imaging modalities in thyroid cancer is only briefly reviewed, as they are unaffected by antithyroglobulin antibodies.
Diffusions and random walks in random media

We formulate and analyze briefly some problems that arise when diffusion processes evolve in a random medium. We also consider some systems of interacting Brownian particles and examine their collective behavior.
An Inventory of the Vascular Plants of Amistad National Recreation Area, Val Verde Co., Texas

Abstract: Amistad National Recreation Area is a 23,186 ha property in Val Verde County, Texas. A floral inventory was conducted in 2003–2004, producing a checklist of 699 taxa with 99 infraspecific taxa, 686 species, 402 genera, and 106 families. There are 651 native taxa and 48 introduced. No federally or state listed plants were documented. Seventeen species of conservation concern were verified within the park. Thirteen taxa endemic to Texas were recorded. Plant communities were also noted and compared to those previously reported for the site.
Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly for Artificial Biology: Opportunities and Challenges

The study of the origin of life and current undergoing efforts to produce artificial chemical systems mimicking the behavior of natural living systems have emerged as a hot topic at the interfaces among disciplines. In these two problems, the spontaneous generation of free-energy gradients by means of material interfaces plays a central role and, until recently, hindered progress. Polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) is a promising strategy for the formation of polymeric vesicles from a homogeneous mixture which, in the form of artificial biology, may reflect and inform the generation of vesicular structures in primitive Earth. In the past few years, PISA has been used for the construction of biomimetic vesicles or artificial protocells in artificial biology. These not only give inspiration for decoding some aspects of the origin of life in arbitrary environments but also offer potential for building innovative functional systems with a wide variety of applications. In this review, a brief summary of some of the unique possibilities offered by PISA and the development of PISA in exploration of artificial biology is provided, while some of the allied current challenges, limitations, and opportunities in this exciting field are highlighted.
The Rise of Allocentric Interfaces and the Collapse of the Virtuality Continuum

The popular concepts of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) arose from our ability to interact with objects and environments that appear to be real, but are not. One of the most powerful aspects of these paradigms is the ability of virtual entities to embody a richness of behavior and appearance that we perceive as compatible with reality, and yet unconstrained by reality. The freedom to be or do almost anything helps to reinforce the notion that such virtual entities are inherently distinct from the real world---as if they were magical. This independent magical status is reinforced by the typical need for the use of "magic glasses" (head-worn displays) and "magic wands" (spatial interaction devices) that are ceremoniously bestowed on a chosen few. For those individuals, the experience is inherently egocentric in nature---the sights and sounds effectively emanate from the magic glasses, not the real world, and unlike the magic we are accustomed to from cinema, the virtual entities are unable to affect the real world.This separation of real and virtual is also inherent in our related conceptual frameworks, such as Milgram's Virtuality Continuum, where the real and virtual are explicitly distinguished and mixed. While these frameworks are indeed conceptual, we often feel the need to position our systems and research somewhere in the continuum, further reinforcing the notion that real and virtual are distinct. The very structures of our professional societies, our research communities, our journals, and our conferences tend to solidify the evolutionary separation of the virtual from the real.However, independent forces are emerging that could reshape our notions of what is real and virtual, and transform our sense of what it means to interact with technology. First, even within the VR/AR communities, as the appearance and behavioral realism of virtual entities improves, virtual experiences will become more real. Second, as domains such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT) mature and permeate throughout our lives, experiences with real things will become more virtual. The convergence of these various domains has the potential to transform the egocentric magical nature of VR/AR into more pervasive allocentric magical experiences and interfaces that interact with and can affect the real world. This transformation will blur traditional technological boundaries such that experiences will no longer be distinguished as real or virtual, and our sense for what is natural will evolve to include what we once remember as cinematic magic.
Unit Commitment with Primary Frequency Control Requirements for Low-Inertia Systems

As we move towards power systems with less inertia, frequency excursions from under-frequency contingencies become more extreme and require scheduling more spinning reserves. This paper proposes an algorithm to include inertia and Primary Frequency Control (PFC) requirements in the day-ahead Unit Commitment (UC) problem. A simplified dynamic model is proposed to get the frequency nadirs for every hour of the UC horizon. When the frequency drops too much, the algorithm increases the spinning reserve requirement and re-optimizes the UC, repeating the process until all the nadirs are above a threshold. The algorithm is tested for three renewable generation scenarios in the Chilean Northern Interconnected System (SING). Simulation results show that the algorithm offers a feasible unit commitment that makes possible integrating higher levels of renewables. The UC solution ensures PFC adequacy, as there will be more inertia and dynamically-allocated PFC resources available to avoid load shedding after a contingency.
Case study: The characterization and implementation of dielectric spectroscopy (biocapacitance) for process control in a commercial GMP CHO manufacturing process

Dielectric spectroscopy (biocapacitance) is an up-and-coming technology for real time monitoring of biomass in cell culture processes and has opened the door for next-generation cell culture process control techniques such as automated on-demand nutrient feeding. In this case study we empirically demonstrate the lower limit of quantitation (LOQ), probe-to-probe consistency, and scalability of in situ biocapacitance probes using data generated from small- and large-scale Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) bioreactor cultures. The process understanding experiments culminated in the use of biocapacitance for process control in the current good manufacturing practices (GMP) manufacturing environment, first to automate the dilution of seed train cultures during scale-up stages and later as a method of predicting future glucose demand. The automated biomass-probe-based inoculation strategy yielded consistent results in six consecutive seed trains in the GMP manufacturing suite. In the process of improving our understanding of the technology we determined that biocapacitance could additionally be used as an indicator of a shift in the salt balance of a cell culture, and that collecting real time biomass data via biocapacitance has the potential to reduce the total timeline for feed strategy development by providing additional insights into culture performance which are not otherwise apparent using conventional optical cell counting methods.
Effects of health literacy and cognitive abilities on COPD self-management behaviors: A prospective cohort study.

Abstract Introduction Low rates of adherence to self-management behaviors are common among patients with COPD. Health literacy and cognitive abilities may influence engagement in self-management behaviors. We sought to assess the association between health literacy and cognitive abilities with self-management behaviors in patients with COPD. Methods We conducted an observational cohort study among American adults with COPD in New York, New York, and Chicago, Illinois. Outcomes included adherence to COPD medication, metered dose inhaler (MDI) and dry powder inhaler (DPI) technique, receipt of vaccination, and routine healthcare appointments. Health literacy was measured with the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults. Cognitive function was assessed in terms of global, fluid (working memory, processing speed, executive function) and crystallized (verbal) ability. Results Adequate health literacy was associated with adequate adherence to COPD medications (OR 1.46; 95% CI, 1.02–2.08), correct MDI (OR 1.66; 95% CI, 1.13–2.44) and DPI (OR 2.17; 95% CI, 1.30–3.64) technique. Fluid abilities were also associated with medication behaviors and visiting a regular healthcare provider, while crystalized abilities were not. Global cognitive abilities were associated with correct inhaler technique. No other associations were found with non-medication self-management behaviors. Conclusions COPD patients with limited health literacy and deficits in fluid cognitive abilities have lower rates of adherence and poorer inhaler technique than individuals with adequate health literacy and greater fluid cognitive abilities. These findings highlight the importance of considering the health literacy level and cognitive ability when caring for and educating patients with COPD.
Global energy trends: Demands for scientific innovation

Changes in global energy trends and policies affect demands for scientific innovation. This article discusses the major emerging trends in the global energy sphere and the demands they will place on scientists for innovation in the next decade. Changes in global energy trends and policies affect demands for scientific innovation. This article discusses the major emerging trends in the global energy sphere and the demands they will place on scientists for innovation in the next decade. With growing volumes and consumption of natural gas, innovation will be necessary for wider uses of natural gas. With this greater usage, scientists will be asked to find ways to monitor and reduce methane emissions from natural gas production, transportation, and consumption. Renewable energy also has an environmental impact, and with the increase in use of renewable energy, greener forms will need to be developed. Since electricity will be the largest sector in terms of energy demand growth, improvements will be necessary in cyber security of grids, in identifying less energy-intensive technologies for mining materials necessary for the electricity infrastructure, and in developing batteries and other forms of energy storage that do not require or require less rare minerals. Scientists need to think beyond the car and develop completely new transportation systems; great improvements also need to take place in maritime transportation, which is rapidly increasing.
Lubrication of Titanium Alloys under Conditions of Bulk Plastic Deformation

Forming of titanium alloys, especially at room temperature, presents considerable difficulties due to a tendency to adhere to the tooling. The high frictional forces combined with the high yield strength and limited ductility of these materials at room temperature practically necessitates forming at elevated temperatures. There thus exists a need for developing new lubricant systems for the forming of titanium alloys at temperatures above 300F. It is well established that friction contributes not only to the forming loads but also to work-piece surface quality and to tooling deterioration. In view of these effects the authors have been most active on the development of lubricants suitable for warm forming operations over the last three years.
Essays on Nonmarket Strategy

A growing body of strategy and management literature emphasizes the importance of nonmarket strategy, not only as a stand-alone strategy but also as part of an integrated strategy in dealing with frequent regulatory change and political and regulatory actors and agencies. Nevertheless, many areas in non-market strategy remain unexplored. In particular, scant research has examined the nonmarket behaviors of foreign multinational enterprises (MNEs) in a foreign host country. Thus, here, I examine various aspects of non-market strategies of foreign MNEs in the U.S. using U.S. federal lobbying and other related datasets.
Erlang Capacity of a Voice/Data Cellular CDMA Uplink System Using Prioritized Admission Control and Adaptive Power Control

A CDMA uplink system that carries both voice and data traffic is investigated. The reservation-based admission control scheme is used to prioritize voice mobiles, and the truncated channel inversion power control scheme is used by data mobiles to improve system capacity. The performance of the system is measured by the Erlang capacity. Two methods of determining the Erlang capacity are presented. The first method decouples the analysis of blocking and outage performance, thus simplifying numerical search. The second method takes into account the impact of mobile traffic fluctuations on interference statistics, and thus yields more accurate results. Numerical results are provided that show significant differences between the two methods. Finally, the Erlang capacities of the system are compared for different power control schemes.
Developing correlation indices to identify coordinated cyber-attacks on power grids

Increasing reliance on Information and Communication Technology exposes the power grid to cyber-attacks. In particular, Coordinated Cyber-Attacks (CCAs) are considered highly threatening and difficult to defend against, because they (i) possess higher disruptiveness by integrating greater resources from multiple attack entities, and (ii) present heterogeneous traits in cyber-space and the physical grid by hitting multiple targets to achieve the attack goal. Thus, and as opposed to independent attacks, whose severity is limited by the power grid's redundancy, CCAs could inflict disastrous consequences, such as blackouts. In this study, the authors propose a method to develop Correlation Indices to defend against CCAs on static control applications. These proposed indices relate the targets of CCAs with attack goals on the power grid. Compared to related works, the proposed indices present the benefits of deployment simplicity and are capable of detecting more sophisticated attacks, such as measurement attacks. The method is demonstrated using measurement attacks against Security Constrained Economic Dispatch.
Can a Meaningful Hate Crimes Law Protect Protected Classes Without Naming Them

The archetypal hate crimes law enhances or aggravates the sentence for a crime committed with intent to harm an individual because a perceived or actual characteristic enumerated by the law. Almost all states have enacted hate crimes laws whose lists of protected characteristics include race, religion, and national origin/ethnicity. A majority of these laws include sexual orientation as a protected characteristic. A minority include gender identity. Five states have not enacted hate crimes laws. Issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity make the enactment of a hate crimes law politically challenging in these states, especially laws that list protected characteristics. This paper explores the possibility of a meaningful hate crimes law that does not contain a list of protected characteristics. For such a law to be meaningful it must contain language that is definite enough for prosecutors and courts to operationalize.
The individual welfare effects of the Affordable Care Act for previously uninsured adults

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) improved welfare by expanding, subsidizing, and standardizing healthcare coverage. At the same time, the law also penalizes the remaining uninsured and establishes a benchmark private policy that charges premiums and cost-sharing expenses in the non-group market. This paper introduces a conceptual and empirical framework for evaluating the net effects of ACA coverage expansions for the individual welfare of previously uninsured adults. Using restricted-access data from the 2010–2012 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, I evaluate the short-term welfare effect as a function of health and non-medical consumption. I simulate post-ACA insurance status then evaluate the change in expected medical consumption and the utility of consumption by estimating parameter values for a generalized gamma distribution of the ex-ante spread of healthcare and medical spending for each person. The ACA generates a modest net improvement in individual welfare on average (+ $91). While low-income individuals realize gains (+ $539), all other income-groups realize increasingly large losses. The uninsured majority (65%) realize average losses (− $158). Medicaid beneficiaries realize substantial gains (+ $1309). While in most specifications, exchange enrollees realize average gains (+ $146), just under a quarter (24%) realizes any improvement. The chronically-ill realize substantial gains (+ $1065). The non-chronically-ill majority (71%) realize average losses (− $312). Despite weakly lower risk premiums (− $28), medical spending increases in catastrophic scenarios on average. The ACA improves the welfare of some, especially the low-income and chronically-ill. Medicaid generates unequivocal gains for beneficiaries. Most previously uninsured adults remain uninsured, some of whom pay a penalty. The subsidized cost of ACA private insurance outweighs its benefits for most exchange enrollees.
Ipsilateral Talus and Calcaneus Fractures

Ipsilateral talus and calcaneus fractures are rare injuries typically resulting from a high-energy mechanism. They are often seen in combination with severe soft tissue injury and other skeletal injuries in the same limb. Surgical management is dictated by the condition of the soft tissues and fracture patterns. The indications for operative treatment of combined injuries are based on the indications for each fracture in isolation, and similarly, the surgical strategy is based on each fracture in isolation. Careful planning for incision location is important to avoid narrow skin bridges and acute angles. Given the typical severity of these injuries, staged management with external fixation, followed by delayed definitive fixation, is common. While there is limited literature available reporting outcomes after treatment of these injuries, the typical prognosis is highly guarded. Subtalar arthrosis is not an uncommon sequela and many who develop post-traumatic arthritis will require secondary surgical procedures.
The Last Day Narratives: An Exploration of the End of Life for Patients with Cancer from a Caregivers' Perspective

Background: Surviving family caregivers describe the end-of-life experience as "very distressing" and half of those surveyed indicate inadequate emotional support; however, little is known about the causes of distress on the last day of life. Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of the last day of life from the perspective of the surviving caregiver. Design: The study used a narrative inquiry approach. Setting/Subject: Surviving caregivers of deceased adult cancer patients at a single institution were invited to participate. Measurements: After reviewing, coding, and categorizing the narratives individually, they were collectively considered and thematically analyzed across all cases to provide a summative analysis. Results: Six themes captured the overall experiences: (1) relationships and communication with health care providers impact overall experience, (2) being able to prepare for death was a source of comfort, (3) being a caregiver impacts quality of life and identity, (4) spiritual visitations as a welcome experience, (5) navigating the dying days and early grief period wrought with guilt and closure, and (6) loss of community contributes to distress and distracts from healing. Conclusions: In this study, distress was most often linked to communication failures. Caregivers also experienced distress and guilt related to the loss of their caregiver role. Findings also support a need for increased preparation for caregivers. Finally, the study showed the frequency of visitations/spiritual experiences during grieving.
Insomnia: Evaluation and Therapeutic Modalities

This chapter provides an overview and clinical guide for the assessment and treatment of insomnia in women. Emphasis is given to evaluating sleep disturbances related to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and postpartum period. In addition, considerations for working with transgender individuals and sexual minorities are discussed. Non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment options are reviewed with attention given to modifications, dosing, and timing that are particularly relevant to women’s health.
Development of a Needs Assessment Tool to Promote Capacity Building in Hand Surgery Outreach Trips: A Methodological Triangulation Approach

Purpose The surgical burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) is immense. Despite the increase in resources invested in surgical outreach trips to LMIC, there is no consistent process for understanding the needs of the site and for preparing the necessary resources to deliver care. Given the importance and lack of a comprehensive and standardized needs assessment tool, we aimed to create a tool that assesses the needs and capacity of a site to inform site selection and expectations and improve quality of care. Methods We used methodological triangulation, a technique that incorporates multiple and different types of data collection methods to study a phenomenon. We used 2 standardized World Health Organization (WHO) tools to develop a hand surgery–specific needs assessment tool. We then identified missing items and made refinements as a result of field testing at 2 facilities and qualitative analysis of semistructured interviews of hand surgeons with international outreach experience. Interviews were coded and analyzed using conductive content analysis. Key concepts explored included domains and subdomains pertaining to essential considerations prior to a hand surgery outreach trip. Results Current generic needs assessment tools do not capture all necessary domains and subdomains for a hand surgery outreach trip. The WHO tools provide a framework for reference and foundation; field testing and qualitative interviews identified hand surgery–specific items. We developed a tool that includes 7 domains: (1) human resources; (2) physical resources; (3) procedures; (4) cultural and language barriers; (5) safety, quality, and access; (6) regulation and cost; and (7) knowledge transfer and teaching and associated subdomains relevant to hand surgery. Conclusions A hand surgery–specific standardized needs assessment tool may ensure appropriate resources and personnel are deployed for outreach trips to improve site selection, expectation setting, and quality of care. Clinical relevance A needs assessment tool is a standardized, comprehensive tool to assess the needs and capacity of a new site prior to hand surgery outreach trips to improve site selection, expectation setting, and delivery of high-quality, safe, and effective care in LMIC.
Enrichment Benefits of Risk Algorithms for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Clinical Trials.

Rationale: Event-driven primary endpoints are increasingly used in pulmonary arterial hypertension clinical trials, substantially increasing required sample sizes and trial lengths. The U.S. Food a...