cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Precise determination of element/calcium ratios in calcareous samples using sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

A new method was developed for rapid and precise simultaneous determination of Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca, Mn/Ca, Cd/Ca, Ba/Ca and U/Ca ratios in foraminiferal shells using sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS). Element/calcium ratios were determined directly from intensity ratios using external, matrixmatched standard to correct for instrumental mass discrimination. Because of large differences in the abundance of chemical constituents of the foraminiferal shell, major elemental ratios were determined in analog mode (using 24 Mg, 43 Ca, 44 Ca, 55 Mn, and 88 Sr) whereas trace elemental ratios were determined in pulse-counting mode (using 111 Cd, 138 Ba, 238 U, and the low-abundance 46 Ca isotope). Matrix-induced variations in mass discrimination over a calcium concentration range of 2.0-24.5 mM were observed only for Mg/Ca and Cd/Ca ratios. However, these effects are negligible if the samples and standard calcium concentration are within a factor of 2-3. Multiratio method reproducibility was better than previously reported for other ICPMS methods yielding precision (1U) of Sr/Ca ) 0.45%; Mg/Ca ) 0.45%, Mn/Ca ) 0.8%, Cd/ Ca ) 1.7%, Ba/Ca ) 0.7%, and U/Ca ) 1.4% for foraminifera samples as small as 25 Ig. Using this approach for a single-ratio analysis, Sr/Ca ratios were determined with precision of 0.06% (1U) on carbonate samples as small as a single foraminifera shell (<10 Ig). The new method is more sensitive, more precise, and simpler to use than previously available ICPMS techniques. It provides an efficient tool for simultaneous determination of several elemental ratios of paleoceanographic interest in a single foraminiferal sample, thereby reducing overall sample size requirement and analysis time.
The Industrial Revolution and the Industrious Revolution

The Industrial Revolution as a historical concept has many shortcomings. A new concept—the “industrious revolution”—is proposed to place the Industrial Revolution in a broader historical setting. The industrious revolution was a process of household-based resource reallocation that increased both the supply of marketed commodities and labor and the demand for market-supplied goods. The industrious revolution was a household-level change with important demand-side features that preceded the Industrial Revolution, a supply-side phenomenon. It has implications for nineteenth- and twentieth-century economic history.
Direct fast Fourier transform of bivariate functions

A mathematical development is presented for a direct computation of a two-dimensional fast Fourier transform (FFT). A generalized mathematical theory of holor algebra is used to manipulate coefficient arrays needed to generate computational equations. The result is a set of equations which involve elements from throughout the two-dimensional array rather than operating on individual rows and columns. Preliminary digital computer calculations verify the accuracy of the technique and demonstrate a modest saving of computation time as well.
Relative right versus left frontal EEG in neonates

Although infants have been noted to have greater relative right or left frontal EEG as early as the neonatal period, other ways in which these newborns differ have not been reported. In this study, 48 newborns were divided on the basis of greater relative right versus greater relative left frontal EEG to determine whether these groups differed in other ways at the neonatal period including behavior, physiology, and biochemistry. We also were interested in whether these EEG patterns were related to any prenatal maternal variables including mood states (depression, anxiety, anger) and biochemistry as well as fetal activity. The greater relative right frontal EEG newborns had mothers with lower prenatal and postnatal serotonin and higher postnatal cortisol levels. The mothers of the greater relative right frontal EEG newborns also had greater relative right frontal EEG activation and lower vagal tone. Thegreater relative right frontal EEG newborns themselves had elevated cortisol levels, showed a greater number of state changes during sleep/ wake behavior observations, and performed less optimally on the Brazelton Neonatal Behavior Assessment (T. B. Brazelton, 1973) including the habituation, motor, range of state, excitability, and depressive symptoms scales. These data suggest that greater relative right frontal EEG newborns may be at greater risk for developmental problems than those with greater relative left frontal EEG activation. In addition, a discriminant function analysis correctly classified 67% of the newborns' EEGs by prenatal maternal variables, suggesting that these might be used to target pregnant women for prenatal intervention. 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 41: 147-155, 2002. Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/dev.10061
Statistical estimation of sequential circuit activity

Abstract: In this paper, we present a Monte Carlo based technique to estimate signal activity at the internal nodes of sequential logic circuits. The technique takes spatial and temporal correlations of logic signals into consideration. The Monte Carlo based techniques that have been proposed for combinational circuits can not be directly applied to sequential circuits due to the initial transient problem. The proposed approach deals with this problem by gaining insight from Markov chain theory. Experimental results show that the error (%) of estimated activity of individual nodes is within 3% in comparison to that of long run simulation results.
A REASSESSMENT OF THE EXTENT OF THE EASTERN AZTEC EMPIRE IN THE MESOAMERICAN GULF LOWLANDS

Ethnohistoric documents have been used to define the eastern limits of the Aztec empire in the Mesoamerican southern Gulf lowlands with contradictory results. Until the research presented here, complementary archaeological evidence for Aztec imperial interactions has largely evaded detection in this region. In this paper, I review the documentary data for Aztec expansion and interactions near its eastern frontier and present the most robust archaeological evidence discovered to date that supports this imperial presence in the southern Gulf lowlands. A new model for imperial-local interaction is also introduced.
An optimum T( n log n ) algorithm for finding a canonical Hamiltonian path and canonical Hamiltonian circuit in a set of intervals

We show that exists a canonical form for an Hamiltonian path and an Hamiltonian circuit that may be produced by a simple algorithm in optimal time and space. The algorithms assume an unsorted list of intervals consisting of pairs of reals.
Characterization of Navajo Sandstone concretions: Mars comparison and criteria for distinguishing diagenetic origins

article i nfo The eolian Jurassic Navajo Sandstone spheroidal hydrous ferric oxide (HFO) concretions are divided into two size classes: macro-concretions of N5 mm diameter and micro-concretions of b5 mm diameter. Three internal structural end-members of macro-concretions are described as rind, layered, and solid. Two end-members of micro-concretions are rind and solid. Chemical and mineralogical gradients (μm- to mm-scale) are identified with QEMSCAN (Quantitative Elemental Mineralogy using a SCANning electron microscope) and visible to near infrared (VNIR) reflectance spectroscopy. Three HFO phases are identified using VNIR reflectance spectroscopy. i. An amorphous HFO phase is typically located in the rinds. ii. Goethite is present along interior edges of rinds and throughout the interiors of layered and solid concretions. iii. Hematite is present in the centers of rind concretions. A synthesis of petrographic, mineralogical and chemical analyses suggests that concretions grow pervasively (as opposed to radially expanding). Our model proposes that concretions precipitate initially as an amorphous HFO that sets the radius and retains some original porosity. Subsequent precipitation fills remaining pore space with younger mineral phases. Inward digitate cement crystal growth corroborates concretion growth from a set radius toward the centers. Internal structure is modified during late stage precipitation that diffuses reactants through semi-permeable rinds and overprints the interiors with younger cements. Physical characterization of textures and minerals provides diagnostic criteria for understanding how similar concretions ("blueberries") form in Meridiani Planum, Mars. The analogous Navajo Sandstone concretions show similar characteristics of in situ self-organized spacing, spheroidal geometries, internal structures, conjoined forms, and precursor HFO phases that dehydrate to goethite or hematite. These characteristics indicate a common origin via groundwater diagenesis.
Correction of Thermal Gradient Errors in Stem Thermocouple Hygrometers

Stem thermocouple hygrometers were subjected to transient and stable thermal gradients while in contact with reference solutions of NaCl. Both dew point and psychrometric voltages were directly related to zero offset voltages, the latter reflecting the size of the thermal gradient. Although slopes were affected by absolute temperature, they were not affected by water potential. One hygrometer required a correction of 1.75 bars water potential per microvolt of zero offset, a value that was constant from 20 to 30 C.
Foxc1 reinforces quiescence in self-renewing hair follicle stem cells

Stem cell quiescence preserves the cell reservoir by minimizing cell division over extended periods of time. Self-renewal of quiescent stem cells (SCs) requires the reentry into the cell cycle. In this study, we show that murine hair follicle SCs induce the Foxc1 transcription factor when activated. Deleting Foxc1 in activated, but not quiescent, SCs causes failure of the cells to reestablish quiescence and allows premature activation. Deleting Foxc1 in the SC niche of gene-targeted mice leads to loss of the old hair without impairing quiescence. In self-renewing SCs, Foxc1 activates Nfatc1 and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling, two key mechanisms that govern quiescence. These findings reveal a dynamic, cell-intrinsic mechanism used by hair follicle SCs to reinforce quiescence upon self-renewal and suggest a unique ability of SCs to maintain cell identity.
Spontaneous closure of atrial septal defect with interatrial aneurysm formation. Documentation by noninvasive studies, including digital subtraction angiography.

A 6-year-old girl had a well-documented atrial septal defect that underwent spontaneous closure with formation of an interatrial septal aneurysm. Closure was documented by noninvasive studies. To our knowledge, this is the first case of closure documented by digital subtraction angiographic technique.
The restricted ovulator chicken: a unique animal model for investigating the etiology of ovarian cancer.

Objective: The main goal of this study was to compare the incidence of ovarian cancer (OC) in 2 genetically different lines of hens-one that generally fails to lay eggs (the mutant "restricted ovulator" [RO] strain) and the other consisting of the wild-type (WT) siblings of the mutant RO hens. Methods: Individual egg production data were obtained over a 972-day period for 31 RO hens and 33 WT hens. At 38 months of age, hens were killed, and their abdominal cavities were examined for any gross evidence of tumors. Samples of ovarian tissue were processed and assessed for histopathology and protein expression of ovalbumin. Plasma estradiol concentrations were also determined. Results: Only 1 (3%) of the 31 RO hens was diagnosed with OC as compared with 9 (27%) of the 33 WT hens (P Conclusions: The results of this study strongly suggest that the number of ovulatory events is directly related to the incidence of OC in chickens. Clearly, other factors modify the risk of OC because there was no difference in ovulation rate between WT hens with and without OC. The mutant RO hen represents a valuable animal model for studying the etiology of OC.
Dissolution Kinetics of a Simple Analogue Nuclear Waste Glass as a Function of Ph, Time and Temperature

We have measured the dissolution rate of a simple five-component borosilicate glass (Na2O, CaO, Al2O3, B2O3, SiO2) using a flow-through system. The experiments were designed to measure the dissolution rate constant over the interval pH 1 through pH 13 at 3 temperatures (25°, 50° and 70°C). Dilute buffers were used to maintain a constant pH. Analyses of solutions and solid surfaces provided information that is used to develop a kinetic model for glass dissolution. Under all conditions we eventually observed linear dissolution kinetics. In strongly acidic solutions (pH 1 to pH 3) all components but Si were released in their stoichiometric proportions and a thick, Si–rich gel was formed. In mildly acidic to neutral solutions the gel was thinner and was both Si– and Al–rich, while the other components were released to solution in stoichiometric proportions. In mildly to strongly alkaline solutions all components were released to solution in stoichiometric proportions. By varying the flow rate at each pH we demonstrated a lack of transport control of the dissolution rate. The dissolution rates were found to be lowest at near–neutral pH and to increase at both low and high pH. A rate equation based on transition-state theory (TST) was used to calculate dissolution rate constants and reaction order with respect to pH over two pH intervals at each temperature. At 25°C between pH 1 and pH 7 based on the Si release rate the log rate constant for glass dissolution (g glass/m2•d) was -0.77 and the order with respect to pH was -0.48. Between pH 7 and pH 13 the log rate constant for glass dissolution was -8.1 and the order with respect to pH was +0.51. The measured simple glass dissolution rate constants compare very well with constants estimated by fitting the same TST equation to experimental results obtained for SRL–165 glass and to dissolution rate estimates made for synthetic basaltic glasses.
Contracting for Efficiency. A Best Practices Guide for Energy-Efficient Product Procurement

The requirement to buy energy- and water-efficient products applies to federal purchases made through any procurement pathway (e.g., purchase cards, e-retailers, and solicitations) and to a wide variety of federal projects. The Federal Energy Management Program’s (FEMP's) Buy Energy-Efficient Products buyer overview fact sheet and Contracting for Efficiency best practices guide for product procurement are designed to support federal buyers in the purchase of energy- and water-efficient products.
Preventing signedness errors in numerical computations in Java

We have developed and implemented a type system, the Signedness Type System, that captures usage of signed and unsigned integers in Java programs. This type system enables developers to detect errors regarding unsigned integers at compile time, and guarantees that such errors cannot occur at run time. In a case study. our type system proved easy to use and detected a previously unknown bug. Our type system is implemented as the Signedness Checker and will be available with the Checker Framework (http://CheckerFramework.org/).
Determining genomic rearrangements in clinical lung specimens for assessment of metastatic disease, actionable targets and disease monitoring

Introduction : Large genomic rearrangements are numerous in lung tumors, with several recurrent events commonly screened for therapeutic intent. The uniqueness of events provides tumor specific signatures useful in distinguishing independent primary tumors from intrapulmonary metastases in multifocal disease and as markers for disease monitoring in the blood. Accurate mapping of structural variations in clinical tumor biopsy and cytology specimens from a single test would hold significant clinical utility. Methods: Methodologies were developed to partner a wide range of clinical specimens, including core biopsies, tumor touch preps, bronchoscopic and cytology specimens, with sequencing protocols. A direct in situ whole genome amplification methodology was specifically developed to generate genomic DNA from limited clinical specimens. Analysis was performed on tissues obtained directly from clinical procedures on consented patients in the Mayo Clinic lung cancer practice. Results: Protocols successfully generated reproducible structural variance profiles on a wide range of clinical specimens including fresh frozen, alcohol fixed and air dried tissues. Bioinformatics algorithms efficiently distinguished independent primaries and identified related tumors. Numerous potential targetable events were observed, with the precise mapping of events enabling determination of complex rearrangements. The utility of using large genomic rearrangements for monitoring in cell-free DNA was also demonstrated. Conclusion: We describe a robust sequencing test, applicable to a wide range of clinical specimens, providing significant clinical impact.
Early Immunoglobulin Free Light Chain (FLC) Response Post Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplant Predicts for Hematologic Complete Response in Patients with Multiple Myeloma.

Abstract Background: FLC is a valuable diagnostic tool to monitor response in patients with AL and oligosecretory MM. It is also prognostic in patients with MGUS. Its value in patients with non-oligosecretory myeloma has not been defined. Because of the short half-life of free-light chains, an early drop in free-light chain might be predictive for long term outcome post PBSCT. Methods: Between 8/1/03 and 12/10/04, 45 patients with multiple myeloma and abnormal FLC ratios (less than 02.6 or greater 1.65), who were undergoing PBSCT consented to have waste serum from routine post-transplant daily blood draws collected and frozen for future FLC analysis. The immunoglobulin FLC assay (Binding Site, U.K.) was run on samples collected from day +1 until patients were dismissed from our transplant center. Hematologic response was coded according to standard IBMTR criteria at approximately 3 months status post transplant (BJH 1998). Two types of immunoglobulin FLC response were coded: 50% reduction (FLC50) and 90% reduction (FLC90) of the difference of the involved and uninvolved FLC (Leukemia 2006). Two time periods of FLC response were analyzed: early (day 7); and delayed (day 19, range 13 to 24). Endpoints analyzed were overall response (>=PR), complete response rate (CR), progression free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Results: The median age of the myeloma group was 59 years, and 53% were male. Thirty-three patients were monoclonal kappa, and 12 lambda. Forty-two percent were transplanted in response/plateau, 22% were primary refractory, and 36% relapsed disease. The overall hematologic response rate was 93% with a CR rate of 33%. Twenty-five patients have relapsed at a median of 14.2 months. Twelve patients have died, and median overall survival for the group has not been reached at a median follow-up of 24.6 months. Forty-nine and 58 percent of patients had early and delayed FLC90, respectively. Early FLC90, but not delayed FLC90, predicted for complete response (p Conclusion: Immunoglobulin free light chain responses are seen within the first weeks post high dose chemotherapy with peripheral blood stem cell transplant. A 90% reduction in FLC seen within the first seven days predicts for complete response. However, this does not yet translate into prolonged PFS or OS, but with longer follow-up separation of the survival curves may be seen.
What is newark

Farmer encourages the use of multiple perspectives as a means of developing robust knowledge. He points out that it is impossible to fully know any thing from a single vantage point. Further he encourages us to reflect on how our perspective shapes what and how we see. He also points out that practice is the test of theory. I apply that maxim here, considering how my understanding of the city of Newark, NJ is impacted by the perspective from which I view it, and by exploring how other vantage points may yield different views of the city.
Maternal obesity and excessive maternal weight gain during pregnancy: effects on outcomes after neonatal cardiac surgical procedures.

Introduction Maternal obesity is associated with an increased risk for adverse perinatal outcomes. Obesity is also associated with a chronic inflammatory state and metabolic derangements that affect the newborn. The additional use of cardiopulmonary bypass during the neonatal period could impact the systemic inflammatory response in the immediate postoperative period that manifests as cardiac depression and multi-organ dysfunction. This study aimed to determine the association of maternal obesity and excessive weight gain during pregnancy with the immediate postoperative morbidity of neonatal patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods A retrospective review of neonates who underwent cardiopulmonary bypass within the first 30 days of life at our institution between 2011 and 2013 was conducted. Postoperative variables investigated included the duration of length of mechanical ventilation, length of stay in the ICU, peak vasoactive inotrope scores, and peak lactate level. Maternal obesity was defined as 1st trimester body mass index ⩾30 kg/m2. Excessive weight gain was defined as ⩾12 kg gained during pregnancy. In order to determine the association between maternal obesity or excessive weight gain and postoperative variables, we used multiple linear regression, adjusting for birth weight and risk adjustment for congenital heart surgery score. Results Records from 58 mother–baby dyads were examined. After controlling for birth weight and risk adjustment for congenital heart surgery score, there were no significant associations between maternal obesity and excessive weight gain during pregnancy versus all postoperative outcomes measured. Conclusion Despite the known negative impact of maternal obesity on perinatal outcomes, we were unable to find associations between maternal obesity and excessive weight gain during pregnancy versus postoperative outcomes.
A Dual-Loop Synthesizer With Fast Frequency Modulation Ability for 77/79 GHz FMCW Automotive Radar Applications

The implementation of wideband mm-wave radars for automotive applications necessitates wideband, fast, and precise linear frequency modulation generation. In this paper, we propose to use dual-loop phase-locked loop (PLL) architecture for this task. The frequency modulation dynamics are analyzed for this architecture. The results are employed to implement a SiGe BiCMOS fully integrated 75–83 GHz frequency-modulated continuous-wave synthesizer. Performance enhancements were achieved by utilizing the bulk-drain parasitic variable capacitance of P-channel transistors, embedded in a gm-boosted Colpitts VCO, for frequency control. This mechanism together with the dual-loop PLL architecture provides low loop bandwidth variation over the whole output frequency range, −97 dBc/Hz phase noise at 1-MHz offset, and maximal modulation rate of 100 GHz/ms.
Watch the Clock, Not the Scale.

The prevalence of diabetes is on the rise, leading to astronomical increases in healthcare costs. In this issue of Cell Metabolism, Sutton et al. (2018) report improved metabolic outcomes even without weight loss. The trick? Eat early and for only 6 hr of the day.
The teenager's confession: regulating shame in internal family systems therapy.

This case study explores the clinical relevance of the differences among shame, guilt that is linked with shame, and pure guilt. Empirical literature on emotion suggests that shame is instrumental ...
Tract-Specific White Matter Correlates of Age-Related Reward Devaluation Deficits in Macaque Monkeys.

Aim Cognitive aging is known to alter reward-guided behaviors that require interactions between the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and amygdala. In macaques, OFC, but not amygdala volumes decline with age and correlate with performance on a reward devaluation (RD) task. The present study used diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) methods to investigate whether the condition of the white matter associated with amygdala-OFC connectivity changes with age and relates to reward devaluation. Methods Diffusion-, T1- and T2-weighted MRIs were acquired from adult and aged bonnet macaques. Using probabilistic tractography, fractional anisotropy (FA) estimates from two separate white matter tracts associated with amygdala-OFC connectivity, the uncinate fasciculus (UF) and amygdalofugal (AF) pathways, were obtained. Performance measures on RD and reversal learning (RL) tasks were also acquired and related to FA indices from each anatomical tract. Results Aged monkeys were impaired on both the RD and RL tasks and had lower FA indices in the AF pathway. Higher FA indices from the right hemisphere UF pathway correlated with better performance on an object-based RD task, whereas higher FA indices from the right hemisphere AF were associated with better performance on an object-free version of the task. FA measures from neither tract correlated with RL performance. Conclusions These results suggest that the condition of the white matter connecting the amygdala and OFC may impact reward devaluation behaviors. Furthermore, the observation that FA indices from the UF and AF differentially relate to reward devaluation suggests that the amygdala-OFC interactions that occur via these separate tracts are partially independent.
Degradation of tight junction proteins in meprin betatransfected kidney cells subjected to hypoxia

Tight junctions prevent paracellular leakage in epithelial cells. Meprins, metalloproteinases that are abundantly expressed in the brush border membranes of proximal kidney tubules, have been impli...
Diterpene Synthase-Catalyzed Biosynthesis of Distinct Clerodane Stereoisomers.

The diterpene synthase clerodienyl diphosphate synthase 1 (PvCPS1) from the crop plant switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) stereoselectively converts (E,E,E)-geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP) into the clerodane natural product, cis-trans-clerodienyl diphosphate (CLPP, 1). Structure-guided point mutations of PvCPS1 redirected product stereoselectivity toward the formation of a rare cis-clerodane diastereomer, cis-cis-CLPP (2). Additionally, an alternative cis-clerodane diastereomer, (5S,8S,9R,10R)-13Z-CLPP (3), was produced when treating PvCPS1 and select variants thereof with the cis-prenyl substrate (Z,Z,Z)-nerylneryl diphosphate (NNPP). These results support the hypothesis that substrate configuration and minor active-site alterations impact precatalysis substrate folding in the stereoselective biosynthesis of clerodane diterpenoid scaffolds, and can be employed to provide enzymatic access to a broader range of bioactive clerodane natural products.
Comments on Proposed Regulations: 'Contributions in Exchange for State or Local Tax Credits' (Reg-112176-18)

These comments offer three recommendations, of which only the first involves a change in the proposed regulations themselves. First, rather than treating state tax credits as an exception to the general rule that a charitable deduction is not reduced by benefits a donor receives from third parties, the final regulations should set forth a general rule that the amount of a charitable deduction is reduced by benefits a donor receives from any source on account of the donation. Second, the preamble to the final regulations should clearly state that SALT ceiling workarounds (involving purported donations to the states themselves) would not be effective under well-established substance-over-form principles, even in the absence of new regulations. Finally, the analysis in Example 2 (in the Special Analyses, not in the proposed regulations themselves) should be revised to reflect the application of substance-over-form principles to state tax credits for contributions to the states themselves.
Vital signs on hospital discharge and re admission rates

Background Assessing the stability of a patient's vital signs in the 24 hours before discharge has been suggested as an objective and inexpensive way to determine safety for discharge. Aim To determine the association between unstable vital signs at the time of discharge with the readmission rate over a one-year period. Design An observational cohort multi-center study at three urban community hospitals using electronic health record data collected from November 1, 2016, to October 30, 2017. Methods A total of 29322 hospitalizations to medical floors with complete sets of vital signs were included. The final vital signs collected on the day of discharge were used for analysis. The readmission rates were compared using different variables such as age, sex, insurance payer (Medicare or Medicaid), discharge time, discharge disposition, length of stay at the hospital, the number, and type of abnormal vital signs at discharge. Results Unstable vital signs at discharge were found in 2862 patients (9.8%). The readmission rate was highest in patients with two (11.3%) unstable vital signs compared to those with one (8.5%) and three or more (0%) instabilities. Patients with a combination of heart rate >100 beats/min and respiratory rate >20 breaths/min at discharge had a 14.1% seven-day readmission rate (P = 0.0057, Odds Ratio = 1.87, Confidence Interval = 1.19-2.95). Conclusions Vital sign instabilities in the 24 hours before discharge are associated with increased seven-day readmission rate.
Correction to “A Novel and Systematic Approach to Inhomogeneous Dielectric Lens Design Based on Curved Ray Geometrical Optics and Particle Swarm Optimization”

A numerical synthesis algorithm is presented to design inhomogeneous 3-D-printed lenses for any aperture field and, hence, beam pattern. The algorithm is based on geometrical optics (GO), a numerical method for wave propagation in inhomogeneous media, particle swarm optimization, and a global stochastic optimization technique. The approach allows the synthesis of either optimal geometry with known constant permittivity (shape only), optimal nonconstant permittivity with known geometry (material only), or optimal geometry and nonconstant permittivity (shape and material). The presented approach is validated against the analytic test case of the Maxwell fish eye and is shown to provide excellent agreement. A spherical lens is optimized for nonconstant permittivity function and is shown to recover the permittivity of the Luneburg lens. Instructions on how to fabricate the resultant inhomogeneous lenses via 3-D-printing techniques is given. Examples of optimum inhomogeneous lenses synthesized with our approach are provided along with the full-wave simulation verification. A 30 cm inhomogeneous lens is fabricated via 3-D-printing and measured in the UCLA’s plane bipolar near-field measurement range and compared with the results of the GO algorithm.
The Interface between Commercial & Industrial Development and Recreational Use in an Urban River Corridor

Commercial and industrial interests and recreational users both compete for water resources in close proximity to urban population centers. The resource management issue is how to maintain and enhance the economic viability of commercial rivers while at the same time providing recreation experiences to expanding urban populations. Data reported in this study were collected from visitors to recreation sites within the Upper Illinois River Corridor. The objectives of this research were to develop a typology of commercial and industrial activities which may adversely influence recreation use and to determine if the impact of a specific type of commercial and industrial development varies across recreation activities. Our findings show that commercial and industrial development adversely effect the “quality” of the recreation experience for persons using urban river corridors. Furthermore, the effects depend on both the type of recreation activity persons engage in and the types of commercial and industrial a...
A designed bacterial microcompartment shell with tunable composition and precision cargo loading

Microbes often augment their metabolism by conditionally constructing proteinaceous organelles, known as bacterial microcompartments (BMCs), that encapsulate enzymes to degrade organic compounds or assimilate CO2. BMCs self-assemble and are spatially delimited by a semi-permeable shell made up of hexameric, trimeric, and pentameric shell proteins. Bioengineers aim to recapitulate the organization and efficiency of these complex biological architectures by redesigning the shell to incorporate non-native enzymes from biotechnologically relevant pathways. To meet this challenge, a diverse set of synthetic biology tools are required, including methods to manipulate the properties of the shell as well as target and organize cargo encapsulation. We designed and determined the crystal structure of a synthetic shell protein building block with an inverted sidedness of its N- and C-terminal residues relative to its natural counterpart; the inversion targets genetically fused protein cargo to the lumen of the shell. Moreover, the titer of fluorescent protein cargo encapsulated using this strategy is controllable using an inducible tetracycline promoter. These results expand the available set of building blocks for precision engineering of BMC-based nanoreactors and are compatible with orthogonal methods which will facilitate the installation and organization of multi-enzyme pathways.
Waste not, want not: diagnostic material found in suction syringe aspirate during endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial needle aspiration

Background: Endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a frequently performed procedure. Suction is utilized during this procedure and may occasionally result in the collection of aspirated material, the diagnostic utility of which is uncertain. This study aims to determine the contents of the suction syringe aspirate and its diagnostic value. Methods: The suction syringe aspirate was pooled in a container and sent for analysis. We retrospectively reviewed the cytological outcomes of these specimens in comparison to the diagnosis determined by EBUS-TBNA between 2015–2018. The primary outcome was the percent agreement between the diagnostic material found in the suction syringe aspirate, and the final diagnosis established by EBUS-TBNA. Results: Forty-four patients were included. Percent agreement was calculated as the percent in which the suction syringe aspirate diagnosis agreed with the EBUS-TBNA diagnosis. The percent agreement of any diagnosis was 90.9% (95% CI: 78.7–97.2%). Two of the 44 diagnoses (4.5%) were established based solely on the suction syringe aspirate, both cases of granulomatous inflammation. Conclusions: Our results suggest that material collected in the suction syringe has a very high percent agreement with the final diagnosis established by EBUS-TBNA. Furthermore, the suction syringe aspirate may represent the sole diagnostic material in nearly 5% of cases. Given the additional diagnostic material in the suction syringe aspirate, it is reasonable to pool the aspirate with the primary specimen in an effort to enrich the overall diagnostic specimen. This practice may improve the likelihood that the specimen will be sufficient for additional molecular analysis, although further study is necessary. Care must be taken when more than one needle is involved to ensure that a new suction syringe is also used to avoid inadvertent upstaging by specimen contamination.
Todd LeVasseur, Religious Agrarianism and the Return of Place: From Values to Practice in Sustainable Agriculture

Todd LeVasseur, Religious Agrarianism and the Return of Place: From Values to Practice in Sustainable Agriculture (Albany, NY: SUNY Press, 2017), xvi + 253 pp., $24.95 (pbk), ISBN: 978-1-4384-6772-6.
Developing a "Tailor-Made" Precision Lifestyle Medicine Intervention for Weight Control among Middle-aged Latino Men.

Objective: To identify what is important to middle-aged Latino men and their personal goals and values as foundations for a future precision lifestyle medicine intervention that is rooted in Self-Determination Theory. Design: We used a phenomenological, thematic approach to analyze data from 20 semi-structured, individual interviews with Latino men aged 35-60 years. Setting: Community-based settings between November 2017 and May 2018 in South Florida. Participants: Latino or Hispanic men who were aged 35-60 years. The mean age of the men was 49.8 years. Results: Two key themes emerged: a) the characteristics that these men say define what it means to be a man; and b) the characteristics that these men say define what is important to them. “What defines a man” includes three primary subthemes: a) the attributes, characteristics and behaviors that participants understood to be ideals that a man should embody and the roles he should fulfill; b) lessons learned growing up about what it means to be a man; and c) how Latino men relate to the ideal of machismo. “What defines me” includes the subthemes: a) comparing themselves with the ideal of machismo; b) caring for family and others; and c) supporting and modeling positive behavior for their children. Conclusions: We found key candidate mechanisms that may be novel yet critical foundations on which to build a precision lifestyle medicine intervention for Latino men. We identified actionable psycho­social factors that map onto motivational constructs that can shape behaviors that are essential for weight control and be a useful foundation for improving the health of middle-aged Latino men. Ethn Dis . 2020;30(Suppl 1):203-210; doi:10.18865/ed.30.S1.203
An Overview Of Vaccine Development, Approval, And Regulation, With Implications For COVID-19.

The Food and Drug Administration generally approves vaccines when their benefits outweigh their risks for their intended use. In this paper, we review current and potential approaches to this criti...
Surveillance Intensity in Intermediate Risk, Nonmuscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: Revisiting the Optimal Timing and Frequency of Cystoscopy

Purpose:We sought to determine the optimal cystoscopic interval for intermediate risk, nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer.Materials and Methods:A retrospective analysis of patients with intermediate...
Quadriceps tendon autograft is an effective alternative graft for posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in isolated or multiligament injuries: a systematic review

Importance High-grade posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tears can be a significant cause of patient morbidity and knee instability. The graft of choice for operative repair remains controversial, although recently there has been increased interest in quadriceps tendon (QT) as an autologous graft option. Objective The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review to assess reported clinical outcomes of PCL reconstructions using QT autografts. Evidence review A comprehensive review of clinical studies was performed evaluating PCL reconstruction with QT autograft including a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane and Google Scholar databases, and reference lists of relevant papers. Clinical results, stability results, functional outcomes, range-of-motion outcomes, complications and morbidity, and the conclusions of each study were evaluated. Findings Seven studies were included in the review of clinical results, including 145 subjects undergoing PCL reconstructions with QT autograft. All studies evaluated quadriceps tendon bone (QT-B) grafts. Among these seven studies, two included isolated PCL reconstruction while five included multiligamentous knee injury reconstruction. These studies suggest that QT-B autograft offers a viable graft option for primary PCL reconstruction with generally favourable patient-reported outcomes, knee stability and range of motion reported along with relatively low complication rates. Conclusions and relevance Use of the QT-B autograft may be a reasonable graft option for PCL reconstruction. However, high-quality prospective studies are required to evaluate the long-term safety, efficacy and functional outcomes. Level of evidence Level IV (Systematic review of Level IV studies).
Getting sugar back? Soda taxes beyond sodas

Soda taxes are being implemented in several cities across the US with the aim of reducing sugar intake from sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs). Sugar is linked to obesity and to higher risk of diabetes and cardiovascular conditions, and sodas as the main source are targeted with these taxes. In presence of potential substitutes, the policy can be undermined by consumers changing their sources of sugar. We examine the heterogeneous effects of the Philadelphia soda tax on purchases of other foods considered traditional sources of sugar. The tax was introduced in 2017, following Berkeley, which implemented its own in 2015.We present the first empirical evaluation article focusing on the potential substitution to-wards additional sugary foods listed as the main sources of sugar intake by the American Heart Association. We compare the consumption of SSB and sugary foods prior to and following the 2017 SSB tax in Philadelphia as well as in the comparable localities. We find an uptake in sugar consumption from sweetened foods of about 3.5% following the introduction of the tax. While this seems small, once compared to the change in sugar intake from beverages, the substitution offsets between 15% to 27% of the total effect of the policy.
Integrated non-invasive biochemical and biophysical sensing systems for health and performance monitoring: A systems perspective

Advances in materials, bio-recognition elements, transducers, and microfabrication techniques, as well as progress in electronics, signal processing, and wireless communication have generated a new class of skin-interfaced wearable health monitoring systems for applications in personalized medicine and digital health. In comparison to conventional medical devices, these wearable systems are at the cusp of initiating a new era of longitudinal and noninvasive sensing for the prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases at the molecular level. Herein, we provide a review of recent developments in wearable biochemical and biophysical systems. We survey the sweat sampling and collection methods for biochemical systems, followed by an assessment of biochemical and biophysical sensors deployed in current wearable systems with an emphasis on their hardware specifications. Specifically, we address how sweat collection and sample handling platforms may be a rate limiting technology to realizing the clinical translation of wearable health monitoring systems; moreover, we highlight the importance of achieving both longitudinal sensing and assessment of intrapersonal variation in sweat-blood correlations to have the greatest clinical impact. Lastly, we assess a snapshot of integrated wireless wearable systems with multimodal sensing capabilities, and we conclude with our perspective on the state-of-the-art and the required developments to achieve the next-generation of integrated wearable health and performance monitoring systems.
Chronic Pain Prevalence and Factors Associated with High Impact Chronic Pain following Total Joint Arthroplasty: An Observational Study

Abstract Hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty are among the most frequently performed orthopaedic procedures in the United States. High impact and bothersome chronic pain rates following total joint arthroplasty (TJA) are unknown; as are factors that predict these chronic pain outcomes. This retrospective observational study included individuals that had a TJA from January 2014 to January 2020 (n = 2,638). Pre-operative and clinical encounter information was extracted from the electronic health record and chronic pain state was determined by email survey. Predictor variables included TJA location, number of surgeries, comorbidities, tobacco use, BMI, and pre-operative pain intensity. Primary outcomes were high impact and bothersome chronic pain. Rates of high impact pain (95% CI) were comparable for knee (9.8%-13.3%), hip (8.3%-11.8%) and shoulder (7.6%-16.3%). Increased risk of high impact pain included non-white race, two or more comorbidities, age less than 65 years, pre-operative pain scores 5/10 or higher, knee arthroplasty, and post-operative survey completion 24 months or less. Rates of bothersome chronic pain (95% CI) were also comparable for knee (24.9%-29.9%) and hip (21.3%-26.3%) arthroplasty; but higher for shoulder (26.9%-39.6%). Increased risk of bothersome chronic pain included non-white race, shoulder arthroplasty, knee arthroplasty, current or past tobacco use, and being female. Perspective : In this cohort more than 1/3rd of individuals reported high impact or bothersome chronic pain following TJA. Non-white race and knee arthroplasty were the only two variables associated with both chronic pain outcomes.
Slow moving vehicles using the microphone arrays in the Hopkins Acoustic Surveillance Unit

In this paper, we report on the use of a microphone array and enclosure in the Hopkins Acoustic Surveillance Unit (HASU) for bearing estimation and tracking of a moving vehicle at a close range. We use correlation based algorithms and we report bearing estimation results from moving vehicles at various constant velocities. The estimation results are in good agreement with theoretical model predictions. The correlation algorithms employed can be implemented in low power digital VLSI for wireless sensor networks.
Nanotechnology: A Vast Field For The Creative Mind

This viewgraph presentation gives examples of possible future uses of nanotechnology, with some emphasis on carbon nanotubes and medical applications. The presentation provides an overview of organizations conducting nanotechnology research in the United States, and suggests a timeline for nanotechnology development.
Closed cycle lasing of ASE noise in a WDM ring network

Presents the lasing phenomenon of amplified spontaneous emission noise in a ring network. The ring network topology includes four add-drop multiplexers. Each span of fiber between the ADMs has an erbium doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) which compensates for the losses incurred in the fiber and different ADM components. The results demonstrate the evolution of noise buildup and the effect of variable optical attenuators in closed cycle lasing.
Application of time-frequency analysis to machinery condition assessment

Machinery condition has traditionally been assessed by analysis of the spectral energy density of the machine's vibration signal. Examination of time-frequency representations (TFRs) of constant-speed machinery data reveals vibration features that demonstrate variation in frequency over a short time period and thus cannot be adequately characterized by the power spectrum. These features may be used as supplemental information to assess the condition of the machine. Although the spectrogram provides a general indication of the time-varying spectrum, new representations such as the "cone-kernel" TFR reveal the existence of fine structural details inherent to the signal. >
Surgical Management of Inferior Alveolar Nerve Injuries

Injuries to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) occur from multiple causes including trauma, tumor (benign and malignant) involvement or surgery, and iatrogenic causes including orthognathic surgery (usually the sagittal split osteotomy), implant-related procedures in the posterior mandible, as well as dentoalveolar surgery including third molar removal [1]. Less common causes include root canal treatment in the posterior mandible and as a result of an IAN block-type injection [1–3].