cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determination of cholesterol in dairy products using infrared techniques: 1. FTIR spectroscopy

A Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic method is described to estimate cholesterol after a single step extraction instead of the conventional colorimetric method. FTIR spectrum of pure cholesterol was characterized and the region between 2800 and 3200 cm -1 was used for quantitative estimation. Partial least square (PLS) and principal component regression (PCR) analysis were used for quantitative analysis. FTIR spectroscopy with chemometrics could predict the cholesterol content accurate to an r 2 greater than 0.99 and a standard error of prediction (SEP) of less than 0.98. The developed model was successfully applied to predict cholesterol in commercial dairy products and validated with standard method and recovery studies. Results indicate that FTIR spectroscopy can determine the cholesterol content in dairy products in approximately 5 min.
Maximum a Posteriori (MAP)-Based Algorithm For Distributed Source Localization Using Quantized Acoustic Sensor Readings

In this paper, we propose a distributed source localization algorithm based on the Maximum A Posteriori (MAP) criterion, where the observations generated by each of the distributed sensors are quantized before being transmitted to a fusion node for localization. If the source signal energy is known, each quantized sensor reading corresponds to a region in which the source can be located. Aggregating the information obtained from multiple sensors corresponds to generating intersections between the regions. In our previous work we developed quantizer design techniques aimed at optimizing localization accuracy for a given aggregate rate. In this paper we develop localization algorithms based on estimating the likelihood of each of the intersection regions. This likelihood can incorporate uncertainty about the source signal energy as well as measurement noise. We show that the computational complexity of the algorithm can be significantly reduced by taking into account the correlation of the received quantized data. We also propose a technique, based on a weighted average of estimators, to address the case when the signal energy is unknown. Our simulation results show that our localization algorithm achieves good performance with reasonable complexity as compared with Minimum Mean Square Error (MMSE) estimation.
Collective choice of a higher-protein food source by gregarious caterpillars occurs through differences in exploration

Amplification, whereby an individual’s probability of exhibiting a particular behavior increases with the number of conspecifics already performing this behavior, enhances the accuracy and speed of collective decision-making by gregarious animals. However, too strong amplification can lead to the potentially suboptimal selection of the first patch encountered. In eusocial insects (e.g., ants, bees), active recruitment and differential signaling provide a mechanism to avoid this type of collective trap. We use the nomadic gregarious caterpillar Malacosoma disstria to test whether the higher quality of two food sources can be consistently selected in the absence of this type of mechanism. We show that, in this species, neither active recruitment nor differential signaling occur, but that collective choice of the higher quality of two food sources is instead made through differences in exploration. These caterpillars lack flexibility in trail laying, but a reduction in trail following behavior enables them to abandon a poor food source and initiate exploration, forming new trails that are followed by the group. The propensity to leave marked territory and initiate exploration varies with food quality, and increases with decreasing protein content in the food. Indeed, although previous work showed that caterpillar groups can become trapped on a poor-quality protein-only food, we show that they abandon a similarly poor-quality low-protein food and relocate to a more nutritionally appropriate one. This is consistent with previous work showing that protein deprivation increases exploratory behavior in individual caterpillars and suggests that food quality can influence collective foraging in ways more complex than a simple distinction between high and low quality sources. Furthermore, the latency to initiate exploration also decreases with increasing group size, as the probability that a single individual initiates exploration increases. Contrary to previously studied species, amplification is not modulated according to source quality in this species; instead it is through effects on exploration that food protein content and caterpillar group size influence collective decision-making. Key W ords: aggregation, collective decisions, differential signaling, group foraging, recruitment. [Behav Ecol]
Chemokines in Trafficking of Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells and Hematopoiesis

Chemokines regulate the process of hematopoiesis by controlling trafficking, proliferation/survival, and differentiation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Unique expression of the chemokine receptor CXCR4 in combination with adhesion molecules [very late antigen (VLA)-4, lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), and VLA-5] on early hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells makes their homing to bone marrow and seeding the stem cell niche possible. In bone marrow, the CXCL12-CXCR4 chemokine axis promotes the survival and retention of hematopoietic stem and early progenitor cells. In certain conditions, hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells are released from bone marrow to the blood circulation, a process called mobilization. Many agents that mobilize marrow progenitor cells induce or activate certain proteases of neutrophils. This leads to degradation of CXCL12 and, therefore, weakens the chemotactic activity of bone marrow. Whereas CXCL12 plays a positive role in survival and proliferation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, many other chemokines suppress these processes. During their differentiation into mature cells, hematopoietic progenitor cells upregulate cell lineage-specific chemokine receptors to migrate to appropriate tissue sites. This cell type-specific switch in chemokine receptors and adhesion molecules is important for tissue-specific migration of hematopoietic cells, a process important for their differentiation or effector function in the periphery.
Individuals’ Attitudes Toward Public Transit in a Rural Transit District

During a period of high gasoline prices and in the absence of alternative means of transportation, commuters in rural areas in the United States are incurring higher transportation costs than their urban counterparts. Due to an inadequate investigation of rural commuters’ preferences, this exploratory research is an attempt to understand whether individuals would be willing to use public transit if it were to be provided and what the factors are that influence their decision. Analysis of survey data suggests commuters’ preference for public transit service in a rural transit district, and its sustenance requires a focus on those service attributes that individuals value most.
Interactions between Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation, Combined-N Application, and Photosynthesis in Pisum sativum

The efTect of photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) on nitrogen utilization was determined in peas (Pisum sativum L. cv. Alaska) inoculated with Rhizobium leguminosarum and treated with nutrient solutions containing no combined nitrogen, 16 mM NOj", or 16 mM NH/ . Plants were grown under controlled conditions at three PPFD values ranging from severely limiting to nearly saturating. Carboxylation efficiencies and COj-exchange rates were highest in the Nj-fixing plants and lowest in plants supplied with NH^+, and they generally increased with increasing PPFD. Photoefficiencies increased with PPFD but did not differ appreciably with the form of nitrogen applied. Nitrogen fixation, calculated from C^Hj-reduction and Hj-evolution data, was inhibited more by NH / than by NO,^ application. Inhibition was counteracted by increasing PPFD. Percentage nitrogen decreased with increasing PPFD in plants treated with combined nitrogen and increased in the plants dependent on N-, fixation.
An open framework for federating integrated management model of distributed it environment

Heterogeneity has been the curse of the IT industry and systems management is no exception. As organizations are expanding their global business, and new technology and platforms are being introduced, the complexity of systems management is increasing rapidly due to heterogeneity and getting unified view of IT environments is becoming more difficult. To simplify and expedite information integration, this paper brings best practices of model-driven system and information integration to the problems of information integration in systems management. Specifically, we present an open framework for describing meta-model of a new component in isolation using UML and relating it with meta-models of other components through semantic relationships. The resulting integrated meta-model together with querying mechanisms for various sources can federate automatically and on-demand, integrated model of IT environment without relying on a central database repository.
Pharmacologic study of norcaperatic and agaricic acids

In rats norcaperatic acid produced delayed onset, dose-related effects of mydriasis, skeletal muscle weakness, and central nervous system depression similar to those induced by its homolog, agaricic acid. Agaricic acid was a nonspecific potentiator of furtrethonium in isolated rat jejunum. Both acids produced a slow onset of leiomyotonic effects on isolated guinea pig ileum. This effect could be blocked by papaverine but was not affected by high concentrations of atropine, pyribenzamine, or by a depolarized muscle. Tonic activity could also be produced in a K+ deficient muscle. Both norcaperatic acid and agaricic acid were competitive inhibitors of the enzyme aconitase with norcaperatic acid being slightly more potent. The potentially toxic properties of Cantharellus floccosus due to the presence of norcaperatic acid may be related to the structural chemical relationships of this substance to citric acid.
AnatOnMe: facilitating doctor-patient communication using a projection-based handheld device

In this paper, we explore the use of a projection-based handheld device to facilitate in-clinic doctor-patient communication. We present the user-centered design process used to understand the workflow of medical professionals and to identify challenges they currently face in communicating information to patients. Based on the lessons learned, we developed AnatOnMe, a prototype projection-based hand-held system for enhancing information exchange in the current practice of one medical sub-specialty, physical therapy. We then present the results of a controlled experiment to understand the desirability and learning tradeoffs of using AnatOnMe to teach medical concepts on three potential projection surfaces - wall, model, and patient body. Finally, we present results of two expert reviews of the system.
SMT layout overhead and scalability

Simultaneous Multi-Threading (SMT) is a hardware technique that increases processor throughput by issuing instructions simultaneously from multiple threads. However, while SMT can be added to an existing microarchitecture with relatively low overhead, this additional chip area could be used for other resources such as more functional units, larger caches, or better branch predictors. How large is the SMT overhead and at what point does SMT no longer pay off for maximum throughput compared to adding other architecture features? This paper evaluates the silicon overhead of SMT by performing a transistor/interconnect-level analysis of the layout. We discuss microarchitecture issues that impact SMT implementations and show how the Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) and microarchitecture can have a large effect on the SMT overhead and performance. Results show that SMT yields large performance gains with small to moderate area overhead.
Simulations of Gas-Gas Mixing Layers with a Lattice Boltzmann Binary Fluid Model

Gas–gas mixing layers are important in many practical applications including transport of pollutants in smoke plumes and air–fuel mixing in combustion. In this paper, mixing layers are studied by conducting direct numerical simulations using a lattice Boltzmann model for binary fluids. The binary fluid model can simulate gases with different molecular weights. In this work, nitrogen–helium and nitrogen–nitrogen mixing layers are studied with different velocities. The computed results are compared with published experimental results and there is agreement between them within 7% for most cases.
Biological response of chondrocytes cultured in three-dimensional nanofibrous poly(epsilon-caprolactone) scaffolds.

Nanofibrous materials, by virtue of their morphological similarities to natural extracellular matrix, have been considered as candidate scaffolds for cell delivery in tissue-engineering applications. In this study, we have evaluated a novel, three-dimensional, nanofibrous poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffold composed of electrospun nanofibers for its ability to maintain chondrocytes in a mature functional state. Fetal bovine chondrocytes (FBCs), maintained in vitro between passages 2 to 6, were seeded onto three-dimensional biodegradable PCL nanofibrous scaffolds or as monolayers on standard tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) as a control substrate. Gene expression analysis by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction showed that chondrocytes seeded on the nanofibrous scaffold and maintained in serum-free medium supplemented with ITS+, ascorbate, and dexamethasone continuously maintained their chondrocytic phenotype by expressing cartilage-specific extracellular matrix genes, including collagen types II and IX, aggrecan, and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein. Specifically, expression of the collagen type IIB splice variant transcript, which is indicative of the mature chondrocyte phenotype, was up-regulated. FBCs exhibited either a spindle or round shape on the nanofibrous scaffolds, in contrast to a flat, well-spread morphology seen in monolayer cultures on TCPS. Organized actin stress fibers were only observed in the cytoplasm of cells cultured on TCPS. Histologically, nanofibrous cultures maintained in the supplemented serum-free medium produced more sulfated proteoglycan-rich, cartilaginous matrix than monolayer cultures. In addition to promoting phenotypic differentiation, the nanofibrous scaffold also supported cellular proliferation as evidenced by a 21-fold increase in cell growth over 21 days when the cultures were maintained in serum-containing medium. These results indicate that the biological activities of FBCs are crucially dependent on the architecture of the extracellular scaffolds as well as the composition of the culture medium, and that nanofibrous PCL acts as a biologically preferred scaffold/substrate for proliferation and maintenance of the chondrocytic phenotype. We propose that the PCL nanofibrous structure may be a suitable candidate scaffold for cartilage tissue engineering.
Adaptive Interval Model Control of Arc Welding Process

The welding process is typically uncertain and its dynamics may vary with welding conditions. To control this process, robust algorithms such as the interval model control proposed by Zhang and Kovacevic (1997) are needed. To improve the response speed and system performance, the authors developed an adaptive interval model control system for keyhole plasma arc welding process in this study. The developed system identifies the process parameters online, converts the identification results to the intervals in Zhang and Kovacevic's algorithm (Zhang and Kovacevic 1997), and uses a prefilter to eliminate the effect of the keyhole process' fluctuation on the control system. Experiments comparing the adaptive interval model control system with its nonadaptive counterpart have been conducted to verify the effectiveness of the former in achieving fast response speed when the manufacturing conditions or the set-point vary
Congenital vulvar deformity in 6 alpacas

Case Description—6 female alpacas, ranging in age from 2 years, were examined because of primary owner complaints related to urogenital malformation. Clinical Findings—In all instances, the vulva was totally to subtotally imperforate. One neonate had failure of passive transfer of immunity and mild azotemia at the time of initial examination. No additional urogenital malformations were detected in any of the alpacas. Treatment and Outcome—Vulvoplasty performed via local anesthesia was successful in all alpacas. The neonate with failure of passive transfer received a plasma transfusion. Postsurgical wound management was limited to topically applied medications. Clinical Relevance—Congenital vulvar deformity in alpacas may result in interference with urine outflow. Neonates with a completely imperforate vulva may be brought to veterinarians for examination on an emergency basis. Less severely affected alpacas may be examined later in life with owner complaints ranging from stranguria or dysuria...
Tumors of the Prostate

Carcinoma of the prostate (PCa) is the most common non-cutaneous malignancy in males. Needle biopsy, via transrectal or transperineal approach, is performed to establish the diagnosis of PCa. Grading of PCa has major clinical implications for planning the treatment and formulating the prognosis [1, 2].
Cardiovascular complications of anorexia nervosa: A systematic review

Objective Anorexia nervosa portends the highest mortality among psychiatric diseases, despite primarily being a disease of adolescents and younger adults. Although some of this mortality risk is attributable to suicide, many deaths are likely cardiovascular in etiology. Recent studies suggest that adverse myocardial structural changes occur in this condition, which could underlie the increased mortality. Given limited prevalence of severe anorexia there is a paucity of clinical and autopsy data to discern an exact cause of death. Methods Given this background we conducted a systematic review of the medical literature to provide a contemporary summary of the pathobiologic sequelae of severe anorexia nervosa on the cardiovascular system. We sought to elucidate the impact of anorexia nervosa in four cardiovascular domains: structural, repolarization/conduction, hemodynamic, and peripheral vascular. Results A number of cardiac abnormalities associated with anorexia nervosa have been described in the literature, including pericardial and valvular pathology, changes in left ventricular mass and function, conduction abnormalities, bradycardia, hypotension, and dysregulation in peripheral vascular contractility. Despite the prevalent theory that malignant arrhythmias are implicated as a cause of sudden death in this disorder, data to support this causal relationship are lacking. Discussion It is reasonable to obtain routine electrocardiography and measurements of orthostatic vital signs in patients presenting with anorexia nervosa. Echocardiography is generally not indicated unless prompted by clinical signs of disease. Admission to an inpatient unit with telemetry monitoring is recommended for patients with severe sinus bradycardia or junction rhythm, marked prolongation of the corrected QT interval, or syncope.
Differences between Non-Profits and For-Profits in the Hospice Industry: Patient Selection and Quality

This research compares the behavior of non-profit organizations and private for-profit firms under strong incentives from a government program. Specifically, I study the hospice industry, where there are financial incentives created by the Medicare benefit. After controlling for a number of relevant factors, the results suggest that for-profit hospices differentially take advantage of these incentives. I find evidence of patient selection via referral networks, differences in staff mix, and lower levels of quality in for-profit hospices.
The splicing regulator PTBP1 controls the activity of the transcription factor Pbx1 during neuronal differentiation

The RNA-binding proteins PTBP1 and PTBP2 control programs of alternative splicing during neuronal development. PTBP2 was found to maintain embryonic splicing patterns of many synaptic and cytoskeletal proteins during differentiation of neuronal progenitor cells (NPCs) into early neurons. However, the role of the earlier PTBP1 program in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and NPCs was not clear. We show that PTBP1 controls a program of neuronal gene expression that includes the transcription factor Pbx1. We identify exons specifically regulated by PTBP1 and not PTBP2 as mouse ESCs differentiate into NPCs. We find that PTBP1 represses Pbx1 exon 7 and the expression of the neuronal Pbx1a isoform in ESCs. Using CRISPR-Cas9 to delete regulatory elements for exon 7, we induce Pbx1a expression in ESCs, finding that this activates transcription of neuronal genes. Thus, PTBP1 controls the activity of Pbx1 to suppress its neuronal transcriptional program prior to induction of NPC development.
The Ancient Messenians: Delimiting the Messenians

In more senses than one, ethnicity is about borders. Land, understood as the ancestral property of the ethnic group or as its divinely sanctioned share that has to be won back, is a decisive factor of ethnic self-consciousness. Therefore the border, ideally understood as the specific place where the territory of one ethnic group ends and that of another ethnic group begins, and in reality most often an ambiguous zone of shifting allegiances, is a privileged point from which to observe and analyze the emergence, development, and reaffirmation of ethnicity. Marking and patrolling the border is a vital symbolic function for any ethnic group, while the inherent instability of the border is an endless creator of ethnic renegotiation. However, the importance of borders and boundaries for the definition of ethnic communities goes beyond their territorial dimension. Ever since the pathbreaking studies of Fredrik Barth it has been clear that ethnic boundaries should not be understood simply as imaginary lines that delimit a territory. On a deeper level, they are complex systems of norms and expectations that make it possible to identify the people who belong to the ethnic community and to exclude those who do not. In Barth's view, the boundaries themselves are what really defines the group, more than any characteristics that may be associated with its members.
Reactivity Studies of (tBu3SiNH)(tBu3SiN═)2WH Including Anionic Derivatives Featuring the Tris-tri-tert-butylsilylimide Tungsten Core

Treatment of (tBu3SiNH)(tBu3SiN═)2WH (1-H) with CX4 (X = Cl, Br, I) afforded (tBu3SiNH)(tBu3SiN═)2WX (1-X, X = Cl, Br, I), but metatheses of 1-X with R– equivalents gave mixed results. With MeLi, (tBu3SiNH)(tBu3SiN═)2WR (1-R, R = CH3) was produced, but ArLi gave 1-Ar along with [(tBu3SiN═)3WAr]Li (2-Li-Ar) and [(tBu3SiN═)3WH]M (2-M-H, M = Li). Alkylation attempts with BnK and 1-X cause deprotonation (X = Cl) to provide [(tBu3SiN═)3WX]M (2-M-X, M = K, X = Cl) and apparent electron transfer when X = I to give 1-Bn, 2-K-H, and bibenzyl. Two equivalents of tBuLi and 1-Cl afforded 2-Li-H via deprotonation of 1-H and byproducts likely derived from electron transfer. Exposure of 1-H to C2H4, C3H6, methylenecyclopentane, butadiene, propyne, HCCtBu, p-tolunitrile, and tert-butylisocyanide gave insertion products 1-R (R = Et, nPr, CH2cPe, E-CH2CH═CHMe, CH═CHMe, CH═CHtBu), 1-N═CHtol, and 1-CH═NtBu, respectively. Thermolysis of 1-CH═NtBu gave the cyanide complex 1-CN. 1-H and 1-Me resisted dihydrogen and methane elim...
A Future Not So Golden: Liberalization, Mechanization and Conflict in Arni’s Gold Ornaments Cluster

This chapter contributes to theories of clustered development by developing an empirical study out of a critique of the literature on industrial clusters. The character of spatial clusters depends on the social characteristics of commodities as well as technologies and flexibly specialized firms. The much-vaunted agglomeration economies are found to need to be qualified by theorizing clusters as riven with conflicts and contradictions. Collective action is framed as representing material interests within the cluster rather than the cluster itself as a homogeneous entity. Stanley uses field research from 2002 on a commonly found (rather than specialized) cluster—that of gold ornaments—whose structure and development are used to challenge the orthodoxies of clusters theory. The impact of two dramatic recent developments in policy—the deregulation of gold and its mechanization—is traced, together with the regulation of rising quality standards and hallmarking. Rather than emerging from minimal state intervention as assumed in the literature, the gold cluster is seen to be shaped indirectly by a set of state policies on regulation and technology whose ambivalent effects are analysed here.
Research Progress in 122-type Iron-based Superconducting Wires and Tapes

The physical properties and advantages of 122-type iron-based superconductors are introduced briefly.Research progress in 122-type iron-based superconducting wires and tapes are reviewed detailedly,such as fabrication method and factors in fluencing the critical current density.Based on that summary,the future development of122-type iron-based superconducting wires and tapes is prospected.
ISDN Elements and Architecture

In retrospect, integrated services digital network (ISDN) was initiated in November 1986. The ISDN trials started in earnest in 1987. By late 1988, US WEST, one of the Regional Bell Operating Companies (RBOCs), was offering basic and primary rate ISDN services on an individual trial basis. Basic rate (2B+D) services and bearer channel transparency were demonstrated during the 1990 international ISDN trials between the United States and Japan. By the end of 1992, US WEST had about 1,500 basic rate ISDN (BRISDN) and 70 primary rate ISDN (PRISDN) customers. During late 1992, an effort to establish nationwide ISDN (sometimes referred to as ISDN-1) was in place, which had the ability to interconnect the major ISDN switches distributed around the United States and Canada. The national ISDN-2 and ISDN-3 networks offered solutions to address services for telecommuting, videoconferencing, multipoint screen-sharing applications, image communications, customer call handling, ISDN workstations, ISDN access to LANs, highspeed file exchange, document storage retrieval, transparency between ISDN and private branch exchange (PBX) applications, frame relay support, and centralized ISDN-based FAX facilities. It is expected that the ISDN-3 services (listed above) will become a reality by the late 1990s.
Steroid Use in Rhinoplasty: An Objective Assessment of Postoperative Edema:

The objective of this study was to measure the effect of a single, preoperative 10 mg dose of dexamethasone on postoperative edema associated with rhinoplasty. This was a randomized, double-blind prospective study conducted in a military academic tertiary referral center. Twenty men, aged 18 to 45 years, were enrolled in the study over 28 months. All 20 men underwent rhinoplasty with osteotomy. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging scans were obtained on the morning of surgery and postoperative scans were obtained within 48 hours. Postoperative edema was quantified as the difference in soft tissue thickness (mm) between the pre- and postoperative scans. Contrary to our expectations, the rhinoplasty patients who received dexamethasone had increased postoperative edema (p < 0.02) when compared to patients not receiving dexamethasone. This is the first objective, double-blind study that shows an increase in postoperative edema after rhinoplasty with a single preoperative dose of dexamethasone.
Naturezas verdadeiras e imutáveis

Abstract The author's purpose in this paper is to examine the issue concerning the Cartesian notion of true and immutable natures as it appears in the Fifth Meditation and in the First Replies, and to examine as well related important Cartesian notions such as those of innate ideas and factitious ideas. This analysis starts with a brief review of the main points of the author's original treatment. It goes on to sketch and respond to the most directly opposed portions of the analysis of the issue made by Walter Edelberg, with some reference to its discussion by Willis Doney. The author's main concern is not to "refute" this interpretative position, but rather to bring into question certain elements of it, as she claims to be inclined to think that there are too many problems with this treatment for it to be accepted as a clarification of Descartes' position.
Multimodal Photodiode and Phototransistor Device Based on Two-Dimensional Materials.

With strong light–matter interaction in their atomically thin layered structures, two-dimensional (2D) materials have been widely investigated for optoelectronic applications such as photodetectors and photovoltaic devices. Depending on the aim of optoelectronic applications, different device structures have been employed. Lateral phototransistor structures have been employed for high optical gain, while vertical photodiode structures have been employed for fast response and low power operation. Herein, we demonstrate a multimodal photodetector platform based on 2D materials, combining both a phototransistor and a photodiode and taking the corresponding desirable characteristics from each structure within a single device. In this platform, a multilayered transition-metal dichalcogenide flake is transferred on top of metal electrodes, and a transparent gate electrode is employed. The channel region of the flake between electrodes operates as a phototransistor providing a high gain mode, while the electrode...
Identifying research priorities to advance climate services

Abstract Climate services involve the timely production, translation, and delivery of useful climate data, information, and knowledge for societal decision-making. They rely on a range of expertise and are underpinned by research in climate and related sciences, sectoral applications (e.g., agriculture, water, health, energy, disasters), and a number of social science fields, including political science, sociology, anthropology, and economics. Feedback and engagement between these research communities and the communities involved in developing and/or using climate services is thus critical, ensuring that climate services are built on the best available science and providing researchers with guidance regarding priority challenges in the development of climate services that should warrant their attention. This paper reports the results of an international survey to gauge community perspective on research priorities for climate services, highlighting several areas in which respondents agree on the need for future work. The survey results indicate an overarching interest in research that can better connect climate information to users, particularly around the communication of climate information, the mapping of climate information needs, and the evaluation and prioritization of capacity building efforts. They also reveal significant interest in climate research to advance the skill of forecasts at subseasonal-to-seasonal scales – considered more broadly useful to decision makers than information at the end-of-century timescale – and to identify the drivers of extreme events. To support climate-related research, survey respondents underscore the need to continually develop and maintain the observational network. In analyzing these results, the paper offers guidance to researchers and to other members of the climate services community that may find these priorities useful in directing their own work to address the challenges posed by climate variability and change.
Exercise improves hypothalamic function induced by high-fat diet

High-fat Diet (HFD) induced obesity is known as a model of mostly closed to human obesity condition. DIO not only induces peripheral insulin resistance, and glucose intolerance but also impairs central leptin and insulin signaling pathways. Exercise training reduces adiposity by mainly increased energy expenditure, however, the underlying mechanism associated with central nervous system remains largely unknown. This article highlights the recent publication by Laing et al, who first demonstrated that voluntary exercise enhanced POMC-expressing neuron survival rate in the hypothalamus of mice by protecting from apoptosis induced by long-term HFD induced obesity, improved central leptin sensitivity, and systemic insulin sensitivity, shed a light on the central mechanism of exercise improves metabolic function.
The Relationship Between Audiovisual Binding Tendencies and Prodromal Features of Schizophrenia in the General Population

Current theoretical accounts of schizophrenia have considered the disorder within the framework of hierarchical Bayesian inference, positing that symptoms arise from a deficit in the brain’s capacity to combine incoming sensory information with preexisting priors. Here, we present the first investigation to examine the relationship between priors governing multisensory perception and subclinical, prodromal features of schizophrenia in the general population. We tested participants in two complementary tasks (one spatial, one temporal) and employed a Bayesian model to estimate both the precision of unisensory encoding and the prior tendency to integrate audiovisual signals (i.e., the “binding tendency”). Results revealed that lower binding tendency scores in the spatial task were associated with higher numbers of self-reported prodromal features. These results indicate decreased binding of audiovisual spatial information may be moderately related to the frequency of prodromal characteristics in the general...
Use of ceramic pot filter (CPF) technology under pressure in an in-line pumping system

Ceramic pot filters (CPFs) are an effective point of use water treatment device in developing nations due to their low cost and effectiveness. CPFs are gravity fed, typically making water production a major limiting factor to a CPF9s lifetime and acceptability. Directly connecting CPFs to in-line pumping systems or systems with an elevated storage tank would allow filter usage for constant water treatment at increased pressures, increasing the quantity of treated water. Ceramic disks were manufactured for testing in a specially designed housing apparatus. Filters of varying thicknesses and clay to sawdust mass ratios were manufactured to fit tightly. Flowrate and microbiological removal efficacy (logarithmic reduction value (LRV)) were determined over the testing period at various pressures. Flowrate values ranged from 2.44 to 9.04 liters per hour, significantly higher than traditional CPF technology. LRVs ranged from 1.1 to 2.0, lower than traditional CPF technology but still effective at removing most E. Coli and total coliform bacteria. Filters proved effective at removing total and fecal coliforms at pressures less than 70 kilopascals. The optimum filter had a thickness of 3.2 centimetres and clay to sawdust ratio of 6:1 by mass. Filters proved to be ineffective if flowrates were above 5 litres/hour.
BARRIERS TO ADOPTION OF NOVEL ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES: CONTAMINATED SEDIMENTS

New technologies face high barriers to adoption compared to existing technologies for several reasons including a perceived sense of increased risk, a lack of experience with the new technologies among managers and/or regulators, or simply the fact that decision makers are not aware of the availability of the technology. Environmental technologies, however, may be especially difficult to move from innovation to commercialization. Partly this may be because environmental resources exist largely in the public domain where private industry may be unable to fully capture the economic benefits of novel technologies. But also, it may be because environmental projects often involve multiple stakeholder groups with competing or mutually exclusive interests. No single technology is likely to emerge which is perceived by all stakeholders as superior to all competing alternatives on all decision criteria. Therefore, novel technologies are likely to involve tradeoffs that engender both support and objections. This chapter provides a review of some of the difficulties in implementing novel contaminated sediments technologies in the marketplace. Brief descriptions of several technologies are provided, and the contrasting objectives and perspectives of different groups essential to environmental innovation are discussed.
Uncomplicated Late-Onset Group B Streptococcal Bacteremia: Can We Do Less Than 10 Days IV?

* Abbreviations: GBS — : group B streptococcal IV — : intravenous LO-GBS — : late-onset group B streptococcal Late-onset group B streptococcal (LO-GBS) bacteremia remains a common serious infection in early infancy. It can be associated with meningitis, osteomyelitis, or other focal sites of infection but often occurs as uncomplicated bloodstream infection. Current authoritative sources recommend 10 days of intravenous (IV) antimicrobial therapy for uncomplicated LO-GBS bacteremia.1,2 In this issue of Pediatrics , Coon et al3 report an observational, comparative effectiveness study that revealed no difference in group B streptococcus (GBS) recurrence risk in young infants treated with shortened IV courses (≤8 days of IV therapy) versus prolonged courses (>8 days) for uncomplicated bacteremia. We know that 10 days IV works well for this infection and is effective and safe, right? So, why wrestle with questions about duration of therapy? With a growing literature on potential impacts of antimicrobial therapy on the infant microbiome that may matter later in life, risks of antimicrobial resistance, risks associated with hospitalization in general, financial and social burdens of hospitalizations on families, and well-described IV catheter-associated risks during home IV therapy, addressing this question is reasonable. A place to start is, “How did we come to recommendations of 10 days of IV therapy for this entity?” In his 1990 review of recommended durations of antimicrobial therapy for bacterial meningitis in children, Radetsky4 stated, “…the standards for … Address correspondence to Charles R. Woods, MD, MS, Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee College of Medicine–Chattanooga, Children's Hospital at Erlanger, 910 Blackford St, Chattanooga, TN 37403. E-mail: charles.woods{at}erlanger.org
Risks to Privacy With Use of Social Media: Understanding the Views of Social Media Users With Serious Mental Illness

Objective:Social media may afford new opportunities to enhance mental health services; however, privacy risks have received less attention. This study explored privacy risks of using social media f...
Conclusion: Well That Was Stupid

The authors open their volume Theorizing Stupid Media with a brief discussion of Zack Snyder’s 2011 film Sucker Punch, and they elect to book-end the volume by returning to it. As a concluding exercise, the authors explore the different ways in which Snyder’s film might be considered stupid. Sucker Punch is unapologetic in its staging of spectacles: adapting the Hollywood vernacular, as well as the gleeful exhibition of fetishistic imagery. Sucker Punch also draws on a menagerie of different genres (or forms): the music video, chambara/samurai movie, war movie, fantasy film, western heist movie set in a science fiction world. It is unclear about whose story is being told, and this introduces an element of narrative dissonance. All told Sucker Punch is exemplarily stupid.
Maternal object naming is less adapted to preterm infants’ than to term infants’ word mapping

Background Term infants learn word-object relations in their first year during multisensory interactions with caregivers. Although preterm infants often experience language delays, little is known about how caregivers contribute to their early word-object learning. The present longitudinal study compared maternal naming and word learning in these infant groups. Methods Forty moderately preterm and 40 term infants participated at 6-9 and 12 months with their mothers. At each visit, mothers named two novel objects during play, and infants' learning was assessed using dynamic displays of the familiar and novel (mismatched) word-object relations. Infants' general cognitive, language, and motoric abilities were evaluated. Maternal multisensory naming was coded for synchrony between the target words and object motions and other naming styles. Results During play, although overall maternal naming-style was similar across infant groups within visits, naming frequency increased to term but not preterm infants, from visit 1 to 2. On the test at visit 1, although the term infants' looked equally to novel and familiar word-object relations, their looking to the novel relations correlated positively with maternal synchrony use but inversely with naming frequency. At visit 2, term infants looked longer to the novel relations. In contrast, preterm infants showed no looking preference at either visit. Neither was their word-object learning correlated with maternal naming. Their cognition, language, and motor scores were attenuated when compared to term infants on the Bayley-III but not their MCDI vocabulary. Conclusions Less adaptive maternal naming and delayed word mapping in moderately preterm infants underscore a critical need for multisensory language intervention prior to first-word onset to alleviate its cascading effects on later language.
A comparison of alternative vehicle fueling infrastructure scenarios

Abstract The evolution of alternative vehicles is leading to an evolution in fuel, from electricity to hydrogen, and the associated fueling infrastructure. Using California as an example and a variety of tools (e.g., vehicle and electric grid simulation, travel surveys, census data, and GIS analyses), fueling supply chain and dispensing scenarios are evaluated and compared for conventional internal combustion vehicles (ICVs), vehicles bridging from conventional to alternative vehicles such as hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and alternative vehicles including battery electric vehicles (BEVs), fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), and plug-in fuel cell electric vehicles (PFCEVs). When assessed for a 2050 timeframe, PFCEVs require less electric infrastructure compared to BEVs, and less hydrogen infrastructure compared to FCEVs. In addition, until 100% zero-emission fuel supply chains are achieved, PFCEVs reduce GHG and CAP emissions to a greater extent than BEVs and FCEVs.
Surface Deformation Related to the 2019 Mw 7.1 and 6.4 Ridgecrest Earthquakes in California from GPS, SAR Interferometry, and SAR Pixel Offsets

We analyzed Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images from Copernicus Sentinel‐1A and 1B satellites operated by the European Space Agency and the Advanced Land Observation Satellite‐2 (ALOS‐2) satellite operated by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data from the Network of the Americas for the 4 July 2019 M_w 6.4 and 5 July (local; 6 July UTC) M_w 7.1 Ridgecrest earthquakes. We integrated geodetic measurements for the 3D vector field of coseismic surface deformation for the two events, using SAR data from Sentinel‐1 and ALOS‐2 satellites. We combined less precise large‐scale displacements from SAR images by pixel offset tracking or matching, including the along‐track component, with the more precise SAR interferometry (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar [InSAR]) measurements in the radar line of sight (LoS) direction and intermediate‐precision along‐track InSAR to estimate all three components of the surface displacement for the two events together. We also estimated the coseismic deformation for the two earthquakes from time‐series processing of continuous Global Navigation Satellite System data stations in the area. InSAR coherence and coherence change maps the surface disruptions due to fault ruptures reaching the surface. Large slip in the M_w 6.4 earthquake was on a NE‐striking fault that intersects with the NW‐striking fault that was the main rupture in the M_w 7.1 earthquake. The main fault bifurcates towards the southeast ending 3 km from the Garlock Fault. The Garlock fault had triggered slip of about 20 mm in the radar LoS along a short section directly south of the main rupture. About 3 km northwest of the M_w 7.1 epicenter, the surface fault separates into two strands that form a pull‐apart with about 1 m of down‐drop. Further northwest is a wide zone of complex deformation.
The Ramanujan–Dyson identities and George Beck’s congruence conjectures

Dyson’s famous conjectures (proved by Atkin and Swinnerton-Dyer) gave a combinatorial interpretation of Ramanujan’s congruences for the partition function. The proofs of these results center on one...
Cardiovascular disease and COVID-19: implications for prevention, surveillance and treatment.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the pathogenic cause of COVID-19, an ongoing global pandemic. In addition to anticipated respiratory mortality, there is an increasing recognition of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in this population.1–4 In hospitalised patients with COVID-19, prevalent cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the presence of cardiac injury have each been associated with in-hospital mortality (table 1). While similar associations have been reported in other coronavirus epidemics, including SARS and Middle East respiratory syndrome,5 the potential impact of CVD and injury in COVID-19 remains a critical knowledge gap. Further clarity would not only facilitate the identification of at-risk populations who qualify for closer monitoring but additionally frame investigation of shared pathophysiology that could guide development of targeted therapies. View this table: Table 1 Increased risk of adverse outcomes with underlying CVD and COVID-19 infection In this issue of Heart, Zhang and colleagues6 present a retrospective, cohort study of patients with COVID-19 admitted to a single hospital in Wuhan, China between 11 January and 6 February 2020. The authors examine the prevalence of CVD among admitted patients and compare clinical characteristics in those with and without CVD. Using logistic regression models, they evaluate the association between CVD and a range of clinical outcomes including all-cause mortality and clinical recovery from infection. After excluding 119 patients with incomplete clinical history and laboratory data, the study cohort was comprised of 541 patients in whom approximately one-quarter had a history of prevalent CVD. The most common cardiovascular morbidity was hypertension (HTN; 23% of total cohort) followed by coronary artery disease (8%) and arrhythmia (2%). A minority (7%) of patients had more than one CVD type at baseline. When compared with patients without CVD, those with CVD were older and had a greater prevalence of severe infection, end-organ injury (acute kidney injury, acute liver …