cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Shear-lag model for failure simulations of unidirectional fiber composites including matrix stiffness

In this paper, we develop a shear-lag model and an influence superposition technique to quickly compute the stresses and displacements in 2D unidirectional fiber composites in response to multiple fiber and matrix breaks. Unlike previous techniques, both the fiber and matrix are able to sustain axial load, and the governing shear-lag equations are derived based on the principle of virtual work and the finite element method. The main advantages of influence superposition techniques are that computation is tied to the amount of damage, rather than the entire volume considered and discretization is not needed, removing any uncertainties associated with meshing. For illustration, we consider a row of N (up to 301) contiguous fiber breaks and highlight important influences that N and the matrix-to-fiber stiAness ratio, qa EmAm/Ef Af , have on stress redistribution. Comparisons with the Mode I plane orthotropic linear elasticity solution are favorable for both shear and axial tensile stresses. The best applications for such techniques are as numerical micromechanics tools in large-scale simulation codes of failure in fibrous composites. The present study is an important prerequisite for simulations and modeling of random fracture patterns, as would naturally develop in a real composite. Arbitrarily misaligned breaks are no more complicated to compute, and we reserve analyses of such cases to future simulation work involving random fiber strengths. ” 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
A cleavage clock regulates features of lineage-specific differentiation in the development of a basal branching metazoan, the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi.

Background An important question in experimental embryology is to understand how the developmental potential responsible for the generation of distinct cell types is spatially segregated over developmental time. Classical embryological work showed that ctenophores, a group of gelatinous marine invertebrates that arose early in animal evolution, display a highly stereotyped pattern of early development and a precocious specification of blastomere fates. Here we investigate the role of autonomous cell specification and the developmental timing of two distinct ctenophore cell types (motile compound comb-plate-like cilia and light-emitting photocytes) in embryos of the lobate ctenophore, Mnemiopsis leidyi.
“Cellular adenomatoid nodules” of the thyroid: Review of 219 fine-needle aspirates

We reviewed 219 consecutive thyroid aspirates previously diagnosed as "cellular adenomatoid nodule," applying the criteria presented in this paper and reclassifying them as 146 adenomatoid nodules (AN), 31 cellular adenomatoid nodules (CELL-AN), 29 cellular adenomatoid nodules vs. follicular neoplasms (CELL-AN vs. FN), 5 follicular neoplasms (FN), 2 FN of oxyphilic cell type, 4 papillary carcinomas, and 2 chronic lymphocytic (Hashimoto's) thyroiditis. Of the 146 adenomatoid nodules, 14 occurred in multinodular goiters on histologic examination. Of the 31 CELL-AN, five had surgery: two were follicular adenomas, one was papillary carcinoma, and two were multinodular goiters. Of the 29 CELL-AN vs. FN, 11 had surgery: six were follicular adenomas, two were follicular carcinomas, two were multinodular goiters, and one was Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Surgery on four FN showed follicular adenomas (a fifth patient was lost to follow-up). Of the two FN of oxyphilic cell type, one was a multinodular goiter and the other a follicular adenoma with oxyphilic cells. Three of the four papillary carcinomas were confirmed histologically (one patient was lost to follow-up). Of the two cases showing Hashimoto's thyroiditis, one was diagnosed as FN on repeat aspiration and follicular carcinoma at surgery. After review, we identified 40 patients at higher risk of harboring a neoplasm and 31 with cellular adenomatoid nodules. Twenty-five underwent surgery with the above results. In the classification of follicular lesions of the thyroid by FNA, adherence to strict cytologic criteria helps identify those patients who will benefit most from surgery.
Psoriasis Vulgaris: An Evidence-Based Guide for Primary Care

Psoriasis vulgaris is a chronic, sometimes debilitating, inflammatory disorder with multiple pathways of pathogenesis that can be associated with metabolic and cardiovascular disease. This article aims to be a comprehensive, literature-based review of the epidemiology, genetic factors, clinical diagnosis, treatments, and pharmacology for psoriasis as derived from articles published in PubMed. Levels of evidence and recommendations were made according to the strength of recommendation taxonomy. This article is divided into 2 sections: the first is clinical and diagnostic, the second is therapeutic. This review serves as a practical, evidence-based, and unbiased guide for primary care practitioners.
Incentivizing anonymous “peer-to-peer” reviews

The review cycle for papers takes way too long in many disciplines. The problem is that while authors want to have their own papers reviewed fast, that are often unwilling to review the papers of others in a timely manner. This paper explores what would be required to incentivize fast reviews using a public reputation/scoring system that exploits the fact that the referees are drawn from the same pool as paper authors. The challenge in maintaining a public reputation system is to ensure that the identity of referees remain as anonymous as possible. A model is proposed in this work, wherein authors have an incentive to commit to reviewing papers and are rewarded for meeting this commitment in a manner that prioritizes their own papers for reviews. This ensures stability (bounded reviewing delays) for all fair contributors while freeloaders face a potentially unstable system. A naive implementation of the scoring system, however, leaks information that would allow authors to infer the likely identities of their referees. A distortion to the observed public score process is then studied, which is shown to enhance anonymity while preserving the incentives for timely refereeing.
Hyperfine splitting of B-mesons and production of strange B's at the ϒ(5S)

Data was taken recently at CESR with the CUSB-II detector mostly at the ϒ(5S), at a center of mass energy of 10.87 GeV. The much improved energy resolution of the CUSB-II detector allows us to clearly observe a photon line from B∗ decays and obtain the average mass difference. The observed line is however narrower than expected if due only to B∗d,u decays but is consistent with a 30% production of B∗s, essentially independent of model assumptions.
Integrating solid modeling and computer programming through a freshman design experience

Although courses in solid modeling and computer programming are required in many engineering curriculums, students typically study these topics in separate courses. At Michigan Technological University, both of these topics are taught in the same course to meet the first-year engineering program objective of developing proficiency in the use of computers in solving engineering problems. Another objective of the program is for students to understand the design process through a practical, hands-on design experience. Michigan Tech uses these objectives to engage second semester freshmen in engineering design in a unique way. Students are challenged to create an innovative design concept, produce CAD solid models and assemblies to convey their concept, and develop a mathematical model in Matlab to predict the performance of their design. This paper will discuss the design projects used in this first year course to innovatively integrate solid modeling and computer programming throughout the freshman design experience.
p85 Associates with unphosphorylated PTEN and the PTEN-associated complex.

The lipid phosphatase PTEN functions as a tumor suppressor by dephosphorylating the D3 position of phosphoinositide-3,4,5-trisphosphate, thereby negatively regulating the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway. In mammalian cells, PTEN exists either as a monomer or as a part of a >600-kDa complex (the PTEN-associated complex [PAC]). Previous studies suggest that the antagonism of PI3K/AKT signaling by PTEN may be mediated by a nonphosphorylated form of the protein resident within the multiprotein complex. Here we show that PTEN associates with p85, the regulatory subunit of PI3K. Using newly generated antibodies, we demonstrate that this PTEN-p85 association involves the unphosphorylated form of PTEN engaged within the PAC and also includes the p110β isoform of PI3K. The PTEN-p85 association is enhanced by trastuzumab treatment and linked to a decline in AKT phosphorylation in some ERBB2-amplified breast cancer cell lines. Together, these results suggest that integration of p85 into the PAC may provide a novel means of downregulating the PI3K/AKT pathway.
A lazy object-space shading architecture with decoupled sampling

We modify the Reyes object-space shading approach to address two inefficiencies that result from performing shading calculations at micropolygon grid vertices prior to rasterization. Our system samples shading of surface sub-patches uniformly in the object's parametric domain, but the location of shading samples need not correspond with the location of mesh vertices. Thus we perform object-space shading that efficiently supports motion and defocus blur, but do not require micropolygons to achieve a shading rate of one sample per pixel. Second, our system resolves surface visibility prior to shading, then lazily shades 2x2 sample blocks that are known to contribute to the resulting fragments. We find that in comparison to a Reyes micropolygon rendering pipeline, decoupling geometric sampling rate from shading rate permits the use of meshes containing an order of magnitude fewer vertices with minimal loss of image quality in our test scenes. Shading on-demand after rasterization reduces shader invocations by over two times in comparison to pre-visibility object-space shading.
The transfer of nutrients across the perfused human placenta.

In this discussion of in vitro perfusion of human placenta as an approach to the study of fetal nutrition I shall: (1) explain why, in recent years, we have discontinued using experimental animals and concentrated on human placenta; (2) describe the perfusion technique; (3) review our studies of two nutrients, glutamic acid and riboflavin, to illustrate the flexibility of experimental design that is possible and the type of information that can be obtained; (4) summarize the limitations and the potential of the perfusion technique as we have observed them.
Race Differences in the Relationship Between Formal Volunteering and Hypertension

Objectives. This study in vestigated race differences in the relationship between formal volunteering and hypertension prevalence among middle-aged and older adults. Method. Using data from the 2004 and 2006 Health and Retirement Study (N = 5,666; 677 African Americans and 4,989 whites), we examined regression models stratified by race to estimate relationships among hypertension prevalence, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and volunteer status and hours spent volunteering among persons aged 51 years old and older. Results. White v olunteers had a lower risk of hypertension than white nonvolunteers. A threshold effect was also present; compared with nonvolunteers, volunteering a moderate number of hours was associated with lowest risk of hypertension for whites. Results for hypertension were consistent with results from alternative models of systolic and diastolic blood pressure. We found no statistically significant relationship between volunteering activity and hypertension/blood pressure for African Americans. Discussion. There may be unmeasured cultural dif ferences related to the meaning of volunteering and contextual differences in volunteering that account for the race differences we observed. Research is needed to determine the pathways through which volunteering is related to hypertension risk and that may help explain race differences identified here.
The state of ergonomics for mobile computing technology

Background Because mobile computing technologies, such as notebook computers, smart mobile phones, and tablet computers afford users many different configurations through their intended mobility, there is concern about their effects on musculoskeletal pain and a need for usage recommendations. Objective Therefore the main goal of this paper to determine which best practices surrounding the use of mobile computing devices can be gleaned from current field and laboratory studies of mobile computing devices. Methods An expert review was completed. Results Field studies have documented various user configurations, which often include non-neutral postures, that users adopt when using mobile technology, along with some evidence suggesting that longer duration of use is associated with more discomfort. It is therefore prudent for users to take advantage of their mobility and not get stuck in any given posture for too long. The use of accessories such as appropriate cases or riser stands, as well as external keyboards and pointing devices, can also improve postures and comfort. Conclusions Overall, the state of ergonomics for mobile technology is a work in progress and there are more research questions to be addressed.
Reaction Kinetics in the Ca-Mn-O System

Mixed metal oxides represent a large class of inorganic materials which possess many important properties not found in the more limited binary oxides. Mixed metal oxides can stabilize high oxidation states of transition elements, have extensive ranges of either anion or cation nonstoichiometry and provide new structural arrangements not possible in a simple oxide. This very flexible class of compounds, however, is limited in applications because of the difficulties involved in the preparation of high surface area materials. The usual routes to these compounds generally involve reaction at high temperature for long periods of time. These conditions are required to overcome the slow reaction kinetics that occur when two solids are brought together. Of course these same conditions of high temperature and long times lead to crystallite growth and low surface areas. In addition, the high temperatures prevent the formation of compounds containing high valent cations such as Mn4+.
The "mild-torture economy": exploring the world of professional research subjects and its ethical implications

Abstract This paper documents the emergence of the subject of professional research in Phase I clinical trials that test the safety of drugs in development. Based on ethnographic research among subjects self-identified as "professional guinea pigs" in Philadelphia, USA, it examines their experiences and opinions on the conduct of trials and risks they take. The author argues that the risks posed by the continued participation, such as exposure to potentially dangerous drug interactions are minimized or ignored by research subjects because of the prospect of financial gain. Risks to the professional guinea pigs are also ignored by the pharmaceutical industry, which has become dependent on the usual participation of experienced research subjects. Arguing that financial incentives undermine the ethical imperative of informed consent to be given freely by volunteers, this research confirms the need to reform the policies governing the participation of paid subjects in Phase I clinical trials.
Digital diffraction detection of protein markers for avian influenza

Rapid pathogen testing is expected to play a critical role in infection control and in limiting epidemics. Smartphones equipped with state-of-the-art computing and imaging technologies have emerged as new point-of-use (POU) sensing platforms. We herein report a new assay format for fast, sensitive and portable detection of avian influenza-associated antibodies.
The lipid composition of a species of Alternaria of the "Alternaria alternata group".

(1973). The Lipid Composition of a Species of Alternaria of the “Alternaria Alternata Group”. Mycologia: Vol. 65, No. 4, pp. 958-963.
The Stability of a β-Hairpin Is Altered by Surface–Water Interactions under Confinement

Understanding protein folding and stability in in vivo confined environments is a challenging problem from both experimental and computational points of views. Despite recent insights, an appreciation and complete understanding of how the solvent influences the structure and stability of proteins under complex confined environments is still lacking. Here, using all-atom molecular dynamics simulations in explicit solvent, we report the effects of confinement on the lifetime of a metastable β-hairpin structure in the Aβ(21–30) decapeptide. Our results show that the values of these lifetimes depend on the nature of the confining surface, where smooth and rough hydrophobic confining walls have solvent-mediated stabilizing and destabilizing effects, respectively. The source of the destabilization found inside atomically rough confining walls lies in surface–peptide interactions that break the β-hairpin in this peptide, whereas smooth confining walls stabilize it by forming well-ordered layers of water that kee...
A method for the determination of sodium ferrocyanide at low concentrations in body fluids.

ConclusionThe above described procedure is a satisfactory method for measuring the sodium ferrocyanide concentration of body fluids at concentrations of 5 mg% or more.
Isospora felis and I. rivolta infections in cats induced by mouse tissue or oocysts.

SUMMARY Ten to 13 week-old cats were each fed 1 to 100 000 Isospora felis and Isospora rivolta oocysts or tissues of mice that had been fed 1 to 100 000 I. felis and I. rivolta oocysts. The prepatent periods were slightly shorter for I. felis, but not for I. rivolta, after ingesting mice than after the ingestion of oocysts. The number of oocysts shed and the patent periods in cats ingesting mice were comparable to those cats ingesting oocysts. All cats remained clinically normal.
Convergent algorithms for statistical image reconstruction in emission tomography

Emission computed tomography (ECT), including positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), is a medical imaging technique that provides functional information about physiological processes. The goal of ECT is to reconstruct the distribution of the radioisotopes in the body by measuring the emitted photons. Statistical image reconstruction methods have shown improved image quality over conventional nonstatistical methods by using accurate physical models and appropriate noise models. However, statistical methods require huge computation and complex modeling. So computationally efficient algorithms and simple yet accurate statistical models are essential. First, we develop fast and convergent algorithms for statistical image reconstruction. Ordered subsets or incremental gradient type algorithms have been popular due to their fast initial convergence rates. However, they do not converge to a solution in general. We achieve global convergence by two methods: relaxation and incremental optimization transfer principles. Those two families of algorithms are provably convergent yet converge fast. We apply the algorithms to emission and transmission tomography and to simulation and real PET data. Secondly, we develop statistical models for randoms-precorrected PET. Accidental coincidence (AC) events, or randoms, are one of primary sources of background noise in PET. Most PET scanners are corrected for AC events by real-time subtraction of delayed window coincidences. Although the randoms-precorrection compensates in mean for AC events but destroys the usual Poisson statistics, complicating statistical reconstruction. We propose new likelihood approximations that allow negative sinogram values without requiring zero-thresholding. Analysis and simulation results show that the new statistical model is nearly free of systematic bias yet keeps low variance. Finally, we analyze the parameterization of time activity curves (TACs) in dynamic imaging. We provide approximate expressions for the covariance matrix of kinetic parameter estimators based on TAC reconstructions when TACs are modeled as a linear combination of temporal basis functions such as B-splines. The approximations are useful tools for assessing and optimizing the temporal basis functions for TACs.
Sport Psychology: Performance Enhancement

Enhancing sport performance is part of the discipline of psychology known as sport psychology. Sport psychology is the scientific study of people in sport and exercise contexts. There are two main objectives of sport psychology: (a) learning how psychological factors affect an individual's physical performance, and (b) understanding how participation in sport affects a person's psychological development, health, and well-being. Although traditionally the emphasis has been on the first objective, both objectives are considered in this article. The rationale for this decision is that of the millions of individuals, especially children and adolescents, who play sports, only a tiny fraction will parlay those activities directly into a career in sport. For the rest, growing up means further defining their identity, discovering other skills and interests and, potentially, applying some of the principles learned during sport participation to their adult pursuits. Sport psychology, then, involves the use of sport to enhance competence and promote human development throughout the lifespan, and practitioners should be as concerned about life development as they are about athletic performance.
Transesophageal Echocardiography: Essential Views

The use of a noncomprehensive basic perioperative transesophageal echocardiographic (PTE) examination, both for intraoperative monitoring and outside of the operating room, is increasing in practice. Cardiac causes of hemodynamic instability, such as ventricular dysfunction, valvular abnormalities, volume status changes, and pericardial abnormalities can be identified with the basic PTE examination. A basic PTE exam is intended to be complementary to comprehensive echocardiography, and thus the practitioner must also recognize when further investigation of an abnormality by an echocardiographer with advanced imaging skills may be required. While the consensus statement of the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) and Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists (SCA) identifies 11 views for the basic PTE examination, the additional 9 views that comprise the comprehensive examination will also be discussed for completeness.
Measurement of ZAP-70 Expression in CLL Using an Optimized Flow Cytometric Assay for ZAP-70 Protein Levels in Whole Blood Samples.

Abstract ZAP-70 protein plays a critical role in the initiation of T-cell signaling through the TCR, and also regulates B cell differentiation. Studies aimed at understanding the relationship of maturation to disease course in the B-cell form of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (B-CLL) have demonstrated a correlation of disease progression with IgVH configuration (germ line vs mutated). Flow cytometry-based assays for ZAP-70 expression in CLL patient samples have been previously reported, and generally show poor separation of ZAP-70 levels in samples considered as positive from negative, making interpretation of these data difficult, and reducing the likely agreement between laboratories. Using a unique fixation and permeabilization technique in conjunction with an optimal ZAP-70-PE antibody conjugate, we have developed a whole blood assay for the measurement of ZAP-70 protein expression which results in a significantly increased S/N of 18–24 (normal blood T-cells to B-cells) compared to previously reported flow cytometric assays (S/N of 3 to 8). Based on these data, we have developed a 5 antibody/4 color whole blood assay (CD5-FITC, ZAP-70-PE, CD19-PE-Cy5, CD3+CD56-PECy7) which includes surface labeling before fixation and ZAP-70 labeling after permeabilization. Critical assay details including pre and post staining stability, instrument standardization, gating strategies and data interpretation will be presented and discussed. Using this optimized assay, we have undertaken a multi-institutional study to determine the inter-laboratory variability of ZAP-70 measurements using normal donors, and an assessment of the ability of this assay to increase the separation of B-CLL ZAP-70 positive from negative populations. Finally, we have developed a method to index differential ZAP-70 expression using internal controls, which obviates the use of quadrant analysis techniques.
Beyond People Versus Place: A Place-Conscious Framework for Investing in Housing and Neighborhoods

This article argues for a next generation of place-conscious strategies that recognize the importance of neighborhoods in the lives of families, but look beyond narrowly defined neighborhood boundaries to address market-wide opportunities and barriers, capitalize on demographic and market trends underway at the regional scale, and envision alternative models of how neighborhoods can function for their residents. It offers five principles for ongoing experimentation and knowledge building: (a) develop citywide strategies that promote both inclusion and redevelopment; (b) anticipate and plan for residential mobility and neighborhood change; (c) connect residents of poor neighborhoods to city and regional opportunities; (d) capitalize on the coming rental housing boom; and (e) use data for continuous learning and accountability. Advancing this agenda will require enhanced capacity for collaboration and governance at the local levels.
Ovarian function suppression, symptom burden, and quality of life in young women with breast cancer: A prospective study.

515 Background: Recent clinical trial data have demonstrated that ovarian function suppression (OS) in addition to tamoxifen (T) or aromatase inhibitors (AI) can improve breast cancer free survival in young women with hormone positive (HR+) breast cancer. We evaluated the impact of OS on quality of life (QOL) in young women, a population at risk for worse QOL outcomes and survival. Methods: Patient reported symptom and QOL data were collected 1 year after dx as part a cohort study enrolling women newly dx’d with breast cancer age ≤40. Severity of symptoms (Breast Cancer Prevention Trial checklist) was compared between women on OS+T vs. T alone by Fisher’s exact test. For QOL (Cancer Rehabilitation Evaluation System (CARES) physical, psychosocial, sexual subscales), differences in mean scores between groups were compared with t-tests. All were stratified by receipt of chemotherapy. Due to small numbers, women on AIs were excluded. Results: Of444 women with Stage 0-III, HR+ disease on T, 106 (24%) reported ...
Graphical Interface of Knowledge Structure: A Web-Based Research Tool for Representing Knowledge Structure in Text

Since the initial recognition that human knowledge is structured in a relational manner, technologies have been developed for assessing and analyzing the structure of knowledge for a variety of purposes. A computer-based text analytic offline software system, ALA-Reader, that was developed to assess this knowledge structure (KS) reflected in a text has been modified and improved since its initial announcement (Clariana 2004) through a number of investigations in various kinds of learning environments across several languages. Based on the empirical evidence from the ALA-Reader, we have recently developed the online version of the ALA-Reader, called Graphical Interface of Knowledge Structure (GIKS), that can immediately convert students’ writings into visually represented KS network graphs to indicate specific areas of their knowledge strengths and weaknesses compared to the referent KS (e.g., a teacher), regardless of which language is used. This paper presents an overview of the ALA-Reader system and applications, as well as the implication of the GIKS system in online contexts.
Aphid Resistance and Leaf Surface Chemistry of Sugar Ester Producing Tobaccos

Sugar ester producing tobacco lines were evaluated for aphid resistance and other surface chemicals. The cembrenoid and labdenoid diterpenes, α- and β-4,8,13-duvatrien-1-ols, α- and β-4,8,13-duvatriene-1,3-diols, (12Z)-labda-12,14-diene-8α-ol (cis-abienol), (13E)-labda-13-ene-8α,15-diol (labdenediol), docosanol, and sugar esters were quantified using high pressure liquid chromatography and compared with aphid infestation ratings. Regression analysis of aphid [Myzus persicae (Sulzer)] infestation rating and leaf surface chemistry was statistically significant and showed that surface chemicals were important in explaining the observed variation in the aphid infestation ratings. A significant negative correlation was found between aphid ratings and sugar ester levels among the 62 entries evaluated (r = −0.2758, P = 0.0301). α and β monols (α- and β-4,8,13-duvatrien-1-ols) were also significantly correlated with aphid infestations in this study (r = −0.2743, P = 0.0310 and r = −0.2797, P= 0.0109, respectively...
Mechanism studies on methyl orange dye degradation by perovskite-type LaNiO3-δ under dark ambient conditions

Abstract Perovskite materials have attracted much attention in heterogeneous catalysis. Here, we report a perovskite type material LaNiO3-δ (LNO) for degradation of methyl orange (MO) azo dye in aqueous solutions under dark ambient conditions (room temperature, atmospheric pressure) without additional lights or chemical stimulants. The high degradation percentage of 5 ppm MO with 1.5 g/L LNO was 94.3% after 4 h with a stirring speed of 500 rpm. Reactions under nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide conditions were performed with efficiencies of 19.6%, 7.1%, and 96.8% respectively after 6 h to understand the mechanism. MO was shown to degrade under dark ambient condition via main intermediates, sulfanilic acid anion and N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine (DPD), by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI/MS) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Degradation of MO under such a mild condition is due to two synergic effects proposed by means of XRD, FTIR, TGA, SEM, and XPS. Nickel is oxidized during MO degradation; lanthanum carbonate (La-analog calkinsite) is formed on the LNO surface due to the aqueous solution environment and speeds up azo bond cleavage. This work unravels the mechanism behind MO degradation by LNO under dark ambient conditions for the first time. It is a fundamental information on perovskite for dye degradation, especially for lanthanum series of perovskite. Excellent perovskite materials should be tailorable for water remediation applications considering the large variety of perovskites in terms of constituents and composition.
One-handed carrying among elderly and obese individuals: a systematic review to identify research gaps.

A systematic review of the literature regarding one-handed load carrying was conducted to identify research gaps for future load carrying studies. Twenty-six articles that may be relevant to elderl...
Accelerating Optical Absorption Spectra and Exciton Energy Computation via Interpolative Separable Density Fitting

We present an efficient way to solve the Bethe–Salpeter equation (BSE), a method for the computation of optical absorption spectra in molecules and solids that includes electron–hole interactions. Standard approaches to construct and diagonalize the Bethe–Salpeter Hamiltonian require at least \(\mathcal {O}(N_e^5)\) operations, where \(N_e\) is the number of electrons in the system, limiting its application to smaller systems. Our approach is based on the interpolative separable density fitting (ISDF) technique to construct low rank approximations to the bare exchange and screened direct operators associated with the BSE Hamiltonian. This approach reduces the complexity of the Hamiltonian construction to \(\mathcal {O}(N_e^3)\) with a much smaller pre-constant, and allows for a faster solution of the BSE. Here, we implement the ISDF method for BSE calculations within the Tamm–Dancoff approximation (TDA) in the BerkeleyGW software package. We show that this novel approach accurately reproduces exciton energies and optical absorption spectra in molecules and solids with a significantly reduced computational cost.
Moriond QCD 2002: Theoretical Summary

I summarize highlights of the theory talks presented at the 37th Rencontres de Moriond on QCD and High Energy Hadronic Interactions.
Recent Developments in Abortion Law

At the First Symposium on Genetics and the Law held in May 1975 there was no paper presented whose sole purpose was to discuss abortion laws. Roe v. Wade 1 and Doe v. Bolton 2 were sufficiently new so that little legislative and judicial action had been taken. Since then there has been an outpouring of both legislative and judicial activity. Legislation has, for the most part, focused on ways to limit the impact of Roe and Doee, while the judiciary has been concerned with assuring that legislation not invade the zone of privacy created by Roe, as well as by previous and subsequent cases. Legislative activity can be described as ingenious at times and lawless at other times. The tension that exists between prochoice and antichoice (or prolife/antilife or proabortion/antiabortion, depending on which side of the issue you stand) factions is amply reflected in the tension between legislatures and the courts. Individual legislators feeling the pressure from well-organized antiabortion groups may vote for legislation they do not personally believe in, or that they know will be struck down in the courts.3 The situation we find is that the prochoice viewpoint is litigated with scant private funds, while the antiabortion point of view is litigated with state funds through attorneys-general offices. Given this, the American Civil Liberties Union, Planned Parenthood, and other groups have amassed a remarkable record of successful litigation in defense of the rights of individuals to make procreative decisions without undue state interference.
Learning about Race: The Lived Experiences of Interracially Married U.S.-born White and European Immigrant Women in the 1930s:

How did intermarriage between African Americans and European immigrants influence how European immigrants learned about race in the United States? In this study, the authors compare the lived exper...
Fixed- versus Variable-RBE Computations for Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate how using models of proton therapy that incorporate variable relative biological effectiveness (RBE) versus the current practice of using a fixed RBE of 1.1 affects dosimetric indices on treatment plans for large cohorts of patients treated with intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT). Methods and Materials Treatment plans for 4 groups of patients who received IMPT for brain, head-and-neck, thoracic, or prostate cancer were selected. Dose distributions were recalculated in 4 ways: 1 with a fast-dose Monte Carlo calculator with fixed RBE and 3 with RBE calculated to 3 different models—McNamara, Wedenberg, and repair-misrepair-fixation. Differences among dosimetric indices (D02, D50, D98, and mean dose) for target volumes and organs at risk (OARs) on each plan were compared between the fixed-RBE and variable-RBE calculations. Results In analyses of all target volumes, for which the main concern is underprediction or RBE less than 1.1, none of the models predicted an RBE less than 1.05 for any of the cohorts. For OARs, the 2 models based on linear energy transfer, McNamara and Wedenberg, systematically predicted RBE >1.1 for most structures. For the mean dose of 25% of the plans for 2 OARs, they predict RBE equal to or larger than 1.4, 1.3, 1.3, and 1.2 for brain, head-and-neck, thorax, and prostate, respectively. Systematically lower increases in RBE are predicted by repair-misrepair-fixation, with a few cases (eg, femur) in which the RBE is less than 1.1 for all plans. Conclusions The variable-RBE models predict increased doses to various OARs, suggesting that strategies to reduce high-dose linear energy transfer in critical structures should be developed to minimize possible toxicity associated with IMPT.
Increased Flexibility in Polyimide Aerogels Using Aliphatic Spacers in the Polymer Backbone

Polyimide aerogels are mechanically strong porous solids with high surface area, low density, and dielectric constants close to 1, making them ideal materials for use as substrates for lightweight antennas. Increasing the flexibility of the polyimide aerogels extends the usefulness for conformal antennas for use on small aircraft such as unmanned air vehicles or personal air mobility vehicles. To this end, polyimide aerogels made with aromatic amines with 4-10 methylene units as flexible spacers between aromatic rings in the backbone have been fabricated. Substituting 25-75 mol % of fully aromatic 2,2'-dimethylbenzidine with these flexible diamines increases the flexibility of polyimide aerogels, making them bendable at thicknesses up to 2-3 mm. The density, dielectric constants, thermal and moisture stability, and mechanical properties of these aerogels were assessed to understand the effect of the amount and length of the methylene spacers on these properties.
IFN-γ binds TPO to inhibit hematopoiesis.

In this study, Alvarado et al 1 (in the research group of Andre Larochelle) shed light on the mechanism of pancytopenia in inflammation, a long-standing clinical observation lacking an explanation. Interferon-γ (IFN-γ), a mediator of the inflammatory response, decreases hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) function by binding to thrombopoietin (TPO), thereby preventing it from signaling via its own receptor, c-MPL. This same understanding provides insight into how the TPO mimetic eltrombopag (ELT) can overcome IFN-γ–mediated inhibition of hematopoiesis, because it is unaffected by IFN-γ binding and, thus, can engage c-MPL and induce downstream signaling.
P547 Management of congenital pulmonary airway malformations in a tertiary hospital in Ireland – are we following the rules?

Background Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformations (CPAM) is a congenital disorder in which there is replacement of a portion of lung by non-functioning cystic section of abnormal tissue. Majority of CPAMs are asymptomatic at birth. The aim of this project was to review the current management of CPAM in a tertiary hospital in Ireland. Methods Retrospective review of cases of CPAM attending the respiratory outpatients department over 4 years (2013–2017). Data was collected from electronic outpatient letters and hospital radiology system. Data was reviewed against best practice guidelines,1,2,3 and analyzed using descriptive methods. Results In total 16 cases of CPAM attended the respiratory department between 2013–2017. Diagnosis was either made antenatally, in 10 cases (63%), postnatally in 3 cases and unknown in 3 cases. Evidence suggests a chest x-ray should be performed in the postnatal period, followed by a CT Thorax in the following months. In our cohort, 11 (69%) cases had a CXR in the postnatal period, 3 of which were reported normal. 14/16 cases were asymptomatic, the most common symptom being recurrent infections. All cases had a CT Thorax performed- mean timing was 11 weeks (1–56 weeks).8 cases had a repeat CT Thorax prior to surgery. Surgery was planned in 11(69%) cases. The mean time to surgery was 18 months (2–31 months).2 cases are being followed up medically by the respiratory team with repeated imaging at scheduled intervals and 2 further cases are awaiting surgical review. Conclusions The management in 9(56%) cases of CPAM in this tertiary hospital met the suggested guidelines in the current literature. It is recommended that children with CPAM are operated on at an early stage, ideally before 2 years of age. This was achieved in just over half of our cohort (55%). Of note, 73% of children who underwent surgery had at least two CT scans prior to surgery. Recommendations Close follow-up in the postnatal period and early referral to tertiary surgical services for management of their lesion, given the potential future risk for infection and malignancy.2 Education of staff and family regarding the radiation risk of repeated CT imaging in young children.4
Presence of lipid oxidation products in swine diet lowers pork quality and stability during storage

Studies examining the effects of feeding lipid oxidation products (LOPs) to pigs on pork quality and storage stability have mostly focused on refrigerated storage and produced mixed results. We investigated the effects of adding yellow grease, containing commercially relevant levels of LOPs, to swine diets on quality and storage stability of ground salted pork. Twenty-four domestic pigs were divided into three study groups and fed the following diet regimens for five months: (1) Standard Diet (STD), (2) STD + yellow grease (YG, high LOPs), or (3) STD + corn oil (CO, negligible LOPs). Post-harvest carcass characteristics and the effects of frozen and refrigerated storage on color and lipid oxidation of salted pork patties were studied. While feeding of yellow grease had no impact on color, it increased the susceptibility of pork patties to lipid oxidation during storage (186% and 73% higher accumulation of LOPs in patties from pigs fed STD + YG when compared to those fed STD and STD + CO, respectively).
Electrochemical removal of copper from a simulated wastewater using a rotating tubular packed bed of woven screens electrode

Copper removal from a simulated wastewater was investigated by using rotating tubular packed bed of woven screens electrode as a cathode in a new design of electrochemical reactor. Effects of electrolysis operating parameters like current (0.5–2.5 A), rotation speed (150–750 rpm), and initial copper concentration (100–500ppm) were investigated. Optimization of process parameters was carried out by adopting response surface methodology (RSM) combined with Box–Behnken Design (BBD) where copper removal efficiency was selected as a response function. The results indicated that current has the main effect on the copper removal efficiency followed by rotation speed and concentration. The results of regression analysis revealed that the experimental data could be fitted to a second-order polynomial model with a value of determination coefficient (R2) equal to 0.9894 and Fisher test at value of 51.57 for. The optimum conditions of the process parameters based on RSM method were an initial copper concentration of 205 ppm, current of 2.5A, and rotation speed of 750 rpm utilizing cathode composed of screens with mesh no. 30 where a final copper concentration less than 2 ppm was obtained after 30 min.
Photovoltaic Source Models

In this chapter, the fundamentals on the derivation of the PV source circuit models are given. Starting from a circuit model, defined on the basis of the PV cell physical behavior described in Chap. 2, the modeling is refined introducing the parasitic resistance effects and nonideality of the junction. Then, the model is extended and generalized to the case of single modules and their connection to form a PV field. Finally, the effects of partial shading are introduced in the PV field modeling.
Evaluation of human obstructive sleep apnea using computational fluid dynamics

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity might be correlated to the flow characteristics of the upper airways. We aimed to investigate the severity of OSA based on 3D models constructed from CT scans coupled with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The CT scans of seven adult patients diagnosed with OSA were used to reconstruct the 3D models of the upper airways and CFD modeling and analyses were performed. Results from the fluid simulations were compared with the apnea-hypopnea index. Here we show a correlation between a CFD-based parameter, the adjusted pressure coefficient (Cp*), and the respective apnea-hypopnea index (Pearson's r = 0.91, p = 0.004), which suggests that the anatomical-based model coupled with CFD could provide functional and localized information for different regions of the upper airways.
Impact of concurrent genomic alterations in epidermal growth factor receptor ( EGFR )-mutated lung cancer

Comprehensive characterization of the genomic landscape of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated lung cancers have identified patterns of secondary mutations beyond the primary oncogenic EGFR mutation. These include concurrent pathogenic alterations affecting p53 (60-65%), RTKs (5-10%), PIK3CA/KRAS (3-23%), Wnt (5-10%), and cell cycle (7-25%) pathways as well as transcription factors such as MYC and NKX2-1 (10-15%). The majority of these co-occurring alterations were detected or enriched in samples collected from patients at resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment, indicating a potential functional role in driving resistance to therapy. Of note, these co-occurring tumor genomic alterations are not necessarily mutually exclusive, and evidence suggests that multiple clonal and sub-clonal cancer cell populations can co-exist and contribute to EGFR TKI resistance. Computational tools aimed to classify, track and predict the evolution of cancer clonal populations during therapy are being investigated in pre-clinical models to guide the selection of combination therapy switching strategies that may delay the development of treatment resistance. Here we review the most frequently identified tumor genomic alterations that co-occur with mutated EGFR and the evidence that these alterations effect responsiveness to EGFR TKI treatment.
Wald’s Identity and Geometric Expectation

A geometric random variable N is the number of independent Bernoulli trials until the first success. If each trial has a probability p of success, then the probability that k trials are needed is P...
Postoperative Risks for Hispanic Patients Undergoing Hysterectomy for Benign Indications

Hispanic patients have previously been shown to have relatively lower odds of complication following hysterectomy compared with non-Hispanic white patients, but little is known about specific risks for this group. Our primary objective was to identify differences in proportions of specific complications experienced by Hispanic patients following hysterectomy for benign indications as compared with non-Hispanic white patients. Retrospective cohort study examining differences in complication rates following benign hysterectomy between Hispanic and non-Hispanic white patients in NSQIP-participating hospitals from 2012 to 2016. A total of 102,051 women were included. A total of 15.0% were Hispanic and 85.0% were non-Hispanic white. Hispanic patients were more likely to have class 1 or 2 obesity (59.7 vs 49.8%), diabetes (10.9 vs 6.7%), and anemia (hematocrit < 33: 14.1 vs 6.5%); p < 0.01 for all. Hispanic patients were more likely to undergo abdominal hysterectomy (30.0 vs 19.1%, p < 0.01) and to remain inpatient for 2–6 days (38.8 vs 24.0%, p < 0.01). After adjustment for possible confounders including anemia, an increased odds of requiring blood transfusion persisted only in the laparoscopic and vaginal groups. Hispanic patients had a decreased or equal odds for all other examined complications. Compared with non-Hispanic white patients, Hispanic women had a higher odds of requiring blood transfusion even when undergoing minimally invasive laparoscopic and vaginal approaches to hysterectomy. Despite a higher proportion of open surgery, Hispanic patients had a decreased or equal odds of postoperative complications.