cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
[Rate of retention and related factors on patients under methadone maintenance treatment in Beijing: a prospective cohort study].

Objective To study the rates of retention and associated factors on patients undermethadone maintenance treatment (MMT) in Beijing.Methods A prospective cohort wasconducted among 548 patients who enrolled in MMT clinics during 2004-2006 in Beijing.Log-rankmethod and Cox PH regression models were used to study related factors associated with long-termretention.Results Of the 548 patients,463 (79.6％) were males,with 515 (94.0％) under Hanethnicity.443 (80.8％) of them were unemployed with 449 (81.9％) as injecting drug users at the timeof enrollment.The average age and duration of drug abuse at enrollment were 37.3± 6.7 and 9.1 ± 4.0years,respectively.The median length of treatment was 2.1 years with five-year retention rate as41.2％.The long-term retention rates between different dosages (Log-rank x2＝ 10.527,P＝0.005),treatment ratio (Log-rank x2＝ 19.027,P＜0.001) and illicit drug use (Log-rank x2＝159.485,P＜0.001) showed significant differences,statistically.Factors as having high education level (HR ＝ 0.76,P＝ 0.021),with daily dosage 60 mg/day or more (HR＝ 0.64,P＝0.002),having 1％-9％ times urine morphine positive result (HR＝0.32,P＜0.001) seemed to be able to predict the lower risk of dropout during the follow-up period.However,frequent illicit drug use (＞20％)(HR＝2.92,P＜0.001) could increase the risk of dropout.Conclusion Treatment with higher dosage (≥60 mg/day) of methadone seemed to have decreased the possibility of dropout during the follow-up period,whereas frequent illicit drug use (≥20％) was important risk factor causing long-term retention. Key words: Methadone maintenance treatment; Drug users; Risk factor
Venous Intravasation of Barium into the Inferior Mesenteric Vein Mimicking a Coloureteral Fistula: A Case Report and Literature Review

AbstractVenous intravasation of barium following a barium enema is a rare event. We report a case of barium venous intravasation into the inferior mesenteric vein. Because of the close proximity to the course of the left ureter, this condition was interpreted initially as a coloureteral fistula. After further analysis of the original films, and left retrograde pyelography the true diagnosis was established. A literature review of barium intravasation is presented.
The Road to Kazanistan

When Rawls is credited with restoring normative discourse in politics, the praise might mean that his example freed theorists long afraid to buck the positivist tide that ran so strong in the first two-thirds of the twentieth century. Or it might mean that his work broke the hold of the machiavellian equation of realism with realpolitik so often attached to the idea of value-free social science in the study and teaching of politics, history, and law. There is some truth in those claims. Rawls did help make normative claims respectable where they had been shunned. He must share the credit, of course, with Watergate, which provoked widespread calls for a new infusion of moral concerns into public life and for the teaching of morality to future leaders and professionals. Such spirited calls seem innocent of the ancient recognition that virtue is learned more from practice and example than from precept and tuition. The fond hopes for moral education externalized the infamy, ducking the admission that Watergate, like many another scandal, was not just a violation of the ethos but also an ugly caricature of it – spit and image of the practices long modeled in the Lone Ranger's forays into villains’ safes and offices: Conscientious subterfuge was fine, so long as it stayed sub rosa. The jig was up when Nixon was caught sending men into the Watergate sniffing for evidence of Cuban ties to the Democratic Party. The same moralists who voiced shock at the burglary lionized Daniel Ellsberg for leaking the Pentagon Papers. Plato's lesson was hard to learn and easy to forget: It was not Socrates but Athens who formed the character of Alcibiades. Morals, for much of the twentieth century, were readily and willfully confused with moralism. The Vienna Circle – their shadow grown tall by mid-century, silhouetted in the glow of scientistic optimism – shunned value talk. They had seen the rhetoric of idealism carried off by extremist ideologues to misty metaphysical heights and then restored, deflowered and led captive by dubious and dangerous causes. Positivism looked clearer and cleaner. Pragmatism felt more down to earth than overt metaphysics. And utilitarianism, at least, seemed naturalistic and forward looking. Or Marxism – if one could trust its promises and ignore the noises off from the dungeons and the Gulag – bruited itself as scientific and progressive, the wave of the future.
Text‐message reminders plus incentives increase adherence to antidiabetic medication in adults with type 2 diabetes

Some adults with Type 2 diabetes mellitus have difficulty adhering to their oral medication regimens. The current study used a multiple baseline design with 3 adults with Type 2 diabetes. Medication taking was monitored remotely in real time via an electronic pill bottle. During the intervention, monetary incentives were delivered contingent on evidence of adherence to taking medication at specified times. Text-message reminders were also sent if medication was not taken. Adherence increased for all participants. Future studies should separate the relative contributions of text-message and incentive components of the intervention.
Neurosphere Culture and Human Organotypic Model to Evaluate Brain Tumor Stem Cells

The brain tumor stem cell (BTSC) hypothesis is based on the premise that there is a subpopulation of cells within tumors with tumorigenic and pluripotent properties. BTSC are believed to be responsible for both the initiation of brain tumors and their resistance to current therapeutic modalities. This new paradigm stresses the need for adequate techniques to culture and characterize this special population of cells. Furthermore, the use of different cell migration assays offers the possibility to evaluate the processes involved in glioma metastasis. In this chapter, we summarize a method to culture, analyze the cellular characteristics, and study the invasion of BTSCs using a neurosphere assay, cryostat sectioning, and human organotypic brain cortex migration assay, respectively.
State-Level Immunization Information Systems: Potential for Childhood Immunization Data Linkages

Objectives Sources of immunization data include state registries or immunization information systems (IIS), medical records, and surveys. Little is known about the quality of these data sources or the feasibility of using IIS data for research. We assessed the feasibility of collecting immunization information for a national children's health study by accessing existing IIS data and comparing the completeness of these data against medical record abstractions (MRA) and parent report. Staff time needed to obtain IIS and MRA data was assessed. Methods We administered a questionnaire to state-level IIS representatives to ascertain availability and completeness of their data for research and gather information about data formats. We evaluated quality of data from IIS, medical records, and reports from parents of 119 National Children's Study participants at three locations. Results IIS data were comparable to MRA data and both were more complete than parental report. Agreement between IIS and MRA data was greater than between parental report and MRA, suggesting IIS and MRA are better sources than parental report. Obtaining IIS data took less staff time than chart review, making IIS data linkage for research a preferred choice. Conclusions IIS survey results indicate data can be obtained by researchers using data linkages. IIS are an accessible and feasible child immunization information source and these registries reduce reliance on parental report or medical record abstraction. Researchers seeking to link IIS data with large multi-site studies should consider acquiring IIS data, but may need strategies to overcome barriers to data completeness and linkage.
Advances on localization techniques for wireless sensor networks

Localization in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is regarded as an emerging technology for numerous cyber-physical system applications, which equips wireless sensors with the capability to report data that is geographically meaningful for location based services and applications. However, due to the increasingly pervasive existence of smart sensors in WSN, a single localization technique that affects the overall performance is not sufficient for all applications. Thus, there have been many significant advances on localization techniques in WSNs in the past few years. The main goal in this paper is to present the state-of-the-art research results and approaches proposed for localization in WSNs. Specifically, we present the recent advances on localization techniques in WSNs by considering a wide variety of factors and categorizing them in terms of data processing (centralized vs. distributed), transmission range (range free vs. range based), mobility (static vs. mobile), operating environments (indoor vs. outdoor), node density (sparse vs. dense), routing, algorithms, etc. The recent localization techniques in WSNs are also summarized in the form of tables. With this paper, readers can have a more thorough understanding of localization in sensor networks, as well as research trends and future research directions in this area.
Studies of the Johnson Test as a Test of Motor Educability

(1938). Studies of the Johnson Test as a Test of Motor Educability. Research Quarterly. American Association for Health and Physical Education: Vol. 9, No. 4, pp. 105-114.
Defects in Management of Labile Iron and Oxidative Stress Underpin Red Cell Enucleation Defects in Rb Null Mice.

Abstract The Rb tumor suppressor is critically required for end-stage red cell maturation under conditions of oxidative stress, including in the developing fetal liver, in the bone marrow of aging mice, in the spleen and bone marrow of young mice treated with phenylhydrazine to induce hemolytic anemia, and in lethally irradiated mice reconstituted with donor tissue [1]. Loss of Rb resulted in a failure of end-stage red cells to enucleate, accumulation of red cells with a 4N DNA content and aberrant chromatin structure [1]. The molecular basis of these defects is not defined nor do we understand the reasons why pRb should be required under stress conditions, but not during normal “steady-state” erythropoiesis. The work presented will address both of these questions. In determining why pRb is critically required for stress erythropoiesis but not for steady-state erythropoiesis, we have demonstrated increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and labile iron in Rb null erythroblasts relative to wild-type control erythroblasts derived from E12.5 fetal liver. Furthermore, we show that quenching of ROS in Rb null erythroblasts by treatment of mice with the anti-oxidant N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) rescued aspects of the erythroid defect, including red cell enucleation and also extended the lifespan of Rb null mice. Similarly, chelation of labile iron with desferroxiamine restored enucleation capacity to Rb null erythroblasts. Furthermore, we show that the transferrin receptor (CD71) is transcriptionally repressed by pRb/E2F and examine whether deregulated expression of CD71 contributes to increased labile iron and oxidative stress in Rb null erythroblasts. These results suggest that loss of pRb limits the ability of erythroblasts to manage labile iron and oxidative stress, in part through deregulated expression of CD71, and that this contributes to the enucleation defect observed in Rb null mice. Given that pRb is itself regulated by ROS, we present a model in which the timely induction and repression of the CD71 receptor in differentiating erythroblasts is required to manage labile iron, oxidative stress and to coordinate cell cycle exit with end-stage maturation.
Neural Network Implementation for Realrtime Closed-Loop Motion Control of Redundant Robots

Abstract This paper describes an implementation of closed-loop motion control of redundant robots using a multi-layer neural network. The control scheme is developed based on the well known Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman algorithm of optimal control. The algorithm requires solving the algebraic matrix Riccati equation, which is very computationally time consuming, and not practical for real time control applications. This paper illustrates that the computing time can be drastically reduced by replacing solving the Riccati equation with a neural network. The effectiveness of the neural controller is demonstrated by applying it to a PUMA 650 robot with a simulated prismatic joint inserted between the elbow and the wrist to obtain an extra degree of freedom.
Statistical analysis of microearthquakes near Socorro New Mexico

Abstract Five year of data for microearthquakes originating in a small volume of crust near Socorro, New Mexico were analyzed to determine the temporal behavior of (1) the average number of shocks per unit time, (2) the slope of the earthquake-frequency graph, and (3) the energy release. Additional studies were made to establish the distribution function for the times observed between successive earthquakes and the hazard function. The temporal behavior of the mean number of shocks per unit time and the slope of the earthquake-frequency law were found to be quite erratic until the observation period was increased to 2 or more years (more than 200 shocks detected). Large numbers of shocks generally produced large energy release but the converse was not always true. The distribution function for the observed interarrival times between events was found to differ significantly from exponential and normal distribution functions. This observation, along with the behavior of the hazard function, indicates that the microearthquake sequence studied did not follow a Poisson process.
Fast and Accurate Computation of the Multilook Interferometric Phase Probability Density Function

This letter reports a method to compute the multilook interferometric phase probability density function (pdf) used in interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR). The method is fast and accurate for at least 10 000 looks and the full range of interferometric correlations. This is accomplished by computing the products of large and small numbers in the underlying hypergeometric series logarithmically and by deriving a single-term recursion relation to accelerate the computation. This letter extends the usable range of inputs to the multilook interferometric phase pdf for radar systems with a large number of looks and the entire practical range of interferometric correlation.
Mineralogical role on natural radioactivity content in the intertidal sands of Tamilnadu coast (HBRAs region), India

Activity concentration and mineralogical characterization in the intertidal sand samples of Tamilnadu coast, India have been analyzed. From the gamma spectral analysis, the average value of 238U, 232Th and 40K in the intertidal sand samples are 12 ± 4, 59 ± 4 and 197 ± 26 Bq kg−1 respectively. The average value of 232Th alone is slightly higher than the world average value. From XRD and FTIR analysis, monazite, zircon, ilmenite, magnetite, hematite, quartz, witherite, calcite, nacrite, microcline feldspar, orthoclase feldspar, gibbsite and organic carbon are identified. Of these minerals, monazite and microcline feldspar are the most associated with the presence of 232Th and 40K respectively.
The Historical-Institutional Context for Electrification and Power Sector Reform in Ghana: 1992–2008

The chapter argues that the circumvention of externally driven power sector reforms dictated by a neo-liberal agenda of reform resulted in piecemeal implementation, which paradoxically accounts for the success attributed to electrification schemes. Further expansion of independent power producers via market-oriented electric energy provision, as the chapter suggests, is likely to portend significant consequences for the rural populace, many of whom are poor.
Surgical Approaches to the Shoulder

In any surgical procedure about the shoulder, it is important to understand the particular anatomy related to those approaches. As our comfort with arthroscopic techniques increases, more procedures are being performed in a minimally invasive or arthroscopically assisted fashion. It is vital to understand open surgical anatomy in order to help avoid complications and to apply this knowledge to optimize exposure and reconstruction.
Survey and Interview Approaches to Studying Occupants

This chapter provides guidance for survey development related to building occupant research. Many researchers studying occupant behavior have used survey methods to collect self-reported data of occupant behaviors in buildings, either exclusively or in tandem with data gathered in field or laboratory studies. The chapter also serves as a how-to guide for issues such as: (a) how should survey questions be conceptualized, (b) are the questions measuring what was intended, (c) how should questions be written so that participants understand the intent, (d) how can the validity be increased for the survey itself, (e) how does one select the appropriate sample for a survey, and (f) how should one select the appropriate survey tool for data collection? Real examples of occupant behavior survey research and case studies offer lessons learned and precedent for future research efforts. Finally, the last section of the chapter presents a brief discussion of interview methods.
Disability, Well-Being, and (In)Apt Emotions

Dana Howard addresses whether some emotional responses toward disabled, which are stigmatizing and potentially unwarranted, assume a controversial understanding of disability. Certain conceptions of disability express or reinforce harmful stereotypes of disabled people, cause mistreatment, and make people with disabilities feel isolated or misunderstood. Howard then discusses whether these considerations are the wrong kinds of reasons to inform a conception of disability. Howard replies that these considerations should inform our conceptions of disability, not because certain attitudes toward disability have bad consequences but because they misrepresent disabled people’s experiences.
‘How does it look and feel to be plurilingual?’: analysing children's representations of plurilingualism through collage

Linguistic diversity has become a defining feature of schools in the twenty-first century. How do children make sense of such diversity and their own linguistic identities? This article draws on da...
Heart rate is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes: The diabetes heart study

Heart rate is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes: The diabetes heart study
Commentary of Demons, Spirits, and Elephants

A brief commentary on Melvin Dubnick’s (2018) article: “Demons, Spirits, and Elephants: Reflections on the Failure of Public Administration Theory."
Stress, Strain, and Their Relationships

The concepts of stress and strain are two of the most important concepts within the subject of mechanics of materials or mechanics of deformable bodies. They are discussed in detail in this chapter, particularly as they relate to two-dimensional situations.
Role of Uropontin in Urinary Calcium Stone Formation

Most stones formed in the urinary space are mineralized with calcium salts; the majority of these urinary calculi are composed principally of calcium oxalate1. Although normal urine is frequently supersaturated with respect to calcium oxalate, most humans do not form stones. The precise role of urinary inhibitors in the complex process of urinary stone formation that involves multiple factors is uncertain. The inhibitors of calcium oxalate crystal growth, nucleation and aggregation present in normal urine2-6 slow crystal growth and raise the concentration of calcium oxalate required for the spontaneous formation of new crystals. Protein macromolecules, rather than lower molecular weight moieties account for the majority of the inhibition of crystal growth observed in normal urine3. Even highly diluted normal urine will markedly decrease the growth of crystals in calcium oxalate solutions. The growth and aggregation of calcium oxalate crystals in vitro are significantly more inhibited by urine from normal subjects than from stone formers7, 8. New information concerning the molecular features of inhibitory proteins will provide the basis for better understanding their role(s) in stone formation.
Bedrock Channel Incision along the Upper Río Chagres Basin, Panama

Examination of various types of bedrock channel segments throughout the upper Rio Chagres network indicates the influences of lithology, rock-mass strength, jointing, and resistance to weathering on channel geometry. Bedrock channel segments throughout the upper Rio the Chagres basin take the form of step-pool sequences, pool-riffle sequences, and knickpoints and gorges. Mafic lithologies in the catchment have the greatest rock-mass strength and the longest exposures along the active channel, and are more likely to exert a strong local control on channel geometry. The longest continuous exposure of resistant rocks in the middle and lower portions of the upper Rio Chagres occurs in the Dos Cascadas reach, where upstream migration of two knickpoints has created a gorge. Surface textures (e.g., the presence of potholes) and erosion mechanisms of individual rock units in the Dos Cascadas reach correlate strongly with fracture spacing and rock hardness.
Wear Observations through Interfacial Micro-Windows

DIRECT observations of wearing processes are generally obscured completely by the slider or bearing material. As a result, a good deal of speculation has accumulated concerning the unknown mechanisms of wear. With reference to graphite, no satisfactory understanding had been gained.
Two-event lode-ore deposition at Butte, USA: 40Ar/39Ar and U-Pb documentation of Ag-Au-polymetallic lodes overprinted by younger stockwork Cu-Mo ores and penecontemporaneous Cu lodes

Abstract The ore-genesis model for world-class deposits of the Butte mining district, Montana, USA, is deep pre-Main Stage porphyry Cu-Mo and overlying Main Stage Ag-Zn-Cu zoned-lode deposits, both of which formed from hydrothermal fluids driven by minor volumes of rhyolitic magma. The lode-specific model is that hydrothermal processes diminished in intensity outward from district center along lode veins, synchronously forming metal zones. The accepted models are controverted by new geologic and multi-method geochronologic studies. The new data reveal the following sequence of events: (1) Thermal study of country rock indicates that the 76.9-Ma Butte Granite cooled to 350–400 °C by 4 m.y. after emplacement. (2) Five quartz porphyry rhyolite dikes were emplaced at 67–65 Ma and another at 60 Ma (SHRIMP U-Pb) into the cooled Butte Granite without resetting 40Ar/39Ar ages in country rock. (3) Fifty-eight white mica and K-feldspar samples from alteration envelopes adjacent to Ag-Au-polymetallic lodes in outer parts of the district, Zn-rich lodes in intermediate parts, and Cu-rich lodes in the district center yield 40Ar/39Ar ages of 73–70 Ma for Ag-rich lodes, 65–64 Ma for Cu-rich lodes, and complex age spectra of 69–65 Ma for Zn-rich lodes. The data show that Ag-Au-polymetallic lodes occupied cross-district fractures by about 73 Ma, forming the greater Butte mining district. At 67–65 Ma, minor quartz porphyry dikes were emplaced into central and eastern parts of the rejuvenated fracture system but without evidence of related cupola or volcanic rocks or of thermal disturbance in the country rock. At 64.5 Ma, overlapping hydrothermal cells formed two stockwork Cu-Mo domes in deep parts of the fracture system. At 65–64 Ma and closely related to late-stage stockwork Cu-Mo activity, a penecontemporaneous hydrothermal pulse formed a high-sulfidation hydrothermal plume that (1) utilized the large re-opened fractures to cannibalize and remobilize Cu from autologous, stockwork, and older Ag-Au-polymetallic lodes, (2) deposited the rich, high-sulfidation Cu lodes, and (3) mobilized metals from early Ag-Au-polymetallic veins in middle parts of the district, transported the metals outward and redeposited them, enriching early veins, especially in the intermediate Zn plus Cu areas. Metals zones in lodes of the Butte district are the result of an intensely focused, Cu-rich hydrothermal plume that variably reworked the center of significantly larger, 10 m.y. older, Ag-Au-polymetallic lodes.
Assessing Extratropical Influence on Observed El Niño–Southern Oscillation Events Using Regional Coupled Data Assimilation

AbstractThe extratropical influence on the observed events of El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) variability from 1948 to 2015 is assessed by constraining the extratropical atmospheric variability...
Cost-effectiveness of financial incentives for improving diet and health through Medicare and Medicaid: A microsimulation study

Background Economic incentives through health insurance may promote healthier behaviors. Little is known about health and economic impacts of incentivizing diet, a leading risk factor for diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD), through Medicare and Medicaid. Methods and findings A validated microsimulation model (CVD-PREDICT) estimated CVD and diabetes cases prevented, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), health-related costs (formal healthcare, informal healthcare, and lost-productivity costs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) of two policy scenarios for adults within Medicare and Medicaid, compared to a base case of no new intervention: (1) 30% subsidy on fruits and vegetables (“F&V incentive”) and (2) 30% subsidy on broader healthful foods including F&V, whole grains, nuts/seeds, seafood, and plant oils (“healthy food incentive”). Inputs included national demographic and dietary data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009–2014, policy effects and diet-disease effects from meta-analyses, and policy and health-related costs from established sources. Overall, 82 million adults (35–80 years old) were on Medicare and/or Medicaid. The mean (SD) age was 68.1 (11.4) years, 56.2% were female, and 25.5% were non-whites. Health and cost impacts were simulated over the lifetime of current Medicare and Medicaid participants (average simulated years = 18.3 years). The F&V incentive was estimated to prevent 1.93 million CVD events, gain 4.64 million QALYs, and save $39.7 billion in formal healthcare costs. For the healthy food incentive, corresponding gains were 3.28 million CVD and 0.12 million diabetes cases prevented, 8.40 million QALYs gained, and $100.2 billion in formal healthcare costs saved, respectively. From a healthcare perspective, both scenarios were cost-effective at 5 years and beyond, with lifetime ICERs of $18,184/QALY (F&V incentive) and $13,194/QALY (healthy food incentive). From a societal perspective including informal healthcare costs and lost productivity, respective ICERs were $14,576/QALY and $9,497/QALY. Results were robust in probabilistic sensitivity analyses and a range of one-way sensitivity and subgroup analyses, including by different durations of the intervention (5, 10, and 20 years and lifetime), food subsidy levels (20%, 50%), insurance groups (Medicare, Medicaid, and dual-eligible), and beneficiary characteristics within each insurance group (age, race/ethnicity, education, income, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program [SNAP] status). Simulation studies such as this one provide quantitative estimates of benefits and uncertainty but cannot directly prove health and economic impacts. Conclusions Economic incentives for healthier foods through Medicare and Medicaid could generate substantial health gains and be highly cost-effective.
Transcriptomic and ChIP-sequence interrogation of EGFR signaling in HER2+ breast cancer cells reveals a dynamic chromatin landscape and S100 genes as targets

The Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR/HER1) can be activated by several ligands including Transforming Growth Factor alpha (TGF-α) and Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF). Following ligand binding, EGFR heterodimerizes with other HER family members, such as HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor-2). Previously, we showed that the EGFR is upregulated in trastuzumab resistant HER2 positive (HER2+) breast cancer cells. This study is aimed to determine the downstream effects on transcription following EGFR upregulation in HER2+ breast cancer cells. RNA-sequence and ChIP-sequence for H3K18ac and H3K27ac (Histone H3 lysine K18 and K27 acetylation) were conducted following an Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) treatment time course in HER2+ breast cancer cells, SKBR3. The levels of several proteins of interest were confirmed by western blot analysis. The cellular localization of proteins of interest was examined using biochemically fractionated lysates followed by western blot analysis. Over the course of 24 h, EGFR stimulation resulted in the modulation of over 4000 transcripts. Moreover, our data demonstrates that EGFR/HER2 signaling regulates the epigenome, with global H3K18ac and H3K27ac oscillating as a function of time following EGF treatment. RNA-sequence data demonstrates the activation of immediate early genes (IEGs) and delayed early genes (DEGs) within 1 h of EGF treatment. More importantly, we have identified members of the S100 (S100 Calcium Binding Protein) gene family as likely direct targets of EGFR signaling as H3K18ac, H3K27ac and pol2 (RNA polymerase II) increase near the transcription start sites of some of these genes. Our data suggests that S100 proteins, which act as Ca2+ sensors, could play a role in EGF induced tumor cell growth and metastasis, contribute to trastuzumab resistance and cell migration and that they are likely drug targets in HER2+ breast cancer.
Broadband Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy using a Virtually Imaged Phased Array

We report a dispersive frequency comb spectrometer for the broadband mid-infrared spectroscopy of N2O and SF6 with absorbance noise of 3 x 10-3 in 1.2 s integration time.
A Rabbit Model for Sheep-Associated Malignant Catarrhal Fever Research: from Virus Infection to Pathogenesis Studies and Vaccine Development

Describe the implementation and use of rabbits as a laboratory model for sheep-associated malignant catarrhal fever (SA-MCF) research using cell-free ovine herpesvirus 2 (OvHV-2). Key considerations regarding the use of the model to generate consistent experimental data are presented and discussed in detail. A major drawback to SA-MCF research is that OvHV-2 cannot be propagated in cell culture and experimental studies rely only on animals. An important research milestone was the finding that infectious cell-free OvHV-2 from nasal secretions of shedding sheep can be used to experimentally induce SA-MCF in various host species. Using this approach, we have demonstrated that rabbits can be infected with OvHV-2 and that infection parameters, such as dose-dependence, and clinical and pathological manifestations, resemble those in natural hosts. Rabbits are a reliable model for SA-MCF and represent an important resource for experimental research. The model is especially useful to investigate virus-host interactions and to evaluate MCF vaccine strategies.
Some Deterministic Models for the Spread of Genetic and Other Alterations

Because there are several recent surveys of aspects of the theory of growth and spread of mutant genes, populations, and epidemics, including at least six by participants in this symposium [5, 11, 13, 19, 38, 39, 51], I will only present some ideas on these subjects and illustrate them with some mathematical results which have been of interest to me. In particular, I will only be concerned with homogeneous habitats, and will not discuss clines or the effects of boundaries.
USE OF MECHANICAL CIRCULATORY DEVICES IN TAKOTSUBO CARDIOMYOPATHY ASSOCIATED WITH CARDIOGENIC SHOCK: A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS FROM NATIONAL DATABASE

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTCM) is a reversible cardiomyopathy associated with emotional or physical stress. TTCM patients developing cardiogenic shock (CS) may have mortality as high as 18%. With increasing utilization of temporary mechanical circulatory support (MCS) in CS, the aim of this study
Serum pooling for rapid expansion of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing capacity.

OBJECTIVES: Examine possible pooling strategies designed to expand SARS-CoV-2 serological testing capacity. METHODS: Negative pools were assessed to determine optimal optical density (OD) cutoffs, followed by spiking weak or strong positive samples to assess initial assay performance. Samples were then randomly subjected to pool and individual testing approaches. RESULTS: Single positive specimens consistently converted pools of 5, 10, or 20 into positive outcomes. However, weaker IgG-positive samples failed to similarly convert pools of 50 to a positive result. In contrast, a stronger individual positive sample converted all pools tested into positive outcomes. Finally, examination of 150 samples configured into pools of 5, 10, 20 or 50 accurately predicted the presence of positive or negative specimens within each pool. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that pooling strategies may allow expansion of serological testing capacity. While limitations exist, such strategies may aid in large-scale epidemiological screening or identification of optimal convalescent plasma donors.
Electron-phonon drag enhancement of transport properties from a fully coupled ab initio Boltzmann formalism

We present a combined treatment of the nonequilibrium dynamics and transport of electrons and phonons by carrying out ab initio calculations of the fully coupled electron and phonon Boltzmann transport equations. We find that the presence of mutual drag between the two carriers causes the thermopower to be enhanced and dominated by the transport of phonons, rather than electrons as in the traditional semiconductor picture. Drag also strongly boosts the intrinsic electron mobility, thermal conductivity and the Lorenz number. Impurity scattering is seen to suppress the drag enhancement of the thermal and electrical conductivities, while having weak effects on the enhancement of the Lorenz number and thermopower. We demonstrate these effects in n-doped 3C-SiC at room temperature, and explain their origins. This work establishes the roles of microscopic scattering mechanisms in the emergence of strong drag effects in the transport of the interacting electron-phonon gas.
Phagosome–Bacteria Interactions from the Bottom Up

When attempting to propagate infections, bacterial pathogens encounter phagocytes that encase them in vacuoles called phagosomes. Within phagosomes, bacteria are bombarded with a plethora of stress...
The maize E3 ligase ZmCER9 specifically targets activated NLRs for degradation

The maize protein Rp1-D21, an autoactive derivative of the Rp1-D nucleotide-binding leucine rich repeat (NLR) disease resistance protein, triggers a spontaneous hypersensitive cell death defense response (HR). ZmCER9, a member of a class of E3 ligases involved in the endoplasmic reticulum associated degradation (ERAD) protein quality control system, is a suppressor of the Rp21-D21 HR phenotype. ZmCER9, an active E3 ligase, localizes to the ER, consistent with a role in ERAD. It physically interacts with and mediates the proteasome-dependent degradation of both Rp1-D21 and another autoactive Rp1-D derivate but neither interacts with nor affects the protein levels of three non-autoactive Rp1-D derivatives. ZmCER9 also suppresses the activity and directs the degradation of autoactive NLRs from Arabidopsis and barley. We describe a novel, and possibly general, mechanism that specifically degrades activated NLRs to suppress the defense response after activation.
Enhanced student perceptions of learning and performance using concept-point-recovery teaching sessions: a mixed-method approach

Active learning pedagogy has recently received a great deal of attention, and many universities have attempted to create student-centered learning environments to improve students’ academic success. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of concept-point-recovery (CPR) teaching sessions as an active learning strategy on students’ perceptions of the learning environment, motivation, and academic learning outcomes in an electrical engineering course. To investigate the effectiveness of CPR sessions, students’ perceptions of learning and their performance were compared to those of students in a control classroom. Finally, students’ written comments on the course and instructor were explored in further analysis. The quantitative findings revealed that there was a significant change in students’ perceptions of learning after the CPR teaching sessions, and there was an increase in students’ perceptions and learning outcomes compared with those of the control group. In addition, the qualitative findings from students’ written feedback demonstrated that students felt that the instructor cared about students’ learning and success and that they had a positive learning environment. CPR teaching sessions can be an alternative model for instructors to connect with students and create supportive environments to help students achieve academic success, which in turn promotes the satisfaction of students’ basic psychological needs and self-determined motivation. Therefore, increasing students’ engagement in their learning processes and making connections with students through CPR teaching sessions can facilitate improvements in students’ motivation and academic success. How this new active learning technique can be applied to higher education is discussed.
Effects of peer-led study sessions on first-year student pharmacist performance in pharmacy math.

Introduction To evaluate effects of peer-led study sessions on performance in a traditionally challenging course, Pharmacy Math, among first-year student pharmacists (P1s). Methods Peer-led study sessions were conducted throughout fall 2019 for P1s. Sessions were led by two second-year student pharmacists and focused on study skills and course-related strategies, principles, and content. P1s who attended the majority (at least five) of study sessions were compared to those who attended fewer sessions on student demographics, undergraduate science grade point average, and course outcome (pass/did not pass) using chi-square and independent samples t-tests. Relative risk (RR) was calculated. A sub-analysis of students considered at risk of failing was also conducted. Results There were 200 P1 participants. Twenty-four students (12%) attended the majority of the sessions and 176 students (88%) attended fewer sessions. Of the 24 students who attended ≥ five study sessions, all passed Pharmacy Math, while 12 of the 176 students who attended fewer sessions failed Pharmacy Math. Students who attended ≥ five sessions had a 6.8% reduction in risk of failing compared to students who attended fewer sessions (RR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.895, 0.97). More striking, at-risk students who attended ≥ five study sessions had a 17.1% reduction in risk of failing. Conclusions Peer-led study sessions contribute to reduced risk of failing Pharmacy Math among students who attend a majority of study sessions. Improvements for the future were identified, including mandatory attendance, group structure, and creative ways to cover concepts.
Fully Autonomous Vehicles for People with Visual Impairment: Policy, Accessibility, and Future Directions

A significant number of individuals in the United States report a disability that limits their ability to travel, including many people who are blind or visually impaired (BVI). The implications of restricted transportation result in negative impacts related to economic security, physical and mental health, and overall quality of life. Fully autonomous vehicles (FAVs) present a means to mitigate travel barriers for this population by providing new, safe, and independent travel opportunities. However, current policies governing interactions with the artificial intelligence (AI) ‘at the wheel’ of FAVs do not reflect the accessibility needs articulated by BVI people in the extant literature, failing to encourage use cases that would result in life changing mobility. By reviewing the legislative and policy efforts surrounding FAVs, we argue that the heart of this problem is due to a disjointed, laissez-faire approach to FAV accessibility that has yet to actualize the full benefits of this new transportation mode, not only for BVI people, but also for all users. We outline the necessity for a policy framework that guides the design of FAVs to include the concerns of BVI people and then propose legislative and design recommendations aimed to promote enhanced accessibility, transparency, and fairness during FAV travel.
Dual-Language Teachers’ Use of Technology to Facilitate Mathematical Discourse

Teachers’ beliefs, professional development, access to hardware/software, and instructional contexts all influence teachers’ use of technology (Ertmer et al., 2012; Gonzalez-Carriedo & Esprivalo Ha...
Cholinergic Mechanisms, Schizophrenia, and Neuropsychiatric Adaptive Dysfunctions

This paper deals with central and, to a lesser extent, peripheral cholinergic mechanisms which may be involved in some basic functional defects characterizing schizophrenia. To make these mechanisms intelligible it will be necessary, first, to describe the central cholinergic pathways, particularly those that may be pertinent for schizophrenia. Then, behavioral and functional correlates of these pathways that may be relevant for schizophrenia will be discussed. Finally, schizophrenic processes that may be dependent on behavioral correlates of cholinergic function will be emphasized, and an attempt will be made to explain these processes in terms of cholinergic deficits. The cholinergic functions that will be especially evaluated concern the arousal (reticular) and the limbic systems and their role in mentation as well as adaptive processes.
A linear systems approach to laser generation of ultrasound in composites.

Laser ultrasonic generation and detection systems have been shown to be effective in the inspection and evaluation of both metals and composite materials [1–3]. Advantages of these noncontact systems include rapid scanning capability, the inspection of parts with complex geometries, and the ability for use in hostile environments. Unfortunately, laser ultrasonic systems are somewhat less sensitive than conventional contact piezoelectric systems. In order to increase the sensitivity, careful consideration must be paid to the choice of both generation and detection laser systems. Although the sensitivity of current laser ultrasonic systems has been shown to be sufficient for several applications, small improvements may allow for a more wide-spread use.
New information concerning anesthesia and surgery for the morbidly obese patient

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An adaptive controller for a class of induction motor systems

In this paper, we present an adaptive, partial-state feedback, position/velocity tracking controller for the full-order, nonlinear dynamic model representing an induction motor actuating a mechanical subsystem. The proposed controller compensates for parametric uncertainty in the mechanical subsystem while yielding global asymptotic rotor position/velocity tracking. The proposed controller does not require measurement of rotor flux or rotor current; furthermore, the controller does not exhibit any singularities. Experimental results are provided to verify the effectiveness of the approach.
Heterozygous Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency and Respiratory Function in Children

We evaluated 224 children from Rochester, New York, families in which at least one parent was heterozygous for alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency by protease inhibitor (Pi) typing. The childhood population included, of the two major heterozygote Pi types, 75 Pi type MS children and 37 Pi type MZ children. This population was evaluated by means of a standardized respiratory questionnaire, physical examination, and pulmonary function tests. Maximal expiratory flow volume curves were obtained with subjects breathing both air and a helium-oxygen mixture. Total pulmonary resistance by the method of forced oscillations was measured at 3, 5, 7, and 9 cps. No differences in respiratory symptoms or physical findings were seen in Pi type MZ and MS children compared to Pi type MM children. However, when pulmonary function tests were evaluated by a matched-pair analysis designed to minimize other genetic and environmental risk factors, Pi type MZ subjects demonstrated statistically significant differences in forced expiratory flow rates and in increased frequency-dependent characteristics of total pulmonary resistance. These abnormalities are similar to those previously described in adult Pi type MZ subjects, and suggest that physiologic abnormalities associated with AAT deficiency are present early in life.
Work in progress - pilot of foundational engineering education course

In spring 2005, implementation of a significant redesign of the first semester introductory engineering course (EngE1024) occurred in support of the enhanced research mission of the Department of Engineering Education (EngE). This redesign produced changes to course curriculum, the format of the course, and the use of faculty and graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) resources. A pilot course was offered to about 240 students in a new format; this format involved one lecture and a workshop session every week. The lecture consisted of a 50-minute session team taught by the first two authors in a class of 120 students. The 32-seat workshop session was 110 minutes, and primarily conducted by a GTA. The intents of new format were to allow students more in-class time for group/design projects, allow faculty members introduce research/contemporary engineering topics, and give graduate students meaningful teaching experiences. Preliminary analysis of course assessment data indicates a 2-1 preference by students for the new format to the old format used until fall 2004
Locally Solid Riesz Spaces with Applications to Economics

The lattice structure of Riesz spaces Locally solid topologies Lebesgue topologies Fatou topologies Metrizability Weak compactness in Riesz spaces Lateral completeness Market economies Solutions to the exercises Bibliography Index.
A Comparison Between Some Methods for Computing Optimum Paths in the Problem of Bolza

Presented at Conference in Computing Methods in Optimization Problems at University of California, Los Angeles, California, January 1964.
Do we need more nomograms for predicting outcomes in patients with prostate cancer

In this Viewpoint article by Professor Kattan, the author discusses methods for predicting outcomes in patients with prostate cancer, the predictive accuracy of these methods, and why, despite the large number of nomograms already developed, further nomograms are still needed for predicting outcomes in patients with prostate cancer.