cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of Hydrologic Information on Shallow Foundation Design and Analysis in Arid Climates

The hydrological parameters such as rainfall and water table depth influence the degree of saturation of the near surface soil which indeed alters the strength and deformation parameters of the soil. Therefore, geotechnical design of shallow foundation especially in arid climate must incorporate the hydrological parameters for designing and constructing economical and resilient infrastructure systems. In this study, a simplified approach based on a probabilistic method for computing the ultimate bearing capacity of shallow foundation considering site specific historical rainfall and water table data is proposed. The infiltration of water into an initially partially saturated soil was modeled using one-dimensional Richard’s equation and the Vanapalli et al. (1996) equation, which incorporates both matric suction and degree of saturation, was used to compute the ultimate bearing capacity. The randomness in soil moisture due to seasonal variation over a long period of time was considered systematically using the Monte Carlo simulation technique. The results show that the ultimate bearing capacity computed using the proposed method is significantly larger than that computed assuming fully saturated soil condition.
Machine Learning Using Combined Structural and Chemical Descriptors for Prediction of Methane Adsorption Performance of Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs)

Using molecular simulation for adsorbent screening is computationally expensive and thus prohibitive to materials discovery. Machine learning (ML) algorithms trained on fundamental material properties can potentially provide quick and accurate methods for screening purposes. Prior efforts have focused on structural descriptors for use with ML. In this work, the use of chemical descriptors, in addition to structural descriptors, was introduced for adsorption analysis. Evaluation of structural and chemical descriptors coupled with various ML algorithms, including decision tree, Poisson regression, support vector machine and random forest, were carried out to predict methane uptake on hypothetical metal organic frameworks. To highlight their predictive capabilities, ML models were trained on 8% of a data set consisting of 130,398 MOFs and then tested on the remaining 92% to predict methane adsorption capacities. When structural and chemical descriptors were jointly used as ML input, the random forest model w...
Spin observables at threshold for the reaction p-barp--> Lambda -bar Lambda.

The observables measured in two-body reactions, such as cross sections, polarizations, spin correlations, and the singlet fraction, take on simpler forms at threshold since only a few partial waves contribute. A study of these observables at the p\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\Lambda}\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}\ensuremath{\Lambda} threshold is made in this paper. Our results are compared to the recent LEAR PS185 measurements, and several interesting angle-dependent features of the data are seen to originate from normal threshold behavior. Using general threshold properties, some recently proposed physics models of this process are strictly tested in this energy region. Several constraints on the transition amplitudes are deduced and excellent fits to the data are achieved using a simple scattering length approach. We find that S-wave amplitudes, S-P interference, a strong tensor interaction, and P-wave splitting all play appreciable roles in the reaction near threshold.
Perturbed functional networks in Alzheimers Disease reveal opposing roles for TGIF and EGR3

While Alzheimers disease (AD) is the most prevalent cause of dementia, complex combinations of the underlying pathologies have led to evolved concepts in clinical and neuropathological criteria in the past decade. Pathological AD can be decomposed into subsets of individuals with significantly different antemortem cognitive decline rates. Using transcriptome as a proxy for functional state, we preselected 414 expression profiles of clinically and neuropathologically confirmed AD subjects and age matched non-demented controls sampled from a large community based neuropathological study. By combining brain tissue specific protein interactome with gene network, we identify functionally distinct composite clusters of genes which reveal extensive changes in expression levels in AD. The average global expression for clusters corresponding to synaptic transmission, metabolism, cell cycle, survival and immune response were downregulated while the upregulated cluster had a large set of uncharacterized pathways and processes that may constitute an AD specific phenotypic signature. We identified four master regulators across all clusters of differentially expressed genes by enrichment analysis including TGIF1 and EGR3. These transcription factors have previously not been associated with AD and were validated in brain tissue samples from an independent AD cohort. We identify TGIF1, a transcriptional repressor as being neuroprotective in AD by activating co-repressors regulating genes critical for DNA repair, maintaining homeostasis and arresting cell cycle. In addition, we show that loss of EGR3 regulation, mediates synaptic deficits by targeting the synaptic vesicle cycle. Collectively, our results highlight the utility of integrating protein interactions with gene perturbations to generate a comprehensive framework for characterizing the alterations in molecular network as applied to AD.
Near Infra-Red Spectroscopy (NIRS) in Urea Cycle Disorders and Typically Developing Children

To test whether NIRS can be used to monitor cognitive brain function and detect markers for differentiation of neurocognitive variance in children with urea cycle disorders as compared to typically developing children who serve as controls.
Assisted Revegetation in Denali National Park, Alaska, U.S.A.

Proposed construction in Denali National Park will disturb alpine and subalpine vegetation. On some disturbed areas, plant succession is predicted to be slow and to produce a sparse plant cover. Studies are in progress to evaluate methods and native plant materials for assisted revegetation. Ten species which are important members of natural successional communities are currently being tested to determine if planting seedlings will increase their density and cover. Seeds were collected in the Park and greenhouse-propagated in containers. Treatment combinations of planted seedlings, fertilization, and watering are being tested at a disturbed alpine site, while treatment combinations of planted seedlings and topsoil addition are being tested at a subalpine disturbed site. In spite of exceptionally hot, dry weather, 96% of the planted seedlings at the alpine study site and 94% of the seedlings at the subalpine site were alive and growing after one growing season. Watering, fertilization, and topsoil treatmen...
Do visual aids influenced patients' risk perceptions for rare and very rare risks?

Abstract Objective To examine whether visual aids (a graphic representation and/or conceptual illustrations) influence patients’ risk perceptions for rare and very rare risks. Methods Participants were randomized to a scenario which varied by probability of infection (2% or 0.2%) and visual aid: numbers only, numbers + graphic representation, numbers + conceptual illustrations, or numbers + graphic representation + conceptual illustrations. Risk perceptions and likelihood of starting the medication were examined across the four formats, separately, in participants with and without a college education. Results Adding a graphic representation and/or conceptual illustrations did not affect risk perceptions among those with a higher level of education. Adding both a graphic representation + conceptual illustrations decreased risk perceptions and increased likelihood of starting the medication among participants randomized to the 2%, but not 0.2% scenario, among participants with lower levels of education. Conclusion Adding a graphic representation + conceptual illustrations to numbers may influence perceptions for rare, but not very rare, risks among patients with lower education. Practice Implications: Clinicians should be aware of the differential effects of visual aids developed to facilitate risk communication. Patients with higher levels of education may be less responsive to visual aids than those with lower education.
The Effect of VLSI: Prospects for the Office of the Future

Publisher Summary The fundamental purpose of electronic technology is to collect, process, and communicate information. New applications of very large-scale integration (VLSI) are expected to increase the scope, speed, and performance of information-handling operations and reduce their cost. In future office systems and subsystems, the functions of device control, information analysis, information storage and retrieval, and information presentation will be partitioned into units that can be implemented with independent processors and memory to meet specific functional requirements. Dedicated processors will be used in work stations, printers, storage units, and communication facilities. Increased circuit integration and operating speed will lead to more compact devices that perform better with fewer electronic parts. Continuing advances in VLSI technology will make possible many more processor and memory configurations. Large-capacity disks for mainframe computers will continue to improve; some of these improvements will find their way into smaller, high-performance hard disks for office applications. Future offices will need a means of transmitting information between local and remote terminals and system files. For communication between remote locations, offices use satellite and light-fiber transmission and various kinds of leased-line or packet-switching setups. Special links are used for in-house communication. The transmission technologies will offer the capacity needed for the expected message traffic.
Solubility of Crystalline Calcium Isosaccharinate

The solubility of calcium isosaccharinate Ca(ISA)2(c) was determined at 23°C as a function of pH (1–14) and calcium ion molality (0.03–0.52). The similarity of solubility from the over- and undersaturation directions for different equilibration periods indicated that equilibrium in these solutions was reached rapidly (< 7 days) and that these data can be used to develop thermodynamic equilibrium constants. The solubility data were interpreted using the Pitzer ion–interaction model. The logarithms of the thermodynamic equilibrium constants determined from these data were 1.30 for the dominant reaction at pH < 4.5 [Ca(ISA)2(c) + 2H+ ⇌ Ca2+ + 2HISA(aq)], and −2.22 for the dominant reaction at 4.5 [Ca(ISA)2(c)+ ⇌ Ca(ISA)2(aq)]. In addition, the logarithm of the dissociation constant of HISA [HISA(aq) ⇌ ISA- + H+] was calculated to be −4.46.
Optimization of bilinear systems using a higher-order variational method

This paper derives some optimization results for bilinear systems using a higher-order method by characterizing them over matrix Lie groups. In the derivation of the results, first a bilinear system is transformed to a left-invariant system on matrix Lie groups. Then, the product of exponential representation is used to express this system in canonical form. Next, the conditions for optimality are obtained by the principles of variational calculus. It is demonstrated that closed-form analytical solutions exist for classes of bilinear systems whose Lie algebra are nilpotent.
APAM: Antagonistic Pneumatic Artificial Muscle

We present a pneumatic actuator capable of changing length by 1000%, applying both pushing and pulling forces, and independently modulating its length and stiffness. These characteristics are enabled by individually addressable internal and external chambers that work antagonistically against one another. The high deformation with low hysteresis is achieved by wrinkling of thin materials that are assumed to be inextensible but flexible, as opposed to stretchable. A model for the actuator is presented and validated with experimental results, showing capabilities of high strain, pushing and pulling, and independent control of length and stiffness. These characteristics are motivated by the application of a compliant truss robot. Accordingly, we show a simple grounded tetrahedron with three actuator elements and three static elements. We demonstrate motion of the tetrahedron apex against external loads and the ability of the structure to vary its stiffness. The actuator offers a unique set of characteristics that could increase the capabilities of soft robotic devices.
Seismic and acoustic signatures of surficial mass movements at volcanoes

Abstract Surficial mass movements, such as debris avalanches, rock falls, lahars, pyroclastic flows, and outburst floods, are a dominant hazard at many volcanoes worldwide. Understanding these processes, cataloging their spatio-temporal occurrence, and detecting, tracking, and characterizing these events would advance the science of volcano monitoring and help mitigate hazards. Seismic and acoustic methods show promise for achieving these objectives: many surficial mass movements generate observable seismic and acoustic signals, and many volcanoes are already monitored. Significant progress has been made toward understanding, modeling, and extracting quantitative information from seismic and infrasonic signals generated by surficial mass movements. However, much work remains. In this paper, we review the state of the art of the topic, covering a range of scales and event types from individual rock falls to sector collapses. We consider a full variety of volcanic settings, from submarine to subaerial, shield volcano to stratovolcano. Finally, we discuss future directions toward operational seismo-acoustic monitoring of surficial mass movements at volcanoes.
Spontaneous Otoacoustic Emissions Reveal an Efficient Auditory Efferent Network.

Purpose Understanding speech often involves processing input from multiple modalities. The availability of visual information may make auditory input less critical for comprehension. This study exa...
Surgical Outcomes in Post-Traumatic Epilepsy: A Single Institutional Experience.

Background Post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) is a debilitating sequela of traumatic brain injury (TBI), occurring in up to 20% of severe cases. This entity is generally thought to be more difficult to treat with surgical intervention. Objective To detail our experience with the surgical treatment of PTE. Methods Patients with a history of head injury undergoing surgical treatment for epilepsy were retrospectively enrolled. Engel classification at the last follow-up was used to assess outcome of patients that underwent surgical resection of an epileptic focus. Reduction in seizure frequency was assessed for patients who underwent vagal nerve stimulator (VNS) or responsive neurostimulator (RNS) implantation. Results A total of 23 patients met inclusion criteria. Nineteen (82.6%) had mesial temporal sclerosis, 3 had lesional neocortical epilepsy (13.0%), and 1 had nonlesional neocortical epilepsy (4.3%). Fourteen patients (60.9%) underwent temporal lobectomy (TL), 2 underwent resection of a cortical focus (8.7%), and 7 underwent VNS implantation (30.4%). Three patients underwent RNS implantation after VNS failed to reduce seizure frequency more than 50%. In the patients treated with resection, 11 (68.8%) were Engel I, 3 (18.8%) were Engel II, and 2 (12.5%) were Engel III at follow-up. Average seizure frequency reduction in the VNS group was 30.6% ± 25.6%. RNS patients had reduction of seizure severity but seizure frequency was only reduced 9.6% ± 13.6%. Conclusion Surgical outcomes of PTE patients treated with TL were similar to reported surgical outcomes of patients with nontraumatic epilepsy treated with TL. Patients who were not candidates for resection demonstrated variable response rates to VNS or RNS implantation.
Effects of dual-alcohol gasoline blends on physiochemical properties and volatility behavior

Abstract Biofuels can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. Ethanol is the main additive for gasoline in the United States, and gasoline containing 10 vol% ethanol is the most commonly used transportation fuel. However, the vapor pressure of these blends is significantly higher than gasoline, which contributes to evaporative emissions. One way to circumvent this and other issues is to use a dual-alcohol approach, mixing lower (methanol or ethanol) and higher alcohols with gasoline to obtain a blend with a vapor pressure close to that of the base gasoline. The goal of this study was to evaluate the fuel potential of dual alcohol blends experimentally and theoretically. Ten dual-alcohol blends were tested at blending ratios from 10 to 80 vol%, with methanol and ethanol used as the lower alcohols and iso-butanol and 3-methyl-3-pentanol as the higher alcohols. The corresponding single alcohol-gasoline blends were also evaluated. For each blend, Reid vapor pressure, vapor lock protection potential, distillation curve, lower heating value, kinematic viscosity, and water tolerance at three temperatures were measured. A model of droplet evaporation was also applied to provide insights into the azeotropic volatility behavior and mixing/sooting potential of the blends. The results of this study show that it is advantageous to use dual-alcohol blends containing up to 40 vol% because they have the characteristics necessary for good performance in existing spark-ignition engines, particularly in terms of volatility, kinematic viscosity, and water tolerance. This study is the first to characterize matched vapor pressure, dual-alcohol blends over a wide blending range as drop-in fuels for conventional spark ignition engines. Furthermore, this was the first investigation of the fuel potential of iso-butanol in dual-alcohol blends and of 3-methyl-3-pentanol in single- and dual-alcohol blends.
Risk-Sharing, Investment, and Asset Prices According to Cournot and Arrow-Debreu

We study the macroeconomic consequences of financial market concentration in a complete markets economy with production. We propose a theory in which differences in preferences, productivity, and risk exposure generate gains from trade, but these gains are not fully realized because some large agents internalize their impact on asset prices. In equilibrium, risk-sharing is incomplete and rents from strategic trading feed back into the real economy by distorting the marginal value of production. Along with an increase in valuations, the model can generate a joint decline in investment, productivity, risk-free rates and the market risk premium. Welfare losses from strategic trading can be measured using asset market data, and are largest in the deepest markets.
RATES OF SOIL FORMATION ON BLACK MESA, NORTHEAST ARIZONA: A CHRONOSEQUENCE IN LATE QUATERNARY ALLUVIUM

A chronosequence of 17 soils in late Quaternary alluvium on Black Mesa, northeast Arizona, permits quantification of rates of pedogenesis in a semi-arid region. Based on 24 tree-ring, radiocarbon, and archaeological dates, soil ages range from about 100 to 20,000 to 30,000+ years. Data indicate that ochric, cambic, argillic, natric, and calcic horizons form within about 100, 500, 1000, 3000, and 15,000 years, respectively, whereas mollic epipedons form within 1000 years. Bk horizons with Stage I, I+, II+, and III carbonate morphologies form within about 1000, 4000, 10,000, and 15,000 years, respectively. Thickness of Bt and Bk horizons, and Harden profile development and clay accumulation index values increase in a linear manner with increasing soil age. High resolution dating suggests rates of pedogenesis on Black Mesa are rapid relative to those documented elsewhere in the southwest United States and in the Rocky Mountains. Rates of soil formation recorded on Black Mesa, however, necessarily incorporate...
An Epidemiological Analysis of Pediatric Dog Bite Injuries Over a Decade.

Abstract Background An estimated 800,000 dog bites require medical attention every year. The purpose of this study is to review the characteristics of dog bite injuries in children and examine temporal trends. Methods The Kids’ Inpatient Database was used to identify pediatric patients with dog bite injuries over a 10-y period. Demographic data, primary payer, injury characteristics, length of hospitalization, and treatments were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed in SAS 9.3 (SAS Institute Inc, Cary, NC). Results A total of 6308 patients were identified. Average age at time of injury was 6.4 ± 4.3 y. Children under age 5 y were the most affected subgroup (39.3% in 2000 versus 44.7% in 2009, P Conclusions Dog bites are a common cause of pediatric injuries and are a significant burden on families and the health care system. Evaluating the characteristics of these injuries can guide educational efforts.
Crystal structure, conductivity, and phase stability of Cs3(H1.5PO4)2 under controlled humidity

Abstract Upon heating, a number of solid acids of structure type M3H(XO4)2 (M = NH4, K, Rb, Cs; X = S, Se) transform from a low conductivity monoclinic phase into a high conductivity (superprotonic) phase. Here, a new member of this material class, Cs3(H1.5PO4)2, is studied using a combination of single crystal X-ray diffraction, in-situ powder diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and A.C. impedance spectroscopy. The room temperature crystal structure of Cs3(H1.5PO4)2 was solved in the C2/m space group and found to be essentially isostructural to Cs3H(SeO4)2. On heating, no transition to a superprotonic phase was observed. Instead, Cs3(H1.5PO4)2 exsolves a small quantity of a CsH2PO4-like cubic phase at an onset temperature of ~192 °C prior to decomposition. The absence of a superprotonic phase transition is discussed in the context of other M3H(XO4)2 solid acids and the crystal-chemical features that define this class of materials.
The Electrophoretic and Spectroscopic Characterization of Hgb M

The hemoglobin (hgb) from a patient with Hgb M disease was resolved into two components by starch block electrophoresis (at pH 7.0-7.2) of the oxidized hemolyzate. One component was identified electrophoretically and spectroscopically as Hgb A, and the other as Hgb M. Methods for the determination of the relative concentration of Hgb M were given. In the patient reported, Hgb M was found to comprise approximately 30 per cent of the total hgb. Spectroscopic studies of electrophoreticably isolated Hgb M demonstrated that both the methgb and the cyanmethgb form were abnormal in their spectral curves. The reactions of the methgb form with low and high concentrations of cyanide were found to differ. The nature of the spectral changes were such as to indicate that some of the heme groups of the methgb form react abnormally and others apparently normally. The electrophoretic behavior of the patient’s hemolyzate after treatment with various combinations of cyanide and ferricyanide was consistent with this hypothesis. The differing reactivity of the heme groups was explained in the light of the biochemical genetics of the abnormal hemoglobins.
Sympathetically mediated increases in cardiac output, not restraint of peripheral vasodilation, contribute to blood pressure maintenance during hyperinsulinemia

Vasodilatory effects of insulin support the delivery of insulin and glucose to skeletal muscle. Concurrently, insulin exerts central effects that increase sympathetic nervous system activity (SNA), which is required for the acute maintenance of blood pressure (BP). Indeed, in a cohort of young healthy adults, herein we show that intravenous infusion of insulin increases muscle SNA while BP is maintained. We next tested the hypothesis that sympathoexcitation evoked by hyperinsulinemia restrains insulin-stimulated peripheral vasodilation and contributes to sustaining BP. To address this, a separate cohort of participants were subjected to 5-s pulses of neck suction (NS) to simulate carotid hypertension and elicit a reflex-mediated reduction in SNA. NS was conducted before and 60 min following intravenous infusion of insulin. Insulin infusion caused an increase in leg vascular conductance and cardiac output (CO; P < 0.050), with maintenance of BP (P = 0.540). As expected, following NS, decreases in BP were greater in the presence of hyperinsulinemia compared with control (P = 0.045). However, the effect of NS on leg vascular conductance did not differ between insulin and control conditions (P = 0.898). Instead, the greater decreases in BP following NS in the setting of insulin infusion paralleled with greater decreases in CO (P = 0.009). These findings support the idea that during hyperinsulinemia, SNA-mediated increase in CO, rather than restraint of leg vascular conductance, is the principal contributor to the maintenance of BP. Demonstration in isolated arteries that insulin suppresses α-adrenergic vasoconstriction suggests that the observed lack of restraint of leg vascular conductance may be attributed to sympatholytic actions of insulin.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We examined the role of sympathetic activation in restraining vasodilatory responses to hyperinsulinemia and sustaining blood pressure in healthy adults. Data are reported from two separate experimental protocols in humans and one experimental protocol in isolated arteries from mice. Contrary to our hypothesis, the present findings support the idea that during hyperinsulinemia, a sympathetically mediated increase in cardiac output, rather than restraint of peripheral vasodilation, is the principal contributor to the maintenance of systemic blood pressure.
Postoperative atrial fibrillation prophylaxis using a novel amiodarone order set

Background Studies have demonstrated that chemoprophylaxis following anatomic lung resection can reduce post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF). However, it is unclear if non-anatomic wedge resection warrants prophylaxis, as previously published rates vary widely. The primary goal of this study was to assess an institutional rate of POAF following anatomic resections with implementation of a novel amiodarone administration regimen compared to wedge resections without prophylaxis. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of a prospectively maintained database and compared anatomic and wedge lung resection patients from 1/2015 to 4/2018. During the study period, a previously unpublished amiodarone order set consisting of a 300 mg IV bolus followed by 400 mg tablets TID ×3 days was administered to anatomic resection patients ≥65 who met criteria. Wedge resection patients were not intended to receive amiodarone prophylaxis. The primary outcome was POAF incidence. Risk factors for developing POAF were assessed. Results A total of 537 patients met inclusion where 56% underwent anatomic resection and 44% wedge resection. Overall, 5.4% of patients experienced POAF. There was a significant reduction in post-anatomic resection POAF as compared to historic rates without prophylaxis (9.3% vs. 20.3%, P<0.001). A single wedge resection patient (0.4%) developed POAF. On multivariable analysis, the only independent POAF risk factor was age ≥65 (OR: 5.41, 95% CI: 1.47-19.85). Conclusions Administration of our novel amiodarone order set reduces POAF after anatomic resection; however, POAF following wedge resection is too rare to warrant chemoprophylaxis.
Psychosomatische Epileptologie bei Menschen mit geistiger Behinderung

Der Begriff der psychosomatischen Epileptologie hat sich in den letzten Jahren im deutschen Sprachgebrauch etabliert. Gleichwohl fehlt es in der veroffentlichten Literatur an einer prazisen Definition. In der Praxis bezieht der Begriff sich auf die Behandlung von Menschen mit psychogenen nichtepileptischen Anfallen, isoliert oder in gemeinsamem Auftreten mit epileptischen Anfallen, auserdem auf die Behandlung einer psychosomatischen Komorbiditat bei Menschen mit Epilepsie. Psychische bzw. psychosomatische Begleiterkrankungen sind auch bei Menschen mit Epilepsie und geistiger Behinderung (GB) haufig. Bei den Menschen mit Epilepsie und GB handelt es sich nicht um eine homogene Gruppe. Vielmehr sind unterschiedliche Auspragungen der Intelligenzminderung und unterschiedliche Atiologien, z. B. im Rahmen genetisch bedingter Syndrome, zu berucksichtigen. Die Literatur zu den Therapieverfahren psychosomatischer Epileptologie in dieser Gruppe ist sparlich. Neben einer klassischen Psychotherapie sind Analysen und ggf. Veranderungen des alltaglichen Lebens wichtig. Der Forschungsbedarf wird skizziert.
Epilepsy and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among U.S. adults: National Health Interview Survey 2013, 2015, and 2017.

Abstract Background Among U.S. adults, over 4 million report a history of epilepsy, and more than 15 million report a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is a common somatic comorbidity of epilepsy. This study assessed the relationship between self-reported physician-diagnosed epilepsy and COPD in a large representative sample of the U.S. adult population and explored possible mechanisms. Methods Cross-sectional National Health Interview Surveys for 2013, 2015, and 2017 were aggregated to compare the prevalence of COPD between U.S. respondents aged ≥ 18 years with a history of physician-diagnosed epilepsy (n = 1783) and without epilepsy (n = 93,126). We calculated prevalence of COPD by age-standardized adjustment and prevalence ratios of COPD overall adjusted for sociodemographic and risk factors, by using multivariable logistic regression analyses. A Z-test was conducted to compare the prevalence between people with and without epilepsy at the statistical significance level of 0.05. Prevalence ratios whose 95% confidence intervals did not overlap 1.00 were considered statistically significant. Results The overall age-standardized prevalence was 5.7% for COPD and 1.8% for epilepsy. Age-standardized prevalence of COPD among respondents with epilepsy (15.4%) exceeded that among those without epilepsy (5.5%). The association remained significantly different among all sociodemographic and risk factor subgroups (p Conclusions Epilepsy is associated with a higher prevalence of COPD in U.S. adults. Public health interventions targeting modifiable behavioral and socioeconomic risk factors among people with epilepsy may help prevent COPD and related premature death.
Effect of Statewide Social Distancing and Stay-At-Home Directives on Orthopaedic Trauma at a Southwestern Level 1 Trauma Center During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Objectives To compare orthopaedic trauma volume and mechanism of injury before and during statewide social distancing and stay-at-home directives. Design Retrospective. Setting Level 1 trauma center. Patients/participants One thousand one hundred thirteen patients sustaining orthopaedic trauma injuries between March 17 and April 30 of years 2018, 2019, and 2020. Intervention Statewide social distancing and stay-at-home directives. Main outcome measurements Number of consults, mechanism of injury frequency, and type of injury frequency. Results During the COVID-19 pandemic, orthopaedic trauma consult number decreased. Injuries due to gunshot wounds increased and those due to automobile versus pedestrian accidents decreased. Time-to-presentation increased and length of stay decreased. Operative consults remained unchanged. Conclusions Orthopaedic trauma injuries continued to occur during the COVID-19 pandemic at an overall decreased rate, however, with a different distribution in mechanism and type of injury. Level of evidence Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Characterization of Porosity in Thick Graphite/Epoxy Composites

Porosity, introduced in composites during fabrication, takes the form of dispersed or discrete elongated voids, usually at the fiber-matrix interface. During subsequent loading, these voids act as nuclei of further damage growth resulting in strength degradation. Hence, it is important to determine the void content after fabrication.
Influence of sky radiance distribution on the ratio technique for estimating bidirectional reflectance

The technique of ratioing scene radiance to the radiance obtained from standard Lambertian reference panels in order to estimate bidirectional reflectance factors may depend on the angular distribution of the diffuse irradiance field as well as the direct solar irradiance. A simulation study was performed to estimate the magnitude of this effect for differing clear sky irradiance distributions for a variety of vegetated surfaces. For the seven surfaces and wavelengths analyzed, the error induced in the estimation of bidirectional reflectance factors using the standard ratio technique was less than 5 percent for zenith view and sun angles less than 55 degrees.
Lead(II) Extraction with Electrospun Spiropyran Functionalized PMMA Nanofibers

Approved: ______________________________________________ Dr. Vincent T. Remcho A system to reversibly extract Pb ions from aqueous solutions using spiropyran functionalized nanofibers was proposed. Spiropyrans are photochromic compounds which undergo a conformational change that alters their physical properties and makes Pb binding possible upon irradiation with UV light (365 nm). Irradiation with green light (525 nm) reverses this process and allows the spiropyrans to release the Pb ions. An electrospinning apparatus was constructed and optimized to make PMMA nanofibers. The apparatus was capable of making smooth fibers of diameters 850 nm-1350 nm. A Pb extraction apparatus was also constructed where aqueous Pb was infused into a PDMS microfluidic chip packed with spiropyran functionalized nanofibers. The fibers were proven to be photochromic, but did not initiate Pb extraction from solution. This is most likely due to degradation of surface bound spiropyrans by oxygen plasma in the chip binding process. This method may provide a useful way to create photochromic fibers for use in situations where changes in the surface chemistry of the fibers is not desired.
Use of Tephrochronology in the Quaternary Geology of the United States

The most extensive volcanic ash units of western United States that are important for tephrochronologic studies include the Pearlette-type ash layers (0.6, 1.2, and 1.9 x 106 years old), the Bishop ash (0.7 x 106 years old), Glacier Peak tephra (ca. 12,500–11,250 years old), Mazama ash (6700 years old), several layers from Mt. St. Helens (3400, 450, and 180 years old), two lobes of White River ash in eastern Alaska and Yukon Territory (1890 and 1250 years old), and the Katmai tephra of southern Alaska (A.D. 1912). These and other tephra layers of western United States have been used to assess the age of Pleistocene and Holocene glacial, pluvial, and alluvial records, to estimate the relative magnitude and character of eruptive events, and to infer prevailing wind direction(s) at times of major eruptions. Pollen influx and pollen types have been employed to determine the duration and season(s) of deposition of certain ancient ash layers. Potential applications include use of tephra layers to evaluate rates of geologic processes, to correlate marine and terrestrial stratigraphic sequences, to determine rates of reforestation at the end of the last glaciation, and to assess the extent to which volcanic ash in the atmosphere can contribute to climatic change.
The Mind Doctor

I see, her host said, nodding as if he had been listening to her when in fact he had been rehearsing what he wanted to say himself. Harry offered her, with a magnanimous gesture, anyone in the room as a character but three that absolutely belonged to him. It's only those three that interest me, she teased, noticing over Harry D. Gaulle's shoulder an oriental woman coming toward them with a bomb on a silver tray, the fuse lit. Harry, for God's sake, look out, Genevi?ve said. Why, he was saying, if you can have any of the really extraordinary people in this room, some of whom are more accomplished than my char acters, do you insist on running off pell mell with mine? The bomb went off just behind his ear. Genevi?ve threw herself toward the rug, wrenching her faith in human nature. I can t understand it, Fran?oise Gaulle said in a confidential manner to her guests. We always treated Doris like a member of the family. If Im not mistaken, she's even a moderately sympathetic character in one of my late husband's books. Harry D. Gaulle had always hungered for recognition, someone was saying in an authoritative voice?it was the cultural editor of the Paris edition of the Herald Tribune?was the first of his crowd to misperceive any given fashion. It was a function of his integrity, don't you know, to miss the point. The hostess had no choice under the circumstances but to reemploy the maid (good help in Paris hard to find that spring) to sweep up the remains of her late husband.
Distribution of the Receptor Sites for Sindbis Virus on the Surface of Chicken and BHK Cells

Sindbis virus was adsorbed to chicken cells or to BHK cells, and the distribution of virus over the surface of the cell was examined by electron microscopy of surface replicas. The distribution of virus particles on the cell was used to indicate the position of virus receptors at the cell surface. When purified Sindbis virus was adsorbed at 37 C to cells prefixed with glutaraldehyde, the virus particles were evenly distributed over the surface of most cells. There was a large variability from cell to cell, however, in the number of virus particles adsorbed, and regions with different concentrations of virus particles were sometimes observed on the same cell. The concentration of virus receptors observed varied from 20 to 160/µm2 of cell surface, and, thus, the total number of virus receptors per chicken cell is on the order of 105. When virus was adsorbed to unfixed cells at 4 C, the virus particles were clustered into aggregates varying from a few particles to large crystalline arrays (the latter seen only in chicken cells). These conditions are apparently conducive to virus aggregation, and this, coupled with free lateral diffusion of the virus-receptor complex in the cell membrane at 4 C, leads to the observed clustering.
Grcop-84: A High-Temperature Copper Alloy for High-Heat-Flux Applications

GRCop-84 (Cu-8 at.% Cr-4 at.% Nb) is a new high-temperature copper-based alloy. It possesses excellent high-temperature strength, creep resistance and low-cycle fatigue up to 700 C (1292 F) along with low thermal expansion and good conductivity. GRCop-84 can be processed and joined by a variety of methods such as extrusion, rolling, bending, stamping, brazing, friction stir welding, and electron beam welding. Considerable mechanical property data has been generated for as-produced material and following simulated braze cycles. The data shows that the alloy is extremely stable during thermal exposures. This paper reviews the major GRCop-84 mechanical and thermophysical properties and compares them to literature values for a variety of other high-temperature copper-based alloys.
Adenylate-Rich Sequences in Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Messenger Ribonucleic Acid

Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-specific messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) species contain sequences of adenylate-rich RNA which are more heterogeneous in their migration through sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels than the corresponding fractions from HeLa cell mRNA. VSV virion RNA contains no adenylaterich sequences. The possible role of such sequences in the mRNA species of a cytoplasmically replicating virus is discussed.
The Role of IFN in Respiratory Syncytial Virus Pathogenesis

Formalin-inactivated respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine preparations have been shown to cause enhanced disease in naive hosts following natural infection. In this study we demonstrate a similar pattern of enhanced disease severity following primary RSV infection of IFN-nonresponsive STAT1(-/-) mice. STAT1(-/-) mice showed markedly increased illness compared with wild-type BALB/c animals following RSV inoculation despite similar lung virus titers and rates of virus clearance. Histologically, STAT1(-/-) animals had eosinophilic and neutrophilic pulmonary infiltrates not present in wild-type or IFN-gamma(-/-)-infected mice. In cytokine analyses of infected lung tissue, IFN-gamma was induced in both STAT1(-/-) and wild-type mice, with preferential IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 induction only in the STAT1(-/-) animals. Eotaxin was detected in the lungs of both wild-type and STAT1(-/-) mice following infection, with a 1.7-fold increase over wild-type in the STAT1(-/-) mice. Using a peptide epitope newly identified in the RSV fusion protein, we were able to demonstrate that wild-type memory CD4(+) T cells stimulated by this peptide produce primarily IFN-gamma, while STAT1(-/-)CD4(+) cells produce primarily IL-13. These findings suggest that STAT1 activation by both type I (alphabeta) and type II (gamma) IFNs plays an important role in establishing a protective, Th1 Ag-specific immune response to RSV infection.
Thermal stimulation of taste

The first electrophysiological recordings from animal and human taste nerves gave clear evidence of thermal sensitivity, and studies have shown that as many as half of the neurons in mammalian taste pathways respond to temperature. Because temperature has never been shown to induce sensations of taste, it has been assumed that thermal stimulation in the gustatory system is somehow nulled. Here we show that heating or cooling small areas of the tongue can in fact cause sensations of taste: warming the anterior edge of the tongue (chorda tympani nerve) from a cold temperature can evoke sweetness, whereas cooling can evoke sourness and/or saltiness. Thermal taste also occurs on the rear of the tongue (glossopharyngeal nerve), but the relationship between temperature and taste is different there than on the front of the tongue. These observations indicate the human gustatory system contains several different types of thermally sensitive neurons that normally contribute to the sensory code for taste.
Justice perceptions and practices of restorative justice facilitators and the public

Restorative justice proponents argue that a restorative approach to criminal justice is fundamentally different from the traditional approach to justice enacted by the court system. Third-party facilitators, who represent this alternative approach, are typically responsible for educating people about what restorative justice is, establishing the legitimacy of the restorative justice process, and persuading people to participate in this justice process. Perceptions of legitimacy and decisions to participate, in turn, are likely grounded in prescriptive justice beliefs as well as their perceptions of features of the traditional justice system. The purpose of the study was to compare prescriptive justice beliefs and traditional justice system perceptions held by facilitators and members of the general public. Additionally, the study examined how facilitators’ perceptions of their practices were connected to prescriptive justice beliefs and perceptions of restorative justice. Analysis of survey data revealed ...
Protein kinase C involvement in focal adhesion formation

Matrix molecules such as fibronectin can promote cell attachment, spreading and focal adhesion formation. Although some interactions of fibronectin with cell surface receptors have now been identified, the consequent activation of intracellular messenger systems by cell/matrix interactions have still to be elucidated. We show here that the kinase inhibitors H7 and HA1004 reduce focal adhesion and stress fiber formation in response to fibronectin in a dose-dependent manner, and that activators of protein kinase C can promote their formation under conditions where they do not normally form. Fibroblasts spread within 1h on substrata composed of fibronectin and formed focal adhesions by 3h, as monitored by interference reflection microscopy (IRM) and by labeling for talin, vinculin and integrin beta 1 subunits. In addition, stress fibers were visible. When cells were allowed to spread for 1h and then treated with kinase inhibitors H7 and HA1004 for 2h, IRM indicated a reduction in focal adhesion formation at concentrations where protein kinase C (PKC) should be inhibited. In contrast, focal adhesions formed normally at concentrations of these inhibitors where cyclic AMP- or cyclic GMP-dependent kinases should be inactivated. Inhibition of PKC, but not that of cyclic AMP- or cyclic GMP-dependent kinases, also prevented the formation of stress fibers and induced a dispersal of talin and vinculin, but not integrin beta 1 subunits, from small condensations present at 1h. Consistent with the reduction in focal adhesion formation when PKC was inhibited, activation of PKC by 30 minutes of treatment with phorbol esters induced focal adhesion formation in cells spread for 3h on substrata composed of the cell-binding (RGD-containing) fragment of fibronectin, while untreated cells or those treated with inactive phorbol esters did not form these structures.
The effects of aerobic fatigue on jump shot kinematics in team handball players

Background: Aerobic fatigue from running may contribute to altered kinematics and as a result the possibility of injury exists. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of aerobic fatigue on jump shot kinematics in team handball players. Methods: Ten male team handball players (23.60 ± 3.06 years; 184.68 ± 8.78 cm; 84.76 ± 9.23 kg) volunteered. An electromagnetic tracking system was used to examine the kinematics of the jump shot prior to and following aerobic fatigue. The fatiguing protocol consisted of running to exhaustion at a speed that corresponded with 80% of their heart rate maximum. Results: Significant pelvis and trunk kinematic differences were observed following the aerobic fatigue protocol. For both the trunk (F 6, 54 = 5.10; P < .01; power = 0.99) and pelvis (F 3, 27 = 14.47; P < .01; power = 1.00) a three-way interaction of event x time x direction was observed. At foot contact, significant differences were observed for pelvis lateral flexion, pelvis rotation, and trunk flexion. The pelvis was positioned with greater lateral flexion to the contralateral side (-1.25° ± 3.41° to -3.39° ± 4.14°) and increased contralateral pelvis rotation was observed (-43.07° ± 12.92° to -50.79° ± 12.26°). Pelvis lateral flexion towards the contralateral side was also significantly greater at ball release following fatigue (-21.90° ± 5.99° to -25.55° ± 7.79°). Trunk rotation significantly increased from -6.80° ± 10.07° to -12.55° ± 10.97° at maximum external rotation following fatigue. Conclusion: Altered mechanics were observed at the pelvis and trunk and these alterations may contribute to injury in team handball players as a player reaches fatigue.
Cbx Proteins Help ESCs Walk the Line between Self-Renewal and Differentiation

The Polycomb repressive complexes (PRC) regulate self-renewal and differentiation in embryonic stem cells (ESCs). In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Morey et al. (2012) and O'Loghlen et al. (2012) report that dynamic interchange of PRC subunits modulates the balance between self-renewal and lineage commitment in ESCs.
Transcriptional Regulation of Secondary Growth and Wood Formation

Secondary growth and wood formation are products of the vascular cambium, a lateral meristem. Although the mechanisms have only recently begun to be uncovered, transcriptional regulation appears increasingly central to the regulation of secondary growth. The importance of transcriptional regulation is illustrated by the correlation of expression of specific classes of genes with related biological processes occurring at specific stages of secondary growth, including cell division, cell expansion, and cell differentiation. At the same time, transcription factors have been characterized that affect specific aspects of secondary growth, including regulation of the cambium and differentiation of cambial daughter cells. In the present review, we summarize evidence pointing to transcription as a major mechanism for regulation of secondary growth, and outline future approaches for comprehensively describing transcriptional networks underlying secondary growth.