cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Knowledge Discovery in Services (KDS): Aggregating Software Services to Discover Enterprise Mashups

Service mashup is the act of integrating the resulting data of two complementary software services into a common picture. Such an approach is promising with respect to the discovery of new types of knowledge. However, before service mashup routines can be executed, it is necessary to predict which services (of an open repository) are viable candidates. Similar to Knowledge Discovery in Databases (KDD), we introduce the Knowledge Discovery in Services (KDS) process that identifies mashup candidates. In this work, the KDS process is specialized to address a repository of open services that do not contain semantic annotations. In these situations, specialized techniques are required to determine equivalences among open services with reasonable precision. This paper introduces a bottom-up process for KDS that adapts to the environment of services for which it operates. Detailed experiments are discussed that evaluate KDS techniques on an open repository of services from the Internet and on a repository of services created in a controlled environment.
Perceptions of Threat, Demographic Diversity, and the Framing of Illegality: Explaining (non)Participation in New York’s 2006 Immigrant Protests

This article uses the case New York City to examine why certain immigrant groups participated in the 2006 protest wave more than others and why the city mobilized less compared with other major immigrant metropolises. The findings indicate that certain immigrant groups participated more than others because of how the issue of “illegal immigration” was racialized and framed by the media, and because of the disproportionate impact the proposed legislation would have had on them. The data presented illustrate how the city’s heterogeneous population served to diminish its capacity to produce the magnitude of mobilization found in other large immigrant cities.
Male and female meadow voles Microtus pennsylvanicus respond differently to scent marks from the top- middle-, and bottom-scent donors of an over-mark

Previous studies have shown that individuals responded preferentially to the mark of the top-scent donor relative to that of the bottom-scent donor of an over-mark. However, terrestrial mammals are likely to encounter over-marks consisting of the scent marks of more than two same-sex conspecifics in the intersections of runways, near the nests of sexually receptive fe- male conspecifics, and inside and along the borders of the territories of conspecifics. We determined how meadow voles, Microtus pennsylvanicus, respond to the marks of the top-, middle-, and bottom-scent donors of an over-mark. We tested the hypothesis that voles exposed to an over-mark will respond preferentially to the scent marks that were deposited more recently, the scent marks that were on top or near the top of the over-mark, compared to the scent marks that were deposited earlier or near the bot- tom of the over-mark. Voles spent more time investigating the mark of the top-scent donor than that of the either the middle- or bottom-scent donor. However, males but not female voles spent more time investigating the middle-scent mark than the bot- tom-scent mark. We also tested the hypothesis that voles evaluate and respond to over-marks differently from single scent marks. Voles spent more time investigating the marks of the top-, middle-, and bottom-scent donors compared to scent marks that were not part of the over-mark. Voles can distinguish among the overlapping scent marks of three scent donors and sex differences ex- ist in the values they appear to attach to each of these scent marks (Current Zoology 57 (4): 441-448, 2011).
Fukushima Daiichi Unit 1 Uncertainty Analysis-Exploration of Core Melt Progression Uncertain Parameters-Volume II.

Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) has conducted an uncertainty analysi s (UA) on the Fukushima Daiichi unit (1F1) accident progression wit h the MELCOR code. Volume I of the 1F1 UA discusses the physical modeling details and time history results of the UA. Volume II of the 1F1 UA discusses the statistical viewpoint. The model used was developed for a previous accident reconstruction investigation jointly sponsored by the US Department of Energy (DOE) and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The goal of this work was to perform a focused evaluation of uncertainty in core damage progression behavior and its effect on key figures - of - merit (e.g., hydrogen production, fraction of intact fuel, vessel lower head failure) and in doing so assess the applicability of traditional sensitivity analysis techniques .
Aggregate Reliance and Overcharges: Removing Hurdles to Class Certification for Victims of Mass Fraud

Victims of consumer fraud often struggle to bring their claims as nationwide class actions under traditional state fraud laws due to (1) the application of many states’ laws to potential class members’ claims and (2) the fact that fraud claims generally raise a significant individual factual issue — whether the claimant personally relied on the defendant’s misrepresentation. The civil remedy provisions in RICO offer an attractive alternative. RICO overcomes the first hurdle by providing plaintiffs with a single federal law under which to file suit. This Note demonstrates that RICO allows plaintiffs to overcome the second hurdle as well. Rather than showing that they incurred harm when they purchased products in reliance on a misrepresentation, plaintiffs can achieve class certification by framing their injury as a harm common to all purchasers of a product: specifically, an increase in the price of the product due to artificially increased demand. Recently, several classes have moved successfully for certification using this approach. This Note provides a theoretical framework to justify this method. Rather than committing the same error as most courts and commentators by viewing this approach as an extension of the fraud-on-the-market presumption of reliance from securities fraud cases, I argue that there is no need to presume reliance because the Supreme Court’s holding in Bridge v. Phoenix Bond & Indemnity Co. makes clear that individual, personal reliance is not necessary to prove causation in RICO claims. Instead, plaintiffs can satisfy RICO’s causation element through statistical analyses that prove aggregate reliance — reliance on the fraud by a large enough number of individuals to increase the price of the product above the price that it would have been absent the fraud. As all purchasers of the product experience the same price differential, the statistical analyses provide common proof of causation of identical harm, eliminating problematic individual inquiries and opening the door to certification of nationwide consumer fraud class actions.
Natural History and Conservation Status of the Endangered Mitchell's Satyr Butterfly: Synthesis and Expansion of Our Knowledge Regarding Neonympha mitchellii mitchellii French 1889

The Mitchell's satyr butterfly, Neonympha mitchellii mitchellii French 1889 is a federally-listed endangered species found in parts of the eastern United States of America. Because of its endangered status, considerable research efforts have been devoted to understanding its biology, ecology, and its conservation. Despite these efforts, information about N. m. mitchellii has not been summarized for more than a decade. Here we summarize and expand upon the work conducted by governmental and not-for-profit agencies that have produced reports that are not easily accessible to researchers or interested lepidopterists. In addition to summarizing the literature, we present data from feeding trials and also demonstrate that microclimates exist that may be exploited by larvae. We conclude by identifying key areas of needed research and describe steps imperative to the recovery the Mitchell's satyr.
Diminishing Marginal Rates of Substitution and Quasi-concavity

Only in the 2-good case is a diminishing marginal rate of substitution equivalent to quasi-concavity of the utility function. When there are more than 2 goods, the conditions for quasi-concavity, expressed in terms of bordered hessians, are very unintuitive and tedious to implement. This paper demonstrates, however, that a constant or diminishing marginal rate of substitution between any good and a composite good, consisting of all other goods, is equivalent to quasi-concavity. A new method for checking quasi-concavity is demonstrated that is sometimes easier to use than the traditional method of checking the signs of the bordered hessians.
Optimal control solutions to sodic soil reclamation

Abstract We study the reclamation process of a sodic soil by irrigation with water amended with calcium cations. In order to explore the entire range of time-dependent strategies, this task is framed as an optimal control problem, where the amendment rate is the control and the total rehabilitation time is the quantity to be minimized. We use a minimalist model of vertically averaged soil salinity and sodicity, in which the main feedback controlling the dynamics is the nonlinear coupling of soil water and exchange complex, given by the Gapon equation. We show that the optimal solution is a bang–bang control strategy, where the amendment rate is discontinuously switched along the process from a maximum value to zero. The solution enables a reduction in remediation time of about 50%, compared with the continuous use of good-quality irrigation water. Because of its general structure, the bang–bang solution is also shown to work for the reclamation of other soil conditions, such as saline–sodic soils. The novelty in our modeling approach is the capability of searching the entire “strategy space” for optimal time-dependent protocols. The optimal solutions found for the minimalist model can be then fine-tuned by experiments and numerical simulations, applicable to realistic conditions that include spatial variability and heterogeneities.
Synthetic Evaluation of Ecological Suitability of Forest Resources by Analytic Hierarchy Process and Fuzzy Mathematics Model Based on Remote Sensing Data

In the paper,two periods(2000 and 2006) of TM remote sensing images with similar temporal phase were selected as the basic data sources,and supervised classification and expert classification were carried on the forest resources classification and the confirmation,finally,analytic hierarchy process and fuzzy mathematics analysis were used to study the ecological suitability of forest resources synthetic evaluation model in the Yellow River Basin of Shandong Province.The results indicated that the forest resources are distributed unevenly: The forest coverage of Jinan,Tai'an and Laiwu was over 30%,however,the forest coverage of other seven cities was only 15%.In the aspect of the forest resources ecological suitability,Tai'an was the best,Jinan and Laiwu were good,while Zibo,Binzhou,Heze,Dongying and Dezhou were just so-so,Jining and Liaocheng were the worst.During the six years period,Tai'an changed from good to excellent,Jinan and Laiwu got the high remarks,and however,Jinan tended to develop well while Laiwu tended to go to the contrary direction.Although Zibo,Binzhou,Heze,Dongying and Dezhou did not get the good standard,but their development trends seemed to be better.In addition,the ecological suitability of forest resources of Jining and Liaocheng was not good enough.
Primary Platelet Disorders

This chapter describes various aspects of primary platelet disorders. Platelets are small biconcave cells that are essential for adequate hemostasis. Platelet disorders can lead to both hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes. Platelet abnormalities can be divided into quantitative abnormalities or qualitative abnormalities of platelet function. Primary thrombocythemia is a rare myeloproliferative disorder in which platelets are produced in excess. The diagnosis of primary thrombocythemia requires exclusion of other causes of increased platelets such as carcinoma and infection. Treatment of primary thrombocythemia can include plateletpheresis and chemotherapy. Cessation of smoking may also lessen the frequency of thrombotic events. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is an autoimmune disorder in which IgM and IgG antibodies attack the platelet glycoprotein membrane, diminishing the lifespan of the platelet. Platelet dysfunction is seen in nearly all patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Most of these abnormalities of platelet aggregation and activation are reversible soon after cessation of CPB. Hemorrhagic complications are often due to additional variables affecting hemostasis during surgery such as the use of heparin. The treatment of bleeding complications may include platelet transfusion and desmopressin.
Effect of Meat Price on Race and Gender Disparities in Obesity, Mortality and Quality of Life in the US: A Model-Based Analysis

Introduction There are large differences in the burden and health implications of obesity by race and gender in the US. It is unclear to what extent policies modifying caloric consumption change the distribution of the burden of obesity and related health outcomes. Meat is a large component of the American diet. We investigate how changing meat prices (that may result from policies or from exogenous factors that reduce supply) might impact the burden of obesity by race and gender. Methods We construct a microsimulation model that evaluates the 15-year body-mass index (BMI) and mortality impact of changes in meat price (5, 10, 25, and 50% increase) in the US adult population stratified by age, gender, race, and BMI. Results Under each price change evaluated, relative to the status quo, white males, black males, and black females are expected to realize more dramatic reduction in 2030 obesity prevalence than white females. Life expectancy gains are also projected to differ by subpopulation, with black males far less likely to benefit from an increase in meat prices than other groups. Conclusions Changing meat prices has considerable potential to affect population health differently by race and gender. In designing interventions that alter the price of foods to consumers, it is not sufficient to assess health effects based solely on the population as a whole, since differential effects across subpopulations may be substantial.
Gas-Phase Ozone: Assessment of Biocidal Properties for the Indoor Environment—A Critical Review

This report provides a detailed review of the scientific literature regarding the biocidal activity of gas-phase ozone. Many claims about its efficacy in reducing microbial contamination have been ...
Narcotization as Security Dilemma: The FARC and Drug Trade in Colombia

ABSTRACTThis article addresses the relationship between the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the cocaine trade in Colombia, and implications for the FARC's complete demobilization under the 2016 peace agreement. The article identifies two phases of FARC interaction with drug markets. During the regulation phase (1982–1991), the FARC regulated the coca economy and charged protection rents. During vertical integration (1991–present), the FARC directly participated in drug markets. Contrary to conventional approaches, the article adopts the concept of the security dilemma to argue that FARC integration in drug markets was a strategic response to threats from paramilitaries and narcotics traffickers.
The Diurnal Cycle of Clouds and Precipitation at the ARM SGP Site: An Atmospheric State‐Based Analysis and Error Decomposition of a Multiscale Modeling Framework Simulation

Long-term reflectivity data collected by a millimeter cloud radar at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Southern Great Plains (SGP) site are used to examine the diurnal cycle of clouds and precipitation and are compared with the diurnal cycle simulated by a Multiscale Modeling Framework (MMF) climate model. The study uses a set of atmospheric states that were created specifically for the SGP and for the purpose of investigating under what synoptic conditions models compare well with observations on a statistical basis (rather than using case studies or seasonal or longer time scale averaging). Differences in the annual mean diurnal cycle between observations and the MMF are decomposed into differences due to the relative frequency of states, the daily mean vertical profile of hydrometeor occurrence, and the (normalized) diurnal variation of hydrometeors in each state. Here the hydrometeors are classified as cloud or precipitation based solely on the reflectivity observed by a millimeter radar or generated by a radar simulator. The results show that the MMF does not capture the diurnal variation of low clouds well in any of the states but does a reasonable job capturing the diurnal variations of high clouds and precipitation in some states. In particular, the diurnal variations in states that occur during summer are reasonably captured by the MMF, while the diurnal variations in states that occur during the transition seasons (spring and fall) are not well captured. Overall, the errors in the annual composite are due primarily to errors in the daily mean of hydrometeor occurrence (rather than diurnal variations), but errors in the state frequency (that is, the distribution of weather states in the model) also play a significant role.
Blossfeldia lacks cortical bundles and persistent epidermis; is it basal within Cactoideae?

The anatomy of Blossfeldia liliputana was compared with that of Notocactus, Parodia, Frailea, and numerous dwarf cacti to investigate the DNA-based hypothesis that Blossfeldia may be basal within Cactoideae (Nyffeler, 2001). Cortical bundles are present in every member of Cactoideae ever investigated except for Blossfeldia. Lack of cortical bundles could represent an ancestral condition because they are also absent from Pereskia, Maihuenia, and all Opuntioideae as well as most vascular plants. If so, Cactoideae would have diverged early into two lineages, one of which gave rise to Blossfeldia, the other of which produced the rest of the Cactoideae after cortical bundles originated. Alternatively, lack of cortical bundles could represent a loss that occurred recently as dwarfism evolved in the Blossfeldia lineage, for example after the Blossfeldia lineage diverged from the Notocactus, Parodia, or Frailea lineage. However, none of the other dwarf cacti investigated here has lost their cortical bundles, so such loss in Blossfeldia would be unique within Cactaceae. The epidermis of Blossfeldia is ephemeral, converting to a cork cambium while only a few weeks old, a feature that also occurs in Pereskia and Maihuenia but almost no other cacti. Stomata and photosynthetic aerenchyma occur only at the base of areole pits, just as occurs in Maihuenia but no other known cactus. All these features are consistent with Blossfeldia being basal in Cactoideae, but do not disprove the alternative theory of its being a highly derived taxon instead.
Measurement of nitrite in blood samples using the ferricyanide-based hemoglobin oxidation assay.

Nitrite is currently recognized as a biomarker of the state of nitric oxide metabolism. Therefore, assessing nitrite levels in various organs and compartments is an important issue. As nitrite levels in most organs and tissues are low (in high nanomolar or low micromolar range) several new sensitive methods for quantifying nitrite in various biological samples have been developed. Chemiluminescence, combined with tri-iodide reducing solution, is currently considered the most sensitive method, allowing quantification in the low nanomolar range of nitrite concentrations. Here, we present an overview of chemiluminescence-based determination of nitrite in blood and blood compartments – red blood cells and plasma. We also explain how to preserve the original physiological nitrite concentration in nitrite-hostile environments, such as an excess of hemoglobin in blood.
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Treated with Breast-Conserving Surgery Alone

Efficacy of breastconserving surgery plus radiation therapy versus breastconserving surgery alone to reduce risk of local recurrence of DCIS was established by high caliber prospective randomized trials; however, no survival benefit was seen. For this reason, some argue that radiation therapy is overtreatment for certain DCIS cases and that it is appropriate for select subgroups to be treated with breast-conserving surgery alone. There have been promising results from retrospective studies aimed at identifying such low-risk DCIS subgroups, but reproducing these findings in prospective randomized trials has been difficult. Today, after a thorough provider–patient discussion of risk, there are some cases for which consideration of conserving surgery alone is reasonable; however, as it has well-established evidence-based benefit, conserving surgery plus radiation therapy is still recommended for most cases.
The Metabolic Basis of the Septic Multiple Organ Failure Syndrome: Abnormal Energetic Fuel Control, Pathophysiologic Proteolysis and Futile Cycling of Hepatically Synthesized Substrates

The evolution of the host response to severe injury into a compensated septic process and its later deterioration into the pattern of interorgan metabolic abnormalities characteristic of the multiple progressive or sequential organ failure syndrome (7) is an enigma whose code is only now beginning to be broken. This process begins with a subtle transformation from a successful adaptive response to trauma and posttraumatic invasion by bacterial organisms into a host destructive process in which the normal humoral and cellular defense mechanisms are misapplied to the destruction of the body’s capillary endothelial barrier (93). It ends with the initiation of an interorgan pattern of excessive catabolism and increasingly enhanced synthesis of body fuels which can no longer be adequately utilized. Together these are the characteristic features of the disease process which we know as the multiple organ failure syndrome (MOFS) (76). This review will attempt to conceptually integrate those aspects of this process which lead to this metabolic dysfunction and where possible to suggest some of the metabolic and physiologic loci where therapeutic modalities may be directed.
Unique natural and adaptive response mechanisms to control and eradicate HIV infection

During the more than 35 years since the discovery of HIV as the causative agent of AIDS a preventative and/or therapeutic vaccine has not been achieved in spite of innovative and unique break-through discoveries in the diagnosis, monitoring of disease progression and pharmaceutical advances. In part the inability to cure HIV either through immunologic and/or pharmacologic approaches is a result of distinctive features of HIV-1 pathogens—the capability to persist in cryptic tissue reservoirs. Recent immunologic discoveries may lead to eradication of this virus. The recognition of adaptive immunologic approaches has led to the development of unique genome editing tools in the form of artificial nucleases that can and have been applied to the editing of selected HIV-1 genomic sequences. This review addresses recent developments in immuno-pharmacologic approaches in the form of inducing reversal agents, latency activation and gene editing which exemplify ongoing unique and imaginative efforts of investigators to achieve a “cure” for HIV/AIDS. The several strategies for the control and treatment of HIV with the aim of eradication of the virus from all tissue reservoirs are discussed.
Neutron capture cross sections of 178 Hf leading to 179 Hf m 2

Cross sections for radiative neutron capture have been measured for the formation of 25-d $^{179}\mathrm{Hf}^{{m}_{2}}$ (${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}=25/{2}^{+}$) using targets of enriched $^{178}\mathrm{Hf}$. Based on irradiations using pure epithermal neutrons as well as mixed thermal + epithermal neutrons, the thermal cross section has been determined to be $\ensuremath{\sigma}=6(5)\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{b}$ and the resonance integral $I=1.63(5)\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{mb}$. To enhance the determination of the cross sections, the energies and intensities of the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays from the decay of $^{179}\mathrm{Hf}^{{m}_{2}}$ have been re-determined with improved precision. The half-life of $^{179}\mathrm{Hf}^{{m}_{2}}$ has been measured to be 24.91(27) d, in agreement with the previously accepted value. The analysis of the $^{179}\mathrm{Hf}^{{m}_{2}}$ decay required more precise spectrometry on competing $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays from the decay of $^{181}\mathrm{Hf}$, whose results are presented (along with that of the decay of $^{175}\mathrm{Hf}$) from irradiation of a source of natural Hf. The measured cross sections are compared with those of other high-spin neutron captures.
Phenotypically and functionally distinct subpopulations of human lymphocytes with T cell markers also exhibit different cytochemical patterns of staining for lysosomal enzymes.

Human peripheral blood lymphocytes that express T cell markers, when reacted for the cytochemical localization of lysosomal acid hydrolases, display two major patterns of staining, i.e., dot-like and scattered granular. Previous attempts to fractionate T cells according to surface markers have yielded populations of cells with heterogeneous patterns of cytochemical staining. In this study, peripheral blood cells forming rosettes with sheep erythrocytes have been fractionated by sequential staining with two monoclonal antibodies, D12 and 2D2, followed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. These reagents have been shown previously to recognize a subpopulation of cells capable of suppressing T cell proliferation. All of the cells positive for D12 and 2D2 stained for acid hydrolases with the scattered granular pattern, whereas the large majority of the cells negative for both markers stained with the dot-like pattern. It is concluded that suppressor cells within the E+ cell fraction have the cytochemical characteristics of large granular lymphocytes.
Experimental Study on the Effect of Recessed Gates in Drain STI Regions of nLDMOSFETs

The introduction of a recessed gate into a shallow trench isolation (STI) section used as an insulating film in a drift region of an nLDMOSFET is a well-known means of improving the trade-off between the on-resistance (R sp ) and the off-state breakdown voltage (BV off ), as well as reducing hot-carrier injection (HCI) degradation in the maximum substrate current ( $\mathbf{I}_{\mathbf{submax}}$ ) condition. Moreover, a drain multi-finger STI nLDMOSFET structure in which an STI section and a silicon surface section in the drift region are repeated in the channel width direction can improve the R sp -BV off trade-off. However, the effect of combining these structures on a silicon substrate has not been sufficiently investigated. In the present study, the effect of recessed gates on R sp , BV off , and HCI degradation in two types of nLDMOSFET are investigated.
Second-order analysis of regret for sequential estimation of the autoregressive parameter in a first-order autoregressive model

This article revisits the problem of sequential point estimation of the autogressive parameter in an autoregressive model of order 1, where the errors are independent and identically distributed wi...
Interstitial Ectopic Cornuostomy

Video Objective The objective of this video is to demonstrate a laparoscopic technique for surgical management of an interstitial ectopic pregnancy. Setting A patient with a history of a right ectopic pregnancy that was treated with methotrexate administration 4 years prior, presents with a right two-centimeter interstitial ectopic pregnancy. After extensive counseling, the patient declined medical treatment with methotrexate and desired surgical management with preservation of her fertility. Interventions Laparoscopically, the fallopian tube and utero-ovarian ligament were ligated. In a purse string fashion, the interstitial ectopic pregnancy was isolated. A monopolar hook was used to incise the cornua and the ectopic pregnancy tissue was evacuated using a suction irrigator. The uterine defect was closed to insure hemostasis. Conclusion In a selective patient population, a laparoscopic cornuostomy is an option for treatment of an interstitial ectopic pregnancy. This is particularly true for a small interstitial ectopic where a wedge resection may be impossible without significant damage to the uterus. It is still important to follow the quantitative beta human chorionic gonadotropin levels to zero to insure resolution of the pregnancy.
Optimizing Device Characteristics for VLS-Grown InP Heterojunction Solar Cells

III-V solar cells have record-setting efficiencies, but higher costs than certain alternatives. To reduce costs while maintaining desired efficiencies, we start with a recent example of a low-cost III-V solar cell: VLS-grown InP heterojunctions with moderate efficiencies. Here, we develop and validate a simple corresponding model, then consider how to improve device performance via design. In particular, we seek the optimal values for device characteristics associated with material parameters amenable to adjustment by experiment. To achieve this goal, we developed the ContourPV simulation tool. This simulation process provides an experimentally-based case study of how a simulation tool can facilitate optimization of photovoltaic device design.
Pectoral nerve blocks decrease postoperative pain and opioid use after pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator placement in children.

Background Pectoral nerve blocks (PECs) can reduce intraprocedural anesthetic requirements and postoperative pain. Little is known about the utility of PECs in reducing pain and narcotic use after pacemaker (PM) or implantable cardioverter–defibrillator (ICD) placement in children. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine whether PECs can decrease postoperative pain and opioid use after PM or ICD placement in children. Methods A single-center retrospective review of pediatric patients undergoing transvenous PM or ICD placement between 2015 and 2020 was performed. Patients with recent cardiothoracic surgery or neurologic/developmental deficits were excluded. Demographics, procedural variables, postoperative pain, and postoperative opioid usage were compared between patients who had undergone PECs and those who had undergone conventional local anesthetic (Control). Results A total of 74 patients underwent PM or ICD placement; 20 patients (27%) underwent PECs. There were no differences between PECs and Control with regard to age, weight, gender, type of device placed, presence of congenital heart disease, type of anesthesia, procedural time, or complication rates. Patients who underwent PECs had lower pain scores at 1, 2, 6, 18, and 24 hours compared to Control. PECs patients had a lower mean cumulative pain score [PECs 1.5 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.8–2.2) vs Control 3.1 (95% CI 2.7–3.5); P Conclusion PECs reduce postoperative pain scores and lower total opioid usage after ICD or PM placement. PECs should be considered at the time of transvenous device placement in children.
Outcomes after Laparoscopic Gastropexy as an Alternative for Paraesophageal Hernia Repair.

Background Outcomes after laparoscopic gastropexy (LG), performed as an alternative to formal paraesophageal hernia (PEH) repair in patients with giant PEH, have been rarely studied. This manuscript evaluates complications and long-term quality-of-life after LG. Methods An IRB-approved protocol was used to identify patients who underwent LG to alleviate symptoms of acute or chronic gastric obstruction secondary to a paraesophageal hernia. Postoperative outcomes and quality-of-life data were retrospectively collected via chart review and prospectively via phone interview. Results Twenty-six patients underwent LG, with a median age of 76 (52 - 91). Median follow-up was 28 (3 to 55) months. Gastropexy was the chosen intervention due to comorbid conditions (23, 88%), gastric inflammation (2, 8%), or intraoperative instability (1, 4%). Nine (35%) suffered postoperative complications, and 2 (8%) required reoperation. At the time of follow-up, 7 (27%) had died, 3 (11%) could not be reached. Sixteen (62%) completed the follow-up survey. Fourteen (88%) reported symptom resolution. Ten (62%) still required antireflux medication. Median Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health Related Quality of Life score was 4.5 (0 to 19). Fourteen (88%) denied current dietary restrictions. All reported satisfaction with the operation. Conclusion Laparoscopic PEH repair remains the standard of care for the management of giant PEH. However, a subcategory of patients with high operative risk could be candidates for a shorter operative intervention. As our data infers, LG is a reasonable alternative in this patient population. While the continued use of antisecretory medications is sometimes required, LG restores the ability to tolerate full meals without restrictions and results in excellent patient satisfaction.
AMEGO: exploring the extreme multimessenger universe

The All-sky Medium Energy Gamma-ray Observatory (AMEGO) is a Probe-class mission concept that will provide essential contributions to multimessenger astrophysics in the next decade. AMEGO operates both as a Compton and pair telescope to achieve unprecedented sensitivity between 200 keV and >5 GeV. The instrument consists of four subsystems. A double-sided strip silicon Tracker gives a precise measure of the first Compton scatter interaction and tracks of pair-conversion products. A novel CdZnTe Low Energy Calorimeter with excellent position and energy resolution surrounds the bottom and sides of the Tracker to detect the Compton-scattered photons which enhances the polarization and narrow-line sensitivity. A thick CsI High Energy Calorimeter contains the high-energy Compton and pair events. The instrument is surrounded by a plastic anti-coincidence detector to veto the cosmic-ray background. We have performed detailed simulations to predict the telescope performance and are currently building a prototype instrument. The AMEGO prototype, known as ComPair, will be tested at the High Intensity Gamma-Ray Source in 2021, followed by a balloon flight in Fall of 2022. In this presentation we will give an overview of the science motivation, a description of the observatory, and an update of the prototype instrument development.
Autonomous submersible multiport water sampler

Abstract Oceanography and limnology projects often require the collection of water samples for chemical analysis. Manual water sample collection is labor-intensive and often difficult, especially in remote locations or during nighttime hours. Here we describe a compact and inexpensive autonomous submersible multiport water sampler (AutoSampler) that is largely fabricated with off-the-shelf parts making it easier to build and maintain. The system can collect up to 12 discrete samples at user controllable times or intervals and is operated using open source Arduino hardware and software that can be user modified to meet deployment requirements. While the underwater pressure housing presented here is custom built from readily available materials, there are many commercially available pressure case options that can be used as a substitute. The electronic mounting plates and battery pack are designed so that they can easily be adapted to fit into other pressure case housings. Samples can be collected into bags or syringes and sample volume is set by adjusting how long the peristaltic pump is actuated. This AutoSampler allows research that would otherwise be too labor-intensive or logistically difficult to conduct, especially in remote locations.
Horizontal Ownership Concentration and Communications Infrastructure Adoption: Historical Data Evaluation

Horizontal ownership concentration and its consequences is an extraordinarily important contemporary topic. Yet, outcomes evidence is slim. Based on historical data, this retrospective analysis has assessed the impact of horizontal acquisitions on communications infrastructure investment, using broadband technology adoption for the local exchange company population in the United States telecommunications industry as the evaluated case. These entities have engaged in a series of acquisitions of other horizontal company owners, and sector ownership has become concentrated, with a few firms controlling the bulk of the sector’s assets. Based on a battery of test procedures, to establish the robustness of results, the evidence indicates that horizontal ownership diffusion and concentration has been causally associated with materially-significant lower broadband deployment, and dominant firms have adopted almost half less broadband technology relative to the average deployment of such infrastructure. Additional tests using alternative ownership concentration measures support the main results. The results support the idea that spread of horizontal ownership is associated with competition softening and its consequences for acquired firms to behave in ways that could deter entry and compromise competitors’ businesses.
Coarsening of dendrites in solution-based freeze-cast ceramic systems

Abstract The morphologies of freeze-cast materials are typically controlled and tuned by adjusting the freezing front velocity and temperature gradient. Recently it has been demonstrated that coarsening, similar to that commonly practiced in alloy systems, is also effective for morphological control in freeze-cast materials. However, the underlying coarsening mechanisms and their effect on microstructure evolution are largely unknown. In this study, frozen preceramic polymer/cyclohexane solutions were coarsened at 2 °C and 4 °C for up to 5 h, and the resulting morphologies were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, mercury intrusion porosimetry, and X-ray computed tomography. During coarsening the microstructure evolved from dendritic (primary and secondary pores) to honeycomb-like (large open channels with flat walls). The size of both primary and secondary pores increased linearly with the cube root of coarsening time, consistent with dendritic coarsening in alloy systems. Other important metrics such as primary dendrite spacing, dendrite growth directionality, and the effect of coarsening on the pore-ceramic interface area are reported. These findings provide novel insights into coarsening of freeze-cast systems and can lead to new avenues for microstructure tailorability.
Lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab in advanced recurrent endometrial cancer: a cost-effectiveness analysis

Abstract Objective To determine the cost-effectiveness of lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab (LP) in patients with microsatellite stable (MSS), recurrent, pretreated endometrial cancer (EC). Methods A decision analysis model was created to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of LP relative to doxorubicin, pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD), and bevacizumab in patients with recurrent pretreated MSS EC. Published data was used to estimate quality adjusted life years (QALYs) and drug cost estimates were obtained using average wholesale prices. A health state utility (HSU) penalty of −0.10 was applied to the LP group to account for treatment toxicity. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated to determine cost/QALY. The willingness to pay threshold (WTP) was set at $100,000 per QALY saved. Sensitivity analyses were performed on cost, effectiveness, and HSU penalty for LP. Results Costs of treatment with doxorubicin, PLD, and bevacizumab are $23.7 million (M), $56.9 M, and $250.8 M respectively. Cost of treatment with LP is $1.8 billion. Relative to doxorubicin, the ICERs for PLD, bevacizumab, and LP are $56,808, $345,824, and $1.6 M respectively. A sensitivity analysis varying the cost of LP shows that if the combined drug cost decreases from over $58,000 to less than $11,000 per cycle, this strategy would be cost-effective. Eliminating the HSU penalty for LP decreased the ICER $1.0 M while increasing the penalty to −0.20 increased the ICER to $3.7 M. Conclusions LP is not cost-effective in patients with recurrent pretreated, MSS EC. A dramatic reduction in cost of LP is required for this novel strategy to be cost-effective.
First-principles study of superconductivity in α and β gallium

Elemental gallium can exist in several phases under ambient pressure. The stable $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ phase has a superconducting transition temperature, ${T}_{c}$, of 0.9 K. By contrast, the ${T}_{c}$ of the metastable $\ensuremath{\beta}$ phase is around 6 K. To understand the significant improvement in ${T}_{c}$ in the $\ensuremath{\beta}$ phase, we first calculate the electronic structure, phonon dispersion, and the electron-phonon coupling of gallium in the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ and $\ensuremath{\beta}$ phases. Next, we solve the Eliashberg equations to obtain the superconducting gaps and the transition temperatures. Using these results, we relate the increased ${T}_{c}$ in the $\ensuremath{\beta}$ phase to structural differences between the phases that affect the electronic and phonon properties. The structure motif of the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ phase is ${\mathrm{Ga}}_{2}$ dimers, which form strong covalent bonds leading to bonding and antibonding states that reduce the density of states at the Fermi level. The $\ensuremath{\beta}$-Ga structure consists of arrays of Ga chains that favor strong coupling between the lattice vibrations and the electronic states near the Fermi level. The increased density of states and strong coupling to the phonons for the $\ensuremath{\beta}$-Ga chains compared to the $\ensuremath{\alpha}\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}{\mathrm{Ga}}_{2}$ dimers enhance superconductivity in the $\ensuremath{\beta}$-Ga phase.
Hospital-Based Registry Analysis of Staging Efficacy and Proposed Substaging for HPV Positive Oropharynx Cancers.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) introduced the 8th edition staging for cancer in 2017, which provided separate staging for HPV+ oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). This update simplified staging with the intent of restoring prognostic discrimination between stages with regard to disease-specific survival. However, it also altered implications for treatment as many patients formerly classified as group stage I-IVA in the 7th edition, treated with either single or multimodality therapy including chemoradiation, were now classified as stage I. We used the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to study the efficacy of AJCC staging in a modern cohort of HPV+ OPC in the years prior to the introduction of AJCC 8th edition, and explore substaging of the AJCC 8th edition in order to provide better guidance for treatment. MATERIALS/METHODS We queried the NCDB for patients with HPV+ OPC as their first primary cancer diagnosis, with known radiotherapy, surgery, and chemotherapy treatment status and without mortality within 90 days of surgery. Clinical T, N, and M stages per AJCC 7th edition were converted to AJCC 8th edition staging. Kaplan-Meier estimates were generated for overall survival (OS) at 5 years and compared using log-rank testing. Cox-proportional hazards models were generated to test for significant predictors of overall survival which were then used to generate substages for AJCC 8th edition stage I patients. RESULTS A total of 8249 patients diagnosed from 2010-2016 met search criteria. Median age was 57 years (22-90). By AJCC 7th edition, 6% (470) of patients were group stage I, 10% (839) stage II, 23% (1913) stage III, 58% (4755) stage IVA, and 3% (272) stage IVB/C. A Cox-proportional hazards model including AJCC 7th edition T and N stage as covariates was generated using 5933 patients with clinical T1-2N0-2b staging, showing significant association of cT2 and cN2b status with OS (P = < 0.001, HR of 1.7 [95% CI 1.4-2.1] and 1.4 [95% CI 1.2-1.8] respectively). These results were used for substaging of AJCC 8th edition group stage I: cT1N0-2a were designated stage IA, cT2N0-2a and cT1N2b as stage IB, and cT2N2b as stage IIA. Using this substaging, log-rank testing between substages showed significant differences between the respective curves for OS at 5 years (P < 0.01 for all comparisons). CONCLUSION Substaging of AJCC 8th edition group staging for HPV+ OPC provided significant hazard stratification for patients currently classified as group stage I, with subclassification by cT2 and cN2b (7th ed stage) showing significant association with OS at 5 years. Substaging by these factors not only maintains prognostic risk stratification, but also may provide better guidance in treatment decision making. For example, stage IA patients could be treated with either with surgery or radiation alone, stage IB with either single or multimodality therapy, and stage IIA and above would be treated with multimodality therapy. Further validation of this staging is warranted.
Nitric Oxide Attenuates Human Cytomegalovirus Infection yet Disrupts Neural Cell Differentiation and Tissue Organization

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a prevalent betaherpesvirus that is asymptomatic in healthy individuals but can cause serious disease in immunocompromised patients. HCMV is also the leading cause of viral-mediated birth defects. Many of these defects manifest within the central nervous system and include microcephaly, sensorineural hearing loss, and cognitive developmental delays. Nitric oxide is a critical effector molecule produced as a component of the innate immune response during infection. Using a 3-dimensional cortical organoid model, we demonstrate that nitric oxide inhibits HCMV spread and simultaneously disrupts neural rosette structures resulting in tissue disorganization. Nitric oxide also attenuates HCMV replication in 2-dimensional cultures of neural progenitor cells (NPCs), a prominent cell type in cortical organoids that differentiate into neurons and glial cells. The multipotency factor SOX2 was decreased during nitric oxide exposure, suggesting early neural differentiation is affected. Maximal mitochondrial respiration was also reduced in both uninfected and infected NPCs. We determined this reduction likely influences neural differentiation as neurons (Tuj1+GFAP-Nestin-) and glial populations (Tuj1-GFAP+Nestin-) were reduced following differentiation. We also observed changes in calcium signaling during exposure to nitric oxide with increased cellular response to ATP (purinergic receptors) and KCl (voltage gated calcium channels). Importantly, nitric oxide could not rescue HCMV-mediated defects in calcium response. Our studies indicate a prominent, immunopathogenic role of nitric oxide in promoting developmental defects within the brain despite its antiviral activity during congenital HCMV infection.
Control of Cellular Development in Sporulating Bacteria by the Phosphorelay Two-Component Signal Transduction System

The initiation of sporulation in bacteria is a cellular response to deteriorating conditions for growth and division. Sporulation may be coupled to the cell cycle to suppress division and permit the orderly synthesis of spore membrane structural components in concert with chromosome replication. The nature of the integration mechanism for all this information is now becoming apparent, and its various regulatory features are discussed in this chapter. The two-component paradigm is at the heart of the signal transduction system, regulating the initiation of sporulation in sporulating bacteria. This system, the phosphorelay, differs from other two-component signal transduction systems by the mechanism of phosphate flow and types of accessory proteins that control phosphate flow in the system. The ultimate goal of the phosphorelay is to produce Spo0A~P, the activated form of this transcription factor that recognizes the 7-bp 0A box in sporulation promoters. Separate phosphatase proteins may only be necessary when two-component signal transduction systems are sensitive to multiple signal input, such as in sporulation, which may exhaust the signal recognition capacity of the kinase. The initiation of sporulation has adopted the two-component signal transduction system and made some unique modifications to adapt it to process multiple signal inputs. As more and more controls are discovered that act on the phosphorelay, it becomes even more amazing that sporulation occurs at all.