cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling non stationary hidden semi-markov chains with triplet markov chains and theory of evidence

Hidden Markov chains, enabling one to recover the hidden process even for very large size, are widely used in various problems. On the one hand, it has been recently established that when the hidden chain is not stationary, the use of the theory of evidence is equivalent to consider a triplet Markov chain and can improve the efficiency of unsupervised segmentation. On the other hand, hidden semi-Markov chains can also be considered as particular triplet Markov chains. The aim of this paper is to use these two points simultaneously. Considering a non stationary hidden semi-Markov chain, we show that it is possible to consider two auxiliary random chains in such a way that unsupervised segmentation of non stationary hidden semi-Markov chains is workable
The Mechanism of the Loss of Copper from Cotton Fabric During Actinic Breakdown under Conditions of Wetting: Part I: Preliminary Experiments with Copper Carbonate

The factors responsible for the rapid loss of most fungicidal compounds from treated cotton fabric subjected to weathering outdoors include water-solubility of the compound. actinic breakdown of the compound or the substrate, reaction between compound and substrate, migration of compound, and mechanical loss of compound.Experiments designed to study the above factors are described in which bleached cotton fabric untreated and treated with copper carbonate was subjected to the action of continuous water leaching and to intermittent leaching and drying; the loss of copper and amount of chemical deterioration were determined. Intermittent leaching and drying increased both breakdown and loss of copper.In experiments in which similar samples were exposed to light containing moderate amounts of radiation in the region of 3000-4000 A the presence of copper was found to enhance the deterioration. Loss of copper caused by water leaching following ex posure, or by intermittent exposure and leaching, increased with...
Isozyme variability among cryptic species of Botrychium subgenus Botrychium (Ophioglossaceae)

The systematics of Botrychium subgenus Botrychium has been controversial, primarily because reduction in frond size and complexity has limited the number of characters available for discrimination of species. The recognition of many polyploid species has magnified the difficulty of classification because allopolyploids are often morphologically intermediate between their progenitor diploids. In order to evaluate species limits and sectional boundaries, we surveyed and compared 16 of the 24 currently recognized species for isozymic variation. Little or no intrapopulational variation was detected, but the variation present was consistent with the hypothesis that Botrychium species are primarily inbreeding. Interspecific comparisons distinguished six diploid species and provided evidence of molecular differentiation between the cryptic sister species B. lunaria and B. crenulatum. Evidence of possible progenitor/descendant relationships was found for certain diploid/ polyploid relationships. Using enzyme bands shared between species, realignment of the sectional assignment of several species is proposed. Anomalous banding patterns in certain individuals suggested that gene silencing or homoeologous chromosome pairing might be operating in B. minganense, B. hesperium,and B. matricariifolium. Isozyme data also showed that some populations of species presumed to be uniformly diploid possessed isozyme patterns typical of polyploids. All available molecular data indicate that members of Botrychium subgenus Botrychium are actively evolving at diploid and polyploid levels.
STARCH HYDROLYSIS BY ACID AND MICROWAVE ENERGY

Wheat starch was hydrolyzed using microwave energy. Starch suspensions (10%) acidified with hydrochloric acid to pH 1.85 were heated at 0.18 milliamperes microwave. energy in sealed glass tubes for various times. Liquefying and coloring were the most obvious visible changes during hydrolysis. With extended heating times, temperature, pressure, and total acidity increased causing darker hydrolyzates and charred residue formation. Paper chromatography showed sugars ranging from G1 to G5. Starch hydrolysates had total sugars, reducing sugars, and glucose as high as 94.81, 88.69, and 83.56%, respectively, based on original starch. Sugar syrups of high dextrose equivalent can be produced within a short time by using microwave energy.
Captures of Rhagoletis mendax and R. cingulata (Diptera: Tephritidae) on Sticky Traps Are Influenced by Adjacent Host Fruit and Fruit Juice Concentrates

Field trapping studies were conducted to determine whether feral blueberry maggot flies, Rhagoletis mendax Curran, and Eastern cherry fruit flies, R. cingulata (Loew), respond to natal host-fruit volatiles. Subsequent experiments were conducted to evaluate the potential of using simple and inexpensive fruit juice concentrate lures to monitor these key pests of blueberries and cherries, respectively. The presence of ripe blueberries and ripe tart cherries in enclosures that permitted escape of fruit volatiles significantly increased captures of R. mendax and R. cingulata, respectively, on adjacent sticky traps compared with traps without adjacent fruit. R. mendax were not affected by addition of blueberry concentrate to Pherocon AM traps with or without ammonium acetate. Pherocon AM boards prebaited with ammonium acetate directly incorporated into the sticky Tangle-Foot coating were equally effective as unbaited Pherocon AM boards deployed with separate ammonium acetate dispensers for monitoring R. mendax. A cherry juice concentrate increased captures of R. cingulata on unbaited Pherocon AM but not Rebell traps. In addition, combining cherry juice concentrate and ammonium acetate on Pherocon AM traps increased captures of R. cingulata compared with captures on traps with either stimulus alone. Adding ammonium acetate lures to Rebell traps more than doubled captures of R. cingulata over that on unbaited Rebell traps. Our results show that feral R. mendax and R. cingulata flies are attracted to the volatiles emitted from their host fruit and that this may be exploited to improve monitoring of these important fruit pests.
Local Utopia as Unobtrusive Resistance: The Greek Village Micro-Economy

In late 2008 Athenian youths, triggered by extreme police violence, took to the streets with collective and intensive protests against the growing poverty, unemployment, and political corruption in Greece. The subsequent, regular protests in urban Greece speak not only to the rejection of Greek governance but also to the political and economic promise of the Euro-zone falsely promoted as a boon for its periphery. The oft-reiterated headline Athens is burning is varyingly used by left and right media reporting on Greece and its populations fierce dissent.
Pancytopenia Secondary to Oxalosis in a 23-Year-Old Woman

To the Editor: A 23-year-old woman described left-sided abdominal discomfort and stomach bloating for 4 months. Her past medical history was significant for recurrent kidney stones, which began at the age of 9 years. She developed progressive renal failure secondary to nephrolithiasis and for the
Expanding roles for reverse shoulder arthroplasty

Since its introduction in the USA in 2003, reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has been used with increasingly frequency as surgeons have observed the remarkable improvement in pain, range of motion, and function associated with this implant. RTSA was initially used exclusively for elderly, low demand individuals with end-stage rotator cuff tear arthropathy. However, RTSA is now being increasingly successfully employed for the management of irreparable rotator cuff tears, glenohumeral osteoarthritis with an intact rotator cuff, acute proximal humerus fractures, the sequelae of proximal humerus fractures, neoplasms of the proximal humerus, inflammatory arthropathy, young patients and failed anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty and hemiarthroplasty. While long-term outcomes are pending, short- and mid-term follow-up results suggest that in experienced hands, RTSA may be a reasonable treatment for many previously difficult to treat pathologies within the shoulder.
Risk Factors for Subtherapeutic Tacrolimus Levels after Conversion from Continuous Intravenous Infusion to Oral in Children after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Abstract Tacrolimus (FK506) is a calcineurin inhibitor and is an essential component of many immunosuppressive regimens. The oral bioavailability of tacrolimus may be affected by many factors, including patient age and gender, as well as by drug-drug interactions or genetic polymorphisms in drug metabolism. The dosing recommendations for pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) recipients have been derived from tacrolimus use in adult solid-organ transplantation patients. Data describing the impact of conversion of i.v. tacrolimus to oral on the incidence of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) are limited in children after alloHCT. In this study, we describe the incidence of grades II to IV aGVHD after conversion from i.v. tacrolimus to oral tacrolimus and study the clinical factors associated with delayed achievement of therapeutic blood levels. In this retrospective analysis, 68 pediatric patients (median age, 6.7 years; range, .25 to 22 years), underwent alloHCT for malignant and nonmalignant diseases and received tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil for aGVHD prophylaxis. Among all patients, the median number of days to achieve therapeutic tacrolimus trough concentration (10 ng/mL to 20 ng/mL) was 7 days (range, 0 to 37 days). Twenty-two patients developed grades II to IV aGVHD and the cumulative incidence of grades II to IV aGVHD in all patients was 32.4% (standard error, .06). On multivariate analysis ethnicity (white versus others: odds ratio [OR], −4.5; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.091 to 18.91; P = .038) and ≥ 10 days of subtherapeutic tacrolimus levels in first 30 days on i.v. (OR, −3.8; 95% CI, 1.276 to 11.43; P = .017) were significantly associated with delay in achieving therapeutic tacrolimus trough concentration. The impact of race/ethnicity on therapeutic tacrolimus trough concentration in pediatric alloHCT recipients should be further studied prospectively so that individualized dosing plans can be developed.
Citrus Huanglongbing: Understanding the Vector-Pathogen Interaction for Disease Management

Introduction Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB), better known as citrus greening disease, is a recently introduced disease to the Americas (Brazil and Florida). Numerous reviews on this important disease are available (2,5,6) and include a recent article by Gottwald et al. published jointly in Plant Health Progress and as an APSnet feature article (8). A PDF file has been developed that provides detailed information about the disease and its vectors. The article by Gottwald et al. addressed the pathogen and its impact, with an emphasis on the history and distribution of the disease, symptoms, the causal organism, its insect vectors, impacts for Brazil and Florida, and potential threats to other citrus producing regions in the Americas. The article extensively dealt with the epidemiology of the disease and the challenges that the temporal increase and spatial spread of the disease have on disease control and management. In this article we will discuss the currently known facts of vector (psyllid) transmission of the citrus greening pathogen and how an understanding of the vector-pathogen interaction affects the current management strategies for HLB. As previously reviewed by Gottwald et al. (8) HLB is putatively caused by an unculturable bacterium belonging to the α proteobacter. Three types of the disease—Asian, African and American (Brazil)— have been described, with causal bacteria tentatively named Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (2), Ca. L. africanus (2) and Ca. L. americanus (17,18,19), respectively. As described, the two known insect vectors of HLB are Diaphorina citri and Trioza erytreae, which inhabit different environmental niches, yet can apparently vector both the Asian or African HLB bacteria. In Brazil D. citri has been found to be the vector of the Ca. L. americanus bacterium (28), limited to Brazil thus far, as well as the Ca. L. asiaticus bacterium. In Florida, HLB is caused by Ca. L. asiaticus, which is vectored by D. citri.
Dimerization of the full-length Alzheimer amyloid β-peptide (Aβ42) in explicit aqueous solution: a molecular dynamics study.

In this study, the mechanism of dimerization of the full-length Alzheimer amyloid beta (Aβ42) peptide and structural properties of the three most stable dimers have been elucidated through 0.8 μs classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The Aβ42 dimer has been reported to be the smallest neurotoxic species that adversely affects both memory and synaptic plasticity. On the basis of interactions between the distinct regions of the Aβ42 monomer, 10 different starting configurations were developed from their native folded structures. However, only six of them were found to form dimers and among them the three most stable (XP, C–CAP, and N–NP) were chosen for the detailed analysis. The structural properties of these dimers were compared with the available experimental and theoretical data. The MD simulations show that hydrophobic regions of both monomers play critical roles in the dimerization process. The high content of the α-helical structure in all the dimers is in line with its experimentally propos...
On Dividing A Square Into Triangles

(1970). On Dividing A Square Into Triangles. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 77, No. 2, pp. 161-164.
Premutation in the Fragile X Mental Retardation 1 (FMR1) Gene Affects Maternal Zn-milk and Perinatal Brain Bioenergetics and Scaffolding

Fragile X premutation alleles have 55-200 CGG repeats in the 5' UTR of the FMR1 gene. Altered zinc (Zn) homeostasis has been reported in fibroblasts from >60 years old premutation carriers, in which Zn supplementation significantly restored Zn-dependent mitochondrial protein import/processing and function. Given that mitochondria play a critical role in synaptic transmission, brain function, and cognition, we tested FMRP protein expression, brain bioenergetics, and expression of the Zn-dependent synaptic scaffolding protein SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains 3 (Shank3) in a knock-in (KI) premutation mouse model with 180 CGG repeats. Mitochondrial outcomes correlated with FMRP protein expression (but not FMR1 gene expression) in KI mice and human fibroblasts from carriers of the pre- and full-mutation. Significant deficits in brain bioenergetics, Zn levels, and Shank3 protein expression were observed in the Zn-rich regions KI hippocampus and cerebellum at PND21, with some of these effects lasting into adulthood (PND210). A strong genotype × age interaction was observed for most of the outcomes tested in hippocampus and cerebellum, whereas in cortex, age played a major role. Given that the most significant effects were observed at the end of the lactation period, we hypothesized that KI milk might have a role at compounding the deleterious effects on the FMR1 genetic background. A higher gene expression of ZnT4 and ZnT6, Zn transporters abundant in brain and lactating mammary glands, was observed in the latter tissue of KI dams. A cross-fostering experiment allowed improving cortex bioenergetics in KI pups nursing on WT milk. Conversely, WT pups nursing on KI milk showed deficits in hippocampus and cerebellum bioenergetics. A highly significant milk type × genotype interaction was observed for all three-brain regions, being cortex the most influenced. Finally, lower milk-Zn levels were recorded in milk from lactating women carrying the premutation as well as other Zn-related outcomes (Zn-dependent alkaline phosphatase activity and lactose biosynthesis-whose limiting step is the Zn-dependent β-1,4-galactosyltransferase). In premutation carriers, altered Zn homeostasis, brain bioenergetics and Shank3 levels could be compounded by Zn-deficient milk, increasing the risk of developing emotional and neurological/cognitive problems and/or FXTAS later in life.
A controlled trial of verapamil for Prinzmetal's variant angina.

To assess the efficacy and safety of verapamil in variant angina pectoris, we entered 16 patients in a double-blind, randomized trial of nine months, duration. During treatment with verapamil, the frequency of angina fell substantially (12.6 +/- 25.9 chest pains per week with placebo, 1.7 +/- 2.8 pains per week with verapamil, mean +/- S.D.; P less than 0.01), as did the use of nitroglycerin tablets (14.4 +/- 34.4 tablets per week with placebo, 2.1 +/- 3.3 tablets per week with verapamil; P less than 0.05). The number of hospitalizations for clinical instability was significantly lower with verapamil (P less than 0.01). The number of episodes of transient ST-segment deviation during treatment with verapamil was reduced (33.1 +/- 39.3 ST-segment deviations per week with placebo, 7.7 +/- 11.7 deviations per week with verapamil; P less than 0.01). Verapamil caused no side effects forcing a reduction in dosage or a discontinuation. We conclude that verapamil is safe and effective in the therapy of variant angina pectoris.
Development and Validation of the Hospice Professionals’ Understanding of Preparatory Grief Scale:

Purpose:It is critical to assess hospice professionals’ discrimination between adaptive and maladaptive reactions to terminal illness in persons at the end-of-life to assure targeted intervention a...
A novel tensor algebraic approach for high-dimensional outlier detection under data misalignment

In this paper, we present a novel unsupervised method for detecting outliers in image databases, when the images are misaligned by action of transformations forming a group. The main idea is that when the aligned data lie in a low dimensional subspace, the misaligned data, assuming that the group size is small, will lie in a low dimensional group-invariant subspace. We then explicitly exploit this additional algebraic property and propose an algorithm for detecting outliers that is robust to data misalignment. We perform extensive comparison with current state of the art methods and show the superior performance of our algorithm.
Analyzing large data sets from XGC1 magnetic fusion simulations using apache spark

Apache Spark is explored as a tool for analyzing large data sets from the magnetic fusion simulation code XGC1. Implementation details of Apache Spark on the NERSC Edison supercomputer are discussed, including binary file reading, and parameter setup. An unsupervised machine learning algorithm, k-means clustering, is applied to XGC1 particle distribution function data, showing that highly turbulent spatial regions do not have common coherent structures, but rather broad, ringlike structures in velocity space.
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

There are very few true orthopedic emergencies. Several conditions such as open fractures, once thought to be emergent, have been shown in the literature to be urgencies that should be tended to in prompt rather than emergent fashion. Some notable emergencies are hemodynamically unstable pelvis fractures, necrotizing fasciitis, and compartment syndrome.
Kiskeya palassaina , new genus and new species of Saicinae (Heteroptera: Reduviidae) from the Dominican Republic

A new genus and a species of Saicinae, Kiskeya palassaina, n. gen., n. sp., are described from the Dominican Republic. The armature of the fore leg of the nine apterous female specimens are unique among genera of Saicinae in consisting of spines on the fore femur, but of stiff setae on the fore tibia. A key to the New World genera is given. Digital macrophotographs, scanning electron micrographs, and illustrations are provided.
On Hanosis: Kierkegaard on the Move from Objectivity to Subjectivity in the Sin of David

According to Soren Kierkegaard, “Sin is: before God, or with the conception of God, in despair not to will to be oneself, or in despair to will to be oneself.” With this in view, in this chapter, I shall explore the existential and phenomenological realization of sin—particularly as Kierkegaard analyzes this aspect in the “Sin of David.” I shall argue that Kierkegaard holds that a genuine consciousness of sin occurs in the individual only when he or she makes the leap from the objective fact of sin externally to a subjective phenomenological awareness of sin internally, and I shall refer to this movement as hanosis—and I take for it to mean “the subjective apprehension and realization of one’s own sin before God.” Furthermore, I shall argue that the orthopractic reflection upon the Word of God in the individual is the efficient cause of this existential transition.
Assembling the Digital House by Hand: Lessons from Deep Engagement and Guiding the Experimental Impulse

The potential impact of digital fabrication for housing has been an intriguing topic of speculation for many years. Working prototypes and production models, however, are still few in number. Meaningful innovation in this space requires deep knowledge of conventional light-frame construction methods and available industrial fabrication technologies. Solutions must also present a compelling combination of economic, environmental, and social advantages. Designed to balance “hightech” production technologies with accessible “low-tech” material and assembly solutions, the Indigo Pine project and its associated flat-pack construction systems offer a reference point for comprehensive development, deployment, and evaluation of new digitally fabricated technologies.
Clinical pharmacology of melphalan and its implications for clinical resistance to anticancer agents.

Melphalan (L-phenylalanine mustard, Alkeran®) was one of the first bifunctional alkylating agents developed for anticancer use. The initial synthesis was reported by Bergel and Stock1. Its design was an outgrowth of studies performed during and following World War II on the mechanisms of mustard gas effects on biological systems. A summary of these early studies by Philips Philips2 is of historical interest; it also serves as a model description of cancer drug development based upon evaluation of molecules observed to have antitumor effects as a result of empiric observation and congener synthesis
Evaluation of the Effects of Specimen Configuration and Testing Variables on Crack Propagation Properties

The objective of this portion of a sponsored program [1, 2] was to determine the effects of specimen configuration and testing variables on the crack propagation properties of three high-strength, sheet materials at room and cryogenic temperatures in order to help establish standards for fracture toughness testing. The test program consisted of determining the crack propagation properties of cold-rolled types 301 and 310 stainless steels and 2014-T6 aluminum alloy at 75°, -320°, and -423°F using center-notched, sheet tensile specimens. Basic fracture properties were obtained for both the longitudinal and transverse directions using 4-in.-wide test specimens. In addition, tests were performed to determine the effect of specimen width, notch length, specimen thickness, and loading rate. Repeated loading tests were also performed on 18-in.-wide specimens of all three alloys to determine the effect of fatigue loading as compared to static loading. A brief discussion of fracture concepts and definitions of terms and equations used in fracture-mechanics studies are presented in the following paragraphs to clarify the discussion of test results.
Continuous positive airway pressure for adults with obstructive sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease: a meta-analysis of randomized trials

Abstract Background It remains uncertain whether continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy would significantly impact hard clinical outcomes in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of CPAP in survival and secondary prevention of major cardiovascular events in patients with OSA and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, LILACS, and SciElo databases (up to January 2018) were searched for randomized trials that compared CPAP with no active treatment in adults with OSA and CVD. The primary outcomes were all-cause death, cardiovascular death, acute myocardial infarction, stroke, and any major cardiovascular event. We used risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) as the effect measures for dichotomous data, and weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% CI for continuous variables. We used the random-effects method for meta-analysis. Results Nine trials involving 3314 patients contributed data for meta-analysis of at least one outcome. The duration (median) of CPAP treatment varied from one month to 56.9 months. The pooled RR (95% CI) was 0.86 (0.60–1.23, I2 = 0.0%) for all-cause death, 0.58 (0.19–1.74, I2 = 47%) for cardiovascular death, 1.11 (0.76–1.62, I2 = 0.0%) for myocardial infarction, 0.77 (0.46–1.28, I2 = 16%) for stroke, and 0.93 (0.70–1.24, I2 = 49%) for any major cardiovascular event. The quality of evidence for these outcomes was low. Conclusions Low-quality evidence suggests that CPAP therapy does not significantly improve survival or prevent major cardiovascular events in adults with OSA and cardiovascular disease.
Unique Charactersitics and Applications of Systems with Exceptional Points of Degeneracy

We explore the occurrence of exceptional points of degeneracy (EPDs), which represent the coalescence of eigenmodes (eigenvalues and eigenvectors) in coupled waveguides. We demonstrate the conditions that lead to observing EPDs of various orders in certain coupled systems, either uniform or periodic. Those EPDs are found in lossless structures as well as in others with gain-loss balance; and we investigate their potential applications in boosting the performance of various devices at microwave and optical frequencies.
Abstract 386: Sex Differences in Vitamin D Alter Inflammation During Heart Disease

An estimated 1 billion people worldwide have deficient or insufficient levels of vitamin D (VitD). Considerable evidence indicates that VitD deficiency is associated with an increased risk of autoi...
The Lactational Effects of Contraceptive Hormones: an Evaluation (LECHE) Study.

Abstract Objective To estimate the proportion of women for whom use of hormonal contraception was associated with reporting a decreased breast milk supply. Study design The Lactational Effects of Contraceptive Hormones: an Evaluation (“LECHE”) Study was an anonymous, internet-based, exploratory, cross-sectional survey of postpartum women using approximately 70 questions. Women were eligible to participate in the survey if they were 18 years or older, had a singleton infant between 3 and 9 months of age, had breastfed this infant for any amount of time and could read English. The survey included questions about breastfeeding, reproductive health, demographic characteristics and the timing of postpartum events. Results A total of 3971 participants clicked on the survey. Our final study population included 2922 participants. Overall, 1201 (41%) reported having had milk supply concerns at some point in the first 12 weeks postpartum. The median time from birth until milk supply concerns was 3 weeks (IQR 1–7). Eight hundred fifty-two women (29%) started hormonal contraception in the first 12 weeks postpartum. Fifteen percent (127/852) of women reported new or additional milk supply concerns after starting hormonal contraception. Reported milk supply concerns were higher for women who used hormonal contraception than those who did not (44% vs. 40%; p=.05) Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) assessing the association between contraceptive use and time to milk supply concerns were not statistically significant (HR 1.18, 95% confidence interval 0.94–1.47 for any type of hormonal contraception). Conclusions This study found a slightly increased proportion of reported milk supply concerns among women who started hormonal contraception. Implications It is important for caregivers in the postpartum period to recognize the potential for multiple factors, including initiation of hormonal contraception, to affect breastfeeding. Patient-centered counseling can help elicit women's values and preferences regarding breastfeeding and pregnancy prevention.
T Cells and Autoimmunity

Abstract Autoimmune diseases result from a complex interaction of genetics, environment, and hormones, eventually leading to a break in immune tolerance to “self”-causing pathology and destruction of various tissues. Diseases may be organ specific, affecting mainly the joints (rheumatoid arthritis) or neuronal tissue (multiple sclerosis), or may be systemic, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjogren syndrome and dermatomyositis. SLE is a multi-system autoimmune disease that mainly affects women of child-bearing age with significant morbidity, and it can affect any organ in the body, including the skin, joints, and kidneys. 1 T lymphocytes are major effectors of the adaptive immune system and are crucial in host defence against pathogens. Aberrant T cells play a critical role in autoimmune disease, not only by helping B cells to enable autoantibody production but also by infiltrating tissues leading to immunopathology. In this chapter we describe the role and regulation of T cell signalling, activation, gene expression, and cytokines with a focus on T cell defects in SLE, the prototype autoimmune disease.
Complete clinical response to intralesional talimogene laherparepvec injection in a patient with recurrent, regionally advanced Merkel cell carcinoma.

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare cutaneous neuroendocrine malignancy that is highly aggressive and considered incurable upon distant metastasis. The incidence rate in the United States has significantly increased in the last 30 years and is estimated to be 0.79 per 100,000.1 The prognosis for advanced MCC is poor, with a 5-year overall survival rate of 0% to 18%.2 Although MCC is chemotherapy sensitive, responses are not durable, and most patients with advanced MCC succumb to the disease. Avelumab and pembrolizumab are the only treatments approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for patients with MCC thus far. A phase II study found a 1-year progression-free survival rate of 30% compared with 0% with chemotherapy.3, 4 Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) is a modified oncolytic herpes simplex virus that replicates in tumor cells and expresses granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, promoting local and systemic antitumor response. T-VEC treatment was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of advanced melanoma. In a phase III study, intralesional T-VEC injection had superior durable and overall response rates compared with subcutaneous granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in patients with advanced melanoma.5 However, the clinical benefit of T-VEC in patients with advanced MCC is not known. Here we report on a patient with surgically incurable, recurrent MCC who had a complete response to intralesional T-VEC.
5.11 – Regulation of Perfusion

Perfusion of a tissue is driven by the pressure and opposed by the vascular resistance. The pressure within the capillaries, where bulk fluid movement occurs, is determined by the ratio of arteriolar to venous resistance. Vascular resistance, in turn, depends on vascular caliber, which depends on the contractile state of vascular smooth muscle. Vascular smooth muscle contraction depends on the phosphorylation state of the regulatory myosin light chain, which is set by a balance between myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) and myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP). MLCK is activated by Ca2+ that is increased either by electromechanical coupling or pharmacomechanical coupling. The basic mechanisms controlling vascular smooth muscle contraction are covered. Intrinsic control of vascular smooth muscle includes the myogenic response, endothelial secretions, metabolic control, and local paracrine secretions. Extrinsic control includes nerves and hormones.
Rebar Detection and Localization for Non-destructive Infrastructure Evaluation of Bridges Using Deep Residual Networks.

Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) of civil infrastructure has been an active area of research for the past few decades. Traditional inspection of civil infrastructure, mostly relying on visual inspection is time-consuming, labor-intensive and often provides subjective and erroneous results. To facilitate this process, different sensors for data collection and techniques for data analyses have been used to effectively carry out this task in an automated manner. The purpose of this research is to provide a novel Deep Learning-based method for detection of steel rebars in reinforced concrete bridge elements using data from Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). At the same time, a novel technique is proposed for the localization of rebar in B-scan images. In order to examine the performance of the rebar detection and localization system, results are outlined to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed system within relevant practical applications.
Polysubstance use among youth experiencing homelessness: The role of trauma, mental health, and social network composition.

Abstract Background Substance use is common among youth experiencing homelessness (YEH). However, less is known about the use of multiple substances (polysubstance use), or factors associated with polysubstance use among YEH. The present study sought to identify subgroups of YEH based on their recent polysubstance use behavior, and investigate traumatic experiences, mental health and social network composition as predictors. Methods YEH (N = 1,032; Mage = 21.3) from three drop-in centers in Los Angeles completed an in-person survey and social network interview between October 2011 and June 2013. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify subgroups of youth based on nine types of substance use in the past 30 days; latent class logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with class membership. Results Five polysubstance use classes were identified: heavy alcohol and marijuana (33.6 %), illicit drug use (4.9 %), high all polysubstance use (14.9 %), primarily marijuana (18.1 %), and low use (28.5 %). Relative to the low use class, traumatic experiences were associated with membership in every polysubstance use class. Suicide attempts were associated with membership in the high all class (OR = 9.41). Number of substance-using, homeless network members was associated with membership in the heavy alcohol and marijuana use class (OR = 1.35). Number of non-substance-using network members (homeless [OR = 0.29] and housed [OR = 0.73]) was associated with lower odds of membership in the high all class. Conclusions Distinct groups of YEH can be identified by their recent polysubstance use patterns. Traumatic experiences, suicidality, and social network composition are important correlates of polysubstance use among YEH.
Outsourcing Meaning in the Postdramatic

This chapter considers contemporary labour practices and their intersection with innovations in theatrical form, with reference to Hans-Thies Lehmann’s historicisation of postdramatic theatre. Martin Crimp’s Attempts on Her Life (1997), with neither distinct characters nor plot, creates a gulf between page and stage to be addressed by those who mount the play. Caryl Churchill’s Love and Information (2012) similarly requires directors, designers, and performers to make meaning where the text provides only vague clues. This delegation of meaning-making frustrates an entrenched theatrical hierarchy by unseating the playwright as the sole author of meaning, but it also enacts an outsourcing that uncomfortably resembles exploitative labour practices. Finally, the chapter examines Tim Crouch’s The Author (2009), which ends by inviting spectators to comfort one another after collectively bearing witness to trauma, an appeal to communal care that perhaps speaks to the contracting out of emotional labour in participatory theatre.
Development of an ensemble machine learning prognostic model to predict 60-day risk of major adverse cardiac events in adults with chest pain

Abstract Background Chest pain is the second leading reason for emergency department (ED) visits and is commonly identified as a leading driver of low-value health care. Accurate identification of patients at low risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) is important to improve resource allocation and reduce over-treatment. Objectives We sought to assess machine learning (ML) methods and electronic health record (EHR) covariate collection for MACE prediction. We aimed to maximize the pool of low-risk patients that are accurately predicted to have less than 0.5% MACE risk and may be eligible for reduced testing. Population Studied 116,764 adult patients presenting with chest pain in the ED and evaluated for potential acute coronary syndrome (ACS). 60-day MACE rate was 1.9%. Methods We evaluated ML algorithms (lasso, splines, random forest, extreme gradient boosting, Bayesian additive regression trees) and SuperLearner stacked ensembling. We tuned ML hyperparameters through nested ensembling, and imputed missing values with generalized low-rank models (GLRM). We benchmarked performance to key biomarkers, validated clinical risk scores, decision trees, and logistic regression. We explained the models through variable importance ranking and accumulated local effect visualization. Results The best discrimination (area under the precision-recall [PR-AUC] and receiver operating characteristic [ROC-AUC] curves) was provided by SuperLearner ensembling (0.148, 0.867), followed by random forest (0.146, 0.862). Logistic regression (0.120, 0.842) and decision trees (0.094, 0.805) exhibited worse discrimination, as did risk scores [HEART (0.064, 0.765), EDACS (0.046, 0.733)] and biomarkers [serum troponin level (0.064, 0.708), electrocardiography (0.047, 0.686)]. The ensemble’s risk estimates were miscalibrated by 0.2 percentage points. The ensemble accurately identified 50% of patients to be below a 0.5% 60-day MACE risk threshold. The most important predictors were age, peak troponin, HEART score, EDACS score, and electrocardiogram. GLRM imputation achieved 90% reduction in root mean-squared error compared to median-mode imputation. Conclusion Use of ML algorithms, combined with broad predictor sets, improved MACE risk prediction compared to simpler alternatives, while providing calibrated predictions and interpretability. Standard risk scores may neglect important health information available in other characteristics and combined in nuanced ways via ML.
PP120/C-CAM

ppl20/C-CAM, a liver plasma membrane glycoprotein, is a substrate of the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase in cell-free and intact cell systems.1, 2, 3 The cDNA encoding the rat protein was originally cloned by Lin and Guidotti4 as a Ca2+/Mg2+ ecto-ATPase. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence revealed that the protein is of 519 amino acids (a.a.) that encompasses an extracellular domain (423 a.a.), a single transmembrane region that anchors the glycoprotein in the lipid bilayer (25 a.a.), and a cytoplasmic domain (71 a.a.) that contains phosphorylation sites.4 We have cloned the pp120/C-CAM rat gene and proposed a role for the gene product in insulin clearance from the blood.
Defining Armed Conflict

Recent events, including the "war on terror," have sparked a debate on what constitutes an armed conflict under international law. Currently there is no authoritative definition of "armed conflict," and the debate focuses almost exclusively on how that term is used in the Geneva Conventions. It has become clear that when a conflict falls outside the core situations of armed conflict, the Geneva Conventions cannot provide a definitive answer as to whether it is an armed conflict or not. This article looks beyond the Geneva Conventions to the interaction between international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law (HRL) to fashion a new approach to this question. The international community takes the view that IHL is the lex specialis, or more specific law, and takes precedence over HRL in armed conflict. Professor Balendra draws on this dynamic and on the canon of statutory construction that calls for exceptions to rules to be interpreted narrowly, to develop a two pronged framework. First, in situations in which the application of IHL would lead to derogation from HRL- i.e., when IHL acts as an exception to HRL- the term "armed conflict," as the trigger for IHL, must be interpreted narrowly. Second, even if IHL is triggered, to the extent possible, the applicable rules must be interpreted to minimize the deviation from HRL. Professor Balendra argues that under this framework, in the context of the "war against terror," the term "armed conflict" has to be interpreted narrowly but that a more expansive interpretation of armed conflict would be permissible if the protections of IHL were modified to better fit an expanded interpretation. The article concludes by examining how the second prong of the framework is activated if an expanded definition of armed conflict is adopted in the face of contemporary threats to peace and security.
Evaluation of Lung Sealants as Suture Replacements in an Ex Vivo Pig Model

Author(s): Ochoa, Sebastian; Dehghani, Bijan; Cheng, George; Wilson, Jennifer; Majid, Adnan; Annabi, Nasim; Khademhosseini, Ali; Ganghadaran, Sidhu
A Delegated Agent Asset-pricing model

Asset-pricing theory has traditionally made predictions about risk and return but has been silent on the actual process of investment. Today, most investors delegate major investment decisions to financial professionals. This suggests that the instructions given by investors to their delegated agents and the compensation of those agents might be important determinants of capital market equilibrium. In the extreme, when all investment decisions are delegated, the preferences and beliefs of individuals would be completely superseded by the objective functions of agent/managers. A provocative illustration of the difference between direct and delegated investing is provided based on active asset management relative to a benchmark index, a common objective function in practice. With the growing preponderance of delegated investing, future asset-pricing theory will not only have to describe risk and return but, to be complete, must also be able to explain the observed objective functions used by professional ma...
Deflection of continuous droplet streams using high-voltage dielectrophoresis

We report a novel scheme for steering a high-velocity continuous droplet stream using the dielectrophoretic force. The droplet stream is created using the continuous ink jet method. A liquid jet is ejected from a nozzle at high pressure and is controllably broken up into uniform droplets 30–90 μm in diameter with velocities up to 20 m/s. Voltages up to 2 kV are used to energize a high-voltage probe located downstream from the nozzle to induce the formation of a nonuniform electric field in the vicinity of the probe tip. The stream is passed through the electric field, subjecting the droplets to the dielectrophoretic force in the direction of the electric field maxima. Our scheme provides precise displacement of the droplet stream and requires less hardware than traditional steering methods. Less hardware means the distance between the printing nozzle and receiving substrate is minimized, enabling more accurate droplet positioning and higher print resolution. Other applications of high-voltage dielectrophoresis for droplet steering includes on/off control and manipulation (or removal) of satellite droplets. A simple linear relationship predicts the deflection of the droplet stream in the vicinity of a high-voltage probe as a function of the governing parameters. This relationship holds true for a large range of droplet sizes, stream velocities, geometries, and electric field strengths.
Physical predictors of adequate hyperthermia with the annular phased array.

One hundred and fifty-two hyperthermia sessions in 36 consecutive patients treated with the BSD 1000 annular phased array system (APAS) are reviewed with regard to physical predictors of quality of hyperthermia. Although central tumour temperatures exceeding 42°C were momentarily obtained in 62% of the sessions, it frequently proved difficult to maintain the patient at temperature for prolonged periods of time. The time to reach target temperature was negatively associated with quality of hyperthermia. Thus, of 25 sessions which required over 25 min to attain a temperature of 42°C, only one was adequate (defined as central tumour temperature ± 42°C maintained for at least 30 min) as opposed to 28/69 adequate sessions when 42 °C was reached in less than 25 min. Physical parameters measured in the first 3 min of the session found to be associated with adequate hyperthermia include an initial rate of temperature rise at the tumour site exceeding 0.4°C/min achieved with a net forward power less than 1500 W. O...
Predictors of In-stent Restenosis and Patient Outcome After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetics have a significantly higher incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) and in-stent restenosis (ISR) than nondiabetics after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Predictors of MACEs and ISR are uncertain in diabetics. In recent studies, microalbuminuria and proliferative retinopathy have been believed to relate to progressive coronary atherosclerosis. We retrospectively studied 191 consecutive patients (mean age 65 +/- 9 years) with diabetes who underwent PCI to determine predictors of ISR and MACEs (defined as cumulative incidence of myocardial infarction, revascularization, or death from cardiovascular cause), with special reference to microalbuminuria and proliferative retinopathy. Of 191 patients, 106 (56%) had a follow-up coronary angiogram at 16 +/- 2 months. Of these 106 patients, 66 (62%) developed ISR. In the multivariate model, microalbuminuria or proliferative retinopathy did not achieve significant association with ISR. Serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly associated with a lower incidence of ISR (odds ratio [OR] 0.928, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.876 to 0.983, p = 0.011) and MACEs (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.931 to 1.000, p = 0.048). Use of drug-eluting stents also had a negative association with ISR (OR 0.171, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.585, p = 0.004). Renal insufficiency was associated with higher MACEs (OR 3.19, 95% CI 1.45 to 7.031, p = 0.0039). In conclusion, serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were inversely associated with ISR or MACEs.
Early Experiences and Personal Funds of Knowledge and Beliefs of Immigrant and Minority Teacher Candidates Dialog with Theories of Child Development in a Teacher Education Classroom

This article is based on a study conducted in a teacher education classroom in an attempt to 1) recognize and acknowledge teacher candidates' prior beliefs and experiences; 2) formalize the connection between theories of child development and learning and teacher's implicit beliefs; and 3) encourage teacher candidates to reflect on their own childhood experiences and reason out the constructs of developmental theory in the context of their personal funds of knowledge and beliefs.
Effect of ether on certain Coxsackie viruses.

SummaryOf 8 strains of Coxsackie viruses tested including 5 of group A representing four serological types and 3 of group B, only one strain, the group B, type 2, Ohio-R strain proved to be susceptible to diethyl ether. In addition to serving as a means of differentiating the Ohio-R strain from other serological types of C viruses, the use of ether may be a limiting factor in the isolation of this agent.
On a certain family of generalized Laguerre polynomials

Following the work of Schur and Coleman, we prove the generalized Laguerre polynomial Ln(−3−n)(x)=∑j=0n1j!(n−j+1)(n−j+2)2xj is irreducible over the rationals for all n⩾1 and has Galois group An if n+1 is an odd square, and Sn otherwise. We also show that for certain negative integer values of α and certain congruence classes of n modulo 8, the splitting field of Ln(α)(x) can be embedded in a double cover.