cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microstructure Evolution of Amorphous Si1-xGex Thin Films

The composition dependence of the nucleation free energy barrier W* in amorphous Si1-xGex thin films is investigated. Within the composition range of x = 0.25 ∼ 0.52, the nucleation free energy barrier exhibits a maximum, which is in a good agreement with our theoretical analysis. The results are significant for processing polycrystalline SiGe thin films with desirable microstructures for thin film transistor applications. In addition, the incubation time of crystallization of amorphous Si1-xGex (x=0.5) thin films is investigated as a function of temperature.
Informational Text and the Common Core: A Content Analysis of Three Basal Reading Programs

The informational text recommendations found in the Common Core State Standards for English and Language Arts (CCSS-ELA) will have a significant impact on teacher practice and student learning in t...
A study of the seismic waves SKS and SKKS

Arrival times, amplitudes, and periods of the seismic phases SKS and SKKS have been investigated for shallow, intermediate, and deep earthquakes recorded at Pasadena and Huancayo, Peru. New observed time-distance curves are constructed for depths of <60, 100, 200, and 600 kilometers. Travel times for the core have been calculated from shallow-shock time data. Slight modification of wave velocity just inside the core and of travel times within the core are suggested. Calculated travel times of SKS, SKKS, and SKKKS are in good agreement with observations. Energy parameters determined from observed amplitude/period ratios are found in only fair agreement with those calculated from theory. Observed energies are too large for most of the phase components and depths considered. The horizontal components of SKKS over the whole distance range, and of SKS at Δ ≦ 100° for all depths, yield observed energies less than those predicted by theory. Both discrepancies are at least qualitatively explained by a proposed nonspherical distribution of shear strain about the fault source, and by abnormal absorption in the outer 700 kilometers of the core. Anomalous observed energies, as functions of epicentral location, are also accounted for by the proposed nonspherical distribution of energy.
Precision Ionomers: Synthesis and Thermal/Mechanical Characterization

Six perfectly regioregular polyethylene (PE)-based ionomers containing 1-methylimidazolium bromide groups on exactly every 9th, 15th, or 21st carbon (precision ionomers) and two regiorandom analogues have been synthesized and characterized via dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Because these materials were synthesized by a postpolymerization functionalization route, their number-average molecular weights (Mns) and polydispersity indices (PDIs) could be accurately calculated based on measurements of the preionized polymers; Mns range from 36 to 53 kDa with PDIs all close to 2. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) indicates stability up 250 °C, and DSC measurements indicate that crystallinity is a function of the polymer backbone spacer length. Tms range from ∼80 to 106 °C, with longer spacer lengths inducing semicrystallinity. DSC measured glass transition temperatures (Tgs) range from −1.6 to 26.8 °C and appear to be dependent on both spacer length and crystallini...
Enzymatic Mechanism of Copper-Containing Nitrite Reductase

Copper-containing nitrite reductases (CuNiRs) catalyze the reduction of nitrite to nitric oxide, a key step in the denitrification process that maintains balance between organic and inorganic nitrogen. Despite their importance, their functioning is not well understood. In this work, we carry out first-principles calculations and show that the available structural data are consistent only with a single mechanism. For this mechanism, we determine the activation energies, transition states, and minimum energy pathways of CuNiR. The calculations lead to an updated enzymatic mechanism and resolve several controversial issues. In particular, our work identifies the origins of the two protons necessary for the enzymatic function and shows that the transformation from the initial O-coordination of substrate to the final N-coordination of product is achieved by electron transfer from T1 copper to T2 copper, rather than by the previously reported side-on coordination of a NO intermediate, which only takes place in the reduced enzyme. We also examine the role of structural change in the critical residue Asp(98), reported in one experimental study, and find that while the structural change affects the energetics of substrate attachment and product release at the T2 copper reaction center, it does not significantly affect the activation energy and reaction pathways of the nitrite reduction process.
The Effect of a Heparin Removal Filter on Platelet Aggregation Studies in Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia

Patients having a heparin-associated platelet antibody who are receiving heparin at the time of testing for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) by platelet aggregometry may exhibit aggregation in the negative control channel. Filtering plasma to remove the heparin in may produce a nonaggregating negative control channel. The effect of the Pall Hepchek (Pall Biomedical, East Hills, NY) heparin removal filter on platelet aggregation studies was evaluated. Samples were studied from 10 patients with clinically established HIT. The pre-filtration platelet aggregation studies were unequivocally positive for heparin antibody. The remainder of each sample was filtered and the aggregation studies were repeated. Of the four patients on IV heparin, only one remained positive post-filtration. Of the six patients receiving subcutaneous heparin or flushes, one remained strongly positive, one was borderline, and four became negative. Pall Hepchek heparin filtration unpredictably alters the results of platelet aggregation studies, and should not be used routinely to remove heparin in the presence of aggregation in the negative control.
Dating of two types of granite from north Qilian, China

Two types of granite with different characters occurred in strata of the lower Paleozoic. One is a representation of Jingzichuan rock body, which is characterized by dark mineral hornblende, the REE total 90×10~(-6) - 106 ×10~(-6) and the ratio of LRER/HREE to be less than 8 (ranged from 6.9 to 7.8) and having zircon SHRIMP age of 464±15Ma, tectonically, intruded in island arc environment. The other is the Huangyanghe rock body, which by dark mineral biotite, the REE total of 214×10~(-6) - 250 × 10~(-6), the ratio of LREE/HREE to be more than 8 (ranged from 8.2 to 9. 7), having zircon LA-ICP-MS age of 383±6Ma, tectonically, intruded in post-collisional stage.
About school of agricultural economics and management practice and reflection

In order to meet the 21st century,rural economic development needs of Higher Vocational Training to achieve professional development goals,and I proofread the professional expertise of agricultural economic management mode,teaching team,Curriculum and training bases for comprehensive reform,and achieved some success,in 2008 the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance approved the professional is the financial priority for the country to support the building profession.Here,on our school of agriculture in economic management the basic situation,in the process of building the specific professional practices,achievements and future reform ideas will summarize for reference.
Unstable hemoglobins, hemoglobins with altered oxygen affinity, and m-hemoglobins

Most patients with chronic Heinz body anemia do not require treatment. Dietary folic acid supplementation is recommended when hemolysis is chronic and severe. During infection, patients should be observed carefully because of the possibility of aplastic or hemolytic crises. Individuals with hemoglobins with altered oxygen affinity or M-hemoglobins do not require treatment, and should be counseled about the benign nature of their condition. Unnecessary procedures to exclude cardiac or pulmonary disease should be avoided.
Miliary Crohn's disease.

The 5th case of miliary Crohn’s disease is reported in a 13-year-old boy. Several features of the presentation of this illness raise the question as to whether this entity is a unique form or early phase of classic Crohn’s disease. The experience with this teenager and follow-up of 2 previously reported cases supports the belief that miliary Crohn’s disease represents an early phase of classic Crohn’s disease.
The Relationship between U.S. Military Aptitude Testing and Academic Performance during Army Combat Medic Training

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is required of all recruits seeking to join the U.S. Army. A particular combination of ASVAB subscores is used to determine whether a recruit ...
Functional Outcomes of the Low Vision Depression Prevention Trial in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Purpose To compare the efficacy of behavioral activation (BA) plus low vision rehabilitation with an occupational therapist (OT-LVR) with supportive therapy (ST) on visual function in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods Single-masked, attention-controlled, randomized clinical trial with AMD patients with subsyndromal depressive symptoms (n = 188). All subjects had two outpatient low vision rehabilitation optometry visits, then were randomized to in-home BA + OT-LVR or ST. Behavioral activation is a structured behavioral treatment aiming to increase adaptive behaviors and achieve valued goals. Supportive therapy is a nondirective, psychological treatment that provides emotional support and controls for attention. Functional vision was assessed with the activity inventory (AI) in which participants rate the difficulty level of goals and corresponding tasks. Participants were assessed at baseline and 4 months. Results Improvements in functional vision measures were seen in both the BA + OT-LVR and ST groups at the goal level (d = 0.71; d = 0.56 respectively). At the task level, BA + OT-LVR patients showed more improvement in reading, inside-the-home tasks and outside-the-home tasks, when compared to ST patients. The greatest effects were seen in the BA + OT-LVR group in subjects with a visual acuity ≥20/70 (d = 0.360 reading; d = 0.500 inside the home; d = 0.468 outside the home). Conclusions Based on the trends of the AI data, we suggest that BA + OT-LVR services, provided by an OT in the patient's home following conventional low vision optometry services, are more effective than conventional optometric low vision services alone for those with mild visual impairment. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00769015.).
Catalytic diversity in self-propagating peptide assemblies

The protein-only infectious agents known as prions exist within cellular matrices as populations of assembled polypeptide phases ranging from particles to amyloid fibres. These phases appear to undergo Darwinian-like selection and propagation, yet remarkably little is known about their accessible chemical and biological functions. Here we construct simple peptides that assemble into well-defined amyloid phases and define paracrystalline surfaces able to catalyse specific enantioselective chemical reactions. Structural adjustments of individual amino acid residues predictably control both the assembled crystalline order and their accessible catalytic repertoire. Notably, the density and proximity of the extended arrays of enantioselective catalytic sites achieve template-directed polymerization of new polymers. These diverse amyloid templates can now be extended as dynamic self-propagating templates for the construction of even more complex functional materials.
Root Functional Diversity of Native and Nonnative C3 and C4 Grass Species in Hawai'i

C3 and C4 plants are often reported to differ in functional traits and resource-use strategies, whereas nonnative plants may differ from native plants in functional traits, leading to different resource-use strategies that facilitate their invasion. In this study, we compared root functional traits of native and nonnative C3 and C4 grasses with the prediction that different resource acquisition strategies would be observed among these groups. We examined five root functional traits [mean diameter, specific root length, root tissue density, fine root percentage (diameter P P
Nature's Selection of Geranyl Group as a tRNA Modification: The Effects of Chain Length on Base-Pairing Specificity.

The recently discovered geranyl modification on the 2-thio position of wobble U34 residues in tRNAGlu, tRNALys, and tRNAGln in several bacteria has been found to enhance the U:G pairing specificity and reduce the frameshifting error during translation. It is a fundamentally interesting question why nature chose a C10 terpene group in tRNA systems. In this study, we explore the significance of the terpene length on base-paring stability and specificity using a series of 2-thiouridine analogues containing different lengths of carbon chains, namely, methyl- (C1), dimethylallyl- (C5), and farnesyl-modified (C15) 2-thiothymidines in a DNA duplex. Our thermal denaturation studies indicate that the relatively long chain length of ≥ C10 is required to maintain the base-pairing discrimination of thymidine between G and A. The results from our molecular dynamics simulations show that in the T:G-pair-containing duplex, the geranyl and farnesyl groups fit into the minor groove and stabilize the overall duplex stabili...
Differential dynamic programming with nonlinear constraints

Differential dynamic programming (DDP) is a widely used trajectory optimization technique that addresses nonlinear optimal control problems, and can readily handle nonlinear cost functions. However, it does not handle either state or control constraints. This paper presents a novel formulation of DDP that is able to accommodate arbitrary nonlinear inequality constraints on both state and control. The main insight in standard DDP is that a quadratic approximation of the value function can be derived using a recursive backward pass, however the recursive formulae are only valid for unconstrained problems. The main technical contribution of the presented method is a derivation of the recursive quadratic approximation formula in the presence of nonlinear constraints, after a set of active constraints has been identified at each point in time. This formula is used in a new Constrained-DDP (CDDP) algorithm that iteratively determines these active set and is guaranteed to converge toward a local minimum. CDDP is demonstrated on several underactuated optimal control problems up to 12D with obstacle avoidance and control constraints and is shown to outperform other methods for accommodating constraints.
Stress-induced thrombus: prevalence of thromboembolic events and the role of anticoagulation in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

Background: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM), also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy has a favorable prognosis with expected recovery in weeks. Left ventricular (LV) thrombus is a known complication of TCM, which can lead to embolization and potentially a stroke. The prevalence of LV thrombus and the role of anticoagulation have yet to be fully defined in this condition. Methods: We performed a search of published literature through PubMed and Scopus, which identified 282 patients with TCM in whom the incidence of LV thrombus and/or thromboembolic event was reported. In order to contrast this to the current anticoagulation strategy of atrial fibrillation, the occurrence of LV thrombus was compared to the adjusted stroke rate using the CHADS2 score. Results: Of the 282 patients identified through a literature search, 26 (9.2%) were noted to have a thromboembolic event in the setting of TCM. The incidence of thromboembolic event ranged from 5.3% to as high as 14.3%. When compared to the CH2sDS2-VASc score, the average incidence of LV thrombus in our study equated to a score between 4 and 5. Conclusions: While the occurrence of LV thrombus in TCM is variable among studies, the average incidence remains relatively high. Thus, making LV thrombus a significant complication of stress-induced cardiomyopathy. Prophylactic anticoagulation until recovery may have a role in reducing the rate of LV thrombus. Further studies will be needed to determine the rate of embolization and utility of anticoagulation in TCM.
Adreno-cholinergic modulation of junctional communications between the pigmented and nonpigmented layers of the ciliary body epithelium.

Purpose. Cell-to-cell communications between the epithelial layers of the ciliary body may be critical for aqueous humor production. The aim of this study was to identify pharmacologic agents that affect this path. Methods. Whole New Zealand rabbit ciliary bodies were mounted in Ussing-type chambers with Ca 2+ -free and Ca 2+ -rich Tyrode's in the nonpigmented (NPE; aqueous) and pigmented (PE; serosa) epithelial side hemichambers, respectively. The NPE or the PE were then permeabilized, either selectively to monovalent ions with amphotericin B or nonselectively to small solutes with digitonin. Resultant active transport activities were tracked as short circuit currents (IscS). Results. Permeabilization of the NPE with eidier 10 /JM amphotericin B or 10 /JM digitonin led to an aqueous-to-serosa-positive Isc. This I.* was inhibited by serosal-side ouabain and heptanol, indicating movement of Na + from the permeabilized NPE to the PE by the interlayer junctional path, followed by PE-to-serosa active Na + transport. Permeabilization of the PE with amphotericin B elicited an 1^ in the opposite direction. This I^ was abolished by aqueousside ouabain and by heptanol, consistent with sequential PE to NPE Na + translocation, followed by active, NPE-to-aqueous transport. Acetylcholine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and the aradrenergic agonist phenylephrine, but not brominidine, an aradrenergic agonist, each caused an approximately 50% reduction of these currents. The inhibitions were fully dependent on serosal-side Ca 2+ and were blocked by one calmodulin inhibitor, trifluoperazine, but not by another, calmidazolium. Conclusions. The above observations provide evidence that cholinergic or aradrenergic activation of the PE causes Ca 2+ - dependent inhibition of the NPE - PE junctional path. A trifluoperazine-sensitive entity, which may be distinct from calmodulin, is involved in the inhibition. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1996; 37:1037-1046. Aqueous humor production is thought to involve a functional interplay between the two apically apposed, distinct cell layers that form the ciliary body epithelium, namely, the aqueous-facing nonpigmented (NPE) and the serosal-facing pigmented (PE) epithelia. The two apical membranes are attached tightly by
DAWN of a New Era for Stroke Treatment: Implications of the DAWN Study for Acute Stroke Care and Stroke Systems of Care

Until recently, the selection of patients with large artery occlusion and ischemic stroke for reperfusion therapy was based on time criteria (typically within 6 hours) and basic imaging protocols (head CT, CT angiogram, ASPECTS score). The recently published DAWN (DWI or CTP Assessment with Clinical Mismatch in the Triage of Wake-Up and Late Presenting Strokes Undergoing Neurointervention with Trevo) study has changed this paradigm by using a tissue-based selection criteria and a greatly expanded treatment time window (up to 24 hours). 1 This is a transformational change in acute stroke therapy and has implications for many healthcare providers and EMS systems.
The Beat Goes On: The Story of Five Ageless Cardiac Drugs

This article traces the history of 5 cardiac drugs-Aspirin, Atropine, Digitalis, Nitroglycerine, and Quinidine-that have been in continuous use for centuries and some for longer. Four of the 5 started life as botanicals and 4 have as also served widely varied functions far removed from their current purposes. Collectively, they have played a role in the history of royalty, religious leaders, assassinations and military campaigns in addition to their place in medical therapy. Their present clinical status has evolved from long-term clinical observation without the need for controlled clinical trials, detailed statistical analyses or FDA approvals. This review of their background illustrates the varied means by which markedly different substances from widely separated sources can come together to participate in the management of circulatory disorders.
The pathognomonic cytologic picture of rheumatoid pleuritis : the 1989 Maurice Goldblatt cytology award lecture

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis of any degree of severity or duration may develop necrotizing granulomatous pleuritis, a morphologic replica of the inflammatory reaction characteristic of rheumatoid synovitis and rheumatoid nodules. The ensuing pleural effusion may show a unique cytologic picture consisting of slender, elongated multinucleated macrophages, round giant multinucleated macrophages and necrotic background material. A review of 24 such cases from our laboratory as well as the relevant literature clearly demonstrated that not only is this cytologic picture unique, but that it is pathognomonic of rheumatoid disease, even in patients who have not yet developed arthritis.
The Physical Chemistry of Cholanic Acids

The conjugated bile acids are biologically the most important detergentlike molecules (1). They solubilize the insoluble components of bile, such as lecithin and cholesterol (2–9), aid in digestion by removing the products of pancreatic hydrolysis (monoglycerides and fatty acids) (10–12), and probably control certain intracellular events such as the synthesis of cholesterol in the intestinal mucosa (13). In certain cases, secondary bile salts may be toxic to cells and may cause cholestasis and hepatic necrosis (14–26). It is the belief of this author that the physicochemical characteristics of bile salts and their molecular interactions with other lipids, proteins, and complex carbohydrate molecules probably account for not only the physiological properties of bile salts but also the pathological conditions attributed to them.
Diabetic and atherosclerosis-prone rats have sex-specific severe dyslipidemia, associated with serum lipid oxidation

Cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis are devastating diseases in the modern world. Diabetes is a common comorbidity that accelerates progression of atherosclerosis. There is much need for a small animal model to recapitulate the human condition. Serum biomarkers are useful to confirm disease diagnosis, monitor progression and prognosis. We knocked-out apoE using CRISPR-Cas9 in the Zucker Diabetic Fatty(ZDF) rat to develop the first obese, dyslipidemic, atherosclerotic and diabetes-prone(apoE-/-;ZDF) rat. Our hypothesis is that our mutant rats have increased serum-lipid oxidation levels compared to non-obese, non-diabetic rats with a difference in sex, diet and onset of obesity and diabetes. Methods Female/male adult apoE-/-; ZDF and apoE-/-; LZ(dyslipidemic, non-obese, non-diabetic) rats were placed on normal or high fat diet at 3 months of age for 3 months with weekly weights and food intake assessment. Serum was isolated at 3 and 6 months of age via tail vein. Total cholesterol, LDL and glucose levels were analyzed. TBARS MDA assay to study lipid oxidation was performed following manufacturer’s protocol. Results Serum analysis evidenced higher than normal total cholesterol, LDL and MDA levels at 3 months of age in all rats. Diabetic rats evidenced higher levels of body weight, serum glucose, lipids and MDA compared to non-diabetics. Lipid levels increased significantly after 3 months in high fat diet fed-rats compared to normal chow. Obese-diabetic females develop more severe dyslipidemia (~3 fold) but lower weight amd glycemia compared to obese-diabetic males. Simple linear regression was calculated to predict MDA concentration based on Total cholesterol (F(1,32):40.48, p Conclusion There is sufficient evidence to support the relationship between lipid levels and lipid oxidation in our rat model. However, unexpectedly there was no correlation with glycemia. There is a marked difference in disease development marked by sex and diet implementation, future studies will study such differences. Supported by:NORC-PPF(P30 DK056350) to EMB.
Vitamin D Supplements and Prevention of Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract Background It is unclear whether supplementation with vitamin D reduces the risk of cancer or cardiovascular disease, and data from randomized trials are limited. Methods We conducted a nationwide, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, with a two-by-two factorial design, of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) at a dose of 2000 IU per day and marine n−3 (also called omega-3) fatty acids at a dose of 1 g per day for the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease among men 50 years of age or older and women 55 years of age or older in the United States. Primary end points were invasive cancer of any type and major cardiovascular events (a composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, or death from cardiovascular causes). Secondary end points included site-specific cancers, death from cancer, and additional cardiovascular events. This article reports the results of the comparison of vitamin D with placebo. Results A total of 25,871 participants, including 5106 black participants, underwent randomization....
A System of Two Coupled Oscillators With a Continuously Controllable Phase Shift

We present a novel generalization of quadrature oscillators (QVCO) which we call “arbitrary phase oscillator” or APO for short. In contrast to a QVCO which generates only quadrature phases, the APO is capable of continuously generating any desired phase at its output. The proposed structure employs a novel coupling mechanism to generate arbitrary phase shifts between two coupled oscillators without the need for an explicit phase shifter. A rigorous nonlinear dynamic analysis is presented to give a closed-form formula for the generated phase shifts, and the theory is verified by numerical simulation as well as measurement results of a prototype chip fabricated in 130-nm CMOS technology. The prototype APO has a frequency tuning range of 4.90–5.65 GHz and is continuously phase tunable from 0° to 360° across the entire frequency range. The APO structure can be used in designing novel coupled-oscillator-based phased arrays for 5G wireless communications.
DNA Rereplication Is Susceptible to Nucleotide-Level Mutagenesis.

The sources of genome instability, a hallmark of cancer, remain incompletely understood. One potential source is DNA rereplication, which arises when the mechanisms that prevent the reinitiation of replication origins within a single cell cycle are compromised. Using the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we previously showed that DNA rereplication is extremely potent at inducing gross chromosomal alterations and that this arises in part because of the susceptibility of rereplication forks to break. Here, we examine the ability of DNA rereplication to induce nucleotide-level mutations. During normal replication these mutations are restricted by three overlapping error-avoidance mechanisms: the nucleotide selectivity of replicative polymerases, their proofreading activity, and mismatch repair. Using lys2InsEA14 , a frameshift reporter that is poorly proofread, we show that rereplication induces up to a 30× higher rate of frameshift mutations and that this mutagenesis is due to passage of the rereplication fork, not secondary to rereplication fork breakage. Rereplication can also induce comparable rates of frameshift and base-substitution mutations in a more general mutagenesis reporter CAN1, when the proofreading activity of DNA polymerase e is inactivated. Finally, we show that the rereplication-induced mutagenesis of both lys2InsEA14 and CAN1 disappears in the absence of mismatch repair. These results suggest that mismatch repair is attenuated during rereplication, although at most sequences DNA polymerase proofreading provides enough error correction to mitigate the mutagenic consequences. Thus, rereplication can facilitate nucleotide-level mutagenesis in addition to inducing gross chromosomal alterations, broadening its potential role in genome instability.
Cultural Appropriateness in Health Communication: A Review and A Revised Framework

A revised framework for cultural appropriateness is offered on the basis of a systematic review of operationalizations in 44 cancer screening interventions for Asian Americans. Studies commonly conveyed the epidemiological bases of the intervention (97.7%) and used the language of the population (95.5%). Less commonly reported were strategies central to health communication: cultural features of the intervention messages (77.3%) and the cultural beliefs and values that the intervention focused on (43.2%). Few used cultural tailoring (4.5%) and none aimed to address acculturation or cultural identity. The theoretical framework most frequently used was the health belief model (27.3%) which does not explain the role of culture. More studies focused on cultural barriers (20.5%) than cultural strengths (9.1%). Our revised framework comprises six cultural appropriateness strategies of cultural identity, linguistic, perceptual features, content, constituent-involving, and socioeconomic context-adaptive. It prioritizes cultural identity to recognize the dynamics within racial ethnic groups and to inform adaptive efforts for cultural appropriateness. It emphasizes examining cultural strengths that can facilitate change, as well as reducing cultural barriers. Future research and action should address the disparities in extant health disparities research in which theory and methods are underdeveloped and underutilized for Asian Americans.
SDPP: Streaming Data Payment Protocol for Data Economy

Applications in the area of IoT and smart cities rely heavily on data to manage and control their operational environments. In such applications, machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms help the government officials, city administrators, and industries to make an informed decision on managing their cities and factories using the data collected from various sources. As we step into the era where ”data is termed as new oil”, there is a need for protocols with support for selling and buying data without giving up the data ownership to third-parties. In this demo, we present Streaming Data Payment Protocol (SDPP), which is an application layer protocol for selling and buying data. SDPP uses blockchain and distributed ledger technology for micropayments and immutable storage of transaction records. In addition, our protocol has a built-in mechanism to set data granularity since the bulk transfer of data between a seller and a buyer may lead to a loss for the seller if the buyer terminates the connection after receiving the data without making a payment. In this demo, we present SDPP and explain how it can contribute to the emerging data economy using a proof-of-concept implementation that uses TCP protocol for data communication and IOTA as both cryptocurrency and a distributed ledger.
“That Can't Be!”: Perceptions of HIV and Hepatitis C screening during admission to an acute care surgery service

Background: A large number of patients live with undiagnosed HIV and/or hepatitis C despite broadened national screening guidelines. European studies, however, suggest many patients falsely believe they have been screened during a prior hospitalization. This study aims to define current perceptions among trauma and emergency general surgery (EGS) patients regarding HIV and hepatitis C screening practices. Methods: Prospective survey administered to adult (>18 years old) acute care surgery service (trauma and EGS) patients at a Level 1 academic trauma center. The survey consisted of 13 multiple choice questions: demographics, whether admission tests included HIV and hepatitis C at index and prior hospital visits and whether receiving no result indicated a negative result, prior primary care screening. Response percentages calculated in standard fashion. Results: One hundred and twenty-five patients were surveyed: 80 trauma and 45 EGS patients. Overall, 32% and 29.6% of patients believed they were screened for HIV and hepatitis C at admission. There was no significant difference in beliefs between trauma and EGS. Sixty-eight percent of patients had a hospital visit within 10 years of these, 49.3% and 44.1% believe they had been screened for HIV and hepatitis C. More EGS patients believed they had a prior screen for both conditions. Among patients who believed they had a prior screen and did not receive any results, 75.9% (HIV) and 80.8% (hepatitis C) believed a lack of results meant they were negative. Only 28.9% and 23.6% of patients had ever been offered outpatient HIV and hepatitis C screening. Conclusions: A large portion of patients believe they received admission or prior hospitalization HIV and/or hepatitis C screening and the majority interpreted a lack of results as a negative diagnosis. Due to these factors, routine screening of trauma/EGS patients should be considered to conform to patient expectations and national guidelines, increase diagnosis and referral for medical management, and decrease disease transmission.
The reference corpus matters: Comparing the effect of different reference corpora on keyword analysis

Abstract This study investigates the effect that reference corpora of different registers have on the content of keyword lists. The study focusses on two target corpora and the keyword lists generated for each when using three distinct reference corpora. The two target corpora consist of published research by faculty at two PhD-granting programs in applied linguistics in North America. The reference corpora comprise published research in applied linguistics, newspaper and magazine articles, and fiction texts, respectively. The findings suggest that while common keywords representing each target corpus emerge regardless of the reference corpus used in the analysis, there are also substantial differences. Primarily, using a reference corpus of the same sub-register as the target corpus better highlights content unique to each target corpus while using a reference corpus of a different register better uncovers words that reflect the register that the target corpora represent. Implications for conducting keyword analysis are discussed.
EGFL7 Antagonizes NOTCH Signaling and Represents a Novel Therapeutic Target in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

Epidermal growth factor-like domain 7 (EGFL7) is a secreted protein. We previously found that EGFL7 is up-regulated in primary AML blasts and that a high mRNA expression correlates with shorter event-free and overall survival in AML patients (Papaioannou et al. PNAS 2017;114(23)). However, the underlying mechanism by which EGFL7 promotes leukemogenesis is largely unknown. To identify EGFL7 binding partners, we took an unbiased high-throughput approach by using an antibody interaction-array to measure the ability of EGFL7 to bind directly ~400 proteins expressed by primary AML blasts. Using this strategy, we found in cell lysates of 3 AML patients that EGFL7 binds several signaling proteins important for normal and malignant hematopoiesis including NOTCH (in all patients P Next, we stimulated AML blasts from 3 patients with recombinant EGFL7 (rEGFL7) and found that it reduced NOTCH intracellular domain (NICD1/2, Figure 1A), indicating that EGFL7 inhibits NOTCH activation. In line with this, we found that stimulation of AML patients samples' with rEGFL7 resulted in a decreased expression of its well-known downstream target gene HES1 (Figure 1B; in all patients P On the other hand, treatment with an anti-EGFL7 blocking antibody (AB) caused increased levels of NICD1/2 (Figure 1C) and expression of HES1 (Figure 1D, in all patients P To determine whether blocking EGFL7 could provide a new targeted therapy for patients with AML, we treated 3 independent AML models (i.e. an AML cell line based xenotransplant model (n=4 mice per group), a primary murine AML model (n=7 mice per group), and a patient derived xenotransplant model (n=4 mice per group)) with anti-EGFL7 or IgG1 control to determine whether anti-EGFL7 could prolong survival in vivo. In all models, we demonstrated that in vivo treatment with anti-EGFL7 results in prolonged overall survival (cell line model: P In conclusion, our data demonstrate that EGFL7 contributes to NOTCH silencing in AML by antagonizing canonical NOTCH ligand binding. Reactivation of NOTCH signaling in vivo using anti-EGFL7 results in prolonged survival of leukemic mice, supporting EGFL7 might be a novel therapeutic target in AML. Figure 1 A AML patient blasts were cultured in the presence or absence (Unstim) of rEGFL7. Total proteins were extracted for immunoblotting with β-ACTIN as loading control. B Total RNA was extracted for quantitative real time (qRT-PCR) analysis of HES1 mRNA normalized to β-ACTIN control (*P Download : Download high-res image (416KB) Download : Download full-size image Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Charles Peirce's existential graphs: a logic tool in Java

A hundred years ago the American philosopher Peirce found the linear notation and accompanying rules of traditional logic systems restrictive. He developed what he called Existential graphs (EG), which allow the user to express logical statements in a completely
Associations of Social and Behavioral Determinants of Health Index with Self‐Rated Health, Functional Limitations, and Health Services Use in Older Adults

OBJECTIVES To characterize the cumulative risk factors of social and behavioral determinants of health (SDoH) and examine their association with self-rated general health, functional limitations, and use of health services among US older adults. DESIGN Cross-sectional analysis of the 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. SETTING Nationally representative health interview survey in the United States. PARTICIPANTS Survey respondents aged 65 or older (n = 1,306 unweighted). MEASUREMENTS A cumulative risk score of SDoH, developed by the National Academy of Medicine expert panel, was assessed using validated measures. Outcome variables included self-rated general health, functional limitations (eg, activities of daily living), and use of health services (eg, usual source of care and overnight hospitalization). We quantified the cumulative risk score of SDoH in older adults and used multivariable-adjusted logistic and Poisson regression analyses to assess the association of SDoH with self-rated health, functional limitations, and use of health services, adjusting for other covariates. RESULTS About 25.7% of older adults, representative of 11.0 million people nationwide, reported having three or more cumulative SDoH risk factors. These older adults were more likely to have functional limitations (eg, activities of daily living) and less likely to report their general health as "very good" or "excellent" than those with two or fewer cumulative SDoH risk factors (P < .001 for each). Each additional cumulative SDoH risk factor was associated with increased odds of not having a usual source of care (adjusted odds ratio = 1.57; 95% confidence interval = 1.09-2.27). CONCLUSION The SDoH index score may be a useful tool to predict access to care and quality of care in older adults. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1731-1738, 2020.
Distributed Learning of Non-convex Linear Models with One Round of Communication

We present the optimal weighted average (OWA) distributed learning algorithm for linear models. OWA achieves statistically optimal learning rates, uses only one round of communication, works on non-convex problems, and supports a fast cross validation procedure. The OWA algorithm first trains local models on each of the compute nodes; then a master machine merges the models using a second round of optimization. This second optimization uses only a small fraction of the data, and so has negligible computational cost. Compared with similar distributed estimators that merge locally trained models, OWA either has stronger statistical guarantees, is applicable to more models, or has a more computationally efficient merging procedure.
Provenance for Intent-Based Networking

Intent-based networking (IBN) promises to simplify the network management and automated orchestration of high-level policies in future networking architectures such as software-defined networking (SDN). However, such abstraction and automation creates new network visibility challenges. Existing SDN network forensics and diagnostics tools operate at a lower level of network abstraction, which makes intent-level reasoning difficult. We present PRovINTENT, a framework extension for SDN control plane tools that accounts for intent semantics. PRovINTENT records the provenance and evolution of intents as the network's state and apps' requests change over time and enables reasoning at multiple abstractions. We define an intent provenance model, we implement a proof-of-concept tool, and we evaluate the efficacy of PRovINTENT'S explanatory capabilities by using a representative intent-driven network application.
Transmastoid Labyrinthectomy for Menière's Disease: Experience and Outcomes.

Objective To characterize presurgical symptoms and treatment history and postoperative course in patients with medically recalcitrant Meniere's disease undergoing transmastoid labyrinthectomy in the post-intratympanic gentamicin era. Study design Retrospective case series. Setting Tertiary academic medical center. Patients All patients who underwent transmastoid labyrinthectomy for medically recalcitrant Meniere's disease in 2003 to 2019 by the senior author. Interventions Review of patients' medical records for: preoperative history of drop attacks, gentamicin injections, endolymphatic sac decompression or vestibular neurectomy, preoperative audiograms, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, and persistent symptoms or challenging recovery. Main outcome measures Presurgical clinical history and proximal postoperative outcomes. Results Seventy-two patients with a mean age of 56.7 (standard deviation [SD] 10.7) were included. All cases were unilateral. Forty-three patients (59.7%) suffered from drop attacks. Sixty-two (86.1%) had failed sufficient symptom control with gentamicin injections. The mean preoperative word recognition score was 36.4% (SD 23.7) versus 95.1% (SD 8.5) in the contralateral ear. The mean pure-tone average (PTA) of the ipsilateral ear before surgery was 65.5 dB (SD 18.0) versus 16.2 (SD 13.5) for the contralateral ear. Mean hospital stay was 2.0 days (SD 0.87 days, range of 1-5 d). Three patients (4.2%) had prolonged postoperative vertigo. Conclusions Transmastoid labyrinthectomy at our center is performed for unilateral Meniere's disease, generally when intratympanic gentamicin has failed. A majority of surgical patients suffer from drop attacks preoperatively. Hospital stay is typically brief.
Low-Dose Intravenous Heparin Infusion After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage is Associated With Decreased Risk of Delayed Neurological Deficit and Cerebral Infarction

Background Patients who survive aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) are at risk for delayed neurological deficits (DND) and cerebral infarction. In this exploratory cohort comparison analysis, we compared in-hospital outcomes of aSAH patients administered a low-dose intravenous heparin (LDIVH) infusion (12 U/kg/h) vs those administered standard subcutaneous heparin (SQH) prophylaxis for deep vein thrombosis (DVT; 5000 U, 3 × daily). Objective To assess the safety and efficacy of LDIVH in aSAH patients. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 556 consecutive cases of aSAH patients whose aneurysm was secured by clipping or coiling at a single institution over a 10-yr period, including 233 administered the LDIVH protocol and 323 administered the SQH protocol. Radiological and outcome data were compared between the 2 cohorts using multivariable logistic regression and propensity score-based inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). Results The unadjusted rate of cerebral infarction in the LDIVH cohort was half that in SQH cohort (9 vs 18%; P = .004). Multivariable logistic regression showed that patients in the LDIVH cohort were significantly less likely than those in the SQH cohort to have DND (odds ratio (OR) 0.53 [95% CI: 0.33, 0.85]) or cerebral infarction (OR 0.40 [95% CI: 0.23, 0.71]). Analysis following IPTW showed similar results. Rates of hemorrhagic complications, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and DVT were not different between cohorts. Conclusion This cohort comparison analysis suggests that LDIVH infusion may favorably influence the outcome of patients after aSAH. Prospective studies are required to further assess the benefit of LDIVH infusion in patients with aSAH.
Optical Sensing in Laser Material Processing Applications

Material processing is a type of laser applications that requires good control of lasermatter interaction under the condition of high average laser power and high peak intensity. In this talk, I will present examples of applying optical sensing in ultrafast laser processing of polymetric materials to identify optimal processing parameter and achieve closed-loop operation.
Diagnosis, Prognosis and Caregiving: An Autoethnography

In this article, the complexity of the grieving process of the caregiver and her partner is discussed. Through an autoethnography, the author gives a voice to her personal story about her wife’s di...
Management of pedicle ossification following free flap reconstruction: A case report.

Abstract Introduction Heterotopic ossification of a vascular pedicle is an uncommon, but established, phenomenon occasionally seen incidentally on post-operative imaging after fibular free flap reconstruction. Symptomatic cases of pedicle ossification, however, are much rarer, with very few cases requiring operative intervention. We present the largest case of pedicle ossification recorded to date, review the literature on symptomatic pedicle ossification, and describe our experience with the surgical management and outcomes of this complication in symptomatic patients. Presentation of case A 60-year-old man with a 7 cm neck mass and neck pain presents six months after fibular free flap reconstruction of an osteonecrotic mandible. CT demonstrates heterotopic ossification of the free flap vascular pedicle. The patient underwent surgical resection of the ossification with preservation of the pedicle and had an uncomplicated post-operative course with resolution of symptoms. Discussion While pedicle ossification following fibula free flap surgery appears to be a somewhat common occurrence in the literature, clinically significant and symptomatic cases are rare. Symptomatic pedicle ossification may require secondary surgical intervention if large, painful, or disfiguring. Although there are surgical techniques described which may decrease the incidence of postoperative ossification, the rarity of symptomatic cases may not justify the additional surgical risks created by subperiosteal dissection. Conclusion Here, we present what appears to be the largest case of pedicle ossification in the literature. We believe this case may aid in the understanding of pedicle ossification and contribute towards a standard treatment protocol in the prevention and treatment of clinically relevant pedicle ossification.