cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intraocular pressure in normal llamas (Lama glama) and alpacas (Lama pacos).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the mean intraocular pressure in llamas (Lama glama) and alpacas (Lama pacos) using applanation tonometry.Animals studied: Ten llamas and 10 alpacas.Procedures: Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured with a Tono-Pentrade mark XL (Mentor Ophthalmics, Inc., Norwell, MA, USA). Three values, with 5% variance, were recorded for each eye. Least-squares means were determined for IOP for each eye of llamas and alpacas. Controlling for age, differences between left and right eye were analyzed using ANOVA. Two age groups were established, less than 5 years and greater than 5 years. The effect of age on IOP within each group was analyzed by linear regression. Probability values of less than 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Comparison of mean IOP between right (n = 20) and left eyes (n = 20), independent of species type, showed no differences in IOPs for llamas and alpacas. Mean IOP declined with increasing age in llamas and alpacas. Mean IOPs for 20 eyes in 10 llamas was 16.96 +/- 3.51 mmHg. Mean IOP for 20 eyes in 10 alpacas was 16.14 +/- 3.74 mmHg. Mean IOP for all eyes (n = 40), independent of species, was 16.55 +/- 3.55 mmHg. The range of IOP in normal llamas and alpacas within 2 SD (95% of the population) was 14.89+/-18.21 mmHg. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in IOP between alpacas and llamas. Mean IOP in both species decreased with increased age.
Immunoassay of Drugs and the Biological Use of Antidrug Antibodies

Clinically useful drugs are usually of relatively small molecular size, generally with molecular weights less than 1000, and hence they are not ordinarily antigenic. It is of course known from the classic studies of Landsteiner (1945) with what he called “artificial conjugated antigens” that low-molecular-weight compounds, when chemically coupled as haptens to protein or polypeptide carriers, will elicit the production of antibodies capable of binding the specific hapten used. In the past decade, many investigators have made use of this principle to elicit antibodies specific for drugs or for other small molecules of pharmacological interest (Butler and Beiser, 1973; Beiser et al., 1976). Drug-specific antibodies have been utilized extensively in the development of sensitive, specific, precise, and convenient immunologic assay methods for the measurement of drug concentrations in serum and in other biological fluids; these immunoassay methods have been used extensively in studies of the bioavailability, absorption, pharmacokinetics, metabolism, and excretion of many drugs, as well as in the clinical monitoring of drug therapy (Butler 1973, 1975; Spector, 1973; Marks et al., 1974; Langone et al., 1975; Cleeland et al., 1976; Landon and Moffat, 1976; Broughton and Strong, 1976). In some instances, hapten-specific antibodies have been used to neutralize the biological activities of drugs and of other small molecules of pharmacological importance (Butler et al., 1973, 1974).
Sclereid development during fruit ripening in two lines of Tabasco pepper (Capsicum frutescens)

Abstract Fruit development was examined in two lines of Tabasco pepper (Capsicum frutescens) which had previously been selected for hard-to-pick persistent fruit (HP) or easy-to-pick (EP) fruit. Four plants of each line were grown under glass. Random selections of ten flowers of each line were tagged at three or four-day intervals until the first-tagged flowers were in the “mature red” harvest condition. At that point all samples were collected and paraffin-processed for anatomical examination. Cells in the separation zone were examined morphometrically to determine the rate of sclerenchyma differentiation. Although cells in both the central and peripheral regions of the separation zone become sclerified in both lines, sclereid differentiation is faster and more complete in the HP line. In both lines sclerenchyma in the peripheral zone matured significantly faster than sclerenchyma in the corresponding central zone. Although degree of sclerification may have some role in tenacity of the HP fruit to the su...
Atomic-layer lithography of sub-10-nm plasmonic nanogaps on flat metallic surface

We developed a novel atomic layer lithography procedure to fabricate large area flat metallic surfaces with sub-10-nm features, which is particularly useful for fabrication of nanostructures with strongly localized field enhancement.
Expanding role of ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy for treatment of proximal ureteral and intrarenal calculi

Purpose of review Ureteroscopy has assumed an expanded and important role in the treatment of proximal ureteral and intrarenal calculi with the development of new endoscopes, more effective grasping devices, and the holmium laser lithotriptor. Recent findings The success rate for treating proximal ureteral stones with small rigid and flexible ureteroscopes and the holmium laser is well over 90%. Lower pole renal calculi can also be treated with a success rate of approximately 80%, which surpasses that of shock wave lithotripsy. Selected stones that are over 2 cm in diameter, along with branched stones, can also be treated successfully with ureteroscopy. Summary Ureteroscopy is the most successful technique for the treatment of ureteral calculi (success rates >90%) and is an optional treatment for many renal calculi.
The Influence of State-Specific Quitline Numbers on Call Volume During a National Tobacco Education Campaign Promoting 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

INTRODUCTION Previous research has shown that the first federally funded national tobacco education campaign (Tips) increased calls to the national quitline portal (1-800-QUIT-NOW). Quitlines in 13 states have alternate state-specific telephone numbers. This study examined quitline calls to 1-800-QUIT-NOW in states with and without alternate numbers during the Tips campaign. METHODS We used data on calls to 1-800-QUIT-NOW from all US states and the District of Columbia from 2 weeks before to 2 weeks after the 2012 Tips campaign. Similar data were obtained for California's alternate number, 1-800-NO-BUTTS. Multivariate linear models examined whether an interaction existed between Tips exposure, as measured by gross rating points, and presence of an alternate quitline number as well as the effect of Tips on calls to California's 1-800-NO-BUTTS. RESULTS Having an alternate quitline number did not affect the rate of increase in calls to 1-800-QUIT-NOW, but it was associated with lower absolute numbers of calls to 1-800-QUIT-NOW. On average, states with alternate numbers had 98 fewer calls to 1-800-QUIT-NOW per week in a given area code than those without an alternate number (P < .001). In California, Tips gross rating points were positively correlated with calls to 1-800-QUIT-NOW (b = 38.5, P < .001) and to 1-800-NO-BUTTS (b = 14.1, P < .05). CONCLUSIONS The Tips campaign had the same effect in increasing calls to 1-800-QUIT-NOW in states with and without alternate quitline numbers and had a modest spillover effect on calls to California's alternate number. States may consider the advantages and disadvantages of having alternate quitline numbers given continued national promotions of 1-800-QUIT-NOW. IMPLICATIONS This is the first study that assesses whether the impact of a national tobacco education campaign promoting the national quitline portal number was influenced by the presence of state-specific quitline numbers and whether there was any spillover effect on calls to states' alternate quitline numbers. This study provides important information for states to consider the advantages and disadvantages of maintaining state-specific quitline numbers.
Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Schema Intervention Improving Word Problem Solving for English Language Learners With Mathematics Difficulty

Word problems are prevalent on high-stakes assessments, and success on word problems has implications for grade promotion and graduation. Unfortunately, English Language Learners (ELLs) continue to perform significantly below their native English-speaking peers on mathematics assessments featuring word problems. Little is known about the instructional needs and performance of ELLs at risk of mathematics difficulty (MD). In the present study, an exploratory quasi-experimental design was used to investigate word-problem instruction for ELLs in a culturally and linguistically diverse public elementary school. Specifically, we studied the efficacy of a word-problem intervention for ELLs with MD (N = 9) that combined culturally and linguistically responsive practices with schema instruction (CLR-SI). The study is unique in that it combines research on effective instruction for ELLs and students with MD; CLR-SI has not been investigated for either ELLs or students with MD. Results have implications for teachers...
Problems and countermeasures in cultivating sports tourism talents in institutes of higher education with triple helix theory

Cultivation of sports tourism talents in higher education started later and is still in the exploration stage,so there are lots of problems and shortages. Based on the triple helix theory, this article analyses the relationship among the deficiency in roles,management effectiveness of college- industry- government and problems of cultivating talented persons of sports tourism, and puts forward some relative countermeasures and suggestions, so as to provide some reference for cultivating high- quality sports tourism talents in institutes of higher education.
Design and Development of a Mobile LVRT Testing Device

A new type LVRT testing device based on power electronics technology is developed.Comparing with traditional reactor VGS,the device overcomes many drawbacks,including bulky,difficult to control precision,and difficult to continuously testing.Considering the characteristics of distributed accessing grid of the photovoltaic power station,the designed testing platform has the capability of flexible mobile performance.Working principle,hardware and software structures,and features have been introduced in this paper.Meanwhile,testing verification and data analysis also have been conducted in the laboratory.Based on those procedures,the device has been verified for having excellent capability of effectiveness and practicality.Over the same period,the device has been applied and tested on site,which also got the excellent result as well as in laboratory.
The "decay" of brachytherapy use in tumors of the oral cavity: A population-based patterns of care and outcomes analysis from 1973 to 2012.

Abstract Purpose We aimed to evaluate if use of brachytherapy (BT) is associated with improved survival in patients with oral cavity cancer who do not receive surgery and to analyze patterns of care. Methods and Materials We queried the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database for patients who received radiation therapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity between 1973 and 2012. Patients were grouped by treatment modality: external beam radiotherapy alone vs. external beam radiotherapy + BT. Surgical patients were excluded. Trends in BT utilization over the study period and patterns of care were analyzed. Propensity scores were generated, and a nearest-neighbor matching algorithm was used to balance the 2 groups. Cox regression modeling was used to estimate the effect of BT on overall survival. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to estimate the effect of unmeasured confounders on the analysis. Results Of 5,161 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity who received radiotherapy, 12% of patients received BT. The rate of BT use has decreased by 0.58% per year (p Conclusions The use of BT is associated with improved survival in oral cavity tumors treated with definitive radiotherapy. Rates of BT utilization have declined by 0.58% per year and are currently very low.
Committing to evidence-based skin care practice.

Pressure ulcers are all-encompassing in their effects; impacting the patient’s quality of life, disrupting skin integrity, producing pain and discomfort, and extending a patient’s acute hospital stay. Nurses. providing direct patient care can positively impact patient outcomes and prevent nosocomial pressure ulcers through the use of evidence-based practice. This article will describe the application of the University of Colorado Hospital’s Evidence Based Multidisciplinary Clinical Practice Modal to improve skin care practice and pressure ulcer management of patients.
Restriction fragment primed ΦX174 single-stranded DNA as template for DNA polymerases α and β. Detection and partial purification of a polymerase α stimulating factor

Abstract Template-primers constructed of ΦX174 single-stranded viral DNA hybridized to a restriction fragment of ΦX174 RF DNA can be used for extensive polymerization by DNA polymerase α. Polymerization is dependent upon a restriction fragment containing a 3′OH. The products of the reaction have been identified by agarose gel electrophoresis. Polymerization of 150–400 nucleotides can be obtained in 1 h depending upon the restriction fragment used as primer. Synthesis may be limited by barriers in the primary or secondary structure of the template. A factor which stimulates the rate of α polymerase activity on these templates was partially purified. This factor does not stimulate α polymerase on activated DNA. The stimulating factor sediments at 5.5 S in glycerol gradients containing 0.4 M potassium phosphate and has an apparent molecular weight of 70 000 on Sephadex G-100.
Dioxin as an Environmental Pollutant and Its Role in Breast Cancer

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and structurally related halogenated aromatics are environmental toxicants that bind and activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) complex. The effects of TCDD and other AhR ­agonists on mammary gland development and susceptibility to mammary tumor formation in rodent models are dependent on the rodent species/strain, dose and timing of ­exposure. In contrast, TCDD and selective AhR modulators (SAhRMs) inhibit mammary tumor and cell growth through a complex inhibitory AhR-estrogen ­receptor α (ERα) cross talk pathway involving multiple general and gene-specific mechanisms. SAhRMs are highly effective chemotherapeutic agents alone and in combination with tamoxifen as inhibitors of ER-positive mammary tumors and show promise as a new class of agents for treating ER-negative breast cancer.
Pressure and kinematic in-suit sensors: Assessing human-suit interaction for injury risk mitigation

With NASA's current trajectory under the Commercial Crew program, spacesuits will become a critical system for the successful implementation of commercial orbital transportation services (COTS). All the current flown spacesuits are gas pressurized and require astronauts to exert a substantial amount of energy in order to move the suit into a desired position. The pressurization of the suit therefore limits human mobility, causes discomfort, and leads to a variety of contact and strain injuries. While suit-related injuries have been observed for many years and some basic countermeasures have been implemented, there is still a lack of understanding of how humans move within the spacesuit. The objective of this research is to gain a greater understanding of this human-spacesuit interaction and potential for injury by analyzing the suit-induced pressures against the body along with joint kinematics of how astronauts move inside the space suit. The rise of wearable technologies is changing the paradigm of biomechanics and allowing a continuous monitoring of motion performance in fields like athletics or medical rehabilitation. Similarly, pressure sensors allow an in-suit sensing capability to better locate the areas of contact between the human and the suit and reduce the risk of injuries. Coupled together these sensors allow a better understanding of the complex interactions between the astronaut and his suit, enhance astronaut's performance through a real time monitoring and reducing the risk of injury. An experiment was conducted in conjunction with David Clark Incorporated Company on the Launch Entry Development spacesuit. The experiment analyzed the mobility and human-spacesuit system behavior for isolated and functional upper body movement tasks, with each motion repeated 15 times: elbow flexion/extension, shoulder flexion/extension, shoulder abduction/adduction and cross body reach, which is a complex succession of critical motions for astronaut and pilot task. The contact pressure between the person and the spacesuit was measured by a high-pressure sensor located on the shoulder (Novel). Joint angles were measured internally and externally to the suit with 6 inertial measurement units (Opal IMUs): three external and three internal. The spacesuit was tested in its natural recumbent position. The analysis of the mobility of the spacesuit, and the interactions between the suit and the person are analyzed and conclusion and recommendations are given.
Changes in Angiotensin AT1 Receptor Density During Hypertension in Fructose-Fed Rats

Feeding carbohydrate-enriched diets to normal rats has been shown to induce insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia associated with an elevation of blood pressure. Previously we reported that the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is likely to be involved in the elevation of blood pressure. The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in plasma angiotensin II (AII) and AII receptor density associated with the elevation of blood pressure in fructose-treated rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups and were fed either normal rat chow or a 60% fructose-enriched diet for four weeks. Plasma insulin of fructose-treated rats was significantly elevated (p<0.05) by the end of first week of fructose treatment and remained elevated throughout the study. Plasma AII levels of fructose-fed rats was 3.5 fold greater than the controls at the end of second week and returned to basal levels at the end of the fourth week of dietary treatment. Blood pressure was significantly elevated in the fructose-fed rats within two weeks of fructose treatment. Elevation of blood pressure was associated with left ventricular hypertrophy. Angiotensin II type I receptor (AT1) density was determined in the left ventricle, aorta, adrenal gland and hypothalamus. There was a significant increase in AT1 receptor density in the ventricle at the end of third and fourth weeks of treatment, whereas there was a significant decrease in the receptor density in the aorta at the end of the fourth week of treatment. Receptor density in the adrenal gland and hypothalamus of fructose-fed rats was similar to their respective controls. The results of this study suggest that the RAS plays a role in the elevation of blood pressure of fructose-fed rats and also contributes to the ventricular hypertrophy observed in these rats.
Estimating Occurrence and Detection Probabilities for Stream-Breeding Salamanders in the Gulf Coastal Plain

Abstract Large gaps exist in our knowledge of the ecology of stream-breeding plethodontid salamanders in the Gulf Coastal Plain. Data describing where these salamanders are likely to occur along environmental gradients, as well as their likelihood of detection, are important for the prevention and management of amphibian declines. We used presence/absence data from leaf litter bag surveys and a hierarchical Bayesian multispecies single-season occupancy model to estimate the occurrence of five species of plethodontids across reaches in headwater streams in the Gulf Coastal Plain. Average detection probabilities were high (range = 0.432–0.942) and unaffected by sampling covariates specific to the use of litter bags (i.e., bag submergence, sampling season, in-stream cover). Estimates of occurrence probabilities differed substantially between species (range = 0.092–0.703) and were influenced by the size of the upstream drainage area and by the maximum proportion of the reach that dried. The effects of these t...
CHARACTERIZATION OF TYPES OF STAPHYLOCOCCAL ENTEROTOXI NS1,2

The staphylococcal enterotoxins are single polypeptide chains that contain two half-cystine residues that are cross-linked in the native toxin to form a “cystine” loop. Several amino acid residues involving part of this loop appear to be the same for the different enterotoxins which may represent the toxic site. The other part of the cystine loop may be involved in the antigenicity of the toxin which is the basis for identifying them as enterotoxns A-E. The antigenicty of the enterotoxins varies from the similarity of enterotoxins C1 and C2 which have the same major antigenic site to enterotoxins A and B which are apparently unrelated antigenically.
Are environmental regulations working?: a visual analytic approach to answering their impact on toxic emissions

Acquisition and analysis of environmental data are essential to the quality, safety and health of human life, and typically consist of heterogeneous, multivariate, and spatio-temporal information collected from different resources. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for protecting human health and the environment; it does so by developing and enforcing regulations to monitor the environment and reduce pollution. In this work, our goal is to obtain a deeper understanding of the effectiveness and impact of EPA regulations; we present preliminary work on an interactive visualization system that attempts to answer specific questions as a function of the dimensions of interest. We demonstrate our system on toxic chemical release reductions resulting from the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR), focusing on the electric utilities sector. We have received positive feedback from our domain expert (toxicologist at the US EPA), indicating that our initial results can more effectively communicate the impacts of environmental regulations, through providing strong visual correlation tools that are currently not available.
Modeling Long-Term Highway Staffing Requirements for State Transportation Agencies:

State transportation agencies (STAs) across the country face many challenges in repairing and enhancing highway infrastructure to meet rapidly increasing transportation needs. One of these challenges is maintaining an adequate and efficient agency staff. To effectively plan for future staffing levels, STAs need a method for forecasting long-term staffing requirements. However, the methods currently in use cannot function without well-defined projects; therefore, making long-term forecasts is difficult. This paper seeks to develop a dynamic model that captures the feedback mechanisms within the system that determines highway staffing requirements. The system dynamics modeling method was used to build the forecasting model. The formal model was based on dynamic hypotheses derived from a literature review and interviews with transportation experts. Qualitative and quantitative data from literature and federal and state databases were used to support the values and equations in the model. The model integrates...
Evaluation of Calcium Release from Pulp-capping Material Using International Organization for Standardization Guidelines:

Aims and Objectives:Cytotoxicity assays are one of the methods used to assess the biocompatibility of dental materials. The objective of this study was to determine if surface area/volume ratios de...
Markov Processes with Countable State Spaces

AMarkov processwith a countable state space is a special case of a semi-Markov process in which, first, the interval between successive transitions has an exponential distribution, and second, that interval is independent of the next state. Thus, we can take the set of possible states as {0, 1, 2,…} and the process as {X(t),t≥0} where for each real t≥0,X(t) is the state of the process at time t. The random variables S1, S2,… denote the successive epochs at which the process makes state transitions, and Xndenotes the state entered at time Sn, i.e., Xn = X(Sn) and X(t) = Xn for Sn≤t≤Sn+1. Let S0=0, and let X0= X(0) = X(S0) denote the initial state. Theembedded Markov chainhas transition probabilities {Pij, i≥0, j≥0}, and we assume that Pii=0 for all i (i.e., there are no self transitions). The assumption Pii=0 will be removed later when we talk about uniformized Markov processes. The intervals Un=Sn−Sn− between successive transition epochs satisfy $$P({{U}_{n}} \leqslant x|{{X}_{{n - 1}}} = i,{{X}_{n}} = j\} = 1 - \exp ( - {{\nu }_{i}}x)$$ (1) where, for each i, vi is a positive number called thetransition rateout of state i. Conditional on Xn-1, the interval Unis independent of Xnand also independent of all earlier inter-transition intervals and states.
Is a Christian Identity Compatible with an Ethnic Identity? An Exploration of Ethnic Identity Negotiation Influences and Implications for Multiethnic Congregations:

The ethnic landscape of the United States is changing dramatically. This increased heterogeneity is prompting churches to wrestle with issues of diversity, giving rise to multiethnic churches. This...
Visualization and Quantitative Analysis of Crack-Tip Plastic Zone in Pure Nickel

Changes in surface morphology have long been thought to be associated with crack propagation in metallic materials. We have studied areal surface texture changes around crack tips in an attempt to understand the correlations between surface texture changes and crack growth behavior. Detailed profiling of the fatigue sample surface was carried out at short fatigue intervals. An image processing algorithm was developed to calculate the surface texture changes. Quantitative analysis of the crack-tip plastic zone, crack-arrested sites near triple points, and large surface texture changes associated with crack release from arrested locations was carried out. The results indicate that surface texture imaging enables visualization of the development of plastic deformation around a crack tip. Quantitative analysis of the surface texture changes reveals the effects of local microstructures on the crack growth behavior.
Mutual Visibility for Robots with Lights Tolerating Light Faults

We consider the distributed setting of N autonomous mobile robots that operate in Look-Compute-Move cycles and communicate with other robots using colored lights (the robots with lights model). We study the fundamental Mutual Visibility problem of repositioning N robots on a plane so that each robot is visible to all others. We assume obstructed visibility under which a robot cannot see another robot if a third robot is positioned between them on the straight line connecting them. We are interested in light fault-tolerant algorithms; all existing algorithms for this problem are not tolerant to failures on the lights. Therefore, any algorithm for Mutual Visibility is required to provide visibility to all N robots, independently of the behavior of the robots with faulty lights. We model light failures as crash faults in which each faulty agent is allowed to set its light to some color, and once the light is set to that color, that color will remain indefinitely thereafter for that agent. In this paper, we provide two algorithms, one tolerant against one faulty robot using 2 colors, which is optimal, and another against (up to) N-2 faulty robots using 4 colors, in a system of N > 3 robots.
A turing test for genetic improvement

Genetic improvement is a research field that aims to develop search-based techniques for improving existing code. GI has been used to automatically repair bugs, reduce energy consumption, and to improve run-time performance. In this paper, we reflect on the often-overlooked relationship between GI and developers within the context of continually evolving software systems. We introduce a distinction between transparent and opaque patches based on intended lifespan and developer interaction. Finally, we outline a Turing test for assessing the ability of a GI system to produce opaque patches that are acceptable to humans. This motivates research into the role GI systems will play in transparent development contexts.
Computer extracted nuclear features from Feulgen and H&E images to predict biochemical recurrence in prostate cancer patients following radical prostatectomy.

5067Background: After radical prostatectomy, around 30% of prostate cancer (PCa) patients experience biochemical recurrence (BCR), for which the best predictor has been the qualitative Gleason scor...
The Role of Candidate Assessment within Educational Leadership Doctoral Programs

Contemporary efforts to reform educational leadership preparation programs span more than three decades. As scholars have chronicled this critical examination of leadership practice and preparation...
Proto-Algonkian Phonology and Morpho-Syntax

This article gives a brief overview of Proto-Algonkian phonotactics, morphophonology, and morphosyntax. Proto-Algonkian has an unusual history: it was worked out remarkably completely on the basis of preliminary investigations into only four of its daughter languages. The sound inventory of Proto-Algonkian proposed by Leonard Bloomfield in 1946 has been only slightly modified by the last half-century of historical Algonkian research. Bloomfield also identified nearly every significant grammatical category of Proto-Algonkian derivation and inflection. One crucial distinction (the absolute/objective contrast in transitive and certain transitive verb paradigms) has been added to the inventory since Bloomfield's day. In addition, many of the categories Bloomfield adumbrated have been established on sounder footing and in substantially greater detail.
Characteristics and outcomes of patients with colorectal cancer and bone metastasis.

e15063Background: Bone metastasis from colorectal cancer is a relatively rare phenomenon. The aim of this study is to identify the risk factors and survival patterns of bone metastasis after colore...
Global CO2 Emission Mitigation Through the Looking Glass of ROA

Except for a few loonies, most agree that there is an imperative not to let the atmospheric load of CO2 grow indefinitely. “Doing nothing implies that risks are negligible. That position implies an absurd degree of certainty” [Wolf, Financial Times (27 Oct 2015)]. As some like to say, there is no planet B. The economics of climate change is far, far behind its science. Given the important role of uncertainty in climate change policy and the debilitating limitations of alternatives such as NPV or the “neoclassical” approach, i.e., the “integrated assessment models,” when it comes to uncertainty, the detour of ROA is unavoidable. The interface between ROA and climate change turns out to be rather explosive and reveals how deep the need for a response to climate change goes.
Correction: Desymmetrization of disubstituted aromatic crown ethers via intramolecular Cannizzaro reactions

Correction for ‘Desymmetrization of disubstituted aromatic crown ethers via intramolecular Cannizzaro reactions’ by Mason A. Rouser et al., New J. Chem., 2019, 43, 16801–16805.
Real-Time Convolutional Neural Network-Based Speech Source Localization on Smartphone

In this paper, we present a real-time convolutional neural network (CNN) based approach for speech source localization (SSL) using Android-based smartphone and its two built-in microphones under noisy conditions. We propose a new input feature set – using real and imaginary parts of the short-time Fourier transform (STFT) for CNN-based SSL. We use simulated noisy data from popular datasets that was augmented with few hours of real recordings collected on smartphones to train our CNN model. We compare the proposed method to recent CNN-based SSL methods that are trained on our dataset and show that our CNN-based SSL method offers higher accuracy on identical test datasets. Another unique aspect of this work is that we perform real-time inferencing of our CNN model on an Android smartphone with low latency (14 milliseconds(ms) for single frame-based estimation, 180 ms for multi frame-based estimation and frame length is 20 ms for both cases) and high accuracy (i.e. 88.83% at 0dB SNR). We show that our CNN model is rather robust to smartphone hardware mismatch, hence we may not need to retrain the entire model again for use with different smartphones. The proposed application provides a ‘visual’ indication of the direction of a talker on the screen of Android smartphones for improving the hearing of people with hearing disorders.
An N-Heterocyclic-Carbene-Derived Distonic Radical Cation

We present the discovery of a novel radical cation formed through one-electron oxidation of an N-heterocyclic carbene-carbodiimide (NHC-CDI) zwitterionic adduct. This compound possesses a distonic electronic structure (spatially separate spin and charge regions) and displays persistence under ambient conditions. We demonstrate its application in a redox-flow battery exhibiting minimal voltage hysteresis, a flat voltage plateau, high Coulombic efficiency, and no performance decay for at least 100 cycles. The chemical tunability of NHCs and CDIs suggests that this approach could provide a general entry to redox-active NHC-CDI adducts and their persistent radical ions for various applications.
Importance of polymorphic SNPs, short tandem repeats and structural variants for differential gene expression among inbred C57BL/6 and C57BL/10 substrains

Abstract C57BL/6J is the most widely used inbred mouse strain and is the basis for the mouse reference genome. In addition to C57BL/6J, several other C57BL/6 and C57BL/10 substrains exist. Previous studies have documented extensive phenotypic and genetic differences among these substrains, which are presumed to be due to the accumulation of new mutations. These differences can be used for genome wide association studies. They can also have unintended consequences for reproducibility when substrain differences are not properly accounted for. In this paper, we performed genomic sequencing and RNA-sequencing in the hippocampus of 9 C57BL/6 and 5 C57BL/10 substrains. We identified 985,329 SNPs, 150,344 Short Tandem Repeats (STR) and 896 Structural Variants (SV), out of which 330,178 SNPs and 14,367 STRs differentiated the C57BL/6 and C57BL/10 groups. We found several regions that contained dense polymorphisms. We also identified 578 differentially expressed genes for C57BL/6 substrains and 37 differentially expressed genes for C57BL/10 substrains (FDR
Impact of interface materials on side permeation in indirect encapsulation of organic electronics

This work demonstrates the impact of the contact interface between barrier films and adhesives on the side permeation of moisture into packaged devices. When barrier films are brought into contact with the adhesive layer during indirect encapsulation, permeation along defects at this interface can occur due to the imperfect nature of contact, resulting in the formation of pores. The connected network of pores can act as capillaries and be an alternative pathway for water permeation as opposed to the bulk of the adhesive or edge seal materials used for barrier attachment to the package. The rate of water permeation through the capillaries is governed by surface energies of the materials at the interfaces. Experimental results demonstrate that the rate of water permeation is significantly lowered by using materials with higher contact angles at the interface.
Modulating the rate of fibrin formation and clot structure attenuates microvascular thrombosis in systemic inflammation

Systemic inflammation can lead to coagulopathy and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). In prior studies, the recombinant A2 domain of human von Willebrand factor (VWF; A2 protein) attenuated DIC and decreased mortality in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated mice. Here, we performed studies to dissect the mechanism by which the A2 protein moderates DIC. We used confocal microscopy to analyze the fibrin clot structure in plasma from healthy humans and endotoxemic mice, turbidity assays to examine fibrin polymerization, and a murine model for LPS-induced DIC and introduced a loss-of-function mutation into the A2 protein for fibrin. The mutation of the residue E1567 located in the α2 helix of the folded A2 domain of VWF inhibited binding activity for fibrin, possibly mapping a novel region containing a putative binding site for fibrin. The A2 protein increased the initial rate of change of fibrin polymerization, intercalated into the fibrin network, and modified the resultant clot structure in vitro. Furthermore, ex vivo experiments using plasma from mice with endotoxemia treated with the A2 protein revealed an increased rate of fibrin formation and an altered clot structure as compared with plasma from nontreated sick animals. Moreover, and in contrast to the A2 mutant, the A2 protein improved survival and reduced fibrin deposition and microvascular thrombosis in mice with endotoxemia-induced DIC. Importantly, in vivo and in vitro studies indicated that the A2 protein did not affect experimental thrombosis. Thus, we provide evidence for a novel treatment to attenuate systemic inflammation-induced coagulopathy/DIC via targeting fibrin formation, without an increased risk for bleeding.
Homogeneous fields: Double expansion method, 3D printing/CNC realization, and verification by atomic magnetometry.

Abstract In low-field magnetic resonance applications there is often an interest in creating homogeneous magnetic fields over unusual geometries, particularly when quantum magnetometers are involved. In this paper a design method is proposed, where both the surface current and magnetic field are expanded to find current coefficients that cancel out higher order field terms. Two coils are designed using this double expansion methodology: (1) a tuning field for a half-meter-long atomic magnetometer array and (2) a null field for a magnetometer to operate adjacent to an excitation solenoid. The field verification of the former shows the accuracy of CNC milling and the method proposed; a close analysis of the field signature in the latter revealed the limitations of 3D printing for precise scientific applications. Both coils are designed to be fifth-order error systems or better.
Influence of hysteretic stress path behavior on seal integrity during gas storage operation in a depleted reservoir

Abstract In this study, we numerically investigate the influence of hysteretic stress path behavior on the seal integrity during underground gas storage operations in a depleted reservoir. Our study area is the Honor Rancho Underground Storage Facility in Los Angeles County (California, USA), which was converted into an underground gas storage facility in 1975 after 20 years of oil and gas production. In our simulations, the geomechanical behavior of the sand reservoir is modeled using two models: (1) a linear elastic model (non-hysteretic stress path) that does not take into consideration irreversible deformation, and (2) a plastic cap mechanical model which considers changes in rock elastic properties due to irreversible deformations caused by plastic reservoir compaction (hysteretic stress path). It shows that the irreversible compaction of the geological layer over geologic time and during the reservoir depletion can have important consequences on stress tensor orientation and magnitude. Ignoring depletion-induced irreversible compaction can lead to an over-estimation of the calculation of the maximum working reservoir pressure. Moreover, this irreversible compaction may bring the nearby faults closer to reactivation. However, regardless of the two models applied, the geomechanical analysis shows that for the estimated stress conditions applied in this study, the Honor Rancho Underground Storage Facility is being safely operated at pressures much below what would be required to compromise the seal integrity.
Transform or Perish: Preparing the Business for a Postpandemic Future

The Coronavirus outbreak presents a significant threat to public health and is profoundly distresses the global economy. There are no sectors left affected by the outbreak on a local, national, and global scale. Some sectors have come to a complete standstill, whereas others have received high demands. All known business models came under question. The crisis served as a check-up, allowing executives to question existing systems, the company, and its management capacities. Nonetheless, crises have enabled businesses to adopt innovative approaches such as new ways of working and the use of modern technology quickly. It will be challenging for businesses to adapt to these innovations that are coming very fast in the postcrisis uncertainty. This article aims to inform managers, decision-makers, and team leaders about the changes they will face in the post-Covid-19 world, based on the example of the agriculture and food sector, and to provide them with a road map.
Clinical implications of synovial fluid specimen handling for crystal associated arthritides: A systematic review.

Aim To identify the appropriate methods of synovial fluid (SF) specimen storage, manipulation and handling for crystal associated arthritides (CAA) diagnosis. Method A systematic literature review was conducted using 5 medical databases to identify diagnostic studies assessing SF specimen handling for calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) and monosodium urate (MSU) crystals identification. All included studies were rated for quality using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2. Results Fifteen studies, including 2 non-English language manuscripts, were included. Eight studies examined both types of crystals, while 3 studies examined CPP and 4 studies examined MSU crystals only. Overall, MSU crystals were more stable over time compared to CPP crystals. MSU stability was generally independent of time, preservative and temperature. CPP crystals deteriorated with time and were more stable if refrigerated. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was a suitable preservative. Re-examining an initially negative SF sample at 24 hours facilitated detection of additional cases. Very few studies had an overall low risk of bias and applicability. Conclusion Monosodium urate crystals remain stable over time independent of storage time, temperature and preservative. CPP crystals are mostly stable for 24-48 hours but can deteriorate with time. Overall, SF crystal examination should ideally be done within 24-48 hours. They may be stored at room temperature without any preservative. Otherwise, refrigeration (4°C/39°F) and EDTA preservation is reasonable. Stored SF re-examination, at 24 hours, helps identify a small number of additional MSU and CPP cases. Centrifugation techniques allow better and easier crystal identification, particularly CPP. Most studies were of unclear or low quality.
Head and Neck Variations: Soft Tissue, Nerves, and Bones

This vital nerve is a general somatic efferent nerve supplying the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles (all except the palatoglossus muscle) of the ipsilateral tongue. After passing through the hypoglossal canal, the nerve turns sharply downward and travels in the upper carotid sheath between the ICA and internal jugular vein (IJV). At the level of the transverse process of the atlas, it turns forward and travels along the lateral surface of the ICA and ECA before entering the digastric triangle, at which point it gives off muscular branches to the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the tongue. The hypoglossal nerve crosses over the ECA and ICA about 1 cm above the bifurcation, in most cases, deep to the internal jugular. As it crosses the ICA fibers, the hypoglossal nerve courses downward to form the superior root of the ansa cervicalis (a.k.a. ansa hypoglossis), which then crosses the IJV and curves upward to form the inferior root.
Microsampling Assays for Pharmacokinetic Analysis and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Antimicrobial Drugs in Children: A Critical Review.

Background With the increasing prevalence of multidrug resistant organisms, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) has become a common tool for assuring the safety and efficacy of antimicrobial drugs at higher doses. Microsampling techniques, including dried blood spotting (DBS) and volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS), are attractive tools for TDM and pediatric clinical research. For microsampling techniques to be a useful tool for TDM, it is necessary to establish the blood-plasma correlation and the therapeutic window of antimicrobial drugs in the blood. Methods DBS involves the collection of small volumes of blood (30-50 µL per spot) on a filter paper, whereas VAMS allows the accurate and precise collection of a fixed volume of blood (10-30 µL) with microsampling devices. One of the major advantages of VAMS is that it reduces or eliminates the volumetric blood hematocrit (HCT) bias associated with DBS. Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry is a powerful tool for the accurate quantification of antimicrobial drugs from small volumes of blood specimens. Results This review summarizes the recent liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry assays that have used DBS and VAMS approaches for quantifying antimicrobial drugs. Sample collection, extraction, validation outcomes, including the interassay and intra-assay accuracy and precision, recovery, stability, and matrix effect, as well as the clinical application of these assays and their potential as tools of TDM are discussed herein. Conclusions Microsampling techniques, such as VAMS, provide an alternative approach to traditional plasma sample collection for TDM.
An evolutionary approach for spatial prediction of landslide susceptibility using LiDAR and symbolic classification with genetic programming

This research examines the potential of spatial prediction of landslide susceptibility by implementing an evolutionary approach using symbolic classification with genetic programming (GP). Specifically, the light detection and ranging (LiDAR)-based digital elevation model was used to generate topographic prediction attributes and to digitize the location of shallow landslides by derivatives such as hillshade maps and contours. The presented approach tested a total of 72 runs with different parameter configurations for producing a good outcome among a number of possible solutions by varying population size, tournament group size and mutation probability. The final solution depicted a total of three important variables including slope, wetness index and solar insulation that were used in the prediction. The GP methodology used symbolic expression trees for the development of the predictive models that were tested and validated in the northern portion of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park located in northeast Ohio. The selected solution from the implemented approach showed that the area under the curve from the receiver operating characteristic curves had a high discrimination power in separating the areas with high susceptibility. The presented model yielded an accuracy of 85.0 % classifying a total of 13.4 % as high susceptibility area with an overall quantitative index of accuracy corresponding to 0.9082. Based on obtained results, the potential of the presented GP approach for mapping landslide susceptibility is promising and further exploration of its capabilities is suggested for finding new avenues of possible landslide research and practical implementations.
Unconventional central banking and the politics of liquidity

The 2008 financial crisis saw central banks introduce a variety of tools to shore up the financial system, including unconventional measures that made use of central bank balance sheets to directly...