cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Separation of cat flea (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) instars by individual rearing and head width measurements.

Two methods to verify whether head width measurements fit Dyar's rule were evaluated for the separation of instars of the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis (Bouche). Individual rearing was a reliable method of determining larval instar but was labor-intensive. The mean observed head widths were significantly different for each instar (first instar, 0.164 mm; second instar, 0.201 mm; third instar, 0.260 mm) and showed no sexual dimorphism. Head capsule width increased roughly 25% from instar to instar with geometrically progressing growth in accordance with Dyar's rule. However, head capsule width cannot be used to determine the instar of randomly selected larvae because the measurements overlap broadly between instars.
Gender Differences in the Risk of Neurological Events and Subsequent Outcome in Left Ventricular Assist Device Patients

s S213 Conclusion: TAH implant is associated with a higher degree of ischemic strokes compared to LVADs. More effective anticoagulation is needed to prevent these complications.
Instrumental Appropriation of a Collaborative, Dynamic-Geometry Environment and Geometrical Understanding.

To understand learners’ appropriation of technological tools and geometrical understanding, we draw on the theory of instrumental genesis (Lonchamp, 2012; Rabardel & Beguin, 2005), which seeks to explain how learners accomplish tasks interacting with tools. To appropriate a tool, learners develop their own knowledge of how to use it, which turns the tool into an instrument that mediates an activity between learners and a task. The tool used in our study is the Virtual Math Teams with GeoGebra (VMTwG) environment. It contains a chat panel and multiuser version of GeoGebra. The learners are seven middle and high school mathematics teachers who participated in a professional development course in which they collaborated synchronously in VMTwG to solve geometrical tasks. We use conventional content analysis to analyze the work of a team consisting of two high school teachers. Our analysis shows that the teachers’ appropriation and application of the dragging feature of VMTwG shaped their understanding of geometrical relations, particularly dependencies. This informs the broader question of how and what mathematical knowledge learners’ construct using certain technologies.
Female Reproductive System and Histology of the Ovariole of the Asparagus Beetle, Crioceris asparagi (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Crioceris asparagi (L.), like some other chrysomelids, lacks the female accessory gland which generally secretes egg-shell adhesive. A histological study of the ovariole revealed that in this beetle the epithelium of the pedicel secretes this adhesive. The various parts of the ovariole and the formation of the germinal vesicle are described and illustrated.
Effects on Viability and DNA Damage in V79 Cells Caused by Hydroquinone

Objective To explore the cell toxicity and DNA damage on V79 cells in vitro caused by hydroquinone.Methods The inhibitory effect of HQ on the viability of cell was evaluated by MTT assay.SCGE was used to detect the DNA damage of V79 cells after exposed to different concentration of HQ for 2 hours.Results As showed in the MTT assay,HQ could obviously inhibit V79 cell proliferation and show concentration-dependent relationship.The comet cells ratio elevated as the concentration increased in SCGE in the range of five concentrations showing significant statistic differences(P0.01).The four analysis indexes including tail-length,tail/head ratio,TM and CM decreased with the repair time prolonged in the concentration of 0.405 mmol/L.The statistic differences between the repair time of 2 h and 4 h were significant(P0.01).Conclusions HQ could significantly inhibit V79 cells proliferation showing concentration-dependent relationship.HQ may induce DNA damage,mainly SSB,and the damage could be self-repaired partly.
Additively Manufactured Microfluidics-Based “Peel-and-Replace” RF Sensors for Wearable Applications

This paper demonstrates the first-of-its-kind additively manufactured microfluidics-based flexible RF sensor, combining microfluidics, inkjet-printing technology, and soft lithography, which could potentially enable the first “real-world” wearable “smart skin” applications. A low-cost, rapid, low-temperature, and zero-waste fabrication process is introduced, which can be used to realize complex microfluidic channel networks with virtually any type of sensing element embedded. For proof-of-concept purposes, a reusable and flexible microfluidics sensor was prototyped using this process, which only requires 0.6- $\mu {\text {L}}$ fluid volume to produce a 44% frequency shift between an empty ( $\epsilon _{r}=1$ ) and a water-filled channel ( $\epsilon _{r}=73$ ), demonstrating a sensitivity that is higher than most previously reported microfluidics-based microwave sensors. Seven different fluids were used to measure the sensitivity of the prototype and an overall sensitivity of $24\%/ \log (\epsilon _{r})$ was observed. The “peel-and-replace” capability of the presented sensor not only facilitates the cleaning process for sensor reusability, but it also enables sensitivity tunability. For bent/conformed configurations, the sensor’s functionality is good even for a bending radius down to 7 mm, demonstrating its great flexibility. After bending multiple times, the sensor still exhibits a very good performance repeatability, which verifies its reusability feature. The introduced additively manufactured RF microfluidics-based sensor would be well suited for numerous wearable and conformal fluid sensing applications (e.g., bodily fluids analyzing and food monitoring), while it could also be utilized in a variety of microfluidics-reconfigurable microwave components.
Transformer Vibration Pattern Recognition Method Using HHT and Fractal as Discriminating Features

Aiming at the loose windings and core can lead to transformer fault and affect the safe operation of the grid,this paper presents a transformer vibration pattern recognition method based on HHT spectrum and fractal dimension characteristics.The method collects the vibration signal of transformer through simulation of three cases of normal vibration,core loose and loose windings,and acquires the Hilbert spectrum(HTT)of vibration signals under different conditions through the application of Hilbert Huang transform analysis method to analyze the frequency characteristics of signals.Finally,the Hilbert spectrum fractal dimension and porosity characteristics are extracted,and BP neural network is used to classify and identify the vibration mode.The results show that the proposed method is effective and has strong robustness.
Heterogeneous H-Bonding in a Foldamer Helix

Structural characterization of new α/γ-peptide foldamers containing the cyclically constrained γ-amino acid I is described. Crystallographic and 2D NMR analysis shows that γ residue I promotes the formation of a 12/10-helical secondary structure in α/γ-peptides. This helix contains two different types of internal H-bond, and the data show that the 12-atom C═O(i) → H–N(i+3) H-bond is more favorable than the 10-atom C═O(i) → H–N(i–1) H-bond. Several foldamer helices featuring topologically distinct H-bonds have been discovered, but our findings are the first to show that such H-bonds may differ in their favorability.
The Tipper-Strominger Hypothesis and Triggering of Allostery in Penicillin-Binding Protein 2a of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

The transpeptidases involved in the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall (also known as penicillin-binding proteins, PBPs) have evolved to bind the acyl-D-Ala-D-Ala segment of the stem peptide of the nascent peptidoglycan for the physiologically important cross-linking of the cell wall. The Tipper-Strominger hypothesis stipulates that β-lactam antibiotics mimic the acyl-D-Ala-D-Ala moiety of the stem and, thus, are recognized by the PBPs with bactericidal consequences. We document that this mimicry exists also at the allosteric site of PBP2a of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Interactions of different classes of β-lactam antibiotics, as mimics of the acyl-D-Ala-D-Ala moiety at the allosteric site, lead to a conformational change, across a distance of 60 A to the active site. We directly visualize this change using an environmentally sensitive fluorescent probe affixed to the protein loops that frame the active site. This conformational mobility, documented in real time, allows antibiotic access to the active site of PBP2a. Furthermore, we document that this allosteric trigger enables synergy between two different β-lactam antibiotics, wherein occupancy at the allosteric site by one facilitates occupancy by a second at the transpeptidase catalytic site, thus lowering the minimal-inhibitory concentration. This synergy has important implications for the mitigation of facile emergence of resistance to these antibiotics by MRSA.
Association Between Relative Anemia and Early Functional Recovery After Severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Severe traumatic brain injury is associated with a multi-systemic response and changes in metabolic demand. Patients requiring intracranial pressure monitoring or cerebrospinal fluid diversion, often signifies a greater severity of injury. For this group, the association between RBC transfusion, transfusion thresholds, and clinical recovery is unknown. In this study, we studied the association between transfusion and clinical recovery for severe traumatic brain injury patients requiring external ventricular drain or intracranial pressure monitor placement. Eighty-nine patients with a primary diagnosis of traumatic brain injury requiring implantation of either an intracranial pressure monitor or external ventricular drainage device were identified. All patients were managed in a Level 1 Trauma facility by board-certified neuro-intensive care practitioners for the course of their intensive care unit duration. The correlation between transfusion and clinical recovery, defined by change in Glasgow Coma Scale was assessed. Thirty-four patients required surgical decompression, and 56.18 % of the cumulative cohort were transfused during admission. Overall, transfusion was not associated with significant clinical recovery (change in GCS > 3) for Hgb threshold of 7 mg/dL (<3, 29.03 vs. ≥3, 37.93 %; p = 0.49), nor for higher stratifications (8 mg/dL, p = 0.63; 9 mg/dL, p = 0.79, 10 mg/dL, p = 1). For patients who required transfusions at thresholds ≥8 mg/dL, there was a positive association with decreased length of hospitalization, [p = 0.01; <8 mg/dL: 22 (12–33), ≥8 mg/dL: 14 (7.75–20)] [median (IQR)]. Similarly, length of ICU stay was shorter for patients transfused at thresholds ≥9 mg/dL, (p = 0.02). From our studies, we demonstrate no significant clinical benefit associated with stratified transfusion goals; however, there was a decrease in length of hospitalization for patients with transfusion thresholds of Hgb ≥ 8 mg/dL. Larger, randomized controlled trials may be required to more accurately assess outcomes in this patient population. In patients admitted for primary severe traumatic brain injury, we demonstrate no significant clinical benefit associated with stratified transfusion goals; however, there was a noticeable decrease in length of hospitalization for patients with transfusion thresholds of Hgb ≥ 8 mg/dL. Larger, randomized controlled trials may be required to more accurately assess outcomes in this patient population.
Masses of the π- and µ-Mesons

THE ability to account quantitatively for the observed masses is certainly one of the tests a successful meson theory must meet. Experimental difficulties, however, make precise mass determinations almost impossible; and while a few theoretical attempts have yielded discrete mass values1, the experimental results are so indefinite as to make most comparisons inconclusive. More than fifty different measured masses, ranging from a few times that of the electron to around 25,000, have been reported by various investigators. In fact, there is some doubt as to whether the masses have unique values.
Expanding Indian Democracy: The Paradoxes of the Third Force

Analyzes the prospects and difficulties of creating a progressive third force in contemporary Indian politics since 1989.
Robustness scaling in large networks

We propose new asymptotic notions that capture the robustness of a large interconnected network as dimension of the network grows. Specifically, we address the question of how robustness of a network changes with the network dimension. Motivated by applications in transportation and economic networks, we study network topologies that are robust to scaling in network dimension, and investigate characteristics of networks that possess poor scaling properties. Further, we analyze how the perturbation of edge links of a network affects our notions of robustness, allowing us to identify critical links in the network that can lead to more robust network design.
Christian love and evolutionary altruism

Darwinism was originally thought to describe human nature as thoroughly individualistic and selfish. Altruism was regarded either as illusory or, at best, as the product of culture alone. The term “altruism” appeared in the nineteenth century as a reaction against more cynical views of human nature as purely self-centered or “egoistic” and, along with the term “compassion,” provides an appealing moral counterweight to the pervasive individualism of modern culture and market capitalism. Concern for others can degenerate into what sociologist Robert Bellah and his colleagues call “the subjective feeling of sympathy of one private individual for another,” a form of sentimentality that lacks any conceptually cogent connection to justice. Certainly the general cultural thrust of modern individualism tends to attenuate and dilute calls to develop more altruistic concern. Economist Robert Frank and his colleagues published a fascinating paper demonstrating the impact of one particularly intense form of social learning in this regard. Asked at the beginning of their respective economics and astronomy courses whether they would return an envelope with one hundred dollars in it, students from both courses responded similarly. Yet when asked the same question at the end of the semester, the economics students made more egoistic decisions than their astronomy peers. The point of the study was not that economics professors explicitly argue against altruism, but that mainstream economists presume a view of human beings as self-interested preference “maximizers” that tacitly discourages altruistic concern.
Elements of Quantum Statistical Mechanics

This chapter presents the basic elements of Quantum Statistical Mechanics, starting from the definition of the density matrix. Some examples of density matrices are given, before discussing the grand canonical ensemble, the concept of distribution function, and concluding by deriving the Liouville–von Neumann equations of motion for the density matrix.
The Visual “Big Picture” of Intermediate Macroeconomics: A Pedagogical Tool to Teach Intermediate Macroeconomics

The primary purpose of this paper is to introduce a holistic, visual “big picture” of the concepts and diagrams that are commonly covered in the course of intermediate macroeconomics. Intermediate macroeconomics discusses numerous concepts and diagrams in order to finally show how aggregate supply (AS) and aggregate demand (AD) are derived in an economy. A further learning objective defined for the intermediate macroeconomics course is to enable students to investigate the overall effects of macroeconomic policies on AS and AD in the economy. In order to better attain the aforementioned learning objectives, the present paper proposes a visual “big picture” which can be applied as a pedagogical tool in teaching intermediate macroeconomics classes. This visual “big picture” logically connects twenty-seven macroeconomic diagrams which are usually introduced in the intermediate macroeconomics course, and also describes the general pattern and overall structure of macroeconomics in terms of four separate markets in a visual way, namely labor market, capital market, money market, and goods market. Finally, it is suggested that this visual “big picture” should be provided to the students taking the course of intermediate macroeconomics so that they can readily grasp the logical order of the concepts and the underlying complex structure of the markets that are discussed in the course.
Discrete dipole model of scattering by discretely inhomogeneous plane parallel media

A formulation and computational algorithm for directly simulating the electromagnetic wave reflection, transmission, and absorption properties of plane parallel layers of random particulate media, in which the characteristic size of the particles is comparable to the radiation wavelength. No assumption is made regarding the concentration of the particles; the application is specifically intended for the high particle concentration case characteristic of regolith, pigment layers, functional thin films, and so on.
Dissolved: Lessons Learned from the Portland Multnomah Food Policy Council

The city of Portland, Oregon, is often hailed in news and popular media as the capital of the U.S. alternative food movement. In 2002, the Portland Multnomah Food Policy Council (PMFPC) was established to address the region's growing interest in cultivating a sustainable local food system. Council members contributed to many notable achievements, including a healthy corner store initiative, a beginning farmer training program, and changes to zoning codes to expand urban agriculture. However, the PMFPC was dissolved in the summer of 2012 after local government agencies expressed that the council was losing relevancy. After a decade of conducting food policy and advocacy work in a region praised for fostering both citizen engagement and sustainable food systems, what can we learn from the story of the PMFPC? In this reflective case study, we explore the challenges associated with citizen engagement in local food policy. Through semistructured interviews and analysis of PMFPC documents, we provide insight into how particular obstacles might have been avoided or overcome. Our research speaks to the broad arena of public participation and highlights the importance of negotiating and clearly articulating the roles and responsibilities of council members, government staff liaisons, and elected officials; regularly evaluating the usefulness of established roles, structures, and processes; and making the changes necessary to maintain the relevance of the council throughout its life. We conclude with lessons learned and recommendations for both citizens and government agencies hoping to foster productive public engagement and to advance local food systems policy.
Temozolomide In Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A MGMT Promoter Methylation Status–Based Treatment Stratification

Abstract Abstract 3313 Introduction: Temozolomide sensitivity is determined by the methylation status of the MGMT promoter. As most AML patients have an unmethylated MGMT promoter, response rates to temozolomide have been very disappointing in the past. We designed this exploratory study to determine whether temozolomide therapy can be tailored according to the MGMT promoter status and to test the hypothesis that protracted, low-dose temozolomide can “prime” leukemia blasts to conventional doses of temozolomide in patients with unmethylated MGMT promoter. Patients and Methods: Elderly patients (>60 years of age) with AML and high-risk features (relapsed/refractory, secondary AML or de novo with intermediate or unfavorable cytogenetics) were stratified according to MGMT promoter methylation status. Patients with methylated MGMT promoters received temozolomide 200mg/m2 orally for 7 days, while patients with unmethylated promoters received temozolomide 100mg/m2 orally for 14 days followed by temozolomide 200mg/m2 orally for 7 days. Results: 36 patients (median age, 75 years) were treated with temozolomide and 31 (86%) were found to have an unmethylated MGMT promoter. Overall response rate for the entire cohort was 36% (CR – 22%, CRp – 8%, LFS- 6%). The median duration of response and median overall survival among responding patients were 29 weeks and 35 weeks, respectively. No differences in outcomes (CR rate, OS rate and duration of remission) were noted among the 2 stratification groups (Table-1) Induction deaths (within 42 days of treatment initiation) occurred in 25% (9/36) of patients and were mostly caused by disease progression. Patients with low HCT-CI scores (≤ 2) had higher ORR 43% vs.0%, fewer induction deaths (17% vs. 67%, respectively) and longer median OS (94 days vs. 25.5 days). Hematological toxicities were the most commonly observed adverse events and difficult to distinguish from disease-related cytopenias. Table 1 . Rates of overall response, resistant disease and induction deaths according to the MGMT methylation status. Response Assessment All Patients (n=36) % Methylated MGMT promoter (n=5) % Unmethylated MGMT promoter (n=31) % p-value Overall response 13 36 3 60 10 32 0.328 CR 8 22 2 40 6 19 0.305 CRp 3 8 0 0 3 10 1 LFS 2 6 1 20 1 3 0.262 Resistant disease 17 47 1 20 16 51 0.342 Induction death 9 25 1 20 8 22 1 Conclusion: Temozolomide therapy, stratified according to MGMT promoter methylation status, demonstrated clinical activity in elderly patients with AML and high-risk features. Protracted low-dose temozolomide may reverse the temozolomide-resistant phenotype in patients with unmethylated MGMT promoters. Future studies in better-defined populations or in combination are warranted. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT00611247 . Disclosures: Medeiros: Schering-Plough: Research Funding. Off Label Use: Temozolomide for elderly AML.
Genetics of COPD.

Although chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) risk is strongly influenced by cigarette smoking, genetic factors are also important determinants of COPD. In addition to Mendelian syndromes s...
The epistemic authority of solution-oriented global environmental assessments

Abstract The effectiveness and influence of solutions oriented global environmental assessments (SOAs) rests on their legitimacy. Based on the GEA literature this piece reviews the legitimacy of GEAs and discusses its implications, and challenges and for the legitimacy of SOAs. This article is part of a special issue on solution-oriented GEAs.
Effect of Outreach Messages on Medicaid Enrollment.

Objectives. To measure the impact of different outreach messages on health insurance enrollment among Medicaid-eligible adults.Methods. Between March 2015 and April 2016, we conducted a series of experiments using mail-based outreach that encouraged individuals to enroll in Pennsylvania’s expanded Medicaid program. Recipients were randomized to receive 1 of 4 different messages describing the benefits of health insurance. The primary outcome was the response rate to each letter.Results. We mailed outreach letters to 32 993 adults in Philadelphia. Messages that emphasized the dental benefits of insurance were significantly more likely to result in a response than messages emphasizing the health benefits (odds ratio = 1.33; 95% confidence interval = 1.10, 1.61).Conclusions. Medicaid enrollment outreach messages that emphasized the dental benefits of insurance were more effective than those that emphasized the health-related benefits.Public Health Implications. Although the structure and eligibility of the M...
The role of neoadjuvant radiotherapy for locally-advanced rectal cancer with resectable synchronous metastasis.

Background: Although neoadjuvant radiotherapy is typically administered for locally-advanced rectal cancer to reduce local recurrence (LR), its role for patients who present with synchronous resectable liver and/or lung metastasis is not well defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of neoadjuvant radiotherapy for patients with stage IV rectal cancer undergoing curative-intent surgery. Methods: This study is a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained surgical registry of all consecutive adult patients who underwent curative-intent resection at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, from January 1990 until December 2014 with a median follow-up time of 43 (IQR 16–67) months. Eligible patients had locally-advanced rectal cancer (T3, T4 and/or nodal involvement) with synchronous resectable liver and/or lung metastasis. Exclusion criteria were as follows: patients with primary tumor stage of T1N0 or T2N0, patients with metastasis to organs other than the liver or lung, patients who had palliative resection, patients who had non-surgical treatment of synchronous metastasis (e.g., radiofrequency ablation), patients who received postoperative radiotherapy, or absence of research authorization. Ninety three patients were included of which 47 received neoadjuvant radiotherapy and 46 did not. All patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy +/− radiotherapy followed by curative-intent surgery with metastasectomy performed either simultaneously with resection of the primary tumor or as a planned staged resection. The primary outcomes of this study are LR, distant metastasis, overall and disease-specific survival (DSS). Results: LR was observed in 12 patients (26%) who did not receive radiotherapy, while no LR developed in those who received neoadjuvant radiotherapy, P vs . 58.3% (95% CI: 43.4, 78.2) with radiotherapy. Conclusions: Neoadjuvant radiotherapy should be considered in patients with locally-advanced stage IV rectal cancer. These data add to the evidence supporting neoadjuvant radiotherapy in the setting of resectable metastatic disease.
Epidemiological Profile of ENT Emergencies: Our Experience

Emergencies in otorhinolaryngology are common occurrence. Early diagnosis and management result in reduction in morbidity and mortality. To assess the epidemiology, pattern and distribution of ENT emergencies at a tertiary level hospital. Cross sectional, retrospective, descriptive study over a period of 5 years. Medical records of these patients were studied, noting the age, sex, diagnosis on admission and outcome of emergency care. A total of 38,793 patients, age ranging from 15 days to 85 years were included in the study. The number of male and female patients were 25,971 (66.95%) and 12,822 (33.05%) respectively and the male to female ratio 2:1. The most commonly encountered emergency was epistaxis, which accounted for 25.58% of the emergencies attended. This was followed by ear ache and ear discharge. The ENT emergency ward plays a key role in the management of life-threatening conditions requiring immediate evaluation and management by specialized physician. It is important to prioritize and reduce the number of non-urgency/emergency cases attending the emergencies in order to ensure proper care is given to the emergency cases.
Generalized Discrimination Perceptions and American Jewish Perception of Antisemitism

Why do American Jews, who are highly successful in several regards, perceive so much antisemitism and discrimination? Previous research has focused on individual characteristics, Jewish identity, and environmental factors. This paper adds another factor, perceptions of discrimination against non-Jews, arguing that when Jews perceive high levels of discrimination against non-Jews, they fear that discrimination against non-Jews will spread to Jews. The paper used data from the 2013 Pew Survey of American Jews to test this hypothesis, and the analysis finds support for it. The conclusion puts the findings into context and offers suggestions for future research.
Family Structure and Subsequent Anxiety Symptoms; Minorities’ Diminished Return

Background: Minorities’ Diminished Return (MDR) theory suggests that socioeconomic position (SEP) may have a smaller effect on health and well-being of members of the minority than the majority groups. Aim: Built on the MDR theory, this study compared Whites and African Americans for the effects of three family SEP indicators (family type, parental education, and parental employment) during adolescence on subsequent symptoms of anxiety 18 years later during young adulthood. Methods: Flint Adolescents Study (FAS), 1994–2012, followed 359 youth (ages 13 to 17, 295 African American and 64 Whites) for 18 years. The independent variables were family type, parental education, and parental employment during adolescence. The dependent variable was subsequent symptoms of anxiety, measured using the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), 18 years later. Age and gender were the covariates and race/ethnicity was the focal effect modifier (moderator). Four linear regression models were estimated to investigate the effects of the three family SEP indicators at age 15 on subsequent symptoms of anxiety at age 33 in the pooled sample and also by race/ethnicity. Results: In the pooled sample, having married parents at age 15 was inversely associated with symptoms of anxiety at age 33. We found an interaction between race/ethnicity and family type, indicating a smaller protective effect of having married parents against symptoms of anxiety for African American compared to White participants. The other two SEP indicators did not show any effect and did not interact with race/ethnicity on the outcome. Conclusion: In support of the MDR theory, marital status of parents during adolescence protects White but not African American young adults against anxiety symptoms. Diminished return of SEP is one of many underlying mechanisms involved in shaping racial and ethnic disparities in anxiety, however, that is often overlooked. Future research that examines economic and social policies and programs that can equalize the health gains that follow SEP resources among racial groups would be a useful next step.
Creature design with the subsumption architecture

The mobile robot group at MIT has been building robots using the subsumption architecture. This methodology decomposes a control system into a set of loosely coupled task achieving behaviors. In this paper we show how the constraints inherent in this approach naturally lead to a very simple computational design. To demonstrate its effectiveness we have built a new, small, fast robot based on these ideas. In this paper we discuss the performance of this robot and the theory behind its construction.
Variance Estimation of a Survival Function with Doubly Censored Failure Time Data

Doubly censored failure time data often occur in epidemiological or disease progression studies. In this situation, several authors have investigated the problem of estimating a survival function and proposed methods for the problem. However, there appears to be no existing research studying variance estimation of an estimated survival function. This chapter discusses pointwise estimation of variances of an estimated survival function and several methods are presented. The evaluation and comparison of the methods are conducted using numerical studies and a set of real doubly censored failure time data. The results suggest that the proposed methods work well under practical situations.
The biological chemistry of zinc

With about 3 g of zinc in the adult human body, zinc is second to iron in the total mass of the trace elements in human biology [1]. Nevertheless, with the isolation and identification of carbonic anhydrase as a zinc enzyme, its biochemical importance was only recognized in 1939 [2]. The delay in the development of the bioinorganic chemistry of zinc as a field, compared with iron and copper, is attributable to its spectroscopic’ silence’. While complexes of most transition elements are strongly coloured, the electronic structure of Zn2+ renders it colourless and this ion is not amenable to investigation by most spectroscopic methods. This limitation has been overcome by the development of ultrasensitive methods for detection of zinc (with a lower limit of 10-13 g) based on atomic spectroscopy [3] and by techniques of structural biology for the determination of the relationship between macromolecular structure and function such as X-ray crystallography and NMR [3].
Web strategies for large firms in an established industry

The World Wide Web has become increasingly important in helping businesses stay competitive. Hence, in the current business environment, it is essential for large firms in established industries to take advantage of the Web and all it has to offer in order to stay competitive. While the Web has transformed many industries, organizations need to make conscious and informed decisions on what aspects of the Web they believe will positively impact their organizations. Our goal is to provide a framework in addressing issues of how to use the Web as a platform to develop various strategies. This research will establish a foundation for understanding various web strategies that can be used by large organizations to support various business functions.
Tenofovir alafenamide associated fatal lactic acidosis in an autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipient

Fatal lactic acidosis has been reported while on the treatment with Nucleoside/nucleotide analogues (NA) for the treatment of hepatitis B, C and HIV. No cases of such a complication have been reported in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. We present a 65-year male who underwent autologous HSCT for the treatment of multiple myeloma. Prior to transplant he was started on single agent tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) for treatment of resolved hepatitis B infection. He presented few weeks later with severe lactic acidosis. Other causes of lactic acidosis were excluded. The patient died of multi-organ failure despite stopping TAF and aggressive supportive care. The case demonstrates the need for increased awareness of this potential complication of NA treatment in the course of transplantation.
Polyneuritis Cranialis Associated With Franciscella Tularemia Infection (P3.421)

Objective: To describe the first case of isolated multiple cranial neuropathies associated with tularemia infection. Background: Tularemia, a disease caused by Francisella tularensis, most commonly manifests as ulceroglandular disease, which presents as tender regional lymphadenopathy and cutaneous ulcerations. Oculoglandular and pneumonic disease are less common, and neurological manifestations including meningitis, rhombencephalitis, and Guillain-Barre syndrome are extremely rare. Design/Methods: N/A Results: A 60-year-old man developed flu-like symptoms, lymphadenopathy, and swelling and pain of the 3 rd digit of his left hand 48 hours following rabbit blood contamination. Wound culture returned positive for Francisella tularensis ; he was treated with 20-day course of doxycycline. Over the subsequent 2 weeks he developed worsening cough and conjunctivitis, suspicious for ocular and pneumonic disease; he was treated with a brief course of gentamycin. He then developed left facial droop followed by right face droop several days later. Neurological examination performed ~1 month following initial exposure was significant for bilateral fixed and dilated pupils, bilateral abducens nerve palsies, dysarthria, and marked lower motor neuron facial diparesis, left greater than right. Motor, reflex and sensory examinations were unremarkable. Laboratory testing was notable for an elevated sedimentation rate of 48 mm/hr and elevated F. tularensis titer of 1:1280, consistent with recent infection. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) studies including cell count, protein, and cultures were normal. MRI brain with contrast was unremarkable. Serum P/Q-type calcium channel antibody was elevated (0.05). EMG/NCS showed findings consistent with mixed axonal and demyelinating facial nerve lesions, left>right. He was treated with intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG). Clinical and electrodiagnostic improvement was noted at 4 week follow-up. Conclusions: While exceedingly rare case reports of associated Guillain-Barre syndrome exist, this is the first case of isolated multiple cranial neuropathies following oculoglandular and pneumonic tularemia. We postulate an autoimmune mechanism for this phenomenon as supported by the presence of P/Q-type calcium channel antibodies. Disclosure: Dr. Blech has nothing to disclose. Dr Grill has nothing to disclose. Dr. Asbury has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ross has nothing to disclose. Dr. Christiansen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Orenstein has nothing to disclose.
An Empirical Study of the Effects of State Regulations on Medical Malpractice Litigation Decisions

Theoretical work suggests that mandatory disclosure laws (weakly) decrease ex ante expected damages arising from medical malpractice and that medical malpractice damage caps (weakly) increase ex ante expected damages. The empirical tests presented here are designed to test these theoretical predictions. The study uses data on medical malpractice insurance premiums per physician in the 50 U.S. states for the period 1991-2001 as a proxy for ex ante expected damages arising from medical malpractice claims. The data support the prediction that mandatory disclosure laws (weakly) decrease ex ante expected damages. This is true regardless of whether disclosure laws are implemented in the presence of damage caps. With respect to damage caps, the empirical results do not provide strong support for the conventional conjecture, that caps lead to a decrease in ex ante expected damages. These results are consistent with results from previous empirical studies. The theoretical results offer an explanation as to why the data do not support the conventional conjecture.
Target/Blanket Conceptual Designs for the Los Alamos Accelerator Transmutation of Nuclear Waste (ATW) Concept

Two target designs and one blanket design are discussed for the Los Alamos Accelerator Transmutation of Nuclear Waste concept. The blanket design presented includes heavy water moderator and piping systems used to contain fission products and actinide streams for transmutation to stable isotopes. A flowing liquid metal target offers the advantage of direct convection of the high heat generation and the possibility for a windowless design. Experiments will be required to test the target design and determine compatibility of the container material. Pumping and heat-transfer equipment will also require research and development. A solid target made of a combination of tungsten and lead offers the advantage of straightforward engineering design, but will require a window between the accelerator and the target.
Facile Photochemical Syntheses of Conjoined Nanotwin Gold-Silver Particles within a Biologically-Benign Chitosan Polymer.

A simple photochemical method for making conjoined bi-metallic gold-silver (Au/Ag) nanotwins, a new breed of nanoparticles (NPs), is developed. To the best of our knowledge, the photochemical method resulted in distinct, conjoined, bimetallic nanotwins that are different from any well-established alloyed or core-shell nanostructures in the literature. The conjoined Au-Ag NPs possessed surface plasmon resonance (SPR) properties of both metals. The bimetallic nanostructures possessing distinctive optical properties of both metals were obtained using Au NPs as seeds in the first step, followed by the addition of a silver precursor as feed in the second step during a photochemical irradiation process. In the first step, small, isotropic or large, anisotropic Au NPs are generated by photoinduced reduction within a biocompatible chitosan (CS) polymer. In the second step, a silver precursor (AgNO3) is added as the feed to the AuNPs seed, followed by irradiation of the solution in the ice-bath. The entire photochemical irradiation process resulting in the formation of bimetallic Au-AgNPs did not involve any other reducing agents or stabilizing agents other than the CS polymer stabilizer. The small, conjoined Au-Ag bi-metallic NPs exhibited SPR with peak maxima centering at ~400 nm and ~550 nm, whereas the large conjoined nanoparticles exhibited SPR with peak maxima centering at ~400 nm, 550 nm, and 680 nm, characteristic of both gold and silver surface plasmons in solution. The tunability in the SPR and size of the bimetallic NPs were obtained by varying the reaction time and other reaction parameters, resulting in average sizes between 30 and 100 nm. The SPR, size, distribution, and elemental composition of the bi-metallic NPs were characterized using UV-Vis absorption, electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) studies.
Efficiency of Uncertainty Propagation Methods for Estimating Output Moments

Abstract Uncertainty propagation methods are used to estimate the distribution of model outputs resulting from a set of uncertain model outputs. There are a number of uncertainty propagation methods available in literature. This paper compares six non-intrusive uncertainty propagation methods, Latin Hypercube Sampling, Full Factorial Integration, Univariate Dimension Reduction, Halton series, Sobol series, and Polynomial Chaos Expansion, in terms of their efficiency for estimating the first four moments of the output distribution using computational experiments. The results suggest employing FFNI if there are few uncertain inputs, up to three. Uncertainty propagation methods that utilize Halton and Sobol series are found to be robust for estimating output moments as the number of uncertain inputs increases. In general, higher order polynomial chaos expansion approximations (3rd-5th order) obtained accurate estimates of model outputs with fewer model evaluations.
Pretibial dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa associated with aberrant exon splicing of type VII collagen

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of genetic disorders characterized by blisters and erosions/ulcerations in response to otherwise benign mechanical forces applied to the skin. Pretibial epidermolysis bullosa (PEB) is a form of EB that most often presents with blistering, ulceration, scarring, and milia localized to the bilateral legs. We report a case of man in his 50s presenting with blistering and scarring of his bilateral legs caused by PEB found to be associated with a mutation in COL7A1 that results in exon skipping.
Genomic evaluation of genotype by prenatal nutritional environment interaction for maternal traits in a composite beef cattle breed

Abstract Genes interact with both pre- and postnatal environments potentially affecting several important traits in beef cattle. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the existence of genotype by prenatal nutritional environment interaction using genomic information in growth traits, birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW) and yearling weight (YW) in a composite beef cattle breed (50% Red Angus, 25% Charolais, and 25% Tarentaise). Dams were randomly assigned to be fed in two levels of harvested supplemental feed from Dec to March of each year that were expected to result in adequate (ADEQ) or marginal (MARG; ∼ 61% of the supplemental feed provided by ADEQ) levels of protein based on average quality and availability of winter forage. This design resulted in two prenatal nutritional environments: MARG and ADEQ. A total of 3,020 records were used in a two-trait model treating each environment as a different trait. Genetic parameters for all three traits were estimated using genomic information. The direct genetic correlations between environment ADEQ and MARG were 0.97, 0.97 and 0.99 for BW, WW and YW respectively. On the other hand, the maternal genetic correlations between the two environments were 0.62, 0.41 and 0.73 for BW, WW and YW respectively. Furthermore, direct and maternal genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) using single step genomic BLUP were computed and the solutions of SNP markers were back solved from the resulting GEBVs to compare genomic regions associated with the two environments. The present study demonstrated the existence of maternal genetic by prenatal nutritional environment interaction especially for BW and WW in beef cattle.
Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Over 3 Years Is Associated With Higher Recurrence After Catheter Ablation

Instruction Longer atrial fibrillation (AF) durations have higher recurrence rates after rhythm control. However, there is limited data on the effect of the AF duration on recurrence after atrial fibrillation catheter ablation (AFCA). In the present study, we investigated the rhythm outcome of AFCA according to the AF duration based on the first electrocardiogram (ECG) diagnosis. Methods and results We included 1005 patients with AF (75% male, 59 ± 11 years old) who underwent AFCA and whose first ECG diagnosis time point was evident. The clinical characteristics and rhythm outcomes were compared based on the AF duration (≤3 years, n = 537; >3 years, n = 468) and AF burden (paroxysmal atrial fibrillation [PAF], n = 387; persistent atrial fibrillation [PeAF], n = 618). Longer AF durations were associated with older age (P = .020), larger left atrial size (P = .009) and a higher number of patients with hypertension (P 3 years (logrank P = 0.009), but not in subjects with PAF (logrank P = .939). In a multivariate Cox regression analysis, a longer AF duration was significantly associated with a higher clinical recurrence rate after AFCA in PeAF patients (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.06; range, 1.03-0.10; P = 0.001), but not PAF. Conclusion Although longer AF duration was associated with higher clinical recurrence rates after AFCA, the rate was significant in patients with PeAF lasting >3 years, but not in PAF patients.
Association between generational status and smoking behaviors before and during pregnancy among Hispanic women.

Abstract Background Evidence is limited on the risk of maternal smoking before and during pregnancy across generations of Hispanic immigrants. Purpose The aim of this study was to determine whether immigration generational status predicts maternal smoking behaviors before and during pregnancy among Hispanic women. Methods Data on pregnancies in National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 were used. Current study sample consists of Hispanic women (15–24 years) reporting pregnancy between 1979 and 2014 (n = 616). Data on birthplaces of the respondent and their parents were used to determine generation status. Maternal smoking behaviors before and during pregnancy were self-reported. Data were analyzed using weighted covariate-adjusted logistic regression models. Results There were 24% first-generation, 20% second-generation, and 56% third or higher generation Hispanic women in the sample. Majority of participants were married (72%), with a high school degree or more (69%), and of Mexican origin (56%). After controlling for covariates, first generation Hispanic women had lower likelihood of smoking prior to (OR = 0.40, p = 0.009) and during pregnancy (OR = 0.35, p = 0.007) compared to third or higher generation women. The second-generation women had lower likelihood of smoking during pregnancy (OR = 0.46, p = 0.038) compared to third or higher generation women. Conclusions First generation Hispanic women are at lower risk of smoking both prior to and during pregnancy. Identification of cultural factors discouraging smoking during pregnancy among first/second generation Hispanic women and incorporating in smoking prevention interventions targeting Hispanic women could benefits the later generations of Hispanic immigrants.
On Hania Frank

Hania Frank called her husband Philippushka. It was an expression of endearment—Philipp and Hania were devoted to each other. She always listened to what he said with interest, and he always smiled and enjoyed what she said—no matter how fantastic or outlandish.