cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Repetitive impact exposure and characterization of stress-whitening of an American football helmet outer shell material

Abstract Mechanical stress exerted upon impact-modified polycarbonate (PC) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) blends has been reported to generate microscopic voids via rubber-toughener (RT) particle cavitation which can macroscopically manifest to visibly whiten the material. Previous work has revealed a whitening phenomenon in collegiate American football helmet outer shells after a single season and in helmet-grade plaques following linear impact testing. The purpose of this research was to quantify the effects of repetitive linear drop exposures on the (i) impact performance; (ii) physical and thermal properties; and (iii) surface and tensile mechanical properties of a stress-whitened American football helmet outer shell material. Statistically significant changes in plaque impact performance corresponded to substantial stress-whitening that penetrated up to 40–45% into the plaque thickness and elicited shifts in surface and tensile mechanical properties. Nanoscale microscopy revealed elongation of the PC/PET matrix and delamination at the RT-matrix interface. Thermal property analysis suggested the concomitant occurrence of RT cavitation and strain-induced PET crystallization. Overall, the research identified a battery of diagnostic tools to characterize material property changes of stress-whitening in rubber-toughened helmet outer shell materials.
Impacts of plug-in electric vehicles in a balancing area

Abstract High contributions of the electricity generation and transportation sectors to criteria pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions have resulted in an increased interest and shift towards low to non-carbon generation options such as renewable wind and solar, and alternative transportation options including plug-in electric vehicles. Since plug-in electric vehicles transfer the tailpipe emissions to the electric grid, it is important to study the interaction between the two sectors. In this paper, a previously developed spatially and temporally resolved unit commitment model is used to determine the dispatch schedule of resources with and without battery electric vehicles for 2050 in a fictitious balancing area located within the South Coast Air Basin of California. Cases studied include various charging profiles, penetration in light-duty fleet, imports mix, and grid dispatch strategies. Results of the analysis include average cost of electricity production, market clearing price, temporal production of individual generators, and emissions from electricity generation and the transportation sectors. The results show that deploying battery electric vehicles (1) has little impact on the average cost of electricity generation-maximum of $2.5 per MW h for the cases studied with 40% penetration in the light-duty fleet, (2) reduces the overall criteria pollutant emissions except for one case, and (3) results in a smoother load profile, reduces the use of peaking units, and reduces the average emission intensity of the grid through controlled off-peak charging.
Experimental investigation of cross flow - inline coupled Vortex-Induced Vibration on riser with finite length buoyancy module

Vortex-Induced Vibrations (VIV) is a ubiquitous phenomenon caused by shedding vortices behind bluff bodies. VIV induced by ocean currents and waves generates fatigue damage in riser systems. This disturbance creates a big challenge for designing ocean exploration systems. A key feature in determining VIV is the shape and size of the bluff bodies. Therefore, a new design shape, riser section with buoyancy modules of low span to diameter ratio (to serve as weight compensators), requires special attention because hydrodynamic performance is extensively altered in comparison with a bare riser section. A series of extensive forced inline-crossflow VIV experiments on riser models with varying buoyancy module setup were designed and carried out in the MIT Towing Tank. These experiments formulated a new inline-cross-flow VIV hydrodynamic coefficient database for buoyancy module of low span to diameter ratio, which can be included in semi-empirical VIV prediction programs. Several key features of database, including added mass coefficients, lift and drag force coefficients in phase of velocity, etc., were systematically analyzed.
Differential Sensitivity to Ethanol-Induced Circadian Rhythm Disruption in Adolescent and Adult Mice.

Background Growing evidence supports a central role for the circadian system in alcohol use disorders, but few studies have examined this relationship during adolescence. In mammals, circadian rhythms are regulated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus, a biological clock whose timing is synchronized (reset) to the environment primarily by light (photic) input. Alcohol (ethanol [EtOH]) disrupts circadian timing in part by attenuating photic phase-resetting responses in adult rodents. However, circadian rhythms change throughout life and it is not yet known whether EtOH has similar effects on circadian regulation during adolescence. Methods General circadian locomotor activity was monitored in male C57BL6/J mice beginning in adolescence (P27) or adulthood (P61) in a 12-hour light, 12-hour dark photocycle for ~2 weeks to establish baseline circadian activity measures. On the day of the experiment, mice received an acute injection of EtOH (1.5 g/kg, i.p.) or equal volume saline 15 minutes prior to a 30-minute light pulse at Zeitgeber Time 14 (2 hours into the dark phase) and then were released into constant darkness (DD) for ~2 weeks to assess phase-resetting responses. Control mice of each age-group received injections but no light pulse prior to DD. Results While adults showed the expected decrease in photic phase-delays induced by acute EtOH, this effect was absent in adolescent mice. Adolescents also showed baseline differences in circadian rhythmicity compared to adults, including advanced photocycle entrainment, larger photic phase-delays, a shorter free-running (endogenous) circadian period, and greater circadian rhythm amplitude. Conclusions Collectively, our results indicate that adolescent mice are less sensitive to the effect of EtOH on circadian photic phase-resetting and that their daily activity rhythms are markedly different than those of adults.
Efficiency and electromagnetic interference analysis of wireless power transfer for high voltage gate driver application

Wireless power transfer (WPT) holds great potential to achieve strong galvanic isolation, compact size, and low parasitic capacitance in the power supply of gate driver. In this paper, a wireless power supply is designed and analyzed for high voltage gate driver application. The performance of the power supply in terms of power delivery, parasitic capacitance, and driver output is explored in the functional test. Meanwhile, electromagnetic interference (EMI) is investigated in both frequency and space distribution based on measurement and simulation. The experimental results demonstrate that the prototype successfully delivers power for gate driver board with an 80 mm air gap while the maximum transfer efficiency is kept around 90%. The parasitic capacitance brought by the air gap is only 1.72 pF, which significantly increases common mode impedance. Radiated EMI affects the frequency span around the resonant frequency, and its distribution regularity in space is clearly displayed by field curves in horizontal axis and vertical axis.
Gastrointestinal Pathology in the Older Adult

The spectrum of gastrointestinal (GI) pathology in the geriatric individual is diverse and affects all sites in the GI tract. Progress in gastroenterology has been rapid, with histopathology today playing an important role in diagnosis and management. Improvements in diagnostic modalities including high-resolution endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound, fine needle aspiration, and optically targeted biopsies have enhanced the diagnostic yield and accuracy of histopathological diagnosis in patient care. This chapter exemplifies the role of pathology in the diagnosis of a variety of classical and newer GI disorders in the geriatric population.
Quantitation of Total Protein Deposits on Contact Lenses by Means of Amino Acid Analysis

Purpose. This study was done to characterize and quantify the protein deposits on worn contact lenses and to measure the residual deposits after extraction in 2% sodium dodecyl sulfate and the total protein deposits on worn vifilcon, atlafilcon, and tefilcon lenses (Food and Drug Administration Types IV, II, and I, respectively). Methods. Contact lens extracts were separated with gel electrophoresis, and the amount of protein was estimated after silver staining and densitometry. To determine the residual deposits, the contact lenses were hydrolyzed, and amino acid analysis was carried out by reversephase high-performance liquid chromatography after precolumn derivatization with phenylisothiocyanate. Refinement of the hydrolysis conditions was undertaken to minimize interference by the lens polymers. Results. The extraction removed only approximately 25% of the protein deposits. Mild hydrolytic conditions, 20 hr in 6 N HC1 at 105°C, were found to cause minimal polymer interference. Of the 350, 10, and 20 ^g of protein typically determined on whole vifilcon, atlafilcon, and tefilcon lenses, the polymers were estimated to account for 4, 0.5, and less than 0.4 jiig, respectively. Conclusions. Hydrolysis of worn contact lenses with subsequent amino acid separation can be applied to determine the total protein deposits without the uncertainty inherent in extraction of the deposits. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1993;34:1804-1813.
Creating a culture of calm: Mindfulness unfolding in the classroom

In this article, the practice of mindfulness is examined as a useful tool to address the internal and external stressors that occur daily for gifted students and their teachers. A culture of calm can be created when these simple, effective, and inexpensive evidence-based strategies are implemented within the classroom. Beyond enhancing empathy and compassion, mindfulness sharpens awareness and strengthens executive functions, fosters keen visualization, and encourages innovation and intuition. Opportunities for deep learning are optimal when a peaceful environment is generated collaboratively which encourages focused attention and a sense of well-being.
Cut to the Quick: The Consequences of Youth Violent Victimization for the Timing of Dating Debut and First Union Formation.

Concentrated in adolescence, violent victimization is developmentally disruptive. It undermines physical, mental, and socioemotional well-being and compromises youths’ transitions into and progression through key life course tasks. Youth violent victimization (YVV) has been linked to precocious exits from adolescence and premature entries into adulthood. This includes early entry into coresidential romantic unions, which is but one stage of a relationship sequence generally beginning via dating debut. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) and Cox regression, we examine the effects of YVV on the timing of dating debut and progression to first coresidential unions during adolescence and the transition to adulthood. We pay particular attention to how these effects may be structured by age and gender. Overall, we find that victims begin dating sooner and progress more quickly from dating to first unions than do non-victims. However, youths victimized in ear...
Omega-3 rich diet alters T cell affinity and decreases anti-viral immunity

There has been much investigation into the influence of dietary fatty acids with regard to modulation of immune function. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have been shown to exert beneficial anti-inflammatory effects for both chronic and acute inflammatory disease. Acute viral infection can be controlled and eliminated with an effective CD8 response. Despite studies suggesting the incorporation of omega-3 fatty acids into lipid membranes leading to the production of less inflammatory metabolites, little is known about T cell engagement with peptide-MHC (pMHC) antigen and whether omega-3 fatty acids modulate T cell responses. Here using the novel two dimensional (2D) micropipette adhesion frequency assay we determine T cell frequency and affinity for antigen on a single cell basis. Our data indicates that dietary fish oil reduces antigen affinity in T cell receptor transgenic cells. Moreover, we demonstrate decreased polyclonal numbers of antigen specific (gp-33) T cells at peak anti viral immunity to lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV) infection. These data indicate that omega-3 fatty acids decrease antigen recognition to viral antigens.
A qualitative study of older adults' and family caregivers' perspectives regarding their preoperative care transitions.

Aims and objectives To explore how older patients with multiple chronic conditions and their family caregivers perceive their engagement and overall care experience throughout the preoperative phase of elective orthopaedic hip or knee joint replacement. Background Patient engagement is a critical component of care necessary for improving patient outcomes. Little is known about how older adults with multiple chronic conditions and their family caregivers engage in preoperative care transitions and the subsequent impact of this experience on postoperative health outcomes. Design Prospective qualitative descriptive design was used. Methods Semi-structured telephone interviews with a convenience sample of older adults coping with multiple chronic conditions and their family caregivers. Interviews were conducted prior to surgery and, again 21 days postsurgery, were audio-recorded and transcribed for qualitative content analysis. The Quality Health Outcomes Model was used to categorise study findings. Results Eleven patients and five family caregivers participated. Guided by the Quality Health Outcomes Model, four major themes were identified. (i) Older adults perceive that joint replacement is about quality of life. (ii) Standardised interventions often fail to address the unique needs of complex older adults. (iii) Family caregivers perceive they are the primary care coordinators. (iv) Postoperative outcomes and resource utilisation vary widely in complex older adults. Conclusion Findings suggest that current preoperative care interventions are often not designed to effectively engage complex older patients and their family caregivers. Coordinated patient-centred preoperative care that reflects the needs and goals of complex older patients and their family caregivers may positively influence perioperative care transitions and outcomes beyond this episode of care. Relevance to clinical practice The current research documents the need for more in-depth knowledge about the relationship between older adults' and their family caregivers' engagement preoperatively and postoperative outcomes and resource utilisation.
Renal Structural Involvement in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: Cyst Growth and Total Kidney Volume – Lessons from the Consortium for Radiologic Imaging of Polycystic Kidney Disease (CRISP)

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is characterized by a relentless increase in cyst burden and kidney volume. Genotype, hypertension, and progression to ESRD are manifested directly through increases in total kidney volume (TKV). The annual % increase in TKV in the CRISP consortium participants is approximately 5% or 68 mls/year. Increased growth rates are associated with pain, hypertension, and gross hematuria. Both TKV and kidney length measured by magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound predict progression to CKD Stage 3 within 8 years with those with TKV >1047 mls, height-corrected TKV >600 mls/m, or kidney length >16 cm (ROC = 0.84–0.91) most likely to progress.
Associations Between Police Work Stressors and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms: Examining the Moderating Effects of Coping

The role of coping in the association between stress and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is not clear. We investigated the effects of active and passive coping strategies on the associations between police stress (administrative and organization pressure, physical and psychological threats, and lack of support) and PTSD symptoms in 342 police officers. Linear regression model was used in the analyses. The association between physical and psychological stress and PTSD symptoms was stronger in officers who used lower active coping (B = 4.34, p < 0.001) compared to those who utilized higher active coping (p-interaction = 0.027) (B = 1.79, p ≤ 0.003). A similar result was found between lack of support and PTSD symptoms (p-interaction = 0.016) (lower active coping, B = 5.70, p < 0.001; higher active coping, B = 3.33, p < 0.001), but was not significantly different comparing the two groups regarding the association between administrative and organizational pressure and PTSD symptoms (p-interaction = 0.376). Associations of total stress, administrative and organizational pressure, and physical and psychological stressors with PTSD symptoms were significantly stronger in officers who utilized higher passive coping (p-interaction = 0.011, 0.030, and 0.023, respectively). In conclusion, low active or high passive coping methods may exacerbate the effect of work stress on PTSD symptoms.
Atrial natriuretic peptide for the prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy: what's old is new but at the right dose and duration of therapy!

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is most commonly defined as a 25% increase in serum creatinine concentration from the baseline value, or an absolute increase of at least 0.5 mg/dl, that appears within 48 h after the administration of radiographic contrast media in the absence of an alternative
On the Development of Solvent Effect Models: Method Development and Initial Applications

Initial application of a solvent effect model is presented, in which both microscopic and macroscopic effects are included. Formamide in a water solvent is described, using a single water molecule to estimate microscopic interactions. A ‘supermolecule’ of water and formamide is then examined using ab initio quantum mechanical techniques, with a Hamiltonian that also contains terms representing the supermolecule interaction with the bulk solvent. Effect of the solvent on various potential curves is assessed, and the adequacy of the model is discussed. In addition, a procedure designed to improve efficiency of exploration of geometric degrees of freedom when treating microscopic interactions is described, based upon minimization of the torque exerted upon each of the molecules.
Eastern European Roma: ethnic discrimination in the public healthcare system

The term "human rights" describes the inherent, equal, and irrevocable freedoms of the individual, and includes access to the basic necessities of life, freedom of expression, right to justice, and state of peace. Among these rights is access to quality healthcare and medical treatment for chronic and acute illness. In Eastern Europe, the Roma minority experience limitations to the provision of quality medical care as a result of cultural, ethnic, and racial stigma. Such discrimination results from historic sociocultural and economic seclusion across the entire European Romani diaspora, and leads to higher disease incidence and mortality amongst members of this ethnic group. This paper examines some of the barriers Roma face in Eastern European healthcare systems and provides considerations for future social changes to allow all citizens and patients access to equal treatment.
Paraneoplastic syndrome and survival in thymic epithelial tumors (TET): The Indiana University experience.

8574Background: Paraneoplastic syndromes (PNS) are commonly associated with thymic epithelial tumors (TET), especially thymoma. The purpose of this analysis is to examine the clinical impact of PNS...
Virginia Satir's Family Of Origin Map: Discussion of Goals, Construction Process, and Application in Clinical Work

This article introduces Virginia Satir's family of origin map technique by discussing its goals and construction process. In addition, this article discusses the application of this technique in cl...
Anatomic Variants of Univentricular Physiology and Fontan Palliation

There are several congenital diagnoses, most with a wide spectrum of defects, that lead to univentricular physiology (Table 28.1). They can be broadly defined into three categories based on the morphology (right, left, or indeterminate) of the predominant ventricle. The defects most likely to lead to single ventricle repair include hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), tricuspid atresia, double inlet left ventricle, and defects with a straddling atrioventricular valve (such as an unbalanced atrioventricular canal defect). Less often, pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (with a small RV or RV-dependent coronary circulation), double outlet right ventricle, and Ebstein anomaly may require single ventricle repair. The most common type of univentricular heart at birth is HLHS, with an estimated incidence of 0.2–0.4 per 1000 live births [1, 2] followed by tricuspid atresia (TA) (0.06–0.08 per 1000 live births). In adults, TA is more common than HLHS, as the latter carries a higher pediatric mortality. Incidence is likely to increase, especially in developed countries, as in utero and neonatal interventional options become more available. The incidence of some univentricular subtypes (HLHS in particular) is higher in siblings than in the general population and is thus thought to have a strong genetic component.
Recent Findings of Lactobacillus Diversity and Their Functional Role in Vaginal Ecosystems

Abstract The reproductive system of female lies at the core of humanity, which is an immensely complex process that leads to successful reproduction, that is, miraculous yet invariably successful. Microorganisms have always been associated with the human body and have an important influence on development, physiology, immunity, and nutrition. The female genital tract is a complex of microbial colonization that shows a prominent role in the development of either a healthy or diseased condition. This is certainly true for the female genital tract; especially, the vagina (birth canal) is characterized by the presence of Lactobacillus-dominated microbiota, which develops the first line of defense for the host by excluding invasive, nonindigenous organisms that may cause disease. Hence, the aim of this chapter is to update knowledge about the vaginal Lactobacillus species that comprise normal vaginal flora and influence of pathogenic interactions with various defense mechanisms. This chapter also summarizes that protective mechanism is induced by various vaginal Lactobacillus species through the secretion of various antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer compounds and inhibitory substances like organic acids, H2O2, bacteriocin, and toll-like receptors (TLRs). This knowledge should be included in the clinical practice of gynecologists to improve patient care.
Accessory to War: The Unspoken Alliance Between Astrophysics and the Military

Like Carl Sagan before him, Neil deGrasse Tyson’s easygoing manner has made him a popular exponent of astrophysics. In Accessory to War, Tyson employs his professorial approachability for a hot soc...
Time-Scale Transformed Iterative Learning Control for a Class of Nonlinear Systems With Uncertain Trial Duration

Iterative learning control (ILC) is a powerful tool for improving the tracking performance in systems characterized by trial-repetitive behavior, including exogenous signals such as references and disturbances, through repeated update of control signals based on previous error histories. The application of ILC algorithms to physical systems typically requires trial-to-trial invariance that is expressed as a set of assumptions on the operation of the process. Among these assumptions is that the duration of the system trajectory is trial-invariant. In some physical processes, however, the trial duration may be a function of system outputs or states that may force the trial to be either shorter or longer than expected. This results in situations in which the trial duration is unknown a priori , breaking the typical invariance assumptions, but in which updating the control input is still desired. In order to address this class of processes, the approach proposed here uses a time-scale transformation to nondimensionalize the trial duration. An ILC algorithm is then proposed on the nondimensional time scale, and it is shown that the output error converges asymptotically toward the origin. A learning operator design is proposed, which provides a direct tradeoff between convergence rate and steady-state error. Simulation results on a benchmark nonlinear system demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach.
Inviting contributions on international HRD research in HRDI

The purpose of this editorial is to help prospective authors contemplate how to advance research on international HRD and use HRDI as a vehicle to disseminate their cutting-edge work. As articulate...
Identifying Barriers to the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C Infection.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) viral infection has a major impact on our health care system. The emergence of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAA) has made treatment simple (oral), efficacious, and safe. However, treatment is expensive and access is variable. Despite great treatment outcomes, only a minority of patients with CHC receive antiviral therapy. This study identifies the barriers to treatment in CHC infection. METHODS Study recruited all hepatitis C antibody-positive patients between 2012 and 2016 from a large academic teaching hospital in New York City. Demographic information, clinical data, and insurance information were reviewed. Statistical analysis performed with OR and p < 0.05 reported. RESULT A total of 1,548 patients with hepatitis C antibody-positive titer were included in the initial analysis. One thousand and twenty-four patients were forwarded to the final analysis after exclusion of 524 patients (for distant resolved hepatitis C viral [HCV] infection [n = 42], patients cured with interferon-based regimens [n = 94], patients with comorbid conditions [n = 176], and patients with an incomplete medical chart [n = 212]). In the intention to treat cohort of 1,024 patients, 204 patients achieved a sustained virological response after receiving DAAs (n = 204/1,024 - 20%). The majority of patients had not received DAAs (n = 816/1,024 patients - 80%). Multiple factors resulted in hepatitis C viral infection (HCV) patients not receiving DAAs including the following primary factors: (a) lost to follow-up clinic visits and poor adherence to clinic appointments (n = 548 [67%]; p value <0.0001), (b) active substance abuse (alcoholism and IV drug abuse; n = 165 [20%]; p value 0.22), (c) patients with significant psychiatric illness (n = 103 [12.7%]; p value 0.015), and subgroup analysis revealed that 188 (188/1,024 - 12%) patients had human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) and HCV coinfection. Majority of HCV/HIV coinfected patients had not received DAAs (n = 176 [97%]; p value <0.0001, OR 4.46). The etiology of nontreatment in coinfected HIV/HCV patients was 73.3% poor adherence, 11.5% active substance abuse including alcohol and IV drug use, and 9% significant psychiatric illness and 6.2% multiple reasons for not receiving HCV treatment. CONCLUSION Multifactorial barriers are preventing hepatitis C patients from receiving effective DAA therapy. Primary factors include poor compliance, substance abuse, and significant psychiatric illness, with significant overlap between these groups. Subgroup analysis showed a substantial number of high-risk patients with HIV/HCV coinfection did not receive DAA therapy. A multidisciplinary clinic approach with a hepatologist, ID physicians, social worker, and behavioral health psychologist and case manager should provide a solution to improve diagnosis and treatment with DAA.
INVITED COMMENTARY: VASECTOMY AND PROSTATE CANCER

While vasectomy is considered a safe form of male contraception judging by worldwide experience in relation to autoimmune disease benign prostatic hyperplasia cardiovascular disease and testicular cancer 2 recent retrospective case-control epidemiologic studies associate vasectomy with prostate cancer. In the U.S. prostate cancer is the 3rd highest case of male cancer mortality with 106000 cases and 30000 deaths annually. Prostate cancer has been studied very little either in terms of risk factors or as regards immunology genetics molecular biology or clinical medicine. As with surgical procedures vasectomy has rarely been subjected to risk analysis. One aspect of case-control studies known to statisticians is a form of "regression toward the mean" where high risk ratio values are selected out because of their extreme severity and believed to be strong associations. Often as more studies are completed the risk levels out toward lower ratios to to unity. The notorious example is the case of reserpine and breast cancer found to have a 3.5 risk ratio in the 1st published study but not replicated in 14 succeeding studies. In the case of vasectomy there is a potential bias for men vasectomized 20 or more years ago as part of a treatment for prostate cancer. More studies are needed to pinpoint this potential risk.
Functional responses of the hippocampus to hyperexcitability depend on directed, neuron-specific KCNQ2 K+ channel plasticity.

M-type (KCNQ2/3) K+ channels play dominant roles in regulation of active and passive neuronal discharge properties such as resting membrane potential, spike-frequency adaptation, and hyper-excitatory states. However, plasticity of M-channel expression and function in nongenetic forms of epileptogenesis are still not well understood. Using transgenic mice with an EGFP reporter to detect expression maps of KCNQ2 mRNA, we assayed hyperexcitability-induced alterations in KCNQ2 transcription across subregions of the hippocampus. Pilocarpine and pentylenetetrazol chemoconvulsant models of seizure induction were used, and brain tissue examined 48 hr later. We observed increases in KCNQ2 mRNA in CA1 and CA3 pyramidal neurons after chemoconvulsant-induced hyperexcitability at 48 hr, but no significant change was observed in dentate gyrus (DG) granule cells. Using chromogenic in situ hybridization assays, changes to KCNQ3 transcription were not detected after hyper-excitation challenge, but the results for KCNQ2 paralleled those using the KCNQ2-mRNA reporter mice. In mice 7 days after pilocarpine challenge, levels of KCNQ2 mRNA were similar in all regions to those from control mice. In brain-slice electrophysiology recordings, CA1 pyramidal neurons demonstrated increased M-current amplitudes 48 hr after hyperexcitability; however, there were no significant changes to DG granule cell M-current amplitude. Traumatic brain injury induced significantly greater KCNQ2 expression in the hippocampal hemisphere that was ipsilateral to the trauma. In vivo, after a secondary challenge with subconvulsant dose of pentylenetetrazole, control mice were susceptible to tonic-clonic seizures, whereas mice administered the M-channel opener retigabine were protected from such seizures. This study demonstrates that increased excitatory activity promotes KCNQ2 upregulation in the hippocampus in a cell-type specific manner. Such novel ion channel expressional plasticity may serve as a compensatory mechanism after a hyperexcitable event, at least in the short term. The upregulation described could be potentially leveraged in anticonvulsant enhancement of KCNQ2 channels as therapeutic target for preventing onset of epileptogenic seizures.
Hydrologic niches explain species coexistence and abundance in a shrub–steppe system

Differences in vertical root distributions are often assumed to create resource uptake trade‐offs that determine plant growth and coexistence. Yet, most plant roots are in shallow soils, and data linking root distributions with resource uptake and plant abundances remain elusive. Here we used a tracer experiment to describe the vertical distribution of absorptive roots of dominant species in a shrub–steppe ecosystem. To describe how these different rooting distributions affected water uptake in wet and dry soils across a growing season, we used a soil water movement model. Root traits were then correlated with plant landscape abundances. Deeper root distributions extracted more soil water, had larger unique hydrological niches and were more abundant on the landscape. Though most (>50%) root biomass and tracer uptake occurred in shallow soils (0–32 cm), the depth of 50% of tracer uptake varied from 11 to 32 cm across species and species with deeper rooting distributions were more abundant on the landscape (R² = .95). The water flow model revealed that deeper rooting distributions should extract more soil water (i.e. a range of 60–113 mm of soil water) because shallow roots were often in dry soils. These potential water uptake values were tightly correlated with species’ abundances on the landscape (R² = .90). Finally, each species’ rooting distribution demonstrated a depth and time at which it could extract more soil water than any other rooting distribution, and the size of these unique hydrological niches indices was also well correlated with species’ abundances (R² = .89). Synthesis. Our results demonstrate not only a correlation between root distributions and species abundance, but also the mechanism through which differences in rooting distributions can determine resource uptake and niche partitioning, even when most roots are found in shallow soils.
Online community conflict decomposition with pseudo spatial permutation

Online communities are composed of individuals sharing similar opinions or behavior in the virtual world. Facilitated by the fast development of social media platforms, the expansion of online communities have raised many attentions among the researchers, business analysts, and decision makers, leading to a growing list of literature studying the interactions especially conflicts in the online communities. A conflict is often initiated by one community which then attacks the other, leading to an adversarial relationship and worse social impacts. Many studies have examined the origins and process of online community conflict while failing to address the possible spatial effects in their models. In this paper, we explore the prediction of online community conflict by decomposing and analyzing its prediction error taking geography into accounts. Grounding on the previous natural language processing based model, we introduce pseudo spatial permutation to test the model expressiveness with geographical factors. Pseudo spatial permutation employs different geographical distributions to sample from and perturbs the model using the pseudo geographical information to examine the relationship between online community conflict and spatial distribution. Our analysis shows that the pseudo spatial permutation is an efficient approach to robustly test the conflict relation learned by the prediction model, and also reveals the necessity to incorporate geographical information into the prediction. In conclusion, this work provides a different aspect of analyzing the community conflict that does not solely rely on the textual communication.
Modeling and optimization of biomass quality variability for decision support systems in biomass supply chains

A feasible alternative to the production of fossil fuels is the production of biofuels. In order to minimize the costs of producing biofuels, we developed a stochastic programming formulation that optimizes the inbound delivery of biomass. The proposed model captures the variability in the moisture and ash content in the biomass, which define its quality and affect the cost of biofuel. We propose a novel hub-and-spoke network to take advantage of the economies of scale in transportation and to minimize the effect of poor quality. The first-stage variables are the potential locations of depots and biorefineries, and the necessary unit trains to transport the biomass. The second-stage variables are the flow of biomass between the network nodes and the third-party bioethanol supply. A case study from Texas is presented. The numerical results show that the biomass quality changes the selected depot/biorefinery locations and conversion technology in the optimal network design. The cost due to poor biomass quality accounts for approximately 8.31$$\%$$ of the investment and operational cost. Our proposed L-shaped with connectivity constraints approach outperforms the benchmark L-shaped method in terms of solution quality and computational effort by 0.6$$\%$$ and 91.63$$\%$$ on average, respectively.
Comparison of the performance of 3- to 5- and 8- to 12-µm infrared cameras

An image based comparison of modeled IR cameras in the medium- wave (MW) and longwave (LW) bands is done using the TARDEC thermal image model (TTIM) and LOWTRAN7. A state-of-the-art staring focal plane array (FPA), a common module scanning FLIR, and a scanning dual-band sensor are modeled. The simulations using TTIM demonstrate the imaging performance of the cameras as well as the degradation caused by the atmosphere in the two bands. Atmospheric degradation to the image is simulated in rain and fog in northern hemisphere environments.
“T” is for “transgender”: an analysis of children’s picture books featuring transgender protagonists and narrators

This project examined 55 picture books featuring transgender, gender expansive or genderqueer protagonists or narrators published between 2008 and 2018. The purpose of the study was to determine ho...
A low-cost texture-based pipeline for predicting myocardial tissue remodeling and fibrosis using cardiac ultrasound

Abstract Background Maturation of ultrasound myocardial tissue characterization may have far-reaching implications as a widely available alternative to cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) for risk stratification in left ventricular (LV) remodeling. Methods We extracted 328 texture-based features of myocardium from still ultrasound images. After we explored the phenotypes of myocardial textures using unsupervised similarity networks, global LV remodeling parameters were predicted using supervised machine learning models. Separately, we also developed supervised models for predicting the presence of myocardial fibrosis using another cohort who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). For the prediction, patients were divided into a training and test set (80:20). Findings Texture-based tissue feature extraction was feasible in 97% of total 534 patients. Interpatient similarity analysis delineated two patient groups based on the texture features: one group had more advanced LV remodeling parameters compared to the other group. Furthermore, this group was associated with a higher incidence of cardiac deaths (p = 0.001) and major adverse cardiac events (p Interpretation Ultrasound texture-based myocardial tissue characterization identified phenotypic features of LV remodeling from still ultrasound images. Further clinical validation may address critical barriers in the adoption of ultrasound techniques for myocardial tissue characterization. Funding None.
A model for the oscillatory flow in the cerebral aqueduct

This paper addresses the pulsating motion of cerebrospinal fluid in the aqueduct of Sylvius, a slender canal connecting the third and fourth ventricles of the brain. Specific attention is given to the relation between the instantaneous values of the flow rate and the interventricular pressure difference, needed in clinical applications to enable indirect evaluations of the latter from direct magnetic resonance measurements of the former. An order of magnitude analysis accounting for the slenderness of the canal is used in simplifying the flow description. The boundary layer approximation is found to be applicable in the slender canal, where the oscillating flow is characterized by stroke lengths comparable to the canal length and periods comparable to the transverse diffusion time. By way of contrast, the flow in the non-slender opening regions connecting the aqueduct with the two ventricles is found to be inviscid and quasi-steady in the first approximation. The resulting simplified description is validated by comparison with results of direct numerical simulations. The model is used to investigate the relation between the interventricular pressure and the stroke length, in parametric ranges of interest in clinical applications.
Microstructure and resident cell-types of the feline optic nerve head resemble that of humans

Abstract The lamina cribrosa (LC) region of the optic nerve head (ONH) is considered a primary site for glaucomatous damage. In humans, biology of this region reflects complex interactions between retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons and other resident ONH cell-types including astrocytes, lamina cribrosa cells, microglia and oligodendrocytes, as well as ONH microvasculature and collagenous LC beams. However, species differences in the microanatomy of this region could profoundly impact efforts to model glaucoma pathobiology in a research setting. In this study, we characterized resident cell-types, ECM composition and ultrastructure in relation to microanatomy of the ONH in adult domestic cats (Felis catus). Longitudinal and transverse cryosections of ONH tissues were immunolabeled with astrocyte, microglia/macrophage, oligodendrocyte, LC cell and vascular endothelial cell markers. Collagen fiber structure of the LC was visualized by second harmonic generation (SHG) with multiphoton microscopy. Fibrous astrocytes form glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive glial columns in the pre-laminar region, and cover the collagenous plates of the LC region in lamellae oriented perpendicular to the axons. GFAP-negative and alpha-smooth muscle actin-positive LC cells were identified in the feline ONH. IBA-1 positive immune cells and von Willebrand factor-positive blood vessel endothelial cells are also identifiable throughout the feline ONH. As in humans, myelination commences with a population of oligodendrocytes in the retro-laminar region of the feline ONH. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the presence of capillaries and LC cells that extend thin processes in the core of the collagenous LC beams. In conclusion, the feline ONH closely recapitulates the complexity of the ONH of humans and non-human primates, with diverse ONH cell-types and a robust collagenous LC, within the beams of which, LC cells and capillaries reside. Thus, studies in a feline inherited glaucoma model have the potential to play a key role in enhancing our understanding of ONH cellular and molecular processes in glaucomatous optic neuropathy.
Viral Fundamentals: Riding the Corona Waves in India

In the last few decades, we have seen a steady rise in Hindu nationalism in India, culminating in a Hindu nationalist government in 2014 The BJP won again and expanded its majority in 2019 Then COVID‐19 hit! This essay explores the national and body politic in India during COVID‐19 It argues that Hindu nationalism has been mobilized and strengthened during the pandemic
Long-term effects of maternal undernutrition on offspring carotid artery remodeling: role of miR-29c

The purpose of this study was to examine the hypothesis that excess maternal glucocorticoids in response to maternal undernutrition programs the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) components potentially by miR-29c. We measured the expression of mRNA (qRT-PCR) and protein (Western blot) for collagen 3A1, collagen 4A5 and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) in offspring carotid arteries from three groups of dams: 50% food-restricted in latter half of gestation [maternal undernutrition (MUN)], MUN dams who received metyrapone (MET) (500 mg/ml ) in drinking water from day 10 of gestation to term, and control dams fed an ad libitum diet. The expression of miR-29c was significantly decreased at 3 weeks, 3 months and 9 months in MUN carotid arteries, and these decreases in expression were partially blocked by treatment of dams with MET. The expression pattern of ECM genes that are targets of miR-29c correlated with miR-29c expression. Expression of mRNA was increased for elastin (ELN) and MMP2 mRNA in 3-week MUN carotids; in 9-month carotids there were also significant increases in expression of Col3A1 and Col4A5. These changes in mRNA expression of ECM genes at 3 weeks and 9 months were blocked by MET treatment. Similarly, the expression of ELN and MMP2 proteins at 3 weeks were increased in MUN carotids, and by 9 months there were also increases in expression of Col3A1 and Col4A5, which were blocked by MET in MUN carotids. Overall, the results demonstrate a close correlation between expression of miR-29c and the ECM proteins that are its targets thus supporting our central hypothesis.
The Role of the Press and Communication Technology in Democratization: The Nigerian Story

1. Introduction 2. Literature Review 3. Case Study - Nigeria 4. Research Methodology 5. Findings and Discussion 6. Conclusions, Limitations and Suggestions for Future Research
Air Pollution-Induced Vascular Dysfunction: Potential Role of Endothelin-1 (ET-1) System

Exposure to air pollution negatively impacts cardiovascular health. Studies show that increased exposure to a number of airborne pollutants increases the risk for cardiovascular disease progression, myocardial events, and cardiovascular mortality. A hypothesized mechanism linking air pollution and cardiovascular disease is the development of systemic inflammation and endothelium dysfunction, the latter of which can result from an imbalance of vasoactive factors within the vasculature. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent peptide vasoconstrictor that plays a significant role in regulating vascular homeostasis. It has been reported that the production and function of ET-1 and its receptors are upregulated in a number of disease states associated with endothelium dysfunction including hypertension and atherosclerosis. This mini-review surveys epidemiological and experimental air pollution studies focused on ET-1 dysregulation as a plausible mechanism underlying the development of cardiovascular disease. Although alterations in ET-1 system components are observed in some studies, there remains a need for future research to clarify whether these specific changes are compensatory or causally related to vascular injury and dysfunction. Moreover, further research may test the efficacy of selective ET-1 pharmacological interventions (e.g., ETA receptor inhibitors) to determine whether these treatments could impede the deleterious impact of air pollution exposure on cardiovascular health.
Chapter 28. Recent Methods in Peptide Synthesis

Publisher Summary This chapter describes recent advances in the methods used in peptide synthesis. The N -protecting group was introduced by the use of 2-( p -biphenylyl) isopropylphenyl carbonate, a reagent that is stable at 0°. The advantage of this group is its ready removal by dilute acetic acid even in the presence of the t-butyloxycarbonyl (BOC) group. The useful derivatives, BOC-γ-benzyl-glutamic acid and BOC-β-benzyl-aspartic acid, have been prepared by an improved method and various S-substituted derivatives of cysteine have been converted to their corresponding BOC compounds using the Schnabel method. An ion exchange method for selectively removing the BOC group, even in the presence of the tert-butyl ester, has been reported. A new amino acid carboxyl protecting group, the 4-(methylthio) phenyl ester, has been developed. These esters are easily prepared by the N,N'-dicyclohexyl-carbodiimide method, and the BOC and carbobenzoxy protecting groups can be easily removed in their presence The preparation and properties of some 4-picolyl esters of amino acids have been reported. These esters are cleaved by cold alkali, by catalytic hydrogenation, by sodium in liquid ammonia, and by electrolytic reduction. A new procedure for the facilitation of peptide synthesis is also reported in which the carboxyl-terminal residue is incorporated as its 4-picolyl ester, and after each coupling reaction, the product is separated by extraction into an acidic phase.