cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 31: Isoform level gene expression signature is a better discriminator of cancer from normal cells than gene level expression signature

The majority of mammalian genes generate multiple transcript variants and protein isoforms, which usually are differentially expressed in different cellular and disease conditions. We hypothesize that the isoform level gene expression profiles can better discriminate normal and cancer cells with different sub-types than gene-level expression profiles. We analyzed Affymetrix exon array data sets, collected from public domain (ENCODE and TCGA datasets from NCBI GEO database), comprising 160 cell lines of either normal or tumor tissues of origin. The unsupervised clustering of genome-wide gene expression estimates at isoform-level effectively grouped the normal and cancer cell lines with 97.5% homogeneity, regardless of the tissue origins of the cell lines, with only 4 exceptions out of 160 samples. However, at gene level, this homogeneity grouping rate was much lower, and was about 75% at best. The supervised method revealed genes and isoforms that are differentially expressed between pairs of tumor and normal samples, which can serve as signatures to effectively differentiate tumor and normal cell lines. Finally, the pathway analyses both at gene and isoforms-level indicate that there are subtle differences of derived pathways. The study reveals that there exists a common isoform-level signature that can be used not only for effective discrimination of oncogenic cell lines from non-oncogenic cell lines, but may also have important biological implications for a better understanding of common defining characteristics of tumors of varied types. Finally, we present the identified isoform-level gene signatures and associated pathways for melanoma, breast cancer and glioblastoma. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 31. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-31
Application of SCADA system in natural gas dispatching network

A design of the SCADA system used in gas dispatching network, including the data acquisition, communication and monitoring of the SCADA system, was described. The successful application of RTU that embedded “C” language editor was presented in details. The problem that T chart of the general RTU can't communicate with substandard protocol was resolved. The ability of data acquisition of the SCADA system was improved. In the respect of communication, the mode of wireless communication was used like mobile telephone. The system became convenience and agility. Its reliability was enhanced at the same time.
355 DEVELOPMENT OF AN OUTPATIENT HEALTHY BEHAVIOR PROGRAM FOR RECENT-ONSET SCHIZOPHRENIA PATIENTS.

Background Many of the new atypical antipsychotic medications have been associated with significant weight gain and drug-induced obesity, and obesity-related health complications such as cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes. Relatively little is known about strategies to improve health behavior in people with mental disorders. In particular, little is known about how general health behavior change approaches might be modified to be appropriate and effective within the context of recent-onset schizophrenia. Objective Research and design a health behavior program for recent-onset schizophrenia patients that incorporates relaxation/stress management skills, nutrition training, and an exercise regimen. Methods Extensively review the literature and collect manuals, protocols, and outcome measures of exiting programs. Meet with health care professionals to obtain practical advice from front-line health care providers. Lead a focus group with schizophrenia patients for additional input regarding curriculum development. Results Thirteen existing programs were contacted, and we received four program manuals (specifically designed for psychiatric patients) to review. We met with six professionals from various health care specialties who provided us with helpful ideas and further contacts. We held two focus groups with recent-onset schizophrenia patients and obtained feedback from 10 patients. Actual curriculum content is currently in development. Conclusions Health behavior interventions—like the one developed from this research experience—that are designed to accommodate the cognitive, social, and motivational impairments inherent in schizophrenia have the best chance of success. Limitations of this project include limited funding for research and lack of empirically validated outcome measures to investigate program effects.
Application and Results of Eco-governance Model in Large-scale Livestock and Poulty Industry

By analysis on the applicatim and reiults of the eco-governance model in carge-scale livestock and paulty industiy,the results show that it is obrious to treat the sewage by using this model,and it is worth breeding in small and medium scale livestock and poultry industry.
Deep learning for extracting word-level meaning from safety report narratives

Much of aviation safety reporting data consists of structured data e.g., digital flight data or radar data. However, safety report narratives, which come in the form of unstructured text data, are indispensable for safety reporting. Structured data alone is inadequate to capture all of the details of an incident while narratives can and do represent a myriad of details in a form that is natural for analysts to work with.
Radiographic Findings Immediately After Urethral Rupture: An Experimental Study and Case Reports

AbstractHerein are reported the results of radiographic studies made immediately after experimentally produced partial and complete urethral ruptures. In cases of partial rupture retrograde urethrography demonstrated extravasation of dye at the site of injury and contrast medium in the bladder. In cases of complete rupture retrograde urethrography demonstrated extravasation of dye at the site of the urethral disruption but no contrast medium reached the bladder because of retraction of the divided ends. Two case reports confirmed these findings.
An analysis of key stakeholders' attitudes and beliefs about barriers and facilitating factors in the development of a cervical cancer prevention program in South Africa.

Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer related deaths among women. Each year there are approximately 250,000 deaths; most of which occurred in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Latin America. The purpose of this report is to examine key stakeholders experience and knowledge of HPV and cervical cancer, examine their experiences with the current cervical cancer screening and treatment policy, and identify barriers and facilitating factors to vaccine implementation and uptake. Fifteen indepth interviews were conducted with key stakeholders in Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa. The interviews revealed several key findings including: 1) knowledge about HPV and cervical cancer varied across participants, 2) knowledge about cervical cancer was also mixed while knowledge about the relationship between HPV and cervical cancer was low among participants. Our findings indicate that key stakeholders are concerned about women’s health and wellbeing. In addition, they believe that the government, families, and the media need to play a prominent role in prevention efforts. Resume Le cancer du col est la principale cause de deces lies au cancer chez les femmes. Chaque annee, il y a environ 250.000 deces, la plupart se produisant en Afrique sub-saharienne, en Asie du Sud et en Amerique latine. Le but de ce rapport est d'examiner l'experience des partis prenants cles et la connaissance sur le cancer du col uterin et le VPH, d’examiner leurs experiences avec le depistage du cancer du col de l'uterus et des politiques actuelles du traitement et d'identifier les obstacles et les facteurs qui facilitent la mise en oeuvre du vaccin et son acceptation. Quinze entrevues en profondeur ont ete menees aupres des intervenants cles au Cap et a Johannesburg, en Afrique du Sud. Les entrevues ont revele plusieurs resultats cles, notamment: 1) les connaissances sur le VPH et le cancer du col de l'uterus varie selon les participantes, 2) les connaissances sur le cancer du col de l'uterus ont egalement ete variables tandis que la connaissance sur la relation entre le VPH et le cancer du col de l'uterus etait faible chez les participantes. Nos resultats indiquent que les principaux partis prenants sont preoccupes de la sante et du bien-etre des femmes. En outre, ils estiment que le gouvernement, les familles et les medias doivent jouer un role de premier plan dans les efforts de prevention. Keywords: cervical cancer prevention, women’s health, South Africa
Transient Rotational Motion of Mechanical Systems

In Chap. 4, we focused on motions that occur along a linear path. Similar motions also occur in rotary systems where the variable is angular, rather than linear, displacement. Examples of rotational motions include:
Using Simulated Binary Crossover in Particle Swarm Optimization

Simulated binary crossover (SBX) operator is widely used in real-coded genetic algorithms. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is a well-studied optimization scheme. In this paper, we combine SBX together with particle swarm optimization (PSO) procedures to prevent possible premature convergence. Benchmark tests are implemented and the result turns out that such modification enhances the exploitation ability of PSO.
Social behavioral phenotyping of the zebrafish casper mutant following embryonic alcohol exposure

Abstract The term Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) describes all the deleterious consequences of prenatal alcohol exposure. Impaired social behavior is a common symptom of FASD. The zebrafish has emerged as a powerful model organism with which to examine the effects of embryonic alcohol exposure on social behavior due to an innate strong behavior, called shoaling. The relative transparency of the embryo also makes zebrafish powerful for cellular analyses, such as characterizing neural circuitry. However, as zebrafish develop, pigmentation begins to obscure the brain and other tissues. Due to mutations disrupting pigmentation, the casper zebrafish strain remains relatively transparent throughout adulthood, potentially permitting researchers to image neural circuits in vivo , via epifluorescence, confocal and light sheet microscopy. Currently, however the behavioral profile of casper zebrafish post embryonic alcohol exposure has not been completed. We report that exposure to 1% alcohol from either 6 to 24, or 24 to 26 h postfertilization reduces the social behavior of adult casper zebrafish. Our findings set the stage for the use of this important zebrafish resource in studies of FASD.
Deciphering the algebraic CPT theorem

The CPT theorem states that any causal, Lorentz-invariant, thermodynamically well-behaved quantum field theory must also be invariant under a reflection symmetry that reverses the direction of time (T), flips spatial parity (P), and conjugates charge (C). Although its physical basis remains obscure, CPT symmetry appears to be necessary in order to unify quantum mechanics with relativity. This paper attempts to decipher the physical reasoning behind proofs of the CPT theorem in algebraic quantum field theory. Ultimately, CPT symmetry is linked to a systematic reversal of the C*-algebraic Lie product that encodes the generating relationship between observables and symmetries. In any physically reasonable relativistic quantum field theory it is always possible to systematically reverse this generating relationship while preserving the dynamics, spectra, and localization properties of physical systems. Rather than the product of three separate reflections, CPT symmetry is revealed to be a single global reflection of the theory’s state space.
Exploring Programming Instruction in Multidisciplinary Contexts

Programming is becoming skill required by a wide range of students, not just CS majors. Furthermore, not only are non-CS majors learning to program, but many non-CS faculty find themselves teaching programming courses. Introducing these faculty and students to the craft of programming is accompanied by a number of unique challenges. How can non-CS faculty position themselves as programming experts, given they are not CS people? How can we convince non-CS students that coding is a necessary skill? Often our non-computing majors are reluctant, stating "Programming isn't what I signed up for!" Many non-CS students are not receptive to learning new programming languages due to a lack of intrinsic motivation coupled with technological anxiety. These factors often result in low-self efficacy, which must be overcome in order to explore, play, and learn. This Birds of a Feather discussion brings together instructors from diverse disciplines to discuss the teaching of programming to a range of students, the barriers that exist for non-computing students, and the interventions that attempt to mitigate these issues.
Clinical characteristics of veterans with gambling disorders seeking pain treatment

Abstract Objectives To examine the relationships between gambling disorder, pain, and suicide attempts among US military veterans using Veterans Health Administration (VHA) pain-related services. Methods Retrospective cohort analysis of 221,817 veterans using pain services was included in the analysis. First, differences in sociodemographic and clinical characteristics (i.e., psychiatric comorbidities and pain-related variables) were analyzed according to gambling disorder. Second, we performed logistic regression analyses to assess the association between gambling disorder and suicide attempts. Results Female sex, depressive, alcohol, drug and tobacco use disorders are positively associated with gambling disorders, while severe pain score is negatively associated with gambling disorders. Logistic regression analysis showed that gambling disorder diagnosis was associated suicide attempt in veterans who received a visit for pain in VHA in the past year. Conclusions Our findings suggest that gambling disorder in female veterans and suicide attempts in veterans with gambling disorder should not be underestimated and warrants further consideration. Moreover, the result that veterans with severe pain may be less likely to have a diagnosis of gambling disorder needs to be confirmed.
Discovery of Small Molecule Renal Outer Medullary Potassium (ROMK) Channel Inhibitors: A Brief History of Medicinal Chemistry Approaches To Develop Novel Diuretic Therapeutics

The renal outer medullary potassium (ROMK) channel is a member of the inwardly rectifying family of potassium (Kir, Kir1.1) channels. It is primarily expressed in two regions of the kidney, the cortical collecting duct (CCD) and the thick ascending loop of Henle (TALH). At the CCD it tightly regulates potassium secretion while controlling potassium recycling in TALH. As loss-of-function mutations lead to salt wasting and low blood pressure, it has been surmised that inhibitors of ROMK would represent a target for new and improved diuretics for the treatment of hypertension and heart failure. In this review, we discuss and provide an overview of the medicinal chemistry approaches toward the development of small molecule ROMK inhibitors over the past decade.
Neuroinflammatory Changes in Relation to Cerebrospinal Fluid Viral Load in Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Encephalitis

The exact cause of neurocognitive dysfunction in HIV-positive patients despite successful control of the infection in the periphery is not completely understood. One suggested mechanism is a vicious cycle of microglial activation and release of proinflammatory chemokines/cytokines that eventually leads to neuronal loss and dysfunction. However, the exact role of microglial activation in the earliest stages of the infection with high cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) viral loads (VL) is unclear. In this study, we imaged the translocator protein (TSPO), a mitochondrial membrane receptor known to be upregulated in activated microglia and macrophages, in rhesus macaques before and multiple times after inoculation with a neurotropic simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) strain (SIVsm804E), using 18F-DPA714 positron emission tomography (PET). The whole-brain standardized uptake values of TSPO at equilibrium reflecting total binding (SUVT) and binding potentials (BPND) were calculated and correlated with CSF and serum markers of disease, and a corresponding postmortem immunostaining analysis was also performed. SUVT was found to be inversely correlated with both CSF VL and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) levels. In SIV-infected macaques with very high CSF VL at necropsy (>106 copies/ml), we found decreased TSPO binding by PET, and this was supported by immunostaining which showed glial and neuronal apoptosis rather than microglial activation. On the other hand, with only moderately elevated CSF VL (∼104 copies/ml), we found increased TSPO binding as well as focal and diffuse microglial activation on immunostaining. Our results in the SIV-infected macaque model provide insights into the relationship between HIV neuropathology and CSF VL at various stages of the disease.IMPORTANCE Neurological and cognitive problems are a common complication of HIV infection and are prevalent even in treated individuals. Although the molecular processes underlying brain involvement with HIV are not completely understood, inflammation is suspected to play a significant role. Our work presents an in vivo assessment of neuroinflammation in an animal model of HIV, the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected rhesus macaque. Using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, we identified changes in brain inflammation after inoculation with SIV over time. Interestingly, we found decreased binding of the PET ligand in the presence of very high cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) viral loads. These findings were supported by immunostaining which showed marked glial loss instead of inflammation. This study provides insight into glial and neuronal changes associated with very high CSF viral load and could reflect similar changes occurring in HIV-infected patients.
FgaPT2, a biocatalytic tool for alkyl-diversification of indole natural products

Aromatic prenyltransferases from natural product biosynthetic pathways display relaxed specificity for their aromatic substrates. While a growing body of evidence suggests aromatic prenyltransferases to be more tolerant towards their alkyl-donor substrates, most studies aimed at probing their donor-substrate specificity are limited to only a small set of alkyl pyrophosphate donors, restricting their broader utility as biocatalysts for synthetic applications. Here, we assess the donor substrate specificity of an l-tryptophan C4-prenyltransferase, also known as C4-dimethylallyltryptophan synthase, FgaPT2 from Aspergillus fumigatus, using an array of 34 synthetic unnatural alkyl-pyrophosphate analogues, and demonstrate FgaPT2 can catalyze the transfer of 25 of the 34 non-native alkyl groups from their corresponding synthetic alkyl-pyrophosphate analogues at N1, C3, C4 and C5 position of tryptophan in a normal and reverse manner. The kinetic studies and regio-chemical analysis of the alkyl-l-tryptophan products suggest that the alkyl-donor transfer by FgaPT2 is a function of the stability of the carbocation and the steric factors in the active site of the enzyme. Further, to demonstrate the biocatalytic utility of FgaPT2, this study also highlights the FgaPT2-catalyzed synthesis of a small set of alkyl-diversified indolocarbazole analogues. These results reveal FgaPT2 to be more tolerant to diverse non-native alkyl-donor substrates beyond their known acceptor substrate promiscuity and set the stage for its development as a novel biocatalytic tool for the differential alkylation of natural products for drug discovery and other synthetic applications.
Abstract 175: Evaluation of Sepsis-Related Cytokines on Endothelial Cell Permeability

The endothelium plays a critical role in the progression from sepsis to organ failure because endothelium lines all blood vessels and organs in the body to provide a selective barrier. The endothelium is responsible for dynamically regulating the passage of small molecules, fluid, and cells between
Who Should Manage Periprosthetic Joint Infection? The Case for a Multidisciplinary Approach

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is a complex disease state that is quite devastating to those affected. Improvement in diagnostic testing modalities and therapeutic techniques have led to significant advances in treatment for patients, but there is still a considerable gap in treatment success across providers and institutions. Where and who should be treating cases of PJI remains a debated topic. Many experts have proposed a new treatment model not dissimilar to that with which has been used to treat other complex disease states such as cancer for decades, and there is now a growing body of evidence to support such a strategy is superior. In this article, we evaluate the current body of literature on the topic and offer recommendations for the ideal treatment model for PJI: the multidisciplinary approach.
Impact of adjuvant chemotherapy on outcomes in appendiceal cancer.

BACKGROUND The impact of using adjuvant chemotherapy following cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in patients with appendiceal adenocarcinoma is not known. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of adjuvant chemotherapy following complete cytoreduction in patients with appendiceal adenocarcinoma. METHODS Retrospective medical record review of all patients with appendiceal adenocarcinoma treated at our institution between 2006 and 2015. Kaplan-Meier plots were used to summarize overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival over time, and log-rank tests and Cox proportional hazards models were used to test for differences in survival between groups. RESULTS A total of 103 patients with appendiceal adenocarcinoma received care at our institution during the study period. Complete cytoreduction (cytoreductive score 0-1) was achieved in 68 patients (66%). Of these 68 patients, 26 received adjuvant chemotherapy. The most common regimens were capecitabine (n = 11), capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (n = 7), and 5-FU plus oxaliplatin (n = 6). Tumor histopathology and grade, and the ability to achieve complete cytoreduction were significant predictors of overall survival. The median OS for non-low-grade and well-differentiated tumor patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy following complete cytoreduction was 9.03 years, compared to 2.88 years for patients who did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy (P = .02). Among low-grade and well-differentiated tumor patients who underwent complete cytoreduction, there was no statistically significant difference in OS between those who received adjuvant chemotherapy and those who did not. CONCLUSION Adjuvant chemotherapy seems to have benefit in appendiceal cancer patients with non-low-grade or well-differentiated tumor type but not in low-grade or well-differentiated tumors.
Pricing the Economic Risk of Coronavirus: A Delay in Consumption or a Recession?

This paper prices the probable economic risk of coronavirus, where possible outcomes range from partial delay of consumption (blip), to a full scale of recession due to disruption of supply chain and labor productivity shock. We present the lifecycle that the virus goes through (Genesis, Epidemic-pandemic, and Stasis), and suggest that the length of the life cycle determines the economic consequences. To date in the current case of coronavirus, corporations will miss original Q1/2020 earnings forecasts due to reduced or delayed consumer spending. Looking forward, there are three economic scenarios; in the first, should the coronavirus exhibit a marked decline by mid-April, then companies will have outstanding Q2 earnings, arising from the delayed blip in consumption from Q1. In the second, should the coronavirus effects continue through May, then there will be a moderate recession due to a limited labor shock. In the third, there is an extended pandemic that creates a full-scale recession. To respond to the GDP gap created by coronavirus, I propose that the optimal fiscal and monetary policy is intervention to fill in the GDP gap with infrastructure projects and unemployment benefits, up to the amount of $5 Trillion (half of it for states revenue shortfall). And to address the gap in the stock market, the Fed should purchase assets (not push on a string by cutting rates). With these policies, there would be a soft landing for the US economy and the stock market.
Safety of complementary and alternative medicine treatments and practices

Abstract Complementary and alternative (CAM) treatment systems are being studied more intensely in recent years. Adverse events (AEs), errors, toxicities and interactions have reporting mechanisms in many countries but continue to be inconsistent in aggregation and causality assessment. The information available regarding dietary supplements (DS) and other CAM modalities with a prejudice toward “safe and natural” can deceive the consumer. DS are pharmacologically active moieties that act differently depending on the individual's state of being. Contamination of DS with heavy metals, unlabeled medications or other plant or animal products continues to plague the industry but newer methods of detection are being developed and used to assure quality of manufacturing. Manipulative and mind–body therapies are also undergoing scrutiny for appropriateness and efficacy without harm. Healthcare providers should familiarize themselves with CAM practices and their benefits and the associated risks to best care for their patient populations. In this review of the current literature from January through December 2018, the adverse effects of herbal dietary supplements (HDS) are organized as affecting different physiological systems. Many examples of unintentional and intentional contamination of HDS and methods of detection were recorded. The AEs reported for mind–body therapies were fewer in number and severity as compared to HDS, but without systematic reporting and monitoring it can be difficult to grasp the full extent of the impact side effects (SE) of various CAM therapies can have.
Thermal analysis of multigeneration system using geothermal energy as its main power source

Abstract The study presented in this paper examines the operation of an integrated system. The study aims to present a method for utilizing geothermal energy in a way that minimizes energy waste and delivers maximum efficiency. A high-temperature geothermal well with a temperature of 300 °C is used as its primary source of energy. The system produces space heating, space cooling, electric power, hot water, freshwater and hydrogen as its outputs. These outputs utilize the excess energy that is obtained from the geothermal well, and by doing so, reduces waste, and increases the overall efficiency of the system. Among these outputs, freshwater and hydrogen are considered the most valuable, as water is an essential life resource and hydrogen is a prized form of energy. The novelty of this system compared to other geothermal sources is that it does not rely on any other source of input energy. It produces both freshwater, hydrogen and considerable amounts of electric power for commercial, industrial and/or residential use. Electric power is produced by two power cycles; the first one is a double flash steam cycle in the geothermal system and the second one is an organic Rankine cycle. 40% of the total electric power produced is sent to an electrolyzer to produce hydrogen gas. Freshwater is produced by single flash desalination. The system produces 22.1 MW of power as net electricity output. The system is assessed energetically and exergetically; it is found that the energy efficiency is 49.1%, while the exergy efficiency is 67.9%. Further parametric studies are carried out using Engineering Equation Solver (EES) to investigate the influence of operating conditions on the energy and exergy of the system. Moreover, major exergy destruction areas in the system are also identified.
The chemical and physical properties of tetravalent lanthanides: Pr, Nd, Tb, and Dy

The fundamental redox chemistry and valence electronic structure of the lanthanides in molecular complexes and extended solids continues to be a fertile area of research. The contemporary understanding of the accessible oxidation states of the lanthanide elements and the variability in their electronic structure is the result of several paradigm shifts. While the lanthanide elements have already found widespread use in technical and consumer applications, the continued reevaluation of basic redox properties is a central chemical concern to establish a more complete description of periodic properties. This fundamental understanding of valence electronic structure as it is derived from oxidation state and coordination environment is essential for the continued development of lanthanides in quantum information science and quantum materials research. This review presents the chemical and physical properties of tetravalent lanthanide ions in extended solids and molecules with a focus on the elements apart from cerium: praseodymium, neodymium, terbium, and dysprosium.
When evidence is lacking: a mixed-methods approach for the development of practice guidance in liver transplantation

Background Most interventions for conditions with a small cohort size, such as transplantation, are unlikely to be part of a clinical trial. When condition-specific evidence is lacking, expert consensus can offer more precise guidance to improve care. Management of cardiovascular risk in liver-transplant recipients is one example for which clinicians have, to date, adapted evidence-based guidelines from studies in the general population. However, even when consensus is achieved, implementation of practice guidance is often inadequate and protracted. We report on a novel mixed-methods approach, the Northwestern Method©, for the development of clinical-practice guidance when condition-specific evidence is lacking. We illustrate the method through the development of practice guidance for managing cardiovascular risk in liver-transplant recipients. Methods The Northwestern Method© consists of (i) adaptation of relevant, existing, evidence-based clinical-practice guidelines for the target population; (ii) consensus by experts of the proposed practice guidance; (iii) identification of barriers to guidance adherence in current practice; and (iv) recommendation for implementation and dissemination of the practice guidance. The method is based on an iterative, user-centered approach in which the needs, wants, and limitations of all end users, including patients, are attended to at each stage of the design and development process. Conclusions The Northwestern Method© for clinical-practice-guidance development uses a mixed-methods approach to bring together broad representation from multiple disciplines and practice settings to develop consensus considering the unique needs and preferences of patients, caregivers, and practitioners who are directly impacted by clinical-practice-guidance recommendations. We hypothesize that a priori involvement of end users in the guidance-development process will lead to sustainable implementation of guidance statements into clinical practice.
The Timing of Public Policies: Political Budget Cycles and Credit Claiming

Why do politicians cluster the distribution of benefits in the run-up to elections? I suggest that credit claiming is an explanation for political budget cycles. Brazilian rules banning credit claiming before elections while allowing the distribution of benefits until election day provide an opportunity to differentiate between distribution and credit claiming as the engine that creates political budget cycles. Evidence from housing and conditional-cash transfer programs demonstrates that mayors expand these programs before the credit-claiming ban and halt expansion after the ban yet prior to election day. Drawing on social media data and qualitative fieldwork, I demonstrate that politicians use credit claiming to convey information about their competence. Distribution without attribution reduces the likelihood of political budget cycles compared to distribution with attribution, which together reinforce pre-election expansion of policy benefits. I rule out rival explanations of clientelism and party favoritism using data on beneficiaries’ political connections and funding allocation.
High Mutation Frequency and Significant Population Differentiation in Papaya Ringspot Virus-W Isolates.

A total of 101 papaya ringspot virus-W (PRSV-W) isolates were collected from five different cucurbit hosts in six counties of Oklahoma during the 2016–2018 growing seasons. The coat protein (CP) coding region of these isolates was amplified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and 370 clones (3–5 clones/isolate) were sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis revealed three phylogroups while host, location, and collection time of isolates had minimal impact on grouping pattern. When CP gene sequences of these isolates were compared with sequences of published PRSV isolates (both P and W strains), they clustered into four phylogroups based on geographical location. Oklahoman PRSV-W isolates formed one of the four distinct major phylogroups. The permutation-based tests, including Ks, Ks *, Z *, Snn, and neutrality tests, indicated significant genetic differentiation and polymorphisms among PRSV-W populations in Oklahoma. The selection analysis confirmed that the CP gene is undergoing purifying selection. The mutation frequencies among all PRSV-W isolates were within the range of 1 × 10−3. The substitution mutations in 370 clones of PRSV-W isolates showed a high proportion of transition mutations, which gave rise to higher GC content. The N-terminal region of the CP gene mostly contained the variable sites with numerous mutational hotspots, while the core region was highly conserved.
Paired carbon isotopic analysis of Ordovician bulk carbonate (δ13Ccarb) and organic matter (δ13Corg) spanning the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event

Abstract Paired measurements of bulk carbonate (δ13Ccarb), organic matter (δ13Corg), and their difference (Δ13C) can be used to estimate changes in isotopic fractionation through time as a function of O2/CO2 in the atmosphere. However, because local scale processes can also affect Δ13C, it is essential to compare sections from widely separated water masses. Here we present new δ13Corg data from Ordovician carbonate rocks from the Great Basin, Oklahoma, and Appalachian Basin and compare with published δ13Ccarb records from these sections and paired δ13C values from other carbonate successions around North America. These new data complement previous studies that focused on Upper Ordovician δ13Ccarb excursions and now provide a composite Ordovician δ13Corg record. New Lower Ordovician (Tremadocian Stage) δ13Corg data range from ca. − 26 to − 28‰, decreasing throughout the Lower–Middle Ordovician (Floian–Dapingian Stages) to ca. − 29 to − 31‰. δ13Corg values remain at their lowest throughout the Sandbian and are similar to other published Upper Ordovician (Sandbian–Katian) δ13Corg data from North America. Δ13C values from well-preserved intervals generally vary between + 26 to + 28‰ throughout the Lower to Middle Ordovician (Tremadocian to early Darriwilian), but increase to + 31‰ during the mid–late Darriwilian and mid Sandbian, similar to published data from younger Late Ordovician positive δ13C excursions known as the Guttenberg (GICE) and Hirnantian (HICE) events. The overall Δ13C trend shows a ~ 3‰ increase throughout the Early–Middle Ordovician and coincides with a previously interpreted period of ocean cooling and some of the earliest pulses of global biodiversity of marine invertebrates and planktonic organisms. Modeling studies predict that pCO2 decreased during this time, suggesting that the effect of pCO2 on Δ13C may have been overwhelmed by other controls, such as an in increase in pO2 or a higher O2/CO2 ratio during this biodiversification event.
Expression of Functional Selectin Ligands on Th Cells Is Differentially Regulated by IL-12 and IL-4

Immune responses may be qualitatively distinct depending on whether Th1 or Th2 cells predominate at the site of Ag exposure. T cell subset-specific expression of ligands for vascular selectins may underlie the distinct patterns of recruitment of Th1 or Th2 cells to peripheral inflammatory sites. Here we examine the regulation of selectin ligand expression during murine T helper cell differentiation. Large numbers of Th1 cells interacted with E- and P-selectin under defined flow conditions, while few Th2 and no naive T cells interacted. Th1 cells also expressed more fucosyltransferase VII mRNA than naive or Th2 cells. IL-12 induced expression of P-selectin ligands on Ag-activated naive T cells, even in the presence of IL-4, and on established Th2 cells restimulated in the presence of IL-12 and IFN-γ. In contrast, Ag stimulation alone induced only E-selectin ligand. Interestingly, restimulation of established Th2 cells in the presence of IL-12 and IFN-γ induced expression of P-selectin ligands but not E-selectin ligands; IFN-γ alone did not enhance expression of either selectin ligand. In summary, functional P- and E-selectin ligands are expressed on most Th1 cells, few Th2 cells, but not naive T cells. Furthermore, selectin ligand expression is regulated by the cytokine milieu during T cell differentiation. IL-12 induces P-selectin ligand, while IL-4 plays a dominant role in down-regulating E-selectin ligand.
The Flow of a Perfect Fluid Through an Axial Turbomachine with Prescribed Blade Loading

The theory of the three-dimensional flow through an axial turbomachine, associated with variation of circulation along the blade length, is described as an extension of the classical theory of finite wings and is simplified to a problem in axially symmetric rotational fluid motion by considering an infinite number of blades in each row. The problem is linearized by considering the vorticity generated by the blades to be transported by the mean velocity. The linearized problem leads to well-known partial differential equations and is solved for the radial, tangential, and axial velocity components induced by a single row of stationary or rotating blades with finite chord and prescribed loading. The particular case for which the blade chord approaches zero and the tangential velocity changes discontinuously is associated with the theory of the Prandtl lifting line for finite wings. Because the problem has been linearized, the solution for a multistage turbomachine follows by superposition of appropriate single rows. Analytical expressions and graphical values for the velocity components are given for a single stationary or rotating blade row of given loading with a hub/ t ip ratio of 0.6 and a blade aspect ratio of 2. The corresponding discontinuous approximation is compared with the more nearly exact solution and is shown to constitute a useful approximation to the solution for a finite blade chord when the discontinuity is located appropriately. An exponential approximation for the velocity components, deduced from the analysis, allows rapid estimation of the rate at which the equilibrium velocity profiles develop ahead of, and behind, a blade row and, using the superposition principle, provides a simple means of approximating the velocity distribution in a multistage turbomachine and of discussing mutual interference of blade rows.
Using Respondent Driven Sampling to Recruit Sexual Minority Women

ABSTRACT: Purpose: To describe: (1) recruitment of a community sample of sexual minority women (SMW) using respondent driven sampling (RDS), (2) and how RDS was modified to reach target recruitment goals, and (3) characteristics of successful recruiters. Methods: We compared the rates of recruitment using RDS and two modifications of RDS that we developed during our recruitment of SMW in Chicago. Key demographics of successful recruiters are described. Results: Using RDS without modifying the standard methodology provided the best rate of recruitment, but moved too slowly to be cost effective. Modifications proved necessary to meet recruitment goals. Participants who successfully recruited others tended to be younger, were African-American, have a high school education or less, and have an income of $20,000 per year or less. Conclusion: Researchers using RDS to recruit SMW may need to consider modifying RDS methodology. Flexibility and adequate staff resources are important. Using RDS to fill specific cells required to obtain a diverse sample may be difficult given the nature of RDS and the demographic characteristics of successful recruiters.
A design of a memory management unit for object-based systems

Object-based operating systems have the desirable property of separating policies from mechanisms while providing a protected procedure call interface for accessing system services. However, the kernel mechanisms in such systems rely very heavily on efficient memory management. A set of criteria for supporting the kernel mechanisms in object-based systems is presented. The design of a simple MMU (memory management unit) tailored for object-based systems is presented. The proposed design is an engineering solution combining the features available in commercial MMUs. >
Unified defense against DDoS attacks

With DoS/DDoS attacks emerging as one of the primary security threats in today's Internet, the search is on for an efficient DDoS defense mechanism that would provide attack prevention, mitigation and traceback features, in as few packets as possible and with no collateral damage. Although several techniques have been proposed to tackle this growing menace, there exists no effective solution to date, due to the growing sophistication of the attacks and also the increasingly complex Internet architecture. In this paper, we propose an unified framework that integrates traceback and mitigation capabilities for an effective attack defense. Some significant aspects of our approach include: (1) a novel data cube model to represent the traceback information, and its slicing along the lines of path signatures rather than router signatures, (2) characterizing traceback as a transmission scheduling problem on the data cube representation, and achieving scheduling optimality using a novel metric called utility, (3) and finally an information delivery architecture employing both packet marking and data logging in a distributed manner to achieve faster response times. The proposed scheme can thus provide both per-packet mitigation and multi-packet traceback capabilities due to effective data slicing of the cube, and can attain higher detection speeds due to novel utility rate analysis. We also contrast this unified scheme with other well-known schemes in literature to understand the performance tradeoffs, while providing an experimental evaluation of the proposed scheme on real data sets.
Third-Chromosome Mutagen-Sensitive Mutants of DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER

A total of 34 third chromosomes of Drosophila melanogaster that render homozygous larvae hypersensitive to killing by chemical mutagens have been isolated. Genetic analyses have placed responsible mutations in more than eleven complementation groups. Mutants in three complementation groups are strongly sensitive to methyl methanesulfonate, those in one are sensitive to nitrogen mustard, and mutants in six groups are hypersensitive to both mutagens. Eight of the ten loci mapped fall within 15% of the genetic map that encompasses the centromere of chromosome 3. Mutants from four of the complementation groups are associated with moderate to strong meiotic effects in females. Preliminary biochemical analyses have implicated seven of these loci in DNA metabolism.
Job satisfaction and horizontal violence in hospital staff registered nurses: the mediating role of peer relationships.

Aims and objectives To describe the association between horizontal violence and job satisfaction in hospital staff registered nurses and the degree to which peer relationships mediates the relationship. Additionally, the association between nurse and work characteristics and job satisfaction were determined. Background Horizontal violence is a major predictor of nurses' job satisfaction. Yet, not enough is known about the relationship between these variables. Job satisfaction is an important variable to study because it is a predictor of patient care quality and safety internationally. Peer relationships, a job satisfier for nurses, was identified as a potential mediator in the association between horizontal violence and job satisfaction. Design Cross-sectional mediational model testing. Methods An anonymous four-part survey of a random sample of 175 hospital staff registered nurses working in California provided the data. Data about horizontal violence, peer relationships, job satisfaction, and nurse and work characteristics were collected between March–August 2010. Results A statistically significant negative relationship was found between horizontal violence and peer relationships, job satisfaction and a statistically significant positive relationship was found between peer relationships and job satisfaction. Peer relationships mediated the association between horizontal violence and job satisfaction. Job satisfaction was reported as higher by nurses who worked in teaching hospitals. There were no statistically significant differences in job satisfaction based on gender, ethnicity, basic registered nurse education, highest degree held, size of hospital or clinical area. Conclusions The results suggest that peer relationships can attenuate the negative relationship between horizontal violence and job satisfaction. This adds to the extant literature on the relationship between horizontal violence and job satisfaction. Relevance to clinical practice The findings highlight peer relationships as an important factor when considering effective interventions that foster hospital staff registered nurses' job satisfaction in the presence of horizontal violence.
THE METHOD OF INTER-PARTICLE DISTRIBUTION FUNCTIONS FOR DIFFUSION-REACTION SYSTEMS IN ONE DIMENSION

Diffusions limited reactions in confined geometries exhibit all aspects of nonequilibrium dynamics, such as anomalous kinetics, self-organization and dynamical phase transitions, and have therefore been the subject of extensive research in recent years. In this paper we review the method of interparticle distribution functions (IPDF) which was originally introduced for deriving the exact kinetics of the diffusion-limited coalescence process, A+A→A, in one dimension. We explain the IPDF method and review variants of the coalescence model which can be solved exactly through this technique. We then consider strategies for approximations based on the IPDF method and review applications to coalescence with finite reaction rates (away from the strictly diffusion-controlled regime), many-body reactions (nA→mA), and the contact process. We conclude with a discussion of open, interesting problems and possible ways to their solution.