cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microstructure of V–4Cr–4Ti alloy after low-temperature irradiation by ions and neutrons

Recent interest in the application of a V-4Cr-4Ti alloy in the ITER prompted an investigation of the effects of low-to-moderate temperature irradiation (<420 C) on the alloy's mechanical properties. Two sets of experiments were conducted. The effects of fast neutron irradiation to {approx_equal}4 dpa at 390 C were investigated in the X530 experiment in the EBR-II reactor. Irradiation with single (4.5-MeV Ni{sup 2}) and dual ion beams (350-keV He{sup +} simultaneously with 4.5-MeV Ni{sup 2}) complemented this study. TEM observations showed the formation of a high density of point-defect clusters and dislocation loops (<30 nm diameter) distributed uniformly in both types of specimens. Mechanical property testing of neutron irradiated material showed embrittlement of the alloy. The deformed microstructure were examined by TEM to determine the causes of embrittlement and revealed dislocation channels propagating through the undeformed matrix. The channels are the sole slip paths and they cause early onset of necking and loss of work-hardening. Based on a review of the available literature, suggestions are made for further research of slip localization in V-4Cr-4Ti alloys.
Creating Community through Psychoeducational Groups in Family Preservation Work

Intensive family preservation services are a specialized form of child welfare services based on the proposition that an intensive, multisystemic intervention can bolster the family's internal and external resources and prevent further child maltreatment and the need for placement of children into foster care. Research on child maltreatment has identified social isolation as a primary correlate of child abuse and neglect but has also found that informal social support from family and friends can be detrimental to family integrity. Formal pychoeducational support groups are presented and described as an alternative method to create supportive networks for families seeking to remain safe and remain together.
Repression of meiotic crossing over by a centromere (CEN3) in saccharomyces cerevisiae

The location of the centromere of chromosome III ( CEN3) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been altered by means of transformation. The frequency of meiotic crossing over in the CEN3-PGK1 and LEU2-CEN3 intervals increases approximately 1.5- and fourfold, respectively, when CEN3 is repositioned at HIS4. The centromere-distal HIS4-LEU2 region experiences a three- to fivefold decrease in the frequency of meiotic exchange when CEN3 is repositioned at HIS4. The inhibition of meiotic crossing over is conferred by a 627-base-pair fragment of CEN3 DNA and is not dependent on the orientation of CEN3 relative to the rest of chromosome III.
Sing Us a Song; You’re the Piano Man: The Patriarchal Discourse of Music Education

This article examines the discourse of music education within the paradigm of the social structure of patriarchy. It argues that this system, which, in sociologist Allan G. Johnson’s words, “promotes male privilege by being male dominated, male identified, and male centered,” is so pervasive in music education that even a music lesson in which both participants are female does not escape the effects. Through analysis of a transcript of an all-female music lesson, with particular focus on pedagogy, physical indoctrination, and metaphor, the experience will be revealed for what it truly is: a subconscious indoctrination into a patriarchal system.
Poor Concordance Between Elevated Blood Pressures in the Preschool Years

The 2013 US Preventive Services Task Force report found insufficient evidence for pediatric blood pressure screening. This retrospective study evaluated the reliability of successive annual blood pressure screening of children for hypertension at the 3-, 4-, and 5-year-old health maintenance visits (January 1, 2010 to June 18, 2014). Of 328 patients, 290 (88%) were normotensive at all 3 visits. All elevated blood pressures (≥95th percentile) were stage 1. No patient was hypertensive (3 elevated measures). The extended concordance correlation coefficient indicated poor agreement for systolic (0.19, 95% CI -0.49 to 0.72) and diastolic (0.11, 95% CI -0.39 to 0.56) measurements. Blood pressure at the 3-year (κ -0.008, 95% CI -0.11 to 0.09), 4-year (κ 0.09, 95% CI -0.06 to 0.24), or 5-year (κ 0.08, 95% CI -0.05 to 0.20) visit was not associated with elevated blood pressures at the other 2 time points. In the preschool years, stage 1 elevated blood pressures do not correlate with hypertension and may be better managed by watchful waiting and parental reassurance.
Development of a soldier-portable fuel cell power system. Part I: A bread-board methanol fuel processor

Abstract A 15-We portable power system is being developed for the US Army that consists of a hydrogen-generating fuel reformer coupled to a proton-exchange membrane fuel cell. In the first phase of this project, a methanol steam reformer system was developed and demonstrated. The reformer system included a combustor, two vaporizers, and a steam reforming reactor. The device was demonstrated as a thermally independent unit over the range of 14–80 Wt output. Assuming a 14-day mission life and an ultimate 1-kg fuel processor/fuel cell assembly, a base case was chosen to illustrate the expected system performance. Operating at 13 We, the system yielded a fuel processor efficiency of 45% (LHV of H2 out/LHV of fuel in) and an estimated net efficiency of 22% (assuming a fuel cell efficiency of 48%). The resulting energy density of 720 Wh/kg is several times the energy density of the best lithium-ion batteries. Some immediate areas of improvement in thermal management also have been identified, and an integrated fuel processor is under development. The final system will be a hybrid, containing a fuel reformer, a fuel cell, and a rechargeable battery. The battery will provide power for start-up and added capacity for times of peak power demand.
The Rank of the Group of Homotopy Equivalences

In this chapter we completely determine the rank of the group of homotopy equivalences of a large class of spaces, namely those whose rational cohomology is an exterior algebra on odd dimensional generators. In addition to topological groups this class includes products of odd dimensional spheres, quaternionic, complex and some real Stiefel varieties and other homogeneous spaces. Aside from any intrinsic interest that the results in this section may have, they are included to illustrate how one can make statements on the rank of certain groups arising in homotopy theory whose group operation, being derived from composition of maps, is of a very different nature from those considered in the preceding chapter.
GEFCom2014 probabilistic electric load forecasting: An integrated solution with forecast combination and residual simulation

We present an integrated solution for probabilistic load forecasting. The proposed solution was the basis for Jingrui Xie’s submission to the probabilistic load forecasting track of the Global Energy Forecasting Competition 2014 (GEFCom2014), and consists of three components: pre-processing, forecasting, and post-processing. The pre-processing component includes data cleansing and temperature station selection. The forecasting component involves the development of point forecasting models, forecast combination, and temperature scenario based probabilistic forecasting. The post-processing component embodies residual simulation for probabilistic forecasting. In addition, we also discuss several other variations that were implemented during the competition.
Structure of Public Spending and the Non-Traditional Agricultural Exports in Latin America

In this paper we carry out a comprehensive analysis of the impact of the level and composition of public expenditure on the export orientation of agriculture using a panel data from eleven Latin American countries for the period of 1985 to 2001. We try to understand the role of different components of government expenditure in explaining the emergence of non-traditional agricultural exports (NTAE). We show that the composition of government spending matters: government spending in supporting marketing and production through subsidies tend to have a negative or insignificant effect on the share of NTAE, while R&D expenditures have a positive effect.
Prevalence of in-service and post-service sexual assault among combat and noncombat veterans applying for Department of Veterans Affairs posttraumatic stress disorder disability benefits

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the prevalence of in-service and post-service sexual assault among combat and noncombat veterans seeking Veteran's Affairs disability benefits for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Methods: Cross-sectional survey of 4,918 veterans. Results: Surveys were returned by 3,337 veterans (effective response rate, 68%). Among men, 6.5% of combat veterans and 16.5% of noncombat veterans reported inservice or post-service sexual assault. Among women, 69% of combat veterans and 86.6% of noncombat veterans reported in-service or post-service sexual assault. Conclusions: Reported rates of sexual assault were considerably higher among veterans seeking Veteran's Affairs disability benefits for PTSD than historically reported rates for men and women in the general population. In this population, male gender and veterans' combat status should not dissuade clinicians from screening for sexual traumas.
Kinetics of uranous ion and ferrous iron oxidation byThiobacillus ferrooxidans

Kinetic constants for the oxidation of uranous and ferrous ions byThiobacillus ferrooxidans were estimated. The kinetics indicate a direct biological mechanism for uranium oxidation. The complex interrelations of ferric, uranyl and uranous ion inhibition are considered.
Simulations of Ozone Detonation Using a Reactive Empirical Bond Order (REBO) Potential for the Oxygen System

The short length and time scales associated with chemical detonations make these processes excellent candidates for study by MD simulation. Potentials used in these simulations must have sufficient flexibility to describe gas-phase properties of isolated reactant and product molecules, high density material generated under shock compression, and allow smooth adjustment of bonding forces during chemical reaction. The REBO formalism has been shown to provide these characteristics and allow the treatment of a sufficient number atoms for sufficiently long times to demonstrate a chemically-sustained shock wave (CSSW). In this paper we present a REBO potential describing the oxygen system for use in MD simulation of detonation in an ozone molecular solid. The potential reproduces spectroscopic properties of isolated gas-phase O2 and O3. It also describes an ozone molecular solid with density and speed of sound within physical norms. We observe detonation characteristics that depend on crystallographic orientation in simulations using a three dimensional ozone molecular crystal.
PERITONEOPERICARDIAL FISTULA: A RARE CASE OF PERSISTENT PERICARDIAL EFFUSION

Peritoneopericardial fistula (PPF) is rare and usually acquired as a complication of trauma or surgery. In patients with ascites, PPF can allow the development of pericardial effusion(PE) potentially leading to cardiac tamponade. 41-year-old man with hepatitis C, alcohol abuse and remote history of
Stem cell dynamics and pretumor progression in the intestinal tract.

Colorectal carcinogenesis is a process that follows a stepwise cascade that goes from the normal to an invisible pretumor stage ultimately leading to grossly visible tumor progression. During pretumor progression, an increasing accumulation of genetic alterations occurs, by definition without visible manifestations. It is generally thought that stem cells in the crypt base are responsible for this initiation of colorectal cancer progression because they are the origin of the differentiated epithelial cells that occupy the crypt. Furthermore, they are characterized by a long life span that enables them to acquire these cumulative mutations. Recent studies visualized the dynamics of stem cells both in vitro and in vivo. Translating this work into clinical applications will contribute to the evaluation of patients’ predisposition for colorectal carcinogenesis and may help in the design of preventive measures for high-risk groups. In this review, we outline the progress made in the research into tracing stem cell dynamics. Further, we highlight the importance and potential clinical value of tracing stem cell dynamics in pretumor progression.
Subjective pitfalls in HRCT interpretation

High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) allows a detailed assessment of the anatomy and pathology of the pulmonary parenchyma. However, numerous potential pitfalls exist that can hinder or preclude accurate interpretation of HRCT images. These sources of potential diagnostic error can be systematically evaluated with respect to the major categories of HRCT abnormalities: (1) increased parenchymal attenuation, (2) linear opacities and interstitial disease, (3) nodular lung disease, and (4) holes in the lung. Accurate HRCT interpretation depends on the correct recognition and characterization of imaging abnormalities. Technical factors that enhance or limit scan interpretation, HRCT features of subtle disease, and imaging mimics of commonly observed pathology are addressed in detail with regard to each of the above categories of disease. Common pitfalls are illustrated and explained in an effort to increase general awareness of these sources of real and potential diagnostic confusion.
Tenderness of beef loin steaks as influenced by marbling level, removal of subcutaneous fat, and cooking method

Loins from 12 carcasses of Small minus marbling and loins from 12 carcasses of Slight minus marbling were selected. Steaks from these loins were either completely trimmed of external fat or trimmed to .6 cm of external fat. Steaks were cooked to 67 degrees C either by a rapid, high-temperature broiler-grill or by a slower, lower temperature electric broiler. Muscle on the dorsal side of steaks (where fat trimming was performed) was used for shear force measurements (five separate core locations), and the ventral portion was used for sensory evaluation of tenderness. Sensory scores for tenderness were affected (P < .05) by various first-order interactions, although differences were minimal. Steaks of Slight minus marbling cooked by broiler-grilling had reduced tenderness scores. Only when steaks were cooked by broiler-grilling did complete fat removal produce cores that appeared more well-done. Broiler-grilling produced more well-done cores than did electrical broiling. Correlations between shear force expressed as peak load and tenderness scores were highest in cores that were more similar in degree of doneness to sensory evaluation samples. Although broiler-grilling produced considerable within-steak variation in degree of doneness, some of the highest correlations between shear core degree of doneness and peak load and between peak load and sensory tenderness were obtained with this broiling procedure. This would imply that rapid broiling is important in creating uniform tenderness in loin steaks of reduced fat, but further modifications in rapid broiling cookery are necessary to improve uniformity of cooked meat color.
The tendency to sign-track predicts cue-induced reinstatement during nicotine self-administration, and is enhanced by nicotine but not ethanol.

Some individuals are particularly responsive to reward-associated stimuli (“cues”), including the effects of these cues on craving and relapse to drug-seeking behavior. In the cases of nicotine and alcohol, cues may acquire these abilities via the incentive-enhancing properties of the drug. To determine the interaction between cue-responsivity and nicotine reinforcement, we studied the patterns of nicotine self-administration in rats categorized based on their tendency to approach a food-predictive cue (“sign-trackers”) or a reward-delivery location (“goal-trackers”). In a second experiment, we determined whether nicotine and ethanol altered the incentive value of a food cue. Rats were classified as sign- or goal-trackers during a Pavlovian conditioned approach paradigm. Rats then self-administered intravenous nicotine (0.03 mg/kg infusions) followed by extinction and cue-induced reinstatement tests. We also tested the effects of nicotine (0.4 mg/kg base s.c.) or ethanol (0.7 g/kg i.p.) on the approach to, and reinforcing efficacy of, a food cue. Sign-trackers showed greater reinstatement in response to a nicotine cue. Further, nicotine enhanced sign-tracking but not goal-tracking to a food cue and also enhanced responding for the food cue during the conditioned reinforcement test. Conversely, ethanol reduced sign-tracking and increased goal-tracking, but had no effect on conditioned reinforcement. Our studies demonstrate that the tendency to attribute incentive value to a food cue predicts enhanced cue-induced reinstatement. Additionally, the incentive value of food cues is differentially modulated by nicotine and ethanol, which may be related to the reinforcing effects of these drugs.
Modification of Surface State of Polymers by Glow Discharge Plasmas

Surface modification of polymers by low-temperature plasmas is reviewed. Two different types of plasma processing that can be utilized are plasma treatment and plasma polymerization. Surface modification is achieved through plasma-polymer surface interactions in the former and deposition of an ultra thin plasma polymer coating in the latter. A dramatic change in surface state of polymers is observed after this modification. By carefully controlling these plasma processes, excellent stability of polymer surface state with respect to the surrounding environmental changes can be attained. The unique state of plasma-modified surfaces plays an important role in many practical applications.
Latent variable models

Human-computer interaction research increasingly involves investigating psychological phenomena as latent variables. In this chapter, we discuss basic latent variable models using a path model approach. In addition, we given some examples of conducting a latent variable model analysis using the lavaan package in the R statistical programming language.
The Binomial No-Arbitrage Pricing Model

The binomial asset-pricing model provides a powerful tool to understand arbitrage pricing theory and probability. In this chapter, we introduce this tool for the first purpose, and we take up the second in Chapter 2. In this section, we consider the simplest binomial model, the one with only one period. This is generalized to the more realistic multiperiod binomial model in the next section.
Implantation of the Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: An Evaluation of 4 Implantation Techniques.

Background—Alternative techniques to the traditional 3-incision subcutaneous implantation of the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator may offer procedural and cosmetic advantages. We...
Long-Term Quality of Modern Total Knee Arthroplasty With Extension First Gap Balancing Technique in Young and Active Patients

Introduction: Proper component orientation and soft tissue balancing are essential for longevity of total knee arthroplasty (TKA), especially in young and active patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term results and quality of TKA in young and active patients with extension first gap balancing technique, in 2 Posterior-Stabilized (PS) total knee designs with identical femoral component. Material and Methods: 43 consecutive Rotating-Platform (RP-PS, 33 patients) and 38 Fixed-Bearing (FB-PS, 29 patients) with University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score of 5 or above and mean age was 53 ± 1.5 years were followed prospectively for a minimum of 10 years. 18 random TKAs were analyzed for component rotation using MRI. Results: The majority of patients (77%, 24 patients in RP-PS and 65%, 25 patients in FB-PS) were still participating in recreational activities at final follow-up. There was no case of early or late mid flexion instability causing spinout. There was no malalignment or patellofemoral maltracking. Non-progressive radiolucency was seen at the tibial zone 1 in one of the RP-PS and 3 of the FB-PS knees. The mean femoral rotation was 2 and 3 degrees of external in relation to the transepicondylar axis in RP-PS and in FB-PS, respectively. Two patients in the FB-PS were revised (one for per-prosthetic fracture and one for osteolysis and loosening). There were no revisions in the RP-PS group. Kaplan-Meier survivorship at 10 years was 100% in RP-PS and 97% in FB-PS. Discussion and Conclusions: Extension first gap balancing technique is a safe, accurate, and reproducible with excellent alignment and long-term durability and high quality of function in young, active patients.
Socialism and Social Change I: Youth, Culture and America

The archaism of branch life was apparent elsewhere in 1950s socialist culture. Opponents portrayed Labour as an old, backward-looking party’, and Morgan Phillips confessed in 1960, there was enough evidence to make such charges stick’. Labour’s leadership to 1955 when Attlee (leader since 1935) stood down aged 72, were veterans and sickly — living proof that for the past few years the Party has been living unashamedly on its past.’1 Crosland felt it a depressing fact, for a party of change, that the average Labour candidate in 1959 was several years older than his Conservative counterpart.’ In 1960 Labour had 18 MPs aged under 40 (the Conservatives had four times more) and 80 aged over 60 (the Conservatives had 37).2 Similarly, the Communist Party (CPGB) was staffed by a generation whose political experience was predominantly inter-war. Harry Pollitt was ill — his eyes (like his Soviet vision) rapidly failing. The new guard of George Matthews and John Gollan took the reins after 1956.3
Early Vancomycin Concentrations and the Applications of a Pharmacokinetic Extrapolation Method to Recognize Sub-Therapeutic Outcomes.

Vancomycin trough concentrations should be measured within 30 min of the next dose, but studies have shown that troughs are often measured too early, producing erroneous results that could lead to dosing errors. The purpose of this study was to identify the frequency of early trough measurements and to evaluate whether pharmacokinetically extrapolating mistimed concentrations may locate sub-therapeutic concentrations. Vancomycin troughs were retrospectively reviewed. For troughs ≥10 mg/L and measured >0.5 h early, the true trough was estimated using pharmacokinetic extrapolation methods to identify sub-therapeutic outcomes. Differences ≥2 mg/L between the measured and estimated true trough level was considered to have potential clinical significance. Of 143 troughs evaluated, 62 (43%) were measured too early and 48 of those troughs were ≥10 mg/L. 25% of those 48 troughs were sub-therapeutic. The potential for a difference ≥2 mg/L between the measured and estimated true trough was found to be greatest when the measured trough was ≥10 mg/L, the patient’s creatinine clearance (CrCl) was ≥60 mL/min, and the timing error was ≥2 h. To increase the therapeutic utility of early vancomycin trough concentrations, estimated true troughs can be determined by extrapolating measured values based on the time difference and CrCl.
Hydroxocobalamin with or without methylene blue may improve fluid balance in critically ill patients with vasoplegic syndrome after cardiac surgery: A report of two cases

Fluid resuscitation is a cornerstone of the treatment of vasodilation associated with vasoplegic syndrome after cardiopulmonary bypass. Excessive nitric oxide production contributes to capillary leak and creates the need for ongoing volume resuscitation. In this report, the authors describe two patients with vasoplegic syndrome after cardiac surgery in which treatment with hydroxocobalamin in the presence or absence of methylene blue reduced volume resuscitation requirements and restored catecholamine responsiveness. The current case series describes the possible efficacy of hydroxocobalamin for reversing positive fluid balance associated with catecholamine-refractory vasoplegic syndrome in cardiac surgery patients.
The Dunning-Kruger effect: On being ignorant of one's own ignorance.

Abstract In this chapter, I provide argument and evidence that the scope of people's ignorance is often invisible to them. This meta-ignorance (or ignorance of ignorance) arises because lack of expertise and knowledge often hides in the realm of the “unknown unknowns” or is disguised by erroneous beliefs and background knowledge that only appear to be sufficient to conclude a right answer. As empirical evidence of meta-ignorance, I describe the Dunning–Kruger effect, in which poor performers in many social and intellectual domains seem largely unaware of just how deficient their expertise is. Their deficits leave them with a double burden—not only does their incomplete and misguided knowledge lead them to make mistakes but those exact same deficits also prevent them from recognizing when they are making mistakes and other people choosing more wisely. I discuss theoretical controversies over the interpretation of this effect and describe how the self-evaluation errors of poor and top performers differ. I also address a vexing question: If self-perceptions of competence so often vary from the truth, what cues are people using to determine whether their conclusions are sound or faulty?
Perioperative malnutrition and its relationship to length of stay and complications in patients undergoing surgery for cervical myelopathy.

Background Surgical treatment of cervical myelopathy is common, and the impact of perioperative malnutrition in these patients is unclear; yet, malnutrition pre- and postoperatively has been associated with higher rates of wound infection in spine patients. We evaluated the association of low prealbumin level, a marker for poor nutrition, with length of hospitalization and complication rates after surgery for cervical myelopathy. Methods We retrospectively identified patients with cervical myelopathy who underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion, or posterior cervical decompression and fusion over a 5-year period. Patients' prealbumin levels were measured within 4 days of surgery; they were divided into low and normal groups (threshold 15 mg/dL). Demographic, clinical, operative, and postoperative parameters were correlated with prealbumin levels by utilizing univariate and multivariable analyses. Results Eighteen patients were in the "low prealbumin" group and 37 were in the "normal prealbumin" group. Patients with low prealbumin were significantly more likely to have an extended length of hospitalization/stay (LOS) (median 6 days, interquartile range 7.5 days vs. median 3 days, interquartile range 2 days, P < 0.001) and more postoperative complications (33% versus 0%, P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis revealed that only the low prealbumin category (P < 0.001) was associated with a prolonged LOS. Conclusions Low prealbumin levels were associated with prolonged LOS after surgery for cervical myelopathy. We need to better define the effects of malnutrition in patients with cervical myelopathy in the future.
Current and Emerging Biomarkers for Pulmonary Hypertension

“A biological molecule found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues that is a sign of a normal or abnormal process, or of a condition or disease. A biomarker may be used to see how well the body responds to a treatment for a disease or condition. Also called molecular marker or signature molecule” – Biomarker definition, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Dictionary of Cancer Terms Although this definition pertains to the field of cancer and cancer biology, it applies to many disciplines, including the field of pulmonary vascular disease. In the world of pulmonary hypertension (PH), biomarkers hold a special place. In the diagnosis of PH subtype, we are limited by the risk of lung biopsy1 and, further, in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) we are limited by the inability to frequently obtain our strongest predictors of mortality: invasive pulmonary hemodynamic assessment. Thus, biomarkers hold much promise for the field of PH. We are searching for markers of PH sub...
Ecological niche modeling for a cultivated plant species: a case study on taro (Colocasia esculenta) in Hawaii

Under the threat of ongoing and projected climate change, communities in the Pacific Islands face challenges of adapting culture and lifestyle to accommodate a changing landscape. Few models can effectively predict how biocultural livelihoods might be impacted. Here, we examine how environmental and anthropogenic factors influence an ecological niche model (ENM) for the realized niche of cultivated taro (Colocasia esculenta) in Hawaii. We created and tuned two sets of ENMs: one using only environmental variables, and one using both environmental and cultural characteristics of Hawaii. These models were projected under two different Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) for 2070. Models were selected and evaluated using average omission rate and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). We compared optimal model predictions by comparing the percentage of taro plots predicted present and measured ENM overlap using Schoener's D statistic. The model including only environmental variables consisted of 19 Worldclim bioclimatic variables, in addition to slope, altitude, distance to perennial streams, soil evaporation, and soil moisture. The optimal model with environmental variables plus anthropogenic features also included a road density variable (which we assumed as a proxy for urbanization) and a variable indicating agricultural lands of importance to the state of Hawaii. The model including anthropogenic features performed better than the environment-only model based on omission rate, AUC, and review of spatial projections. The two models also differed in spatial projections for taro under anticipated future climate change. Our results demonstrate how ENMs including anthropogenic features can predict which areas might be best suited to plant cultivated species in the future, and how these areas could change under various climate projections. These predictions might inform biocultural conservation priorities and initiatives. In addition, we discuss the incongruences that arise when traditional ENM theory is applied to species whose distribution has been significantly impacted by human intervention, particularly at a fine scale relevant to biocultural conservation initiatives.
Repurposing - Finding New Uses for Old (and Patented) Drugs: Bridging the "Valley of Death," to Translate Academic Research Into New Medicines

I. INTRODUCTION II. DRUG REPURPOSING A. Growth of Drug Repurposing B. Academic Drug Development and the "Valley of Death" C. Repurposing to Traverse the Valley of Death--Is There Sufficient Exclusivity? D. Repurposing to Traverse the Valley of Death--Can I Find New Uses for Your Drug? III. PATENT LAW AND REPURPOSING A. Statutory Law and History B. Statutory Interpretation and Common Law 1. Creation of 35 U.S.C. [section] 271(e)(1) 2. Eli Lilly v. Medtronic: Setting the Stage for Merck v. Integra 3. Merck v. Integra a. The facts in Merck v. Integra b. The issue of safe harbor protection scope c. Scope includes research directed to IND and NDA filing d. The scope of the safe harbor protection extends beyond safety studies e. Scope not limited to studies included in IND, NDA or ANDA filings 4. After Merck v. Integra C. Summary of Current Law the Legal Issue IV. APPLYING THE LAW TO DRUG REPURPOSING A. Repurposing Research B. Implications of Merck and Momenta (MM in particular, drug repurposing that is performed in university research labs and directed towards unmet medical needs. This comment will also include a fairly detailed description of the drug development process and analysis of the pharmaceutical industry. This is in part a bias of the author, who has previously worked in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries in drug development and co-founded two biotechnology companies, one of which is focused on drug repurposing. Drug repurposing, sometimes referred to as repositioning, is increasingly being pursued as a solution to the problem of dwindling pharmaceutical pipelines; it is being proposed in both industrial and academic drug development settings. (2) Repositioning is the process whereby a drug that is patented for treating a particular disease is discovered to be useful for treatment of a second disease, and then is developed further for that purpose. (3) But can a researcher explore new uses for a patented drug without infringing on the patent owner's patent under 35 U.S.C. [section] 271? The answer to this question is a qualified "yes." This comment will present background as to why drug repositioning, and especially repurposing, has moved to the forefront of public--e.g. university, government-funded research--and private drug development efforts. Then, the various intellectual property and business issues surrounding repurposing will be presented. …
Population Health And Economic Impacts Of Reaching Chronic Hepatitis B Diagnosis And Treatment Targets In The US

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine have concluded that eliminating the public health problem of chronic hepatitis B is feasible. We examined the economic and public health impact of reaching the World Health Organization targets of having 90 percent of chronic hepatitis B cases diagnosed and 80 percent being treated by 2030 in the United States with an annual incremental increase in screening and treatment rates. To reach the targets by 2030 would require screening approximately 14.5 million adults in at-risk populations to diagnose an estimated 870,000 undiagnosed cases and would result in substantial health gains: an increase of 16.5 million quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and reductions in liver-related deaths of 37 percent and in cases of compensated cirrhosis of 24 percent, decompensated liver cirrhosis of 51 percent, and liver cancer of 35 percent. Achieving the targets by 2030 would be highly cost-effective at $103 per QALY and would be cost-saving if the antiviral d...
Development of quality index for design-build transportation projects

ABSTRACTWith the growing use of the design-build delivery method in the transportation industry, it is important to ensure the quality of projects is not being compromised. As the quality process starts in the procurement phase, the request for proposal (RFP) serves as the medium through which owners articulate quality needs to contractors and expect proposals to meet those requirements to be responsive. This research provides a quality framework for state departments of transportation (DOTs) to adequately express quality requirements in the RFPs. This was accomplished through a questionnaire survey and statistical analysis using Principal Components Analysis (PCA), which merged the identified quality requirements as principal components into a single quality index. The analysis revealed that respondents consider six quality requirements as principal components that must be articulated in the RFPs and evaluated in the design-builder’s proposal. These quality requirements, in order of importance are design...
Geometric Modeling of the Z-Surface and Z-Curve of GNSS Signals and Their Solution Techniques

This paper presents a novel geometric model to characterize the zero-crossing surface ( $z$ -surface) and its z-curve for signals emitted by a pair of Global Navigation Satellite System satellites ( ${\mathcal{A}}$ , ${\mathcal{B}}$ ). The $z$ -surface is the surface of points which have zero difference in pseudorange to ( ${\mathcal{A}}$ , ${\mathcal{B}}$ ), and the $z$ -curve is the intersection of $z$ -surface with the earth’s surface. As a form of time difference of arrival, modeling of the $z$ -surface/ $z$ -curve benefits from the elimination of common error terms (e.g., receiver clock offset) shared by the pair of pseudoranges, so that the resulting model can be used for design of advanced applications, such as timing and positioning integrity monitors and tools for geodetic and atmospheric measurements. The derivation of the $z$ -curve starts with the shape modeling of the terrestrial service volume and the earth’s surface. Then, an equi-pseudorange surface of ( ${\mathcal{A}}$ , ${\mathcal{B}}$ )’s signals can be placed within these shape models. The $z$ -curve can be derived as a boundary condition of the $z$ -surface. The model can represent the morphing of $z$ -curves with respect to the changes in satellite positions and signal propagation delays. As a result, the $z$ -models can be readily generalized into a k-surface and k-curve, where k represents the pseudorange difference between ( ${\mathcal{A}}$ , ${\mathcal{B}}$ ). Solutions for modeling and analysis of the $z(k)$ -surface/curve are based on a system of quadratic Cartesian equations. We propose an algebraic method to parameterize them in terms of geocentric latitude and longitude.
Isolation and partial characterization of an orthopoxvirus from a California vole(Microtus californicus)

A virus with the characteristics of an orthopox was isolated from a scab removed from the foot of a California vole. HAI antibody surveys indicated that the virus in enzootic in several different vole populations.
The role of the immune system in brain metastasis

Metastatic brain tumors are the most common brain tumors in adults. With numerous successful advancements in systemic treatment of most common cancer types, brain metastasis is becoming increasingly important in the overall prognosis of cancer patients. Brain metastasis of peripheral tumor is the result of complex interplay of primary tumor, immune system and central nervous system microenvironment. Once formed, brain metastases hide behind the blood brain barrier and become inaccessible to chemotherapies that are otherwise successful in targeting systemic cancer. The approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors for several common cancers such as advanced melanoma and lung cancers brings with it the opportunity and obligation to further understand the mechanisms of immunosuppression by tumors that spread to the brain as well as the interaction between the brain environment and tumor microenvironment. In this review paper we define the central role of the immune system in the development of brain metastases. We performed a comprehensive review of the literature to outline the molecular mechanisms of immunosuppression used by tumors and how the immune system interacts with the central nervous system to facilitate brain metastasis. In particular we discuss the tumor-type-specific mechanisms of metastasis of cancers that preferentially metastasize to the brain as well as the therapies that effectively modulate the immune response, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and vaccines.
How Behavioral Economics Should Shape the Navy’s New Evaluation System

The United States Navy’s most recent strategy document, A Design for Maritime Superiority 2.0, calls for the modernization of its own personnel management system to help maintain America’s competitive advantage over near peer adversaries in an increasingly complex global security environment. Additionally, the document commits the service to a performance evaluation transformation intended to emphasize meaningful, frequent, and timely feedback. Behavioral insights can and should play an integral role in bolstering the efficacy of the Navy’s new personnel performance evaluation system. After first examining what exactly makes performance appraisal effective, this paper will present the shortcomings of the Navy’s outgoing legacy performance evaluation system and provide an overview of the current proposed performance evaluation transformation. Then, behavioral science-backed recommendations will be made to limit the impacts of decision errors and biases, improve rating accuracy, and ensure reactions to appraisal-derived feedback are positive and productive.
Perceived discrimination and depressive symptoms: is the cognitive triad a moderator or mediator?

The present study sought to determine whether the cognitive triad serves as a moderator or mediator in the association between perceived everyday discrimination (PED) and depressive symptoms among inner-city youth by examining if discrimination is related to both cognitive processes and depressive symptoms in adolescents. Previous research illustrated that by eighth grade, cognitive styles begin to moderate the relations of stressful events and depressive symptoms. We hypothesized that PED and the cognitive triad interact in their association with depressive symptoms. Participants included 232 ninth-grade students (M = 14.18 years, 38% female) from an inner-city public high school who completed measures examining PED, the cognitive triad, and depressive symptoms. Participants identified as Black or African American (46.5%), White or European American (37.0%), Mixed Race (12.2%), Other Race (2.6%), and Latino/a (1.7%). A hierarchical linear regression testing the moderation model found PED and the cognitive triad to be significant predictors of depressive symptoms. The interaction effect, however, was non-significant, in contrast with our hypothesis. Additionally, a significant indirect effect of PED on depressive symptoms through the cognitive triad was established which supported a partial mediation. Our findings support a partial mediation model in understanding the relationship between PED, the cognitive triad, and depressive symptoms. Based on this, psychologists should intervene on a societal level to reduce PED, as well as on an individual level with regard to modifying the cognitive triad in order to alleviate depressive symptoms in adolescents.
Irradiance Variations due to Orbital and Solar Inertial Motion: The Effect on Earth's Surface Temperature

Variation in total solar irradiance is thought to have little effect on the Earth's surface temperature because of the thermal time constant--the characteristic response time of the Earth's global surface temperature to changes in forcing. This time constant is large enough to smooth annual variations but not necessarily variations having a longer period such as those due to solar inertial motion; the magnitude of these surface temperature variations is estimated.
Selecting the Best Simulated System: Thinking Differently About an Old Problem

The methods known collectively as “ranking & selection” have been a theoretical and practical success story for the optimization of simulated stochastic systems: they are widely used in practice, have been implemented in commercial simulation software, and research has made them more and more statistically efficient. However, “statistically efficient” has meant minimizing the number of simulation-generated observations required to make a selection, or maximizing the strength of the inference given a budget of observations. Exploiting high-performance computing, and specifically the capability to simulate many feasible solutions in parallel, has challenged the ranking & selection paradigm. In this paper we review the challenge and suggest an entirely different approach.
Amplitude modulation encoding in the auditory cortex: comparisons between the primary and middle lateral belt regions.

ML neurons synchronized less than A1 neurons, consistent with a hierarchical temporal-to-rate transformation. Both A1 and ML had a class of modulation transfer functions previously unreported in th...
Clearance of apoptotic cells by lung alveolar macrophages prevents development of house dust mite-induced asthmatic lung inflammation.

Background Poor clearance of apoptotic cells has been suggested to contribute to severe asthma, but whether uptake of apoptotic cells by lung phagocytes might dampen house dust mite (HDM)-induced lung inflammation has not been shown. Objectives This study investigated whether apoptotic cell engulfment in the murine lung impacts the development of allergen-induced asthmatic airway inflammation and which immune modulating mechanisms were activated. Methods Apoptotic cells were infused into the lungs of mice challenged with HDM allergen and lung inflammation, expression of suppressive molecules, and induction of regulatory T cells were monitored. Additionally, an adenosine receptor agonist was tested to study the mechanism of suppression elicited by apoptotic cells. Results Apoptotic cell uptake by lung alveolar macrophages suppressed HDM-driven allergic asthma. This was associated with promoting the regulatory T cell–inducing molecule retinoic acid, inhibiting inflammatory cytokine production, and making macrophages more susceptible to receiving suppressive signals from adenosine. Correspondingly, adenosine receptor agonist treatment also limited HDM-driven allergic airway inflammation through an action on alveolar macrophages. Conclusions These data provide insight into the mechanisms by which lung macrophages dampen allergen-induced airway inflammation. They suggest that targeting lung macrophages to increase their phagocytic capacity, enhance their ability to make retinoic acid, dampen their capacity to make inflammatory cytokines, and increase their responsiveness to adenosine, could be useful to suppress allergic responses.
Disaster Neurology Update: Focus on the COVID-19 Pandemic

In 2013, the term disaster neurology was introduced to describe a new practice opportunity for neurologists interested in providing needed, nonsurgical neurologic care in regions affected by natural or human-influenced disasters. Although previously presented as an option for interested neurologists, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has made it clear that every neurologist should be prepared to take on the unique challenges of disaster neurology. Examining the role of neurologists on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic response represents an opportunity to review and apply key features of disaster neurology, including recognizing the categories of neurologic cases expected to be seen during a disaster, adapting inpatient and outpatient workflows, and accommodating the needs of vulnerable populations. Relating principles of disaster neurology to the response of neurologists to the current pandemic informs best practices for neurologic care as COVID-19 cases continue to surge throughout the United States and abroad.