cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Gag Expression by Newcastle Disease Virus Vectors for the Induction of Potent Immune Responses

Received 10 July 2008/Accepted 24 October 2008 One attractive strategy for the development of a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vaccine is the use of viral vectors with a proven safety profile and an absence of preexisting immunity in humans, such as Newcastle disease virus (NDV). Several NDV vaccine vectors have been generated, and their immunogenicities have been investigated with different animal models. However, a systematic study to evaluate the optimal insertion site of the foreign antigens into NDV that results in enhanced immune responses specific to the antigen has not yet been conducted. In this article, we describe the ability of NDV expressing HIV Gag to generate a Gag-specific immune response in mice. We also have determined the optimal insertion site into the NDV genome by generating recombinant NDV-HIVGag viruses in which HIV gag was located at different transcriptional positions throughout the NDV viral genome. All recombinant viruses were viable, grew to similar titers in embryonated chicken eggs, and expressed Gag in a stable manner. Our in vivo experiments revealed that higher HIV Gag protein expression positively correlates with an enhanced CD8 T-cell-mediated immune response and protective immunity against challenge with vaccinia virus expressing HIV Gag. We also inserted a codon-optimized version of HIV gag in the described best location, between the P and M genes. Virus expressing the codon-optimized version of HIV gag induced a higher expression of the protein and an enhanced immune response against HIV Gag in mice. These results indicate that strategies directed toward increasing antigen expression by NDV result in enhanced immunogenicity and vaccine efficacy.
The impact of personalized risk feedback on Mexican Americans’ perceived risk for heart disease and diabetes

Little is known about the effect of personalized risk information on risk perceptions over time, particularly among ethnically diverse subpopulations. The present study examines Mexican American’s (MAs) risk perceptions for heart disease and diabetes at baseline and following receipt of risk feedback based on family health history. Participants comprising 162 households received a pedigree or personalized risk feedback, with or without behavioral risk reduction recommendations. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to assess lifetime perceived risk (LPR) at baseline, 3 months and 10 months following the receipt of risk feedback. Having an elevated familial risk of heart disease or diabetes increased the odds of an elevated LPR for both diseases at baseline. At 3 months, compared with receipt of a pedigree only, MAs receiving elevated risk feedback for both diseases were more likely to have an elevated LPR for both diseases. At 10 months, participants receiving weak risk feedback for both diseases indicated an adjustment to a lower LPR for heart disease only. Results suggest that communicating risk for multiple diseases may be more effective than a single disease, with responses to increased risk feedback more immediate than to weak risk feedback.
Polymer miscibility in mixed organic liquids. An extension of the two‐dimensional approach

Previous work on the two-dimensional approach to polymer miscibility in organic liquids is extended to polymer–mixed liquid system. From thermodynamic considerations methods for calculating δh of the mixed liquid and χH of the polymer–mixed liquid system from properties of pure components are proposed, where δh is the hydrogen-bonding solubility parameter of the liquid, and χH is a term which takes account of the dispersion and polar interactions between the liquid and the polymer and of effects due to temperature and molecular size of the liquid. Using these two calculated parameters, the solvent power of the mixed liquid can be determined from its location on the χ plane.
Germ Cell Tumors

Central nervous system (CNS) germ cell tumors (GCTs) are separated into germinomas and nongerminomatous germ cell tumors (NGGCTs). The latter group includes teratoma (mature and immature), teratoma with malignant transformation, yolk sac tumor, embryonal carcinoma, choriocarcinoma, and mixed GCTs. CNS GCTs can be classified based on their histologic appearance and immunohistochemical profiles with histologic subtype being the best predictor of outcome. Germinomas respond exceptionally well to chemotherapy and irradiation and have been shown to have survival rates in excess of 90 %. In contrast, NGGCTs are more resistant to therapy and require more intensive chemotherapy, as well as higher doses of irradiation. There is little information on the histogenesis and molecular genetics of CNS GCTs. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) studies have shown a gain of X chromosome in a majority of GCTs. Other studies have shown that 12p abnormalities (gains and isochromosome 12p) are common, especially in germinomas. Gene expression analysis studies show overexpression of self-renewing pluripotency genes and genes responsible for tumor growth and differentiation in various tumors with no significant differences in gene expression between CNS GCTs of similar histology arising at different sites and different ages within the pediatric age group. Differences in microRNA expression have been demonstrated between histologic subtypes of CNS GCTs, and their potential use as a biomarker in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid is being explored. KIT mutations are the most commonly found abnormality on whole genome sequencing, predominantly in germinomas, followed by genes involved in the MAPK signaling pathway, suggesting a role for KIT inhibitors in the management of these tumors.
Lumbar Puncture: a Dying Procedure Among Neurologists? (P4.281)

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the practice preferences for ordering and performing lumbar puncture (LP) among neurologists. BACKGROUND: LPs have long been a core procedure performed by neurologists, primarily for diagnostic purposes. Recent advancements in neuroimaging now allow for detailed, non-invasive evaluation of neurologic disease. In addition, neurologists in most community and academic centers have the option of referring patients for LP performed by a radiologist under fluoroscopy. We suspect that the availability of these diagnostic possibilities may impact neurologists’ LP ordering practices. DESIGN/METHODS: An anonymous survey was sent electronically to neurologists at our academic medical center as well as to neurologists in community practice in the Chicago area. Respondents were asked to comment on their reasons for performing LP and preferred location (bedside vs radiology department under fluoroscopy). RESULTS: 10 academic and 10 community neurologists responded to the survey. In the outpatient setting, we found a significant difference in the percentage of LPs referred to be done under fluoroscopy between academic (mean 27%) and community neurologists (mean 97.5%); p=0.02. In the inpatient setting, there was a similar trend between the two groups (mean 40% for academic neurologists, 90% for community neurologists), though the results were not statistically significant (p=0.1). Academic neurologists were more likely than community neurologists to site body habitus as a reason for ordering the LP under fluoroscopy (p=0.03). 64% of the neurologists responded that they order fewer LPs as compared to 5 years ago. CONCLUSIONS: Neurologists today are less inclined to order an LP compared to 5 years ago, and are more likely to refer patients to have the procedure done under fluoroscopy, particularly in an outpatient community setting. Our results suggest that community neurologists are more likely than academic neurologists to order a LP under fluoroscopy than to perform it at the bedside. These findings suggest that LPs are being done less by neurologists overall. Further study to determine factors contributing to this shift is necessary. Disclosure: Dr. Flaherty has nothing to disclose. Dr. Szewka has nothing to disclose.
Friction and adhesion properties of vertically aligned multi- walled carbon nanotube arrays and fluoro-nanodiamond films

Abstract Sliding friction and adhesion properties of vertically aligned multi-walled carbon nanotube (VAMWCNT) arrays and fluoro-nanodiamond (F-ND) films on glass substrate have been quantitatively investigated in current study using atomic force microscopy. It was found that VAMWCNT arrays result in lower friction compared to F-ND films. Friction forces were also found to be consistently higher in nitrogen environment than in ambient environment for both samples and a surface chemistry based hypothesis was proposed. However, no apparent dependence of relative humidity was found on adhesion forces for both F-ND and VAMWCNT samples, indicating lack of correlation between nanoscale adhesion and friction. The implications from current study for designing movable components in micro- and nanoelectromechanical system devices were also discussed.
A fault-tolerant sensory diagnostic system for intelligent vehicle application

A properly designed automotive sensor monitoring and diagnostic system must be capable of detecting and distinguishing sensor and component malfunctions in the presence of signal noise, varying vehicle operating conditions and multiple faults. The technique presented in this paper addresses these objectives through the implementation of a multivariate state estimation algorithm based upon pattern recognition methodology coupled with a statistically-based hypothesis test. Utilizing a residual signal vector generated from the difference between the estimated and measured current states of a system, disturbances are detected and identified with statistical hypothesis testing. Since the hypothesis testing utilizes the inherent noise on the signals to obtain a conclusion and the state estimation algorithm requires only a majority of the sensors to be functioning to ascertain the current state, this technique has proven to be quite robust and fault-tolerant. Several examples of its application are presented.
An environmental effects model of the simplex system and its analysis

The decision-making process involved in the design of fault-tolerant systems is predicated largely on the assumption of components failing independently and obeying the exponential failure law. That model is advanced by incorporating explicitly modeled environmental effects, by way of gamma and beta distributions. The behavior of the resultant distributions is analyzed, and the implications of these models for the multiobjective risk analytic process are discussed. >
Contact Simulation of Three-Dimensional Rough Surfaces Using Moving Grid Method

A new method for simulating dry contacts of three-dimensional rough surfaces has been developed. The present work is based upon Moving Grid Method (MGM) which greatly reduces the required computer memory size. One of the major difficulties in simulating contact problems is the huge requirement in computer Random Access Memory (RAM). The total number of nodes (N) to represent a typical three dimensional roughness topography can easily be in the order of tens of thousands. To store the corresponding deformation matrix based on conventional matrix method requires memory size in the order of N2 . The computational time necessary to construct such a matrix is also proportional to N2 . Thus a reasonable solution for the three dimensional contact problem can be difficult to obtain. In Moving Grid Method, the required storage space for the deformation matrix is reduced to the order of N. The computing time to construct the matrix is also proportional to N. The contact simulation solutions which include the asperity pressure distributions and the corresponding deformed surface profiles were calculated. The digitized surface profiles were used in the simulations. The 3-D results were compared with an existing 2-D model and the comparison showed excellent agreement.
The Critical Richardson Number and the Ratio of the Eddy Transport Coefficients Obtained from a Turbulence Closure Model

Abstract A turbulent closure model is analyzed under the condition that the turbulent flow is steady in its ensemble average and both the advection and diffusion terms, i.e., third moments of turbulence, are neglected in the turbulent Reynolds stress and heat flux equations. The critical flux Richardson number is defined as a limiting value beyond which physically correct solutions are no longer possible. All the turbulence moments are suppressed completely when the Richardson number exceeds the critical value. The validity of making such an assumption is tested against the numerical results which were obtained by utilizing a more complete set of equations. The critical flux Richardson numbers of 0.18σ0.27 are obtained from the different proposed empirical constants. The ratio of the eddy transport coefficient of heat to that of momentum have values of 0.5σ1.2 at the critical condition of stability. A review is made to clarity the differences between the present model and the earlier works of Ellison, Tow...
Comparing microcontroller and analog methods for tracking control experiments

This paper describes the development of undergraduate laboratory experiments for solving tracking control problems by using two different approaches. The first approach is based on microcontrollers and the second approach is an analog approach based on operational amplifiers. The main objective is to compare by hands-on experiments the advantages and disadvantages of these two approaches. Preliminary results of the comparison are presented in this paper. These lab experiments are developed to increase the competency skills of the students rather than just an additional topic to be covered in the course. These experiments will provide guidance to the students in making better choices of tracking controllers in their future robotics or other control system design projects.
Capture Collision Theory

A proper treatment of the conductivity of ionized gases lead to Langevin’s discovery of the phenomenon of capture in ion molecule collisions (Langevin, 1905). The background of Langevin’s work was the work of Maxwell (1860a, 1860b) and Boltzmann (1902) on the transport properties of gases. Maxwell first showed that it was possible to proceed from intermolecular force to collision trajectories and cross sections to collision rates to transport coefficients. He considered in particular the case of a repulsive potential which varied as the fifth power of the intermolecular distance. He found that in this case the diffusion collision frequency is independent of the velocity which simplifies the computation of the transport coefficients immensely. Commenting on this work Boltzmann observed: Even as a musician can recognize his Mozart, Beethoven, or Schubert after hearing the first few bars, so can a mathematician recognize his Cauchy, Gauss, Jacobi, Helmholtz, or Kirchhoff after the first few pages. The French writers reveal themselves by the extreme formal elegance, while the English, especially Maxwell, by their dramatic sense. Who, for example, is not familiar with Maxwell’s memoirs on his dynamical theory of gases?…The variations of the velocities are, at first, developed majestically; then from one side enter the equations of state; and from the other side, the equations of motion in a central field. Ever higher soars the chaos of formulae. Suddenly, we hear, as from kettle drums, the four beats “put n = 5.” The evil spirit V (the relative velocity of the two molecules) vanishes; and, even as in music, a hitherto dominating figure in the bass is suddenly silenced, that which had seemed insuperable has been overcome as if by a stroke of magic…This is not the time to ask why this or that substitution. If you are not swept along with the development, lay aside the paper. Maxwell does not write programme music with explanatory notes…One result after another follows in quick succession till at last, as the unexpected climax, we arrive at the conditions for thermal equilibrium together with the expressions for the transport coefficients. The curtain then falls (Chandrasekhar, 1979) !
On the Physical Insights of Leonardo Da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci can be regarded as a person from several points of view: his vocation as an artist, his profession as an engineer (essentially military, including civil engineering in those days), his avocation as an amateur of nature. The resulting views, however, are not independent. Leonardo, therefore, must be looked upon as a whole person; indeed, he must be continually re-viewed by each generation, individually by each person.
Engineering catalytically defective forms of HIV protease to modulate its activity.

The protease encoded in the HIV-1 genome plays a crucial role in the life cycle of the virus, cleaving the p55 gag and p160 gag-pol precursors into their mature and functional forms Since either genetic inactivation or chemical inhibition of the protease results in the production of non-infectious viral particles, the development of inhibitors of the HIV-1 protease has been pursued as a means of preventing viral replication. Although many inhibitors now exist that can block viral maturation and slow viral replication in vivo, resistance to the inhibitors over a prolonged period of time is often observed [2–5]. We are interested in defining the role of the protease in the viral life cycle by engineering variant forms of the enzyme with known properties. This approach has led us to consider an alternate method of regulating the activity of HIV protease for potential therapeutic intervention.
Exploring intra-crystalline B-isotope variations in mixed-layer illite-smectite

The isotopic composition of boron in illite-smectite (I-S) can be important for monitoring fluid/rock interactions in sedimentary basins. Boron substitutes for Si during reaction of smectite to illite and can preserve information about paleofluid B-isotopic composition. Boron is enriched in oilfield brines, therefore the isotopic composition of those brines may be recorded during illitization and represent a monitor of hydrocarbon maturity and migration. We re-examined previously published experimental results on B-isotope fractionation between I-S and water. By separating B from two crystallographic sites of I-S (tetrahedral and interlayer), we found differences in the δ 11 B that might be used as a single-mineral geothermometer. Boron incorporation in I-S follows a non-linear kinetic pathway. Maximum interlayer-B incorporation occurs during R1-ordering. R3-ordering approaches equilibrium with expulsion of interlayer-B leaving only tetrahedral layer-B. The important discovery is that tetrahedral layer δ 11 B does not change between R1 and R3 ordering. Boron substitutes in an equilibrium ratio early in the crystallographic reordering of I-S. Natural I-S samples were tested from Gulf Coast mudstones, increasingly illitized with burial depth. Diagenetic reaction kinetics differ from hydrothermal experiments, but still reveal large δ 11 B differences (up to 40‰) between the interlayer and tetrahedral layer. Interlayer δ 11 B decreases with increasing temperature and illitization. We propose that interlayer δ 11 B values represent metastable equilibrium, whereas tetrahedral layer B represents a temperature-dependent equilibrium. If this is true, then the B-isotope geochemistry of I-S can be used to determine paleotemperatures and monitor the influence of hydrocarbons on pore fluids associated with diagenetic I-S.
REGRESSION TOWARD THE MEAN IN A TWO-STAGE SELECTION PROGRAM

A model for a two-stage selection program based upon normally distributed variables is examined. Subjects in the upper part of the distribution of first-stage observations are retained and subsequently observed an additional number of times in a second stage. Subjects in the upper part of the distribution of second-stage observations are again retained. The first stage consists of n1 observations and the second stage of n2 subsequent observations. The effect of regression toward the mean and the mean and variance of the distribution of retained subjects are examined numerically as functions of the proportions eliminated at each stage and number of first- and second-stage observations.
Solstice Hart-Seer: Recordando ‘La Chascona’ y ‘La Sebastiana’ Crónica (Hart-Seer Solstice: Remembering ‘La Chascona’ and ‘La Sebastiana’ Chronicle)

Cuando vi el headline ayer, de una nota de la escritora Joyce Maynard en la Travel section del New York Times (diario que—a contracorriente—I’ve recently started taking los domingos), “Where Pablo Neruda Lived and Loved,” and especially when my eye scrolled down to the words donde la autora explica que esta en Tsile con su marido Jim, queriendo dedicar “some time to our Spanish. That, and romance,” confieso que mi primera reaccion fue un giant eye-roll, followed closely by the exclamation— igringa huevona! al leer la frase siguiente: “Who better to fan the flames than Neruda?”
Black Votes Count: The 2014 Republican Senate Nomination in Mississippi†

Objective This article examines the role of black votes in contributing to the renomination of 36-year Republican Senator Thad Cochran of Mississippi. In 2014, Senator Cochran faced a formidable primary challenge from State Senator Chris McDaniel, a notably more conservative politician. After narrowly losing the primary, Cochran prevailed in the runoff because enough black voters decided to support him. Methods We use precinct-level racial data to derive ecological inference estimates of turnout and then employ a racially homogenous precinct analysis to determine the percentage of the black and white vote won by Cochran and McDaniel. Results Our empirical analysis provides convincing evidence that if not for the increase in black voters in the runoff and their overwhelming support for Senator Cochran, his opponent would have ended his lengthy political career. Conclusions Race has always been the centerpiece of politics in the Deep South state of Mississippi. This is an empirical account of an unlikely electoral event that speaks to the importance of the changing state of southern politics and how a marginalized minority population can still play a pivotal role in a region dominated by a white Republican majority.
The Making of the Middle Sea: A History of the Mediterranean From the Beginning to the Emergence of the Classical World

The Making of the Middle Sea: A History of the Mediterranean From the Beginning to the Emergence of the Classical World. By Cyprian Broodbank. Oxford University Press, New York and Oxford. 2013. IS...
Biological Senescence: Loss of Integration and Resilience

The flow of time can be conceptualized either as a cycle or an arrow. We offer a combined view: a helix. Chronological age (geophysical time reference) is not necessarily identical to biological age (internal time reference), and aging does not necessarily imply senescence. A new scheme of senescence, based on homeodynamics (nonlinear mechanics and nonequilibrium thermodynamics), is introduced as a plausible physical basis for understanding senescence. We propose that energy throughput, initially constructive of forms and functions, becomes destructive once most of the available degrees of freedom have been “frozen out” by the construction. Senescence becomes manifested at that point.
Television Drama and Partially Structured Measure of Racial Attitudes

This study investigates the utility of a thought-listing procedure for measuring racial attitudes based on the logic of a partially structured measure. Two studies are conducted to explore this possibility. Two episodes of Law and Order are used as the stimuli to replicate the findings. Both convergent and discriminant validity are tested. Results indicate that the partially structured measure has no significant relation with either explicit or implicit measures of racial attitudes. Implications of the findings are discussed, such as the existence of aversive racism, and the validity of the partially structured measure to detect people's racial attitudes.
Model Test on the Tunnel Reinforced by Prestressed Anchor Cable

In this paper,the effect of the prestressed anchor cable on the tunnel with long span and high wall is studied on large experiment equipment by the model test under the plain strain condition.The results show that the anchor cable can raise the rock's stiffness and reduce the displacement and it is effective in the wall.This article provides some experiment basis for researching the anchor principle and designing under the similar condition.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for canine alpha 1-protease inhibitor.

OBJECTIVE To develop and validate an ELISA for quantifying alpha 1-protease inhibitor (alpha 1-PI) in serum and fecal extracts. PROCEDURE Affinity-purified rabbit origin canine alpha 1-PI antibodies were biotinylated and, after addition of streptavidin-horseradish peroxidase, were used as the labeled complex in a noncompetitive immunoassay. The alpha 1-PI standards were made from purified serum canine alpha 1-PI diluted in phosphate-buffered saline solution containing 5% newborn calf serum and 0.01% thimerosal. This assay was validated by determining linearity, recovery of added alpha 1-PI, detection limit, and intra- and interassay precision. Control range for serum and fecal alpha 1-PI concentration was determined for samples from 25 healthy pet dogs. RESULTS The standard curve was linear between 5 and 50 ng/ml. Curves plotted after serial dilution of serum also were linear and ran parallel to the standard curve. Between- and within-assay coefficients of variation were 9.1 and 8.7%, respectively. The accuracy of the assay was tested by measuring the recovery of alpha 1-PI added to serum and fecal extracts and ranged from 93 to 111%. The reference range of fecal alpha 1-PI concentration was 0.023 to 5.67 (mean +/- SD, 2.0 +/- 1.82) micrograms/g and of serum alpha 1-PI was 0.901 to 1.96 (1.42 +/- 0.32) g/L. CONCLUSIONS This ELISA had high precision, accuracy, and reproducibility for quantification of canine alpha 1-PI concentration in serum and fecal extracts. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Specific ELISA for alpha 1-PI may be a useful test for the diagnosis of protein-losing enteropathy in dogs, and as such, will facilitate further characterization and better understanding of this canine disorder.
The role of ilioinguinal lymphadenectomy and significance of histological differentiation in treatment of carcinoma of the penis.

AbstractWe reviewed retrospectively the medical records of 58 patients treated for squamous cell carcinoma of the penis who were followed for more than 3 years or until they died. Tissue sections from all patients were reviewed. Of 15 patients with stage I disease 11 underwent partial penectomy, and 4 underwent partial penectomy and immediate ilioinguinal lymphadenectomy; none died of cancer. Nine patients with stage II and 9 with stage III disease underwent partial or total penectomy and immediate ilioinguinal lymphadenectomy, and 5-year survival was 100 and 75%, respectively. Of 20 patients with clinical stage II disease who did not undergo immediate ilioinguinal lymphadenectomy 18 had metastasis to the groin. Of these 18 patients 12 underwent delayed ilioinguinal lymphadenectomy but only 1 survived more than 5 years. We evaluated the possible significance of the degree of histological differentiation of the primary tumor to the course of the disease. Of the 23 cases of carcinoma in situ or well differe...
EPR Detection of an O2 Surrogate Bound to Heme cn of the Cytochrome b6f Complex

The ligand-binding properties of the unique heme c(n) of the cyt b(6)f complex, which is bridged to the heme b(n), are studied with EPR spectroscopy. Despite an open coordination site, high-spin heme c(n) in the oxidized state does not bind typical heme ligands such as cyanide, indicating their inaccessibility to the heme. In the reduced state, heme c(n) binds the O(2) surrogate NO to give a five-coordinate S = (1)/(2) [FeNO](7) complex, indicating that the site is accessible in the reduced state of the protein. The binding of NO implies that the heme c(n) can also bind O(2). Given the significant number of experimentally documented pathways for which a plastoquinol oxidase has been proposed, but the actual oxidase not identified, it is proposed that one of the functions of heme c(n), the only prosthetic group in the electron transport chain with oxidase-like properties, is the putative oxidase.
The Greeks and Greek Issues

Dialectic in the Presocratics and Neoplatonists in its relation to later Trinitarian thinking and to Nietzsche’s reflection on the problem of grounds. Comparison between the historical figures of Socrates and Jesus in relation to this problem.
Semester Projects on Human–Computer Interaction as Service and Outreach

Student projects at all levels can have impact. I present an approach for using class projects in Junior level and above human-computer interaction (HCI) classes to have a social and economic impact. This approach can make your teaching improve by being more motivating to students, to be more interesting to you, and to have more impact. I provide an example project description used at Penn State’s College of IST since 2000, and example projects that have suggested useful interface changes to the websites of a variety of government, non-profit, university, and small and medium-sized businesses. These reports fulfill a pedagogical goal by having students demonstrate mastery of the material, particularly evidence- and theory-based suggested changes to improve the usability of websites. The reports provide (in the best cases) strong, correct suggestions for improving the usability of these websites. The use of these reports also helps reduce plagiarism because the sites and thus work are unique.
A Mental Health System in Recovery: The Era of Deinstitutionalisation in California

In this chapter, the authors provide snapshots illustrating the development and impact of California’s mental health policies since the 1970s. Using historical primary source documents, oral history interviews and ethnographic observations, the authors tell the stories of how family members of individuals with mental illness, policymakers and clients themselves both reacted to and helped create California’s responses to challenges and paradoxes of deinstitutionalisation. The chapter shows how, in spite of the development of comprehensive community-based services and supports and the emergence of a service delivery philosophy—the recovery model—that was designed to facilitate independence and social integration, lofty ideals of system reform have often proven irreconcilable with clinical and socioeconomic realities. Consequently, neither new mental health services nor new service philosophies have been able to adequately address the significant challenges that Californians with serious mental illness continue to face in the era of deinstitutionalisation.
Concordance in the relative mortality rates for prostate cancer and gastric cancer in African Americans.

270Background: The racial disparity in outcomes for prostate cancer, gastric cancer, and multiple myeloma is demonstrated by these malignancies having the highest age-adjusted mortality rate ratio for black Americans versus white Americans. A variety of factors have been identified as contributing to this disparity, leading to our hypothesis that there would not be concordance, in respect to the mean, when the county-level age-adjusted black: white mortality rate ratio for a malignancy was compared to the other two malignancies. Methods: Publically available information from cancerrates.gov was used to obtain county-level data in regards to race-specific age-adjusted mortality rates for prostate cancer, gastric cancer, and multiple myeloma. Counties with potentially unstable age-adjusted mortality rates were excluded. A malignancy’s age-adjusted mortality rate for blacks was divided by the complementary rate for whites to determine the black: white mortality rate ratio. Across a county, malignancies were ...
Real-time self-learning for control law adaptation in nonlinear systems using encoded check states

With the wide proliferation of autonomous sense-and-control real-time systems (such as robots and self-driven cars), a key research objective is rapid recovery from the effects of anomalies and impairments arising from performance degradation of sensors and actuators and electro-mechanical subsystems due to field wear and tear. This must be achieved with minimal impact on system performance while maintaining low implementation overhead and high coverage of multi-parameter failure mechanisms. In this work, we propose a reinforcement learning framework for on-line control law adaptation in autonomous nonlinear systems assisted by system state encodings. These encodings are exploited to generate time-varying error signals whose (transient) waveforms in relation to the input stimulus, contain root-cause diagnostic information. This establishes a statistical correlation between the transient waveforms and the parameters of the optimal nonlinear controller under arbitrary multi-parameter perturbations of sensor/actuator and subsystem performances. Consequently this correlation is tapped, using pre-deployment supervised learning algorithms, to predict near-optimal controller parameter values whenever sufficiently large parameter deviations are detected (due to non-zero error signals). From these near-optimal starting conditions, an actor-critic reinforcement learning controller for nonlinear systems quickly converges to the optimal control law for the parameter-perturbed system (up to 10× faster than for systems not assisted by the diagnostic information provided by the state encoding driven error signal above). We implement the proposed methodology on two nonlinear systems demonstrating fast performance recovery in real time.
High Performance Merging of Massive Data from Genome-Wide Association Studies

The traditional data processing methods working on single computer show less scalability and efficiency for performing ordered full-outer-joining, on merging large number of individual Genome-Wide Associations Studies (GWAS) data. Although the emerging of big data platforms such as Hadoop and Spark shed lights on this problem, the inefficiency of keeping data in total-sorted order as well as the workload imbalance problem limit their performance. In this study, we designed and compared three new methodologies based on MapReduce, HBase and Spark respectively, to merge hundreds of individuals VCF files on their Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) location into a single TPED file. Our methodologies overcame the limitations stated above and considerably improved the performance with good scalability on input size and computing resources.
Satisficing in Time-Sensitive Bandit Learning.

Much of the recent literature on bandit learning focuses on algorithms that aim to converge on an optimal action. One shortcoming is that this orientation does not account for time sensitivity, which can play a crucial role when learning an optimal action requires much more information than near-optimal ones. Indeed, popular approaches such as upper-confidence-bound methods and Thompson sampling can fare poorly in such situations. We consider instead learning a satisficing action, which is near-optimal while requiring less information, and propose satisficing Thompson sampling, an algorithm that serves this purpose. We establish a general bound on expected discounted regret and study the application of satisficing Thompson sampling to linear and infinite-armed bandits, demonstrating arbitrarily large benefits over Thompson sampling. We also discuss the relation between the notion of satisficing and the theory of rate distortion, which offers guidance on the selection of satisficing actions.
EFFECTS OF EARLY EXPERIENCE ON THE LEARNING ABILITY OF YEARLING HORSES

Twenty-four yearling Quarter Horse fillies were divided into three groups (I) very limited handling, (II) intermediate handling and (III) extensive handling. At about 14 months of age, each horse was preconditioned for 2 weeks and then run in a simple place-learning T-maze test in which it had to locate its feed. Thirty trials were run daily for 20 days, with the location of the feed changed each day. To retire from the maze, a horse had to meet the criterion: 11 correct responses in 12 tries, with the last eight being consecutive. Horses in Group II required the fewest trials to reach criterion. These horses also learned more and had the highest percentage of correct responses (P less than .05). Mean trainability tended to predict learning ability; however, trainability and trials to criterion were not significantly correlated. Mean emotionality scores indicated a tendency for horses in the intermediately handled group to be less emotional than those in Group I or III. Results indicated that horses with an intermediate amount of handling scored higher on an intermediate test of learning. All handled horses scored higher on learning tests than those not handled.
Four Protein-Friendly Approaches to Polymer Surface Metallization Using Monolayers of Gold Nanoparticles

The increased use of metal surfaces as transducing elements in biomedical and biosensor applications has led to a heightened need for Au or Ag surfaces that do not denature proteins. In quartz crystal microgravimetric (QCM),1 electrochemical,2 surface plasmon resonance (SPR),3 and surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)4 measurements, bringing biomolecules under interrogation close to a macroscopic Au or Ag surface improves the quality and accuracy of the measurements. On the other hand, it is well known that direct adsorption of proteins on macroscopic Au or Ag surfaces typically leads to complete loss of biological activity.5 This leads to a paradox: how to prepare metallic surfaces that can support direct protein adsorption.
The influence of hydrologic and riparian factors on stream channel stability in a central Iowa stream

Onion Creek, a 2 order stream in central Iowa, is the focus of research on stream channel stability and sediment movement. A field survey of Onion Creek (Chapter 2) found 24.5% of the total streambank length was severely eroding and some reaches of the stream had up to 50% severely eroding streambanks. Hydrologic factors such as watershed size, stream channelization, and flow restrictions were more significant than riparian land use in explaining the incidence of severely eroding streambanks. An analysis of channel movement on Onion Creek from 1939 to 2009 (Chapter 3) found significant local changes, with landowners straightening stream channels in some sections and meander migration dominated by increases in stream extension in others. This predominance of channel extension in meandering sections indicates a stream that is adjusting to excess hydrologic energy. Streambank erosion was directly measured on a subset of streambanks using erosion pin plots measured from October 2011 to April 2013 (Chapter 4). A drought during much of this period caused low levels of change, but study sites did show freezethaw destabilization during winter months followed by moderate erosion by fluvial entrainment in the springs of 2012 and 2013. Water quality was measured at the outlet of Onion Creek between March 2012 and April 2013 (Chapter 5). An analysis of the loads and concentrations of sediment, phosphate and total phosphorus, and nitrate and total nitrogen exported from Onion Creek is presented. Finally, sediment loads discharged from Onion Creek are compared to estimates of sediment eroded from streambanks.
Some Dos and Don'ts for Teaching the Metric System.

An assistant professor of education at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Donald Zalewski teaches elementary and secondary mathematics education courses at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. activities. Perhaps one of the major positive effects of the metric system thrust is a renewed emphasis on the neglected art of estimating. Estimation and actual measurement activities are the types of experiences needed to build children's intuition and understanding, which will permit operations, comparisons, and conversions within the metric system later in their learning.
Non-native ant invader displaces native ants but facilitates non-predatory invertebrates

Many invasive ants, such as the European fire ant (Myrmica rubra), are particularly successful invaders due to their ability to form multi-nest, multi-queen ‘supercolonies’ that appear to displace native invertebrates in invaded regions. Myrmica rubra has invaded many areas in the Northeastern United States, including Western New York. Myrmica rubra invasion corresponds with decreases in native invertebrates, particularly ants, an effect which may be attributable to direct displacement, or because M. rubra prefers habitat unsuitable for native ants. We surveyed Western New York parklands to investigate native ant and non-ant invertebrate abundance in M. rubra-invaded and uninvaded areas. We then tested these observations with an ant pesticide treatment targeting M. rubra to investigate the direct impacts of M. rubra on the native ant and invertebrate community. A consistent, negative relationship was found between M. rubra and native ants in both the observational and experimental research, and native ant species only appeared in the pesticide-treated plots (with reduced M. rubra abundance). These data strongly suggest that M. rubra actively displaces the native ants with invasion instead of segregating by habitat. Myrmica rubra effects on non-ant invertebrates appeared more nuanced, however, in both the observational and experimental research. The absence or removal of M. rubra corresponded with decreased predatory invertebrate populations and increased non-predatory invertebrates. It appears that M. rubra has altered invertebrate communities in Western New York. Native invertebrate communities may be able to rebound with time, but our data suggest native recovery unlikely without management intervention.
Advanced large-scale and high-speed multiprocessor system for scientific applications. Cray X-MP-4 series

This paper offers an overview of CRAY X-MP-4 system, a general purpose multiprocessor system for multitasking applications. Diagrams illustrate the overall system organization, data flow, vector computations and vector loop families benchmark timings. The CRAY X-MP-4 has scalar and vector applications.
The role of fibroblast growth factor 1 and 2 on the pathological behavior of valve interstitial cells in a three-dimensional mechanically-conditioned model

More than five million Americans suffer from heart valve disease annually, a condition that worsens cardiac function and gradually leads to heart failure if appropriate treatment is not performed on time. Currently no medication can cure heart valve disease, leaving surgical intervention as the only viable option for patients at late stages of cardiac valve disease. Tremendous efforts have been undertaken to elucidate how resident cells in the valves respond to pathological stimulation as well as the underlying mechanisms that regulate these responses, to identify potential therapeutic targets for non-surgical treatment of valvular heart disease. Cardiac valve interstitial cells (VICs) naturally reside in a complex three-dimensional environment under varying hemodynamics, which is difficult to replicate in vitro. As a result, most cell signaling studies in the field have traditionally been conducted on two-dimensional models or in the absence of hemodynamic forces. Previously, we reported the fabrication of a hydrogel scaffold that could be used to culture valve cells under dynamic mechanical stimulation in a valve-mimetic environment. This model, therefore appeared to be suitable for VIC signaling studies as it provided cells a three-dimensional environment with the ability to incorporate mechanical stretching stimulation. Utilizing this model, we investigated the possible role of fibroblast growth factor 1 and 2 (FGF1 and FGF2) via FGFR1 receptor signaling in regulating valve cell activation under physiological (10% stretch) and pathological (20% stretch) mechanical conditions as well as in mediating cell proliferation and metabolism via the Akt/mTOR pathways. We reported that 1) FGF1 and FGF2 treatment was able to maintain the quiescent phenotype of VICs; 2) Cells increased proliferation as determined by optical redox ratios under elevated cyclic stretch via Akt/mTOR pathways; and 3) FGF1 and 2 signaling via the FGFR1 reduced VIC proliferation and activation under elevated cyclic stretch conditions. Overall, these results suggested that targeting FGFR1 receptor signaling may represent a possible therapeutic strategy for preventing heart valve disease progression.
Long-term Outcomes of an Endovascular-First Approach for Diabetic Patients With Predominantly Tibial Disease Treated in a Multidisciplinary Setting.

Background Randomized studies suggest that open lower extremity revascularization procedures are associated with improved outcomes compared with endovascular peripheral vascular interventions (PVIs). However, advances in endovascular technologies and treatment by multidisciplinary limb preservation teams have shown improved outcomes. The aim of our study was to compare perioperative and long-term outcomes after open versus PVI procedures in diabetic patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) treated in a multidisciplinary setting. Methods All patients presenting to our multidisciplinary diabetic limb–preservation service from 6/2012 to 07/2018 were enrolled in a prospective database. Patients who underwent either an open lower extremity bypass (LEB) or a PVI for CLTI were included in the analysis. Perioperative (30-day) complications and 4-year patency and limb salvage rates were compared between PVI and LEB using chi-squared tests, Kaplan-Meier curve analyses, and stepwise multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. Results A total of 195 lower extremity revascularization procedures were performed in 120 patients (mean age: 65.0 ± 1.0 years, 61.7% male, 63.3% black), including 53 (27.2%) open procedures and 142 (72.8%) PVIs. Nearly two-thirds of procedures (65.6%) treated multilevel diseases, while 27.2% treated isolated tibial disease and 7.2% treated isolated femoropopliteal disease. More than half of the procedures (53.3%) were performed for Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection (WIfI) classification stage 4 limbs, 25.1% for stage 3, and 21.6% for stage 1/2. In the LEB group, 67.9% of targets were infrapopliteal. In the PVI group, 63.4% of procedures were isolated tibial interventions or were multilevel interventions including the tibial segment. Perioperative complications occurred in 52.8% of LEB versus 12.0% of PVI (P Conclusions In this cohort of diabetic patients with CLTI undergoing predominantly tibial interventions, open revascularization was associated with a higher risk of perioperative complications than PVIs. While secondary patency rates were better after LEBs, our data suggest that an endovascular-first approach results in equivalent long-term amputation-free survival for diabetic patients treated in a multidisciplinary setting.
Enhancing LAA Co-Existence Using MIMO under Imperfect Sensing

To meet the ever growing wireless network demands, in terms of subscribers and data throughput, operating long term evolution (LTE) in unlicensed bands, also known as license assisted access (LAA), is introduced as a promising solution. However, the LAA network must co-exist with incumbent IEEE $802.11$ systems. In this paper, we introduce MIMO operation to boost the LAA-Wi- Fi coexistence. We take the impact of imperfect sensing into account and analyze the key performance indicators (KPIs), such as throughput, and probabilities of successful transmissions and collisions. Moreover, the optimal LAA contention window size is characterized to maximize the LAA sum rate while assuring Wi-Fi throughput above a predetermined threshold. Numerical results show the efficiency of the introduced algorithm and that if the parameters are appropriately selected, the throughput of both systems increases.