cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of dietary carbon on mercury bioaccumulation in streams of the Adirondack Mountains of New York and the Coastal Plain of South Carolina, USA

We studied lower food webs in streams of two mercury-sensitive regions to determine whether variations in consumer foraging strategy and resultant dietary carbon signatures accounted for observed within-site and among-site variations in consumer mercury concentration. We collected macroinvertebrates (primary consumers and predators) and selected forage fishes from three sites in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, and three sites in the Coastal Plain of South Carolina, for analysis of mercury (Hg) and stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N). Among primary consumers, scrapers and filterers had higher MeHg and more depleted δ13C than shredders from the same site. Variation in δ13C accounted for up to 34 % of within-site variation in MeHg among primary consumers, beyond that explained by δ15N, an indicator of trophic position. Consumer δ13C accounted for 10 % of the variation in Hg among predatory macroinvertebrates and forage fishes across these six sites, after accounting for environmental aqueous methylmercury (MeHg, 5 % of variation) and base-N adjusted consumer trophic position (Δδ15N, 22 % of variation). The δ13C spatial pattern within consumer taxa groups corresponded to differences in benthic habitat shading among sites. Consumers from relatively more-shaded sites had more enriched δ13C that was more similar to typical detrital δ13C, while those from the relatively more-open sites had more depleted δ13C. Although we could not clearly attribute these differences strictly to differences in assimilation of carbon from terrestrial or in-channel sources, greater potential for benthic primary production at more open sites might play a role. We found significant variation among consumers within and among sites in carbon source; this may be related to within-site differences in diet and foraging habitat, and to among-site differences in environmental conditions that influence primary production. These observations suggest that different foraging strategies and habitats influence MeHg bioaccumulation in streams, even at relatively small spatial scales. Such influence must be considered when selecting lower trophic level consumers as sentinels of MeHg bioaccumulation for comparison within and among sites.
Applications of elastin-like polypeptides in drug delivery

Elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) are biopolymers inspired by human elastin. Their lower critical solution temperature phase transition behavior and biocompatibility make them useful materials for stimulus-responsive applications in biological environments. Due to their genetically encoded design and recombinant synthesis, the sequence and size of ELPs can be exactly defined. These design parameters control the structure and function of the ELP with a precision that is unmatched by synthetic polymers. Due to these attributes, ELPs have been used extensively for drug delivery in a variety of different embodiments—as soluble macromolecular carriers, self-assembled nanoparticles, cross-linked microparticles, or thermally coacervated depots. These ELP systems have been used to deliver biologic therapeutics, radionuclides, and small molecule drugs to a variety of anatomical sites for the treatment of diseases including cancer, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, and neuroinflammation.
Insect-Inspired Micropump: Flow in a Tube with Local Contractions

A biologically-inspired micropumping model in a three-dimensional tube subjected to localized wall constrictions is given in this article. The present study extends our previous pumping model where a 3D channel with a square cross-section is considered. The proposed pumping approach herein applies to tubular geometries and is given to mimic an insect respiration mode, where the tracheal tube rhythmic wall contractions are used/hypothesized to enhance the internal flow transport within the entire respiration network. The method of regularized Stokeslets-mesh-free computations is used to reconstruct the flow motions induced by the wall movements and to calculate the time-averaged net flow rate. The time-averaged net flow rates from both the tube and channel models are compared. Results have shown that an inelastic tube with at least two contractions forced to move with a specific time lag protocol can work as a micropump. The system is simple and expected to be useful in many biomedical applications.
Alternative Sharing Arrangements: A Review of the Evidence of Their Effects and Some Policy Implications for the US:

The available theoretical and empirical evidence on the economic effects of alternative 'sharing arrangements' is partially reviewed. From this, as well as consideration of other non-economic arguments, is derived a package of initiatives in workplace democratization and participation for the US. The package has two halves. First are proposals to expand the sectors in which workers have majority ownership and control. The discussion outlines which industries should be emphasized, the appropriate enabling legislation and how this might be financed. There follows a discussion of policies designed to encourage more modest expansions in worker ownership, participation and profits.
Historical Perspective of the Logistics and Supply Chain Management Discipline

The purpose of this article is to examine the evolution of the study of business logistics and supply chain management from the perspective of one who has participated firsthand in the discipline in industry and academic positions over the past six decades. The subject matter is organized in chronological order by decade. The 1950s were primarily a decade of transportation. During the 1960s the study of transportation evolved into the study of physical distribution. During the early 1970s more attention was given to physical supply, the inbound side of logistics systems. Later in the 1970s, universities began to offer more courses in transportation, physical distribution, and logistics. The term physical distribution was phased out in the 1980s, and the term business logistics emphasized. During the 1990s, business logistics again was the emphasis, as many cost-oriented businesses became aware of the opportunities for cost savings through negotiations with carriers and implementation of the systems approach and the total cost concept. The first decade of the 21st century has been characterized by a slow evolution from logistics to supply chain management.
Identification and Estimation of a Discrete Game of Complete Information

We discuss the identification and estimation of discrete games of complete information. Following Bresnahan and Reiss (1990, 1991), a discrete game is a generalization of a standard discrete choice model where utility depends on the actions of other players. Using recent algorithms to compute all of the Nash equilibria to a game, we propose simulation-based estimators for static, discrete games. We demonstrate that the model is identified under weak functional form assumptions using exclusion restrictions and an identification at infinity approach. Monte Carlo evidence demonstrates that the estimator can perform well in moderately sized samples. As an application, we study entry decisions by construction contractors to bid on highway projects in California. We find that an equilibrium is more likely to be observed if it maximizes joint profits, has a higher Nash product, uses mixed strategies, and is not Pareto dominated by another equilibrium.
Systematic design of indexing strategies for object recognition

The authors analyze how parameters of indexing based recognition systems affects their performance. The main result is that increasing the dimensionality of the indices leads to significantly improved discrimination, false positive suppression and reduced recognition times. With increase in index dimensionality, coarser quantization is required to allow index match in the presence of noise. The authors' analysis also allows estimation of votes thresholds for recognition and estimation of the amount of occlusion that can be tolerated by indexing schemes for given levels of recognition confidence. >
PCB association with model phospholipid bilayers

We compare the association of an ortho-substituted and a planar PCB (polychlorinated biphenyls PCB-52 and PCB-77, respectively) with single-component phospholipid bilayers terminated with phosphocholine headgroups. First, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) studies of diffusion on supported fluid-phase DLPC show that the ortho-substituted PCB diffuses more slowly, indicating either complex formation or obstructed diffusion. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of vesicles formed from DMPC shows that the gel-to-fluid phase transition temperature is lower for vesicles containing this ortho-substituted PCB. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) shows that, whereas supported bilayers of DMPC containing this ortho-substituted PCB display two melting points, bilayers containing the coplanar PCB display just a single melting point. A model is proposed in which the ortho-substituted PCB resides within the lipid tails of these phospholipid bilayers but the coplanar PCB associates preferentially with the headgro...
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF THE GREEN ALGA SCENEDESMUS QUADRICAUDA ON THE EFFICACY OF BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS VAR. ISRAELENSIS AGAINST LARVAL BLACK FLIES

ABSTRACT The green alga Scenedesmus quadricauda has been shown to decrease the efficacy of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) to black fly larvae in laboratory experiments. In this study, 2 approaches to mitigating the effects of S. quadricauda were tested, increasing the dose of Bti exposed to the larval black flies and increasing the length of the exposure period. Results showed that increasing the dose as well as increasing the exposure time were effective methods for mitigating the effects of S. quadricauda on Bti efficacy. Assessment of larval mortality at different exposure periods to Bti indicate that the manifestation of toxicity or acquisition of toxic doses of the Bti formulation takes place approximately 2–3 times slower when S. quadricauda is present. These results provide information that might be useful in developing a plan of action to combat this complex situation in field operations.
Preservice Teacher Beliefs About Inclusion: Implications for Early Intervention Educators

This study examined the development of preservice teacher beliefs about inclusion. Six undergraduates from a southeastern university who were enrolled in a birth through kindergarten licensure program were interviewed and made available reflective writings for a qualitative analysis. Some beliefs were found during the group focus interview and initial individual interview, but additional beliefs evolved within the student teaching experience itself and are described in this article. Data suggested that students held positive beliefs about inclusion, although the context of the inclusion setting also mediated these beliefs. Students were confronted with challenges that inclusion settings often present. One finding suggested the importance of support for students to develop problem-solving and decision-making skills within inclusion contexts to provide for positive teacher beliefs about inclusion.
Same day discharge after laparoscopic cholecystectomy in children

Abstract Background Although the safety of same day discharge (SDD) after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for symptomatic cholelithiasis (SC) and biliary dyskinesia (BD) in adults has been well documented in the literature, the same data in the pediatric population are lacking. We have recently instituted a protocol for SDD after LC for SC and BD, and this study is an analysis of our initial experience. Methods A retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent LC for BD and SC in our institution from January 2011–July 2014 was performed. Results A total of 227 LC were performed for SC and BD during the study period. Approximately 25% (n = 57) of patients were in the SDD group. The remaining 75% (n = 170) of patients were admitted at least overnight stay (ONS) for the following reasons: medical 16.5% (n = 28), surgery ending too late 4.1% (n = 7), or clinical care habits 79.4% (n = 135). Comparing the SDD group with ONS group, no differences were found in the complication rate, readmissions, or follow up before scheduled appointment. Length of stay was significantly less for the SDD group than for the ONS. A trend for more SDDs was observed as time elapsed from initiation of the protocol. Also, earlier completion of surgery trended toward SDD. Conclusions SDD appears safe for pediatric patients undergoing LC for BD or SC. The main obstacles to discharge were time of surgery completion and clinical care habits, both of which improved as comfort level with SDD grew among the staff.
110-GHz monolithic resonant-tunneling-diode trigger circuit

The design and fabrication of a novel resonant tunneling diode (RTD) structure to be used in a monolithically integrated trigger circuit are reported. The structure has been designed to have high peak current densities with relatively low resonant voltages. These devices have been monolithically integrated with resistors to build a high-frequency trigger circuit. Experiments demonstrated triggering performance up to 110 GHz with subpicosecond timing jitter. >
The design and implementation of a code generation tool

A practical approach to the development of a high-quality, re-usable code generator is described in this paper. This code generator produces code for the Prime 64V mode architecture, but the methodology used is generally applicable to the construction of compilers for most architectures. The code generator accepts a tree-structured intermediate form, linearized and represented as a file of integers. This intermediate form uses high-level operators, minimizing work by compiler front-ends that use it and providing a number of advantages in the code generation process. The output of the code generator is assembly language. This tool was found to considerably extend the capabilities of students in a graduate compiler class and has been used in the construction of Pascal and C compilers.
Applying co-training methods to statistical parsing

We propose a novel Co-Training method for statistical parsing. The algorithm takes as input a small corpus (9695 sentences) annotated with parse trees, a dictionary of possible lexicalized structures for each word in the training set and a large pool of unlabeled text. The algorithm iteratively labels the entire data set with parse trees. Using empirical results based on parsing the Wall Street Journal corpus we show that training a statistical parser on the combined labeled and unlabeled data strongly out-performs training only on the labeled data.
Postmenopausal females and the link between oral bisphosphonates and osteonecrosis of the jaw: a clinical review.

Purpose: To increase awareness for nurse practitioners (NPs) of new information concerning the plausible link between the oral bisphosphonate drug classification and necrosis in the jaw. Data sources: Selected research and clinical articles. In addition, several peer-reviewed, refereed medical and dental journals were consulted. Conclusions: Oral bisphosphonates are commonly prescribed by NPs for postmenopausal females with the diagnosis of osteoporosis to arrest bone loss and preserve bone density. Recent reports have shown a link between these medications and osteonecrosis of the jaw, which is a complication resulting in necrotic bone inside the mouth. Implications for practice: NPs must be able to determine early warning signs of osteonecrosis to ensure prompt referral to a dental specialist in order to prevent irreversible sequelae. Because of the aging population, osteoporosis is predicted to increase; therefore, treatment with these drugs and the side effects that go along with them will most likely also increase.
Semi-active Iterative Learning Control

This paper presents an Iterative Learning Control (ILC) algorithm for iterative parameter update in a semi-active system. The ILC law is designed to minimize a cost function, for example, the mean squared tracking error. First, a parametrized lifted domain representation of a linear parameter-varying system is developed explicitly. Based on this lifted domain representation and a cost function, gradient-based laws for the parameter update from iteration to iteration are proposed. Stability, monotonicity, steady state error, and robustness properties of these algorithms are presented. Finally, an application of the proposed algorithm is illustrated through the simulation of a plastic blow molding system.
Inside Front Cover: A Combinatorial Library of Photocrosslinkable and Degradable Materials (Adv. Mater. 19/2006)

The first combinatorial library of degradable photocrosslinked materials is reported on p. 2614 by Anderson, Burdick, and co-workers. The inside cover shows a three-dimensional representation of the generic macromer, superimposed onto a microarray of materials. It is believed that this library approach will allow for the rapid screening and design of degradable polymers for a variety of applications.
GHz magnetic response of split ring resonators

Measurements of engineered subwavelength microstructures can be designed to have positive or negative e and m at desired frequencies. We present transmission measurements of a metamaterial consisting of split ring resonators (SRR). Results for different polarizations and propagation directions are presented. The transmission shows a dip even for propagations perpendicular to the SRR plane, provided that the incident electric field is parallel to the sides of the split ring resonators (SRRs) which contain the cuts. The experimental results agree well with the theoretical calculations.
ELISPOT assay for chlamydia‐specific, antibody‐producing cells correlated with conventional complement fixation and microimmunofluorescence

Chlamydia antigens cross-reactive with pneumoniae (TWAR), psittaci, and trachomatis strains were used to evaluate the ELISPOT assay for detecting antigen-specific, antibody-secreting cells (ASC). Human blood specimens from healthy and hospitalized persons were randomly collected and tested by coating the nitrocellulose membrane at the base of microtiter wells. Ficoll-separated mononuclear cells from blood specimens collected in EDTA were incubated in the wells with Iscove's growth medium in CO2 atmosphere at 37 degrees C. An IgG-specific conjugate labeled with biotin was used in an avidin-peroxidase chromogen system for indicating the areas (spots) of immunologically committed lymphocytes. Positive specimens had median levels of ASC above 8 per 10(6) cells (range 15-23 ASC/10(6) cells). Evidence that the ELISPOT is reliable, sensitive, and specific includes the following:(1) immunized animal and clinical human specimens in control experiments were selectively reactive in the presence of antigen, but negative without antigen, (2) serologically characterized reference sera demonstrated homologous rather than heterologous reactions with the antigens, (3) conventional complement fixation and microimmunofluorescence on serum fractions of clinical specimens correlated well (P < 0.02) with ELISPOT results that were both TWAR- and psittaci-positive, and (4) the array of specimens (from healthy donors, community hospitalized, and pulmonary service patients) selected for their increasing likelihood in that order for being positive due to illness was then confirmed and supported by their respectively increasing positivity rates (6, 15, and 25%) for TWAR/psittaci combined. The incidence of positive specimens for either TWAR or psittaci was greatest (23/54, 43%) in specimens from the hospitalized patients and least (8/33, 24%) in specimens from healthy individuals. These findings suggest that ELISPOT detects chalmydial antibody production at the cellular level. ELISPOT positivity thus indicates previous exposure and would favor earlier detection.
Combinatorial synthesis and high-throughput photopotential and photocurrent screening of mixed-metal oxides for photoelectrochemical water splitting

A high-throughput method has been developed using a commercial piezoelectric inkjet printer for synthesis and characterization of mixed-metal oxide photoelectrode materials for water splitting. The printer was used to deposit metal nitrate solutions onto a conductive glass substrate. The deposited metal nitrate solutions were then pyrolyzed to yield mixed-metal oxides that contained up to eight distinct metals. The stoichiometry of the metal oxides was controlled quantitatively, allowing for the creation of vast libraries of novel materials. Automated methods were developed to measure the open-circuit potentials (Eoc), short-circuit photocurrent densities (Jsc), and current density vs. applied potential (J–E) behavior under visible light irradiation. The high-throughput measurement of Eoc is particularly significant because open-circuit potential measurements allow the interfacial energetics to be probed regardless of whether the band edges of the materials of concern are above, close to, or below the values needed to sustain water electrolysis under standard conditions. The Eoc measurements allow high-throughput compilation of a suite of data that can be associated with the composition of the various materials in the library, to thereby aid in the development of additional screens and to form a basis for development of theoretical guidance in the prediction of additional potentially promising photoelectrode compositions.
An eigendecomposition approach to one-multiplier realizations of FIR lattice structures

Z. Doganata and P.P. Vaidyanathan (ibid., vol.CAS-34, no.12, p.1608-9, 1987) investigated one-multiplier realizations for certain finite impulse response (FIR) lossless lattice structures and obtained a complex one-multiplier realization. Here, the author further investigates one-multiplier realizations. Based on the eigendecomposition of the associated transformation matrix, several one-multiplier realizations are derived. These realizations require less adders and rotations as compared to the previously reported realizations. >
Response of Great Crested Grebes Podiceps cristatus to Storm Damage of Nests

Abstract Great Crested Grebes (Podiceps cristatus), especially when nesting in large colonies, are known to suffer huge egg losses during storms. However, if the devastation of nests is not complete, partial or entire clutches can still be saved. The effects of high waves and strong wind can be countered to some extent by continuous and accelerated building. Even eggs floating in the water inside the remains of destroyed platforms may be recuperated by rebuilding the nest around and pushing the eggs with the beak ever higher on the weed. Due to the high resistance of eggs to cooling, they may even hatch after having passed several hours in cold water. In addition, grebes are capable to resume or continue laying quickly to replace lost eggs.
What Is Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health burden. The 2002 KDOQI guidelines defined and proposed the classification of CKD based on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) into 5 stages: stages 1 and 2 as covert disease requiring the presence of kidney damage (proteinuria, abnormal urinalysis, biopsy, or imaging studies) and stages 3, 4, and 5 as overt diseases (i.e., when the estimated GFR (eGFR) is 3 months with implications for health of the individual and classified CKD based on cause, GFR, and albuminuria. CKD is common, affects 1 in 10 adults, and is more common in the elderly, males, and certain racial and ethnic groups. CKD is a risk multiplier of mortality and morbidity of cardiovascular and other chronic diseases. Renal replacement therapy is costly, hence the importance of detecting CKD in its early stages to slow its progression and prevent its complications. Obesity and diabetes mellitus are now the leading causes of CKD worldwide. Recommendations to detect CKD support screening only high-risk populations. Governments must assume an active role in implementing detection programs of CKD in high-risk individuals and instituting initiatives for their management.
Minimum Cover For Buried Flexible Conduits

From model studies it is possible to predict the minimum soil cover required to protect buried conduits over which a wheel load passes. Similitude is achieved by drawing fluid (air) down through the model soil. Results are reported for flexible (lightweight metal and plastic) conduits buried in sand.
"Something Old and Something New: Role Orientations, Foci of Commitment, and Post-Tenure Productivity"

Gouldner (1957) distinguished between local and cosmopolitan role orientations, proposing that locals are dedicated to organizational identities while cosmopolitans are devoted to professional skills and values. Although research has supported these distinctions, the way that role orientations affect behavior has received insufficient attention and a lack of clarity of how role orientations fit into contemporary commitment theory has impeded the concept’s utility. We reconceptualize role orientations as commitments to organizations and professions and use Meyer, Becker, and Vandenbergh’s (2004) integrated theory of employee commitment to link these foci to work behavior. We tested our model with a sample of 237 tenured management professors and, overall, the model fit the data well. Cosmopolitanism was positively related to intrinsic motivation to engage in research and resulted in more challenging research goals, increased commitment to those goals, more hours spent on research, and greater research prod...
Uadd + Umult MRAC Compensation For Control Reversal: Elevator Miss-rigging in a General Aviation Aircraft

On July 25, 2006, a prototype light jet, the Spectrum 33, crashed shortly after taking off from the Spanish Fork-Springville Airport in Utah, killing both test pilots. The National Transportation Safety Board report said the aircraft's ailerons were apparently miss-rigged so that control inputs for roll control would have had the opposite effect than that commanded by the plane’s pilots. MRAC, with or without mods, using only a Uad signal to cancel uncertainty and modeling errors cannot accommodate a control reversal situation. This paper presents a Uadd + Umult version of MRAC that can adapt to a control reversal modeling error. It is demonstrated in simulation, first on a simple nonlinear scalar system, then for longitudinal pitch rate and airspeed control of a Hawker Beechcraft fly-by-wire testbed. Simulation results are shown first with non reversal failures, and then with elevator reversal.
Hyaluronic Acid in Cockroach Ganglia

An acid mucopolysaccharide, with the properties of a hyaluronic acid, has been identified in cockroach ganglia by means of chromatographic and electrophoretic techniques.
Patient safety in genomic medicine: an exploratory study.

Concerns about patient safety and the potential for medical error are largely unexplored for genetic testing, despite the expansion of test use. In this preliminary qualitative study, we sought the views of genetics professionals about error and patient safety concerns in genomic medicine and factors that might mitigate them. Twelve semistructured interviews with experienced genetics professionals were conducted. Transcripts were analyzed using selective coding for issues related to error definition, mitigation, and communication. Additional thematic analysis captured themes across content categories. Key informants suggested that the potential for adverse events exists in all phases of genetic testing, from ordering to analysis, interpretation, and follow-up. A perceived contributor was lack of physician knowledge about genetics, resulting in errors in test ordering and interpretation. The limitations and uncertainty inherent to rapidly evolving technology were also seen as contributing factors. Strategies to prevent errors included physician education, availability of genetic experts for consultation, and enhanced communication such as improved test reports and electronic decision support. Genetic testing poses concerns for patient safety due to errors and the limitations of current tests. As genomic tests are integrated into medical care, anticipating and addressing patient safety concerns identified by these key informants will be crucial. Genet Med 18 11, 1136–1142.
School Staff Perceptions of Factors Influencing Participation in a Whole-of-School Initiative in an Indigenous Community.

Objectives:The purpose of this study was to investigate teachers’ perspectives on factors influencing their involvement in a Whole-of-School initiative.Methods:A survey was administered to participating teachers/school personnel (N = 81) and 30 of the teachers/school personnel also participated in mostly individual interviews. The survey was informed by Lohrmann’s Ecological Model of Coordinated School Health Programs focusing on individual, interpersonal, community, organisation and policy factors. Category mean values were calculated for the survey data (along with t tests to explore differences by participant role in the schools), and interview data were analysed via analytic induction using several trustworthiness measures.Findings:Findings revealed that all survey categories ranked 3.5 or higher on a 5-point scale and there were significant differences by participant role. Interview data provided specific examples of each of the school health ecology factors.Conclusion:Results provide support for the...
Investigation on mental health status of employees in a Japanese-funded enterprise

[Objective] To investigate the total psychological prevalence of employees in Japanese-funded enterprise,and compare the psychological status of workers with different personality variables.[Methods] Stratified cluster sampling was carried out to investigate 450 employees in Japanese-funded enterprise in Guangzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone.Psychological status of employees were measured by using the Symptom Checklist-90(SCL-90) and the positive rate of psychological problems and SCL-90 factor scores of workers with different personality variables were compared by using chi-square t test,variance analysis other statistical methods.[Results] The positive rate of psychological problems was 38.1% in this enterprise,female was higher than male(P0.05),manifested in the compulsion,depression,phobic factors.The workers in deferent age groups had different mental health(P0.05),reflected in the horror factor.Psychological problems of employees with different education backgroud was statistically significant(P0.05),manifested in the compulsion,interpersonal sensitivity,paranoid ideation factors;Compared with the married,the single had more psychological problems(P0.05),mainly for the terror factor.The positive rate of psychological problem was significantly different between employees with different monthly income(P0.05),manifested in physical symptoms,depression,terror factors.And the type of work,residence length in Guangzhou was not related with the mental health.[Conclusion] Psychological problems exist commonly among employees of this enterprise which should attach great importance,especially the female,less educated,younger,married,low-income employees.
Ultrasound Visualization of Atypical Abscess Ultimately Containing Bot Fly Larva

Abstract Background Because of the rise in community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA), presentations to the emergency department for the evaluation of cutaneous abscesses have risen dramatically over the past 2 decades. Soft tissue point of care ultrasound (POCUS) differentiates abscess from cellulitis, determines the size and shape, and characterizes the contents of the abscess. It has been shown to improve medical decision-making and therefore the emergency management of cutaneous abscesses over physical examination alone. Case Report We report a case of an unusual nonhealing abscess in an 18-year-old woman with a recent history of foreign travel where soft tissue POCUS identified motion within the abscess pocket. This changed the management of the case, leading to the diagnosis of bot fly myiasis. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? Clinicians should entertain a broader differential for an apparent abscess and consider liberal use of soft tissue POCUS in these cases.
Scalable physical coloration

Abstract Methods to produce colored surfaces using physical mechanisms are proposed, with aluminum used as a demonstration vehicle. Our approach aims to achieve tunable, vibrant colors through the interaction of three well-established physical mechanisms of color formation, namely (1) resonant scattering and interference effects in a nano-structured surface (e.g. via anodization of aluminum), (2) plasmonic resonances in metal nanoparticles, and (3) spectrally selective absorption enhancement in ultrathin films, such as amorphous germanium and carbon. We provide proof-of-concept by fabricating and characterizing representative aluminum-based samples showing vivid colors throughout the visible spectral range.
Gene Expression Analysis of B-Cell Post Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorders Provides Insights into Disease Biology.

Abstract Background: B-cell post transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs) encompass a diverse group of entities, the majority representing EBV-driven lymphoproliferations, which arise in the setting of iatrogenic immunosuppression. Their pathogenesis, especially the genetic relationship of PTLD with other types of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (B-NHLs), is not well understood and the association of polymorphic PTLD (P-PTLD) with monomorphic PTLD (M-PTLD) is presently unclear. Thus, in order to address these issues we analyzed gene expression profiles of PTLD and compared them with those derived from other types of B-NHL, normal B-cell subsets, and B-cell derived cell lines. Material and methods: Paraffin embedded and H&E stained sections were used for morphologic analysis and PTLD were classified according to the WHO classification. Phenotypic characterization was performed using a comprehensive panel of antibodies and in situ hybridization for EBER. Frozen tissue from PTLD, different B-NHL, purified normal B-cell subsets, EBV-transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) and multiple myeloma cell lines, was used to generate complementary RNA (cRNA) that was hybridized to HGU95 arrays (Affymetrix). Gene expression data were analyzed using unsupervised and supervised clustering algorithms and classifiers were generated to determine the relationship between PTLD and cells corresponding to different stages of mature B-cell development. Results: The 12 PTLD analyzed represented an infectious mononucleosis-like (IM-like) lesion, 5 P-PTLD, and 6 M-PTLD. All P-PTLD and 5 M-PTLD had late-germinal center (GC)/post-GC phenotypes and 8 PTLD, including the IM-like lesion, were EBV+, while 4 PTLD were EBV−. The expression profiles of late GC/post GC PTLD appeared homogeneous and distinct from other B-NHL, however no segregation of P-PTLD and M-PTLD or EBV+ and EBV− PTLD was noted. Surprisingly, on supervised analysis, only 4 genes were expressed at higher levels in PTLD compared to B-NHL and normal B-cell subsets (BLIMP-1, XBP-1, IFITM3, PCMT1) and only 2 genes were differentially upregulated in EBV+ PTLD (CD27 ligand, MTDH). The expression profiles of PTLD appeared most similar to LCLs. Conclusions: B-cell PTLDs of late-GC/post-GC phenotype represent a distinct type of B-NHL, which are possibly derived from activated B-cells. Despite morphologic distinctions, P-PTLD and M-PTLD have overlapping genetic profiles suggesting disease heterogeneity within different categories.
How employers can stanch the hemorrhaging of collegiate GPA credibility

Abstract Grade inflation is rampant across universities, colleges, academic majors, and certainly in American business schools. Extensive evidence shows that the distribution of college GPAs is skewed sharply toward high grades. Consequently, GPAs often poorly convey students’ relative academic achievement, sending a muddled message to prospective employers. This article explores the causes and consequences of grade inflation. It concludes with six recommendations for employers who want to encourage college administrators to control collegiate grade inflation, thereby strengthening the accuracy and value of a GPA in the processes of applicant evaluation and job placement.
In-situ comparison of thermal measurement technologies for interpretation of PV module temperature de-rating effects

It is well known that the efficiency of a photovoltaic (PV) module is strongly impacted by its temperature such that higher temperatures lead to lower energy conversion efficiencies. An accurate measurement of the temperature de-rating effect, therefore, is vital to the correct interpretation of PV module performance under varied environmental conditions. The current work investigates and compares methods for performing measurements of module temperature both in the lab and in field-test environments. A comparison of several temperature measurement devices was made in order to establish the ideal sensor configuration for quantifying module operating temperature. Sensors were also placed in various locations along a string of up to eight photovoltaic modules to examine the variance in operating temperature with position in the string and within a larger array of strings.
High-speed networks for high-performance computing

Trends in high-speed computer communication network systems are discussed, and an analysis of how high-speed networks will facilitate distributed computing is given. A high-speed network system under development at Carnegie Mellon University, called Nectar, is described. The Nectar system is a high-bandwidth, low-latency computer network for connecting high-performance hosts. Hosts are attached using powerful network coprocessors, called CABs, that accelerate communication protocols. The CAB can be on the same board as the host or connected to the host via an external bus backplane. The Nectar network (Nectar-Net) consists of fiber-optic links and crossbar switches, called HUBs. The Nectar system has a command set that supports circuit switching, packet switching, multihop routing, and multicast communication. >
A homolog of the variola virus B22 membrane protein contributes to ectromelia virus pathogenicity in the mouse footpad model

Most poxviruses encode a homolog of a ~200,000-kDa membrane protein originally identified in variola virus. We investigated the importance of the ectromelia virus (ECTV) homolog C15 in a natural infection model. In cultured mouse cells, the replication of a mutant virus with stop codons near the N-terminus (ECTV-C15Stop) was indistinguishable from a control virus (ECTV-C15Rev). However, for a range of doses injected into the footpads of BALB/c mice there was less mortality with the mutant. Similar virus loads were present at the site of infection with mutant or control virus whereas there was less ECTV-C15Stop in popliteal and inguinal lymph nodes, spleen and liver indicating decreased virus spread and replication. The latter results were supported by immunohistochemical analyses. Decreased spread was evidently due to immune modulatory activity of C15, rather than to an intrinsic viral function, as the survival of infected mice depended on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.
MNSs Blood Groups and Major Glycophorins

Glycophorins A and B (GPA and GPB) of the erythrocyte membrane are unique compared with membrane glycoproteins of all other cells in that they carry the antigens of a blood group system, the MNSs blood group system, and therefore are readily identifiable in all human populations. The protein and carbohydrate structures of the glycophorins and their disposition in the membrane were among the first to be studied and be firmly established (Huang et al., 1991a). This was made possible because they are the major sialoglycoproteins of the mature erythrocyte, a relatively simple cell lacking all internal organelles; thus, the surface membrane is relatively easy to obtain and yields pure glycophorins using extraction protocols designed for carbohydrate-rich components. Over the years the interest in these molecules was both as the major antigens of the MNSs blood group system and as classical models of integral membrane glycoproteins. More recently, the structure and organization of genes encoding GPA, GPB, and the third member, GPE, were established, and some understanding obtained of factors involved in regulation of their expression in the erythroid cells (Cartron et al., 1990; Cartron and Rahuel, 1992). The nature of glycophorins as blood group antigens and the knowledge that serological variants of the common antigens occur among various populations (Race and Sanger, 1975) prompted investigations of the nature of polymorphism in this family of membrane glycoproteins. These studies revealed a common pattern of molecular mechanisms for protein diversification, and the glycophorin gene family can now serve as a prototype for human gene rearrangements.
Natural Gas Utilization in Blast Furnace Ironmaking: Tuyère Injection, Shaft Injection and Prereduction

Increased utilization of natural gas in blast furnace ironmaking can decrease both the cost and the carbon intensity of ironmaking, given current US natural gas prices. In this paper, three ways to utilize natural gas are compared: tuyere injection, prereduction of iron ore, and shaft injection. The basis for comparison includes coke replacement ratios, carbon intensity and furnace productivity. These were calculated using relevant mass and energy balances, a blast furnace productivity correlation based on the bosh gas flow rate, and measured and modeled prereduction kinetics. Of the natural gas utilization methods, prereduction has the highest effective coke replacement ratio (and hence the largest advantage in raw material cost), but is likely to have the highest capital requirement.
Projecting the cost, utilization, and patient care impact of prescribing extended release non-abuse-deterrent opioids to chronic pain patients.

Objectives: To estimate healthcare resource utilization, associated costs, and number needed to harm (NNH) from a physician's decision to prescribe extended-release (ER) non-abuse-deterrent opioids (non-ADO) as compared to ER ADOs in a chronic pain population. Design: A 12-month probabilistic simulation model was developed to estimate the reduction of misuse and/or abuse from a physician's prescribing decisions for 10,000 patients. Model inputs included probabilities for opioid misuse and/ or abuse-related events, opioid discontinuation, and switching from ADO to non- ADO. Estimated reductions in abuse associated with ADOs were obtained from positive subjective measures using human abuse liability studies. The model was run separately for commercial, Medicare, Medicaid, and Veterans Administration (VA) populations. The difference in healthcare resource utilization and associated costs (2015 USD) between the ADO and non-ADO simulations was calculated. NNH for non-ADO was also calculated. Results: Misuse and/or abuse-related events for patients prescribed ER non-ADOs ranged from 223 − 1,410 and associated costs ranged from $20 − $98 per patient for commercial and Medicare populations, respectively. Prescribing ER ADOs were associated with 87, 289, 264, and 417 fewer misuse and/or abuse − related events, saving $8, $35, $21, and $29 per patient in commercial, VA, Medicaid, and Medicare populations, respectively. NNH ranged from 185 in the commercial population to 40 in the Medicare population. Results were sensitive to decreases in the probability of misuse and/or abuse events but showed reductions. Conclusions: A physician's decision to prescribe ER ADOs could lead to large reductions in misuse and/or abuse-related events and associated costs across many patient populations.
Joule: A Real-Time Framework for Decentralized Sensor Networks

Traditional Internet of Things (IoT) sensor nodes transmit raw data to centralized servers for analysis and storage. At higher data rates this architecture is no longer feasible. Instead data must be processed at the lowest level possible to include the sensor node itself. The Joule framework enables decentralized data processing by distributing computation into modules which are dynamically linked at run time by a process supervisor. Modules may be collocated on a single machine or distributed across a network. Data is stored where it is processed creating a fully decentralized architecture. Processed data can be queried by centralized servers or delivered directly to the end user. This allows high bandwidth sensors to be incorporated seamlessly into existing IoT deployments without depleting network bandwidth or server resources. This paper presents the Joule framework as well as performance benchmarks and deployment case studies.
Case Series and Systematic Review of Radiation Outcomes for Endolymphatic Sac Tumors.

Objective Surgery is the primary treatment modality for endolymphatic sac tumors (ELST). Two case examples are presented to highlight some rare instances when radiation therapy may be used. The outcomes following radiation therapy for ELST are controversial. This report systematically reviews those outcomes and compares results between external beam radiation and stereotactic radiosurgery. Data source In accordance with PRISMA guidelines a systematic literature search of the Ovid Medline, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane library, and clinicaltrails.gov databases was performed in August 2017. Study selection Twenty-two studies met inclusion criteria and report ELST outcomes following radiation therapy. Additional data on tumor size, previous surgery, radiation modality, and radiation dosing was collected. Data extraction The methodological quality was independently assessed by three reviewers. The included studies were small, heterogeneous case reports with a low level of evidence, and several sources of bias. Data synthesis The primary outcome was tumor control following radiation, defined as no growth. A comparative analysis of external beam versus stereotactic radiation was performed. Conclusion Forty-six tumors from 42 patients were independently analyzed. The overall tumor control rate was 67.4%. When analyzing patients in which tumor was present at the time of radiation, external beam radiation controlled 9 of 19 tumors (47.4%) while stereotactic radiosurgery controlled 14 of 18 tumors (77.8%). The effect size of 30.4% favors stereotactic radiosurgery, but the wide confidence interval (-4.4 to 57.4%) limits what conclusions can be drawn. Radiation for ELST remains controversial and more long-term data is needed.
Modeling the damage and recovery of interdependent critical infrastructure systems from natural hazards

Abstract Understanding the impact of disasters to civil infrastructure network will guide strategic pre-disaster hazard mitigation and post-disaster recovery planning of a community. The facilities in civil infrastructure network depend on each other to exchange product, information or services. When disaster happens, these dependencies would aggravate the initial damage and lead to cascading failures. Thus, understanding the dependencies among infrastructure facilities is essential in modeling the damage and recovery of a community under disruptive events. This study builds upon the Dynamic Inoperability Input–output Model to assess the recovery of the civil infrastructure facilities by considering the facility-level dependencies. The recovery of the integrated network was assessed utilizing the characteristic parameters from graph theory. This methodology was demonstrated with a hypothetical infrastructure network, consisting of power, water and telecommunication systems under a hurricane. The sensitivity of the network recovery to the dependency measures was investigated, which showed that the recovery time is sensitive to the level of dependency between different systems. The proposed methodology was compared with a conventional model with system-level interdependencies and showed that considering facility-level dependencies would yield more refined result. The model was then applied to simulate the power system restoration of Galveston City, Texas under Hurricane Ike.