cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Point Outside the World: Kierkegaard and Wittgenstein on Nonsense, Paradox and Religion

Much has been made of the Kierkegaardian flavour of Wittgenstein's thought on religion, both with respect to its explicit allusions to Kierkegaard and its implicit appeals. Even when significant disparities between the two are noted, there remains an important core of de facto methodological agreement between them, addressing the limits of theory and the dispelling of illusion. The categories of ‘nonsense’ and ‘paradox’ are central to Wittgenstein's therapeutic enterprise, while the categories of ‘paradox’ and the ‘absurd’ are central to much of Kierkegaard's attempt (pseudonymous and non-pseudonymous) to dispel religious illusion. Writing of how the ‘urge to thrust against the limits of language’ yields ‘nonsense’, Wittgenstein explicitly appealed to Kierkegaard: ‘Kierkegaard, too, recognized this thrust and even described it in much the same way (as a thrust against paradox)’.1 I want to consider whether Kierkegaard's category of paradox of the absurd is assimilable to Wittgenstein's view of nonsense and paradox. I shall argue that a consideration of Wittgenstein's view of paradox can highlight contrasting strands in Kierkegaard's writings on religious faith, strands which take paradox more or less strictly – in particular, it can clarify several different opinions concerning the status of religious claims. My exploration will bring to the fore some implications of the attempt to make room, in the religious employment of language, for a ‘higher understanding’ of truths which we are said to be able to grasp but cannot express.
Circuit theoretic analysis and synthesis of marked graphs

Marked graphs are a graph model for representing and studying parallel computations and concurrent processes. This paper provides circuit theoretic concepts and methods for the analysis and synthesis of marked graphs. Among the results obtained, the reachability theorem developed in this paper is a generalization of known results in the sense that it does not require two hypotheses: the liveness of an initial marking and the strongly connectedness of marked graphs. A synthesis problem of marked graphs from prescribed markings is proposed, and is shown to be that of realizing cutset matrices as directed graphs.
Creating and exploiting flexibility in steiner trees

This paper presents the concept of flexibility -- a geometric property associated with Steiner trees. Flexibility is related to the routability of the Steiner tree. We present an optimal algorithm which takes a Steiner tree and outputs a more flexible Steiner tree. Our experiments show that a net with a flexible Steiner tree increases its routability. Experiments with a global router show that congestion is improved by approximately 20\%.
Noble Systems Inc.: Inside The Mind Of An Entrepreneur

This case illustrates the challenges faced by typical start-up businesses. The company has never earned a profit. Losses are being covered by cash infusions from angel investors. While significant business opportunities are present, the company doesnt have the money to pursue them all. Essentially, the case involves problems of growth, vision, potential, and management. The problems illustrated in the case can be analyzed using theories and approaches such as: SWOT analysis, financial analysis, business valuation, strategic human resource management, and strategic marketing/management. The case and Instructors Manual were written for undergraduate or MBA courses in strategic management. They can also be used in an entrepreneurship course if the instructor wishes to have a case that illustrates the strategic challenges associated with the decision whether to stay small and within the abilities of the founders, or to grow beyond their capabilities.
EZID: easy identifier and metadata management

EZID (pronounced easy-eye-dee at ezid.cdlib.org) is an innovative service supporting the creation and management of identifiers, their accompanying metadata, and long-term access to things on the Internet. It is one of the few services that can supply a diversity of identifier and metadata types, and do so at the earliest stages of content development, long before the content is archived or its value is understood. EZID is run by a team within the California Digital Library (CDL), which serves the libraries of the ten campuses of the University of California, partners with national libraries, maintains the ARK identifier scheme, and belongs to global identifier organizations such as DataCite and CrossRef (FIG. 1). Started in 2010, EZID now has over 100 customers on three continents and users on all continents. In fact it is the largest and fastest growing member of the DataCite consortium. The EZID user interface is currently being revised to support multiple languages.
Theoretical study of vibronic perturbations in magnesium carbide

ABSTRACTUnderstanding molecular systems with complex multi-configurational bonding has been of interest to both experimentalists and theoreticians for many years. High level dynamically weighted MRCI calculations were used to generate accurate potential energy curves for the triplet ground state 3Σ−, and triplet excited states up to (4 3Σ−, 4 3Π and 1 3Δ) and quintet (1 5Σ− and 1 5Π) states up to 50,000 cm−1 above the ground state minimum. The lowest four 3Π states of magnesium mono-carbide (MgC) are strongly coupled leading to lifetimes that are shortened by pre-dissociation for most of the vibronic states. Non-adiabatic derivative couplings between the 3Π states were used to determine diabatic potential energy curves. The state mixing role of spin–orbit coupling, which is much weaker than the non-adiabatic interactions, is discussed. A coupled vibronic Hamiltonian was solved to compute and assign strongly mixed vibronic states. The results are compared and contrasted with the valence iso-electronic bery...
Sampling for the European Wheat Stem Sawfly (Hymenoptera: Cephidae)

A sampling technique to estimate percentage of infestation of wheat by Cephus Pygmaeus (L.) was developed in 1982 and implemented in 1983. The sampling technique consisted of examinations of four sets of 50 contiguous stems; two such sets 15 m in from the middle third of both long field edges were examined for a total of 200 stems per field. Infestations in Delaware were low, averaging ca. 2% both years. Infestations were heaviest along field edges and decreased approaching field centers.
HRL: Efficient and flexible reconfigurable logic for near-data processing

The energy constraints due to the end of Dennard scaling, the popularity of in-memory analytics, and the advances in 3D integration technology have led to renewed interest in near-data processing (NDP) architectures that move processing closer to main memory. Due to the limited power and area budgets of the logic layer, the NDP compute units should be area and energy efficient while providing sufficient compute capability to match the high bandwidth of vertical memory channels. They should also be flexible to accommodate a wide range of applications. Towards this goal, NDP units based on fine-grained (FPGA) and coarse-grained (CGRA) reconfigurable logic have been proposed as a compromise between the efficiency of custom engines and the flexibility of programmable cores. Unfortunately, FPGAs incur significant area overheads for bit-level reconfiguration, while CGRAs consume significant power in the interconnect and are inefficient for irregular data layouts and control flows. This paper presents Heterogeneous Reconfigurable Logic (HRL), a reconfigurable array for NDP systems that improves on both FPGA and CGRA arrays. HRL combines both coarse-grained and fine-grained logic blocks, separates routing networks for data and control signals, and uses specialized units to effectively support branch operations and irregular data layouts in analytics workloads. HRL has the power efficiency of FPGA and the area efficiency of CGRA. It improves performance per Watt by 2.2x over FPGA and 1.7x over CGRA. For NDP systems running MapReduce, graph processing, and deep neural networks, HRL achieves 92% of the peak performance of an NDP system based on custom accelerators for each application.
Coupling and Reactions of 5-Hydroxyconiferyl Alcohol in Lignin Formation

The catechol alcohols, caffeyl and 5-hydroxyconiferyl alcohol, may be incorporated into lignin either naturally or through genetic manipulation. Due to the presence of o-OH groups, these compounds form benzodioxanes, a departure from the interunit connections found in lignins derived from the cinnamyl alcohols. In nature, lignins composed of caffeyl and 5-hydroxyconiferyl alcohol are linear homopolymers and, as such, may have properties that make them amenable for use in value-added products, such as lignin-based carbon fibers. In the current work, results from density functional theory calculations for the reactions of 5-hydroxyconiferyl alcohol, taking stereochemistry into account, are reported. Dehydrogenation and quinone methide formation are found to be thermodynamically favored for 5-hydroxyconiferyl alcohol, over coniferyl alcohol. The comparative energetics of the rearomatization reactions suggest that the formation of the benzodioxane linkage is under kinetic control. Ring-opening reactions of the benzodioxane groups show that the bond dissociation enthalpy of the α-O cleavage reaction is lower than that of the β-O reaction. The catechol lignins represent a novel form of the polymer that may offer new opportunities for bioproducts and genetic targets.
Scaphoid Orientation and Location from Computed, Three-Dimensional Carpal Models

Subtle subluxations within the carpus are often difficult to diagnose. Carpal orientation and location can now be quantified by mathematical analysis of computed, three-dimensional models produced from serial CT scans. The technique and its application in the analysis of scaphoid subluxation are described.
WEST NILE VIRUS MENINGO-ENCEPHALITIS: POSSIBLE SEXUAL TRANSMISSION.

Purpose We report a previously healthy middle aged woman who developed West Nile virus meningo-encephalitis within two weeks of unprotected vaginal intercourse with her husband. Subject This patient's husband had serologically confirmed West Nile virus infection manifested by a flu-like illness and rash with the sexual contact one day before the onset of his symptoms. Result This well documented neuroinvasive West Nile virus infection in our patient was within the incubation period of transmission and there was no reported mosquito bite exposure. Conclusion The timeframe of infection raises the possibility that her illness was sexually transmitted.
Call for a new approach to tobacco ‘cessation’ programming among youth

Thirty years of focus on the prevalence of adult smoking has left a shortfall in our understanding of the treatment of adolescent addiction to nicotine. This gap, combined with the reported desire of young tobacco users to quit, warrants research, so that effective tobacco cessation programmes can be developed for this group. The literature indicates several areas for programme development and evaluation. Several studies indicate principles for effective tobacco cessation among adolescents, including the Surgeon General’s report, Preventing Tobacco Use among Young People (Department of Health and Human Services, 1994); a report from the Institute of Medicine, Growing- up Tobacco Free (Lynch & Bonnie, 1994); and the Clinical Practice Guideline, Smoking Cessation (Department of Health and Human Services, 1996). All conclude that there is a paucity of research in the area. While many questions remain unanswered, however, we believe there is sufficient information on adolescent tobacco use and school programme development to establish preliminary national guidelines for programme development and evaluation.
A Comprehensive Transition of Care Plan for a Patient Admitted with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a diverse syndrome (Table 3.1) encompassing multiple disease states and marked by variable rates of progression. The average hospitalized patient with heart failure (HF) faces a 1 year mortality of 30 % and a readmission rate of 50 % at 6 months [1, 2]. Acute exacerbations of chronic heart failure are common and frequently result in hospitalizations which are costly for all parties and subject hospitals to financial penalties for re-admissions. This readmission penalty is imposed regardless of the cause for the readmission and in fact, most patients are readmitted for conditions other than recurrent CHF.
Hypoglycaemic injury spares thalamus, spoils striatum and leaves only a rest tremor.

A patient was found unresponsive but breathing with blood glucose of 45 mg/dL following insulin overdose. On unsedated examination the following day the patient's eyes were roving with limbs flaccid. The best responsiveness was triple flexion withdrawal of the left leg to deep nail bed pressure. There was a continuous symmetric low amplitude 3–4 Hz pill-rolling type rest tremor of both hands. To the best of the author's knowledge this is the first report of rest tremor …
Oxygenation of the Intraportally Transplanted Pancreatic Islet

Iacocca Foundation; Schott Foundation; Minnesota Lions Diabetes Foundation; National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases of the National Institutes of Health [R41DK075211]
Multiple dynamin family members collaborate to drive mitochondrial division

Mitochondria cannot be generated de novo; they must grow, replicate their genome, and divide in order to be inherited by each daughter cell during mitosis. Mitochondrial division is a structural challenge that requires the substantial remodelling of membrane morphology. Although division factors differ across organisms, the need for multiple constriction steps and a dynamin-related protein (Drp1, Dnm1 in yeast) has been conserved. In mammalian cells, mitochondrial division has been shown to proceed with at least two sequential constriction steps: the endoplasmic reticulum and actin must first collaborate to generate constrictions suitable for Drp1 assembly on the mitochondrial outer membrane; Drp1 then further constricts membranes until mitochondrial fission occurs. In vitro experiments, however, indicate that Drp1 does not have the dynamic range to complete membrane fission. In contrast to Drp1, the neuron-specific classical dynamin dynamin-1 (Dyn1) has been shown to assemble on narrower lipid profiles and facilitate spontaneous membrane fission upon GTP hydrolysis. Here we report that the ubiquitously expressed classical dynamin-2 (Dyn2) is a fundamental component of the mitochondrial division machinery. A combination of live-cell and electron microscopy in three different mammalian cell lines reveals that Dyn2 works in concert with Drp1 to orchestrate sequential constriction events that build up to division. Our work underscores the biophysical limitations of Drp1 and positions Dyn2, which has intrinsic membrane fission properties, at the final step of mitochondrial division.
One-axis hysteresis motor driven magnetically suspended reaction sphere

Abstract This paper presents the design, modeling, control, and experimental results for a one-axis magnetically suspended reaction sphere (1D-MSRS) driven by a hysteresis motor. The goal of this work is twofold: (a) to conduct a preliminary study for magnetically suspended reaction sphere for three-axis spacecraft attitude control, and (b) study the potential of hysteresis motors for the reaction wheel/sphere drives. The 1D-MSRS uses a hysteresis motor with a spherical rotor made of solid steel. The rotor sphere is magnetically suspended in all translational directions, and is driven about the vertical axis by a bearingless hysteresis motor. We present the modeling and control of the magnetic suspension of the bearingless motor in the 1D-MSRS, and the hysteresis motor dynamics are analyzed by a hysteresis motor equivalent circuit model. The 1D-MSRS system has experimentally demonstrated a starting torque of 8.9 mNm under 0.7 A peak sinusoidal excitation current. With this excitation the sphere can run up to 12,000 rpm synchronously in the presence of air drag. This study demonstrates that the hysteresis motor has strong potential for use in high-speed, low-vibration reaction wheels.
Discretionary Accrual Changes Following the Sarbanes-Oxley Act: Evidence from Canadian Companies

We examine changes in discretionary accruals following the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX). SOX imposes considerably greater potential penalties on CEO/CFOs; therefore, risk averse managers are likely to be more conservative in their financial reporting and report lower discretionary accruals following SOX. We find that Canadian firms that are listed on both Canadian and US exchanges and are subject to SOX report lower discretionary accruals following SOX than they did in the period immediately preceding SOX. To increase the validity of our findings, we perform a similar comparison on a matched sample of Canadian firms that are listed only on Canadian exchanges. Our results indicate that (1) Canadian firms subject to SOX report lower discretionary accruals and incorporate losses more quickly than gains in the period after SOX; (2) there is no regulatory spillover effect of SOX on Canadian firms not under the jurisdiction of SOX; (3) the impact of SOX on firms' conservative reporting through discretionary accruals is not homogeneous; it is more pronounced for firms that were aggressive in the pre-SOX period.
Similarity Retrieval for Pictorial Databases

Pictures and figures play basic and important roles in management and office information systems, picture database systems,(1) knowledge-based systems, decision theory, policy analysis, and artificial intelligence.
Synergy graphs for configuring robot team members

Robots are becoming increasingly modular in their design, allowing different configurations of hardware and software, e.g., different wheels, sensors, and algorithms. We are interested in forming a multi-robot team by configuring each robot (i.e., selecting the different modules) to best fit a task. This general problem is applicable to many domains, such as manufacturing in high-mix low-volume scenarios. In this paper, we formally define the Synergy Graph for Configurable Robots (SGraCR) model, where each robot module is modeled as a vertex in a graph, and we define how to compute the synergy of modules within a single robot, as well as between robots, using the structure of the graph. We define the synergy of a multi-robot team comprised of such configurable robots, and contribute a team formation algorithm that searches a SGraCR to approximate the optimal team. In addition, we contribute a learning algorithm that learns a SGraCR from a small set of training data containing the performance of teams. We evaluate our SGraCR model and algorithm in extensive experiments, both in simulation and with real robots, and compare with competing algorithms.
The design, fabrication, and testing of beryllium capsules for resonant ultrasound experiments

Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) ignition targets require smooth and well-characterized deuterium/tritium (DT) ice layers. Los Alamos is developing Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy1 (RUS) to measu...
Girl Talk and Hold Music: On the Sculptural Poetics of Chat

In its persistent indirections, its tendency to both shape and ornament social space, gossip (chatting, girl talk) can be sculptural. Sometimes, coalescing around a particular figure, a Harvey Weinstein or a David France, the power of this chatter becomes partially institutionally “visible,” although often it recedes from display. Works by Carolyn Lazard, Wu Tsang, Jessica Vaughn, and Hannah Black make use of the sculptural power of chat, and its specific evasion of a certain mode of political speech.
Long-term outcomes of endoscopic repair of cerebrospinal fluid leaks and meningoencephaloceles.

BACKGROUND The management and surgical approach to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks and meningoencephaloceles have undergone transformation throughout the last 10 years. It is our interest to examine the long-term surgical outcome and reoccurrence rates of CSF leaks or meningoencephaloceles in patients having endoscopic surgical repair. METHODS We performed a retrospective evaluation of 50 patients that underwent endoscopic surgical repair of a CSF leak, meningoencephalocele, or both, between September 1985 and October 2003. RESULTS Cumulatively, reoccurrence rates were 15% (7/47) among the CSF leak patients with an average time frame for reoccurrence ranging from 1 to 25 months (average, 7 months). Patients with meningoencephaloceles had an overall reoccurrence rate of 8% (1/13). In addition, a Medline search on CSF leaks and meningoencephaloceles provided the names of 32 authors that have studied outcomes of endoscopic surgical repair. Of the 151 patients still followed in the 5- to 10-year postoperative group, there were 37 recurrences of CSF leaks and 5 reoccurrences of the meningoencephaloceles with a total recurrence rate of 27% (37 + 5/151). Of the 19 patients still followed in the >10-year postoperative group, there were three reoccurrences of CSF leaks and no reoccurrences of meningoencephaloceles, giving a reoccurrence rate of 16% (3 + 0/19). CONCLUSION Based on our cumulative results, a reoccurrence of a CSF leak or meningoencephalocele after endoscopic repair will occur within the first 2 years postoperatively. Once patients pass these postoperative time frames they are relatively free of reoccurrence from this very effective surgical management. Endoscopic repair results are better than craniotomy with much less morbidity.
Where Did All the Inflation Go?: When Will the Real Estate Market Recover

This paper considers whether real estate will ever again be a good place for the average American homeowner, investor, or speculator. Looking at the rate of change in real estate prices over the past few decades and the rate of inflation one sees a correspondence. The faster the rate of change in inflation the faster the rate of growth in real estate prices. In addition, real estate price changes are more volatile than overall price changes; in general historical inflation in housing is higher than inflation for all goods; and starting with the onset of the crisis, discordance develops with housing prices falling while overall prices remain relatively flat.
Modeling and Simulation as a Theory Building Paradigm

This chapter makes the case that theory can be captured as a model, which can be implemented as a simulation. This allows composing and recomposing theory components to process new theory out of existing theory. While current modeling and simulation applications focus on simulation as a computational activity that algorithmically produces output data based on valid input data, therefore providing information, the proposed approach utilizes the information and combines the application thereof, which provides knowledge. Relevant work is evaluated, but existing approaches neither us the conceptualization as the central component nor are they applied to ill-defined problems, thus the proposed approach is innovative and closes existing gaps. To show the feasibility and validity, theory is represented as axiomatic structures that can be executed under bounded conditions. As such, the chapter presents a methodological approach for building theory out of existing theory using modeling and simulation.
Giving adolescents a voice: the types of genetic information adolescents choose to learn and why

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics supports parents’ opting in or out of secondary analysis of 59 genes when their child has clinical exome/genome sequencing. We explored the reasons adolescents choose to learn certain types of results and the reasons they want to involve or not involve parents in decision-making. Adolescents recruited without clinical indication were offered independent, followed by joint choices with a parent to learn genomic results. After making independent choices, adolescent/parent dyads were interviewed to explore the reasons for their choices. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. The constant comparative method was used to analyze 64 purposefully selected transcripts that included 31 from adolescents who excluded some or all potential results. Three major themes informed adolescents’ choices: (1) actionability of information, (2) knowledge seeking, and (3) psychological impact. Of adolescents who independently excluded some conditions (n=31), 58% changed their initial choices during the joint interview due to parental influence or improved understanding. Nearly all adolescents (98%) wanted to be involved in the decision-making process, and 53% wanted to make choices independently. Our findings contribute empirical evidence to support the refinement of professional guidelines for adolescents’ engagement and preferences in genetic testing decisions.
Developing Cultural Competency in Laboratory Practice

Each of us holds preconceived assumptions about the things around us including the ideas, judgments, and values that have been developed from our personal experiences in life. Cultural identity is based on a set of beliefs and behaviors that guide a person9s understanding of how things routinely work. But as we become a more global society we must understand that all cultures have a set of acceptable guidelines, some of which, may be very different from our own. Although many schools and companies require employees to attend seminars about developing cultural sensitivity, awareness, and competence, our implicit biases may interfere with the application of culturally competent behaviors in real life. The vast majority of health care practitioners are genuinely focused on the well-being of patients and the quality of medical practice. However, many are not aware of their implicit practices of bias that can cause as much harm as explicit prejudice. To find that we hold implicit or unexamined biases can be disturbing but at the same time it is a requisite first step to developing a culturally competent person. This article explores two models of cultural competence as well as a model for constructive communication in culturally diverse environments. Finally, examples of harmful and biased statements experienced by laboratory students and employees are also discussed with suggestions and guidance for constructive management and resolution. ABBREVIATIONS:LGBT - Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual, EEOC - Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, IDI® - Intercultural Development Inventory®, NCCC - National Center of Cultural Competence
Direct waveform extraction via a deep recurrent denoising autoencoder

The localization of structural defects is of great interest in structure health monitoring (SHM). While acoustic emission signals are collected in the practice of SHM, the acquired waveforms inevitably include direct wave as well as reflection and reverberation waveforms. The direct wave actually contains more straightforward information in localizing the sources, so in this work, a deep recurrent denoising autoencoder (DRDA) network is developed. In general, waveform signals are highly correlated at different timescales, so temporally recurrent connections are added to the network structure, which have the memory of recent inputs. Consequently, the proposed DRDA model captures the dependencies across data points, while carrying out denoisng process, and combines the advantages of denoising autoencoders and recurrent neural networks. As the output of the proposed DRDA, direct waveforms are extracted and validated through finite element simulations. A contrived structure with nontrivial shape is excited by simulated pencil break excitations under the ABAQUS environment, then the simulated responses provide training data for the DRDA. The proposed algorithm is effective in filtering the reflected wave and outperforms the conventional denoising autoencoders.
Contract and Claim in Insurance Law

This article offers a new perspective on insurance law by examining and combining two basic features of insurance and insurance law: the nature of the insurance contract and the fact that most insurance law issues concern a disputed claim. Insurance law scholars are fond of reconceptualizing their subject. Insurance policies and insurance law have been likened to a means of public utility regulation, a product warranty, a social institution, or, perhaps mostly simply, a thing. This article represents another conceptualization of the subject, and one that may be less foreign to the subject and closer to the reality of the formation and performance of insurance relationships. Every insurance policy is a contract between the policyholder and the insurer. Fundamentally, however, almost every insurance law problem, dispute, or doctrine is really about paying or not paying claims. These two features — contract and claim — are at the heart of most insurance law disputes. The significance of insurance as contract is generally recognized, but the centrality of claims, less so. The article examines each of them separately and then combines them. Doing so provides a perspective on a large number of insurance law issues, and that perspective should change the courts’ approach to a number of issues and doctrines. The focus is on personal lines, particularly first-party insurance, but the analysis also has implications in other settings. The article first presents the contract and claim analysis. It then applies the analysis to several common issues in insurance law. The illustrations come from three different points in the life of an insurance policy. The first concerns a formation issue: when an insurer may use misstatements by a policyholder in the application process to avoid coverage. The second, and most general, addresses interpretation issues that concern the insurer’s performance of the insurance contract. The third concerns issues of policyholder and insurer performance after a claim is filed — the false swearing rule and the law of insurance bad faith. All three reinforce the insight that every doctrinal issue involves a conception of the insurance contract and arises because of a disputed claim. The discussion demonstrates that courts sometimes use similar analysis, describes those tendencies, suggests why they are incomplete, and uses the contract and claim analysis to make them explicit and more comprehensive. Other courts take quite different approaches; contrasting those approaches with the contract and claim analysis demonstrates what they get wrong. The result is both a demonstration of the usefulness of the article’s analysis and a beginning catalog of how it can reshape insurance law doctrine.
Neonates Effects and Tolerability of Treprostinil in Hypertension with Persistent Pulmonary.

Objective The aim of this study was to establish the effects of treprostinil in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) patients with persistent pulmonary hypertension (PHT) after 1 week of treatment. Drug effects were assessed by oxygenation index (OI), clinical end points, serial biochemical markers, and pre- and posttreatment echocardiogram. Treatment complications were also described. Study Design This is a quasi-experimental study of neonates with PHT admitted to the NICU within 48 hours showing persistent clinical instability, receiving mechanical ventilation with FiO2 > 60%, milrinone therapy, and inhaled nitric oxide. Clinical data were compared before and after treprostinil treatment. Results Seventeen neonates met the inclusion criteria. Median age was 17 days. Before treatment, median OI was 20 (IQR: 12–27). Suprasystemic PHT was estimated by echocardiogram in 8/17 patients; the rest were systemic. After 1 week of treatment, 15/17 patients were alive and median OI was 8 (IQR: 5–12, p = 0.0089). There were no statistically significant changes in laboratory data. Echocardiogram still showed suprasystemic PHT in 20% of patients. Adverse effects included hypotension, hematoma at the infusion site, and surgical persistent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure in 4/17 patients. Fourteen patients were discharged. The median treatment time was 61 days. Conclusion Treprostinil was well tolerated with satisfactory clinical response. Further studies are required to identify early responder subgroups.
Spontaneous Radial Nerve Palsy due to an Unrecognized Myofibroma: A Case Report.

Case A 33-year-old woman presented with a six-month history of spontaneous radial nerve palsy and no identified lesion on imaging. She underwent operative exploration where an hourglass deformity was seen and resected. Pathology returned as a rare tumor, a myofibroma. The patient regained full radial nerve function. Conclusions A trial of observation is often indicated in the cases of isolated nerve palsy where anatomic lesions have been eliminated. This case highlights that imaging studies can miss a tumor involving nerve and that painless, spontaneous nerve palsy may be a time where early surgical intervention offers a better chance of recovery.
A Short Note on Interpretation in the Dual Change Score Model

The latent change score framework allows for estimating a variety of univariate trajectory models, such as the no change, linear change, exponential forms of change, as well as multivariate traject...
Rapamycin persistently improves cardiac function in aged, male and female mice, even following cessation of treatment.

Even in healthy aging, cardiac morbidity and mortality increase with age in both mice and humans. These effects include a decline in diastolic function, left ventricular hypertrophy, metabolic substrate shifts, and alterations in the cardiac proteome. Previous work from our laboratory indicated that short-term (10-week) treatment with rapamycin, an mTORC1 inhibitor, improved measures of these age-related changes. In this report, we demonstrate that the rapamycin-dependent improvement of diastolic function is highly persistent, while decreases in both cardiac hypertrophy and passive stiffness are substantially persistent 8 weeks after cessation of an 8-week treatment of rapamycin in both male and female 22- to 24-month-old C57BL/6NIA mice. The proteomic and metabolomic abundance changes that occur after 8 weeks of rapamycin treatment have varying persistence after 8 further weeks without the drug. However, rapamycin did lead to a persistent increase in abundance of electron transport chain (ETC) complex components, most of which belonged to Complex I. Although ETC protein abundance and Complex I activity were each differentially affected in males and females, the ratio of Complex I activity to Complex I protein abundance was equally and persistently reduced after rapamycin treatment in both sexes. Thus, rapamycin treatment in the aged mice persistently improved diastolic function and myocardial stiffness, persistently altered the cardiac proteome in the absence of persistent metabolic changes, and led to persistent alterations in mitochondrial respiratory chain activity. These observations suggest that an optimal translational regimen for rapamycin therapy that promotes enhancement of healthspan may involve intermittent short-term treatments.
Optimal design of microseismic monitoring network: Synthetic study for the Kimberlina CO2 storage demonstration site

Abstract Microseismic monitoring can play a crucial role to ensure safe long-term geological carbon storage. For reliable long-term monitoring for CO2-injection-induced microseismic events, a surface seismic array is desirable in addition to borehole geophone sensors. Optimal design of surface seismic network is of great interest to achieve cost-effective monitoring. We develop a methodology to determine the optimal number of surface seismic stations with a geometrically satisfactory distribution for given monitoring regions. We design an optimal microseismic monitoring network based on widely-accepted guiding principles, and the relationship between the location accuracy of microseismic events and the total number of seismic stations. We determine the optimal number of seismic stations based on the trade-off curve of the event location accuracy vs. the total number of seismic stations. We apply our optimal design method to the Kimberlina carbon storage site in California. We use a synthetic Kimberlina model to show that approximately 20 surface seismic stations with a geometrically satisfactory distribution are preferred for the best trade-off between the cost and the event location accuracy.
Abstract P1-18-27: Developing a novel combination therapy using EZH2i for HER2+ breast cancer

The receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is overexpressed in 15-25% of breast cancers and acts as a driver of tumor growth. Though there are FDA-approved agents in the clinic that specifically target HER2, metastatic HER2+ breast cancer remains incurable with a median overall survival of 56.5 months. In addition, the response rates of patients with metastatic disease vary considerably, with 20-50% and 60-80% of patients unresponsive to first- and second-line therapies respectively. Therefore, it is necessary to discover a new therapy able to overcome the therapeutic resistance of HER2+ breast cancer that currently leads to patient relapse, and ultimately, death. One approach that our lab has successfully used to develop more effective therapies for other tumor types is to co-target different oncogenic pathways for a more potent effect. A target of interest is the histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), which is overexpressed in many cancer types including breast, prostate, bladder, gastric, lung, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Interestingly, in breast cancer, EZH2 is overexpressed in the more aggressive subtypes including HER2+. EZH2 expression levels correlate with a worse prognosis and parallels cancer progression. We chose to investigate the therapeutic potential of combining EZH2 inhibitors (EZH2i) with lapatinib, an FDA-approved HER2-targeted therapy for late stage HER2+ breast cancer. In vitro assays show that the combination has a potent cytotoxic effect and renders lapatinib-sensitive HER2+ breast lines more sensitive, and causes lapatinib-resistant lines to become sensitive. In addition, in vivo testing of both lapatinib-sensitive and resistant HER2+ xenografts showed potent regression with the combination, confirming the extremely promising results. Using RNA-Seq and ChIP-Seq, we have identified that the Rb/E2F pathway may be involved in the combination’s mechanism of action. We will identify the biological settings in which this combination may be most effective and elucidate its molecular mechanism of action. This work will not only validate a promising new therapeutic combination, but will also provide insight into additional vulnerabilities of HER2+ breast cancer, possibly leading to additional therapeutic strategies. Citation Format: Marina Watanabe, Rysn Kuzmickas, Karen Cichowski. Developing a novel combination therapy using EZH2i for HER2+ breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-18-27.
Stabilized ultrasound imaging of a moving object using 2D B-mode images and convolutional neural network

We present a co-robotic ultrasound imaging system that tracks lesions undergoing physiological motions, e.g., breathing, using 2D B-mode images. The approach embeds the in-plane and out-of-plane transformation estimation in a proportional joint velocity controller to minimize the 6-degree-of-freedom (DoF) transformation error. Specifically, we propose a new method to estimate the out-of-plane translation using a convolutional neural network based on speckle decorrelation. The network is trained on anatomically featureless gray-scale B-mode images and is generalized to different tissue phantoms. The tracking algorithm is validated in simulation with mimicked respiratory motions, which demonstrates the feasibility of stabilizing biopsy through ultrasound guidance.
Comparison of flow boiling pressure drop and heat transfer of R134a with low GWP alternative R1234ze(E) in a dimpled flat duct

Abstract The low GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerant R1234ze(E) is a potential alternative of R134a. This study puts the emphasis on the comparison of the flow boiling pressure drop and heat transfer of R134a and R1234ze(E) in a dimpled flat duct. For the air-conditioning applications, the experiments are conducted at mass flux from 100 to 200 kg m−2 s−1, saturation temperature from 5 to 15 °C, heat flux from 2.5 to 10 kW m−2, and vapor quality from 0.1 to 0.95. The results show that the frictional pressure gradient of R1234ze(E) is 1.10 to 1.27 times that of R134a. The characteristics of the flow boiling heat transfer coefficient of R1234ze(E) are similar to R134a. The increasing flow boiling heat transfer coefficient with vapor quality in the tested range implies the convective evaporation dominates the heat transfer. It is also observed that the flow boiling heat transfer coefficient visibly increases with a rise in mass flux and decreases with the saturation temperature increment due to the increase in vapor to liquid density ratio. The enhancement effect of heat flux on the flow boiling heat transfer shows up at the highest value of 10 kW m−2 only. The heat transfer coefficient ratio of R1234ze(E) to R134a increases from 0.89 to 1.20 with an increase in vapor quality. The comparison of frictional pressure gradient and heat transfer characteristics between R1234ze(E) and R134a has been discussed from the viewpoint of fluid properties.
Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost: Critically Reflective Research for a New HRD Landscape

The ProblemThe pandemic and subsequent changes to norms and practices in the workplace mean that for many, existing meaning-making structures are challenged and the limits of existing ways of knowi...
Modern Day Scurvy in Pediatric Orthopaedics: A Forgotten Illness.

Introduction Scurvy, or vitamin C deficiency, is rare. The goal of this study is to highlight the common risk factors and identify the orthopaedic presentation of scurvy in children. Methods A retrospective chart and radiograph review was performed of all patients consulted to the pediatric orthopaedic service from 2010 to 2019 who ultimately had the diagnosis of scurvy confirmed by an abnormally low serum vitamin C level. Data extracted included: patient age, sex, neurological conditions, prematurity, psychiatric conditions, dietary abnormalities, bone pain, arthritis, limb swelling, inability to walk, skin changes, child abuse evaluations, radiographic findings, additional vitamin deficiencies, lab studies, additional tests, response to treatment. Descriptive statistics were performed. Results Nine patients (7 males, 2 females) with scurvy were studied. The average age was 7 years (range 3 to 13 y). The average body mass index was 21.4 (range, 14 to 30). Five had autism, 2 had a neurological disorder. Two had been born premature. Two had a psychiatric disorder. Seven had an abnormal diet. One presented with bone pain. Four presented with limb swelling. Seven had unilateral and 2 had bilateral leg symptoms. Five presented with inability to walk. Six demonstrated skin changes with ecchymosis or petechiae. Three presented with gingival bleeding. Radiographic findings included subperiosteal hematoma in 2, ring epiphysis in 3, Pelkan spurs in 1, metaphyseal white lines (Frankel sign) in 6, and a metaphyseal zone of rarefaction (Trummerfeld zone) in 3. Seven had additional vitamin deficiencies including: A, B1, B6, B9, D, E, K, iron and zinc. Four had a bone marrow biopsy and 1 had lumbar puncture. All were anemic. The average erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 25.7 (range 6 to 35) and C-reactive protein was 1.5 (range 0.55 to 5.64). Six had a computed tomography, 3 had a magnetic resonance imaging. After treatment with vitamin C lasting 3.4 months (range, 2 wk to 7 mo), all symptoms gradually resolved, including leg pain and swelling. All children began to walk. Conclusion The pediatric orthopaedic surgeon should have an increased awareness about the diagnosis of scurvy when consulted on a child with bone pain or inability to walk. The most common orthopaedic presentation was the refusal to bear weight, the most common radiographic finding was the metaphyseal line of increased density (Frankel sign) and treatment with vitamin c supplementation was excellent in all cases.
Probing biased activation of mu-opioid receptor by the biased agonist PZM21 using all atom molecular dynamics simulation

Morphine is a commonly used opioid drug to treat acute pain by binding to the mu-opioid receptor (MOR), but its effective analgesic efficacy via triggering of the heterotrimeric Gi protein pathway is accompanied by a series of adverse side effects via triggering of the β-arrestin pathway. Recently, PZM21, a recently developed MOR biased agonist, shows preferentially activating the G protein pathway over β-arrestin pathway. However, there is no high-resolution receptor structure in complex with PZM21 and its action mechanism remains elusive. In this study, PZM21 and Morphine were docked to the active human MOR-1 homology structure and then subjected to the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in two different situations (i.e., one situation includes the crystal waters but another does not). Detailed comparisons between the two systems were made to characterize the differences in protein-ligand interactions, protein secondary and tertiary structures and dynamics networks. PZM21 could strongly interact with Y3287.43 of TM7, besides the residues (Asp1493.32 and Tyr1503.33) of TM3. The two systems' network paths to the intracellular end of TM6 were roughly similar but the paths to the end of TM7 were different. The PZM21-bound MOR's intracellular ends of TM5-7 bent outward more along with the distance changes of the three key molecular switches (ionic lock, transmission and Tyr toggle) and the distance increase of some conserved inter-helical residue pairs. The larger intracellular opening of the receptor could potentially facilitate G protein binding.
Genomics of Black American colon cancer disparities: An RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) study from an academic, tertiary referral center

Abstract Background Black Americans have a higher incidence and mortality rate from colorectal cancer compared to their non-Hispanic White American counterparts. Even when controlling for sociodemographic differences between these 2 populations, Black Americans remain disproportionately affected by colorectal cancer. The purpose of our study was to determine if differences in gene expression between Black American and non-Hispanic White American colon cancer specimens could help explain differences in the incidence and mortality rate between these 2 populations. Methods Black Americans and non-Hispanic White Americans undergoing colon resection for stages I, II, or III colon cancer at a single institution were identified. Black American and non-Hispanic White American patients were matched for age, sex, and colon cancer stage to minimize the risk of confounding variables. Tissue samples were obtained at the time of colon resection and were analyzed using RNA sequencing to determine if there were differences in the expression of genes and biologic processes between the 2 groups. Results A total of 17 colon cancer specimens were analyzed; 8 (47.1%) patients were Black Americans. A total of 456 genes were identified as being expressed differently (ie, up or downregulated) in Black American compared to non-Hispanic White American colon cancer specimens. Moreover, 500 different genetic pathways were noted to be significantly over-represented with differentially expressed genes in our comparison of Black American and non-Hispanic White American colon cancer specimens, the majority of which plays a role in inflammation and immune cell function. Conclusion Significant differences in gene expression and genetic pathways exist between Black Americans and non-Hispanic White Americans. Additional and multi-institutional and registry-based studies are needed to validate our findings and to further elucidate the contribution that these differences have to the overall incidence and mortality rate from colon cancer in these 2 patient populations.