cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Focusing of elastic waves for microseismic imaging

Microseismic events generate compressive waves and shear waves which can be recorded at receivers. We present a theory that shows how elastic P and S waves separately backpropagate to the original source location. These refocused P and S wavefields are free of singularities. We also demonstrate a technique that enhances the ability to image the spatial focus for each wave type using elastic waves. The improved spatial focus obtained is achieved in a velocity model for which the interface boundaries are approximate but where the mean slowness is correct. Deconvolution designs a signal to be rebroadcasted from the receivers, using only the waves recorded at each receiver, such that the wavefield has an optimal temporal focus at the source location. We demonstrate theoretically and numerically that improved temporal focusing of elastic waves leads to improved spatial focusing for each wave type. This proposed technique only involves a simple preprocessing step to the recorded data and its cost is hence negligible compared to the total cost of microseismic imaging.
MATERNAL BEHAVIOR OF THE DOMESTIC HEN: INTENSITY OF RESPONSE AS A FUNCTION OF PLACE OF TESTING.

The response of the maternal hen (broodiness) has been shown to be disturbed by interference with the hen's normal environmenr. Thus, a pre-test restriction of the hen's area of movement affected the choice of chicks to brood (Maier, 1963b) and restricting the hen's physical contact with chicks inhibited the onset and maintenance of broodiness (Maier, 1963a). Likewise, altering the stimulus of the chick itself apparently reduced the strength of the maternal response; hens gave a less intense maternal response to a restricted number of sensory cues (sound or sight alone) than to the normal number of cues (Maier, 1963b). However, it is not known how the background or place of testing against which the chick is perceived affects the broody response. Place-of-testing factors have been shown to influence perception in a number of different settings (Helson, 1947). In this study, the effect of one such factor, familiarity of environment, was investigated by measuring the intensity of the maternal response to chick sounds in a familiar vs an unfamiliar testing site. Twenty broody hens were randomly divided into two groups, A and B. All hens were housed in individual cages with four chicks. In order to control for the reactions of the chicks in different environments, recorded chick sounds were used. A 20-sec. recording of "peeps" from one of the chicks in each cage was made. For Group A (familiar environment) hens, the recorded chick sounds were played in the home environments. (All other birds and cages were removed during this testing period.) Group B hens (unfamiliar environment) were tested in a room similar to the "home" room, but one with which the hens had no previous experience. The number of clucks hens made during the 20-sec. test period were counted and this count served as the criterion for intensity of response. [Experimental evidence of clucking rate serving as a measure of intensity of response was presented by Maier ( 1963b) .] When the average numbers of clucks for Group A (ill = 1.8) and Group B (AT = 15.2) hens were compared, hens in Group B clucked at a significantly higher rate [I = 16.8 (two-tailed), df = 181. It may be concluded that hens show more intense response to chick sounds, and presumably ro chicks themselves, in an unfamiliar than in a familiar environmenr. Thus, the hen's maternal response is sensitive to a complex of stimuli, i.e., the chicks themselves and the place of testing. The biological significance of this differentiation of environments is apparent for there is usually more danger in unfamiliar than in familiar environments and, therefore, a greater need for maternal protecrion.
Mechanisms of ionomycin-induced endothelial cell barrier dysfunction

Myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation catalyzed by the Ca(2+)- calmodulin-dependent MLC kinase (MLCK) is critical to thrombin-mediated endothelial cell gap formation and barrier dysfunction. We ...
Effects of Polymer Morphology on Proton Solvation and Transport in Proton-Exchange Membranes

The effects of polymer morphology on proton solvation and transport in hydrated Nafion are investigated by using a novel reactive molecular dynamics approach. Three of the most significant morpholo...
Stability of small industrial platinum resistance thermometers

This paper reports the results of an investigation of the stability of a selection of small industrial platinum resistance thermometers (IPRTs) upon heat treatment and handling. Ninety-four IPRTs, of several models, obtained from five manufacturers were studied. Most of the IPRTs exhibited calibration drifts and also effects due to the presence of moisture or strain. There was no apparent improvement in the stability if the resistance ratio, R(t)/R0= W(t), instead of resistance were used as the criterion. Comparisons are made of the relative stability of the products of the five companies.
A Multimodal Approach to Full-Scale Simulation

Over the years, the process of evaluating buildings and other physical settings has become more sophisticated, largely through increased efforts to conceptualize physical environments as something that is not only perceived, but something real that can be measured and examined vis-a-vis its subjective qualities. That measurement may be absolute (i.e., physical size, temperature, functional distance, etc.), or it may be psychophysical, incorporating both physical characteristics or attributes such as wall-panel height and user activity such as frequency of use of the adjacent space (cf. Churchman, Stokols, Scharf, & Nishimoto, 1990). At the same time, it is widely recognized that successful evaluations of buildings and other physical settings involve a multitude of approaches to measuring physical environments and the manner in which they interact with the individuals and organizations associated with them.
Beyond Ethnic Tidbits: Toward a Critical and Dialogical Model in Multicultural Social Justice Teacher Preparation.

This praxis article outlines the value of using a critical and dialogical model (CDM) to teach multicultural social justice education to pre-service teachers. Based on practitioner research, the article draws on the author’s own teaching experiences to highlight how key features of CDM can be used to help pre-service teachers move beyond thinking about multicultural education as ethnic tidbits. Illustrative examples of CDM-in-use demonstrate that learning about multicultural social justice education is a social and developmental process that requires teacher educators to scaffold complex ideas by using dialogical approaches to learning that incrementally build on emergent and shared knowledge.
Combined Mössbauer Spectral and Density Functional Study of an Eight-Coordinate Iron(II) Complex.

The iron-57 Mossbauer spectra of the eight-coordinate complex, [Fe(L(N4))2](BF4)2, where L(N4) is the tetradentate N(1)(E),N(2)(E)-bis[(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)methylene]-1,2-benzenediimine ligand, have been measured between 4.2 and 295 K and fit with a quadrupole doublet. The fit at 4.2 K yields an isomer shift, δ(Fe), of 1.260(1) mm/s and a quadrupole splitting, ΔE(Q), of 3.854(2) mm/s, values that are typical of a high-spin iron(II) complex. The temperature dependence of the isomer shift yields a Mossbauer temperature, Θ(M), of 319(27) K and the temperature dependence of the logarithm of the Mossbauer spectral absorption area yields a Debye temperature, Θ(D), of 131(6) K, values that are indicative of high-spin iron(II). Nonrelativistic single point density functional calculations with the B3LYP functional, the full 6-311++G(d,p) basis set, and the known X-ray structures for [Mn(L(N4))2](2+), [Mn(L(N4))2](ClO4)2, 1, [Fe(L(N4))2](2+), and [Fe(L(N4))2](BF4)2, 2, yield small electric field gradients for the manganese(II) complexes and electric field gradients and s-electron densities at the iron-57 nuclide that are in good to excellent agreement with the Mossbauer spectral parameters. The structure of 2 with a distorted square-antiprism C1 iron(II) coordination symmetry exhibits four different Fe-N(imid) bonds to the imidazole nitrogens with an average bond distance of 2.253(2) A and four different Fe-N(imine) bonds to the benzenediimine nitrogens, with an average bond distance of 2.432(2) A; this large difference yields the large observed ΔE(Q). An optimization of the [Fe(L(N4))2](2+) structure leads to a highly symmetric eight-coordination environment with S4 symmetry and four equivalent Fe-N(imid) bond distances of 2.301(2) A and four equivalent Fe-N(imine) bond distances of 2.487(2) A. In contrast, an optimization of the [Mn(LN4)2](2+) structure leads to an eight-coordination manganese(II) environment with D(2d) symmetry and four equivalent Mn-N(imid) bond distances of 2.350(3) A and four equivalent Mn-N(imine) bond distances of 2.565(3) A.
Food Drying and Evaporation Processing Operations

Abstract Water is a very critical component of many foods and determines its physical properties, texture, sensory qualities and rates of chemical and microbiological reactions in the food. Water acts as a solvent, plasticizer, and structural component of turgid cells. It has been a common practice to reduce moisture in food products to better preserve them. One approach to understanding food stability is through water activity, a measurable attribute that has been correlated with several food reactions. Drying is one approach in which the moisture of semisolid foods can be reduced. This chapter describes several driers that use hot air and means of improving heat and mass transfer to enhance drying rates. This involves mechanisms for enhancing air speed, increasing food particle separation, reducing particle size, or providing heat transfer by conduction or radiation. Another approach is to dehydrate under vacuum conditions, either from the liquid or frozen state. For many liquid foods, evaporation is a common means of concentrating food solids. Evaporators remove water by boiling. Operating under vacuum conditions will produce lower boiling temperatures, and less heat degradation to products. Modern evaporator designs have also sought to improve heat transfer to liquids, through distributing products through thin tubes or providing sweeping of heat exchanger surfaces. Evaporator performance is often improved by using several evaporators in tandem, or by mechanically compressing escaping product vapor and recirculating it for heating.
The Recursive Union of Some Gradual Types

We study union types and recursive types in the setting of a gradually typed lambda calculus. Our goal is to obtain a foundational account for languages that enable recursively defined data structures to be passed between static and dynamically typed regions of a program. We discuss how traditional sum types are not appropriate for this purpose and instead study a form of “true” union in the tradition of soft typing (Cartwright and Fagan, 1991) and occurrence typing (Tobin-Hochstadt and Felleisen, 2008). Regarding recursive types, our formulation is based on the axiomatization of subtyping by Brand and Henglein (1998).
Folic Acid and Neural Tube Defects

The results of a randomized double-blind prevention trial conducted at 33 centers in seven countries to determine the effects of folic acid supplements around the time of conception in the prevention of neural tube defects is reported by the MRC Vitamin Study Research Group, Department of Environmental and Preventive Medicine, Medical College of St.
Embracing Complexity: Rethinking Culturally Informed Design in Human Factors/Ergonomics and Consumer Health Informatics

ABSTRACTA basic premise of macroergonomic theory is that better physical and psychological outcomes and reduced unintended consequences are achieved when there is alignment between a technology and the user’s work system. The user’s work system is defined as the social subsystem, technical subsystem, and the external environment within which work is performed. Cultural context has been conceptualized as part of the external environment. Thus, from a theoretical viewpoint, creating technology that is aligned with users’ cultural contexts will result in better performance outcomes. The need to align with cultural context is particularly important for technologies such as consumer health information technology, which are intended for use within the naturalistic spaces of patients’ homes and communities. Traditional means of accounting for cultural context in the human factors and consumer health informatics literatures are narrow and unlikely to capture the potential richness and complexity of patients’ cult...
Cordage and Fabrics

Cordage and fabrics are often technologically complex products, with attributes that can range widely in visibility. As a consequence, they can express a variety of processes and constraints, both active and passive. These include technological, ideological, social-structural, social-psychological, personal psychological, and physiological factors (Carr, Chapter 7; Pryor and Carr, Chapter 8). Like ceramics and lithics, cordage and fabrics have the potential to be used archaeologically or ethnographically in the basic tasks of defining social groups, reconstructing patterns of interaction, communication, and movement of persons within and between societies, and revealing patterns of individual creativity. In some cases, these potentials have been tapped (e.g., Taylor 1948; Fry and Adovasio 1970; Newton 1974; Scholtz 1975; Hurley 1979; Croes 1980, 1989; Kent 1983, 1985; Washburn and Crowe 1988; Washburn, Chapter 4).
W(h)ither adolescent medicine?: A mid-life crisis

There is no better way to assess the current state of adolescent medicine in the United States than to go looking for an academic job. Now 35 years old, the field must depend for its future success on colonizing new pediatric departments, influencing pediatric residents, and persuading unconvinced pediatricians of its importance. Pediatric department chairs and medical school deans are an impotiaut, rate!imiting factor iti this equation; and see’Jlg the state of adojesoent medicinv through their eyes is instructive. Still, fellows havng sufficient positions to cover the 30 whcl graduate each year from adolescent
Trimodality therapy in variant urothelial carcinoma: choose wisely

Trimodality bladder-sparing therapy with maximal transurethral resection (TUR) followed by combined chemoradiation is an alternative to neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical cystectomy (RC) in optimally selected patients treated in expert multidisciplinary centers. Little has been studied regarding the impact of variant urothelial histology when utilizing a trimodality therapy (TMT) approach. Investigators from Boston, Massachusetts retrospectively reviewed their long-term experience with this approach.
The structural basis of antibody complementarity.

Publisher Summary The most important problem in structural immunology and immunochemistry is an understanding of antibody complementarity in terms of three-dimensional structure as this should provide new insights leading to the genetic basis for the generation of diversity and will open new perspectives for research in cellular immunology. Antibody complementarity is a far more complex phenomenon. Heterogeneity and diversity are the hallmarks of the antibody response. A protein antigen generally contains many antigenic determinants, and the antibody response even to one determinant may result in a population of antibodies of different specificities, each recognizing different aspects of the same determinant. This has been shown most clearly with polysaccharide antigens, containing a single sugar. The chapter considers the ways in which more insight can be gained into the problem by making predictions regarding the shape, structure, contacting, and structural elements of complementarity regions of antibody combining sites.
One Nation Under God: How Corporate America Invented Christian America. By Kevin M. Kruse. (New York, NY: Basic Books, 2015. Pp. 384. $29.99.)

“Our form of government has no sense unless it is founded in a deeply‐felt religious faith, and I don't care what it is.” When President‐elect Dwight Eisenhower, named after the nineteenth‐century ...
Neutron cross section sensitivity and uncertainty analysis of candidate accident tolerant fuel concepts

Abstract The aftermath of the Tōhoku earthquake and the Fukushima accident has led to a global push to improve the safety of existing light water reactors. A key component of this initiative is the development of nuclear fuel and cladding materials with potentially enhanced accident tolerance, also known as accident-tolerant fuels (ATF). These materials are intended to improve core fuel and cladding integrity under beyond design basis accident conditions while maintaining or enhancing reactor performance and safety characteristics during normal operation. To complement research that has already been carried out to characterize ATF neutronics, the present study provides an initial investigation of the sensitivity and uncertainty of ATF systems responses to nuclear cross section data. ATF concepts incorporate novel materials, including SiC and FeCrAl cladding and high density uranium silicide composite fuels, in turn introducing new cross section sensitivities and uncertainties which may behave differently from traditional fuel and cladding materials. In this paper, we conducted sensitivity and uncertainty analysis using the TSUNAMI-2D sequence of SCALE with infinite lattice models of ATF assemblies. Of all the ATF materials considered, it is found that radiative capture in 56 Fe in FeCrAl cladding is the most significant contributor to eigenvalue uncertainty. 56 Fe yields significant potential eigenvalue uncertainty associated with its radiative capture cross section; this is by far the largest ATF-specific uncertainty found in these cases, exceeding even those of uranium. We found that while significant new sensitivities indeed arise, the general sensitivity behavior of ATF assemblies does not markedly differ from traditional UO 2 /zirconium-based fuel/cladding systems, especially with regard to uncertainties associated with uranium. We assessed the similarity of the IPEN/MB-01 reactor benchmark model to application models with FeCrAl cladding. We used TSUNAMI-IP to calculate similarity indices of the application model and IPEN/MB-01 reactor benchmark model. This benchmark was selected for its use of SS304 as a cladding and structural material, with significant 56 Fe content. The similarity indices suggest that while many differences in reactor physics arise from differences in design, sensitivity to and behavior of 56 Fe absorption is comparable between systems, thus indicating the potential for this benchmark to reduce uncertainties in 56 Fe radiative capture cross sections.
Dance Marking Diplomacy: Rehearsing Intercultural Exchange.

Diplomacy is the art of relationships: the ability to work with individual to international-level concerns in a sensitive way. Like the diplomat, dance artists and educators know that success requi...
Insecticide Seed Treatments Reduced Crop Injury from Flumioxazin, Chlorsulfuron, Saflufenacil, Pyroxasulfone, and Flumioxazin + Pyroxasulfone + Chlorimuron in Soybean

With increased instances of weed resistance to applications of postemergence herbicides, the use of soil-applied herbicides that offer residual activity is becoming popular. Unfortunately, under some conditions, the use of residual herbicides can result in unintentional injury to crops. However, there are a number of ways to reduce these risks, including the use of in-crop herbicide safeners. Based on previous research conducted on rice, the potential may exist for crop injury from certain soil-applied herbicides to be reduced (safened) in seeds treated with insecticides. Field trials were conducted in Marianna, Arkansas, in 2015 and 2016, and near Colt, Arkansas, in 2016, to explore this possibility in soybean. Soybean seeds were treated with the insecticide thiamethoxam and subsequently the herbicides metribuzin, saflufenacil, pyroxasulfone, sulfentrazone, chlorimuron, flumioxazin, flumioxazin + pyroxasulfone + chlorimuron, mesotrione, and chlorsulfuron were applied immediately after planting. Of the nine herbicides evaluated, the insecticide reduced crop injury for flumioxazin, chlorsulfuron, saflufenacil, pyroxasulfone, and flumioxazin + pyroxasulfone + chlorimuron. The highest degree of injury reduction was seen 1 week after emergence (WAE) at Marianna, where injury from flumioxazin + pyroxasulfone + chlorimuron was reduced from 15% to 5%. Based on the results from this study, the insecticide seed treatment thiamethoxam may have the potential to safen soybean to applications of some soil-applied herbicides.
Memorcise in the Context of Parkinson’s Disease

We have a limited understanding of the role of exercise on memory function among those with Parkinson’s disease (PD). This review discusses the mechanisms influencing PD, examines the extent and mechanisms through which exercise can reduce the risk of developing PD, details the extent and mechanisms through which exercise is associated with memory function among PD, and indicates the effects of exercise on various non-memory outcomes among PD patients. A narrative and systematic review approach was employed. We specifically highlight the role of dopamine in PD; indicate the protective effect of exercise in reducing PD risk, which may occur from exercise-induced alterations in dopamine levels, inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurotrophic factor levels; detail the literature (in human and animal models) demonstrating that exercise can enhance memory function among PD patients, which may occur from exercise-induced changes in dopamine and modulation of mechanisms associated with memory (e.g., AMPA and NMDA receptor expression); and demonstrate that regular exercise engagement (including various exercise modalities) among PD patients can improve motor function, psychological function, and prevent early mortality. Exercise may be a putative strategy to help prevent PD and treat the memory impairment associated with PD. Recommendations for future research are discussed.
Acute Kidney Injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is clinically diagnosed by evaluating relative changes in serum creatinine or decreases in urine output. AKI is common in critically ill surgical patients and can be a result of hypoperfusion, sepsis, rhabdomyolysis, abdominal compartment syndrome, or contrast-induced nephropathy. In addition to increasing the risk of multi-organ failure and in-hospital death, an episode of AKI is associated with poor long-term outcomes to include mortality, chronic kidney disease, and hypertension. While treatment of AKI is primarily supportive, renal replacement therapy can be initiated in severe cases.
Profiles in industry: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc.

General Atomics, ASI has emerged as a leading purveyor of size limited airborne radars for remotely piloted vehicles (RPV). The Lynx B20A is a multi-modal system that includes SAR, video SAR, dismount MTI, and Maritime Wide Area Search (MWAS). GA-ASI is also developing the Due Regard Radar (DRR) for the Predator® B that provides the remote pilot with situational awareness of approaching aircraft over a field of view similar to that of an onboard pilot. GA-ASI hopes to significantly expand the role of RPVs for military and civilian use in the coming decades. Radar will be the lynchpin to achieving this goal.
The mixed mode crack problem in an inhomogeneous orthotropic medium

The mixed mode crack problem in plane elasticity for a graded and oriented material is considered. The material property grading is intentional, whereas the property orientation or orthotropy is usually the consequence of material processing. It is assumed that the crack is located in a plane perpendicular to the direction of property grading and the principal axes of orthotropy are parallel and perpendicular to the crack. The four independent engineering constants E11, E22, G12, and ν12 are replaced by a stiffness parameter, E = √E11 E22, a stiffness ratio, δ = (E11/E22)1/4, a Poisson's ratio, ν = √ν12 ν21, and a shear parameter κ0 = (E/2G12) - ν. The corresponding mixed boundary value problem is reduced to a system of integral equations which is solved for various loading conditions and material parameters. The results presented consist of the strain energy release rate, the stress intensity factors and the crack opening displacements. It is found that generally the stress intensity factors increase with increasing material inhomogeneity parameter and shear parameter and with decreasing stiffness ratio.
Evaluation of a digital autoradiography system based on ultra-thin phosphors and a CCD camera

1797 Objectives: Autoradiography is the gold standard for biodistribution of new radiopharmaceuticals. However coregistration with other imaging modalities is difficult, even in modern digital systems. This study evaluates a new digital autoradiography system capable of generating high-resolution images of electron-emitting isotopes; it can be integrated with other modalities with performance comparable to that of state-of-the-art storage-phosphor autoradiography systems. Methods: The new system uses a lens-coupled large-area CCD camera to image an ultra-thin phosphor film on electron-emitting samples. The phosphor film has a mono-layer of 3-µm P47 phosphor particles coated on 3-µm Mylar foil. The system can also take an optical image, which is automatically registered to the autoradiography image. The system was compared to a storage-phosphor digital autoradiography system (Fujifilm BAS5000; 25 µm pixels) by imaging F-18 or C-14 labeled FDG uptake distributions in identical slices of mouse brain. Serial images of NaF-18 on filter paper were used to evaluate the linearity and sensitivity. Results: Images taken by the new system at 1X magnification (20 µm pixels) are qualitatively similar to those by the BAS5000 system at equal exposure time. The smallest structures shown are less than 100 µm in linear dimension. Comparison to mouse brain atlas reveals accurate relative uptake in grey matter, white matter and basal ganglia. The 2.7X images (7.4 µm effective pixels) show finer details in uptake variations than the 1X images. The new system is linear over almost 5 decades, no less than the BAS5000 system. The detective quantum efficiency is high. Conclusions: At unit magnification, the new system with an ultra-thin phosphor film and a CCD camera has comparable spatial resolution and sensitivity with state-of-the-art storage-phosphor autoradiography systems. The new system can achieve higher resolution with larger-magnification optics. The lens-CCD unit can be integrated with a light microscope so that autoradiographs are automatically registered with histological images. Research Support (if any): Supported by NIH grant P41 EB002035 and a departmental internal grant
Creating a Targeted Orientation Program for International Graduate Students

Abstract Librarians at East Tennessee State University conducted a voluntary focus group of international students to better understand the academic needs of the growing population. Students participated in a full-day discussion concerning academic staples such as planning and studying, finding and reading, and writing and citing. After a long exchange on communication and cultural differences, the students endorsed a new workshop on academic writing proposed by the librarians. This workshop will become part of the existing sequence of nine graduate-level research support offerings given by the Library for graduate students and faculty.
Abstract 2553: PSMA-specific, TGF-ß-insensitive CD8+ T cells derived from metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients induce apoptosis of PSMA positive prostate cancer (PCa)

Introduction: Manufacture of tumor specific CD8+ T cells has been an obstacle for developing immunotherapies for PCa, especially in patients with mCRPC. Here we report a new immunotherapeutic approach using adoptive transfer of patient-derived PSMA-specific, TGF-s-insensitive human CD8+ T cells to induce the apoptosis of PCa. Methods: Peripheral blood CD8+ T cells were collected from mCRPC patient by leukapheresis, and cultured in FDA approved Cell Processing Work Station with CD-3/CD28 beads. We developed a TsRIIDN-TK-IRES-PZ1 chimeric T cell receptor retroviral construct using an anti-PSMA IgTCR(ζ) gene (PZ1) and a dominant negative TGF-s type II receptor (TsRIIDN), that could induce CD8+ T cells to be PSMA reactive and insensitive to TGF-s. PC-3 cells (PSMA negative) or PSMA positive PC-3-PSMA cells were used for target cells for in vivo study. Subcutaneous injection of PC-3 and PC-3-PSMA cells (2x105 cells/each) into the left and right flank region respectively in each of 32 immunodeficient RAG-1 mice was performed. One week later, the animals were randomly assigned to one of three adoptive transfer groups (16 mice /each group, 2x106 CD8+ T cells/each mice): Group 1: PSMA-specific, TGF-s-insensitive CD8+ T cells infected with TsRIIDN-TK-IRES-PZ1 (71.1% positive); Group 2: Naive CD8+ T cells. The animals were provided 2 weekly adoptive transfer treatments and sacrificed after 3 weeks. The infiltration of CD8+ T cells and apoptosis of tumor tissue was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining and TUNEL assay. Results: In Group 1, the average tumor weight was significantly lower in the PC3-PSMA tumor (0.413g) compared to the PC3 tumor (2.75 g). There was no difference between the PC3 tumor (2.36g) compared to PC3-PSMA tumor (2.45g) in Group 2. HE 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2553.
Healthcare disparities in outcomes of patients with resectable pancreatic cancer.

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to evaluate health disparities in the outcomes of patients with resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 280,935 patients from the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB), from 1998 to 2012 to compare the differences in patient characteristics, refusal of offered surgical treatment and overall survival after pancreatic adenocarcinoma resection between white vs. black patients. Results Black patients did not undergo and refused offered surgical treatment more frequently. Race and insurance were the most important factors independently associated with not receiving the offered resection. Having private insurance, Hispanic ethnic background, geographic location, higher income, residing in urban/metropolitan area and systemic treatment were independently associated with improved survival. Race was associated with overall worse survival in an unadjusted model but not in multivariable analysis. The association between race and survival was removed when adjusting for facility location, income, education, tumor size, tumor stage or systemic treatment. Conclusion Disparities exist at various levels in resectable pancreatic cancers. These findings help developing targeted interventions and quality improvement initiatives.
A Low-Power, Real-Time Displacement Damage Dosimeter

The Naval Research Laboratory has developed a low-power, real-time displacement damage dosimeter (RT3D). RT3D consists of two components; one being the measurement electronics and the second being the actual dosimeter (GaAs diode) exposed to the radiation source. RT3D accumulates displacement damage passively (without power) and the displacement damage dose (DDD) is measured at will with measurement electronics by measuring the GaAs diode dark current at one or more forward bias voltages. The DDD is subsequently determined in real-time from a calibration curve derived from ground-based testing. The dosimeter is capable of measuring approximately three orders of magnitude in DDD. The dosage measurement range of the sensor can be modified by placing an absorber material over the sensor. Proton testing performed in situ yielded an error estimate determination to within 10% for simulated space use.
The Effect of Various Superplasticizers on Ultra High Strength Concrete

Ultra-High Strength Concrete (UHSC) is a high-strength and highly ductile material formulated to provide compressive strengths exceeding 130 MPa. UHSC materials typically have a very low water-to-cementitious ratio (w/cm), which requires the use of superplasticizers, also known as High Range Water Reducing Admixtures (HRWRA), to disperse the fine particles and to make the material workable for placing, handling and consolidating. Common examples of superplasticizer compositions include Polynaphthalene Sulfonate (PNS), Polymelamine Sulfonate (PMS) and Polycarboxylate Ether (PCE) based polymers. This study focuses on assessing the impact of various superplasticizers on the performance of UHSC. Four different types of superplasticizers were used; two different PCE based superplasticizers from a leading manufacturer, one PNS superplasticizer, and one PCE superplasticizer, both of which were provided by a local chemical provider. Specific properties assessed were the superplasticizers’ viscosity, concrete workability through the mortar-spread test, and 7, 14, and 28 day compressive strengths. Two mixtures were produced with two w/cm (0.20 and 0.15), which would subsequently increase the amount of HRWRA needed, from 34.7 to 44.5 L/m3. The results show that both name bland PCE superplasticizers produce a higher spread and a higher compressive strength at all ages tested up to 28 days than the two local superplasticizers. Additionally, the rheology test demonstrated that the name brand PCE superplasticizers had a lower viscosity at all angular speeds than the local superplasticizers counterparts.
Organization of DNA damage, excision repair, and mutagenesis in chromatin: A genomic perspective

Genomic DNA is constantly assaulted by both endogenous and exogenous damaging agents. The resulting DNA damage, if left unrepaired, can interfere with DNA replication and be converted into mutations. Genomic DNA is packaged into a highly compact yet dynamic chromatin structure, in order to fit into the limited space available in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. This hierarchical chromatin organization serves as both the target of DNA damaging agents and the context for DNA repair enzymes. Biochemical studies have suggested that both the formation and repair of DNA damage are significantly modulated by chromatin. Our understanding of the impact of chromatin on damage and repair has been significantly enhanced by recent studies. We focus on the nucleosome, the primary building block of chromatin, and discuss how the intrinsic structural properties of nucleosomes, and their associated epigenetic modifications, affect damage formation and DNA repair, as well as subsequent mutagenesis in cancer.
Including performance level lowers prevalence of non-timeloss groin injury. A cross-sectional study in 383 female amateur football players

Abstract Objective To study the preseason prevalence of groin injury with normal and reduced performance. Design Cross-sectional cohort. Settings Online survey. Participants 383 Dutch female amateur football players (35 teams). Main outcome measures Prevalence of groin injury per injury group (timeloss or non-timeloss) using a general questionnaire and per performance group (groin pain with normal or reduced performance) using subscales Pain and Participation in Physical Activities of the Hip And Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS). Levels and between-group differences of groin-related symptoms and problems (HAGOS) for injury and performance groups. The injury groups from which players with groin pain and normal performance originate. Results Prevalence of non-timeloss groin injury was 22% (95% confidence interval (95%CI) = 18–26) (n = 84), 7% (95%CI = 5–10) (n = 26) for timeloss groin injury, 21% (95%CI = 17–25) (n = 80) for pain + normal performance and 16% (95%CI = 12–20) (n = 61) for pain + reduced performance. HAGOS-scores differed between injury (P Conclusion As female amateur football players with groin pain and normal performance are considered non-injured, the prevalence of non-timeloss groin injury lowers by a quarter. These players have lower HAGOS scores than non-injured players without pain yet higher scores than those with non-timeloss groin injury.
Immunoepidemiology of Selected Components of the Innate and Adaptive Immune Systems

Human variations in immune response can result from genetic polymorphisms. Polymorphisms are the result of differences in gene sequences that can give rise to changes in gene regulation (generally in enhancers or promoters), gene function (in exon sequences), or simple intronic sequence changes with no apparent effect on function. Polymorphisms can be single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), microsatellite repeats and minisatellites, or variable number tandem insertions or deletions. The immune system is replete with polymorphisms, in part due to the necessity for response to multiple microorganisms in diverse environments. The presence of polymorphisms in some cases leads to a selective survival in the face of devastating pathogen infection. This chapter analyzes a few systems that embody these polymorphisms. Polymorphisms in pattern recognition receptors (PRR), complement, cytokines, chemokines, the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs), T cell receptors (TCRs), and immunoglobulins (IgG) are evaluated with regard to their effects on disease and pregnancy.
ADP exerts P2Y 12 -dependent and P2Y 12 -independent effects on primary human T cell responses to stimulation

Purinergic signaling plays a complex role in inflammation. Nucleotides released by T lymphocytes, endothelial cells, and platelets during inflammation induce cellular responses by binding to receptors that regulate intracellular signaling pathways. Previous studies have found that purinergic signaling can have both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects, but the roles of specific pathways in specific cell types are poorly understood. We investigated the role of the P2Y12 signaling pathway in the activation of T lymphocytes in vitro. We isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy donors and pretreated them with ADP (a P2Y12 agonist), AR-C69931MX (a P2Y12 antagonist), or both. We then stimulated PBMC using phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies. We found that ADP affects T cell responses in term of cell activity and receptor expression through both P2Y12-dependent and P2Y12-independent pathways and other responses (cytokine secretion) primarily through P2Y12 -independent pathways. The ADP-mediated effect changed over time and was stimulus-specific.
Phylogeography and taxonomic revision of Nelson’s pocket mouse (Chaetodipus nelsoni)

Chaetodipus nelsoni occurs on rocky substrates across the Mexican Altiplano. We investigated phylogeographic diversity within the species using morphologic, karyotypic, and molecular data. Data from nuclear (AFLP) and mitochondrial DNA support three distinct genetic groups with minimal substructuring coincident with biogeographic barriers previously identified in the Chihuahuan Desert and drainage basins of the Altiplano. We examined the morphological and karyotypic data in light of the molecular data. The results support recognition of three species within the currently accepted widespread C. nelsoni: 1) C. nelsoni restricted to a distribution centered on the El Salado River Basin; 2) elevation of C. n. collis to species, with two subspecies: one centered on Trans-Pecos Texas, the other on the Mapimi Basin (new subspecies); and 3) recognition of a new species, C. durangae, centered on the Nazas Basin and upper Rio Mezquital drainage.
A Reflective Photoplethysmogram Array and Channel Selection Algorithm for Weighing Scale Based Blood Pressure Measurement

The most common form of blood pressure (BP) monitoring outside of clinical settings is an oscillometric cuff; however, such cuffs tend to be cumbersome and inconvenient. Less obtrusive systems requiring minimal effort from the user would allow for cardiovascular monitoring seamlessly in daily life and relieve much of the burden of regular blood pressure monitoring. In this work, we leverage the concept of pulse transit time (PTT) to track BP using a weighing scale-based system on which a subject simply stands quietly to obtain a measurement. To extract the proximal and distal timing references for PTT, a force plate measured the initial mechanical motion of the body in response to cardiac ejection while an optical sensor array mounted directly on the force place measured the pulse wave arrival at the sole. To evaluate the method, we recruited 16 young and healthy subjects. Seated and standing measurements first verified the effectiveness of the sensor array to extract a reliable distal timing reference. Then, subjects underwent various physiological perturbations to establish a correlation curve between measured BP and a best-case estimation of BP using PTT. By using the BCG and array of PPG sensors, PTT-estimated BP tracked changes well in diastolic ( ${r}={0.80} \pm {0.12}$ ) and systolic ( ${r}={0.77} \pm {0.23}$ ) pressures. This best-case estimation resulted in an error of 2.6 ± 1.2 mmHg for diastolic and 5.6 ± 2.7 mmHg for systolic pressures. Our work allows the user to passively monitor BP during common weighing scale measurement, potentially improving the ease of longitudinal at-home care.
Impact of Surgical Approach in Double Lung Transplantation: Median Sternotomy vs Clamshell Thoracotomy.

Abstract Background Double lung transplantation (DLT) remains the gold standard for end-stage lung disease. Although DLT was historically performed via clamshell thoracotomy, recently the median sternotomy has emerged as a viable alternative. As the ideal surgical approach remains unclear, the aim of our study was to compare the short- and long-term outcomes of these 2 surgical approaches in DLT. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 192 consecutive adult patients who underwent primary DLT at our institution between 2012 and 2017 (sternotomy, n = 147; clamshell, n = 45). The impact of each surgical approach on post-transplant morbidity was investigated, and the overall survival probability analyses were performed. Results There were no significant differences in recipients’ baseline and donors’ characteristics and bilateral allograft ischemic time. Freedom from primary graft dysfunction, acute rejection episodes, postoperative prolonged ventilator support, tracheostomy, postoperative stroke, and airway dehiscence were comparable between these 2 groups. The duration of cardiopulmonary bypass and operative time were significantly longer in the clamshell thoracotomy group. Postoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation usage tended to be more frequent in the clamshell thoracotomy group than the median sternotomy group, despite no statistical significance. Length of hospital and intensive care unit stay were not influenced by the type of incision. There was no significant difference in overall survival between these 2 procedure groups (P = .61, log-rank test). Conclusions The median sternotomy approach in DLT decreases operative time and more importantly leads to a shorter duration of cardiopulmonary bypass. The type of surgical approach did not show any statistically significant impact on adult DLT recipients’ morbidity and survival.
Impact of veterinary students' preparation and learning strategies on academic success in a flipped swine medicine course

Background: Flipped teaching techniques have been gaining popularity in veterinary curricula. These methods of teaching are shown to increase students' engagement, promote students' self-directed learning, and can even improve their academic success. One barrier to their implementation, however, is the preparation time required by instructors to be ready to participate in active-learning activities in the classroom. Aims and Objectives: This article describes how 3rd-year veterinary students prepare for a flipped classroom and if their learning strategies would influence their academic success. Results: Ninety-five percent (n = 87) of the students enjoyed the flipped course and the resources provided by the instructor. Seventy-five percent of students (n = 69) used the time blocked-off on their calendar to prepare for this course or to study for another one. The most student-used resources were the instructor-developed e-book and short recapitulative videos (98% and 61%, respectively). Students who emphasized critical thinking and effort regulation as their learning strategies were the most successful on their final examination. Conclusion: Flipping the course without adding to student's workload was a challenge and remained a main barrier to implementation.
Modeling Biological Rhythms to Predict Mental and Physical Readiness

The human body is composed of various biological clocks that impact physical and mental health functioning. Modeling biological rhythms provides the means to understand the effect of internal and external factors on human mental and physical performance. So far, biological rhythms have mostly been studied in controlled laboratory settings thus limiting the long term study and modeling of these rhythms. This paper presents the results of our exploratory study of modeling human rhythms with longitudinal physiological data collected from consumer devices in the wild. We used data from four people continuously wearing Empatica (E4) wristbands and Oura smart rings for approximately four months to build models of human rhythms. We then used those model parameters in a machine learning approach to predict mental and physical readiness. Our results showed that most models built with a combination of sensors and rhythmic features obtained a prediction accuracy above the baseline measure of 66% (Max accuracy = 82.7%). These results provide insights into the feasibility of using consumer devices to model biological rhythms and use them to assess human and performance and health.
Resilience of urban street network configurations under low demands

Urban street networks are subject to a variety of random disruptions. The impact of movement restrictions (e.g., one-way or left-turn restrictions) on the ability of a network to overcome these dis...
The Challenges of Delegate Meetings

This chapter reviews experiences observing budget delegate training meetings and one delegate meeting. It reviews a denial of access to other meetings and some alternative data collection that reveals that budget delegate meetings occur behind closed doors. This opacity is particularly concerning because of evidence that many delegates are present as advocates of particular projects and participants are over-represented by relatively well-off members of the community, while many disadvantaged participants lack adequate resources to be delegates. We discuss issues of equity, inclusion, the lack of transparency, and issues involving project advocacy through an exploration of media content connected to these meetings.