cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reflection of soft X‐rays by organic fibers

An artifact observed in point projection microradiographs of polymeric fiber and filaments obtained with 8-A. x-rays is recorded and described. The phenomenon has been related to fiber-beam geometry and the high reflection efficiency of soft x-rays for these materials.
Extraction of functional regularity in datapath circuits

Datapath circuits exhibit a very high degree of regularity, which is exploited by designers to generate layouts with a high density and performance as well as to reduce the overall design effort. Regularity in a datapath circuit manifests itself at functional, structural, and topological levels. Functional regularity of a circuit implies the existence of logically equivalent subcircuits-a common feature of datapath circuits. We present a new and comprehensive approach to extract functional regularity for datapath circuits from their high-level or gate-level descriptions. The key step is the generation of a large set of templates, where a template is a subcircuit with multiple instances in the circuit. Two novel template generation algorithms are presented-one for templates with a tree structure, and the other for a special class of multioutput templates, called single-principal-output-graph (SPOG) templates, where all outputs of a template are in the transitive fanin of a particular output. The set of templates generated is shown to be complete under a few simplifying, yet practical, assumptions, which is key in obtaining a desirable cover of the circuit using templates. We present a few extensions to our regularity extraction approach to demonstrate its generality; these extensions include hierarchical representation of regularity and generation of instances of user-specified templates. We show that the generation of the above two classes of templates results in good covers for datapath circuits with a regular bus structure, including several International Conference on Computer-Aided Design benchmark circuits. The regularity extracted from these circuits can be used to easily understand their structure. We have successfully used our approach to identify bit slices of very large datapath circuits from general-purpose microprocessors.
Guiding endothelial progenitor cell tube formation using patterned fibronectin surfaces

Engineering vascular networks is a key initiative in regenerative medicine. Moreover, control over the formation of organized vascular networks in vitro may facilitate their rapid and functional integration with the host vasculature after implantation. The extracellular matrix provides a structural platform for endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) to differentiate and assemble into a tubular structure. We demonstrate that optimized, patterned fibronectin surfaces guide the ordered adhesion of human EPCs, maintain EPC responsiveness to tumor necrosis factor-α, support their elongation along the culture period, and enhance von Willebrand factor expression. Using fibrin gel as the three-dimensional milieu allows the assembly of unidirectional chains and formation of tubular structures. High-resolution analysis shows a distinctive lumen, as well as numerous Weibel Palade bodies and caveolae, all indicating a typical progression in vascular morphogenesis and the angiogenic process. Altogether, this approach allows us to engineer the formation of well-organized vascular structures in vitro.
Operational Space Technology for Global Vegetation Assessment

The main goal of global agriculture and the grain sector is to feed 6 billion people. Frequent droughts causing grain shortages, economic disturbances, famine, and losses of life limit the ability to fulfill this goal. To mitigate drought consequences requires a sound early warning system. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has recently developed a new numerical method of drought detection and impact assessment from the NOAA operational environmental satellites. The method was tested during the past eight years, adjusted based on users' responses, validated against conventional data in 20 countries, including all major agricultural producers, and was accepted as a tool for the diagnosis of grain production. Now, drought can be detected 4–6 weeks earlier than before, outlined more accurately, and the impact on grain reduction can be predicted long in advance of harvest, which is most vital for global food security and trade. This paper addresses all these issues and also discusses E...
Tribbles-1: a novel regulator of hepatic lipid metabolism in humans

The protein tribbles-1, encoded by the gene TRIB1, is increasingly recognized as a major regulator of multiple cellular and physiological processes in humans. Recent human genetic studies, as well as molecular biological approaches, have implicated this intriguing protein in the aetiology of multiple human diseases, including myeloid leukaemia, Crohn's disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), dyslipidaemia and coronary artery disease (CAD). Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have repeatedly identified variants at the genomic TRIB1 locus as being significantly associated with multiple plasma lipid traits and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in humans. The involvement of TRIB1 in hepatic lipid metabolism has been validated through viral-mediated hepatic overexpression of the gene in mice; increasing levels of TRIB1 decreased plasma lipids in a dose-dependent manner. Additional studies have implicated TRIB1 in the regulation of hepatic lipogenesis and NAFLD. The exact mechanisms of TRIB1 regulation of both plasma lipids and hepatic lipogenesis remain undetermined, although multiple signalling pathways and transcription factors have been implicated in tribbles-1 function. Recent reports have been aimed at developing TRIB1-based lipid therapeutics. In summary, tribbles-1 is an important modulator of human energy metabolism and metabolic syndromes and worthy of future studies aimed at investigating its potential as a therapeutic target.
Unexpected complexity in a traditional usability study

This article is a case study of a demonstration project intended to prove the value of usability testing to a large textbook publishing house. In working with a new client, however, the research team discovered that what our client thought were simple problems for their users were actually complex problems that required the users to evaluate potential solutions in a surprisingly complex context of use. As Redish (2007) predicted, traditional ease of use measures were "not sufficient" indicators and failed to reveal the complex nature of the tasks. Users reported high levels of satisfaction with products being tested and believed they had successfully completed tasks which they judged as easy to complete when, in fact, they unknowingly suffered failure rates as high as 100%. The study recommends that usability specialists expand our definition of traditional usability measures so that measures include external assessment by content experts of the completeness and correctness of users' performance. The study also found that it is strategically indispensable for new clients to comprehend the upper end of complexity in their products because doing so creates a new space for product innovation. In this case, improving our clients' understanding of complexity enabled them to perceive and to take advantage of a new market niche that had been unrealized for decades.
Nonfunctioning pituitary tumors

Clinically nonfunctioning adenomas range from being completely asymptomatic, and therefore detected either at autopsy or as incidental findings on head MRI or CT scans performed for other reasons, to causing significant hypothalamic/pituitary dysfunction and visual field compromise due to their large size. Patients with incidental adenomas should be screened for hypersecretion (prolactin, insulin-like growth factor 1, midnight salivary cortisol) and for hypopituitarism (macroadenomas). In the absence of hypersecretion, hypopituitarism, or visual field defects, patients may be followed by periodic screening by MRI for enlargement, at which point surgery may be necessary. Symptomatic patients with clinically nonfunctioning adenomas are generally treated by transsphenoidal surgery. Postoperative MRIs are done at 3-4 months after surgery to assess for completeness of resection and then repeated yearly for 3-5 years and subsequently less frequently to assess for regrowth. For those with no visible tumor on MRI, the tumor regrowth rate is about 13% and such patients may be followed with periodic MRIs. For those with visible tumor, the tumor regrowth rate is about 40%. This regrowth rate may be substantially reduced with the use of dopamine agonists and radiotherapy.
The effects of pre-analysis sample handling on human plasma amino acid concentrations.

Abstract Background The accurate and reliable quantification of amino acid concentrations in human plasma is important for the investigation of a number of diseases. However, few systematic studies investigating the changes in amino acid concentrations related to blood collection and storage conditions have been completed. Methods Blood samples were collected with EDTA-Na 2 from 3 healthy volunteers and subjected to a number of different treatments; hemolysis, temperature after blood collection, time from blood collection to cooling, the influence of platelets, long term storage conditions, and repeated freeze–thaw cycles. Changes in the concentrations of 22 amino acids were determined using an Amino Acid Analyzer. Results Of the conditions influencing sample stability between blood collection and amino acid analysis, hemolysis, temperature after blood collection, and long-term storage at − 20 °C affected the concentrations of 11 amino acids. Time from blood collection to cooling, platelet contamination and repeated freeze–thaw cycles altered the levels of 4 amino acids. Conclusions We observed changes in amino acid concentrations relating to blood collection and storage conditions. If attention is paid to 4 key factors (hemolysis, temperature immediately following blood collection, time from collection to cooling, and long-term storage temperature) 19 amino acids can be reliably quantified.
Indo-1 can simultaneously detect Ba2+ entry and Ca2+ blockade at a plasma membrane calcium channel

The fluorescent chelator Indo-1 can make simultaneous determinations of two intracellular ion concentrations, such as [Ca2+] and [Cd2+], or [Ca2+] and [Ba2+], in a normal cell suspension. The second ion can be detected even if its spectrum when bound to Indo-1 is same as for the calcium-bound or the ion-free Indo-1, as long as there is a change in height. This is because the mathematical analysis uses not only the spectral shape, but also takes into account increases in total signal intensity. For maximum accuracy, whole spectra were analyzed. When 3 mM [Ba2+] was added to a B cell line that had been stimulated with antiimmunoglobulin to open receptor operated calcium channels, there was a sudden drop in 400 nm Indo-1 fluorescence. Spectral analysis showed that this was due to a drop in intracellular [Ca2+], which was consistent with blockage of the receptor-operated calcium current by extracellular Ba2+. The conductance for Ba2+ was also observable as a slow rise in total fluorescence. There was also a slow increase in intracellular [Ca2+] as barium accumulated in the cell, which was tentatively attributed to blockage of the plasma membrane calcium pump by intracellular Ba2+.
Optimization of Permanent Mold Mechanical Property Test Bars in A356 Alloy Using a New Mold Design

Using separately cast test bars is a quick and convenient method of determining as-cast metal quality in the foundry—although such results are only representative of the section of a casting solidifying at the same rate as the test bar. Unfortunately the current standard test bar mold suffers from shrinkage porosity which detracts from best properties. In this work computer simulation has been utilized to predict and design an improved permanent mold test bar mold. A356 alloy has been melted and treated with best metal cleaning practices (degassing, filtration) in order to assess the effect of clean metal as a baseline (Phase 1) of this research prior to microstructural enhancements (modification, grain refinement, SDAS) which is Phase 2 of this research.
Enabling Network Anti-Inference via Proactive Strategies: A Fundamental Perspective

Network inference is an effective mechanism to infer end-to-end flow rates and has enabled a variety of applications (e.g., network surveillance and diagnosis). This paper is focused on the opposite side of network inference, i.e., how to make inference inaccurate, which we call network anti-inference. As most research efforts have been focused on developing efficient inference methods, a design of anti-inference is largely overlooked. Anti-inference scenarios can rise when network inference is not desirable, such as in clandestine communication and military applications. Our objective is to explore network dynamics to provide anti-inference. In particular, we consider two proactive strategies that cause network dynamics: transmitting deception traffic and changing routing to mislead the inference. We build an analytical framework to quantify the induced inference errors of the proactive strategies that maintain limited costs. We find by analysis and simulations that for deception traffic, a simple random transmission strategy can achieve inference errors on the same order of the best coordinated transmission strategy, while changing routing can cause the inference errors of higher order than any deception traffic strategy. Our results not only reveal the fundamental perspective on proactive strategies, but also offer the guidance into the practical design of anti-inference.
Case Study and Technical Countermeasures of Conductor Adhesion with Phase Twin Bundled and Vertical Arrangement for 220 kV Overhead Transmission Line

The paper introduced the fault condition and case study of conductor adhesion with phase twin bundled and vertical arrangement for 220 kV overhead transmission line in Zhejiang Power Network,put forward and implemented the effective and technical countermeasures for overhead transmission line with phase twin bundled and vertical arrangement in new build or in operation,which can avoid or prevent the similar fault occurred on overhead transmission line,and have positive and guidance meaning.
Salt-tolerance Identification of Several Rice Varieties

The salt tolerance of six different types of rice varieties from different regions were identified by adding salt artificially in the experimental farm of Shandong Rice Research Institute.The field of moderate fertility was selected to implement the experiment.The results indicated that their salt tolerance showed possibly as IR36 R998 LiaojingzaShengdao14 Hanyanyou 1Yangliangyou 6.
Apocrine cystadenoma arising in a nevus sebaceus of Jadassohn

An increased incidence of benign and malignant adnexal tumors has been noted to occur within the nevus sebaceus of Jadassohn. We report a case of a 41-year-old white woman with a blue cyst on her scalp which had recently developed within a congenital "birthmark." Excision of the lesion revealed that the nodule was an apocrine cystadenoma within a nevus sebaceus of Jadassohn. The clinical features of nevus sebaceus with apocrine cystadenoma are discussed and the various tumors which may arise within the nevus sebaceus are reviewed.
Mastering the Mug Shot

This project uses a case study of an elected official’s booking mug shot to examine the way political actors engage in embodied performance to maintain their image in visual media. Mug shots are images that are ostensibly equalizing and represent a long-standing link between law enforcement, journalism and visual culture. Released through the “gates” of law enforcement, they are imbued with a connotation of guilt even though they are created prior to a person’s conviction. Using mixed methods, including textual analysis, field observations and interviews, this case study examined the way journalists covered the mugshot booking of former Texas Governor Rick Perry. The event was widely proclaimed a victory rather than a ritual of shame. The study suggests that the governor and his staff engaged in embodied gatekeeping by orchestrating the events leading up to his booking photo which impeded journalists in their effort to independently control their narratives.
A partnership approach to providing on-site HIV services for probationers and parolees: a pilot study from Alabama, USA.

Introduction : HIV in the United States is concentrated in the South, an impoverished region with marked health disparities and high rates of incarceration, particularly among African Americans. In the Deep South state of Alabama, a policy directive to reduce prison overcrowding has diverted large numbers of convicted felons to community supervision. Probation and parole offices have yet to provide the HIV education and testing services that are offered in state prisons. This study sought to implement on-site HIV services for probationers and parolees through an intersectoral programme involving law enforcement, university and HIV agency employees. The three main objectives were to (1) involve probation/parole officers in planning, execution and assessment of the programme, (2) provide HIV education to the officers and (3) offer voluntary pretest HIV counselling and testing to probationers and parolees. Methods : The partnered programme was conducted between October and December 2015. Offenders who were recently sentenced to probation (“new offenders”), received HIV education during orientation. Offenders already under supervision prior to the programme (“current offenders”) learned about the on-site services during scheduled office visits. Outcomes were measured through officer assessments, informal feedback and uptake of HIV services among offenders. Results : A total of 86 new and 249 current offenders reported during the programme ( N =335). Almost one-third (31.4%) of new offenders sought HIV testing, while only 3.2% of current offenders were screened for HIV. Refusals among current offenders invoked monogamy, time pressures, being tested in prison, fear of positive test results and concerns about being labelled as gay or unfaithful to women partners. Officers rated the programme as worthwhile and feasible to implement at other offices. Conclusions : The partnership approach ensured support from law enforcement and intersectoral cooperation throughout the programme. HIV training for officers reduced discomfort over HIV and fostered their willingness to be active agents for referral to HIV services. Voluntary testing was enhanced by the HIV employee’s educational role, particularly during orientation sessions for new offenders. The almost one-third success rate in HIV testing among new offenders suggests that future efforts should concentrate on this group in order to maximize participation at the probation and parole office. Keywords: community-based HIV partnership; probation and parole; HIV education and testing. (Published: 18 July 2016) Citation: Lichtenstein B et al. Journal of the International AIDS Society 2016, 19(Suppl 3) :20868 http://www.jiasociety.org/index.php/jias/article/view/20868 | http://dx.doi.org/10.7448/IAS.19.4.20868
The Antitrust Goal(s): Is There a Pattern?

This paper presents a retrospective analysis of the evolution of antitrust goals and its relation to competition systems through the existing case law. The positive and analytical perspective adopted through this study seeks to respond to the following question: Is there a pattern in international comparative antitrust enforcement that reveals a shift from pluralistic goal-structure enforcement towards economic efficiency and consumer welfare-structure enforcement?There are currently more than one hundred and fifteen competition systems worldwide that have incorporated an agency responsible for the enforcement of competition policy. While each competition system may have individual traits, there are several shared characteristics, trends and dynamics across systems. Many competition systems have been adopted in their respective jurisdictions after post-conflict periods, notably in the post-cold war era during the 90’s. The implementation of competition policies is seen as a necessary tool to establish democratic regimes. Each of these competition systems pursues its goals depending upon the socio-economic and political context in which are embedded. However, eventually, it might be observed that consumer welfare prevails over other goals. As democracies consolidate the other goals are shifted to other spheres other than competition policy that focuses on consumer welfare.
Diabetes and Exercise: The Role of the Athletic Trainer

Abstract Objective: To identify the role that exercise plays in the management of diabetes mellitus and to provide the reader with guidelines for preventing and treating exercise-related complications. Data Sources: MEDLINE was searched from 1985 to 1996 using the key words “diabetes,” “exercise,” “Type I diabetes,” and “athlete.” Data Synthesis: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by an abnormally elevated blood glucose level. It is a disease that has long-term ramifications for the body's organ systems. The primary goal of diabetes management is to normalize the blood glucose level. Exercise, along with dietary modifications and insulin, is an important component of the management scheme. While exercise is not consistently associated with improvements in long-term blood glucose control, it does lead to other benefits that may reduce the severity and number of diabetes-related complications. Conclusions/Recommendations: The athletic trainer can help athletes with diabetes to compete safely by understanding their unique physiologic responses to exercise, as well as the risks and benefits of exercise.
Residents' perception of local brownfields in rail corridor area in the City of Roanoke: the effect of people's preconception and health concerns factors

This article examines preferences of residents for nearby brownfield sites and the factors affecting preferences. 200 residents in neighborhoods along the railyard in the City of Roanoke, Virginia, participated in a survey of their preferences for different brownfield scenes. Results indicate that scenes with historical landmarks and maintained landscapes received the highest ratings, regardless of preconceptions and health concerns. These are viewed less critically and thus could mask possible harms. In contrast, scenes with scruffy vegetation and rundown buildings revealed mixed preferences. For these types, participant preferences for change versus preservation fluctuated. Lastly, scenes with industrial remnants were preferred the least. Participants tended to associate these types with toxic pollutants that may adversely affect health. This suggests that planners need to convince people that these sites can be reused if they are cleaned up. The results are used to develop more effective engagement str...
Filtered refocusing: a volumetric reconstruction algorithm for plenoptic-PIV

A new algorithm for reconstruction of 3D particle fields from plenoptic image data is presented. The algorithm is based on the technique of computational refocusing with the addition of a post reconstruction filter to remove the out of focus particles. This new algorithm is tested in terms of reconstruction quality on synthetic particle fields as well as a synthetically generated 3D Gaussian ring vortex. Preliminary results indicate that the new algorithm performs as well as the MART algorithm (used in previous work) in terms of the reconstructed particle position accuracy, but produces more elongated particles. The major advantage to the new algorithm is the dramatic reduction in the computational cost required to reconstruct a volume. It is shown that the new algorithm takes 1/9th the time to reconstruct the same volume as MART while using minimal resources. Experimental results are presented in the form of the wake behind a cylinder at a Reynolds number of 185.
Abstract 3545: Stromal selective targeting by uPAR retargeted oncolytic measles virus inhibits breast cancer progression

Stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment play an important role in breast cancer progression. Strategies directed against stromal cell components have been investigated in the preclinical and clinical setting. However, few studies have focused on stromal targeting by oncolytic viruses. The urokinase receptor (uPAR) is overexpressed in tumor and stromal cells, and plays a critical role in tumor progression. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antitumor effects of stromal retargeted oncolytic measles virus via urokinase receptor. We rescued and characterized fully retargeted oncolytic measles viruses against human (MV-h-uPA) and murine (MV-m-uPA) urokinase receptor (uPAR). In vitro, MV-m-uPA and MV-h-uPA infected and induced cytotoxicity to human (MDA-MB231, T47D and MCF-7) and murine (4T1) mammary cancer cells in a species specific manner. Efficient MV-m-uPA infection and replication were demonstrated in murine NIH-3T3 mouse fibroblast cells and MS1 murine endothelial cells. Selective infection of murine fibroblasts by the murine uPAR specific MV-m-uPA led to significant inhibition of human breast cancer proliferation in an in vitro 3-D collagen co-culture model of tumor-stromal interactions. To further validate the potential of stromal uPAR targeting as a therapeutic strategy, the effects of MV-uPA were assessed in a human breast cancer xenograft model (MDA-MD231), where tumor cells express human uPAR (target of MV-h-uPA) and the host stroma expresses murine uPAR (target of MV-m-uPA). Tumor bearing mice were treated with MV-h-uPA, MV-m-uPA or combination (MV-h-uPA and MV-m-uPA) by IV administration (3 doses). Surprisingly, MV-m-uPA (selectively targeting mouse uPAR) was associated with a measurable delay in tumor progression while on treatment, as well as prolongation in survival. Combination therapy (MV-m-uPA and MV-h-uPA) was associated with the best antitumor effects in vivo. To further characterize the in vivo effects of stromal uPAR targeting, repeat experiments were performed where tumor bearing mice received prolonged treatment with MV-m-uPA (12 treatments). This approach was shown to be safe and resulted in a significant delay in tumor progression and marked prolongation of survival. These effects were associated with the identification of viable viral particles and viral RNA from MDA-MB231 tumor xenograft treated with MV-m-uPA. In conclusion, our results demonstrate for the first time that oncolytic viral targeting of tumor stroma is feasible and associated with in vivo antitumor effects. These findings further validate the critical role of stromal uPAR in cancer progression. Citation Format: Yuqi Jing, Marcela Toro Bejarano, Krisztina Kovacs, Jaime Merchan. Stromal selective targeting by uPAR retargeted oncolytic measles virus inhibits breast cancer progression. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3545. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3545
Stresses associated with multiple holes whose individual stresses interact

The stress consequences of adding an auxiliary hole in the neighborhood of an original hole are determined from the load-induced thermal information when the geometric discontinuities are sufficien...
Theoretical foundations for scale factor improvement of the disk resonant gyroscope

This paper describes theoretical work that attempts to provide a foundation for experimentally-observed scale factor improvement of the disk resonant gyroscope (DRG) due to nonlinear effects, as observed in [1].
Cervical mucus and contraception: what we know and what we don't.

Abstract Objectives Cervical mucus varies in response to both natural and artificial hormonal changes. It is commonly believed that cervical mucus thinning is associated with normal fertility and that progestogen-induced thickening is an essential contraceptive mechanism. This review aims to broadly summarize our current knowledge about cervical mucus from both a clinical and basic research perspective. Study design We reviewed published literature pertinent to cervical mucus and contraception across scientific disciplines. We first present the most current understanding of the composition of cervical mucus, how it is hormonally regulated, and examine the role of mucus as an immune barrier. We then critically assess the current clinical tests used as surrogate markers for a contraceptive effect. Finally, we review contraceptive studies that have specifically focused on cervical mucus changes. Results Existing research suggests that cervical mucus has potential to be a contraceptive target with unique, multipurpose characteristics. However, methodologic limitations associated with clinical assessments of cervical mucus complicate our understanding of contraceptive treatment effects. Key pathways involved in cervical mucus production with potential as novel nonhormonal contraceptive targets have been identified. Conclusions More research is needed to clarify the role of cervical mucus in current hormonal contraceptives and to support the development of novel nonhormonal cervix-based methods.
Pathogenesis, Immunity and the Role of Microbiome/Probiotics in Enteric Virus Infections in Humans and Animal Models

The gut microbiota has a profound impact on the resistance, pathogenesis, and immunity of enteric viral pathogens. Commensal microbes may prevent the host from infection or enhance infection by altering virus stability, attachment or cellular entry. Additionally, microbiota members can stimulate or suppress host immune responses to the viral infection. In most cases, the gut microbiota plays a role in host resistance against invading enteric viral pathogens; hence, germ-free animals are more susceptible to infection of various enteric pathogens. However, increasing evidence has demonstrated that certain commensal bacteria can enhance enteric viral infection. Exact mechanisms by which specific bacteria carry out these effects are not clearly understood in most instances. In this chapter, human norovirus (HuNoV) and human rotavirus (HRV), the two most important viral pathogens causing gastroenteritis, are chosen for the discussion of the impacts and mechanisms of microbiome–host interactions on viral gastroenteritis. The pathogenesis and immunity of HuNoV and HRV in humans and in germ-free animal models, particularly gnotobiotic (Gn) mice and pigs, and Gn pigs transplanted with human gut microbiota are reviewed. Findings from studies on host–microbiome interactions on the pathogenesis and immunity of the two viruses, and mechanisms of probiotics/prebiotics in ameliorating their infection and diseases, are summarized. Unraveling the role of microbiome and specific probiotics in the infectivity, pathogenesis, and immunity of HuNoV and HRV facilitates the development of strategies for manipulating the microbiome against viral infections. Further studies are needed to improve our understanding of mechanisms underlying host–microbiome interactions in the pathophysiology of enteric viral diseases.
CompulsiveFS: making NVRAM suitable for extremely reliable storage

Byte-addressable, non-volatile memory (NVRAM) technologies such as magnetoresistive random access memory and phase-change memory have recently emerged as viable competitors to Flash RAM. These new technologies have the ability to improve the performance, reliability and power consumption of current storage systems. NVRAM generally operates--in disk-based storage systems--as a low-latency write cache and improves data reliability during a power loss or a system crash. CompulsiveFS takes advantage of the performance benefits recognized when storing persistent metadata in NVRAM and creates a durable file system which improves the reliability of NVRAM-resident data in the face of software errors, hardware failures and system crashes.
Observation of Single Top Quark Production with the D0 Detector

We report on the observation of single top quark production by the D0 collaboration using a dataset of 2.3 fb{sup -1} collected at the Fermilab Tevatron p{bar p} collider. Several multivariate techniques are combined to separate the single top signal from backgrounds. The measured single top cross section is {sigma}{sub tb+tqb} = 3.94 {+-} 0.88 pb. The probability to measure a cross section at this value or higher in the absence of signal is 2.9 x 10{sup -7}, corresponding to a 5.0 standard deviation significance for the presence of signal. The lower limit at the 95% C.L. on the CKM matrix element V{sub tb} is |V{sub tb}| > 0.78. A separate measurement of the t-channel cross section gives {sigma}{sub tqb} = 3.14{sub -0.80}{sup +0.94} pb.
Hepatic enzyme response and hyperpyrexia after severe liver injury

A multi-center experience with 210 severe liver injuries was reviewed to define postoperative changes in hepatic enzyme levels and body temperature profile. The 129 patients who survived initial operation comprised the data base. Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) peaked within 24 hours (750 +/- 92 IU/L, 870 +/- 120 IU/L) and decreased rapidly during the first 4 days. Serum bilirubin was maximal at 7 days, while alkaline phosphatase rose slowly throughout 14 days. Hepatic enzyme elevations were more dramatic after blunt trauma, reflecting greater hepatocellular disruption. Maximum daily temperatures exceeding 38.0 degrees C and 39.0 degrees C were recorded for the first 3 postoperative days in 82 (64%) patients and 14 (11%) patients, respectively. No infectious source was evident in 13 (93%) of 14 patients with severe hyperpyrexia, implicating release of inflammatory mediators associated with major hepatic trauma. Convalescence from severe hepatic injury is marked by release of SGOT and LDH, as well as fever, which may be anticipated during the first 4 days postinjury.
Adversarial Machine Learning: A Literature Review

Machine learning is becoming more and more utilized as a tool for businesses and governments to aid in decision making and automation processes. These systems are also susceptible to attacks by an adversary, who may try evading or corrupting the system. In this paper, we survey the current landscape of research in this field, and provide analysis of the overall results and of the trends in research. We also identify several topics which can better define the categorization.
BIOCHEMICAL COMPARISON OF GENETICALLY-DIFFERENT HOMOZYGOUS CLONES (ISOGENIC, UNIPARENTAL LINES) OF THE SELF-FERTILIZING FISH RIVULUS MARMORATUS POEY

ABSTRACT: The lactate (LDH) and malate (MDH) dehydrogenases, α-naphthyl acetate (α-NA) and -butyrate (α-NB) hydrolyzing esterases, and superoxide dismutases (SOD) of three clones of R. marmoratus were investigated employing starch gel electrophoresis.
Why Brain Images (Probably) Should Not Be Used in US Criminal Trials

The data discussed strongly suggest that neural imaging does not unduly sway judges and jurors; in fact, it is often counterproductive. The percentage of appellate cases in which the decision was favorable to defendants with brain scan data mirrored those of decisions without such proffered evidence. Moreover, fully two-thirds of the scans admitted were either inconclusive or showed normal brain structures. In decisions referencing brain scans, judges mentioned defendant behavior significantly more often than they referred to the defendant’s brain. Finally, in the actual decisions themselves, judges often ignored relevant imaging data in favor of case precedent or misinterpreted the data so that they would fit with the judges’ initial reactions and opinions.
Improving nuclear morphometry imaging with real-time and low-cost line-scanning confocal microendoscope

Fiber-optic endomicroscopy is a minimally invasive tool to probe disease progression with subcellular resolution. In this Letter, we demonstrate a low-cost and compact fluorescence microendoscope capable of line-scanning confocal imaging by synchronizing a digital light projector with a CMOS camera. We present the digital aperture design to enable real-time confocal imaging, and we implement parallel illumination to improve the optical sectioning performance. Furthermore, we show that the confocal microendoscope can enhance visualization of disease-associated features when imaging highly scattering esophageal specimens.
Exploring Multiple Dimensions of Young Women's Fertility Preferences in Malawi.

Standard survey measures of fertility preferences, such as the desire for and preferred timing of future births, do not capture the complexity of individuals’ preferences. New research focuses on additional dimensions of emotions and expectations surrounding childbearing. Few quantitative studies, however, consider the influence of all three dimensions of fertility preferences concurrently. Using longitudinal survey data from the Tsogolo la Thanzi project (2009–2012) in Malawi, this study employed logistic regression analysis to investigate the influence of young women’s emotions, expectations, and a standard measure of fertility preferences on pregnancy and modern contraceptive use. Young women experienced high unmet need; across survey waves, over three-quarters of women who desired a child in more than 2 years were not currently using modern contraceptives and over three-quarters of women who thought a pregnancy in the next month would be bad news (garnered from a measure of emotions surrounding pregnancy) were not currently using modern contraceptives. In regression models including all three measures of fertility preferences, each was significantly associated with the likelihood of a future pregnancy. The standard measure and emotions measure were significantly associated with modern contraceptive use. Emotions and expectations surrounding pregnancy and childbirth appear to be distinct and salient aspects of fertility preferences in addition to the standard measure. A better understanding of the multidimensional nature of fertility preferences will help individuals define and achieve their reproductive goals and obtain appropriate services. Furthermore, future research should incorporate new measures of fertility preferences into surveys internationally.
Young men who have sex with men's awareness, acceptability, and willingness to participate in HIV vaccine trials: Results from a nationwide online pilot study.

Abstract Background New cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among young men who have sex with men (YMSM) underscore the need to examine their willingness to use biomedical prevention methods, including an acceptable and efficacious HIV vaccine. We examined whether YMSM’s vaccine altruism and vaccine-related socials concerns factors were associated with HIV vaccine acceptability across two vaccine efficacy scenarios, and their awareness and willingness to participate in HIV vaccine research. Methods This secondary analysis uses data from a mHealth trial with YMSM at heightened HIV risk (N = 137; 50% racial/ethnic minority; M = 21.7 years). Most YMSM (91.2%) had tested for HIV, and 17.5% (N = 24) reported a prior STI. We used paired-samples t-test to compare differences in efficacy acceptability (50% vs 85%), followed by multivariable regressions examining whether vaccine attitudes (altruism and social concerns) were associated with vaccine acceptability and awareness and willingness to participate in HIV vaccine trials. We controlled for age, education, race/ethnicity, prior HIV testing, and STI diagnosis in our analyses. Results Acceptability for the HIV vaccine with 85% efficacy (M = 8.86; SD = 1.76) was greater than acceptability in the 50% efficacy scenario (M = 7.60; SD = 2.58). Altruistic attitudes were associated with greater vaccine acceptability at 50% (β = 0.62) and 85% (β = 0.59) efficacy. Higher educational attainment was negatively associated with a vaccine with 50% efficacy (β = −0.20, but not for 85% efficacy. Greater vaccine-related social concerns were negatively associated with HIV vaccine research awareness (AOR = 0.38 (95% CI: 0.22, 0.67). Willingness to participate in a HIV vaccine trial was positively associated with age (β = 0.18) and altruism (β = 0.60), and negatively associated with education (β = −0.21). Conclusions YMSM find HIV vaccines as an acceptable prevention modality and are willing to participate in HIV vaccine trials. Findings highlight the need to consider YMSM's altruistic and social concerns attitudes in HIV vaccine research and explore how to leverage these attitudes in research campaigns. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02842060.
A volume-filtered description of compressible particle-laden flows

Abstract In this work, we present a rigorous derivation of the volume-filtered viscous compressible Navier–Stokes equations for disperse two-phase flows. Compared to incompressible flows, many new unclosed terms appear. These terms are quantified via a posteriori filtering of two-dimensional direct simulations of shock-particle interactions. We demonstrate that the pseudo-turbulent kinetic energy (PTKE) systematically acts to reduce the local gas-phase pressure and consequently increase the local Mach number. Its magnitude varies with volume fraction and filter size, which can be characterized using a Knudsen number based on the filter size and inter-particle spacing. A transport equation for PTKE is derived and closure models are proposed to accurately capture its evolution. The resulting set of volume-filtered equations are implemented within a high-order Eulerian–Lagrangian framework. An interphase coupling strategy consistent with the volume filtered formulation is employed to ensure grid convergence. Finally PTKE obtained from the volume-filtered Eulerian–Lagrangian simulations are compared to a series of two- and three-dimensional direct simulations of shocks passing through stationary particles.
Perceived Barriers and Facilitators to the use of Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Clinicians in Oregon

The use of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) to provide clinical data beyond the history and physical examination is a relatively new practice for primary care providers and hospitalists. It takes many hours of dedicated ultrasound (US) training and practice to achieve POCUS proficiency; further, perceptions and attitudes of clinicians play a major role in adopting POCUS into daily clinical repertoire [1, 2]. Thus there are many possible barriers that could impede a clinician’s ability to develop the skillset to use POCUS in clinical practice. The state of Oregon encompasses vast rural and underserved areas where POCUS could be a useful resource to improve local patient care [3,4]. For this reason, a qualitative survey study was conducted to assess the perceived barriers of clinicians to the clinical incorporation of POCUS.
In-Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy Microcantilever and Nanoindentation Testing of UO 2

Uranium dioxide is the standard fuel of the current nuclear reactor fleet and a potential fuel for future generation IV reactors. Enhancing the performance of uranium dioxide fuels necessitates a broader understanding of the fuel pellet/cladding mechanical interaction; this can be achieved through further study of the mechanical behavior of UO2. Small-scale mechanical testing can be used to evaluate the mechanical properties of materials while reducing the total volume of material required for testing. This is beneficial when studying nuclear materials because small test samples reduce the dose to the researcher and can reduce costs by permitting mechanical testing to be performed outside of hot cells. In this work in situ transmission electron microscopy microcantilever and nanoindentation testing was used to evaluate the deformation of UO2 at room temperature. The in situ testing was also used along with an innovative helium implantation technique to evaluate the effect of helium bubbles on the low temperature deformation of UO2. It was found that, under similar testing conditions, the unimplanted material formed a single critical crack while material containing helium bubbles at a dose of 1018 ions/cm2 responded with a large number of nanocracks, enhancing the toughness of the material.
Using Modal Projection Error to Predict Success of a Six Degree of Freedom Shaker Test

Six degree of freedom shaker tests are becoming more popular as they save testing time because they test a component in multiple directions in one test rather than executing multiple tests in one direction at a time. However, there are several difficulties in conducting a component six degree of freedom shaker test in a way that adequately replicates the component field stress. One difficulty is knowing if a classical rigid test fixture will produce component modes that span the displacement space of the component in the field environment. If the modes of the component while attached to a rigid fixture do not span the space of the component in the field environment, then the test will be unable to replicate that motion and corresponding stresses. This paper will examine the motion of the Removable Component of the BARC hardware in an field assembly and calculate the modal projection error expected by executing a six degree of freedom shaker test on a rigid fixture. The paper will conclude by examining the data and comparing it to the pre-test predictions of error calculated by the modal projection error.
Current State of the Workforce in Nephrology

The number of individuals with CKD and end-stage kidney disease continues to rise as the interest in nephrology as a career choice is declining among internal medicine residents. Simultaneously, the emergence of integrated healthcare delivery models encompassing multiple levels of nonphysician healthcare workers plus advanced technological capabilities offer innovative mechanisms for the delivery of optimal care for patients at risk for and suffering from CKD. Critical to the success of these models is the identification of aspects of nephrology care specific to and appropriate for each type of kidney care professional and the development of organizational structures that both define and facilitate the flow of patient care. However, several factors in addition to the declining interest in nephrology pose significant obstacles to the development of the optimal nephrology work force including gender imbalance in leadership and nonleadership positions, gender disparity in compensation, inadequate diversity in ethnicity of nephrologists, and perceptions of inadequate compensation and a poor work life balance. Recent studies suggest that some, but not all, of these challenges are being addressed, though full resolution will require creative and concerted efforts.
Lending Relationships and the Pricing of Syndicated Loans

Using a new dataset on syndicated loan primary market pricing adjustments, we examine whether relationship banks’ information advantage facilitates price discovery in loan issuances. We find that the lead bank makes fewer adjustments to the initial pricing terms of a syndicated loan and shortens syndication time when it has a stronger relationship with the borrower. A stronger relationship also reduces loan underpricing. A relationship lead bank relies less on information from syndicate members. Exogenous shocks to relationships caused by bank mergers and closures confirm our findings. We contribute to the literature by showing that relationship lending improves loan pricing efficiency.