cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Developments in the Theory and Application of Importance Sampling

The assessment of bit error rate (BER) performance of a digital communication system via computer simulation has traditionally been done using the Monte Carlo method. For very low BER, this method requires excessive computer time. This time can be substantially reduced by using extrapolation based on importance sampling (IS). In applying IS to a complex system, many considerations must be addressed, chief among which is the reliability (variance) of the estimator as a function of the system particulars. We discuss a number of these considerations and, specifically, derive a number of expressions for the variance. We find that the variance improvement may be severely limited by the dimensionality (or memory) of the system. We describe a means for circumventing this limitation through the definition of a statistically equivalent impulse response. For a linear system, this amounts to the ordinary impulse response. The simulation can be structured to estimate the equivalent impulse response using statistical regression. This new approach has been implemented and found to yield significant runtime improvement over conventional importance sampling for linear systems of large dimensionality. We believe this technique will work also for mildly nonlinear systems, as might be encountered in typical satellite Communications.
Selected enzyme histochemistry of Sertoli cells. 2. Adult rat Sertoli cells in co-culture with peritubular fibroblasts.

Sertoli cells and peritubular fibroblasts were collected from sexually mature Wistar rats and incubated by themselves (ASC) or in co-culture (AS/PC) for ten days with or without follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Freshly collected cells and those of the ASC and AS/PC cultures were processed for histochemical detection of three esterases and four dehydrogenases. The relative staining intensities of azo dye and formazan reaction products were recorded for the cell cultures, co-cultures and appropriate controls. Freshly collected Sertoli cells stained heavily for lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), succinic dehydrogenase (SDH), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH), non-specific esterase (Est.) and 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-OLDH). For Sertoli cells alone in culture (ASC) there was a marked decline of enzyme reaction product deposition/cell for LDH and Est. and absence of cellular staining for SDH, G-G-PDH, B-Est. and 3 beta-OLDH. The addition of FSH did not change this histochemical staining pattern for the adult cells in vitro. The presence of peritubular cells in adult Sertoli cell cultures (AS/PC) resulted in the maintenance of metabolic enzyme staining (i.e., LDH, SDH, G-6-PDH and Est.) in Sertoli cells, minimal staining for B-Est., but absence of detectable enzyme reaction product for 3 beta-OLDH. Sertoli cells co-cultured with other fibroblasts or in medium pre-conditioned with peritubular cells but not containing them stained minimally for LDH and Est. and did not generate reaction product for any of the other enzymes. The addition of FSH to the AS/PT co-culture as in the ASC cultures did not affect the enzyme histochemical staining profile of Sertoli cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Hoploparia, the Best-Known Fossil Clawed Lobster (Family Nephropidae), Is a “Wastebasket” Genus

Abstract Hoploparia McCoy, 1849 (Lower Cretaceous (Valanginian)–Miocene) is, by far, the most diverse clawed lobster genus (fossil or Recent); 49 species are known. The genus has been interpreted intuitively to be morphologically primitive and ancestral to some or many modern nephropid genera. Prior to the present study, two separate issues raised the suspicion that Hoploparia is a “wastebasket” genus—a default genus for any fossil lobster with a mainstream nephropid morphology. One issue is the difficulty in characterizing (i.e., coding) the morphology of Hoploparia, as a genus, for cladistic analysis. For Hoploparia, and far more than for other lobster genera, many characters show variable character states. A second issue is that the morphologies of some Recent genera (e.g., Eunephrops and Nephropides) seem easily accommodated within the fossil genus Hoploparia. Both issues stem from an originally ambiguous diagnosis of Hoploparia that has been variously expanded in de facto fashion to the point that, t...
Business Law & Popular Culture

This is a chapter from this book, Law & Popular Culture: Text, Notes, & Questions, by David Ray Papke, Christine Alice Corcos, Melissa Cole Essig, Peter H. Huang, Lenora P. Ledwon, Diane H. Mazur, Carrie Menkel-Meadow, Philip N. Meyer, & Binny Miller (2007). This book is a classroom text which analyzes American law-related popular culture. This chapter starts with a list of these five movies related to business law: Boiler Room (2000), Enron - The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005), Other People's Money (1991), The Corporation (2003), and Wall Street (1987). This chapter discusses a number of topical subjects and contains various notes and questions, in addition to excerpts from articles by leading law (and popular culture) scholars. The remaining chapters of the book focus on popular cultural depictions of these legal actors and institutions: law students, lawyers, clients, witnesses, judges, and juries; these first-year law school curriculum areas: Constitutional law, criminal law, and torts; as well as these upper-level law school electives: family law, international law, and military law.
The Jock Tax Contest: Professional Athletes Vs. The States - Background And Current Developments

Opening day of the Major League Baseball‟s 2 002 season fell on April 1 of that year. After the National Anthem was sung, the crowd applauded as the New York Mets took the field, and the umpire yelled, “play ball.” The State of New York also cheered. Why? New York, like a number of other states and localities, imposes an income tax on athletes that visit its borders. So, when Tex- as Rangers shortstop, Alex Rodriguez, the highest paid baseball player during the 2002 season with a salary of $22 million, played 4 regular season games in the Big Apple, he incurred a tax liability of approximately $34,250. This state income taxation of nonresident professional athletes is commonly referred to as “the jock tax.” This paper introduces the reader to the jock tax beginning with a brief explanation of state income taxes, continuing with a discussion of its complexi- ties and historical/current issues faced by athletes, teams and the states through implementation of the tax. The paper concludes with the broader implications of a state or local taxing jurisdiction's powers to tax its nonresident visitors.
The Setup Error in Horizontal Angles

Effect of setup error on accuracy of horizontal angle is determined; angular errors seem to be due to: size of setup error, length of lines of sight, and size of angle measured; graphs presented facilitate evaluation of developed expression.
Abstract WMP58: The Portable Sleep Study as an Early Obstructive Sleep Apnea Screening Tool In Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background: Prompt diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is critical for optimal clinical outcomes, but full bedside polysomnograms are not routinely practica...
NEW GLIOMA-ASSOCIATED AUTO-ANTIBODIES

BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that the immune system can recognize the antigenic changes in cancer cells, and further develop autoantibodies against these tumor-associated antigens (TAAs). Therefore, these cancer-associated autoantibodies might be used to identify the antigenic changes of cellular proteins involved in the transformation process. Antibodies to tumor antigens have advantages over other serum proteins as potential cancer biomarkers as they are highly specific and easily identified with high quality secondary reagents. Currently, there is a paucity of studies on autoantibodies against TAAs in gliomas. Here we examined the antibodies against TAAs in a Phase I clinical trial of patients with recurrent gliomas treated with the intratumoral injection of Delta-24-RGD oncolytic adenovirus (Fred Lang, Neurosurgery, MDACC, Director of the Trial). METHODS: Sera from 37 patients were analysed before the administration of Delta-24-RGD and then at several time points after the administration of the adenovirus. A solid phase-modified ELISA was used to assess antibodies against the following 31 antigens: BRAF, CABYR, CRISP3, CSAG2, DHFR, FHLT17, GAGE1, LDHC, MAGEA1, MAGEA3, MAGEA4, MAGEB6, MAPK1, MUC1, NLRP4, NYESO1, p53, PBK, PRAME, SOX2, SPANXA1,SSX2, TSGA10, TSSK6, TULP2, XAGE2, ZNF165. Expression of the proteins in tumors was confirmed using western blot and/or immunohistochemistry. Data were the result of at least two independent experiments. RESULTS: 1. The majority of the patients with recurrent gliomas harbor antibodies against TAAs. 2. The titer of antibodies against TAAs drastically decreased after total resection of the tumor. 3. After surgery the antibodies became again detectable predicting relapse. 4. 80% of patients' sera have antibodies against cancer testis antigens including NYESO1 and MAGE. 5. 60% of the patients showed antibodies against MAGEA1 o MAGEA3. 6. 40% of patients were positive for NYESO1 antibodies. 7. A small percentage of patients have antibodies against BRAF or SOX2. CONCLUSIONS: We report for the first time a systematic analysis of cancer-associated antibodies in patients with recurrent gliomas treated with oncolytic adenoviruses. As illustrated in this study, the serological screening of patients using solid phase ELISA for well characterized antigens offers new opportunities for analyzing the repertoire of the humoral immune response to human gliomas. Many of the listed antibodies were never analyzed before in gliomas. More intensive screening of patients after surgery may include frequent antibody screening (i.e. every 3–6 months) as an adjunct to serial MRIs. Of further clinical relevance several of the cancer/testis antigens identified are promising targets for cancer vaccines. SECONDARY CATEGORY: Tumor Biology.
A single point mutation in the nuclear localization domain of Sam68 blocks the Rev/RRE-mediated transactivation.

We have previously demonstrated that overexpression of Sam68 functionally substitutes for, as well as synergizes with, HIV-1 Rev in RRE-mediated gene expression and virus replication. In addition, we have shown that the C-terminal deletion mutants of Sam68 act with a transdominant negative phenotype in HIV replication. Previously, an Arginine429 mutation within the C-terminal domain of Sam68 has been reported to be critical for the localization of Sam68 in the nucleus. However, these studies were done in the context of truncated protein in which C-terminal amino acids 420 - 443 of Sam68 were fused to GFP. In contrast, we now report that the full length Sam68 protein having the same mutation (Arginine429-->Alanine) is completely localized in the nucleus while another Sam68 (Proline439-->Arginine) mutant is found in the cytoplasm. The localization of these Sam68 mutant proteins also correlates with their function in RRE-mediated reporter gene expression, i.e. Sam68 mutant protein that is localized in the cytoplasm failed to enhance RRE-mediated transactivation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Sam68 P439-->R inhibited the transactivation of RRE-mediated gene expression by both wild type Sam68 and Rev. These results indicate that the proline residue at position 439 unlike arginine at position 429, may play a critical role in targeting Sam68 protein to nucleus. We propose that these negative dominant mutants of Sam68 may have potential as anti-viral agents to combat AIDS.
Use of proton-pump inhibitors in complicated ulcer disease and upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding

The use of proton-pump inhibitors in the management of complicated peptic ulcer disease and upper gastrointestinal bleeding is described. Treatment of peptic ulcers in patients who are Helicobacter pylori positive should include antimicrobial therapy to eradicate the infection; based on considerations of primary antimicrobial resistance and safety, one recommended regimen is the combination of a proton-pump inhibitor (lansoprazole 30 mg or omeprazole 20 mg), clarithromycin 500 mg, and amoxicillin 1 g, each twice daily for 14 days. The proportion of H. pylori-negative ulcers has increased in the United States, now accounting for 39% of patients with ulcers who report no intake of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Compared with H. pylori-positive ulcers, H. pylori-negative ulcers are more aggressive, characterized by high recurrence rates and increased risk of bleeding and perforation. Long-term therapy with a proton-pump inhibitor may be useful in these patients. Acid suppressants may also have a role in the initial treatment of patients who have a bleeding ulcer, including those associated with NSAID use. For patients who require continuous NSAID therapy, proton-pump inhibitors have been shown to heal a significantly higher percentage of peptic ulcers in eight weeks than histamine H2-receptor antagonists, and maintenance therapy with either lansoprazole or omeprazole reduces ulcer recurrence. Preliminary data suggest a role for proton-pump inhibitors in the prevention of stress ulcers among critically ill patients. Proton-pump inhibitors play an important role in the treatment of both H. pylori-negative and H. pylori-positive peptic ulcers, as well as in upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding. Further study is needed regarding their role in preventing stress ulcers in critically ill patients.
The effect of Apelin on cordiovascular system and its signal conduction

Apelin is a peptide that has been identified as the endogenous ligand of the orphan G protein-coupled receptor APJ. It appears to play an important role in improvement of cardiac contractility, regulation of arterial blood pressure, reduction of vasopressin secretion and so on. Apelin and its receptor APJ change differently in vascular disease. It received more recognition for its modulation in vascular system and function in pathophysiological process of vascular disease.This review provides the progress of the biological character,function and signal conduction of apelin.
Another Simple Proof of the High Girth, High Chromatic Number Theorem

(2008). Another Simple Proof of the High Girth, High Chromatic Number Theorem. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 115, No. 1, pp. 68-70.
The Scholarship of Educational Development: A Taxonomy.

This is a visual representation and commentary on a taxonomy for the emerging scholarship of educational development.
HIV-1 Antibodies and Serology

This article reviews various laboratory assays for screening and detection of antibodies against HIV-1 and viral components. The prognostic role of these assays in the course of HIV-1 infection is described as well as functional aspects of anti-HIV antibodies.
Nietzsche on the Early Presocratics

“Early Greek philosophy is the philosophy of statesmen,” says Nietzsche in 1875; “this is what best distinguishes the Presocratics from the Postsocratjcs.”1 By “statesmen” we can take Nietzsche to mean “statesmen of ideas.” But we remember that Thales is reputed, by the secondary sources, to have authored a political constitution as well as a star-guide, and are confirmed in our recommendation that Solon, Thales’ older contemporary, is the thinker who should be placed at the head of the series called the Presocratics.2 The term also has reference to the fact that a man-of -knowledge (sophos) in the sixth century B. C. was a man of practical involvements, as likely to have been an inventor, or master navigator, as a legislator or founder of a colony.
The utility of quantitative ADC values for differentiating high-risk from low-risk prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The purpose of the study is to perform a meta-analysis of studies investigating the diagnostic performance of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in separating high-risk from low-risk prostate cancer (PCa). MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched in December 2015 for studies reporting diagnostic performance of ADC values for discriminating high-risk from low-risk PCa and providing sufficient data to construct 2 × 2 contingency tables. Diagnostic performance was quantitatively pooled using a bivariate random-effects model including subgroup analysis and assessment of study heterogeneity and methodological quality. 13 studies were included, providing 1107 tumor foci in 705 patients. Heterogeneity among studies was moderate (τ2 = 0.222). Overall sensitivity was 76.9% (95% CI 68.6–83.6%); overall specificity was 77.0% (95% CI 69.9–82.8%); and summary AUC was 0.67. Inverse correlation between sensitivity and specificity (ρ = −0.58) indicated interstudy heterogeneity was partly due to variation in threshold for test positivity. Primary biases were readers’ knowledge of Gleason score during ADC measurement, lack of prespecified ADC thresholds, and lack of prostatectomy as reference in some studies. Higher sensitivity was seen in studies published within the past 2 years and studies not using b value of at least 2000; higher specificity was associated with involvement of one, rather than two, readers measuring ADC. Field strength, coil selection, and advanced diffusion metrics did not significantly impact diagnostic performance. ADC values show moderate accuracy in separating high-risk from low-risk PCa, although important biases may overestimate performance and unexplained sources of heterogeneity likely exist. Further studies using a standardized methodology and addressing identified weaknesses may help guide the use of ADC values for clinical decision-making.
Constraining the timing and provenance of trans-Laurentian transport using Nd and Sm isotopes from Silurian and Devonian marine carbonates

Abstract We demonstrate trans-Laurentian transport processes during the late Silurian and Late Devonian via a combination of eolian transport, large rivers traversing up to 3000 km, and mid-Laurentian epeiric seawater currents using Nd and Sm isotopes from marine limestone successions. Upper Silurian eNd(425 Ma) range from − 10.94 to − 8.27. Upper Devonian eNd(380 Ma) range from − 12.83 to − 6.44. Negative and absent linear correlations for 147Sm/144Nd versus 143Nd/144Nd for upper Silurian and Upper Devonian samples reflect mixing between older (low eNd) and younger (higher eNd) sources. Upper Silurian samples reflect major contributions from an average Acadian source (higher 143Nd/144Nd and eNd) and the Canadian Shield and/or Transcontinental Arch (low 143Nd/144Nd and eNd). Upper Devonian samples also demonstrate mixing between the Acadian and Canadian Shield/Transcontinental Arch, with minor contributions from proximal ophiolites, arc volcanics, and local uplifts. A compilation of Cambrian-Mississippian eNd(t) data from sedimentary rocks across Laurentia illustrate a transition from older (low eNd) to younger (higher eNd) sources was established in mid-Laurentia by the early Silurian and in western Laurentia by the Middle Devonian. These results suggest that transport of weathered continental material to marine basins is more complex than a simple source-to-sink model, involving contributions from multiple sources over thousands of kilometers of transport from the original source to marine basins.
Evaluation of the physicochemical properties and dissolution characteristics of mesalamine : relevance to controlled intestinal drug delivery

The physicochemical properties of mesalamine and the effect of pH and buffer concentration on the dissolution rate of pure mesalamine and mesalamine with Carbopol 974P were investigated. The aqueous solubilities at 25 and 37°C were 0.844 and 1.41 mg/mL, respectively. Consistent with the observed pK a1 (2.30) and pK a2 (5.69) of mesalamine, the solubility–pH profile is increased at pH 5.5 and is minimized from pH 2.0 to pH 5.5. The flux data were consistent with the solubility data from pH 1.0 to pH 5.5. The flux increased and plateaued at pH values 5.5 to 7.0 and was dependent on the bulk buffer concentration. At low bulk buffer concentrations, mesalamine reduces the pH in the diffusion layer, which results in a decrease in flux. The medium with the highest buffer capacity has a greater ability to increase the surface pH and dissolution rate. The addition of Carbopol reduces the flux and the sensitivity of the dissolution rate of mesalamine to increasing bulk buffer concentration. This reduction is postulated to be due to neutralization of the basic dissolution media, gel formation, and possible drug–polymer interactions.
A chiral metamaterial for chiral responsive optoelectronic transduction

Chiral-selective nonlinear optics and optoelectronic signal generation are demonstrated in an electrically-active photonic metamaterial. The metamaterial reveals significant chiroptical responses in both harmonic generation and photon drag, correlating to the resonance in the linear regime.
Intersectional Identity Negotiation: The Case of Young Immigrant Children.

We cast our lens on intersectional networks of identity negotiated by young children in immigrant families. Although some scholars discuss identity construction, we reference identity negotiation to capture the active, strategic, and agential work that we witnessed in our study. We begin by synthesizing relevant research on children’s identity negotiation. We then explore theoretical frames that form the basis for our claims related to intersectional identity negotiation. These 3-year longitudinal collective case studies of Carlos and Liz involved observations, spoken data, and student-created artifacts (e.g., writing samples, maps, photographs, drawings). Data sources were designed to highlight literacy practices and identity construction across time. The cases of Carlos and Liz reveal intersectional networks of identity negotiation that entail positionings relative to various dimensions of self including language, gender, technological practices, nationality, and race. We maintain that attending to the ...
Pediatric Spine Trauma

Spine trauma is fairly uncommon in pediatric patients but can cause significant morbidity and mortality. Due to ligamentous laxity, underdeveloped paraspinal musculature, and incomplete ossification, the pediatric spine is more mobile than the adult spine. The anatomy of the cervical spine is especially unlike the mature spine. Additionally, pediatric bone has expanded ability to heal and remodel, so bracing with orthoses or use of halo-vest immobilization is often effective in children when surgical fusion may have been preferred in adults. However, appropriate suspicion and accurate diagnosis remain essential to effective treatment and avoidance of complications.
Structural analysis of hydrothermal char and its models by density functional theory simulation of vibrational spectroscopy

Density Functional Theory (DFT) and experimental measurements were used to develop a systematic method for interpreting the Raman spectra of hydrothermal char (hydrochar). Average band locations, relative intensities, and their trends relative to structural features were determined for the G, D, and Kekule bands. When combined with several other less prominent vibrational modes, including vibrations associated with aromatic, ether, alkyl, and carbonyl bonds, the calculated average locations reproduced all major features of hydrochar Raman spectra. Two model structures were found that could reproduce the main features of the hydrochar Raman spectrum and its elemental analysis: 1) a structure consisting of arene domains comprised of 6–8 rings connected via aliphatic chains or 2) a furan/arene structure consisting primarily of single furans and 2 or 3ring arenes. NMR confirmed that the furan/arene ratio of glucose hydrochar is approximately 1:1, consistent with the furan/arene structure supported by Raman spectra. This work establishes an interpretation method for hydrochar Raman spectra and reconciles the main features of hydrochar structures determined using Raman spectroscopy with those based on other methods.
Penile Gangrene Associated with Chronic Renal Failure: Report of 7 Cases and Review of the Literature

Distal penile gangrene associated with renal failure is a rare entity with only 3 cases reported in the literature. Certain physiological abnormalities are commonly found in association with this condition, including secondary hyperparathyroidism, diabetes and peripheral vascular disease. We report our experience with 7 patients who presented with this condition. All patients had end stage renal disease with 5 on hemodialysis, 1 on peritoneal dialysis and 1 with a functioning cadaveric renal transplant. Six patients had diabetes mellitus and all had derangements of the calcium and phosphate metabolism, with the calcium-phosphorus product being greater than 70. Five patients were treated expectantly with resolution of gangrene in 2 and stable disease in 3. Three of the 5 patients managed expectantly and both patients treated with penectomy died of unrelated causes within 3 months. We conclude that there is no advantage to aggressive surgical treatment of penile gangrene associated with renal failure, since the outcome is the same. The overall mortality for this group is high due to associated co-morbid disease regardless of the type of treatment. Furthermore, subtotal parathyroidectomy is not indicated, since spontaneous improvement and mortality rates reported in our series were similar to those of previously reported cases. Expectant management of affected patients affords the best treatment.
Deciphering the regulation mechanism in biochemical networks by a systems-biology approach

To decipher molecular mechanisms in biological systems from system-level input-output data is challenging especially for complex processes that involve interactions among multiple components. Here, we study regulation of the multi-domain (P1-5) histidine kinase CheA by the MCP chemoreceptors. We develop a network model to describe dynamics of the system treating the receptor complex with CheW and P3P4P5 domains of CheA as a regulated enzyme with two substrates, P1 and ATP. The model enables us to search the hypothesis space systematically for the simplest possible regulation mechanism consistent with the available data. Our analysis reveals a novel dual regulation mechanism wherein besides regulating ATP binding the receptor activity has to regulate one other key reaction, either P1 binding or phosphotransfer between P1 and ATP. Furthermore, our study shows that the receptors only control kinetic rates of the enzyme without changing its equilibrium properties. Predictions are made for future experiments to distinguish the remaining two dual-regulation mechanisms. The systems-biology approach of combining modeling and a large input-output data-set should be applicable for studying other complex biological processes.
Timely News for the Multidisciplinary Care Team.

### Malnutrition Worsens Mortality Risk in Older Adults With Diabetes Malnutrition in older adults can be a problem, but when it’s combined with diabetes, it can dramatically increase mortality risk and health care costs, according to Ahmed et al. ( BMJ Open Diabetes Research and Care , doi.org/gc2jqw). As a result, the authors suggest that identifying and treating patients with malnutrition should be a priority in diabetes care for older adults. The conclusion comes from a retrospective observational study of >15 million diabetes patients that looked at the impact of malnutrition in diabetes with or without a range of significant comorbidities. The authors identified just over 800,000 diabetes patients who had an additional diagnosis of malnutrition and found that the patients had a 69% higher risk of death compared to diabetes patients without malnutrition. Patients who had diabetes, malnutrition, and another significant comorbidity also had significantly higher risks of death compared to those without malnutrition, ranging from a 47% higher risk with acute myocardial infarction to a 63% higher risk with ischemic heart disease. Higher risks of death were also associated with chronic kidney disease, heart failure, stroke/transient ischemic attack, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Median survival time from diabetes diagnosis to time of death was reportedly just under 2.5 years when malnutrition was present compared to just over 5 years in patients without malnutrition. On the secondary outcome of health care costs, the authors found an average annual cost of just over $36,000 for patients with diabetes and malnutrition compared to just over $20,000 for those with diabetes but no malnutrition. Bottom line? They conclude that concerted efforts are needed to identify and treat malnutrition in patients with diabetes. ### Study Confirms Success of a Consultation Model for Diabetes Care A study by Rutten and van Vugt et al. ( Diabetes Care , doi.org/ck5w) on the implementation of the Dutch Diabetes Federation’s consultation model of diabetes care suggests that the approach can …
Reaction Pathways and Microkinetic Modeling of n-Butane Oxidation to 1-Butanol on Cu, Cu3Pd, Pd, Ag3Pd, and PdZn (111) Surfaces

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and microkinetic modeling are used to model reactions in the oxidation of n-butane to 1-butanol, 1-butanal, and 1-butene over pure metal and metal alloy (111) surfaces. Specifically, catalytic thermodynamic and kinetic energies are calculated with DFT, and linear scaling relationships are developed that link these values to simpler “descriptors” of catalytic activity. The scaling relationships are used in microkinetic modeling to identify the optimal descriptor values, which maximize the rate and selectivity to 1-butanol. Degree of rate control (DRC) analysis is performed to reveal the catalytic intermediates and transition states that have the greatest influence on the rate. The Cu3Pd(111) and Ag3Pd(111) surfaces are found to be the most active for n-butane oxidation to 1-butanol, with Cu3Pd additionally exhibiting high selectivity for 1-butanol. Achieving high activity and selectivity toward 1-butanol is found to require a precise balance of the catalyst affi...
Optimal Biopsy Protocols for Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death among American men. Biopsy for prostate cancer is a procedure known as transrectal ultrasound-guided needle biopsy. Because of the low resolution of ultrasound, the urologist cannot usually distinguish between cancerous and healthy tissue. For this reason, most biopsies follow standard protocols based on long-term experience of physicians. Recent studies indicate that these protocols have a significant rate of false negative diagnoses. In this research we use real prostate specimens removed by prostatectomy to develop a 3-D distribution map of cancer in the prostate, and use this to develop optimized biopsy procedures. The new procedures have detection rates that are significantly higher than those of current procedures, and thus have the potential to increase the rate of early detection of prostate cancer.
Exploring Shyness among Veterinary Medical Students: Implications for Mental and Social Wellness

Background: Shyness is defined as “the tendency to feel awkward, worried or tense during social encounters, especially with unfamiliar people.” While shyness is not necessarily a social disorder, extreme cases of shyness may classify as a social phobia and require medical treatment. Extant research has noted shyness may be correlated with social problems that could be detrimental to one’s health, career, and social relationships. This exploratory study examined the prevalence, source, and nature of shyness among incoming Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program students at one veterinary medical school. Methods: One hundred first-year DVM program students were administered a modified version of the Survey on Shyness. Results: Results indicate most students (85%) self-identified as at least a little shy, a figure that is believed to be significantly higher than national population norms in the United States. Students attributed the primary source of shyness to personal fears and insecurities. Students reported frequent feelings of shyness and generally perceived shyness as an undesirable quality. Students reported that strangers, acquaintances, authority figures, and classmates often make them feel shy. Conclusions: Given the high prevalence of self-reported shyness among veterinary medical students, institutions may wish to include strategies to address shyness as part of a comprehensive wellness program.
KINETICS OF BIOLOGICAL FLOCS

This paper presents a literature review and an analysis of the significance of mass transport into biological floc particles. Utilizing measured values and activated sludge floc sizes, the effect of the liquid film around the floc particles and the biophase resistance of the floc particle itself is evaluated. The required dissolved oxygen concentration at the surface of a floc to insure no oxygen limitation on reaction rate is calculated based on measured values of pure culture floc mass transfer diffusivities.
ELECTRON CYCLOTRON HEATING AND PREIONIZATION EXPERIMENTS USING NRL 35 GHz GYROTRONS.

Abstract Research on the use of gyrotrons for electron cyclotron heating and preionization in Tokamaks is described. The program consists of research and development on gyrotrons, and their use in ECH experiments. Recently, experiments using an 100 kW, 20 ms, TE01 gyroton were completed on the ISX-B Tokamak at ORNL. We summarize the results of these, in which 60% absorption, resulting in a 50% rise in the electron temperature, was achieved. Currently, ECH experiments on the Versator-II Tokamak at MIT are being performed. These experiments are aimed toward a detailed examination of the physics of ECH, including the effects of polarization and injection angle. Plans for and results from this effort, as well as those for a highly efficient, 35 GHz, 300 kW gyrotron to be used in these experiments will be presented.
Some Comparative Data

In the previous chapter, we examined the effects of the AG/PRO parameter on the early grammar of English. We saw that these effects appear quite early in the acquisition process and hence it was suggested that the value AG = PRO represents the “initial” setting for this parameter; that is, the value specified in advance of experience with a particular language. Given that children do not come “prewired” to acquire one language rather than another (i.e., the initial settings are invariant across children), we except that the language of non-English speaking children will exhibit the essential properties we have discussed, for example, subjectless sentences. Just as theories of UG may be empirically verified or falsified by investigating the grammars of different languages, so hypotheses concerning the initial parameter settings may be tested against the developing grammars of other languages. Thus, the purpose of this chapter is to consider the early grammars of children acquiring languages other than English. In particular, we will look at the acquisition of Italian, a pro-drop language, and German, a non-pro-drop language, focussing in on those aspects of the acquisition data which are relevant to the analysis proposed in the previous chapters.1 We begin with Italian in Section 2 and then turn to German in Section 3.
Interrogating PI3K to induce PD-L1 expression in oral carcinoma.

e24119Background: PD-L1 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (oSCC) is well characterized and is one potential mechanism for suppression of the anti-tumor immune response. Enhanced phosphoino...
Opportunities and Challenges of Mobile Technologies in Higher Education Pedagogy in Africa: A Case Study

A book chapter by Prof. Fredrick Kangethe Iraki, a Lecturer at the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at USIU - Africa.
Bayesian population correlation: A probabilistic approach to inferring and comparing population distributions for detrital zircon ages

Abstract Populations of detrital zircons are shaped by geologic factors such as sediment transport, erosion mechanisms, and the zircon fertility of source areas. Zircon U-Pb age datasets are influenced both by these geologic factors and by the statistical effects of sampling. Such statistical effects introduce significant uncertainty into the inference of parent population age distributions from detrital zircon samples. This uncertainty must be accounted for in order to understand which features of sample age distributions are attributable to earth processes and which are sampling effects. Sampling effects are likely to be significant at a range of common detrital zircon sample sizes (particularly when n In order to more accurately account for the uncertainty in estimating parent population age distributions, we introduce a new method to infer probability model ensembles (PMEs) from detrital zircon samples. Each PME represents a set of the potential parent populations that are likely to have produced a given zircon age sample. PMEs form the basis of a new metric of correspondence between two detrital zircon samples, Bayesian Population Correlation (BPC), which is shown in a suite of numerical experiments to be unbiased with respect to sample size. BPC uncertainties can be directly estimated for a specific sample comparison, and BPC results conform to analytical predictions when comparing populations with known proportions of shared ages. We implement all of these features in a set of MATLAB® scripts made freely available as open-source code and as a standalone application. The robust uncertainties, lack of sample size bias, and predictability of BPC are desirable features that differentiate it from existing detrital zircon correspondence metrics. Additionally, analysis of other sample limited datasets with complex probability distributions may also benefit from our approach.
Hidden tectonism on Miranda's Elsinore Corona revealed by polygonal impact craters

Abstract We mapped the spatial distribution and orientations of polygonal impact craters (PICs) on the classical Uranian satellite Miranda to gain insight into the complex tectonic history of this moon. PIC straight rim segments in regions without visible fractures can be used to infer sub-regolith and/or sub-resolution fracture orientations. We identified and analyzed 14 PICs on Miranda, nine of which are located on its trailing hemisphere, overprinting Elsinore Corona and the nearby cratered terrain. These PICs do not follow the E-W orientations of the ridges within Elsinore's bounding terrain, indicating that these ridges are not underlain by deep-rooted (at least as deep as the crater bowl), sub-vertical normal or strike-slip faults. Instead, the ridges may be contractional features, consisting of folds and possibly thrust faults, or cryovolcanic features without fault structures. Furthermore, the PICs in this region indicate that a previously undetected NW oriented fracture system is present over much of Miranda's trailing hemisphere. Another PIC, somewhat distal from Elsinore on Miranda's anti-Uranus hemisphere, might be associated with the NW fractures as well. Additionally, three PICs are present proximal to Verona Rupes on Miranda's Uranus-facing hemisphere. These PICs exhibit N-S orientations consistent with the surrounding fractures that make up Miranda's Global Rift System. One other PIC is proximal to Arden and might be associated with the Arden bounding terrain. Identification of the NW fracture system provides new information on Miranda's complex geologic history. Based on cross cutting relationships with Miranda's ancient subdued crater population, the NW fracture system is older than Elsinore. However, this fracture system also overprints Elsinore, suggesting reactivation of the NW fractures after this corona had formed. Along with discussion of Miranda's geologic history, we consider the possibility that Miranda has undergone true polar wander, and we compare its terrains and geologic features to similar features on the Saturnian satellite Enceladus.
SNR-Based Early Warning Message Scheme for VANETs

A Vehicular Ad hoc Network (VANET) is a special type of Mobile Ad hoc Network (MANET). One of the main applications of VANETs is safety. This is accomplished by disseminating an Early Warning Message (EWM) to all vehicles in an emergency zone. However, broadcasting an EWM in a multihop environment, such as a VANET, introduces many challenges. The main challenge is the broadcast storm problem. In this paper, we propose a novel broadcasting communication scheme for VANETs. During an emergency situation a congested scenario is possible when vehicle density on the road is high. This causes contention at the MAC layer, which leads to collisions and increases the number of rebroadcasts, hence reducing packet dissemination, increasing delay and network resource use. Our proposed communication scheme is an SNR-based dynamic suppression scheme that aims to significantly reduce the effects of the broadcast storm problem by minimizing the number of rebroadcasting vehicles. The proposed scheme achieves this by considering the physical layer characteristics and the number of times a vehicle receives an EWM. Moreover, we correlate vehicle density and suppression range through a formula to determine the effective suppression range. The proposed scheme maintains network connectivity and achieves almost 100% reachability to all vehicles throughout the zone. Furthermore, the proposed scheme minimizes delay by 0.4 sec in high density scenarios.
Enhanced coping and self-efficacy in caregivers of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) recipients: Identifying mechanisms of a multimodal psychosocial intervention.

12122Background: A brief multimodal psychosocial intervention (BMT-CARE) for caregivers of HCT recipients demonstrated promising efficacy for improving caregiver quality of life (QOL), mood, coping...
Decentralized Software Evolution

Abstract : We define decentralized software evolution as the ability to evolve software independent of the original software vendor. Decentralized software evolution (DSE) provides a means for third-party software vendors to customize existing applications for particular domains and customers. This capability benefits everyone involved: the original application vendor sells more product since customization constitutes use; the third-party developer delivers a product in less time and with lower cost by reusing software instead of starting from scratch; and the customer receives a higher quality product in less time and with lower cost. Although reliable, rapid, and cost effective software evolution has been a principal concern of software research since the 1970's, results to date do not directly address DSE. The principles and techniques of software evolution anticipation of change, separation of concerns, modularity, information hiding, object-oriented design, mediator-based design, adaptive object-oriented design, design patterns, aspect-oriented design, etc. help design evolvable software systems. Unfortunately, the flexibility attained using these techniques is lost when the application is compiled for use. The compilation process solidifies the plasticity of a design, making it exceedingly difficult to accommodate a change that would otherwise be easy to make. The objective of DSE is to preserve the design's plasticity in the deployed system, thereby enabling third-party evolution.
Nomenclature of Vascular Anomalies: Evolution to the ISSVA 2018 Classification System

“Vascular anomalies” encompass a wide range of diagnoses and have evolved from a rather obscure and poorly understood niche to a dynamic field of medicine, with increasing interest in the biology, etiology, genetics, clinical behavior, and treatment of these disorders. Despite this growing fascination, incorrect nomenclature plagues the medical literature and clinical practice. The chronology of classification schemas for vascular anomalies parallels research findings in angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. This chapter aims to clarify the evolution of the terminology of vascular anomalies to the updated ISSVA (International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies) 2018 classification, which builds upon the prior ISSVA classification, integrating genetic findings, and updated entities. This provides a common nomenclature for all specialists in vascular anomalies and facilitates optimum diagnosis and treatment. The classification is regularly updated to account for newly appreciated diagnoses, categorization, and genetic findings.
The 2nd ACM SIGSPATIAL International Workshop on Geospatial Data Access and Processing APIs (SpatialAPI 2020): Seattle, WA, USA - November 3, 2020

With the increasing amount of publicly available geospatial data, the demand on spatial data exploration and analysis kept growing. The SIGSPATIAL community is both a provider of new systems with cutting-edge technology on accessing and processing geospatial data, and a user for all these systems. The SpatialAPI workshop is designed to help the SIGSPATIAL community by growing the knowledge of the existing well-established systems that are available for accessing and processing geospatial data. This includes, but is not limited to, web APIs, programming libraries, database systems, and geospatial extensions to existing systems.
A practical guide to writing a competitive K award application.

Abstract Career Development Awards, including K-series grants from the National Institutes of Health, are often the first external award that developing surgeon-scientists will receive, and can lead to higher success rates in obtaining later independent funding. However, just like learning a new surgical technique, learning to create a competitive Career Development Award application requires good instruction and dedicated practice. This article is geared to deliver practical instruction for how to approach an initial Career Development Award application, so that aspiring surgeon-scientists will be equipped to tackle this daunting task in practice. Based on insights gleaned from published sources and the authors’ own experiences as K awardees, the discussion will cover preapplication considerations, including when to apply and how to get started, as well as specific advice for crafting well-developed components of the Career Development Award application. The objective of this article is to provide potential applicants with information and strategies to produce the highest quality, cohesive Career Development Award application possible. In sum, the authors hope that this article provides helpful insights to guide applicants toward successfully securing Career Development Award funding and establishing a solid foundation for their academic research careers.