cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Onward and Upward: The Career Trajectory and Memories of Leonard F. Peltier, MD, PhD

Janolyn G. Lo Vecchio, Frederick W. Reckling, and JoAnn B. Reckling. Kansas City, Kansas: University of Kansas Clendening History of Medicine Library and Museum; 2004. 205 pages. $40.00. A recent essay in The New York Times book review section (Nehring C. “Books make you a boring person.” June 27, 2004) suggested that, perhaps, we read too much. Although the thrust of the essay was that the quality of our reading might be jeopardized by the quantity of our reading, if we consider our obligations to read The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery and the several other professional journals to which we subscribe, there might be some truth to that assertion. How then, could one recommend reading another book, particularly a book that may require a little effort to procure? (Make your check payable to the Clendening History of Medicine Library, University of Kansas, and send it to: Greystone Press, P.O. Box 411877, Kansas City, Missouri 64141-1877). First of all, the book is small and can be read in one or two evenings. Secondly, …
Yearbook of International Humanitarian Law -- Volume 16, 2013: Correspondents' Reports United States of America

This correspondent report compiles examples of where and how in 2013 the United States demonstrated its compliance with international humanitarian law by prosecuting its service members in military courts-martial and captured enemy belligerents in military commissions and by US federal courts hearing detainee habeas challenges.
Tolerance to noninherited maternal antigens, reproductive microchimerism and regulatory T cell memory: 60 years after ‘Evidence for actively acquired tolerance to Rh antigens’

Compulsory exposure to genetically foreign maternal tissue imprints in offspring sustained tolerance to noninherited maternal antigens (NIMA). Immunological tolerance to NIMA was first described by Dr. Ray D. Owen for women genetically negative for erythrocyte rhesus (Rh) antigen with reduced sensitization from developmental Rh exposure by their mothers. Extending this analysis to HLA haplotypes has uncovered the exciting potential for therapeutically exploiting NIMA-specific tolerance naturally engrained in mammalian reproduction for improved clinical outcomes after allogeneic transplantation. Herein, we summarize emerging scientific concepts stemming from tolerance to NIMA that includes postnatal maintenance of microchimeric maternal origin cells in offspring, expanded accumulation of immune suppressive regulatory T cells with NIMA-specificity, along with teleological benefits and immunological consequences of NIMA-specific tolerance conserved across mammalian species.
Sperm Agglutinins and Human Infertility: Female

487 patients were assigned to 1 of 5 categories based on history and clinical evaluation: group A (patients conforming to the criteria established by the American Fertility Society); Group B (patients with organic causes for infertility and who served as controls); Group C (patients of known fertility); Group D (patients of unknown fertility); and Group E (patients with secondary fertility). The patients serum was tested for sperm-agglutinating activity against ejaculate from her husband and against ejaculates from at least 3 other men. To determine the role of repeated vaginal deposition of semen in the maintenance of sperm-agglutinating antibody titers 29 couples were asked to use condoms alone or to abstain from intercourse for periods up to 1 year. In all 29 women antibody titers dropped; the titers declined to nondetectable levels in 25. Of the 29 patients 4 patients maintained circulating antibody levels even after 1 year of occlusive therapy. Of the 25 patients with nondetectable antibodies 20 became pregnant at resumption of intercourse. 3 patients were regarded as failures and 2 patients were lost to follow-up. A variety of different antibodies were found in the females including sperm-immobilizing antibodies and precipitins against components of the seminal plasma. Adsorption of various dilutions with seminal plasma did not significantly affect sperm-agglutinating titer. The findings suggest that circulating sperm-agglutinating antibody may be just a reflection of the immunologic process involved rather than the cause for the state of infertility.
Comments on “Originality” in Free and Controlled Association Responses”

Some differences in results of originality training experiments and their interpretation are summarized.
Electrodeposited CdSe0.5Te0.5: Photoelectrochemical solar cells

CdSe0.5Te0.5 thin films have been prepared by electrodeposition. The films were characterized by X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence microanalysis, scanning electron microscopy, optical absorption techniques, Auger electron analysis and electron probe microanalysis. Photoelectrochemical cell performance after electrode annealing and photoetching treatments is reported.
Properties of CuIn1-xGaxSe2 films prepared by the rapid thermal annealing of spray-deposited CuIn1-xGaxS2 and Se

Many reported CuIn 1-x Ga x Se 2 (CIGS) thin films for high-efficiency solar cells have been prepared via a two-stage process that consists of a high-vacuum film deposition step followed by selenization with excess H 2 Se gas or Se vapor. Removing toxic gas and high-vacuum requirements from this process would greatly simplify it and make it less hazardous. We report the formation of CuIn 1-x Ga x Se 2 (x = 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.0) thin films achieved by rapid thermal annealing of spray-deposited CuIn 1-x Ga x S 2 and Se in the absence of an additional selenium source. To prepare the Se layer, commercial Se powder was dissolved by refluxing in ethylenediamine/2,2-dimethylimidizolidine. After cooling to room temperature, this mixture was combined with 2-propanol and the resulting colloidal Se suspension was sprayed by airbrush onto a heated glass substrate. The resulting film was coated with nanocrystalline CuIn 1-x Ga x S 2 via spray deposition of a toluene-based “nanoink” suspension. The two-layer sample was annealed at 550 o C in an argon atmosphere for 60 minutes to form the final CIGS product. Scanning electron microscopy images reveal that film grains are 200-300 nm in diameter and comparable to sizes of the reactant CuIn 1-x Ga x S 2 nanoparticles. XRD patterns are consistent with the chalcopyrite unit cell and calculated lattice parameters and A 1 phonon frequencies change nearly linearly between those for CuInSe 2 and CuGaSe 2 .
Field Evaluation of Experimental Sprayers for Control of Insects on Sweet Corn

Field tests were conducted to compare some experimental sprayers for control of corn earworm, Heliothis zea (Boddie), in sweet corn. A ULV sprayer with 4 auxiliary air velocities, a ULV sprayer equipped to pick up and recirculate most spray particles that did not impinge on plant foliage, a commercial ULV nozzle at 2 atomizing pressures, and an injection sprayer that injects nonmiscible insecticides into the system were compared. All plots treated with insecticides had significantly better insect control than the untreated plots. The plots sprayed with the injection sprayer had significantly better insect control than plots sprayed with the ULV sprayer with the lowest auxiliary air velocity (8 km/h) and the commercial nozzle at both atomizing air pressures (1.4 and 0.7 kg/cm2). There were no significant differences between other treatments.
HOW ACCURATE IS PATIENT-SPECIFIC INSTRUMENTATION? A COMPARISON OF PRE-OPERATIVE PLANNING IN DIFFERENT PSI SOFTWARE PROGRAMMES GIVEN IDENTICAL MRI

Introduction Patient specific instrumentation (PSI) generates customized guides from an MRI- or CT-based preoperative plan for use in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). PSI software executes the preoperative planning process. Several manufacturers have developed proprietary PSI software for preoperative planning. It is possible that each proprietary software has a unique preoperative planning process, which may lead to variation in preoperative plans among manufactures and thus variation in the overall PSI technology. The purpose of this study was to determine whether different PSI software generate similar preoperative plans when applied to a single implant system and given identical MR images. Methods In this prospective comparative study, we evaluated PSI preoperative plans generated by Materialise software and Zimmer Patient Specific Instruments software for 37 consecutive knees. All plans utilized the Zimmer Persona™ CR implant system and were approved by a single experienced surgeon blinded to the other software-generated preoperative plan. For each knee, the MRI reconstructions for both software programs were evaluated to qualitatively determine differences in bony landmark identification. The software-generated preoperative plans were assessed to determine differences in preoperative alignment, component sizes, and resection depth. PSI planned bone resection was compared to actual bone resection to assess the accuracy of intraoperative execution. Results Materialise and Zimmer PSI software displayed differences in identification of bony landmarks in the femur and tibia. Zimmer software determined preoperative alignment to be 0.5° more varus (p=0.008) compared to Materialise software. Discordance in femoral component size prediction occurred in 37.8% of cases (p Discussion The present study suggests that there is notable variation in the PSI preoperative planning process of generating a preoperative plan from MR images. We found clinically significant differences with regard to bony landmark identification, component size selection, and predicted bone resection in the posterior femur between preoperative plans generated by two PSI software programs using identical MR images and a single implant system. Surgeons should be prepared to intraoperatively deviate from PSI selected size by 1 size. They should be aware that the inherent magnitude of error for PSI bone resection with regard to both planning and execution is within 2–3 mm. Users of PSI should acknowledge the variation in the preoperative planning process when using PSI software from different manufacturers. Manufacturers should continue to improve three-dimensional MRI reconstruction, bony landmark identification, preoperative alignment assessment, component size selection, and algorithms for bone resection in order to improve PSI preoperative planning process.
The United Arab Emirates

Energy security has often been associated with the non-interruption of oil supplies. This association fails to capture the growing significance of other sources of energy and the fact that energy security is a major concern for both consumers and producers. A recent study by the International Energy Agency (IEA) highlights four dimensions of the concept: availability (geological), accessibility (geopolitical), affordability (economic), and acceptability (environmental and social).1
Do Insurance Mandates Affect Racial Disparities in Outcomes for Children with Autism

Objective The study investigated whether state mandates for private insurers to provide services for children with autism influence racial disparities in outcomes. Methods The study used 2005/2006 and 2009/2010 waves of the National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs. Children with a current diagnosis of autism were included in the sample. Children residing in 14 states and the District of Columbia that were not covered by the mandate in the 2005/2006 survey, but were covered in the 2009/2010 survey, served as the mandate group. Children residing in 32 states that were not covered by a mandate in either wave served as the comparison group. Outcome measures assessed included care quality, family economics, and child health. A difference-in-difference-in-differences (DDD) approach was used to assess the impact of the mandates on racial disparities in outcomes. Results Non-white children had less access to family-centered care compared to white children in both waves of data, but this difference was not apparent across mandate and comparison states as only the comparison states had significant differences. Parents of non-white children reported paying less in annual out-of-pocket expenses compared to parents of white children across waves and groups. DDD estimates did not provide evidence that the mandates had statistically significant effects on improving or worsening racial disparities for any outcome measure. Conclusions This study did not find evidence that state mandates on private insurers affected racial disparities in outcomes for children with autism.
Ausonius' ‘Late-Antique’ Poetics and ‘Post-Modern’ Literary Theory

The fourth-century Latin poet, Ausonius, enjoyed in his own time considerable prestige and success. Our witnesses for this reputation are by no means inconsiderable figures. In a letter, the emperor Theodosius proclaims that his admiration for the poet could not be greater. He equates Ausonius with the poets of the Augustan golden age and concludes that, although Augustus might have esteemed these authors as highly as Theodosius does Ausonius, he could not possibly have loved them more. In another fascinating document, Symmachus, one of the most influential and learned men of the age, playfully castigates Ausonius for the fact that, despite their friendship, he hasn't received a copy of the poet's latest best seller. The work in question is Ausonius' poem in praise of the Moselle river; copies of it, Symmachus punningly protests, are circulating everywhere, but they have glided right past him. Still, he has managed to obtain a copy to read, and the praise he lavishes on the work is boundless; he proclaims that the Moselle has become more famous than the Tiber and does not blush to conclude by holding up Ausonius to the master himself, Vergil: ego hoc tuum carmen libris Maronis adiungo (‘I class your poetry with Vergil's’).
Synergistic immunologic targets for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is a common disease and, while detection and treatment have advanced, it remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in men. Research suggests significant involvement of the immune system in the pathogenesis and progression of prostate cancer, indicating that immunologic therapies may benefit patients. Two immunologic factors, interleukin-2 and transforming growth factor-β, may be especially attractive therapeutic targets for prostate cancer. Specifically, an increase in interleukin-2 signaling and a decrease in transforming growth factor-β signaling might help improve immunologic recognition and targeting of tumor cells. The purpose of this review is to highlight the evidence that interleukin-2 and blockade of transforming growth factor-β could be used to target prostate cancer based on current understanding of immune function in the context of prostate cancer. Additionally, current treatments related to these two factors for prostate and other cancers will be used to strengthe...
Testicular Function and Hormonal Regulation in Fishes

Publisher Summary This chapter summarizes the testicular and accessory structure function and hormonal regulation in teleost fishes. Fishes are a particularly powerful group for investigating endocrine signaling pathways of testicular function and spermatogenesis, and coordination with reproductive behavior. The cystic nature of spermatogenesis in fishes facilitates molecular dissection of the various chemical messengers control particular stages of spermatogenesis. The diversity of reproductive modes in fishes provides a rich resource for comparative studies of endocrine control of testicular function. The genome-wide duplication that occurred at the appearance of the Teleostei has provided many genes that could be explored for studying protein function as related to relatively small changes in structure and in comparison to the function of the single copy of these genes in the nonteleost fishes. Finally, advances in understanding of fish phylogeny, together with the increasing ease of sequencing and other molecular techniques, now makes more feasible the addressing of very challenging questions regarding testicular function, even in “nonmodel” species.
A phase I study assessing the feasibility and safety of intraductal pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) in women with breast cancer

e11506 Background: Most breast cancers originate in epithelial cells lining the breast ducts. Preclinical data suggest that intraductal administration of chemotherapy including PLD decrease tumor volume, prevent the development of new lesions, and eradicate pre-malignant disease. We initiated a clinical trial to determine the feasibility, safety, and maximum tolerated dose of PLD administered into one duct of women awaiting mastectomy. Methods: Women 18 or older awaiting mastectomy for breast cancer were eligible. Preoperative chemotherapy was allowed. T4 tumors, prior breast irradiation, or surgeries that may have altered the ductal system were excluded. Nipple aspiration and ductal cannulation were completed and the first 3 women received 5 mL of intraductal dextrose. PLD was administered to subsequent participants on a dose escalation schema based on preclinical pharmacokinetic and safety data. Serial doxorubicin (Dox) and doxorubicinol (Doxol) concentrations were determined in plasma by LC/MS/MS. At m...
The Effect of Playing Surface on Injury Rate: A Review of the Current Literature

Synthetic playing surfaces are widely used for field and court sports. Artificial turf surfaces are commonly used as an alternative to natural grass, while outdoor surfaces like clay and acrylic are also prevalent. The effect of these synthetic surfaces on injury rates has not been clearly established. The available literature is largely limited to football and soccer data and the majority of studies are short-term. Confounding variables such as climate, player position and footwear, as well as varying definitions of injury, also make it difficult to draw firm conclusions about the general effect of artificial playing surfaces on injury rates. Many peer-reviewed studies cite a higher overall rate of injury on first- and second-generation artificial turf surfaces compared with natural grass. Despite differences in injury type, the rate of injury on third-generation and natural grass surfaces appears to be comparable. It also appears that clay is significantly safer than either grass or hard court tennis surfaces, but this is a conclusion drawn with limited data. Further research investigating overall injury trends as well as sport-specific data is needed to draw more definitive conclusions regarding the effect of artificial playing surfaces on injury rates.
Patterns of care of IMRT usage in postoperative management of uterine cancer.

Abstract Objective To analyze the patterns of care regarding intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) usage in the postoperative management of uterine cancer. Methods The National Cancer Database was queried to identify women with endometrial adenocarcinoma who underwent hysterectomy followed by external beam radiation between 2004–2012. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze IMRT usage with comparison via the Chi Square test. Overall survival was also compared between IMRT and three dimensional conformal radiation therapy. Multivariable logistic regression and multivariable Cox Regression were used to identify covariables that impact IMRT usage and improved survival respectively. Results 7839 women were included in this study. IMRT utilization increased from 1.9% in 2004 to 32.4% in 2012 (p Conclusions In this hospital-based registry, IMRT has significantly increased in utilization for postoperative radiation in uterine cancer between 2004–2012 although not resulting in significantly improved survival. Socioeconomic and racial disparities exist in the allocation of IMRT usage.
The Dissertation Process and Mentor Relationships for African American and Latina/o Students in an Online Program.

ABSTRACTTo examine the problem of underrepresentation of minority students in doctoral programs, the author utilized a mixed-methods case study of an online doctoral program in which large numbers of African American and Latina/o students were enrolled. Themes uncovered in the study centered on specific academic and nonacademic challenges, the important role of mentors, and the impact of degree completion on students. Recommendations include effective mentor–mentee matching and increased sensitivity to particular challenges for underrepresented minority students in doctoral programs.
Theory of avoided criticality in quantum motion in a random potential in high dimensions

The density of states of a three-dimensional Dirac equation with a random potential as well as in other problems of quantum motion in a random potential placed in sufficiently high spatial dimensionality appears to be singular at a certain critical disorder strength. This was seen numerically in a variety of studies as well as supported by detailed renormalization group calculations. At the same time it was suggested by a number of arguments accompanied by detailed numerical simulations that this singularity is rounded off by the rare region fluctuations of random potential, and that tuning the disorder past its critical value is not a genuine phase transition but rather a crossover. Here we develop an analytic theory which explains how rare region effects indeed lead to rounding off of the singularity and to the crossover replacing the transition.
The Isolation of Nuclei from Paramecium aurelia.

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a comprehensive description, including failures, of methods for isolating macro- and micronuclei from Paramecium Aurelia. In the method for isolating macronuclei, the aim is to use conditions that (1) caused cell disruption but left the nuclei intact, (2) allowed isolation of at least 50% of the nuclei with minimal contamination from other subcellular structures, (3) protected the nuclei so that macromolecular compositional studies could be performed and, (4) resulted in a method that was reproducible and applicable to a variety of Paramecium Syngens as well as to other ciliates. The procedure for isolating macronuclei is successful on three different Syngens as well as one stock of Euplotes minuta ; in general it was a reliable reproducible method. There is some indication that certain enzymes, for example, DNA polymerase, can be lost from isolated nuclei in the presence of 0.5% detergents. For this reason, an extensive modification is embarked on the macronuclei procedure.
Abstract 18843: Evaluating Appropriate Use of Pediatric Echocardiogram for Chest Pain in Outpatient Clinics

Introduction: Echocardiography is often used in the evaluation of pediatric chest pain but incidence of uncovered cardiac pathology is low. In 2014, the American College of Cardiology published app...
Docosahexaenoic Acid in Combination with Dietary Energy Restriction for Reducing the Risk of Obesity Related Breast Cancer

There is strong evidence that obesity poses a significant risk factor for postmenopausal breast cancer. There are multiple mechanisms by which obesity can predispose to breast cancer, prominent among which is the creation of a pro-inflammatory milieu systemically in the visceral and subcutaneous tissue, as well as locally in the breast. Although dietary intervention studies have shown in general a favorable effect on biomarkers of breast cancer risk, it is still unclear whether losing excess weight will lower the risk. In this manuscript, we will review the evidence that omega-3 fatty acids, and among them docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in particular, may reduce the risk of obesity related breast cancer primarily because of their pleotropic effects which target many of the systemic and local oncogenic pathways activated by excess weight. We will also review the evidence indicating that intentional weight loss (IWL) induced by dietary energy restriction (DER) will augment the tumor protective effect of DHA because of its complementary mechanisms of action and its ability to reverse the obesity-induced alterations in fatty acid metabolism predisposing to carcinogenesis. We believe that the combination of DER and DHA is a promising safe and effective intervention for reducing obesity-related breast cancer risk which needs to be validated in appropriately designed prospective, randomized clinical trials.
Emerging Biomarkers in Cutaneous Melanoma

Earlier identification of aggressive melanoma remains a goal in the field of melanoma research. With new targeted and immune therapies that have revolutionized the care of patients with melanoma, the ability to predict progression and monitor or predict response to therapy has become the new focus of research into biomarkers in melanoma. In this review, promising biomarkers are highlighted. These biomarkers have been used to diagnose melanoma as well as predict progression to advanced disease and response to therapy. The biomarkers take various forms, including protein expression at the level of tissue, genetic mutations of cancer cells, and detection of circulating DNA. First, a brief description is provided about the conventional tissue markers used to stage melanoma, including tumor depth. Next, protein biomarkers, which provide both diagnostic and prognostic information, are described. This is followed by a discussion of important genetic mutations, microRNA, and epigenetic modifications that can provide therapeutic and prognostic material. Finally, emerging serologic biomarkers are reviewed, including circulating melanoma cells and exosomes. Overall the goal is to identify biomarkers that aid in the earlier identification and improved treatment of aggressive melanoma.
Biocompatibility of engineered soft tissue created by stem cells

Abstract: Orthopedic and dental implants replace millions of arthritic, traumatic or lost skeletal or dental structures. All orthopedic or dental implants can fail, and the central reason for failure is that metallic implants do not remodel with host tissue. Current implants rely primarily on tissue growth onto implants or an ‘outside-in’ strategy. This chapter discusses an ‘inside-out’ strategy to induce tissue ingrowth by cytokine delivery. Drug-eluting porous implants have the advantage not only of reducing bulk metal mass, but also of harboring cytokines that are programmed to release into surrounding tissue. This coupled inside-out and outside-in strategy improves bone ingrowth.
Mechanisms of Profile Evolution

The etching of features is dominated by processes which are dependent upon the feature aspect ratio, i.e. the feature depth to width, as shown in Fig. 12. The etching rate of smaller features is slower compared to that of larger features. This is called Aspect Ratio Dependent Etching (ARDE) or Reactive Ion Etching lag (RIE lag), as shown in Fig. 13.
The National Institute of Mental Health--Epidemiologic Catchment Area (NIMH-ECA) program. Background, preliminary findings and implications.

The ECA project is now beginning to report its preliminary findings regarding rates of disorders and risk factors. The specific rates are likely to change as criteria are refined and after data from individuals residing in institutional settings are analyzed.
Emerging trends and issues in education

This edited collection delivers in-depth insight into current and emerging educational issues as promised. The book is broken down into two parts, each containing four chapters: Part 1 covers globa...
Journal of Hematology & Oncology reviewer acknowledgement 2012

The editor of Journal of Hematology & Oncology would like to thank all our reviewers who have contributed to the journal in Volume 5 (2012).
The distorting effects of racial animus on proximity voting in the 2016 elections

Abstract While the use of racial appeals by the 2016 Trump campaign is indisputable, researchers are actively debating their precise role in influencing voter behavior in the election. We seek to expand upon existing research which finds that racial animus electorally benefited the Trump campaign. We examine to what extent those benefits also materialized for GOP candidates down-ballot and whether racial animus distorted ideological proximity voting in the 2016 election. We find that racial animus among voters helped Republicans at multiple ballot levels and that higher levels of racial animus distorted spatial voting among voters ideologically closest to the Democratic candidate.
The UN and space — 1990 review

Abstract In its 44th session the United Nations passed resolutions endorsing International Space Year and the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, both scheduled for 1992. Together they provide for global efforts to understand and protect the Earth and its environment. N. Jasentuliyana, Director of the Outer Space Affairs Division at the UN, outlines their significance.
PREVALENCE AND PREDICTORS OF CARDIAC PATHOLOGY ON TRANSTHORACIC ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY AMONG PATIENTS ADMITTED FOR ACUTE ISCHEMIC STROKE

Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is a routine part of the workup of acute ischemic stroke (AIS), but its diagnostic yield is unknown. We aimed to determine the prevalence of AIS-associated cardiac findings (CF), the odds of these findings being newly discovered compared to a prior TTE, and the
Contemporary Religious Literature Conversation Group

The Contemporary Religious Literature Conversation Group provides a space during the annual conference to discuss books and other resources that the group finds interesting and meaningful. It’s a good place to find the next book on your reading list.
Optimal decoding of NFkB signaling dynamic

The encoder/decoder paradigm suggests that signaling networks transform information about the extracellular environment into specific signaling patterns that are then read by downstream effectors to control cellular behavior. Previous work used information theoretical tools to analyze the fidelity of encoding using dynamic signaling patterns. However, as the overall fidelity depends on both encoding and decoding, it is important to consider information loss during signal decoding. Here we used NFkB signaling as a model to understand the accuracy of signal decoding. Using a detailed mathematical model we simulated realistic NFkB signaling patterns with different degrees of variability. The NFkB patterns were used as an input to a simple gene expression model. Analysis of information transmission between ligand and NFkB and ligand and gene expression allow us to determine information loss in both encoding and decoding steps. Information loss could occur due to biochemical noise or due to lack of specificity in decoding response. We found that noise free decoding has very little information loss suggesting that decoding through gene expression can preserve specificity in NFkB patterns. As expected, information transmission through a noisy decoder suffers from information loss. Interestingly, this effect can be mitigated by a specific choice of decoding parameters that can substantially reduce information loss due to biochemical noise during signal decoding. Overall our results show that optimal decoding of dynamic patterns can preserve ligand specificity to maximize the accuracy of cellular response to environmental cues.nnSynopsisThe fidelity of signal transduction depends on the accurate encoding of ligand information in specific signaling patterns and the reliable decoding of these patterns by downstream gene expression machinery. We present an analysis of the accuracy of decoding processes in the case of the transcription factor NFkB. We show that noiseless decoding can preserve ligand identity with minimal information loss. Noisy decoding does result in information loss, an effect that can be largely mitigated by choice of optimal decoding parameter values. O_LIDecoding of dynamic signaling patterns by a simple gene model can preserve most of the information about ligand identity.nC_LIO_LINoisy decoding will result in information loss, but this effect can be mitigated by the optimal choice of decoding parameters.nC_LIO_LIImprovement in decoding is a result of decreased variability in gene expression patterns.nC_LI
Factivity Meets Polarity: On Two Differences Between Italian Versus English Factives

Italian and English factives differ from each other in interesting and puzzling ways. English emotive factives (regret, sorry) license Negative Polarity Items (NPIs), while their Italian counterparts don’t. Moreover, when factives of all kinds (emotive or cognitive) occur in the scope of negation in Italian an intervention effect emerges that interferes with NPI licensing way more robustly than in English. In this paper, I explore the idea that this contrast between Italian and English may be due to a difference in the Complementizer (C)-system of the two languages that parallels a difference that has been noted in the literature between the singular and the plural definite determiner the with respect to NPI licensing. Understanding how factives differ across languages with respect to polarity phenomena is not only interesting in its own right, but also because it sheds further light on how logical contradictions may affect grammaticality judgments.
CALIPSO level 3 stratospheric aerosol profile product: version 1.00 algorithm description and initial assessment

Abstract. In August 2018, the Cloud–Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) project released a new level 3 stratospheric aerosol profile data product derived from nearly 12 years of measurements acquired by the spaceborne Cloud–Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP). This monthly averaged, gridded level 3 product is based on version 4 of the CALIOP level 1B and level 2 data products, which feature significantly improved calibration that now makes it possible to reliably retrieve profiles of stratospheric aerosol extinction and backscatter coefficients at 532 nm. This paper describes the science algorithm and data handling techniques that were developed to generate the CALIPSO version 1.00 level 3 stratospheric aerosol profile product. Further, we show that the extinction profiles (retrieved using a constant lidar ratio of 50 sr) capture the major stratospheric perturbations in both hemispheres over the last decade resulting from volcanic eruptions, extreme smoke events, and signatures of stratospheric dynamics. Initial assessment of the product by intercomparison with the stratospheric aerosol retrievals from the Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment III (SAGE III) on the International Space Station (ISS) indicates good agreement in the tropical stratospheric aerosol layer (30 ∘ N–30 ∘ S), where the average difference between zonal mean extinction profiles is typically less than 25 % between 20 and 30 km (CALIPSO biased high). However, differences can exceed 100 % in the very low aerosol loading regimes found above 25 km at higher latitudes. Similarly, there are large differences ( ≥100 %) within 2 to 3 km above the tropopause that might be due to cloud contamination issues.
RNA Polymerase Inhibitors

The RNA polymerase inhibitors are a relatively small group of antibiotics that work by specifically inhibiting this enzyme in bacteria. They are all derivatives of rifamycin antibiotics. The major members of this group are rifampin and rifabutin. Other members of this group have little clinical utility. The major use for these drugs is in the treatment of tuberculosis. Rifampin is also used to treat several bacterial infections and, in addition, display some antiviral activity. Rifabutin has superior activity against Mycobacterium avium complex and is used primarily in AIDS patients with this infection. Both drugs are well absorbed, widely distributed in the body, extensively metabolized by the liver, and excreted mainly in urine. In general, these agents are well tolerated. Some adverse effects can occur with either daily or intermittent therapy, whereas others usually only occur with the latter. Serious reactions are uncommon if the recommended regimens for daily and intermittent therapy are followed …
A method to rapidly analyze the simultaneous release of multiple pharmaceuticals from electrospun fibers.

Abstract Electrospun fibers are a commonly used cell scaffold and have also been used as pharmaceutical delivery devices. In this study, we developed a method to analyze the release of multiple pharmaceuticals from a single electrospun fiber scaffold and determine how each pharmaceutical’s loading concentration affects the release rate of each pharmaceutical. Our analysis methods were tested on electrospun fibers loaded with two pharmaceuticals: 6-aminonicotinamide (6AN) and ibuprofen. Pharmaceutical concentration in electrospun fibers ranged from 1.5% to 8.5% by weight. We found that 6AN release was dependent on the concentration of 6AN and ibuprofen loaded into the fibers, while ibuprofen release was only dependent on the loading concentration of ibuprofen but not 6AN. Unexpectedly, ibuprofen release became dependent on both 6AN and ibuprofen loading concentrations when fibers were aged for 1-month post-fabrication at room temperature in the laboratory followed by a 4-hour incubation inside the cell culture incubator at 37 °C and 5% CO2. One additional discovery was an unknown signal that was attributed to the medical grade syringes used for electrospinning, which was easily removed using our method. These results demonstrate the utility of the methods developed here and indicate multiple agents can be released concomitantly from electrospun fibers to meet the demands of more complex tissue engineering approaches. Future work will focus on analysis of pharmaceutical release profiles to exploit the dependencies on pharmaceutical loading concentrations.
Outcomes of a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) eradication protocol in pediatric cystic fibrosis (CF) patients.

Objective Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients have greatly increased in prevalence in the past two decades and may lead to a more rapid rate of lung function decline. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of a MRSA eradication protocol on long-term culture results and clinical outcomes of pediatric CF patients in a real-world setting. Methods This was a single-center, retrospective study of children age 30 days to 17 years. Eradication followed the STAR-too study protocol. The primary outcome was the percent of patients with MRSA-negative cultures at 12 months. Secondary outcomes were the percent of patients with negative cultures at 3, 6, and greater than 12 months and changes in clinical outcomes compared to individual baseline. Results Of the 55 patients who met inclusion criteria, 10 received protocol eradication. Baseline characteristics were similar between eradication and control groups except more eradication patients were on ivacaftor (30% vs 4%; P = .037). Two eradication patients did not receive rifampin due to ivacaftor use. Eradication did not significantly increase the percent of MRSA-negative cultures at 3 months (P = .122), 6 months (P = .058), or 12 months (P = .108); however, did increase culture negativity at greater than 12 months (P = .008). Eradication resulted in no significant differences in clinical outcomes compared to control. Conclusions An extensive eradication protocol may lead to an increased clearance rate of long-term CF respiratory cultures but does not appear to affect clinical outcomes. Eradication may be reasonable to attempt; however, more data is needed before routine recommendation in all patients.
Using VR Generated Pedestrian Behaviors in Autonomous Vehicle Simulations

Simulation is a requirement for the safe and effective deployment of autonomous vehicle software given the wide range of possible scenarios which a vehicle can experience. These simulations need to accurately represent interactions with not just other vehicles, but also pedestrians. Humans often do not move in a perfectly linear way when interacting with the objects around them. Their position and rotations change as their focus and interest is piqued in various directions. Data collected by Deb et al. shows pedestrians in VR do not react the same to autonomous vehicles as they do to manned vehicles. Therefore, it is not suitable nor desirable to use straight line paths with pedestrian animations in simulation environments. In this experiment, we leverage the position and rotation data collected by Deb et al. during VR pedestrian crosswalk studies as a source for realistic pathing behaviors for animated pedestrians in the Mississippi Autonomous Vehicle Simulator.
Machine learning models to predict electroencephalographic seizures in critically ill children.

Abstract Objective To determine whether machine learning techniques would enhance our ability to incorporate key variables into a parsimonious model with optimized prediction performance for electroencephalographic seizure (ES) prediction in critically ill children. Methods We analyzed data from a prospective observational cohort study of 719 consecutive critically ill children with encephalopathy who underwent clinically-indicated continuous EEG monitoring (CEEG). We implemented and compared three state-of-the-art machine learning methods for ES prediction: (1) random forest; (2) Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO); and (3) Deep Learning Important FeaTures (DeepLIFT). We developed a ranking algorithm based on the relative importance of each variable derived from the machine learning methods. Results Based on our ranking algorithm, the top five variables for ES prediction were: (1) epileptiform discharges in the initial 30 minutes, (2) clinical seizures prior to CEEG initiation, (3) sex, (4) age dichotomized at 1 year, and (5) epileptic encephalopathy. Compared to the stepwise selection-based approach in logistic regression, the top variables selected by our ranking algorithm were more informative as models utilizing the top variables achieved better prediction performance evaluated by prediction accuracy, AUROC and F1 score. Adding additional variables did not improve and sometimes worsened model performance. Conclusion The ranking algorithm was helpful in deriving a parsimonious model for ES prediction with optimal performance. However, application of state-of-the-art machine learning models did not substantially improve model performance compared to prior logistic regression models. Thus, to further improve the ES prediction, we may need to collect more samples and variables that provide additional information.
Measuring the Effect of Gentrification on Displacement: Multifamily Housing and Eviction in Wisconsin's Madison Urban Region

Gentrification research is often based on aerial units that function as proxies for neighborhoods. Despite the applicability of this approach, the method is susceptible to the modifiable aerial uni...
Corpus Linguistics and Vico's Lament: Against Vivisectional Jurisprudence

The “new textualist” approach to legal interpretation, most closely identified with the late Justice Scalia, argues that the meaning of a legal text is just the ordinary meaning that the words would have had for an average competent speaker of the language at the time of their enactment as a statute. Too often, judges appear to be drawing on their vague intuitions about “ordinary meaning,” usually under the cover of citing to malleable and contradictory dictionary definitions. This poses a serious problem, because a primary justification for new textualist methods is the ability to discern legal meaning in an objective manner that rises above a particular judge’s subjective desires. Some legal theorists recently have turned to corpus analysis, claiming that this tool developed by professional linguists provides the empirical methodology capable of identifying the ordinary meaning of words used in a legal text by rigorously examining how the words generally were used at a given point in the past. Although not foolproof, legal scholars argue that corpus analysis often will be able to identify the ordinary meaning of words and phrases as they were used when the legal text was adopted, thereby providing an objective means to specify legal meaning under the new textualist approach. The lure of corpus analysis for legal theorists is the most recent in a long history of similar Siren calls. We are seduced by the promise of a methodology that claims to apply the law to a specific case in a manner that permits observers to monitor and assess whether that application of the law is objectively correct. But this allure inevitably founders on the rocks, leaving us unfulfilled, disappointed, and searching for the next promising suitor to lead us to a method for determining objectively correct answers. In this essay I argue against the deep impulse that motivates the contemporary turn to corpus linguistics precisely because this enticing “new” method re-inscribes the profoundly misguided theoretical premise of modern law that there are clear lines between “the law” and its “application to a specific case.” In his oration at the commencement of the 1708 term at the University of Naples, Giambattista Vico lamented the abandonment of rhetorical understanding and the misguided embrace of Cartesian analysis as the model of genuine knowledge. The past three centuries have borne witness to this slavish adherence to a focus on objective and empirical inquiry, neglecting the unavoidable role of rhetorical persuasion in legal meaning. My essay proceeds in the spirit of Vico’s great oration. I urge that, at long last, we should return to a conception of legal meaning as rhetorical knowledge.
High-speed synchrotron X-ray phase-contrast imaging for evaluating microscale damage mechanisms and tracking cracking behaviors inside cross-ply GFRCs

Abstract We integrated the high-speed synchrotron X-ray phase-contrast imaging (PCI) with a modified Kolsky compression bar loading platform to visualize the dynamic failure processes of cross-ply glass fiber reinforced composites (GFRCs). Four S-2 glass/SC-15 composite specimens were prepared, having similar thicknesses but different stacking sequences, namely as [012/9012], [9012/012], [08/908/08], and [908/08/908]. Three-dimensional synchrotron X-ray computed tomography and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to examine the microstructures and quantify the fiber volume fractions. Each specimen was notched and subjected to a dynamic three-point flexural loading. The onset of cracking close to the notch tip, crack propagation in 0° or 90° plies and their interface, crack opening, and ultimately failure of the specimen were captured by high-speed synchrotron X-ray PCI. Additional dynamic experiments were performed to determine the average time when the stress wave propagated through the specimen and correlate the X-ray images with the specimen's force-deflection response. Finally, the surface morphology of each specimen after the dynamic loading was imaged by SEM. Comparison between real-time X-ray images and post-fracture SEM images demonstrated the capability of the X-ray method to record damage evolution inside composites. Furthermore, the high spatial and temporal resolutions of the X-ray setup and edge enhancement by PCI enabled the identification of microscale damage features within 1 μs. Two damaging processes were identified, crack growth was quantified, and fracture toughness of the composites was evaluated. The method is deemed useful to reveal microscale damage mechanisms and track cracking behaviors inside cross-ply GFRCs under dynamic loading in real time.
The Cotton Acreage Effects of Boll Weevil Eradication: A County-Level Analysis

The success of the Boll Weevil Eradication (BWE) Program is believed to be one factor underlying the recent increase in cotton acreage in the Southeast. We find weak evidence that the initial, eradication phase of the BWE program decreases cotton acreage, and strong evidence that the second, maintenance phase of the program increases acreage. The full benefits associated with a BWE program may not become apparent until acreage adjustments occur, four to five years after program initiation. Our results indicate that for a representative sample county neglecting acreage effects may lead to underestimation of BWE program net benefits by 9 percent-12 percent. Pest Management (Ipm)