cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Permeability model for a woven fabric

The resin transfer molding (RTM) method is used to manufacture composite parts. The reinforcing fibers are placed in a mold cavity and the resin is injected to fill up the empty spaces. After the resin cures, the mold is opened and the part ejected. To predict necessary pressures and filling times and the proper locations for the inlet ports for resin injection and vents for air ejection it is necessary to model the resin infiltration process. A key to this modeling is permeability which characterizes the resistance of fibers to the flow of infiltrating resin. A simplified model for in-plane permeability of fabric reinforcement (preform) is developed here. This model uses lubrication theory for modeling the flow through open pores and Darcy's law for the transverse flow through the reinforcement. Scaling analysis is provided to justify the simplification and to estimate the range of validity for resulting expressions. Extension of the model to cover multi-layered preforms is derived. Boundary conditions and the data necessary to specify the problem geometry are discussed. A numerical experiment is conducted to estimate the influence of the transverse permeability of the preform on the solution. A calculation is provided for the permeability of a plain weave fabric.
Quantitative analysis of herpes simplex virus reactivation in vivo demonstrates that reactivation in the nervous system is not inhibited at early times postinoculation

Recent studies utilizing an ex vivo mouse model of herpes simplex virus (HSV) reactivation have led to the hypothesis that, under physiologic conditions inducing viral reactivation, the immune cells within the infected ganglion block the viral replication cycle and maintain the viral genome in a latent state. One prediction from the ex vivo study is that reactivation in ganglia in vivo would be inhibited at early times postinoculation, when the numbers of inflammatory cells in the ganglia are greatest. To distinguish between an effect of the immune infiltrates on (i) infectious virus produced and/or recovered in the ganglion and (ii) the number of neurons undergoing lytic transcriptional activity (reactivating), an assay to quantify the number of neurons expressing lytic viral protein in ganglia in vivo was developed. Infectious virus and HSV protein-positive neurons were quantified from days 9 through 240 postinoculation in latently infected trigeminal ganglia before and at 22 h after hyperthermic-stress-induced reactivation. Significant increases in the amount of virus and the number of positive neurons were detected poststress in ganglia at all times examined. Unexpectedly, the greatest levels of reactivation occurred at the times examined most proximal to inoculation. Acyclovir was utilized to stop residual acute-phase virus production, and this treatment did not reduce the level of reactivation on day 14. Thus, the virus measured after induction was a product of reactivation. These data indicate that, in contrast to observations in the ex vivo model, immune cells in the ganglia during the resolution of acute infection do not inhibit reactivation of the virus in ganglia in vivo.
Obstacle detection and avoidance for an Autonomous Surface Vehicle using a profiling sonar

We present an experimental study of a mechanically scanned profiling sonar for Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV) obstacle detection and avoidance. We extract potential obstacles from echo returns and suggest a scanning strategy for sonar in this application. We demonstrate with simulations (driven by data collected in the field) the potential for an ASV to rely solely on sonar data to navigate and avoid obstacles in a lake and harbor environment.
Detection of simulated microcalcifications in a phantom with digital mammography: effect of pixel size.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of pixel size on the detection of simulated microcalcifications in a phantom with digital mammography. Materials and Methods: A high-spatial-resolution prototype imager that yields variable pixel size (39 and 78 μm) and a clinical full-field digital mammography (FFDM) system that yields a 100-μm pixel size were used. Radiographic images of a contrast-detail (CD) phantom were obtained to perform four-alternative forced-choice observer experiments. Polymethylmethacrylate was added to obtain phantom thicknesses of 45 and 58 mm, which are typical breast thicknesses encountered in mammography. Phantom images were acquired with both systems under nearly identical exposure conditions by using an antiscatter grid. Twelve images were acquired for each phantom thickness and pixel size (for a total of 72 images), and six observers participated in this study. Observer responses were used to compute the fraction of correctly detected disks. A signal detection model was used to fit the r...
Top–Down Connections in Self-Organizing Hebbian Networks: Topographic Class Grouping

We investigate the effects of top-down input connections from a later layer to an earlier layer in a biologically inspired network. The incremental learning method combines optimal Hebbian learning for stable feature extraction, competitive lateral inhibition for sparse coding, and neighborhood-based self-organization for topographic map generation. The computational studies reported indicate top-down connections encourage features that reduce uncertainty at the lower layer with respect to the features in the higher layer, enable relevant information to be uncovered at the lower layer so that irrelevant information can preferentially be discarded [a necessary property for autonomous mental development (AMD)], and cause topographic class grouping. Class groups have been observed in cortex, e.g., in the fusiform face area and parahippocampal place area. This paper presents the first computational account, as far as we know, explaining these three phenomena by a single biologically inspired network. Visual recognition experiments show that top-down-enabled networks reduce error rates for limited network sizes, show class grouping, and can refine lower layer representation after new conceptual information is learned. These findings may shed light on how the brain self-organizes cortical areas, and may contribute to computational understanding of how autonomous agents might build and maintain an organized internal representation over its lifetime of experiences.
Prolongation of cardiac refractory times in man by clofilium phosphate, a new antiarrhythmic agent.

Abstract The electrophysiologic effects of clofilium phosphate, a new quaternary ammonium antiarrhythmic agent, were evaluated in 15 patients with a variety of cardiac dysrhythmias. Ten patients had ventricular dysrhythmias and five patients had supraventricular dysrhythmias. Clofilium was administered as a single bolus intravenously in doses ranging from 60 to 300 μg/kg during electrophysiologic testing. Blood pressure and heart rate were unchanged, and there were no significant side effects. Conduction time was unchanged in atrial tissue, ventricular tissue, atrioventricular node, and in the His-Purkinje system. QT intervals lengthened, atrial effective refractory period increased, and ventricular effective refractory period increased. The effective refractory period of the AV node was unchanged. Refractoriness of the bundle branches or His-Purkinje system was increased in eight patients. Inducible supraventricular arrhythmias were improved in four of four patients, and inducible ventricular arrhythmias were improved in at least five of nine patients. Clofilium is a model for an antiarrhythmic drug which should be useful in interrupting or suppressing reentrant arrhythmias because it increases refractoriness without major changes in conduction time.
Propagating distributions up directed acyclic graphs

In a previous article, we considered game trees as graphical models. Adopting an evaluation function that returned a probability distribution over values likely to be taken at a given position, we described how to build a model of uncertainty and use it for utility-directed growth of the search tree and for deciding on a move after search was completed. In some games, such as chess and Othello, the same position can occur more than once, collapsing the game tree to a directed acyclic graph (DAG). This induces correlations among the distributions at sibling nodes. This article discusses some issues that arise in extending our algorithms to a DAG. We give a simply described algorithm for correctly propagating distributions up a game DAG, taking account of dependencies induced by the DAG structure. This algorithm is exponential time in the worst case. We prove that it is #P complete to propagate distributions up a game DAG correctly. We suggest how our exact propagation algorithm can yield a fast but inexact heuristic.
Section III: AfterWARd—A Forum

In imperial fashion, the question of national security, national resources, and the preservation of civil liberties has come to be framed almost exclusively by the wars America is forced to conduct "outside" its borders; and in imperial fashion, these wars are increasingly portrayed as supranational police actions against rogue states, axes of evil, and whole criminal populations. This curious inversion between domestic security and international conflict, in which each is increasingly called upon to explicate and legitimate the other, will be the subject of this reflection: how does one approximate the production of culture in an indefinite, semi-permanent state of exception?
Length-tension relationship of striated muscle of cat external anal sphincter

The active and passive length-tension curves of small strips of cat external anal sphincter (EAS) were examined in vitro. The striated muscle fibers were arranged perpendicular to the long axis of the longitudinal smooth muscle cells of the longitudinal layer of the anal canal. Histological examination indicated that the strips were comprised of striated muscle fibers oriented in the long axis of the strip. Electrical field stimulation elicited twitch and tetanus responses that were not altered by the administration of gallamine triethiodide (10(-6) to 10(-4) M), a neuromuscular blocking agent. At 37 degrees C the time from the onset of the twitch contraction to the development of peak force ranged from 30 to 37 ms, the time from peak force to one-half relaxation ranged from 20 to 25 ms. The maximum active twitch and tetanus tension (Po) averaged 0.23 and 0.90 kg/cm2, respectively. Active tension could be developed over a range of 0.6-1.4 optimum length (Lo). The passive length-tension curve showed that the muscle had significant passive tension at lengths below the Lo for tension development and a high passive tension at Lo (average of 44% of active isometric twitch tension, 12.2% of active isometric tetanus tension) and above Lo. We conclude that the passive length-tension curve for the EAS is stiffer than that of typical mammalian skeletal muscles. We suggest that this difference is related to the adaptation of the EAS to its sphincteric function as a component of a hollow organ.
Abstract 438: The importance of estrogen-ERβ axis in racial disparity of prostate cancer

Purpose: The role of estrogens and estrogen receptors (ERs) in the disproportionate incidence and mortality of prostate cancer (PCa) has not been established. Although ERβ has been implicated in PCa progression, its ethnic-based expression and underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. The aim of this study is to establish correlation between estrogen-ERβ axis and clinical outcome in African American (AA) in comparison to Caucasian American (CA) men. Patients and Methods: 17β-Estradiol (E2) was determined in the blood procured from normal (n=30) and PCa patients (n=50) by ELISA. The expression of ERβ was assessed using an NCI-designed ethnicity-based tissue microarray (TMA) slide encompassing 150 each of AA and CA PCa tissue cores, 17 BPH, 13 normal biopsies, and 3 PCa cell lines (LNCaP, DU-145 and PC-3). Validation of ERβ in situ was validated by qRT-PCR in matched microdissected tumors and normal glands from both populations. Results: In comparison to normal subjects, circulating E2 levels were significantly (p=0.0160) elevated in AA-men than in CA-men with PCa. Additionally, a significant difference in E2 blood levels (p=0.0015) was observed between AA and AA PCa patients. Histoscore analysis demonstrate intense nuclear immunoreactivity (p=0.0018) against ERβ in tumors of AA than CA men. This notion was further validated by qRT-PCR on LCM-procured tumor cells (p=0.0315). In the adjusted multivariate analysis there was no correlation between ERβ expression and any clinical parameters in PCa tissues. In AA, there was a positive correlation between Gleason score (GS) and age but a negative correlation was found between GS, age and PSA-recurrence free. However, no correlation was found in CA. Conclusion: Together, high circulating levels of blood estrogens and mRNA levels coupled with a differential expression of ERβ in PCa tissues suggest a potential role for estrogen-ERβ axis in the development of castrate-resistant prostate cancer in AA men. Key words: E2, ER beta, mRNA, TMA, histoscore, African Americans, health disparities. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 438. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-438
Suppression of gyrase-mediated resistance by C7 aryl fluoroquinolones

Fluoroquinolones form drug-topoisomerase-DNA complexes that rapidly block transcription and replication. Crystallographic and biochemical studies show that quinolone binding involves a water/metal-ion bridge between the quinolone C3-C4 keto-acid and amino acids in helix-4 of the target proteins, GyrA (gyrase) and ParC (topoisomerase IV). A recent cross-linking study revealed a second drug-binding mode in which the other end of the quinolone, the C7 ring system, interacts with GyrA. We report that addition of a dinitrophenyl (DNP) moiety to the C7 end of ciprofloxacin (Cip-DNP) reduced protection due to resistance substitutions in Escherichia coli GyrA helix-4, consistent with the existence of a second drug-binding mode not evident in X-ray structures of drug-topoisomerase-DNA complexes. Several other C7 aryl fluoroquinolones behaved in a similar manner with particular GyrA mutants. Treatment of E. coli cultures with Cip-DNP selectively enriched an uncommon variant, GyrA-A119E, a change that may impede binding of the dinitrophenyl group at or near the GyrA-GyrA interface. Collectively the data support the existence of a secondary quinolone-binding mode in which the quinolone C7 ring system interacts with GyrA; the data also identify C7 aryl derivatives as a new way to obtain fluoroquinolones that overcome existing GyrA-mediated quinolone resistance.
In vitro Sensitivity of Brucella to Streptomycin Development of Resistance During Streptomycin Treatment.

Summary1. A method for the in vitro testing of sensitivity of brucella to streptomycin is described. 2. The streptomycin sensitivity of 40 cultures of brucella isolated from humans is given. 3. Studies are reported concerning a strain by Br. abortus which developed marked resistance to streptomycin during the treatment of a patient having subacute bacterial endocarditis.
Effect of Cu on Al-Transition Metal Reaction Kinetics

The effect of Cu on the kinetics of compound formation between Al and transition metals such as Hf and Ti has been studied by resistivity measurement and Rutherford backscattering (RBS) in the temperature range of 325°C to 450°C. Thin film couples consisting of 150nm-thick transition metal film and 600nm-thick Al-Cu film were used, in which the Cu content was varied from 0 to 9 wt%. The intermetallic phases were found to grow as (time)1/2. Most interestingly, the reaction rate constants were found to decrease significantly with increasing Cu content, but to level off for Cu contents greater than about 2 wt%. The corresponding activation energy for a given Altransition metal reaction was found to increase with increasing Cu for Cu contents up to 2wt%. For example, when 4 wt% Cu is added to Al, the rate constant at 400°C for HfAl3 is reduced by about a factor of 5, while the activation energy increases from 1.5 eV to 2.0 eV. RBS results indicate that the Cu addition seems to inhibit the diffusion of Hf into Al. Diffusive intermixing in the Al/Ti system is much smaller and, consequently, the effect of Cu additions in preventing Ti diffusion into the Al is also much smaller.
Political Parties in New York City

Though declining to run for a fourth term in 1945, Mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia boasted: “Listen, I could run on a laundry ticket and be elected!” At one time or another during his political career, the Mayor had run under nine different party labels—under as many as four in a single election. To the outsider and the New Yorker alike, this multiplicity of candidacies and parties in New York City is highly confusing. The multi-party system is due to many factors, especially the election laws, the size and complexion of the population, the existence of an active independent movement, and the recent political activity of and schisms within organized labor.
Social displays in red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus): sensitivity to thermoregulatory costs

-Breeding male Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) engage in territorial advertisement and agonistic displays that have ordered benefits. We studied the frequency of these behaviors in relation to thermoregulatory cost by comparing plots of activity vs. microclimate with plots of energy and water cost vs. microclimate, using standard operative temperature, T, to quantify microclimate. We used a multiple regression model to control for nonthermal environmental factors covariant with Te, to clarify the behavior-thermoregulation relationship. We found that male Red-winged Blackbirds shifted from display to shelter seeking and foraging in proportion to increasing thermoregulatory energy cost. Water costs appeared unimportant. Higher-value agonistic display appeared less sensitive to thermoregulatory cost than did lower-value territorial advertisement. Received 5 June 1986, accepted
Challenges for Sharing Data from Embedded Research

Sharing data from cluster-randomized trials may be difficult. Hundreds of thousands of patients may be involved, and health systems and providers are subjects of the research. A solution may be to give researchers access to datasets without allowing possession of the data.
Developing a Novel Measure of Body Satisfaction Using Virtual Reality.

Body image disturbance (BID), considered a key feature in eating disorders, is a pervasive issue among young women. Accurate assessment of BID is critical, but the field is currently limited to self-report assessment methods. In the present study, we build upon existing research, and explore the utility of virtual reality (VR) to elicit and detect changes in BID across various immersive virtual environments. College-aged women with elevated weight and shape concerns (n = 38) and a non-weight and shape concerned control group (n = 40) were randomly exposed to four distinct virtual environments with high or low levels of body salience and social presence (i.e., presence of virtual others). Participants interacted with avatars of thin, normal weight, and overweight body size (BMI of approximately 18, 22, and 27 respectively) in virtual social settings (i.e., beach, party). We measured state-level body satisfaction (state BD) immediately after exposure to each environment. In addition, we measured participants’ minimum interpersonal distance, visual attention, and approach preference toward avatars of each size. Women with higher baseline BID reported significantly higher state BD in all settings compared to controls. Both groups reported significantly higher state BD in a beach with avatars as compared to other environments. In addition, women with elevated BID approached closer to normal weight avatars and looked longer at thin avatars compared to women in the control group. Our findings indicate that VR may serve as a novel tool for measuring state-level BID, with applications for measuring treatment outcomes. Implications for future research and clinical interventions are discussed.
Inhibition of calcium oxalate monohydrate crystal aggregation by urine proteins

Normal urine inhibits both the growth and the aggregation of calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystals but the molecules that inhibit aggregation are not well defined. We have developed a spectrophotometric assay method to measure the aggregation of COM crystals in vitro under conditions that avoid simultaneous crystal growth. At pH 7.2 and 90 mM NaCl, Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein (THP) and nephrocalcin (NC), a major urinary inhibitor of COM crystal growth, inhibit COM crystal aggregation at concentrations as low as 2 X 10(-9) and 1 X 10(-8) M, respectively. When increasing NaCl to 270 mM or lowering pH to 5.7, inhibition by both glycoproteins, but more markedly by THP, is decreased. Urinary NC from calcium oxalate renal stone formers (SF NC) and NC isolated from calcium oxalate renal stones (stone NC) both inhibit COM crystal aggregation 10-fold less than NC from normal urine. Citrate is ineffective even at millimolar concentrations. Thus THP and NC are two major inhibitors of COM crystal aggregation in normal urine; SF NC and stone NC are defective aggregation inhibitors.
Clinical comparisons of methods of myocardial protection.

Currently, numerous methods are in use for myocardial hypothermia as a myocardial preservation modality for cardiac operations. During cardiac ischemia we have compared myocardial surface cooling with topical cold saline (Group I, N = 9), crystalloid cardioplegia plus topical cold saline (Group II, N = 8) and cardioplegia with a specially designed cooling jacket (Group III, N = 8) in patients undergoing aortic or mitral valve replacement, or both. Temperatures were assessed and recorded continuously in standardized locations for the right and left ventricular epicardium and endocardium. In Group I the rate of cooling was significantly slower than in the other two groups. Also, excessive gradients were developed across the left and right ventricular walls. In Group II the rate and depth of cooling were adequate and initial temperature gradients were eliminated. However, over the period of ischemia, significant rewarming occurred. In Group III temperatures were reduced rapidly and uniformly and maintained at or below 10° C for the duration of the ischemic period. These differences are statistically significant (p
Chimeric antigen receptors: driving immunology towards synthetic biology

The advent of second generation chimeric antigen receptors and the CD19 paradigm have ushered a new therapeutic modality in oncology. In contrast to earlier forms of adoptive cell therapy, which were based on the isolation and expansion of naturally occurring T cells, CAR therapy is based on the design and manufacture of engineered T cells with optimized properties. A new armamentarium, comprising not only CARs but also chimeric costimulatory receptors, chimeric cytokine receptors, inhibitory receptors and synthetic Notch receptors, expressed in naive, central memory or stem cell-like memory T cells, is being developed for clinical use in a wide range of cancers. Immunological principles are thus finding a new purpose thanks to advances in genetic engineering, synthetic biology and cell manufacturing sciences.
Image Analysis of the Tumor Microenvironment.

In the field of pathology it is clear that molecular genomics and digital imaging represent two promising future directions, and both are as relevant to the tumor microenvironment as they are to the tumor itself (Beck AH et al. Sci Transl Med 3(108):108ra113–08ra113, 2011). Digital imaging, or whole slide imaging (WSI), of glass histology slides facilitates a number of value-added competencies which were not previously possible with the traditional analog review of these slides under a microscope by a pathologist. As an important tool for investigational research, digital pathology can leverage the quantification and reproducibility offered by image analysis to add value to the pathology field. This chapter will focus on the application of image analysis to investigate the tumor microenvironment and how quantitative investigation can provide deeper insight into our understanding of the tumor to tumor microenvironment relationship.
How Reliable is the Competency Assessment Process

Basic information about the two principal instruments used for assessing patients' decision-making competence and learn why both fall short of reliable, objective assessment. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Do State Farm-to-School–Related Laws Increase Participation in Farm-to-School Programs?

This study used the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm to School Census to examine whether school districts in states with formal farm-to-school (FTS)-related laws had higher participation ...
‘Not just right’ experiences moderate the effects of interpretation training for individuals with body dysmorphic disorder

Abstract Individuals with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) have a tendency to interpret ambiguous information in a negative or threatening manner. These individuals also report ‘not just right’ experiences (NJREs), or uncomfortable feelings of incompleteness/imperfection, which may represent a vulnerability factor distinct from interpretation biases (IBs) in their influence on BDD symptoms. We developed a computerized interpretation bias modification (IBM) training program that was effective in reducing BDD symptoms (Summers & Cougle, 2016). The current study examined whether pre-treatment NJREs would moderate the effects of IBM on IBs and BDD symptoms. Individuals with BDD ( N = 40) were administered four sessions of IBM or a placebo control (PC) condition. Relative to PC, IBM led to lower BDD symptoms following treatment, though this effect was only present among individuals with low pre-treatment NJREs; individuals high in pre-treatment NJREs did not benefit from the intervention. NJREs did not significantly moderate the effects of condition on IBs, though the direction of these findings was similar. Pre-treatment depression and anxiety did not predict treatment outcome, suggesting specificity of NJREs as a moderator. Overall, findings suggest that individuals with BDD with high levels of co-occurring NJREs may not respond as well to IBM or other cognitively-oriented treatment approaches.
Behavior of Laterally Reinforced Concrete Columns

The results of an experimental and analytical investigation of the effect of non-uniform lateral confinement, such as that produced by closely spaced rectangular ties, on the behavior of concrete columns are presented. The main parameters studied were: flexural rigidity of lateral reinforcement, percentage of lateral reinforcement, concrete shrinkage, and strain rate. The effectiveness of lateral reinforcement, primarily depends on the flexural rigidity of the ties. The confining stress in columns with conventional rectangular ties is concentrated in the vicinity of the column corners and corresponds to the limiting state of confinement with corner forces. The stresses in the ties at maximum load are small and the concrete at some distance from the corners is nearly unconfined. Tie rigidity can be increased by cross bars welded to the ties. The added tie rigidity results in significantly increased ductility and, for small tie spacing in an appreciable strength increase. Comparisons are made with the results of other investigations, and a relation between strength increase due to ties and lateral reinforcement percentage is suggested.
Molecular-level insight of the differences in the diffusion and solubility of penetrants in polypropylene, poly(propylmethylsiloxane) and poly(4-methyl-2-pentyne)

Abstract In order to design optimal polymer membranes it is important to have a molecular level understanding of penetrant transport in such membranes. As such, molecular dynamics simulation was employed to study the diffusion and solubility of gas molecules in polypropylene (PP), poly(propylmethylsiloxane) (PPMS) and poly (4-methyl-2-pentyne) (PMP). After the structures of PP, PPMS and PMP were established and relaxed, the average amplitudes of the oscillation of the main and branch chains of PP, PPMS and PMP were evaluated with a proposed analysis method; in addition the cavity size distributions of PP, PPMS and PMP were determined. PPMS has the largest average cavity size and accessible cavity fraction for penetrants, followed by PMP and PP, which has the smallest. The logarithm plot of mean-squared displacements (MSDs) versus time for the transport of methane in the three polymers revealed three regimes, namely the ballistic, the subdiffusive and the Fickian diffusive regimes. The ballistic regime of PMP is longer than that of PP and shorter than that of PPMS, because the average cavity size and accessible cavity fraction of PMP are larger than that of PP and smaller than that of PPMS and the penetrants have less space in PP and more space in PPMS to move freely than they do in PMP before they hit any matrix units. Statistical tests showed that the random walk on a fractal (RWF) model was the most appropriate model to explain the subdiffusion phenomena. The subdiffusive regime is induced by the trap of penetrants in cavities before they get the chances to jump from cavities to cavities nearby. Next the diffusivities of methane and n-butane were estimated from the plot of MSDs versus time for the penetrant transport in the Fickian diffusive regime. The diffusivities of penetrants are much smaller in PP than they are in PPMS and PMP and these values are larger in PPMS than they are in PMP. With both unbiased and biased Widom insertion methods, the solubility coefficients K of gas molecules in the polymers were calculated, though biased Widom insertion method has significantly faster calculation speed. PPMS has the largest solubilities of methane and n-butane, followed by PMP and PP, which has the smallest. Though the permeabilities of both methane and n-butane in PPMS are larger than the corresponding values in PMP, the selectivity of n-butane over methane in PPMS is lower than that in PMP. The research results may be employed in membrane design.
Opening a can of worms in AL progression

In this issue of Blood , Palladini et al address one of the most important, yet befuddling questions in immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis treatment: what triggers should be used to reinstitute plasma cell clone directed therapy among patients with AL amyloidosis? 1
Asian American Women Sexual Assault Survivors' Choice of Coping Strategies: The Role of Post-Assault Cognitive Responses.

Even though approximately one in three Asian American (AA) and Pacific Islander women experience sexual assault victimization, there is a dearth of literature examining how AA women sexual assault ...
Broadband angle-independent antireflection coatings on nanostructured light trapping solar cells

Backscattering from nanostructured surfaces greatly diminishes the efficacy of light trapping solar cells. While the analytical design of broadband, angle-independent antireflection coatings on nanostructured surfaces proved inefficient, numerical optimization proves a viable alternative. Here, we numerically design and experimentally verify the performance of single and bilayer antireflection coatings on a 2D hexagonal diffractive light trapping pattern on crystalline silicon substrates. Three well-known antireflection coatings, aluminum oxide, silicon nitride, and silicon oxide, which also double as high-quality surface passivation materials, are studied in the 400--1000 nm band. By varying thickness and conformity, the optimal parameters that minimize the broadband total reflectance (specular and scattering) from the nanostructured surface are obtained. The design results in a single-layer antireflection coating with normal-angle wavelength-integrated reflectance below 4% and a bilayer antireflection coating demonstrating reflection down to 1.5%. We show experimentally an angle-averaged reflectance of $\ensuremath{\sim}5.2%$ up to 60\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} incident angle from the optimized bilayer antireflection-coated nanostructured surface, paving the path toward practical implementation of the light trapping solar cells.
Risk and ReORIENTations: An Asianist Approach to Teaching Afro-Haitian Dance

ABSTRACTI present an action research study that enacts an Asianist somatic movement education approach to teaching Afro-Haitian dance at Arizona State University as a response to my Chinese American body’s experience of hegemony in postsecondary dance curriculum. My pedagogical framework uses an intercultural teaching approach that applies a somatic teaching method integrating Chinese, Asian Indian, and Japanese somatic traditions. I offer instructions for teaching two Afro-Haitian dances and I push students beyond a tourist conception of Afro-Haitian dance. I apply a combined learning method that interlocks content learning of Afro-Haitian culture with their movement learning. I engage students’ cultural and research perspectives as evidenced by qualitative findings in the form of student work samples. I triangulate these data with my teacher observations and my review of video documentation. I conclude with a recapitulation and the implications of this action research study.
Association Between Groundwater Lithium and the Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder and Dementia in the United States.

This study examines the association between groundwater lithium and diagnoses of bipolar disorder and dementia in the United States, adjusting for local health care resources and demographics.
Rank polymorphism viewed as a constraint problem

Rank polymorphism serves as a type of control flow used in array-oriented languages, where functions are automatically lifted to operate on high-dimensional arguments. The iteration space is derived directly from the shape of the data, presenting a challenge to compilation. A type system can characterize data shape, though the level of detail is beyond what can be reasonably expected from entirely human-generated annotations. The task of checking or inferring shapes can be phrased as solving constraints in the theory of the free monoid over the natural numbers, but the constraints involve both universal and existential quantification. Here is a plan of attack for leveraging past work on decision procedures, which has generally focused on the purely existential fragment of the theory.
Appearance of Nonlinear Singularities

We have seen that the microlocal regularity of sufficiently smooth solutions to nonlinear strictly hyperbolic equations propagates along null bicharacteristics as in the linear case, as long as that regularity is at most approximately twice the overall smoothness of the solution. That this result is essentially best possible was first demonstrated in Rauch-Reed [58]. They constructed an example of a simple third order semilinear system in one space variable, with operators ∂ t , ∂ t -∂ x , and ∂ t +∂ x , and an explicit solution for which the singular support for t 1 the solution is singular on the additional characteristic {t = 0), As is easily deduced from Hormander’s Theorem, in the linear case the only possible singularities would be along the two original lines. Their result is stronger than merely a microlocal statement, since the singular support of the solution, not just its wavefront set, is strictly larger in the nonlinear case than the solution of the linear homogeneous problem with the same initial data. Their result is easily adapted to the case of a single semilinear equation for the third order operator P = ∂ t (∂ t -∂ x )(∂ t + ∂ x ). We will begin our consideration of the presence of singularities in nonlinear problems which are absent in the linear case by treating an example for this operator using ideas and techniques which are useful in higher dimensions.
An Iterative Substructuring Method with Lagrange Multipliers for Elasticity Problems Using Approximate Neumann Subdomain Solvers

The FETI algorithms are among the best tested domain decomposition methods for elliptic partial differential equations with many applications in structural mechanics. A new algorithm which allows for approximate Neumann subdomain solves and is based on an efficient member of this class of preconditioners, is presented. Finally, numerical results are given for a plane stress cantilever model problem indicating the scalability of the new algorithm.
Physical Function and Quality of Life After Resection of Mobile Spine Chondrosarcoma

Study Design:Retrospective cohort study.Objectives:(1) To assess patient-reported outcomes—physical function, pain, and quality of life—in patients who underwent resection of a mobile spine chondro...
Holomorphic Curves and Minimal Surfaces in the Quadric

Let G be a connected compact simple Lie group of rank n and also let T ≅U(1)n denote a maximal torus in G. G/T is naturally a Kâhler manifold and it carries in its tangent bundle a rank n holomorphic distribution called the horizontal distribution (also called the superhorizontal distribution by some authors). Let H be a closed subgroup of G of maximal rank and further suppose that G/H is a type I inner symmetric space. An important theorem proved by Bryant [Br3] then states that: a horizontal curve in G/T projects down to G/H to give a generalized minimal surface. For G = SO(2n+1) of SO(2n) we thus obtain generalized minimal surfaces in S2n, Q2n−1, Q2n−2.
Frost’s and Maximin Space-Time Adaptive Processing under Block Rayleigh Fading

Current state-of-the-art global positioning system (GPS) anti-jam technology has relied on a linear-phased antenna array that consists of N antenna elements and a processing unit that performs a phase-destructive sum of any intentional and unintentional jamming up to $N-1$ signals. If this limitation is exceeded, then the global positioning system (GPS) signal will degrade rapidly and become buried in the noise. Hence, alternative anti-jamming technologies have been sought. This paper describes an anti-jam method that can suppress more than $N-1$ jamming signals with a significant reduction in size, weight, and power (SWaP) and no degradation under adaptive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and a block Rayleigh fading channels.
Telemedicine to improve outcomes for patients with acute myocardial infarction.

The use of telemedicine, allowing for the transfer of clinical information and remote delivery of healthcare services using telecommunications technology, is rapidly expanding. Telemedicine capabilities are increasingly available between providers at healthcare centres, and between hospital and emergency medical services (EMS), extending the physician’s reach into the prehospital realm without leaving the hospital. The use of telemedicine to transfer data from the field to the hospital and/or to facilitate communication between the physician and EMS providers is typically focused on reducing the time to treatment, with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes. Time-sensitive conditions, such as acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and stroke, have been a primary focus given the perceived potential for benefit. In their Heart paper, Marcolino et al report the results of a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the impact of telemedicine interventions on door-to-balloon (D2B) time, in-hospital mortality, and 30-day and long-term mortality in patients with AMI1. The authors found a relative risk of 0.63 (95% CI 0.55 to 0.72), resulting in a number needed to treat of 29 for the primary outcome of in-hospital mortality. This result was based on moderate-quality evidence from 17 observational studies, in 10 of which patients were treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and the other 7 with thrombolysis. They report a similar reduction in D2B times (process outcome) and long-term mortality (patient-centred outcome). However, the quality of evidence was very poor, with large heterogeneity observed in the effect on D2B time and very few studies evaluating long-term outcomes. In the meta-analysis by Marcolino et al , ECG transmission was the main intervention, with or without teleconsultation, in all of the 35 studies included. Further, 31 …
Delineating and modeling activity space using geotagged social media data

It has become increasingly important in spatial equity studies to understand activity spaces – where people conduct regular out-of-home activities. Big data can advance the identification of activi...
18F-fluciclovine PET CT detection of biochemical recurrent prostate cancer at specific PSA thresholds after definitive treatment.

Abstract Objectives To evaluate various Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) thresholds at which a 18F-fluciclovine PET scan could be considered in the setting of biochemical recurrent prostate cancer after definitive treatment. Methods We analyzed available records of men who underwent a 18F-fluciclovine PET scan after definitive therapy at a single academic institution between November 2016 to May 2018. The primary outcome was the rate of positive imaging findings at specific PSA thresholds. We then employed empiric strategies including a ROC curve and decision curve analysis to identify a specific threshold for which obtaining a positive result would be optimized. Results A total of 115 men underwent imaging with 18F-fluciclovine PET. No concerning lesions were identified in 25 (21.7%) patients, 32 (27.8%) had a solitary lesion identified, 45 (39.1%) had 2 to 5 lesions, and 13 (11.3%) had greater than 5 suspicious lesions identified. At PSA thresholds of less than 0.5, 0.5 to 2.0, and greater than 2, lesions were detected in 55.5% (12/22), 70.6% (24/34), and 91.5% (54/59) of patients respectively [P Conclusion This study constitutes an early single institution series evaluating the use of 18F-fluciclovine PET scans in the assessment of biochemically recurrent prostate cancer after definitive treatment. The probability of having positive imaging findings and increasing numbers of suspicious lesions rises with increasing PSA. Utilization of a lower PSA threshold of 0.5 may allow earlier intervention with salvage therapies in biochemical recurrence. However, using a threshold below 1 carries a higher risk of negative scans. Employing a higher PSA threshold of 1 to 2 carries greater sensitivity and specificity and may maximize identifying individuals with early BCR who may benefit from early intervention, while minimizing negative scans.
Perioperative β-blocker use: what is new in 2020?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Although the indications for β-blockers in the management of patients with congestive heart failure and myocardial infarction are well established, the use of β-blockers in the perioperative setting remains controversial. RECENT FINDINGS Since 2008 PeriOperative ISchemic Evaluation Trial, there have been numerous studies suggesting that perioperative β-blockers are associated with adverse events such as hypotension, bradycardia, increased mortality, and stroke. SUMMARY In this article, we review the most recent evidence to suggest an approach to perioperative β-blocker use tailored to patient and surgical risk factors. We also review recent studies on off-label uses for perioperative β-blockers.
Infection Phenotypes Among Patients with Primary Antibody Deficiency Mined from a US Patient Registry

Primary immunodeficiency disorders (PIDs) affect immune system development and/or function, increase infection susceptibility, and cause dysregulation or both. Recognition of PID requires assessment about the normal state of infection frequency and microbiology. To help clarify infection characteristics, we use data mined from the US Immunodeficiency Network (USIDNET) registry among primary antibody deficiency (PAD) patients before diagnosis. We analyzed PAD patient data from the USIDNET registry prior to ultimate diagnosis. Our analysis included basic descriptive statistics for 8 major infection subtypes and significance testing for comparing infection rate by specific organisms across 7 distinct PAD subtypes. Of 2038 patients reviewed, 1259 (61.8%) had infections reported prior to diagnosis. Most (77.4%) had four or less reported infections prior to diagnosis; however, some suffered up to 16 infections. Infection patterns differed across the PAD subtypes. Patients with agammaglobulinemia differed significantly from patients with all other forms of PAD studied in at least one infection category, whereas patients with CVID differed from 3 other PAD categories in at least one infection category. Patterns of infections in patients with hypogammaglobulinemia, specific antibody deficiency, and transient hypogammaglobulinemia were less unique. For each of the infection types, bacteria were the most prevalent cause of disease. Our data shows that distinct subtypes of PAD display unique infection patterns. We also show that patients with agammaglobulinemia suffer more invasive infections and differ most significantly from all other forms of PAD studied. Our analysis has broad implications about infection surveillance, progression, and vulnerability by PAD subtype.
Los Angeles Apparel: Locally Made in a Global Market:

This case takes place during Los Angeles Apparel’s second full year of operation. Manufacturing fashion basics such as tee shirts and leggings, the company’s operations are located entirely in Los ...
Impact of Ceftiofur Administration in Steers on the Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance of Campylobacter spp.

Bacterial resistance to ceftiofur raises health concerns due to ceftiofur’s extensive veterinary usage and structural similarity with the human antibiotic ceftriaxone. Ceftiofur crystalline-free acid (CCFA) and ceftiofur hydrochloride (CHCL) are ceftiofur types used therapeutically in cattle, but their potential impacts on Campylobacter prevalence and antimicrobial resistance remain unclear. In this study two groups of steers were each treated with CCFA or CHCL. In vivo active drug concentrations were measured and fecal samples were analyzed for Campylobacter for up to 42 days post-treatment. Following administration, the colonic concentration of ceftiofur initially increased then dropped to pre-treatment levels by day 8. The estimated prevalence of Campylobacter spp. was significantly (p = 0.0009) higher during the first week after CCFA treatment than after CHCL treatment (81.3% vs. 45.2%). Campylobacter jejuni predominated overall, with other Campylobacter spp. mainly identified in the first week after CCFA treatment. No treatment impacts were noted on ceftiofur minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for C. jejuni (10–20 μg/mL). More C. jejuni genotypes were detected in CCFA-treated than CHCL-treated steers. These findings suggest that ceftiofur did not significantly impact Campylobacter prevalence or ceftiofur MIC. However, CHCL may be preferable due to the lower likelihood of temporary increases in Campylobacter prevalence.