cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Triangular core as a universal strategy for stiff nanostructures in biology and biologically inspired materials

Abstract Recent findings in protein structure prediction have revealed a new class of fibrous proteins called beta-solenoids. In stark resemblance to amyloid structures and prion proteins, these self-assembling peptides feature a triangular cross-sectional structure with non-specific biological significance. Using basic geometric and mechanical arguments and finite element simulations, here we point out that the equilateral triangle, as the most anisotropic regular convex polytope, is an ideal shape that leads to a maximum bending stiffness at minimum material usage. Considering the mechanical stability of the cell-puncture needle of the bacteriophage T4 virus and the extreme efficiency of aggregation in amyloids and prion proteins, possibly due to their capacity of acting as rigid binding and nucleation sites, we propose that the triangular core may reflect a universal biological paradigm for achieving exceptionally stiff nanostructures, overcoming the limitations of the underlying weak molecular interactions such as hydrogen bonds. Stiff nanostructures employing a triangular core geometry may be particularly useful for nanomechanical applications such as puncture and cutting devices where maximum rigidity has to be achieved using a minimal cross-sectional area.
Development of a multichip module DSP

The signal processor packaging design (SPPD) general-purpose digital signal processor (DSP) architecture is discussed. SPPD is a highly modular processor architecture that is based on off-the-shelf components and that supports a multichip module (MCM) design implementation that delivers 400 million floating-point operations per second in a 75-g package. The interconnect-substrate design, MCM package assembly, MCM testing, and tradeoffs in size, weight, and cost of the SPPD packaging are described. >
Response of Anolis sagrei to Acoustic Calls from Predatory and Nonpredatory Birds

Abstract Many studies indicate that various vertebrates and invertebrates use sensory cues to recognize predators and to evaluate predation risk. Lizards and birds frequently occupy the same habitats; consequently, avian predation on lizards has been implicated as an important selective pressure on lizard behavior. However, there are few studies on how lizards respond to nonvisual cues. The response of adult male Brown Anoles (Anolis sagrei) to calls of birds was studied to determine whether they use auditory cues as an indicator of predation risk from birds. Anoles responded significantly more often with head tilt (increased vigilance) during playback of predatory vocalizations (Kestrel and Red-tailed Hawk calls) compared with low-risk stimuli (nonpredatory bird calls and white noise). Responses to auditory cues suggest that male Brown Anoles are able to distinguish the calls of birds known to prey upon lizards from the calls of nonpredatory birds. More important, this study demonstrates that anoles, mos...
Transformational Leadership and Multiple Levels of Analysis

Transformational leadership was clarified conceptually in this study by focusing on leader-follower interactions in terms of multiple levels of analysis: individuals, dyads within groups, and groups. The focal leaders were 186 United States Navy Officers who were graduates of the United States Naval Academy and on active duty assigned to the surface warfare fleet. Data about the officers were collected from 793 senior subordinates of the officers via a mail survey. Results from within and between analysis (WABA) suggest that the network of relationships was based primarily on individual differences in subordinates' perceptions of leadership and outcomes. Transformational leadership as compared to transactional or laissez-faire leadership was related more strongly to subordinates' extra effort and satisfaction with the focal officers and the officers' effectiveness.
Working Hard to “Get Known”: Black Youth Labor and the Myth of the Natural Black Athlete

In this age of basketball superstardom, when super male Black athletes like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant awe us with their spectacular play, we become bewildered in our understanding of them. We simply cannot grasp their extraordinary grace and agility, and their powerful hold of the game. At a loss, we interpret them through a higher power (for instance, “God-given” talent), or with some evolutionary logic, as genetically blessed. Thus, we strip the “social” from them; we define them as simply superb physical specimens, or Super Black Men. This presumes that Black athletes need little intelligence, diligence, or labor to do what they do best. Yet in Black Men Can’t Shoot, urban ethnographer Scott Brooks provides a deeply revealing and well-written ethnography that dispels this popular belief. His major sociological aim is to uncover how talented, young Black basketball players labor hard to play well. And he accomplishes this goal, showing how what seems like Black natural ability is the product of intense basketball effort, or the social aspects of a professional career. Thus, he contributes to shattering the notion of the natural Black athlete, which, at its core, presents them as brutes or animalistic beings. To accomplish this task, Brooks, a formerly disillusioned high school player, spent several years doing fieldwork in a South Philadelphia community. Here, he participated in a community youth basketball league, where he served as an assistant coach, and sometimes as head coach for a team. Mostly, he followed the basketball lives of two poor, Black Philadelphia youths, whom he calls Ray and Jermaine. Their quest is to “Get Known,” or to attain a basketball reputation that could lead to playing for a top university or college, which could then potentially lead to careers in the National Basketball Association, or the NBA. For these Black youths, the backdrop is the South Philly Black community, a community that gains fulfillment through basketball. Here, the sport is almost like a religion, or a source social solidarity that provides family, neighborhood, and J Afr Am St (2011) 15:409–411 DOI 10.1007/s12111-010-9146-x
Spatial Aspects of Restrictions on Registered Sex Offenders

Restrictions in the USA on registered sex offenders (RSOs) are examined from the spatial aspects. The long history of various restrictions imposed by government, particularly local ones, is covered in the introduction. Spatial aspects, such as delineation of zones from which certain activities or certain people are excluded is the focus. Then the nature of restrictions on RSOs is considered at the state, county and municipal level. Typical of restrictions are that RSOs are prohibited from moving into residence within a prescribed distance of certain features in a community. The distances are typically 1,000 feet but are quite variable. Typical proscribed venues are schools, parks and day care centers, but there can be many others such as bus stops. Spatial aspects of these restrictions, such as how offender locations are geocoded and represented and how proscribed venues are delineated is analyzed. Specific details and theoretical concerns related to the many problematic issues with RSO restrictions is presented. In particular questions of their constitutionality and efficacy are raised. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications of RSO restrictions for the discipline of geography in general and for the evolution of increasingly precise methods of spatial analysis in particular.
Longitudinal Patterns of Glycemic Control and Blood Pressure in Pregnant Women with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Phenotypes from Functional Data Analysis.

Objective To identify phenotypes of type 1 diabetes control and associations with maternal/neonatal characteristics based on blood pressure (BP), glucose, and insulin curves during gestation, using a novel functional data analysis approach that accounts for sparse longitudinal patterns of medical monitoring during pregnancy. Methods We performed a retrospective longitudinal cohort study of women with type 1 diabetes whose BP, glucose, and insulin requirements were monitored throughout gestation as part of a program-project grant. Scores from sparse functional principal component analysis (fPCA) were used to classify gestational profiles according to the degree of control for each monitored measure. Phenotypes created using fPCA were compared with respect to maternal and neonatal characteristics and outcome. Results Most of the gestational profile variation in the monitored measures was explained by the first principal component (82–94%). Profiles clustered into three subgroups of high, moderate, or low heterogeneity, relative to the overall mean response. Phenotypes were associated with baseline characteristics, longitudinal changes in glycohemoglobin A1 and weight, and to pregnancy-related outcomes. Conclusion Three distinct longitudinal patterns of glucose, insulin, and BP control were found. By identifying these phenotypes, interventions can be targeted for subgroups at highest risk for compromised outcome, to optimize diabetes management during pregnancy.
Application of Nanoindentation and Microdiffraction to Study Aging Effects in Lead Free Solder Interconnects

In this work, we have performed a study on aging effects in actual solder joints extracted from PBGA assemblies using nanoindentation. The tested joints were extracted from 14 × 14 mm PBGA assemblies (0.8 mm ball pitch, 0.46 mm ball diameter) that are part of the iNEMI Characterization of Pb-Free Alloy Alternatives Project (16 different solder joint alloys available). Using nanoindentation techniques, the stress-strain and creep behavior of the aged SAC solder materials were explored at the joint scale for various aging conditions. After aging, the joints were loaded in the nano-indentor, and the load-deformation behavior during indentation has been used to characterize the mechanical properties of the solder joint for various aging conditions including modulus, hardness, and yield stress. Using constant force at max indentation, we have also measured the creep response of the aged and non-aged solder joint materials for various stress levels. With this approach, we have been able to quantify aging effects in joints and correlate their magnitudes to those observed in tensile testing of miniature bulk specimens. Our results have shown that the aging induced degradations of the mechanical properties (modulus, hardness) of single grain SAC305 joints were similar to those seen previously by testing of larger “bulk” solder specimens. However, the degradation of the creep response, while still significant, was less in the solder joints relative to larger uniaxial tensile specimens. This was due to the single grain nature of the joints considered, and the lack of the grain boundary sliding creep mechanism.
Russia as a nationalizing state: Rejecting the western liberal order

Russia’s government has become increasingly nationalistic, defensive, and vocal in rejecting elements of the Western liberal order. The Kremlin has attempted to mobilize and channel Russian nationalism into an antiliberal discourse to achieve selected foreign and domestic policy goals, but contending nationalisms complicate the government’s ability to control and direct these potent forces. This article draws on official documents, presidential speeches, and recent Russian political writings to assess how Russia’s governing elite has adopted and utilized a specific Eurasianist form of Russian nationalism to promote an aggressive foreign policy while marginalizing domestic opposition. Protecting Russian compatriots abroad, restoring historic lost territories, and confronting the Western world strengthen Putin’s popularity among the Russian people and legitimize his hold on power, while alienating non-Russian minorities and isolating Russia internationally.
Confidence in the Curve: Establishing Instantaneous Cost Mapping Techniques using Bilateral Ankle Exoskeletons

We are presenting novel subject-specific metabolic cost landscape confidence analyses. These confidence analyses can greatly improve experimental design, intersubject analysis, and the comparison o...
Endothelial Progenitor Cell Transplantation for Hematopoietic Regeneration.

Abstract Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) reside in close association with bone marrow (BM) osteoblasts which help maintain the quiescent HSC pool over time. Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells also reside in association with BM sinusoidal endothelial cells in vivo but the function of the BM vascular niche in regulating hematopoiesis is less well defined. We hypothesized that the BM endothelial cells function in vivo to support the proliferation and regeneration of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells and that damage incurred by the BM vascular niche following myelotoxic therapies contributes to delayed hematopoietic recovery in vivo. To test this hypothesis, we generated primary endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) from the peripheral blood of C57Bl6 mice and examined whether transplantation of allogeneic EPCs alone could facilitate earlier hematopoietic recovery in irradiated recipient BALB/c mice as compared to controls. Ten week old BALB/c mice were irradiated with 550 cGy total body irradiation at day 0 and then received either 1 x 10e6 EPCs intravenously at +4 hours and 2.5 x 10e6 EPCs daily intraperitoneally on days +1 to +4 or saline infusions at the same intervals. Microscopic analysis of femurs from BALB/c mice demonstrated significantly reduced BM cellularity at day +10 and +15, with recovery evident at day +20. EPC-transplanted mice also showed marked BM hypocellularity at day +10 but earlier recovery of BM cellularity at day +15. Total viable BM cell counts confirmed a 2-fold increase in viable BM cells in the EPC-transplanted group at day +15 compared to controls. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that EPC-transplanted mice had significantly earlier recovery of c-kit+sca-1-lin− progenitor cells at day +10, +12 and +15 compared to saline treated controls (means 0.9%, 0.2%, 1.3% vs. 0.2%, 0.06%, 0.5%; p=0.08, p=0.02, p=0.04, respectively). EPC-transplanted mice also demonstrated accelerated regeneration of c-kit+sca-1+lin− (“KSL”) stem/progenitor cells at day +15 compared to saline-treated controls (mean 0.09% vs. 0.03% KSL cells, p=0.04). Importantly, this accelerated recovery of hematopoiesis corresponded with more rapid recovery of hematologic parameters in EPC-transplanted mice compared to controls. EPC-transplanted mice demonstrated significantly earlier recovery of total white blood cells compared to controls by day +16 (mean 1.4 vs. 0.5, p 500 at day +18; conversely, controls did not achieve ANC > 500 until day +30 (p 400,000 achieved at day +14 versus day +25 in the saline-treated controls (p
Winning the War for Democracy: The March on Washington Movement, 1941-1946

Review of: "Winning the War for Democracy: The March on Washington Movement, 1941–1946," by David Lucander.
On the micromechanics of void dynamics at extreme rates

Abstract In an earlier work, we derived evolution equations governing the dynamic growth of voids considering the combined retarding effects of micro-inertia and dislocation kinetics. Here we derive closed-form approximate solutions to these governing equations that accurately capture the transient evolution of void size history. In addition to being invaluable to the development of computationally-efficient dynamic ductile failure frameworks, these closed-form models help reveal deeper insights into the underlying physics governing complex dynamic void growth. In particular, we show that the transient effects of inertia are important for families of voids that nucleate from coarse, micron-sized second phase particles. For nano-sized voids the finite kinetics of dislocation substructure evolution towards a saturated state play a vital role. In spite of the significant complexity associated with capturing an evolving substructure, an elegant closed-form approximation presents itself. These closed-form models are further bolstered by good agreement with molecular dynamics calculations. Lastly, we derive closed-form models of void size distribution evolution to confirm an experimentally observed transition in fracture surface characteristics above a critical loading rate.
Military simulation: A ubiquitous future

The Department of Defense uses Modeling and Simulation (M&S) to support a variety of activities ranging from engineering to theater-level analytical studies, training, strategy evaluation and test. To conduct these activities, different simulation types have been identified and defined as shown in Figure 1. For each type: Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC), the essential difference is based on how aspects of reality are included, specifically from people or a system of interest. While this categorization is useful, the level or degree of realism is not specified.
The Economic Value of Hunting Activity: A CVM Study at Tonezza Del Cimone (Vicenza) Alpine Preserve

The Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) was applied to evaluate the hunters’ welfare in the Alpine preserve of Tonezza del Cimone in the Province of Vicenza1. CVM is gaining increasing attention in Italy (Gatto, 1988; Romano, 1989; Signorello, 1990; Marinelli et al., 1991; De Fano and Grittani, 1992; Romano D. and Carbone, 1993; Casini e Romano S., 1994; Romano D. and Rossi, 1994; Signorello, 1994; Signorello and Cooper, 1994).
Effects of Acidification on Materials and Cultural Property

Abstract Historic structures, outdoor sculpture, museum and library artifacts, and the common materials of construction are all affected by acid deposition. the nature, magnitude and extent of observed damage to materials is discussed. Dose-response relationships or damage functions are reviewed with reference to their ability to predict the benefits of environmental reductions in acid deposition. the multistep process whereby dollar costs are assigned to damage associated with a given cause (e.g. SO2, acid precipitation, particulate soiling) is outlined in the form of a flow diagram. in the discussion, the status of knowledge, unknowns, uncertainties and research needs are noted.
Lattice QCD determination of neutron-antineutron matrix elements with physical quark masses

Matrix elements of six-quark operators are needed to extract new physics constraints from experimental searches for neutron-antineutron oscillations. This work presents, in detail, the first lattice quantum chromodynamics calculations of the necessary neutron-antineutron transition matrix elements including calculation methods and discussions of systematic uncertainties. Implications of isospin and chiral symmetry on the matrix elements, power counting in the isospin limit, and renormalization of a chiral basis of six-quark operators are discussed. Calculations are performed with a chiral-symmetric discretization of the quark action and physical light quark masses in order to avoid the need for chiral extrapolation. Nonperturbative renormalization is performed, including a study of lattice cutoff effects. Excited-state effects are studied using two nucleon operators and multiple values of source-sink separation. Results for the dominant matrix elements are found to be significantly larger compared to previous results from the MIT bag model. Future calculations are needed to fully account for systematic uncertainties associated with discretization and finite-volume effects but are not expected to significantly affect this conclusion.
Prescription opioid misuse and comorbid substance use: Past 30-day prevalence, correlates and co-occurring behavioral indicators in the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Prescription opioid misuse has not been well examined in the context of comorbid substance use in representative samples of substance users. Past 30-day comorbid prescription opioid misuse and recreational substance use (eg, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, etc.) was studied in a representative sample of substance users in the United States using the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). METHODS Prevalence of prescription opioid misuse with and without comorbid substance use was estimated with the 2016 NSDUH. Generalized linear modeling was used to describe demographic correlates of opioid and comorbid substance use and explore the relation of opioid and comorbid substance use with social and behavioral health indicators. RESULTS The majority of past month prescription opioid misusers reported use of other substances including cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana, or hard drugs (cocaine, methamphetamine, etc.). Males and younger respondents had a significantly higher risk of reporting past month prescription opioid misuse with illicit drug or polydrug use (p's < .01). Prescription opioid and polydrug users had the greatest odds of stealing property, selling drugs, having suicidal ideations, major depressive episode, and perceived treatment need in the past year compared to all other categories of prescription opioid misuse categories. CONCLUSIONS AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE Prescription opioid misuse is likely a part of a larger set of psychological, behavioral, and mental health problems. More attention should be given to the profiles of recreational (non-medical) substance use involving prescription opioids to curtail the current opioid crisis and prevent other similar epidemics in the future. (Am J Addict 2019;XX:1-8).
Global Emergency Medicine Journal Club: A Social Media Discussion About the Lack of Association Between Press Ganey Scores and Emergency Department Analgesia

Annals of Emergency Medicine collaborated with an educational Web site, Academic Life in Emergency Medicine (ALiEM), to host a public discussion featuring the 2014 Annals article on the association between Press Ganey scores and emergency department (ED) analgesia by Schwartz et al. The objective was to curate a 14-day (December 1 through 14, 2014) worldwide academic dialogue among clinicians in regard to preselected questions about the article. Five online facilitators hosted the multimodal discussion on the ALiEM Web site, Twitter, and Google Hangout. Comments across the social media platforms were curated for this report, as framed by the 4 preselected questions. Engagement was tracked through Web analytic tools and analysis of tweets. Blog comments, tweets, and video expert commentary involving the featured article are summarized and reported. The dialogue resulted in 978 page views from 342 cities in 33 countries on the ALiEM Web site, 464,345 Twitter impressions, and 83 views of the video interview with experts. Of the unique 169 identified tweets, discussion (53.3%) and learning points (32.5%) were the most common category of tweets identified. Common themes that arose in the open-access multimedia discussions included Press Ganey data validity and the utility of patient satisfaction in determining pain treatment efficacy. This educational approach using social media technologies demonstrates a free, asynchronous means to engage a worldwide scholarly discourse.
INPUT SHAPING TECHNIQUES FOR LIQUID SLOSH SUPPRESSION

ABSTRACTThe need for fast maneuvering and accurate positioning of flexible structuresposes a control challenge. The inherent flexibility in these lightly damped systemscreates large undesirable residual vibrations in response to rapid disturbances. Severalcontrol approaches have been proposed to tackle this class of problems, of which theinput shaping technique is appealing in many aspects.While input shaping has been widely investigated to attenuate residual vibrations inflexible structures, less attention was granted to expand its viability in furtherapplications. The aim of this work is to develop a methodology for applying inputshaping techniques to suppress sloshing effects in open moving containers to facilitatesafe and fast point-to-point movements. The liquid behavior is modeled using finiteelement analysis. The input shaper parameters are optimized to find the commandsthat would result in minimum residual vibration. Other objectives, such as improvedrobustness, and motion constraints such as deflection limiting are also addressed in theoptimization scheme. Numerical results are verified on an experimental setupconsisting of a small motor-driven water tank undergoing rectilinear motion, whilemeasuring both the tank motion and free surface displacement of the water. Theresults obtained suggest that input shaping is an effective method for suppressingresidual liquid vibrations.
A novel impact-assessment framework for distributed PV installations in low-voltage secondary networks

Abstract This paper proposes an impact-assessment framework to appropriately assess the impacts of two different types of distributed solar photovoltaic (DPV) installation on a realistic distribution network. To examine the spontaneous customer-based installations, a detailed Monte Carlo-based technique is introduced. For the controlled utility-based installation, a multi-objective optimization problem for the sizing and location of DPV installation is formulated aiming to improve energy loss, voltage deviation, and voltage fluctuation, avoiding reverse power flow and voltage violation. Solar insolation study is performed using light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data to estimate the potential of the network for DPV installation. In addition, a synthetic load profile modeling is developed to create yearly electricity load profiles for all the buildings in the given distribution network. The proposed framework is applied to a local distribution network with synthetic load profiles, Geographic Information System (GIS), and realistic solar insolation. It is found that for customer-based installation, voltage violation occurs beyond 30% of DPV penetration level, demonstrating the necessity of utility-based installation scheme for higher penetration ratios. Beyond a specific threshold, the probability of reverse power flow significantly increases in customer-based installation. Therefore, to achieve higher penetration ratios without reverse power flow and other negative impacts, utility-aided installation is necessary.
Sacral Colpopexy after a 20 Years Sacral Colpopexy. A Robotic Minimally Invasive Approach

Video Objective To demonstrate a robotic approach to identify the surgical planes, exposure and mesh removal from the vagina in a patient with a sacral colpopexy performed more than 2 decades ago and vault prolapse recurrence. Setting Tertiary care center. Interventions A-63- year old G3 P3 with history of a total vaginal hysterectomy with uterosacral ligament suspension with prolapse recurrence that was treated by an abdominal sacral colpopexy 20 years ago, presented to our practice with vault prolapse recurrence. Considering her prior mesh procedure decision was made to perform another sacral colpopexy through a minimally invasive approach. In addition to her condition patient had bladder stones for no apparent reason. Urology performed a bladder stone extraction prior to the prolapse procedure. Careful examination of the urothelium revealed no mesh or suture fibers from the previous colpopexy. Mesh and suture removal from the vagina was performed to allow the placement of the new mesh. A type I polypropylene mesh was attached to the vagina using polydioxanone sutures. The mesh was tension and attached to the anterior longitudinal ligament in regular fashion with a polypropylene suture. Conclusion Newer generations of surgeons should be trained to expect how to handle prolapse recurrences when a prior mesh procedure was performed. This procedure can be challenging but feasible through a robotic minimally invasive approach.
Basic principles of electrochemical biosensing using a smartphone

Abstract In Chapter 2 , one of two most popularly used transducers for biosensors—optical—was explained, and how such optical biosensing can be demonstrated using a smartphone. In this chapter, the other transducer—electrochemical—will be covered and how such electrochemical biosensing can be demonstrated using a smartphone.
Halogen Bonding Interactions of Polychlorinated Biphenyls and the Potential for Thyroid Disruption

Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) flame retardants are persistent pollutants and inhibit neurodevelopment, particularly in the early stages of life. Halogen bonding (XB) to the iodothyronine deiodinases (Dio) that modulate thyroid hormones (THs) is a potential mechanism for endocrine disruption. Cl⋅⋅⋅Se XB interactions of PCBs with SeMe- , a small model of the Dio active site selenocysteine, are compared with previous results on polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) and THs using density functional theory. PCBs generally display weaker XB interactions compared to PBDEs and THs, consistent with the dependence of XB strength on the size of the halogen (I>Br>Cl). PCBs also do not meet a proposed energy threshold for substrates to undergo dehalogenation, suggesting they may behave as competitive inhibitors of Dio in addition to other mechanisms of endocrine disruption. XB interactions in PCBs are position-dependent, with ortho interactions slightly more favorable than meta and para interactions, suggesting that PCBs may have a greater effect on certain classes of Dio. Flexibility of PCBs around the biphenyl C-C bond is limited by ortho substitutions relative to the biphenyl linkage, which may contribute to the ability to inhibit Dio and other TH-related proteins.
Chapter 6 – Final Considerations

The research described in prior chapters provided a universal and scientifically acceptable explanation of the neurophysiological foundation of all methods of reflexive physical medicine. It also spread new light on pain mechanisms and our understanding of the functioning of the nervous system, especially the sensory nervous system. The sensory nervous system—the body’s primary information network—is the best first-line diagnostic system known. The activation of the body’s first-line potent self-defense mechanisms depends on the diagnostic information circulating in this system. Controlling the human body’s information system therefore creates entirely new opportunities for both diagnostics and therapy. Organ electrodermal diagnostics (OED) opened the door to that priceless diagnostic information, and reflexive physical therapies can “force” the powerful self-defense mechanisms of the body to act in a desired way. Reflexive physical medicine should no longer be treated as the “Cinderella” of contemporary medicine but rather as the medicine of the future (with ancient roots)!
Surveillance Imaging of Laryngeal Cancer - Does FDG PET/CT Impact Survival?

1291 Introduction: Persistent controversy exists in how and when head and neck cancer patients should undergo surveillance imaging. Objectives: To evaluate if the type of imaging modality used in surveillance imaging impacts cancer specific survival. Design, Setting, and Participants: Retrospective study of National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program Medicare linked data in patients with the three most common head and neck malignancies, oral cavity, oropharynx and larynx. Main Outcomes and Measures: Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for cancer-specific survival were estimated for patients diagnosed as having any of these cancers between 2006-2015. Results: Significant improvement in cancer specific survival was found in laryngeal cancer patients who had PET/CT surveillance during the first six months, compared to those who underwent CT (HR 1.93; 95% CI, 1.23-3.03). There was no statistically significant difference in cancer specific survival of patients with oral cavity or oropharyngeal malignancies based on type of surveillance imaging utilized. Conclusions: There may be benefit to utilization of different imaging modalities based on site of primary lesion. Specifically patients with laryngeal cancer have an association of improved survival with PET/CT based surveillance imaging.
Nursing perspectives on care delivery during the early stages of the covid-19 pandemic: A qualitative study.

Abstract Background Research examining RNs’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic is lacking, thus inhibiting efforts to optimize nursing care delivery and patient outcomes during the current pandemic and future public health emergencies. Objective To explore the experience of being a registered nurse caring for patients with COVID-19 at an urban academic medical center during the early stages of the pandemic Design Qualitative descriptive study, guided by Donabedian's Quality Framework for Evaluation of Healthcare Delivery which focuses on structures, processes, and outcomes of care delivery Setting Urban academic medical center in the northeast United States Participants Registered nurses cared for or caring for patients with COVID-19, age ≥18 years old, and English-speaking Methods Participants were recruited for individual in-person semi-structured interviews. Interviews occurred during March and April 2020 and were recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were analyzed by two researchers using emergent qualitative content analysis to identify themes. Results Twenty-one registered nurses participated in the study. Three themes emerged from the data, included one relevant to structures and two relevant to processes of care during the pandemic. Registered nurses perceived the clinical context as highly dynamic, but quickly adapted to pandemic-related care delivery. They felt a “sense of duty” to care for patients with COVID-19, despite being fearful of acquiring or spreading infection. Compared to clinical colleagues, registered nurses reported increased patient exposure and performed tasks previously assigned to other clinical team members. Conclusion Roles and nursing practice processes evolved to meet the demand for care despite challenges. Registered nurses require adequate protection for their frontline role which may consist of increased patient exposure compared to clinical colleagues, emotional support, and clear clinical guidance. A deeper understanding of how a public health emergency, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, affects nursing practice can guide future efforts to optimize healthcare structures, nursing care processes, and patient outcomes. Our study can inform strategies for providing registered nurses with adequate communication, protection, and resources during the COVID-19 pandemic and future similar public health emergencies.
Methodological advances for studying gamma motor neurons

The muscle spindle is an important sense organ for motor control and proprioception. Specialized intrafusal fibers are innervated by both stretch sensitive afferents and γ motor neurons that control the length of the spindle and tune the sensitivity of the muscle spindle afferents to both dynamic movement and static length. γ motor neurons share many similarities with other skeletal motor neurons, making it challenging to identify and specifically record or stimulate them. This short review will discuss recent advances in genetic and molecular biology techniques, electrophysiological recording, optical imaging, computer modelling, and stem cell culture techniques that have the potential to help answer important questions about fusimotor function in motor control and disease.
Reduced viscosity mutants of Trichoderma reesei with improved industrial fermentation characteristics

Morphological mutants of Trichoderma reesei were isolated following chemical or insertional mutagenesis. The mutant strains were shown to have reduced viscosity under industrially-relevant fermentation conditions and to have maintained high specific productivity of secreted protein. This allowed higher biomass concentration to be maintained during the production phase and, consequently, increased volumetric productivity of secreted protein. The causative mutations were traced to four individual genes (designated sfb3, ssb7, seb1 and mpg1). We showed that two of the morphological mutations could be combined in a single strain to further reduce viscosity and enable a 100 per cent increase in volumetric productivity.
Zero Settlement Risk Token Systems

How might a modern settlement system with distributed ledger technology achieve zero settlement risk? We consider the design of a settlement system based that satisfies two integral features: information-leakage proof and zero settlement risk. The legacy settlement systems partition market participants’ private information but are vulnerable to settlement risk. We show that a token system can be designed to achieve both as long it employs a protocol that enforces appropriate restrictions on the set of programs traders can enter. First, programs must be immediately executed, i.e. a collapse between trade and settlement; second, they must also involve transactions based on verifiable claims, at the time of trade. We provide concrete applications of zero settlement risk system to derivatives, collateralized loans, and securitization.
Sex differences in conditioned orienting and the role of estradiol in addiction-related behaviors.

Conditioned orienting response (OR) is a form of cue-directed behavior thought to indicate increased attentional and/or motivational processing of reward-associated stimuli. OR as a phenotype has been shown to predict both direct drug proclivity in female rats and behaviors indirectly related to drug proclivity in male rats, but no extant research has compared males and females in terms of their OR behavior or its notable substrates. As females are at increased risk for substance abuse, and the ovarian hormone estradiol is often cited as a driving factor for this predilection, it is important to characterize sex differences between males and females and explore what, if any, contribution estradiol has in behaviors which predict substance abuse. In these experiments, male and female rats [intact or ovariectomized (OVX) with/without estradiol replacement] were compared on a battery of behavioral tasks, including OR, novelty-seeking, attentional set-shifting, and ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) to amphetamine treatment. Female rats, regardless of estradiol replacement, had higher OR scores than males. OR score was a predictor of attention impairments, and estradiol availability contributed to this relationship in females. Sex differences were not observed in novelty-seeking, attentional set-shifting, or USV response to amphetamine; however, estradiol replacement did alter the presentation of these behaviors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Higher-order topological photonics across temporal and spatial scales

Topological photonics enables unusual and robust properties of electromagnetic waves, including reflections-free photon propagation along strongly curved interfaces and localization at the corners and other discontinuities of photonic structures. Of particular interest are the so-called photonic higher-order topological insulators (PHOTIs) enabling light localization at their corners. I will discuss several examples of the PHOTIs based on coupled microwave cavities (emulating quadrupolar insulators) and new PHOTIs based on topological crystalline insulators emulating spin-orbit coupling. Strategies for developing nanoscale PHOTIs will be discussed, including metagate-controlled 2D materials. Finally, a novel regime of quantum landscaping of single-layer graphene, where periodic patterns of chemical potential simultaneously modify electronic and photonic propagation bands, will be introduced.
Self-healing of PE-fiber reinforced lightweight high-strength engineered cementitious composite

Abstract High-strength engineered cementitious composite (HS-ECC) reinforced with polyethylene (PE) fiber typically features larger crack width compared with conventional polyvinyl alcohol fiber-reinforced engineered cementitious composite (PVA-ECC), diminishing the self-healing potential of HS-ECC. This larger crack width is attributed to the high matrix fracture toughness and the weak interfacial property between PE fiber and matrix. In this study, synergistic utilization of crumb rubber (CR) and hollow fly ash cenosphere (FAC) particles as lightweight particles and artificial flaws were employed to reduce the density, the matrix toughness, and the crack width of HS-ECC, leading to a lightweight HS-ECC (LWHS-ECC) with enhanced self-healing capability. The impacts of CR and FAC particles on the density, mechanical, and self-healing properties of LWHS-ECC were investigated. The addition of these two particle types significantly narrows the crack width from 120 μm to 50 μm and promotes the self-healing property of LWHS-ECC. Despite lower compressive and tensile strengths with an increasing amount of CR and FAC, the tensile strength to self-weight ratio of LWHS-ECC is twice that of M45 PVA-ECC. The realization of the self-healing ability of PE-fiber reinforced LWHS-ECC is expected to enlarge its practical application.
Network analysis outlines strengths and weaknesses of emerging SARS-CoV-2 Spike variants

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has triggered myriad efforts to dissect and understand the structure and dynamics of this complex pathogen. The Spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 has received special attention as it is the means by which the virus enters the human host cells. The N-terminal domain (NTD) is one of the targeted regions of the Spike protein for therapeutics and neutralizing antibodies against COVID-19. Though its function is not well-understood, the NTD is reported to acquire mutations and deletions that can accelerate the evolutionary adaptation of the virus driving antibody escape. Cellular processes are known to be regulated by complex interactions at the molecular level, which can be characterized by means of a graph representation facilitating the identification of key residues and critical communication pathways within the molecular complex. From extensive all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of the entire Spike for the wild-type and the dominant variant, we derive a weighted graph representation of the protein in two dominant conformations of the receptor-binding-domain; all-down and one-up. We implement graph theory techniques to characterize the relevance of specific residues at facilitating roles of communication and control, while uncovering key implications for fitness and adaptation. We find that many of the reported high-frequency mutations tend to occur away from the critical residues highlighted by our graph theory analysis, implying that these mutations tend to avoid targeting residues that are most critical for protein allosteric communication. We propose that these critical residues could be candidate targets for novel antibody therapeutics. In addition, our analysis provides quantitative insights of the critical role of the NTD and furin cleavage site and their wide-reaching influence over the protein at large. Many of our conclusions are supported by empirical evidence while others point the way towards crucial simulation-guided experiments.
The Role of Carrageenan in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and Allergic Reactions: Where Do We Stand?

Carrageenan (CGN) is a high molecular weight polysaccharide extracted from red seaweeds, composed of D-galactose residues linked in β-1,4 and α-1,3 galactose-galactose bond, widely used as a food additive in processed foods for its properties as a thickener, gelling agent, emulsifier, and stabilizer. In recent years, with the spread of the Western diet (WD), its consumption has increased. Nonetheless, there is a debate on its safety. CGN is extensively used as an inflammatory and adjuvant agent in vitro and in animal experimental models for the investigation of immune processes or to assess the activity of anti-inflammatory drugs. CGN can activate the innate immune pathways of inflammation, alter the gut microbiota composition and the thickness of the mucus barrier. Clinical evidence suggests that CGN is involved in the pathogenesis and clinical management of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), indeed food-exclusion diets can be an effective therapy for disease remission. Moreover, specific IgE to the oligosaccharide α-Gal has been associated with allergic reactions commonly referred to as the “α-Gal syndrome”. This review aims to discuss the role of carrageenan in inflammatory bowel diseases and allergic reactions following the current evidence. Furthermore, as no definitive data are available on the safety and the effects of CGN, we suggest gaps to be filled and advise to limit the human exposure to CGN by reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods.
Markets for Organizational Reform

While educational reform is scarcely a new hat, market reforms have become prominent feathers in the policy cap. Arguments in favor of educational markets in this country are based partly on economic theories, and partly on comparisons between private and public schools; invariably, however, the deficiencies of U.S. public education are rehearsed. John Chubb and Terry Moe (1990), for example, argue that efforts to create effective schools have failed, and that democratically controlled public education should be abandoned in favor of an open market in schooling. Effective schools are characterized by a cluster of common traits: strong leadership, responsible teachers, clear goals, high standards, and strong parental support. These characteristics are instrumental for fostering and sustaining high achievement; moreover, they tend to be associated with institutional autonomy, such as that found in the private sector. The agenda for public education should be set by parents, teachers, and students, rather than external groups such as state and local bureaucracies, teachers unions, civic authorities, taxpayers, and even business leaders. Market mechanisms are the best way to return educational control to consumers. Schools should be legally autonomous institutions, allowed to structure their own curriculum, governance, and personnel relations, and “to operate as they see fit.”
La Nouvelle Héloïse de Jean-Jacques Rousseau et la Pauvre Liza de N. M. Karamzine

Toward the end of the 18th century the Russian writer Nikolai Mikhailovich Karamzin introduced the artistic movement of sentimentalism and the literary genre of psychological short story. These literary innovations demanded the creation of new artistic formulas capable of expressing the whole complexity of the inner world of a literary hero. Karamzin found these necessary formulas and means in the exalted eloquence and lyricism of Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s New Heloise. Rousseau’s masterpiece became for Karamzine an important example of the new psychological and sentimental literary aesthetic. However, Karamzine did not remain a simple imitator. In his literary works, he created a real « Russian short story », full of national originality as well as his own innovative methods and artistic individuality. Karamzin’s literary creations profoundly influenced Pushkin and many other great Russian writers of the 19th century.
And the Remaining 22 Photons

Unlike all other electromagnetic apertures, the gamma-ray window was forced open by theorists at least a decade before the first photons passed through. Sources remain few by the standards of X-ray or radio astronomy, and the class with no unambiguous optical counterpart remains large. The twenty-four years over which the gamma ray bursters were poorly understood or misunderstood seemed very long to those of us who lived through them, though short compared to the eras of incomprehensibility for coronal lines and stellar pulsations.
3-D Computer Vision Using Structured Light: Design, Calibration, and Implementation Issues

Abstract Structured light (SL) sensing is a well-established method of range acquisition for computer vision. We provide thorough discussions of design issues, calibration methodologies, and implementation schemes for SL sensors. The challenges for SL sensor development are described and a range of approaches are surveyed. A novel SL sensor, PRIME, the PRofile Imaging ModulE recently has been developed and is used as a design example in the detailed discussions.