cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pathways to Financing College Race and Class in Students’ Narratives of Paying for School

Researchers have investigated many aspects of college financing. Yet, we know little about the processes involved—that is, the details of students’ understandings and experiences, intersectional di...
Fast flip-flop of cholesterol and fatty acids in membranes: implications for membrane transport proteins.

Purpose of review The rates by which unesterified fatty acids and cholesterol move through and desorb from membranes have been difficult to measure, in part because of the simple structures of these lipids but also because methods have generally not clearly distinguished the two steps of membrane transport. Lack of definitive knowledge has given rise to speculation about the mechanism(s) of membrane 'transport' proteins for fatty acids and cholesterol. Recent findings New biophysical and biochemical approaches have provided evidence that fatty acids and cholesterol exhibit rapid diffusion (flip-flop), as fast as milliseconds, across both protein-free phospholipid bilayers and cell membranes. In contrast, desorption of the cholesterol molecule from a membrane surface (hours) is much slower than that of common dietary fatty acids (milliseconds to seconds). Summary Knowledge of these properties provides a framework for understanding transport and metabolism of cholesterol and fatty acids and how their putative membrane and intracellular transporters might function.
Effect of burlap bands on between-tree movement of late-instar gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae)

Mark/recapture studies indicated that the presence of burlap bands on tree stems decreased the incidence of between-tree movement by late-instar gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.). Furthermore, there were consistently more larvae under burlap bands on trees that were continuously banded than there were on trees from which bands were temporarily removed. Several hypotheses were proposed to explain this result. The hypothesis that deposition of silk trails leads other larvae to the bands was ruled out as an explanation of this result because the experimental removal of silk trails did not significantly affect the number of larvae under bands. Accumulation of moribund larvae under the bands was also ruled out as an explanation because at endemic density levels, very few larvae remained under burlap bands at night; those that did remain were almost entirely in the process of molting. The higher number of larvae found under bands on continuously banded trees was attributed to an accumulation of larvae from surrounding trees that were not banded. This accumulation resulted from a decreased rate of off-tree movement caused by the presence of burlap bands.
Vitrification and Devitrification of Rigid Amorphous Fraction of PET during Quasi-Isothermal Cooling and Heating

Poly(ethylene terephthalate), PET, was studied by quasi-isothermal (QI) temperature-modulated differential scanning calorimetry (TMDSC), in the limit of extremely slow scanning rates. For the first time, both the temperature-dependent crystalline fraction and rigid amorphous fraction (RAF) were quantitatively analyzed during quasi-isothermal cooling and reheating. Specific reversing heat capacity measurements show that most RAF vitrifies step by step during quasi-isothermal cooling after completion of crystallization. Upon subsequent QI reheating, the RAF devitrifies also step by step, and only a small RAF of 0.04 remains at 470 K, while melting starts above 473 K. To obtain the exact temperature of the start of melting, heat capacity measurements were made using subsequent standard DSC heating, after QI cooling. The temperature-dependent crystalline fraction was determined from Euler’s equation. By combining this method with the QI results, the temperature-dependent phase fractions were obtained during s...
Use of Technology to Accommodate Differences Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the General Curriculum and Environment

Without appropriate instructional supports, differences associated with autism spectrum disorder affect successful access to the general curriculum. Individuals who have autism without comorbid int...
Community Discovery Algorithm Based on Laplacian Matrix in Social Networks

Web media is generally acknowledged as "the fourth media" after the newspaper,broadcast and TV.And as Web 2.0 prevails over the internet,the web media has a form called "self-media",which means that every individual is a receiver,also it is a publisher and a forwarder at the same time.Therefore,online social networks have been formed.It has been shown that most of these networks exhibit strong modular nature(or community structure).In this paper,a community discovery algorithm is proposed based on Laplacian matrix,this algorithm convert a social network structure into Laplacian matrix,calculate its spectral and using the properties to discover the community structure from the social network.A lot of experiments have been done on real word dataset,and the experimental results show that the algorithm can discover the community structure effectively.
Molecular epidemiological survey with pulse- field gel electrophoresis in food- poisoning accident caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus

Objective To identify the cause of a food poisoning occurred in Zhenjiang district,and provide reference method for prevention of such mass incidents. Methods Biochemical identification,tdh and trh gene detection,serological typing and pulse-field gel electrophoresis( PFGE) were applied to the strains. Results All strains had virulent gene. The positive proportion of tdh and trh were 100. 0% and 7. 7% respectively. Strains isolated from patients all had tdh gene,only one had trh gene. Strains isolated from foods all had tdh gene,but not trh gene. The serological type of strains was O3: K6. Strains have high homology. Conclusion The PFGE technology can be effectively applied to tracing suspected sources of food contamination.
Pharmaceutical industry interactions in family medicine residencies decreased between 2008 and 2013: a CERA study.

Background and objectives Most medical residents have some interaction with the pharmaceutical industry. It is not known if this interaction has changed over time. We determined whether interactions between family medicine residencies and the pharmaceutical industry have changed in the past 5 years. Methods We surveyed program directors of US family medicine residencies with questions addressing industry-sponsored gifts, drug samples, access of industry representatives to trainees, and industry-sponsored residency activities. The questions were part of a larger 2013 survey administered by the Council of Academic Family Medicine Educational Research Alliance (CERA). The authors compared results from 2008 and 2013. Results The response rate to the 2013 CERA program director survey was 56% (251/445); 47% (208/445) of surveyed directors viewed and answered all survey questions. Between 2008 and 2013, residency programs that accept no gifts or industry-sponsored food increased from 48% (137/286) to 73% (151/208). Residencies refusing samples increased from 52% (148/286) to 78% (166/212), and residencies that do not allow industry representatives to have access to learners increased from 43% (124/286) to 74% (157/212). Residency programs that forbade industry-sponsored activities remained stable (67% versus 73%). About half (49%) (101/208)) of programs in 2013 qualified as "pharma-free," compared to 26% (75/286) in 2008. Conclusions In 2013, one of two family medicine residencies disallow gifts, drug samples, interactions between residents and pharmaceutical sales representatives, and pharmaceutical industry-sponsored activities. This proportion is twice what was observed in 2008. Restrictions increased in all categories except industry-sponsored activities.
The oxadiazole antibacterials

The oxadiazoles are a class of antibacterials discovered by in silico docking and scoring of compounds against the X-ray structure of a penicillin-binding protein. These antibacterials exhibit activity against Gram-positive bacteria, including against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE). They show in vivo efficacy in murine models of peritonitis/sepsis and neutropenic thigh MRSA infection. They are bactericidal and orally bioavailable. The oxadiazoles show promise in treatment of MRSA infection.
Multilevel symmetric neuropathic pruritus (MSNP) presenting as recalcitrant “generalized” pruritus

Background Chronic itch is a disruptive and disabling condition that can lead to psychological stress and depression. Objective We sought to describe an entity of generalized, symmetric, neuropathic pruritus, which we term "multilevel symmetric neuropathic pruritus," and offer possible explanations accounting for its pathogenesis. Methods A case series of 14 patients was evaluated at academic institutions from 2011 to 2015. Results All patients exhibited detectable degenerative vertebral changes, as seen by spinal x-ray or magnetic resonance imaging. In 12 of 14 (85.7%) subjects, the radiographic imaging abnormalities directly correlated with the distribution of their cutaneous findings. Twelve of 14 (85.7%) patients had cutaneous findings along the C5 to C6 and/or C6 to C7 dermatomal distributions. Eleven of 14 (78.5%) patients were overweight or obese, and 14 of 14 (100%) patients had at least 4 risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis. Twelve of 14 (85.7%) patients noted complete or near complete resolution after treatment with gabapentin (300-1200 mg daily). Limitations No healthy age-matched control group without pruritus was investigated. Conclusion A combination of multilevel degenerative disc disease of the spine, spinal nerve root impingement, and/or nerve root traction may play a pivotal role in the cause of multilevel symmetric neuropathic pruritus.
Refining and validating a conceptual model of Clinical Nurse Leader integrated care delivery

Aims To empirically validate a conceptual model of Clinical Nurse Leader integrated care delivery. Background There is limited evidence of frontline care delivery models that consistently achieve quality patient outcomes. Clinical Nurse Leader integrated care delivery is a promising nursing model with a growing record of success. However, theoretical clarity is necessary to generate causal evidence of effectiveness. Design Sequential mixed methods. Methods A preliminary Clinical Nurse Leader practice model was refined and survey items developed to correspond with model domains, using focus groups and a Delphi process with a multi-professional expert panel. The survey was administered in 2015 to clinicians and administrators involved in Clinical Nurse Leader initiatives. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling were used to validate the measurement and model structure. Results Final sample n = 518. The model incorporates 13 components organized into five conceptual domains: ‘Readiness for Clinical Nurse Leader integrated care delivery’; ‘Structuring Clinical Nurse Leader integrated care delivery’; ‘Clinical Nurse Leader Practice: Continuous Clinical Leadership’; ‘Outcomes of Clinical Nurse Leader integrated care delivery’; and ‘Value’. Sample data had good fit with specified model and two-level measurement structure. All hypothesized pathways were significant, with strong coefficients suggesting good fit between theorized and observed path relationships. Conclusions The validated model articulates an explanatory pathway of Clinical Nurse Leader integrated care delivery, including Clinical Nurse Leader practices that result in improved care dynamics and patient outcomes. The validated model provides a basis for testing in practice to generate evidence that can be deployed across the healthcare spectrum.
Histone Deacetylase Inhibitory Approaches for the Management of Osteoarthritis.

Abstract This commentary highlights the article by Makki and Haqqi that proposes the use of vorinostat as a therapeutic agent for the management of osteoarthritis.
A low-power and low-phase noise capacitive-degeneration LC VCO

ABSTRACTA low-power and low-phase noise capacitive-degeneration LC voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) is presented. The capacitive-degeneration method is used to reduce the flicker noise and thermal noise of the cross-coupled pair, while the current switch technique is implemented to reduce the flicker noise and thermal noise of the current source. Compared with conventional LC VCO, the proposed design achieved 40% less power consumption and 4.6 dBc better figure of merit while oscillating at the similar frequency.
Long-term outcomes of heart transplant recipients with hepatitis C positivity: the data from the U.S. transplant registry.

Background Chronic HCV infection is often considered a contraindication for receiving a heart transplantation. Methods From the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients, we selected all adults with and without HCV infection who underwent a single organ heart transplantation in 1995-2013; the mortality status was updated in September 2015. Results A total of 32,812 heart transplant recipients were included; N=756 (2.30%) HCV-positive. Post-transplant patients were discharged alive at similar rates regardless of their HCV status (p=0.10). Despite this, mortality in HCV+ heart transplant recipients was consistently higher throughout post-discharge follow-up (p 0.23). Conclusion Chronic hepatitis C infection is associated with a significantly increased post-transplant mortality in heart transplant recipients. The introduction of new direct-acting antiviral agents may provide a treatment option for HCV pre- or post-heart transplantation which could have a positive impact on patients’ survival. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Design and validation of a wearable “DRL-less” EEG using a novel fully-reconfigurable architecture

The conventional EEG system consists of a driven-right-leg (DRL) circuit, which prohibits modularization of the system. We propose a Lego-like connectable fully reconfigurable architecture of wearable EEG that can be easily customized and deployed at naturalistic settings for collecting neurological data. We have designed a novel Analog Front End (AFE) that eliminates the need for DRL while maintaining a comparable signal quality of EEG. We have prototyped this AFE for a single channel EEG, referred to as Smart Sensing Node (SSN), that senses brain signals and sends it to a Command Control Node (CCN) via an I2C bus. The AFE of each SSN (referential-montage) consists of an off-the-shelf instrumentation amplifier (gain=26), an active notch filter f c = 60Hz), 2nd-order active Butterworth low-pass filter followed by a passive low pass filter (f c = 47.5 Hz, gain = 1.61) and a passive high pass filter f c = 0.16 Hz, gain = 0.83). The filtered signals are digitized using a low-power microcontroller (MSP430F5528) with a 12-bit ADC at 512 sps, and transmitted to the CCN every 1 s at a bus rate of 100 kbps. The CCN can further transmit this data wirelessly using Bluetooth to the paired computer at a baud rate of 115.2 kbps. We have compared temporal and frequency-domain EEG signals of our system with a research-grade EEG. Results show that the proposed reconfigurable EEG captures comparable signals, and is thus promising for practical routine neurological monitoring in non-clinical settings where a flexible number of EEG channels are needed.
ARFI ultrasound for in vivo monitoring of soft-tissue bleeding and hemostasis in a dog model of hemophilia

Dogs with hemophilia A and hemophilia B recapitulate the severe bleeding phenotype that occurs in humans with these disorders. We have investigated the use of Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) imaging as a method for assessing hemostasis in vivo in dogs with hemophilia A. ARFI imaging was performed in 6 normal, 7 hemophilia A, and 4 hemophilic dogs expressing canine factor FVIIa following gene transfer. Bleeding was induced by needle puncture in muscle and a 1–2 mm vein, and subcutaneous bleeding was monitored with ARFI for 100 minutes. Results showed delayed time to hemostasis in the hemophilia A dogs, consistent with the bleeding phenotype, but lower times to hemostasis in the FVIIa expressing dogs. These data suggest that ARFI imaging could be a relevant new hemostatic challenge for characterizing hemophilic phenotype.
Pathophysiology of Volumetric Muscle Loss Injury

Volumetric muscle loss (VML) injuries are prevalent in civilian and military trauma patients and are known to impart chronic functional deficits. The frank loss of muscle tissue that defines VML injuries is beyond the robust reparative and regenerative capacities of mammalian skeletal muscle. Given the nature of VML injuries, there is a clear need to develop therapies that promote de novo regeneration of skeletal muscle fibers, which can integrate with the remaining musculature and restore muscle strength. However, the pathophysiology of VML injuries is not completely defined, and, therefore, there may be other opportunities to improve functional outcomes other than de novo regeneration. Herein, clinical and preclinical studies of VML were reviewed to ascertain salient manifestations of VML injury that can impair limb function and muscle strength. The limited clinical data available highlighted proliferative fibrosis secondary to VML injury as a viable target to improve limb range of motion. Selected preclinical studies that used standardized neuromuscular functional assessments broadly identified that the muscle mass remaining after VML injury is performing suboptimally, and, therefore, percent VML strength deficits are significantly worse than can be explained by the initial frank loss of contractile machinery. Potential mechanisms of suboptimal strength of the remaining muscle mass suggested within the literature include intramuscular nerve damage, muscle architectural perturbations, and diminished transmission of force. Collectively, both clinical and preclinical data indicate a complex pathophysiology after VML that presents multiple therapeutic targets. This is a work of the US Government and is not subject to copyright protection in the USA. Foreign copyrights may apply. Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.
Species-specific effects of aortic valve decellularization.

Abstract Decellularized heart valves have great potential as a stand-alone valve replacement or as a scaffold for tissue engineering heart valves. Before decellularized valves can be widely used clinically, regulatory standards require pre-clinical testing in an animal model, often sheep. Numerous decellularization protocols have been applied to both human and ovine valves; however, the ways in which a specific process may affect valves of these species differently have not been reported. In the current study, the comparative effects of decellularization were evaluated for human and ovine aortic valves by measuring mechanical and biochemical properties. Cell removal was equally effective for both species. The initial cell density of the ovine valve leaflets (2036 ± 673 cells/mm2) was almost triple the cell density of human leaflets (760 ± 386 cells/mm2; p 0.10). This species-dependent difference in the effect of decellularization was likely due to the higher initial cellularity in ovine valves, as well as a significant decrease in collagen crosslinking following the decellularization of ovine leaflets that was not observed in the human leaflet. Decellularization also caused a significant decrease in the circumferential relaxation of ovine leaflets (p 0.30), which was credited to a greater reduction of glycosaminoglycans in the ovine tissue post-decellularization. These results indicate that an identical decellularization process can have differing species-specific effects on heart valves. Statement of Significance The decellularized heart valve offers potential as an improved heart valve substitute and as a scaffold for the tissue engineered heart valve; however, the consequences of processing must be fully characterized. To date, the effects of decellularization on donor valves from different species have not been evaluated in such a way that permits direct comparison between species. In this manuscript, we report species-dependent variation in the biochemical and biomechanical properties of human and ovine aortic heart valve leaflets following decellularization. This is of clinical significance, as current regulatory guidelines required pre-clinical use of the ovine model to evaluate candidate heart valve substitutes.
Poly(3-alkylthiophene)/CNT-based chemiresistive sensors for vapor detection of linear alkanes: Effect of polymer side chain length

Abstract In general, alkane vapors are difficult to detect due to their non-reactive nature at room temperature. Here, we show chemiresistive sensors made of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) noncovalently functionalized with three kinds of poly(3-alkylthiophene) (P3AT), namely, poly(3-butylthiophene) (P3BT), poly(3-octylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3OT) and poly(3-dodecylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3DT). We compared the responses of sensors composed of these materials to four linear alkanes, hexane, octane, decane and dodecane. The results show that sensors with CNTs functionalized with P3ATs that have alkyl side chains with length similar to the length of the analyte alkane produced a bigger response than the case in which the lengths are different. Based on this response trend, a sensor array was made, which can distinguish different sizes of linear alkane vapors. This work facilitates the future design of CNT-based sensor arrays for distinguishing analytes with similar physical and chemical properties.
Translation Inhibition And Resource Balance In The Cell-Free Gene Expression System

Quantifying the effect of vital resources on transcription and translation helps to understand the degree to which the concentration of each resource must be regulated for achieving homeostasis. Utilizing the synthetic transcription-translation (TX-TL) system, we study the impact of nucleotide triphosphates (NTPs) and magnesium (Mg2+), on gene expression. Recent observations of the counterintuitive phenomenon of suppression of gene expression at high NTP concentrations have led to the speculation that such suppression is due to the consumption of resources by transcription, hence leaving fewer resources for translation. In this work, we investigate an alternative hypothesis: direct suppression of the translation rate via stoichiometric mismatch in necessary reagents. We observe NTP-dependent suppression even in the early phase of gene expression, contradicting the resource limitation argument. To further decouple the contributions of transcription and translation, we performed gene expression experiments with purified mRNA. Simultaneously monitoring mRNA and protein abundances allowed us to extract a time-dependent translation rate. Measuring translation rates for different Mg2+ and NTP concentrations, we observe a complex resource dependence. We demonstrate that translation is the rate-limiting process that is directly inhibited by high NTP concentrations. Additional Mg2+ can partially reverse this inhibition. In several experiments, we observe two maxima of the translation rate viewed as a function of both Mg2+ and NTP concentration, which can be explained in terms of an NTP-independent effect on the ribosome complex and an NTP- Mg2+ titration effect. The non-trivial compensatory effects of abundance of different vital resources signals the presence of complex regulatory mechanisms to achieve optimal gene expression.
Delayed Management of Partial Aortic Valve Avulsion After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

We report a case of delayed treatment of a partial aortic valve leaflet avulsion during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and its successful management by a percutaneous snare retrieval technique. Post-TAVR transesophogeal echocardiography showed an avulsed native valve leaflet. We deferred retrieval of the mass with anticoagulant agents. One month later, a 30-mm EN-Snare was used to snare the mass. This case report demonstrates that the management of an avulsed aortic valve leaflet can be safely deferred with the use of an anticoagulant agent. Snare retrieval of the avulsed valve can be achieved under local anesthesia with close neurological monitoring.
Characterization of Non-Nutritive Sweetener Intake in Rural Southwest Virginian Adults Living in a Health-Disparate Region

Few data assessing non-nutritive sweetener (NNS) intake are available, especially within rural, health-disparate populations, where obesity and related co-morbidities are prevalent. The objective of this study is to characterize NNS intake for this population and examine the variance in demographics, cardio-metabolic outcomes, and dietary intake between NNS consumers and non-consumers. A cross-sectional sample (n = 301) of Virginian adults from a randomized controlled trial (data collected from 2012 to 2014) targeting sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake completed three 24-h dietary recalls, and demographics and cardio-metabolic measures were assessed. The frequency, types, and sources of NNS consumption were identified. Thirty-three percent of participants reported consuming NNS (n = 100). Sucralose was the largest contributor of mean daily NNS intake by weight (mg), followed by aspartame, acesulfame potassium, and saccharin. NNS in tabletop sweeteners, diet tea, and diet soda were the top contributors to absolute NNS intake. The most frequently consumed NNS sources were diet sodas, juice drinks, and tabletop sweeteners. Although mean body mass index (BMI) was greater for NNS consumers, they demonstrated significantly lower food, beverage, and SSB caloric intake and energy density, and higher overall dietary quality. It remains unclear whether NNS use plays a role in exacerbating weight gain. NNS consumers in this sample may have switched from drinking predominantly SSB to drinking some NNS beverages in an effort to cope with weight gain. Future studies should explore motivations for NNS use across a variety of weight and health categories.
Exploring member perspectives on participation on child welfare Citizen Review Panels: A national study.

Abstract The year 2016 marked the 20th anniversary of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) amendments (P.L. 104–235) that mandated Citizen Review Panels (CRPs). CRPs are citizen volunteer groups authorized by United States (U.S.) federal law to examine policies and procedures of state child welfare agencies. Despite the potential of CRPs to positively impact child welfare systems outcomes associated with child abuse and neglect, and the millions of dollars in resources allocated to these groups, there remains a dearth in the literature about CRPs. This exploratory study examined CRP member perceptions from across the United States. Researchers collected scaled survey data to examine member knowledge, engagement and assessment of panel influence and impact, membership composition, and meeting structure. Results revealed that panel members lack some knowledge related to the federal mandate guiding their work, and data suggest the need for panels to more adroitly recruit and retain members representative of the communities in which the panels are formed. After a brief review of background literature, this paper will explicate key results, discuss these findings, and identify salient practice, policy and research implications derived from the study.
Forcing change from the outside? The role of trade-labour linkages in transforming Vietnam's labour regime:

Do trade-labour linkages improve the conditions and rights of workers in low-wage countries? We consider this question in Vietnam, a market economy with socialist orientation that has seen rapid gr...
La stratégie de la Chine dans l’aval du cycle

Avec un parc nucleaire de trente-sept reacteurs totalisant 36 GWe, la Chine est d’ores et deja au troisieme rang mondial en matiere de capacite nucleaire installee, et elle entend poursuivre son developpement : dix-neuf reacteurs sont actuellement en construction (22 GWe).Tres ralenti apres l’accident de Fukushima de mars 2011, le rythme soutenu d’approbation et le debut de construction de nouveaux reacteurs a repris en 2015 (approbation de huit unites / debut de construction de six autres). Il s’est interrompu a nouveau a partir de 2016 dans l’attente de la fin des essais et du demarrage commercial des premieres unites des reacteurs de 3e generation en construction (AP1000 de Westinghouse a Sanmen et Haiyang ; EPR d’AREVA a Taishan). Ces chantiers arriveront a leur terme fin 2017-debut 2018 et devraient entrainer l’approbation par les autorites chinoises d’un nombre important de nouveaux projets de 3e generation, actuellement en attente.
Predicting Likelihood of Surgery Before First Visit in Patients With Back and Lower Extremity Symptoms: A Simple Mathematical Model Based on More Than 8,000 Patients.

Study design Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. Objective To create a data-driven triage system stratifying patients by likelihood of undergoing spinal surgery within 1 year of presentation. Summary of background data Low back pain (LBP) and radicular lower extremity (LE) symptoms are common musculoskeletal problems. There is currently no standard data-derived triage process based on information that can be obtained before the initial physician-patient encounter to direct patients to the optimal physician type. Methods We analyzed patient-reported data from 8006 patients with a chief complaint of low back pain and/or LE radicular symptoms who presented to surgeons at a large multidisciplinary spine center between September 1, 2005 and June 30, 2016. Univariate and multivariate analysis identified independent risk factors for undergoing spinal surgery within 1 year of initial visit. A model incorporating these risk factors was created using a random sample of 80% of the total patients in our cohort, and validated on the remaining 20%. Results The baseline 1-year surgery rate within our cohort was 39% for all patients and 42% for patients with LE symptoms. Those identified as high likelihood by the center's existing triage process had a surgery rate of 45%. The new triage scoring system proposed in this study was able to identify a high likelihood group in which 58% underwent surgery, which is a 46% higher surgery rate than in nontriaged patients and a 29% improvement from our institution's existing triage system. Conclusion The data-driven triage model and scoring system derived and validated in this study (Spine Surgery Likelihood-11), significantly improved existing processes in predicting the likelihood of undergoing spinal surgery within 1 year of initial presentation. This triage system will allow centers to more selectively screen for surgical candidates and more effectively direct patients to surgeons or nonoperative spine specialists. Level of evidence 4.
Transmission of Religiosity From Parent to Child: Moderation by Perceived Parental Depression and Anxiety:

Although parents have a strong influence on their children’s religiosity, little research has been conducted on how different parental anxiety and depressive problems affect the transmission of rel...
Electrothermal Actuators for Integrated MEMS Safe and Arming Devices

The use of electrothermal actuators to achi eve the necessary motion of a MEMS based safe and arming device was thoroughly explored. Multiple variants of thermal actuators were designed, modeled, fabricated, and tested in order to gain a better understanding of their specific characteristics. Design variations included both single and double hot arm actuators as well as bent beam thermal actuators. Studies were performed to analyze and compare the displacement and output force of these actuators both as standalone devices as well as multiple actuators joined together. Detailed analysis of the results of the modeling and testing demonstrated the advantages and disadvantages of each style of thermal actuator. Furthermore, the specific variant of electrothermal actuator that is best suited for implementation into MEMS based safe and arming devices can be effectively determined. Finally, detailed analysis of the performance of electrothermal actuators integrated into a functioning MEMS safe and arm device will be presented. Methods in which these actuators are incorporated to best take advantage of their particular characteristics is shown as well as methods that were incorporated in order to overcome some of the shortcomings inherent with these actuators in order to provide the overall safe and arming device with reliable and efficient performance.
Intermittent Hypoxia Alters the Function of Cardiovascular Neurons and Reflex Pathways in the Brainstem

Obstructive sleep apnea, and the animal model of this disease, chronic intermittent hypoxia, alters autonomic balance and many different neurobiological functions in the brainstem that likely play an important role in both the initiation and progression of cardiovascular diseases associated with obstructive sleep apnea including hypertension and arrhythmia. Current research suggests the targets of chronic intermittent hypoxia include increased release of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate from baroreceptor sensory neurons, likely via altered presynaptic calcium homeostasis and increased spontaneous release of neurotransmitters from these baroreceptor sensory neurons onto brainstem neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarius. Additionally, acute exposures to hypoxia diminish excitatory and enhance inhibitory neurotransmission to parasympathetic cardiac neurons in the nucleus ambiguus that control heart rate and cardiac excitability. Future targets for restoring autonomic balance and increasing survival in these cardiorespiratory diseases require a more thorough understanding of the alterations of synaptic neurotransmission and receptor activation in the brainstem that occur with chronic intermittent hypoxia and obstructive sleep apnea.
Keynote Speech on Data in Financial Economics (Presentation Slides)

This speech documents facts in financial economics that we think we should know but do not.
Simplex stability

A d-simplex is a collection of d + 1 sets such that every d of them has non-empty intersection and the intersection of all of them is empty. Fix k ≥ d + 2 ≥ 3 and let be a family of k-element subsets of an n-element set that contains no d-simplex. We prove that if $|\cG| \geq (1-o(1))\binom{n-1 }{k-1}$ , then there is a vertex x of such that the number of sets in omitting x is o(nk−1) (here o(1)→ 0 and n → ∞). A similar result when n/k is bounded from above was recently proved in [10]. Our main result is actually stronger, and implies that if $|\cG| > (1 + \epsilon)\binom{n-1 }{ k-1}$ for any ϵ contains d + 2 sets A, A1,. . .,Ad+1 such that the Ais form a d-simplex, and A contains an element of ∩j≠iAj for each i. This generalizes, in asymptotic form, a recent result of Vestraete and the first author [18], who proved it for d = 1, ϵ = 0 and n ≥ 2k.
Optimal contribution margin in food service using inventory control with statistical dependence

espanolEn esta revision comparamos diferentes modelos estadisticos que optimizan los margenes de contribucion de empresas de servicios de alimentos que producen raciones de alimentos, denominadas menus, basadas en materias primas denominadas componentes. Esta revision tiene como objetivo comparar el control de inventario de los servicios de alimentacion considerando la demanda aleatoria de los componentes y la estructura de dependencia estadistica respecto a componentes con demanda independiente. La dependencia estadistica entre las demandas de componentes y/o menus se incorpora mediante la distribucion gaussiana (o normal) multivariante, mientras que la demanda independiente de componentes se considera univariada normal. La optimizacion de los margenes de contribucion se logra utilizando modelos probabilisticos para cada inventario de componentes, encontrando politicas optimas usando un algoritmo de evolucion diferencial. Maximizamos los margenes medios de contribucion en un 18,32% y un 8,34% utilizando modelos de revision continua en abarrotes y modelos de uni-periodo para componentes perecederos, al comparar resultados con y sin dependencia estadistica de la demanda de componentes, respectivamente. Se discuten las direcciones futuras. EnglishIn this review we compared different statistical modeling that optimize the contribution margins of food services companies that produce food rations called menus based on raw materials denominated components. This review aims to compare inventory control for food services considering random demand and structure dependence regarding independent demands of the components. The statistical dependence between demands for components or menus is incorporated by Gaussian (or normal) distribution multivariate, while independent demand for components is considered normal univariate. Optimization of contribution margins is achieved using probabilistic models for each component inventories and finding optimal policies by the differential evolution algorithm. We maximize average contribution margins in an 18.32% and 8.34% using models of continuous review for groceries and single-period for perishable components with and without statistical dependence on demand, respectively. Future directions are discussed.
SAT0010 FUNCTIONAL BIOMARKER DEVELOPMENT FOR CELL-BASED THERAPY IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which early treatment prevents joint damage. Autoantibodies such as rheumatoid factors (RF) and anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies (APCA) define a subset of RA patients at the highest risk for damage. Reduction of RA disease activity is associated with improvement in function(s) of regulatory T cells (Treg) and attenuated responses of pro-inflammatory T effector cells (Teff). Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hMSC) isolated from bone marrow and culture-expanded have strong immunomodulatory properties; we hypothesize that therapeutic use of hMSCs may skew the immune system to resemble its pre-RA state. Lack of available biologic correlates measured early-on that indicate response to treatment limits efficacy assessment of cell-based therapy. Use of clinical response criterion requires large numbers of patients and may be impractical in early stage clinical trials. This work was performed in anticipation of conducting a Phase I safety trial of cell-based therapy in early RA. Objectives: We set out to develop functional assay(s) as biomarkers of response that would indicate early-on that hMSC were or were not modulating immune function in a manner that could potentially predict potency and efficacy in RA patients. Methods: Sero-positive female patients with active early RA (RAPID 3 avg 5.7/10 (high severity)) and healthy donor age and sex-matched controls were enrolled. Second passage bone marrow hMSCs were obtained from healthy donors Results: hMSC-related suppression 32.2 ±7.8 (mean +/- SE) percent in RA CD4+ T-cells compared to 45.7± 8.9 percent for healthy donors CD4+ T-cells. We demonstrated that soluble products from hMSCs can inhibit proliferative responses of CD4+ T cells from patients with active RA though the studies were not powered to detect differences between RA and healthy donors. With limited number of early RA patients, correlation between level of MSC-related suppression and antibody status were not possible. That being said, the data trend appears promising. Conclusion: Our ex vivo experiments demonstrated that MSCs may be suppressive in RA as well as in healthy donors. To our knowledge, this study is the first demonstration of the potential for using ex vivo suppression assays to predict response to cell-based therapy in early RA. Such assays might be performed to predict the efficacy of selected hMSCs to treat RA. Acknowledgement: This study was supported by David and Virginia Baldwin Foundation, and by the Clinical and Translational Science Collaborative of Cleveland, 4UL1TR0002548 from the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) component of the National Institutes of Health and NIH roadmap for Medical Research. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH. Disclosure of Interests: None declared
Fully-polarimetric millimeter-wave spectrometers for measurement of Earth's magnetic field

Earth’s ionosphere responds dynamically over a wide range of temporal and spatial scales to changes in the magnetosphere and solar wind from above, and to neutral atmospheric dynamics from below. Determining the dynamics and coupling of Earth's magnetosphere, ionosphere, and atmosphere by vector magnetic field measurements at all altitudes is essential, as the field plays a major role in controlling the distribution of ionospheric plasma. It is difficult to measure the magnetic B-field, either locally or globally, at the altitudes of the upper mesosphere and lower thermosphere (UMLT) where the transfer of energy and momentum between the plasma and neutral components of the system occur. The 118-GHz imaging magnetometer will measure all four Stokes parameters as a function of frequency about the Zeeman-split center of the 118-GHz molecular oxygen line. We are developing an array of fully-polarimetric millimeterwave radiometer/spectrometers operating near 118 GHz. These low cost, low power, low mass polarimetric 118 GHz millimeter-wave array receivers do not require cooling to meet the sensitivity requirements. With digital spectrometers we will be able to integrate the complete end-to-end system. This work will enable a second generation small satellite mission with an off-nadir viewing instrument comprised of 120 such receivers (arranged so that each spot on the Earth is observed simultaneously by four receivers each) that will globally map the magnetic field in the mesosphere at 42-76 km altitude at a horizontal resolution ~100 km with 1-sigma error of 40-120 nT, in typical mesospheric temperature conditions.
Composition dependent phase separation underlies directional flux through the nucleolus

Abstract Intracellular bodies such as nucleoli, Cajal bodies, and various signaling assemblies, represent membraneless organelles, or condensates, that form via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS)1,2. Biomolecular interactions, particularly homotypic interactions mediated by self-associating intrinsically disordered protein regions (IDRs), are thought to underlie the thermodynamic driving forces for LLPS, forming condensates that can facilitate the assembly and processing of biochemically active complexes, such as ribosomal subunits within the nucleolus. Simplified model systems3–6 have led to the concept that a single fixed saturation concentration (Csat) is a defining feature of endogenous LLPS7–9, and has been suggested as a mechanism for intracellular concentration buffering2,7,8,10. However, the assumption of a fixed Csat remains largely untested within living cells, where the richly multicomponent nature of condensates could complicate this simple picture. Here we show that heterotypic multicomponent interactions dominate endogenous LLPS, and give rise to nucleoli and other condensates that do not exhibit a fixed Csat. As the concentration of individual components is varied, their partition coefficients change, in a manner that can be used to extract thermodynamic interaction energies, that we interpret within a framework we term polyphasic interaction thermodynamic analysis (PITA). We find that heterotypic interactions between protein and RNA components stabilize a variety of archetypal intracellular condensates, including the nucleolus, Cajal bodies, stress granules, and P bodies. These findings imply that the composition of condensates is finely tuned by the thermodynamics of the underlying biomolecular interaction network. In the context of RNA processing condensates such as the nucleolus, this stoichiometric self-tuning manifests in selective exclusion of fully-assembled RNP complexes, providing a thermodynamic basis for vectorial ribosomal RNA (rRNA) flux out of the nucleolus. The PITA methodology is conceptually straightforward and readily implemented, and it can be broadly utilized to extract thermodynamic parameters from microscopy images. These approaches pave the way for a deep understanding of the thermodynamics of multi-component intracellular phase behavior and its interplay with nonequilibrium activity characteristic of endogenous condensates.
Dual checkpoint inhibitor-associated eosinophilic enteritis

Eosinophilia has been reported as a rare, new biological effect of immune checkpoint inhibition that may be associated with improved treatment response and the development of immune-related adverse events. We report a case of dual checkpoint inhibitor-associated hypereosinophilia and eosinophilic enteritis in a patient with advanced cutaneous melanoma. Rapid resolution of peripheral eosinophilia and associated symptoms was achieved with steroids alone. Immune checkpoint inhibition can trigger inflammation in virtually any organ in the body, leading to diverse clinical manifestations. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of eosinophilic enteritis due to ipilimumab plus nivolumab.
Deployment Failure of a Stent-Graft During Arteriovenous Access Procedure:

Endovascular stents are widely utilized in the management of vascular diseases. Although extremely rare, deployment failure of a self-expanding stent-graft can occur during the arteriovenous access procedure with dire consequence. A case of deployment failure of a self-expanding covered stent-graft is presented in a patient with multiple pseudoaneurysms of arteriovenous access.
Early Transition Metal Catalysis for Olefin–Polar Monomer Copolymerization

Introducing polar functional groups into widely used polyolefins can enhance polymer surface, rheological, mixing, and other properties, potentially upgrading polyolefins for advanced, value-added applications. The metal catalyst-mediated copolymerization of non-polar olefins with polar comonomers represents the seemingly most straightforward, atom- and energy-efficient approach for synthesizing polar functionalized polyolefins. However, electrophilic early transition metal (groups 3 and 4)-catalyzed processes which have achieved remarkable success in conventional olefin polymerizations, encounter severe limitations here, largely associated with the Lewis basicity of the polar co-monomers. In recent years, however, new catalytic systems have been developed and successful strategies have emerged. In this Minireview, we summarize the recent progress in early transition metal polymerization catalyst development, categorized by the catalytic metal complex and polar comonomer identity. Furthermore, we discuss advances in the mechanistic understanding of these polymerizations, focusing on critical challenges and strategies that mitigate them.
Chapter 10 – Digraphs

Publisher Summary This chapter gives a detailed account of digraphs (or directed graphs) which is a special class of graphs that represent finite relations geometrically. It provides an understanding of the basic terminology of digraphs and explores weighted digraphs and dags. Both finite relations and digraphs can be implemented in a computer using adjacency matrices and linked lists. Digraphs have applications in computer science, linguistics, genetics, the social sciences, sports, and management science. Vertices with indegrees and outdegrees and the reachability factor stand out among the basic features of digraphs. A digraph consists of a nonempty finite set V of points (called vertices or nodes) and a set E of directed edges joining them. A directed edge from vertex x to vertex y is denoted by the ordered pair. The vertex x is the initial vertex and y is the terminal vertex of the edge. Vertex x is an immediate predecessor of vertex y and y an immediate successor of x. A digraph may have loops but no parallel edges; at the most one edge exists between any two vertices. Every edge in a digraph is unidirectional and the edges in a digraph are never parallel, but always directed.