cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Automated Middleware QoS Configuration Techniques for Distributed Real-time and Embedded Systems

Quite often the modeling tools used in the development lifecycle of distributed real-time and embedded (DRE) systems are middleware-specific, where they elevate middleware artifacts, such as configuration options, to first class modeling entities. Unfortunately, this level of abstraction does not resolve the complex issues in middleware configuration process for QoS assurance. This paper describes GT-QMAP (graph transformation for QoS mapping) model-driven engineering toolchain that combines (1) domain-specific modeling, to simplify specifying the QoS requirements of DRE systems intuitively, and (2) model transformations, to automate the mapping of domain-specific QoS requirements to middleware-specific QoS configuration options. The paper evaluates the automation capabilities of GT-QMAP in the context of three DRE system case studies. The results indicate that on an average the modeling effort is reduced by over 75%. Further, the results also indicate that GT-QMAP provides significant benefits in terms of scalability and automation as DRE system QoS requirements evolve during its entire development lifecycle.
Leprdb Diabetic Mouse Bone Marrow Cells Inhibit Skin Wound Vascularization but Promote Wound Healing

Bone marrow stem cells participate in tissue repair processes and may have roles in skin wound repair. Diabetes is characterized by delayed and poor wound healing, and type 1 diabetes seems to lead to stem cell dysfunction. Hence, stem cell dysfunction could contribute to poor healing, and stem cell-based therapies may be efficacious in diabetic wounds. We investigated the potential of exogenous stem cells to promote skin healing and possible effects of type 2 diabetes on stem cell function. Mouse bone marrow cells from nondiabetic and diabetic mice were enriched for putative stem cells and injected under skin wounds of nondiabetic or type 2 diabetic Leprdb mice. Using histology and morphometry, vascularization and healing in treated and untreated mice were analyzed. We anticipated a correlation between improved wound healing and vascularization, because therapies that increase tissue vascularization tend to enhance wound healing. Our data indicate that exogenous nondiabetic bone marrow-derived cells increase vascularization and improve wound healing in Leprdb mice but have little effect on nondiabetic controls. In contrast, Leprdb-derived marrow cells inhibit vascularization but promote wound healing in Leprdb mice. Thus, adult stem cell function may be impaired by type 2 diabetes; the ability to promote vascularization and wound healing are distinct functions of bone marrow cells; and neovascularization and wound healing may not be tightly coupled. Additionally, we observed little incorporation of injected cells into wound structures, suggesting that improved healing is mediated through mechanisms other than direct differentiation and incorporation of the cells.
Gel Permeation Chromatography: The Effect of Sample Size on Efficiency

Abstract Various reported studies of the effect of sample size on efficiency in gel permeation chromatography are not in complete agreement. In particular there is conflicting experimental evidence as to the existence of a lower limit in sample size below which no further increase in efficiency is observed. This study reports efficiency studies in terms of plate number and resolution for polystyrene in chloroform for sample sizes less than those commonly studied. The results support the existence of such a lower limit on sample size.
Anaesthetic management in a neonate with congenital complete heart block.

Summary We present the case of a neonate undergoing surgery on the first day of life for the installation of a permanent pacemaker because of the existence of congenital complete heart block (CCHB) with a basal heart rate of 43 b·min−1 and minimal elevation after initiating an isoproterenol perfusion. The intervention was under general anaesthesia with laryngeal mask airway (LMATM) and spontaneous ventilation. The principal anaesthetic goals were to assure adequate anaesthesia, with haemodynamic and respiratory stability, to maintain the best possible heart rate and to avoid postoperative respiratory depression or apnoea.
A Large Eddy Simulation Study of a Quasi-Steady, Stably Stratified Atmospheric Boundary Layer

Abstract Using the large eddy simulation (LES) technique, the authors study a clear-air, stably stratified atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) as it approaches a quasi-steady state. The Beaufort Sea Arctic Stratus Experiment (BASE) dataset is used to impose initial and boundary conditions. The authors explore the parameter space of the boundary layer by varying latitude, surface cooling rate, geostrophic wind, inversion strength, and surface roughness. Recognizing the critical dependence of the results of LES on the subgrid-scale (SGS) model, they test and use a nonlinear SGS model, which is capable of reproducing the effects of backscatter of turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) and of the SGS anisotropies characteristic for shear-driven flows. In order to conduct a long-term LES so that an ABL can reach a quasi-steady state, a parallel computer code is developed and simulations with a spatial domain of up to 963 grid points are performed. The authors analyze the evolution of the mean wind, potential temperature,...
Is Linitis Plastica a Contraindication for Surgical Resection: A Multi-Institution Study of the U.S. Gastric Cancer Collaborative.

Background Current staging and treatment guidelines for gastric adenocarcinoma do not differentiate between linitis plastic (LP) and non-LP cancers. Significant controversy exists regarding the surgical management of LP patients.
IL-22-Expressing Murine Lymphocytes Display Plasticity and Pathogenicity in Reporter Mice

IL-22 has multiple activities ranging from tissue repair to inflammation. To characterize the pathogenicity and plasticity of cells that produce IL-22, a novel reporter mouse strain was generated. Homeostatic IL-22 reporter expression was observed in intestinal lymphoid cells identified as CD4 T cells and ILC3 cells. In a model of inflammatory bowel disease, CD4 T cells strongly expressed the IL-22 reporter in mesenteric lymph node. To examine plasticity of IL-22(+) T cells, they were purified after generation in vitro or in vivo from inflamed colon, and then cultured under Th1, Th2, or Th17 conditions. In vitro-generated IL-22(+) CD4 T cells showed relatively durable IL-22 expression under Th1 or Th2 conditions, whereas in vivo-generated cells rapidly lost IL-22 expression under these conditions. In vitro-generated cells could not be diverted to express Th1 or Th2 cytokines despite the expression of "master regulators." In vivo-generated cells could be diverted, at very low frequency, to express Th1 or Th2 cytokines. Both in vitro- and in vivo-generated cells could be induced in vitro to express high levels of IL-17A and IL-17F, assigning them to a "Th17 biased" class. However, IL-27 potently downregulated IL-22 expression. To examine IL-22(+) T cell pathogenicity, in vitro-generated cells were transferred into Rag1(-/-) mice, retaining the modest reporter expression and inducing moderate colitis. In contrast, IL-22 expressers from colitic mice, transferred into secondary hosts, lost reporter expression, acquired high T-bet and modest IFNγ and IL-17 expression, and induced severe colitis. These findings are consistent with a model of strong polarization under optimal in vitro conditions, but a plastic state of T cells in vivo.
The Utility of Fluorescent Estrogens for Receptor Imaging

Recent refinements in instrumentation for fluorescence microscopy and continuing progress in the development of fluorescent probes have progressively expanded the horizons for the microscopic analysis of cellular structure. An important factor that continues to limit the usefulness of fluorescence microscopy, particularly for studies in viable cells, is the availability of appropriate imaging probes. When suitable probes are available, fluorescence microscopy has enormous potential for deciphering the complex organization of even rare macromolecules within the living cell, since techniques are now available for detecting very low intensities of fluorescence emission.
Abstract T P312: Utility of Early MRI in Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Introduction: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) causes significant morbidity and mortality. Utility of early magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is not fully understood. Identifying patients in whom early MRI changes clinical management may improve outcomes in select patients and reduce costs overall by avoiding inpatient MRIs in patients who are unlikely to benefit. Hypothesis: We assessed the hypothesis that early MRI in patients with spontaneous ICH does not alter management acutely in older patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of all ICH admitted to our institution from 2006-2012. Patients were excluded if they 1) had a known underlying lesion, 2) were < 18 years, 3) suffered ICH as a result of trauma or 4) did not undergo MRI. Data were evaluated for clinical or radiographic characteristics that resulted in a change in clinical management, including surgical intervention or future avoidance of antithrombotic medications, among others. Results: In total, 248 patients with a median age of 70 years (IQR 58-78) were included. MRI changed management in 79 patients (31.9%). Initial MRI was obtained an average of 10 days after the hemorrhage. Possible structural abnormalities requiring emergent intervention were found in 14 (17.7%) patients, while 64 (81.0%) had findings concerning for other non-emergent/non-surgical anomalies (possible tumor (n=6), cavernoma (n=7), alternate diagnosis (n=1), probable amyloid angiopathy (n=21), evaluation for embolic phenomenon (n=13), evaluation for vasculitis (n=2), abnormal edema/enhancement (n=8), MRI led to additional non-invasive vascular imaging (n=6)). One patient (1.3%) was found to have a venous sinus thrombosis prompting anticoagulation. MRI was more likely to result in a change in management in patients < 55 years of age (47.1% vs 27.9%, p=0.009). Conclusions: MRI after ICH changed management in approximately one-third of patients and resulted in an immediate change in management in a minority of patients. Younger patients are more likely to benefit from early MRI. In older patients suspected of amyloid angiopathy that may preclude future antithrombotic therapy, delayed MRI in the outpatient setting may be reasonable.
Videoconference Grief Group Counseling in Rural Texas: Outcomes, Challenges, and Lessons Learned

Disparities in access to mental health care, especially in rural areas, demand continued attention from practitioners, researchers, and community stakeholders. Telehealth, or the use of long distance technology to provide mental health services, is one well-recognized solution for reducing mental health disparities. At the Telehealth Counseling Clinic, advanced doctoral students provide telepsychology services to low-income and uninsured individuals living in a rural region in Texas. In response to an identified community need for grief counseling services, an 8-week grief group utilizing videoconference technology was conducted. This article discusses clinical and methodological challenges and lessons learned that are unique to delivering group counseling services over videoconference technology in a rural area, as well as preliminary data of the group’s effectiveness as measured by a satisfaction survey, the Patient Health Questionnaire–9, the CORE–B, and the Complicated Grief Assessment are presented.
Dynamic Regulation of α-Actinin’s Calponin Homology Domains on F-Actin

α-Actinin is an essential actin cross-linker involved in cytoskeletal organization and dynamics. The molecular conformation of α-actinin’s actin-binding domain (ABD) regulates its association with actin and thus mutations in this domain can lead to severe pathogenic conditions. A point mutation at lysine 255 in human α-actinin-4 to glutamate increases the binding affinity resulting in stiffer cytoskeletal structures. The role of different ABD conformations and the effect of K255E mutation on ABD conformations remain elusive. To evaluate the impact of K255E mutation on ABD binding to actin we use all-atom molecular dynamics and free energy calculation methods and study the molecular mechanism of actin association in both wild-type α-actinin and in the K225E mutant. Our models illustrate that the strength of actin association is indeed sensitive to the ABD conformation, predict the effect of K255E mutation—based on simulations with the K237E mutant chicken α-actinin—and evaluate the mechanism of α-actinin binding to actin. Furthermore, our simulations showed that the calmodulin domain binding to the linker region was important for regulating the distance between actin and ABD. Our results provide valuable insights into the molecular details of this critical cellular phenomenon and further contribute to an understanding of cytoskeletal dynamics in health and disease.
Natural History of the Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat in the San Luis Valley of Colorado

The natural history of Brazilian free-tailed bats, Tadarida brasiliensis mexicana (Saussure), in an atypical, predominantly male colony in south-central Colorado was investigated in 1982 and 1983. The colony inhabits the Orient Mine at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the San Luis Valley. Iron ore was removed from the mine (elevation, 2,800–3,000 m) between 1881 and 1932. Colonization by free-tailed bats occurred no earlier than 1900 and most likely after the mine closed in 1932. The colony roosts in a cavernous underground stope in which ambient temperature varies from 6 to 12°C when bats are present from mid-June through October. At peak numbers, the colony consists of more than 100,000 bats. Outflights in both years lasted an average of nearly 1 h. Bats emerged earlier relative to sunset in late summer and autumn than in early summer. Timing of outflights was not affected by percent cloud cover. Outflights were dispersed in June and became more concentrated, often with serpentine components, later in the year. Capture samples taken with mist nets indicated that composition of the colony was 98% adult males until mid-August, when adult females and young-of-the-year became more common.
TESTING LACK-OF-FIT OF PARAMETRIC REGRESSION MODELS USING NONPARAMETRIC REGRESSION TECHNIQUES

Data-driven lack-of-t tests are derived for parametric regression models using t comparison statistics that are based on nonparametric linear smoothers. The tests are applicable to settings where the usual bandwidth/smoothing parame- ter asymptotics apply to the null model, which includes testing for nonlinear models and some linear models. Large sample distribution theory is established for tests constructed from both kernel and series type estimators. Both types of smoothers are shown to give consistent tests that are asymptotically normal under the null model after appropriate centering and scaling. However, the projection nature of series smoothers results in a simplied scaling factor that produces computational savings for the associated tests.
Weighted fuzzy reasoning network and its application

A weighted fuzzy reasoning network structure model and its algorithm are proposed. The basic unit of information processing in this network is fuzzy reasoning neuron. The algorithm combines the excellence of fuzzy logic that can express domain rules and me-tempirical knowledge wholly with the virtue of neural network that can adapt to the environment automatically. A novel study algorithm of the network is shown that is based on fuzzy reasoning rule and numerical method for differential dynamic systems. This algorithm has better stability and fast speed quality of convergence. This algorithm can overcome some shortages of falling into local minima. Finally an experiment example is proposed to illustrate the availability of the network and algorithm by water flooded layer identification in oil field producing.
Reliability assessment of hybrid encapsulants: Fluorinated network polymeric materials and silicones

Hybrid encapsulation materials for Navy systems consist of silicones and silicone-dispersions. Utilizing test structures, a micro-thin film AU-AI2O3 moisture sensor and Auger/SIMS analysis, the mositure penetration kinetics for silicon was determined and compared with fluorinated network polymeric materials. Reliability data relating MTF of interdigitated hybrids to moisture levels on the substrate surface has been determined for the new class of polymeric coatings under consideration. The polymeric materials have been synthesized from fluorinated percursors to produce network molecules of epoxies and polyurethanes. It was determined that the kinetics activation energy remained constant for silicones and silicone-dispersions at relative humidity levels from 20% to 95%. The actual activation enegy varied from 1.3 eV at 20% to 0.97 eV at 95%. Significant improvement in moisture penetration resistance was observed with fluorinated network polymeric coatings. Additional test structures were utilized to study the migrative resistance shorts induced by bias, moisture and ionic contamination migration through the silicones and polymers. Finally, hybrid circuits consisting of operational amplifiers, were coated with the present synthesized polymeric materials and silicone-dispersions. Results from temperature-cycling and moisture tests will be presented and compared to results obtained from silicone coated hybrids.
Design and Realization of Ceramic Online Shop Platform Based on ASP.NET

This thesis is that the online shop is set about from C2C(Customer to Customer),mainly realize each user's network manager's mode,keep transaction to record,offer shopkeeper to manage interfaces,allow users to comment on the goods,offer the instant news inside the station,combine Ajax technology,offer better users to experience.The platform is based on C/S structure,utilize ASP.NET platform,SQL server2000 database server and VisualStudio.Net 2005 developing instrument,have developed the platform of online shop based on C2C.Thin white silk of thesis this it writes that course adopt to be to employ the guideline grapple of the project fast while being facing target(Guidelines of rapid applicaion engineering).
A radioreceptor assay for propranolol.

A radioreceptor assay for the measurement of propranolol levels in human subjects is described. The assay is based upon competition between the radiolabeled β-adrenergic inhibitor [125I]iodohydroxybenzylpindolol and propranolol for specific beta receptor sites in turkey erythrocyte plasma membranes. The radioreceptor assay is extremely sensitive, specific, and technically adaptable to processing clinical samples. Propranolol in serum is quantitatively extracted into ethyl acetate and, after the organic phase is reduced to dryness, reconstituted in aqueous assay buffer. Propranolol levels as low as 0.25 to 0.5 ng/ml can be detected and maximal sensitivity occurs at a concentration of 2.4 ± 0.2 ng/ml. The assay demonstrates specificity for biologically active metabolites of propranolol as well and therefore, with modifications, has the potential of providing a composite index of circulating β-adrenergic inhibitory activity. Nonactive propranolol metabolites, d-isomers, and the catecholamines do not significantly interfere in the assay. Thirty clinical samples containing a wide spectrum of propranolol concentrations were analyzed by radioreceptor assay and then compared with values obtained by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) or by radioimmunoassay. The coefficients of correlation, r, between the radioreceptor assay and these other two methods were +0.91 and +0.85, respectively (p < 0.01). These observations establish the characteristics and the clinical feasibility of the radioreceptor assay for propranolol and suggest that it will be useful in further elucidating the kinetics of propranolol in human subjects.
Differentiation of functions

We can now begin the rigorous treatment of calculus in earnest, starting with the notion of a derivative. We can now define derivatives analytically, using limits, in contrast to the geometric definition of derivatives, which uses tangents. The advantage of working analytically is that (a) we do not need to know the axioms of geometry, and (b) these definitions can be modified to handle functions of several variables, or functions whose values are vectors instead of scalar. Furthermore, one’s geometric intuition becomes difficult to rely on once one has more than three dimensions in play. (Conversely, one can use one’s experience in analytic rigour to extend one’s geometric intuition to such abstract settings; as mentioned earlier, the two viewpoints complement rather than oppose each other.)
Complete prevention of radiation-induced dermatitis using topical adrenergic vasoconstrictors.

Radiation dermatitis is a commonly occurring, painful, side effect of cancer radiotherapy that causes some patients to withdraw from the radiotherapy course. Our goal was to test and optimize topical application of an adrenergic vasoconstrictor to rat skin in a preclinical test to prevent radiation-induced dermatitis. A radiation dermatitis assay was developed in which 17.2 Gy to a 1.5 × 3.0 cm rectangle on the clipped dorsal back of rats yielded Grade 3 radiation dermatitis over the irradiated area 13 days later. Single, topical applications of each of three adrenergic vasoconstrictors, epinephrine, norepinephrine, or phenylephrine, in various vehicle formulations, doses, and application schedules, were tested to determine their efficacy in preventing radiation dermatitis. Each of the three adrenergic agonists conferred 100 % prevention of radiation dermatitis in linear, dose-dependent manners and their EC50 potencies in preventing radiation dermatitis correlated well with their individual K d association constants for binding to mammalian α-adrenergic receptors. Topical vasoconstrictor application as little as 3-12 min before irradiation gave 80-100 % prevention, respectively, of radiation dermatitis. There was a strong correlation between the extent (0-100 %) of skin blanch present in skin immediately before irradiation and prevention of radiation dermatitis scored 13 days after irradiation. The data presented here demonstrate that topical application of adrenergic vasoconstrictors to rat skin before a large, 17.2 Gy, radiation insult confers 100 % protection against radiation dermatitis and support ongoing clinical trials and commercial development of a vasoconstrictor-based product to prevent radiotherapy-induced dermatitis.
Graph Clustering: Block-models and model free results

Clustering graphs under the Stochastic Block Model (SBM) and extensions are well studied. Guarantees of correctness exist under the assumption that the data is sampled from a model. In this paper, we propose a framework, in which we obtain "correctness" guarantees without assuming the data comes from a model. The guarantees we obtain depend instead on the statistics of the data that can be checked. We also show that this framework ties in with the existing model-based framework, and that we can exploit results in model-based recovery, as well as strengthen the results existing in that area of research.
Cesarean section in the setting of severe pulmonary hypertension requiring extracorporeal life support

We describe the use of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in a 35-year-old female with severe fixed pulmonary hypertension who went into cardiogenic shock during a Cesarean section. Pregnancy in the presence of severe pulmonary hypertension is typically contraindicated due to high maternal mortality rates. This patient visited our hospital at 37 weeks of gestation after experiencing dyspnea and chest pain. Clinical evaluation revealed severe fixed pulmonary hypertension. At the time of the planned delivery, femoral lines were placed; in case of emergency, ECMO became necessary during the delivery. During delivery, the patient developed sudden hemodynamic collapse necessitating rapid cannulation and initiation of ECMO. She was stabilized pharmacologically and separated from ECMO after 2 days. The baby was delivered uneventfully, and the mother and child were discharged 1 month after delivery.
Significance of epidermal mitoses in challenging melanocytic proliferations.

Background Accurate diagnosis of melanoma remains histologically challenging. Dermal mitoses support malignancy, but are only occasionally seen in melanomas. Since melanomagenesis is thought to begin at the dermal-epidermal junction, we investigated the significance of epidermal melanocytic mitoses (EM) in a spectrum of lesions with molecular characterization. Methods EM density (EMD) was evaluated in 46 straightforward lesions (24 benign, 22 malignant) and 30 challenging lesions with expert interpretation, fluorescence-in-situ-hybridization, and myPath-score characterization (12 favor-benign, 9 favor-malignant, 9 ambiguous). EMD was correlated with clinicopathologic parameters and myPath. Results In straightforward cases, 25% nevi and 77% melanomas had EM. Median EMD was significantly lower in nevi vs. melanomas (0/mm vs 0.04/mm, p = 0.001). EMD (0.01/mm-cutoff) had 77% sensitivity, 79% specificity discriminating melanomas from nevi. In challenging cases, 17% favor-benign, 67% favor-malignant, and 78% ambiguous lesions had EM. EMD (0.01/mm-cutoff) had 67% sensitivity, 82% specificity on 21 non-ambiguous lesions, similar to myPath. EMD was less accurate in Spitzoid lesions, which have high EMD and dermal mitoses. Conclusions While EMD is not an adequate single criterion in diagnosing melanoma, our results validate its discriminatory potential, suggesting that EM should prompt closer investigation for malignancy. Expanded studies with clinical follow-up are warranted to further assess the EM utility in classifying melanocytic lesions.
Early Sexual Initiation and Mental Health: A Fleeting Association or Enduring Change?

The present research examined how the within-person association between sexual initiation and internalizing symptoms decays over time, using data with annual measurement occasions across adolescence (N = 1,789) and statistical models of within-person change. Sexual initiation was associated with increased levels of internalizing symptoms for early-initiating girls (ninth grade, approximately age 15), but not for on-time-initiating girls or for boys. The association between girls' early sexual initiation and internalizing symptoms declined precipitously over time. Indeed, 1 year after sexual debut, early-initiating girls were similar to on-time or noninitiating girls on internalizing symptoms, suggesting early sexual initiation does not produce lasting detriments to girls' mental health. Findings inform how researchers perceive sexual initiation, both as a developmental milestone and as a prevention target.
Community Gardens as Environmental Health Interventions: Benefits Versus Potential Risks

The purpose of this paper was to summarize current findings on community gardens relevant to three specific areas of interest as follows: (1) health benefits, (2) garden interventions in developing versus developed countries, and (3) the concerns and risks of community gardening. Community gardens are a reemerging phenomenon in many low- and high-income urban neighborhoods to address the common risk factors of modern lifestyle. Community gardens are not limited to developed countries. They also exist in developing low-income countries but usually serve a different purpose of food security. Despite their benefits, community gardens can become a source of environmental toxicants from the soil of mostly empty lands that might have been contaminated by toxicants in the past. Therefore, caution should be taken about gardening practices and the types of foods to be grown on such soil if there was evidence of contamination. We present community gardens as additional solutions to the epidemic of chronic diseases in low-income urban communities and how it can have a positive physical, mental and social impact among participants. On balance, the benefits of engaging in community gardens are likely to outweigh the potential risk that can be remedied. Quantitative population studies are needed to provide evidence of the benefits and health impacts versus potential harms from community gardens.
Real-Time Microprocessor Control Laboratory

Abstract Microprocessors are becoming an essential control component of many industrial products, thereby enhancing performance and functional capability at low cost. Therefore, it is increasingly Important that mechanical engineers be exposed to microprocessor technology. This paper describes a graduate-level. course on microprocessors in electromechanical systems, focusing on several of the laboratory projects involving real-time control.
Fraud in Disaster

Fraud in Disaster. While fraud is a relatively popular topic among criminologists, it has not found the same level of interest among disaster researchers. In this chapter, we examine the types of fraud that have occurred in the wake of disaster. Importantly, we focus on the later phases of disaster, recovery, and reconstruction, to fully observe this type of disaster crime. We find evidence for contractor fraud, price gouging and profiteering, disaster benefit fraud, and corruption by individuals, as well as for corporate fraud by insurance companies. We contend that routine activity and general strain theories are useful in understanding disaster fraud, and we provide prescriptions for prevention that are rooted in these theories.
Response Corridors of Human Surrogates in Lateral Impacts

Thirty-six lateral PMHS sled tests were performed at 6.7 or 8.9 m/s, under rigid or padded loading conditions and with a variety of impact surface geometries. Forces between the simulated vehicle environment and the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis, as well as torso deflections and various accelerations were measured and scaled to the average male. Mean +/- one standard deviation corridors were calculated. PMHS response corridors for force, torso deflection and acceleration were developed. The offset test condition, when partnered with the flat wall condition, forms the basis of a robust battery of tests that can be used to evaluate how an ATD interacts with its environment, and how body regions within the ATD interact with each other.
Etudes for parallel programming using the traveling salesman

We present eight solutions to the Traveling Salesmen Problem as exercises for students to master fundamental parallel programming skills. The solutions demonstrate static and dynamic solutions in shared memory and distributed memory parallelism. We conclude with a hybrid solution utilizing both paradigms. Students will master critical sections, mutual exclusion locks, non-blocking and asynchronous communication, and basic work-sharing techniques. TSP proves to be a marvelous framework because (a) it is not embarrassingly parallel and (b) students are forced to parallelize the data rather than the computation.
Timing and risks of chemoprophylaxis after spinal surgery: a single-center experience with 6869 consecutive patients

OBJECTIVE Venous thromboembolism (VTE) after spinal surgery is a major cause of morbidity, but chemoprophylactic anticoagulation can prevent it. However, there is variability in the timing and use of chemoprophylactic anticoagulation after spine surgery, particularly given surgeons' concerns for spinal epidural hematomas. The goal of this study was to provide insight into the safety, efficacy, and timing of anticoagulation therapy after spinal surgery. METHODS The authors retrospectively examined records from 6869 consecutive spinal surgeries performed in their departments at Northwestern University. Data on patient demographics, surgery, hospital course, timing of chemoprophylaxis, and complications, including deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and spinal epidural hematomas requiring evacuation, were collected. Data from the patients who received chemoprophylaxis (n = 1904) were compared with those of patients who did not (n = 4965). The timing of chemoprophylaxis, the rate of VTEs, and the incidence of spinal epidural hematomas were analyzed. RESULTS The chemoprophylaxis group had more risk factors, including greater age (59.70 vs 51.86 years, respectively; p < 0.001), longer surgery (278.59 vs 145.66 minutes, respectively; p < 0.001), higher estimated blood loss (995 vs 448 ml, respectively; p < 0.001), more comorbid diagnoses (2.69 vs 1.89, respectively; p < 0.001), history of VTE (5.8% vs 2.1%, respectively; p < 0.001), and a higher number were undergoing fusion surgery (46.1% vs 24.7%, respectively; p < 0.001). The prevalence of VTE was higher in the chemoprophylaxis group (3.62% vs 2.03%, respectively; p < 0.001). The median time to VTE occurrence was shorter in the nonchemoprophylaxis group (3.6 vs 6.8 days, respectively; p = 0.0003, log-rank test; hazard ratio 0.685 [0.505-0.926]), and the peak prevalence of VTE occurred in the first 3 postoperative days in the nonchemoprophylaxis group. The average time of initiation of chemoprophylaxis was 1.46 days after surgery. The rates of epidural hematoma were 0.20% (n = 4) in the chemoprophylaxis group and 0.18% (n = 9) in the nonchemoprophylaxis group (p = 0.622). CONCLUSIONS The risks of spinal epidural hematoma among patients who receive chemoprophylaxis and those who do not are low and equivalent. Administering anticoagulation therapy from 1 day before to 3 days after surgery is safe for patients at high risk for VTE.
Crash reconstruction technique for cable barrier systems

ABSTRACTCable barrier systems consisting of steel cables mounted on widely spaced weak posts are one of the most commonly used guardrail systems to protect errant vehicles from roadside hazards. When a vehicle impacts cable barriers, the cables are stretched, producing tension forces that safely redirect the impacting vehicle. The estimation of the energy absorbed during a vehicle barrier crash can aid in accident reconstructions, as it relates to estimation of the initial impact velocity, crash severity, and other accident features such as the occupant injuries during the accident. This article details an accident reconstruction technique developed for estimating the energy absorbed during a cable barrier impact. This absorbed energy comprises several components: (1) plastic deformation and rotation of posts in soil or a rigid foundation, (2) tire-ground interaction, (3) internal cable energy, and (4) frictional losses during vehicle-barrier interaction. Charts were developed to estimate the energy absor...
Analysis and Separation of Stromal Cells Infiltrating Tumors

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the analysis and separation of stromal-cells-infiltrating tumors. The models most widely used in the study of stromal cells are of unknown relevance to stromal cells in humans. There have been few quantitative studies of stromal cells even in models except for those studies that have been dependent on the generally selectively destructive techniques available for obtaining cells in suspension. A meaningful interpretation of data obtained with purified stromal cells in vitro requires the knowledge of how representative they are of those available in vivo. One of the important limitations in approaching morphometric studies of human tumors with enzymatic markers and peroxidase-labeled antibodies has been the thickness of the frozen sections required for many kinds of enzyme histochemistry and the thickness of the frozen or paraffin sections used for immunohistochemistry for light microscopy. For separation of cells, three major kinds of techniques are used: (1) sedimentation, (2) electrophoresis, and (3) antibody-dependent techniques. There are four major techniques for velocity sedimentation currently available. Two of these—isokinetic sedimentation and sedimentation at unit gravity—are well suited for work with tissue culture as they can be used conveniently under sterile conditions. The application of electrophoresis as a technique for the separation of cells has been reviewed recently. The use of sedimentation followed by free-flow electrophoresis permits the investigator to separate cells by two sequential steps that exploit qualitatively different physical properties of the cells. The use of antibodies or other ligands attached to microspheres that can be magnetized or sedimented may provide a very economical, efficient, large-scale means for the purification of cells recognized by antibodies, lectins.
Identifying Benchmarking-Partners Using Two-Mode Classification

Benchmarking is the search for and implementation of best practices. The adoption or adaption of the best practices allows an organization to raise the performance of its products, services and processes to leadership levels. Market surveys show that the search for appropriate benchmarking-partners is often limited to the same industry. The search for partners outside the industry guaranties on the one hand that the most innovative practices and processes are found but this results on the other hand in the confrontation with big and bad structured data. Many organizations are overcharged in handling this data. Two-mode classification can help to structure this data and find benchmarking-partners outside the industry.
Entrepreneurship and Small Business Policies under the Presidential Administrations of Presidents Carter, Reagan, Bush and Clinton: 1977 to 2001

The author surveys the entrepreneurial and small business policies from Carter through Clinton, evaluating each based on how they fostered entrepreneurship, or small business ownership, and if these policies seek to create economic efficiency or target market equity for specific groups. It provides a theoretical framework for analyzing each administration’s major small business and entrepreneurship policies and examines each policy’s overall effects on small business and entrepreneurial activities, its qualifications as a target market equity or economic efficiency policy, and the policy’s beneficiaries. This discussion should provide policy makers, researchers, and academics the ability to recognize the types of policies which best foster entrepreneurial and small business activities, and also encourage policy makers to pursue these types of policies.
Geomagnetic Disturbances and Seismic Events in the Vrancea Zone from in Situ Data

Based on example from the Vrancea’s concentrated seismicity zone the connection between definite type of geomagnetic disturbances and 200 earthquakes during the period of 1988–1996 is shown. The energy classes of earthquakes are related to abrupt changes (“gradients”) in H-component of geomagnetic field. Taking into account the temporal interval from maximum of sub-storm up to the shock, the relationship between geomagnetic disturbances and earthquakes is always positive. The time interval between maximum of polar sub-storm and earthquake is correlated with the depth of the earthquake. Differences in the duration of polar substorms before crustal (shallow) and deep earthquakes are revealed. Four main types of morphological features of geomagnetic variations preceding the seismic event are established.
A new approach to kidney wait-list management in the kidney allocation system era: Pilot implementation and evaluation.

Kidney transplant wait-list management is becoming increasingly complex. We introduced a novel wait-list management strategy at our center, the Transplant Readiness Assessment Clinic (TRAC), whereby patients whose Kidney Allocation Scores surpass a threshold are actively managed. From January 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017, we evaluated 195 patients through TRAC. Compared to pre-TRAC systems at our institution, TRAC resulted in a higher proportion of activation at 18 months (38% vs 22%-26%, P < 0.0001), despite being enriched in patients with long dialysis duration. TRAC also resulted in a higher proportion of wait-list removal (15% vs 8%-9%, P < 0.05) although combined wait-list removal and death on wait-list did not differ (18% vs 16%-17%). Median time to activation was 356 days from TRAC evaluation. Of the transplant barriers, need for cardiovascular studies was the most common (31%), followed by other medical issues (23%), poor functional status (13%), and psychosocial issues (10%). By concentrating center resources on patients most likely to be transplanted after activation and performing active patient management close to the time of transplant, TRAC has the potential to significantly enhance kidney transplant success in regions with long wait-times.
Detection of Problematic Substance Use in the Child Welfare System: A Comparison of Self-Report and Caseworker Report.

Using a national sample of American families investigated for child maltreatment, this article compares parental self-report on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and Drug Abuse Screenin...
New Venture Growth: Role of Ecosystem Elements and Prior Experience

Entrepreneurial ecosystems provide a rich context for analyzing entrepreneurial outcomes such as new venture growth. In most entrepreneurship research, influence of context or environment is undermined or controlled. Also, most studies consider either macro- or micro-level factors using single-level analysis, which mute the higher-level influences on new firm growth. To overcome these gaps, we empirically consider macro- and micro-level factors together, and their cross-level interactions to portray the nexus of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial ecosystem in growth of new independent ventures in the various US metros. Our findings provide interesting insights on the moderating effects of prior experiences of founders on ecosystem attributes and firm growth.
Internal Carotid Artery Dilatation Induced by General Anesthesia: Technical Observation.

General anesthesia exposure may increase the diameter of the parent vessel during flow diverting stent placement of large distal cervical and petrocavernous internal carotid artery aneurysm. Remeasurement of the parent vessel during general anesthesia is advisable for the correct selection of the size of flow diverting implant.
Central adiposity and prostate cancer survival in relation to tumor tissue expression of sex steroid hormone receptors

LB-4 Introduction: Obesity is linked with poor prognosis for prostate cancer (PCa), but the mechanism is unknown. Adiposity is associated with lower circulating androgen levels and higher estrogen levels. Androgens and estrogens affect the prostate epithelium via their respective receptors. Thus, the link between obesity and PCa survival may be mediated via sex steroid hormone receptors. Methods: We assessed the relation of central adiposity, expression of estrogen receptor-α (ERα) and androgen receptor (AR) with cancer survival among 534 men with incident PCa in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. We retrieved archival tumor tissue blocks from men diagnosed and treated by prostatectomy between 1986 and 2002. AR and ERα expression was measured by automated semi-quantitative immunohistochemistry. In questionnaires administered prior to PCa diagnosis, study participants reported waist and hip circumference, which were used to calculate waist-to-hip ratio (WHR, reflecting central adiposity). We fit Cox proportional hazard models with PCa death (n=52) as the outcome to estimate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusted for age at diagnosis, total energy intake and PSA at diagnosis. Results: Of the 534 men, 56% had WHR at or above the recommended cut point of 0.95. We found no significant association between WHR and expression of AR or ERα in tumors. Overall, WHR had no statistically significant effect on PCa-specific survival. In addition, neither AR nor ERα tumor expression was associated with PCa- specific survival. However, among men with AR+ tumors (above the median expression), greater adiposity was associated with worse prognosis: men with WHR ≥0.95 were 5.6 times (95% CI 1.27-24.4, p-trend=0.01) more likely to die from PCa than men with WHR
Polarization effects of transition dipoles on photoluminescence and photocurrent in organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites

Abstract Polarization effects on optoelectronic behaviors in perovskite-based devices are difficult to address due to quick electronic polarization relaxation and ionic polarization from mobile ions. Here we show the effects of polarized excited states on photoluminescence and photocurrent in MAPbBr3 thin-film devices. We found optically polarized transition dipoles, oriented paralleled and perpendicular to device built-in field, give rise to significantly different photoluminescence and photocurrent outcomes. It provides a new understanding that controlling domain geometry can further enhance the light-emitting and photovoltaic performance of perovskite-based applications. The observation proves that the anisotropy of photoexcited transition dipoles is existed in the electronic states of MAPbBr3. Particularly, this indicates that photo-induced electronic polarization can be shown as photoinduced dielectric polarization at the dipolar polarization regime, which impacts device performance. We also observed that increasing photoexcitation intensity leads to a decreases on both field-induced photoluminescence quenching and field-induced photocurrent enhancing, which implies a cooperative interaction between transition dipoles of increased density that favors light emission but infavors charge dissociation. This provides a critical understanding on why organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites can function as efficient photovoltaic and light-emitting materials at low and high excitation intensities, respectively. Our estimation shows that, by manipulating the ratio of dipole orientation, the efficiencies of perovskite-based LEDs and solar cells could be improved by 50% and 18%, respectively. Clearly, the polarization effect presents a new insight on further controlling photovoltaic and light-emitting actions by manipulating the polarization of excited states in perovskite optoelectronics.
Case Western University Law School Library: 125 Years

Professor Custer describes the first 125 years of the Case Western Law School Library’s history, including its collections, facilities, renovations, staff, budget, evolving research and automation technologies, contributions to legal instruction, and involvement with technological advances in the legal information community.
Caspase-1 Engages Full-Length Gasdermin D through Two Distinct Interfaces That Mediate Caspase Recruitment and Substrate Cleavage

The recognition and cleavage of gasdermin D (GSDMD) by inflammatory caspases-1, 4, 5, and 11 are essential steps in initiating pyroptosis after inflammasome activation. Previous work has identified cleavage site signatures in substrates such as GSDMD, but it is unclear whether these are the sole determinants for caspase engagement. Here we report the crystal structure of a complex between human caspase-1 and the full-length murine GSDMD. In addition to engagement of the GSDMD N- and C-domain linker by the caspase-1 active site, an anti-parallel β sheet at the caspase-1 L2 and L2' loops bound a hydrophobic pocket within the GSDMD C-terminal domain distal to its N-terminal domain. This "exosite" interface endows an additional function for the GSDMD C-terminal domain as a caspase-recruitment module besides its role in autoinhibition. Our study thus reveals dual-interface engagement of GSDMD by caspase-1, which may be applicable to other physiological substrates of caspases.