cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Probing gas-to-particle transition in a moderately sooting atmospheric pressure ethylene/air laminar premixed flame. Part II: Molecular clusters and nascent soot particle size distributions

A comprehensive investigation was conducted on a sooting ethylene laminar premixed flame. The present contribution focuses on measurements of soot nuclei by: a) thermophoretic sampling on fine wires followed by microscopy analysis and b) high-dilution probing followed by High-Resolution Differential Mobility Analysis (HR-DMA). The results complement Part I that was focused on the characterization of the gas composition and of soot properties by optical measurements, and highlighted significant artifacts induced by the heat loss associated with the presence of a stagnation plate. Significant novelties in the diagnostics include: the ability to perform spatially resolved thermophoretic measurements on fine wires straddling a critical temperature range that rules out artifacts brought about by either condensation of nonvolatiles or surface kinetics, as demonstrated by the invariance of particle size with the wire residence time in the flame; and the high-resolution capability of the DMA revealing the presence of small (D < 3 nm) nanoparticles both at lower heights in the flame, where younger soot is present, and further downstream at the same location where more mature soot is present. At the location at which both thermophoretically collected particles and HR-DMA data are available, the size distribution functions are in good agreement, except for the smallest particles that are quantifiable only by HR-DMA. Comparison of soot volume fraction and particle sizes from multiple techniques reveals good self-consistency, especially in the region where somewhat more mature soot particles are present (HAB ≥ 12.5 mm). A simplified three-dimensional model of the HR-DMA sampling procedure using a finite element solver package reveals the perturbation introduced by the “cold” probe to the temperature–time history experienced by the sampled aerosol and provides the input parameters for a one-dimensional streamtube model of the perturbed flame that included detailed chemistry. Even though additional work is needed to make the HR-DMA determination of the small particle peak fully quantitative, the developed database provides a useful benchmark for experimental validation of soot nucleation models, casting a shadow on established measurements that rely on commercial instrumentation with lower resolution.
Hyperglycemia, Insulin, and Acute Ischemic Stroke A Mechanistic Justification for a Trial of Insulin Infusion Therapy

Background and Purpose— Hyperglycemia is associated with increased mortality and morbidity in acute ischemic stroke. Summary of Review— Hyperglycemia induces a pro-oxidative and proinflammatory state that can cause direct neuronal toxicity. Hyperglycemia-mediated increase in matrix metalloproteinase-9 can cause neuronal damage by an increase in cerebral edema. Moreover, hyperglycemia may be responsible for a procoagulant state that can further compromise blood supply to the penumbral areas in acute ischemic stroke. Insulin infusion has an effect that is opposite to that of hyperglycemia. It not only lowers blood glucose levels but also exerts an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. Insulin also improves NO production and results in improved blood circulation to the ischemic areas. This article focuses on the potential mechanisms underlying the injurious effects of glucose and the beneficial effects of insulin. Conclusions— In the absence of other potential beneficial therapies, there is an urgency to institute trials with insulin infusion in acute ischemic stroke.
Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 24R,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations in adult dogs are more substantially increased by oral supplementation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 than by vitamin D3.

We previously found a weak response in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) concentrations when dogs were supplemented with oral vitamin D3 (D3). In the present study, we determined the relative potency of oral 25(OH)D3 compared with D3 for increasing vitamin D status in dogs with low serum 25(OH)D concentrations. Four male and three female, 4-year-old, intact, lean, genetically related, Chinese-crested/beagle dogs were studied in a randomised, single cross-over trial. After feeding a low-vitamin D diet (<4 IU/100 g) for 30 d, four dogs received daily D3 supplementation at 2·3 µg/kg body weight0·75, while three dogs received a molar equivalency as 25(OH)D3. The supplements, dissolved in ethanol, were applied to a commercial treat for consumption. Serum 25(OH)D3 and 24R,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (24R,25(OH)2D3) were analysed weekly using a validated HPLC method. Both supplementations increased (P ≤ 0·01) serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations. However, oral 25(OH)D3 resulted in greater (P < 0·0001) concentrations than D3 by week 1, with a difference of 173 % (P < 0·0001) by week 2. The supplementation period was limited to 14 d after serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations were not appearing to plateau. Thereafter, a washout period of 1 month separated the cross-over. Following 25(OH)D3, but not D3 supplementation, serum 24R,25(OH)2D3 concentrations increased (P ≤ 0·02), 3 to 5 weeks after initiating supplementation. Vitamin D status, as indicated by serum 25(OH)D3 and 24R,25(OH)2D3 concentrations, is more rapidly and efficiently increased in adult dogs by oral supplementation of 25(OH)D3 than D3.
Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture: Screws Only for Posterior Malleolus

Trimalleolar fractures are a common ankle fracture variant that has sparked controversy over whether or not to fix the posterior malleolus of these fractures. Recent literature has begun to support fixation of the posterior malleolus fragment to restore the contact force of the joint, as well as decrease the risk of posttraumatic osteoarthritis by increasing joint stability. This chapter focuses on fixation of the posterior malleolus using percutaneous screws.
TXT-tool 3.001-1.1: Physical Modelling of Rain-Induced Landslides

Stability of a slope depends on many factors including geotechnical properties of soil, slope inclination and other slope geometry, position of water table, as well as external factors such as amount of rainfall and infiltration velocity, magnitude and frequency of ground shaking, etc. As the field condition is non-homogenous and is hard to simulate, sensitivity analysis is generally performed on laboratory based models to evaluate rainfall induced slope failure. These models are helpful in evaluating seepage velocity and reduction in suction with intensity and duration of rainfall and deformation of slope with rainfall. This tool explains on how the simple laboratory based models are developed to evaluate the effect of rainfall intensity and duration on the stability and deformation of slopes.
Effect of Preschool Home Visiting on School Readiness and Need for Services in Elementary School: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance Home visiting programs targeting the school readiness of preschool children (age range, 4-5 years) show promise in short-term and quasi-experimental studies but rarely are evaluated with rigorous designs and follow-up assessments. Objectives To examine the sustained effects of a preschool home visiting program on child and family competencies and on child need for services 4 years later. Design, Setting, and Participants In a randomized clinical trial, individual families with preschool children were assigned to receive the Research-Based and Developmentally Informed–Parent home visiting program (REDI-P) (intervention group) or math home learning games in the mail (control group). Follow-up assessments occurred in third grade. Families were recruited from 24 Head Start centers in 3 Pennsylvania counties serving rural and urban areas. Four-year-old children from 200 low-income families participated. Families were recruited in fall 2008 and fall 2009. The follow-up data used were collected in spring 2013 and spring 2014. The analyses were conducted in 2016 to 2017. Interventions REDI-P visits followed a well-specified curriculum, with 10 home visits during preschool and 6 booster visits in kindergarten. Parents received coaching to enhance parent-child relationships and home learning materials to support child development and school readiness. Main Outcomes and Measures Intervention focused on boosting competencies in academic performance and social-emotional adjustment and reducing child problems at home. Direct assessments, teacher ratings, and parent reports were collected. In addition, third-grade teachers recorded all services that children needed and received at school. Results Two hundred participating children (110 [55.0%] white, 52 [26.0%] black, and 38 [19.0%] Latino; 112 [56.0%] male) had a mean (SD) age of 4.45 (0.29) years at the start of intervention. Third-grade outcomes were available for 153 (76.5%) of the initial sample and revealed statistically significant effects on multiple measures in each competency domain. In addition, REDI-P reduced child need for educational and mental health services at school. Significant effect sizes were small to moderate, averaging approximately one-third of 1 SD (Cohend = 0.27 to 0.45). Mediation models demonstrated that intervention effects on services were accounted for by intervention effects on the targeted competencies. Conclusions and Relevance REDI-P produced sustained benefits evident 4 years after intervention, significantly reducing child need for school services. The results of this study appear to validate the value of preschool home visiting as a strategy to help close the gap in school readiness and child well-being associated with poverty.
The Establishment of Confucianism as a State Religion During the Han Dynasty

This paper is an attempt to tell the story of the vicissitudes of Confucianism during the second and first centuries before the Christian era, and to point out the real nature of the resultant religion which was elevated to be the state religion of the Empire and which has since influenced the Chinese nation for the last twenty centuries.
Complex Dynamics:Julia Sets and the Mandelbrot Set

Some examples of filled-in Julia sets. For a complex number c, the filled-in Julia set is the set of those points in ? whose orbits under the function z 2 + c do not approach infinity. The upper left image is the filled-in Julia set where c = −0.123 + 0.745 i, known as Douady’s rabbit; in this case there is an attracting 3-cycle. The upper right corresponds to c = 0.32 + 0.043 i, which has an attracting 11-cycle. At the lower left is the Julia set for a different function, a bifurcation of the quadratic map rz(1−z) at r = 3, discussed in Chapter 7. The image at lower right is the Mandelbrot set, which encodes the collection of c for which the Julia set of z 2 + c is connected.
Identification and Treatment of Alcohol or Drug Dependence in the Elderly

Substance misuse, abuse, and dependence in older adults present unique challenges in terms of recognition, interventions, and treatment. These problems are often not recognized and, if recognized at all, are under-treated. Older adults with problems related to alcohol/medication/drug misuse are a special and vulnerable population that can benefit from elder-specific intervention and treatment strategies. Additionally, there are concerns in the field that the standard diagnostic criteria for abuse/dependence are difficult to apply to older adults, leading to under-identification and treatment. This chapter targets four major areas that can benefit both research and clinical professionals working with older adults: (1) prevalence, impact, and correlates of the substance abuse in this population; (2) screening and identification; (3) use of brief interventions to either encourage behavior change or facilitate treatment entry, if needed, and (4) treatment research and related issues. With changing demographics and the aging of the “Baby Boom” cohort, developing brief, cost-effective methods to work with older adults who are experiencing problems related to their use of alcohol, medications, and illicit drugs is a crucial issue for the health care system in the next 20 years.
NetIntel: A Database for Manipulation of Rich Social Network Data

Abstract : There is a pressing need to automatically collect data on social systems as rich network data, analyze such systems to find hidden relations and groups, prune the datasets to locate regions of interest, locate key actors, characterize the structure, locate points of vulnerability, and simulate change in a system as it evolves naturally or in response to strategic interventions over time or under certain impacts, including modification of data. To meet this challenge, we need to develop a new mechanism for storing and manipulating social structure data. Social structure data will be stored in a relational database capable of manipulating large quantities of data. The database is structured to preserve the character and integrity of the data in an extensible manner, and is extended with a number of functions specifically designed for manipulating graph-based data.
Towards a Working Model of e-Participation in Smart Cities: What the Research Suggests

Recent e-government research has focused on the concept of smart cities, which can be broadly defined as cities that significantly incorporate new technologies into their governance. More specific definitions of smart cities exist, but there does not seem to be broad consensus on consistent smart city elements. However, our research does reveal some reoccurring themes in research on smart city definitions. Additionally, it is clear from extant research that e-participation is not considered to be a consistent element of the smart city. When e-participation does exist in smart cities, it is usually not very robust and tends to focus on service delivery rather than public consultation and policy making. This is unfortunate, give that there are some municipal policy areas that electronically facilitated public participation in government has found success. We identify some of these areas to demonstrate the advantages of e-participation in smart cities. We also offer some elements that are conducive to enacting and sustaining robust e-participatory practices in smart cities.
Water spray infrared extinction calculation and experimental validation

In recent years, the attenuation characteristics of log-normal water spray in the infrared region of atmospheric window have been studied in depth. However, there is no report on the comparison between calculation of the infrared transmittance of water spray based on Mie scattering using the LNMCM method and experiment, and the calculation error has not been publicly discussed. In this paper, we used Fluent to calculate the droplet concentration of water spray formed by a square arrangement of four FF-12 nozzles. After the water droplet number density distribution was obtained, the LNMCM method was used to calculate the infrared transmittance of water spray formed by the four-mounted FF-12 nozzles. On the other hand, an infrared attenuating test platform was built with four FF-12 nozzles, and an infrared imaging measurement test was conducted on the water spray formed by the four-mounted nozzles and the test panel that was shielded by it. The article compares the calculated results with the experimental results. Error analysis shows that the calculated value of the infrared radiation intensity of 7.5~13μm deviates from the experimental value by 3.1%. This paper verifies the accuracy of LNMCM and Fluent to calculate the infrared transmittance of log-normal distribution water spray through test measurement method, and forms a relatively complete calculation method of infrared radiation and attenuation of water spray.
Is a Fundamental Change in the Interpretation of Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity Necessary

Disease Activity Score (DAS) composite models are moderately precise and robust measures of disease severity when they are used in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cohorts. They are less so when used for individual patients. This is because subjective components, patient global assessment of well-being and tender joint count, modified by factors other than RA biological disease activity, often obfuscate interpretation of disease activity. Comorbidities, especially distress, can disproportionately inflate these components. Fibromyalgia, essentially synonymous with distress, pain augmentation, and depression, is a common comorbidity. Its presence and severity can be determined by the Polysymptomatic Distress Scale (PSD). The differential effects of distress and fibromyalgia syndrome on the DAS can be demonstrated by manipulating information already there: the arithmetic differences or ratios of the tender joint count and swollen joint count and comparison of the modified disease activity score with 28 joints to the disease activity score with 28 joints-patient (DAS28-derived indices that measure the contribution of the relatively objective or relatively subjective components, respectively). The potentially more objective multibiomarker disease activity might also be used to test the severity of biological RA disease activity. These tools may be used to elucidate disproportionate values for subjective DAS model components, which then should facilitate identification of the underlying process factors, including depression, for potential treatment.
Right Ventricular Mechanical Dyssynchrony in Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: Correlation with Systolic Function and QRS Duration.

The single right ventricle (RV) in hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) often develops systolic dysfunction with time and this affects prognosis. Mechanical dyssynchrony has been reported in HLHS but has not consistently correlated with systolic function or electrical dyssynchrony. The aims of this study were to assess the relationship between RV mechanical dyssynchrony, RV systolic function, and QRS duration on surface electrocardiography. We hypothesized that surface QRS duration would not be an adequate indicator of mechanical dyssynchrony compared with dyssynchrony parameters. Retrospective analysis of echocardiograms of patients with HLHS divided into preserved vs reduced RV function. We measured two RV function parameters: (1) fractional area change (FAC) and (2) global longitudinal strain (RVGLS). We measured two dyssynchrony parameters: (1) the standard deviation of the time to peak strain for 9 segments (tPS-9) and (2) time difference between the earliest and latest time to peak strain (RV dyssynchrony index or RVDI) both corrected for R–R interval. We also measured the QRS duration from surface EKG. Mechanical dyssynchrony parameters were compared to both RV systolic function and to QRS duration. 41 patients with HLHS were identified: 21 had preserved function and 20 had reduced function defined by a FAC < 35%. The reduced function group had a significantly lower mean FAC and RVGLS. RVDI was higher in the dysfunction group and had a modest correlation with FAC (r = 0.48) and RVGLS (r = 0.57). tPS-9 was longer in the dysfunction group and had a modest correlation with FAC (r = 0.45) and RVGLS (r = 0.57). QRS duration was longer in the dysfunction group and had a modest correlation with FAC (r = 0.56) and RVGLS (r = 0.56). The weakest correlations were between QRS duration and tPS-9 (r = 0.32) and QRS duration and RVDI (r = 0.10). RV dysfunction measured by FAC was associated with mechanical dyssynchrony measured by increased RVDI and tPS-9. QRS duration was longer in the group with dysfunction but did not correlate with directly measured mechanical dyssynchrony. This may have potential implications for cardiac resynchronization therapy in univentricular patients as assessed by mechanical dyssynchrony parameters rather than QRS duration alone.
Iodinated contrast media hypersensitivity: recommendations for the pain practitioner.

To the editor Benzon et al recently described outcomes of inadvertent iodinated contrast media (ICM) administration in a case series of six patients undergoing interventional pain procedures following unintentional allergy alert overrides.[1][1] Despite the absence of premedication, there were no
Microstructure design of CTAC:FA and BTAC:FA lamellar gels for optimized rheological performance utilizing automated formulation platform

Objectives The main objective of this paper was to optimize hair conditioner performance through variation of composition utilizing automated cosmetic formulation platform and advanced characterization techniques as well as develop understanding of how performance (wet combing and wet lubrication) of hair conditioner is affected by its rheology (i.e. yield stress) and controlled breakdown of the formulations (dilution). The experimental results show that yield stress greatly impacts rheology, stability and performance of the lamellar gels for hair conditioning. Methods All samples were prepared on the Chemspeed Flex Formax. A mechanical rheometer was used to measure bulk viscosity and yield stress in each sample. Dia-stron tensile tester was used to measure the lamellar gels ability to reduce combing force. Potential stronger lamellar gel network formation in the formed lamellar gels potentially leads to higher yield stress exhibited. Viscosity values were also measured after a controlled breakdown (i.e. dilution) of each sample. This was also carried out using a mechanical rheometer. Results Yield stress of the formulations was engineered through composition variation and was recorded in each system. The highest yield stress value is 251.179 Pa at a BTAC/CA ratio of 6:10, and the lowest yield stress is 50.14 Pa at a BTAC/CA ratio of 6:5. The highest yield stress value is 50.14 Pa at a CTAC/CA ratio of 6:10, and the lowest yield stress is 19.98 Pa at a CTAC/CA ratio of 2:10. The highest overall yield stress values can also be observed in the BTAC/CA system, whereas the CTAC/CA system has relatively lower yield stress values. Dilution of each formulation caused a breakdown in viscosity of each formulation with the formulations with highest yield stress maintaining higher viscosity than the other formulations. The formulations with highest yield stress in each system which also maintains the highest dilution viscosity (6% BTAC/10% CA and 6% CTAC/10% CA) have the best effect on reducing overall combing force, that is from dry hair tress to wet hair tress and after product is rinsed off. At a BTAC/CA system of ratio 6:5, there is an 89% reduction in combing force and a 95% reduction in combing force in the BTAC/CA system of ratio 6:10. At a CTAC/CA system of ratio 2:10, there is a 65% reduction in combing force and a 88% reduction in combing force in the CTAC/CA system of ratio 6:10. A 'conditioned' soft feel was observed on each hair tress as the sample was applied and after it was rinsed off. Conclusions The overall performance of the lamellar gels for hair conditioning can be engineered through optimization of the formulation microstructure and formulation microstructure breakdown on dilution.
Intracellular Generation of Superoxide by TiO2 Nanoparticles Decreases Histone Deacetylase 9 (HDAC9), an Epigenetic Modifier.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles are used on a massive scale in commercial and industrial products. Of specific concern is how the inhalation of these nanoparticles in a manufacturing setting ...
Behavioural responses to warming differentially impact survival in introduced and native dung beetles

Anthropogenic changes are often studied in isolation but may interact to affect biodiversity. For example, climate change could exacerbate the impacts of biological invasions if climate change differentially affects invasive and native species. Behavioural plasticity may mitigate some of the impacts of climate change, but species vary in their degree of behavioural plasticity. In particular, invasive species may have greater behavioural plasticity than native species since plasticity helps invasive species establish and spread in new environments. This plasticity could make invasives better able to cope with climate change. Here our goal was to examine whether reproductive behaviours and behavioural plasticity vary between an introduced and a native Onthophagus dung beetle species in response to warming temperatures and how differences in behaviour influence offspring survival. Using a repeated measures design, we exposed small colonies of introduced O. taurus and native O. hecate to three temperature treatments, including a control, low warming and high warming treatment, and then measured reproductive behaviours, including the number, size and burial depth of brood balls. We reared offspring in their brood balls in developmental temperatures that matched those of the brood ball burial depth to quantify survival. We found that the introduced O. taurus produced more brood balls and larger brood balls, and buried brood balls deeper than the native O. hecate in all treatments. However, the two species did not vary in the degree of behavioural plasticity in response to warming. Differences in reproductive behaviours did affect survival such that warming temperatures had a greater effect on survival of offspring of native O. hecate compared to introduced O. taurus. Overall, our results suggest that differences in behaviour between native and introduced species are one mechanism through which climate change may exacerbate negative impacts of biological invasions.
Risk-Informed Decision Making

This chapter is, in fact, a summary of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Risk-Informed Decision Making Guidelines to identify, analyze, assess, and manage the risks in dams. The concept of risk and its differences with other similar topics (e.g. hazard, vulnerability, fragility) are already discussed in Sect. 18.3.3.
Light-dependent THRUMIN1 phosphorylation regulates its association with actin filaments and 14-3-3 proteins

Abstract Light-dependent chloroplast movements in leaf cells contribute to the optimization of photosynthesis. Low light conditions induce chloroplast accumulation along periclinal cell surfaces, providing greater access to the available light, whereas high light induces movement of chloroplasts to anticlinal cell surfaces providing photodamage protection and allowing more light to reach underlying cell layers. The THRUMIN1 protein is required for normal chloroplast movements in Arabidopsis thaliana and has been shown to localize at the plasma membrane and to undergo rapid light-dependent interactions with actin filaments through the N-terminal intrinsically disordered region. A predicted WASP-Homology 2 (WH2) domain was found in the intrinsically disordered region but mutations in this domain did not disrupt localization of THRUMIN1:YFP to actin filaments. A series of other protein truncations and site-directed mutations of known and putative phosphorylation sites indicated that a phosphomimetic mutation (serine to aspartic acid) at position 170 disrupted localization of THRUMIN1 with actin filaments. However, the phosphomimetic mutant rescued the thrumin1-2 mutant phenotype for chloroplast movement and raises questions about the role of THRUMIN1’s interaction with actin. Mutation of serine 146 to aspartic acid also resulted in cytoplasmic localization of THRUMIN1:YFP in Nicotiana benthamiana. Mutations to a group of putative zinc-binding cysteine clusters implicates the C-terminus of THRUMIN1 in chloroplast movement. Phosphorylation-dependent association of THRUMIN1 with 14-3-3 KAPPA and OMEGA were also identified. Together, these studies provide new insights into the mechanistic role of THRUMIN1 in light-dependent chloroplast movements. One Sentence Summary Site-directed mutagenesis of THRUMIN1 revealed critical sites involved in blue light-dependent localization of THRUMIN1 to actin filaments, 14-3-3 proteins, and its regulation of chloroplast movement.
Screening for H 2 O 2 -Mediated Cancer Therapeutics Using a Genetically Encoded Probe

Small-molecule compounds that modulate H2O2 reaction networks have potential applications as targeted cancer therapeutics. Previous studies to identify cancer therapeutics that induce oxidants have relied upon probes that respond to many different oxidants in cells. In this study, we used a genetically encoded fluorescent probe for human peroxiredoxin-2 (Prx2) oxidation to develop a high-throughput screen to identify small-molecule compounds that modulate H2O2 pathways. We further characterized cellular responses to several compounds selected from the screen. Our results revealed that some of the compounds enact H2O2-mediated toxicity. Among them, SMER3, an anti-fungal, has not been reported as an oxidant-inducing drug. Several drugs, including cisplatin, that previously have been shown to induce ROS did not appear to oxidize Prx2, suggesting H2O2 was not among the ROS induced by those drugs. Understanding which ROS-elevating therapeutics specifically induce H2O2 may allow more targeted therapy of tumors characterized by certain mutations and metabolic alterations.
Rhetorical Questions and Ruminations: Examining Early Career Faculty Experiences through Found Poetry

Transitioning from graduate student to early career faculty can often provoke uncertainty and questioning. This study explores the rhetorical and revealing nature of such questioning (i.e., Am I really this lost? Am I in the right place?). Utilizing methods from arts based research (Barone & Eisner, 2012), specifically poetic inquiry (Prendergast et al., 2009; Richardson, 1992), we created found poetry around rhetorical questions from our existing collaborative autoethnographic journal. We frame our findings with a selection of poems to provide insight into our lived experiences of transition. The question poems illustrate that our first year as assistant professors were preoccupied with managing tasks, balancing work, avoiding burnout, building relationships, and discovering how to belong in the new context. While rhetorical questions do not necessarily produce answers, questioning in a collaborative space allowed us to explore the struggle, complexity, and ambiguity of academic identity construction as early career faculty.
Disparities in the long-term survival of adolescent and young adult diffuse large B cell lymphoma survivors.

Purpose The population of adolescent and young adult (AYA, ages 15-39 years) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) survivors is growing, however long-term overall survival patterns and disparities are largely unknown. Methods The current study utilized the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry to assess the impact of race/ethnicity, sex, socioeconomic status, and rurality on long-term survival in 5-year DLBCL survivors using an accelerated failure time model. Results Included were 4767 5-year survivors of AYA DLBCL diagnosed between the years 1980 and 2009 with a median follow-up time of 13.4 years. Non-Hispanic Black survivors had significantly worse long-term survival than non-Hispanic White survivors (Survival Time Ratio (STR): 0.53, p Conclusions Racial disparities persist well into survivorship among AYA DLBCL survivors. Studies investigating specific factors associated with survival disparities are urgently needed to better address these disparities.
Automated immunofluorescence analysis for sensitive and precise dystrophin quantification in muscle biopsies.

Aims Dystrophin, the protein product of the DMD gene, plays a critical role in muscle integrity by stabilizing the sarcolemma during contraction and relaxation. The DMD gene is vulnerable to a variety of mutations that may cause complete loss, depletion, or truncation of the protein, leading to Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies. Precise and reproducible dystrophin quantification is essential in characterising DMD mutations and evaluating the outcome of efforts to induce dystrophin through gene therapies. Immunofluorescence microscopy offers high sensitivity to low levels of protein expression along with confirmation of localization, making it a critical component of quantitative dystrophin expression assays. Methods We have developed an automated and unbiased approach for precise quantification of dystrophin immunofluorescence in muscle sections. This methodology uses microscope images of whole-tissue sections stained for dystrophin and spectrin to measure dystrophin intensity and the proportion of dystrophin-positive coverage at the sarcolemma of each muscle fibre. To ensure objectivity, the thresholds for dystrophin and spectrin are derived empirically from non-sarcolemmal signal intensity within each tissue section. Furthermore, this approach is readily adaptable for measuring fibre morphology and other tissue markers. Results Our method demonstrates the sensitivity and reproducibility of this quantification approach across a wide range of dystrophin expression in both dystrophinopathy patient and healthy control samples, with high inter-operator concordance. Conclusion As efforts to restore dystrophin expression in dystrophic muscle bring new potential therapies into clinical trials, this methodology represents a valuable tool for efficient and precise analysis of dystrophin and other muscle markers that reflect treatment efficacy.
Thermal Management of the Lithium/Metal Sulfide Electric Vehicle

Thermal management studies of the lithium-aluminum/metal sulfide battery demonstrate the need for a light weight, high thermal efficiency case for electric batteries. Calculations based upon the rectangularly configured MK IA battery using vacuum-foil insulation, show that the heat loss rate goal of 400 watts can be met. Experimental studies directed at the determination of the reversible T DELTA S heating gave results that compared within 8% with theoretically derived values. Calculations based upon the 50-kWh MK II battery and a 10,000 miles driven/year show that by utilizing the thermal storage capacity of the system, essentially no additional energy is needed to keep the battery hot.
Beyond Arrays - A Container-Centric Approach for Parallelization of Real-World Symbolic Applications

Parallelization of symbolic applications is difficult and a systematic approach has yet to be developed. In this paper, we introduce the concept container, which refers to any general-purpose aggregate data type, such as matrices, lists, tables, graphs and I/O streams. We propose the container-centric approach, in which containers are treated by the compiler as built-in types. Containers become the target of data-parallelism and the focus of program analysis and transformations.
Is the business cycle a necessary consequence of stochastic growth

We compute the forecastable changes in output, consumption, and hours implied by a VAR that includes the growth rate of private value added, the share of output that is consumed, and the detrended level of private hours. We show that the size of the forecastable changes in output greatly exceeds that predicted by a standard stochastic growth model, of the kind studied by real business cycle theorists. Contrary to the model's implications, forecastable movements in labor productivity are small and only weakly related to forecasted changes in output. Also, forecasted movements in investment and hours are positively correlated with forecasted movements in output. Finally, and again in contrast to what the growth model implies, forecasted output movements are positively related to the current level of the consumption share and negatively related to the level of hours. We also show that these contrasts between the model and the observations are robust to allowance for measurement error and a variety of other types of transitory disturbances.
Free-link topology navigation on statistical table objects: metadata schema and user interface

A table object, defined and described in XML, is treated as the basic unit in a free-link topology that enables multiple inheritances for each node. In this paper, a novel table navigation system called TableHunter is introduced. Each table object is presented in the TableHunter as a node of a map structure, and supports a context+focus view.
What does "Do campaigns matter?" mean?

Scholars disagree over the extent to which presidential campaigns activate predispositions in voters or create vote preferences that could not be predicted. When campaign related information flows activate predispositions, election results are largely predetermined given balanced resources. They can be accurately forecast well before a campaign has run its course. Alternatively, campaigns may change vote outcomes beyond forcing predispositions to some equilibrium level. We find most evidence for the former: opinion poll data are consistent with Presidential campaigns activating predispositions, with fundamental variables increasing in importance as a presidential election draws near.
Smartphone dongle for simultaneous measurement of hemoglobin concentration and detection of HIV antibodies.

It is traditionally difficult to incorporate two classes of diagnostic tests into a single platform. In this work, we demonstrate a microfluidic-based smartphone dongle that simultaneously measures concentration of hemoglobin and detects HIV antibodies. Specifically, we demonstrate how a previously published immunoassay device, which measured optical density of silver precipitation on gold colloids, can be expanded to quantitatively measure hemoglobin concentration via a colorimetric assay. By lysing whole blood components with CHAPS detergent, we achieved highly reproducible measurement of hemoglobin concentration with the device. We tested this dual test on 38 patient samples from Columbia University Medical Center. Compared with the Hemocue Hb 201+ analyzer, hemoglobin concentrations from our device were accurate within 1.2 g dL−1, while the HIV immunoassay (in the presence of CHAPS detergent) showed 95% sensitivity and 95% specificity, comparable to our previous studies. This work demonstrates the feasibility of integrating two classes of diagnostic tests (a colorimetric-based quantitative measurement and an immunoassay based on silver precipitation on gold colloids) into a low-cost, fast, and low-power dongle that works with smartphones, and creates a novel dual panel with clinical utility for antenatal-care settings.
Murine Protein Kinase CK2α′: cDNA and Genomic Cloning and Chromosomal Mapping

Abstract Protein kinase CK2 (casein kinase II) is a heterotetrameric enzyme implicated in many essential regulatory pathways in cells. We have determined the sequence of the murine CK2α′ cDNA that encodes a 350-amino-acid protein that would have 99 and 98% homology with the human and chicken proteins, respectively, and is also highly homologous to murine CK2α. To clarify the sequence of the 5′ end of the cDNA and to elucidate the structure and regulation of the gene, we obtained a bacterial artificial chromosome clone that contains the 35-kb CK2α′ gene. The gene consists of 12 small exons; the 5′ end, including the first exon and intron, is extremely GC rich and contains a CpG island. The putative promoter contains potential binding sites for a variety of transcriptional factors but appears to lack CCAAT- or TATA-like elements. A polymorphic dinucleotide repeat in the fifth intron allowed us to map the CK2α′ gene to murine Chromosome 8.
Analytical Synthesis of a Class of Model-Reference Time-Varying Control Systems

A theoretical investigation is presented for synthesizing nonlinear controllers for a class of model-reference control systems, each consisting of a timevarying-parameter plant and a fixed-parameter model, with the model one order lower than the plant. The plant and the model may have different forms, provided that their static gains are equal to unity. The controller, upon sensing the difference between the plant response and the model response, adds a proper controlling signal into the plant to make its output approach the model output, even though the plant parameters are unpredictably time-varying over known ranges. Specifically, only the transient responses to step inputs are considered. A controller is synthesized to satisfy a sufficient condition for asymptotic stability of the, null model-plant error, as determined by the use of the direct method of Lyapunov. This is, essentially, a general extension of L. P. Grayson's work to a variety of model-reference control systems. Several sample systems have been simulated on an analog computer for experimental studies. All the test results have shown the controller thus synthesized to be remarkably effective.
Dysphagia following head and neck cancer surgery

Surgical resection of head and neck cancer results in predictable patterns of dysphagia and aspiration due to disruption of the anatomic structures of swallowing. Common procedures undertaken in the treatment of head and neck cancer include tracheostomy, glossectomy, mandibulectomy, surgery on the palate, total and partial laryngectomy, reconstruction of the pharynx and cervical esophagus, and surgery of the skull base. An overview is presented of normal swallowing physiology, as well as swallowing perturbations that are frequently encountered in postoperative head and neck cancer patients.
Assembly planning for planar structures of a brick wall pattern with rectangular modular robots

We present an assembly planning algorithm for constructing planar structures out of rectangular modular robots which can dock to each other to form a brick wall pattern. The algorithm is provably correct and complete, and efficiently computes an assembly sequence in O(m2) time, where m is the number of robots needed to be assembled in a goal structure. The assembly plan incorporates reachability and collision constraints and supports distributed assembly so that multiple robots can be docked to a growing structure without centralized coordination. Simulations and experiments will be also presented.
Cloud-to-Ground Lightning Activity in Mesoscale Convective Complexes

An analysis of the evolution of cloud-to-ground lightning discharges attending convective storms in mesoscale convective systems was conducted in the framework of the mesoscale convective complexes (MCCs) life cycle. The lightning discharge data were acquired by a commercially available lightning detection and location system. Peak rates averaged 42/min for the MCCs analyzed; these rates are comparable to the highest observed rates within other mesoscale storm systems and are greater than 20 times the rates previously observed in isolated thunderstorms. Lightning damage occurs with half of the MCCs and is most frequent between the development and the mature phases of the MCC life cycle. The most active period is also characterized by the greatest average number of discrete strokes and largest fraction of multiple-stroke discharges. The total cloud-to-ground lightning activity and maximum flashing rate do not appear to be directly related to either the size of the cloud shield or total duration of the MCC.
Expected Problem Drinker Possible Self: Predictor of Alcohol Problems and Tobacco Use in Adolescents.

ABSTRACTBackground: Alcohol and tobacco use commonly co-occur in adolescents. According to the cross-substance facilitation of information processing hypothesis, cognitive structures related to one substance increase use of another related substance through enhanced cognitive processing. In this study, the authors test this hypothesis by determining whether a problem drinker “possible self” in 8th grade predicts alcohol and tobacco use in 9th grade. Methods: A secondary data analysis of a 12-month longitudinal dataset was conducted. The outcome variables were alcohol consumption, alcohol problems, and tobacco use in 9th grade. The main predictor of interest was presence of an expected problem drinker possible self in 8th grade. Zero-inflated gamma regression, zero-inflated negative binomial regression, and logistic regression were used. Results: Among 137 adolescents, controlling for known family, parent, and peer determinants, and corresponding 8th grade behavior, having an expected problem drinker possi...
Accuracy and rationality of state General Fund Revenue forecasts: Evidence from panel data

Abstract Using a new panel data set, this paper employs a random effects model to investigate the determinants of General Fund Revenue forecast errors of state Legislative Fiscal offices. Employing exclusively judgmental methods increases the forecast error. The use of cross-sectional data, in addition to time-series, increases the accuracy. The forecast error is not influenced by the existence of a dominant political party or the existence of another official forecast. If the forecasts are obtained less frequently than monthly or bi-monthly, forecast errors become smaller. Grants from federal government have a small worsening effect. If the predictions of the national (state) economic trends that are used in forecasting are obtained from the state government, forecasts become less (more) accurate. The forecasts are free of systematic under or over-prediction, but they can be improved by using available information more efficiently.
Axillary Artery Injury from Humeral Neck Fracture: A Rare But Disabling Traumatic Event

Axillary artery injury from blunt trauma to the shoulder is uncommon. Fracture of the neck of the humerus is a rare cause of injury to the axillary artery. Four cases of axillary artery thrombosis from humeral neck fracture are reported. Each of the first 2 patients presented with a pulseless and acutely ischemic limb after a trivial fall. A repair of the axillary artery with saphenous vein interposition graft was performed in the first patient. The extremity was salvaged, but a residual radial and ulnar neurologic deficit persisted. The second patient presented with a pulseless insensate upper extremity accompanied by motor loss. He underwent primary axillary artery repair. Still early in his postoperative course, he has had global brachial plexopathy and is undergoing intensive physical therapy. The third patient had a delayed presentation of brachial plexopathy and sympathetic reflex dystrophy. Arterial reconstruction was not required owing to excellent collateralization. The fourth patient presented with a cool pulseless extremity. His recovery is nearly complete after bypass of the axillary artery with a reversed saphenous vein graft. In addition, a review of the literature revealed 24 cases of axillary artery injury associated with humeral neck fracture. The mean age was 66.6 years. The most common mechanism of injury was a fall (79%). Thirteen patients (46%) presented with a neurologic deficit. Acute ischemia was present in 68%. Physical examination predicted the arterial injury in all but 1 patient. The injured axillary artery was repaired in 26 cases. Revascularization by an interposition graft was the most common procedure. All grafts and reanastomoses were patent and led to limb salvage. Of 9 primary repairs, 3 amputations were performed. Although limb salvage rate was 89%, a good functional outcome was obtained in only half of the patients. A high index of suspicion is required for early diagnosis of axillary artery injury. Despite excellent results of vascular reconstruction, the outcome remains determined by the excessive neurologic morbidity. Recognition of the associated brachial plexus injury is essential to improve the functional outcome of this unusual arterial injury.
A generalized variational theorem in elastodynamics, with application to shell theory

With a view toward the consistent derivations and numerical solutions of one- and two-dimensional approximate theories in a class of Cosserat continuum, a variational theorem is, in a straightforward manner, established by means of Hamilton's principle. By the use of this theorem, a linear theory of anisotropic shells for both extensional and flexural motions, including thermal effects, is systematically constructed. A theorem of uniqueness in this theory is then presented.