cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distributed Path Planning for Robots in Dynamic Environments Using a Pervasive Embedded Network

We investigate the application of a low-cost, pervasively distributed network to plan paths for mobile robots in environments with dynamic obstacles. We consider a heterogeneous system composed of small, embedded, immobile, possibly sensor-less, communication nodes and larger mobile robots equipped with sensors and manipulators. The embedded network serves as a pervasive communication and computation fabric, while the mobile robots provide sensing and actuation. The network is responsible for planning paths for the mobile robots even though paths are being created and destroyed dynamically. The embedded network provides nearly optimal path planning without the network nodes or the robots having global knowledge or localization capabilities. Path planning is one of the most fundamental and wellstudied problem in mobile robotics. Techniques such as D*[1] plan paths in dynamic environments where paths are created and destroyed. Inspired by these techniques, we have developed a technique for distributed path planning in environments were obstacles appear and disappear. Traditional path planning algorithms for dynamic environments typically require a single mobile robot to build a map, update the map as the environment changes, and then finally plan over the map. Instead, we use an embedded network distributed throughout the environment to approximate the path-planning space and use the network to compute the path in a distributed fashion. The algorithm essentially works as a distributed variant of the popular wave-front path planning algorithm, or a breadth-first search from the goal, propagating paths from the goal location. The embedded nodes make up the vertices of the path planning graph, and the network connections between them are the edges of the graph. Mobile robots can then use reactive navigation to traverse the graph by visiting the vertices (i.e. the embedded nodes) to the goal. In order to respond to changes in the environment this graph has to be maintained as edges are added and removed. For powerefficiency reasons we prefer algorithms that minimize com
A history of IBM's open-source involvement and strategy

IBM has embraced both the concept and the reality of open-source software (OSS). While this may seem surprising for a corporation with a large traditional software business, a path has been pursued allowing the maintenance-indeed, the enhancement-of existing business while deriving benefits from OSS, making significant contributions to several OSS projects, and initiating new ones. We describe some of the considerations which led to this approach, as well as some of the issues that impinge on its execution.
Utility experience with real time rates

The structure of electric utilities is undergoing far-reaching changes as new and expanded service options are added. The concepts of unbundling or of priority service are expanding the options open to customers. Spot pricing, or real-time pricing of electricity, provides the economic structure for many of these new service options. It is frequently stated that customers cannot adapt to real-time prices. The authors identify the elements of real-time rates and existing rate structures in the United States and other OECD countries which incorporate these dimensions. >
PROTOTYPICAL CASES FOR RETRIEVAL, REUSE, AND KNOWLEDGE MAINTENANCE IN BIOMEDICAL CASE‐BASED REASONING

Representing biomedical knowledge is an essential task in biomedical informatics intelligent systems. Case-based reasoning (CBR) holds the promise to represent contextual knowledge in a way that was not possible before with traditional knowledge-based methods. One main issue in biomedical CBR is dealing with the rate of generation of new knowledge in biomedical fields, which often makes the content of a case base partially obsolete. This article proposes to make use of the concept of prototypical case to ensure that a CBR system would keep update with current research advances in the biomedical field. Prototypical cases have served various purposes in biomedical CBR systems, among which to organize and structure the memory, to guide the retrieval as well as the reuse of cases, and to serve as bootstrapping a CBR system memory when real cases are not available in sufficient quantity and/or quality. This paper emphasizes the different roles prototypical cases can play in CBR systems, and presents knowledge maintenance as a very important novel role for these prototypical cases.
Transgenerational Trauma and Child Sexual Abuse: Reconceptualizing Cases Involving Young Survivors of CSA

While current research on child sexual abuse (CSA) has delineated the immediate and long-term effects of sexual trauma, little has been written about intergenerational influences on the presence and etiology of CSA among young children. Dass-Brailsford (2007) defined transgenerational trauma as trauma that has been passed down from one generation to another, either directly or indirectly. In this paper the authors review the literature on CSA, the influence of primary caregivers, and transgenerational trauma, followed by a case illustration. Specific interventions are pointed out to offer mental health counselors innovative tools for ameliorating the effects of transgenerational trauma with this client population. The authors also highlight effective clinical programs on CSA among young children that acknowledge the influence of intergenerational trauma.
Burns de to aerosol can explosions

This report describes one burn service's experience with burn injuries sustained by 18 patients over a 5-year period as a result of the explosion of pressurized aerosol cans. The burns were predominantly superficial flash burns and involved from 5 to 45 per cent of the body surface area. There were no deaths in the series. Heightened public awareness of the fire and explosive hazards of these cans, as well as a more prominent warning label on the can should aid in decreasing the incidence of these injuries.
Circuit structure relations to redundancy and delay: the KMS algorithm revisited

K. Keutzer et al. (see IEEE Trans. on Comput.-Aided Des., vol.10, no.4, p.427-35 (1991)) have presented an algorithm, known as the KMS algorithm, that derives an equivalent irredundant circuit implementation from a given redundant high-performance circuit, with no increase in delay measured using viability analysis. The authors resolve the main bottlenecks in the KMS algorithm, arising due to an iterative loop of timing analysis, gate duplications, and redundancy removal. A circuit structure property based on path lengths is related to testability and delay. Based on this relationship, an efficient implementation of the KMS algorithm is presented. It consists of the transformation of any Boolean network to an equivalent circuit structure on which a single redundancy removal achieves the same effect as the original KMS algorithm. >
Semantic segmentation of urban scenes using dense depth maps

In this paper we present a framework for semantic scene parsing and object recognition based on dense depth maps. Five view-independent 3D features that vary with object class are extracted from dense depth maps at a superpixel level for training a classifier using randomized decision forest technique. Our formulation integrates multiple features in a Markov Random Field (MRF) framework to segment and recognize different object classes in query street scene images. We evaluate our method both quantitatively and qualitatively on the challenging Cambridge-driving Labeled Video Database (CamVid). The result shows that only using dense depth information, we can achieve overall better accurate segmentation and recognition than that from sparse 3D features or appearance, or even the combination of sparse 3D features and appearance, advancing state-of-the-art performance. Furthermore, by aligning 3D dense depth based features into a unified coordinate frame, our algorithm can handle the special case of view changes between training and testing scenarios. Preliminary evaluation in cross training and testing shows promising results.
Is two out of three enough for ABCG1

Macrophages have the right tools to synthesize all the free cholesterol they need. If macrophages also could degrade cholesterol when they have too much, the concept of in vivo reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) would be irrelevant. Fortunately for those of us who do research in this area, the ability of macrophages to closely regulate their cellular cholesterol levels is accomplished not by cellular degradation, but by multiple complex cholesterol sensing regulatory pathways including enzyme systems for synthesizing it, esterifying it, and actively transporting it out of the cell. RTC can be defined as the transport of cholesterol from peripheral cells such as macrophages to circulating plasma lipoproteins that subsequently deliver the cholesterol to the liver for biliary excretion.1 Active transport of cholesterol out of cells to lipid-poor or lipid-free apolipoprotein AI (apoAI) is accomplished by the LXR-inducible ATP binding cassette transporter, ABCA1.2 This transporter exports both cellular cholesterol and phospholipid. Whereas ABCA1 exports cholesterol and phospholipid to lipid-free apolipoproteins, another more recently described LXR-inducible transporter, ABCG1 actively exports cellular cholesterol to high density lipoproteins (HDL) and other extracellular phospholipid-containing acceptors.3 Recently, it has been suggested that ABCA1 and ABCG1 work in concert to export cellular phospholipid and cholesterol. ABCA1 generates extracellular nascent or discoidal HDL, which then becomes an acceptor for ABCG1-mediated additional cholesterol efflux.4 Although this idea is logically sound, the relevant contributions of ABCA1 and ABCG1 to macrophage cholesterol export are still not completely understood. See pages 2295, 2301, 2308 Because ABCG1 is a key regulator of cellular lipid homeostasis3 one would predict that it plays a role in macrophage cholesterol homeostasis within the vessel wall to prevent or retard atherosclerotic lesion formation. In fact, the participation of ABCG1 in RCT from bone marrow–derived macrophage foam cells within aortic root lesions in …
Help America Vote Act of 2002

Short encyclopedia essay on the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (summarizing the statute and existing secondary literature as well as offering author's perspective on the role of the states and the interaction between federalism and partisanship in the enactment process).
Would an Energy Conservation Nudge in Hotels Encourage Hotel Guests to Conserve

Utility companies achieved an average reduction of 2.5 percent in home energy use through an energy conservation nudge that provides feedback on energy consumption as compared with neighbors. This study investigated whether hotels can replicate this effect with their guests. A 2 (valence of electricity consumption) × 2 (comparison subject) experimental design with a control group was used with 1,000 respondents reporting their behavioral intentions in response to the energy conservation nudge in a scenario-based experiment. The results of a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that behavioral intentions toward electricity conservation were pronounced when the nudge was provided (regardless of the valence of electricity consumption and the comparison subject). The results of an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with an energy conscious level as a covariate confirmed the effectiveness of the nudge on electricity conservation. The results indicate that hotels can achieve guest-driven electricity effic...
Theories to Understand Local Jobless Rates in West Virginia

The author uses a range of structural labor market models to understand differing regional jobless rates in a state affected by pockets of structural unemployment. Four theories of regional structural unemployment are presented, and their hypotheses are statistically evaluated using West Virginia county panel data. The author then presents case study evidence to compare these statistical results with the realities of the county labor markets. Both types of empirical evidence suggest that a segmented non-market-clearing model, in which structural unemployment stems from queuing for above-market-clearing wages in both a high-wage primary sector and a lower-wage secondary sector, can shed the most light on regional unemployment rates in West Virginia.
Congressional Court Curbing and Legislative Gridlock: Constraining or Maintaining Judicial Independence?

During periods of Congressional Court-curbing, ideological divergence between the Supreme Court and Congress has been found to consistently impact judicial review even though the legislation is rarely enacted. Building on the theoretical models of separation of powers and Congressional policymaking, this study diverges from previous studies by arguing that not only do the preferences of Congress matter, but also the preferences of each chamber and the President. The level of ideological agreement between the executive and legislative branches is hypothesized to serve as a more credible signal to the Court of the seriousness of Court-curbing legislation and the likelihood of overrides following judicial decisions. To examine the influence that divided government and legislative gridlock have on the Court’s exercise of judicial review, or the number of Acts of Congress that are invalidated, during periods of Court-curbing spanning 1973-2008 (93rd-110th Congresses), Poisson regression analysis is used. The findings indicate the Court’s concerns for overrides and institutional legitimacy operate simultaneously; however, the constraining effect of Court-curbing does not differ across most political or institutional conditions.
Interplay between unidirectional and bidirectional charge-density-wave orders in underdoped cuprates

We analyze the interplay between charge-density-wave (CDW) orders with axial momenta $(Q,0)$ and $(0,Q)$ (${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}}_{x}$ and ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}}_{y}$, respectively), detected in the underdoped cuprates. The CDW order in real space can be unidirectional (either ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}}_{x}$ or ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}}_{y}$ is nonzero) or bidirectional (both ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}}_{x}$ and ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}}_{y}$ are nonzero). To understand which of the two orders develop, we adopt the magnetic scenario, in which the CDW order appears due to spin-fluctuation exchange, and derive the Ginzburg-Landau action to the sixth order in ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}}_{x}$ and ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}}_{y}$. We argue that at the mean-field level, the CDW order is bidirectional at the onset, with equal amplitudes of ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}}_{x}$ and ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}}_{y}$, but changes to unidirectional inside the CDW phase. This implies that at a given temperature, CDW order is unidirectional at smaller dopings but becomes bidirectional at larger dopings. This is consistent with recent x-ray data on ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}{\mathrm{O}}_{y}$, which detected tendency towards bidirectional order at larger dopings. We discuss the role of discrete symmetry breaking at a higher temperature for the interplay between bidirectional and unidirectional CDW orders and also discuss the role of pair-density-wave (PDW) order, which may appear along with CDW. We argue that PDW with the same momentum as CDW changes the structure of the bidirectional charge order by completely replacing either ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}}_{x}$ or ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}}_{y}$ CDW components by PDW. However, if a so-called Amperean PDW order, which pairs fermions with approximately the same momenta, is also present, both ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}}_{x}$ and ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}}_{y}$ remain nonzero in the bidirectional phase, albeit with nonequal amplitudes. This is again consistent with x-ray experiments, which at larger doping found nonequal ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}}_{x}$ and ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}}_{y}$ in every domain.
Curricula for the Terminal B.S. Degree in Agricultural Economics: A Neglected Area

N RECENT years, increased attention has been focused on teaching agricultural economics and on the undergraduate program in general. The profession's interest in these areas has been demonstrated in a number of ways, including the Harvard Workshop in 1962 on curriculum development and teaching programs in agribusiness, the Bemidji Workshop in 1963 on the improvement of undergraduate instruction in agricultural economics, the recent teaching symposium at Blacksburg, Virginia, the Distinguished Undergraduate Teacher Award, and sections of the AFEA annual meetings devoted to teaching and curricula. Unfortunately for the undergraduate program, this interest has developed during a period in which departments have been under pressure either to initiate or to expand graduate programs. As a result, undergraduate curricula have too often reflected the needs of students preparing for graduate study, to the neglect of those working toward only a B.S. degree. The full import of this neglect becomes apparent with the realization that a very high percentage of agricultural economics majors fall into the latter category. Thus, the objective of this paper is to focus attention upon curricula for the terminal B.S. degree in agricultural economics and to suggest some approaches to the problem.
Applications in Combinatorics

In this chapter, we use the theorems of Ford and Fulkerson about maximal flows to prove some central theorems of Combinatorics. In particular, Transversal Theory can be developed from the theory of flows on networks; this approach was first suggested in the book by Ford and Fulkerson (1962) and is also used in the survey by Jungnickel (1986). Compared with the usual approach of taking the Marriage Theorem of Hall (1935) — which we treat in Section 7.3 — as the starting point of Transversal Theory (as in the book by Mirsky (1971b)), our way of proceeding has the advantage that we get algorithms for constructing the respective objects simultaneously, for example by specializing the Algorithm of Dinic (1970) in an appropriate way. We will study disjoint paths in graphs, matchings in bipartite graphs, transversals, combinatorics of matrices, partitions of directed graphs, partially ordered sets, parallelisms and the Supply-Demand-Theorem.
Die therapeutische Bedeutung der Hypercalcämie bei tuberkulinpositiver experimenteller Tuberkulose

Wells und Long 1 scheinen in ihrer zusammenfassenden Besprechung der therapeutischen Wirkung der Calciumsalze auf die Tuberkulose nicht yon einer giinstigen Beeinflussung der Erkrankung iiberzeugt zu sein. Immerh in geben sie zu, dab mit der menschlichen Tuberkulose ver t raute Kliniker dem Calcium einen entscheidenden EinfluB zusehreiben, und dab wir infolgedessen diese Einstellung respektieren mfissen, wiewohl wir im Tierexperiment diese Ergebnisse weder reproduzieren noch erkl/tren kSnnen. Ungeachtet der ausgedehnten Forschert~itigkeit auf diesem Gebiete ist die Rolle des Calciums I/ir die Behandlung des tuberkulSsen l~rozesses ein sehr umstr i t tener Punkt. Bekannt ist, daft in einer groBen Zahl der F~Llle die Verkalkung das Endstadium der Heilung anzeigt. Zahlreiche Untersucher haben versucht 2-7, diesen Prozei] zu beschleunigeR, sei es durch direkte Anwendung -con Caleiumsalzen, sei es durch Verwendung yon Substanzcn, die eine HypercaIe~mie erzeugen. Bisher sind die l~esultate aber nicht eindeutig erfolgreich gewesen. Tats~ichlich war die EnttSuschung bald so beherrschend, dab man sich kaum mit dem Problem befassen konnte, ohne eine Kri t ik herauszufordern, die sich auf gut begriindete und klare wissensehaftliche Beobachtungen s~iitzen konnte. Unseres Erachtens ist aber das Problem nicht endgfiltig im negativen Sinne gel6st, und wit glauben, dab die therapeutisch angestrebte Verkalkung ein Hilfsmit tel darstellen kann, um den tuberkul6sen Prozei] aufzuhalten. Diese unsere Einstelhmg griindet sich auf folgende Erw/igungen: 1. Schnelle Verkalkung tuberkulSser Ver~nderungen findet sich nicht nur als Vernarbungsvorgang nekrotischer Herde, also als Endzustand eines exsudariven Vorganges, sondern ha t nach Levadili und zoo s aueh die Neigung, die sch~dlichen Keime akt iv abzukaloseln. 2. Die lohagoeyt~ren Kr~fte des Blutes werden durch CalciumsMze merklich verst/~rkt 9, 10, und es ist sehr wohl mSglich, dab auf diese Weise Tuberkelbacillen zerst6rt werden k6nnen. Der schw~ehste 1)unkt der experimentellen Forsctmng beruhte bisher in dem Unverm6gen, das therapeutische Agens an den In{ektionsherd selbst zu bringen. U m die Behandlung wirksam zu machen, schien uns eine Art yon ,,Katalysator" erforderlich, hinreichend spezifisch, um das therapeutische Agens an
Time-related Decay of Prey Antigens Ingested by Arboreal Spiders as Detected by ELISA

To investigate the rate of degradation of Orgyia pseudotsugata antigens in potential arachnid predators, individual arboreal spiders were fed a single first- or secondinstar Orgyia larva. A subset of these spiders were fed either one, two, or three alternate larvae ( Tribolium spp.) subsequent to Orgyia consumption. Of the spiders which had a dead, apparently consumed larva in the cage, 75% were confirmed as having ingested Orgyia antigens by ELISA, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The same proportion of spiders was positive after being held for 12 days at 24°C. Spiders fed one or two alternate larvae and held 5 or 7 days after feeding closely matched the ELISA response of spiders not fed alternate larvae. Half of the spiders fed one Orgyia followed by three alternate larvae retained reactivity in ELISA over a 10-day period.
Clinical observation on noninvasive ventilation on early intervention of severe hand foot mouth disease

Objective To observe the clinical effect of noninvasive ventilation on early intervention of severe hand foot mouth disease. Methods All patients had normal ECG, blood glucose, blood pressure, central venous pressure monitoring, antiviral, protect brain tissue, prevention and treatment of cerebral edema,the study group was treated with noninvasive ventilation, compared two groups of children with tracheal intubation rate, the incidence of pneumonia, rate of antibiotics use, and hospitalization time in PICU; and to study the effects of group of children with invasive ventilation on age,duration of no in. Results Research group of children with tracheal intubation, the incidence of pneumonia and antibiotic use rate is less than the control group, thelength of time in the PICU than in the control group, P0.05; Above 3 years of age, duration of 5 days or so of children under 3 years of age, course of disease was 3 days with no effective rate of invasive ventilation of high, P0.05. ConclusionNoninvasive ventilation for the early intervention of severe hand foot mouth disease in children with obvious effect, over 3 years of age,duration of 5 days of high success rate.
Tumors of the paranasal sinuses.

Benign and malignant tumors, including polyps, represent conditions that occur frequently enough to be considered in the differential diagnosis of sinus disease. The locations and extent of these lesions (especially malignant tumors) should be evaluated by CT and MRI. This is especially indicated when malignant lesions extend outside the confines of the paranasal sinuses into adjacent areas, such as the orbit, intracranial cavity, and parapharyngeal space.
A Chemically Meaningful Measure of Electron Localization.

Electron localization and delocalization are commonly invoked in the day-to-day rationalization of chem. This work addresses the challenges of quantifying this elusive concept in a chem. useful manner. A general principle, requiring the simultaneous quantification of (1) a limited phys. vol. (classical criterion) and (2) same-spin loneliness (quantum criterion), is introduced. It is demonstrated how, by beginning with the Electron Localization Function (ELF) scalar field, one can choose to discard all points in space where the same-spin loneliness is lower than a certain value. Such a partitioning approach ensures that both criteria for quantifying localization (1 and 2) are simultaneously met. The most chem. instructive results arise when the dividing boundary condition is set by the local behavior of a homogeneous electron gas. The High Electron Localization domain Population (HELP) is introduced and applied for quantifying the localization of individual domains within mols., as well as a measure of total electron localization in atoms and mols. Several striking agreements with chem. intuition, exptl. measurable quantities, and quantum chem. constructs are demonstrated along with understandable differences. Studies of diat. mols. agree with current ideas on chem. bonding. The size-dependence and magnitude of localization in linear hydrocarbons is studied and compared to cyclic systems, such as benzene. The proposed methodol. offers a straightforward measure for direct and quant. comparisons between atoms, mols., and extended condensed matter. [on SciFinder(R)]
Conditions Associated with Increased Risk of Fraud: A Model for Publicly Traded Restaurant Companies

Many restaurant industry examples provide evidence that as a firm's internal control structure weakens and deficiencies are found, the opportunity for fraud increases significantly. Thus, the central focus of this study is to understand the factors that contribute to increased risk of fraud to determine which conditions promote an increased risk of fraud for publicly traded restaurant companies. The main premise of the study tests the application of the fraud triangle framework constructs to publicly traded restaurant companies during the time period of 2002–2014, using proxy variables defined through literature. The proxy variables selected were company size, amount of debt, employee turnover, organizational structure, the Recession, inflation rate, interest rate, executive stock compensation, return on assets, and international sales growth. The study used a probit model, using the incidence of a reported internal control deficiency as the measurable dichotomous dependent variable.
Comparison of ocular biometry parameters between IOL Master and applanation A-scan in eyes with short, medium, long, and very long axial lengths

Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the ocular biometric parameters between intraocular lens (IOL) master and applanation A-scan in eyes with different axial lengths (ALs). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted 211 patients scheduled for cataract surgery at a tertiary care eye hospital. AL and anterior chamber depth (ACD) measurements were obtained both by IOL master and applanation A-scan under standard operating conditions and analyzed. Results: The study sample comprised 211 eyes of 211 patients. Mean age of patients was 60.04 ± 7.90 years (range 40–84 years), 81% were male and 19% were female. Eyes were divided into four groups depending on their AL measurements as extremely long >27.0 mm, long 25.0–27.0 mm, medium 22.0–25.0 mm, short Conclusion: AL and ACD showed good agreement between IOL master and applanation A-scan measurements at all range of ALs.
Co-Spray Dried Mannitol/Poly(amidoamine)-Doxorubicin Dry-Powder Inhaler Formulations for Lung Adenocarcinoma: Morphology, In Vitro Evaluation, and Aerodynamic Performance.

nhaled chemotherapeutics have emerged as a promising regimen to combat lung cancer as they maximize local drug concentration while significantly reduce systemic exposure. However, the poor lung/systemic safety profiles and lack of clinically efficient formulations restrict the applicability of inhaled chemotherapeutics. This work developed a dry-powder inhaler (DPI) formulation that dispersed a pH-responsive poly(amidoamine) dendrimer-doxorubicin conjugate (G4-12DOX) into mannitol microparticles. The dendrimer conjugate only releases cytotoxic agents in response to intracellular pH drop, leading to reduced systemic and local toxicity. This work investigated the effect of G4-12DOX content on the microparticle size and morphology, redispersibility, in vitro cytotoxicity, and aerosol properties of the formulations. The spray-dried G4-12DOX/mannitol microparticles showed smooth and spherical morphology with 1–4 μm in diameter. As the content of the G4-12DOX conjugate in the microparticles increased, the size, and degree of aggregation of microparticles increased dramatically. The G4-12DOX/mannitol microparticles were readily redispersed in the aqueous environment, reverting to nanoscale dendrimer conjugates to escape alveolar phagocytosis. All DPI formulations demonstrated the similar cytotoxicity as the original conjugate against a lung adenocarcinoma cell line. The emitted dose (ED) and fine particle fraction (FPF) of the DPI formulations decreased as the content of G4-12DOX increased, but EDs and FPFs of all formulations fell within the range of 85–60% and 60–40%, which were higher than those of commercial products (EDs = 40–60%; FPFs = 12–40%). Therefore, the spray-dried dendrimer/mannitol microparticle is an efficient and practical DPI formulation for direct delivery of large dose of chemotherapeutics to lung tumors.
114 Daily patterns of violence and associated substance use among a high-risk urban sample

Statement-of-Purpose This analysis examined daily patterns of violence among emerging adults. Methods/Approach Participants (n=352) from a 2 year study (Flint Youth Injury Study) of drug-using youth seeking ED care (for assault or other reasons) were enrolled in a 2nd wave study, in which they were randomised to complete daily or weekly assessments. This analysis examines daily data (n=162); 19-items measured violence (aggression/victimisation, partner/non-partner) and associated substance use, and were collected prospectively via either IVR (n=81) or text (n=81) over 90 days. Results Participants [n=162; age=24.4; 62.3% African-American; 67% public assistance;59% ED visit for assault] completed an average of 48.3-daily reports [SD=26.9;range=1–89]. During the 90 day period, 27% of participants reported violence, with 65% reporting one violent day and 53% of violence days occurred on weekends. Among 118-violence days, 42% were with a partner (58% non-partner); 61% involved aggression (58%-victimisation); and 53% involved severe violence (e.g., beat-up, gun/knife). Among those involved with violence, 45% reported using drugs, alcohol, or both in the 3 hours before the encounter. Alcohol (OR=4.6,p Conclusion Among a high-risk sample, nearly a third of participants reported violent encounters during the 90 day period, with rates highest on weekends. Substance use preceded violent encounters on almost half of violence days, highlighting the relationships (e.g., acute pharmacological, clustering of problem behaviours) that exist between substance use and violence. Significance/Contribution Prior studies characterising daily violence behaviours are limited and data will aid future intervention development for violence prevention initiatives.
Intensity ratio to improve black hole assessment in multiple sclerosis.

Abstract Background Improved imaging methods are critical to assess neurodegeneration and remyelination in multiple sclerosis. Chronic hypointensities observed on T1-weighted brain MRI, "persistent black holes," reflect severe focal tissue damage. Present measures consist of determining persistent black holes numbers and volumes, but do not quantitate severity of individual lesions. Objective Develop a method to differentiate black and gray holes and estimate the severity of individual multiple sclerosis lesions using standard magnetic resonance imaging. Methods 38 multiple sclerosis patients contributed images. Intensities of lesions on T1-weighted scans were assessed relative to cerebrospinal fluid intensity using commercial software. Magnetization transfer imaging, diffusion tensor imaging and clinical testing were performed to assess associations with T1w intensity-based measures. Results Intensity-based assessments of T1w hypointensities were reproducible and achieved > 90% concordance with expert rater determinations of "black" and "gray" holes. Intensity ratio values correlated with magnetization transfer ratios (R = 0.473) and diffusion tensor imaging metrics (R values ranging from 0.283 to −0.531) that have been associated with demyelination and axon loss. Intensity ratio values incorporated into T1w hypointensity volumes correlated with clinical measures of cognition. Conclusions This method of determining the degree of hypointensity within multiple sclerosis lesions can add information to conventional imaging.
The Linus Concept

The idea of using liners to compress plasma has a long history, some of which has been surveyed by Dr. Linhart at this meeting. The work I shall describe owes much of its inspiration to Linhart’s early work [1], but has developed in a quite different direction. The basic principle of all liner-plasma systems is to use the kinetic energy of an imploding liner to compress a plasma to high density and fusion temperature, and to have the inertia of the liner hold the plasma in this condition long enough for a significant amount of fusion energy to be released. Most proponents of liner fusion have striven for faster and faster liner speeds in order to reduce the size and energy of a break-even system. At NRL we have found it necessary to consider slower and slower liners to satisfy both the physics and the engineering constraints of a practical liner reactor. Although the basic principle is unchanged, the liner speed has a profound effect on the physical arrangement and on the requirements for plasma confinement. This is illustrated in Figure 1.
Fully human Anti-HER3 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) inhibit oncogenic signaling and tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo

LB-20 Background: HER3 is a member of the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (HER) family. Although HER3 lacks intrinsic kinase activity, it contains six docking sites for the p85 regulatory subunit of PI3K, and serves as a scaffold for PI3K/AKT signaling for the HER family via heterodimeric interactions. Recent reports have demonstrated that HER3 activation may be associated with a resistance mechanism to therapeutic anti-EGFR inhibitors. We report the generation of the first anti-HER3 fully human mAbs and the in vitro and in vivo functional anti-tumoractivities of these antibodies. Methods: Fully human Anti-HER3 mAbs were generated using Xenomouse® technology. To determine the inhibition of ligand-induced phosphorylation of HER2 and HER3 and downstream signaling targets ERK1/2 and AKT, T47D and MCF7 cells, respectively were treated with control or anti-HER3 monoclonal antibodies (between 10-3 and 102 nM ) 1 hour prior to heregulin-beta (HRG) stimulation. To determine the activity of the anti-HER3 mAbs on anchorage-independent growth, BxPC3 pancreatic cancer cells were treated with10 μg/ml anti-HER3 or control mAbs in serum containing medium. Tumor cell colonies formed in the absence of exogenous ligand for 10-14 days, were stained with MTT overnight and quantified using a Scanalyzer HTS camera imaging system. To determine in vivo efficacy, mice bearing ~200mm3 established BxPC-3 pancreatic, Calu-3 NSCLC, or HT-29 colorectal carcinoma xenografts were treated twice per week with anti-HER3 mAbs at 25 mpk. BxPC-3 xenograft tumors were further analyzed for pHER3 by western blotting. Results: Treatment of both T47D and MCF7 tumor cells with anti-HER3 mAbs resulted in a significant inhibition of ligand-induced phosphorylation of HER2 and HER3, and the downstream effectors ERK1/2 and AKT, respectively. In the anchorage-independent growth assay, treatment of BxPC3 pancreatic cancer cells with anti-HER3 mAbs resulted in > 50% inhibition of colony formation (p
Expanding the Paradigm: Intrinsically Disordered Proteins and Allosteric Regulation

Abstract Allosteric regulatory processes are implicated at all levels of biological function. Recent advances in our understanding of the diverse and functionally significant class of intrinsically disordered proteins have identified a multitude of ways in which disordered proteins function within the confines of the allosteric paradigm. Allostery within or mediated by intrinsically disordered proteins ensures robust and efficient signal integration through mechanisms that would be extremely unfavorable or even impossible for globular protein interaction partners. Here, we highlight recent examples that indicate the breadth of biological outcomes that can be achieved through allosteric regulation by intrinsically disordered proteins. Ongoing and future work in this rapidly evolving area of research will expand our appreciation of the central role of intrinsically disordered proteins in ensuring the fidelity and efficiency of cellular regulation.
Strategies to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Laparoscopic Surgery.

Objectives. To determine the carbon footprint of various sustainability interventions used for laparoscopic hysterectomy.Methods. We designed interventions for laparoscopic hysterectomy from approa...
Context Sensitive Sentiment Analysis of Financial Tweets: A New Dictionary

Sentiment analysis can make a contribution to behavioral economics and behavioral finance. It is concerned with the effect of opinions and emotions on economical or financial decisions. In sentiment analysis, or in opinion mining as they often call it, emotions or opinions of various degrees are assigned to the text (tweets in this case) under consideration. This paper describes an application of a lexicon-based domain-specific approach to a set of tweets in order to calculate sentiment analysis of the tweets. Further, we introduce a domain-specific lexicon for the financial domain and compare the results with those reported in other studies. The results show that using a context-sensitive set of positive and negative words, rather than one that includes general keywords, produces better outcomes than those achieved by humans on the same set of tweets.
Severe cranial deformity following cerebrospinal fluid diversion in an adolescent with osteogenesis imperfecta

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is an inherited connective tissue disorder that causes bone fragility and deformity. Neurological manifestations, including macrocephaly and hydrocephalus, have been reported. Increased vascular fragility or bleeding diathesis also predisposes OI patients to intracranial hemorrhage. The development of chronic subdural fluid collections or hydrocephalus may require CSF diversion. The authors report a previously unrecognized complication of CSF diversion in a patient with OI, that is, a delayed severe cranial deformity, presumably due to over-shunting. In addition to the cosmetic concern, the deformity caused severe headaches and tenderness. The patient underwent craniectomy and titanium mesh cranioplasty, which resulted in the complete resolution of symptoms. This report raises the possibility that over-shunting in patients with OI could predispose to the formation of cranial deformity requiring surgical intervention.
Oxidative stress, thiols, and redox profiles

Oxidative stress has been recognized as a contributing factor in the toxicity of a large number of developmental toxicants. Traditional definitions of oxidative stress state that a shift in the balance between reduced and oxidized biomolecules within cells, in favor of the latter, result in changes that are deleterious to vital cell functions and can culminate in malformations and death. The glutathione (GSH)/glutathione disulfide (GSSG) redox couple has been the traditional marker of choice for characterization of oxidative stress because of its high concentrations and direct roles as antioxidant and cellular protectant. Steady state depletion of GSH through conjugation, oxidation, or export has often been reported as the sole criteria for invoking oxidative stress and a myriad of associated deleterious consequences. Numerous other, mostly qualitative, observations have also been reported to suggest oxidative stress has occurred but it is not always clear how well they reflect the state of a cell or its functions. Our emerging understanding of redox signaling and the roles of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thiols, oxidant molecules, and cellular antioxidants, all acting as second messengers, has prompted a redefinition of oxidative stress based on changes in the real posttranslational protein thiol modifications that are central to redox regulation and control. Thiol-based redox couples such as GSH/GSSG, cysteine/cystine (cys/cySS), thioredoxin-reduced/thioredoxin-oxidized (TRX(red)/TRX(ox)) form independent signaling nodes that selectively regulate developmental events and are closely linked to changes in intracellular redox potentials. Accurate assessment of the consequences of increased free radicals in developing conceptuses should best be made using a battery of measurements including the quantitative assessment of intracellular redox potential, ROS, redox status of biomolecules, and induced changes in specific redox signaling nodes. Methods are presented for a determination of ROS production, soluble thiol oxidation, redox potential, and a proteomic approach to evaluate the thiol oxidation state of specific proteins.
Abstract IA19: Cancer chemotherapy and the tools needed to advance treatment in a medical diverse population

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the Western world. The mortality from colorectal cancer in Caucasian American (CAs) has been declining, but the death rate continues to be higher in African Americans (AAs), maintaining the racial disparity. In addition, AAs more often present with CRC at advanced stages contributing to the lower five-year survival rate. Hispanic-Americans (HAs) have significantly lower CRC incidence and mortality rates when compared with non-Hispanic AA (NH-AA) and non-Hispanic CA (NH-CA) populations. However, rates among HAs are significantly higher than those among residents of Puerto Rico and other Spanish-speaking countries in South and Central America. Furthermore, preliminary data and documented results show that for HA the age at presentation is lower and the stage of the disease is higher than that of AA and CAs. We hypothesize that various factors (i.e., familial, socioeconomic, environmental, and dietary) may contribute to the underlying problem of colon cancer racial/ethnic health disparity. Also, it has been noted that the response to chemopreventive agents differ as to the biologic/genetic heterogeneity of the tumors of NH-AAs, Has, and NH-CAs. Since chemopreventive agents exert their effect through a molecular target, this disparity would suggest differences at the genetic level. Therefore, the formulation and evaluation of chemopreventive/chemotherapeutic agents that address the issue of differential chemoresponse and chemoresistance is essential to survival. To study, in vitro and in vivo, the development of and chemoresponsiveness of therapeutic agents to colonic diseases in diverse populations, the availability of the appropriate cells (cell lines/organoids) and animal (PDX) models is critical. Our overarching goal is to assess racial and ethnic genetic/epigenetic dysregulations and associate these changes to chemoresponse and colon cancer racial disparity. The availability of these biologic tools will facilitate overcoming differential incidence and outcome seen among racial and ethnic groups for CRC. To achieve this goal, we are generating and characterizing novel cell lines, PDXs, and organoids derived from NH-CAs, Has, and AAs patients with colorectal cancer. Downstream use of these biologic tools will assist our group and the scientific community at large in improving targeted personal cancer treatment. This research effort is inclusive of all and will benefit a diverse population. Citation Format: Jennie L. Williams. Cancer chemotherapy and the tools needed to advance treatment in a medical diverse population [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Tenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2017 Sep 25-28; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2018;27(7 Suppl):Abstract nr IA19.
Modeling Macromolecular Structures and Motions: Computational Methods for Sampling andAnalysis of Energy Landscapes

With biomolecular structure recognized as central to understanding mechanisms in the cell, dry laboratories have spent significant efforts on modeling and analyzing structure and dynamics. While significant advances have been made, particularly in the design of sophisticated energetic models and molecular representations, such efforts are experiencing diminishing returns. One of the culprits is the low exploration capability of Molecular Dynamics- and Monte Carlo-based exploration algorithms. The impasse has attracted AI researchers bringing complementary tools, such as randomized search and stochastic optimization. The tutorial introduces students and researchers to stochastic optimization treatments and methodologies for understanding and elucidating the role of biomolecular structure and dynamics in function. In addition, the tutorial allows attendees to connect between structures, motions, and function via analysis tools that take an energy landscape view of the relationship between biomolecular structure, dynamics, and function. The presentation is enhanced via open-source software that permit hands-on exercises, which benefits both students and senior researchers keen to make their own contributions.
BACTERICIDAL EFFECTIVENESS OF IODOPHOR DETERGENT-SANITIZERS1

The bactericidal properties of an iodine liquid and an iodine powder detergent sanitizer were found to he practically equal. At 25 ppm. of available iodine both products compared favorably with 100...
Thwarted Interpersonal Needs and Suicide Ideation Distress Among Psychiatric Inpatients: The Moderating Role of Criminal Associates:

Psychiatric inpatients are at elevated risk of suicide, and approximately half are criminal justice-involved. Their involvement with criminal associates may be linked to increased suicide ideation ...
Differential Odds of Employment and Estimation of Earnings Among Those With Spinal Cord Injury

Our purpose was to identify demographic, educational, and injury-related characteristics associated with odds of employment and estimates of differential earnings among participants with spinal cor...
Sexual Identity and Attitudes About Gender Roles

Studies have shown that attitudes about gender roles and attitudes about sexuality are often intertwined. Heterosexual individuals expressing more traditional gender role attitudes, for example, tend to be less tolerant towards sexual minorities. Research examining sexual minorities’ attitudes toward gender roles, however, is comparatively sparse. This study utilizes a nationally representative survey to compare the gender role attitudes of heterosexual individuals to gay or lesbian and bisexual individuals. We examine overall differences and gender-specific differences between sexual identity groups. Our analysis shows that, when it comes to household and family roles, both gay men and lesbian women are more likely than their heterosexual peers to reject traditional gender roles. This is partly a function of differences in political and religious ideology across the sexual identity groups. However, when it comes to gender roles in the public sphere, specifically the suitability of women for political office, gay men’s opinions do not differ from the opinions of their heterosexual counterparts.
are we/a measure

An algorithm denotes efficiency — a way to mimic, reproduce, predict. Efficiency can foreclose possibilities, can exclude and do violence to bodies and ways of knowing. Writing on an old manual typ...
Optoelectronic Tweezers – An Optofluidic Platform for Digital Cell Biology

Optoelectronic tweezers enables massively parallel screening, sorting, selection, cloning, culturing, functional-assaying and harvesting of tens of thousands of single cells on an integrated optofluidic chip. They have been successfully applied to many areas of single cell biology.