cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Work in progress - creating expert systems in engineering education

This study presented a model of constructing expert system knowledge base for an undergraduate computer networking class. This model included (1) identifying a suitable problem, (2) defining the problem domain, (3) specifying goals or solutions, (4) specifying problem attributes and values, (5) generating rules and examples, and (6) selecting the right tool. In addition, the effectiveness of this problem-based learning approach was verified by an experimental study. Results indicated that students creating their own expert decision-making system based on IF-THEN rules achieved significantly higher scores than students guided by an expert system already developed by experts (F=5.042, p≪ .05) when they were solving story problems. The same instructional technology can be applied to other disciplines that focus on teaching engineering problem solving.
Spectrally-dispersed two-beam-interferometer for the coherent addition of pulse energy

We present a novel application of the spectrally-dispersed two-beam interferometry for the coherent addition of pulses for energy. Our device measures the relative delay of pulse-to-pulse envelope between two laser pulses with few fs accuracy.
Region synchronization in message passing systems

The development of correct synchronization code for distributed programs is a challenging task. In this paper, we propose an aspect oriented technique for developing synchronization code for message passing systems. Our approach is to factor out synchronization as a separate aspect, synthesize synchronization code and then compose it with the functional code. Specifically, we allow the designer of an application to first design the functional code. The designer can then annotate the functional code with regions and specify a high-level "global invariant" specifying the synchronization policy. A synchronization policy essentially gives the occupancy rules for the various regions. The solution to this problem, which we term the region synchronization problem, involves deriving a set of rules for entering and exiting each region. We provide a systematic invariant into a message passing algorithm for a point-to-point message passing system. We show that many existing synchronization problems can be specified as instances of the region synchronization problem. Hence, our algorithms can be used to solve a large class of synchronization problems.
EXPERIENCE IN CHARGED PARTICLE IRRADIATION OF TUMORS OF THE SKULL BASE: 1977-1992

Abstract Purpose : To review the experience at University of California Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory in using charged particles to irradiate primary neoplasms of the skull base and those extending to the skull base from the nasopharynx and paranasal sinuses. Methods and Materials : During the period from 1977 to 1992, 223 patients were irradiated with charged particles at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory for tumors either arising in or extending to the skull base, of whom 48 (22%) had recurrent lesions, either post previous surgery or radiotherapy. One hundred twenty-six patients had lesions arising in the cranial base, mostly chordoma (53), chondrosarcoma (27), paraclival meningioma (27) with 19 patients having other histologies such as osteosarcoma or neurofibrosarcoma. There were also 31 patients with primary or recurrent squamous carcinoma of the nasopharynx extending to the skull base, 44 patients with major or minor salivary gland tumors, mostly adenocarcinoma, and 22 patients with squamous carcinoma of the paranasal sinuses, all with cranial base extension. Results : Local control and survival appeared improved in tumors arising in the skull base, following the ability with charged particles to deliver high doses (mean of 65 Gy-equivalent) with relative sparing of the adjacent normal tissues. The Kaplan-Meier 5-year local control was 85% for meningioma, 78% for chondrosarcoma, 63% for chordoma and 58% for other sarcoma. Follow-up ranged from 4–191 months with a median of 51 months. Conclusion : Charged particle radiotherapy is highly effective in controlling cranial base lesions which have have been partially resected. Better tumor localization with CT and MRI, improved 3-D treatment planning and beam delivery techniques have continued to reduce the level of serious complications and increase local control and survival.
Human rights and world culture: The diffusion of legislation against the organ trade

ABSTRACTDue to the process of globalization, rapid medical and technological advances, and the persistence of the global scarcity in organs, the organ trade has grown to become an international issue of increasingconcern. Over the past several decades, more than 100 countries have passed legislation banning the commercial trade in organs. What explains this rapid, global diffusion of commercial transplantation laws, and what are the key factors influencing legislation? This studyexplores these questions through an analysis based on sociology’s world culture, world polity theory. Utilizing survival analysisn models, the study covers 127 countries from 1965-2012. Results offer support for the world culture/world polity theoretical framework, while economic development also impacts legislation. The global trendtoward legislation is influenced by global, cultural, and economic factors.
Deformable Image Registration with Hyperelastic Warping

The extraction of quantitative information regarding growth and deformation from series of image data is of significant importance in many fields of science and medicine. Imaging techniques such as MRI, CT and ultrasound provide a means to examine the morphology and in some cases metabolism of tissues. The registration of this image data between different time points after external loading, treatment, disease or other pathologies is performed using methods known as deformable image registration. The goal of deformable image registration is to find a transformation that best aligns the features of a “template” and “target” image (Fig. 12.1). In the ideal case, the quantity and quality of the image texture present in the template and target images, as well as the similarity in underlying anatomical structure, would yield a unique “best” transformation. In real problems, however, this is not the case. Deformable image registration is most often ill-posed in the sense of Hadamard [2–3]. No perfect transformation exists, and the solution depends on the choice of the cost function and associated solution methods. Deformable image registration grew primarily out of the pattern recognition field where significant effort has been devoted to the representation of image ensembles (e.g., [4–13]). The approaches that are used are usually classified as either model-based or pixel-based. Model-based approaches typically require
Economic Model Predictive Control: Elucidation of the Role of Constraints

Abstract Economic model predictive control (EMPC) is a predictive feedback control methodology that unifies economic optimization and control. EMPC uses a stage cost that reects the process/system economics. In general, the stage cost used is not a quadratic stage cost like that typically used in standard tracking model predictive control. In this paper, a brief overview of EMPC methods is provided. In particular, the role of constraints imposed in the optimization problem of EMPC for feasibility, closed-loop stability, and closed-loop performance is explained. Three main types of constraints are considered including terminal equality constraints, terminal region constraints, and constraints designed via Lyapunov-based techniques. The paper closes with a well-known chemical engineering example (a non-isothermal CSTR with a second-order reaction) to illustrate the effectiveness of time-varying operation to improve closed-loop economic performance compared to steady-state operation and to demonstrate the impact of economically motivated constraints on optimal operation.
Academic Skepticism in Seventeenth-Century French Philosophy: The Charronian Legacy 1601–1662

Academic Skepticism collects, updates, and expands upon a number of Maia Neto's previously published articles. Technically, four of its seven chapters are composed of new material; but of these, tw...
Infant learning is influenced by local spurious generalizations

In previous work, 11-month-old infants were able to learn rules about the relation of the consonants in CVCV words from just four examples. The rules involved phonetic feature relations (same voicing or same place of articulation), and infants' learning was impeded when pairs of words allowed alternative possible generalizations (e.g. two words both contained the specific consonants p and t). Experiment 1 asked whether a small number of such spurious generalizations found in a randomly ordered list of 24 different words would also impede learning. It did - infants showed no sign of learning the rule. To ask whether it was the overall set of words or their order that prevented learning, Experiment 2 reordered the words to avoid local spurious generalizations. Infants showed robust learning. Infants thus appear to entertain spurious generalizations based on small, local subsets of stimuli. The results support a characterization of infants as incremental rather than batch learners.
How support for Latino candidates encourages municipal reforms: evidence from the Local Elections in America Project

Scholarship rightfully emphasizes how electoral institutions affect minority representation and policy outcomes. But how do racial and ethnic environments shape institutions? We address this question by examining how support for Latino candidates affects attempts to modify rules regarding governance and elections. To do so, we rely on new data from the Local Elections in America Project and the International City/County Management Association. We find that the percentage of votes that go to Latino candidates, as well as changes over time in Latino vote share, predicts the probability that a reform effort will take place. Both relationships are nonlinear and suggest a high degree of strategic behavior on the part of elite actors within cities.
Compatibility of conivaptan injection with select cardiovascular medications.

Intravenous conivaptan infusions have been used in decompensated heart failure patients with severe hyponatremia.[1][1] Such patients are often receiving other i.v. medications, but compatibility data are limited.[2][2],[3][3] This investigation studied the compatibility of conivaptan with four
Depth Selection in Two Species of Buenoa (Hemiptera: Notonectidae)

Buenoa confusa swims closer to the surface than B. margaritacea . Generally, nymphs of these species swim deeper as they mature. The duration of a dive changes ontogenetically and differs between species in a manner similar to that of swimming depth. The 2 phenomena seem related. It is proposed that swimming depth and dive duration depend on the amount of hemoglobin carried rather than physical gill efficiency. Selection of the depth of water for swimming (as opposed to swimming depth below the surface) differs among life-history stages and species. Nymphs and species that swim closer to the surface enter shallow water more often. Swimming depth affects prey selection. In shallow water (12 cm) both species prefer the same prey ( Daphnia ). In deep water (28 cm) prey selection differs, with each predator preferring prey items in its preferred depth range.
Equation of state calculations of hydrogen-helium mixtures in solar and extrasolar giant planets

Using density-functional molecular dynamics simulations, we study the equation of state for hydrogen-helium mixtures at conditions of giant planet interiors of 0.2--2.3$\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}$g$\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}$cm${}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ and 1000$\ensuremath{-}$80$\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}$000$\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}$K for a typical helium mass fraction of 0.245. In addition to computing internal energy and pressure, we determine the entropy by applying a thermodynamic integration technique in the presence of electronic excitations. We extend this technique to include the dissociations and recombination of hydrogen molecules. Results are compared to the widely used analytic model by Saumon and Chabrier. We also report evidence of spontaneous hydrogen-helium phase separation in simulations at low temperature and high density.
The Effects of Intellectual Property on Political Economy

This chapter focuses on the role of intellectual property protection (IPP) on global political economy. The first six topics discuss the overall positive effects of IPP on political economy, in terms of boosting economic development, licensing, international trade, foreign direct investment (FDI), welfare and technology transfer and innovation. However, this positive role on political economy is conditional on various environmental factors, and how these interact with IPP to promote the development of political economy is considered. The last topic examines the negative effects of IPP on political economy, including the direct costs of implementing an EPS, and the impacts on pricing, government expenditure, employment and dissemination, and so on.
Parallel declines in HIV and hepatitis C virus prevalence, but not in herpes simplex virus type 2 infection: A 10-year, serial cross-sectional study in an inner-city emergency department

Abstract Background The Johns Hopkins Hospital Emergency Department (JHHED) has served as an observational window on the HIV epidemic in a socioeconomically depressed, urban population. We previously reported that HIV incidence among JHHED patients is decreasing and that prevalence has declined from 11.4% in 2003–5.6% in 2013. Objectives This study sought to observe temporal trends in hepatitis C virus (HCV) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) seroprevalence, which are surrogate markers for parenteral and sexual risk behavior, respectively. Study design Identity unlinked-serosurveys were conducted over 6–8 weeks in the adult JHHED in 2003, 2007, and 2013. Excess sera from 10,274 patients, previously tested for HIV, were assayed for HSV-2 and HCV antibodies. Results Overall HCV seroprevalence declined steadily from 22.0% in 2003–13.8% in 2013 ( P trend P trend P trend =0.02) from 2003 to 2013, however, there was an increase in individuals with HSV-2 co-infection [without HCV] ( P trend Discussion Little change in age-specific HSV-2 prevalence suggests the decrease in HIV prevalence was likely not associated with changes in sexual risk behavior. In addition to clinical interventions, strategies to address sexual health disparities and continued parenteral harm-reduction efforts are needed to further drive the decline in HIV.
Ultrasound Stimulated Acoustic Emission: Preliminary in Vivo Results

A great deal of recent evidence has indicated a relationship between calcification in the coronary arteries and coronary heart disease [1–4]. Methods such as spiral CT [5], electron beam CT [6,7], digital subtraction fluoroscopy [8], and intravascular ultrasound [9,10] have been used to detect this “indicator” calcification, either directly in the coronaries or in indicator arteries such as the brachials, carotids, or illiacs [11]. The nonzero threshold for CT detection of calcium (2 mm2 [12]) produces a high negative predictive value for greater than 50% stenosis but relatively low positive predictive value [13]. Conventional ultrasound, even intra-arterial, has low sensitivity and specificity for calcification but good sensitivity for intimai thickening [14]. Recent histologic studies in vessels which have not been decalcified have shown the ubiquitous presence of calcification in the plaque, the media and the fibrous regions of diseased arteries and not normal arteries [15]. These results indicate a place for a noninvasive method of detecting early calcification which could be used as a preventive medicine guide for at-risk individuals as mentioned by Loecker et al. [16]. The acoustic emission imaging and spectra methods described below are candidates for such noninvasive methods.
Monte Carlo Simulation of Flow Through Porous Media

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the effect of correlation structures on the stability of output statistics in Monte Carlo simulations. A case study involving groundwater flow in heterogeneous media is used throughout.
MEASUREMENTS OF THE TEMPERATURE, WIND, AND MOISTURE DISTRIBUTION ACROSS THE NORTHERN COAST OF ALASKA

Data from three summertime flights of the characterized by large surface temperature NCAR Electra across the Alaskan north slope variations over relatively small spatial scales, is presented. The measured variables include and that the air temperature changes rather temperature, potential temperature, dew- abruptly near the coastline. The land-sea point temperature, radiometric surface tem- temperature contrast is examined as a posperature, and wind speed and direction. The sible source of a local thermal circulation. data analysis shows that the arctic tundra is
Gems & Crystals From One of the World’s Great Collections by George E. Harlow and Anna S. Sofianides

Gems & Crystals From One of the World’s Great Collections. By George E. Harlow, Anna S. Sofianides (2015) American Museum of Natural History, Sterling Signature, 215 p. $27.95. This beautifully illustrated and informative book on gems and crystals of the American Museum of Natural History is a 25-year update of the original version titled Gems & Crystals from the American Museum of Natural History . This newer edition contains new images and scientific data along with revisions and updates on the original book. George Harlow has focused on gem properties and mineral origins, while Anna Sofianides contributed information on gemstone history, lore, and gem evaluation. Both authors do an admirable job and have provided a wealth of information to the public. The introduction provides a brief description of the history of the museum’s gem collection, some of the high profile donors (J.P. Morgan and son, Harry Guggenheim, George Kunz, Charles Tiffany), past and present curators, the famous jewelry heist from the Morgan Memorial Hall in 1964, and a discussion on the scientific and public importance …
Tissue tolerance: a distinct concept to control acute GVHD severity.

Target tissue damage occurs as a consequence of pathological immune responses following allogeneic stem cell transplantation resulting in acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Among those who study infections in plants, it is well recognized that tissues play a distinct role from the immune system in mediating disease severity. Recently, this has also been appreciated in mammals. However, the severity of immunopathology in the context of alloimmune diseases such as acute GVHD has been mainly understood and managed by direct targeting of immune cells to generate immune tolerance. The role of tissue-intrinsic factors that might contribute to regulation of acute GVHD severity has been largely overlooked. Here, we introduce the concept of “tissue tolerance” to discuss the tissue-specific programs that contribute to target tissue resilience, repair, and regeneration, and mitigate severity of acute GVHD without altering the load or function of alloreactive immune cells.
Prognostic Significance of BCL-2 Expression in Patients with Multiple Myeloma.

Background: multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable disease that accounts for approximately 10% of all hematologic cancers. Patients (pts) with MM treated with conventional chemotherapy have a median overall survival of 36–42 months. Various adverse prognostic factors have been described in MM, including elevated B2 microglobulin, hypoalbuminemia, cytogenetic abnormalities of chromosome 13 (13q14 del, monosomy 13), and elevated CRP among others. BCL-2 mediates anti-apoptotic pathways and its expression has been implicated with lack of response to certain chemotherapeutic agents and unfavorable prognosis in different human malignancies. Objective: to evaluate the prognostic significance of BCL-2 expression in patients with MM. Methods: adult pts who were diagnosed with MM at our institution since 1/1/90 were retrospectively analyzed. Expression of BCL-2 was determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining of deparafinized bone marrow specimens. Median survival was calculated for BCL-2 (+) and BCL-2 (−) groups. Survival curves were estimated according to the Kaplan-Meier method, and were compared with the use of the log-rank test. Median survivals were also compared by using Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test. Two-tailed alpha level of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. SAS® software (Cary, NC) was used for statistical analysis. Results: sixty-six patients were initially identified. Forty-four pts were excluded because bone marrow samples were not available for IHC staining. Twenty-two pts (11 males, 11 females), with a median age at the time of diagnosis of 64 years (range: 46 to 83 years) were included for this analysis. Fourteen pts (64%) had positive BCL-2 bone marrow specimens, including 4 mild, 3 moderate, and 7 strong staining, while for 8 pts (36%), bone marrow specimens did not stain for BCL-2. Twelve pts (86%) from BCL-2 (+) group and 4 pts (50%) from BCL-2 (−) group died during the period of follow-up; 8 pts are still alive at the time of this analysis, 23 to 71 months (median: 39 months) after diagnosis. The median survival among BCL-2 (+) pts was 35 months (95% CI: 24 – 69 months) and among BCL-2 (−) pts was 47 months (95% CI: 13 months - N/A). Overall survival did not differ between the two groups (p-values for log-rank and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests, 0.8256 and 0.7072, respectively). Conclusion: although our study did not show correlation between BCL-2 expression and overall survival, median survival among BCL-2 (−) pts with MM was 34% longer than BCL-2 (+) pts. The authors recognize the limitations associated with this analysis including the retrospective nature of the study, small sample size, and exclusion of a large number of patients. This study highlights the need for prospective evaluation of the prognostic significance of BCL-2 expression among pts with MM.
Abstract 4525: Hypoxia signaling pathway plays a role in ovarian cancer chemoresistance

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor that when induced regulates the expression of many genes involved in cytoprotective stimuli, which attenuates apoptosis and improves survival.. Increased expression of HIF-1α gene (HIF1A) has been found in several carcinomas, including ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancers are generally refractory to platinum-based chemotherapy. Despite the large number of studies, molecular events that govern the emergence of aggressive therapy-resistant cells after chemotherapy are poorly defined. Genomic instabilities, such as copy number variation(CNV), may play an important role in chemoresistance and have been implicated in many complex diseases, like cancer.. We analyzed CNV data that is publically available through the Cancer Genome Atlas and others. Of particular interest was the transcription factor HIF1A which plays an integral role in oxidative stress response such as those induced by chemotherapy reagents. The present study provides evidence for the rare escape of tumor cells from drug-induced cell death by entering a non-cycling senescent state. We report the adaptive response of human ovarian surface epithelium cells to CoCl2, a chemical hypoxia-mimicking agent resulting in a senescent-like state of chemoresistant cells. The effect of the treatment was evaluated on CNV of HIF-1α gene expression, cell proliferation, survival, and tumor invasiveness. We show here that CNV duplication events of HIF1α results in an oxidative stress response in cells leading to chemoresistance through the induction of cellular senescence. Understanding the molecular events associated with chemoresistance will ultimately lead to better patient treatment and outcomes. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Noelle L. Cutter, Tyler Walther, Kimberly H. Doyle, Ryan Frank. Hypoxia signaling pathway plays a role in ovarian cancer chemoresistance [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4525. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-4525
Usability evaluation of a commercial inpatient portal.

Abstract Objectives Patient portals designed for inpatients have potential to increase patient engagement. However, little is known about how patients use inpatient portals. To address this gap, we aimed to understand how users 1) interact with, 2) learn to use, and 3) communicate with their providers through an inpatient portal. Materials and methods We conducted a usability evaluation using think-aloud protocol to study user interactions with a commercially available inpatient portal – MyChart Bedside (MCB). Study participants (n = 19) were given a tablet that had MCB installed. They explored MCB and completed eight assigned tasks. Each session’s recordings were coded and analyzed. We analyzed task completion, errors, and user feedback. We categorized errors into operational errors, system errors, and tablet-related errors, and indicated their violations of Nielsen’s ten heuristic principles. Results Participants frequently made operational errors with most in navigation and assuming non-existent functionalities. We also noted that participants’ learning styles varied, with age as a potential factor that influenced how they learned MCB. Also, participants preferred to individually message providers and wanted feedback on status. Conclusion The design of inpatient portals can greatly impact how patients navigate and comprehend information in inpatient portals; poor design can result in a frustrating user experience. For inpatient portals to be effective in promoting patient engagement, it remains critical for technology developers and hospital administrators to understand how users interact with this technology and the resources that may be necessary to support its use.
Course recommendation as graphical analysis

This work proposes a method for course recommendation using grade and enrollment data. We analyze the per-semester sequence in which courses are taken in order to create a personalized course transition graph that balances the student's current grades, their expected improvement, and course popularity. Using a dataset of 6000 students and 1500 courses, we compare the recommended trajectories of top performing and low performing students to show that popularity alone is a strong heuristic for recommending successful trajectories.
Semipassive Resettable Stiffness Damper for Seismic Protection of Short-Period Structures

AbstractIn the present study, a semipassive resettable stiffness damper using motion amplification in the resetting mechanism is presented for seismic protection of short-period structures. Validat...
Same-day confirmation of intrauterine pregnancy failure in women with first- and early second-trimester bleeding.

Objective To determine if alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) concentration in vaginal blood, in the setting of dissolved fetal tissue, is significantly higher than its concentration in the maternal serum. Design A prospective cohort study. Setting Medical center. Patient(s) Four groups of women were evaluated: 1) with missed/incomplete miscarriage with vaginal bleeding; 2) with threatened miscarriage; 3) with vaginal bleeding during cerclage placement; and 4) undergoing dilation and curettage (DC D&C group) was compared with the AFP concentration in the maternal serum. Result(s) The median (range) concentration ratios of AFP in vaginal blood (or POC) to AFP in maternal serum were 24.5 (5.1–8,620) and 957 (4.6–24,216) for the missed/incomplete (n = 30) and the D&C (n = 22) groups, respectively, whereas they were only 1.2 (0.4–13.4) and 1.01 (0.7–1.5) for the threatened miscarriage (n = 15) and cerclage (n = 9) groups, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis demonstrated 100% sensitivity and 86.7% specificity for the detection of the passage of fetal tissue (ratio 4.3, area under the ROC curve 0.96). Conclusion(s) Higher concentrations of AFP in vaginal blood than in maternal serum may indicate the presence of dissolved fetal tissue (i.e., confirming a failed pregnancy).
Abstract B37: Prevention of epithelial ovarian cancer by eliciting P4/RIPK1-dependent necroptosis

High-grade serous epithelial ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the deadliest gynecologic disease, commonly diagnosed in peri/postmenopausal women. Annually, HGSOC accounts for over 140,000 deaths worldwide. Because we lack effective early detection methods, over 75% of HGSOC are diagnosed at stages III/IV, with abysmal 5-year survival rates of 37/25%, respectively. Recently, progesterone (P4) was observed to promote the elimination of p53-null cells from the fallopian tube by inducing necroptosis, a regulatable form of non-apoptotic cell death. Activation of necroptosis depends on activation of receptor-interacting kinase proteins 1 and 3 (RIPK1 and RIPK3). Several additional factors suggest that P4 may have a key protective role versus HGSOC; protection versus tumorigenesis is reduced at the time of menopause due to decreasing P4 levels. Several studies examining the use of a synthetic progesterone (medroxyprogesterone acetate, MPA) observed decreases in the incidence of HGSOC. Also, MPA had a significant clinical benefit in 20-40% of pretreated ovarian cancer patients. Further, 75% of HGSOC have decreased expression of progesterone receptor (PGR). With lower P4 at menopause, p53 mutated fallopian tube epithelial cells may therefore escape necroptosis and progress to HGSOC. All of the above information led to our hypothesis that activating P4 signaling will induce necroptosis in HGSOC tumor cells. Examining The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database for regulators of necroptosis, we found that increased expression of the P4 receptor (PGR), necroptosis effectors TNFα, and RIPK1/3 corresponded to significantly higher overall survival in 484 HGSOC cases. Using OVSAHO (BRCA2-deleted) cells, we show that P4 and/or TNFα treatment increases TNFα, RIPK1, and RIPK3 expression. In OVSAHO cells, we observed a significant decrease in cell number following treatment with P4 and/or TNFα. Also, we confirmed that P4 treatment was able to induce a necroptotic response distinct from classical apoptosis. Upon examination of normal fallopian tube tissue, borderline tumors, and advanced HGSOC, we detected expression of necroptosis effectors RIPK1 and 3, suggesting an intact necroptosis pathway. These observations point towards an HGSOC prevention strategy that favors the elimination of “founder” cells by activating necroptosis downstream of P4. These data may be particularly useful for the management of BRCA1/2 mutant patients, as these women experience menopause significantly earlier than noncarriers. Citation Format: Benjamin Bitler, Tomomi Yamamoto, Elise Bales, Zachary Watson, Kian Behbakht, Joshua Johnson. Prevention of epithelial ovarian cancer by eliciting P4/RIPK1-dependent necroptosis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Conference: Addressing Critical Questions in Ovarian Cancer Research and Treatment; Oct 1-4, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2018;24(15_Suppl):Abstract nr B37.
Investigation of a Diesel Exhaust Aerosol

This paper describes a study of the exhaust aerosols produced by a single cylinder Onan diesel engine using a rapid dilution sampling system. Diluted exhaust aerosols were analyzed with an electrical aerosol analyzer (EAA) and a transmission electron microscope. Mass concentrations of particulate matter were determined by gravimetric filter analysis. Volume mean diameters observed with the EAA were about 0.1 micrometer. Mass concentration measurements made with filters were in qualitative agreement with those calculated from the aerosol volume concentrations measured with the EAA. /SASI/
Introduction to engineering statistics and lean six sigma: statistical quality control and design of experiments and systems

Six-Sigma is too wonderful and practical concept to ignore when the manufacturers of products, practitioners of health/medical professionals and researchers seek high quality to successfully compet...
Optimizing PLG nanoparticle-peptide delivery platforms for transplantation tolerance using an allogeneic skin transplant model.

Abstract A robust regimen for inducing allogeneic transplantation tolerance involves pre-emptive recipient treatment with donor splenocytes (SP) rendered apoptotic by 1-ethyl-3-(3′-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide(ECDI) treatment. However, such a regimen is limited by availability of donor cells, cost of cell procurement, and regulatory hurdles associated with cell-based therapies. Nanoparticles (NP) delivering donor antigens are a promising alternative for promoting transplantation tolerance. Here, we used a B6.C-H-2bm12(bm12) to C57BL/6(B6) skin transplant model involving a defined major histocompatibility antigen mismatch to investigate design parameters of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) NPs delivering peptides containing the donor antigen for optimizing skin allograft survival. We showed that an epitope-containing short peptide (P1) was more effective than a longer peptide (P2) at providing graft protection. Importantly, the NP and P1 complex (NP-ECDI-P1) resulted in a significant expansion of graft-infiltrating Tregs. Interestingly, in comparison to donor ECDI-SP that provided indefinite graft protection, NP-ECDI-P1 targeted different splenic phagocytes and skin allografts in these recipients harbored significantly more graft-infiltrating CD8+IFN-γ+ cells. Collectively, the current study provides initial engineering parameters for a cell-free and biocompatible NP-peptide platform for transplant immunoregulation. Moreover, it also provides guidance to future NP engineering endeavors to recapitulate the effects of donor ECDI-SP as a goal for maximizing tolerance efficacy of NP formulations.
Double Jeopardy: The Effects of Comorbid Conditions among Older People with Vision Loss:

This retrospective study used national survey data to examine multiple effects of nine comorbid conditions—breathing problems, depression risk, diabetes, heart problems, hearing impairment, hyperte...
Former foster youth experiences with higher education: Opportunities and challenges

Abstract This mixed method study explores the postsecondary experiences of foster alumni in a large southwest urban area. The primary data sources were a survey and individual interviews with former foster youth who have or were attending a postsecondary institution. However, additional information was gathered through focus groups with foster parents, Child Protective Service (CPS) caseworkers, and community service providers who offer transition services to individuals who have aged out of foster care. The findings focus on three main themes that include: the perceived value of higher education; the financial, personal, and educational challenges getting to and through higher education; and the important role of supports in the alumni's lives. Implications for practice and policy are also included.
Epithelial downgrowth after femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery.

Abstract Purpose To present the case of a 72-year-old female with epithelial downgrowth after femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery. Observations The patient previously underwent YAG vitreolysis after uncomplicated femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery and presented 1 year later with epithelial downgrowth causing complete pupillary block and severe angle closure glaucoma. Subsequent management with nd:YAG peripheral iridotomies failed rapidly leading to a confusing presentation with a flat anterior chamber and high intraocular pressure ultimately requiring surgical management. Conclusions We describe the occurrence of epithelial downgrowth after femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery and illustrate the utility of ultrasound biomicroscopy to differentiate between severe pupillary block and malignant glaucoma.
Common Ground and Autonomy: Two Critical Dimensions of a Machine Teammate

We propose common ground and autonomy are the two critical dimensions necessary for intelligent machine agents to make the transition from tool to teammate. Existing models delineate a number of teammate characteristics. We explore how these teammate characteristics can be distilled into common ground and autonomy and suggest research steps to test our proposal.
Health-Related Quality of Life in Pediatric Dysphonia

Childhood dysphonia is a broad condition that can be difficult to investigate and quantify. As clinicians and researchers, we often consider the severity and duration of a child’s voice disturbance and then extrapolate the degree of impact that the disturbance may have on the child’s ability to communicate effectively. While the field of pediatric dysphonia has advanced by providing objective data via acoustic and aerodynamic measures, it is unlikely that we are able to fully understand the way in which dysphonia affects children’s lives without exploring health-related quality of life. Too often in childhood dysphonia, clinical judgments are made regarding the effect of a pediatric voice disorder through a caregiver report rather than asking the child directly. This continues to be problematic because the self-evaluation process is important in establishing therapy goals and measuring subsequent intervention outcomes.
Decreasing Returns or Reversion to the Mean? The Case of Private Equity Fund Growth

When a private equity firm raises a larger fund, performance tends to decline. This pattern is usually interpreted as evidence of decreasing returns. I propose a more innocuous explanation: high-growth private equity firms were on average lucky in the past and therefore are expected to experience reversion to the mean. Controlling for this expectation, the effect of fund growth on performance is 80% to 90% smaller and statistically insignificant. The silver lining is that, historically, fund managers have been able to keep decreasing returns at bay. Additional analysis highlights important differences between buyout funds and venture capital funds.
Is a switch to a different electronic health record associated with a change in patient satisfaction

Objective Financial impacts associated with a switch to a different electronic health record (EHR) have been documented. Less attention has been focused on the patient response to an EHR switch. The Mayo Clinic was involved in an EHR switch that occurred at 6 different locations and with 4 different "go-live" dates. We sought to understand the relationship between patient satisfaction and the transition to a new EHR. Materials and methods We used patient satisfaction data collected by Press Ganey from July 2016 through December 2019. Our patient satisfaction measure was the percent of patients responding "very good" (top box) to survey questions. Twenty-four survey questions were summarized by Press Ganey into 6 patient satisfaction domains. Piecewise linear regression was used to model patient satisfaction before and after the EHR switch dates. Results Significant drops in patient satisfaction were associated with the EHR switch. Patient satisfaction with access (ease of getting clinic on phone, ease of scheduling appointments, etc.) was most affected (range of 6 sites absolute decline: -3.4% to -8.8%; all significant at 99% confidence interval). Satisfaction with providers was least affected (range of 6 sites absolute decline: -0.5% to -2.8%; 4 of 6 sites significant at 99% confidence interval). After 9-15 months, patient satisfaction with access climbed back to pre-EHR switch levels. Conclusions Patient satisfaction in several patient experience domains dropped significantly and stayed lower than pre-"go-live" for several months after a switch in EHR. Satisfaction with providers declined less than satisfaction with access.
Barium Titanate (BaTiO3)

Publisher Summary It is noted that the barium titanate (BaTiO3) crystal is ferroelectric at room temperature. The crystal structure is perovskite, cubic above the Curie temperature, and tetragonal below the Curie temperature. At room temperature, the a axis is longer than the a axis by 1%. Practically all the barium titanate samples are fabricated by either the flux-grown or the melt-grown method. The lower Curie temperature of flux-grown barium titanate is believed to be a result of the higher impurity content, which also affects the optical constants. The increasedinterest in barium titanate is mainly due to its photorefractive properties and other associated effects and applications, such as phase conjugation, volume holography for optical storage, two-beam coupling, and optical computing. The ultraviolet data obtained is the result of Kramers-Kronig (K-K) analysis of reflectivity measurement on unpoled multiple-domain samples. They represent a certain weighted average of the optical constants for the ordinary (o) and extraordinary (e) rays.
Medical Errors, Hysteria, and Death.

The article is reprinted with permission and Dr. Gianoli owns the copyright. [Editor’s Note: Criticism of the BMJ article is extensive and in my opinion well founded. This is a link to efforts to have the article retracted: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/866063?nlid=108268_3922&src=WNL_mdplsnews_160715_mscpedit_card&uac=77990SX&spon=2&impID=1156625&faf=1#vp_2]
An Adaptive Bayesian Approach With Subjective Logic Reliability Networks for Preventive Maintenance

This paper explores a Bayesian update strategy applying the experts’ subjective viewpoints concerning the wind turbines’ preventive maintenance. The approach is general enough to be employed in other than wind turbine maintenance applications. Although extant literature has examined the implementation of optimal adaptive Bayesian update strategies relating to the preventive maintenance time, they have not expanded the findings to the subjective views of wind farm managers or technicians. Against this backdrop, subjective opinions have been successfully deployed herein for Bayesian updates in the meantime the experts explore key distribution parameters without any prior expertise of statistics by merely putting forth opinions as disbelief, belief, or ambiguity. The choices, along with their concomitant effect on statistical parameters, including the minimized time of maintenance and new approach of costs, are presented before the wind farm manager and technician directly in the form of quantitative data, whereas their inputs are considered as opinion. Notably, such an approach adjuncts the quantitative data from turbine supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA). As an integral component of turbine failures, the preventive maintenance pitch control device has been explored in this paper, which demonstrates the viability of this approach. A reliability networks Bayesian update strategy that develops the subjective opinions of variable and random costs are formulated and systematically investigated for preventive maintenance while several expert opinion has been implemented by the author in an earlier preliminary study. The reliability network is implemented for components where the SCADA does not provide clear data where the technician (expert) has opinion.
State Trends in HIV Testing Among US Adults Aged 18-64 Years, 2011-2017

ObjectivesHIV testing identifies persons living with HIV and can lead to treatment, decreased risk behaviors, and reduced transmission. The objective of our study was to describe state-level trends...
Increased PIP3 activity blocks nanoparticle mRNA delivery

The biological pathways that affect drug delivery in vivo remain poorly understood. We hypothesized that altering cell metabolism with phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-triphosphate (PIP3), a bioactive lipid upstream of the metabolic pathway PI3K (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase)/AKT/ mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) would transiently increase protein translated by nanoparticle-delivered messenger RNA (mRNA) since these pathways increase growth and proliferation. Instead, we found that PIP3 blocked delivery of clinically-relevant lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) across multiple cell types in vitro and in vivo. PIP3-driven reductions in LNP delivery were not caused by toxicity, cell uptake, or endosomal escape. Interestingly, RNA sequencing and metabolomics analyses suggested an increase in basal metabolic rate. Higher transcriptional activity and mitochondrial expansion led us to formulate two competing hypotheses that explain the reductions in LNP-mediated mRNA delivery. First, PIP3 induced consumption of limited cellular resources, "drowning out" exogenously-delivered mRNA. Second, PIP3 triggers a catabolic response that leads to protein degradation and decreased translation.
Wherefore Art Thou Juanita? The Life of a Spanish Name in Newfoundland

The name Juanita should have been an unlikely candidate for popularity in a place like Newfoundland, where only 0.1% of the half-a-million population speaks Spanish as a mother tongue and 0.4% iden...
Sexual Function after Minimally Invasive Total Hysterectomy and Sacrocolpopexy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE To evaluate sexual function in women undergoing minimally invasive total hysterectomy and sacrocolpopexy (TLH + SCP) with a lightweight polypropylene Y-mesh 1 year after surgery. DESIGN This was a planned secondary analysis of a 5-site randomized trial comparing permanent (2-0 Gore-Tex; W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., Newark, DE) vs absorbable suture (2-0 polydioxanone suture) for vaginal attachment of a Y-mesh (Upsylon; Boston Scientific Corporation, Natick, MA) graft during TLH + SCP. SETTING Multicenter trial at 5 study sites (4 academic and 1 community). The study sites were: (1) University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC; (2) Wake Forest Baptist Hospital, Winston-Salem, NC; (3) Northwestern University, Evanston, IL; (4) Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA; and (5) Atlantic Health Medical Group, Morristown, NJ. PATIENTS Women previously enrolled in an original study undergoing TLH + SCP. INTERVENTIONS Quality-of-life questionnaires and physical examination. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The primary objective was to assess changes in sexual function at 1 year after surgery as measured by the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire, International Urogynecological Association-Revised. The secondary objective was to assess the factors associated with postoperative sexual activity and dyspareunia. Of the 200 participants enrolled, 182 (92.8%) completed follow-up: n = 95/99 Gore-Tex and n = 87/101 polydioxanone suture. The mean age was 60 ± 10 years; body mass index was 27 ± 5 kg/m2; 78% were menopausal and 56% sexually active before surgery. At 1 year after surgery, 63% were sexually active: 93% of the sexually active women preoperatively remained so at 1 year, and 24% reported new sexual activity at 1 year (p <.001). Sexual function at 1 year showed marked improvement in activity, quality, and arousal/orgasm compared with baseline Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire scores. Dyspareunia rates decreased from 22% preoperatively to 16.5% at 1 year (p = .65). Women who were sexually active at 1 year were younger (56.8 ± 9.6 years vs 65.4 ± 9.2 years, p <.001), more likely to be premenopausal (31.6% vs 7.4%, p = .001), and less likely to undergo bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (53.3% vs 78.9%, p <.001). CONCLUSION Women undergoing TLH + SCP with a lightweight mesh graft report increased rates of sexual activity, improved sexual quality and arousal/orgasm, and lower rates of dyspareunia at 1 year after surgery.
Appendix A to 'The Impact of Active Learning on Law School Performance'

This is Appendix A to our paper entitled "The Impact of Active Learning on Law School Performance." It is an edited example of a lesson plan and exercises prepared by a second-year law student who acted as an Active Learning Instructor for a Property class at St. Thomas University Law School.