cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Autoinduction and signal transduction in the regulation of staphylococcal virulence

The accessory genes of Staphylococcus aureus, including those involved in pathogenesis, are controlled by a complex regulatory network that includes at least four two-component systems, one of which, agr, is a quorum sensor, an alternative sigma factor and a large set of transcription factors, including at least two of the superantigen genes, tst and seb. These regulatory genes are hypothesized to act in a time- and population density-dependent manner to integrate signals received from the external environment with the internal metabolic machinery of the cell, in order to achieve the production of particular subsets of accessory/virulence factors at the time and in quantities that are appropriate to the needs of the organism at any given location. From the standpoint of pathogenesis, the regulatory agenda is presumably tuned to particular sites in the host organism. To address this hypothesis, it will be necessary to understand in considerable detail the regulatory interactions among the organism's numerous controlling systems. This review is an attempt to integrate a large body of data into the beginnings of a model that will hopefully help to guide research towards a full-scale test.
Gas Reservoir Potential of the Lower Ordovician Beekmantown Group, Quebec Lowlands, Canada: Discussion

Dykstra and Longman (1995), in an interesting paper, discussed the gas-reservoir potential of the Lower Ordovician Beekmantown Group of Quebec, Canada. They pointed out that the dolomites of this group provide an important exploration target in both the autochthon and the overlying thrust sheets. They then compare their rocks with those of correlative units in Oklahoma. Nowhere in their paper do they relate their study to the extensive work on these same rocks in the contiguous parts of the same basin in neighboring New York state. The purpose of this discussion is to fill in this lack and provide information on prospective Cambrian-Ordovician reservoirs in New York state, for which the Oil and Gas Investor (Anonymous, 1995a) has predicted counties of western New York are the next frontier for the Cambrian-Ordovician play. Dykstra and Longman (1995) compare their Quebec rocks with those of correlative rocks in faraway Oklahoma and completely overlook those in the same basin in nearby New York. At least one of the boreholes that we have studied in the St. Lawrence Valley is only tens of miles from their boreholes (Harris and Friedman, 1982). During the past 31 yr our team alone has published at least 50more » papers and abstracts on the surface and subsurface geology of the Beekmantown Group in New York state. Dykstra and Longman`s (1995) paper provides data identical to those we have obtained for the contiguous New York Beekmantown (for a partial reference list see Friedman, 1993, 1994a, b, 1995). Because no reference to New York state is included in their reference section, I want to quote from an abstract titled {open_quotes}Gas Potential of the Eastern Overthrust...New York{close_quotes}(Friedman, s1992), which compares with their title {open_quotes}Gas Reservoir Potential...of Quebec, Canada{close_quotes} (Dykstra and Longman, 1995).« less
WENDI: A tool for finding non-obvious relationships between compounds and biological properties, genes, diseases and scholarly publications

In recent years, there has been a huge increase in the amount of publicly-available and proprietary information pertinent to drug discovery. However, there is a distinct lack of data mining tools available to harness this information, and in particular for knowledge discovery across multiple information sources. At Indiana University we have an ongoing project with Eli Lilly to develop web-service based tools for integrative mining of chemical and biological information. In this paper, we report on the first of these tools, called WENDI (Web Engine for Non-obvious Drug Information) that attempts to find non-obvious relationships between a query compound and scholarly publications, biological properties, genes and diseases using multiple information sources. We have created an aggregate web service that takes a query compound as input, calls multiple web services for computation and database search, and returns an XML file that aggregates this information. We have also developed a client application that provides an easy-to-use interface to this web service. Both the service and client are publicly available. Initial testing indicates this tool is useful in identifying potential biological applications of compounds that are not obvious, and in identifying corroborating and conflicting information from multiple sources. We encourage feedback on the tool to help us refine it further. We are now developing further tools based on this model.
Mobile human-robot teaming with environmental tolerance

We demonstrate that structured light-based depth sensing with standard perception algorithms can enable mobile peer-to-peer interaction between humans and robots. We posit that the use of recent emerging devices for depth-based imaging can enable robot perception of non-verbal cues in human movement in the face of lighting and minor terrain variations. Toward this end, we have developed an integrated robotic system capable of person following and responding to verbal and non-verbal commands under varying lighting conditions and uneven terrain. The feasibility of our system for peer-to-peer HRI is demonstrated through two trials in indoor and outdoor environments.
Phylogeography of the mountain chickadee (Poecile gambeli): diversification, introgression, and expansion in response to Quaternary climate change.

Since the late 1990s, molecular techniques have fuelled debate about the role of Pleistocene glacial cycles in structuring contemporary avian diversity in North America. The debate is still heated; however, there is widespread agreement that the Pleistocene glacial cycles forced the repeated contraction, fragmentation, and expansion of the North American biota. These demographic processes should leave genetic ‘footprints’ in modern descendants, suggesting that detailed population genetic studies of contemporary species provide the key to elucidating the impact of the late Quaternary (late Pleistocene–Holocene). We present an analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation in the mountain chickadee ( Poecile gambeli ) in an attempt to examine the genetic evidence of the impact of the late Quaternary glacial cycles. Phylogenetic analyses reveal two strongly supported clades of P. gambeli : an Eastern Clade (Rocky Mountains and Great Basin) and a Western Clade (Sierra Nevada and Cascades). Post-glacial introgression is apparent between these two clades in the Mono Lake region of Central California. Within the Eastern Clade there is evidence of isolation-by-distance in the Rocky Mountain populations, and of limited gene flow into and around the Great Basin. Coalescent analysis of genetic variation in the Western Clade indicates that northern (Sierra Nevada/Cascades) and southern (Transverse/ Peninsular Ranges) populations have been isolated and evolving independently for nearly 60 000 years.
Values in Presidential Inaugural Addresses: A Test of Rokeach's Two-Factor Theory of Political Ideology

Values expressed in the inaugural addresses of the presidents of the United States were hypothesized to reflect an underlying factor structure characterized by historical value citations of “Freedom” and “Equality,” identified by Rokeach in 1973 as relevant to major political ideologies. A positive emphasis on both values yields a socialistic perspective, while rejection of both values generates fascism. Capitalism endorses “freedom” but rejects “equality,” while an emphasis on “equality” to the exclusion of “freedom” reflects Communism. Blind raters (with interrater reliabilities of .88 to .92) content analyzed the 50 inaugural addresses of 40 presidents, from Washington through Reagan, with reference to eight values (economy, equality, freedom, justice, morality, peace, power, and religion) identified as historically consistent themes in inaugural addresses. Factor analysis yielded two basic dimensions clearly identifiable as “Freedom” and “Equality,” lending substantial support to Rokeach's findings.
Determining forces required to override obstacles for ground vehicles

Abstract The military is constantly expanding the use of unmanned ground vehicles in warfighting applications that often involve complex environments. Part of the focus of military research is to improve or validate existing routing algorithms which are used to predict vehicle mobility. Routing algorithms are based on the time required for vehicle movement through a series of obstacles such as trees or fences, thus requiring an assessment of the ability to override such obstacles as compared to finding an alternate maneuver path. The required overriding force can be computed and compared to a vehicle’s tractive force to determine the best viable option. If overriding the obstacle is an option (tractive force exceeds the required overriding force), the delay in overriding can be assessed as compared to the delay in maneuvering around the obstacle. This study provides a quick and reasonable calculation of the force required to override specific types of vertically embedded obstacles to support the determination of movement capabilities for unmanned ground vehicles on the battlefield.
Extreme Points of Certain Sets of Probability Measures, with Applications

Let K be the set of probability measures on a metric space having prescribed values for the integrals of a finite number of prescribed functions fi. Extreme points of K are characterized in general. Under a restriction on the fi extreme points and more general faces of K are characterized. Applications to inverse balayage problems, measures with prescribed moments or values of Laplace transforms, measures with prescribed marginal distributions and the queueing system GI/M/1 are presented.
Broadband true time-delay with optical coherent transients

Summary form only given. When phased array antenna systems operate with broadband (multiple gigahertz) signals, true time-delay devices are needed to solve the problem of beam squint. Optical coherent transient technology, also known as spatial-spectral holography, offers a unique way of using the space and frequency dimensions of inhomogeneously broadened absorbers to handle thousands of high-resolution delays in a compact volume. We demonstrated broadband true-time delay in a Tm/sup 3+/:YAG crystal, which offers delays up to a microsecond on signals having several tens of GHz bandwidth with sub-picosecond delay resolution.
Instrumenting time-sensitive software for feature location

Feature location is a commonly occurring program comprehension problem. In understanding large software systems, Software Engineers need to locate the different software components that work together to provide a specific end user feature.
Three-dimensional Huh7 cell culture system for the study of Hepatitis C virus infection.

In order to elucidate how Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) interacts with polarized hepatocytes in vivo and how HCV-induced alterations in cellular function contribute to HCV-associated liver disease, a more physiologically relevant hepatocyte culture model is needed. As such, NASA-engineered three-dimensional (3-D) rotating wall vessel (RWV) bioreactors were used in effort to promote differentiation of HCV-permissive Huh7 hepatoma cells. When cultured in the RWV, Huh7 cells became morphologically and transcriptionally distinct from more standard Huh7 two-dimensional (2-D) monolayers. Specifically, RWV-cultured Huh7 cells formed complex, multilayered 3-D aggregates in which Phase I and Phase II xenobiotic drug metabolism genes, as well as hepatocyte-specific transcripts (HNF4α, Albumin, TTR and α1AT), were upregulated compared to 2-D cultured Huh7 cells. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that these HCV-permissive 3-D cultured Huh7 cells were more polarized than their 2D counterparts with the expression of HCV receptors, cell adhesion and tight junction markers (CD81, scavenger receptor class B member 1, claudin-1, occludin, ZO-1, β-Catenin and E-Cadherin) significantly increased and exhibiting apical, lateral and/or basolateral localization. These findings show that when cultured in 3-D, Huh7 cells acquire a more differentiated hepatocyte-like phenotype. Importantly, we show that these 3D cultures are highly permissive for HCV infection, thus providing an opportunity to study HCV entry and the effects of HCV infection on host cell function in a more physiologically relevant cell culture system.
The Lived Experience of Choosing Bariatric Surgery to Lose Weight

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment for morbid obesity is becoming an increasingly sought out intervention for weight loss. Bariatric surgery is a life-changing procedure that requires a long-term commi...
Enforcing non-positive weights for stable support vector tracking

In this paper we demonstrate that the support vector tracking (SVT) framework first proposed by Avidan is equivalent to the canonical Lucas-Kanade (LK) algorithm with a weighted Euclidean norm. From this equivalence we empirically demonstrate that in many circumstances the canonical SVT approach is unstable, and characterize these circumstances theoretically. We then propose a novel ldquononpositive support kernel machinerdquo (NSKM) to circumvent this limitation and allow the effective use of discriminative classification within the weighted LK framework. This approach ensures that the pseudo-Hessian realized within the weighted LK algorithm is positive semidefinite which allows for fast convergence and accurate alignment/tracking. A further benefit of our proposed method is that the NSKM solution results in a much sparser kernel machine than the canonical SVM leading to sizeable computational savings and much improved alignment performance.
Pathogenesis of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in Renal Failure

In the last five years, investigators have made substantial progress in the understanding of the factors involved in the regulation of parathyroid hormone secretion in renal insufficiency. Chief cell hyperplasia of the parathyroid glands and high levels of immunoreactive parathyroid hormone (iPTH) are among the earliest alterations of mineral metabolism observed in patients with chronic renal failure. Although many factors are responsible for the regulation of the secretion of PTH, it appears that in patients with renal insufficiency, the most important factor for the development of secondary hyperparathyroidism is a reduction in the serum-ionized calcium. However, recent experimental work in dogs (1) indicates that hypocalcemia may not be essential for the development of secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic renal failure.
MYC/BCL2 double-expression vs. cell-of-origin classification in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: do we need to know both?

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and demonstrates significant clinicopathologic and genetic heterogeneity. In 2000, Alizadeh et al. used gene ex...
Governance of Megacity Disaster Risks: Confronting the Contradictions

Several contradictions pose problems of synthesis and integration for agents of governance but keep the field buoyant with possibilities of theoretical and practical innovation. This chapter suggests that expanded dialog and collaboration among the different research and policy communities should be encouraged with a view to resolving some of the existing contradictions of discourse and practice while learning ways of accommodating megacity societies to those that remain.
Photophysics and Dosimetry of Photoradiation Therapy

Hematoporphyrin Derivative (HpD) photoradiation therapy (PRT) has been found to be an effective treatment for a variety of tumors1,2. In order for PRT to be used optimumly an understanding of the photophysic principles of the photosensitization reaction must be known. It is also important that the light dosimetry be done properly.
Role of Employment Services in the Economy of Franklin County

The Penn State Workforce Education and Development Initiative conducted an analysis of the economic impact of employment services in Franklin County in Pennsylvania. The analysis was designed to help understand the impact of the loss of 200 jobs as a result of a layoff at RAMTECH Support Services announced in March on the WARN website, effective April 19, 2010.The Economic and Workforce Brief produced from this analysis provides a benchmark for measuring the total employment, employee compensation, and property taxes associated with every 100 workers employed in Franklin County's employment services industry.RAMTECH Support Services, headquartered in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, provides blue and white collar skilled labor mainly through contract work primarily to the U.S. Department of Defense and other government agencies according to the RAMTECH corporate website. The layoff was due to the U.S. military's unexpected cancellation of the HMMWV (Humvee) Recap Program according to a report in The Patriot-News on March 3, 2010.Services provided by RAMTECH Support Services are classified in the North American Industrial Classification System code 561330. According to the U.S. Bureau of the Census, establishments in this industry "are primarily engaged in providing human resources and human resource management services to staff client businesses."
Micro-EDM Studies of the Fabrication of Customized Internal Fixation Devices for Orthopedic Surgery

The fabrication of personalized implants, tailored on patient needs, is a key issue for the future of several surgical fields. The presence of a prototyping service inside the hospital would be an added value for improving clinical activity. In this context, micro-Electro Discharge Machining is exploited to customize fixation devices in orthopedic surgery. An overview of the main devices is carried out in order to identify the main characteristics and to define the common fixation system specifications. The experimentation includes a technological evaluation of the proper micro-EDM technology, chosen according to the final design of the components. Two materials are investigated for the device fabrication: titanium and Si3N4-TiN ceramic composite. An optimization of the main technological parameters is performed in order to maximize the material removal rate ensuring the accuracy of the micro-features required. Finally, a test case is selected in order to evaluate the entire fabrication process chain.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Benjamin and collecting

Benjamin concluded his essay on book collecting by letting us know that collecting ‘is the most profound relation that one can have to things.’ I will defend Benjamin’s views on collecting against the criticisms of his friends Gershom Scholem and Hannah Arendt. Drawing on Benjamin’s ideas on history, I will argue that true collecting treats the object historically. Collecting is a way of meditating on history. Benjamin’s criticism always required the particular in which to immerse itself. I will consider a particular collection – in this case, a collection of Surrealist books and publications. This example will allow for a reading of Benjamin’s essay on Surrealism alongside his essay on book collecting (both published in the same venue less than two years apart), for which it will be necessary to consider the development and afterlife of Surrealism, and Surrealism’s influence on Benjamin.
An Endangered Osprey Population: Estimates of Mortality and Production

MANY ornithologists have noted declines in Osprey (Pandion haliatus carolinensis) populations in the United States since the beginning of the twentieth century (Bent, 1937; Stone, 1937; Kenyon, 1947; Ames and Mersereau, 1964; Schmid, 1966; and others). The acceleration of these declines in the last 15 to 20 years is causing much concern among conservationists. It is axiomatic that, assuming no permanent emigration, a decline in population size results from (1) increased mortality, (2) decreased productivity, or (3) a combination of both of these. This paper reports on estimates of mortality rates derived from reports of band recoveries from a segment of the northeastern population of Ospreys banded in New York and New Jersey from 1926 to 1961. Although these estimates do not necessarily reflect the mortality rates now being sustained by this population, they show the amount of production per nest needed to maintain the population and bring into focus the dynamics of the decline that has taken place.
Gentamicin in the treatment of meningitis in neonates.

Bacterial meningitis and "sepsis," confirmed by positive blood cultures when they occur during the first 30 days of life, present perhaps the greatest current challenges to the antimicrobial therapist. As detailed below for meningitis, case fatality rates are high, and the survivors frequently have crippling sequelae. This is true in spite of the fact that many of the patients have no obvious underlying severe disease and should be salvageable. Certainly, the infectious processes are not always promptly controlled by standard antimicrobials, and the over-all case fatality and residua rates leave ample scope for improvement in the results of therapy.
Treatment of epilepsy with diphenylhydantoin sodium (dilantin sodium).

(1956). Treatment of Epilepsy With Diphenylhydantoin Sodium. Postgraduate Medicine: Vol. 20, No. 6, pp. 584-590.
Surveillance of routine immunization coverage of Ningbo,2010- 2012

Objective To evaluate the current status,problem still existed and related factors in routine immunization coverage reporting of Ningbo.Methods The reported coverage data in 2010- 2012 were collected through China Immunization information system.The surveyed coverage data in 2010- 2012 were also collected.The estimated coverage method used in this study was recommended by the World Health Organization(WHO).Results Reported routine immunization coverage of BCG,OPV,DPV,MV and HBV varied from 99.16%-99.92%,surveyed coverage varied from 93.23%- 100%and estimated coverage varied from 99.16%-99.92%.As to the timely first dose coverage rate of hepatitis B,reported coverage varied from 95.56%- 98.92%,surveyed coverage varied from84.75%-97.79%and estimated coverage varied from 84.75%-98.92%.Reported qualified coverage of whole range of these five vaccines varied from 96.77%-99.76%,surveyed coverage varied from 69.63%-98.30%and estimated coverage varied from 69.63%-99.76%.The coverage rates of local children were higher than those of children in floating population.Conclusion The surveillance system of routine immunization in Ningbo had become more stable,and the surveillance quality was good.It is critical to strengthen the management of vaccination in children among floating population to impove the routine immunization coverage of Ningbo.
Absorption of salicylate powders versus tablets following overdose: a poison center observational study

Background: Salicylate absorption following overdose of aspirin (ASA) tablet formulations can be prolonged for greater than 24 h. Accordingly, serial serum concentrations are typically recommended ...
Morphological diversification of Ptychopariida (Trilobita) from the Marjumiid biomere (Middle and Upper Cambrian)

Ptychopariid trilobites from the Marjumiid biomere of Laurentia underwent a statistically significant morphological diversification that is concordant with proposed adaptive radiations of trilobites in each of the Cambrian biomeres. An analysis of a subset consisting of the biomere's most characteristic taxa, the Asaphiscacea, Raymondinacea, and Marjumiacea, also illustrates this morphological diversification. In detail, the total data set and subset show a limited range of morphologies near the base of the biomere and a large increase in range in the upper portion of the biomere.Regional assemblages from the Appalachians, Great Basin, and Texas were also studied to determine if they too show the larger-scale macroevolutionary patterns of trilobites from Laurentia as a whole. The regional assemblages illustrate similar, but not identical, morphological diversifications, which are also similar to the overall Laurentian pattern. Subsets of the characteristic taxa also show this diversification. These results suggest that regional assemblages can be used to investigate these larger-scale macroevolutionary patterns.Causal mechanisms for the diversification patterns are not clear. Potential mechanisms include: (1) endemic evolution of new morphologies in Laurentia; (2) migration of new morphologies, including intra- and inter-continental migrations; and (3) environmental controls over the distribution of morphologies. Likely causes for the morphological diversification and its similarity among regions probably include aspects of all three mechanisms.
Activating earth-abundant electrocatalysts for efficient, low-cost hydrogen evolution/oxidation: sub-monolayer platinum coatings on titanium tungsten carbide nanoparticles

Most earth-abundant electrocatalysts suffer from negligible activity for the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) and significant overpotentials for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in acidic media. We designed earth-abundant, carbon-supported titanium tungsten carbide (TixW1−xC) nanoparticles decorated with surface Pt coatings ranging from the “single-atom” to the two-monolayer regime. Reactivity studies demonstrated that sub-monolayer Pt coverages are optimal and could activate the exposed metal carbide sites for both HER and HOR at low overpotentials. Specifically, a 0.25 monolayer coverage of Pt improved the exchange current density of Ti0.2W0.8C by more than three orders of magnitude. This catalyst outperformed traditional Pt/C by a factor of 13 on a Pt mass basis, allowing for over a 96% reduction in Pt loadings. Deactivation was not observed after 10 000 cycles between −50 and +600 mV vs. RHE in 1.0 M HClO4, and activity was maintained after 140 000 catalytic turnovers. A technoeconomic analysis revealed that over the catalyst lifetime, this new architecture could reduce materials and energy costs by a factor of 6 compared to state-of-the-art earth-abundant catalysts and a factor of 12 compared to Pt/C.
Aerodynamic shape optimization of wind turbine blades using a Reynolds‐averaged Navier–Stokes model and an adjoint method

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is increasingly used to analyze wind turbines, and the next logical step is to develop CFD-based optimization to enable further gains in performance and reduce model uncertainties. We present an aerodynamic shape optimization framework consisting of a Reynolds-averaged Navier Stokes solver coupled to a numerical optimization algorithm, a geometry modeler, and a mesh perturbation algorithm. To efficiently handle the large number of design variables, we use a gradient-based optimization technique together with an adjoint method for computing the gradients of the torque coefficient with respect to the design variables. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, we maximize the torque of the NREL VI wind turbine blade with respect to pitch, twist, and airfoil shape design variables while constraining the blade thickness. We present a series of optimization cases with increasing number of variables, both for a single wind speed and for multiple wind speeds. For the optimization at a single wind speed performed with respect to all the design variables (1 pitch, 11 twist, and 240 airfoil shape variables), the torque coefficient increased by 22.4% relative to the NREL VI design. For the multiple-speed optimization, the torque increased by an average of 22.1%. Depending on the CFD mesh size and number of design variables, the optimization time ranges from 2 to 24h when using 256 cores, which means that wind turbine designers can use this process routinely. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pathloss Models for Indoor Hotspot Deployment at 83.5 GHz

Conventional pathloss models are based on the received power from an omnidirectional antenna. Millimeter-wave receivers, conversely, will feature highly directional antennas that can be steered towards the angle with maximum power, exploiting their high gain in order to compensate for the greater pathloss witnessed in the upper spectrum. Hence models for the maximum power are also valuable. In this paper, we present both model types for indoor hotspot deployment at 83.5 GHz. The environments considered - a basement, lobby, and hallway in line- and non-line-of-sight conditions up to 24 m range - are typical of such deployments. To fit the models, a measurement campaign with over 1500 different transmitter- receiver configurations was conducted using a correlation-based channel sounder. Computation of the maximum-power model is enabled by the sounder's custom-designed antenna array which can resolve the receiver power into three-dimensional angles-of-arrival.
Information and Investment in East Asia: What We Need to Know When Investing in Relation-Based Societies**Adopted from Li, S. (2009). Managing international business in relation-based versus rule-based countries. New York, NY: Business Expert Press.

The main message of this chapter is that in relation-based societies such as East Asia, businesses are conducted and protected via personal relations, and publicly verifiable information, such as listed companies’ annual reports and public accounting information, is less reliable and is often ignored by the insiders. Understanding the different governance mechanisms used in relation-based versus rule-based environments will shed light on how to structure and protect investment in Asia. This theory will explain why relation-based economies tend to have a more poorly regulated stock market, and why direct investment provides a more efficient and effective protection for the investor in such an environment.
Modern advances in microscopy: from animal to atom.

The ultimate goal of the modern physiologist is to understand and integrate the biochemistry, biophysics and physiology of undisturbed living cells. To accomplish this goal requires the development and application of approaches that can non-invasively probe a variety of dynamic cellular processes. Although no technique is truly non-invasive, recently developed methods are approaching this objective. Fluorescence has become the most popular optical tool for measuring the ion properties inside living cells, due to sensitivity, specificity, and spatial and temporal resolution. All of these systems use the same basic principle, i.e., the cell or tissue is exposed to a concentrated specific beam of excitation light and the resultant fluorescent signal is detected on a collection device. Photomultiplier tube systems will give maximal temporal resolution. Intensified video camera systems allow for maximal spatial resolution, and simultaneous measurement of fields of cells. Improved spatial resolution can be obtained using confocal microscopes providing both 2D and 3D molecular distribution and activity maps from within cells. In addition to obtaining spatial information from within cells, it is now possible to measure dynamic surface morphometric changes with Angstrom level resolution using the technique of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). This review will summarize the different uses of both conventional and nonconventional microscopy to examine dynamic changes in living cells.
Medicaid Participation among Liver Transplant Candidates after the Affordable Care Act Medicaid Expansion

Background The 2014 Medicaid expansion in participating states increased insurance coverage among people with chronic health conditions, but its implications for access to surgical care remain unclear. We investigated how Medicaid expansion influenced the insurance status of candidates for liver transplantation (LT) and transplant center payor mix. Study design Data on LT candidates aged 18 to 64 years, in 2012 to 2013 (pre-expansion) and 2014 to 2015 (post-expansion), were obtained from the United Network for Organ Sharing registry. Change between the 2 periods in the percent of LT candidates using Medicaid was compared between expansion and nonexpansion states. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine how Medicaid expansion influenced individual LT candidates' likelihood of using Medicaid insurance. Results The study included 33,017 LT candidates, of whom 29,666 had complete data for multivariable analysis. Medicaid enrollment increased by 4% after Medicaid expansion in participating states. One-quarter of the transplant centers in these states experienced ≥10% increase in the proportion of LT candidates using Medicaid insurance. Multivariable analysis confirmed that Medicaid expansion was associated with increased odds of LT candidates using Medicaid insurance (odds ratio 1.49; 95% CI 1.34, 1.66; p Conclusions Candidates for LT became more likely to use Medicaid after the 2014 Medicaid expansion policy came into effect. Enactment of this policy did not appear to increase access to LT or address socioeconomic and demographic disparities in access to the LT wait list.
How far does the gender gap extend?: Decision making on state Supreme Courts in Fourth Amendment Cases, 1980–2000

Abstract The importance of women on the bench and the influence of gender on judicial decision making has garnered much scholarly attention. We examine the voting behavior of male and female justices in 718 Fourth Amendment search and seizure votes cast on state Supreme Courts between 1980 and 2000. We find that women justices, controlling for institutional, political, and legal constraints, are more likely to rule in favor of the criminal defendant than their male brethren in cases decided after 1991 but not before. We also find women justices serving with female colleagues are more inclined to render liberal votes. We conclude the influence of gender may be evident in a wider variety of cases than those dealing with women's lives but that this influence is dependent upon the existence of a critical mass of women on the state court benches.
Beyond the Hammett Effect: Using Strain to Alter the Landscape of Electrochemical Potentials

The substitution of sterically bulky groups at precise locations along the periphery of fused-ring aromatic systems is demonstrated to increase electrochemical oxidation potentials by preventing relaxation events in the oxidized state. Phenothiazines, which undergo significant geometric relaxation upon oxidation, are used as fused-ring models to showcase that electron-donating methyl groups, which would generally be expected to lower oxidation potential, can lead to increased oxidation potentials when used as the steric drivers. Reduction events remain inaccessible through this molecular design route, a critical characteristic for electrochemical systems where high oxidation potentials are required and in which reductive decomposition must be prevented, as in high-voltage lithium-ion batteries. This study reveals a new avenue to alter the redox characteristics of fused-ring systems that find wide use as electroactive elements across a number of developing technologies.
Abstract P21: Racial Disparity in Participation Among Patients in an Urban Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

Background: Despite evidence of benefit on morbidity and mortality, cardiac rehabilitation (CR) remains underutilized. Studies have identified multiple reasons for lack of participation, but few have addressed racial disparities that may exist. Methods: A database of patients referred to CR between May 2001 and January 2011 was constructed. Data on gender, race, age, specialty of referring physician, co-payment, reason for referral, and attendance were collected. Racial groups were classified as Caucasian or minorities (African American, Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander, and multi-racial). Reasons for referral included acute MI, CAD, stable angina, CHF, and valvular heart disease. Data was analyzed using a Chi-square test to compare the initiation and non-initiation groups. A multivariate logistic regression estimated the odds ratio of variables predicting CR initiation. Results: Of the 822 patients referred to CR, 488 (59.4%) initiated CR and 334 (40.6%) did not. There was no difference in age (61.6 vs. 61.6, p = 0.987) or gender distribution (36.9% vs. 41.6% females, p = 0.161) between groups. Furthermore, need for co-payment (p = 0.091), reason for referral (p = 0.490), and whether the referring physician was a specialist or primary care physician (p = 0.740) did not affect attendance. Overall, minorities initiated CR less often than Caucasians (34.8% vs. 45.6%, p = 0.003). Based on the logistic regression analysis, Caucasians were 78% more likely to initiate CR (OR 1.78; 95% CI 1.13-2.80). Older age was a negative predictor of CR initiation, with each year of age decreasing likelihood of initiation by 2% (OR 0.98; 95% CI 0.96-1.00). Conclusions: Racial disparity exists amongst CR participants, with a clear under-representation of minorities in our urban medical center. Gender, physician referral patterns, and need for co-payment did not influence participation. Further investigation is required to determine why such disparity exists.
Concerning shock-tube ignition delay times: An experimental investigation of impurities in the H2/O2 system and beyond

Abstract Shock-tube ignition delay time data have recently been called into question on the basis of possible hydrocarbon impurities that may serve to artificially accelerate ignition delay times. To assess potential sources of impurities, systematic tests were performed in highly dilute H2/O2/Ar and CH4/O2/Ar mixtures using H2O laser absorption at 1.388 µm and OH* emission at 307 nm near 1 atm and between 1257 and 2108 K. Factors investigated included common sources of impurity, namely shock-tube cleanliness, Ar purity, diaphragm fragments, leftover cleaning substances, turbopumping duration, and mixing tank cleanliness, but only mixing tank cleanliness was found to have any quantifiable effect on measured ignition delay times. Rate measurements of H + O2⇆OH + O using H2O time-histories were found to be unperturbed by impurity effects and were in excellent agreement with the Hong et al. measurement. Mixing tank impurities were found to perturb ignition delay times of a stoichiometric H2/O2 mixture in 98% Ar but had no effect on a stoichiometric CH4/O2 mixture in 99% Ar. Even with clean mixing tank conditions, H2/O2 ignition delay times in 98% and 99% Ar displayed a 25–30% discrepancy with predicted values but showed remarkable agreement with two sets of historical data. This discrepancy was modeled by including trace hydrocarbons (within certified purity levels) in simulations. For less-dilute (≤ 94% Ar) H2/O2 mixtures, literature data seem to agree rather well and were insensitive to trace hydrocarbons according to simulations. Furthermore, experimental and modeling evidence strongly suggests that almost every hydrocarbon C1 and higher is insensitive to impurities with respect to ignition delay times. It is thus concluded that the only data for which an impurity effect seems to exist is for highly dilute (98–99% Ar) H2/O2 data, while H2/O2 data below 94% dilution and almost every hydrocarbon C1 and greater are insensitive to common impurities.
Outcomes of the TrapEase inferior vena cava filter over 10 years at a single health care system.

Abstract Purpose To retrospectively investigate the safety, efficacy, and complications associated with TrapEase inferior vena cava filters. Methods All patients who received a TrapEase filter at a single institution between April 2003 and January 2013 were identified, and outcomes were reviewed and analyzed. Results During the study period, 594 patients (278 women; mean age, 68.9 ± 13.6 years; range, 19.2-96.3 years) received a TrapEase filter. The duration of this study was 88 months, with a median clinical follow-up of 3.6 months (range, 0-148.3 months). During follow-up, 489 of 594 patients (82.3%) died and 105 remained alive with filters in situ. Nine cases of breakthrough pulmonary embolism occurred among the 582 patients with clinical follow-up (1.5%). Among 128 patients with imaging that contained the filter, there were 17 cases of filter fracture (13.3%). Of the 39 patients with available computed tomography scans, eight had filling defects within the filter suggestive of thrombus or embolus (20.5%), including two patients with complete caval occlusion. Recurrent deep vein thrombosis occurred in 109 out of 582 patients (18.7%) with clinical follow-up. Conclusions Most patients who received TrapEase filters died during follow-up, possibly because operators chose to implant a permanent filter in patients with known terminal illnesses. The filter fracture rate seemed to be high, but there were no instances of free fracture fragment or distant migration. Although the filter may theoretically be effective in preventing thrombus migration owing to the double basket design, pulmonary embolism breakthrough rates were comparable with rates seen with other filters.
Structural connectivity-based segmentation of the thalamus and prediction of tremor improvement following thalamic deep brain stimulation of the ventral intermediate nucleus.

Abstract Objectives Traditional targeting methods for thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) performed to address tremor have predominantly relied on indirect atlas-based methods that focus on the ventral intermediate nucleus despite known variability in thalamic functional anatomy. Improvements in preoperative targeting may help maximize outcomes and reduce thalamic DBS–related complications. In this study, we evaluated the ability of thalamic parcellation with structural connectivity–based segmentation (SCBS) to predict tremor improvement following thalamic DBS. Methods In this retrospective analysis of 40 patients with essential tremor, hard segmentation of the thalamus was performed by using probabilistic tractography to assess structural connectivity to 7 cortical targets. The volume of tissue activated (VTA) was modeled in each patient on the basis of the DBS settings. The volume of overlap between the VTA and the 7 thalamic segments was determined and correlated with changes in preoperative and postoperative Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale (TRS) scores by using multivariable linear regression models. Results A significant association was observed between greater VTA in the supplementary motor area (SMA) and premotor cortex (PMC) thalamic segment and greater improvement in TRS score when considering both the raw change (P = .001) and percentage change (P = .011). In contrast, no association was observed between change in TRS score and VTA in the primary motor cortex thalamic segment (P ≥ .19). Conclusions Our data suggest that greater VTA in the thalamic SMA/PMC segment during thalamic DBS was associated with significant improvement in TRS score in patients with tremor. These findings support the potential role of thalamic SCBS as an independent predictor of tremor improvement in patients who receive thalamic DBS.
Omitting Elective Irradiation of the Contralateral Retropharyngeal Nodes in Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated with Intensity-modulated Radiotherapy.

Introduction: The use of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in head and neck cancers has allowed for selective sparing of low-risk or uninvolved lymph nodes. In oropharyngeal cancers, the benefits and risks of omitting contralateral retropharyngeal lymph nodes (RPLN) remain uncertain. This study examines the outcomes of elective coverage of contralateral RPLN in oropharyngeal cancer treated with definitive IMRT. Methods: We analyzed 54 patients with newly diagnosed unilateral tonsil or base of tongue squamous cell carcinoma with at most unilateral neck involvement (cN0-N2b) and no RPLN involvement. These patients had no prior head and neck irradiation and were treated with definitive radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy between 2012 and 2017. Cumulative incidences of local/regional/distant failure were estimated using competing risks methodology, and overall survival (OS) was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: All patients received elective nodal coverage to the ipsilateral RPLN, and 38 (62%) patients did not receive elective treatment of the contralateral RPLN. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics. There were no contralateral RPLN failures observed. When comparing patients who received contralateral RP treatment with those who did not, there were no significant differences in two-year local failure (23% vs. 9%, p = 0.09), regional failure (18% vs. 4%, p = 0.12), or distant failure (15% vs. 9%, p = 0.62). Two-year OS was 89%. Mean parotid dose was not significantly lower after sparing vs. treating the contralateral RPLN (median 25.6 vs. 32.7 Gy, p = 0.15). Conclusions: The omission of contralateral RPLN irradiation in tonsil or tongue base carcinomas with unilateral neck involvement is safe without compromising disease control.
Peridynamic least squares minimization

Abstract This study presents the peridynamic approximation of a field variable and its temporal and spatial derivatives based on least squares minimization. Such capability permits the conversion of local form of differentiation to its nonlocal analytical integral form. It enables the analysis of discrete and scattered data for numerical differentiation and approximation of the field variable without employing any special techniques. Also, it enables the numerical solution of differential field equations with single and multiple variables in a computational domain of either uniform or nonuniform discretization. The implicit solution to the discrete form of the differential equations can be achieved by employing standard techniques for solving sparse non-symmetric systems. The accuracy of this approach is demonstrated by considering numerical differentiation of discrete data, and solving ordinary and partial differential equations with particular characteristics.
Applying the disgust conditioning model of food avoidance: A case study of acceptance-based interoceptive exposure.

OBJECTIVE The current case report details the treatment of a 16-year-old adolescent with anorexia nervosa utilizing a novel adjunct, acceptance-based interoceptive exposure, prior to family-based treatment (FBT) for eating disorders. METHOD The exposure-based module focused particularly on the tolerance of disgust. For six sessions, the clinician taught the client skills that could be used to tolerate distress to visceral sensations associated with disgust. These skills were to be used during in- and between-session exposures. Each session included exposure to physical sensations that occurred while drinking a milkshake. RESULTS Across six sessions, the client reported improvement in symptoms in addition to gaining weight. Additionally, she consumed more calories of a test meal following the intervention. Within broader FBT, the client reached an established weight goal, was able to return to physical activity, and reported an increased ability to manage distress. DISCUSSION Given the client's improvement on the Eating Disorders Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q) within six sessions, we believe IE may be a useful adjunct to FBT. Interoceptive exposure may augment the efficacy of FBT for anorexia nervosa as it provides clients with skills to utilize during the refeeding phase of treatment.