cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
INTERMACS Profiles and Outcomes Among Non–Inotrope-Dependent Outpatients With Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction

Abstract Objectives This study sought to evaluate INTERMACS (Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support) profiles for prognostic use among ambulatory non–inotrope-dependent patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Background Data for INTERMACS profiles and prognoses in ambulatory patients with HFrEF are limited. Methods We evaluated 3-year outcomes in 969 non–inotrope-dependent outpatients with HFrEF (EF: ≤40%) not previously receiving advanced HF therapies. Patients meeting an INTERMACS profile at baseline were classified as profile 7 (n = 348 [34.7%]); 146 patients (14.5%) were classified profile 6; and 52 patients (5.2%) were classified profile 4 to 5. Remaining patients were classified “stable Stage C” (n = 423 [42.1%]). Results Three-year mortality rate was 10.0% among stable Stage C patients compared with 21.8% among INTERMACS profile 7 (hazard ratio [HR] vs. Stage C: 2.45; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.64 to 3.66), 26.0% among profile 6 (HR: 3.93; 95% CI: 1.64 to 3.66), and 43.8% among profile 4 to 5 (HR: 6.35; 95% CI: 3.51 to 11.5) patients. Hospitalization rates for HF were 4-fold higher among INTERMACS profile 7 (38 per 100 patient-years; rate ratio [RR] vs. Stage C: 3.88; 95% CI: 2.70 to 5.35), 6-fold higher among profile 6 patients (54 per 100 patient-years; RR: 5.69; 95% CI: 3.72 to 8.71), and 10-fold higher among profile 4 to 5 patients (69 per 100 patient-years; RR: 9.96; 95% CI: 5.15 to 19.3) than stable Stage C patients (11 per 100 patient-years). All-cause hospitalization rates had similar trends. INTERMACS profiles offered better prognostic separation than NYHA functional classifications. Conclusions INTERMACS profiles strongly predict subsequent mortality and hospitalization burden in non–inotrope-dependent outpatients with HFrEF. These simple profiles could therefore facilitate and promote advanced HF awareness among clinicians and planning for advanced HF therapies.
Mobility Analysis of Proteins by Charge Reduction in a Bipolar Electrospray Source.

Analysis of large electrosprayed biopolymers by electrical mobility alone is greatly facilitated by reducing their charge to unity. Here, we combine within a single chamber positive aqueous electrospray (ES), producing multiply charged protein cations, with negative methanolic ES, yielding small singly charged anions. Use of a 100 mM triethylammonium formate buffer in both solutions yields very small drops. The two sprays are decoupled electrostatically by an interposed 50% transparent, grounded metallic grid. This screen is readily crossed by the ions, resulting in substantial charge reduction. In spite of the grid, the aqueous spray is easily destabilized by the presence of anions in the positive ES region. Nonetheless, practical ES stabilization is achieved by using relatively small capillary tips (∼15 μm) in the positive emitter. Protein peaks obtained are as narrow as those previously reported via charge reduction with a radioactive Ni-63 source. Controlling the position of the negative ES permits sp...
Using Drawings to Bridge the Transition from Student to Future Teacher of Mathematics.

This study examines a group of prospective teachers’ reflections upon the way they were taught (Set 1) and the way they want to teach (Set 2) through drawings which respectively describe their past learning experiences as students and their future plans as teachers. The purpose of this study is to identify: (a) the emerging themes that appear in each set of drawing data, (b) the possible factors that influence prospective teachers’ drawings, and (c) the implications for mathematics teacher educators. Overall, prospective teachers showed predominantly negative or mixed feelings about their past experiences as mathematics students. In response to their own past negative experiences and struggles, the prospective teachers tended to highlight emotionally supportive classroom environment and versatile instructional teaching strategies in their future plans. This study suggests that this activity of reflecting past experience and planning future teaching assimilates prospective teachers’ identities as math students and math teachers and provides a window into the thinking of others.
Numerical Methods and Methods of Approximation in Science and Engineering

Numerical Methods and Methods of Approximation in Science and Engineering prepares students and other readers for advanced studies involving applied numerical and computational analysis. Focused on building a sound theoretical foundation, it uses a clear and simple approach backed by numerous worked examples to facilitate understanding of numerical methods and their application. Readers will learn to structure a sequence of operations into a program, using the programming language of their choice; this approach leads to a deeper understanding of the methods and their limitations. Features: Provides a strong theoretical foundation for learning and applying numerical methods Takes a generic approach to engineering analysis, rather than using a specific programming language Built around a consistent, understandable model for conducting engineering analysis Prepares students for advanced coursework, and use of tools such as FEA and CFD Presents numerous detailed examples and problems, and a Solutions Manual for instructors
Monte Carlo Based Calculation of the Electron Dynamics in a Two-Dimensional GaN/AlGaN Heterostructure in the Presence of Strain Polarization Fields

We report on the workings of a Monte Carlo based simulator useful for studying electron transport in two-dimensional systems. The simulator utilizes a self-consistent solution of the Schroedinger and Poisson equations to obtain the allowed two-dimensional energy levels, band bending and electronic wavefunctions. Defect scattering through interface roughness and ionized impurities along with lattice scattering arising from polar optical, deformation potential and piezoelectric interactions are included in the model. The two-dimensional scattering rates are calculated using the numerically determined wavefunctions. The final state following polar optical scattering is determined numerically based on the two-dimensional physics of the process. The model further includes the effects of strain induced polarization fields present in GaN/AlGaN heterostructures. Transfer into the AlGaN layer and its effects are also considered. Calculations are presented for the steady-state velocity showing the importance of the new two-dimensional final state selection technique. Additionally, calculations are presented that show the importance of the strain polarization fields.
Egg Products Inspection Act

Congress enacted this legislation “To provide for the inspection of certain egg products by the United States Department of Agriculture; restriction on the disposition of certain qualities of eggs; uniformity of standards for eggs in interstate or foreign commerce; and cooperation with State agencies in administration of this Act, and for other purposes.” It came at a time when commercial preparation, distribution and use of dried, frozen and liquid eggs had developed substantially without specific attention to government control of their wholesomeness. For a long time, of course, there had been and still is grading of shell eggs (under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946) which differentiates eggs on the basis of weight per dozen and by the appearance of the yolk and white portion of the cracked egg as it lies on a flat surface.
Simulation of flame speed enhancement of a hydrocarbon flame with a microwave field

Abstract This study models the effect of microwave electric field on a premixed flame to achieve an accurate prediction of flame speed enhancement by considering non-thermal electron for both kinetics and mass transport. The results compare well against experimental data, and show that using electron energy distribution function (EEDF) to calculate recombination rates of electron is the key to improve the prediction of the electron number density and the flame speed. The resulting technique also agrees well with the flame speed theory to explain the mechanism of flame speed increase by ohmic heating, which is by increasing the flame temperature. The model can also predict the efficiency of flame speed enhancement for a microwave electric field. Finally, the model can be improved by incorporating recombination cross sections of major ions, if they are available.
Staphylococcus aureus Coproporphyrinogen III Oxidase Is Required for Aerobic and Anaerobic Heme Synthesis.

ABSTRACT The virulence of the human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus is supported by many heme-dependent proteins, including key enzymes of cellular respiration. Therefore, synthesis of heme is a critical component of staphylococcal physiology. S. aureus generates heme via the coproporphyrin-dependent pathway, conserved across members of the Firmicutes and Actinobacteria. In this work, we genetically investigate the oxidation of coproporphyrinogen to coproporphyrin in this heme synthesis pathway. The coproporphyrinogen III oxidase CgoX has previously been identified as the oxygen-dependent enzyme responsible for this conversion under aerobic conditions. However, because S. aureus uses heme during anaerobic nitrate respiration, we hypothesized that coproporphyrin production is able to proceed in the absence of oxygen. Therefore, we tested the contribution to anaerobic heme synthesis of CgoX and two other proteins previously identified as potential oxygen-independent coproporphyrinogen dehydrogenases, NWMN_1486 and NWMN_1636. We have found that CgoX alone is responsible for aerobic and anaerobic coproporphyrin synthesis from coproporphyrinogen and is required for aerobic and anaerobic heme-dependent growth. This work provides an explanation for how S. aureus heme synthesis proceeds under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. IMPORTANCE Heme is a critical molecule required for aerobic and anaerobic respiration by organisms across kingdoms. The human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus has served as a model organism for the study of heme synthesis and heme-dependent physiology and, like many species of the phyla Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, generates heme through a coproporphyrin intermediate. A critical step in terminal heme synthesis is the production of coproporphyrin by the CgoX enzyme, which was presumed to be oxygen dependent. However, S. aureus also requires heme during anaerobic growth; therefore, the synthesis of coproporphyrin by an oxygen-independent mechanism is required. Here, we identify CgoX as the enzyme performing the oxygen-dependent and -independent synthesis of coproporphyrin from coproporphyrinogen, resolving a key outstanding question in the coproporphyrin-dependent heme synthesis pathway.
Ku band Metal Strip-Loaded Dielectric Rod Waveguide Filter

The design and implementation of a metal strip-loaded dielectric rod waveguide (MSL DRW) band stop filter is presented for operation in the Ku band. A corrugated metal layer was incorporated on top of a high permittivity waveguide core to achieve band stop rejection greater than 20 dB and rejection bandwidths of 10%. The metal strip loading is achieved with patterned copper foils attached to the top and bottom surfaces of the waveguide structure. It is experimentally demonstrated that the stop band frequencies can be tuned by adjusting the metal strip periodicity. An equivalent circuit model is proposed to represent the filter characteristics.
Retrospective Analysis of Short-Term Respiratory Outcomes of Three Different Steroids Used in Clinical Practice in Intubated Preterm Infants.

Objective This study aimed to compare short-term respiratory outcomes of three steroids (dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, and methylprednisolone) to facilitate extubation by improving respiratory status in preterm infants. Study Design This is a retrospective, single-center, cohort study of 98 intubated preterm infants ≤346/7 weeks' gestation, admitted to a 64-bed, level III neonatal intensive care unit at the Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, between 2006 and 2012, who received a short course of low-dose steroids for lung disease after first week of life. Results Study infants received dexamethasone (34%), hydrocortisone (44%), or methylprednisolone (22%) based on clinical team preference. By day 7 after initiation of steroids, extubation occurred in 59, 44, and 41%, respectively, in infants on dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, and methylprednisolone (p = 0.3). The mean respiratory severity score (RSS = fraction of inspired oxygen × mean airway pressure), a quantitative measure of respiratory status, decreased by 44% for all infants and by 59% in the dexamethasone group by day 7. Conclusion Steroids improved short-term respiratory outcomes in all infants (RSS and extubation); by day 7, dexamethasone treatment was associated with the greatest decrease in RSS. Additional prospective, randomized trials of short-course low-dose steroids are warranted to substantiate these findings to guide clinical decision making and in evaluating differential steroid effects on long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Predictors of availability of long-acting medication for opioid use disorder.

Abstract Background The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved three long-acting medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD): extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) in 2010, a subdermal buprenorphine implant in 2016, and a depot buprenorphine injection in 2017. Long-acting MOUD options may improve adherence while reducing diversion, but their availability compared to daily-dosing MOUD has not been well-characterized. The objective of this analysis was to characterize the availability of long-acting MOUD in substance use disorder treatment settings in the United States. Methods Using the 2017 National Survey on Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS) and state-level opioid overdose mortality, we examined associations between state- and facility-level factors and offering long-acting MOUD, which included XR-NTX and the buprenorphine implant. We constructed multivariable mixed logistic regression models for both types of long-acting MOUD. Results Nationwide, 38% (n = 5141) of substance use treatment facilities provided any kind of MOUD (daily or long-acting). Of these, 62% provided XR-NTX, whereas only 3% offered the buprenorphine implant. Facilities in the East North Central, East South Central, West North Central and Mountain regions had higher odds of offering XR-NTX, as did federally-funded facilities, and facilities in states with the highest opioid overdose mortality rates. Conclusions In 2017, XR-NTX was available at most of the minority of facilities offering MOUD, but the buprenorphine implant was not. Increasing the availability of MOUD, including long-acting options, is necessary to address unmet need for opioid use disorder treatment.
Diet as a therapeutic approach to diabetes management and pancreas regeneration

Abstract Dietary intervention has been regarded as a staple component in the treatment of diabetes for a long time. In the past decades, scientific evidence has pointed to the key role of nutrients on β-cell homeostasis. While dietary approaches are important, although not sufficient, to treat type 1 diabetes (T1D), a growing number of scientific studies have proven that it can potentially prevent or halt the progression of type 2 diabetes (T2D). In this chapter, we present insights on how specific nutrients and dietary habits affect β-cell physiology. Considering the diverse etiology and course of T1D and T2D, nutritional recommendations are discussed with respect to these two conditions separately. We also review the role of diet in the management of gestational diabetes. In the most recent years, novel therapeutic roles have been proposed for dietary intervention, mainly in the form of intermittent fasting or calorie restriction regimens, as a tool to promote pancreas regeneration. The last section covers some of the molecular mechanisms that have been implicated during diet-induced metabolic changes and are associated with pancreas restoration and maintenance of β-cell homeostasis.
Association of metabolic syndrome with morbidity and mortality in emergency general surgery.

Abstract Background Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined by numerous comorbidities. We sought to assess MetS’s effect on the 7 main emergency general surgery (EGS) procedures that constitute 80% of EGS procedures, mortalities, complications, and costs. Methods Data were acquired from the ACS-NSQIP database from 2005 to 2017. Current procedural terminology (CPT) codes were utilized to identify cases. Patients with obesity, diabetes, and hypertension were defined as having MetS. MetS and non-MetS cohorts were propensity score matched, compared by outcomes, and assessed with multivariate logistic regression to attain odds ratios (OR). Results Of 752,023 cases, 41,788 (5.6%) MetS cases were identified. Significant outcomes included superficial infection (OR: 1.51), pulmonary complications (OR: 1.17), renal complications (OR: 1.82), cumulative morbidity (OR: 1.22), and hospital readmission (OR: 1.41). Conclusions For patients undergoing these procedures, MetS increased risk for comorbidities and hospital readmission. MetS had a significant impact on mortality only for appendectomy.
Dental caries experience associate with mental issues and hypertension in asian americans

Objective: To determine if oral health indicators (dental caries experience and periodontitis) associate with mental and cardiovascular health issues in Asian Americans. Methods: Medical history data, dental caries experience (DMFT and DMFS; Decayed, Missing due to caries, Filled Teeth/Surface), and periodontitisstatus of Asian Americans were obtained from the Dental Registry and DNA Repository at University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. A total of 6,117 individuals were evaluated and among which dental status of 309 Asian American subjects (292 adults and 17 children under the age of twelve) were analyzed. The frequency of mental health issues and hypertension depending on dental caries experience (Decayed, Missing due to caries, Filled Teeth or Surfaces, DMFT/DMFS) and periodontitis were evaluated and chi-square or Fisher’s exact test were used with an alpha of 0.05 to determine statistical differences. Results: For the 292Asian American adult subjects, the mean DMFT was 10.1 and mean DMFS was 27.5, which is similar to the expected values in adult DMFT (9.0-11.3) for the United States. For the 17 Asian American children subjects under age of twelve, the mean DMFT was 1.8 and mean DMFS was 3.8, which also fell into the expected values for children DMFT for the United States (1.2-2.6). More severe dental caries experience was associated with having an underlying mental health issue (p=0.02) and hypertension (p=0.02). No associations between having periodontitis and mental or cardiovascular issues were found in the cohort. Conclusion: More severe dental caries experience of Asian Americans associate with mental and cardiovascular issues.
Microscopic spermatic cord denervation for chronic orchialgia/ chronic scrotal content pain: operative outcomes and predictors of failure

Background To describe our institutional outcomes with microscopic spermatic cord denervation (MSCD) for chronic scrotal content paint (CSCP) and identify predictors of treatment failure. Methods Retrospective chart review was performed to identify all MSCD performed by two surgeons at a single institution from 2010-2019. Patient demographic data and operative outcomes were collected. Patients were excluded from analysis if no post-operative follow up was available. Success was defined as complete resolution of bothersome pain. Multivariable logistic regression was utilized to identify predictors of treatment failure. Results During the study period, 101 patients were identified in which 113 MSCD procedures were performed. Final analysis included 103 procedures across 93 patients. Mean age was 41.8 years (SD 13.2), mean BMI was 29.2 kg/m2 (SD 5.96) and median months of pain preceding surgery were 24 (range, 3-300 months). Overall, 75/103 (73%) MSCD were successful. Of the failures, 5 patients had recurrence of pain greater than 6 months after surgery. Only the presence of pelvic floor muscle spasm (PFMS) independently predicted MSCD failure (OR 3.95, P=0.02). 9 of 19 (47%) patients with PFMS experienced treatment failure, while 19 of 84 (23%) without PFMS experienced failure. Conclusions MSCD offers a therapeutic option for patients with refractory CSCP. The presence of PFMS is associated with lower surgical success rates. Patients with pre-operatively identified PFMS should be counseled regarding a higher risk of treatment failure.
Eliminating Use of Home Oral Antibiotics in Pediatric Complicated Appendicitis.

Abstract Background Postoperative oral antibiotic management at discharge for perforated appendicitis varies by institution. A prior study at our institution led to a decrease in antibiotic therapy in patients without leukocytosis. A subsequent protocol change eliminated the white blood cell count check and oral antibiotics if discharge criteria were met by postoperative day seven. We hypothesized this change could be made without an increase in abscess or readmission rates. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of patients with perforated appendicitis over two 1-year periods after institutional review board approval (262061). In the pre-protocol group, a white blood cell count was checked at discharge and patients with leukocytosis were prescribed oral antibiotics to complete a total of 7 d. In the post-protocol group, no white blood cell count was checked and patients were discharged home without antibiotics. Results There were a total of 174 patients with complicated appendicitis in the two 1-year periods with 129 (74%) patients with perforated appendicitis discharged before postoperative day seven. The pre-protocol group included 71 children, and post-protocol included 58 children. There were no differences between mean postoperative days to discharge (2.57 versus 3, P = 0.0896), postoperative abscess rate (12.7% versus 12.1%, P = 1.0000), or readmission rate (12.7% versus 17.2%, P = 0.6184). None of the patients in the post-protocol group were discharged home with oral antibiotics compared with 22.5% in the pre-protocol group (P Conclusions For pediatric patients with perforated appendicitis discharged before postoperative day seven, stopping antibiotics at the time of discharge significantly decreased our home antibiotic use without an increase in postoperative morbidity.
Testing of path-based visual cues on patterned carpet to assist older adults' gait in a continuing care retirement community.

Abstract Fall accidents lead to hospitalization and medical costs among all age groups, especially severe for older adults. Both intrinsic (e.g., visual impairment, fear of falling) and extrinsic (e.g., inappropriate carpet design, poor lighting) factors contribute to fall accidents. Older adults increasingly rely on visual perception to maintain balance as their health conditions decline. Patterned carpet is common in the built environment, which is one of the factors contributing to fall accidents among older adults. This study examined the role of path-based visual cues (provide visual guidance while walking along the patterned carpet) in helping older adults maintain safe movement and overcome the fear of falling. The experimental field study was conducted at a Continuing Care Retirement Community. Thirty-two residents were recruited. Within-subjects design was employed to examine the effects of path-based visual cues (light color and brightness) on the gait characteristics of older adults with and without visual impairment while walking on patterned carpet. Wearable sensors collected older adults' gait characteristics and questionnaires were used to evaluate their perceptions of confidence and safety with different visual cues provided. Individual repeated measures analysis results indicated that older adults significantly decreased stride length and stride velocity under 8.3 fc white and 7.3 fc blue lighting conditions compared to the baseline condition. In addition, the principal component analysis also indicated significant differences in gait performance among lighting colors and lighting brightness. The subjective responses indicated that the path-based visual cues were helpful in improving walking confidence, particularly for older adults with visual impairment.
Clinicopathological Features of Breast Cancer with Polysomy 17 and Its Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

Objective The interpretation of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) results may be challenging in tumors with polysomy 17, which is defined as increased signals of chromosome enumeration probe 17 (CEP17). The effect of polysomy 17 on HER2 protein expression and tumor treatment response has not been established. In this retrospective study, we investigated the clinicopathological features of breast cancer with polysomy 17 and determined the tumors' response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). Materials and methods The study included 366 patients with primary breast cancer whose tumors had a CEP17 count of ≥ three/nucleus based on HER2 FISH studies. These cases were categorized according to HER2/CEP17 ratio and HER2 signals/nucleus using the American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists (ASCO/CAP) guidelines. We compared the clinicopathological characteristics and tumor response to NACT among different groups. Results There was a statistically significant difference in patients' age at diagnosis, tumor pathological grade, estrogen and progesterone receptor status, and NACT response among different HER2 FISH groups. Polysomy 17 tumors in group 1 had a higher rate of response (pathological complete response and residual cancer burden class I) to NACT containing anti-HER2 reagent than did those in other groups (p = 0.004), whereas polysomy 17 tumors in group 3 did not show a significant response to anti-HER2 treatment. Conclusion Polysomy 17 tumors in different HER2 FISH groups have different pathological features and respond to NACT differently. These results may help us identify patients who will benefit from anti-HER2 therapy.
The Hands of Time.

When making decisions about goals-of-care for a patient who lacks decision-making capacity, surrogates sometimes have internal disagreements, particularly if there are complicated family dynamics. ...
Four-Second Power Cycling Training Increases Maximal Anaerobic Power, Peak Oxygen Consumption, and Total Blood Volume.

INTRODUCTION High-intensity interval training is an effective tool to improve cardiovascular fitness and maximal anaerobic power. Different methods of high-intensity interval training have been studied but the effects of repeated maximal effort cycling with very short exercise time (i.e., 4 s) and short recovery time (15-30 s) might suit individuals with limited time to exercise. PURPOSE We examined the effects of training at near maximal anaerobic power during cycling (PC) on maximal anaerobic power, peak oxygen consumption (V˙O2peak), and total blood volume in 11 young healthy individuals (age: 21.3 ± 0.5 yr) (six men, five women). METHODS Participants trained three times a week for 8 wk performing a PC program consisting of 30 bouts of 4 s at an all-out intensity (i.e., 2 min of exercise per session). The cardiovascular stress progressively increased over the weeks by decreasing the recovery time between sprints (30-24 s to 15 s), and thus, total session time decreased from 17 to <10 min. RESULTS Power cycling elicited a 13.2% increase in V˙O2peak (Pre: 2.86 ± 0.18 L·min-1, Post: 3.24 ± 0.21 L·min-1; P = 0.003) and a 7.6% increase in total blood volume (Pre: 5139 ± 199 mL, Post: 5529 ± 342 mL; P < 0.05). Concurrently, maximal anaerobic power increased by 17.2% (Pre: 860 ± 53 W, Post: 1,009 ± 71 W; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS A PC training program employing 30 bouts of 4 s duration for a total of 2 min of exercise, resulting in a total session time of less than 10 min in the last weeks, is effective for improving total blood volume, V˙O2peak and maximal anaerobic power in young healthy individuals over 8 wk. These observations require reconsideration of the minimal amount of exercise needed to significantly increase both maximal aerobic and anaerobic power.
Targeting Zero DPPM through Adoption of Advanced Fault Models and Unique Silicon Fall-out Analysis

The test of digital circuits has benefitted greatly from the adoption of logical fault models and automatic test pattern generation (ATPG) tools targeting them. The cyclic process of defects in newer technology nodes being increasingly missed out by gross fault models and newer fault models being developed to better target them in silicon has continued, and EDA tools have evolved to provide new automation capabilities. This paper presents silicon results on one of Texas Instruments' new safety critical products which show unique defect detection with patterns targeting newer fault models like small delay defects (SDD) and cell aware faults (CAF), and RAM Sequential (RAM-S) ATPG patterns for memory faults. The net defective parts per million (DPPM) recovered using these methods is 72. Based on these results, recommendations for coverage targets and the order in which these faults must be targeted are provided. The unique silicon fall-out data presented in this paper provides a strategy for very low (zero) DPPM test of digital systems-on-chips (SoCs) in advanced technology nodes.
Pain Catastrophizing and Pain Self-Efficacy Mediate Interdisciplinary Pain Rehabilitation Program Outcomes at Posttreatment and Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND Decreasing pain catastrophizing and improving self-efficacy to self-manage chronic pain symptoms are important treatment targets in the context of interdisciplinary cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain. Greater pain catastrophizing has been shown to be associated with greater impact of pain symptoms on functioning, while conversely, greater pain self-efficacy has been associated with lower pain intensity and lower levels of disability. OBJECTIVE To prospectively evaluate interdisciplinary cognitive behavioral therapy for pain outcomes, as well as to the mediating effects of both pain catastrophizing and pain self-efficacy on outcome. METHODS Participants were 315 patients with chronic pain between April 2017 and April 2018 who completed a three-week interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation program. Pain severity, pain interference, pain catastrophizing, pain self-efficacy, quality of life, and depressive symptom questionnaires, and measures of physical performance were assessed at pre- and posttreatment. Follow-up questionnaires were returned by 163 participants. Effect size and reliable change analyses were conducted from pre- to posttreatment and pretreatment to 6-month follow-up. Mediation analyses were conducted to determine the mediating effect of pain catastrophizing and pain self-efficacy on pain outcome. RESULTS Significant improvements from pre- to posttreatment in pain outcomes were observed, and over 80% evidenced reliable change in at least one pain-relevant measure. Pain catastrophizing and pain self-efficacy mediated the relationship between changes in pain outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation is an effective treatment and decreasing pain catastrophizing and increasing pain self-efficacy can influence maintenance of treatment gains.
Data Mining on COVID-19 Vaccines: Side Effects

Abstract COVID-19 is a pandemic disease affecting billions of people worldwide. Taking vaccines is a most effective approach to gain fully control. Thanks to the coordinated efforts from all over the world, several brands of vaccines targeting COVID-19 have passed through clinical trials and been brought to the public. Growing numbers of people are taking vaccines and share their feedback on social media, mostly on Twitter. In this study, we used Twitter data to analyze the side effects on each individual and quantify these side effects in a brand-wise and country-wise manner. Based on Twitter data, we found that the United States has the largest number of people getting vaccinated, Pfizer is the most widely used vaccine brand around the world and the most frequent side effect is cold. From our analysis, the side effects of vaccines are under controllable and are acceptable, and everyone can join the vaccinated camping without hesitation.
PRS and POS/PRS coupling experiments on Hawk

Experiments are being conducted on Hawk to investigate the electrical coupling of a plasma opening switch (PaS) to a neon plasma radiation source (PRS) and to evaluate the k-shell x-ray yield scaling of implosions with different initial radii, mass, and implosion times. Understanding the coupling and scaling is important for optimizing the performance of more-powerful inductive-storage generators that rely on pas technology.
A metaproteomic approach for identifying proteins in anaerobic bioreactors converting coal to methane

Abstract To understand the processes involved in bioconversion of coal to methane, a metaproteomic approach was taken to identify proteins in microcosms containing coal, standard medium and an adapted microbial community. Concentrated and dialyzed protein samples were subjected to further cleanup and trypsin digestion followed by mass spectrometric analysis. Searching the generated peaklists against domains of bacteria, archaea and fungi revealed 152 ± 1.4, 96.5 ± 2.1 and 38 ± 1.4 protein families, respectively. Proteins associated with bacteria were distributed among transporter and membrane proteins (33.1%), cellular metabolism (28.5%), substrate utilization/conversion (7.3%), oxidative stress (5.3%), cell movement (3.3%) and hypothetical proteins (22.5%). Among the total archaea proteins, 37.8% were for substrate utilization related to methane production, 27.6% were for cellular metabolism, 6.1% responded to stress, 5.1% were transporter and membrane proteins and 23.5% were those with unknown functions. Proteins produced by fungi fell in two groups: cell metabolisms (45.7%) and hypothetical proteins (54.3%). Based on key enzymes identified, a pathway for methanogenesis in the tested samples was proposed. This pathway illustrated methane production from four starting compounds, acetate, formate, methanol and CO 2 . The proposed pathway will serve as a solid foundation for future effort aiming to increase methane yield from coal.
Characterization of Multiple HLA-DR3 Haplotypes

The HLA-DR allospecificities, DR1-DRw14, are defined by using selected alloantisera. Analysis at the biochemical and molecular level has demonstrated DRs structural heterogeneity within certain haplotypes such as DR2, DR4, and DRw8 (1–4). Although DR3 is well defined (5), a recent variant has been described at the biochemical and molecular level (6,7). Here we describe three DR3 subtypes that can be distinguished by a combination of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, monoclonal antibody (MAb) reactivity, quantitative variation in expression, and reactivity with DRw52-specific T-cell clones.
Conditioned immune responses: adrenocortical influences.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the adrenocortical influences and conditioned immune responses. Stress suppresses the immune responses. Based on the effects of exogenously administered steroids, it is assumed that the immunosuppresion that accompanies stressful stimulation is because of an elevation of adrenocortical steroids. Exogenous and endogenous elevations of glucocorticoids suppress immune functions. Several investigations demonstrating an association among stress-induced elevations in corticosteroid level and suppressed immunologic reactivity do not demonstrate any causal relationship between adrenal changes and immune function. Because a variety of hormones and neurotransmitters have immunomodulating properties and lymphocytes are capable of responding to such stimuli, it is also reasonable to hypothesize that conditioned changes in neuroendocrine responses could be one mechanism by which conditioning could influence one or another parameter of immune function. Adrenalectomy alters a wide range of neuroendocrine functions and is immnunoenhancing, and the exogenous administration of adrenocortical steroids is immunosuppressive.
Eighth Grade Students' Understandings of Groundwater

According to national standards, eighth graders should possess appropriate understandings regarding groundwater and its role in the hydrologic cycle. This study identifies what types of ideas eighth graders actually possess, providing invaluable information for high school and post-secondary science teachers in addressing students' prior conceptions. Students completed surveys composed of one multiple-choice item and one drawing prompt. The multiple-choice items were scored using a rubric and each drawing was analyzed for evidence of understanding of groundwater formation, movement, and storage. Class discussions regarding a groundwater model were videotaped, transcribed, and coded. Results indicate students hold naive conceptions concerning groundwater, however, the natures of those conceptions are not easily recognized due to students' conflicting use of vernacular and scientific language. Additionally, students' spatial reasoning plays a significant role in the development of their conceptions of groun...
A method for optimizing environmental observing networks

The application of linear programming to the problem of designing an environmental observing network consisting of multiple sensor and platform systems in light of budget and other limitations is documented. A numerical model for the optimization of the network is described, and its strengths and limitations are discussed. A case study is described and evaluated. The value of the planner of the model and its output is assessed. >
Anchoring and Shift in Multiple Bound Contingent Valuation

We develop complementary anchoring and shift hypotheses to describe the effects that multiple valuation questions have on willingness to pay estimates and show the potential for misspecification if both effects are not controlled. We compare single and multiple bound models with data from two surveys with similar designs of the valuation questions. The single bound probit model leads to larger willingness to pay estimates than the multiple bound interval data model indicating that respondents do not use the same decision model when answering the first and subsequent valuation questions. When accounting for these differences with the random effects probit model we find that a shift effect is present in both sets of data and anchoring is present in one. In our applications the loss from using the multiple bound questions is less precise and biased willingness to pay estimates. Future applications of double and multiple bound valuation questions should rely on single bound models unless the willingness to pay estimates from multiple bound models are unbiased.
Tail Behavior, Modes and other Characteristics of Stable Distributions

Stable distributions have heavy tails that are asymptotically Paretian. Accurate computations of stable densities and distribution functions are used to analyze when the Paretian tail actually appears. Implications for estimation procedures are discussed. In addition to numerically locating the mode of a general stable distribution, analytic and numeric results are given for the mode. Extensive tables of stable percentiles have been computed; aspects of these tables and the appropriateness of infinite variance stable models are discussed.
Latitudinal signature of Earth's magnetic field variation over the last 5 million years

[1] In order to investigate the latitudinal effect of the geomagnetic field variation, a new data set consisting of virtual geomagnetic poles (VGPs) from all latitudes has been produced. Since the updated data set was limited to data with VGPs within 45° of the geographic poles, data from lava flows with low-latitude VGPs were added. More rigorous criteria were used to winnow the data. The data were divided into groups from different observation latitudes. In each group it was shown that the distribution of VGP latitudes could be described by a predominance of poles (average 82%) following a Fisher distribution with the rest following a distribution that would produce a uniform number of poles as a function of latitude. A distribution composed of two Fisher distributions also fit the data very well. For the case using a Fisher distribution plus a uniform distribution, the Fisher distribution changed such that the angular standard deviation (ASD) of VGPs from a set of observations taken at the equator is about 10° and the ASD at 60° observation latitude is about 19°. These results are similar to some results seeking to determine the ASD of VGPs as a function of observation latitude using other methods, which have been recently published, but there are also discrepancies. The results allow us to model inclination distributions as a function of observation latitude for comparison with data in which only the inclination is known, such as data from drill holes. It is shown that in order not to have doubt about the polarity of the inclination data, a drill hole has to be located at an absolute latitude greater than 27° for there to be less than a 5% error. This has major importance for the location of the “Mission to the MOHO” of the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program. The results also confirm that the sources of the nondipole field located in the outer core have to be more than twice as strong at high latitudes than at low latitudes so as to produce the observed increase in VGP scatter with observation latitude. The model of the secular variation proposed here is in no way a theory about how the secular variation happens, but it does allow those who wish to develop such a theory to have a model distribution with which to check their predictions.
The Organization of Markets

This paper argues that by necessity, persistent competition among players in markets is organized. Once the organized character of markets is recognized, the cooperative elements of markets lose their inevitable harmful characterization in much economic and policy analysis. Further, it is easy and sensible to draw on organization theory to sort out differences among markets as a consequence of the rules and sanctions developed and the role played by leaders. Given the directions taken by modern game theory, it is not a difficult leap to move in this direction. Finally, once the social character of markets is acknowledged by a study of organization, it is possible that normative aspects of social behavior can be exploited in the development of microeconomic policy by governments and business.
Optimizing test strategies for SONET/SDH/ATM network element manufacturing

Time-to-market pressures dictate short test system development times for manufacturers of SONET, SDH and ATM equipment. This paper will evaluate the test process as part of the manufacturing process, and offer methodologies to optimize cost, throughput and product quality. This can be achieved by adopting the optimal test strategy and employing the right T&M instrumentation solutions.
Challenges in secure sensor-cloud computing

Cloud computing is a concept that has received significant attention lately. With advances in virtualization, coupled with the demand for services, many initiatives are underway in the environment of cloud computing. At this point, most of the services in cloud Computing are broadly in the paradigm of computing and storage, and in the traditional Client Server mode. With the recent explosion of wireless sensor networks and their applicability in civilian and military applications, there is an emerging vision for integrating sensor networks into the cloud. Practical systems like Microsoft's SensorMap and Asia Pacific Environmental Sensor Grid are attestations to the enormous potential for sensor networks to be integrated into the cloud. In this framework users need not own sensor networks. Sensor Network owners after a mission need not disband the networks. There is a symbiotic relationship wherein sensor network owners can provide a variety of services to customers for profit. Customers also benefit from a variety of remote services without being physically close to the environment of interest. However, despite the benefits of sensor-clouds, security issues are largely open. A variety of new threats and attacks are possible, and existing solutions in standalone sensor networks will not be applicable in the cloud. The vision of this article is to introduce the sensor-cloud computing and overview the research challenges from the security perspective.
An Aberrant Thymus in CCR5−/− Mice Is Coupled with an Enhanced Adaptive Immune Response in Fungal Infection

CCR5 is a potent mediator of regulatory T cell (Treg) chemotaxis. In murine histoplasmosis, mice lacking CCR5 or endogenous CCL4 have a reduced number of Tregs in the lungs, which results in accelerated resolution of infection. In this study, we demonstrate that CCR5 controls the outcome of Histoplasma capsulatum infection by dictating thymic and lymph node egress of Tregs. Mice lacking CCR5 or treated with a mAb to CCL4 had more Tregs in the thymus prior to and during infection. Thymic accumulation was associated with diminished transcription of the sphingosine 1-phosphate 1 receptor and Kruppel-like factor 2, both of which regulate thymic and lymph node emigration of T cells. The significance of CCR5 in Treg egress was demonstrated by generating mixed bone marrow chimeras. Chimeric mice had an increased proportion of CCR5−/− Tregs in the thymus and lymph nodes and a decreased proportion of Tregs in the lungs prior to and during H. capsulatum infection. Hence, CCR5 signaling regulates pathogen persistence in murine histoplasmosis by regulating Tregs exiting from the thymus and lymph nodes and, consequently, their subsequent homing in the periphery.
Effects of Ageing and Long-Term Hormone Replacement on Cholinergic Neurones in the Medial Septum and Nucleus Basalis Magnocellularis of Ovariectomized Rats

Ovariectomized aged rats, some of which received long-term hormone replacement with oestrogen or oestrogen plus progesterone, were evaluated for the number and size of basal forebrain cholinergic neurones, as well as relative levels of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and trkA mRNA, in order to determine whether effects on basal forebrain cholinergic cell survival and function correspond with differences in cognitive performance previously described. The results show that ageing combined with long-term loss of ovarian function produced substantial reductions in the levels of ChAT and trkA mRNA in the medial septum and nucleus basalis magnocellularis, relative to much younger ovariectomized controls. In contrast, no significant effects on the number or size of the cholinergic cells were detected, indicating that loss of ovarian function does not cause a loss of cholinergic neurones with age. Long-term hormone replacement had no apparent effect on the number of ChAT-positive neurones detected, and did not prevent the reductions in ChAT and trkA mRNA associated with ovariectomy and ageing. Collectively, the data suggest that ageing combined with long-term loss of ovarian function has a severe negative impact on basal forebrain cholinergic function, but not on cholinergic cell survival per se.