cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Collaboration in Forecasting How much and what type of information should we share

Collaboration and information sharing is becoming an increasingly important tool in improving forecasting socio-political events. How can we harness the power of crowds for forecasting without its associated limitations? In this paper, we explore how different types and amounts of information sharing affect forecast quality. The results of the experiment show that, overall, different types of information sharing improve performance over no sharing. In addition, information sharing does not appear to harm aggregation weighting methods that depend on meta-predictions about group performance .We discuss implications for these results for use in improving forecasting.
Isolation and identification of a glucosinolates-degrading bacteria strain

To screen microorganism with high efficiency of degrading glucosinolates,taking rapeseed meal as material,glucosinolates-degrading bacteria were screened through enrichment,isolation and palladium chloride-glucosinolates degrading rate method.Microscopic morphological and molecular biological assays on one screened high effective bacteria strain were conducted.Totally 10strains with capacity of degrading glucosinolates were screened.The degrading rates of these 10strains were 40%~60%,and the highest degrading rate(58.11%)was observed in strain No.8.The morphological characteristics and ITS sequence of strain No.8indicated it belongs to Aspergilus flavus.
Aneurysms of the ascending aorta and transverse arch: surgical experience in 80 patients.

Aneurysms of the ascending aorta and transverse arch constitute formidable surgical challenges. To assess the impact of surgical techniques on operative morbidity and mortality and late results, we reviewed 80 consecutive patients operated upon from 1976 through 1980. Average age was 52 years and 81% were male. The operative mortality was 17.5% (14 deaths). In patients with aneurysm of the ascending aorta, operative deaths were due to cardiac factors (three patients), neurologic factors (three patients), cardiac factors (two patients), and exsanguination (one patient) accounted for the six operative deaths in patients with transverse arch aneurysms. Two late neurologic deaths occurred in this group. The following conclusions were reached when the surgical techniques were reviewed: Annuloaortic ectasia is best treated by insertion of a conduit with reimplantation of coronary ostia. Dissections are optimally managed by Dacron graft insertion in the ascending aorta and valve replacement. Aortic valve resuspension was done in six patients, with three undergoing subsequent aortic valve replacement for insufficiency. Aneurysms of the transverse arch treated with profound hypothermia and circulatory arrest were associated with fewer neurologic complications, and the operations were more expeditiously completed. Eleven of 80 patients (14%) had or subsequently needed additional surgical procedures on the aortic valve (insufficiency) or the distal aorta.
Subpicosecond Pulse Generation in Resonant Two-Photon Propagation

A novel pulse-shortening behavior in traveling wave degenerate two-photon amplification has been theoretically demonstrated for long pulses. [1] Here we describe a corresponding pulse-shortening effect [2,3] in ultrashort pulse propagation in an ideal two-photon medium. The previous result [2,3] will be extended and applied to the 1S–2S two-photon transition in atomic hydrogen. It appears that subpicosecond pulses may be generated through this medium with slight extension of current technology.
Does Political Influence in Banking Survive Democratic Transition

While democratization is often fueled by the impetus to improve governance, particularly in politically connected industries, little empirical evidence exists as to whether these transitions actually lead to these desired changes. This paper seeks to understand whether political connections in banking survive democratic transition using the connectedness of political elites on Indonesia’s bank boards over the democratic transition of 1997. Panel estimates indicate that largely the answer is no; both political connectedness of bank board’s decreases after democratization as well as the influence of politicians on bank financial outcomes as well.
Atomistic simulations of thermodynamic properties of Xe gas bubbles in U10Mo fuels

Xe gas bubble superlattice formation is observed in irradiated uranium–10 wt% molybdenum (U10Mo) fuels. However, the thermodynamic properties of the bubbles (the relationship among bubble size, equilibrium Xe concentration, and bubble pressure) and the mechanisms of bubble superlattice formation are not well known. In this work, the molecular dynamics (MD) method is used to study these properties and mechanisms. The results provide important inputs for quantitative mesoscale models of gas bubble evolution and fuel performance. In the MD simulations, the embedded-atom method (EAM) potential of U10Mo-Xe [1] is employed. Initial gas bubbles with a low Xe concentration (underpressured) are generated in a body-centered cubic (bcc) U10Mo single crystal. Then Xe atoms are sequentially added into the bubbles one by one, and the evolution of pressure and dislocation emission around the bubbles is analyzed. The relationship between pressure, equilibrium Xe concentration, and radius of the bubbles is established. It was found that an overpressured gas bubble emits partial dislocations with a Burgers vector along the direction and a slip plane of (11-2). Meanwhile, dislocation loop punch out was not observed. The overpressured bubble also induces an anisotropic stress field. A tensile stress was found along directions around the bubble, favoring the nucleation and formation of a face-centered cubic bubble superlattice in bcc U10Mo fuels.
A machine learning framework to analyze hyperspectral stimulated Raman scattering microscopy images of expressed human meibum

We develop and discuss a methodology for batch-level analysis of hyperspectral stimulated Raman scattering (hsSRS) data sets of human meibum in the CH-stretching vibrational range. The analysis consists of two steps. The first step uses a training set (n=19) to determine chemically meaningful reference spectra that jointly constitute a basis set for the sample. This procedure makes use of batch-level vertex component analysis (VCA), followed by unsupervised k-means clustering to express the data set in terms of spectra that represent lipid and protein mixtures in changing proportions. The second step uses a random forest classifier to rapidly classify hsSRS stacks in terms of the pre-determined basis set. The overall procedure allows a rapid quantitative analysis of large hsSRS data sets, enabling a direct comparison among samples using a single set of reference spectra. We apply this procedure to assess 50 specimens of expressed human meibum, rich in both protein and lipid, and show that the batch-level analysis reveals marked variation among samples that potentially correlate with meibum health quality.
Computer analysis of microcrystalline silicon hetero-junction solar cell with lumerical FDTD/DEVICE

The computer analysis of tandem solar cell, c-Si/a-Si:H/μc-SiGe, is studied within Lumerical FDTD/Device 4.6. The optical characterization is performed in FDTD and then total generation rate is tra...
Structural brain network architecture and personalized medicine in epilepsy

Introduction: Over the past decade, the field of epilepsy has witnessed growing efforts to identify objective biological measurements capable of predicting, among other issues, epileptogenesis, cli...
Field performance of three real-time moisture sensors in sandy loam and clay loam soils

ABSTRACTThe study was conducted to evaluate HydraProbe (HyP), Campbell Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) and Watermarks (WM) moisture sensors for their ability to estimate water content based on calibrated neutron probe (NP) measurements. The three sensors were in-situ tested under natural weather conditions over a 3-yr period in a sandy loam and clay loam soils planted to grass. The HyP, TDR and WM sensors were evaluated for their ability to estimate soil moisture contents by comparing their outputs with those of NP measurements. Results showed that HyP, TDR and WM provided different estimates of soil moisture contents in both soils. Nevertheless, our work suggests that soil moisture sensors including those used in this study can be made suitable for irrigation scheduling without in-situ calibrations by simply setting the upper and lower irrigation trigger limits for each sensor and each soil type. The upper trigger point occurs directly after irrigation event (near field capacity) and the lower trigger po...
Ion charge state distribution effects on elastic X-ray Thomson scattering

Abstract Analytic models commonly applied in elastic X-ray Thomson scattering cross-section calculations are used to generate results from a discrete ion charge distribution and an average charge description. Comparisons show that interchanging the order of the averaging procedure can appreciably alter the cross-section, especially for plasmas with partially filled K-shell bound electrons. In addition, two common approximations to describe the free electron density around an ion are shown to yield significantly different elastic X-ray Thomson scattering cross-sections.
Physiology and Anesthesia for General and Bariatric Surgery

Learn the pathophysiology of obesity and endocrine disorders. Understand the anesthetic considerations for bariatric surgery and common general surgical procedures. Learn about physiologic considerations that occur during laparoscopy.
Heart Failure With Improved Ejection Fraction: Is it Possible to Escape One's Past?

Among patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, investigators have repeatedly identified a subgroup whose left ventricular ejection fraction and structural remodeling can improve to normal or nearly normal levels with or without medical therapy. This subgroup of patients with "heart failure with improved ejection fraction" has distinct clinical characteristics and a more favorable prognosis compared with patients who continue to have reduced ejection fraction. However, many of these patients also manifest clinical and biochemical signs of incomplete resolution of heart failure pathophysiology and remain at some risk of adverse outcomes, thus indicating that they may not have completely recovered. Although rigorous evidence on managing these patients is sparse, there are several reasons to recommend continuation of heart failure therapies, including device therapies, to prevent clinical deterioration. Notable exceptions to this recommendation may include patients who recover from peripartum cardiomyopathy, fulminant myocarditis, or stress cardiomyopathy, whose excellent long-term prognoses may imply true myocardial recovery. More research on these patients is needed to better understand the mechanisms that lead to improvement in ejection fraction and to guide their clinical management.
Synthesis and Characterization of Two New Mixed-Valent Mn6 Complexes Derived from a Well-Explored 2‑Hydroxymethyl Pyridine Along with the Use of Newly Employed Carboxylate Ions

Abstract The syntheses, crystal structures and magnetochemical characterization are reported for two new mixed-valent manganese complexes, [MnII2MnIII2(H2O)2(hmp)6(NO3)2][MnII(NO3)3hmpH]2 (1) and, [MnII2MnIII4O2(hmp)4(hmpH)2(EtC(Me)2COO)4Cl2](EtC(Me)2COO)2 (2) incorporating the anion of 2‑hydroxymethyl pyridine. Complexes were further characterized by elemental analysis, IR & UV–Visible spectroscopy, single-crystal X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. Variable temperature, solid-state direct current (dc) magnetization studies were carried out on both the complexes 1 and 2 in the 5.0–310 K range, and they established the complexes to have ground state spin values of S = 9 for 1 and S = 4 for 2.
Mach number scaling of impact craters in unconsolidated granular materials

Abstract The formation of impact craters in unconsolidated granular materials is a topic of enduring interest in solid-earth geophysics, planetary science, and several branches of engineering science. In particular, a general relationship between crater size, impact parameters, and target material properties is often sought. This paper presents a new empirical relationship, based on dimensional analysis and inspired by gas-dynamic shock physics, for the diameters of low- and high-speed impact craters in dry granular materials based on the hypothesis that surface-gravity- and shock-wave phenomena primarily set crater size. The final relationship involves the impacting object's kinetic energy and speed; the target material's density, angle of repose, and sound speed; and the gravitational acceleration at the impact location. It is formulated in terms of a dimensionless crater diameter, an algebraic combination of Froude number, Mach number, and the tangent of the target material's angle of repose, using an analogy to gas dynamics and an empirical power law for the dependence of granular-material sound speed on gravitational acceleration. The coefficient of determination for the final fit is 0.969 based on experimental impact data from 325 individual impacts spanning parametric ranges of >400 in crater diameter, 1010 in impact energy, 500 in gravitational acceleration, and 40 in target material density for two different angles of repose. The final formula provides insight into how impact energy conversion depends on Mach number and may be useful for predictive and forensic analysis of planetary impact craters and for granular-flow code validation.
Abstract B130: Induced lymphangiogenesis enhances antigen-specific T-cell response in anticancer vaccination

Tumor-associated lymphatic vessels play multiple and complex roles in the regulation of antitumor immunity. In both mouse and human melanomas, lymphatic markers correlate with increased tumor immune infiltrates and enhanced responsiveness to immunotherapy. Despite the immune-promoting functions of lymphatics in cancer immunotherapy, manipulation of lymphatic vessels directly within the tumor site appears controversial as a therapeutic strategy, due to the correlation of tumor lymphatic growth (lymphangiogenesis) with cancer cell dissemination and metastasis. Here, we sought to manipulate and exploit lymphatic vessels remotely from the tumor by developing and characterizing a lymphangiogenic cancer vaccine. Lymphangiogenic whole-cell vaccines were formulated using lethally irradiated tumor cells overexpressing the pro-lymphangiogenic growth factor VEGF-C in combination with topically retained immune adjuvants (VEGFC vax). In the B16F10 and B16F10-OVA mouse melanoma models, VEGFC vax induced extensive lymphatic growth at the cutaneous injection site, as assessed by both flow cytometry and histologic analysis. Induced lymphangiogenesis increased the rate of fluorescent microbead transport from the skin to the draining lymph nodes, suggesting an enhanced antigen trafficking. In addition, VEGF-C overexpression drove the recruitment in the vaccine injection site of naive T-cells (responsive to lymphatic-derived CCL21), which could be primed in situ. Compared to a control VEGF-C-free vaccine formulation, VEGFC vax induced a broader T-cell response targeting multiple mouse melanoma antigens (including tumor neoantigens), as assessed by IFNγ ELISPOT following antigen-specific stimulation. In a prophylactic setting, VEGFC vax provided complete protection against B16F10 melanoma challenge, outperforming both the control vaccine and a GM-CSF-secreting whole-cell vaccine (GVAX). Overall this study provides a proof of concept for the use of VEGF-C as an immunostimulatory agent in cancer vaccines, based on its ability to activate and expand lymphatic vessels and consequently promote local immune cell trafficking, antigen transport and T-cell activation. In addition, we here developed and characterized a whole-cell VEGF-C vaccine formulation with potential for clinical translation. Citation Format: Maria Stella Sasso, Sylvie Hauert, Priscilla Briquez, Yue Wang, Jun Ishihara, Jeffrey A. Hubbell, Melody A. Swartz. Induced lymphangiogenesis enhances antigen-specific T-cell response in anticancer vaccination [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fourth CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference: Translating Science into Survival; Sept 30-Oct 3, 2018; New York, NY. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2019;7(2 Suppl):Abstract nr B130.
Identification of α-N-catenin as a novel tumor suppressor in neuroblastoma

The lost expression of α-catenin has been found in cancers, and reinstalling α-catenin inhibits tumor growth. Here we hypothesized that the α-N-catenin, a homologous member of α-catenin and neural-specific expressed, functions as a novel tumor suppressor in neural crest-derived tumor, neuroblastoma. We correlated CTNNA2 (encodes α-N-catenin) expression to neuroblastoma disease relapse-free survival probability using publicly accessible human neuroblastoma datasets in R2 platform. The result showed that it negatively correlated to relapse-free survival probability significantly in patients with neuroblastoma with non-MYCN amplified tumor. Conversely, overexpressing CTNNA2 suppressed the neuroblastoma cell proliferation as measuring by the clonogenesis, inhibited anchorage-independent growth with soft agar colony formation assay. Forced expression of CTNNA2 decreased cell migration and invasion. Further, overexpression of CTNNA2 reduced the secretion of angiogenic factor IL-8 and HUVEC tubule formation. Our results show, for the first time, that α-N-catenin is a tumor suppressor in neuroblastoma cells. These findings were further corroborated with in vivo tumor xenograft study, in which α-N-catenin inhibited tumor growth and reduced tumor blood vessel formation. Interestingly, this is only observed in SK-N-AS xenografts lacking MYCN expression, and not in BE(2)-C xenografts with MYCN amplification. Mechanistically, α-N-catenin attenuated NF-κB responsive genes by inhibiting NF-κB transcriptional activity. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that α-N-catenin is a tumor suppressor in non-MYCN-amplified neuroblastomas and it inhibits NF-κB signaling pathway to suppress tumor growth in human neuroblastomas. Therefore, restoring the expression of α-N-catenin can be a novel therapeutic approach for neuroblastoma patients who have the deletion of CTNNA2 and lack of MYCN amplification.
P284 A case of familial cranial diabetes insipidus – it’s all in the history

Aims Cranial diabetes insipidus is characterised by polyuria and polydipsia secondary to partial or complete deficiency of antidiuretic hormone. Although in most patients non-hereditary causes underlie the disorder, rarer genetic defects in arginine vasopressin (AVP) synthesis have been identified. We describe the case of a 5 year old girl who posed a significant diagnostic challenge, with a suggestive history and strong family history of cranial diabetes insipidus, but non diagnostic biochemistry. Methods Our patient was reassessed and AVP gene testing was performed. Results A 5 year old girl, presented with a four year history of polyuria, polydipsia and associated enuresis. Family history was remarkable for suspected familial cranial diabetes insipidus responsive to desmopressin, in the patient’s mother, maternal uncle and maternal grandfather. Genetic testing had not previously been undertaken. Our patient had previously been investigated with water deprivation test at age 3 years and was found to have normal biochemistry, without polyuria during the test. She represented at the age of 5 years to our service with ongoing symptoms and underwent repeat water deprivation testing. Serum sodium and osmolality remained normal (max 140 mmol/l and 285 mmol/kg respectively) with water deprivation but she did not concentrate her urine (urine osmolality 222 mmol/kg at the end of water deprivation test). AVP gene testing was requested and identified a heterozygous pathogenic missense mutation c.61T>C, confirming a diagnosis of familial cranial diabetes insipidus.The same mutation was identified in the patient’s mother, suggesting autosomal dominant inheritance. She was commenced on desmopressin with excellent response. Conclusions Genetic testing may be a useful aid in the diagnosis of inherited cranial diabetes insipidus. Since these patients have progressive loss of AVP, they may initially respond normally to water deprivation testing. If the index of suspicion remains high, genetic testing is recommended to guide treatment.
Sphere diameter interferometry with nanometer uncertainty

In this paper we present both the design details and uncertainty budget for a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)-developed high-accuracy Fizeau-type interferometer specifically adapted to measurement sphere diameter. To do this, we provide some historic details of the instrument's origins, an explanation of the clever accuracy-improving enhancements integrated into the design over the past several decades, and a detailed discussion of the role automation has played in achieving its current world-class accuracy. With utmost attention to the dominating components of a detailed uncertainty budget, we methodically improved a rather dated instrument design into a high-accuracy state-of-the-art system for sphere diameter measurement with an expanded uncertainty, U(k=2), of less than ± 10 nm for spheres with nominal diameters of between 0.4 mm and 26 mm. We conclude with a brief description of a novel application of this instrument for determining the phase-change upon reflection correction for both gauge blocks and gauge block platens. Applying corrections for phase-change upon reflection differences between different surfaces, gauge block and platen, is critically important for high-accuracy interferometric gauge block length measurements.
Mid-Term Prospective Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of a Modern Fixed-Bearing Total Ankle Arthroplasty.

Abstract The early outcomes of the Salto Talaris® Total Ankle Prosthesis have been promising, but information on its mid-term outcomes is still sparse. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mid-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of this implant among a prospective cohort of patients who underwent total ankle replacement for various etiologies. Forty-six patients (50 ankles) were consecutively enrolled in the study. Our primary aim was to assess implant survivorship as determined by the removal or revision of the implant metal components or conversion to arthrodesis. Our secondary aim was to gauge patient outcomes by using commonly used outcome scores and assess ankle range of motion using goniometric and radiographic methods. We report 100% survivorship of the implant at a mean follow-up of 4.9 years. Compared with preoperative levels, all clinical outcome scores showed significant improvement at the 1-year, 2-year, and 5-year and longer follow-up. The mean clinical ROM improved from 27.7° ± 10.7° preoperatively to 40.0° ± 12.3° at the 2-year follow-up (p
Higher neural contribution underlying persistent lower urinary tract symptoms in men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia undergoing bladder outlet procedures.

Abstract Introduction and Background Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) affects the micturition cycle. Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) refers to storage symptoms such as urinary frequency, urgency, urge urinary incontinence and nocturia. Surgical options for bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) are currently offered for symptomatic improvement. However, 30% of patients report persistent LUTS after BOO procedures. Neuroplasticity induced by BPH and BOO can be contributory in these men, having different brain activation patterns during the micturition cycle. Our multimodal functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) study will identify for the first time, structural and functional brain contributions to LUTS in men with BPH and BOO at baseline and following BOO procedures. We hypothesize that men with symptomatic BPH with persistent LUTS following BOO procedures have a distinct brain activation pattern in regions of interest (ROIs) of the micturition cycle. Methods Male patients older than 45 years of age undergoing BOO procedures will be enrolled and categorized in two groups. Group 1: patients with BPH with significant improvement in storage symptoms after BOO procedures. Group 2: patients with BPH with persistent storage symptoms after BOO procedures. Our control group are male patients without LUTS undergoing radical prostatectomy. Patients will complete subjective questionnaires and post void residual at clinic visits. BOLD signals at full urge will be measured at baseline and following BOO procedures. All patients will undergo fMRI studies at baseline and at 6 months. Clinical data will be correlated to BOLD signal changes as well as to structural changes in white matter tracts. Ethics and dissemination After IRB approval, patients will be recruited and properly consented before enrolling to this study. Results of neural contribution to lower urinary tract symptoms will be presented at national and international meetings and will be published in scholarly journals.
Local Seafood Availability in San Diego, California Seafood Markets

Like many developed coastal cities, San Diego, California has strong geographic and recreational ties to the adjacent ocean, but weak culinary ones. Less than 10% of the seafood consumed in the U.S., and San Diego in particular, is domestic. The popularity and abundance of farmers’ markets and other local markets in San Diego indicates an interest among producers and the public alike in cultivating local, diverse food systems, but this trend has been slower to catch on for seafood. The goal of this project was, therefore, to define and begin to understand the influences on the patterns of locally sourced, domestic seafood availability in San Diego. This study focused on seafood availability in seafood markets including researching market websites and contacting seafood counter managers to determine the general frequency (consistent, occasional, none) at which the markets sold seafood produced by San Diego fishermen or aquafarmers. Seafood market locations were mapped, and demographic and spatial information was gathered for each market’s zip code. The results of the study revealed that only 8% of San Diego’s 86 seafood markets consistently carried San Diego-sourced seafood, and 14% of markets carried it on occasion. Increased density of these local seafood markets was correlated with proximity to the coast, with almost 80% of the markets located within 2 km of the coast. Neither per capita income nor racial diversity was correlated with local seafood market density, indicating that factors contributing to coastal isolation matter more than wealth or diversity in determining where local seafood is sold. The geographic disparity in local seafood availability may be due to a variety of factors, including a small fishing fleet, prevalence of imported seafood, limited waterfront and urban infrastructure needed to support a local seafood system, and a lack of public awareness about local fisheries. Information gleaned from this study can inform further investigation into the influences on local, equitable seafood systems, as well as help consumers, producers and marketers to make informed decisions about seafood purchases and marketing efforts.
Chronic stress, structural exposures and neurobiological mechanisms: A stimulation, discrepancy and deprivation model of psychosis

Chronic stress exposure has been established as a key vulnerability factor for developing psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia. A structural, or systems level perspective, has often been lacking in conceptualizations of chronic stress for psychotic disorders. The current review thus identified three subtypes of structural exposures. Stimulation exposures included urban environments, population density and crime exposure, with intermediary mechanisms of lack of safety and high attentional demands. Underlying neural mechanisms included threat neural circuits. Discrepancy exposures included environmental ethnic density, income inequality, and social fragmentation, with intermediary mechanisms of lack of belonging and social exclusion, and neural mechanisms including the oxytocin system. Deprivation exposures included environments lacking socioeconomic, educational, or material resources, with intermediary mechanisms of lack of needed environmental enrichment, and underlying neural mechanisms of over-pruning and protracted PFC development. Delineating stressor etiology at the systems level is a necessary step in reducing barriers to effective interventions and health policy.
Temporal and spatial variability of PCB concentrations in lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) in Lake Superior from 1995 to 2016

Abstract Production of polychlorinated biphenyl compounds (PCBs) was banned over 40 years ago in the United States and Canada, but they remain a dominant contaminant in Great Lakes fish. Although PCB concentrations in Great Lakes fish have declined since the 1980s, there is concern that the rate of decline has slowed in recent years. Canadian and U.S. national agencies monitor trends in fish contaminants at only a few sites in each lake, while states and provinces monitor fish at more locations. In this study, we compare fish PCB measurements made by five agencies at multiple locations in order to evaluate spatial as well as temporal patterns in Lake Superior. For several monitoring locations, rapid increases and decreases in concentrations were observed. The wide range of concentrations (up to 1000 ng/g) reported among all stations in any single year is unlikely to result solely from differences in fish preparation or analytical techniques. Recent measurements indicate that spatial variation in fish PCB concentrations exists with peak concentrations 30-fold higher than lowest concentrations. After 1995, statistically significant changes, all declines, in PCB concentrations were observed at only three of seven locations; half-lives in these locations ranged from 9 to 14 years. Differences in diet and food web structure likely contribute both to the spatial variability of concentrations within the lake as well as to the rapid, short-term changes in concentrations at single sites that make long-term trends difficult to discern and to predict.
Impact of Gastrointestinal Bleeding Burden with Subsequent Outcomes after Left Ventricular Assist Device Implant

Purpose Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a frequent post left ventricular assist device (LVAD) co-morbidity, and many patients require multiple endoscopic interventions. While GI bleeding events have been shown to impact subsequent outcomes, the association of the burden of GI bleeding interventions with subsequent outcomes has not been specifically analyzed. Methods Between February 2007 and June 2019, 389 patients underwent primary LVAD implantation at our Clinic. Median age at implant was 62 years (range, 18-82 years) and 306 (79%) were male. Etiology of heart failure was ischemic in 182 patients (47%) and indication for implant was destination therapy in 266 (69%). Axial flow pump was utilized in 282 (73%) and centrifugal flow in 105 (27%). Median preoperative duration of heart failure was 8.9 years. Results Early mortality occurred in 27/387 patients (7%). Follow-up was available in all 350 early survivors for a median of 1.8 years (920 years of patient support). There were 462 GI bleeding events in the 350 early survivors during the follow up time period. During these 462 bleeding events, endoscopic procedures were performed in 341/462 instances (74%) and intervention was performed in 96/341 (28%). Figure 1 shows the relative hazard of outcomes as related to burden of GI interventions for bleeding; late survival (p=0.95) and thrombotic complications (p=0.69) were not significantly impacted by increasing number of required GI interventions. However, risk of subsequent stroke (p=0.04) was significantly increased with higher number of procedures required. Conclusion GI bleeding events are common after LVAD implant and endoscopic interventions are often required. Anticoagulation cessation is often required during these instances, and subsequent risk of stroke may be increased as the number of these procedures required is increased. Careful attention to peri-procedural anticoagulation and management may be critical to reduce subsequent unintended adverse events.
"Helping fill that gap:" a qualitative study of aging in place after disaster through the lens of home-based care providers

During a disaster, home-based care fills the critical need for continuation of health care. Home-based care is intended to function using existing care delivery models, continuing to provide care for patients wherever they are located, including in shelters and hotels. Home-based care providers are often the closest in contact with their patients —seeing them in place, even throughout a disaster— through which they develop a unique insight into aging in place during a disaster. The purpose of this study was to identify individual and community-level support needs of older adults after a disaster through the lens of home-based care providers. Using qualitative inquiry, five focus groups were conducted with home-based care providers (n = 25) who provided in-home care during Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Harvey. Participants were identified by contacting home health agencies listed in an open-source database of agencies participating in Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services programs. Data were coded using an abductive analytic approach, and larger themes were generated in light of existing theory. The results were distilled into eight themes that related to the importance of community and family, informal and formal supports throughout the disaster management cycle, maintaining autonomy during a disaster, and institutional and systemic barriers to obtaining assistance. In this study, home-based care providers described the challenges aging adults face in the response and recovery period after a large-scale disaster including maintaining continuity of care, encouraging individual preparedness, and accessing complex governmental support. Listening to home-based care providers offers new and important insights for developing interventions to address social and health needs for older adults aging in place after a large-scale disaster.
In what kinds of communities do people on the sex offender registry live? An analysis of ten states

Abstract This is the first large scale community-level study describing the characteristics of communities where Registered Sex Offenders (RSO’s) are more likely to live. This study presents RSO residence data from ten states, combined with census data. Zip code characteristics (e.g., income, race/ethnicity, percent of population under 18) were then used in bivariate analyses and negative binomial regression analyses to determine which community factors predicted RSO residency. Lower median household income predicted higher rates of RSO’s in nine of the ten states. These effects were large, with the rate of RSO’s dropping about two percentage points per $1000 in increased median household income. Other community characteristics were found to have smaller effects on a state by state basis.
Gate-Driver Integrated Junction Temperature Estimation of SiC MOSFET Modules

SiC MOSFET power modules are becoming global solutions in systems operating in harsh environment, and due to large economic implications, achieving reliability of such systems is of utmost importance. Thereby, this paper is focused on improving the reliability of the SiC MOSFETS, accomplished by generating intelligence on the gate-driver (GD) with providing insight on real-time behavior of relevant switch information. The device switch-current Id, apart from being used for short-circuit detection assessing the short-term reliability, in the combination with the on-state drain-to-source voltage Vds,on enables the possibility of online junction temperature (TJ) estimation. The knowledge of TJ can enable active thermal control as well as condition monitoring of the SiC MOSFET device such as state-of-health, remaining useful life, maintenance scheduling, etc., tackling the long-term reliability aspects. With the aid of a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) on GD, a look-up table (stored in the FLASH memory on GD) containing device output characteristics is assessed, enabling real-time TJ monitoring for both devices in the commercial SiC MOSFET half-bridge module configuration. Following the developed gate-driver prototype, the TJ is verified in pulsed operation with maximum error less than 5 °C having excellent repeatability of ±1.2 °C and is furthermore verified in continuous operation showing promising results. Additionally, degradation monitoring and aging compensation scheme are discussed, with the goal of maintaining the accuracy of the Tj estimation throughout device’s lifetime.
Design Space by Design of Experiments

The quality of methods and products are usually influenced by several input factors. Research has recently focused on understanding the effects of multidimensional and interconnected input factors on the results of pharmaceutical products and analytical methods using Design of Experiment (DoE). Furthermore, it examines how DOE may be implemented, both for students and teachers, as well as highlighting historical perspectives on DOE. A good experimental design can help you make the most use of the available resources and make the analysis of the results easier. Collaborations between researchers and practitioners that are pushing the boundaries of experimental design are examined. It provides an overview of the principles and applications of the most common screening and response surface design, as well as creating mixtures designs.
Nationwide Assessment of SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot State Communication Efforts During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Abstract Objective To conduct a nationwide assessment of communication by participating states and Washington DC about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Online Purchasing Pilot expansion. Design Systematic coding of official communication from state and DC SNAP administrating agencies. Participants Forty-six states and DC approved to participate in the pilot as of October 2020 (n = 47). Data were collected from official SNAP administrating agency websites, state press releases, and state emergency coronavirus disease 2019 websites. Variables Measured Four domains were collected from communication materials: (1) program information, (2) retailer information, (3) health and nutrition information, and (4) communication accessibility. Analysis Qualitative content analysis, descriptive statistics. Results Thirty-four (72%) states issued an official press release about the pilot that was easily accessible through online searches (15 available in multiple languages), 21 (45%) included information on their SNAP agency website, and 15 (32%) included information on their official coronavirus disease 2019 website. Most states identified authorized retailers (n = 37; 79%), provided information about pickup/delivery (n = 31; 66%), and stated the SNAP online start date (n = 29; 62%). About a quarter of states (n = 12; 26%) provided information about nutrition and health. Conclusions and Implications State communication about the SNAP online pilot mostly focused on basic program and retailer information and included limited information about nutrition and health.
300 V Cathodoluminescent Efficiency and Degradation

With the possible commercialization of field emission display devices, low voltage phosphor performance has regained interest. Summarized in this presentation is 300 volt efficiency and electron degradation results for various RGB phosphor candidates.
64-state TCM for spectrally efficient space communications (Trellis coded modulation)

Rate 2/3 8-PSK codes of 4, 8, 16, and 64 states were tested by simulation. The codes used are those found in Ungerboeck's original search. The results found were in close agreement with those predicted by analytical means in literature. The Ungerboeck codes of 8, 16, and 64 states show coding gains of 0.2, 0.3, and 0.86 dB, respectively, relative to the four state code. Worthwhile gains are obtained in increasing the number of states of the encoder up through 64. >
Preservation of Mycoplasma Strains by Freezing in Liquid Nitrogen and by Lyophilization with Sucrose

Procedures for maintaining Mycoplasma strains are described. Liquid nitrogen storage provided an adequate means for keeping stock cultures stable. Over 74 strains of approximately 26 species have been preserved in this way, some for as long as 9 years. Mycoplasma strains can also be recovered satisfactorily from the freeze-dried state when the procedure described includes the use of 12% (v/v) sucrose as an additive. Fifteen strains representing 12 or more species were subjected to a freeze-drying program with and without sucrose added to concentrated cell suspensions in growth medium. Cell counts indicate improved survival with sucrose.
The Pilgrims' Complaint: A Study of Popular Thought in the Early Tudor North – By Michael Bush

Although the Pilgrimage of Grace rebellions took place during some of the most heated times of the English Reformation, they were not merely about religion. This is not a radical conclusion about a...
MADALINE neural network for parameter estimation of LTI MIMO systems

In this paper, the Multi-ADAptive LINear Element (MADA LINE) neural network was generalized for On-line System identification of linear time-invariant (LTI) Multi-Input Multi-Output (MIMO) systems. Based on the input output polynomial model which can be easily transformed into the row canonical state space model, Tapped delay line are introduced, so the MADALINE becomes recurrent in nature and thus is suitable for parameter estimation of such systems. The MADALINE can then be setup under the assumption that the system structure is known in advance. The estimated parameters are obtained as the weights of trained individual neurons of the MADALINE. The method is implemented in MATLAB and simulation study was then performed on a few well known examples. Simulation results show that the algorithms offer satisfactory performance. This work is extended from our previous work on Single Input Single Output such systems [16].
Coal gasification and water resources development

A method is developed for determining the location of high and low-Btu coal gasification facilities to minimize the cost of plants, gas transmission, coal supply and transport, solid waste disposal, and water supply. Economic efficiency is achieved in meeting the demand for gas at designated market centers. Linear programming optimization models are developed for this purpose. The method should be useful in planning the joint development of energy and water resources in those regions designated by the Water Resources Council as being constrained by water availability in achieving National energy self-sufficiency. The models can also be used to indicate the tradeoffs between environmental concerns and economic efficiency. It is concluded that the relative availability of water at a potential coal gasification plant site may significantly affect the final price of gas. It is recommended that detailed studies of water use and conservation in both the Lurgi and advanced technology processes be undertaken.
“Vertical” Inhibition of HER2 Yields Horizontal Gains in the Clinic

HER2-targeted therapy has moved beyond trastuzumab to include other monoclonals targeting the cell surface, receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors of HER2, and antibody–drug conjugates. Afatinib, a small molecule receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, now joins the ranks of HER2-targeting agents in combination with trastuzumab. The combination brings new opportunities and challenges. Clin Cancer Res; 21(12); 2663–5. ©2015 AACR . See related article by Ring et al., p. 2737
Mechanism of the exercise hyperkalemia: an alternate hypothesis

Wasserman, Karlman, William W. Stringer, Richard Casaburi, and Yong-Yu Zhang. Mechanism of the exercise hyperkalemia: an alternate hypothesis. J. Appl. Physiol. 83(2): 631–643, 1997.—A progressive ...
A Probabilistic Landscape Analysis Supporting the Management of Unplanned Ignitions at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Fire management policy in the United States has evolved to encourage fire managers to address the full range of beneficial and detrimental effects of unplanned ignitions. We developed a probability-based fire risk and benefit simulation approach to support wildland fire management at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (SEKI) in a manner consistent with the SEKI fire management plan. The approach integrated fire behavior, fire spread probability, and resource values to estimate the spatial distribution of expected fire net benefits for any ignition point in a landscape context. We simulated probabilistic fire footprints from each burnable cell and evaluated them for their potential to provide ecosystem benefits or to require risk mitigation. The expected net benefits of igniting a cell were stored in the ignition cell to provide a landscape-level perspective. We provide results that reflect the fire planning weather conditions of concern to demonstrate how the sensitivity of the results can reflect we...
Theory of evolutionary factor analysis for resolution of ternary mixtures

Abstract A self-modeling approach for the resolution of quaternary mixtures is developed from explicit theoretical principles. The SEPARATOR, an algorithm for separation of ternary mixtures under evolutionary conditions, is extended to quaternary-plus mixtures. The SEPARATOR is applied to simulated and experimental data composed of four components yielding upper and lower boundaries for the pure component spectra and concentration profiles. Resolution of flow injection analysis data of a mixture containing six overlapping components is described.
Masitinib mesylate does not enhance sensitivity to radiation in three feline injection-site sarcoma cell lines under normal growth conditions.

Abstract Masitinib, a selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor, was investigated as a radiosensitizer in three primary feline injection-site sarcoma (ISS) cell lines. Sensitivity to masitinib was previously assessed via cell growth inhibition assays with mean IC 50 values of 5.5–8.6 μM. Clonogenic assays were performed to determine the effect of masitinib and radiation on cell survival. Single dose radiation (0–12 Gy) experiments were carried out under normal growth conditions in control ISS cells and in cells incubated with 1 or 6 μM masitinib for 72 h prior to irradiation. Radiation administered either alone or in combination with masitinib induced a dose-dependent reduction in clonogenic survival. Survival from the combined masitinib and radiation treatment was not significantly different from that of radiation alone. Results suggest that masitinib does not directly enhance ISS cell radiosensitivity under normal in vitro conditions, although this does not preclude the utility of further investigations to assess sensitization properties under altered conditions.