cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CpG oligodeoxynucleotides act as adjuvants that switch on T helper 1 (Th1) immunity.

Synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) that contain unmethylated CpG motifs (CpG ODN) induce macrophages to secrete IL-12, which induces interferon (IFN)-γ secretion by natural killer (NK) cells. Since these cytokines can induce T helper 1 (Th1) differentiation, we examined the effects of coadministered CpG ODN on the differentiation of Th responses to hen egg lysozyme (HEL). In both BALB/c (Th2-biased) and B10.D2 (Th1-biased) mice, immunization with HEL in incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA) resulted in Th2-dominated immune responses characterized by HEL-specific secretion of IL-5 but not IFN-γ. In contrast, immunization with IFA-HEL plus CpG ODN switched the immune response to a Th1-dominated cytokine pattern, with high levels of HEL-specific IFN-γ secretion and decreased HEL-specific IL-5 production. IFA-HEL plus CpG ODN also induced anti-HEL IgG2a (a Th1-associated isotype), which was not induced by IFA-HEL alone. Control non–CpG ODN did not induce IFN-γ or IgG2a, excepting lesser increases in B10.D2 (Th1-biased) mice. Thus, CpG ODN provide a signal to switch on Th1-dominated responses to coadministered antigen and are potential adjuvants for human vaccines to elicit protective Th1 immunity.
Association Between Nicotine Withdrawal and Reward Responsiveness in Humans and Rats

Importance Reward-related disturbances after withdrawal from nicotine are hypothesized to contribute to relapse to tobacco smoking but mechanisms underlying and linking such processes remain largely unknown. Objective To determine whether withdrawal from nicotine affects reward responsiveness (ie, the propensity to modulate behavior as a function of prior reinforcement experience) across species using translational behavioral assessments in humans and rats. Design, Setting, Participants Experimental studies used analogous reward responsiveness tasks in both humans and rats to examine whether reward responsiveness varied in (1) an ad libitum smoking condition compared with a 24-hour acute nicotine abstinence condition in 31 human smokers with (n = 17) or without (n = 14) a history of depression; (2) rats 24 hours after withdrawal from chronic nicotine (n = 19) or saline (n = 20); and (3) rats following acute nicotine exposure after withdrawal from either chronic nicotine or saline administration. Main Outcomes and Measures Performance on a reward responsiveness task under nicotine and nonnicotine conditions. Results In both human smokers and nicotine-treated rats, reward responsiveness was significantly reduced after 24-hour withdrawal from nicotine ( P P Conclusions and Relevance These findings across species converge in suggesting that organisms have diminished ability to modulate behavior as a function of reward during withdrawal of nicotine. This blunting may contribute to relapse to tobacco smoking, particularly in depression-vulnerable individuals, to reinstate responsiveness to natural rewards and to experience potentiated nicotine-induced reward responsiveness. Moreover, demonstration of behavioral homology across humans and rodents provides a strong translational framework for the investigation and development of clinical treatments targeting reward responsiveness deficits during early withdrawal of nicotine.
Predictors of pulmonary complications after bariatric surgery.

Abstract Background Postoperative pneumonia (PP) and respiratory failure (PRF) are known to be the most common nonwound complications after bariatric surgery. Our objective was to identify their current prevalence after bariatric surgery and to study the preoperative factors associated with them using data from the American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Methods Patients undergoing bariatric surgery were identified from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (2006–2008), a multicenter, prospective database. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed. Results Of 32,889 patients, PP was diagnosed in 187 patients (.6%) and PRF in 204 patients (.6%). The overall 30-day morbidity rate was 6.4%, with PP and PRF accounting for 18.7%. The 30-day mortality rate was greater for the patients with PP and PRF than those without (4.3% versus .16% and 13.7% versus .10%, P P P P Conclusion Although PP and PRF are infrequent, they account for one fifth of the postoperative morbidity and are associated with significantly increased 30-day mortality. They can be predicted by various risk factors, emphasizing the importance of patient optimization and careful selection before bariatric surgery.
Performance-directed synthesis of VLSI systems

The two tasks involved in the design of VLSI systems, synthesizing the circuit and then analyzing it to verify the desired behavior and performance, are becoming intertwined, and performance constraints are being used to drive synthesis. This approach requires the ability to explore efficiently many design options and to find global optima over the several consistently aligned representation levels simultaneously. General requirements for performance-directed synthesis are characterized, followed by an overview of algorithms used for performance optimizations both within and between the several levels of representation. The need for techniques for simultaneous constraint optimization and a perspicuous characterization of the total design space is highlighted. >
The response of mycobacterium tuberculosis to reactive oxygen and nitrogen species.

The bacteriostatic and bacteriocidal effects and the transcriptional response of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to representative oxidative and nitrosative stresses were investigated by growth and survival studies and whole genome expression analysis. The M. tuberculosis reaction to a range of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentrations fell into three distinct categories: (1) low level exposure resulted in induction of a few highly sensitive H2O2-responsive genes, (2) intermediate exposure resulted in massive transcriptional changes without an effect on growth or survival, and (3) high exposure resulted in a muted transcriptional response and eventual death. M. tuberculosis appears highly resistant to DNA damage-dependent, mode-one killing caused by low millimolar levels of H2O2 and only succumbs to overwhelming levels of oxidative stress observed in mode-two killing. Nitric oxide (NO) exposure initiated much the same transcriptional response as H2O2. However, unlike H2O2 exposure, NO exposure induced dormancy-related genes and caused dose-dependent bacteriostatic activity without killing. Included in the large shared response to H2O2 and NO was the induction of genes encoding iron-sulfur cluster repair functions including iron acquisition. Stress regulons controlled by IdeR, Sigma H, Sigma E, and FurA comprised a large portion of the response to both stresses. Expression of several oxidative stress defense genes was constitutive, or increased moderately from an already elevated constitutive level, suggesting that bacilli are continually primed for oxidative stress defense.
Leaf scorch symptoms are not correlated with bacterial populations during Pierce's disease

Xylella fastidiosa (Xf ) is a xylem-limited bacterium that lives as a harmless endophyte in most plant species but is pathogenic in several agriculturally important crops such as coffee, citrus, and grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.). In susceptible cultivars of grapevine, Xf infection results in leaf scorch, premature leaf senescence, and eventually vine death; a suite of symptoms collectively referred to as Pierce’s disease. A qPCR assay was developed to determine bacterial concentrations in planta and these concentrations were related to the development of leaf-scorch symptoms. The concentration of Xf in leaves of experimental grapevines grown in the greenhouse was similar to the concentration of Xf in leaves of naturally infected plants in the field. The distribution of Xf was patchy within and among leaves. Some whole leaves exhibited severe leaf-scorch symptoms in the absence of high concentrations of Xf. Despite a highly sensitive assay and a range of Xf concentrations from 10 2 to 10 9 cells g 21 fresh weight, no clear relationship between bacterial population and symptom development during Pierce’s disease was revealed. Thus, high and localized concentrations of Xf are not necessary for the formation of leaf-scorch symptoms. The results are interpreted as being consistent with an atiology that involves a systemic plant response.
On limit multiplicites of discrete series representations in spaces of automorphic forms

Of course the groups F, are then arithmetic subgroups of G. In this situation, it seems natural to assume that, as n-+ ~ , the spectral decomposition of L2(F,\G) will approximate that of G. In particular, let 3 be a discrete series representation of G. If F is a subgroup of G, let re(F, 6) be the multiplicity of 3 in the representation of G, by right translations, on L2(F\G). Choose a Haar measure dg on G; if F is arithmetic, let v(F\G) be the (finite) volume of F\G for the measure induced by dg. Let d(3) be the formal degree of 3 for the measure dg.
Microstructure of 96% Alumina Ceramics: I, Characterization of the As‐Sintered Materials

Characterization of the microstructure and microchemistry of a group of commercial 96% Al2O3 ceramics, using analytical and conventional electron microscopy techniques, was conducted. A continuous glassy grain-boundary phase was found in all samples, in addition to a number of intragranular and intergranular crystalline second phases; the phases present depended on the original boundary-glass composition. The faceted nature of many of the Al2O3-glass interfaces was studied and is thought to be an equilibrium structure.
Anticoagulation intensity and stroke during warfarin-use in atrial fibrillation patients.

To the Editor: The interesting study by Poli and colleagues examined risk factors for ischemic stroke during anticoagulation of atrial fibrillation patients.1 For the 21 patients with ischemic events, it would be of interest to know the mean of the last “routine” INR before the ischemic event and the mean of the INR recorded nearest to/at the time of stroke to compare with the means of INRs during total follow-up of these 21 patients and of the mean INR for 343 patients without ischemic events. These data may shed additional light …
Multi-attribute utility analysis in the choice of a vision-based robot controller

We present an example of the use of multi-attribute utility analysis in the design of a robot system. Multi-attribute utility analysis is a tool used by systems engineers to aid in deciding amongst numerous alternatives. Its strength lies in the fact that very different metrics can be compared, and that it takes unto account human preferences and risk attitudes. As a design tool, multi-attribute utility analysis is performed off line, during the system design phase, to choose among possible designs, components, gains, etc. We offer a demonstration of multi-attribute utility analysis in designing a hybrid switched-system visual servo system. We have previously introduced such a system, and here use multi-attribute utility analysis to select a switching algorithm that best suits the needs of a specific user.
Public Support for Civil Liberties Pre- and Post-9/11

Public support for civil liberties has undergone important changes in the past 50 years, as has scholarship on this topic. Whereas the American public was very intolerant of communists, socialists, and atheists in the 1950s and 1960s, current intolerance is now focused more on Muslim Americans and right-wing racists, among other groups. What has remained consistent is the important role played in shaping citizens’ tolerant and intolerant attitudes by their individual characteristics, such as education, authoritarianism, dogmatism, religiosity, and race. Although threat perceptions have always played an important role in explaining citizens’ support for civil liberties, this variable has gained new meaning in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Meanwhile, improved survey methodology now allows us to understand better the extent of democratic tolerance among Americans. In this article, we review the state of the literature on public support for civil liberties prior to 9/11 and, be...
Event Coverage in Sparse Mobile Sensor Networks

Autonomous mobile sensors are employed with ever-increasing frequency, in applications ranging from search and rescue, detection of forest fires, and battlefield surveillance. In this paper, we consider a representative surveillance problem wherein a sparse number of mobile sensors are expected to cover events of interest in a deployment field. Each event appears for a certain time and then disappears. Furthermore, the location of each event and its duration is unknown. In this paper, we design a sensor movement strategy based on efficient traversal in the network to fulfill two objectives: maximizing event detection, and minimizing detection delay. Analysis and simulations demonstrate the performance of our algorithm from the perspective of event detection and delay with respect to the number of sensors, movement velocity, and the number and duration of events.
Images of war, guilt, and redemption in the first crusade speech of urban II

The First Crusade speech of Urban II has been acclaimed one of the most effective orations in history. The far‐reaching impact of the speech can be attributed to a number of factors, such as the Eleventh‐Century events and issues which preceded the Pope's call to arms. But probably the major reason for the intense reaction to the address can be traced to Urban's unique shaping of a new image of redemption for members of his audience who had been burdened by guilt. The address also appears to fit a discernible pattern of war rhetoric which has been instrumental in motivating men to take up arms.
Gammaproteobacteria class. nov.

Gam.ma.pro.te.o.bac.te' ri.a. Gr. n. gamma name of third letter of Greek alphabet; Gr. n. Proteus ocean god able to change shape; Gr. n. bakterion a small rod; M.L. fem. pl. n. Gammaproteobacteria class of bacteria having 16S rRNA gene sequences related to those of the members of the order Pseudomonadales. Proteobacteria / Gammaproteobacteria Keywords: Gammaproteobacteria class. nov.; Pseudomonadales; Proteobacteria phyl. nov.
A New Hemagglutination Test for Rheumatoid Factors

A new commercially available reagent for testing for rheumatoid factors was evaluated in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and in controls. It provided less sensitivity than the bentonite flocculation and latex fixation tests, which depend on the use of human immunoglobulin G, but provided excellent correlation with results obtained in the Waaler-Rose reaction, which also utilizes sheep erythrocytes coated with rabbit amboceptor.
Critical perspectives on youth digital media production: ‘voice’ and representation in educational contexts

ABSTRACTThis paper offers a critical discussion on voice and representation in youth digital media production in educational settings. The paper builds on existing calls from digital media and visual studies scholars to approach youth-made media with greater attention to context in production practices. In this discussion, the author addresses the importance of technological tools, media genres, settings, and program design in the construction of voice and representation for children and youth making digital media. The paper presents a case study derived from a three-year ethnographic research project and feminist intervention in one under-resourced school in Toronto, Canada. Through the examples presented in this paper, the author presents a critical discussion about the process and content of digital video created by girls making media in particular contexts, under distinct conditions.
A Population History of the United States: A Modern Industrial Society, 1980–2003

The patterns that had been evolving in the late 1960s and early 1980s came fully to fruition in the post–1980 period. Fertility and mortality – with some exceptions – continued to decline at the same rate as in the 1980s and the immigration movement increased in tempo, with the new immigration from Latin America and Asia continuing to dominate the flow. But there also began to appear in this period significant and unexpected changes in the traditional household and family organization. The trends of increasing illegitimate births, increasing importance of female-headed households, and higher ratios of adults living alone, which had previously appeared as the deviant behavior of the black minority, now began to appear with increasing frequency in the white majority. Although the reasons may have been different for these changes, the resulting trends and changes in household and marriage organization looked quite similar. For example, for all ethnic groups and races, ratios of birth outside marriage began to climb, female-headed households with children increased with each census and survey, and the number of persons living alone in single person households was on the increase. In fact, these patterns were to appear in all advanced industrial societies at this time and probably emerged in the United States for the same reasons. Changing roles for women in society, especially their advancement into high-status professional jobs as well as entrance into the workforce, the high cost of having children, and basic changes in ideas about contraception and premarital sex all led to a fundamental shift in opinions and then in performance.
Anatomy, Physiology, and Behavior

Publisher Summary The rabbit is a popular model in laboratory animal medicine due to its relatively large size and docile nature. Though rabbits are sometimes mistakenly thought of as rodents, they are in their own Order, Lagomorpha. Among the many breeds of rabbits, by far the most popular in research is the New Zealand White rabbit. Research in these rabbits has contributed to advances in cardiology, orthopedics, dentistry, immunology, and more. This chapter outlines the anatomy and physiology of rabbits. Rabbits have thin, delicate skin that is generously covered with both underfur and guard hairs. The rabbit's skin, similar to the rat's, has blood vessels immediately under the dermis. Unlike the rat, however, the fascia superficialis is well differentiated due to the elastic fibers and dense collagen content. Hair grows in waves starting from the ventrum and grows dorsally and caudally. Thick fur covers the feet in place of footpads. The fragile skin can tear easily and must be handled carefully during any manipulation. Rabbits are social, nocturnal animals that, despite over 2000 years of domestication, still have a highly developed prey instinct.
Metal Nanomaterial Toxicity Variations Within the Vascular System

Engineered nanomaterials (ENM) are anthropogenic materials with at least one dimension less than 100 nm. Their ubiquitous employment in biomedical and industrial applications in the absence of full toxicological assessments raises significant concerns over their safety on human health. This is a significant concern, especially for metal and metal oxide ENM as they may possess the greatest potential to impair human health. A large body of literature has developed that reflects adverse systemic effects associated with exposure to these materials, but an integrated mechanistic framework for how ENM exposure influences morbidity remains elusive. This may be due in large part to the tremendous diversity of existing ENM and the rate at which novel ENM are produced. In this review, the influence of specific ENM physicochemical characteristics and hemodynamic factors on cardiovascular toxicity is discussed. Additionally, the toxicity of metallic and metal oxide ENM is presented in the context of the cardiovascular system and its discrete anatomical and functional components. Finally, future directions and understudied topics are presented. While it is clear that the nanotechnology boom has increased our interest in ENM toxicity, it is also evident that the field of cardiovascular nanotoxicology remains in its infancy and continued, expansive research is necessary in order to determine the mechanisms via which ENM exposure contributes to cardiovascular morbidity.
Critical factors that affect logistics performance: a comparison of China, Japan and Korea

In globalised and uncertain business environments, many firms have turned their attention to logistics in order to make their business processes more efficient and cost-effective. In this paper, we identify critical factors that affect logistics performance at the macro level by surveying current literature. The factors include industrial policy priorities, strategic infrastructure development, public-private logistics market growth, and communication network configurations. We also compare the logistics of three East Asian countries (China, Japan, and Korea), using relevant macro-level data. These three countries are increasingly important in global logistics with their aggregate GDP accounting for approximately 21% of the world GDP. Finally, to facilitate future research, we offer eight propositions regarding relationships among critical factors and logistics outcomes. Critical issues facing the three nations' logistics industries are also discussed.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of dose-dense versus standard intravenous chemotherapy for ovarian cancer: An economic analysis of results from the Gynecologic Oncology Group protocol 262 randomized controlled trial

Abstract Objectives To determine the cost-effectiveness of dose-dense versus standard intravenous adjuvant chemotherapy for ovarian cancer using results from the no-bevacizumab cohort of the Gynecologic Oncology Group protocol 262 (GOG-262) randomized controlled trial, which reported a smaller absolute progression-free survival (PFS) benefit than the prior Japanese trial. Methods A three-state Markov decision model from a healthcare system perspective with a 21day cycle length and 28month time-horizon was used to calculate incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) values per progression-free life-year saved (PFLYS) using results from GOG-262. Costs of chemotherapy, complications, and surveillance were from Medicare or institutional data. PFS, discontinuation, and complication rates were from GOG-262. Time-dependent transition probabilities and within-cycle corrections were used. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. Results The model produces standard and dose-dense cohorts with 84.3% and 68.3% progression event proportions at 28months, matching GOG-262 rates at the trial's median follow-up. With a median PFS of 10.3months after standard chemotherapy and a hazard ratio for progression of 0.62 after dose-dense therapy, the ICER for dose-dense chemotherapy is $8074.25 (95% confidence interval: $7615.97–$10,207.16) per PFLYS. ICER estimates are sensitive only to the hazard ratio estimate but do not exceed $100,000 per PFLYS. 99.8% of ICER estimates met a more stringent willingness-to-pay of $50,000 per PFLYS. The willingness-to-pay value at which there is a 90% probability of dose-dense treatment being cost-effective is $12,000 per PFLYS. Conclusions Dose-dense adjuvant chemotherapy is robustly cost-effective for advanced ovarian cancer from a healthcare system perspective based on results from GOG-262.
Objective Measurement of Adherence to Out-Patient Airway Clearance Therapy by High-Frequency Chest Wall Compression in Cystic Fibrosis

BACKGROUND: Objective measures of adherence to high-frequency chest wall compression (HFCWC), a form of airway clearance therapy for patients with cystic fibrosis, are lacking. We used a novel electronic monitoring device integrated into an HFCWC vest to measure adherence compared with self-reported adherence. We determined factors that influenced adherence and how adherence correlated with baseline pulmonary function and pulmonary exacerbations. METHODS: Data were collected by direct measurement of date, time of day, and duration of HFCWC use to determine the number of daily treatments and daily duration of treatments. Chart review provided prescribed airway clearance therapy treatment and demographic and clinical information. Subject and caregiver report of the daily number of airway clearance therapy treatments was obtained by telephone interviews. Analysis used 2-sample and paired t test, analysis of variance, and linear regression. RESULTS: Average adherence was 69%. Adherence was highest in children (82%, P = .02) and those receiving assistance with treatment (82%, P CONCLUSIONS: Greater adherence to HFCWC measured directly by a novel recorder was associated with better baseline pulmonary function and fewer exacerbations in the pre-study and baseline period. Adherence decreased with age and prescribed therapy time and increased with therapy assistance. Self-report overestimation is large and thus not an accurate measure of adherence.
Digital Artifacts as Institutional Attractors: A Systems Biology Perspective on Change in Organizational Routines

Digital artifacts have become fundamental elements of organizational change. Such change is not frictionless, since routines and associated structures are deeply embedded- or institutionalized. Though, organizational institutionalism has been traditionally concerned with stability and change in routines and underlying structures, it has so far meagerly theorized the role of digital artifacts in balancing stability and change. To address this gap, we draw on systems biology to understand how introduction of new digital artifacts can influence routines in organizations. In particular, we approach digital artifacts as institutional attractors and examine the role of such attractors within gene regulatory networks. In this view institutional attractors become endogenous to sociomaterial systems and are keys to simultaneously promoting stability and inducing change. Just as attractors are implicated in changes to established gene regulatory networks within cells, so too are digital artifacts implicated in the efforts of institutional entrepreneurs to bring about change to organizational routines (behaviors). Based upon this analogous reasoning we outline elements of a research agenda and conclude with a discussion of methodological directions to deal with digitally induced endogenous sociomaterial change.
Hypertension: Update 2018.

Hypertension has enjoyed another successful year; a year in which our sustained efforts to increase clinical content of the Journal have seen success. On behalf of the entire editorial team, it is with pleasure that we share with you a few key highlights from the past 12 months as well as a glimpse of what you may expect from the Journal in 2018. Early in 2016, we invited many regional hypertension societies to contribute to a guideline debate series with the goal of bringing opinions and comments of key leaders involved in regional and international hypertension guidelines to the hypertension community. Researchers representing Hypertension Canada, Latin American Society of Hypertension, International Society of Hypertension, and European Society of Hypertension shared their opinions on the challenges facing guideline writers as well as clinicians referring to guidelines in their daily practice.1–4 Just a few weeks ago, the latest Hypertension Clinical Practice Guidelines5 were published in Hypertension . The expert writing group developed the latest iteration of guidelines with the support of several US-based societies including the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology. Thus, we are poised to continue the conversation we began in 2016. We have, therefore, invited regional and continental hypertension societies to share the opinions of …
Annual global mean temperature explains reproductive success in a marine vertebrate from 1955 to 2010.

The salient feature of anthropogenic climate change over the last century has been the rise in global mean temperature. However, global mean temperature is not used as an explanatory variable in studies of population-level response to climate change, perhaps because the signal to noise ratio of this gross measure makes its effect difficult to detect in any but the longest of datasets. Using a population of Leach's storm-petrels breeding in the Bay of Fundy, we tested whether local, regional, or global temperature measures are the best index of reproductive success in the face of climate change in species that travel widely between and within seasons. With a 56-year dataset, we found that Annual Global Mean Temperature (AGMT) was the single most important predictor of hatching success, more so than regional sea surface temperatures (breeding season or winter) and local air temperatures at the nesting colony. Storm-petrel reproductive success showed a quadratic response to rising temperatures, in that hatching success increased up to some critical temperature, then declined when AGMT exceeded that temperature. The year at which AGMT began to consistently exceed that critical temperature was 1988. Importantly, in this population of known-age individuals, the impact of changing climate was greatest on inexperienced breeders: reproductive success of inexperienced birds increased more rapidly as temperatures rose and declined more rapidly after the tipping point than did reproductive success of experienced individuals. The generality of our finding that AGMT is the best predictor of reproductive success in this system may hinge on two things. First, an integrative global measure may be best for species in which individuals move across an enormous spatial range, especially within seasons. Second, the length of our dataset and our capacity to account for individual- and age-based variation in reproductive success increase our ability to detect a noisy signal. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
An artificially intelligent physical model-checking approach to detect switching-related attacks on power systems

Decentralized and hierarchical microgrid control strategies have lain the groundwork for shaping the future smart grid. Such control approaches require the cooperation between microgrid operators in control centers, intelligent microcontrollers, and remote terminal units via secure and reliable communication networks. In order to enhance the security and complement the work of network intrusion detection systems, this paper presents an artificially intelligent physical model-checking that detects tampered-with circuit breaker switching control commands whether, due to a cyber-attack or human error. In this technique, distributed agents, which are monitoring sectionalized areas of a given microgrid, will be trained and continuously adapted to verify that incoming control commands do not violate the physical system operational standards and do not put the microgrid in an insecure state. The potential of this approach has been tested by deploying agents that monitor circuit breakers status commands on a 14-bus IEEE benchmark system. The results showed the accuracy of the proposed framework in characterizing the power system and successfully detecting malicious and/or erroneous control commands.
Liquid metal 3D printed microfluidic channel reconfigurable patch antenna with switchable slots

In this work, we propose a wide-band frequency reconfigurable patch antenna with switchable slots (PASS) based on liquid metal manipulation in 3D printed microfluidic channel. The antenna operation relies on continuous movement of the liquid metal volume over the channel that covers the antenna slots. The patch antenna was designed with three pairs of composite slots, with the microfluidic channel bonded on top of the metal layer. Simulation results shows that by tuning and switching the liquid metal loaded slot in the designed microfluidic channel, a frequency tuning bandwidth of around 70% is achieved, without significant changing in the radiation pattern and radiation efficiency. Prototype has been fabricated and preliminary testing shows good agreement between simulations and measurements.
Damage in elastomers: Healing of internally nucleated cavities and micro-cracks

Following on the work of Poulain et al. (Damage in elastomers: Nucleation and growth of cavities, micro-cracks, and macro-cracks, Int. J. Fract., 2017, 205, 1–21), this paper presents an investigation of the response of cavities/cracks internally nucleated within a transparent PDMS elastomer that is confined between two firmly embedded stiff beads and subjected to quasistatic cyclic loading–unloading. Specifically, it is observed that cracks that nucleate and propagate to reach tens of microns in length during the loading can heal completely upon unloading. They do so autonomously within a time scale of seconds. Furthermore, the regions of the elastomer that experience healing appear to acquire higher strength or toughness.
In vitro release modulation from crosslinked pellets for site-specific drug delivery to the gastrointestinal tract. I. Comparison of pH-responsive drug release and associated kinetics

Abstract Multiple unit dosage forms for oral delivery of bioactive agents offer many advantages over single unit products (e.g., site-specific delivery, predictable gastrointestinal transit time and less localized adverse effects). In view of such benefits, this paper investigates the crosslinking of sodium alginate, low methoxylated pectin and their novel binary mixture with calcium ions through ionotropic gelation to pelletize the model drug, diclofenac sodium, using “environmentally benign” solvents and processing techniques. Crosslinked pellets of the above polymers in 2% (w/v) aqueous calcium chloride solution were prepared and evaluated for their structural and release behavior. The average size of the different pellets was 1.3 mm and drug entrapment capacity was optimized by reducing the calcium chloride solution pH to 1.6. Three types of pellet formulations were subjected to dissolution studies using the USP 23 Apparatus 2 and 3 over a pH range simulating the human gastrointestinal tract. Negligible drug release occurred in pH 1–4. However, rate of drug release in pH 6.6 ranged from rapid to slow (i.e., 100% drug release in 4 to 10 h, respectively) but always in a controlled manner. Weight change/erosion studies and swelling measurements were used to provide experimental correlation of kinetic model analysis for each of the three pellet systems. From model fitting studies and statistical treatment, the modified Hopfenberg equation {Mt/M∞=1−[1−k1(t−tL,min)]n} best described the release kinetics for calcium–pectinate pellets. The model assumes heterogeneous erosion with kinetic constant k1=k0/C0r0, in which k0 is the erosion rate constant, C0 is the uniform initial concentration of drug in the matrix, r0 is the initial radius and tL,min is the lag time. The n values of 1, 2 and 3 apply to a slab, cylinder and sphere, respectively. In addition, the exponential models, namely the Power Law (Mt/M∞=k1tn) and its derivative containing the lag time [Mt/M∞=k1(t−tL,min)n], employed in the statistical treatment of data provided n values of ≈0.8–1 in the case of the calcium–alginate and calcium–alginate–pectinate release kinetics. It is concluded that the proper selection of rate-controlling polymers and their interactive potential for crosslinking is important, and will determine the overall size and shape of pellets, the duration and pattern of dissolution profiles, pH sensitivity, drug loading capacity and mechanism of drug release.
P036 : C1Q SINGLE ANTIGEN BEAD ASSAY ONLY DETECTS HIGH TITER/AVIDITY CLASS-I ANTI-HLA ANTIBODIES DETECTED BY SINGLE ANTIGEN BEADS

Detection of donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies (DSA) by solid phase assay (SpA) helps donor selection by predicting the actual crossmatch (xM), a process referred as a virtual crossmatch (VxM). At our center we find good correlation (R2 = 0.85) between flow xM (FxM) and VxM using single antigen bead (SAB) assay to identify DSA. The SAB assay is considered a sensitive SpA; however, a concern is that clinically insignificant anti-HLA antibodies (HLA-Ab) may be detected and preclude the recipient from receiving a transplant. The complement fixing (C1q) SAB assay has been proposed as a way to minimize the detection of clinically insignificant HLA-Ab. We present a summary of our evaluation of this assay. Materials and Methods 20 positive sera, previously used for serological typing, were tested with SAB, at 1:8 dilution with SAB and by C1q SAB method as per the manufacturer’s protocol. Serological HLA-Ab specificities were compared with those that were obtained by SAB and C1q SAB. For the SpA, specificities >5000 MFI were considered as positive. Specificities were grouped into two categories: 5000–10,000 MFI and >10,000 MFI as in our center >5000 MFI correlates with a positive FxM and >10,000 MFI correlates with cytotoxicity xM. Results In total there were 53 HLA-Ab specificities as defined by serology, 328 as defined by SAB, and 123 as defined by C1q. SAB identified all 53 specificities defined by serology; 49 with MFI >10,000. Of the 4 with MFI 10,000 on 1:8 dilution and other 2 were not detected by C1q assay. In addition, C1q assay did not detect 3 specificities identified by serology (all with MFI >10,000 by SAB). C1q assay identified 123/179 (69%) of the specificities with MFI >10,000 and 0/151 specificities with MFI: 5000–10,000 as detected by SAB (table). Conclusions For Class I HLA-Ab, C1q assay only detects high titer/avidity antibodies as defined by SAB. As DSA with SAB MFI: 5000–10,000 can result in a positive FxM, additional investigation is warranted to determine the clinical significance of these HLA-Ab. Serology positive N % SAB Total positive 53 100 MFI: >10,000 49 92 MFI: 5000–10,000 4 8 Total negative 0 0 C1q SAB Total positive 47 89 MFI: >10,000 47 89 MFI: 5000–10,000 0 0 Total negative 5 11 M.J. Gandhi: Consultant; Company/Organization; Thermo Fisher-One Lambda.
Organized Crime in Nigeria

This study concentrates on the cultural, political, economic, neo-colonial etiologies of organized crime in Nigeria. Also, the study analyzes the nature and structure of Nigerian organized crime. Unique in Nigerian organized crime is the head of state leading his people like the boss of a mafia organization, and each state government and each federal government department operate like the unit of a mafia organization. In effect, controlling organized crime in Nigeria becomes a wild-goose chase. On the whole, the operations of Nigerian organized crime, in the main, surround more in the area of natural resources and government appropriation of the national cake than in business organized crime. Weak government is the modus operandi of organized crime, and Nigerian organized crime finds that expedient.
Fehlbildungen der Kleinzehen

Eine ganze Reihe von Erkrankungen kann Fehlbildungen der Kleinzehen hervorrufen; dazu gehoren angeborene Misbildungen, neuromuskulare Erkrankungen (besonders solche, die die Mm. interossei des Fuses betreffen), Arthritis und Verletzungen. Auch zu kurze Schuhe oder zu wenig Platz fur die Zehen im Schuh konnen zu Deformitaten fuhren. Die Hauptbeschwerden des Patienten sind gewohnlich eine Zehenreizung aufgrund der Reibung gegen die Schuhoberflache oder die benachbarte Zehe. Diese Symptome werden oft durch zu spitze Schuhe noch weiter verstarkt.
Approximate Polynomial GCD by Approximate Syzygies

One way to compute a GCD of a pair of multivariate polynomials is by finding a certain syzygy. We can weaken this to create an “approximate syzygy”, for the purpose of computing an approximate GCD. The primary tools are Grobner bases and optimization. Depending on specifics of the formulation, one might use quadratic programming, linear programming, unconstrained with quadratic main term and quartic penalty, or a penalty-free sum-of-squares optimization. There are relative strengths and weaknesses to all four approaches, trade-offs in terms of speed vs. quality of result, size of problem that can be handled, and the like. Once a syzygy is found, there is a polynomial quotient to form, in order to get an approximation to an exact quotient. This step too can be tricky and requires careful handling. We will show what seem to be reasonable formulations for the optimization and quotient steps. We illustrate with several examples from the literature.
Sharing is caring: Using knowledge management to enhance subject librarian-student contact

This article takes the discipline of knowledge management in organizations and applies it to the academic library setting. Knowledge management studies inefficiencies in information sharing within ...
Physical and Biogeochemical Factors Driving Spatially Heterogeneous Phytoplankton Blooms in Nearshore Waters of Santa Monica Bay, USA

Phytoplankton blooms in nearshore waters are difficult to predict using only biogeochemical factors known to control phytoplankton growth, yet the need to understand these events continues to grow with expanding harmful algal bloom (HAB) events. The present study investigated the spatial and temporal dynamics of phytoplankton blooms and their drivers in King Harbor, a harbor in Santa Monica Bay in the Southern California Bight. High-frequency sensor measurements of environmental variables and biomass and discrete sampling of phytoplankton community composition and nutrients over an annual cycle were obtained. Eleven distinct bloom events, nine of which were numerically dominated by dinoflagellates, were identified over the study period. Results from both regression-based and time series analyses show that these blooms were correlated with increased temperature, changes in nutrient concentrations, and decreased tidally driven mixing, revealing an opportunity for bloom initiation close to neap tides. Predictors of chlorophyll biomass and environmental factors that explained differences in microplankton community structure differed between the two basins of King Harbor, despite their close and connected nature. Biomass and HAB taxa abundances in the harbor were significantly correlated with those in Santa Monica Bay with a 1-week lag in the harbor data, suggesting possible onshore transport of organisms into the harbor. The results of this study quantify the significant influence of tidal cycle as a physical process operating locally and at timescales of hours to days and provide evidence for a high degree of spatial heterogeneity in bloom dynamics in nearshore environments.
Safety and human factors for electronic flight bag usage in general aviation

Paper checklists are being replaced by software on a tablet computer, i.e., an Electronic Flight Bag (EFB). We focus on what effects this can have on the human pilot and on safety and security. We define practical EFB modifications, implementable in an app, to improve trustworthiness, especially for general aviation (GA).
Demographics of the Ribbed Mussel Geukensia demissa (Dillwyn, 1817) and the Effects of Its Simulated Manual Harvest on Salt Marsh Health in South Carolina, Usa

The ribbed mussel Geukensia demissa is a mytilid bivalve that inhabits salt marshes along the east coast of North America. It is an important ecosystem engineer, contributing to salt marsh species diversity and landscape-scale ecosystem processes. Furthermore, local interest in the human consumption of G. demissa in South Carolina has created demand for this species from both restaurant and retail outlets. In response, commercial harvest of G. demissa increased markedly between 2014 and 2016. There are, however, currently no species-specific commercial or recreational harvesting regulations for G. demissa in this state, either in terms of minimum size or maximum quantity, raising concerns about the sustainability of commercial harvest, especially considering that harvesting practices can be destructive to the salt marsh ecosystem. The goal of the current study was to characterize the demographics of G. demissa at a harvested site and at two unharvested reference sites over the course of 1 y. Furthermore, the current study investigated the effects of simulated harvest on parameters of salt marsh health. Quarterly and monthly demographic sampling at commercially harvested and unharvested sites in South Carolina revealed that patches of G. demissa primarily consist of large individuals with low rates of recruitment. A similar relationship between size and age was observed at each of the sites. A year-long manipulation experiment revealed that selective harvesting practices mitigated the effect of harvest on metrics of smooth cordgrass, Spartina alterniflora health, but not on recruitment of G. demissa. The current study offers important demographic information on G. demissa in South Carolina that can be used to support future management decisions associated with its commercial and recreational fisheries.
Weather Conditions and COVID-19 Transmission: Estimates and Projections

Background: Understanding and projecting the spread of COVID-19 requires reliable estimates of the impact of weather on the transmission of the virus. Prior research on this topic has been inconclusive. We estimate the impact of weather on transmission by assembling one of the largest datasets integrating COVID-19 infections and weather, and use the results to project weather impact on transmission in the coming months. Methods: We assemble a dataset that includes virus transmission and weather data across 3,739 locations from December 12, 2019 to April 22, 2020. Using simulation, we identify key challenges to reliable estimation of weather impacts on transmission, design a statistical method to overcome these challenges, and validate it in a blinded simulation study. Controlling for location-specific response trends we then estimate how different weather variables are associated with the reproduction number for COVID-19. We then use the estimates to project the relative weather-related risk of COVID-19 transmission across the world and in large cities. Results: We show that the delay between exposure and detection of infection complicates the estimation of weather impact on COVID-19 transmission, potentially explaining significant variability in results to date. Correcting for that distributed delay and offering conservative estimates, we find a negative relationship between temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius and estimated reproduction number (R), with each degree Celsius associated with a 3.1% (95% CI: 1.5-4.8%) reduction in R. Higher levels of relative humidity strengthen the negative effect of temperature above 25 degrees. Moreover, one millibar of additional pressure increases R by approximately 0.8 percent (0.6-1%) at the median pressure (1016 millibars) in our sample. We also find significant positive effects for wind speed, precipitation, and diurnal temperature on R. Sensitivity analysis and simulations show that results are robust to multiple assumptions. Despite conservative estimates, weather effects are associated with a 43% change in R between the 5th and 95th percentile of weather conditions in our sample. Conclusions: The results provide evidence for the relationship between several weather variables and the spread of COVID-19, finding a negative association between temperature and humidity and transmission. However, the (conservatively) estimated effects of summer weather are not strong enough to seasonally control the epidemic in most locations.
Editing through infection

A negative-strand RNA virus is engineered to express both CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) and single-guide RNAs, enabling gene editing as the virus infects the plant.
Advances in Singlet Fission Chromophore Design Enabled by Vibrational Spectroscopies

Singlet fission leads to the formation of two separate triplet T1 excitons from an initial singlet S1 exciton through 1(TT) and 1(T...T), multiexcitonic intermediates that retain singlet character....
Tactile cartography in the digital age: A review and research agenda:

Spatial media for people who are blind or visually impaired (B/VI) have evolved considerably in the years following Chris Perkins’ review of tactile map research, especially due to the proliferatio...