cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Defending an Asset: A Linear Quadratic Game Approach

Techniques based on pursuit-evasion (PE) games are often applied in military operations of autonomous vehicles (AV) in the presence of mobile targets. Recently with increasing use of AVs, new scenarios emerge such as surveillance and persistent area denial. Compared with PE games, the actual roles of the pursuer and the evader have changed. In these emerging scenarios the evader acts as an intruder striking at some asset; at the same time the pursuer tries to destroy the intruder to protect the asset. Due to the presence of an asset, the PE game model with two sets of players (pursuers and evaders) is no longer adequate. We call this new problem a game of defending an asset(s) (DA). In this paper we study DA games under the framework of a linear quadratic (LQ) formulation. Three different DA games are addressed: 1) defending a stationary asset, 2) defending a moving asset with an arbitrary trajectory, and 3) defending an escaping asset. Equilibrium game strategies of the players are derived for each case. A repetitive scheme is proposed for implementation of the LQ strategies, and we demonstrate with simulations that the LQ strategies based on the repetitive implementation can provide good control guidance laws for DA games.
The High-Speed Circuit Breaker in Railway Feeder Networks

A method of isolating grounded sections of extensive feeder networks supplying power to railways without disturbing the power supply to other sections has long been desired by railway engineers. This has been successfully accomplished by utilizing the inherent characteristics of the magnetic type of high-speed circuit breakers in the manner described in this article. These characteristics are (a) high-speed operation, (b) discriminating characteristic, (c) reduction in trip point with reduction in line voltage, (d) polarized characteristic. A description of an experimental investigation on an equivalent network for a representative section of feeder system, made up by using reactors and resistors, has been given. Complete selective operation, isolating defective feeder without disturbing the power supply to interconnected feeders, was obtained for all locations of the short circuit. Breakers of the type used successfully on d-c. networks can be applied to a-c. networks and the advantages of high-speed protection realized on this type of system. High-speed operation is very effective in reducing telephone interference during short circuits on the a-c. railway system.
Women, Scientists, Agitators: Magazine Portrayal of Rachel Carson and Theo Colborn

This study utilized a theoretical framework of the media’s role in reporting conflict and uncertain science, and feminism and science in a thematic analysis of magazine coverage given Rachel Carson and “the Rachel Carson of the ’90s,” Theo Colborn. Carson and Colborn’s identities as women, scientists, and agitators led critics to charge that their work was nonscience or they were nonfeminine. Their scientific claims, which were essentially co-opted, blurred nature/culture boundaries and challenged the power structure and scientific authority. Discussion centers on the media’s role in reifying the epistemic authority of science and media portrayal of female scientist-agitators who step outside the boundaries of traditional science. When Theo Colborn, a woman zoologist in her 50s, wrote a book in 1996 about the dangers of chemicals to wildlife and humans, it was only natural that she was compared with Rachel Carson. After all, Carson was a woman zoologist in her 50s when she published Silent Spring in 1962. Both women called for thorough investigations of the effects of commonly used chemicals on soil, water, wildlife, and humans. Carson was concerned about DDT—but also about 2,4-D, 2,4-T, DDE, aldrin, dieldrin, malathion, and heptachlor—and the ability of these chemicals to kill wildlife and disrupt reproduction and to cause health problems and cancer in humans. In Colborn’s book, Our Stolen Future (1996), this “modern-day Rachel Carson” discussed virtually all of the same chemicals plus the newer PCBs, DES, and dioxin, concluding that these substances—referred to as endocrine disruptors— sent chemical messages capable of mimicking hormones and disrupting reproductive and endocrine systems in both wildlife and humans. Despite the similarities between the women and their work, the 34 years between Silent Spring and Our Stolen Future were marked by tremendous amounts of social change. On the heels of the women’s movement, women scientists gained
Obesity and risk factors for the metabolic syndrome among low-income, urban, African American schoolchildren: the rule rather than the exception?

Background: Adult obesity is associated with the metabolic syndrome; however, the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome among young children has not been reported. Clinic-based screening efforts for the metabolic syndrome in low-income neighborhoods, where obesity is prevalent, are limited by minimal health insurance coverage and inadequate access to health care. School-based obesity screening programs may effectively target high-risk populations. Objective: The objective was to describe the prevalence of overweight and features of the metabolic syndrome (defined as the presence of ≥3 of the following risk factors: HDL ≤ 40 mg/dL, triacylglycerol ≥ 110 mg/dL, and blood pressure or waist circumference at or above the 90th percentile) in a pilot, school-based screening program. Design: A cross-sectional study of obesity and the metabolic syndrome was conducted in third- to sixth-grade, low-income, urban, African American children. Lipid and glucose concentrations were measured in fasting capillary finger-stick samples. Results: Age- and sex-specific BMI percentiles were assessed in 385 students, 90 of whom were full participants in this study (participants) and 295 of whom had only height and weight measurements taken (other students). Risk factors of the metabolic syndrome were assessed in the 90 participants (23%). No significant differences in BMI percentiles were found between the participants and the other students. Overall, 44% of the participants had BMIs at or above the 85th percentile, and 59% had an elevated BMI or one metabolic syndrome risk factor. The metabolic syndrome was present in 5.6% of all participants, in 13.8% of participants with BMIs at or above the 95th percentile, and in 0% of participants with BMIs below the 95th percentile. Conclusions: Most of the African American children attending 2 urban schools in low-income neighborhoods were overweight or had one or more risk factors for the metabolic syndrome. School-based screening programs in high-risk populations may provide an efficient venue for the screening of obesity and related risk factors. Am J Clin Nutr 2005;81:970-5.
Eastern North Pacific Hurricane Season of 1994

Abstract An account of the 1994 hurricane season in the eastern North Pacific Ocean is given. The numbers of hurricanes and tropical storms were near normal, but the activity tended to occur farther to the west in the basin than usual. Hurricane Rosa was the only system of the season to make landfall.
PATHOGENICITY, SEROLOGICAL RESPONSES, AND DIAGNOSIS OF EXPERIMENTAL AND NATURAL MALARIAL INFECTIONS IN NATIVE HAWAIIAN THRUSHES

Abstract Omao (Myadestes obscurus) from the Hawaiian Islands typically have very low prevalences of infection with avian malaria (Plasmodium relictum) and it is not clear whether they share the same high susceptibility to this parasite that has been documented in native Hawaiian honeycreepers. We exposed four captive Omao to single infective mosquito bites and measured parasitemia, serological responses, and mortality over time. All four birds experienced transient infections with low parasitemias and were immune when rechallenged with multiple infective mosquito bites. By contrast, three of four honeycreepers (Maui Alauahio, Paroreomyza montana) that were exposed to the same dose and parasite isolate succumbed to infection. All four Omao developed antibodies to a common suite of malarial antigens that were detectable on immunoblots of a crude red blood cell extract of P. relictum. We used this technique to screen plasma samples from wild Omao and endangered Puaiohi (Myadestes palmeri) that were captured ...
G-Fresnel smartphone spectrometer

We report a smartphone spectrometer with nanometer resolution working in the visible range. A G-Fresnel device with the dual functionality of focusing and dispersion is used to enable miniaturization. Proof of principle application to Bradford assay of protein concentration is also demonstrated.
Threshold Fluence UV Laser Ablation of Single Crystal Bi2Sr2Ca1Cu2O8: Product Population and Kinetic Energy Distributions of Ejected Ionic Species

We have conducted an experiment which measures the product population and kinetic energy (KE) distributions from the UV laser induced decomposition of crystalline Bi 2 Sr 2 Ca 1 Cu 2 O 8 . We have measured these distributions at two laser wavelengths 248, 351. At a third wavelength (355 nm) we have measured the photoejected mass spectra from both a single crystal Bi 2 Sr 2 Ca 1 Cu 2 O 8 sample and a polycrystalline Bi 2 Sr 2 Ca 2 Cu 3 O 10 sample. For all the experiments, the laser fluence is maintained near the threshold for ion formation. The laser fluences are well below the level for instigating a laser induced above surface plasma. Our results show that the ejected products are not the consequence of a laser surface evaporation process. We measure a wavelength dependence in the ejected species population distribution and the ejected kinetic energy distribution ( = 5 ± 1 eV.2eV FWHM) is indicative of an electronic excitation process. The measured ion mass spectra show atomic, diatomic (e.g. Sr2 + ), and oxide (e.g. SrO + , CaO + ) species with lesser quantities of the complex oxides (e.g. S 2 O + ). Distinctly absent from the mass spectra are the oxide compounds BiO + , CuO + , and the atomic species O + . Furthermore, the mass spectrum shows that at 248 nm laser excitation, the Bi + species is the abundant photopro-duct. However, for both the 351 nm and 355 nm excitations, the Sr + and SrO + ions are measured as more abundant. Also, comparing the 355 nm laser excitation of the single and polycrystalline samples, there is very little difference in the photoejected species mass spectrum.
Abstract 4924: Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) mediates metastases of breast cancer stem cells.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Background: Recent studies on various cancer types suggest that the mere acquisition of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) phenotype is not sufficient to confer metastatic potential. Epithelial-Mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been implicated in enhancing cancer metastatic dissemination, and generating CSCs, which may be a key determinant in imparting metastatic potential to CSCs. Our goal is to determine the metastasis potential of the CSCs generated from EMT and to explore critical molecules involved in the metastatic cascade process. Experimental design and methods: The metastatic ability of the EMT-generated-CSCs (HMLE-Ras-Snail) and the control cell line (HMLE-Ras-vector) were compared by the migration, invasion and chemotaxis assays in vitro, as well as experimental and spontaneous metastases mice models in vivo. A microarray gene profiling analysis was performed to explore signaling molecules involved in the EMT-CSCs-metastasis. Functional assays were used to verify the identified molecule in vitro and in vivo. Results: HMLE-Ras-Snail cells showed significant high migration, invasive behaviors, especially under the different organ protein as chemo-attractants (lung, brain and liver). Experimental lung and brain metastasis mice study showed a significant enhancement of tumor extravasation and outgrowth of HMLE-Ras-Snail cells compared with the control cells. Spontaneous metastases mice studies showed that 7 out of 9 mice developed lung metastasis, and 2 out of 9 with brain metastasis for the HMLE-Ras-Snail model, while none of the HMLE-Ras-vector cell-injected mice were detected with metastases. Two-photon live animal imaging also showed enhanced single cell adhesion and movement in the lung or brain micro-vessels in the HMLE-Ras-Snail cell-injected mice. The differential gene expression analyses and western blot indicated that the CTGF is up-regulated in the EMT-generated-CSCs. Knockdown of CTGF in the HMLE-Ras-Snail cells not only enhanced the expression of epithelial marker and decreased the mesenchymal marker, but also decreased the in vitro proliferation, migration, invasion, mammosphere formation and in vivo lung metastases. Conclusions: CTGF may play an important role in breast cancer metastasis, with enhancing cell motility, invasiveness and also give cell self-renewal stem cell-like characteristic to facilitate EMT-CSCs-Metastasis. Citation Format: Jing Zhong, Xiaoping Zhu, Hong Zhao, Stephen Tc Wong, Stephen Tc Wong. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) mediates metastases of breast cancer stem cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4924. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4924 Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR Annual Meeting 2013 because the presenter was unable to attend.
Curriculum-based neurosurgery digital library.

BACKGROUND: Recent work-hour restrictions and the constantly evolving body of knowledge are challenging the current ways of teaching neurosurgery residents. OBJECTIVE: To develop a curriculum-based digital library of multimedia content to face the challenges in neurosurgery education. METHOD: We used the residency program curriculum developed by the Congress of Neurological Surgeons to structure the library and Microsoft Sharepoint as the user interface. RESULTS: This project led to the creation of a user-friendly and searchable digital library that could be accessed remotely and throughout the hospital, including the operating rooms. CONCLUSION: The electronic format allows standardization of the content and transformation of the operating room into a classroom. This in turn facilitates the implementation of a curriculum within the training program and improves teaching efficiency. Future work will focus on evaluating the efficacy of the library as a teaching tool for residents.
Data, Race, and the Courts: Some Lessons on Empiricism from Jury Representation Cases

This article reports on the authors' work in analyzing federal jury selection in three federal districts: the Southern District of California; the Middle District of Florida; and the Eastern District of Massachusetts. The authors conclude that outdated source lists, undeliverable mail, and high nonresponse rates combine to make federal juries as empaneled in these districts unrepresentative of the eligible jury population.
Identification of a 40 × 10(3) Mr centromere-associated protein in cultured mammalian cells

Monoclonal antibodies were raised against a complex of proteins that was purified following the crosslinking of tubulin to the centromeres of CHO chromosomes using Lomant9s reagent. One of the clones, hybridoma 32–9, produced antibodies that reacted with a 40 × 10(3) Mr protein present in the crosslinked complex. Furthermore, immunoblot analysis demonstrated that the 40 × 10(3) Mr antigen was present in various mammalian cell types from several different species. Indirect immunofluorescence using the antibody produced by clone 32–9 demonstrated that the 40 × 10(3) Mr antigen was associated with both spindle and cytoplasmic microtubules. In addition, centromere/kinetochore staining was detected in metaphase-arrested cells, while staining of prekinetochores in interphase nuclei was not observed. Unlike microtubule-associated proteins and microtubule-dependent ATPases, the 40 × 10(3) Mr protein did not copurify with microtubules when tubules were assembled from cellular homogenates using taxol and either GTP or GTP and AMP-PNP. Instead, the 40 × 10(3) Mr protein remained associated with the insoluble cellular material. The 40 × 10(3) Mr antigen could be released from the insoluble pelleted material by extraction with 1 M NaCl. Once solubilized, the 40 × 10(3) Mr protein was able to copurify with microtubules in assembly assays in vitro. This monoclonal antibody should serve as a valuable probe for studies of centromere/kinetochore structure and function.
Localization and expression of molt-inhibiting hormone and nitric oxide synthase in the central nervous system of the green shore crab, Carcinus maenas, and the blackback land crab, Gecarcinus lateralis

Abstract In decapod crustaceans, molting is controlled by the pulsatile release of molt-inhibiting hormone (MIH) from neurosecretory cells in the X-organ/sinus gland (XO/SG) complex in the eyestalk ganglia (ESG). A drop in MIH release triggers molting by activating the molting gland or Y-organ (YO). Post-transcriptional mechanisms ultimately control MIH levels in the hemolymph. Neurotransmitter-mediated electrical activity controls Ca 2 + -dependent vesicular release of MIH from the SG axon terminals, which may be modulated by nitric oxide (NO). In green shore crab, Carcinus maenas , nitric oxide synthase (NOS) protein and NO are present in the SG. Moreover, C. maenas are refractory to eyestalk ablation (ESA), suggesting other regions of the nervous system secrete sufficient amounts of MIH to prevent molting. By contrast, ESA induces molting in the blackback land crab, Gecarcinus lateralis . Double-label immunofluorescence microscopy and quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used to localize and quantify MIH and NOS proteins and transcripts, respectively, in the ESG, brain, and thoracic ganglion (TG) of C. maenas and G. lateralis . In ESG, MIH- and NOS-immunopositive cells were closely associated in the SG of both species; confocal microscopy showed that NOS was localized in cells adjacent to MIH-positive axon terminals. In brain, MIH-positive cells were located in a small number of cells in the olfactory lobe; no NOS immunofluorescence was detected. In TG, MIH and NOS were localized in cell clusters between the segmental nerves. In G. lateralis , Gl-MIH and Gl-crustacean hyperglycemic hormone ( CHH ) mRNA levels were ~ 10 5 -fold higher in ESG than in brain or TG of intermolt animals, indicating that the ESG is the primary source of these neuropeptides. Gl-NOS and Gl-elongation factor (EF2) mRNA levels were also higher in the ESG. Molt stage had little or no effect on CHH , NOS , NOS-interacting protein ( NOS-IP ), membrane Guanylyl Cyclase-II ( GC-II ), and NO-independent GC-III expression in the ESG of both species. By contrast, MIH and NO receptor GC-I beta subunit ( GC-Iβ ) transcripts were increased during premolt and postmolt stages in G. lateralis , but not in C. maenas . MIH immunopositive cells in the brain and TG may be a secondary source of MIH; the release of MIH from these sources may contribute to the difference between the two species in response to ESA. The MIH-immunopositive cells in the TG may be the source of an MIH-like factor that mediates molt inhibition by limb bud autotomy. The association of MIH- and NOS-labeled cells in the ESG and TG suggests that NO may modulate MIH release. A model is proposed in which NO-dependent activation of GC-I inhibits Ca 2 + -dependent fusion of MIH vesicles with the nerve terminal membrane; the resulting decrease in MIH activates the YO and the animal enters premolt.
How I treat atypical chronic myeloid leukemia

Atypical chronic myeloid leukemia, BCR-ABL1 negative (aCML) is a rare myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)/myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) for which no current standard of care exists. The challenges of aCML relate to its heterogeneous clinical and genetic features, high rate of transformation to acute myeloid leukemia, and historically poor survival. Therefore, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation should always be an initial consideration for eligible patients with a suitable donor. Nontransplant approaches for treating aCML have otherwise largely relied on adopting treatment strategies used for MDS and MPN. However, such therapies, including hypomethylating agents, are based on a paucity of data. With an eye toward making a more meaningful impact on response rates and modification of the natural history of the disease, progress will rely on enrollment of patients into clinical trials and molecular profiling of individuals so that opportunities for targeted therapy can be exploited.
Gray and multigroup radiation transport through 3D binary stochastic media with different sphere radii distributions

Abstract Gray and multigroup radiation is transported through 3D media consisting of spheres randomly placed in a uniform background. Comparisons are made between using constant radii spheres and three different distributions of sphere radii. Because of the computational cost of 3D calculations, only the lowest angle order, n=1, is tested. If the mean chord length is held constant, using different radii distributions makes little difference. This is true for both gray and multigroup solutions. 3D transport solutions are compared to 2D and 1D solutions with the same mean chord lengths. 2D disk and 3D sphere media give solutions that are nearly identical while 1D slab solutions are fundamentally different.
Physical Examination, Doppler Ultrasound and Colour Flow Duplex Scanning: Guides to Therapy for Primary Varicose Veins

Objective:To compare physical examination (PE) and continuous-wave hand-held Doppler (CWD) examination with colour flow duplex scanning as a gold standard for greater saphenous vein (GSV) reflux.Design:Prospective performance of PE and CWD by two clinical examiners and subsequent duplex scanning by two vascular laboratory technicians unaware of the results of the PE and CWD examinations. Tapes were then reviewed; results of the duplex scanning were compared with physical and CWD findings.Patients:Thirty-one women and nine men, aged 27–64 years, with symptomatic class I primary varicosities in distribution of the GSV. Eighty limbs were evaluated Prospectively in 40 consecutive patients, including 22 limbs in 14 patients with a history of prior GSV stripping.Interventions:GSV ligation and stripping in 50 limbs when duplex demonstrated saphenofemoral or truncal reflux; 30 limbs were treated by stab avulsion, cluster excision and sclerotherapy.Main outcome measures:Demonstration of saphenofemoral reflux by du...
Automated Markov-chain based analysis for large state spaces

Modeling the dynamic, time-varying behavior of systems and processes is a common design and analysis task in the systems engineering community. A popular method for performing such analysis is the use of Markov chains. Additionally, automated methods may be used to automatically determine new system state values for a system under observation or test. Unfortunately, the state-transition space of a Markov chain grows exponentially in the number of states resulting in limitations in the use of Markov chains for dynamic analysis. We present results in the use of an efficient data structure, the algebraic decision diagram (ADD), for representation of Markov chains and an accompanying prototype analysis tool. Experimental results are provided that indicate the ADD is a viable structure to enable the automated modeling of Markov chains consisting of hundreds of thousands of states due to their ability to provide computation related efficiencies. This result allows automated Markov chain analysis of extremely large state spaces to be a viable technique for system and process modeling and analysis. Experimental results from a prototype implementation of an ADD-based analysis tool are provided to substantiate our conclusions.
Fuzzy Multi-kernel Approach in Intelligent Control of Energy Consumption in Smart Cities

In the smart cities of the future, artificial intelligence will play significant role in enhancing efficiency of operations and utilization of city assets. The power grid is the preeminent asset of a city and consists of the cornerstone upon which residents' activities depend. In this paper, an intelligent control approach of energy consumption in smart cities is proposed. The intelligent controller integrates multiple kernel machines and fuzzy logic rules to optimize energy consumption within a city's infrastructure. The approach utilizes multiple pieces of information to define the percentage of the energy to be supplied at a specific area of the city. In particular, consumption control actions are driven by current as well predicted information. The kernel machines are utilized for prediction making while the fuzzy rules fuse information and provide the percentage of energy to be consumed. The proposed approach is tested on a set of simulated scenarios, where its applicability in smart cities is demonstrated
Cramp-Fasciculation Syndrome in Patients with and without Neural Autoantibodies (PD1.005)

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical and electrophysiologic characteristics and presence of neural autoantibodies in patients with cramp-fasciculation syndrome (CFS). BACKGROUND: CFS is a mild peripheral nerve hyperexitability syndrome. Clinical and electrophysiologic comparisons between CFS patients with and without neural autoantibodies have not been studied. DESIGN/METHODS: We reviewed the Mayo Clinic clinical and electromyography database from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2011 to identify clinically-defined CFS patients who underwent comprehensive neural autoantibody testing. Stored sera of patients who were seropositive for VGKC–complex antibodies were tested further for LGI1 or CASPR2 antibodies. RESULTS: Thirty-seven CFS patients were identified. Twelve patients were seropositive for neural autoantibodies (9 VGKC-complex antibodies, 1 striational antibodies, 1 muscle and 1 ganglionic acetylcholine receptor antibodies). Clinical manifestations were similar in both seropositive and seronegative patients except for the presence of higher rates of central or autonomic neuronal hyperexcitability symptoms in seropositive cases (33% and 0% respectively, p = 0.008). Concomitant autoimmune disorders were present in 40% of seropositive and in 12% of seronegative patients ( p = 0.08). None of the CFS patients had evidence of malignancy. Repetitive tibial nerve stimulation at 10-Hz revealed afterdischarges with a mean duration of 535.50 milliseconds in seropositive and 67.63 milliseconds in seronegative patients ( p = 0.03). Neuromyotonic and myokymic discharges were absent in all patients. Stored sera were available in 7 of the 9 patients with VGKC-complex autoimmunity. One patient had both LGI1 and CASPR2 antibodies and one patient had LGI1 antibodies alone. Only 2 of the 12 seropositive patients required immunotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: VGKC-complex autoimmunity was present in 24% of CFS patients. The target antigen within the VGKC-complex in most of these patients remains unknown. Tumor association was absent in our series. Repetitive nerve stimulation is of limited value in the diagnosis of CFS. Most patients were successfully managed symptomatically without immunotherapy. Supported by: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Grants to CJK (K08 NS065007-01A1, NS36797). Disclosure: Dr. Liewluck has nothing to disclose. Dr. Klein has received personal compensation for activities with Pfizer Inc. Dr. Klein has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for the Journal of the Peripheral Nervous System. Dr. Jones has nothing to disclose.
SERPINH1 and Osteogenesis Imperfecta

The SERPINH1 gene (OMIM 600943) on chromosome 11q13.5 encodes the collagen chaperone SERPINHI/HSP47. HSP47 is essential for the correct folding of types I–V procollagens in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Recent reports have associated mutations in ER collagen chaperone proteins with recessively inherited moderate to severe OI phenotypes. A SERPINH1 mutation has been reported in a child with a severe deforming form of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) who was born to consanguineous Saudi Arabian parents. Mutations in HSP47 affecting both the protein and binding sites for HSP47 on the collagen triple helix are reviewed. This chapter will discuss the role of SERPINH1 in normal collagen biosynthesis and the expression of this mutation as a cause of moderately severe OI.
Women sport fans: identification, participation, representation

As a feminist, a media studies scholar, and a (beleaguered but nonetheless enthusiastic) fan of the New York Mets, I was eager to read Kim Toffoletti’s Women Sport Fans: Identification, Participati...
Nanoporous highly crosslinked polymer networks with covalently bonded amines for CO2 capture

Abstract Amine-containing polymers are considered to be promising CO2 capture materials. Considerable research effort has been invested in designing and preparing new materials with high surface area and amine content. In this work, a series of nanoporous highly crosslinked polymers (HCPs) with covalently bonded amines were prepared by post-modification of highly crosslinked divinylbenzene-maleic anhydride (DVB-MAH) copolymer with various diamines. The successful incorporation of the diamines was confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and elemental analysis. The resulting amine-containing HCPs possessed both micropores and mesopores, and they exhibited BET surface area of 183–500 m2/g. The CO2 capture capacity of these polymers varied in relation to their surface areas and amine contents. The chemistry described in this report provides a facile synthetic route to obtain new amine-containing polymer particles as potential solid sorbents for acidic gases such as carbon dioxide.
Mannich-type Reactions of Cyclic Nitrones: Effective Methods for the Enantioselective Synthesis of Piperidine-containing Alkaloids.

Even though there are dozens of biologically active 2-substituted and 2,6-disubstituted piperidines, only a limited number of approaches exist for their synthesis. Herein is described two Mannich-type additions to nitrones, one using β-ketoacids under catalyst-free conditions and another using methyl ketones in the presence of chiral thioureas, which can generate a broad array of such 2-substituted materials, as well as other ring variants, in the form of β-N-hydroxy-aminoketones. Both processes have broad scope, with the latter providing products with high enantioselectivity (up to 98 %). The combination of these methods, along with other critical steps, has enabled 8-step total syntheses of the 2,6-disubstituted piperidine alkaloids (-)-lobeline and (-)-sedinone.
The Phenomenology of Time in Classical Tamil Poetry

This essay explores the ways in which the human experience of time is articulated in the akam or love genre of caṅkam or classical Tamil poetry (ca. 100 BCE-450 CE). In particular, it focuses on the use of images from five landscapes (tiṇai) of the Tamil countryside to convey the impact emotion has on the phenomenological experience of time. I argue that the images used in the poems of this highly conventionalized genre express an experience of time that is either protracted, compressed, or somewhere in between depending on the emotional wellbeing of the heroine. The translations and discussion of six poems posit the notion that akam poetry is as much about the experience of time as it is about the experience of emotion, as they are not entirely distinct.
Black Girls Doing Time for White Boys’ Crime? Considering Columbine’s Security Legacy Through an Intersectional Lens:

The 20th anniversary of the deadly shootings at Columbine High School provides an opportunity to take stock of policy changes it prompted. Two were the increased use of security personnel and exclu...
Evolution of surgical management of gallbladder carcinoma and impact on outcome: results from two decades at a single-institution.

Abstract Background The surgical approach to gallbladder cancer (GBCA) has evolved in recent years, but the impact on outcomes is unknown. This study describes differences in presentation, surgery, chemotherapy strategy, and survival for patients with GBCA over two decades at a tertiary referral center. Methods A single-institution database was queried for patients with GBCA who underwent surgical evaluation and exploration and was studied retrospectively. Univariate logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between time and treatment. Univariate Cox proportional hazard regression assessed the association between year of diagnosis and survival. Results From 1992 to 2015, 675 patients with GBCA were evaluated and 437 underwent exploration. Complete resection rates increased over time (p 0.05) for patients with complete resection. Conclusion Over the study period, GBCA treatment evolved to include fewer biliary and major hepatic resections with no apparent adverse impact on outcome. Further prospective trials, specifically limited to GBCA, are needed to determine the impact of adjuvant chemotherapy.
Time-of-day variations and temporal instability of factors affecting injury severities in large-truck crashes

Abstract Using the data from large-truck crashes in Los Angeles over an eight-year period (January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2017), the variation in the influence of factors affecting injury severities during different time periods of the day (morning and afternoon) and from year to year is studied. To capture potential unobserved heterogeneity, random parameters logit models with heterogeneity in the means and variances of the random parameters were estimated considering three possible crash injury-severity outcomes (no injury, minor injury, and severe injury). Likelihood ratio tests were conducted to assess the transferability of model estimation results from different times of the day and from year to year. Marginal effects of the explanatory variables were also calculated to investigate the stability of individual parameter estimates on injury-severity probabilities across time-of-day/time-period combinations. A wide range of parameters were considered including drivers’ characteristics, driver actions, truck’s characteristics, weather and environmental conditions, and roadway attributes. The results show instability in the effect of factors that influence injury severities in large-truck vehicle crashes across daily time periods and from year to year. However, there were several variables that exhibited relatively stable effects on injury-severity probabilities including driver ethnicity, crashes occurring while backing, sideswipe crashes, hit-object crashes, parked-vehicle crashes, fixed-object crashes, and truck-driver at fault crashes. The findings of this study should be useful for decision makers and trucking companies to better regulate truck operations by time of day.
Intertemporal decision-making-related brain states predict adolescent drug abuse intervention responses.

Abstract Adolescent drug misuse represents a major risk factor for long-term drug use disorders. However, wide individual differences in responses to first-line behavioral therapies targeting adolescent drug misuse limit critical early intervention. Identifying the neural signatures of those adolescents most likely to respond to an intervention would potentially guide personalized strategies for reducing drug misuse. Prior to a 14-week evidence-based intervention involving combinations of contingency management, motivational enhancement, and cognitive behavioral therapy, thirty adolescent alcohol and/or cannabis users underwent fMRI while performing a reward delay discounting (DD) task tapping an addiction-related cognition. Intervention responses were longitudinally characterized by both urinalysis and self-report measures of the percentage of days used during treatment and in post-treatment follow-up. Group independent component analysis (ICA) of task fMRI data identified neural processing networks related to DD task performance. Separate measures of wholesale recruitment during immediate reward choices and within-network functional connectivity among selective networks significantly predicted intervention-related changes in drug misuse frequency. Specifically, heightened pre-intervention engagement of a temporal lobe “reward motivation” network for impulsive choices on the DD task predicted poorer intervention outcomes, while modes of functional connectivity within the reward motivation network, a prospection network, and a posterior insula network demonstrated robust associations with intervention outcomes. Finally, the pre-intervention functional organization of the prospection network also predicted post-intervention drug use behaviors for up to 6 months of follow-up. Multiple functional variations in the neural processing networks supporting preference for immediate and future rewards signal individual differences in readiness to benefit from an effective behavioral therapy for reducing adolescent drug misuse. The implications for efforts to boost therapy responses are discussed.
High temperature synthesis and characterization of ultrathin tellurium nanostructures

Thin tellurium (Te) has been predicted as a potential two dimensional system exhibiting superior thermoelectric and electrical properties. Here, we report the synthesis of high quality ultrathin Te nanostructures and the study of their electrical properties at room temperature. High quality ultrathin Te nanostructures are obtained by high temperature vapor phase deposition on c-plane sapphire substrates. The obtained nanostructures are as thin as 3 nm and exhibit α-Te phase with trigonal crystal structure. Room temperature electrical measurements show significantly higher electrical conductivity compared to prior reports of Te in bulk form or in nanostructure form synthesized by low temperature vapor deposition or wet chemical methods. Additionally, these nanostructures exhibit high field effect hole mobility comparable to black-phosphorous measured previously under similar conditions.
Semi-supervised learning for automatic segmentation of the knee from MRI with convolutional neural networks.

Abstract Background and objective Segmentation is a crucial step in multiple biomechanics and orthopedics applications. The time-intensiveness and expertise requirements of medical image segmentation present a significant bottleneck for corresponding workflows. The current study develops and evaluates convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for automatic segmentation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with the objective of assessing their utility for use in biomechanics research methods. Methods CNNs were developed using a previously published, fully-annotated dataset as well as unlabeled scans from a publicly-available dataset. 2D and 3D CNNs were trained using semi-supervised learning frameworks for automatic segmentation of six structures of the knee. An inference strategy called Monte Carlo patch sampling was introduced to increase accuracy of the resulting models while adding no additional steps to the training process. Performance was assessed using traditional segmentation metrics, as well as surface error between reconstructed geometries from predicted and manual segmentations. Geometries from predicted segmentation maps were developed into finite element (FE) models in a semi-automatic pipeline and evaluated for FE-readiness. Results 3D CNNs using Monte Carlo patch sampling during inference achieved an Intersection-over-Union (IoU) of 0.978 and a dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of 0.989. Median surface error between predicted and ground truth geometries ranged from 0.56 to 0.98 mm. Meshes generated from the predicted segmentation maps were successfully used in FE simulations, demonstrating FE-readiness of geometries predicted by CNNs. CNNs trained with semi-supervised techniques outperformed CNNs trained in a fully-supervised fashion and resulted in performance competitive with similar literature despite relying on significantly less labeled data. Conclusions CNNs developed for automatic segmentation have potential for supplementing manual segmentation workflows in a wide range of orthopedics and biomechanics applications, including FE analysis. Faster processing times for developing FE models can enable population-based FE analysis using subject-specific models. The use of semi-supervised learning algorithms may additionally help circumvent the cost of obtaining labeled data in the development of these models.
Hemoptysis: emergency assessment and management.

Summary The emergency management of hemoptysis requires an organized approach, integrating clinical and radiologic information, to make an accurate diagnosis and to provide the appropriate immediate and followup care. An outline of this approach is diagrammed in the algorithm.
Arm loss and regeneration in Asteroidea (Echinodermata)

The incidence of arm loss in asteroids varies with taxa, populations, body size and form, and individuals. Loss is primarily by autotomy in response to damage by abiotic or biotic agents. Arm loss may affect capacity for feeding, locomotion, digestion, nutrient storage, and reproductive output. The rate of arm regeneration depends on availability of nutrients, being of secondary importance to production in extant structures when availability is low. Both arm loss by autotomy and regeneration are adaptive.
2008's Harmless Torturers and Group Agents: The Moral Mathematics and Responsibilities of Financial Crises

After the 2008 Financial Crisis, there were widespread calls by politicians, policy-makers, and the general public to hold individuals accountable for the devastating harms that resulted. This yearning still remains alive and well in American culture despite the lack of criminal prosecutions or civil enforcement against individuals involved in 2008. By employing contemporary analytic philosophy, this paper argues, contrary to this commonly held belief, that it would be a moral mistake to hold individuals responsible for the Financial Crisis. Financial crises caused by amalgamation of systemic risk may be implemented by individuals, but they are undoubtedly programmed by corporations. Because of this, corporations and financial institutions are fit to be held morally responsible for 2008. As a result, they owe a moral duty to protect the right of all investors to reasonably rely on financial risks by monitoring through internal compliance programs how the actions taken by their individual employees contribute to systemic risks.
I have to go online next week?! Practical suggestions based on Ke (2016).

Activation of known material, the importance of context and narrative, opportunities for reflection, and appropriate feedback are all major issues to be taken into consideration when designing online courses. The purpose of this review is to discuss the ways in which these various themes, elucidated by Ke (Designing and integrating purposeful learning in game play: A systematic review. Educational Technology Research and Development, 64, 219–244. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-015-9418-1 , 2016), can be brought to life when transitioning a course to an online format. Issues related to this review will be discussed from a practical perspective aimed at assisting course instructors when making a fast transition to an online teaching modality.
Suicidal Ideation Among Midwestern Students: a social ecological approach

Background Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for adolescents in the United States and adolescents represent 11% of all suicide cases. Meanwhile, Indiana has the 2nd highest adolescent suicide rate (14.5 per 100,000) and adolescents represent 19% of all suicide cases (See Figure 1). However, Illinois has the 5th lowest adolescent suicide rate (10.6 per 100,000) and adolescents represent only 6.5% of all suicide cases (See Figure 1). Therefore, identifying adolescents at risk for suicide remains a top priority for clinicians and mental health professionals. One possible approach is …
Publish or Perish: Five Steps to Navigating a Less Painful Peer Review.

This Perspective presents comments intended for junior researchers by Carol A. Lange, Editor-in-Chief, Endocrinology, and Stephen R. Hammes, former Editor-in-Chief, Molecular Endocrinology, and former co-Editor-in-Chief, Endocrinology. PRINCIPAL POINTS 1. Know when you are ready and identify your target audience.2. Select an appropriate journal.3. Craft your title and abstract to capture your key words and deliver your message.4. Tell a clear and impactful story.5. Review, polish, and perfect your manuscript.
Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Program

As some of you know, we have been in the business of eradicating bovine tuberculosis since December 23, 1917. We have come a long way from a five percent reactor rate in CY 1918 to .08 percent in FY 1976. We must remember, however, that the early years of any program are the years that progress is more apparent. As the incidence of a disease declines, it becomes more and more difficult to locate and eliminate foci of infection. This is the situation at present in the tuberculosis eradication program. It has become difficult and very time-consuming to locate tuberculous cattle herds.
Formulating false data injection cyberattacks on pumps’ flow rate resulting in cascading failures in smart water systems

Abstract As digital interconnections of smart cities greatly enhance the quality of life for residents, they also introduce challenges related to cybersecurity that may adversely impact critical infrastructure. Smart cities must secure their critical infrastructures against cyberattacks. Water distribution is one of these infrastructures. In this paper, a bi-level optimization model is developed for cyberattacks that can result in physical consequence of multiple node failures in water networks. Unlike the existing research that considered random cyberattacks, the proposed cyber–physical attack model injects targeted false data into pumps’ measurements causing pressure head buildup in targeted nodes. In addition, the injected false data will ensure bypassing the existing water system’s state-estimation and bad data detection methods, a condition that was not considered in previously developed attacks. The findings indicate the minimum number of targeted pumps required to create the most severe cascading failures across the water network. The model will identify strategic pumps that are likely to be targeted by cyberattacks, and therefore should be given extra layers of protection by water authorities.
Entrepreneurship during a pandemic

Commercial and social entrepreneurs are likely to help communities combat public health crises. Research on responses to pandemics has underappreciated the critical role of entrepreneurs. In the context of post-disaster response and recovery, entrepreneurs provide needed goods and services, repair and rebuild disrupted social networks, and can act as focal points for disaster survivors as they develop their plans to rebuild. During a pandemic, entrepreneurs perform similarly important economic and social functions. This article highlights these functions, including (1) providing the goods needed to survive and combat the pandemic, (2) performing the services needed so that people can stay productive and connected during the pandemic, and (3) acting as a source of community support and leadership. It also discusses how entrepreneurs are able to perform these roles despite operating in an environment that constricts the range and nature of entrepreneurial activity. Finally, this article describes a legal regime that will promote entrepreneurship during a pandemic.