cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Grasp stiffness matrix-fundamental properties in analysis of grasping and manipulation

In this paper, we present fundamental properties of stiffness matrix as applied to analysis of grasping and dextrous manipulation. The investigation unveils insights of stiffness matrix which are important in grasping and manipulation for robotic hands and fingers in R/sup 3/ space. A general grasp stiffness matrix can be broken into two parts-symmetric and antisymmetric. The symmetric part is derived from a conservative quadratic potential function in the Hermitian form; while the antisymmetric part is a function of nonconservative curl vector field of the grasp. The conservative part stores and interchanges energy with the environment with which the fingers make contact. The nonconservative part dissipates or increases energy. The theory suggests that it is possible to introduce a nonsymmetric stiffness matrix in robotic control so as to have energy dissipation (damping) effects. This is useful when passive damping effects are desirable in grasping. Application of the theory to the analysis of stiffness matrix in 3D is presented for analysis of grasping and manipulation.
Sofinicline: a novel nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist in the treatment of attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder

Introduction: Psychostimulants are first-line treatments for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but their tolerability profiles and individual response variability fuel a continuing search for alternative medications. The observation that nicotinic agents improve cognition has led pharmaceutical companies to explore the potential utility of agonists of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) system for ADHD treatments.Areas covered: This article reviews Phase I and Phase II trials of sofinicline (ABT-894), an agonist of the nAChR α4β2 subtype, as a potential non-stimulant treatment for ADHD. This includes one Phase II trial that compared sofinicline with atomoxetine, a noradrenergic reuptake inhibitor currently approved as a non-stimulant ADHD treatment. This article also reviews the chemistry, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of sofinicline.Expert opinion: Sofinicline appears to be well tolerated and showing efficacy similar to that of atomoxetine. Although the number of patients ...
Simultaneous combination of external superficial hyperthermia and photon beam radiation therapy on a 6 MV linear accelerator

An increased biological effect is seen when hyperthermia and radiation therapy are combined simultaneously. In order to take advantage of this effect we have developed techniques which combine existing hyperthermia devices with a linear accelerator and which allow the concomitant delivery of both ultrasound and microwave hyperthermia with photon radiation therapy. Two techniques have been used clinically: the orthogonal technique, in which the microwave or hyperthermia beam and the radiation beam are orthogonal to one and other, and the en face technique in which the ultrasound or hyperthermia beam and the radiation beam travel into the tumor through the same treatment window. The en face technique has necessitated the development of special attachments so that the hyperthermia device can be mounted to the linear accelerator and so that nonuniform portions of the hyperthermia device can be removed from the hyperthermia beam. For microwave therapy this has necessitated the mounting of the applicators onto the linear accelerator using the compensating filter tray holder. For ultrasound this has necessitated the use of special reflector devices which are mounted to a frame which can be mounted onto the compensating filter tray holder of the linear accelerator.
α-Sarcin cleaves ribosomal RNA at the α-sarcin site in the absence of ribosomal proteins

alpha-Sarcin is capable of specifically cleaving the single phosphodiester bond in the "alpha-sarcin site" of both Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae large rRNAs in the absence of ribosomal proteins. With both sources of rRNA, the rate of cleavage was comparable with and without ribosomal proteins but more complete cleavage was observed in the absence of ribosomal proteins. These observations contrast with earlier findings and indicate that ribosomal proteins are not essential to the unique specificity of the cleavage of rRNA by alpha-sarcin.
Risk for Breast and Colorectal Cancers Subsequent to Cancer of the Endometrium in a Population-Based Case Series

The purpose of this study was to estimate the relative risk of breast and colorectal cancers in women who were previously diagnosed with endometrial cancer. This study was conducted using a population-based cohort of 2347 women diagnosed with invasive cancer of the endometrium between January 1, 1984, and December 31, 1995 in Orange County, California. Only women with a diagnosis of invasive endometrial cancer at age 80 years old or below were included in the analysis (N = 2170). In this same cohort, metachronous and synchronous breast and colorectal cancers were ascertained and the risk of developing one or the other type of neoplasm was compared to the expected number of cases derived from cancer incidence in California by age, 1988-1992. We found a statistically increased risk of breast cancer as a second primary, while the observed incidence in colorectal risk did not reach statistical significance. The association between endometrial cancer and breast and possibly colorectal cancer indicates the importance of common etiologies for these cancers.
Does defensive medicine protect doctors against malpractice claims

It’s too early to say, although there seems to be a link between higher healthcare spending and lower risk
COBAYIN: A POISONOUS PRINCIPLE IN THE GUINEA PIG'S SEMINAL PLASMA.

SummaryGuinea pig seminal plasma is highly toxic on parenteral application for the rabbit and, to a lesser degree, for the mouse, rat and dog, but not for the guinea pig itself. The name cobayin is...
Humidity Control and Efficiency of Energy Use in Plant Test Chambers

Absolute humidity control is the most logical approach in the operation of plant test chambers. By making use of the fact that modern installations are near-closed systems and that plants give off copious quantities of water vapor, a simple and effective method of absolute humidity control can be devised. In this the temperature of the air, as it leaves the cooling/condensing heat exchanger in the air flow path, is measured and controlled. The air is then reheated as necessary. A proposal is made for the recapture of some of the energy that is cancelled in the system. Actual data show the adequacy of the method, which gives control of air temperature and dewpoint within 0.1°C with a response time in the order of minutes.
Assessment of the US EPA’s Determination of the Role for CO2 Capture and Storage in New Fossil Fuel-Fired Power Plants

On September 20, 2013, the US Environmental and Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a revised rule for “Standards of Performance for Greenhouse Gas Emissions from New Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units”. These performance standards set limits on the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) that can be emitted per megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity generation from new coal-fired and natural gas-fired power plants built in the US. These limits were based on determinations of “best system of emission reduction (BSER) adequately demonstrated”. Central in this determination was evaluating whether Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage (CCS) qualified as BSER. The proposed rule states that CCS qualifies as BSER for coal-fired generation but not for natural gas-fired generation. In this paper, we assess the EPA’s analysis that resulted in this determination. We are not trying to judge what the absolute criteria are for CCS as the BSER but only the relative differences as related to coal- vs natural gas-fired t...
Resonance and intercombination lines in Mg-like ions of atomic numbers Z=13–92

While prominent lines of various Na-like ions have been measured with an accuracy of better than 100 ppm and corroborate equally accurate calculations, there have been remarkably large discrepancies between calculations for Mg-like ions of high atomic number. We present ab initio calculations using the multireference Moller-Plesset approach for Mg-like ions of atomic numbers Z = 13-92 and compare the results with other calculations of this isoelectronic sequence as well as with experimental data. Our results come very close to experiment (typically 100 ppm) over a wide range. Furthermore, data at high values of Z are sparse, which calls for further accurate measurements in this range where relativistic and QED effects are large.
Influence of progesterone, estradiol benzoate, and relaxin upon placentomata formation in mice.

SummaryMature mice, ovariectomized for 7 to 10 days, were administered 0.1 μg EB for 3 days as a pretreatment followed by graded levels of P alone for 9 days. On day 5, the right uterine horn was traumatized by a sharp needle throughout its length. On day 4 post-trauma, the right and left horns were separated and compared in weight. The placentomata reaction increased as P was increased to 1.0 mg/day, then decreased with levels of 2 to 10 mg/day. Relaxin alone as a substitute for P had no effect. During pretreatment on reduced levels of EB, relaxin showed a slight response and during the post-trauma period with P a marked response was observed. When EB was administered with P during post-trauma period, the reaction was reduced. This observation suggests that mice secrete little or no estrogen during the first half of pregnancy.
Adoption, Demography of

Adoption refers to the reassignment or redistribution of parental rights, responsibilities, and practices with respect to a particular child. Adoptions may be informal or formal, private or public, domestic or international, between strangers or kin, transracial or racially ‘matching,’ and adhering to local norms or ‘irregular.’ Data on adoptions is difficult to obtain, because these different kinds of adoptions may be recorded differently or not at all. After reviewing this state of affairs, this article challenges the widely circulated narrative that adoption happens because of infertility and changes in supply of children, and explores the relationship between adoption and culture.
Profiles of Antibodies Specific to Platelet Glycoproteins in ITP Differ in Remission, Relapse and Stable Phases; and Anti-GpIIb/IIIa, -GpIb/IX Were Associated with Bleeding Manifestations.

BACKGROUND: In immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), antiplatelet antibodies (APtAb) bind to antigens exposed on the platelet surface to mediate platelet clearance from circulation. GpIIb/IIIa, GpIb/IX and GpIV, common target antigens in ITP, are receptors for fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor and collagen, respectively, and are involved in platelet aggregation and adhesion, playing critical roles in hemostasis and thrombosis. It has been suggested that APtAb binding to these molecules interfere with their function, inducing platelet dysfunction and enhancing bleeding in ITP. In the present study, we investigated profiles of antibodies against these antigens in different stages of ITP, and in relation to bleeding manifestations. METHODS: We measured IgG and IgM APtAb against the three most prevalent glycoprotein target antigens, GpIIb/IIIa, GpIV and GpIb/IX, by PAICA [Macchi, et al; 1996, Thromb Haemost76:1820]. We studied 130 patients with ITP. There were 87 women (66.9%) and 43 men (33.1%). ITP was classified into three stages, (i) acute/relapse, 28 pts (21.5%); (ii) chronic/stable (platelet counts RESULTS: (1) IgG APtAb against GpIIb/IIIa, GpIV and GpIb/IX were all significantly more frequent in acute/relapse (77%, 70%, and 67%, respectively) than in chronic/stable ITP (52%,55%, and 44%), at p=0.005, p=0.003, p=0.04, respectively. (2) All IgG APtAb were significantly more frequent in acute/relapse and chronic/stable ITP compared to remission, p CONCLUSIONS. Distinctive profiles of APtAb to GpIIb/IIIa, GpIb/IX, and GpIV were observed in different stages of ITP. IgG APtAb were frequently seen in acute/relapse and chronic/stable, both clases (IgG-IgM) were rarely seen in remission. Patients with signs of bleeding more frequently had IgG APtAb to the pair, GpIIb/IIIa and GpIb/IX, suggesting this pair of APtAb interferes with platelet hemostatic functions, enhancing the bleeding manifestations of ITP.
CELL RECEPTOR AND ANTIBODY BINDING DOMAINS OF APOLIPOPROTEIN B ARE NOT IDENTICAL

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the cell receptor and antibody binding domains of apolipoprotein B. Lipoprotein lipase catalyzes the hydrolysis of triglycerides and phospholipids of very low density lipoprotein particles. Hydrolysis is followed by losses of these lipids along with apoproteins C and E. The resulting VLDL remnant particles are smaller and denser and contain fewer lipids, apoC and apoE per particle than do the parent VLDL particles. However, the amount of apoB per particle appears to be unchanged, suggesting that apoB is retained by the particle even as both core and surface moieties are lost. During lipolysis, the immunoreactivity of apoB in VLDL increases and simultaneously, the interaction between VLDL and the LDL receptor on cultured normal human fibroblasts becomes more efficient, suggesting that as VLDL is reduced in size, the disposition of apoB on the surface of the VLDL particle is altered, such that the domain(s) on apoB, which are recognized by anti-apoB antibodies and by cellular LDL receptors, become more available for interactions.
Antiplatelet therapies: An overview

The role of blood components including platelets, in initiating inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, thrombus formation, thrombus growth, and acute vascular ischemic events, is well established. Given this recognized role played by platelets, there is a considerable interest in understanding the physiology and function of platelets, as well as in the development of novel platelet function-inhibitory drugs. The generation of the second messengers, calcium mobilization, shape change, adhesion, aggregation, contraction, release of granule contents, thrombus development, thrombus growth, and formation of hemostatic plug at the injured vessel surfaces, in brief, constitute platelet activation. Some of the known compounds that inhibit platelet activation include inhibitors of arachidonic metabolism (cyclooxygenase-1 inhibitors; aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.), adenosine diphosphate receptor antagonists (P2Y 12 inhibitors), adenylyl and guanylyl cyclase stimulators, calcium antagonists, and GP11b/111a receptor antagonists. Since platelets have multiple mechanisms of achieving in vivo activation, it is difficult to design a novel drug that offers total protection for developing acute ischemic vascular events, without compromising coagulation mechanisms. Given this complexity, any aggressive antiplatelet therapy results in increased bleeding episodes. Having said that, we feel that there is a great window of opportunity for developing novel antiplatelet therapies. There is also scope for the development of fixed-dose combinations for the primary and secondary management of chronic diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, and type-2 diabetes.
Haul, Parody, Remix: Mobilizing Feminist Rhetorical Criticism With Video

Abstract Video composing can subvert, or critically remix, the power dynamics of mainstream popular culture as well as facilitate students’ desires to write against sexism and enact intersectional feminist identities. We feature six video projects created for a fall 2015 undergraduate class on the analysis of popular culture. As models, these videos encourage writing and rhetoric instructors to invite students to communicate their own intersectional identities and values through multimodal assignments. Doing so remixes the possibilities for how and where students’ ideas can take shape. Organized into the two thematic categories of 1. media misrepresentation and rape culture and 2. anticapitalist criticism and feminist parody, this article shows how students’ videos that adapt such genres as the consumerism-based haul video and musical video parody mobilize feminist rhetorical criticism.
Invasive Hemodynamics of Myocardial Disease: Systolic and Diastolic Dysfunction (and Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy)

Heart failure is a clinical diagnosis that is supported by various laboratory, imaging, and invasive hemodynamic measures. There is no single diagnostic test. A variety of structural and/or functional myocardial abnormalities can lead to the inability of the heart to fill or eject blood. Despite ejection fraction being the most commonly assessed measure of systolic function in clinical practice, it is a poor measure of contractility because it is susceptible to loading conditions and chamber size. Invasive hemodynamic assessment remains of great importance in the evaluation of patients with myocardial disease or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in a normal colon epithelial cell line

AIM To determine how a normal human colon cell line reacts to microbial challenge as a way to study oxidative stress-induced responses associated with inflammatory bowel disease. METHODS Normal human colon epithelial cells (ATCC® CRL.1790™) were stimulated with either heat killed E. coli or heat killed murine cecal contents (HKC) and examined for several relevant biomarkers associated with inflammation and oxidative stress including cytokine production, mitochondrial autophagy and oxidant status. TNFα, IL-1β and IL-8 protein concentrations were measured within the supernatants. Fluorescent microscopy was performed to quantify the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) using an oxidation responsive fluorogenic probe. Mitochondrial morphology and mitochondrial membrane potential was assessed by dual staining using COXIV antibody and a dye concentrating in active mitochondria. Mitochondrial ROS scavenger was used to determine the source of ROS in stimulated cells. Autophagy was detected by staining for the presence of autophagic vesicles. Positive controls for autophagy and ROS/RNS experiments were treated with rapamycin and chloroquine. Mitochondrial morphology, ROS production and autophagy microscopy experiments were analyzed using a custom acquisition and analysis microscopy software (ImageJ). RESULTS Exposing CRL.1790 cells to microbial challenge stimulated cells to produce several relevant biomarkers associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. Heat killed cecal contents treatment induced a 10-12 fold increase in IL-8 production by CRL.1790 cells compared to unstimulated controls at 6 and 12 h (P < 0.001). Heat killed E. coli stimulation resulted in a 4-5 fold increase in IL-8 compared to the unstimulated control cells at each time point (P < 0.001). Both heat killed E. coli and HKC stimulated robust ROS production at 6 (P < 0.001), and 12 h (P < 0.01). Mitochondrial morphologic abnormalities were detected at 6 and 12 h based on reduced mitochondrial circularity and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, P < 0.01. Microbial stimulation also induced significant autophagy at 6 and 12 h, P < 0.01. Lastly, blocking mitochondrial ROS generation using mitochondrial specific ROS scavenger reversed microbial challenge induced mitochondrial morphologic abnormalities and autophagy. CONCLUSION The findings from this study suggest that CRL.1790 cells may be a useful alternative to other colon cancer cell lines in studying the mechanisms of oxidative stress events associated with intestinal inflammatory disorders.
Herbicide Management Strategies in Field Corn for a Three-Way Herbicide-Resistant Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) Population

Three field experiments were conducted from 2013 to 2015 in Barry County, MI to evaluate the effectiveness of PRE, POST, and one- (EPOS) and two-pass (PRE followed by POST) herbicide programs for management of multiple-resistant Palmer amaranth in field corn. The Palmer amaranth population at this location has demonstrated resistance to glyphosate (Group 9), ALS-inhibiting herbicides (Group 2), and atrazine (Group 5). In the PRE only experiment, the only herbicide treatments that consistently provided ~80% or greater control were pyroxasulfone and the combination of mesotrione S-metolachlor. However, none of these treatments provided season-long Palmer amaranth control. Only topramezone provided >85% Palmer amaranth control 14 DAT, in the POST only experiment. Of the 19 herbicide programs studied all but three programs provided ≥88% Palmer amaranth control at corn harvest. Herbicide programs that did not control Palmer amaranth relied on only one effective herbicide site of action and in one case did not include a residual herbicide POST for late-season Palmer amaranth control. Some of the EPOS treatments were effective for season-long Palmer amaranth control; however, application timing and the inclusion of a residual herbicide component will be critical for controlling Palmer amaranth. The programs that consistently provided the highest levels of season-long Palmer amaranth control were PRE followed by POST herbicide programs that relied on a minimum of two effective herbicide sites of action and usually included a residual herbicide for late-season control.Nomenclature: Atrazine; glyphosate; mesotrione; pyroxasulfone; S-metolachlor; Palmer amaranth, Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats.; corn, Zea mays L.
Abstract 182: Shared Decision-Making Results in Knowledge Transfer Across Diverse Patient Subgroups: An Encounter-Level Meta-Analysis of Decision Aid Trials

Background: Shared decision-making with decision aids (DA) improves patient knowledge and reduces decisional conflict. The extent to which they do so across sociodemographic subgroups remains unknown. Methods: An encounter-level meta-analysis of five DA randomized trials examined the impact of sociodemographic variables on knowledge transfer and decisional conflict using a generalized linear model stratified by study and adjusted by treatment arm. Results: We analyzed 595 patient-clinician encounters. Significantly higher knowledge transfer with DA occurred in nearly all patient subgroups when compared to usual care (UC). Patients with more formal education tended to have greater knowledge transfer with UC; this was diminished with DA. There was a trend towards improved decisional conflict in all subgroups with the use of DA; overall decisional conflict was low. (see Table) Conclusion: The use of DA compared to UC significantly increases knowledge transfer across diverse subgroups and there is a tendency towards reduced decisional conflict. Differences at baseline, such as knowledge transfer across educational strata, may be mitigated with use of DA. In conclusion, DA are found to be effective across patient subgroups and may represent a novel strategy to lessen disparities.
Lee Roloff’s presence

Still, after all these years, he is with me, changing me, the twenty-year-old kid who he taught to care more about the line of a poem than the line of a putt, more about the spin of a tale than the...
The Inflammatory Response and Its Effect on Rehabilitation-Induced Repair Processes After Stroke

Post-stroke inflammation is associated with a significant exacerbation of acute injury, and at the same time promotes an unfavorable environment for regeneration and recovery. Sustained inflammation after stroke is associated with poor motor and cognitive recovery and limits the ability of the brain to engage in and benefit from rehabilitation paradigms. Stroke comorbidities such as aging, diabetes, and smoking are all associated with a more robust neuroinflammatory response after stroke and poor outcomes. Preclinical and clinical studies have not yet investigated the role of post-stroke neuroinflammation in predicting the response to rehabilitation therapy. Here, we review the interaction between post-stroke neuroinflammation and determinants of response to rehabilitation therapy, we discuss the few studies that used anti-inflammatory therapy to boost the response to rehabilitative interventions, and we emphasize the need for combining anti-inflammatory therapy and rehabilitation in both therapeutic and mechanistic studies of experimental stroke.
Can Hydrogen Catalyze Transitions Between H-BN and C-BN in Volume Plasma?

In a range of temperatures from 1500 to 2500 K, processes of transformation between various nanometer-scale boron nitride structures in the presence of hydrogen are simulated. We find that hydrogen catalyzes the transition from the sp2 hybridization of B and N atoms in hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) to sp3 hybridization, creating tetrahedral amorphous boron nitride (ta-BN) or cubic boron nitride (c-BN), at 1500 and 2000 K, respectively. At 2000 K in the presence of hydrogen, ta-BN can evolve to c-BN, usually partially encapsulated by a h-BN cage. All of these transformational processes of boron nitrides have analogs in graphene-diamond conversions. Change of atom hybridization can also proceed in the opposite direction under different conditions. Using quantum-classical molecular dynamics based on the density functional tight-binding method, we analyze the evolution of the nanoscale particles via the hybridization state of B/N atoms, ring composition, exchange of particles with environment, as well as the...
Twelve Popular Diets: Brief Nutritional Analyses

The practical problem confronting clinicians is not that the physiologic principles involved in weight loss are unclear, but that effective means for motivating and assisting obese persons to achieve and maintain desirable weights are not available. Twelve popular diets are analyzed along these lines.
Refractive Index by Reconstruction: Use to Improve Compound B-Scan Resolution

Reconstructions of two-dimensional distributions of acoustic speed were utilized to correct digitized compound B-scan images for aberrations caused by inhomogeneous refractive index. Profiles of propagation’delays of acoustic pulses obtained during compound transmission scanning at 60 angles of view separated by 6° were used to reconstruct the distribution of acoustic speeds within a 64 × 64 element grid in the scan plane within which 8 to 16 digitized B-scans were obtained for views separated by 22.5° or less. Each B-scan contained 1000 to 1300 pulses, digitized at 10 or 20 megasamples/s. Values of calculated acoustic speed within those elements of the reconstruction grid which were intersected by the locus of each pulse trajectory were utilized to map the temporal sequence of echoes within each echo signal into the correct spatial sequence of echoes within the B-scan image. Straight line approximations to the loci of the acoustic beams were used. The set of corrected B-scans were summed to obtain high resolution compound B-scans of 128 × 128 or 256 × 256 picture elements. This method seems particularly suited to breast imaging although enhance. ment of abdominal scans may be possible as well.
Westphal, Ernst Oswald Johannes (1919–1990)

Throughout his life, Ernst Westphal had a respect and fondness for the Venda culture, a feeling he extended to other African groups. Along with Venda, he learned English, Afrikaans, and German as a child, and studied many of the major languages of southern Africa. Furthermore, he pioneered the use of computers in Bantu comparative studies. He was a careful worker, particularly in comparative work and reconstruction. Perhaps his most widely known work surveys the Khoisan languages, a group he felt did not form a genetic group. Westphal has been praised for his fine ear and the introduction of experimental techniques in phonetics.
Vorläufige Mitteilung über die Wirkung der Ehrlichschen Substanz „606“auf Spirochaeta pertenuis im Tierkörper

Die gewohnliche Behandlung der Frambosie mit Jodkalium oder Quecksilber ist so umstandlich, das die ermutigenden Resultate, welche bei der Behandlung anderer durch Spirochaten verursachten Krankheiten, namlich der Syphilis, des Ruckfallfiebers und der Huhnerspirillose, durch eine einzige Injektion der Ehrlichschen Substanz „606“ erzielt wurden, dazu fuhren, sein Prinzip der „Therapia sterilisans magna“ auch auf die Frambosie anzuwendenen.
Distributed Coestimation in Heterogeneous Sensor Networks with Time-Varying Active and Passive Node Roles

In this paper, we address the problem of system-theoretic dynamic information fusion in time-varying heterogeneous sensor networks. This class of sensor networks involves nodes that receive observations from a process of interest (active nodes) and nodes that do not receive any information (passive nodes), where the active and passive node roles can be varying with respect to time. At any given time, in addition, active nodes are allowed to have nonidentical modalities such that they can observe different measurements from the process. Specifically, we propose a new distributed input and state “coestimation” architecture for time-varying heterogeneous sensor networks, where time evolution of input and state updates of each node both depend on the local input and state information exchanges. The stability and performance of the overall sensor network are guaranteed once the local sufficient stability conditions for each node are satisfied. As compared with our recent distributed input and state “estimation” approach for the same problem, where time evolution of input (respectively, state) update of each node only depends on the local input (respectively, state) information exchange, our illustrative numerical example also demonstrates a substantially improved dynamic input and state fusion performance.
Expression of TLE1 in Malignant Melanoma With Spindle Cell Morphology: A Potential Diagnostic Pitfall

Objectives. Transducer-like enhancer of split 1 (TLE1) immunohistochemistry is widely used as a biomarker of synovial sarcoma. Spindle cell or desmoplastic melanoma can morphologically mimic synovi...
Fault Detection Strategy for Grid-Tie Three-Phase Photovoltaic Inverter

This work presents a fault detection study for grid-tied three-phase inverters. One of the existing concerns with grid-connected PV inverters is fault detection and protection coordination. Since PV systems require inverters to connect to the grid, it is pertinent to study the behavior of this system component to accurately model fault scenarios. When a fault occurs, the PV inverter must detect the disturbance and react quickly to avoid damage to it and other components. In this paper, a control strategy is proposed to detect faults in PV inverters without the use of additional communication or hardware resources. This strategy makes use of the current between any two nodes on the distribution network, and then compares their values, which must be almost the same. A tolerance level is targeted and any difference between this tolerance triggers a start-detection mechanism in the PV inverter. The proposed model was carried out in MATLAB/Simulink to ascertain its efficiency and practical implementation.
Secondary Bile Acids and Short Chain Fatty Acids in the Colon: A Focus on Colonic Microbiome, Cell Proliferation, Inflammation, and Cancer.

Secondary bile acids (BAs) and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), two major types of bacterial metabolites in the colon, cause opposing effects on colonic inflammation at chronically high physiological levels. Primary BAs play critical roles in cholesterol metabolism, lipid digestion, and host–microbe interaction. Although BAs are reabsorbed via enterohepatic circulation, primary BAs serve as substrates for bacterial biotransformation to secondary BAs in the colon. High-fat diets increase secondary BAs, such as deoxycholic acid (DCA) and lithocholic acid (LCA), which are risk factors for colonic inflammation and cancer. In contrast, increased dietary fiber intake is associated with anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. These effects may be due to the increased production of the SCFAs acetate, propionate, and butyrate during dietary fiber fermentation in the colon. Elucidation of the molecular events by which secondary BAs and SCFAs regulate colonic cell proliferation and inflammation will lead to a better understanding of the anticancer potential of dietary fiber in the context of high-fat diet-related colon cancer. This article reviews the current knowledge concerning the effects of secondary BAs and SCFAs on the proliferation of colon epithelial cells, inflammation, cancer, and the associated microbiome.
Hemangioblastoma and von Hippel-Lindau Disease

Central nervous system (CNS) hemangioblastomas are the most common primary posterior fossa neoplasm in adults. These pathologically benign, vascular tumors occur sporadically in approximately two-thirds of cases and arise in the context of the familial neoplasia syndrome, von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL), in the remainder of cases. Whether they occur sporadically or in association with VHL, 99% of hemangioblastomas occur below the tentorium. Ninety-five percent of VHL patients with a hemangioblastoma will have multiple hemangioblastomas. Due to a germline mutation of the VHL tumor suppressor gene, located on the short arm of chromosome 3, VHL is typically transmitted in an autosomal dominant manner. Nonetheless, germline mutations of the VHL gene can arise de novo in approximately 5% of patients. In addition to CNS hemangioblastomas, VHL patients are also predisposed to endolymphatic sac tumors, renal cell carcinoma, pheochromocytoma, and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
Estimation of the Current Sheath Dynamics and Magnetic Field for Theta Pinch by Snow Plow Model Simulation

The snowplow model and shock wave equation are used to simulate theta pinch plasma experiment. The model calculates the sheath velocity, radial position, plasma current, plasma temperature, and the induced magnetic field of the current sheath. The model uses two phases: the radial inward phase and the reflected shock phase. The governing equations are derived by using the current factor and the mass factor. The model calculates the induced magnetic field of the plasma by the deriving equation and the magnetic field of the coil. Also, the model is operated by using the Hydrogen, Deuterium and Tritium gases at the same of the mass density. The results illustrate that the temperature and the induced magnetic field are higher for tritium gas, which has a higher molecular weight, while the current sheath velocity of tritium is lower. Some results of the model were compared with Lee model and other paper.
Kalman Filter-based Wind Estimation for Forest Fire Monitoring with a Quadrotor UAV

A Kalman filter-based wind estimation method is presented in this paper for wildfire monitoring. Wind behavior is one of the key factors in fire propagation, especially on the early stage of a fire. This quadrotor UAV-based method is proposed to estimate the lateral wind in the fire environment only with a standard autopilot sensor suite on board. A Kalman filter is designed to estimate the wind vector based on the vehicle’s hovering inclined angle in the wind environment. The designed Kalman filter can reduce the influence of sensor noises and improve the accuracy of the wind estimation. The effectiveness of the algorithm is demonstrated in a simulation environment.
Dose in Exercise-Based Dysphagia Therapies: A Scoping Review

Optimal exercise doses for exercise-based approaches to dysphagia treatment are unclear. To address this gap in knowledge, we performed a scoping review to provide a record of doses reported in the literature. A larger goal of this work was to promote detailed consideration of dosing parameters in dysphagia exercise treatments in intervention planning and outcome reporting. We searched PubMed, Scopus[Embase], CINAHL, and Cochrane databases from inception to July 2019, with search terms relating to dysphagia and exercises to treat swallowing impairments. Of the eligible 1906 peer-reviewed articles, 72 met inclusionary criteria by reporting, at minimum, both the frequency and duration of their exercise-based treatments. Study interventions included tongue exercise (n = 16), Shaker/head lift (n = 13), respiratory muscle strength training (n = 6), combination exercise programs (n = 20), mandibular movement exercises (n = 7), lip muscle training (n = 5), and other programs that did not fit into the categories described above (n = 5). Frequency recommendations varied greatly by exercise type. Duration recommendations ranged from 4 weeks to 1 year. In articles reporting repetitions (n = 66), the range was 1 to 120 reps/day. In articles reporting intensity (n = 59), descriptions included values for force, movement duration, or descriptive verbal cues, such as “as hard as possible.” Outcome measures were highly varied across and within specific exercise types. We recommend inclusion of at least the frequency, duration, repetition, and intensity components of exercise dose to improve reproducibility, interpretation, and comparison across studies. Further research is required to determine optimal dose ranges for the wide variety of exercise-based dysphagia interventions.
Benefits of iterative metal artifact reduction and dual-energy CT towards mitigating artifact in the setting of total shoulder prostheses

To determine the utility of iterative metal artifact reduction and 130 keV dual-energy virtual monoenergetic images to improve bone and soft tissue visualization in CT scans affected by metal artifacts. Thirteen females and 6 males with a history of total shoulder prosthesis who underwent dual-energy shoulder CT were included. Four sets of images were reconstructed for each patient: (1) original polychromatic kV images reconstructed with weighted filtered back projection; (2) polychromatic kV images with iterative metal artifact reduction; (3) 130 keV dual-energy virtual monoenergetic; (4) combined iterative metal artifact reduction and 130 keV dual-energy virtual monoenergetic. Three readers blindly reviewed all image sets and graded the extent of artifact and image quality. Mean artifact score and median overall image quality score were better in 130 keV dual-energy virtual monoenergetic with iterative metal artifact reduction compared with those in original polychromatic kV images (3.02 vs 4.28, P < 0.001 and 3.00 vs 4.33, P < 0.001, respectively). The median difference in CT numbers between regions affected by artifacts and normal regions was lowest in 130 keV dual-energy virtual monoenergetic with iterative metal artifact reduction compared with that in original polychromatic kV images (72.28 vs 252.08, P < 0.001 for bony regions and 15.09 vs 324.38, P < 0.001 for soft tissue). In patients with metal artifacts due to shoulder replacement surgery, the use of dual-energy monoenergetic images and iterative metal artifact reduction reconstruction significantly improves both subjective and objective indicators of image quality.
Friction induced pattern formations and modal transitions in a mass-spring chain model of sliding interface

Abstract Friction induced modal transitions and pattern formations are investigated both analytically and numerically based on a mesoscopic mass-spring chain model of sliding interfaces. The case of smooth self-sustained oscillations is considered first based on a two-degrees-of-freedom model with a generalized Rayleigh’s dissipative term by means of a new type of descriptive variables characterizing total excitation level, its distribution between the oscillators, and coherency of oscillations. In particular, it is shown that there exists a threshold of excitation above which self-sustained nonlinear normal and local oscillations are possible. The existence of threshold for generation of standing and propagating waves in the corresponding mass-spring chain is confirmed by both analytical estimates and numerical simulations. Also, it is shown that friction induced oscillations with a creeping phase develop according to a qualitatively different scenario leading to amplitude modulated waves with the highest possible carrying mode.
Space situational awareness applications for radio astronomy assets

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) builds, operates, and maintains a suite of premier radio antennas, including the 100m aperture Green Bank Telescope, the largest fully-steerable antenna in the world. For more than five decades the NRAO has focused on astrophysics, providing researchers with the most advanced instruments possible: large apertures, extremely low-noise receivers, and signal processors with high frequency and time resolution. These instruments are adaptable to Space Situational Awareness (SSA) tasks such as radar detection of objects in near-Earth and cis-Lunar space, high accuracy orbit determination, object surveillance with passive methods, and uplink and downlink communications. We present the capabilities of antennas and infrastructure at the NRAO Green Bank Observatory in the context of SSA tasks, and discuss what additions and modifications would be necessary to achieve SSA goals while preserving existing radio astronomy performance. We also discuss how the Green Bank Observatory’s surrounding topography and location within the National Radio Quiet Zone will enhance SSA endeavors.
Castanospermine reduces Zika virus infection-associated seizure by inhibiting both the viral load and inflammation in mouse models

Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreaks have been reported worldwide, including a recent occurrence in Brazil where it spread rapidly, and an association with increased cases of microcephaly was observed in addition to neurological issues such as GBS that were reported during previous outbreaks. Following infection of neuronal tissues, ZIKV can cause inflammation, which may lead to neuronal abnormalities, including seizures and paralysis. Therefore, a drug containing both anti-viral and immunosuppressive properties would be of great importance in combating ZIKV related neurological abnormalities. Castanospermine (CST) is potentially a right candidate drug as it reduced viral load and brain inflammation with the resulting appearance of delayed neuronal disorders, including seizures and paralysis in an Ifnar1-/- mouse.
Basics of sound in air: Correspondence with electromagnetic waves

The wave equation of sound is developed starting from the equations of fluid mechanics for the velocity and pressure variation in air. The equations for sound are analogous to Maxwell's equations for linear polarized electromagnetic plane waves: the pressure variation and the velocity correspond to the electric and magnetic fields, respectively. The order of magnitude of sound properties is explained in terms of the amplitude and energy density of the corresponding wave.
Abstract MP44: Adolescent Predictors Of Changes In Weight Status From Adolescence To Adulthood: Evidence From The Addhealth Study

Introduction: The persistence of obesity from adolescent to adult ages is associated with risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. Data from cohorts that passed through childhood before 1980 s...
Applying the Behavior Change Technique Taxonomy from Public Health Interventions to Educational Research

Public health research has developed a deep understanding of ways to help people live healthier lives through scalable interventions that change their behaviors. This work offers valuable insights for supporting learners in educational contexts, especially for improving self-regulation and goal-directed behaviors like completing a course of study--a persistent issue in formal and information post-secondary education. We present the widely adopted Behavior Change Technique (BCT) taxonomy as a model for systematically cataloging interventions in education and as a resource for inspiring new interventions in education based on public health evidence. Approaching the issue of learner attrition from the BCT perspective, we show how recent educational interventions fit into the BCT taxonomy and how the taxonomy can be used to develop new evidence-based intervention approaches. Borrowing insights from decades of public health research can advance parallel efforts in education to help learners at scale to stay on track and reach their academic goals.
Equational Theorem Proving Modulo

Unlike other methods for theorem proving modulo with constrained clauses [12, 13], equational theorem proving modulo with constrained clauses along with its simplification techniques has not been well studied. We introduce a basic paramodulation calculus modulo equational theories E satisfying certain properties of E and present a new framework for equational theorem proving modulo E with constrained clauses. We propose an inference rule called Generalized E-Parallel for constrained clauses, which makes our inference system completely basic, meaning that we do not need to allow any paramodulation in the constraint part of a constrained clause for refutational completeness. We present a saturation procedure for constrained clauses based on relative reducibility and show that our inference system including our contraction rules is refutationally complete.
Design and validation of a modular micro-robotic system for the mechanical characterization of soft tissues

The mechanical properties of tissues are critical design parameters for biomaterials and regenerative therapies seeking to restore functionality after disease or injury. Characterizing the mechanical properties of native tissues and extracellular matrix throughout embryonic development helps us understand the microenvironments that promote growth and remodeling, activities critical for biomaterials to support. The mechanical characterization of small, soft materials like the embryonic tissues of the mouse, an established mammalian model for development, is challenging due to difficulties in handling minute geometries and resolving forces of low magnitude. While uniaxial tensile testing is the physiologically relevant modality to characterize tissues that are loaded in tension in vivo, there are no commercially available instruments that can simultaneously measure sufficiently low tensile force magnitudes, directly measure sample deformation, keep samples hydrated throughout testing, and effectively grip minute geometries to test small tissues. To address this gap, we developed a micromanipulator and spring system that can mechanically characterize small, soft materials under tension. We demonstrate the capability of this system to measure the force contribution of soft materials, silicone, fibronectin sheets, and fibrin gels with a 5 nN - 50 µN force resolution and perform a variety of mechanical tests. Additionally, we investigated murine embryonic tendon mechanics, demonstrating the instrument can measure differences in mechanics of small, soft tissues as a function of developmental stage. This system can be further utilized to mechanically characterize soft biomaterials and small tissues and provide physiologically relevant parameters for designing scaffolds that seek to emulate native tissue mechanics. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The mechanical properties of cellular microenvironments are critical parameters that contribute to the modulation of tissue growth and remodeling. The field of tissue engineering endeavors to recapitulate these microenvironments in order to construct tissues de novo. Therefore, it is crucial to uncover the mechanical properties of the cellular microenvironment during tissue formation. Here, we present a system capable of acquiring microscale forces and optically measuring sample deformation to calculate the stress-strain response of soft, embryonic tissues under tension, and easily adaptable to accommodate biomaterials of various sizes and stiffnesses. Altogether, this modular system enables researchers to probe the unknown mechanical properties of soft tissues throughout development to inform the engineering of physiologically relevant microenvironments.