cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Overview: Climate Change Adaptation in the Agricultural Sector

Agriculture is vulnerable to climate change but has considerable adaptation potential. The sector will be significantly transformed over the next few decades as it incorporates new technology and management and organization, that are in part a response to changing demands from growing population, changing incomes, other competition for land, resource and environmental protection, and the effects of environmental change, including climate change, on agriculture. Adaptation research to date has largely been about educating the sector about potential risks and possible adaptation strategies. As we move to more “client-based” research, these recommendations will need to be more precise and tailored to individual decision-makers. Given the likely changes in the sector, much adaptation information may be delivered to farmers through recommendations on crops, pest management, and other inputs and products delivered by input manufactures and suppliers, and so these organizations will be as, if not more important clients for adaptation research. Research also needs to focus on where markets may fail in being adequately prepared, such as from the risk of abrupt climate change. The challenge ahead for adaptation research is how to come up with concrete, tested, and robust strategies that are responsive to the decision time frames in agriculture (10–20 years), given the significant variability and noise in climate.
Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Adults: Diagnosis and Management

Community-acquired pneumonia is a leading cause of death. Risk factors include older age and medical comorbidities. Diagnosis is suggested by a history of cough, dyspnea, pleuritic pain, or acute functional or cognitive decline, with abnormal vital signs (e.g., fever, tachycardia) and lung examination findings. Diagnosis should be confirmed by chest radiography or ultrasonography. Validated prediction scores for pneumonia severity can guide the decision between outpatient and inpatient therapy. Using procalcitonin as a biomarker for severe infection may further assist with risk stratification. Most outpatients with community-acquired pneumonia do not require microbiologic testing of sputum or blood and can be treated empirically with a macrolide, doxycycline, or a respiratory fluoroquinolone. Patients requiring hospitalization should be treated with a fluoroquinolone or a combination of beta-lactam plus macrolide antibiotics. Patients with severe infection requiring admission to the intensive care unit require dual antibiotic therapy including a third-generation cephalosporin plus a macrolide alone or in combination with a fluoroquinolone. Treatment options for patients with risk factors for Pseudomonas species include administration of an antipseudomonal antibiotic and an aminoglycoside, plus azithromycin or a fluoroquinolone. Patients with risk factors for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus should be given vancomycin or linezolid, or ceftaroline in resistant cases. Administration of corticosteroids within 36 hours of hospital admission for patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia decreases the risk of adult respiratory distress syndrome and length of treatment. The 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide and 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccinations are both recommended for adults 65 years and older to decrease the risk of invasive pneumococcal disease, including pneumonia.
Organic Metals: Recent Synthetic Studies

On the basis of a set of initial guidelines for organic and polymeric metals,1 a series of π-donors have been synthesized for use with acceptors such as tetracyanoquinodimethan (TCNQ) (1).
Bank Consolidation and Systemic Risk: M&A During the 2008 Financial Crisis

This paper analyzes the relationship between bank consolidation and the stability of the financial system within the United States. In particular, we compare mergers and acquisitions of banks during the 2008 financial crisis with those that occurred during stable market conditions in order to determine whether the effects of bank consolidation on the overall economy at all differ depending upon the macroeconomic climate. We calculate the systemic risk measures of MES, SRISK, NSRISK, and ∆CoVaR both before and after a merger so as to capture the consequent merger-related change in an acquirer's exposure as well as contribution to systemic risk. We then conduct difference-in-differences analysis utilizing a non-merging control group to determine whether the change in these risk metrics is truly unique to the merging banks. For MES, NSRISK, and ∆CoVaR, the results indicate that there is a significant decrease in the acquiring banks' risk after the merger for the sample that merged during the crisis. Furthermore, when examining the underlying characteristics driving this difference through the use of a logit model, we find that mergers during the 2008 financial crisis tended to involve acquirers that possessed more diversified sources of income and less leverage than their stable market counterparts. Meanwhile, the targets of these transactions often were less profitable banks with lower tier 1 capital ratios, yet possessed greater shares of deposits making them more vulnerable to the downturn, but also attractive for acquisition. Overall, the findings of this paper suggest that during the 2008 financial crisis healthy banks acquired poorly performing target banks for diversification purposes, potentially driving the observed reduction in systemic risk.
Preventing Early Bouncebacks to the Neurointensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Analysis and Quality Improvement Pilot

Early unplanned readmissions of “bouncebacks” to intensive care units are a healthcare quality metric and result in higher mortality and greater cost. Few studies have examined bouncebacks to the neurointensive care unit (neuro-ICU), and we sought to design and implement a quality improvement pilot to reduce that rate. First, we performed a retrospective chart review of 504 transfers to identify potential bounceback risk factors. Risk factors were assessed on the day of transfer by the transferring physician identifying patients as “high risk” or “low risk” for bounceback. “High-risk” patients underwent an enhanced transfer process emphasizing interdisciplinary communication and rapid assessment upon transfer during a 9-month pilot. Within the retrospective cohort, 34 of 504 (4.7%) transfers required higher levels of care within 48 h. Respiratory failure and sepsis/hypotension were the most common reasons for bounceback among this group. During the intervention, 8 of 225 (3.6%) transfers bounced back, all of who were labeled “high risk.” Being “high risk” was associated with a risk of bounceback (OR not calculable, p = 0.02). Aspiration risk (OR 6.9; 95% CI 1.6–30, p = 0.010) and cardiac arrhythmia (OR 7.1; 95% CI 1.6–32, p = 0.01) were independent predictors of bounceback in multivariate analysis. Bounceback rates trended downward to 2.8% in the final phase (p for trend 0.09). Eighty-five percent of providers responded that the pilot should become standard of care. Patients at high risk for bounceback after transfer from the neuro-ICU can be identified using a simple tool. Early augmented multidisciplinary communication and care for high-risk patients may improve their management in the hospital.
Instrumentation Performance During Long-Term Bridge Monitoring

This paper reviews the performance of a variety of instruments installed in the North Halawa Valley Viaduct for a 10-year monitoring program. Over 200 electrical strain, displacement, temperature and load sensors were installed during construction of the long-span box-girder viaduct on the island of Oahu in 1994. These instruments have been monitored continuously since installation. Comparisons are presented where two types of sensor were used to monitor the same response. Each of the instrumentation systems is evaluated for its performance in monitoring short-term and long-term response. Advantages and disadvantages are presented for each type of sensor used in this project.
Health disparities among adults with voice problems in the United States

Objective To assess differences in access to care and healthcare utilization among adults who reported voice problems in 2012. Study Design Cross-sectional study. Methods The 2012 National Health Interview Survey was utilized to evaluate adults who had a “voice problem in the past 12 months.” Multivariate analyses determined the influence of sociodemographic variables on the prevalence of voice problems in adults and access to care. Results Among 243 million adults in the United States, 17.9 ± 0.05 million adults (7.63% ± 0.21%) report experiencing voice problems. After controlling for age, education, income level, geographic region, and health insurance status, African Americans (odds ratio [OR]: 0.83, P < 0.05), Hispanics (OR: 0.61, P < 0.01), and other minorities (OR: 0.69, P < 0.01) had a lower OR for reporting voice problems in the last year relative to white adults. Among adults with voice problems, Hispanics were more likely to delay care because they could not reach a medical office by telephone (OR: 1.85, P < 0.01) and due to long wait times at the doctor's office (OR: 2.04, P < 0.01) compared to white adults. Adults with voice problems who were a racial minority, low income, or had public health insurance were more likely to postpone care because they lacked a mode of transportation. Conclusion Targeted programs are necessary to address the health disparities and barriers to care among those who suffer from voice problems. Level of Evidence IV. Laryngoscope, 2017
Colitides: diagnostic challenges and a pattern based approach to differential diagnosis

Abstract The etiologies of colonic injury and inflammation are many and varied. The most commonly encountered colitides in clinical practice are associated with inflammatory bowel disease, infection, ischemia, radiation, diverticulosis, and medications. Like the rest of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the colon has a limited set of responses to various types of injury and therefore there is significant overlap between many of these disorders. Microscopic recognition of the pattern of injury is essential in constructing the differential diagnosis and identifying or at least suggesting the possible cause of injury. The aim of this article is to review the most commonly encountered colitides using a practical pattern based approach, to provide some guidance in differentiating between these patterns and to highlight some of the challenges faced by pathologists in approaching such cases in daily practice.
Nested Contexts of Reception: Undocumented Students at the University of California, Central:

This article draws from five focus groups with 35 undocumented students who enrolled in the University of California–Central (UC Central), a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) located in a Latino-majority, working-class community in the heart of the Central Valley, after the passage of the California Dream Act. We develop a framework of nested contexts of reception to argue that students encounter distinct contexts at the local, state, and federal levels that shape their educational incorporation. By considering nested contexts, we reveal how local, state, and federal policies and societal reception combine to help or hinder undocumented students’ success in higher education.
Chemotherapy for CNS GCTs

The conventional therapy for CNS GCTs is irradiation [73], administered either alone (mainly for germinomas) or with chemotherapy (for non-germinomatous GCTs). Germinomas are exquisitely radiosensitive; 65% to 95% 5-year survival rates have been reported for patients with germinomas when the treatment is irradiation alone. Non-germinomatous GCTs are less sensitive to irradiation and the 5-year survival rates for patients afflicted with them range from 20% to 56% [58,82]. Notwithstanding its effectiveness, cranial irradiation may lead to long-term sequelae, including intellectual deterioration, not only in children [27], but also in adults [24]. It may also lead to growth retardation, endocrine dysfunction [22], hearing loss and about a 12% incidence of secondary tumors [52]. Craniospinal irradiation carries the additional morbidity of growth arrest, marrow suppression and damage to the gonadal organs. Reports of long term survivors of CNS GCTs treated with irradiation emphasize its long-term cognitive effects, including difficulties with school and social interactions.
Correlates of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors Among Overweight Hispanic School-aged Children

Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore potential correlates of physical activity and sedentary screen time behaviors among overweight Hispanic school-aged children, ages 7 to 14years. Design and methods We conducted an exploratory correlation analysis using baseline data of 40 child-parent dyads from the "Mind Exercise Nutrition Do It!" program conducted in the Western United States. Results Child self-esteem and parental vegetable intake were moderately associated with physical activity, while parental vegetable intake and child fruit intake were strongly associated with physical activity among males. Physical activity was not significantly associated with body mass index percentile, sedentary screen time behaviors, or body esteem. Only decreased body esteem in males was correlated with sedentary screen time behaviors. Conclusions and practice implications Understanding the correlates of physical activity and sedentary screen time behaviors in this underrepresented population allows nurses to better understand the connections between physical activity and other aspects of well-being in children. Further investigation is needed to determine how these relationships can be incorporated into physical activity interventions that improve the health of overweight Hispanic school-aged children.
Investigation of the thermal conductivity of the pentatellurides (Hf1-XZrXTe5) using the parallel thermal conductance technique.

The pentatelluride materials (Hf1-XZrXTe5) have recently garnered much interest as a potential low temperature thermoelectric material. Their power factor exceeds that of the current Bi2Te3 materials over the temperature range 150 K < T < 350 K. A formidable challenge has been the capability of measuring the thermal conductivity of small needle-like samples (2.0 × 0.05 × 0.1 mm3) such as pentatellurides (HfXZr1-XTe5) due to heat loss and radiation effects. However in order to fully evaluate any material for potential thermoelectric use, the determination of the thermal conductivity of the material is necessary. We have recently developed a new technique called the parallel thermal conductance (PTC) technique to measure the thermal conductivity of such small samples. In this paper we describe the PTC method and measurements of the thermal conductivity of the pentatelluride materials will be presented for the first time. The potential of these materials for low temperature thermoelectric applications will be further evaluated given these results as well as future work and directions will be discussed.
Visualizing the solution: An analysis of the images that accompany solutions-oriented news stories:

This study adds visual analysis to the body of work on solutions journalism. Guided by visual theory focusing on the dominating nature of messages included in visual content versus text, we use con...
The Role of Gas-Phase Reactions during Methane Oxidative Coupling

The objective of this chapter is to place in the proper perspective the effect of gas-phase reactions in the oxidative dimerization of methane. Obviously this concerns mainly the cofeed operation because gas-phase oxygen is not present in the cyclic mode in order to avoid extensive oxidation of the products. Furthermore, by gas-phase reactions we understand the homogeneous reactions that occur in the absence of a catalyst, because it has been proven convincingly by Lunsford’s group (Ito et al. 1987; Campbell, Morales, and Lunsford 1987) and by many others, that the dimerization reaction indeed occurs in the gas phase via surface-initiated methyl radicals. Lane and Wolf (Lane and Wolf 1988) were among the first to study systematically the homogeneous gas-phase dimerization of methane. Prior to our work, most reports were concerned with catalytic effects and very little had been reported regarding homogeneous reactions in the absence of catalysts. At about the same time that our results were published, two other reports appeared in the literature confirming that, indeed, gas-phase reactions were relevant (Asami et al. 1987; Hutchings, Scurrell, and Woodhouse 1988). Thereafter, the gas-phase work has been repeated in many laboratories and the results of our earlier report have been confirmed (van der Wiele, Geerts, and van Kasteren 1990; Hatano et al. 1990). Unfortunately, the effect of the gas-phase reactions has been misinterpreted by many authors and is now seen as the limiting factor in the yield that can be attained in this process. This is only partially true because the real limiting factor is the lack of selective low-temperature catalysts that can operate under conditions in which gas-phase reactions are not significant.
Mechanical ventilation during lobectomy: is this lung behaving as a “baby”?

The annual number of lobectomies substantially increased over the last decade (1). With such increase in the volume of lobectomies it became important to develop guidelines to help establish the optimum intra and postoperative care of these patients. One of the specific areas in need for standardization of care based on the best available evidence is that of mechanical ventilation. The clinical practice guidelines published in the current issue of the Journal of Thoracic Disease constitute a great attempt to provide this much needed guidance (2).
A novel re-targetable application development platform for healthcare mobile applications

The rapid enhancement of central power unit CPU performance enables the development of computationally-intensive healthcare mobile applications for smartphones and wearable devices. However, computationally intensive mobile applications require significant application development time during the application porting procedure when the number of considering target devices operating systems OSs is large. In this paper, we propose a novel retargetable application development platform for healthcare mobile applications, which reduces application development time with maintaining the performance of the algorithm. Although the number of applications target OSs increases, the amount of time required for the code conversion step in the application porting procedure remains constant in the proposed retargetable platform. Experimental results show that our proposed retargetable platform gives reduced application development time compared to the conventional platform with maintaining the performance of the mobile application.
Whole Cell Analysis Ranging from Intercellular Assay to Organ on a Chip

Abstract Current treatments and diagnostic devices will be efficient and successful given that the knowledge of cell and tissue is well known. To understand the sub-micron to macro world that is contained in a cell or tissue on a functional and structural level, a comprehensive method is necessary for not only measurement of physiological parameters but also of its molecular interactions, protein bindings and membrane changes that happen during a natural or stimulus induced phenomena. Several groups have introduced techniques in several areas for measuring of the smallest scale of a biological system, the cell, to organ on chip devices that replicate a small portion of a full organ. In this review, we have categorized those methods based on scale and application and reviewed several views that'll give an overall understanding of current available techniques for such application.
On a Fractional Schr\"odinger equation in the presence of Harmonic potential

In this paper, we establish the existence of ground state solutions for a fractional Schr\"odinger equation in the presence of a harmonic trapping potential. We also address the orbital stability of standing waves. Additionally, we provide interesting numerical results about the dynamics and compare them with other types of Schr\"odinger equations. Our results explain the effect of each term of the Schr\"odinger equation : The fractional power, the power of the nonlinearity and the harmonic potential.
Sensing of citrulline modifications in histone peptides by deep cavitand hosts

Arrayed cavitand:fluorophore sensor complexes can selectively sense small citrulline modifications at arginine residues on post-translationally modified peptides. The sensor can differentiate between different numbers of citrulline modifications, and a simple two-fluorophore, 6-component array can effect cross-reactive discrimination between single modifications in aqueous solution.
Implications of Drug Use Disorders on Spine Surgery.

Background The opioid crisis has been declared a “public health emergency.” Spine surgeons are treating more patients with substance use disorders (SUDs). Objective To investigate the outcomes of patients with SUD who undergo spine surgery. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed on patients with SUD who underwent nonelective spine surgery by orthopedic or neurosurgical staff from 2012 to 2017 at a level 1 trauma center and spine referral center. Three elective cases were excluded. Results A total of 49 patients undergoing 72 surgeries were reviewed. The most common substances of abuse were opioids (44/49 patients; 90%). Of 31 patients using multisubstances (63%), 29 misused opioids. The most common indications for surgery were infection (26/49, 53%), trauma (13/49, 27%), and myelopathy (7/49, 14%). Fusions (35/49, 71%) and irrigation and debridement surgeries (12/49, 24%) predominated. Twenty-nine percent (14/49) of patients had complications, the most common being hardware failure (7/49, 14%). Twenty percent (10/49) of patients left against medical advice and 22% (11/49) did not follow up after hospital discharge. The average length of hospital stay was 22 days. Forty-five percent (22/49) of patients were known to be in a drug program preoperatively versus 39% (19/49) postoperatively. Sixty-five percent (32/49) were prescribed opioids in the immediate postoperative period and 47% (23/49) continued to abuse drugs postoperatively. Conclusions Patients with SUD are at increased risk of complications and inadequate follow-up. Additional studies are warranted to determine whether additional perioperative education, psychiatry consultations, or prescription of opioid addiction treatment regimens will improve drug use cessation and outcomes.
Rank dynamics for functional data

Abstract The study of the dynamic behavior of cross-sectional ranks over time for functional data and the ranks of the observed curves at each time point and their temporal evolution can yield valuable insights into the time dynamics of functional data. This approach is of interest in various application areas. For the analysis of the dynamics of ranks, estimation of the cross-sectional ranks of functional data is a first step. Several statistics of interest for ranked functional data are proposed. To quantify the evolution of ranks over time, a model for rank derivatives is introduced, where rank dynamics are decomposed into two components. One component corresponds to population changes and the other to individual changes that both affect the rank trajectories of individuals. The joint asymptotic normality for suitable estimates of these two components is established. The proposed approaches are illustrated with simulations and three longitudinal datasets: Growth curves obtained from the Zurich Longitudinal Growth Study, monthly house price data in the US from 1996 to 2015 and Major League Baseball offensive data for the 2017 season.
A novel algorithm for refining cerebral vascular measurements in infants and adults.

Abstract Background Comprehensive quantification of intracranial vascular characteristics by vascular tracing provides an objective clinical assessment of vascular structure. However, weak signal or low contrast in small distal arteries, artifacts due to volitional motion, and vascular pulsation are challenges for accurate vessel tracing from 3D time-of-flight (3D-TOF) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) images. New Method A vascular measurement refinement algorithm is developed and validated for robust quantification of intracranial vasculature from 3D-TOF MRA. After automated vascular tracing, centerline positions, lumen radii and centerline deviations are jointly optimized to restrict traces to within vascular regions in the straightened curved planar reformation (CPR) views. The algorithm is validated on simulated vascular images and on repeat 3D-TOF MRA acquired from infants and adults. Results The refinement algorithm can reliably estimate vascular radius and correct deviated centerlines. For the simulated vascular image with noise level of 1 and deviation of centerline of 3, the mean radius difference is below 15.3 % for scan-rescan reliability. Vascular features from repeated clinical scans show significantly improved measurement agreement, with intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) improvement from 0.55 to 0.7 for infants and from 0.59 to 0.92 for adults. Comparison with Existing Methods The refinement algorithm is novel because it utilizes straightened CPR views that incorporate information from the entire artery. In addition, the optimization corrects centerline positions, lumen radii and centerline deviations simultaneously. Conclusions Intracranial vasculature quantification using a novel refinement algorithm for vascular tracing improves the reliability of vascular feature measurements in both infants and adults.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma

This chapter covers chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and its variants as well as its lymph node counterpart, small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). The role of well-established and more experimental immunophenotypic and molecular biomarkers in predicting outcome and need for treatment in CLL/SLL is summarized.
Residency preparation elective courses (and other factors) as predictors of pharmacy residency match rates.

Abstract Introduction The current demand for pharmacy residencies far exceeds supply. The primary purpose of this study was to determine if presence of a pharmacy residency elective course has an effect on the American Society of Health System Pharmacists Residency Matching Program (“the Match”) rates. Methods Data from the 2018 residency match were collected. Independent variables such as presence of a residency preparation elective course, residency track availability, school's affiliation with a residency program, interest in residency (as measured by the number of students enrolled in the Match divided by the number of degrees conferred), age of pharmacy school, first-time 2018 North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination pass rates, number of degrees conferred in 2018, funding status, and geographic region were analyzed to determine factors that could affect or had an association with match rates. Results From 139 accredited pharmacy schools, data from 135 schools of pharmacy were included in this study. The match rate for schools with a residency preparation elective course compared to those without was 61% and 62%, respectively. Following univariate linear regression analysis, availability of a residency course did not significantly affect residency match rates. The covariates of geographic region and funding source were significantly predictive of residency match success. Conclusions The presence of a residency preparation elective course in the curriculum did not have a significant effect on 2018 match rates when accounting for various variables. It is uncertain whether enrollment in such an elective would have an effect on match rates.
Preparing to Work with Generation Z

Members of Generation Z, the incoming generation of college graduates and future members of the workforce, will require specific leadership and support to reach their potential and contribute to the needs of the agriculture industry. This 3-page publication describes Generation Z and offers best-known practices for preparing this generation to contribute to Florida’s agriculture and natural resource industries. Written by Celia Elizabeth Suarez and Valerie McKee and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, August 2018. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc311
Real-world effectiveness of rotavirus vaccines, 2006-19: a literature review and meta-analysis.

Summary Background Since licensure in 2006, rotavirus vaccines have been introduced in more than 100 countries. The efficacy of rotavirus vaccines is variable in settings with different child mortality levels. We did an updated review of the published literature to assess the real-world effectiveness of rotavirus vaccines in a range of settings. Methods In this literature review and meta-analysis, we included observational, post-licensure studies of rotavirus vaccines, published from Jan 1, 2006, to Dec 31, 2019, in English, with laboratory-confirmed rotavirus as the endpoint. In addition to product-specific results for Rotarix (GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Rixensart, Belgium) or RotaTeq (Merck, West Point, PA, USA), we included Rotarix and RotaTeq mixed series, and non-product-specific vaccine effectiveness estimates from countries where Rotarix and RotaTeq are both available. Studies of other infant rotavirus vaccines were excluded because little or no post-licensure data were available. We fitted random-effects regression models to estimate vaccine effectiveness among children younger than 12 months and aged 12–23 months. On the basis of 2017 UNICEF mortality estimates for children younger than 5 years, countries were stratified as having low (lowest quartile), medium (second quartile), or high mortality (third and fourth quartiles). Findings We identified and screened 1703 articles, of which 60 studies from 32 countries were included. 31 studies were from countries with low child mortality, eight were from medium-mortality countries, and 21 were from high-mortality countries. Rotarix vaccine effectiveness against laboratory-confirmed rotavirus among children younger than 12 months old was 86% (95% CI 81–90) in low-mortality countries, 77% (66–85) in medium-mortality countries, and 63% (54–70) in high-mortality countries. Rotarix vaccine effectiveness among children aged 12–23 months was 86% (81–90) in low-mortality countries, 54% (23–73) in medium-mortality countries, and 58% (38–72) in high-mortality countries. RotaTeq vaccine effectiveness among children younger than 12 months was 86% (76–92) in low-mortality countries and 66% (51–76) in high-mortality countries. RotaTeq vaccine effectiveness among children aged 12–23 months was 84% (79–89) in low-mortality countries. There was no substantial heterogeneity (I2 range: 0–36%). Median vaccine effectiveness in low-mortality countries was similar for Rotarix (83%; IQR 78–91), RotaTeq (85%; 81–92), mixed series (86%; 70–91), and non-product-specific (89%; 75–91) vaccination. Interpretation Rotavirus vaccines were effective in preventing rotavirus diarrhoea, with higher performance in countries with lower child mortality. Funding None.
CD317 puts the brakes on dendritic cell trafficking to the CNS.

Myelin-reactive immune cell attack in multiple sclerosis (MS) causes inflammatory demyelinating lesions in the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in an array of neurological complications, which may result in permanent disability (1). The first episode of neurological symptoms is termed “clinically isolated syndrome” (CIS). Arresting disease pathogenesis during CIS is crucial to prevent progression to MS. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that favor conversion of CIS to MS is essential for timely prevention of CNS autoimmunity leading to neurodegeneration and permanent disability. In PNAS, Manouchehri et al. identify a dendritic cell subset that is crucial for initiating neuroinflammation and may be an important clinical target during conversion from CIS to clinically definite MS (2). While many factors are hypothesized to participate in MS pathogenesis, it is well established that demyelination is driven by the activation and trafficking of autoreactive T cells into the CNS. Several effective treatments have been developed to prevent T cell trafficking into the CNS, including fingolimod and natalizumab (3). Fingolimod is a sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulator that sequesters T cells in lymph nodes. Natalizumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets the α4 chain of very late antigen-4 (VLA-4, also known as α4β1), which is an integrin that is necessary for leukocyte trafficking into the CNS. Although MS was initially thought to be primarily driven by autoreactive T cells, advances in the field have revealed important roles for other leukocytes—especially those involved in antigen presentation and T cell priming. B cells have been shown to be important antigen-presenting cells and producers of proinflammatory cytokines (4). Depletion of B cells using rituximab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the CD20 antigen expressed by B cells, has shown efficacy in MS (5). However, there are no current therapies specifically targeting other antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells or monocyte-derived macrophages. … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence may be addressed. Email: mayhan{at}stanford.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Emergency department-based efforts to offer medication treatment for opioid use disorder: What can we learn from current approaches?

Abstract Background The opioid epidemic remains a public health crisis and most people with opioid use disorder (OUD) do not receive effective treatment. The emergency department (ED) can be a critical entry point for treatment. EDs are developing and implementing ED-based efforts to address OUD to improve access to OUD treatment. This study's objective is to identify features of ED-based OUD treatment programs that relate to program implementation, effectiveness, and sustainability. Methods We obtained data through literature review and semistructured interviews with ED physicians and leaders. The study analyzed these data to develop a framework of key components of ED-based efforts and highlight barriers and facilitators to implementation and program effectiveness. Results We identify five key features of ED-based opioid treatment programs that vary across programs and may influence effectiveness and impact: patient identification methods; treatment approaches; program structure; relationship with community partners; and financing and sustainability. Successful implementation of ED-based OUD treatment includes having a champion, a reliable referral network, and systematic tracking and reporting of data for monitoring and feedback. Conclusion Going forward, attention to these features may help to improve effectiveness. As researchers conduct studies of ED-based care models, they should assess the impact of variation in key features to improve program effectiveness.
A Novel, Model-Based, Specification-Driven Embedded Software Integration Platform

This paper presents a model-based, specification-driven Embedded Software integration Platform (ESiP) we refer to as Ensemble. Its primary objective is to shorten the portion of the embedded systems' life cycle accelerating their paths from conceptualization through design, development, testing, verification, and transition into production and maintenance. The platform achieves this objective by heavily relying on automation of model and code synthesis for portions of embedded software which are not essential to the software's core functionality, but critical for the overall requirements of compatibility and interoperability of embedded applications with modern deployment ecosystems. This partially relieves the burden placed on embedded application developers allowing them to focus on the application core without being overburdened by interoperability and portability constraints of their application, thus reducing the overall cost of the development process. The paper introduces a new, declarative meta-language called Ensemble iSpec, which allows to define system of system, data type definition, build, and deployment specifications. The paper then presents Ensemble ESiP architecture which relies on iSpec for development and integration automation. We describe common workflows used in embedded system design automation using Ensemble platform. The paper also works through three case studies illustrating how the platform helps in embedded system test and evaluation, integration and deployment, as well as how it applies to development of complex systems of systems simultaneously targeting heterogeneous deployment environments consisting of real-time, embedded platforms, cloud computing platforms as well as so-called edge segments bridging the gaps between “clouds and embedded boxes”.
Subjective Evaluation and Vehicle Behavior in Lane-Change Maneuvers

Subjective evaluations are commonly used to assess the handling qualities of a vehicle. A statistical study indicates that the handling characteristics of a vehicle are closely associated with its behavior in lane-change maneuvers. On a test track various lane-change distances and offsets have been set up to study the effect of speed and lane-change angle on the rating. From these results, it is possible to ascertain objective data that contribute to the driver's subjective rating.
"Nightmare of the Uncoordinated White-Folk": Race, Psychoanalysis, and Borderline

Among Europe's experimental films from the 1920s and 30s, perhaps none offers a more fascinating conjunction of psychoanalysis and representations of race than Borderline , the expressionist, interracial melodrama produced by the POOL group and directed by Kenneth Macpherson. The film starred Paul and Eslanda Robeson, imagist poet H. D., and her lesbian companion, Bryher. The POOL group derived from an artistic and domestic menage a trois among H. D. (Hilda Doolittle), Bryher (Winifred Ellerman) , and writer-photographer Macpherson, who married Bryher to conceal his romantic involvement with H. D. in the late 20s. This
The View from DSQ

Analysis of publications in Disability Studies Quarterly between 2000-2012. Data and discussion concerning: the number of articles published; the number of articles collaboratively (or individually) authored; the kind and range of fields/disciplines that DSQ -published authors work in; the kind and range of methodologies generating DSQ- published research; the key terms for DSQ publications during this 13-year period (focusing both on titles and keywords). Conclusion summarizes trends and key points from the analysis and suggests a few points of further engagement for the future of Disability Studies. Keywords: Disability Studies Quarterly ; methodologies; disciplines/fields; collaboration
Efficacious immunomodulatory activity of the chemokine stromal cell–derived factor 1 (SDF-1): local secretion of SDF-1 at the tumor site serves as T-cell chemoattractant and mediates T-cell–dependent antitumor responses

The chemokine stromal cell–derived factor 1 (SDF-1) is essential for perinatal viability, B lymphopoiesis, and bone marrow myelopoiesis, and is a potent monocyte and T-lymphocyte chemoattractant. Interactions of SDF-1 with its receptor CXCR4 have been implicated in CD34+ cell migration and homing. Here it is shown that human SDF-1β (hSDF-1β) alone secreted by hSDF-1β–transduced tumor cells promotes efficacious antitumor responses. The murine C1498 leukemia and B16F1 melanoma models have been studied. For expression of hSDF-1β by tumor cells (SDF-tumor cells), packaging cell lines secreting retroviruses encoding hSDF-1β have been used. The results demonstrate that 50% (B16F1) and 90% (C1498) of naive mice injected with SDF-tumor cells reject their tumors. Prophylactic vaccination of naive mice with irradiated SDF-tumor cells leads to systemic immunity, and therapeutic vaccination leads to cure of established tumors. Mice that previously rejected live SDF-tumor cells are immune to the rejected tumor but susceptible to another tumor and have in vitro tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity. SDF-tumor cells are not rejected by immunodeficientscid mice. Immunohistochemistry shows significant infiltration of SDF-1 tumors by T cells, and in vivo T-cell depletion studies indicate that CD4+ T cells are required for SDF-mediated tumor rejection. In conclusion, the present data suggest that SDF-1/CXCR4 interactions have the potential to regulate efficacious antitumor immune responses; exploitation of these interactions may lead to novel therapeutic interventions.
Understanding and improving ultrasonic inspection of jet-engine titanium alloy

Commercial titanium alloy is widely used in the rotating components of aircraft engines. To ensure the safety and longer lifetime of these critical parts, the demand to detect smaller defects becomes more and more important. Ultrasonic inspection is a routine non-destructive evaluation (NDE) method adopted by the aircraft engine manufacturers. However, the detection of smaller defects in such materials is made difficult by the complicated ultrasound-microstructure interactions, such as the high backscattered grain noise levels and serious signal fluctuations. The high grain noise acts to mask small flaw signals and severe signal fluctuations may cause confusions in flaw detection or characterization. The objective of this research is to develop a more complete understanding of these phenomena to guide solutions that would address those problems. In Chapter 1, the relationships between ultrasonic properties (velocity, attenuation, and backscattered grain noise) and the microstructure are investigated for a series of specimens cut from representative Ti-6A1-4V forgings. Close correlation between the ultrasonic properties and the forging deformation parameters are observed. A model was developed to correlate backscattered grain noise levels with microstructural variations that arise from the inhomogeneous plastic deformation during forging. The microstructural information include the global average grain volume, local grain elongation, local grain orientation relative to the incident beam and the local texture. The model is used to predict the FOM (Figure of Merit), GPN (Gated-Peak-Noise) and the noise angular dependence in the forging specimens. In all cases, the experiments and predictions agree reasonably well. The spatial correlation of backscattered ultrasonic grain noise has important implications in practical inspections. In Chapter 2 of this thesis, an existing backscattered grain noise theory based on the single scattering assumption and the "Born" approximation is extended, leading to a formal theory predicting the spatial correlation of the backscattered grain noise.
The prospects for sequencing the western corn rootworm genome

Historically, obtaining the complete sequence of eukaryotic genomes has been an expensive and complex task. For this reason, efforts to sequence insect genomes have largely been confined to model organisms, species that are important to human health and representative species from a few insect orders. This situation is set to change as a number of ‘next generation’ sequencing technologies are making large-scale DNA sequencing both affordable and accessible. Sequencing the genome of the western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, is likely to become a realistic proposition within the next 2 years. In the meantime, there is an active community of Diabrotica geneticists and biologists who are working to assemble the resources that will be needed for a genome sequencing project. A western corn rootworm genome sequence will be an invaluable resource that will facilitate research into the genetics, evolution and ecology of a major pest of maize agriculture in North America and Europe.
Solid optics: a review

Solid Optics (SO) is 3D optics without air spaces. In some respects it is a 3D version of Integrated Optics (IO), but it shares many features with Conventional Optics (CO) that IO cannot share. After a general comparison of SO, IO, and CO; we note that for many purposes SO is the best choice. We then discuss general approaches, geometries, and figures of merit for SO systems. The final main topic is a review of the two main types of SO system: linear and right-angle.
Critical Velocities in Superfluid Flow through Orifices

A number of recent experiments1–3 on the flow of superfluid helium have found an “intrinsically limited” flow which behaves qualitatively as predicted by Iordanskii and by Langer and Fisher for flow limited by homogeneous nucleation of quantized vortex rings.4–6
Ab initio calculated gas-phase basicities of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons

Abstract The gas-phase basicities (GBs) of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been calculated using the semiempirical Austin model 1 method, ab initio quantum mechanical methods at the HF/3-21G, HF/6-31G(d), MP2/6-31G(d), MP2/6-31+G(d,p) levels, and the B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) density functional method. GBs calculated at these levels of theory are compared to experimentally known GBs measured by equilibrium mass spectrometric methods. Theoretically calculated entropies for PAHs and their protonated carbocations are used to reevaluate original experimental equilibrium data producing a revised set of experimental GBs and proton affinities for PAHs and related hydrocarbons. Experimental GBs for 40 hydrocarbons are found to correlate well with AM1, Hartree–Fock, DFT and MP2 calculated GBs, with regression analyses showing standard errors of 2.12, 1.53, 1.36, and 1.55 kcal mol −1 for each of the four methods, respectively. The results permit an evaluation of the reliability of experimental data and suggest a need for new experimental work for some molecules. Predictions are made for GBs for 12 new PAHs whose GBs have not yet been measured.
Suppression of anti-cancer immunity by regulatory T cells: back to the future.

Abstract Suppressor/regulatory T cells were first shown to have an impact on cancer progression in experimental tumor models during the 1970s. However, the lack of specific markers hindered mechanistic investigations, and skepticism grew in the scientific community due to variability in cell populations and reported functions. The identification of regulatory CD4+CD25+ T cells has generated a great deal of renewed interest in cells that have immune regulatory properties. This article will provide a brief historical review of suppressor T cells and cancer, experimental and clinical evidence that CD4+CD25+ natural regulatory T cells play a role in cancer progression, and briefly discuss current strategies to inhibit these cells in an effort to enhance cancer immunotherapy.