cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Maternal obesity and neuroprotective magnesium sulfate

Objective Given the association between risk of cerebral palsy and children born to obese women, the study aim was to estimate whether maternal obesity is associated with reduced effectiveness of conventional antenatal magnesium sulfate dosing for the prevention of cerebral palsy and death. Study Design This is a secondary cohort analysis of a multicenter randomized clinical trial completed by the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network. Women were included in the original trial if deemed high risk for preterm delivery in the subsequent 24 hours. The present study included singleton, nonanomalous fetuses that were randomized to and received magnesium sulfate with complete data available. Outcomes between obese (body mass index ≥30 kg/m 2 ) and nonobese women were compared. A secondary analysis of outcomes between morbidly obese (body mass index ≥40 kg/m 2 ) and nonmorbidly obese women was performed. The primary outcome was a composite of cerebral palsy or perinatal death before 15 months corrected age. Secondary outcomes included moderate to severe cerebral palsy or death, any cerebral palsy, moderate to severe cerebral palsy, and death. A logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the odds ratio of each outcome. Based on sample size, exposure rate (obesity) and an outcome rate of 10%, assuming an 80% power and a 0.05 alpha error, this study had sufficient power to detect a 2-fold increase in the primary outcome. Results Of 1188 women randomized to receive magnesium sulfate, 806 were included in this analysis. After adjusting for gestational age at delivery, maternal obesity was not associated with an increased risk of cerebral palsy or death in children born to women who received magnesium sulfate. Women with morbid obesity had higher rates of the primary outcome and cerebral palsy in an unadjusted analysis but did not have increased risks after adjusting for gestational age at delivery. In analyses stratified on gestational age, morbidly obese women who delivered after 28 weeks had increased risks of children with cerebral palsy or death and cerebral palsy, although case numbers were small. Conclusion Among women receiving antenatal neuroprotective magnesium sulfate, maternal obesity is not associated with an increased risk of having a child with cerebral palsy or death.
Development and characterization of surface micromachined, out-of-plane hot-wire anemometer

In this paper, we report the development of a new type of hot-wire anemometer (HWA) realized by using a microfabrication process that combines surface micromachining and an efficient three-dimensional assembly technique. The HWA uses a thermal element (hot wire) that is made of Pt/Ni/Pt film with a measured temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of 2400 ppm//spl deg/C. The thermal element is elevated out of plane by using support beams made of polyimide. In our current design, the support beam is 2.7 /spl mu/m thick and up to 1 mm tall, and the length of the thermal element varies from 50 /spl mu/m to 200 /spl mu/m. Steady-state response to air velocity has been experimentally obtained up to 20 m/s under both constant current (CC) and constant temperature (CT) modes. The transient-state response has been examined using square wave and sinusoidal wave excitation signals in CT modes with the maximum cutoff frequency found to be approximately 10 kHz. This new HWA offers a number of unique materials and performance characteristics. The sensor does not require the use of silicon as either substrate or sensing materials. Using this process, it is possible to form large arrays of HWA on a variety of substrate materials.
Averaging analysis of periodically forced fluid networks

For a lumped parameter model of a flow network driven by a periodic generator, we apply averaging to find an approximate solution and analyze its stability. The approximate solution has three parts: mean flow due to the resistive effects of branches, a time-periodic part due to ''inductive'' effects, and a mean flow average correction due to the interaction of nonlinear and time varying effects. We present an example that may explain the scenario leading to venous diseases. It is shown that the widening of a branch in a venous network leads to an increase in the AC flow and a decrease in the DC flow through that branch, thus increasing the stress on venous valves, and consequently leading to a further increase in the effective width of the vein.
Transformed epithelial cells and fibroblasts/myofibroblasts interaction in breast tumor: a mathematical model and experiments.

It is well known that tumor and its microenvironment, or stroma, interact with each other and that this interaction plays a critical role in tumor initiation, growth, and metastasis. This interaction consists of complex relations between tumor cells, stromal cells such as fibroblasts, epithelial cells and immunocytes, the vascular system, the extracellular matrix, and cytokines secreted by the cells. Understanding these relationships may lead to new therapeutic approaches to cancer. In the present paper, we consider tumor-stroma crosstalk in a simple in vitro situation which involves interaction between tumor epithelial cells from breast cancer and a microenvironment consisting of just fibroblasts. The two populations of cells are separated by a semi-permeable membrane that allows only cytokines to cross over. We develop a mathematical model that includes two critical growth factors: TGF-β, produced by the tumor cells, and EGF, secreted by the fibroblasts. The TGF-β modifies the microenvironment by transforming fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. Myofibroblasts secrete higher concentrations of EGF than fibroblasts, thereby, increasing the proliferation of tumor cells. Thus already in this simple setup one sees a mutual interaction between tumor cells and their microenvironment. We conducted experiments which show good agreement with the model’s simulations, hence confirming the model’s ability to predict aspects of tumor cell behavior in response to signaling from fibroblasts.
A Fluorescent Lamp with Integral Proximity Sensor for Building Energy Management

We have developed a proximity sensor that can be integrated with a fluorescent lamp ballast. This sensor measures disturbances in the electric field around the lamp in order to detect the presence and motion of people. Range test data from our preliminary experiments showed detection ranges of 11 ft. between the lamp and the closest edge of a human target. The detector enables fine-grain occupancy measurements in spaces, promising to improve energy efficiency by reducing wasted lighting of unoccupied spaces.
Taxonomy and conservation of Vietnam's primates: a review.

Vietnam has the highest number of primate taxa overall (24–27) and the highest number of globally threatened primate taxa (minimum 20) in Mainland Southeast Asia. Conservation management of these species depends in part on resolving taxonomic uncertainties, which remain numerous among the Asian primates. Recent research on genetic, morphological, and acoustic diversity in Vietnam's primates has clarified some of these uncertainties, although a number of significant classification issues still remain. Herein, we summarize and compare the major current taxonomic classifications of Vietnam's primates, discuss recent advances in the context of these taxonomies, and suggest key areas for additional research to best inform conservation efforts in a region crucial to global primate diversity. Among the most important next steps for the conservation of Vietnam's primates is a new consensus list of Asian primates that resolves current differences between major taxonomies, incorporates recent research advances, and recognizes units of diversity at scales below the species-level, whether termed populations, morphs, or subspecies. Priority should be placed on recognizing distinct populations, regardless of the species concept in use, in order to foster the evolutionary processes necessary for primate populations to cope with inevitable environmental changes. The long-term conservation of Vietnam's primates depends not only on an accepted and accurate taxonomy but also on funding for on-the-ground conservation activities, including training, and the continued dedication and leadership of Vietnamese researchers and managers. Am. J. Primatol. 73:1093–1106, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
KUPS: constructing datasets of interacting and non-interacting protein pairs with associated attributions

KUPS (The University of Kansas Proteomics Service) provides high-quality protein–protein interaction (PPI) data for researchers developing and evaluating computational models for predicting PPIs by allowing users to construct ready-to-use data sets of interacting protein pairs (IPPs), non-interacting protein pairs (NIPs) and associated features. Multiple filters and options allow the user to control the make-up of the IPPs and NIPs as well as the quality of the resultant data sets. Each data set is built from the overall database, which includes 185 446 IPPs and 1.5 billion NIPs from five primary databases: IntAct, HPRD, MINT, UniProt and the Gene Ontology. The IPP set can be set to specific model organisms, interaction types and experimental evidence. The NIP set can be generated using four different strategies, which can alleviate biased estimation problems. Lastly, multiple features can be provided for all of the IPP and NIP pairs. Additionally, KUPS provides two benchmark data sets to help researchers compare their algorithms to existing approaches. KUPS is freely available at http://www.ittc.ku.edu/chenlab.
Anthropometric measures and risk of death in children with end-stage renal disease

We evaluated the association between anthropometric measurements and death among pediatric patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) using data from the Pediatric Growth and Development Special Study (PGDSS) from the US Renal Data System. Height, growth velocity, and body mass index (BMI) were used for the analysis of 1,949 patients in the PGDSS. To standardize these measurements, SD scores (SDSs) were calculated using population data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Using Cox proportional hazards models, we assessed the association between anthropometric measures and death, controlling for demographic factors and stratifying by age. Multivariate analysis showed that each decrease by 1 SDS in height was associated with a 14% increase in risk for death (adjusted relative risk [aRR], 1.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02 to 1.27; P = 0.017). For each 1 SDS decrease in growth velocity among patients in our sample, the risk for death increased by 12% (aRR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.25; P = 0.043). There was a statistically significant U-shaped association between BMI and death (P = 0.001), with relatively low and high BMIs associated with an increased risk for death. In children with ESRD, growth delay and extremes in BMI are associated with an increased risk for mortality.
Synthesis of diblock copolymers by combination of organocatalyzed ring‐opening polymerization and atom transfer radical polymerization using trichloroethanol as a bifunctional initiator

This study reports an application of trichloroethanol (TCE) as a bifunctional initiator for the synthesis of block copolymers (BCPs) by organocatalyzed ring-opening polymer- ization (OROP) and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). TCE was employed to synthesize a low dispersity poly (valerolactone) macroinitiator, which was subsequently used for the ATRP of tert-butyl methacrylate. While it is known that TCE can serve as an initiator in ATRP, the ability to induce polymerization under OROP is reported for the first time. The formation of well-defined BCPs was confirmed by gel permea- tion chromatography and 1 H NMR. Computational studies were performed to obtain a molecular-level understanding of the ring-opening polymerization mechanism involving TCE as initiator. V C 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 00, 000-000
Human fetal electroencephalographic response to intrauterine acoustic signals

This investigation was of an exploratory nature to establish a method to provide basic electrophysiologic data on the human fetal reaction to acoustic signals. Following induction of labor, a specially constructed transducer-microphone device was introduced into the uterine cavity of pregnant women, in the vicinity of the fetal ear, to generate an acoustic signal and to provide a record of the signal output of the transducer for subsequent analyses. Six fetal subjects served to assess the efficacy of the method. The fetal electroencephalographic signal was stored on magnetic tape, subjected to smoothing procedures to eliminate or reduce extraneous noise in the recorded data, computer averaged, and graphically displayed . A descriptive analysis of the data permitted an explanation of the observed changes and allowed for comparison of the resultant data with that from investigations of neonatal subjects.
The First Nearctic Leaf Litter Flea Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Abstract A leaf litter flea beetle was collected for the first time in North America as a result of the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This flea beetle is identified as Psylliodes appalachianus new species and is described and illustrated. The history of leaf litter collecting of flea beetles is briefly outlined.
Effect of ureteral stop flow on PAH in lumen and cortex homogenate in the rat kidney.

SummaryStop-flow accumulation of 3H-PAH took place in cells and in lumina of proximal tubules. This strongly suggests that an active PAH is secreted by a “push” system, that is, the pump is located in the peritubular membrane of the cell. The rate of stop-flow accumulation of 3H-PAH in the distal tubules was over three times higher than in proximal tubules, while the concentration of 14C-inulin was decreasing in the distal tubules. Apparently there is a very active secretory pump for PAH between the proximal and distal convolutions, probably in the straight portion of the proximal tubule.
Role of Precursor Reactivity in Crystallization of Solution-Processed Semiconductors: The Case of Cu2ZnSnS4

We study the formation of Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) films from various liquid-phase precursors. Our experimental data point to the significant role that reactivities of precursor components play in the quality of the final material. Although reactive molecular precursors favor formation of CZTS under milder conditions, the formation of large crystalline domains requires using less reactive nanostructured precursors. We explain this effect using kinetics of nucleation and growth. We have also demonstrated a strategy to effectively enhance grain growth of CZTS using solid-state phase transition as the driving force for nanocrystal sintering. We hope this contribution will provide a useful guide toward the rational design of liquid-phase precursors for inorganic semiconductors for electronic and optoelectronic applications.
The Harvard Water Federalism Project – process and substance

This Special Edition of Water Policy is one outcome of an innovative educational and research project, the Harvard Water Federalism Project, designed to train a new generation of students from a wide variety of disciplines to address the growing challenge of water security. This paper describes the core ideas behind the project, namely the creation of a new generation of ‘specialized integrators’ and that of exposing students to the wisdom of ‘thinking practitioners’. The paper describes the particular water problem chosen, namely that of the infrastructural and institutional challenges involved with the development and management of water in large rivers (the Colorado, Indus, Mississippi, Murray–Darling and Sao Francisco) in federal countries (Australia, Brazil, Pakistan and the United States). The paper serves as an overview to the basin papers written by multi-disciplinary student teams, and draws some general lessons from this comparative analysis.
Transmetatarsal and Lisfranc Amputation

Midfoot amputation procedures including transmetatarsal and Lisfranc amputation are common and effective treatments of both osteomyelitis and gangrene of the forefoot and midfoot that is not amenable to individual toe or ray amputation. Midfoot amputation is ideally contained at the transmetatarsal level in an effort to optimize foot function, although a Lisfranc level amputation may be necessary for extensive forefoot gangrene or midfoot osteomyelitis. This chapter will focus on surgical indications for transmetatarsal and Lisfranc amputation including advanced techniques to achieve wound closure while providing a functional and durable foot. Use of advanced podiatric, plastic, and vascular surgical approaches allows success with TMA and Lisfranc amputation for conditions that would otherwise require leg amputation. Clinical examples are presented to highlight our surgical treatment protocols including patient selection criteria, biomechanical considerations, surgical technique tips including staging, adjunct procedures, incorporation of rotational flaps, and typical postoperative care plans.
Characterization of a Transitional Cell Carcinoma Line Arising From a Previously Irradiated Tumor

A cell line derived from a poorly differentiated transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder in a patient previously treated with external beam radiation has been established. The line has stable hyperdiploid karyotype which is distinct from other established transitional cell carcinoma lines. Injection of the cells into nude mice induces tumor with histological characteristics similar to the original tumor. This line may serve as a model to study mechanisms of radioresistance in transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder.
Intelligent On-Line Energy Management System for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles based on Evolutionary Algorithm

Energy management system (EMS) is crucial to a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) in reducing its fuel consumption and pollutant emissions. The EMS determines how energy flows in a hybrid powertrain should be managed in response to a variety of driving conditions. In the development of an EMS, the battery state-of-charge (SOC) control strategy plays a critical role. This paper proposes a novel evolutionary algorithm (EA)-based EMS with a self-adaptive SOC control strategy for PHEVs, which can significantly improve the fuel efficiency without knowing the trip length (in time). Numerical studies show that this proposed system can save up to 13% fuel, compared to other on-line EMS with different SOC control strategies. Further analysis indicates that the proposed system is less sensitive to the errors in predicting propulsion power demand in real-time, which is favorable for on-line implementation. Original publication: X. Qi, G. Wu, K. Boriboonsomsin and M. J. Barth, Evolutionary algorithm based on-line PHEV energy management system with self-adaptive SOC control, Intelligent Vehicles Symposium (IV), 2015 IEEE, Seoul, 2015, pp. 425--430.
Wavelet Signal Processing

A basic motivation behind transform methods is the idea that some sorts of processing are better (or perhaps only possibly) achieved in the transform domain rather than in the original signal domain, In this sense, the utility of a transform is measured by its ability to facilitate desired signal processing tasks in the transform domain via algorithms that are digitally tractable, computationally efficient, concise, and noise robust. The efficacy of general wavelet transforms comes from the fact that wavelet domain algorithms exhibit all of these benefits when dealing with signals that are characterized by their time—frequency behavior. This chapter explores applications of overcomplete wavelet transforms in problems of data compression, noise suppression, digital communication, and signal identification.
NO 2 sensitivity of wide area SiC and epitaxial graphene on SiC substrates

SiC has cemented its place as a material of choice for high power devices that can operate at high temperature and harsh environment due to its high critical breakdown field (> 2 MV/cm), high thermal conductivity (120 W/m-K), and high electron saturation velocity. Therefore, SiC is one of the commonly materials used in high temperature gas sensors in catalytic converter today. Most SiC gas sensors are in the form of schottky diodes or capacitive MIS devices [1] where target molecules would dissociate on the catalyst metal surface and create a change in potential barrier across the interface. Despite its widespread application in high temperature gas sensors, SiC is still used as substrate material as gaseous adsorption on thin film semiconductor surfaces does not change the conductance of the overall film significantly. Consequently, research reports on molecular adsorption on SiC thin films and related electronic property changes are scarce. Nevertheless, theoretical calculations involving SiC nanotubes show that they can bind gaseous molecules [2] and also reports on experimental evidences of H 2 detection utilizing resistance change of 3C-SiC thin films [3] are present. In this work, microcantilever based electrostatic force microscopy is applied to find out the surface work function (SWF) changes of wide area SiC thin films with the adsorption of NO 2 molecules. Any sensitivity variation between Si and C faces of SiC and also between undoped and doped SiC is also discussed.
"I Can Think, I Can Wait, I Can Fast": Teaching Food Literature and Experiential Learning.

The idea of self-sufficiency resonates with feminist activists because the political thrust of the various movements for women’s rights—beginning with Mary Wollstonecraft’s plea for women’s access ...
Dynamics, Stability, and Adsorption States of Water on Oxidized RuO2(110)

Identifying and understanding how excess oxygen atoms affect the adsorption of water on metal oxides is crucial for their use in water splitting. Here, by means of high-resolution scanning tunneling microscopy and density-functional calculations, we show that excess oxygen atoms on the stoichiometric RuO2(110) significantly change the clustering, conformation, and deprotonation equilibrium of adsorbed water. We considered two reactive scenarios during which the stoichiometric surface was exposed (i) first to oxygen, followed by water, and (ii) first to water, followed by oxygen. In both cases, the [OH-OH] complex on Ru rows is the dominant species, showing a significant difference from water-only adsorption on the stoichiometric surface in which the [OH-H2O] species is found to be prevalent. Surface reactivity at almost full O coverage is also addressed; there we show that site selectivity of the surface for H adsorption and dissociation of H2O is hindered, notwithstanding the increase of the dynamic moti...
Abstract 4322: Exosomal delivery of stroma-derived miR-145 inhibits pancreatic cancer cell proliferation

We previously reported that within the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) microenvironment, miR-145 and miR-199a are exclusively expressed in tumor-associated stroma (TAS) cells, but these miRNAs are present in PDAC cells following co-culture with TAS cells. We hypothesized that miRNAs function as paracrine signals via exosomal exchange between TAS cells and adjacent PDAC cells. Primary cultures of human TAS and PDAC cells were employed. Membrane-bound microparticles were isolated from TAS conditioned, serum-free culture media by sequential ultracentrifugation followed by ultrafiltration. Exosomes and microvesicles were then assayed for particle size distribution using nanoparticle tracking analysis and electronic microscopy. miRNA expression levels were determined using quantitative PCR. miRNA transfection was performed with RNAiMax reagents. Cell viability was measured by Alamar Blue. Statistics were performed using Prism 6 software. Following transfection of human TAS cells with cel-miR-39, a nonhuman miRNA, we demonstrated that miRNA exchanges occurred between TAS cells and neighboring PDAC cells via a process that is not dependent upon cell-cell contact. We next confirmed the presence and enrichment of miR-145-5p in TAS-cell-derived exosomes (8-fold higher concentrations in exosomes than parental cells, p Taken together, our data suggest that stroma derived exosomes deliver miRNAs to adjacent PDAC cells and may function as tumor-suppressing paracrine signals in the case of miR-145. This finding provides a potential explanation for the observation that stroma depletion paradoxically accelerates PDAC progression in murine models. Citation Format: Song Han, Sayali Belsare, DongYu Zhang, Mark Beveridge, Carlos Rinaldi, Jose G. Trevino, Thomas D. Schmittgen, Steven J. Hughes. Exosomal delivery of stroma-derived miR-145 inhibits pancreatic cancer cell proliferation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4322. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-4322
Direct comparison of derivatization strategies for LC-MS/MS analysis of N-glycans

Protein glycosylation is a common post-translational modification that has significant impacts on protein folding, lifespan, conformation, distribution and function. N-Glycans, which are attached to asparagine residues of proteins, are studied most often due to their compatibility with enzymatic release. Despite the ease of N-glycan release, compositional and structural complexity coupled with poor ionization efficiency during liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) make quantitative glycomic studies a significant challenge. To overcome these challenges, glycans are almost always derivatized prior to LC-MS analyses to impart favorable characteristics, such as improved ionization efficiency, increased LC separation efficiency and the production of more informative fragments during tandem MS. There are a number of derivatization methods available for LC-MS analysis of glycans, each of which imparts different properties that affect both glycan retention on LC columns and MS analyses. To provide guidance for the proper selection of derivatizing reagents and LC columns, herein, we describe a comprehensive assessment of 2-aminobenzamide, procainamide, aminoxyTMT, RapiFluor-MS (RFMS) labeling, reduction and reduction with permethylation for N-glycan analysis. Of the derivatization strategies examined, RFMS provided the highest MS signal enhancement for neutral glycans, while permethylation significantly enhanced the MS intensity and structural stability of sialylated glycans.
Medication errors resulting in harm: Using chargemaster data to determine association with cost of hospitalization and length of stay

Purpose Results of an analysis of the economic impact of adverse drug events (ADEs) resulting in patient harm on hospitalization costs and length of stay (LOS) are reported. Methods In a retrospective single-site study, medication errors among patients admitted to an academic medical center during the period April 2014–May 2015 were identified using voluntary event reporting system data and diagnosis codes. Hospitalization cases involving documented ADEs resulting in harm, as defined on a widely used medication error classification index, were matched with control cases by admission period, diagnosis-related group, and patient age and sex. Total hospitalization costs and LOS in the study groups were analyzed using an independent 2-sample Mann–Whitney U test. Results Among 416 hospitalization cases evaluated for inclusion in the study, 242 were matched with 3,279 control cases for analysis. The primary drug classes implicated in the evaluated medication errors included chemotherapy agents (38%), corticosteroids (14%), and opioids (11%). Total hospitalization costs differed significantly ( p = 0.044) between patients who experienced ADEs resulting in harm (median, $19,444; interquartile range [IQR], $13,481–$40,580) and those who did not (median, $17,173; IQR, $12,500–$27,125); the former group also had a significantly ( p = 0.005) longer median LOS. Conclusion Chargemaster data for an academic medical center revealed that the median total hospitalization cost and LOS were significantly greater for hospitalizations during which a harm-causing medication error was recorded versus hospitalizations during which harm-causing medication errors were not recorded.
Closing the Gender and Underrepresented Minority Gap in CS: UTeach Computer Science Principles AP Assessment Results (Abstract Only)

Gender and racial/ethnic participation gaps in computing is a well-documented problem motivating several interventions aimed at attracting and retaining women and underrepresented students (Black or African American, Latinx, and Native American students) in this high-need area. One such effort is the College Board's Computer Science Principles (CSP) course, a survey course designed to engage students who have traditionally opted-out of computer science in secondary education. UTeach CSP is UTeach's Project-Based Learning (PBL) curriculum designed for the CSP course. Students learning from teachers implementing the UTeach CSP curriculum scored higher on the 2017 College Board AP CSP assessment, when compared with students taught with other curriculum. Scores were significantly higher for girls and Latinx students, even after adjustments were made to standardize the demographic characteristics of the schools where the UTeach CSP curriculum was implemented. This poster presents curriculum design research that suggests explanations for the higher results. The research can also provide CS teachers with ideas for moving beyond traditional lecture-based CS instruction for increased student performance and more diverse engagement. Handouts will be provided with a sample UT CSP project including lesson plan, student handout, video link, pacing guide, assessment, and rubric.
Role of lncRNAs in ovarian cancer: defining new biomarkers for therapeutic purposes

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of noncoding RNA, involved in regulation of diverse physiological and pathological processes. Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death among all gynecological malignancies in the world and its underlying mechanism is still unclear. LncRNAs exhibit multiple biological functions in various stages of ovarian cancer development. We will discuss and summarize the new and important lncRNAs and their involvement in disease, which might represent promising therapeutic targets. Therapeutic intervention based on silencing or functional inhibition of target lncRNAs will be beneficial for ovarian cancer patients.
Automatic Sensor Correction of Autonomous Vehicles by Human-Vehicle Teaching-and-Learning

Autonomous driving technologies can provide greater safety, comfort, and efficiency for future transportation systems. Until now, much of the research effort has been devoted to developing different sensing and control algorithms. However, there has been limited research on how to handle sensor errors efficiently. A simple error in the sensor may lead to an unexpected failure in the whole autonomous driving function. In those cases, the vehicle is then recommended to be sent back to the manufacturer for repair, which costs time and money. This paper introduces an efficient automatic online sensor correction method. The method includes four major functions: sensor error detection, human teaching, vehicle learning, and vehicle self-evaluation. The first function is assumed to be ready and the major contribution of this paper is the human-vehicle teaching and learning framework, which utilizes human-vehicle interaction to collaboratively adjust the parameter in the control model in order to compensate for the errors of the sensors. The self-evaluation function is also briefly introduced. The applications of this method to radar and vision sensors to recover adaptive cruise control and lane keeping functions are introduced in detail. Experimental results acquired from high-fidelity 1/10-scale autonomous driving vehicles illustrate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed approach.
Parsing in vivo and in vitro contributions to microcrystalline cellulose hydrolysis by multidomain glycoside hydrolases in the Caldicellulosiruptor bescii secretome.

Six multidomain glycoside hydrolases (GHs), CelA (Athe_1867), CelB (Athe_1859), CelC (Athe_1857), CelD (Athe_1866), CelE (Athe_1865), and CelF (Athe_1860) are encoded in the Caldicellulosiruptor bescii glucan degradation locus (GDL). Each GH was affinity-tagged, overexpressed, and purified from recombinant C. bescii for side-by-side characterization in vitro and to examine the contribution of each of these enzymes to microcrystalline cellulose hydrolysis in vivo. All six recombinant GDL GHs were glycosylated, and deletion of glycosyltransferase Athe_1864 eliminated this posttranslational modification. A simplex centroid mixture experimental design revealed that in vitro optimal mixtures of the GDL GHs were predominantly CelA, CelC, and CelE, had low to moderate proportions of CelB and CelD, and minimal CelF. The best binary mixture contained CelA + CelB in a 3:2 molar ratio, whereas the best ternary mixture was composed of CelA + CelC + CelE in equimolar amounts. Neither the native C. bescii secretome nor cocktails of GDL GHs in vitro exceeded 25% of cellulose hydrolysis observed for wild-type C. bescii in vivo. C. bescii deletion strains lacking specific GDL GHs could be restored to wild-type degradation levels with the exogenous addition of either 5 µg/ml of recombinant GDL GH cocktails based on the natural secretome or mixtures optimized in vitro. Also, the addition of CelA up to 100 µg/ml provided no significant additional benefit. These results suggest that the C. bescii secretome is naturally balanced to achieve optimal synergy for cellulose degradation. They also reinforce the importance of microbial contributions to microcrystalline cellulose hydrolysis and suggest that mass action effects from glucan fermentation shift equilibria to drive degradation.
Magnesium and neuromuscular irritability in calves, with particular reference to hypomagnesaemic tetany.

SUMMARY Four calves were maintained on low-magnesium milk from birth to about 20 weeks of age. Severe hypomagnesaemia occurred in them all and typical signs of hypomagnesaemic tetany occurred in two. No marked changes occurred in other plasma electrolytes. Measurements were made of the electrical stimulus required to cause contraction in the triceps muscle with surface electrodes applied (a) directly over the area of the muscle, and (b) indirectly at the withers. The current required to cause contraction by direct stimulation did not alter either during severe hypomagnesaemia or tetany. By indirect stimulation the current required did not alter during severe hypomagnesaemia but fell to about one-third of normal when tetany occurred. From the results it is concluded that the primary lesion causing tetany is not likely to be in the muscle fibres nor in the central nervous system. The lesion may be described as facilitation of neuromuscular transmission occurring at, or just prior to tetany.
Poynting’s energy conservation theorem

Poynting’s Theorem deals with energy, a scalar. It divides all phenomena into three groups, (1) with and without explicit time dependence, (2) electric versus magnetic energy, and (3) cause versus effect by sign of terms. Standard Magnetic Reconnection (SMR) occurs along an X-line with zero magnetic field magnitude in field topology, whereas General Magnetic Reconnection (GMR) takes place with finite magnetic field magnitude [Schindler et al., 1988]. SMR uses the wrong term in Poynting’s Theorem to tap the energy stored in the magnetic field. Most previous work concentrates on only the electric load; the source of energy is not included. Electromotive force (emf) is the line integral of E around a closed curve; only this emf can tap the magnetic field source. The induction electric field must be parallel to the magnetic field at some points in the loop to cause GMR. A Plasma Transfer Event (PTE) was recorded by Cluster 3 on 8 March 2003. Bursts of field-aligned electrons are accompanied by bursts of plasma emissions, as shown by four instruments; a PTE is GMR.
South Asia, Archaeology of

This article is a revision of the previous edition article by G.L. Possehl, volume 22, pp. 14612–14622, © 2001, Elsevier Ltd.
Art Therapy With Students at Risk: Fostering Resilience and Growth Through Self-Expression (3rd Edition) (L’art thérapie auprès d’étudiants à risque : favoriser résilience et croissance à travers l’expression de soi), by Stella A. Stepney

As a licensed art therapist practicing in a New York City high school, I am often starved for clinical literature that speaks specifically to my work. Therefore, I was eager to read the third editi...
Flexible thermoelectric generators with inkjet-printed bismuth telluride nanowires and liquid metal contacts

Solution phase printing of nanomaterials is becoming increasingly important for the creation of scalable flexible electronics including those associated with biomedical and energy harvesting applications. However, the use of solution-phase printed thermoelectric energy generators (TEGs) has been minimally explored. Herein we report a highly flexible inkjet-printed TEG. Bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) and bismuth antimony telluride (Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3) nanowires (NWs) are inkjet printed onto polyimide to form n-type and p-type legs for the TEGs. A post-print thermal annealing process is used to increase the thermoelectric performance of the printed NWs while eutectic gallium–indium (EGaIn) liquid metal contacts electrically connect the TEG legs in series. Annealing conditions for the combination of p/n legs are examined to maximize the thermoelectric efficiency of the TEG prototype. The maximum power factor was found to be 180 μW m−1 K−2 and 110 μW m−1 K−2 for the Bi2Te3 and Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 nanowires respectively. A maximum power for the fully printed TEG device measured 127 nW at a 32.5 K temperature difference. The performance of the TEG device does not diminish even after multiple bending experiments (up to 50 times) around a tight radius of curvature (rod-dia. 11 mm). Hence this inkjet-printed flexible TEG is a step towards a fully functional wearable TEG device.
Representing the World with Inconsistent Mathematics

AbstractAccording to standard accounts of mathematical representations of physical phenomena, positing structure-preserving mappings between a physical target system and the structure(s) picked out...
IFN-α and 5-Aza-2’-deoxycytidine enhance the anti-tumor efficacy of a dendritic- Cell targeting MIP3a-Gp100-Trp2 DNA vaccine by affecting T-cell recruitment and tumor microenvironment gene expression

ABSTRACT Background The chemokine MIP-3α (CCL20) binds to CCR6 found on immature dendritic cells. DNA vaccines fusing MIP-3α to melanoma-associated antigens have shown improved efficacy and immunogenicity in the B16F10 model. To optimize the therapy, our laboratory has added agents designed to overcome immunoregulatory mechanisms of the tumor microenvironment. Here, we report that the combination of type-I interferon therapy (IFNα) with 5-Aza-2’-deoxycitidine (Aza) profoundly enhanced the therapeutic anti-melanoma efficacy of a MIP-3α-Gp100-Trp2 DNA vaccine. Methods The current studies utilize the B16F10 syngeneic mouse melanoma model. The vaccine is administered intramuscularly (i.m.) followed by i.m. electroporation. Vaccinations are given thrice at one-week intervals beginning day 5 with CpG adjuvant given two days later as noted. Aza is given i.p. at 1mg/kg on days 5 and 12. IFNα therapy is given in a series of one high followed by three low doses, beginning on days 5 and 12. Tumor sizes, growth, and survival were all assessed. Tumor microenvironment gene expression levels were explored by qRT-PCR. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) were assessed by stimulating the purified lymphocyte fraction of tumors with vaccine antigens followed by intracellular cytokine staining flow cytometry. Results We demonstrate that the addition of IFNα and Aza treatments to mice vaccinated with the MIP-3α-Gp100-Trp2 vaccine has led to significantly reduced tumor burden and overall increases in mouse survival, increasing median survival by 39% over vaccine and 86% over controls. Importantly, this increase in efficacy was dependent on the presence of all three components: vaccine, IFNα, and Aza. The addition of Aza and IFNα to the vaccine increased T-cell tumor infiltration and altered the proportion of CD8+T-cells. Also, IFNα and vaccine induced durable changes in IFNα-stimulated gene transcription. Conclusions Efficient targeting of antigen to immature dendritic cells with a chemokine-fusion vaccine offers a potential alternative approach to classic and dendritic cell based vaccines currently undergoing clinical investigation. Combining this approach with IFNα and Aza combination treatment significantly improved vaccine efficacy, with efficacy correlating with changes in TILs and in IFNα -stimulated gene expression. Further potential therapy optimization currently undergoing investigation offers promise for this line of investigation to become a novel melanoma therapy.
Computational fluid dynamics simulations of polarization phenomena in direct contact membrane distillation

Abstract Direct Contact Membrane Distillation (DCMD) has emerged as a promising means of concentrating brines to their saturation limit. To date, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies of DCMD focus primarily on temperature polarization. However, when treating hypersaline brines, concentration polarization is an additional challenge that reduces system efficiency and leads to mineral scaling. To study coupled temperature and concentration polarization in the DCMD treatment of hypersaline brines, we develop an experimentally validated two-dimensional CFD code that simulates heat and mass transport in plate-and-frame DCMD systems. We then perform a comprehensive parametric study of polarization phenomena for a wide range of feed and distillate operating conditions, system length, and co-current versus counter-current operation. We also investigate the system-level performance by measuring the average permeate flux, single-pass water recovery, maximum concentration polarization coefficient, and gained output ratio of DCMD systems with heat recovery. Though the transmembrane vapor flux is small, we observe dramatic increases in solute concentration at the membrane surface, exceeding 1.6 times the feed value. The temperatures, concentration, and vapor flux vary considerably in the downstream direction, and are poorly approximated by common Nusselt and Sherwood correlations.
Space-Occupying Lesions of the Liver

This chapter discusses four common space-occupying lesions of the liver encountered on radiologic studies, including metastatic disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, cavernous hemangiomas, and hepatic cysts. Defining characteristics of these types of lesions are listed for comparison when observed on computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Patients' perspectives of outcomes after total knee and total hip arthroplasty: a nominal group study.

While total joint replacements (TJR) are frequently performed, there is little qualitative research to define the outcomes most important to patients. Patients who had received total hip (THR) or total knee replacements (TKR) participated in 8 nominal groups to answer the question “What result/results matter the most to a patient undergoing/having a knee or hip replacement?” Total 270 votes were allocated. Eight nominal groups were performed with 45 patients, 6 groups with mean age (71.1 ± 9.3), and 2 with 9 younger patients (mean age 36.8 ± 7.4). All had TJR between 2016 and 2018; overall, 40% were male, 15.6% were Black, and 75% were performed for osteoarthritis. While all groups ranked the same top 3 outcomes, responses varied with age: 1) relief of pain (46% vs. 35% in the young groups); 2) improved function including mobility (29% vs. 18% in the young groups); 3) restored quality of life (13% vs 33% of votes in the younger group). Relief of pain and restoration of function, and improved quality of life are the 3 outcomes ranked highest by patients, confirming their inclusion in TJR clinical trials.
Augmenting the Classical Change Model to Promote Conceptual Learning in Core Engineering Courses

Cognitive conflict arises when students’ expectation about a physical situation, such as the relative temperatures of metal and cloth, are not experimentally verified. The paper reviews this approach as a tool for promoting conceptual learning in undergraduate engineering courses, through three case studies. These cases demonstrate that cognitive conflict can be a successful strategy for engineering instructors to support students’ conceptual learning in engineering as a first step to create a teachable moment.
Gluing. Part I. Integrals and symmetries

We review some aspects of the cutting and gluing law in local quantum field theory (QFT) and study it from a new point of view. In particular, we emphasize the description of gluing by a path integral over a space of polarized boundary conditions, which are given by leaves of some Lagrangian foliation in the phase space. We think of this path integral as a non-local (d − 1)-dimensional gluing theory associated to the parent local d-dimensional QFT. This is a novel point of view paving the way for applications of the standard QFT techniques (that do not rely on locality) to the gluing theory. We describe various properties of this procedure and spell out conditions under which symmetries of the parent theory lead to symmetries of the gluing theory. The purpose of this paper is to set up a playground for the companion paper where these techniques are applied to obtain new results in supersymmetric theories.
CHAPTER 8 – Drying

Publisher Summary The process of drying of a porous material can be divided into several stages. At first, the body shrinks by an amount equal to the volume of liquid that evaporates and the liquid-vapor interface remains at the exterior surface of the body. The second stage begins when the body becomes too stiff to shrink and the liquid recedes into the interior, leaving air-filled pores near the surface. Even as air invades the pores, a continuous liquid film supports flow to the exterior, so evaporation continues to occur from the surface of the body. Eventually, the liquid becomes isolated into pockets and drying can proceed only by evaporation of the liquid within the body and diffusion of the vapor to the outside. This chapter discusses the transport processes acting during these stages. It also discusses the factors affecting stress development and various strategies for avoiding warping and cracking.