cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical observation on 290 children patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection

[Objective] To study the clinical morbidity trends and epidemiological characteristics of MP infection; to explore a diagnosing method at the early stage for timely confirmed diagnosis and proper treatment. [Methods] MP-IgM antibody in serum of the suspected cases was detected with ELISA at the acute stage. The positive cases were filtered to conduct observation and analysis. [Results] Among the 1 372 cases, 290 cases were found with positive MP-IgM. The invasion may occur in any season and more often in winter and spring. Pre-school children and males are more subjected to the infection. The clinical manifestations are mainly respiratory diseases, with occasional extrapulmonary infection. [Conclusion] MP is a major pathogen causing children's respiratory diseases. The lung physical signs of the relatively older children are not obvious, while the X-ray proved significant pathologic changes. Therefore these cases are easily misdiagnosed as cold. So X-ray and serum MP-IgM test should be enrolled as regular items in diagnosing suspected MP infection. Meanwhile, intrapulmonary and extrapulmonary infections should be noticed in order to avoid missed diagnosis.
Orthotopic cardiac xenografting in the newborn goat.

Fourteen newborn ( 24 hours). Recipient animals received cyclosporine 48 and 24 hours before the operation and daily after the operation on a gradually reducing daily protocol. Recipients were also given pulse doses of methylprednisolone (100 mg/kg) and azathioprine (3 mg/kg) once a week, the dosage schedule being gradually reduced and azathioprine discontinued as recipients became long-term survivors (>60 days). Seven recipients had radionuclide left ventriculography for measurement of left ventricular ejection fraction from 1 to 4 months postoperatively. Ejection fractions at 1 month in two recipients were 35 % and 57 %, and at 2 months the ejection fraction in one recipient was 58%. Serial ejection fractions from 1 to 4 months postoperatively in four recipients averaged 50 %, 58 %, 45 %, and 45 %. Survival in days among the 10 recipients was 24, 32, 44, 47, 60, 60, 78, 90, 120, and 165. Average survival was 72 days. There were no significant infections. Most animals showed mild-to-moderate subacute and chronic graft rejection at autopsy. One host showed no gross or microscopic graft rejection at autopsy on postoperative day 47. Tumor was not observed. These data suggest that long-term survival may be feasible for newborn recipients of cardiac xenografts with cyclosporine therapy and limited supplemental immunosuppression.
Neural Interfacing with the Peripheral Nervous System: A FINE Approach

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) can restore neural functions such as volitional motion to patients with neurological injuries or diseases, and effective and safe neural interfaces with peripheral nerves are required. Flat interface nerve electrode (FINE) enables the recording of the various signals within the cuff. The recovery of the various fascicular signals within the nerve is still a very challenging problem. The localization and the recovery of many signals pose a significant challenge due to the low signal-to-noise ratio and the large number of fascicles. FINE also allows selective control of different muscles at the same time. Yet, motion control of neuromuscular skeletal systems using multi-contact electrodes remains an unsolved and difficult problem due to the complexities of the systems and the large number of channels required to activate the various muscles involved in the motion. Using computer models of the peripheral nerve, we have tested the ability of various algorithms to control the neuromuscular skeletal dynamics. Computer models have also been used to develop new methods to recover fascicular signals within the nerve. Both the control and the detection algorithms have been tested experimentally and preliminary results are included. The goal of this review is to examine the possibility of detecting peripheral nerve signals and use these voluntary signals to restore functions in patients with stroke, amputation or paralysis.
Public Service Values

The design and contribution of Richard C. Box’s Public Service Values renew the essentiality of professional work in public affairs while focusing on values in public service. The book offers a wel...
Reflection and Rationalization: Making Sense of the Literature on Endocarditis After Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement.

In previous editorial comments, my focus has tended to settle on issues concerning how to develop and interpret the body of literature related to uncommon or new procedures, particularly when the literature comprises mainly small and observational studies with nonuniform or limited follow-up after implantation of devices that are likely to have much longer-term implications. This general theme is fundamental to the fields of congenital and structural interventional cardiology and pervades my editorial perspective and practice with Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions . The topic I take on below is in the same vein, although it includes a more thorough review of a specific issue that I have been struggling with for several years: endocarditis after transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR). Endocarditis after TPVR with the Melody valve (Medtronic, Inc, Minneapolis, MN) was first described by Khambadkone et al1 in a 2005 article summarizing their first 59 procedures. That initial patient was again reported, along with 4 others, in a 2008 update of their experience.2 Since those early reports, endocarditis has emerged as one of the most important and vexing adverse outcomes after TPVR. Endocarditis has been observed in general case series of TPVR2–8 and has been the organizing feature of several multicenter or single-center cohort studies9–14 and several small case series and case reports.15–24 It has also been the topic of several reviews that did not include new cases.25–27 In addition, endocarditis has been reported after TPVR with Sapien valves as well.28,29 Although the published data have brought the issue of post-TPVR endocarditis to light, the picture, both in isolation and in the broader context of this patient population, remains disconcertingly unclear. The literature, although growing, may be best characterized as nascent and ambiguous. …
“The Modernity of Tradition”: Popular Culture and Protest in Nineteenth-Century Germany

Traditional protest offered a cultural framework within which ordinary Germans shaped political activism. Customs and rites enabled face-to-face communities to build consensus and legitimize their discontent through practices valorized by historical convention. Whether charivaris, Carnival, parish festivals or other religious rites, such practices endured due to their ability to disarm authority. This chapter points to democratic qualities in these kinds of protest, but it also examines aspects of popular culture that fomented anti-Semitic and anti-Catholic hatred, thus illuminating the darker side of popular politics. Whether invoking rights of liberty and justice or violently excluding an out-group, modern politics has employed popular rites to increase political participation and mobilize the public. This chapter assesses the degree to which traditional forms of popular culture have shaped the evolution of participatory politics over the long nineteenth century. A social history of the ideals and practices of rights-bearing citizenship must include the uses and transformation of popular culture.
Fatal SV40-associated pneumonia and nephropathy following renal allotransplantation in rhesus macaque

Recrudescence of latent and dormant viruses may lead to overwhelming viremia in immunosuppressed hosts. In immunocompromised hosts, Simian virus 40 (SV40) reactivation is known to cause nephritis and demyelinating central nervous system disease. Here, we report SV40 viremia leading to fatal interstitial pneumonia in an immunosuppressed host following renal allotransplantation.
Virtual Tether Search: A self-constraining search algorithm for swarms in an open ocean

Underwater robotic swarms have more challenging operating conditions when compared to their ground counterparts. One such major limitation is vastness of the oceanic environment, which significantly increases the possibility of losing swarm members. Although swarms can tolerate losses, if care is not taken in the design of swarm-level behaviors, they can cause a complete failure of the mission. An additional design factor for such systems is, therefore, the spatial constrained-ness of the swarm. Virtual Tether Search (VTS) has been developed to address this concern. Robots use a virtual tether attached to the drop-off location along with dead-reckoning to stay within a maximum-radius distance from that location. Constrained Spiral Flocking (CSF), a previously developed algorithm, Robotic Particle Swarm Optimization (R-PSO), and Simple Sweeping (SSW) are compared to VTS and pros and cons of each algorithm are highlighted. VTS is shown to have a superior behavior in terms of omni-directionality and loss-prevention at the expense of relatively slow, but guaranteed convergence.
Initial Specification and Empirical Test of Media Enjoyment Theory

Building upon online communication attitude research, this article explains why people use certain media in their social relationships by offering an initial formulation and test of media enjoyment...
Impact of Depression and Demoralization on Blood Pressure Control in African Americans with Hypertension: Findings from the TRIUMPH Trial

African Americans develop hypertension earlier and have worse cardiovascular outcomes than Caucasians. Accumulating evidence suggests that psychological distress may play a role in the observed racial differences in hypertension. Several studies have investigated the relationship between depression and hypertension while little is still known about the role of demoralization. Using data from the Trial Using Motivational Interviewing, Positive Affect, and Self-affirmation in African Americans with Hypertension (TRIUMPH), logistic regression models were used to estimate differences in blood pressure control at 12 months among participants with demoralization, depression, and both conditions. Our logistic models showed that reported psychosocial symptoms significantly differed in predicting success in blood pressure control at 12 months. Contrast analyses showed that, after adjusting for sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial variables, demoralized patients were less likely to achieve blood pressure control than participants without affective conditions (p = 0.020). Similar results emerged for patients with depression (p = 0.042) and both conditions (p = 0.022). Depression can be extremely debilitating and has serious health consequence. Our findings confirm this result and show that, even though depression and demoralization share common features, they are two distinct clinical phenomena with similar negative impact on blood pressure control in African Americans.
Crystal structure of the mouse innate immunity factor bacterial permeability‐increasing family member A1

Bacterial permeability-increasing family member A1 (BPIFA1) is an innate immunity factor and one of the most abundantly secreted proteins in the upper airways. BPIFA1 is multifunctional, with antimicrobial, surfactant and lipopolysaccharide-binding activities, as well as established roles in lung hydration. Here, the 2.5 A resolution crystal structure of BPIFA1 from Mus musculus (mBPIFA1) is presented and compared with those of human BPIFA1 (hBPIFA1) and structural homologs. Structural distinctions between mBPIFA1 and hBPIFA1 suggest potential differences in biological function, including the regulation of a key pulmonary ion channel.
Acceptance and Change, Psychology of

The ordinary approach to difficult psychological content is to target these events for deliberate change efforts designed to reduce their frequency, alter their form, or change the events that occasion them. While such direct change efforts are useful in many circumstances, in some situations an alternative has been shown to be useful: acceptance. There are at least four types of psychological acceptance: embracing, acknowledging, taking responsibility, and approval. Acknowledgement and responsibility are built into most healthcare interventions already, while approval is rarely relevant. What is new is the research on active, embracing forms of acceptance, such as mindfulness and emotional exposure. Acceptance and change are applicable in different domains and situations. For example, acceptance is always healthy in the area of personal history, but change is usually most useful in the area of overt behavior. There seem to be five situations in which acceptance strategies are particularly helpful: the process of change contradicts the outcome; change efforts lead to a distortion, or unhealthy avoidance of, the direct functions of events; social change efforts disrupt the social relation or devalues the other; outcome ultimately cannot be rule governed; and the event is unchangeable.
Advances in Arctic Atmospheric Research

The previous decade and a half saw major advances in understanding of the Arctic atmosphere and the ability to project future climate states based on reanalysis datasets, field studies, and climate models. Limitations continue to be the lack of direct observations of the Arctic troposphere. The balance of evidence now argues for an anthropogenic component to Arctic change. Today, we see positive Arctic-wide temperature trends in all seasons with an Arctic amplification relative to lower latitude changes, but with strong regional modulations from natural variability. These include a positive index of the Arctic Oscillation (AO) in the early 1990s, a record negative phase of the AO during the winter of 2009/2010, and increased prominence of an Arctic Dipole (AD) climate pattern. The negative AO period showed linkages between Arctic and subarctic weather. Despite deficiencies in climate models used for the International Panel of Climate Change (IPCC), all models project increased temperatures and sea ice loss by mid-century, amplified through Arctic feedback processes.
Influence of hydrogen on the behavior of dislocations

Abstract: This chapter reviews the experimental and simulation results that provide both direct and indirect insight to the deformation mechanisms and processes occurring in metals during loading in the absence and in the presence of hydrogen. The experimental observations on dislocation behavior in the presence of hydrogen will be considered in terms of the more common embrittlement mechanisms.
Use of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 to Improve Tenderness of Beef

Tenderness is one of the most important quality characteristics of beef to both consumers and producers. To date, no practical method of producing consistently tender beef has been adopted by the beef industry. Researchers have demonstrated that feeding a supernatural dosage (0.5 to 7.5 million IU) of vitamin D3 to beef cattle for 7 to 10 days before slaughter will result in more tender carcasses (Swanek et al., 1999; Montgomery et al., 2000; Montgomery et al., 2002; Karges et al., 2001). Feeding this amount of vitamin D3 results in elevated plasma and muscle calcium concentrations (Swanek et al., 1999; Montgomery et al., 2000; Montgomery et al., 2002; Karges et al., 2001). The assumed mechanism for this tenderization effect is that the elevated muscle calcium concentration enhances the action of the calcium-dependent protease system of myofibrillar (troponin-T) protein degradation postmortem. Enhanced myofibrillar protein degradation results in more tender beef that is more desirable to consumers. For producers, being able to produce a “guaranteed tender” product even may warrant a price premium.
Association of antithyroid peroxidase antibody with fibromyalgia in rheumatoid arthritis

To investigate how autoimmune thyroiditis (ATD) affects the clinical presentation of established rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with particular reference to fibromyalgia and chronic widespread pain (CWP). A cohort of 204 patients with RA for whom the presence or absence of autoimmune thyroid antibodies was documented was examined for the relationships between thyroid autoantibodies and fibromyalgia or CWP. We identified 29 % who tested positive for antithyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb). The anti-thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) was found in 24 %. Among the thyroid autoantibody-positive patients, 40 % had a diagnosis of fibromyalgia or CWP versus 17 % for antibody negative patients. Logistic regression analyses (adjusted by age, sex, diabetes and BMI) indicated that TPOAb-positive patients were more likely to have fibromyalgia or CWP, with an odds ratio (OR) of 4.641, 95 % confidence interval (CI) (2.110–10.207) P .05). Additional logistic regression analyses (adjusted by age, sex and BMI) indicated a significant relationship between TPOAb and fibromyalgia or CWP in patients without diabetes and those without hypothyroidism (OR of 4.873, 95 % CI (1.877–12.653), P = .001 and OR of 4.615 95 % CI (1.810–11.770), P = .001, respectively). There may be a positive association between the ATD antibody TPOAb, and fibromyalgia syndrome and CWP in patients with established RA.
Tenth Order Mock Theta Functions: Part IV

In the two previous chapters, we followed closely the work of Y.-S. Choi [106] to establish analogs of the Mock Theta Conjectures for the four tenth order mock theta functions, ϕ10(q), ψ10(q), X10(q), and χ10(q).
Building a multilingual ultrasound corpus

This paper presents a corpus of three dimensional ultrasound data focused on tongue shape during speech sound articulation. Our ultimate goal is to collect data pertinent to phonetic structures from as many languages as possible (at present upwards of 20 languages are represented) and to curate these data in an open access corpus that is freely available for use by other researchers. In this presentation, we review the structure of the corpus and present a series of case studies illustrating the ways in which three-dimensional data are being used to address questions of phonetic interest. Examples of such areas include: examining the articulation of laterals; determining the point of articulation for dorsal consonants; analyzing consonant and vowel coarticulation patterns; and elucidating how coupling of the tongue body with the tongue blade and root affect place and manner of articulation. Like the work of Allard Jongman and Joan Sereno, this project is inherently collaborative and includes ample opportunity for using guided investigation of targeted research questions to ease novice scholars into the research process.
Supporting Practice: Understanding How Elementary School Counselors Use Data

School counselors are called upon to use data to guide practice. Through a practitioner research study, the authors examined how elementary school counselors were using data in order to create a pr...
A finite element model for magnetohydrodynamic squeeze-film flows

A computational model is developed to analyze magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) squeeze-film flows featuring an electrically conducting fluid subjected to imposed magnetic and electric fields. The model is based on the so-called MHD Reynolds equation for squeeze-films—an extension of the classical hydrodynamic Reynolds equation. A complete derivation of the MHD Reynolds equation is performed by applying thin-film and quasi-steady assumptions to the Maxwell/Navier-Stokes system coupled by the Lorentz force. The resulting equation is a two-dimensional and variable-coefficient Poisson equation for pressure, which reduces to the purely hydrodynamic form in the limit of vanishing Hartmann number. A geometric calculus formulation facilitates the reduction of the mathematical system into two dimensions, which is a challenge in standard vector calculus due to the cross product. The model permits realistic geometrical representations of the constraining squeeze-surfaces, and we demonstrate the use of a multi-variate Weierstrass-Mandelbrot fractal to numerically generate scale-invariant surface roughness profiles. Ultimately, the governing equation is solved with the Galerkin finite element method. Several numerical examples are conducted to highlight some of the model’s capabilities. MHD forces—as well as the roughness, geometry, and topology of the squeeze surfaces—are shown to significantly influence flow characteristics.A computational model is developed to analyze magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) squeeze-film flows featuring an electrically conducting fluid subjected to imposed magnetic and electric fields. The model is based on the so-called MHD Reynolds equation for squeeze-films—an extension of the classical hydrodynamic Reynolds equation. A complete derivation of the MHD Reynolds equation is performed by applying thin-film and quasi-steady assumptions to the Maxwell/Navier-Stokes system coupled by the Lorentz force. The resulting equation is a two-dimensional and variable-coefficient Poisson equation for pressure, which reduces to the purely hydrodynamic form in the limit of vanishing Hartmann number. A geometric calculus formulation facilitates the reduction of the mathematical system into two dimensions, which is a challenge in standard vector calculus due to the cross product. The model permits realistic geometrical representations of the constraining squeeze-surfaces, and we demonstrate the use of a multi-variate Weier...
Impact of Occlusal Intercuspal Angulation on the Quality of CAD/CAM Lithium Disilicate Crowns

PURPOSE Modification of intercuspal angulation (ICA) influences the amount of tooth structure removal, which may impact the retention and resistance form of the preparation. This study evaluated the impact of ICA on the marginal gap of CAD/CAM crowns and the influence that tooth structure removal, caused by variation of ICA, has on the resistance and retention form of the preparation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty ivorine molars were manufactured with various ICAs (100°, 110°, 120°, 140°, 160°, and 180°; 10 per group). The preparations were digitized using an intraoral scanner, and the crowns were designed using a design software. The designed crowns were then manufactured from lithium disilicate using a 3-axis milling machine, with the "detailed mode" selected for the manufacturing. The marginal gap of each crown was evaluated using a stereomicroscope at 20× magnification. Then, the marginal integrity and the resistance form of the preparation were assessed by tactile-visual evaluation, and they were given a categorical score. Crowns were then secured on their associated preparations using a temporary luting agent, and retention force was measured on a universal testing machine under tension with a 0.5 mm/min crosshead speed. Wilcoxon test followed by post-hoc tests (α = 0.05) were used to evaluate the impact of the ICA on the marginal gap and the retention form of the preparation. Fisher's exact test followed by post-hoc tests (α = 0.05) were used to assess the impact of the occlusal preparation design on the marginal integrity and the resistance form of the preparation. RESULTS The marginal gap was significantly larger for ICA-180 preparations (72 μm), compared to the other groups (ICA-180 vs ICA-100, ICA-110, ICA-120, and ICA-160 p = 0.0001; ICA-180 vs. ICA-140 p = 0.0017). None of the crowns for ICA-180 preparations had clinically acceptable resistance form. Preparations with ICAs of 100°, 110°, and 120° had a significantly higher value of retention than the other groups (ICA-100 vs. ICA-120 p = 0.0119; ICA-100 vs. ICA-140, ICA-160, and ICA-180 p < 0.0001; ICA-110 vs. ICA-140, ICA-160, and ICA-180 p = 0.0001; ICA-120 vs. ICA-180 p = 0.0017). CONCLUSIONS Crowns fabricated for preparations with various ICAs had clinically acceptable marginal adaptation. Variation in ICA impacts the loss of tooth structure. This loss of tooth structure may influence the resistance and retention form of the preparation.
A new method for simple quantification of Laves phases and precipitates in TiCr2 alloys

Abstract Laves phases are encountered in many AB2 intermetallic compounds. They consist of one cubic (C15) and two hexagonal (C14 and C36) phases. All of them have characteristic cavities, which favour the hosting external molecules, leading to potential application for hydrogen storage. From a crystallographic point of view, Laves phases consist of different stackings of the same units. Hence, many Bragg reflections of Laves phases overlap and the accurate phase quantification is hindered through conventional methods. Here we propose a simple method, based on the relative intensities of three diffraction peaks, to perform a first quantification of Laves phases. No crystallographic background is required. The method is tested using laboratory diffractometer on a set of TiCr samples produced with different compositions and thermal treatments. Synchrotron radiation data were used for comparison and to assess lattice parameters and atomic structure as a function of Cr/Ti. Considering the relative phase fractions computed by Rietveld refinements as a reference, ∼90% of the phase fractions computed by FQA differ by less than 15%. Precipitates were identified and quantified combining X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy.
Can the use of informal control mechanisms increase trust among teachers? An evaluation of the Accelerated Schools intervention

Abstract The Accelerated Schools Program (ASP) mobilizes a cohesive set of informal control mechanisms as a part of its approach to school-wide improvement. However, despite their frequent use in educational settings, the empirical investigation of the nature and function of organizational controls in building trust in schools has been largely overlooked in the educational literature, particularly from within a causal research framework. This study employed a propensity score matching approach to data from the Study of Instructional Improvement, a longitudinal study of the design, implementation, and instructional effectiveness of three widely-adopted comprehensive school reform models including Accelerated Schools. This quasi-experimental approach permitted the isolation of ASP’s effect on growth in teacher-teacher relational trust over time while controlling for implementation depth across the 54 schools and 1561 teachers in the sample. Analysis revealed a robust treatment effect of the ASP model on growth in teacher-teacher relational trust over time. Several components of the informal control process also produced positive change in teacher-teacher trust growth over time, including critical dialogue, innovation and risk-taking, and collective responsibility.
On reporting and interpreting statistical significance and p values in medical research.

Recent proposals to change the p value threshold from 0.05 to 0.005 or to retire statistical significance altogether have garnered much criticism and debate.1 2 As of the writing of our manuscript, the proposal to eliminate statistical significance testing, backed by over 800 signatories, achieved record-breaking status on Altmetrics, with an attention score exceeding 13 000 derived from 19 000 Twitter comments and 35 news stories. We appreciate the renewed enthusiasm for tackling important issues related to the analysis, reporting and interpretation of scientific research results. Our perspective, however, focuses on the current use and reporting of statistical significance and where we should go from here. 1. We begin by saying that p values themselves are not flawed. Rather, the use, misuse or abuse of p values in ways antithetical to rigorous scientific pursuits is the flaw. If p values are a hammer, scientists are the hammer wielders. One would not discard the hammer if the wielder, when using the hammer, repeatedly missed the nail. Similarly, one would not discard the hammer if the wielder used the hammer in a way not suited to the hammer’s purpose, such as in an attempt to drive a screw. Rather, one would expect that the fault lies with the hammer-wielder and recommend ways to refine the hammer’s use. Thus, a focus on …
Impact on child vaccination completion rates of short message services (SMS) reminders in developing countries.

Introduction The Expanded Programme on Immunization has, since its inception, struggled to achieve high completion rates for child immunizations. The introduction of 2YL (second year of life) immunizations presents the programme with fresh challenges to assuring high completion rates. Methods Using the same procedures as those employed in the 2017 article on SMS reminders, of which this is an update, I searched the NLM database for all recent articles from developing countries on SMS reminders for reduction of vaccination dropout rates. I summarized these and earlier articles in tabular form. Results The freshly reviewed articles are confirmatory of earlier studies which show an improvement in vaccination completion rates when SMS reminders are sent to mothers and other caregivers. Conclusion All of the studies reviewed were based on pilot projects. It is time, and past time, to go to scale with SMS reminders, perhaps stand alone, or as part of a larger system of electronic immunization registers. There may be potential for use of WhatsApp in dropout reduction, thus far documented only in other public health applications.
Experimental dynamic dispatch of a 60 kW proton exchange membrane electrolyzer in power-to-gas application

Abstract A 60 kW PEM electrolyzer was modified to have dynamic dispatch capabilities through the use of an external mass flow controller and was subsequently operated and studied in detail as a part of the UC Irvine power-to-gas (P2G) demonstration project. The system operated in load following for both rooftop solar PV output and aggregated wind farm power. The electrolyzer system was able to handle 100% up and down ramps of the electrolyzer stack in sub-second intervals during variable renewable energy load following experiments. Overall system efficiency was improved by imposing a minimum load condition to avoid high parasitic losses at low power conditions, and cycling the system off/on as required and enabled by quick cold start-up capability. Performance was characterized for varying levels of part load and dynamic operation. The gas drying process was found to be a significant source of loss at low power conditions.
Mapping resilience of Houston freeway network during Hurricane Harvey using extreme travel time metrics

Abstract Traffic operations vary drastically before-, during- and after natural disasters due to several reasons, such as the movement of affected populations, road failures, and heavy precipitation. The disaster-induced effects on road links and their subsequent recovery to the pre-disaster state are functions of the designed network resilience. Thus, the investigation of traffic operations including speed and volume fluctuations during such disasters can provide useful insights into the resilience of the roadway network. Furthermore, identifying road links and corridors which are most affected during natural disasters and estimating the extent of the effect on traffic are crucial steps in devising traffic management strategies for mitigating future hazards. A key challenge to the realization of the above objectives is the lack of data pertaining to roadway and traffic conditions during natural disasters. While modern sensing technologies based on non-Dedicated Short-Range (wireless) Communications such as Bluetooth® have been widely adopted to track traffic performance, they need to be corroborated with supplementary data for a complete characterization of the prevalent traffic conditions. In this study, an alternative method is presented for identifying the traffic fluctuations induced by a natural disaster (Hurricane Harvey) on an urban traffic network (Houston) by studying the characteristics of extreme travel time observations. The study relies on time series decomposition and anomaly detection algorithms to investigate the spatiotemporal effects of the hurricane on the traffic conditions. The results of the case study suggest that the metrics developed are effective in quantifying the resilience of traffic networks against natural disasters by capturing both the initial impact and recovery. The study showed that the Houston freeway network was not completely recovered from the effects of Hurricane Harvey, even three weeks after the occurrence of the hurricane.
Chapter 6 – Biological Reaction

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the biological reactions in general. It discusses toxicity, cytocompatibility (toxicity to cells), allergic reactions, and metabolism. Toxicity can be measured by the effects on the target—organism, organ, or tissue. Since individuals have different levels of response to the same dose of a toxin, a population-level measure of toxicity is used which relates the probability of an outcome for a given individual in a population. One such measure is the LD50 (lethal dose), which is a concentration measure for a toxin at which 50% of the members of an exposed population die from exposure. Some of the factors that can affect toxicity of a substance are: the route of administration, the time of exposure, the number of exposures, the physical form of the toxin (solid, liquid, gaseous), the genetic makeup of an individual, and an individual's overall health. There are three types of toxic entities: chemical, biological, and physical. The chapter concludes by focusing on the biomechanical compatibility.
Phase Transition and Self-Stabilization of Light-Mediated Metal Nanoparticle Assemblies

Light-mediated self-organization of nanoparticles (NPs) offers a route to study mesoscale electrodynamics interactions in many-body systems. Here we report the phase transition and self-stabilizati...
Airway mir-155 responses are associated with TH1 cytokine polarization in young children with viral respiratory infections

Background MicroRNAs (miRs) control gene expression and the development of the immune system and antiviral responses. MiR-155 is an evolutionarily-conserved molecule consistently induced during viral infections in different cell systems. Notably, there is still an unresolved paradox for the role of miR-155 during viral respiratory infections. Despite being essential for host antiviral TH1 immunity, miR-155 may also contribute to respiratory disease by enhancing allergic TH2 responses and NFkB-mediated inflammation. The central goal of this study was to define how airway miR-155 production is related to TH1, TH2, and pro-inflammatory cytokine responses during naturally occurring viral respiratory infections in young children. Methods Normalized nasal airway levels of miR-155 and nasal protein levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-13, IL-4 were quantified in young children (≤2 years) hospitalized with viral respiratory infections and uninfected controls. These data were linked to individual characteristics and respiratory disease parameters. Results A total of 151 subjects were included. Increased miR-155 levels were observed in nasal samples from patients with rhinovirus, RSV and all respiratory viruses analyzed. High miR-155 levels were strongly associated with high IFN-γ production, increased airway TH1 cytokine polarization (IFN-γ/IL-4 ratios) and increased pro-inflammatory responses. High airway miR-155 levels were linked to decreased respiratory disease severity in individuals with high airway TH1 antiviral responses. Conclusions The airway secretion of miR-155 during viral respiratory infections in young children is associated with enhanced antiviral immunity (TH1 polarization). Further studies are needed to define additional physiological roles of miR-155 in the respiratory tract of human infants and young children during health and disease.
Bumble Bee Traffic Monitoring Using Acoustics

This paper describes an automated system for acoustically monitoring bumble bee arrivals and departures from nests. In the last two decades, ecological research has demonstrated a widespread decline of bumble bees (Bombus spp.). Given that bumble bees are one of the most ecologically and economically important groups of pollinators, it is a priority to develop tools for detecting changes in worker foraging rate as "real-time" indicators of colony health. To collect data for developing these tools, we constructed and deployed artificial domiciles for queens to naturally take as residence. A single microphone was placed inside each nest to record intra-colony acoustics, and the audio from these microphones was processed to automatically report arrivals to and departures from the nest by resident bees. The described system reports time of each arrival or departure along with other features (especially fundamental frequency), providing a foundation for ongoing improvements in remote monitoring that will yield greater insights into bumble bee behavior and colony development.
Modulation of kinase activity within a bacterial membraneless organelle

Abstract Maintenance of robust biochemical signaling is essential for oligotrophic bacteria that survive under fluctuating environmental challenges. We report that a polar membraneless organelle in Caulobacter crescentus forms by phase separation and tunes a critical phospho-signaling pathway to nutrient availability using the hydrotrope effect of ATP. Sequestration of the signaling pathway within this specialized polar microdomain utilizes the phase transition parameters of a disordered protein to regulate the activity of a localized kinase. Under low ATP concentrations, phase separation in the microdomain is reinforced, enhancing kinase activity, and thereby conferring control of a critical cell cycle signaling pathway to the physical properties of the membraneless organelle.
Abstract 5436: Purification and mRNA profiling of extracellular vesicles for early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the 4th most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The poor prognosis of HCC is due to the fact that diagnosis is often made at an advanced stage in disease development. It is crucial to develop a non-invasive liquid biopsy-based diagnostic solution for early detection of HCC. In this study, we developed a covalent chemistry-based nanostructured silicon substrate (“EV Click Chip”) for the isolation of HCC extracellular vesicles (EVs). The EV Click Chip leverages specific click chemistry reactions and sensitive multi-marker cocktail antibody identification of the HCC EVs. The EV Click Chip also allows for the subsequent release of the captured HCC EVs and is optimal for the downstream molecular analysis. A well-validated 10 liver-specific genes were quantified using reverse transcription droplet digital PCR (RT-ddPCR) in HCC EVs purified by the optimized EV Click Chips for the detection of HCC. Our EV Click Chip-based HCC-EV Assay is able to differentiate HCC from non-HCC controls (chronic liver diseases, healthy donors and other cancers) and outperformed clinical AFP test for distinguishing early-stage HCC from at-risk cirrhotic patients. Citation Format: Yi-Te Lee, Na Sun, Ryan Y. Zhang, Rueihung Kao, Pin-Jung Chen, Pai-Chi Teng, Jasmine J. Wang, Yingying Yang, Minhyung Kim, Edwin M. Posadas, Sungyong You, Ju Dong Yang, Vatche G. Agopian, Hsian-Rong Tseng, Yazhen Zhu. Purification and mRNA profiling of extracellular vesicles for early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 5436.
Applying a clinical decision-making model to a patient with severe shoulder pain ultimately diagnosed as neuralgic amyotrophy.

Shoulder symptoms are often encountered in physical therapy and a myriad of etiologies can cause these symptoms, either locally or remotely. The purpose of this case report is to describe the physi...
Birren, Faber B. 1900–1988

Faber Bernard Birren was an American author, historian and consultant on color theory [1]. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, on September 11, 1900, to artistic parents, Joseph P. Birren, a successful landscape painter and a native of Luxembourg, and Crescentia (Lang) Birren, who was a skilled pianist and had two siblings. He is credited as the originator of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) colors. He consulted for the private, public, and governmental sectors and has also been credited as having established the profession of color consultants in 1936. Birren married Wanda LaVerne Martin who was supportive of her husband’s endeavors, and they had two daughters, Zoe and Fay. Faber Birren died on December 30, 1988, in Stamford, CT, USA.
A psychometric assessment of a network social capital scale among sexual minority men and gender minority individuals.

Social capital, the potential for individuals to access resources through group memberships, is linked to a constellation of health outcomes. We modified a previously evaluated Constructed Family Social Capital Scale for gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men who belong to constructed families to create a new measure of social capital within sexual minority men and gender minority individuals’ social networks. Participants were recruited from a Pride festival in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 2018 to complete a cross-sectional survey. This analysis is restricted to 383 participants who identified as sexual minority men or gender minority individuals and completed nine items measuring social capital within their social networks. We conducted exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses to assess factor structure. Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach’s alpha. Reliability was high, indicating the scale’s utility to assess Network Social Capital among sexual minority men and gender minority individuals. A single-factor solution with high factor loadings was found for the nine-item scale. This study extended the psychometric properties of a preliminary social capital instrument modified from a prior study in a different population and context. The modified measure has implications for use among sexual minority men and gender minority individuals to measure social capital within social networks. Previous studies suggest that interventions to enhance social capital among sexual minority men and gender minority individuals may be beneficial for HIV prevention interventions. This tool may be relevant for the evaluation of social capital interventions within networks of sexual minority men and gender minority individuals.
Platelet alpha 2-antiplasmin.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the method used for the detection and quantitation of platelet α -antiplasmin antigen. The currently used purification procedures of α 2 -antiplasmin take advantage of its affinity for the high-affinity lysine-binding site of plasminogen. A competitive inhibition radioimmunoassay of the double-antibody type is used for the quantitation of α -antiplasmin. Because α 2 -antiplasmin is a granule constituent, its secretion can be measured following the stimulation of platelets with typical secretagogues such as thrombin, collagen, or calcium ionophore. The release of α 2 -antiplasmin parallels that of other platelet α -granule constituents, and the simultaneous measurement of a second released protein such as α 2 -thromboglobulin can serve as an excellent control. Because there is no evidence for the retention or reassociation of secreted α 2 -antiplasmin with platelets, the total level of α 2 -antiplasmin antigen measured within detergent lysates of platelets should be attained in releasates, if a full platelet secretory response is elicited.
Forensic Sciences Aspects of Santeria, a Religious Cult of African Origin

The anatomic, cultural, and legal aspects of Santeria, a religious cult of African origin, as experienced by the Dade County Medical Examiner's Office, are presented. Human skeletal parts are generally found in association with an obvious ritual or may be discovered in shallow graves. Their ritualistic use is often suggested by their association with pennies, chicken feathers, evidence of prolonged internment, rust, or accoutrements characteristic of the cult. Although some specimens were obviously purchased or were previously used as anatomic specimens, others have obscure origins. In one instance the source was proven to be a grave robbing that had taken place 30 months earlier. The potential for “voodoo death“ and outright homicide is discussed. It is anticipated that evidence of Santeria rituals will extend to other parts of the United States as Carribbean immigration continues.
The Motivational Implications of Debt Financing

Several commentators in law and in economics have argued that debt financing encourages managers to exert greater effort. For example, Michael Jensen has called debt "an agent for change" and Frank Easterbrook has suggested that leveraging is good because it forces managers to "skate on thin ice". This paper draws on several strands of behavioral theory to demonstrate the complexity of the motivational outcomes of compelling actors to skate on thin ice. Goal setting theory posits that performance is enhanced by the setting of specific goals (as opposed to do-your-best goals) that are proximal and challenging. One might think of debt financing as imposing periodic and specific goals for cash flow production, in contrast to equity financing that is more likely to set do-your-best goals. However, goals that are too challenging can diminish effort or produce an erratic scramble: a person standing on thin ice may well freeze or panic. Perhaps more significant are the ex post motivational consequences of setting specific goals. By clearly demarcating success and failure, specific goals can contribute to a failure that triggers a downward motivational spiral, which in turn spills over into personal, family and other facets of an actor's life (sometimes known as "learned helplessness"). Therefore, to the extent that debt financing produces ex ante motivational benefits that are enjoyed by the firm, it does so at the risk of ex post motivational costs which are at least partly externalized. This suggests one reason why firms may have incentives to be more leveraged than is socially optimal.
Postprocess Control of Listeria monocytogenes on Commercial Frankfurters Formulated with and without Antimicrobials and Stored at 10°C

The antilisterial effect of postprocess antimicrobial treatments on commercially manufactured frankfurters formulated with and without a 1.5% potassium lactate–0.05% sodium diacetate combination was evaluated. Frankfurters were inoculated (ca. 3 to 4 log CFU/cm2) with 10-strain composite Listeria monocytogenes cultures originating from different sources. The inocula evaluated were cells grown planktonically in tryptic soy broth plus 0.6% yeast extract (30°C, 24 h) or in a smoked sausage homogenate (15°C, 7 days) and cells that had been removed from stainless steel coupons immersed in an inoculated smoked sausage homogenate (15°C, 7 days). Inoculated frankfurters were dipped (2 min, 25 ± 2°C) in acetic acid (AA; 2.5%), lactic acid (LA; 2.5%), potassium benzoate (PB; 5%), or Nisaplin (commercial form of nisin; 0.5%, equivalent to 5,000 IU/ml of nisin) solutions, or in Nisaplin followed by AA, LA, or PB, and were subsequently vacuum packaged and stored for 48 days at 10°C. In addition to microbiological anal...
Abraham Lincoln: Prairie Lawyer

In this article, Professor Finkelman discusses the legal career of President Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln is often recognized as one of the United States’ greatest presidents and certainly the most active in his legal career, practicing right up until his inauguration. Professor Finkelman asserts that Lincoln’s legal career had a tremendous influence on his political career, especially in regards to his opinions on slavery.