cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A competing-risks nomogram for sarcoma-specific death following local recurrence.

The majority of staging systems focus on the definition of stage, and, therefore, prediction of prognosis. In the current era of clinical trial research, it has become apparent that the clinical stage alone is not sufficient to assess patient risk of treatment failure. As the number of biological markers increases, our ability to partition the traditional disease classification system improves, and our ability to predict patient success continues to increase. One approach to quantifying individual patient risk is through the nomogram. Nomograms are graphical representations of statistical models, which provide the probability of treatment outcome based on patient-specific covariates. We will focus on the use of the nomogram when the response variable is time to failure and there are multiple, possibly dependent, competing causes of failure. In this setting, estimation of the failure probability through direct application of the Cox proportional hazards model provides the probability of failure (for example, death from cancer) assuming failure from a dependent competing cause will not occur. In many clinical settings this is an unrealistic assumption. The purpose of this study is to illustrate the use of the conditional cumulative incidence function for providing a patient-specific prediction of the probability of failure in the setting of competing risks. A competing risks nomogram is produced to estimate the probability of death due to sarcoma for patients who have already developed a local recurrence of their initially treated soft-tissue sarcoma.
QUICK: a system that uses conceptual design knowledge for query formulation

How database design knowledge can be used to formulate queries in response to high-level requests is described. A prototype system, QUICK, is discussed that uses a knowledge-rich conceptual schema to identify semantically reasonable subgraphs that correspond to user intent. QUICK manipulates conceptual schema subgraphs to produce database queries. Furthermore, by treating the subgraphs as knowledge constructs, QUICK can be used for interactive design evaluation. QUICK's functional architecture is described. >
Profit optimization with coexisting buy-back and wholesale-price contracts

This paper gives a model for profit optimization by a distributor when buy-back and wholesale-price contracts coexist. It is applicable to industries such as fashion, games, and publishing industries, where many new products are shipped to the market every day and with very short lives. We provide a method to determine the optimal sizes of push-type shipments based on retailer behavior and the uncertainties of consumer demand forecasts.
Serum Piperacillin/Tazobactam Pharmacokinetics in a Morbidly Obese Individual

Objective:To report pharmacokinetic alterations and optimal dosing of piperacillin/tazobactam in an obese patient.Case Summary:A 39-year-old morbidly obese (weight 167 kg, body mass index 50 kg/m2) man was treated with piperacillin/tazobactam 3.375 g every 4 hours for recurrent cellulitis. The wound culture grew Groups A and B Streptococcus and rare Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Blood samples were obtained at steady-state from a peripheral venous catheter at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours after the start of the infusion. Population pharmacokinetics were generated from a previously published data set. The serum concentrations of piperacillin/tazobactam obtained in the patient were compared with the 95% confidence interval from the representative population. Pharmacokinetic parameters such as maximal serum concentration, minimal serum concentration, average steady-state concentration, half-life, elimination rate constant, volume of distribution (Vd), clearance, area under the curve at steady-state, and percent of t...
Nonviremic transmission of West Nile virus: evaluation of the effects of space, time, and mosquito species

To evaluate the potential for nonviremic transmission (NVT) of West Nile virus (WNV) to occur in nature, we examined the effect of increasing spatial and temporal separation between co-feeding mosquitoes on the efficiency of nonviremic transmission and the potential of a West Nile virus bridge vector species, Aedes albopictus, to be infected via nonviremic transmission. West Nile virus-infected (donor) Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus were allowed to feed on a mouse for 5 minutes followed by non-infected (recipient) mosquitoes with increasing spatial (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, or 50 mm) or temporal (0, 15, 30, 45, or 60 min) separation from the site or time of donor feeding, respectively. Recipients became infected when feeding up to 40 mm from the donor and up to 45 minutes after donor feeding. Additionally, nonviremic transmission of West Nile virus from Cx. p. quinquefasciatus to Ae. albopictus was observed.
Damping formulation for nonlinear 1D site response analyses

Abstract Measurements and observations of ground shaking during large earthquakes have demonstrated the predominant role of site effects in the response of infrastructure during a seismic event. Despite significant efforts to model the hysteretic response and nonlinearity of soils due to medium and large ground motions, the most widely accepted nonlinear site response methods are not able to represent simultaneously the changes of stiffness and energy dissipation (damping) observed in both laboratory tests and during earthquake events. This paper presents two new soil damping formulations implemented in nonlinear one-dimensional site response analysis for small and large strains. The first formulation introduces an approach to construct a frequency-independent viscous damping matrix which reduces the over-damping at high frequencies, and therefore, the filtering at those frequencies. The second formulation introduces a reduction factor that modifies the extended Masing loading/unloading strain–stress relationship to match measured modulus reduction and damping curves simultaneously over a wide range of shear strains. A set of examples are introduced to illustrate the effect of using the two proposed formulations, separately and simultaneously, in nonlinear site response analyses.
NMR Studies of Hindered Rotation. The Diels-Alder Adduct of N-n-Butylmaleimide With Phencyclone: Restricted Motion of Bridgehead Phenyls

Abstract The Diels-Alder adduct of phencyclone and N-n-butylmaleimide has been prepared, and NMR studies have been carried out in CDCl3 solution at ambient temperatures by one-and two-dimensional 1H NMR (300 MHz) and 13C NMR (75 MHz) techniques. The resulting spectra appear to be consistent with slow rotation about the hindered C(sp2)-C(sp3) bonds to the bridgehead unsubstituted phenyls, i.e., slow exchange limit (SEL) spectra. Full rigorous 1H spectral assignments have been made via high-resolution COSY experiments. The number of signals in the 13C NMR aryl region were also consistent with hindered phenyl rotations; preliminary 13C assignments are given. Striking evidence for magnetic anisotropic effects due to the phenanthrene moiety, bridging ketone carbonyl, and bridgehead phenyls are discussed, supporting endo stereochemical assignment of the adduct.
Fine Structure of Cloud Patterns within the Intraseasonal Oscillation during TOGA COARE

Abstract The relationship of satellite-derived cloud motions to actual convective systems within a convectively active phase of the intraseasonal oscillation is examined by using both cloud-scale properties produced by a cloud-resolving model and field observations to clarify what is going on at shorter time- and space scales. Each convective system has a life cycle of up to 1–2 days. Described in terms of active convection, the system consists of successive precipitation cells generated ahead of the gust front. Described in terms of its cloud shield, the system is more continuous. When easterly winds prevail above 2 km, both precipitating clouds and upper-tropospheric anvil clouds move westward with about the same phase speed (∼10 m s−1). However, during the westerly wind period, precipitating clouds move eastward with a phase speed of ∼10 m s−1, which is better represented by the radar observations and surface precipitation. The westward movement of cloud patterns viewed from the satellite images is mos...
Differentiation of benign from malignant cervical lymph nodes in patients with head and neck cancer using PET/CT imaging

Abstract Purpose To differentiate malignant from benign cervical lymph nodes in patients with head/neck cancer. Methods In this retrospective study, 39 patients with primary head/neck cancer who underwent Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/Computerized Tomography (CT) and image-guided lymph node biopsy were included. Results Overall, 23 (59%) patients had biopsy-proven malignant cervical lymphadenopathy. Malignant lymph nodes had higher maximum standardized uptake (SUV-max) value ( P P =.015) compared to benign nodes. An SUV-max of ≥2.5 was 100% sensitive, and an SUV-max ≥5.5 was 100% specific for malignant lymphadenopathy. Conclusion The PET/CT SUV-max value can help with differentiation of malignant cervical lymph nodes in patients with head/neck cancer.
Proof of Concept of a Mobile Health Short Message Service Text Message Intervention That Promotes Adherence to Oral Anticancer Agent Medications: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract Introduction: This multisite, randomized controlled trial assigned 75 adult cancer patients prescribed an oral anticancer agent to either an experimental group that received daily text messages for adherence for 21 days plus usual care or a control group that received usual care. Materials and Methods: Measures were administered at baseline, weekly (Weeks 1–8), and at exit (Week 9). A satisfaction survey was conducted following the intervention. Acceptability, feasibility, and satisfaction were examined. Primary outcomes were adherence and symptoms. Secondary outcomes were depressive symptoms, self-efficacy, cognition, physical function, and social support. Mixed or general linear models were used for the analyses comparing trial groups. Effect sizes (ES) were estimated to gauge clinical significance. Results: Regarding acceptability, 57.2% (83 of 145) of eligible patients consented, 88% (n = 37 of 42) receiving text messages read them most or all of the time, and 90% (n = 38) were satisfied. The...
The Possibilities of Being “Critical”: Discourses That Limit Options for Educators of Color

Through a close reading of the talk of a self-identified critical educator of color, we explore the contradictions, possibilities, limitations, and consequences of this identity for teachers and teacher educators. We examine how the performances of particular critical educator of color identities problematically intertwine claims of Freirian pedagogy with crude dichotomizations of people as critical and non-critical. We explore how particular tropes limit the productive possibilities of being critical for other educators of color and erase the centrality of dialogue, reflexivity, and unfinishedness that define Freirian-inspired notions of being critical.
Observations on the Cyclorrhaphan Larval Peripheral Nervous System: Muscle and Tracheal Receptor Organs and Independent Peripheral Type 11 Neurons Associated with the Lateral Segmental Nerves

Muscle and tracheal receptor organs, connected to the lateral segmental nerves, are described; they are similar to the stretch receptor organs recorded in Orthoptera, Odonata, Hymenoptera, and Lepidoptera by previous workers. They contain at least one multipolar neuron and are invested in a connective tissue sheath continuous with the neural lamella of the adjoining lateral segmental nerve. Nerve connections pass to the segmental nerve, neighboring muscles, and in specific cases to a trachea when they may be involved in control of spiracular activity. Connections also sometimes occur between receptor organs of consecutive segments. The organs are located in thoracic and abdominal segments, three or more serially homologous pairs occurring in abodminal segments 1 to 7. Independent of the receptor organs, and contained within the terminal branches of the lateral nerves, are multipolar nerve cells, probably so-called Type 11, sensory neurons.
Campaign shocks and party support: evidence from Brazil’s 2014 presidential election

ABSTRACTThis article investigates the effect of exogenous shocks during an election cycle on electoral outcomes. Specifically, we examine the impact of the unexpected death of a prominent candidate, Eduardo Campos, in the 2014 Brazilian presidential election on support levels for the three main parties. Did the effects die out relatively quickly, providing only a temporary “bounce” or dip in support levels? Or did they alter the fundamentals of the campaign environment and produce a lasting change or “bump” in support levels that lasted until the election? Our results show that while the shock did have short-term effects on all parties’ support, it was only the party that lost its leading candidate where any longer lasting shift in support is detected; we estimate that the party received around 11 percentage points more support than they would otherwise have garnered, had Campos not died. While this was not enough to secure victory, it shows that individual candidates should be understood as a “fundamenta...
The Game of Reputation Lapse in Chinese Private Enterprises

Private economy has played a critical role in the development of Chinese economy.There are still many fac- tors restricting healthy the development of the private enterprise,of which the most primary factor is reputation lapse. Through the analysis on of the reputation lapse in Chinese private enterprise,this paper uses the method of game theo- ry,to make out the causes of their reputation lapse.It also puts forward some constructive suggestions.
The diagnosis of velopharyngeal inadequacy.

Various techniques for assessing velopharyngeal inadequacy are evaluated. Although each has its proponents, there continue to be distinct disadvantages associated with all of them. Because instruments with demonstrated reliability and validity typically cannot be used comfortably with pre-school children, the ear of the clinician must still be relied on almost exclusively for assessment.
Tool Usage by Juvenile Sitta pusilla (Brown-headed Nuthatch)

Abstract Although tool usage in adult birds is well documented, we have not found reports of juvenile birds using tools other than a few observations of individuals held in captivity. Here we describe the first observations of tool usage by juvenile birds in the wild. We observed juvenile Sitta pusilla (Brown-headed Nuthatch) using tools similar to those used by adults as early as 2 months post-fledging. We also observed juveniles attempting to use novel objects as tools, suggesting tool usage in this species may have both innate and learned components. Tool usage also takes place in 2 closely related nuthatch species and may be more common in this family of birds than currently known.
Relation of preoperative use of aspirin to increased mediastinal blood loss after coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

To evaluate the potential effect of aspirin, a platelet inhibitory agent, on postoperative bleeding complications after coronary artery bypass graft surgery, we compared each of nine patients who had taken aspirin within 7 days prior to operation to one or two control subjects (total 16 patients) matched for age, sex, extent of coronary disease, number of grafts placed total operative time, bypass time, and preoperative use of propranolol. Preoperative prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, and platelet counts were normal for all patients. Mean mediastinal blood loss was significantly greater in the aspirin group (919 +/- 164 ml., S.E.) than in the control group (437 +/- 61 ml., p less than 0.001). The degree of mediastinal blood loss did not correlate with patient age, total operative time, bypass time, number of vessels diseased, or grafts placed. In addition, compared to controls the aspirin group required prolonged chest tube drainage (33 +/- 5 hours versus 19 +/- 1 hour, p less than 0.001).
Induction of heterologous Tier 2 HIV-1 neutralizing and cross-reactive V1/V2-specific antibodies in rabbits by prime-boost immunization

UNLABELLED Poxvirus prime-protein boost used in the RV144 trial remains the only immunization strategy shown to elicit a modest level of protection against HIV-1 acquisition in humans. Although neutralizing antibodies (NAb) were generated, they were against sensitive viruses, not the more resistant "tier 2" isolates that dominate circulating strains. Instead, risk reduction correlated with antibodies recognizing epitopes in the V1/V2 region of HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env). Here, we examined whether tier 2 virus NAb and V1/V2-specific non-NAb could be elicited by a poxvirus prime-gp120 boost strategy in a rabbit model. We studied two clade B Envs that differ in multiple parameters, including tissue origin, neutralization sensitivity, and presence of the N197 (N7) glycan that was previously shown to modulate the exposure of conserved epitopes on Env. We demonstrate that immunized rabbits generated cross-reactive neutralizing activities against >50% of the tier 2 global HIV-1 isolates tested. Some of these activities were directed against the CD4 binding site (CD4bs). These rabbits also generated antibodies that recognized protein scaffolds bearing V1/V2 sequences from diverse HIV-1 isolates and mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. However, there are subtle differences in the specificities and the response rates of V1/V2-specific antibodies between animals immunized with different Envs, with or without the N7 glycan. These findings demonstrate that antibody responses that have been correlated with protection against HIV-1 acquisition in humans can be elicited in a preclinical model by a poxvirus prime-gp120 boost strategy and that improvements may be achievable by optimizing the nature of the priming and boosting immunogens. IMPORTANCE The only vaccine approach shown to elicit any protective efficacy against HIV-1 acquisition is based on a poxvirus prime-protein boost regimen (RV144 Thai trial). Reduction of risk was associated with nonneutralizing antibodies targeting the V1/V2 loops of the envelope protein gp120. However, the modest efficacy (31.2%) achieved in this trial highlights the need to examine approaches and factors that may improve vaccine-induced responses, including cross-reactive neutralizing activities. We show here that rabbits immunized with a novel recombinant vaccinia virus prime-gp120 protein boost regimen generated antibodies that recognize protein scaffolds bearing V1/V2 sequences from diverse HIV-1 isolates and mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Importantly, immunized rabbits also showed neutralizing activities against heterologous tier 2 HIV-1 isolates. These findings may inform the design of prime-boost immunization approaches and help improve the protective efficacy of candidate HIV-1 vaccines.
Chaos in the Semiclassical N-Atom Jaynes-Cummings Model

Chaotic behavior in deterministic dynamical systems is characterized by aperiodicity and “very sensitive dependence on initial conditions.” Slightly different initial conditions can lead to drastically different long-term behavior. Recently it has become clear that chaos is a characteristic mode of behavior even in low-dimensional systems, and certain routes to chaos (e.g., period doubling) have been identified.
The mesh controversy

Pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence are common conditions for which approximately 11% of women will undergo surgical intervention in their lifetime. The use of vaginal mesh for pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence rose rapidly in the early 2000s as over 100 mesh products were introduced into the clinical armamentarium with little regulatory oversight for their use. US Food and Drug Administration Public Health Notifications in 2008 and 2011, as well as reclassification of transvaginal mesh for prolapse to class III in early 2016, were a response to debilitating complications associated with transvaginal mesh placement in many women. The midurethral sling has not been subject to the same reclassification and continues to be endorsed as the “gold standard” for surgical management of stress urinary incontinence by subspecialty societies. However, litigators have not differentiated between mesh for prolapse and mesh for incontinence. As such, all mesh, including that placed for stress urinary incontinence, faces continued controversy amidst an uncertain future. In this article, we review the background of the mesh controversy, recent developments, and the anticipated role of mesh in surgery for prolapse and stress urinary incontinence going forward.
Robotic systems for cardiovascular interventions

Abstract: The evolving role of cardiac surgeons and cardiologists in performing cardiovascular interventions is examined and available commercial robots and proposed novel snake-like robots and robotic catheters for cardiovascular interventions are described.
A CMOS circuit implementation of retrograde signaling in astrocyte-neuron networks

Astrocytes, a type of glial cell, have been shown to actively modulate neural activity in the central nervous system. One way in which astrocytes can be stimulated is through receptors of retrograde messengers that are located on the astrocyte processes. Retrograde messengers are released by a neuron's postsynaptic dendrite in response to neural activity, and retrograde signaling can potentiate heteroneuronal synapses by communicating through astrocytes. Retrograde messengers can also depress homoneuronal synapses by activating receptors on the presynaptic axon terminal. Here we present a CMOS neuro-morphic circuit that models the first-order effects of retrograde signaling between neurons and astrocytes and shows their use in self-repair of damaged neural circuits.
Extracellular Axon Stimulation.

This is a detailed protocol explaining how to perform extracellular axon stimulations as described in Stadele and Stein, 2016. The ability to stimulate and record action potentials is essential to electrophysiological examinations of neuronal function. Extracellular stimulation of axons traveling in fiber bundles (nerves) is a classical technique in brain research and a fundamental tool in neurophysiology (Abbas and Miller, 2004; Barry, 2015; Basser and Roth, 2000; Cogan, 2008). It allows for activating action potentials in individual or multiple axons, controlling their firing frequency, provides information about the speed of neuronal communication, and neuron health and function.
Marine animal classification using UMSLI in HBOI optical test facility

Environmental monitoring is a critical aspect of marine renewable energy project success. A new system called Unobtrusive Multistatic Serial LiDAR Imager (UMSLI) has been prepared to capture and classify marine life interaction with electrical generation equipment. We present both hardware and software innovations of the UMSLI system. Underwater marine animal imagery has been captured for the first time using red laser diode serial LiDAR, which has advantages over conventional optical cameras in many areas. Moreover, given the scarcity of existing underwater LiDAR data, a shape matching based classification algorithm is proposed which requires few training data. On top of applying shape descriptors, the algorithm also adopts information theoretical learning based affine shape registration, improving point correspondences found by shape descriptors as well as the final similarity measure. Within Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute optical test facility, experimental LiDAR data are collected through the front end of the UMSLI prototype, on which the classification algorithm is validated.
TIP Reports as Policy and Narrative: Exploring the Communicative Framework for Policy Enactment

ABSTRACTTo date, a main source of information about human trafficking is the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, which has been generated by the U.S. Department of State since 2001. The TIP Report annually chronicles nation-states’ action(s) toward ending human trafficking. This study examines the role of the TIP Report as a communicative and mediated representational document of policy texts. Our findings assert that the document in itself is a mediated production. That is, each iteration of the TIP Report is constructed to craft specific narratives around human trafficking and who is responsible (from people to locations). Thus, this document uses policy texts to narratively construct and promote particular understandings. Accordingly, we used a communicative framework to examine the interplay and consequences between policy and narrative throughout the document. In the end, we offer both theoretical and practical contributions for research on policy communication and reporting on human trafficking.
Effect of Pressure on Magnetism in Correlated-Electron Systems and the Role of Dimensionality in CenRhIn3n+2 (n=l,2 or ∞)

Recently, the heavy fermion compound CeRhIn5, which superconducts at the relatively high temperature of 2.1 K at a pressure of 1.7 GPa, has been the subject of a great deal of interest. Some magnetically correlated-eleetron systems are known to superconduct under pressure at a quantum critical point where the magnetic ordering temperature goes to 0 K. The way in which a system approaches this quantum critical point, namely the shape of the magnetic ordering temperature as a function of pressure Tc(P), is due to a competition between magnetic order and the Kondo effect and is clearly seen in the correlated-electron systems CePdSb and YbNiSa It has been proposed that two dimensional systems will superconduct at higher temperature than their three dimensional analogs when the cooper pairing mechanism is magnetic in origin. The system CenRhIn3n+2 (n=1,2 or ∞;) is a perfect candidate to test this hypothesis as the n=∞; system is the well-characterized 3D antiferromagnet CeIn3, while the n=1 and 2 compounds crystallize in a tetragonal (qausi-2D) structure. Field-dependent heat capacity and de Haas-van Alphen measurements have been performed to discern the electronic and magnetic anisotropies in these compounds. The results clearly show that the properties are more two-dimensional as one goes from CeIn3 to CeRnIn3. A comparison of the phase diagram of CeRh1-xIrxIn5 to high temperature superconducting oxides, which also have quasi-2D electronic structures, gives compelling evidence that the Cooper pairing mechanism is identical, namely magnetic in origin, in both systems.
Picosecond Pulse Generation Circuits Using a GaAs Nonlinear Transmission Line

Circuits for generation picosecond step and pulse signals have many applications in wide bandwidth time-domain and microwave instrumentation. The silicon step-recovery diode is widely used in sampling oscilloscopes and network analyzers for gating sampling diodes but has limited utility in optoelectronic and ultrafast applications due to its relatively slow speed (30–40 ps). Conversely, photodiodes and photoconductors produce much narrower electrical pulses [1,2] but the real pulse generator is a femtosecond or picosecond mode-locked laser. Using only RF drive, we have measured a 6 V, 1.8 ps falltime step output as well as a 2.4 V, 4.4 ps full width at half maximum (FWHM) pulse output from monolithic GaAs nonlinear transmission line (NLTL) circuits.
THINK BIG, FROM VOICE TO LIMB MOVEMENT THERAPY

We will test the efficacy of an innovative physical therapy treatment technique based upon the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT ® ). Thus, people with PD will undergo intensive practice of high effort/large amplitude arm movements while focusing on the sensory awareness of “movement bigness.” As LSVT ® uses extensive practice and feedback/knowledge of results to teach patients the amount of effort needed to consistently perform “louder” voice, we will use similar motor learning techniques to teach patients the amount of effort needed to consistently perform “bigger” movements. Speech studies have shown that a treatment with a simple focus (think loud) may generalize to affect motor output in other systems (e.g., articulation, speaking rate, swallowing, respiratory mechanics). Thus, we predict that learning to perform bigger arm movements will not only improve arm function during everyday activities, but the effects will generalize to lower limb function and speech motor control.
A 48 kDa collagen-binding phosphoprotein isolated from bovine aortic endothelial cells interacts with the collagenous domain, but not the globular domain, of collagen type IV

We have identified collagen-binding proteins in detergent extracts of metabolically labelled bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) by collagen type IV-Sepharose affinity chromatography. The major collagen type IV-binding protein identified by SDS/PAGE had a molecular mass of 48 kDa, which we term the 'collagen-binding 48 kDa protein' (CB48). The pI of CB48 was 8.0-8.3 in a two-dimensional gel system, running non-equilibrium pH gel electrophoresis in the first dimension and SDS/PAGE in the second dimension. Under these conditions CB48 separated into two major (a and b) and one minor isoform (c); a was the most basic of the three isoforms. Two-dimensional chymotryptic peptide maps derived from each individual isoform were virtually identical. The charge differences between the isoforms were due in part to differential H3(32)PO4 incorporation by the protein. CB48 bound to intact collagen type IV and the collagenous region of collagen type IV, but not to the globular NC1 domain. Cell-surface labelling and indirect immunofluorescence experiments localized the bulk of CB48 intracellularly in the endoplasmic reticulum Golgi region, with a minor population of molecules on the cell surface. A specific rabbit polyclonal anti-CB48 serum did not inhibit the attachment or spreading of BAEC to collagen type IV in an 'in vitro' adhesion assay, suggesting that the cell-surface population of CB48 is not involved in BAEC adhesion. We conclude that CB48 is a collagen-binding phosphoprotein that interacts with the collagenous domain of collagen type IV and may be involved in intracellular transport of collagen molecules.
Modeling of a Detonation Driven, Linear Electric Generator Facility

The pulsed detonation engine (PDE) has been developed over several decades due to the promise it has for high-speed, efficient propulsion. In addition to propulsion applications, it has been demonstrated that a PDE can be used for power generation and may be more efficient than a deflagration-based power turbine under certain circumstances [1]. Several patents have been issued for concepts that involve coupling a PDE with different systems to drive a generator and produce electricity [2, 3]. One must consider if the unique properties of the detonation wave can be utilized to increase efficiency. For instance, it may be possible to design a generator that uses the force created by the pressure rise from the wave by converting it into to mechanical energy. Potential may exist for hybrid systems using both the heat and the force produced from the detonation wave.
Non-asbestos related diffuse malignant mesothelioma.

Aims: The association between asbestos exposure and the development of malignant mesothelioma is well known. Nonetheless, a proportion of patients suffering from this disease do not appear to have documented exposure to asbestos fibers from any known source. Available Information suggests that a true "background" incidence of this disease exits raising the possibility that other factors contribute to its etiology. This paper will review existing data related to non-asbestos related mesothelioma and suggest avenues for further research. Methods and study design: A comprehensive electronic MEDLARS search of the literature pertinent to non-asbestos related malignant mesothelioma was performed including the years 1996-2001. Hand searches were also carried out to supplement electronically derived information and literature pre-dating 1996. The resulting references were stratified into the following categories and reviewed; (1) radiation associated mesothelioma, (2) familial mesothelioma, (3) dietary factors, (4) childhood mesothelioma and (5) the role or SV40. Result: Available information suggests that genetic factors may play a larger role in the etiology of this disease than currently appreciated. The interplay of genes and environment require further elucidation in the pathogenesis of mesothelioma. The role of diet is poorly understood with few studies directly addressing this issue. Whether other environmental or infectious agents are Involved in mesothelioma development remains speculative. Conclusion: The biology of mesothelioma is an enigma. Although this disease appears to occur in the absence of asbestos exposure, the genetic and biological differences between asbestos related and non-asbestos related tumors is unclear. Additional epidemiological and laboratory studies are needed to provide a better understanding of the relationship between environmental and non-environmental causes of mesothelioma.
In Human Hands: Constitutional Meaning and Judicial Responsibility

This book chapter confronts core problems with written constitutions and their judicial interpreters. The American constitution, for example, must bear different meanings placed upon it by 18th-century framers, modern democratic politics, and modern legal professionals. Each of those constitutional constituencies embodies different priorities. And there are different topics within constitutional law where each of them reigns supreme.At a broader theoretical level, historical disputes over constitutional law can be be arranged between two poles. "Constitutional idealism" is the notion that law should function and should thus be basically good rather than bad. "Constitutional purism" is committed to orthodox methodologies of interpreting law, regardless of their consequences. A legal order's balance between those poles, like the very meanings of "function" and "methodology," is the result of historical and current dynamics -- leaving a written constitution always, for better or and also for worse, in widely various human hands.
Spin Representations of $$\mathfrak{s}{\mathfrak{d}_m}\mathbb{C}$$

In this lecture we complete the picture of the representations of the orthogonal Lie algebras by constructing the spin representations\({S^ \pm }\)of\(\mathfrak{s}{\mathfrak{d}_m}\mathbb{C}\)this also yields a description of the spin groups\(Spi{n_m}\mathbb{C}\). Since the representation-theoretic analysis of the spaces\({S^ \pm }\)was carried out in the preceding lecture, we are concerned here primarily with the algebra involved in their construction. Thus, §20.1 and §20.2, while elementary, involve some fairly serious algebra. Section20.3, where we briefly sketch the notion of triality, may seem mysterious to the reader (this is at least in part because it is so to the authors); if so, it may be skipped. Finally, we should say that the subject of the spin representations of \(\mathfrak{s}{{\mathfrak{o}}_{m}}\mathbb{C} \) is a very rich one, and one that accommodates many different points of view; the reader who is interested is encouraged to try some of the other approaches that may be found in the literature.
Does influenza vaccination status change physician ordering patterns for respiratory viral panels? Inspection for selection bias

PURPOSE Hospitalized patients with an acute respiratory illness (ARI) were compared to determine if demographic characteristics, timing or influenza vaccination biased who received clinical respiratory viral panel (RVP) testing. METHODS 171 enrollees in an influenza vaccine effectiveness study and a sample of non-enrollees (N = 1029) admitted to a community hospital with ARI during December 2015 through April 2016 comprised the study sample. Those who received clinical RVP testing (n = 292) were compared to those who did not by age, sex, influenza vaccination status, and period (pre-peak influenza season vs. peak/post peak influenza season), using Chi square- and t-tests, and logistic regression. RESULTS Mean age of participants was 70 years, 58% was female and 45% had been vaccinated against influenza in the 2015-2016 season. Those with clinical RVP testing were significantly younger (67 years) than those without RVP (71 years; P < 0.001), but did not differ with respect to sex or vaccination status. The odds of clinical RVP testing were significantly (P = 0.004) related to younger age (< 65 years) (Odds ratio (OR) = 1.51; 95% CI = 1.14-2.00) and to later period (peak/post peak influenza season; OR = 2.64; 95% CI = 1.84-3.79) but were unrelated to influenza vaccination status or the interaction of time and vaccination status. CONCLUSION RVP testing was significantly higher among younger hospitalized patients with an ARI and during the peak and post peak influenza periods than earlier in the season, but influenza vaccination status was not a significant factor. Studies that enroll based on clinical RVP testing should account for potential differences by age.
Bacteriologic analysis of bone biopsy from diabetic foot infections within a VA patient population.

Abstract Diabetic patients with foot infections were evaluated over a 5-year period from April 2005 to March 2010. Cultures were obtained from 92 patients after surgical debridement. All of the patients were classified as “severe” diabetic foot infections (DFIs) and PEDIS grade 4. Wound specimens were collected by bone biopsy and sent to San Francisco VA Medical Center Microbiology Department for aerobic and anaerobic cultures. Among the 92 cases, the study resulted in a total of 410 pathogens, which 203 pathogens were from bone cultures and 207 pathogens were from soft tissue cultures. 74% of cases were polymicrobial and 26% had growth of a single organism. Staphylococcus aureus presented in 49.35% of bone cultures and 55.38% of soft tissue cultures, Streptococcus species presented in 44.16% and 36.92% respectably and roughly 33% of both bone and soft tissue had staphylococcus coagulase negative present. Gram-negative organisms occurred in 25% of all cultures taken. Pseudomonas accounted for 15% of soft tissue infections but only 1.3% bone cultures. MRSA was found in 17.39% of cultures and VRE was seen in 4.34% of all culture results. Staphylococcus aureus was the most prevalent organisms seen. This study presents a comprehensive microbiological survey of diabetic patients with DFIs within the San Francisco VA Medical Center and this study will help guide physicians to improve clinical outcomes of DFIs by using proper antibiotics.
Impact of Variable Speed Limit in a Connected Vehicle Environment on Truck Driver Behavior under Adverse Weather Conditions: Driving Simulator Study:

In 2015, the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) selected Wyoming as one of three sites to develop, test, and deploy a suite of connected vehicle (CV) applications on a 402-mi Interstate 8...
Flexibility Analysis For Design Space Definition

Abstract Flexibility analysis is one approach to modeling decision making under uncertainty, where ensuring feasible operation over the entire range of variation of the uncertain parameters is the main concern. The traditional flexibility analysis technique is based on the assumption that the value of the uncertain parameters can be accurately estimated or measured during the operating stage. Extensions to the technique have been proposed to take into account different types of parameters such as process and model parameters. The application of the concepts of flexibility analysis has proven to be useful in the design space definition. Therefore, in this work, we propose new reformulations to the extended flexibility constraint to calculate a new flexibility index for the process parameters, which defines the design space of the pharmaceutical company, subject to the variability in model parameters. In addition, we address the problem of design centering in order to maximize the design space, and to determine the optimal nominal conditions.
Biochemical and structural analysis of N-terminal acetyltransferases.

Abstract N-terminal acetylation is a co- and post-translational modification catalyzed by the conserved N-terminal acetyltransferase (NAT) family of enzymes. A majority of the human proteome is modified by the human NATs (NatA-F and H), which are minimally composed of a catalytic subunit and as many as two auxiliary subunits. Together, NATs specifically regulate many cellular functions by influencing protein activities such as their degradation, membrane targeting, and protein-protein interactions. This chapter will describe methods developed for their preparation, and their biochemical and structural characterization. This will include methodologies for expression and purification of recombinant NAT protein, kinetic assays, biochemical and biophysical assays, and strategies for structural studies.
Brain-computer interfaces and education: the state of technology and imperatives for the future

Progress in the field of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) has accelerated in recent years. While the majority of research has focused on alleviating the burden of physical and psychological disabilities, use of BCI devices has expanded to a variety of applications. New educational platforms and assistive technologies have been developed to improve learning strategies and increase cognitive capabilities for both healthy and disabled individuals. This paper first reviews the BCI landscape by providing a general outline of current technology then discusses research relevant to education. The literature on educational technology is used to describe common patterns in implementation of innovations, which highlights the need for understanding complexities of educational settings and broader social contexts. In anticipation of emerging BCI technology, recommendations are made for researchers and policymakers to promote implementation strategies associated with positive academic outcomes and reduction of achievement gaps.
Heavy Metal Concentration in the Water and Sediment of the Lake Greenwood Watershed

We report on the concentration of heavy metals (cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, and lead) in the water and sediment of Lake Greenwood and the streams and creeks that flow into the lake. Our results show heavy metal concentrations well below levels that were reported in 2012. The heavy metal concentrations reported for Lake Greenwood were on the order of the established background levels; our measurements indicate that heavy metal concentrations are now well below the established background levels. The concentration of heavy metals in creeks sediment and lake sediment was not statistically different for most metals (copper was statistically different). This significant drop in concentration suggests that the major flooding which occurred in 2015 has drastically altered the heavy metal profile of Lake Greenwood and the creeks which flow into the lake. The effect of introducing large volumes of relatively unweathered sediment has an observed lowering of the concentration of heavy metals. For all metals at all sites, the measured concentration of heavy metals in water samples collected was below the screening level established by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Also, our results also call into question the continued use of previously established background concentration of heavy metals after a significant flooding event, as the addition of large volumes of fresh sediment from flooding events significantly changes the heavy metal concentration.
Different Effects of Volatile and Nonvolatile Anesthetic Agents on Long-Term Survival in an Experimental Model of Hemorrhagic Shock.

Background:We investigated whether the cardioprotective, volatile gas anesthetic agent, isoflurane, could improve survival and organ function from hemorrhagic shock in an experimental rat model, co...
Exploratory Analysis of Covid-19 Tweets using Topic Modeling, UMAP, and DiGraphs

This paper illustrates five different techniques to assess the distinctiveness of topics, key terms and features, speed of information dissemination, and network behaviors for Covid19 tweets. First, we use pattern matching and second, topic modeling through Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) to generate twenty different topics that discuss case spread, healthcare workers, and personal protective equipment (PPE). One topic specific to U.S. cases would start to uptick immediately after live White House Coronavirus Task Force briefings, implying that many Twitter users are paying attention to government announcements. We contribute machine learning methods not previously reported in the Covid19 Twitter literature. This includes our third method, Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP), that identifies unique clustering-behavior of distinct topics to improve our understanding of important themes in the corpus and help assess the quality of generated topics. Fourth, we calculated retweeting times to understand how fast information about Covid19 propagates on Twitter. Our analysis indicates that the median retweeting time of Covid19 for a sample corpus in March 2020 was 2.87 hours, approximately 50 minutes faster than repostings from Chinese social media about H7N9 in March 2013. Lastly, we sought to understand retweet cascades, by visualizing the connections of users over time from fast to slow retweeting. As the time to retweet increases, the density of connections also increase where in our sample, we found distinct users dominating the attention of Covid19 retweeters. One of the simplest highlights of this analysis is that early-stage descriptive methods like regular expressions can successfully identify high-level themes which were consistently verified as important through every subsequent analysis.
Practice Considerations for the Hematologist/Oncologist in Vascular Anomaly Clinics

With the increase in number of clinical centers focused on vascular anomalies, it is evident that a broad, interdisciplinary approach is optimal. Hematology/oncology (H/O) is an integral specialty for a vascular anomaly team, as many of the clinical sequelae that are encountered are within the scope of practice of H/O. Nonvascular oncologic diagnoses (such as certain solid cancers) are part of the differential diagnosis for vascular anomalies and malformations, experience with chemotherapy and developmental therapeutics, expertise with the management of coagulopathy and thromboses, and workup of anemia and thrombocytopenia are all expectations for H/O subspecialists. For some institutions, the incorporation of patients with vascular anomalies into the H/O program or a provider’s clinical workflow can be challenging. The thoughtful consideration of the hematologist/oncologist’s role in the context of the clinical infrastructure and available services at each center will promote optimal patient care and clinician well-being.