cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phosphorylation of the cyclin b1 cytoplasmic retention sequence by mitogen-activated protein kinase and Plx.

The cyclin B1/Cdc2 complex regulates many of the dramatic cellular rearrangements observed at mitosis. Although predominantly cytoplasmic during interphase, this kinase complex translocates precipitously to the nucleus at the G2-M transition. The interphase cytoplasmic location of cyclin B1/Cdc2 reflects continuous, albeit slow, nuclear import and much more rapid nuclear export. In contrast, the sudden nuclear accumulation of the complex before entry into mitosis reflects a marked increase in the import rate, with a concomitant inhibition of cyclin B1 nuclear export. These dynamic changes in cyclin B1/Cdc2 localization are regulated by phosphorylation of four serines within a region of cyclin B1 known as the cytoplasmic retention sequence (CRS). Phosphorylation of all four serines is required for rapid nuclear entry, whereas phosphorylation of only the last in the series (Ser 113) is required to prevent nuclear export by CRM1. As these residues represent key loci of regulation, it is important to identify the kinases acting on these sites. Here we report that Xenopus cyclin B1 is regulated by both Erk and Plx kinases, and that Cdc2, counter to previous speculation, is not required for CRS phosphorylation. Phosphorylation of the first two of the CRS serines (Ser 94 and Ser 96) is catalyzed by Erk in the Xenopus system. Although it was previously reported that Ser 113 is a Plx substrate, we were unable to observe phosphorylation of this residue in isolation by purified Plx. Rather, in contrast to previously published data, we have found that the penultimate CRS serine (Ser 101) is a Plx substrate. Collectively, these data demonstrate a new role for Erk in mitotic regulation, identify the Ser 101-directed kinase, and provide a picture of cyclin B1/Cdc2 regulation by the combinatorial action of distinct kinases.
SRK as a framework for the development of training for effective interaction with multi-level automation

This paper examines the development of training for effective interaction with multi-level automation, i.e., a system that switches between functions and roles corresponding to different levels of automation. These interactions need to span not only the nominal procedures and skills expected of the operator, but also effective reasoning about when and whether the automation should be employed. This suggests framing the operator's tasks using Rasmussen's classical categorization of human behavior as skill based, rule based, or knowledge based (SRK), thereby providing appropriate insights into appropriate training objectives and methods. This paper uses the aircraft traffic alert and collision avoidance system as a case study, demonstrating the application of the SRK framework to develop pilot training. Comparison of pilot behavior with and without this modified training highlights the training's ability to improve interaction with the automation, leading to recommendations for broader application of the SRK framework in training development.
The Corporate Creation of the Photojournalist: Life Magazine and Margaret Bourke-White in World War II

The familiar cultural figure of the photojournalist emerged relatively late in the history of photography, taking a shape only in the 1930s and developing quickly in the unique conditions provided by the conjunction of the new, picture-driven mass print media and their coverage of the global conflict of World War II. This article asserts that market and business demands drove this invention, focusing primarily on the career of Margaret Bourke-White and her symbiotic relationship with Life magazine. By analyzing the management hierarchy and business model of Life, I show how the majority of staff photographers were in fact constrained by the corporate structure, while only a few, such as Bourke-White, were accorded star status as ‘independent’ and intrepid photojournalists. Finally, the ideological function of the romanticised photojournalist as a proxy of freedom is analysed in relation to the rise of corporate/technocratic bureaucratic structures that came to dominate the post-war period.
Knowledge-Based Document Classification

In Chapter 4 we introduced the sample-based classification mechanism. A document sample base is a repository for all the document samples in the form of document sample trees. In order to find an appropriate sample, we compare the incoming document with all the samples in the sample base. To improve the efficiency of the sample-based classification mechanism, we present a knowledge-based document classification mechanism in this chapter [174, 175]. An inductive learning process is employed to learn the document type knowledge from document sample trees and generate a fewer number of document type trees. During the tree matching process, a document can be classified as its type by matching its tree structure against these document type trees. Once the type of the document has been identified, we use the document sample trees of the type to do the format recognition and information extraction.
THE FUTURE OF GEOSCIENCE COLLECTIONS IN AN EVOLVING ACADEMIC ENVIRONMENT

Geology programs, especially at research-intensive (R-1) universities, are evolving. The number of traditional, collections-based courses is declining as the faculty who teach those classes retire and are replaced by faculty who increasingly do not use hand specimens in their research and teaching (e.g., geomicrobiology, isotope geochemistry). This change in research concentration and its concurrent effect on geoscience curricula have important ramifications for geoscience teaching and research collections. The impetus for this essay comes from our recent experience at Michigan State University (MSU). Four years ago, the senior invertebrate paleontologist at MSU retired, and the room that had served as a dedicated paleontology teaching lab (and unofficial paleontology research lab) for over 55 years was slated for repurposing to accommodate new faculty hires in other geoscience disciplines. Closing the lab required the relocation of 22 cabinets of invertebrate research and teaching specimens. It fell to the remaining invertebrate paleontology (IP) faculty member (full disclosure: the senior author of this essay), to oversee the sorting, move, and disposition of the specimens. In the absence of an on-site advocate, the specimens would have been discarded. Sorting and relocating the specimens took four months. There is still much work to be done to ensure the safe disposition of the remaining specimens before the current IP faculty member retires, as there is no evidence that the specimens would be properly cared for without a tenure-stream faculty member who had a vested interest in collections. Prompted by our experience, we initiated a study of invertebrate paleontology teaching collections in other Big 10 Conference geology departments. The issues we raise are not limited to schools in the Big 10, but we chose our conference as the institutional cohort for this study because there are commonalities in the research and academic missions, size, and expectations on the part …
Abstract 4593: Glycoengineered antibodies for click chemistry applications

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) hold considerable promise as anticancer agents. A critical determinant of the effectiveness of ADCs is the chemistry that is used to conjugate the payload. Currently used approaches include primarily conjugation to either side-chain amine or carboxylic acid groups or conjugation to thiols. Because these reactions are not site specific and not easily controlled, these chemistries can result in reduced affinity for the target antigen. Further, these conjugation reactions lack selectivity and can result in heterogeneous mixtures of products that differ in the sites and stoichiometry of modification. We investigated a glycoengineering strategy that enables the introduction of artificial azide groups in the antibody without affecting their antigen affinity. This is based on the observation that glycosyltransferases can incorporate non-natural sugars (e.g., azido mannose) at different sites on an IgG molecule. The azide groups inthese artificial sugars are then available to react with alkynes through copper-catalyzed ‘click’ chemistry or with strained alkynes such as dibenzyl cyclooctyne (DBCO) allowing for biorthogonal, copper-free ‘click’ chemistry. Because the sugars are added reproducibly and at asite that does not affect antigen binding, the glycoengineering technology would overcome problems associated with traditional conjugation strategies. Using this approach, azide groups were introduced in anti-CD133 and anti-perlecan antibodies. Further, the azide groups were available to react with various DBCO conjugates including fluorophores, drug molecules and nanoparticles. Importantly, the addition of artificial sugar and subsequent azide-alkyne reactiondid not affect the affinity of the antibody for the target antigen. Conjugation of nanoparticles to antibodies using this approach resulted in enhanced cellular uptake of the nanoparticles. Similarly, conjugation of a cytotoxin to the antibody resulted in enhanced cell kill in vitro. Weexpect that this glycoengineering strategy will prove to be a unique platform technology that will have a significant impact on antibody-based therapeutics. Citation Format: Drishti Sehgal, Stephen Kalscheuer, Tanmoy Sadhukha, Jayanth Panyam. Glycoengineered antibodies for click chemistry applications [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4593. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-4593
Controlling phenolic hydrodeoxygenation by tailoring metal–O bond strength via specific catalyst metal type and particle size selection

Abstract Experimental and theoretical studies of hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of m-cresol show that on metals of low oxophilicity, such as Pt or Pd, the direct C O bond cleavage is not possible. Therefore, HDO requires an indirect pathway via tautomerization. In contrast, on metals of higher oxophilicity, such as Ru or Rh, the direct C O bond cleavage is possible and toluene can be directly obtained from m-cresol. These studies show that the HDO activity correlates directly with the metal oxophilicity, which in turn depends on the position of the d-band center relative to the Fermi level. This catalytic descriptor depends on (1) the type of metal and (2) the extent of coordination of the metal atoms. The present contribution investigates the effect of the second factor. It is demonstrated that a Rh/SiO2 catalyst with small particles (low-coordination sites) is more active for HDO than one with larger particles (high-coordination sites). At the same time, the low coordination site is more prone to deactivation and loss of HDO selectivity. These experimental results are combined with the density functional theory calculations, which show that the energy barrier for direct C O bond cleavage is lower on a step site than on a terrace site. At the same time, it is shown that a step site requires a higher energy barrier to remove adsorbed molecular fragments to regenerate the activity than a terrace site, which explains the faster deactivation rate observed on catalysts with small more defective metal clusters.
Explaining HIV Risk Multiplexity: A Social Network Analysis.

Risk multiplexity (i.e., overlap in drug-use, needle exchange and sexual relations) is a known risk factor for HIV. However, little is known about predictors of multiplexity. This study uses egocentric data from the Colorado Springs study to examine how individual, behavioral and social network factors influence engagement in multiplex risk behavior. Analyses revealed that compared to Whites, Hispanics were significantly more likely to engage in risk multiplexity and Blacks less so. Respondents who were similar to each other (e.g., in terms of race) had significantly higher odds of being in risk multiplex relationships, and respondents’ risk perceptions and network size were significantly associated with engaging in multiplex risk behaviors. Findings from interaction analysis showed the effect of knowing someone with HIV on the odds of multiplexity depends partly on whether respondents’ know their HIV status. Findings suggest that demographics, HIV behaviors and network factors impact engagement in multiplex risk behaviors, highlighting the need for multi-level interventions aimed at reducing HIV risk behavior.
BUOYANCY, LOCOMOTION, AND MOVEMENT IN FISHES | Biomimetics: Robotics Based on Fish Swimming

Biomimetic fish robots are built for three reasons: (1) to test biological hypotheses, (2) to engineer novel designs for underwater vehicles, and (3) to entertain. First, biologists and engineers formulate the intended function or behavior of the robot, the subprocesses that will create the function or behavior, and the specific design plans. Robots are built to model individual structures, particular species, or whole populations of fish. Fish robots may or may not be self-propelled, behaviorally autonomous, powered by on-board batteries, or controlled by computers. Many robotic fish projects study propulsion, with body and fins built to produce biorealistic locomotion.
LEVEL FIVE PROGNOSTICATION

ABSTRACT Global forecasting is currently a technical, often highly mathematical art which only a relative few people in society currently understand and thus attempt. This paper outlines and discusses a uniquely-new organizational scheme for clearly defining and attempting the prognostication of global alternative futures. The author contends that the scheme, which is organized around five, increasingly-sophisticated levels of prognostication, involves principles and techniques simple enough to be understood and put into practice by almost anyone of at least average intelligence. After outlining the scheme, the author concludes with some of his own reflections and predictions about the future of the world.
"Adieu vieille forest . . .": Myth, Melancholia, and Ronsard's Family Trees

This essay explores two nature poems by the French Renaissance poet Pierre de Ronsard, each of which articulates a symbolics of loss through ancient tales of tree-cutting and deforestation. In "Elegie XXIIII" the poet laments the selling of his native Foret de Gastine by appropriating Ovid's fable of Erysichthon, the king whose greed led him to devour his own body. In "Le Pin," Ronsard weaves into his own personal history the Ovidian tale of Attis, a mythical figure of transgression and castration who was metamorphosed into a pine tree by the goddess Cybele. This essay will argue that yet another mythological figure, Cronos, the Golden Age god who devoured his children and castrated his father, serves as the master myth behind the transformative discourse of both poems. As the allegorical Temps Devorateur, Cronos confronts the poet with his own mortality, creating a metonymic relationship between natural bodies and the body of the writer's text. In both poems, Ronsard's poetics of incorporation and transformation is fraught with contradiction, since the incorporation of rival political and literary figures at once diminishes and strengthens their power over the writing subject.
Synthesis and Structure of Di(1,2,4,6-tetraphenylpyridinium) Octachlorodirhenate(III)

The (NC5H2(C6H5)4)2[Re2Cl8] · 2CH3CN compound was prepared by the reaction of (n-Bu4N)2[Re2Cl8] with the 1,2,4,6-tetraphenylpyridinium tosylate in the acetonitrile; it crystallizes upon cooling of the solution at –15°C. The structure consists of the ((C6H5)4C5H2N)+ cation and Re2Cl 8 2− anion with virtual D4h symmetry. The average Re–Re and Re–Cl bond distances are 2.2205 and 2.3431 A, respectively. In the structure, the Re2Cl 8 2− anions are disordered, such that 71.34% of the Re–Re units are aligned in one direction while 28.66% are aligned orthogonal to it. The principal crystallographic data are as follows: sp. gr. R3; a = 26.554(1) A, c = 23.666(1) A; V = 14451.6(1) A3; Z = 9; Dx = 1.643 g cm–3.
Abstract 174: Preeclampsia and Early Stroke Incidence in the California Teachers Study

Background: Preeclampsia (PEC) occurs in 3-8% of all pregnancies and doubles women’s long-term stroke risk. Prospective data are limited regarding the rate at which this risk develops. We hypothesi...
Teacher Perceptions of Principals’ Confidence, Humility, and Effectiveness: Implications for Educational Leadership

Humility in leadership has received growing scholarly attention in recent years. However, the literature is devoid of empirical studies of the relationship among humility, confidence (an attribute ...
Relationships between diatom metrics based on species nutrient traits and agricultural land use

We assessed how diatom metrics were related to different ranges of agricultural land use. Diatom assemblage composition, nutrients, and landscape characteristics were determined at 232 sites in eight agriculturally dominated study areas of the continental United States. Two regional groups based on differences in diatom relations to human disturbance were determined. Changes in diatom species composition were related to nutrients, pH, and conductivity in the eastern study areas (due to more wetlands) and more exclusively to nutrients in the west-central study areas. Homogenization of diatom flora among streams was related to high agricultural disturbance at this transcontinental scale. Species traits were developed separately for the east and west-central study groups and calculated two ways: indicator species analysis for taxa in low and high TN or TP conditions and weighted average partial least squares models of TN and TP concentration. These diatom metrics were significantly related to many indicators of agricultural land use in watersheds, especially percent row crops. Further analysis was conducted on only the west-central region due to its larger sample size. Overall, diatom metrics using species responses to N gradients were better related to agricultural land use than were species responses to P gradients. Most nutrient-based diatom metrics changed greatly in response to low ranges of percent row crops, but only a few high N diatom metrics responded to high row crop conditions. The greater response of diatoms to changes in low agriculture conditions may be due to past diatom evolution occurring when most waters had low nutrient conditions.
Trading Alfs for a Bart: A Simulation.

by devising and carrying out experiments or simulations to determine probabilities." This article discusses several ways to simulate a probability situation that piques the interest of students in grades 5-8. Suppose the Ace Bubble Gum Company decided to use a marketing scheme to entice students to buy their bubble-gum packages. Aware of the success of baseball bubble-gum cards, they decided to insert randomly pictures of four television personalities in their bubble-gum packages. The stars they chose were Bill Cosby, Michael J. Fox, Bart Simpson, and Alf. They used a proportion of 1:1:2:4 by including the following numbers of pictures in their gum packages:
Examining the multidimensional role of self‐efficacy for writing on student writing self‐regulation and grades in elementary and high school

Background The powerful role of self-efficacy on student achievement is clear. Less clear, however, is our understanding of the specific roles of the different factors of writing self-efficacy on student writing self-regulation and success. Aims This study expands our knowledge about student writing self-efficacy - including its dimensions and the relationship between its dimensions and practical writing outcomes with students from different age groups. Sample Participants were 992 elementary and 518 high school students across 65 teachers and 6 schools in the United States. Methods Data were collected via online questionnaires, one assessing student writing self-efficacy and the others teachers' reports of student writing self-regulation and writing/ELA grades. Results Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) results demonstrated significantly improved model fit for a three-factor model of writing self-efficacy compared to a one-factor model. A measurement invariance analysis of the writing self-efficacy scale indicated scalar invariance between the elementary and secondary samples. Structural equation modelling (SEM) results indicated that the second self-efficacy factor, self-efficacy for writing conventions, was statistically significantly related to writing/ELA grades for elementary students (β = .33, p .19). Conclusions Results support the multidimensionality of writing self-efficacy. In addition, findings emphasize a meaningful link between students' beliefs in their ability to conform to the rules of writing and their writing self-regulation and success.
Identification of Opioids and Related Substances using Handheld Raman Spectrometers

This study describes the performance of handheld Raman devices for detecting one hundred opioids and related substances including fentanyl and several analogs. Using a single "parent" device, signatures (spectra) with excellent signal-to-noise ratios were generated using <5 mg of most compounds. The signatures were added to a method (library), which was electronically transferred to three "daughter" devices. The devices were able to discriminate different salt forms and isomers. On average, the daughter devices yielded a true-positive rate of 97.3% for generating an alarm for opioids and were 93.3% effective for correctly identifying the opioid. The devices yielded true-negative, false-positive and false-negative rates of 100%, 0%, and 2.7%, respectively, where false negatives were due to weak signal and fluorescence. These data demonstrate that the parent-daughter electronic transfer method was successful and effective, which permits the ability to develop methods in the laboratory that can be seamlessly pushed out to field devices.
THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN MOBILE PHONES AND THE RISK OF BRAIN CANCER MORTALITY: A 25-YEAR CROSS-COUNTRY ANALYSIS

We investigate the relationship between cell phones and brain cancer using brain cancer death rates for 88 countries between 1990 and 2015 from the World Health Organization and country‐level mobile phone subscription rates from the World Bank. We estimate difference‐in‐difference models including country and year fixed effects and time‐varying country covariates. We find that mobile phone subscription rates are positively and statistically significantly associated with death rates from brain cancer 15–20 years later. In falsification tests, we find few positive associations between mobile phone subscription rates and deaths from rectal, pancreatic, stomach, breast or lung cancer or ischemic heart disease. Finally, differential effects models suggest that mobile phone subscription rates are associated with brain cancer deaths 15–19 years later relative to deaths from other causes. (JEL I15, O33)
Cannabinoids for the treatment of chronic pruritus: A review

Medical marijuana is becoming widely available to patients in the United States, and with recreational marijuana now legalized in many states, patient interest is on the rise. The endocannabinoid system plays an important role in skin homeostasis in addition to broader effects on neurogenic responses such as pruritus and nociception, inflammation, and immune reactions. Numerous studies of in vitro and animal models have provided insight into the possible mechanisms of cannabinoid modulation on pruritus, with the most evidence behind neuronal modulation of peripheral itch fibers and centrally acting cannabinoid receptors. In addition, human studies, although limited due to differences in the cannabinoids used, disease models, and delivery method, have consistently shown significant reductions in both scratching and symptoms in chronic pruritus. Clinical studies have shown a reduction in pruritus in several dermatologic (atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, asteatotic eczema, prurigo nodularis, and allergic contact dermatitis) and systemic (uremic pruritus and cholestatic pruritus) diseases. These preliminary human studies warrant controlled trials to confirm the benefit of cannabinoids for treatment of pruritus and to standardize treatment regimens and indications. In patients who have refractory chronic pruritus after standard therapies, cannabinoid formulations may be considered as an adjuvant therapy where it is legal.
Diagnosis of pili trianguli et canaliculi by frozen section: A rapid and inexpensive method of diagnosis

We present frozen section as a novel method in the diagnosis of pili trianguli et canaliculi that may serve as a more time- and resource- efficient alternative to current gold- standard electron microscopy. In this case series, three children between ages one and four presented with blonde hair unable to be combed into place. Frozen section was performed and evaluated under light microscopy with easy visualization of the hair shaft abnormality, consistent with the diagnosis of pili trianguli et canaliculi.
Abstract WP401: What Goes Around Comes Around: The Impact of Adding the Stroke Coordinator to Daily Rounds

Background: Multidisciplinary rounds have classically consisted of the attending, advanced practice providers, residents and fellows. For most large comprehensive stroke centers (CSC), the stroke c...
How Can We Incorporate Visual Evidence into the History of the Astral Sciences in Mesopotamia

Significant progress has been made in understanding Mesopotamian astronomy and astrology since the decipherment of cuneiform tablets containing astronomical and astrological texts in the late nineteenth century. However, until now few attempts have been made to write a detailed history of the Mesopotamian astral sciences as opposed to detailed studies of particular texts and types of astronomy or astrology. My aim in this paper is to present some ideas of how such a history should be written and in particular to consider if and how visual evidence can be brought alongside textual evidence in the writing of this history.
6.19 – Nucleoside Analogues

Natural RNA molecules are post-transcriptionally modified with at least 96 chemically distinct modified nucleosides found in nature. With a small number of exceptions, RNA modification occurs by enzymes acting directly on the parent A, U, G, or C nucleosides present in an RNA transcript. rRNAs and snRNAs for the most part contain relatively simple modifications, primarily 2′-O-methyl modifications and pseudouridine, along with a few base methylated nucleosides. tRNAs in contrast are host to a great deal of chemical diversity. Conserved tRNA modifications are clustered in the functionally important regions involved in tertiary structure and in the anticodon region directly involved in modulating translational fidelity. This review begins with a discussion of two modifications that are chemically simple and widespread, the 2′-O-methyl modification and pseudouridine. A review of 2′-F modification highlights the stereochemical similarities to 2′-OMe, and shows why 2′-OMe and 2′-F are both becoming widely used in oligonucleotide therapeutics. More exotic modifications from tRNA are discussed according to how the modifications affect fundamental properties such as nucleoside conformation and base stacking. Modification enzymes as targets for new therapeutics are discussed in the context of why nucleoside analogues are important for normal biological function. Future directions for research in this area include the affects that nucleoside analogues can have on miRNA and siRNA activity.
Hybrid Pass/Fail and Full Fail Data for Reduced Fail Data Volume

Fail data is collected by a tester from faulty units to allow defect diagnosis to be carried out. The fail data describes the full output response of the unit. The volume of fail data that faulty units produce during volume diagnosis can exceed the tester memory capacity. Existing solutions stop the fail data collection for a faulty unit after sufficient fail data has been collected or modify the test set to produce less fail data. This article considers the format for storing fail data on the tester. This article suggests a hybrid approach, where full output responses are stored for some tests, and only pass/fail information is stored for the remaining tests. This article describes procedures based on diagnostic fault simulation to determine a subset of tests for which full output responses are needed and for adding new tests such that fewer tests in the extended test set would require full output responses. The experimental results for benchmark circuits demonstrate the reductions in fail data volume that can be achieved by a hybrid approach.
V/Q scan of intra-pulmonary steal phenomenon after pulmonary thromboendarterectomy

3028 Objectives: A pulmonary thromboendarterectomy is an operation that removes organized clotted blood from the pulmonary arteries. The objective of the study is to evaluate the correct interpretation and pitfalls of V/Q scan in patients with thromboendarterectomy. Methods: A retrospective review of 1716 patients was done who had V/Q scans. We identified patients who were referred for V/Q scan as evaluation of pulmonary perfusion after surgery of thromboendarterectomy due to new clinical symptoms. The patient charts were reviewed for post-surgical new symptom changes, pulmonary function test comparing pre and post-surgical evaluation. Results: Total of 13 patients referred for evaluation of acute pulmonary embolism with V/Q scan were identified to have a history of previous thromboendarterectomy. When V/Q scan was compared with pre-op V/Q scan about half of which demonstrated either improved or stable perfusion defects. However 7 out of 13 cases demonstrated with multiple mismatched perfusion defects as compared with pre-op scans in the normal perfused areas, which was concerning for new pulmonary emboli. Clinically they are considered very low likelihood of new pulmonary embolism due to adequate anticoagulation and negative DVT. The mismatched defects at the pre-op scan has improved after surgery, which appears normal at the post op scan while the normal perfused area at the pre-op scan are relatively decreased, showing an reversed perfusion pattern with relative low perfusion in the normal perfused area at the pre-op scan. The finding suggest possible stealing phenomenon due to hyperperfusion to the revascularized areas, shunting the flow from the previously normal perfused areas, which generate oxygen change dead space. All of these patients demonstrated post-walk oxygen desaturation (2to 9% decrease) on the pulmonary function test. See Figure 1 Conclusions: The study reminds radiologist of the caution to interpret the V/Q scan for patient with history of thromboendarterectomy which can mislead the clinician in terms of management of patient with recurrent dyspnea and hypoxia after thromboendareterectomy.
The Political Economy of Gulf Defense Establishments

The six monarchies on the Arabian Peninsula have devoted enormous sums to defense in past decades. Nevertheless, the gap between their expensive armaments and their capacity to deter aggression and/or project military strength has narrowed but little in that time. This Element takes a political economy approach and argues that structural factors inherent in the Gulf states' political systems prohibit civilian oversight of the defense sector and are responsible for this outcome. Lax restraints on military outlays, in turn, enable widespread corruption, lead to large-scale waste, and account for the purchasing of unneeded, unsuitable, and incompatible weapons systems. The Element explores the challenges caused by plummeting oil prices and the resulting budget cuts and considers the development of domestic defense industries in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, intended as a part of their economic diversification program. The setbacks of the Saudi-led coalition's on-going war in Yemen starkly illustrate the narrative.
How to Beat Amazon: An Open Letter to All CEOS

The purpose of this document is to lay out a general strategy for companies who competes with Amazon, in some segments of the market. The strategy includes three dimensions: marketing, behavioral (finance), and innovation. The marketing component suggests head to head match-up. The behavioral finance component is critical as investors mainly focus in two elements: memberships and EPS; the membership element is a strategy element to fix. The innovation component is to come out with ONLY ONE product that is a game-changer for the company. While presenting the strategy is an important factor, yet implementing the strategy is the critical element and varies across companies.
Returning to Azeroth: Nostalgia, Sense of Place, and Social Presence in World of Warcraft Classic:

World of Warcraft (WoW) Classic (released August 2019) allows players to return to the original game experience. This study considers how WoW players experience game content through media nostalgia...
Co-expression of PD-L1 and DDR2 in cervical cancer

Objectives: Many cancers are dependent on programmed cell death ligand (PD-L1) to evade immune destruction. A clinical benefit of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in cervical cancer has been established based on a combined positive score (CPS) of >1. However, cumulative evidence that the level of PD-L1 expression alone is not predictive of response to anti-PD1 axis therapy in cervical cancer suggests that identification of more complex molecular signatures are needed to select patients appropriate for immunotherapy. There is some indication that kinase pathway activation impacts anti-PD1 response, and recently discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2) was identified from an unbiased screen as a leading target for enhancement of response to anti-PD1 axis therapy. We hypothesized that DDR2 and PD-L1 co-expression occurs in some cervix cancers, and sought to determine the co-expression pattern of PD-L1 with DDR2 in patients with cervical cancer. Methods: A tissue microarray of pathologic specimens from treatment naive cervical cancer patients was used for analysis of PD-L1 and DDR2 expression utilizing immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, with interpretable scores for 64 patients. A CPS was used to report PD-L1 expression. Positive PD-L1 staining was defined as CPS score ≥1. DDR2 expression was quantified by identifying percent positive staining pixels within the IHC samples and then categorized as low (0-20% positive), moderate (21-40% positive), or high (41-100% positive) expression. Correlation between PD-L1 expression and survival was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method and log rank test. Results: Of the 64 patients, histology was as follows: 56 squamous, 5 adenocarcinoma, 1 adenoid cystic, 1 adenosquamous, 1 MMMT. Positive PD-L1 staining was observed in 58/64 samples. There was no independent association with PD-L1 positivity and recurrence or survival. Sixty-one of the samples were available for concurrent staining of DDR2. 17/61 samples demonstrated moderate DDR2 expression, and 44/61 samples had high DDR2 expression. Of the PD-L1 positive samples, all expressed at least moderate staining of DDR2, and 70% expressed high levels of DDR2. There was no significant correlation between CPS for PD-L1 and level of DDR2 expression. Conclusions: In this cohort of cervical cancer patients, the rate of PD-L1 and DDR2 expression was high. These data suggests that a subset of these patients may benefit from dual inhibition with anti-PD1 therapy and DDR2 inhibition, as this combination treatment has been shown to enhance anti-PD1 response in other tumor types. Further work to test this hypothesis in cervical cancer is needed.
Evaluating robotic-assisted surgery training videos with multi-task convolutional neural networks

We seek to understand if an automated algorithm can replace human scoring of surgical trainees performing the urethrovesical anastomosis in radical prostatectomy with synthetic tissue. Specifically, we investigate neural networks for predicting the surgical proficiency score (GEARS score) from video clips. We evaluate videos of surgeons performing the urethral anastomosis using synthetic tissue. The algorithm tracks surgical instrument locations from video, saving the positions of key points on the instruments over time. These positional features are used to train a multi-task convolutional network to infer each sub-category of the GEARS score to determine the proficiency level of trainees. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves good performance with scores matching manual inspection in 86.1% of all GEARS sub-categories. Furthermore, the model can detect the difference between proficiency (novice to expert) in 83.3% of videos. Evaluation of GEARS sub-categories with artificial neural networks is possible for novice and intermediate surgeons, but additional research is needed to understand if expert surgeons can be evaluated with a similar automated system.
A Proposal to Make Credit Shelter Trusts Obsolete

Since the introduction of the unified credit in 1976, married couples who attempt to minimize transfer taxes and maximize the wealth passing to their heirs have generally been plagued by an expensive and burdensome exercise. In order for each spouse to optimize the use of this or her unified credit under the Code and to promote the economic well-being of the surviving spouse, the last will and testament of each spouse, using technical formulas and special terms of art, must establish a testamentary trust for the benefit of the surviving spouse. Known in tax parlance as credit shelter or bypass trusts, these trusts, if properly structured, are intended to shield the assets of the first decedent spouse from inclusion in the gross estate of the surviving spouse.In the situation of a first marriage and in the absence of marital strife, most married couples would prefer to orchestrate their testamentary affairs in a far simpler fashion than having to establish a credit shelter trust, i.e., by having each spouse leave his or her assets outright to the surviving spouse. But the imposition of the federal estate tax and the nontransferability of the unified credit to the surviving spouse frustrates testamentary plans for those married couples with taxable estates: it forces such taxpayers, in their attempt to minimize federal estate taxes, to establish credit shelter trust, with all of their concomitant complexities and expenses.This analysis first provides a history of credit shelter trusts and summarizes their central role in many estate plans. Next, applying standards of equity, administrative efficiency, and neutrality, this analysis evaluates the current use of credit shelter trusts. This analysis concludes that, in the spirit of treating married taxpayers as single unit for estate and gift tax purposes (a principal goal of the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981), the unified credit should be transformed into an exemption transferable to the surviving spouse. Adoption of this proposal would generally lead to the elimination of credit shelter trusts, simplify the entire estate planning process, reduce the costs associated with the administration of a taxpayer's estate, and, at a practical level, relieve the surviving spouse of the stress and anxiety associated with not being in direct control of the deceased spouse's assets.
Methods to Improve the Maintenance of the Earth Catalog of Satellites during Severe Solar Storms

The objective of this thesis is to investigate methods to improve the ability to maintain the inventory of orbital elements of Earth satellites during periods of atmospheric disturbance brought on by severe solar activity. Existing techniques do not account for such atmospheric dynamics, resulting in tracking errors of several seconds in predicted crossing time. Two techniques are examined to reduce of these tracking errors. First, density predicted from various atmospheric models is fit to the orbital decay rate for a number of satellites. An orbital decay model is then developed that could be used to reduce tracking errors by accounting for atmospheric changes. The second approach utilizes a Kalman filter to estimate the orbital decay rate of a satellite after every observation. The new information is used to predict the next observation. Results from the first approach demonstrated the feasibility of building an orbital decay model based on predicted atmospheric density. Correlation of atmospheric density to orbital decay was as high as 0.88. However, it is clear that contemporary: atmospheric models need further improvement in modeling density perturbations polar region brought on by solar activity. The second approach resulted in a dramatic reduction in tracking errors for certain satellites during severe solar Storms. For example, in the limited cases studied, the reduction in tracking errors ranged from 79 to 25 percent.
On -contact manifolds with minimal number of closed characteristics

We prove that closed simply connected K-contact manifolds with minimal number of closed characteristics are homeomorphic to odd-dimensional spheres.
Exosomes carrying mycobacterial antigens can protect mice against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

Approximately 2 billion people are infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the etiological agent of tuberculosis (TB), and an estimated 1.5 million individuals die annually from TB. Presently, Mycobacterium bovis BCG remains the only licensed TB vaccine; however, previous studies suggest its protective efficacy wanes over time and fails in preventing pulmonary TB. Therefore, a safe and effective vaccine is urgently required to replace BCG or boost BCG immunizations. Our previous studies revealed that mycobacterial proteins are released via exosomes from macrophages infected with M. tuberculosis or pulsed with M. tuberculosis culture filtrate proteins (CFP). In the present study, exosomes purified from macrophages treated with M. tuberculosis CFP were found to induce antigen-specific IFN-γ and IL-2-expressing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. In exosome-vaccinated mice, there was a similar TH1 immune response but a more limited TH2 response compared to BCG-vaccinated mice. Using a low-dose M. tuberculosis mouse aerosol infection model, exosomes from CFP-treated macrophages were found to both prime a protective immune response as well as boost prior BCG immunization. The protection was equal to or superior to BCG. In conclusion, our findings suggest that exosomes might serve as a novel cell-free vaccine against an M. tuberculosis infection.
Anisotropic scattering by single starch granules

Abstract The small angle, anisotropic light-scattering from transverse sections cut from the center of granules of potato starch was studied in the Hv mode. The previously developed theoretical treatment for elliptical disks was applied in an effort to confirm earlier indications of layered granule morphology and to define further the orientation of anisotropic units in the granule. The results clearly indicate the presence of coarsely layered morphology, including an isotropic region near the center of the granule. The model most closely descriptive of the orientations of optic axes in the transverse section is one termed the “affine deformation” model which restricts the optic axes to radial orientations emanating from a common center.
Addressing LISA Science Analysis Challenges

The principal goal of the \emph{LISA Science Analysis Workshop} is to encourage the development and maturation of science analysis technology in preparation for LISA science operations. Exactly because LISA is a pathfinder for a new scientific discipline -- gravitational wave astronomy -- LISA data processing and science analysis methodologies are in their infancy and require considerable maturation if they are to be ready to take advantage of LISA data. Here we offer some thoughts, in anticipation of the LISA Science Analysis Workshop, on analysis research problems that demonstrate the capabilities of different proposed analysis methodologies and, simultaneously, help to push those techniques toward greater maturity. Particular emphasis is placed on formulating questions that can be turned into well-posed problems involving tests run on specific data sets, which can be shared among different groups to enable the comparison of techniques on a well-defined platform.
Sensor fault detection and isolation using phase space reconstruction

Fault diagnosis is the central component of abnormal event management (AEM) [1–3]. Because of the increasing need for higher system performance, product quality, human safety, and cost efficiency, fault diagnosis systems are applied in diverse industrial fields, such as petrochemical and petroleum industries, robotics, and automotive/aerospace systems [4, 5]. According to the International Federation of Automatic Control (IFAC), a fault is defined as an unpermitted deviation of at least one characteristic property or parameter of the system from the acceptable/usual/standard condition [6–8]. If the unpermitted deviation grows worse with time, a fault may result in abnormal events or accidents. This paper is focused in the direction of sensor faults to provide a novel method to detect and isolate multiple sensor faults. This paper is organized as follows. A comprehensive problem statement and literature review is given in the next two Sections. After that, an overview of phase space reconstruction is introduced, and the proposed method and its simulation results are presented. Conclusion is given in the last Section.
Dogfight in IT Industry: Google vs. Microsoft

The battle between Microsoft and Google will shape how our society makes use of technology, computing, and information. It will determine which firm will shape and control the future of computing, and ultimately profit from it. This face-off pits a world of computing which the operating system serves as the centerpiece of computing capabilities delivered on a computer, against a new one in which the network delivers information and computational applications to many different devices. Microsoft's dominance of the existing world is threatened by Google and other firms whose technologies make the operating system dispensable. Simultaneously, Google has demonstrated search advertising as the place to make big profits on the Internet, making it imperative for Microsoft to challenge Google's dominance in this arena.
Using Medicaid claims to construct dental service market areas.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To use Medicaid claims data to construct patient origin-based market areas for dental services and compare constructed market areas with those based on the practice county. DATA SOURCES: North Carolina Medicaid claims, eligibility, and provider files, the Cooperative Health Information Systems' dentist licensure files, and the Log Into North Carolina data. STUDY DESIGN: A visit-level file was created from the Medicaid claims data and aggregated by provider practice county and patient county of residence. Using the aggregated file and an algorithm based on the Elzinga-Hogarty approach, patient travel patterns were used to construct mutually exclusive patient origin market areas. DATA ANALYSIS: Market area characteristics were compared across definitions using Pearson correlation coefficients. In addition, estimations of provider participation were performed using market area characteristics as control variables. The beta coefficients associated with market area characteristics were compared across market area definitions. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Medicaid claims data, when combined with provider licensure files, can be used to construct market areas based on patient origin data. However, measures of market area characteristics are correlated highly between the two types of market areas studied. Furthermore, beta coefficients on market area variables in models of provider participation are similar in sign, significance, and magnitude across market definitions. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with market areas constructed using patient origin data, county-based market areas adequately proxy for dental markets. Using the county as the market area also avoids the time and computational costs associated with using a patient origin-based approach and facilitates the use of widely available data.