cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of the Ce and Cr Contents in Fe–Ce–Cr Ferrite Spinels on the High-Temperature Water–Gas Shift Reaction

A series of Fe–Ce–Cr ternary oxide catalysts with different Fe/Ce/Cr atomic ratios have been synthesized using a coprecipitation method. The effects of the contents of both Ce and Cr in the Fe–Ce–Cr catalyst on the high-temperature water–gas shift (HT-WGS) reaction were investigated. Among the Fe–Ce–Cr catalyst with different atomic concentrations of Ce and Cr, the catalyst with a 10:1:1 atomic ratio showed the best performance in terms of HT-WGS activity. We found a strong synergistic effect between the dopants (Ce and Cr) and Fe that contributes the highest lattice strain and lowest crystallite size in Fe–Ce–Cr with an atomic ratio of 10:1:1 compared to other compositions. The Fe/Ce/Cr atomic ratio of 10:1:1 generated the highest lattice disorder in the Fe–Ce–Cr catalyst, as determined by Raman analysis. Our H2 TPR results confirmed that the reduction temperature of hematite (Fe2O3) to magnetite (Fe3O4) increased upon the addition of Cr. Conversely, the incorporation of Ce significantly decreased the re...
Transgenesis of Multipotent Adult Progenitor Cells (MAPC) with Sleeping Beauty Transposons to Determine MAPC Homing and Persistence in Real-Time In Vivo.

Abstract MAPC are non-hematopoietic stem cells with the capacity to form most, if not all, cell types of the body. To date, the observations of homing of the MAPC have been limited to post mortem analyses. As MAPC may be useful in cellular therapies, our goal was to map their biodistribution in live organisms. To determine the real-time organ-specific homing pattern of donor MAPC, MAPC (from BM of C57BL/6J-rosa26 mice) were co-nucleofected with cDNAs encoding the red fluorescent protein DsRed2 and luciferase, using the Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system. Non-viral gene transfer mediated by SB is potentially advantageous to viral gene transfer because transposons may be less immunogenic since no viral proteins are present, and they are relatively easy to produce. DsRed2 and luciferase genes were cloned into plasmid vectors containing the transposase recognition sequences flanking the reporter genes (pT/CAGGS-DsRed2; pT/CAGGS-Luciferase). MAPC (106) were co-nucleofected (Amaxa, setting T-20, buffer T) with 5mcg of each marker plasmid and the SB transposase plasmid (p/CMV-HSB2) at a 1:50 ratio. 19% of MAPC expressed DsRed2 7 days after nucleofection. The MAPC were FACS sorted (1 cell per well) for cells with the highest DsRed2 expression. All MAPC tested expressed both DsRed2 and luciferase, suggesting that co-nucleofection is an efficient means of delivery of two plasmids. Two transgenic MAPC clones selected for further analysis were confirmed to be euploid by cytogenetic analysis, and maintained differentiation potential into the three germ layers. To verify transgene integration by transposition, the genomic sites of transposon integration were determined using splinkerette PCR. In the genome of MAPC clone 1, DsRed2 transposed in two sites on chromosome 5. One integration site (5qA3) was in the 3′ untranslated region of activin receptor interacting protein 1 (Acvrinp1). In clone 2 DsRed2 transposed into a single site on chromosome 10, in an intron of a gene termed SHPRH, which encodes a putative protein with SNF2/helicase and PHD-finger domains. To investigate the real time kinetics of MAPC population after infusion, 5 x 106 DsRed2 and luciferase positive MAPC (clone 2) were infused via tail vein into 8-week-old Rag2/IL-2Rgc−/− mice (T-, B- and NK-immunodeficient mice were used as a recipient to minimize the likelihood that the host would reject donor MAPC). Using whole body imaging (Xenogen) we were able to follow the distribution of the luciferase-marked MAPC over a period of 10 weeks. In addition, using DsRed2 expression the donor MAPC-derived cells in whole lung and in lung cryosections were identified. In summary, we show for the first time stable gene expression in adult stem cells using Sleeping Beauty transposon mediated non-viral gene transfer. These results show that MAPC-based cellular therapies can be monitored in vivo and suggest that transposon-based technology may be an attractive alternative to viral based gene delivery and therapy.
Techniques for Laryngotracheal Reconstruction

In this chapter, we review airway assessment, pathophysiology, and therapeutic pathways for treating patients with subglottic stenosis. Therapeutic options including medical management, awake in-office procedures, endoscopic operative procedures, and open operative procedures will be discussed.
Advances in Empirical Mode Decomposition for computing Instantaneous Amplitudes and Instantaneous Frequencies

In this paper, we propose improvements to the Complete Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (CEEMD) aimed at the resolution of closely-spaced Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMFs), reproducible and consistent decompositions, reduction in estimation error, numerical stability, and faster decompositions through fewer ensemble trials. We focus on three areas to achieve these goals: 1) use of complimentary masking signals applied at the IMF level, 2) use of narrowband tones instead of white noise for masking signals, and 3) ensuring a true IMF is obtained after ensemble averaging. We propose a numerically stable Instantaneous Frequency (IF) demodulation approach that together with a previously-reported Instantaneous Amplitude (IA) demodulation, allows estimation of the IA/IF parameters of the IMFs and hence a time-frequency representation. Using biomedical signal examples, we compare our results with CEEMD and Improved CEEMD (ICEEMD).
Structurally sound networks of control systems

A broad class of networks of linear control systems are shown to be structurally sound in the sense that their information structure is quadratically invariant and they do not introduce structurally fixed modes. This class is characterized by a unit-delay assumption on communication and state update in the discrete-time domain, but otherwise covers all communication topologies. While quadratic invariance guarantees the convexity of the associated linear quadratic control problem, the absence of structurally fixed modes ensures the generic existence of stabilizing, decentralized control policies.
Untreated hypertension as predictor of in-hospital mortality in intracerebral hemorrhage: A multi-center study.

Abstract Purpose Hypertension is a significant risk factor for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The importance of managing blood pressure to reduce the risk of ICH has been recognized. However, few studies have focused on ICH outcomes due to untreated hypertension. Materials and methods We conducted a 5-year, retrospective, multicenter study of 490 consecutive ICH patients with histories of untreated-hypertension (n = 56), treated-hypertension (n = 314), and normotension (n = 120). Demographics, symptom onset, vital signs, laboratory tests, and CT imaging were documented alongside in-hospital treatments, complications, and length of stay. Results Untreated-hypertension subjects were found to be significantly younger than treated-hypertension. They were found to have lower rates of anticoagulant use (p In a multivariate model, untreated-hypertension, age ≥ 65 years, ≥ 3 outpatient antihypertensive medications, and hematoma volumes ≥ 30 ml were all associated with significantly increased in-hospital mortality. In contrast, mortality was lower in patients receiving ≥ 3 antihypertensive medications while in-hospital. Conclusions Subjects with untreated-hypertension were younger and had fewer comorbidities when compared with treated-hypertension and were similar when compared to normotensive individuals. Once demographic and in-hospital factors were accounted for, untreated-hypertension subjects demonstrated significantly increased in-hospital mortality following ICH when compared with normotensive individuals.
El diablo como representación de lo sagrado y lo profano en cuatro comedias del barroco español

This paper aims to analyze how the scenic word built the devil’s image and the diabolic, in four Spanish Baroque plays: El esclavo del demonio («The Devil’s Slave», 1612), by Antonio Mira de Amescua (1577- 1636); El condenado por desconfiado («Damned for Despair», 1635), by Tirso de Molina (1579-1648); El magico prodigioso («The Wonder-Working Magician», 1637) y El veneno y la triaca («The Poison and the Antidote», 1677) by Pedro Calderon de la Barca (1600-1681). In these plays, the devil is a dynamic character who moves between the sacred and the profane dimension in the theatric scene as well as in the human soul.
Robot bedside environments for healthcare

Our trans-disciplinary and trans-generational team is realizing home+, an intelligent physical environment featuring a suite of networked, robotic components distributed across any domestic interior. home+ is aimed at increasing the quality of life of both healthy individuals and persons with impaired mobility and cognitive functioning by intelligently supporting their interaction with their home environment. This paper is focused on a key discrete component of the larger home+ project: an Assistive, Robotic Table [ART]. Physically, ART is the hybrid of a typical nightstand found at home and the over-the-bed table universally found in hospital patient rooms, comprised of: a smart storage volume that physically manages and delivers personal effects; a table surface that gently folds, extends, and reconfigures to support work and leisure activities; and an accessorized headboard. These aspects of ART recognize, communicate with, and partly remember each other in interaction with human users and, as we envision, with other home+ components.
An ortholog of CURLY LEAF/ENHANCER OF ZESTE like-1 is required for proper flowering in Brachypodium distachyon.

Many plants require prolonged exposure to cold to acquire the competence to flower. The process by which cold exposure results in competence is known as vernalization. In Arabidopsis thaliana, vernalization leads to the stable repression of the floral repressor FLOWERING LOCUS C via chromatin modification, including an increase of trimethylation on lysine 27 of histone H3 (H3K27me3) by Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2). Vernalization in pooids is associated with the stable induction of a floral promoter, VERNALIZATION 1 (VRN1). From a screen for mutants with a reduced vernalization requirement in the model grass Brachypodium distachyon, we identified two recessive alleles of ENHANCER OF ZESTE-LIKE 1 (EZL1). EZL1 is orthologous to A. thaliana CURLY LEAF 1, a gene that encodes the catalytic subunit of PRC2. B. distachyon ezl1 mutants flower rapidly without vernalization in long-day (LD) photoperiods; thus, EZL1 is required for the proper maintenance of the vegetative state prior to vernalization. Transcriptomic studies in ezl1 revealed mis-regulation of thousands of genes, including ectopic expression of several floral homeotic genes in leaves. Loss of EZL1 results in the global reduction of H3K27me3 and H3K27me2, consistent with this gene making a major contribution to PRC2 activity in B. distachyon. Furthermore, in ezl1 mutants, the flowering genes VRN1 and AGAMOUS (AG) are ectopically expressed and have reduced H3K27me3. Artificial microRNA knock-down of either VRN1 or AG in ezl1-1 mutants partially restores wild-type flowering behavior in non-vernalized plants, suggesting that ectopic expression in ezl1 mutants may contribute to the rapid-flowering phenotype.
Management of Anemia in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

Anemia is the most common complication as well as an extra intestinal manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is associated with a significant impact on patient’s quality of life (QoL); as well it represents a common cause of frequent hospitalization, delay of hospital inpatient discharge and overall increased healthcare burden. In spite of all these, anemia is still often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Our aim in this review is to provide a pathway for physicians to help them achieve early diagnosis as well as timely and appropriate treatment of anemia which in turn would hopefully reduce the prevalence and subsequent complications of this condition among IBD patients. The etiology of anemia among IBD patients is most commonly due to iron deficiency anemia (IDA) followed by anemia of chronic disease. Despite this, more than a third of anemic ulcerative colitis (UC) patients are not tested for IDA and among those tested and diagnosed with IDA, a quarter are not treated with iron replacement therapy. A new algorithm has been validated to predict who will develop moderate to severe anemia at the time of UC diagnosis. While oral iron is effective for the treatment of mild iron deficiency-related anemia, the absorption of iron is influenced by chronic inflammatory states as a consequence of the presence of elevated levels of hepcidin. Also, it is important to recognize that ferritin is elevated in chronic inflammatory states and among patients with active IBD, ferritin levels less than 100 are considered to be diagnostic of iron deficiency. Newer formulations of intra-venous (IV) iron have a good safety profile and can be used for replenishment of iron stores and prevention of iron deficiency in the future. Routine screening for anemia is important among patients with IBD. The cornerstone for the accurate management of anemia in IBD patients lies in accurately diagnosing the type of anemia. All IBD patients with IDA should be considered appropriate for therapy with iron supplementation whereas IV administration of iron is recommended in patients with clinically active IBD, or for patients who are previously intolerant to oral iron, with hemoglobin levels below 10 g/dL, and in patients who need erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). As the recurrence of anemia is common after resolution, the monitoring for recurrent anemia is equally important during the course of therapy.
Once More Unto the Breach: Type B Physicalism, Phenomenal Concepts, and the Epistemic Gap

ABSTRACTType B, or a posteriori, physicalism is the view that phenomenal-physical identity statements can be necessarily true, even though they cannot be known a priori—and that the key to understanding their status is to understand the special features of our phenomenal concepts, those concepts of our experiential states acquired through introspection. This view was once regarded as a promising response to anti-physicalist arguments that maintain that an epistemic gap between phenomenal and physical concepts entails that phenomenal and physical properties are distinct. More recently, however, many physicalists have lost confidence in the view, and have proposed less promising defences of physicalism—or have become outright sceptical about its prospects. I argue here that these physicalists have underestimated the resources of Type B physicalism and are thereby retreating too quickly—or fighting battles that have already been won.
Estado del Arte de la Gestión administrativa: Avances y Retos para las Empresas Colombianas del Sector de la Construcción

El presente documento, realiza una muy resumida aproximacion a las practicas, modelos, metodologias y cuerpos de conocimiento desarrollados en Administracion, relativos a la Gestion y Desarrollo Organizacional, para determinar cuales de estos han sido implementados o acogidos por la Gerencia de Empresas constructoras. Posterior a dicha revision, se identifico que metodologias como el modelo de Negocios, el Startup liviano, el desarrollo de clientes, el diseno de experiencias, y otras, no se han aplicado, segun la literatura consultada, como practicas en la Gerencia de Empresas Constructoras. Con estos resultados, se realizo una consulta a expertos para determinar el potencial uso de dichas metodologias en el sector constructivo, obteniendo resultados alentadores para las metodologias analizadas.
NEMD Simulations of Viscosity and Viscosity Index for Lubricant-Size Model Molecules

Synthetic lubricant research can be facilitated with nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations (NEMD) of viscosity and viscosity index (VI). While previously reported simulations using united atom (UA) models for intermolecular interactions have generally under-predicted the viscosity of lubricant-size alkanes, VI values, trends with respect to structure, and viscosity pressure coefficients obtained from simulations are generally accurate, suggesting that simulations of UA models can be used for screening candidate fluids. This requires some reliance on the expected accuracy of the method as established by application to a wide variety of model fluids. We report here the results of NEMD simulations on UA models for 2,2,4,4,6,8,8-heptamethylnonane (HMN) and 11-n-amylheneicosane (NAH). HMN represents a molecule with significant branching, dominated with tertiary carbons; NAH represents a fluid with a single large aliphatic branch off of a long aliphatic chain, and a molecule for which there is some interest as a lubricant component. Additionally, we test here a new parameterization of UA potentials for –CHX groups. VI results from simulations using the new parameterization are in excellent agreement with experiment. Viscosity results are significantly better with the new parameterization, but the UA model still tends to underestimate the viscosity of larger, lubricant-size molecules.
“There Must Be a Place”: Walker Percy and the Philosophy of Place

Patrick Connelly explores Walker Percy’s contribution to the philosophy of place by examining place-thinking in his fiction and nonfiction. Percy is first put in conversation with the contemporary philosopher of place Edward S. Casey. Both writers understand place as a source of meaning, the context for community, and the foundation for selfhood. This chapter then examines five major uses of place by Percy: the importance of embodiment in place, the concept of “nonplace,” the use of place in diagnosing individual and social pathologies, place as the context or symbol for the recovery of authentic selfhood, and the possibility of re-placement through pilgrimage and reentry. For Percy, place is central to human distinctiveness and dignity.
Moisture Based Perspiration Level Estimation

Perspiration level monitoring enables numerous applications such as physical condition estimation, personal comfort monitoring, health/exercise monitoring, and inference of environmental conditions of the user. Prior works on perspiration (sweat) sensing require users to manually hold a device or attach adhesive sensors directly onto their skin, limiting user mobility and comfort. In this paper, we present a low-cost and novel wearable sensor system that is able to accurately estimate an individual's sweat level based on measuring moisture. The sensor is designed in a threadlike form factor, allowing it to be sewn into the seams of clothing, rather than having to act as a standalone sensor that the user must attach to their body. The system is comprised of multiple cotton-covered conductive threads that are braided into one sensor. When a person sweats, the resistance between the braided conductive threads changes as moisture becomes trapped in the cotton covering of the threads. The braided three-dimensional structure allows for robust estimation of perspiration level in the presence of external forces that may cause sensor distortion, such as motion. We characterize the relationship between the volume of sweat and measured resistance between the braided threads. Finally, we weave our sensors into the fabric of a shirt and conduct on-body experiments to study users' sweating level through various activities.
An In Vitro Investigation of Accuracy and Fit of Conventional and CAD/CAM Removable Partial Denture Frameworks

PURPOSE To evaluate the overall accuracy and fit of conventional versus computer-aided design/computer-aided manufactured (CAD/CAM) removable partial denture (RPD) frameworks based on standard tessellation language (STL) data analysis, and to evaluate the accuracy and fit of each component of the RPD framework. MATERIALS AND METHODS A maxillary metal framework was designed for a Kennedy class III Modification I arch. The master model was scanned and used to compare the fit and accuracy of RPD frameworks. Forty impressions (conventional and digital) of the master cast were made and divided into 4 groups based on fabrication method: group I, lost-wax technique (conventional technique), group II, CAD-printing, group III, CAD-printing from stone cast, and group IV, lost-wax technique from resin-printed model. RPD frameworks were fabricated in cobalt-chromium alloy. All frameworks were scanned, and the gap distance between the framework and scanned master model was measured at 8 locations. Color mapping was conducted using comprehensive metrology software. Data were statistically analyzed using the Kruskall-Wallis test, followed by the Bonferroni method for pairwise comparisons (α = 0.05). RESULTS Color mapping revealed distinct discrepancies in major connectors among the groups. When compared to 3D-printed frameworks, conventional cast frameworks fabricated using dental stone or printed resin models revealed significantly better fit (p < 0.05) particularly in the major connectors and guide plates. The biggest gap (0.33 mm ± 0.20 mm) was observed with the anterior strap of the major connector with the printed frameworks (groups II and III). The method of fabrication did not affect the adaptation of the rests or reciprocation plates. CONCLUSIONS Although both conventional and 3D-printing methods of framework fabrication revealed clinically acceptable adaptation, the conventional cast RPD groups revealed better overall fit and accuracy.
Angiotensin II receptor blockers and gastrointestinal adverse events of resembling sprue-like enteropathy: a systematic review.

Background Olmesartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), is associated with gastrointestinal symptoms resembling sprue-like enteropathy. Some have proposed that enteropathy may be a class effect rather than olmesartan-specific. We performed a systematic review to identify literature of sprue-like enteropathy for all ARBs. Methods Case reports, case series and comparative studies of ARBs were searched on PubMed and Embase databases through 21 November 2018 and then assessed. Results A total of 82 case reports and case series as well as 5 comparative studies, including 248 cases, were selected and analysed. The ARBs listed in the case reports were olmesartan (233 users; 94.0%), telmisartan (5 users; 2.0%), irbesartan (4 users; 1.6%), valsartan (3 users; 1.2%), losartan (2 users; 0.8%) and eprosartan (1 user; 0.4%). The periods between ARB initiation and onset of symptoms ranged from 2 weeks to 13 years. Histologic results were reported in 218 cases, in which 201 cases (92.2%) were villous atrophy and 131 cases (60.1%) were intraepithelial lymphocytosis. Human leucocyte antigen (HLA) testing was performed in 147 patients, among whom 105 (71.4%) had HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 haplotypes. Celiac-associated antibodies were tested in 169 patients, among whom 167 (98.8%) showed negative results. Gluten exclusion from the diet failed to relieve symptoms of enteropathy in 127 (97.7%) of 130 patients with information. Complete remission of symptoms after discontinuation of ARB was reported in 233 (97.4%) of the 239 patients with information. Seven cases (2.8%) reported recurrence of symptoms after restarting olmesartan; rechallenge was not reported for the non-olmesartan ARBs. The retrospective studies conducted worldwide had inconsistent study designs (e.g. differences in periods of study and case definition) and findings. Conclusions Although enteropathy is rare, clinicians should remain vigilant of this potential adverse event even years after medication initiation.
Investment as the Opportunity Cost of Dividend Signaling

We provide evidence that dividends signal sustainable earnings generated by assets-in-place for firms with weak investment opportunities. In the cross-section, both dividend levels and changes contain more earnings information among firms with weaker investment opportunities. Intertemporally, when aggregate investment opportunities in the economy are worse, dividend changes convey more earnings information. In contrast, dividends have a more negative association with investment spending for firms with strong growth options, as funding investment is a higher priority for those firms. Collectively, our findings suggest that dividends serve as a counter-signal, whereby additional information about investment opportunities give rise to signaling that is non-monotonic in firm quality.
An Automated Framework to Recommend A Suitable Academic Program, Course and Instructor

In this paper we propose a recommendation tool framework to help a student pick the right program, right course and right instructor that fit his/her skills and characteristics. We apply collaborative filtering (CK), using a non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) method, to extract latent features corresponding to the student academic skills and to the program required skills: when augmented with a student's competence level, the required skills of programs can be exploited to produce a program recommender system. Then using a multi-objective optimization method, we propose a degree plan recommender system that is able to design a customized/personalized degree plan that will better fit to real life situations by moving the courses with relatively higher crucial values and higher predicted letter grades to closest possible terms while meeting all the constraints. We extend our framework to include instructor recommender system. The intuition is to recommend an instructor that jointly fits the required skills of the course and the academic skills of the student. The experimental results conducted using real data from the University of New Mexico (UNM) show that our proposed framework can accurately extract features related to students and courses. The results are validated using k-means clustering technique. Ultimately, using this framework, we will be able improve enrollment, help students graduate in a timely fashion and incentive their ability to persist.
Application of Photovoltaic Power Supply System to the Condition Monitoring System of Smart Substation

A photovoltaic power supply system is designed considering the power supply requirement of the arrester insulation online monitoring devices and combining with the actual situation of Chaoyang He jia 220 kV intelligent substation,the first highly-integrated intelligent substation in China.This system eliminates the need for laying cables,and coordinates with the wireless communication method of the arrester insulation online monitoring devices.After tested in the laboratory and the substation environment,the results proves that this independent photovoltaic power supply system could achieve 24-hours uninterrupted power supply.This power supply could ensure that the insulation monitoring devices could carry on long-term and real-tiem monitoring for the arrester insulation status,and could prevent the cost of the arrester insulation accidents.Meanwhile,this system could features the characteristics of highly-integrated He jia intelligent substation.
Stochastic electron acceleration in relativistic laser pulse and stationary periodic electric and magnetic fields

The mechanisms of stochastic electron acceleration in relativistic laser pulses and stationary periodic electric and magnetic fields are investigated by employing a new Hamiltonian approach. The new Hamiltonian is the dephasing rate between the electron and laser pulse such that it is time independent when the stationary fields are absent. The physics underlying stochastic electron motion is clearly revealed, and the conditions for triggering stochastic instability are obtained by finding the Chirikov-like mapping. It demonstrates that if the amplitudes of the stationary fields exceed some threshold values, the Hamiltonian can be randomly changed, and thus, net energy transfer between electrons and the laser radiation are possible. The maximum electron energy gained from the stochastic motion has a weak dependence on the amplitude of stationary fields and can significantly exceed the vacuum ponderomotive energy. All these analytical results have been confirmed by the numerical simulations.
Electrochemical Modulation of Strong Vibration–Cavity Coupling

Modulation of strong coupling has implications for on-demand reactivity, optical modulation devices, and greater understanding of molecule–cavity coupling effects. Here, we electrochemically switch...
In-home video chat for young children and their incarcerated parents

For millions of children with incarcerated parents worldwide, parent-child visits are suspended because of the worldwide novel coronavirus pandemic. Although child-friendly contact visits with ampl...
ITLN1 modulates invasive potential and metabolic reprogramming of ovarian cancer cells in omental microenvironment.

Advanced ovarian cancer usually spreads to the omentum. However, the omental cell-derived molecular determinants modulating its progression have not been thoroughly characterized. Here, we show that circulating ITLN1 has prognostic significance in patients with advanced ovarian cancer. Further studies demonstrate that ITLN1 suppresses lactotransferrin’s effect on ovarian cancer cell invasion potential and proliferation by decreasing MMP1 expression and inducing a metabolic shift in metastatic ovarian cancer cells. Additionally, ovarian cancer-bearing mice treated with ITLN1 demonstrate marked decrease in tumor growth rates. These data suggest that downregulation of mesothelial cell-derived ITLN1 in the omental tumor microenvironment facilitates ovarian cancer progression. Advanced ovarian cancer usually spreads to the omentum. Here, the authors show that circulating intelectin-1 (ITLN1) has prognostic significance in patients with advanced ovarian cancer, and that mesothelial cell-derived ITLN1 in the omental tumor microenvironment suppresses ovarian cancer progression.
Transferable Reinforcement Learning for Smart Homes

To harness the great amount of untapped resources on the demand side, smart home technology plays a vital role in solving the "last mile" problem in smart grid. Reinforcement learning (RL), which has demonstrated an outstanding performance in solving many sequential decision-making problems, can be a great candidate to be used in smart home control. For instance, many studies have started investigating the appliance scheduling problem under dynamic pricing scheme. Based on those, this study aims at providing an affordable solution to encourage a higher smart home adoption rate. Specifically, we investigate combining transfer learning (TL) with RL to reduce the training cost of an optimal RL control policy. Given an optimal policy for a benchmark home, TL can jump-start the RL training of a policy for a new home, which has different appliances and user preferences. Simulation results show that by leveraging TL, RL training converges faster and requires much less computing time for new homes that are similar to the benchmark home. In all, this study proposes a cost-effective approach for training RL control policies for homes at scale, which ultimately reduces the controller's implementation costs, increases the adoption rate of RL controllers, and makes more homes grid-interactive.
Linking the Rapid Cascade of Visuo-Attentional Processes to Successful Memory Encoding.

While it is broadly accepted that attention modulates memory, the contribution of specific rapid attentional processes to successful encoding is largely unknown. To investigate this issue, we leveraged the high temporal resolution of electroencephalographic recordings to directly link a cascade of visuo-attentional neural processes to successful encoding: namely (1) the N2pc (peaking ~200 ms), which reflects stimulus-specific attentional orienting and allocation, (2) the sustained posterior-contralateral negativity (post-N2pc), which has been associated with sustained visual processing, (3) the contralateral reduction in oscillatory alpha power (contralateral reduction in alpha > 200 ms), which has also been independently related to attentionally sustained visual processing. Each of these visuo-attentional processes was robustly predictive of successful encoding, and, moreover, each enhanced memory independently of the classic, longer-latency, conceptually related, difference-due-to memory (Dm) effect. Early latency midfrontal theta power also promoted successful encoding, with at least part of this influence being mediated by the later latency Dm effect. These findings markedly expand current knowledge by helping to elucidate the intimate relationship between attentional modulations of perceptual processing and effective encoding for later memory retrieval.
Efficient and controlled nano-catalyst solid-oxide fuel cell electrode infiltration with poly-norepinephrine surface modification

Abstract There is a growing attention to enhance the performance of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) electrodes through the incorporation of nano-catalyst materials within the electrodes’ active sites. In this study, we report a technique for increased efficiency and microstructural control of the nano-catalyst infiltration process through polymerized norepinephrine (pNE) treatment. Nano-CeO2 catalysts were incorporated within both electrodes of commercial anode-supported SOFCs using a single salt solution step after a coating of pNE within the porous microstructure. The optimization of catalyst loading was performed by varying the cerium nitrate solution concentrations between 0.4 and 2.0 M. The ceria nanoparticles are distributed at the near-electrolyte region in both electrodes, but with microstructural variance due to the precursor molarity and solid loading. The time-dependent polarization resistance (Rp) variation was categorized into three zones by the nano-catalyst loading. Zone I referred to the baseline performance for the low-catalyst loading and fluctuating Rp. However, the cells in Zone II and III showed a continuous time-dependent activation as low as 0.275 Ω cm2 at 750 °C. The results suggest that the nano-CeO2 film reduces coarsening and related degradation of the backbone. In addition, the pNE-assisted dip infiltration enhanced infiltrant deposition efficiency by reducing the number of infiltration steps.
Sharing the organisational vision: A catalyst for change with interactive technologies

Sharing an organisational vision plays a very significant role in achieving change. When all stakeholders are committed to the shared vision, the introduction of innovations becomes much easier for those suggesting the innovation as does the acceptance for those asked to adopt the innovation. This paper analyses via a case example from nurse education in rural Australia, the need to create a shared vision among stakeholders when promoting innovation and change in the use of interactive, electronically networked technologies. Without ‘unfreezing’ stakeholder mental models—their mind map of what distance education is, and how professionals gain their knowledge and skills—it is not possible to build a shared vision of what e-learning distance education might be for students without the capacity to attend on-campus programs.
SEAT BELT LAWS: IMPLICATIONS FOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION

Laws requiring seat belt use have had some limited success in reducing occupant fatalities. However, fatality redutions have been considerably less than expected from the reported increases in belt use rates because belt use by those in crashes has not increased to the same extent. Occupants most likely to be in serious crashes are least likely to increase their use of belts in response to laws. In addition, many involuntarY belt users comply with belt use laws by wearing their belts incorrectly, in ways that greatly reduce their effectiveness, and many in front seats who wear belts in response to laws are susceptible to being impacted in crashes by unbelted rear seat occupants. The incomplete success of belt use laws does not reduce their importance as a countermeasure, but does reinforce the importance of providing automatic "passive" protection to vehicle occupants as an alternative or supplementary countermeasure.
Farrow-to-Finish in a Hoop Barn: a Demonstration

Introduction A variety of systems are currently used for farrowing naturally raised pigs in cold weather. All generally rely upon a primary heat source capable of maintaining a room temperature of 50°F and auxiliary heat sources (heat lamps, bedding pack, hovers) to create a warmer microclimate for the young pigs. Hoop barns have been rapidly adopted by many niche market pork producers, primarily for finishing animals. With a growing interest in producing pigs for the naturally raised pork market, the National Pork Board, in cooperation with Iowa State University and private individuals, formed a committee to design a farrow-to-finish system utilizing one hoop barn per group of pigs.
A Morphologically Simple Species of Acrasis (Heterolobosea, Excavata), Acrasis helenhemmesae n. sp.

. In the course of a large-scale global survey of mycetozoans, amoeboid organisms that form fruiting bodies, a new species of Acrasis was discovered from several subtropical locales in Hawaii, Australia, Bermuda, and South Africa. We isolated four strains from dead, still attached, plant material, and one strain from attached bark of a tree. Each isolate forms simple uniseriate multicellular fruiting bodies typically consisting of two bottle-shaped, basal stalk cells and a chain of <20 spores. The isolate from Bermuda often forms dichotomous simple branches, each consisting of <10 spores. Amoebae from these new isolates are limax with eruptive pseudopodial formation and display rapid locomotion—characters indicative of amoebae in the excavate taxon Heterolobosea. These isolates form simpler fruiting bodies than is typical of the well-known Acrasis rosea. Although in the original description, A. rosea is known to form uniseriate fruiting bodies similar to our isolates, A. rosea isolates typically form more complex fruiting structures along side simple ones, but never strictly simple ones. Nuclear-encoded 18S rRNA gene phylogenies demonstrate that our five isolates form a highly supported clade that is sister to A. rosea. Given the differences both in gene sequences and fruiting body morphology between our isolates and A. rosea, we propose the new species, Acrasis helenhemmesae n. sp.
DfM, the Teenage Years

To quantify current DfM value and future DfM potential, a mathematical framework to compare the DfM opportunity of present and future technology nodes is derived. Parallels are drawn between the evolution of DfM and the transition from ‘soft RET’ to ‘hard RET’. DfM accomplishments in the current ‘soft DfM’ era are presented as compiled from a DfM workshop held by IBM’s technology development partners. IBM’s vision of profitable CMOS scaling in the era of ‘hard DfM’ is presented and its core computational technology elements are discussed. Feasibility demonstrations of key technical elements are reviewed. The paper shows that current technology nodes benefit from the emergence of integrated DfM solutions that provide incremental yet hard to quantify yield and performance benefits but also argues that DfM’s role will continue to grow as computational scaling replaces physical scaling in the not to distant future.
The mechanism of action of the hemicholiniums.

Publisher Summary Hemicholiniums are capable of affecting cholinergic transmission at a variety of sites in an apparently unique fashion and therefore represent a new tool in the investigation of cholinergic mechanisms. HC-3 is studied primarily with reference to the neuromuscular junction, autonomic ganglia, postganglionic parasympathetic endings, and central nervous system. It blocks effectively at all cholinergic sites studied in the chapter but only when the synapses involved are forced to transmit at high frequency. The primary actions of the drug (i.e., those observed at lowest effective doses) involve a pre-synaptic depressant effect resulting from decreased acetylcholine formation. Its effect in this latter regard is not upon the acetylation phase of acetylcholine synthesis but upon some process involved in the acquisition of choline by nerve cells. Choline is a specific and dramatic antidote for HC-3 poisoning. Physostigmine also antidotes HC-3 toxicity but to a lesser degree.
Effect of Monensin on Growth and Methanogenesis of Methanobacterium formicicum.

Monensin inhibited methanogenesis from formate but not from H2-CO2 by resting-cell suspensions of Methanobacterium formicicum. The antibiotic severely inhibited growth on formate. The lag phase of H2-CO2-grown cultures was prolonged by monensin, but these cultures recovered from the initial inhibition. The recovery did not result from the development of a monensin-resistant population or inactivation of the antibiotic.
Identification of Grandchildless Loci Whose Products Are Required for Normal Germ-Line Development in the Nematode Caenorhabditis Elegans

To identify genes that encode maternal components required for development of the germ line in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, we have screened for mutations that confer a maternal-effect sterile or "grandchildless" phenotype: homozygous mutant hermaphrodites produced by heterozygous mothers are themselves fertile, but produce sterile progeny. Our screens have identified six loci, defined by 21 mutations. This paper presents genetic and phenotypic characterization of four of the loci. The majority of mutations, those in mes-2, mes-3 and mes-4, affect postembryonic germ-line development; the progeny of mutant mothers undergo apparently normal embryogenesis but develop into agametic adults with 10-1000-fold reductions in number of germ cells. In contrast, mutations in mes-1 cause defects in cytoplasmic partitioning during embryogenesis, and the resulting larvae lack germ-line progenitor cells. Mutations in all of the mes loci primarily affect the germ line, and none disrupt the structural integrity of germ granules. This is in contrast to grandchildless mutations in Drosophila melanogaster, all of which disrupt germ granules and affect abdominal as well as germ-line development.
International Law: Where Have we Been; Where are we Going?

The need to operationalize international law from the perspective of the commander is, I suggest, an absolutely critical requirement of academics, policy-makers, human rights organizations, and military commanders (junior and senior alike). Otherwise, the commander will be stuck with yesterday’s rules in today's - and tomorrow's - conflict. The inherent unsuitability of these rules to the conflict will both make public international law increasingly irrelevant from the perspective of the single most important practitioners - the commanders - and will do a fundamental disservice to those who most critically need its protection - innocent civilians. The innocent civilian is entitled to international humanitarian law protections. That is obvious. If the individual is a combatant and therefore meets criteria to be defined as legitimate target then, all bets are off, with the caveat that the soldier must act when dealing with this combatant in accordance with the critical principles of international law: proportionality, alternatives, military necessity, and collateral damage. But what is the solider to do when the scenario is in the hazy, foggy middle that defies easy categorization and classification? The extremes are easy, the middle is complicated. Classic international law and international humanitarian principles are clear with respect to the former; I suggest they are unhelpful regarding the latter. Unfortunately, operational counterterrorism is most complicated in the haze that is all but inevitable when facts are unclear, how is the soldier to act? Relying on time-honored principles developed in different operational contexts may not provide sufficient guidelines.
A Centenarian's Summary

What Makes Biology Unique? Considerations on the Autonomy of a Scientific Discipline. by Ernst Mayr. Cambridge University Press, New York, 2004. 246 pp. $30, £25. ISBN 0-521-84114-3. In his 25th book and 101st year, the author offers a collection of revised and new essays that explore the philosophy of biology and evolution.
Twenty-Five Year Experience With Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty for Congenital Aortic Stenosis

Balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) is the primary therapy for congenital aortic stenosis (AS). Few reports describe long-term outcomes. In this study, a retrospective single-institution review was performed of patients who underwent BAV for congenital AS. The following end points were evaluated: moderate or severe aortic insufficiency (AI) by echocardiography, aortic valve replacement, repeat BAV, surgical aortic valvotomy, and transplantation or death. From 1985 to 2009, 272 patients who underwent BAV at ages 1 day to 30.5 years were followed for 5.8 ± 6.7 years. Transplantation or death occurred in 24 patients (9%) and was associated with depressed baseline left ventricular shortening fraction (LVSF) (p = 0.04). Aortic valve replacement occurred in 42 patients (15%) at a median of 3.5 years (interquartile range 75 days to 5.9 years) after BAV and was associated with post-BAV gradient ≥25 mm Hg (p = 0.02), the presence of post-BAV AI (p = 0.03), and below-average baseline LVSF (p = 0.04). AI was found in 83 patients (31%) at a median of 4.8 years (interquartile range 1.4 to 8.7) and was inversely related to post-BAV gradient ≥25 mm Hg (p <0.04). AI was associated with depressed baseline LVSF (p = 0.02). Repeat valvuloplasty (balloon or surgical) occurred in 37 patients (15%) at a median of 0.51 years (interquartile range 0.10 to 5.15) and was associated with neonatal BAV (p <0.01), post-BAV gradient ≥25 mm Hg (p = 0.03), and depressed baseline LVSF (p = 0.05). In conclusion, BAV confers long-term benefits to most patients with congenital AS. Neonates, patients with post-BAV gradients ≥25 mm Hg, and patients with lower baseline LVSF experienced worse outcomes.
The utility of modeling in evaluation planning: the case of the coordination of domestic violence services in Maryland

Abstract This pilot study illustrates the modification of evaluation planning tools, such as documents models [Rutman, Evaluation research methods: A basic guide, 1984], logic models [Burt et al. Evaluation guidebook. Projects funded by S.T.O.P. Formula Grants under the Violence Against Women Act, 1997] and program theory models [Weiss, Evaluation. Methods for studying programs and policies, 1998] in planning the evaluation of the coordination of domestic violence (DV) services in the metropolitan area of Baltimore, Maryland. Coordinated community responses (CCR) are systematic approaches to intervention—in this case for DV intervention—that emphasize comprehensive, collaborative and integrated service delivery. Evaluation studies typically focus on assessing the performance of programs within various components of the system (judicial, crisis intervention, social services, health care). The present paper argues for a holistic, theory-based evaluation approach to examine the entire system, which involves modeling the structure of, and linkages among, the system components. This process reveals that the activities of the agencies in the CCR are guided by varying intervention models, leading to different priorities: batterer sanctioning, victim advocacy, service delivery, or family reunification. Any subsequent evaluation of the intervention system as a whole has to take these differences into account. Data collection methods and indicators for a system-wide process evaluation are suggested.