cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
286 DIFFERENCES IN THE USE OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE THERAPIES BETWEEN INSURED AND UNINSURED CHINESE IMMIGRANTS IN SEATTLE

Background Specific research on the role of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the health-seeking behavior of uninsured Chinese immigrants is sparse. Previous studies report that reliance upon TCM when first ill is higher among uninsured than insured Chinese study participants. This finding highlights the need to collect data on the role TCM plays in the health-related behaviors of uninsured Chinese immigrants. We hypothesized that uninsured Chinese immigrants choose TCM services and therapies, when first ill, with a higher frequency than insured Chinese immigrants. Study Design and Methods An anonymous survey was designed with questions that asked about the specific circumstances of the participant9s last illness, and the services and therapies sought to treat the illness. The survey was then translated into Chinese, and distributed through organizations in Seattle, WA, that have a large Chinese-based clientele, such as the International Center for Health Services, the Asian Counsel and Referral Service, and the Chinese Information and Service Center. Results A total of 172 surveys were completed, however only 122 surveys provided usable data for this report. Of the 122 surveys, 105 (86.1%) respondents reported having health insurance and 17 (13.9%) respondents did not have health insurance. Sixty-two percent were female and the age mode was 65-74 years old. When ill, the subjects without health insurance were significantly more likely to initially consult a TCM provider (x2=23.11, df=3, p≤0.001) and use TCM modalities (x2=28.77, df=3, p≤0.001) than the subjects with health insurance. Likewise, subjects with private health insurance were significantly more likely to use TCM modalities than those with public health insurance (x2=6.95, df=2, p≤0.031). Conclusion The result of this survey imply a trend that Chinese immigrants lacking health insurance are more likely to use TCM therapies when first ill than their insured counterparts. It is important to note, however, that because of the low number of uninsured participants, there was an insufficient N value to conduct a totally valid statistical analysis. Nonetheless, the data collected in this study highlights the role of TCM as a medical option for Chinese immigrants in Seattle. Further research into the topic is warranted in order to increase the general knowledge of the health care needs of Chinese immigrants, and aid health care providers in efforts to provide culturally sensitive health care.
REMembering what you learned

Which memories are retained, where, and in what form depends on a long afterlife of the acquired information in the brain. Initial steps of consolidation may be completed within a few hours during wakefulness, but other forms of postacquisition processing take longer, extending into sleep ( 1 , 2 ). The relationship between brain activity during sleep and memory consolidation remains controversial and poorly understood. On page 812 of this issue, Boyce et al. ( 3 ) demonstrate that a distinct form of hippocampal neural activity, called theta oscillation, is critical for memory formation during the rapid eye movement (REM) phase of sleep.
Yb:YAG laser: mode-locking and high-power operation

The room-temperature Yb:YAG laser at 1.03 μm has the potential for high-power single-spatial-mode operation because of its broad absorption bandwidth (making control of the pump wavelength less important), the absence of mechanisms other than radiative relaxation to deplete the upper state, and the low thermal loading as a result of the small quantum defect.1 The lasing transition has a 60-cm−1 width, which may allow mode-locking to give pulses as short as 0.2 ps. We present initial results on mode-locking of the laser and on optimization of the laser cavity to obtain 1.56 W of laser output.
Larger Prostatic Adenomas in Obese Men with No Associated Increase in Obstructive Uropathy

AbstractIn 379 men less than age 75 years who underwent initial transurethral prostatectomy for benign prostatic hypertrophy specimen weights were compared with host ages, obesity, smoking habits and the presence of incidental cancer. Among 334 men 60 to 74 years old average specimen weights increased with increasing obesity from 20.3 to 36.6gm. Underweight men in comparison with men at least 30% overweight demonstrated more small specimens (10gm. or less, 24% versus 2%, p <0.001) and fewer large specimens (50gm. or more, 5% versus 26%, p <0.005). This pattern was present in smokers and nonsmokers. Adenoma weights increased with increasing host age and were larger in nonsmokers of all age groups. Body habitus was similar in the prostatectomy patients and 290 office patients of similar age, suggesting no increase in obstructive uropathy among obese men despite the larger adenomas. These observations are compatible with different risk factors for the obstructing and nonobstructing components of benign prost...
A review of the additive health risk of cannabis and tobacco co-use

Abstract Introduction Cannabis and tobacco are the most widely used substances, and are often used together. The present review examines the toxicant exposure associated with co-use (e.g., carbon monoxide, carcinogens), co-use via electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), and problematic methodological issues present across co-use studies. Method An extensive literature search through PubMed was conducted and studies utilizing human subjects and in vitro methods were included. Keywords included tobacco, cigarette, e-cigarette, ENDS, smoking, or nicotine AND marijuana OR cannabis OR THC. Results Co-use may pose additive risk for toxicant exposure as certain co-users (e.g., blunt users) tend to have higher breath carbon monoxide levels and cannabis smoke can have higher levels of some carcinogens than tobacco smoke. Cannabis use via ENDS is low and occurs primarily among established tobacco or cannabis users, but its incidence may be increasing and expanding to tobacco/cannabis naive individuals. There are several methodological issues across co-use research including varying definitions of co-use, sample sizes, lack of control for important covariates (e.g., time since last cigarette), and inconsistent measurement of outcome variables. Conclusions There are some known additive risks for toxicant exposure as a result of co-use. Research utilizing consistent methodologies is needed to further establish the additive risk of co-use. Future research should also be aware of novel technologies (e.g., ENDS) as they likely alter some toxicant exposure when used alone and with cannabis.
Do Two- to Four-Unit Properties Have Higher Credit Risk? An Analysis of Default and Loss Experience

Two- to four-family properties make up 19% of all rental housing but receive almost no attention. Using a unique dataset from Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, we show that, for any given set of loan characteristics and compared with one-unit properties, two- to four-unit properties are more likely to default, its owner-occupied (investment) properties are less (more) likely to liquidate, and all two- to four-unit properties are more likely to have a higher loss severity upon liquidation. Historically, these patterns have led to higher losses on two- to four-unit loans. Current tighten credit results in loss rates much closer to those on one-unit owner-occupied properties, indicating that policymakers can relax the credit requirements of two-to-four properties to better serve affordable rental housing.
Long-term working memory and transient storage in reading comprehension: What is the evidence? Comment on Foroughi, Werner, Barragán, and Boehm-Davis (2015).

In a recent article, Foroughi, Werner, Barragan, and Boehm-Davis (2015) demonstrated that interspersing interruptions between paragraphs during reading sometimes reduces accuracy on comprehension questions. We propose an account of their findings within long-term working memory (LTWM) theory. Our account proposes that interruptions interfere with the accessibility of the generated encodings of the text in long-term memory (LTM) and that unimpaired continued comprehension requires restoration of access to these memory encodings during the resumption of reading after the interruptions. It is consistent with the accuracy of question answering being substantially preserved in their study, which is seemingly inconsistent with their transient storage account. This theoretical controversy does not diminish the importance of Foroughi et al.'s results: We agree that additional research is needed to understand when and how interruptions impact various aspects of comprehension. (PsycINFO Database Record
Bladder overactivity involves overexpression of MicroRNA 132 and nerve growth factor.

Abstract Aim Here, we assessed the expression of non-protein coding microRNAs (miRs), nerve growth factor and inflammatory molecules in the rat model of acetic acid induced bladder overactivity. Main methods Under isoflurane anesthesia, adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were instilled for 30 min with either saline or NGF antisense oligonucleotide complexed with liposomes. 24 h later, treated rats were exposed to either intravesical infusion of saline or saline containing 0.25% acetic acid at the rate of 0.04 mL/min for 2 h under urethane anesthesia (1 g/kg; s.c). After CMG, bladder was harvested to study expression of NGF, cytokines and 8 specific miRNAs involved in bladder dysfunctions. The role of miR-132 in bladder overactivity was independently assessed through bladder wall transfection of plasmid encoding miR-132. Key findings NGF overexpression in bladder overactivity was associated with ~ 2-fold upregulation and downregulation of miR-132 and miR-221, respectively. Pretreatment with NGF antisense restored the expression of miR-221 and miR-132 to control levels and also reduced the expression of NGF and cytokines (MCP-1 and sICAM-1). There was insignificant alteration in the expression of miR-199a-5p, and expression of, miR-210, miR-212, miR-155, miR-134 and miR-206 remained similar across the experimental groups. Bladder wall transfection of miR-132 plasmid in absence of acetic acid exposure was able to independently induce bladder overactivity, bladder hypertrophy and upregulate the expression of NGF and other cytokines. Significance Overall, our work sheds light on the role of miR-132 in bladder overactivity, bladder hypertrophy, NGF signaling and expression of inflammatory mediators. Findings demonstrate that aberrant expression of NGF and miR-132 is involved in voiding dysfunctions.
Building geometry models for Monte Carlo transport codes

We describe the definition of geometry models for MCNP and other Monte Carlo radiation transport codes. White Rock Science offers several computer programs that assist with the creation and modification of these models. These codes are Sabrina, Moritz, BodyBuilder, and Scan2MCNP. We review the main features and uses of these codes.
A Comprehensive Analysis of Short-Circuit Current Behavior in PMSM Interturn Short-Circuit Faults

This paper presents a detailed analysis of short-circuit current behavior during interturn short-circuit faults in permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs) by considering the short-circuit contact resistance. For this purpose, an finite element analysis (FEA)-based equivalent circuit model is developed to understand the circulating current behavior in the shorted turns. Various fault resistance and number of shorted turn combinations are examined at different torque and speed levels. To include saturation due to high fault currents, the inductance matrix of faulty machine is created in FEA environment and incorporated into the equivalent circuit model as four-dimensional lookup tables. In order to take loop responses into account, the model is controlled through field oriented control (FOC) with closed speed and current loops. An experimental setup is built to verify the simulation results using a PMSM with several winding taps. It is shown that the experimental results and the simulations are quite consistent with each other. The findings from this study are essential to predict fault severity, develop mitigation techniques and determine the safe operating area for faulty machines.
Data-Flow Analysis

Compilers analyze the ir form of the program being compiled to identify opportunities where the code can be improved and to prove the safety and profitability of transformations that might improve the code. Data-flow analysis is the classic technique for compile-time program analysis. It allows the compiler to reason about the runtime flow of values in the program.
The Ammonia Route to NOx Conversion in Auto Exhaust Catalysis

Because of the problem of ammonia formation during the conversion of NOx by reaction with reducing gases in a dual bed catalytic converter the need has arisen for an NH3 oxidation catalyst of high N2-selectivity. Examination of a number of candidate systems has demonstrated that several metal-oxide catalysts are available that exhibit high N2-selectivity, activity, and stability in ammonia oxidation. However selective oxidation of NH3 to N2 runs counter to the complete oxidation of HC and CO. The properties of some oxidation catalysts for ammonia, and for HC and CO will be discussed with special application to the auto-exhaust problem.
Compression Analytics for Classification and Anomaly Detection Within Network Communication

The flexibility of network communication within Internet protocols is fundamental to network function, yet this same flexibility permits the possibility of malicious use. In particular, malicious behavior can masquerade as benign traffic, thus evading systems designed to catch misuse of network resources. However, perfect imitation of benign traffic is difficult, meaning that small unintentional deviations from normal can occur. Identifying these deviations requires that the defenders know what features reveal malicious behavior. Herein, we present an application of compression-based analytics to network communication that can reduce the need for defenders to know a priori what features they need to examine. Motivating the approach is the idea that compression relies on the ability to discover and make use of predictable elements in information, thereby highlighting any deviations between expected and received content. We introduce a so-called “slice compression” score to identify malicious or anomalous communication in two ways. First, we apply normalized compression distances to classification problems and discuss methods for reducing the noise by excising application content (as opposed to protocol features) using slice compression. Second, we present a new technique for anomaly detection, referred to as slice compression for anomaly detection. A diverse collection of datasets are analyzed to illustrate the efficacy of the proposed approaches. While our focus is network communication, other types of data are also considered to illustrate the generality of the method.
2112. Assessing the Accuracy of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI) Identification Using Urinalysis Results

Background Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) negatively impact patient morbidity, mortality and insurance reimbursement rates in acute care hospitals. Since CAUTIs are solely defined by the National Health and Safety Network (NHSN), not by clinical definition or urinalysis (UA) result, eliminating unnecessary urine cultures will improve the accuracy of reportable CAUTI rates. Negative UA can accurately detect false-positive (FP) CAUTIs in patients with 100% negative predictive value.
The Role of DNA Methylation in Gene Regulation

Abstract The addition of a methyl group to a DNA base is known as DNA methylation. Typically, this occurs at the location of a cytosine proximal to a guanine base and is catalyzed by enzymes known as DNA methyltransferases. Importantly, DNA methylation is related to the regulation of gene expression, and it plays a critical role in development, with functions in X-chromosome inactivation, genetic imprinting, and the repression of transposable elements. DNA methylation is often thought to have a repressive effect on gene expression. However, the relationship between DNA methylation and gene expression is location-specific. Several mechanisms are posited to underlie these observations, including proteins that mediate a link between DNA methylation and the underlying chromatin structure. The relationship between DNA methylation and gene expression has important implications for understanding and identifying disease processes.
Racial Differences in Complication Risk Following Emergency General Surgery: Who Your Surgeon Is May Matter.

Abstract Background Understanding the mechanisms that lead to health-care disparities is necessary to create robust solutions that ensure all patients receive the best possible care. Our objective was to quantify the influence of the individual surgeon on disparate outcomes for minority patients undergoing an emergency general surgery (EGS). Materials and methods Using the Florida State Inpatient Database, we analyzed patients who underwent one or more of seven EGS procedures from 2010 to 2014. The primary outcome was development of a major postoperative complication. To determine the individual surgeon effect on complications, we performed multilevel mixed effects modeling, adjusting for clinical and hospital factors, such as diagnosis, comorbidities, and hospital teaching status and volume. Results 215,745 cases performed by 5816 surgeons at 198 hospitals were included. The overall unadjusted complication rate was 8.6%. Black patients had a higher adjusted risk of having a complication than white patients (odds ratio 1.12, 95% confidence interval 1.03-1.22). Surgeon random effects, when hospital fixed effects were held constant, accounted for 27.2% of the unexplained variation in complication risk among surgeons. This effect was modified by patient race; for white patients, surgeon random effects explained only 12.4% of the variability, compared to 52.5% of the variability in complications among black patients. Conclusions This multiinstitution analysis within a single large state demonstrates that not only do black patients have a higher risk of developing a complication after undergoing EGS than white patients but also surgeon-level effects account for a larger proportion of the between-surgeon variation. This suggests that the individual surgeon contributes to racial disparities in EGS.
Discussion of preoperative mammography in women undergoing reduction mammaplasty.

PURPOSE Reduction mammaplasty is one of the most common procedures performed by plastic surgeons. Previous studies demonstrated that most plastic surgeons do not require preoperative mammography prior to reduction mammaplasty. The incidental discovery of malignant or high-risk lesions in breast reduction specimens may preclude the possibility of breast-conserving surgery. The purpose of this study was to examine the factors associated with discussion of preoperative mammography with reduction mammaplasty patients. METHODS About 638 consecutive patients were identified between January 2000 and December 2010 who underwent reduction mammaplasty. Clinicopathologic and treatment information was collected. Factors associated with discussion of preoperative mammography prior to surgery were compared. RESULTS Of 638 patients, the median age was 36 (range 18-77) with 44% ≥40. Approximately half (56.0%) were White and 37.5% were African-American. The use of mammography was discussed in 43.3% of patients and completed in 41.5%. On final pathology, eight patients (1.3%) had high-risk lesions and two (0.3%) demonstrated malignancy (1 DCIS, 1 invasive). Of these 10 patients, two were under the age of 40 and four had preoperative mammograms. Factors associated with mammography discussion were age ≥40, White race, the presence of comorbidities, family history of breast cancer, prior breast surgery, prior breast biopsy, history of breast cancer (all P < 0.0001) and tobacco use (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS Due to the potential risk of invasive cancer and high-risk lesions in the final surgical specimen, preoperative mammography should be discussed with selected patients by plastic surgeons, particularly those who fall within national screening guidelines.
Natural product derivatization with β-lactones, β-lactams and epoxides toward ‘infinite’ binders

Abstract β-Lactones, β-lactams and epoxides are privileged structural motifs found in both therapeutics and natural products. Herein we report several strategies for annulation of these motifs onto natural products that are not known to covalently modify their cellular targets. These strategies can facilitate identification of previously unidentified cellular targets or identify novel cellular targets of these natural products. The reported strategies include telescoped synthesis of β-lactones from allylic alcohols, nucleophile-catalyzed Michael aldol-β-lactonizations, and [2 + 2] β-lactam annulations with complex, commercially available alkene-containing natural products as substrates. A novel method for the tagging of phenolic natural products with epoxides is also reported.
The Impact of Large-Scale Orography on Northern Hemisphere Winter Synoptic Temperature Variability

AbstractThe impact of large-scale orography on wintertime near-surface (850 hPa) temperature variability on daily and synoptic time scales (from days to weeks) in the Northern Hemisphere is investi...
Model-Driven Feedforward Prediction for Manipulation of Deformable Objects

Robotic manipulation of deformable objects is a difficult problem especially because of the complexity of the many different ways an object can deform. Searching such a high-dimensional state space makes it difficult to recognize, track, and manipulate deformable objects. In this paper, we introduce a predictive, model-driven approach to address this challenge, using a precomputed, simulated database of deformable object models. Mesh models of common deformable garments are simulated with the garments picked up in multiple different poses under gravity, and stored in a database for fast and efficient retrieval. To validate this approach, we developed a comprehensive pipeline for manipulating clothing as in a typical laundry task. First, the database is used for category and the pose estimation is used for a garment in an arbitrary position. A fully featured 3-D model of the garment is constructed in real time, and volumetric features are then used to obtain the most similar model in the database to predict the object category and pose. Second, the database can significantly benefit the manipulation of deformable objects via nonrigid registration, providing accurate correspondences between the reconstructed object model and the database models. Third, the accurate model simulation can also be used to optimize the trajectories for the manipulation of deformable objects, such as the folding of garments. Extensive experimental results are shown for the above tasks using a variety of different clothings. Note to Practitioners —This paper provides an open source, extensible, 3-D database for dissemination to the robotics and graphics communities. Model-driven methods are proliferating, and they need to be applied, tested, and validated in real environments. A key idea we have exploited is to have an innovative and novel use of simulation. This database will serve as infrastructure for developing advanced robotic machine learning algorithms. We want to address this machine learning idea ourselves, but we expect the dissemination of the database to other researchers with different agendas and task applications, which will bring wide progress in this area. Our proposed methods, as mentioned earlier, can be easily applied to interrelated areas. One example is that the 3-D shape-based matching algorithm can be used for other objects, such as bottles, papers, and food. After integrating with other robotic systems, the use of the robot can be easily extended to other tasks, such as making food, cleaning room, and fetching objects, to assist our daily life.
Transverse Microwave Convective Instability at Transition Crossing

An analytical model of transverse convective instability of a bunch at transition crossing is presented for the microwave case, when the wake is sufficiently short compared with the bunch length. The space charge is assumed to be strong, as it typically is for the low and medium energy synchrotrons. A simple formula for the intensity threshold is obtained and its prediction is compared with available CERN PS data; without a single fitting parameter, a good agreement is demonstrated.
Time-driven activity-based costing of adjuvant vaginal cuff brachytherapy for uterine cancer in an integrated brachytherapy suite.

Abstract Purpose Adjuvant vaginal cuff brachytherapy is well tolerated and reduces the risk of local recurrence in endometrial cancer. However, there is provider variation in the number of radiation treatments, which ranges from three to six fractions. Using time-driven activity-based costing, we calculated the cost to deliver three vs six fractions to determine the value of each regimen at our brachytherapy suite with CT-on-rails. Methods and Materials Process maps were created to represent each step from initial consult to completion of therapy. Components of care included personnel, equipment, and consumable supplies. The capacity cost rate was determined for each resource and calculated for each regimen. Results The total direct costs to deliver three- and six-fraction treatment courses were $1,415 and $2,227, respectively. Personnel cost accounted for 63% of overall expenditures. Computed tomography simulation and planning, required for the first fraction, cost $232 for both regimens. Duties of the procedural nurse (scheduling, patient setup, and turnover) consumed the most time at 35% of total personnel minutes. Conclusions Time-driven activity-based cost analysis revealed a 57% relative increase, but modest absolute increase, in delivery costs for six vs three fractions of brachytherapy at our institution. This current analysis may influence considerations of the relative value between the two treatment schedules, but this methodology should not be interpreted as informative for reimbursement policy evaluation.
The Laplacian with Boundary Conditions

The abstract theory developed in previous chapters is applied to the spectral theory of the Laplacian on a bounded open set in Euclidean space. We define the sefl-adjoint extensions corresponding to classical boundary conditions. The chapter includes discussion of some classic spectral results, including the Weyl law, Courant’s nodal domain theorem, and eigenvalue comparison theorems.
PACEMAKER UNDERSENSING OF VENTRICULAR FIBRILLATION

Pacemakers differ from cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) in their features and algorithms of arrhythmia detection. Understanding the limitations of devices is important in troubleshooting and diagnosis A 54-year-old female with a history of coronary artery disease underwent dual chamber pacemaker
Chapter Six – Camera Models

Publisher Summary Cameras in pbrt rendering program are represented by an abstract base class. The abstract Camera base class holds generic camera options and defines the interface that all camera implementations must provide. It is defined in the files core/camera.h and core/camera.cpp. This chapter describes the Camera class and its two closely related methods: Camera::GenerateRay() and Camera::GenerateRayDifferential(). The first method computes the world space ray corresponding to a sample position on the image plane. By generating these rays in different ways based on different models of image formation, the cameras in pbrt can create many types of images of the same 3D scene. The second method not only generates this ray but also computes information about the image area that the ray is sampling. The chapter also shows a few implementations of the Camera interface, each of which generates rays in a different way to simulate different imaging processes.
Why Have Health Expenditures as a Share of GDP Risen So Much

Aggregate health expenditures as a share of GDP have risen in the United States from about 5 percent in 1960 to nearly 14 percent in recent years. Why? This paper explores a simple explanation based on technological progress. Technological advances allow diseases to be cured today, at a cost, that could not be cured at any price in the past. When this technological progress is combined with a Medicare-like transfer program to pay the health expenses of the elderly, the model is able to reproduce the basic facts of recent U.S. experience, including the large increase in the health expenditure share, a rise in life expectancy, and an increase in the size of health-related transfer payments as a share of GDP.
Patterns of Care in Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Node Positive Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

Background The aims of this study were to examine the factors associated with use of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCR) for patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer and to evaluate the effect of NCR on survival. Methods The 2004 to 2015 National Cancer Database was used to identify patients with cT1-4aN1-3M0 (stage II-IVA) esophageal adenocarcinoma who underwent esophagectomy. Patients were stratified by receipt of NCR. A multivariable logistic regression was performed to examine factors associated with NCR, and survival between the 2 groups was compared using a multivariable Cox model. Results Of 8076 patients meeting the study criteria, 1616 (20%) did not receive NCR and 6460 (80%) did. In a multivariable regression, factors associated with receipt of NCR were a later year of diagnosis, treatment in a high-volume center, and clinical stage III disease. Factors associated with nonreceipt of NCR were increasing age, comorbidities, and treatment in a Middle Atlantic, South Central, or Pacific state. Receipt of trimodality therapy was associated with improved survival compared with other or no perioperative therapies (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.80; 95% confidence interval, 0.74-0.87). Conclusions Numerous personal-, demographic-, and treatment center–related factors account for variability in NCR for clinically node-positive esophageal adenocarcinoma, although neoadjuvant therapy was associated with a survival benefit. Further efforts are needed to identify reasons for these differences and design interventions to provide more equitable care for patients with esophageal cancer.
Solar attenuation screen transmittance, modulation, and albedo for JPSS J3 and J4

The Visible/Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) is a key sensor on the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (NPP) satellite as well as Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS). VIIRS collects Earth radiometric and imagery data in 22 spectral bands from 0.4 to 12.5 μm. Radiometric calibration of the reflective solar bands in the 0.4 to 2.5 μm wavelength range is performed by measuring the sunlight reflectance from Solar Diffuser Assembly (SDA). The Solar Attenuation Screen (SAS) is designed to adjust the amount of sunlight reaching the SDA so that the albedo levels seen by VIIRS are comparable to VIIRS earth view while rejecting light reflected from the earth. As the throughput varies with sun angle of incidence, the SAS transmittance was characterized over the as use angular range (13-32 degrees in azimuth and 15-18.5 degrees in declination) with an uncertainty better than 0.2%. The setup of the test station allows for the SAS’s transmission and modulation to be measured in the as used configuration. The results of the SAS transmittance was then combined with the Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) of the SDA to calculate the albedo levels over the sun angular range used for calibration. The SAS transmittance angular variation was fit to a model to calculate the spatial signal modulation. This paper presents the SAS transmission and its spatial signal modulation for JPSS-J3 and JPSS-J4.
The impact of within-vector parasite development on the extrinsic incubation period.

NSF-DMS Award [1853495, 1816075]; Simons Foundation Collaboration Grant for Mathematicians [524390]; National Science FoundationNational Science Foundation (NSF) [DBI-1300426]; University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Response of human macrophages to gamma radiation is mediated via expression of endogenous retroviruses

Ionizing radiation-induced tissue damage recruits monocytes into the exposed area where they are differentiated to macrophages. These implement phagocytic removal of dying cells and elicit an acute inflammatory response, but can also facilitate tumorigenesis due to production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Using primary human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) and the THP1 monocytic cell line, we demonstrate that gamma radiation triggers monocyte differentiation toward the macrophage phenotype with increased expression of type I interferons (IFN-I) and both pro- and anti-inflammatory macrophage activation markers. We found that these changes correlate with significantly upregulated expression of 622 retroelements from various groups, particularly of several clades of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs). Elevated transcription was detected in both sense and antisense directions in the HERV subgroups tested, including the most genetically homogeneous clade HML-2. The level of antisense transcription was three- to five-fold higher than of the sense strand levels. Using a proximity ligation assay and immunoprecipitation followed by RNA quantification, we identified an increased amount of the dsRNA receptors MDA-5 and TLR3 bound to an equivalent number of copies of sense and antisense chains of HERVK HML-2 RNA. This binding triggered MAVS-associated signaling pathways resulting in increased expression of IFN-I and inflammation related genes that enhanced the cumulative inflammatory effect of radiation-induced senescence. HML-2 knockdown was accompanied with reduced expression and secretion of IFNα, pro-inflammatory (IL-1β, IL-6, CCL2, CCL3, CCL8, and CCL20) and anti-inflammatory (IL10) modulators in irradiated monocytes and MDMs. Taken together, our data indicate that radiation stress-induced HERV expression enhances the IFN-I and cytokine response and results in increased levels of pro-inflammatory modulators along with expression of anti-inflammatory factors associated with the macrophage tumorigenic phenotype.
The Realm of Rights

L'A. presente le dernier ouvrage de J. J. Thomson intitule «The Realm of Rights» (1990) qui, localisant et delimitant a la fois le territoire des droits et le continent de la moralite, comble les lacunes laissees par son precedent livre intitule «Rights, Restitution,and risk» (1986). Il s'agit en effet pour elle de definir trois points importants: 1)ce que c'est qu'avoir un droit, 2) quels droits nous possedons, 3) le role des discussions sur des cas controverses dans la construction d'une theorie morale. Son approche resolument meta-ethique inscrit la theorie des droits au coeur de la theorie dela moralite
Histological and Histochemical Evaluation of the Effects of Graphene Oxide on Thyroid Follicles and Gas Gland of Japanese Medaka (Oryzias latipes) Larvae.

Abstract Graphene oxide (GO) has become a topic of increasing concern for its environmental and health risks. However, studies on the potential toxic effects of GO, especially as an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC), are very limited. In the present study we have used Japanese medaka fish as a model to assess the endocrine disruption potential of GO by evaluating its toxic and histopathologic effects on thyroid follicles and the gas gland (GG) of medaka larvae. One day post-hatch (dph) starved medaka fries were exposed to GO (2.5, 5.0, 10.0, and 20 mg/L) for 96 h, followed by 6 weeks depuration in a GO-free environment with feeding. Larvae were sacrificed and histopathological evaluation of thyroid follicles and the GG cells were done microscopically. Different sizes of spherical/oval shape thyroid follicles containing PAS positive colloids, surrounded by single-layered squamous/cuboidal epithelium, were found to be scattered predominantly throughout the pharyngeal region near the ventral aorta. We have apparently observed a sex-specific difference in the follicular size and thyrocytes height and a non-linear effect of GO exposure on the larvae on 47th day post hatch (dph). The GG is composed of large uniform epithelial cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm. Like thyroids, our studies on GG cells indicate a sex-specific difference and GO exposure non-linearly reduced the GG cell numbers in males and females as well as in XY and XX genotypes. Our data further confirm that sex effect should be carefully considered while assessing the toxicity of EDCs on the thyroid gland.
Improving change detection results with knowledge of registration uncertainty

Uncertainty in the registration between two images remains a problematic source of error in performing change detection between them. While a number of methods have been developed for reducing the impact of registration error in change detection, none of these methods are based upon a statistical characterization of the uncertainty in the estimate of the registration transformation. When utilizing a feature-point based registration algorithm, we can compute a Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB) on the estimate of the registration transformation based on an assumed covariance in the feature-point locations. This information can be used to predict the variance on the location at which pixels will appear in the registered image, which can be used to estimate the bias and variance introduced into the pixel intensities by registration uncertainty. Here, we use this information to improve change detection performance and verify this improvement with simulated and experimental results.
The evolution of self‐fertilization and inbreeding depression under pollen discounting and pollen limitation

We model the evolution of plant mating systems under the joint effects of pollen discounting and pollen limitation, using a dynamic model of inbreeding depression, allowing for partial purging of recessive lethal mutations by selfing. Stable mixed mating systems occur for a wide range of parameter values with pollen discounting alone. However, when typical levels of pollen limitation are combined with pollen discounting, stable selfing rates are always high but less than 1 (0.9 < s < 1 in most cases); in this situation, complete selfing does not evolve because pollen discounting becomes very large at high selfing rates, so that the automatic advantage of selfing changes to a disadvantage. These results suggest that mixed mating systems with high selfing rates can be maintained by selection, whereas mixed mating systems with low to moderate selfing rates are more likely attributable to unavoidable geitonogamous selfing.
Effects of Soccer Training and Detraining upon Selected Cardiac and Metabolic Measures

Abstract The study investigated the effects of a 10-week program of soccer training followed by 5 weeks detraining. The measures of primary interest to this study were: selected pre-ejection cardiac intervals; heart rates during a standard submaximal work task; selected metabolic measures; and performance time of an all-out work task. All tests were administered at the beginning of training, after 5 and 10 weeks training, and following 5 weeks detraining. The major findings indicated: (a) changes in cardiac and metabolic measures are reflected more during work than at rest; (b) the program of soccer training resulted in significant improvement of cardiorespiratory endurance; and (c) 5 weeks detraining resulted in significant deterioration of fitness gains.
Adaptive Navigation for Learners in Hypermedia Is Scaffolded Navigation

Adaptive navigation support can be of great help in large hypermedia systems supporting learners as well as users searching for specific information. A wide variety of adaptive mechanisms have been implemented in existing adaptive hypermedia systems that provide better and better suggestions to the user what hyperlinks to follow. We suggest that adaptive navigation support should scaffold a learner in an educational hypermedia system to select the appropriate links. We show that this implies that selecting a link is an educationally relevant activity that should not always be reduced to a trivial task by powerful adaptive mechanisms. It follows that learners require sometimes different kinds of adaptive navigation support than users looking for information. Finally, we will suggest how to extend current mechanisms to provide scaffolded navigation support to learners.
Algorithms and classification in groups of piecewise-linear homeomorphisms

The first part (Chapters 2 through 5) studies decision problems in Thompson's groups F, T, V and some generalizations. The simultaneous conjugacy problem is determined to be solvable for Thompson's group F and suitable larger groups of piecewise-linear homeomorphisms of the unit interval. We describe a conjugacy invariant both from the piecewise-linear point of view and a combinatorial one using strand diagrams. We determine algorithms to compute roots and centralizers in these groups and to detect periodic points and their behavior by looking at the closed strand diagram associated to an element. We conclude with a complete cryptanalysis of an encryption protocol based on the decomposition problem. In the second part (Chapters 6 and 7), we describe the structure of subgroups of the group of all homeomorphisms of the unit circle, with the additional requirement that they contain no non-abelian free subgroup. It is shown that in this setting the rotation number map is a group homomorphism. We give a classification of such subgroups as subgroups of certain wreath products and we show that such subgroups can exist by building examples. Similar techniques are then used to compute centralizers in these groups and to provide the base to generalize the techniques of the first part and to solve the simultaneous conjugacy problem.
A High-Speed X-Ray Detector System for Noninvasive Fluid Flow Measurements

The opaque nature of many multiphase flows has long posed a significant challenge to the visualization and measurement of desired characteristics. To overcome this difficulty, X-ray imaging, both in the form of radiography and computed tomography, has been used successfully to quantify various multiphase flow phenomena. However, the relatively low temporal resolution of typical X-ray systems limit their use to moderately slow flows and time-average values. This paper discusses the development of an X-ray detection system capable of high-speed radiographic imaging that can be used to visualize multiphase flows. Details of the hardware will be given and then applied to sample multiphase flows in which X-ray radiographic images of up to 1,000 frames per second were realized. The sample flows address two different multiphase flow arrangements. The first is a gas-liquid system representative of a small bubble column. The second is a gas-solid system typically found in a fluidized bed operation. Sample images are presented and potential challenges and solutions are discussed.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Semiconductor Manufacturing Scheduling

The sections in this article are 1 Scheduling Semiconductor Fabs 2 Implementation 3 Summary
The role of inhaled prostacyclin in treating acute respiratory distress syndrome

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a syndrome of acute lung injury that is characterized by noncardiogenic pulmonary edema and severe hypoxemia second to a pathogenic impairment of gas exchange. Despite significant advances in the area, mortality remains high among ARDS patients. High mortality and a limited spectrum of therapeutic options have left clinicians searching for alternatives, spiking interest in selective pulmonary vasodilators (SPVs). Despite the lack of robust evidence, SPVs are commonly employed for their therapeutic role in improving oxygenation in patients who have developed refractory hypoxemia in ARDS. While inhaled epoprostenol (iEPO) also impacts arterial oxygenation by decreasing ventilation–perfusion (V/Q) mismatching and pulmonary shunt flow, this effect is not different from inhaled nitric oxide (iNO). The most effective and safest dose for yielding a clinically significant increase in PaO2 and reduction in pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) appears to be 20–30 ng/kg/min i...
Adverse cutaneous drug reactions in patients with human immunodeficiency virus-1 infection

Throughout the course of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic, patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection have required treatment with ever-increasing quantities of medications, many of which are associated with adverse cutaneous reactions.1 Recent advances in combination antiretroviral therapy have added three or more medications to the regimen of most patients, and it is common for patients with late-stage HIV disease to take more than 10 different types of medications daily. Nearly 20% of patients with HIV develop some type of cutaneous drug reaction. Morbilliform rashes, which account for the majority of cutaneous reactions, are usually mild and typically resolve with cessation of the offending drug. This article will focus on some of the more unusual dermatological reactions seen with these drugs.
Ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast and heparanase-1 expression: a molecular explanation for more aggressive subtypes.

Background Ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast (DCIS) forms a heterogeneous group of lesions with varying invasive potential. This study tested whether heparanase-1 (HPR1), an endoglycosidase that specifically degrades the heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans in the breast extracellular matrix, was associated with the most aggressive DCIS subtypes. Study design Fifty-seven DCIS specimens and 10 normal breast specimens were examined for HPR1 expression using immunohistochemical staining. Twenty-seven arbitrarily selected specimens were also examined for HS deposition by immunofluorescence staining, confirming HPR1 activity. Patient medical records were obtained to explore a possible association between biologic potential using Van Nuys Prognostic Index (VNPI) and HPR1 expression. Results Twenty-one (75%) of 28 comedo and microinvasive DCIS specimens stained HPR1 positive; 4 (14%) of 29 other subtypes (papillary, cribriform, and solid subtypes) stained HPR1 positive on immunohistochemistry (p = 0.003). Among 27 DCIS stained for HS, we found that 8 (67%) of 12 HPR1-negative DCIS had intact HS deposition in the extracellular basement membrane; none of the 15 HPR1-positive DCIS stained HS positive. Six (86%) of seven DCIS with VNPI scores 8 to 9 and 14 (50%) of 28 DCIS with VNPI scores 5 to 7 were HPR1 positive; only 3 (17%) of 18 DCIS with VNPI scores 3 to 4 were HPR1 positive. Median VNPI score in patients with HPR1-positive DCIS was 7 (range 3 to 9), compared with 4.5 (range 3 to 7) in patients with HPR1-negative DCIS (p Conclusions HPR1 was expressed at a significantly higher frequency in the invasive comedo and DCIS with microinvasion subtypes than in the noninvasive subtypes. HPR1 expression was inversely associated with HS deposition in the extracellular basement membrane of the DCIS. HPR1 expression was associated with a higher VNPI score. These observations suggest that HPR1 expression in DCIS can play an important role in development of DCIS into an invasive breast cancer.
Space Shuttle Main Engine development /May 1980/

The Space Shuttle Main Engine is the most advanced liquid propellant rocket engine ever developed. During the last year, significant progess has been made toward the identification and solution of several design weaknesses. The initial two test series to certify the engine's readiness for manned flight have been completed, and additional test series are in progress. Operation of the total propulsion system has been demonstrated by a successful series of flight-simulation tests using the three-engine cluster Main Propulsion Test Article. The first set of flight engines has been acceptance tested for use in Shuttle Orbiter 102 (Columbia) for the first manned orbital flight in late 1980 or early 1981. Engine development is continuing with initial demonstrations of full-power level (109%) operation capability.