cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simulation of Transverse Combustion Instability in a Multi-Injector Combustor using the Time-Domain Impedance Boundary Conditions

The time-domain impedance boundary condition (TDIBC) is used as a reduced-order model (ROM) in large-eddy simulation (LES) to study self-sustained transverse oscillations in an experimentally studied high-pressure, shear coaxial multi-injector combustor. This work is an extension of the recent study using ROM-LES to simulate a single-element combustor that exhibited longitudinal instability. Here, we focus on transverse instability in a seven-injector combustor. The fuel and oxidizer inlets are truncated and the conventional inflow boundary conditions at the original inlet are replaced by an impedance describing function (IDF) in the form of a reflection coefficient that couples with LES through characteristic based boundary conditions at the truncated inlet. The impedance model is also generalized to include the effects of entropy fluctuations at the inflow. The hybrid ROM-LES simulations are compared with LES simulations with the full combustor geometry. Results show very good agreement and confirm that the use of TDIBC within LES is a viable tool to account for complex acoustic/boundary interaction in a physical way without explicitly solving the full geometry at LES level. Some simplifications and approximations have to be invoked and these constraints are also discussed.
Raney-Ni catalyzed conversion of levulinic acid to 5-methyl-2-pyrrolidone using ammonium formate as the H and N source

Abstract Renewable biomass based levulinic acid was converted to 5-methyl-2-pyrrolidone in 94% yield by a Raney-Ni catalyzed process using ammonium formate in aqueous medium and heating at 180 °C for 3 h. The Raney-Ni could be reused for four catalytic cycles with about 10% loss in catalytic activity. In a similar reaction levulinic acid could be converted 1-substituted-5-methyl-2-pyrrolidones in 90–95% yield by using a mixture of formic acid and the corresponding primary amine.
Treatment of tobacco dependence: current state of the art.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' requirement to integrate tobacco treatment with lung cancer screening (LCS) has served as a catalyst for motivating pulmonary medicine clinicians to improve upon their ability to effectively treat tobacco dependence. To do so, clinicians need to be well versed in the behavioral and pharmacologic tools that promote smoking cessation. RECENT FINDINGS The current review outlines current strategies for treating tobacco dependence, focusing on the important interplay between counseling and pharmacotherapy. Studies that have been found to be particularly effective in patients with smoking-related lung disease and in the LCS setting are reviewed. New therapies that are in the pipeline, as well as novel strategies aimed at improving both adoption and effectiveness of existing therapies, are discussed. SUMMARY Treating tobacco dependence improves mortality and quality of life far more than the limited therapies available to treat smoking-related lung disease. Novel strategies to making tobacco treatment services more widely available, particularly to vulnerable patient populations, are needed to further decrease smoking-related morbidity and mortality. The Affordable Care Act's greater focus on prevention represents a moment of opportunity for healthcare providers and systems to engage in these efforts.
Multimodality Cardiovascular Imaging of Unroofed Coronary Sinus Defects

Unroofed coronary sinus (CS) defects are rare anomalies that result from embryologic developmental abnormalities, leading to partial or complete absence of the common wall between the CS and the left atrium. They account for less than 1% of atrial septal defects, having a strong association with a
Epstein-Barr Virus Infection

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is one of the herpes viruses that infect humans. Other members of this group include herpes simplex types I and II, varicella-zoster virus, cytomegalovirus, human herpes virus types 6, 7, and 8, and simian herpes B virus ( Herpes simiae ). The latter is primarily an infection of nonhuman primates, with humans as accidental hosts. Herpes viruses share some common characteristics. They all produce viral latency, meaning that the viral genetic material is integrated into that of the host. However, this does not mean that the virus is completely dormant because there is production and display of virus antigens of EBV on host cell surfaces. EBV is different from other human herpes viruses in that it has several distinct antigens that do not cross-react. These antigens provide unique serologic markers for EBV activity.
Stochastic Dynamics of Friction- Induced Vibration in Disc Brakes

The dynamic behavior of a disc brake subjected to a follower frictional force governed by either a constant or random friction coefficient is studied. Under constant frictional load, the circumferential motion is characterized by a quasiperiodic vibration while the transverse deflection is mainly governed by a periodic motion. The numerical simulation indicates that the response amplitude of the circumferential vibration is larger than that of the transverse vibration. Under random frictional load, both transverse and circumferential displacements are found to be essentiaUynon-Gaussian, non-stationary, and narrow-band processes. The energy of the transverse motion considerably concentrates at a dominant frequency. On the other hand, the spectral density of circumferential motion is mainly distributed at two different frequencies.
Thermodynamics of snow metamorphism due to variations in curvature

In the absence of imposed temperature gradients, the metamorphism of dry snow is dominated by the slow process of vapor diffusion between surfaces of different radii of curvature. This process is so slow in a seasonal snow cover (where temperatures normally change on the scale of hours or days) that vapor migration is usually dominated by the imposed temperature gradient. Thus radius of curvature contributes to but does not control metamorphism except for short periods in very fresh snow. As opposed to dry snow, liquid-saturated snow (i.e. pore space filled by the melt) is metamorphosed by heat flow arising from relatively large temperature differences among the particles. Grain growth in liquid-saturated snow is rapid because of the large temperature differences at nearly constant liquid pressure. In wet snow with low liquid content (2-5% by volume), grain growth is dominated by vapor diffusion (as in dry snow) so grain growth is much slower than under conditions of liquid saturation.
Non-Pharmacological Factors in Drug Dependence

The apparatus with which man engages reality can—in an evolutionary perspective—be seen to have a certain, though wavering skew toward expediency, survival, and the maintenance of sufficient vigilance for a majority to achieve this. It also permits a range of private experiences, as well as a search for comfort and obtunding of pain; these factors can be sustained with various life styles which can be judged as having tolerable or marginal, or thoroughly inadequate survival value. We seem also to be gifted with the capacity to accentuate and elaborate these capacities and vulnerabilities for subjectivity with a variety of tools and practices; we can implement megalomanic as well as retreatist or reality goals.
Characterization and Inventories of Nuclear Materials and Wastes for Possible Future Energy Scenarios

Awareness of the total materials inventory and materials balance associated with differing methods for energy generation is part of present-day concerns associated with disparate areas that include atmospheric emissions, resource utilization, health effects, and both current and long-term hazards and risks. Nuclear energy, for a number of decades, has been the recipient of significant scrutiny concerning the materials and wastes it generates, particularly in the context of long-term solutions to such issues. This paper examines the nuclear materials and waste generation for nuclear energy scenarios spanning the coming century. The paper also briefly addresses wastes (in the form of emissions) from other energy sources and examines requirements associated with back-end energy system materials management. Possible future requirements pertaining to CO2 management are found to place conditions upon waste management generally similar to those for nuclear waste. One example of material flows for the case of coal generation of electricity coupled with carbon sequestration is also given.
Pollen Morphology and Ultrastructure of Calyceraceae

Pollen morphology of 13 species from all six genera of Calyceraceae (Acicarpha, Boopis, Calycera, Gamocarpha, Moschopsis, and Nastanthus) and representatives of the Campanulaceae and Goodeniaceae is examined with light (LM), scanning (SEM), and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy. Acicarpha, Calycera, and Nastanthus pollen grains are distinguished by angulaperturate apertures, colpar ledges and surface depressions between colpi known as intercolpar concavities (IC). Pollen of Gamocarpha and Moschopsis is tricolporate rather than angulaperturate and without an IC. Some species of Boopis are similar to the preceding genera (e.g., B. graminea), while others (e.g., B. gracilis) are angulaperturate with ICs. Structural features derived from fractured pollen in SEM and sections in TEM show pollen walls composed of prominent columellae ca. 0.55–1.1 µm high and <0.25 µm wide. The columellae terminate distally into a complex of shortened columellae ca. 1.5 µm in length and are separated by an illdefined irregular internal tectum layer. This structural complex is well known in several tribes of the Asteraceae and referred to as the Anthemoid type. In those grains with an IC, the structure consists of essentially short (ca. 1 µm), unbranched columellae, similar to those found within the Asteraceae subfamily Barnadesioideae (Dasyphyllum and Schlechtendalia). Goodeniaceae (including Brunonia) pollen has angulaperturate apertures, spinules (i.e., minute spines), problematic IC and some structural similarity to Calyceraceae pollen. The tendency within Calyceraceae to develop colpar ledges, ektexine bridges, and ICs may be a synapomorphy uniting the family with Goodeniaceae. If the ancestral pollen type for the Calyceraceae, Asteraceae, and Goodeniaceae clade is the Gamocarpha type (convex intercolpar regions; no colpar ledges and no ektexine bridges), then the appearance of these structures within each family may be a synapomorphy supporting their close phylogenetic relationship suggested by molecular analyses.
ASSOCIATION OF SLEEP DURATION, PHYSICAL FUNCTION AND SOCIAL ACTIVITY IN OLDER ADULTS WITH MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT.

The relationship between sleep duration and functional decline in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is unknown. Our objective was to examine the independent relationship between sleep duration, physical functioning and social activity in community-dwelling older adults with MCI. Analyses were conducted on baseline data from participants enrolled in the Healthy Patterns Clinical Trial (Hodgson; R01NR015226-02S1). Measures included Barthel Index for activities of daily living, Promis Physical Function Short Form for physical functioning, and Promis Item Bank Social for social activity. We used Spearman’s correlation and multivariate linear regression. A total of 18 individuals (72.2% male) aged 75.8 (SD 8.4) with mean Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scores of 1.06 (SD 0.68) were enrolled. Sleep duration ranged from 4.5 to 13.5 with mean 8.47 (SD 2.05) hours. Longer sleep duration was significantly associated with poorer levels of activities of daily living (r = -0.742, p = .001) and trended towards significance with physical functioning (r = -0.406, p = .095) in bivariate analyses. After controlling for age, sex, number of medications, CDR, and depression, sleep duration was independently associated with activities of daily living (β = -15.899, p = .001). The relationship between sleep duration and social activity was not significant (r = -0.352, p = .166). Our preliminary results suggest longer sleep may be a cause or early sign of declining physical functional in older adults with MCI. Further prospective studies are necessary to determine the long-term effect of sleep duration on physical or social functioning in MCI patients.
Commensal microbiota-induced redox signaling activates proliferative signals in the intestinal stem cell microenvironment

A distinct taxon of the Drosophila microbiota, Lactobacillus plantarum , is capable of stimulating the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within cells, and inducing epithelial cell proliferation. Here we show microbial-induced ROS generation within Drosophila larval stem cell compartments exhibits a distinct spatial distribution. Lactobacilli-induced ROS is strictly excluded from defined midgut compartments that harbor adult midgut progenitor (AMP) cells, forming a functional “ROS sheltered zone” (RSZ). The RSZ is undiscernible in germ-free larvae, but forms following mono-colonization with L. plantarum . L. plantarum is a strong activator of the ROS-sensitive CncC/Nrf2 signaling pathway within enterocytes. Enterocyte-specific activation of CncC stimulated the proliferation of AMPs, demonstrating that pro-proliferative signals are transduced from enterocytes to AMPs. Mechanistically, we show that the cytokine Upd2 is expressed in the gut following L. plantarum colonization in a CncC dependent fashion, and may function in lactobacilli-induced AMP proliferation and intestinal tissue growth and development.
H+ disposal by rabbit gastric mucosal surface cells.

Exposure of isolated gastric mucosal surface cells to NH4+ results in acidification of cells as determined by a fluorescent dye technique using acridine orange. The resulting intracellular pH gradient is maintained when cells are suspended in either buffered HCO3- free Ringer's or choline chloride solution. Cells suspended in a Na+ -containing but K+-free solution exhibit dissipation of the proton gradient. When Na+ is added to cells suspended in Na+, K+ -free solution, the gradient rapidly dissipates with a half-maximal response occurring at 56 mM Na'. The effect of Na+ is amiloride sensitive with half-maximal inhibition occurring at 38 µM at a Na+ concentration of 50 mM. The K+ does not cause dissipation of the gradient and neither ouabain nor valinomycin have an effect. Yet, K+ has a modulating influence on Na+/H+ exchange by the isolated surface cells. The addition of K+ to acidloaded cells resuspended in Na+ -free solution decreases the ability of subsequent Na+ addition to evoke gradient dissipation. The data suggest that Na'IH+ exchange appears to be at least one mechanism whereby gastric mucosal surface cells could protect themselves against diffusing acid. This ion exchange mechanism is amiloride sensitive and appears to be unrelated to Na+, K+ adenosine triphosphatase activity, but is affected by the external K+ concentration.
Low frequency sound absorption by compliant Helmholtz resonators

A traditional Helmholtz resonator is a rigid-walled cavity and an open neck, which result in one acoustic resonance. In this study, a soft-walled cavity with an open neck, a compliant Helmholtz resonator, is investigated for broadband and large absorption of sound at low frequencies. By applying the soft materials, the dynamics of the compliant walls and the material impedance are coupled to the acoustic pressure filed in the cavity. Thus the impedance of the compliant resonator system as seen by an incident acoustic wave is determined by the interaction of the wall dynamics, material properties, and acoustic domain. Compared to a traditional Helmholtz resonator with the same geometric dimensions, the compliant Helmholtz resonator exhibits multiple resonances with large absorption of sound. In addition, strategic design of the structural composition and the material selection leads to resonant behavior at frequencies lower than the conventional Helmholtz resonance. Through exploring an analytical model developed to characterize the resonator, the threshold on material and structural compliance to yield traditional Helmholtz behavior is also illuminated.
Therapy for anogenital verrucae in preadolescent children with topical and systemic treatment

Background/objectives Anogenital verrucae (AV) are benign, human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced tumors of the anogenital skin and mucosa. Medical therapy for AV in preadolescents has not been well studied. We explore the efficacy and safety profile of sinecatechins 15% ointment and imiquimod 5% cream in the treatment of AV, alone and in combination therapy with other commonly used medications. Methods A single-institution, retrospective review of children under 12 years of age with AV treated with imiquimod 5% cream and sinecatechins 15% ointment was performed. Demographic data, side effects, and outcomes of therapy were recorded for each patient, and overall efficacy was determined. Results A total of 37 patients met inclusion criteria. Responses were seen in 8 out of 9 patients treated with sinecatechins 15% ointment (5 full, 3 partial, and 1 no response) and 9 out of 17 patients treated with imiquimod 5% cream (4 full, 5 partial, and 8 no response). Combination therapy with one or more of the following treatments (podophyllin, cimetidine, candida antigen injection, and HPV vaccine) were evaluated, but no combination was objectively superior to the others. No significant difference was found in overall efficacy between sinecatechins and imiquimod. Side effects were mild and limited to irritation and erythema. Conclusions Both imiquimod 5% cream and sinecatechins 15% ointment are moderately effective in the treatment of AV in preadolescent children, with a trend toward greater effectiveness of sinecatechins. Combination therapy with other treatments did not significantly increase the effectiveness of topical therapies. Each modality has a tolerable side effect profile with a low risk of serious complications.
Commonwealth and covenant: economics, politics, and theologies of relationality

In Commonwealth and Covenant: Economics, Politics, and Theologies of Relationality, Marcia Pally mounts a passionate, robust, and learned argument for a relational ontology of human personhood. Suc...
Presalvage International Staging System Stage and Other Important Outcome Associations in CD34+-Selected Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Multiple Myeloma

ABSTRACT Despite ongoing therapeutic advances, multiple myeloma (MM) remains largely incurable, and outcomes in patients who develop resistance to immunomodulatory drugs or proteasome inhibitors remain grim. Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) is an alternative option that may offer potential for cure. Although rates of transplantation-related morbidity and mortality have decreased in recent years, weighing this approach's potential benefits against nontransplantation therapies demands a thoroughly informed pre-alloHCT assessment. Here we assess the impact of pre-alloHCT variables on important clinical outcomes in a large cohort of relapsed refractory MM (RRMM) CD34+-selected alloHCT recipients. We included all patients with MM who underwent CD34+-selected alloHCT at our center between June 2010 and December 2015. Patients were conditioned with busulfan (0.8 mg/kg × 10), melphalan (70 mg/m2 × 2), and fludarabine (25 mg/m2 × 5), followed by infusion of a CD34+-selected peripheral blood stem cell graft, without post-alloHCT graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis. The 73-patient cohort had a median age of 55 years (range, 37 to 66 years). Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 70% and 53%, respectively, at 1 year (95% confidence interval [CI], 58% to 79% and 41% to 64%) and 50% and 30%, respectively, at 3 years (95% CI, 38% to 62% and 19% to 41%). The cumulative incidence of relapse was 25% at 1 year (95% CI, 15% to 35%) and 47% at 3 years (95% CI, 35% to 58%). Nonrelapse mortality at 1 year was 22% (95% CI, 13% to 32%). The cumulative incidence of grade II-IV acute GVHD (aGVHD) was 7% at 100 days (95% CI, 3% to 14%), and that of any chronic GVHD (cGVHD) was 8% at 1 year (95% CI, 3% to 16%). International Staging System (ISS) stage II-III assessed before salvage therapy was associated with poorer 3-year OS (30% versus 54%; P = .037) and 3-year PFS (9% versus 33%; P = .013), and increased 3-year relapse incidence (72% versus 39%; P = .004). Older age and GVHD before 6 months (aGVHD grade II-IV or cGVHD of any grade) were also associated with poorer OS, and a greater number of pre-alloHCT lines of therapy was also associated with increased relapse incidence. Our findings reinforce that CD34+-selected alloHCT can achieve prolonged disease control and long-term survival in high- risk, heavily treated refractory MM populations. We also identified numerous pre-alloHCT variables associated with OS, PFS, and relapse. Amongst these, presalvage ISS stage II-III was consistently associated with poorer survival and relapse outcomes. Given the lack of established alternate therapies for patients with RRMM, we advocate the identification of adverse pre-alloHCT variables to inform alloHCT decision making rather than to exclude patient cohorts from this potentially curative treatment option.
Multiplex PCR-based titration (MPBT) assay for determination of infectious titers of the three Sabin strains of live poliovirus vaccine

Conventional assays to titrate polioviruses usually test serial dilutions inoculated into replicate cell cultures to determine a 50% cytopathic endpoint, a process that is both time-consuming and laborious. Such a method is still used to measure potency of live Oral Poliovirus Vaccine during vaccine development and production and in some clinical trials. However, the conventional method is not suited to identify and titrate virus in the large numbers of fecal samples generated during clinical trials. Determining titers of each of the three Sabin strains co-existing in Oral Poliovirus Vaccine presents an additional challenge. A new assay using quantitative multiplex polymerase chain reaction as an endpoint instead of cytopathic effect was developed to overcome these limitations. In the multiplex polymerase chain reaction-based titration assay, cell cultures were infected with serial dilutions of test samples, lysed after two-day incubation, and subjected to a quantitative multiplex one-step reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. All three serotypes of poliovirus were identified in single samples and titers calculated. The multiplex polymerase chain reaction-based titration assay was reproducible, robust and sensitive. Its lower limits of titration for three Sabin strains were 1–5 cell culture 50% infectious doses per ml. We prepared different combinations of three Sabin strains and compared titers obtained with conventional and multiplex polymerase chain reaction-based titration assays. Results of the two assays correlated well and showed similar results and sensitivity. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction-based titration assay was completed in two to 3 days instead of 10 days for the conventional assay. The multiplex polymerase chain reaction-based titration (MPBT) is the first quantitative assay that identifies and titrates each of several different infectious viruses simultaneously in a mixture. It is suitable to identify and titrate polioviruses rapidly during the vaccine manufacturing process as a quality control test, in large clinical trials of vaccines, and for environmental surveillance of polioviruses. The MPBT assay can be automated for high-throughput implementation and applied for other viruses including those with no cytopathic effect.
NLTL Frequency Chirp Through Dynamic Bias of Inductor Cores

Nonlinear transmission lines (NLTL) have demonstrated the ability to convert a low-frequency video pulse into a narrowband RF packet whose frequency may vary from pulse to pulse. Synchronous wave magnetic NLTLs achieve this via a DC current bias prior to the launch of a video pulse which sets the subsequent shock velocity and thus the RF frequency. This paper explores the idea that a dynamic (time-varying) bias waveform can yield NLTL RF output with a chirp frequency characteristic by varying the shock velocity along the length of the line. A low power NLTL was utilized to prototype the concept using 1 kV–3 kV input drive, 0–150 V bias waveform, and 0–1 A DC bias current. The center frequency output of the low power NLTL ranges from 120 MHz–260 MHz, which varies with bias current and drive voltage, and has RF pulse widths between 50 ns and 300 ns. The optimization of the input waveform required to produce a chirp output waveform and experimental characterization of various dynamic bias waveforms on a low power test bed are described.
Pituitary carcinoma: Two case reports and review of literature.

Background Pituitary carcinoma is a rare type of malignancy that can be very difficult to diagnose and treat. Many cases were diagnosed at autopsy. Delays in diagnosis often adversely impact patients' outcomes. Even with prompt diagnosis, treatment decisions remain challenging in the absence of randomized controlled trials. Case summary We report two cases of pituitary carcinoma in men with a history of pituitary adenoma. In the first case, a 55-year-old man was initially diagnosed with pituitary macroadenoma. He underwent subtotal debulking of the tumor followed by adjuvant radiotherapy. Subsequently, he developed relapsed disease and multifocal intracranial metastases and a diagnosis of pituitary carcinoma was rendered. He passed away despite several lines of systemic therapies including temozolomide, lomustine and bevacizumab. Another 52-year-old man was diagnosed with atypical pituitary adenoma with presentation of sudden onset of vision loss in the right eye. He had recurrent pituitary carcinoma with spinal metastases, treated with surgery, radiation and temozolomide. Conclusion Pituitary carcinoma is a rare neoplasm with poor prognosis that is difficult to diagnose and treat. The small number of cases restricts our ability to design randomized clinical trials. Management is largely driven by retrospective studies and case series. Establishing molecular biomarkers and comprehensive genomic profiling could help in decisions about diagnosis and management of pituitary carcinoma.
A virtual metrology method with prediction uncertainty based on Gaussian process for chemical mechanical planarization

Abstract The prediction of the average material removal rate (MRR) in chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) process has been recognized to be a critical factor of virtual metrology (VM) modeling for advanced process control (APC). This paper proposes a Gaussian process regression (GPR)-based model to dynamically predict MRR in CMP process. The proposed method uses K-nearest neighbor (KNN) to search for reference MRR samples in the historical dataset. Furthermore, a GPR model is trained to fuse the information from reference samples. Finally, the proposed method employs multi-task Gaussian process (MTGP) to predict the final MRR and quantify the prediction uncertainty based on the historical and the reference MRR. Compared with other methods in the recent literature, the proposed method, named KNN-MTGP model, yields better prediction accuracy than ensemble models, and comparable accuracy with deep neural networks (NN). Besides, KNN-MTGP model is capable to demonstrate the behavior of the past MRR changing with time and provide quantified prediction uncertainties. In this paper, the feasibility and advantages of KNN-MTGP model are evaluated based on the dataset of 2016 prognostic and health management (PHM) data challenge.
Underwriting Government Debt Auctions: Auction Choice and Information Production

In this paper, we examine a novel two-stage mechanism for selling government securities, wherein the dealers underwrite in the first stage the sale of securities, which are auctioned in stage 2 via...
Location of the Cannula of the Left Ventricular Assist Device in Explanted Hearts After Orthotopic Heart Transplantation

Many patients having orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) have previously had a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Such a scenario allows the study of the position of the LVAD cannula in the explanted heart. We studied the explanted hearts in 105 patients who had had a LVAD inserted earlier and later underwent OHT at Baylor University Medical Center from January 2005 to September 2019, and compared the patients in whom the margins of the LVAD cannula contacted the mural endocardium with those in whom it did not. The margins of the orifice of the LVAD cannula contacted the left ventricular (LV) mural endocardium in 38 (36%) patients (considered potentially hazardous insertion) whereas in 67 (64%) patients there was no contact (considered "ideal" insertion). Comparison of the patients with ideal cannular insertion to those with potentially hazardous insertion disclosed insignificant differences in age at LVAD insertion or OHT; gender; interval between the LVAD insertion and OHT; body mass index; underlying cardiac disease; whether or not the heart floated in a container of formaldehyde, and the type of LVAD inserted. The margins of the LVAD cannula contacted the LV mural endocardium significantly more in patients with smaller mean heart weights than those with larger mean heart weights. In conclusion, of the 105 patients studied, the cannula of the LVAD resided in the LV cavity at an angle that allowed the margins of the orifice of the cannula to contact the mural endocardium in 38 (36%), a situation that at least potentially could cause partial obstruction of its orifice. Nevertheless, comparison of the 38 patients with nonideal cannular insertion to the 67 with ideal cannular insertion disclosed only 1 significant difference between the 2 groups.
Culture, institutions, and long-run performance

If institutions are essential for long-run performance, why don’t developing countries adopt institutions in developed countries to become rich? In this dynamic model, culture affects a ruler’s institutional choice, while culture itself evolves endogenously. Multiple stable steady states are possible, and even similar initial conditions can lead to dramatically different steady states. The state of Qin’s unification of China in 221 BC is used to illustrate the model. In one steady state, consistent with what happened in the state of Qin, individuals value material incentives. Qin did not strictly practice the patriarchal clan system advocated by Confucianism. Qin adopted Legalist institutions under which government officials were chosen by merit, and Qin culture was further shaped by Legalism. In another steady state, consistent with what happened in states other than Qin, individuals value loyalty and family values. Those states chose not to adopt Legalist institutions comprehensively for fearing that inconsistencies between culture and institutions could lead to internal rebellions even though institutional reforms would increase their military power. Other cases of how the interdependence between culture and institutions affects performance are also discussed.
Trends in solitary plasmacytoma, extramedullary plasmacytoma, and plasma cell myeloma incidence and myeloma mortality by racial-ethnic group, United States 2003-2016.

Plasma cell myeloma (also called multiple myeloma), solitary plasmacytoma, and extramedullary plasmacytoma are primarily diseases of the elderly. Evidence suggests an association between excess body weight and multiple myeloma. Few population-based studies have examined incidence and mortality of each site in one study. We analyzed incidence and death rates by site (solitary plasmacytoma, extramedullary plasmacytoma, and multiple myeloma) by gender, age, race/ethnicity, and rural-urban status among adult males and females (aged 20 years or older) in the United States during 2003-2016. Trends were characterized as average annual percentage change (AAPC) in rates. During 2003-2016, overall incidence rates among adults were 0.45 for solitary plasmacytoma, 0.09 for extramedullary plasmacytoma, and 8.47 for multiple myeloma per 100,000 persons. Incidence rates for multiple myeloma increased during 2003-2016 among non-Hispanic whites (AAPC = 1.78%) and non-Hispanic blacks (2.98%) 20-49 years of age; non-Hispanic whites (1.17%) and non-Hispanic blacks (1.24%) 50-59 years of age; and whites non-Hispanic (0.91%), and non-Hispanic blacks (0.96%). During 2003-2016 overall myeloma (extramedullary plasmacytoma and multiple myeloma) death rates among adults was 4.77 per 100,00 persons. Myeloma death rates decreased during 2003-2016 among non-Hispanic white (AAPC = -1.23%) and Hispanic (-1.34%) women; and non-Hispanic white (-0.74%), non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native (-3.05%) men. The US population is projected to become older and will have a larger proportion of persons who have had an earlier and longer exposure to excess body weight. The potential impact of these population changes on myeloma incidence and mortality can be monitored with high-quality cancer surveillance data.
Pediatric Ingestions: New High-Risk Household Hazards.

1. David C. Sheridan, MD, MCR* 2. Adrienne Hughes, MD*,† 3. B. Zane Horowitz, MD*,† 1. *Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 2. †Oregon Poison Center, Portland, OR 1. Most poisoning events in preschool-aged children continue to be accidental ingestions in the home, ranging from medications to toys and common household products. 2. Knowledge of these common ingestions is important to properly diagnose, treat, and refer to emergent care as needed. 3. Pediatricians and emergency physicians should be familiar with new exposures and treatment options that have been recommended for some novel agents. After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Explain the general epidemiology and emerging trends for pediatric poisonings and exposures. 2. Become familiar with several new products that have emerged as high-risk exposures in preschool-age children. 3. Describe the potential serious clinical complications and treatment options for these new high-risk agents. There is good news and bad news when it comes to pediatric poisoning and exposures. The last full year that the American Association of Poison Control Centers reported data was 2017. (1) There were 2,115,186 human exposures called in to poison centers in the 50 states and US territories, of which children represented the largest percentages. Children younger than 6 years were the concern in 45% of calls, those 6 to 12 years of age represented 6% of calls, and adolescents 13 to 19 years of age 8% of calls. (1) Although no death of a child is considered a positive outcome, the trend in fatalities from poison exposure for toddlers has been decreasing. The good news is that of 956,871 calls to poison centers regarding preschool-age children (<6 years old), there were only 19 fatal outcomes. The bad news is that the data identify room for improvement in adolescent poison prevention. In adolescents, ages 13 to …
Technology integration in complex healthcare environments: A systematic literature review

To support safety and efficient care, effective integration of technology into the timepressured, high-risk healthcare environments is critical. This systematic literature review aimed to highlight the impact of technology on the physical environment as well as the facilitators for and barriers to technology integration into complex healthcare settings, including operating rooms and trauma rooms. PsycINFO, Web of Science, and PubMed databases were utilized, along with a hand search. PRISMA and MMAT guidelines were used for reporting and quality appraisal. Out of 1,001 articles, 20 were eligible. Identified categories included hybrid and integrated environments, technological ambiance, and information technologies. Technology integration has implications for direct patient care, efficiency, throughput, patient safety, teamwork, communication, and the perception of care. The facilitators for and barriers to technology integration included layout design, equipment positioning, and decluttering. The physical environment can improve the impact of technology on factors such as patient safety and efficiency.
Artificial Sputum Medium Formulation Impacts Pseudomonas aeruginosa Phenotype and Chemotype

ABSTRACT Artificial sputum medium (ASM) is a class of in vitro bacterial culture medium intended to mimic the nutritional environment of cystic fibrosis (CF) pulmonary mucus. One of the most commonly studied microbes in ASM is Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a prevalent and dangerous pathogen of the CF pulmonary microbiome. Many ASM formulations have been reported in literature, with differing nutrient concentrations and availability. Here, we show that common formulations of ASM yield different phenotypes and chemotypes of P. aeruginosa. Further, we demonstrate that iron in commercial porcine gastric mucin (PGM) is sufficient to alter production of P. aeruginosa siderophores in the chemically defined ASM, synthetic CF medium 1 (SCFM1). These results highlight that the choice of ASM formulation for in vitro investigations of microbial pathogenicity, physiology, and interactions should be carefully considered. IMPORTANCE In vitro culture media are being developed to resemble the in vivo nutritional environment more closely. These culture media are used to investigate microbial pathogenicity and ecology in environments that are more reflective of disease states. In cystic fibrosis (CF), a number of different artificial sputum media (ASM) formulations have been created to recapitulate the CF lung environment. However, these ASM have different sources and concentrations of nutrients. Here, we cultured Pseudomonas aeruginosa in nine different formulations of ASM. P. aeruginosa is the primary pathogen causing lung infection in CF. We show that different ASM formulations lead to different phenotypes and chemotypes by P. aeruginosa and one component of ASM, mucin, contains high levels of iron, which may affect P. aeruginosa physiology.
Bridging the Divide, Virtually: Ethics of Teledermatology

Teledermatology is a growing field and useful method of care that connects specialist care to remote sites. It creates an opportunity to reduce healthcare disparities, a potential tool for triage, and a means for more convenient user healthcare experiences. Although the potential benefit of teledermatology is vast, this chapter seeks to explore how ethical dilemmas may arise with implementation of teledermatology (e.g. patient privacy, follow-up for patients without in-person dermatologists, teletriage, quality of care). Through hypothetical cases, we consider several scenarios that practitioners may face, review current literature available on teledermatology, and provide guidance for integrating telemedicine with patient care best practices.
Measurement and Evaluation for Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) for Manufacturing Operations - Summary of an Interactive Workshop Highlighting PHM Trends.

Personnel from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) organized and led a Measurement and Evaluation for Prognostics and Health Management for Manufacturing Operations (ME4PHM) workshop at the 2019 Annual Conference of the Prognostics and Health Management Society held on September 23rd, 2019 in Scottsdale, Arizona. This event featured panel presentations and discussions from industry, government, and academic participants who are focused in advancing monitoring, diagnostic, and prognostic (collectively known as prognostic and health management (PHM)) capabilities within manufacturing operations. The participants represented a diverse cross-section of technology developers, integrators, end-users/manufacturers (from small to large), and researchers. These contributors discussed 1) what works well, 2) common challenges that need to be addressed, 3) where the community’s priorities should be focused, and 4) how PHM technological adoption can be sped in a cost-effective manner. This report summarizes the workshop and offers lessons learned regarding the current state of PHM. Based upon the discussions, recommended next steps to advance this technological domain are also presented.
Routine Camelid Procedures

To help the relative novice and perhaps even some veteran camelid veterinarians, the most common procedures that you are asked to perform will be discussed. Included will be venapuncture procedures, some dental considerations, male breeding soundness evaluation, anesthesia/castration technique, micro-chipping, intrauterine infusion discussion, TB testing, intramuscular injection options, tapeworm treatment, epidural procedure, refractory abscess therapy, pregnant animal sedation and rectal exams.
Is it 'cancer prevention' or 'risk reduction'? #Wordsmatter.

In this commentary, we examine whether we should reconsider the widespread use of the words ‘cancer prevention’ and replace them with the words ‘cancer risk reduction’. Our recommendation is because ‘risk reduction’ more accurately reflects what we know from cancer research, but more importantly recognizes the confusion and potential harm to patients from the inaccurate use of the words ‘cancer prevention’.
Scalable high-throughput micro-expression device for recombinant proteins.

Micro-Expression Device for Protein Expression Large-scale recombinant protein expression and purification technologies for use in structural studies are time-consuming and expensive. Small-scale s...
EFFECTS OF MYCOTOXINS ON IMMUNITY AND RESISTANCE OF ANIMALS

ABSTRACT Recognition of impaired immunogenesis among animals receiving dietary aflatoxin has added an important new parameter to the undesirable biological reactions caused by mycotoxin consumption. Experimental studies in laboratory animals, poultry, and swine have shown that moderate levels of aflatoxin (ca 0.25 ppm of feed or 0.07 mg/kg body weight B1 activity) consumed during the period of immunization impaired the establishment of actively acquired immunity in some, but not all model systems. At these levels, thymic hypoplasia and defective cell mediated immune responses with normal antibody production were observed; clinical signs of intoxication other than reduced rate of gain were generally absent. At very high levels of aflatoxin intake, some investigators have reported alterations in the quality and quantity of antibody in addition to the effects on cell mediated immune mechanisms. In addition to aflatoxin, ochratoxin, stachybotryotoxin, diacetoxyscirpenol, and T-2 toxin have been found to adversely affect the thymus and cell mediated immune activity. Aflatoxin has also reduced the effectiveness of the mechanisms of resistance to infection; this effect has been related to a number of actions and has been reported as the basis of field outbreaks of naturally occurring animal disease. The minimal levels of aflatoxin or other mycotoxins affecting immune responses and native resistance remain to be determined.
Reproducing Racism: White Space, Elite Law Schools, and Racial Inequality

1 White Space 2 Introduction: Georgetown 'Dixie' 3 Historically White Law Schools and the Deep Structure of White Institutional Space 4 Legal Myths and the Discourse of Abstract Individualism 5 We Give Them the Moon, But Still They Complain: Colorblind Racism in the Law Schools 6 "Wow -You are Really Articulate": Law Students of Color Negotiating White Space 7 Still Asking Too Much 8 Conclusion: In the Elephant 9 Bibliography
Molar Heat Capacity Cv, Vapor Pressure, and (p, ρ, T) Measurements from 92 to 350 K at Pressures to 35 MPa and a New Equation of State for Chlorotrifluoromethane (R13)

Measurements of the molar heat capacity at constant volume C v for chlorotrifluoromethane (R13) were conducted using an adiabatic method. Temperatures ranged from 95 to 338 K, and pressures were as high as 35 MPa. Measurements of vapor pressure were made using a static technique from 250 to 302 K. Measurements of (p, ρ, T) properties were conducted using an isochoric method; comprehensive measurements were conducted at 15 densities which varied from dilute vapor to highly compressed liquid, at temperatures from 92 to 350 K. The R13 samples were obtained from the same sample bottle whose mole fraction purity was measured at 0.9995. A test equation of state including ancillary equations was derived using the new vapor pressures and (p, ρ, T) data in addition to similar published data. The equation of state is a modified Benedict–Webb–Rubin type with 32 adjustable coefficients. Acceptable agreement of C v predictions with measurements was found. Published C v(ρ, T) data suitable for direct comparison with this study do not exist. The uncertainty of the C v values is estimated to be less than 2.0% for vapor and 0.5% for liquid. The uncertainty of the vapor pressures is 1 kPa, and that of the density measurements is 0.1%.
N5-methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine transmethylase. Propylation characteristics with the use of a chemical reducing system and purified enzyme.

A simple method is described whereby millimicromole amounts of extensively purified N5-methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine transmethylase (vitamin B12 transmethylase) can be chemically propylated to yield an inhibited vitamin B12 enzyme which is reactivated with light. The procedure consists of a short incubation of the enzyme with propyl iodide in the presence of reduced flavin mononucleotide and dithiothreitol under hydrogen gas. Formation of a propylated (inhibited) enzyme was correlated with alterations in the visible absorption spectrum of the enzyme. When propyl-1-14C bromide was the alkylating agent a radioactive enzyme was formed which lost radioactivity upon exposure to light. The effects of several reaction parameters on the extent of propylation were examined as was the effect of propylation on four separate transmethylation reactions catalyzed by the vitamin B12 enzyme preparations. Transmethylation reactions which require catalytic amounts of S-adenosylmethionine (AMe) as a cofactor or in which AMe itself is the substrate methyl donor were inhibited by propylation; however, methyl group transfer from methyl-B12 (5,6-dimethylbenzimidazolylcobamide methyl) to homocysteine was not affected by propylation. Micromolar concentrations of both AMe and N5-methyltetrahydrofolate markedly inhibited propylation as did higher levels of methyl iodide. For the inhibition of propylation by low concentrations of N5-methyltetrahydrofolate a noninhibitory amount of AMe was essential.
Proceedings of the Eighth International Workshop on Dynamic Analysis

Dynamic-analysis techniques are increasingly used to complement more traditional static analysis. Approaches based on static analysis operate on a static representation of the program, consider all possible (and some infeasible) behaviors, and are thus complete, but often imprecise. Dynamic-analysis techniques, conversely, reason over a set of program executions and analyze only observed behaviors. Dynamic analysis includes both offline techniques, which operate on some captured representation of the system's behavior (e.g., a trace), and run-time techniques, which analyze the system's behavior on the fly, while the system is executing. Although inherently incomplete, dynamic analyses can be more precise than their static counterparts and show promise in aiding the understanding, development, and maintenance of robust and reliable large-scale systems. Moreover, the data they provide enable statistical inferences to be made about program behavior. In recent years, both practitioners and researchers are realizing that the limitations of static analysis can be overcome by integrating static and dynamic analysis, and that the performance of dynamic analyses can in turn be improved by leveraging static analysis. The overall goal of WODA 2010 is to bring together researchers and practitioners working in all areas of dynamic analysis to discuss new issues, share results and ongoing work, and foster collaborations.