cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Ether Anesthesia on the Cardiac Output, Blood Pressure, and Distribution of Blood Flow in the Albino Rat

Rats anesthetized with ethyl ether were compared with rats anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital from the standpoint of cardiac output, peripheral resistance and regional blood flow. Cardiac output was measured by the indicator-dilution technic; regional blood flow was determined by the indicator-fractionation technic employing Rb86 or I131-antipyrine. The cardiac output is one and a half times as great in ether anesthesia as in pentobarbital anesthesia; the peripheral resistance is about two-thirds as great with ether. Compared to pentobarbital, ether increases myocardial, cerebral, and carcass blood flow, while decreasing renal, splanchnic and cutaneous blood flow. The pronounced difference in the cardiovascular effects of the two agents indicates the need for caution in the interpretation of experiments in which cardiovascular measurements are made under anesthesia.
A Collaborative Approach to Program Evaluation of Community-Based Teen Pregnancy Prevention Projects

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate a model for collaboration between program providers and program evaluators. The article describes how university-based evaluators, a state health department, and local program providers collaborated to evaluate 12 projects implementing commercially developed teenage pregnancy prevention (TPP) programs in school settings. Approximately 2,200 students participate annually in the programs. Program evaluation staff and local program providers worked together to construct logic models that helped guide the intervention and evaluation design. The local providers also participated in training sessions, conducted by the evaluation team, to increase their understanding and skills related to program evaluation methods. Student-level outcomes related to knowledge, attitudes, skills, behaviors, as well as an assessment of curricula fidelity were included in the evaluation. The result of this collaborative model has been a quality program evaluation for the projects while maintaining community input regarding program improvements that reflect local population needs.
Exaggerated Neointima Formation in Human C-Reactive Protein Transgenic Mice Is IgG Fc Receptor Type I (FcγRI)-Dependent

Neointima formation after vascular injury is exaggerated in ovariectomized (OVX) human C-reactive protein transgenic mice (CRPtg) compared to nontransgenic mice (NTG). We tested the hypothesis that this CRP-mediated exacerbation requires IgG Fc receptors (FcγRs). OVX NTG, CRPtg, and CRPtg lacking FcγRI, FcγRIIb, FcγRIII, or the common γ chain (FcRγ) had their common carotid artery ligated. Twenty-eight days later neointimal thickening in CRPtg/FcγRI−/− and CRPtg/FcRγ−/− was significantly less than in CRPtg and no worse than in NTG, whereas in CRPtg/FcγRIIb−/− and CRPtg/FcγRIII−/− neointimal thickness was equal to or greater than in CRPtg. Immunohistochemistry revealed human CRP in the neointima of CRPtg, but little or none was observed in those lacking FcγRI or FcRγ. Real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that FcγR types I to III were expressed in the CRPtg arteries, with FcγRI expression increasing by threefold after ligation injury. Levels of serum complement (C3), neointimal deposition of complement (C3d), and cellular composition (monocytes, macrophages, lymphocytes) in the neointima did not differ among the different CRPtg genotypes. However, by immunofluorescence a neointimal population of F4/80+CRP+ cells was revealed only in OVX CRPtg. The exaggerated response to vascular injury provoked by CRP in OVX CRPtg depends on FcγRI and probably requires its expression by F4/80+ cells.
Signal excess in K-distributed reverberation

Active sonar systems have recently been developed using larger arrays and broad-band sources to counter the detrimental effects of reverberation in shallow-water operational areas. Increasing array size and transmit waveform bandwidth improve the signal-to-noise ratio-and-reverberation power ratio (SNR) after matched filtering and beamforming by reducing the size of the range-bearing resolution cell and, thus, decreasing reverberation power levels. This can also have the adverse effect of increasing the tails of the probability density function (pdf) of the reverberation envelope, resulting in an increase in the probability of a false alarm. Using a recently developed model relating the number of scatterers in a resolution cell to a K-distributed reverberation envelope, the effect of increasing bandwidth (i.e., reducing the resolution cell size) on detection performance is examined for additive nonfluctuating and fluctuating target models. The probability of detection for the two target models is seen to be well approximated by that for a shifted gamma variate with matching moments. The approximations are then used to obtain the SNR required to meet a probability of detection and false-alarm performance specification (i.e., the detection threshold). The required SNR is then used to determine that, as long as the target and scatterers are not over-resolved, decreasing the size of the resolution cell always results in an improvement in performance. Thus, the increase in SNR obtained by increasing bandwidth outweighs the accompanying increase in false alarms resulting from heavier reverberation distribution tails for K-distributed reverberation. The amount of improvement is then quantified by the signal excess, which is seen to be as low as one decibel per doubling of bandwidth when the reverberation is severely non-Rayleigh, as opposed to the expected 3-dB gain when the reverberation is Rayleigh distributed.
Citizenship and Development: Palestinians in France and the Multiple Meanings of Statelessness

In this paper, I analyze the recent efforts by UNHCR (office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) to combat statelessness by drawing on fieldwork conducted in summer 2012 among Palestinians of various ages, genders, and legal statuses living in France. By privileging my Palestinian informants’ own understanding of what it means to be stateless, I question some of the assumptions that inform UNHCR’s discourse on statelessness. I show that, while they echoed some of UNHCR’s views on statelessness, several of my Palestinian interlocutors diverged from these views in that they expressed skepticism about the state’s emancipatory potential. At a broader level, I show that the official categories associated with statelessness and that are used by UNHCR in its effort to end statelessness do not fully capture the predicament of Palestinians in the twenty-first century.
Debbie’s Story / Critical Reflection on Teaching

As a naive White female from the South, I had silenced a subconscious curiosity about the segregation of my hometown high schools for years. But things were about to change. This curiosity was sparked and bubbled to the surface during a job interview with the Director of TROY, a public disciplinary alternative school for juvenile delinquents and truants.
Reaching for Yield by Corporate Bond Mutual Funds

We examine reaching for yield by corporate bond mutual funds, which we define as funds taking more risk by tilting their portfolios towards bonds with higher yields than their benchmarks. We find that funds generate higher returns and attract more inflows from investors when they reach for yield, especially during periods of low interest rates. Funds with poor year-to-date rankings also reach for yield more, consistent with incentives to boost end-of-year standings. However, high reaching-for-yield funds tend to deliver negative risk-adjusted returns. These funds also hold less cash and less liquid bonds, exacerbating risks of runs and large-scale redemptions.
Energy and Angle-Resolved SIMS Studies of Cl2 Adsorption on Ag{110}; Evidence for Coverage Dependent Electronic Structure Rearrangements

We present angle-resolved secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) measurements for chlorine adsorbed on Ag{110} over a coverage range extending from near zero up to 0.5 monolayer, where a (2×1) LEED pattern is observed. From a detailed analysis of the ejected Cl- kinetic energy, polar angle, and azimuthal angle distributions, as well as from the dependence of the Cl- yield on coverage, we illustrate strong electronic and structural changes that occur over the coverage range.
Recombinant M2e outer membrane vesicle vaccines protect against lethal influenza A challenge in BALB/c mice

Currently approved influenza vaccines predominantly protect through antibodies directed against the highly variable glycoprotein hemagglutinin (HA), necessitating annual redesign and formulation based on epidemiological prediction of predominant circulating strains. More conserved influenza protein sequences, such as the ectodomain of the influenza M2 protein, or M2e, show promise as a component of a universal influenza A vaccine, but require a Th1-biased immune response for activity. Recently, recombinant, bacterially derived outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) demonstrated potential as a platform to promote a Th1-biased immune response to subunit antigens. Here, we engineer three M2e-OMV vaccines and show that all elicit strong IgG titers, with high IgG2a:IgG1 ratios, in BALB/c mice. Additionally, the administration of one M2e-OMV construct containing tandem heterologous M2e peptides (M2e4xHet-OMV) resulted in 100% survival against lethal doses of the mouse-adapted H1N1 influenza strain PR8. Passive transfer of antibodies from M2e4xHet-OMV vaccinated mice to unvaccinated mice also resulted in 100% survival to challenge, indicating that protection is driven largely via antibody-mediated immunity. The potential mechanism through which M2e-OMVs initiated the immune response was explored and it was found that the constructs triggered TLR1/2, TLR4, and TLR5. Our data indicate that OMVs have potential as a platform for influenza A vaccine development due to their unique adjuvant profile and intrinsic pathogen-mimetic nature.
Improving Patient Safety Event Reporting Among Residents and Teaching Faculty

Background: A June 2012 site visit report from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Clinical Learning Environment Review revealed that residents and physicians at TriHealth, Inc., a large, nonprofit independent academic medical center serving the Greater Cincinnati area in Ohio, had an opportunity to improve their awareness and understanding of the hospital9s system for reporting patient safety concerns in 3 areas: (1) what constitutes a reportable patient safety event, (2) who is responsible for reporting, and (3) how to use the hospital9s current reporting system. Methods: To improve the culture of patient safety, we designed a quality improvement project with the goal to increase patient safety event reporting among residents and teaching faculty. An anonymous questionnaire assessed physicians9 and residents9 attitudes and experience regarding patient safety event reporting. An educational intervention was provided in each graduate medical education program to improve knowledge and skills related to patient safety event reporting, and the anonymous questionnaire was distributed after the intervention. We compared the responses to the preintervention and postintervention questionnaires and tracked monthly patient safety event reports for 1 year postintervention. Results: The number of patient safety event reports increased following the educational intervention; however, we saw wide variability in reporting per month. On the postintervention questionnaire, participants demonstrated improved knowledge and attitudes toward patient safety event reporting. Conclusion: The goal of this unique project was to increase patient safety event reporting by both residents and teaching faculty in 6 residency programs through education. We achieved this goal through an educational intervention tailored to the institution9s new event reporting system delivered to each residency program. We clearly understand that improvements in quality and patient safety require ongoing effort. The keys to ongoing sustainability include (1) developing patient safety faculty and resident experts in each training program to teach patient safety and to be role models, (2) working toward decreasing the barriers to reporting, and (3) providing timely feedback and system changes.
Abstract 3096: miR-93-directed down-regulation of Dab2 defines a novel oncogenic pathway in lung cancer.

Introduction. The Disabled homolog 2 (DAB2) gene is located on human chromosome 5p13 and expresses a mitogen-responsive phosphoprotein. Previous studies have indicated that DAB2 is a tumor suppressor gene and is down-regulated in multiple cancer types, suggesting that repressed DAB2 expression plays an important role in oncogenesis. Loss of Dab2 protein expression has also been observed in lung cancer. The molecular and clinical consequences of loss of Dab2 expression in lung cancers, however, have not been fully evaluated, and the mechanisms of its dysregulation in cancers need to be defined. Aims and Methods. We aim to determine the role of DAB2 in lung tumorigenesis, and the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating Dab2 expression in lung cancer cells. Using in silico and in vitro approaches, we identified DAB2 as a direct target of miR-93. Using in vitro approaches, we investigated the function of Dab2 and miR-93 in regulating lung cancer cell growth. To investigate the clinical significance of DAB2 and miR-93 dysregulation in lung cancer patients, we examined the correlation of miR-93 and DAB2 tumor levels with lung cancer patient survival, and investigated the correlation between miR-93 and DAB2 expression in lung tumor specimens. Results and Conclusions. We show that Dab2 overexpression significantly arrests cell growth in lung cancer cells in vitro, and that low DAB2 mRNA levels in human lung tumor specimens are significantly correlated with poor patient survival. These results indicate that Dab2 is a potent tumor suppressor in lung cancer and that DAB2 levels may be an important factor in determining lung cancer progression and prognosis. We show that miR-93 directly targets the 3’UTR of DAB2 mRNA, and that miR-93 levels are negatively correlated with DAB2 mRNA levels in lung cancer specimens. We also show that high miR-93 levels are correlated with poor patient survival. Together these results support the clinical importance of the miR-93/Dab2 regulatory pathway in lung cancer. Overall, our study identifies a novel oncogenic pathway in lung cancer mediated by over-expression of miR-93 and subsequent down-regulation of its target DAB2. The significant correlations of both DAB2 and miR-93 expression with patient survival highlight the critical role of this pathway in lung tumorigenesis. Future studies are needed to investigate whether therapeutic tools targeting this pathway could be developed for lung cancer treatment, and whether this pathway provides a valuable prognostic biomarker for lung cancer patient survival. Citation Format: Liqin Du, Zhenze Zhao, Emily Young, Xiuye Ma, Ignacio Wistuba, Alexander Pertsemlidis. miR-93-directed down-regulation of Dab2 defines a novel oncogenic pathway in lung cancer. [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 3096. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-3096
Cockpit Automation Technology: A Further Look

Cockpit automation is receiving much attention for both commercial and military applications. In particular, Aretz (1984) presented an overview of a United States Air Force Advanced Development Program aimed at developing a structured human factors crew station design methodology. In the past year, lessons have been learned, thinking has matured, and as is inevitable, new questions have arisen. This paper discusses several of these questions and issues. These further thoughts indicate that a well human factored methodology is no simple matter, yet remains important to develop.
Case Report: Cribriform-Morular Variant of Encapsulated Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

We report a case of cribriform-morular variant of encapsulated papillary thyroid carcinoma (CMV-PTC), which is a rare subtype of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) that occurs sporadically or as an extracolorectal malignancy associated with the familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) syndrome. Both types share morphologic and immunohistochemical features, including mutant beta-catenin, which contributes to their development. The diagnosis of CMV-PTC has significant …
Characteristics of community structure of Rattus in Changchun city

Objective To analyse the characteristics of the community structure of Rattus and to provide scientific basis for rodent control in Changchun.Methods Night trapping method. Results The community of the Rattus in Changchun was composed of 8 populations,Rattus norvegicus,Apodemus speciosus,Mus musculus,Apodemus agrarius,Cricetulus triton,Microtus fortis,Microtus brandi,Cricetulus babrabensis.The densities of the rodents were 7.7%.Rattus norvegicus were the majority species in Changchun city.Conclusion Rattus norvegicus was the major species which would be controlled in the urban areas population and countryside population environment.The integrated control strategy would be suitable.
Precarious worlds: contested geographies of social reproduction

The idea of precarity as an ontological condition in contemporary society has been a theme of considerable importance among social scientists of the past couple decades and only more recently among...
Opening STEM Careers to Women

This chapter examines the history of higher education for women, as well as the history of careers for women in science and engineering, in the United States. The first section discusses women’s matriculation in college generally from 1900 to the present day. The next section presents a statistical overview of women in science and engineering from the early twentieth century to the present. The third section provides a qualitative analysis of the history of women in science since 1820. The final section provides a qualitative analysis of the history of women in engineering since 1918.
RATING CHANGES AND COMPETING INFORMATION: EVIDENCE ON PUBLICLY TRADED INSURANCE FIRMS

We examine the predictive ability of three competing sources of financial information—rating changes, profit changes, and excess stock returns. We find the following significant relations between current and lagged values of these three endogenous variables: (1) rating changes are positively related to past excess stock returns, (2) profit changes are positively related to past excess stock returns, and (3) profit changes and excess stock returns are mean reverting. In addition, profit changes are substantially more predictable than rating changes or excess stock returns, and past values of profit changes account for most of the observed ability to predict current profit changes. In contrast, past profit changes have little predictive ability in relation to excess stock returns or rating changes.
Attribute preserving dataset simplification

The paper describes a novel application of feature preserving mesh simplification to the problem of managing large, multidimensional datasets during scientific visualization. To allow this, we view a scientific dataset as a triangulated mesh of data elements, where the attributes embedded in each element form a set of properties arrayed across the surface of the mesh. Existing simplification techniques were not designed to address the high dimensionality that exists in these types of datasets. In addition, vertex operations that relocate, insert, or remove data elements may need to be modified or restricted. Principal component analysis provides an algorithm-independent method for compressing a dataset's dimensionality during simplification. Vertex locking forces certain data elements to maintain their spatial locations; this technique is also used to guarantee a minimum density in the simplified dataset. The result is a visualization that significantly reduces the number of data elements to display, while at the same time ensuring that high-variance regions of potential interest remain intact. We apply our techniques to a number of well-known feature preserving algorithms, and demonstrate their applicability in a real-world context by simplifying a multidimensional weather dataset. Our results show a significant improvement in execution time with only a small reduction in accuracy; even when the dataset was simplified to 10% of its original size, average per attribute error was less than 1%.
Structural Brain Imaging in People With Low Back Pain.

Study design Cross-sectional study. Objective The aim of this study was to determine whether low back pain (subacute and chronic) is related to differences in brain volume. Summary of background data Inconsistent findings have been reported about the effect of chronic low back pain on brain volume, and the effect of subacute low back pain on brain volume has not been sufficiently investigated. Methods A total of 130 participants were included (23 subacute and 68 chronic low back pain; 39 healthy controls). The main outcome measure was whole and regional brain volume. Clinical outcome measures included pain duration, pain intensity, fear avoidance belief questionnaire, Oswestry Disability Index, and Beck's Depression Inventory. Results Decrease in brain volume in several regions was observed in chronic low back pain when compared with health subjects; however, after correcting for multiple comparisons, no significant differences were detected between any of the three groups in whole-brain volume. Regionally, we detected less gray matter volume in two voxels in the middle frontal gyrus in chronic low back pain participants compared with healthy controls. None of the clinical outcome measures were correlated with brain volume measurements. Conclusion Low back pain (subacute or chronic) is not related to significant differences in brain volume after correction for multiple comparisons. The effect size was too small to detect possible subtle changes unless much larger sample sizes are examined, or it is possible that low back pain does not affect brain volume. Level of evidence 5.
EXTENSIVE ACETABULAR BONE LOSS: IMPACTION GRAFTING, A PREFERRED SOLUTION – AFFIRMS

Uncontained acetabular defects with loss of superior iliac and posterior column support (Paprosky 3B) represent a reconstructive challenge as the deficient bone will preclude the use of a conventional hemispherical cup. Such defects can be addressed with large metallic constructs like cages with and without allograft, custom tri-flange cups, and more recently with trabecular metal augments. An underutilised alternative is impaction bone grafting, after creating a contained cavitary defect with a reinforcement mesh. This reconstructive option delivers a large volume of bone while using a small-size socket fixed with acrylic cement. Between 2006 and 2014, sixteen patients with a Paprosky 3B acetabular defect were treated with cancellous, fresh frozen impaction grafting supported by a peripheral reinforcement mesh secured to the pelvis with screws. A cemented all polyethylene cup was used. Preoperative diagnosis was aseptic loosening (10 cemented and 6 non-cemented). The femoral component was revised in 9 patients. Postoperative course consisted of 3 months of protected weight bearing. Patients were followed clinically and radiographically. One patient had an incomplete postoperative sciatic palsy. After a mean follow up of 40 months (24 to 104) none of the patients required re-revision. One asymptomatic patient presented with aseptic loosening 9 years postoperatively. Hardware failure was not observed. All patients had radiographic signs of graft incorporation and bone remodeling. There were no dislocations. The early and mid-term results of revisions for large acetabular defects with this technique are encouraging. Reconstitution of hip center of rotation and bone stock with the use of a small-size implant make this technique an attractive option for these large defects. Longer follow-up is needed to assess survivability.
Light Absorptive Properties of Articular Cartilage, ECM Molecules, Synovial Fluid, and Photoinitiators as Potential Barriers to Light-Initiated Polymer Scaffolding Procedures:

ObjectiveMany in vivo procedures to repair chondral defects use ultraviolet (UV)-photoinitiated in situ polymerization within the cartilage matrix. Chemical species that absorb UV light might reduc...
The effective action for ω → 3π, ω → πγ and ρ → πγ

Abstract It is argued that the decay widths for ω → 3 π , ω → πγ and ρ → πγ do not follow from the gauged Wess-Zumino-Witten action. An alternative effective action for these decays is constructed and its parameters are fitted to the experimental values of the widths.
Mind-Body Medicine in Pediatrics.

The primary goals of this Special Issue are to encourage readers to become more familiar with the range of mind-body therapies and to explore their application in the pediatric clinical setting. The Special Issue includes a deliberate mix of case studies and practical clinical guidance, with the dual goals of piquing curiosity and providing resources for clinicians interested in pursuing further training
Tuning antimicrobial properties of biomimetic nanopatterned surfaces

Nature has amassed an impressive array of structures that afford protection from microbial colonization/infection when displayed on the exterior surfaces of organisms. Here, controlled variation of the features of mimetics derived from etched silicon allows for tuning of their antimicrobial efficacy. Materials with nanopillars up to 7 μm in length are extremely effective against a wide range of microbial species and exceed the performance of natural surfaces; in contrast, materials with shorter/blunter nanopillars (<2 μm) selectively killed specific species. Using a combination of microscopies, the mechanisms by which bacteria are killed are demonstrated, emphasizing the dependence upon pillar density and tip geometry. Additionally, real-time imaging reveals how cells are immobilized and killed rapidly. Generic or selective protection from microbial colonization could be conferred to surfaces [for, e.g., internal medicine, implants (joint, dental, and cosmetic), food preparation, and the agricultural industry] patterned with these materials as coatings.
Web-Delivered Multimedia Training Materials for the Self-Collection of Dried Blood Spots: A Formative Project.

Background: The use of dried blood spots (DBS) in biomedical research has been increasing as an objective measure for variables that are typically plagued by self-report, such as smoking status and medication adherence. The development of training materials for the self-collection of DBS that can be delivered through the Web would allow for broader use of this methodology. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of the self-collection of DBS using newly developed multimedia training materials that were delivered through the Web. We also aimed to assess the usability of the collected DBS samples. Methods: We recruited participants through Facebook advertising for two distinct studies. The first study evaluated the acceptability of our newly developed DBS training materials, while the second assessed the implementation of this protocol into a larger Web-based study. Results: In the first study, participants (N=115) were aged, on average, 26.1 (SD 6.4) years. Training materials were acceptable (113/115, 98.2%, of participants were willing to collect DBS again) and produced usable samples (110/115, 95.7%, collected DBS were usable). In the second study, response rate was 25.0% (41/164), with responders being significantly younger than nonresponders (20.3 [SD 0.2] vs 22.0 [SD 0.4]; P<.001), and 92% (31/41) of collected DBS samples were usable by the laboratory. Conclusions: Overall, while the protocol is acceptable, feasible, and produced usable samples, additional work is needed to improve response rates.
Cathode-enhanced wastewater treatment in bioelectrochemical systems

Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) have been intensively studied as a new technology for wastewater treatment. However, the treatment efficiency of BES anodes is limited and the anode effluent usually cannot be directly discharged or reused. To enhance the treatment, BES cathodes may be used for additional treatment of selected contaminants. This has been investigated in a number of approaches, which can be grouped into cathode-stimulated treatment and cathode-supported treatment. The former involves electron transfer directly to reduce contaminants like nitrate or dye compounds, while the latter can accomplish contaminant removal by aerobic oxidation, algal growth, production of strong oxidants for advanced oxidation, and/or membrane treatment. This paper aims to provide a concise view and discussion on the cathode-promoted wastewater treatment in BES, analyze challenges pertaining to the cathode treatment, and offer suggestions on the future development of BES for maximized treatment performance.
An interdisciplinary perspective: The value that instructors place on giving written feedback:

Students need feedback from instructors to learn from their mistakes and improve their academic skills. Responding to student writing is a central and necessary component of the instructor–student ...
Customer relationship management and the impact of e-coupons on B2C retail markets

As retail consumers are using mobile devices to access the internet for information and actual purchases, retails are trying to create promotional campaigns that take advantage of this trend by offering digital coupons. However, there are a number of consumer preferences that marketers need to understand when creating marketing strategies. A survey addressed five factors that could affect a customer's likelihood of utilising e-coupons. It was hypothesised that customers will consider themselves loyal customers, but will change their purchase habits for retail (e.g., clothing and accessory purchases) and electronic goods due to an e-coupon offer. Customers disliked e-coupons with threshold values regardless of their annual income. Customers will consider coupon misredemption fraud as an issue for businesses in a negative light, but will admit to searching for coupon codes online. Most of the hypotheses were found to be statistically significant, suggesting management may need to re-evaluate its strategy the B2C retail industry and change how retailers implement e-coupon campaigns as a vehicle to drive CRM initiatives.
Visualization of Cellulases and Cellulose Degradation

Cellulases have biological and economic significance in their destructive roles in plant pathogenesis (W. Brown, 1965; Albersheim, 1969) and wood decay (Scheffer and Cowling, 1966; Liese, 1970); in their possible beneficial use in converting waste cellulose into glucose, which may then be converted into the valuable chemical ethanol (Wilkie, 1975); and in their role in cell-wall loosening in higher plants to allow cell elongation and growth (Ridge and Osborne, 1969). The cellulase enzyme system of Trichoderma reesei QM9414 was chosen for this study for two reasons. First, Trichoderma is famous for its ability to degrade highly crystalline cellulose and is one of the most efficient of the cellulolytic fungi (Mandels, 1975). Second, because Trichoderma is such a good source of cellulase, its enzyme system has been studied more extensively than that of any other cellulolytic organism. Consequently, the biochemical characterizations and activities of the various Trichoderma cellulase enzymes are well known.
Understanding Perceived Barriers to Care Among Suburban Super-Utilizers Who Have an Identified Primary Care Provider.

Patients who are admitted to the hospital frequently (>3 admissions in a 6-month period) are a large driver of health care costs. Recently, research has focused on these groups of super-utilizing p...
Sound production mechanisms of audible nasal emission during the sibilant /s/

Audible nasal emission is a speech disorder that involves undesired sound generated by airflow into the nasal cavity during production of oral sounds. This disorder is associated with small-to-medium sized velopharyngeal openings. These openings induce turbulence in the nasal cavity, which in turn produces sound. The purpose of this study is to examine the aeroacoustic mechanisms that generate turbulent sound during production of a sibilant /s/ with and without a small opening of the velopharyngeal valve. The models are based on two pediatric subjects who were diagnosed with severe audible nasal emission. The geometries were delineated from computed tomography scans taken while the subjects were sustaining a sibilant sound. Large eddy simulation with the Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings analogy was used to predict the flow behavior and its acoustic characterization. It shows that the majority of the acoustic energy is produced by surface loading, which is related to dipole sources that resonate in the nasal cavity. The quadrupole source term that is associated with the unsteady shear layers is seen to be less significant. It also shows that closure of the velopharyngeal valve changes the far-field spectrum significantly because aeroacoustic mechanisms in the nasal cavity are eliminated.
Field Selection, Crop Rotations, and Soil Management

In developing a sustainable, efficient potato cropping system, several key decisions need to be made before planting, including: (1) selecting a suitable field for production, (2) developing an appropriate tillage and residue management program to optimize soil health, and (3) choosing a compatible sequence of crops for the rotation that favors the production of a healthy, productive potato crop. Since each field has its own unique set of characteristics, growers need to adapt management plans on a field-by-field basis to maximize production efficiency. The key factors that need to be considered in developing sustainable field management plans that promote soil and plant health include: soil physical and chemical characteristics, topography, crop rotation history, previous pest problems, tillage management practices, and production costs.
A distributed privacy preserving framework for the Smart Grid

Smart grid is envisioned to be deployed on cyberinfrastructure, which makes it vulnerable to cyberattacks. Studies have shown that by accessing the metering data, behavioral patterns of the customers can be derived by analysis. Therefore, to protect the privacy of the customers, it is important to develop privacy-preserving protocols and frameworks. Various studies in the smart grid domain address the privacy issue, but the techniques either have a high computational overhead or they are dependent on a single dedicated aggregator, making them prone to single points of failure. In this paper, a framework based on Shamir's secret sharing is proposed to address the above-mentioned issues. The framework is designed to prevent dedicated aggregators and the electrical utility from linking the aggregated reading to a specific smart meter. The security of the proposed framework is analyzed with respect to different attack scenarios.
Conformation-selective tau monoclonal antibodies inhibit tau pathology in primary neurons and a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease

The spread of tau pathology in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is mediated by cell-to-cell transmission of pathological tau seeds released from neurons that, upon internalization by recipient neurons, template the misfolding of naive cellular tau, thereby propagating fibrillization. We hypothesize that anti-tau monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that selectively bind to pathological tau seeds will inhibit propagation of tau aggregates and reduce the spread of tau pathology in vivo. We inoculated mice with human AD brain-derived extracts containing tau paired helical filaments (AD-tau) and identified two novel mAbs, DMR7 and SKT82, that selectively bind to a misfolded pathological conformation of tau relative to recombinant tau monomer. To evaluate the effects of these mAbs on the spread of pathological tau in vivo, 5xFAD mice harboring significant brain Aβ plaque burden were unilaterally injected with AD-tau in the hippocampus, to initiate the formation of neuritic plaque (NP) tau pathology, and were treated weekly with intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of DMR7, SKT82, or IgG isotype control mAbs. DMR7 and SKT82 bind epitopes comprised of the proline-rich domain and c-terminal region of tau and binding is reduced upon disruption of the pathological conformation of AD-tau by chemical and thermal denaturation. We found that both DMR7 and SKT82 immunoprecipitate pathological tau and significantly reduce the seeding of cellular tau aggregates induced by AD-tau in primary neurons by 60.5 + 13.8% and 82.2 + 8.3%, respectively, compared to IgG control. To investigate the mechanism of mAb inhibition, we generated pH-sensitive fluorophore-labeled recombinant tau fibrils seeded by AD-tau to track internalization of tau seeds and demonstrate that the conformation-selective tau mAbs inhibit the internalization of tau seeds. DMR7 and SKT82 treatment reduced hyperphosphorylated NP tau as measured with AT8 immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, but did not achieve statistical significance in the contralateral cortex and SKT82 significantly reduced tau pathology in the ipsilateral hippocampus by 24.2%; p = 0.044. These findings demonstrate that conformation-selective tau mAbs, DMR7 and SKT82, inhibit tau pathology in primary neurons by preventing the uptake of tau seeds and reduce tau pathology in vivo, providing potential novel therapeutic candidates for the treatment of AD.
Granular flow behavior in a conveyor system: From local velocity profiles to mass flow rates

Abstract Predictability of consistent granular flow is critical in many industries. This exploration of behavior in a conveyor apparatus aims to fill a gap in knowledge of achieving a uniform mass flow rate by correlating local velocity profile data with summative mass measurements in both experiments and simulations. Differences between the two types of flow measurements indicate unwanted energy dissipation. In experiments, image data was collected for uniformly-sized particles in the bottom-driven flow conveyor belt system for which edge velocity profiles could be produced to measure local shear rates and estimate mass flow. These velocity relationships under different speeds of the belt and varied outlet sizes are compared to shear rates from gravity driven flow. Similarity in the linear profile transitioning to an exponential decay are observed but at shear rates substantially lower than dilated, free-surface flows. Simulations were conducted using LIGGGHTS discrete element model framework using the same dimensions for the conveyor system and particle sizes. Results show unique three-dimensional velocity profiles can produce similar mass flow rate behavior. The work continues to demonstrate computational models of granular flows with experimental validations can be used to evaluate customized designs in industrial applications, such as feeding unsteady biomass conversion reactors. Future work can be developed to evaluate granular materials that have random distribution of sizes, aspect ratios, and orientation.
Impact of Menopause and Body Composition Status on Dyslipidemia in Women.

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the effects of menopausal and body composition statuses on measures of total and regional body composition and dyslipidemia in women. Methods: Sedentary, non-smoking women (N = 212), not currently treated for dyslipidemia were grouped based on 2 categories: (1) menstrual status: premenopausal or postmenopausal and (2) body composition status: normal weight (NW; BMI 36%), or obese (BMI > 25 kg/m² and BF > 36%), to determine differences in total and regional body composition and measures of lipid and lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations. Results: Overall, a greater prevalence of NWO was observed in postmenopausal versus premenopausal women. Being postmenopausal was associated with higher TC, LDL-C, non-HDL-C, HDL-C, and HDL₃-C. Premenopausal NWO women had elevated LDL-C and VLDL-C comparable to obese women. Postmenopausal NWO women had elevated Tg and VLDL-C and lower HDL-C similar to obese women. Conclusions: Menopausal status was not associated with differences in fat distribution, however, the age-related differences in lipids and lipoproteins appear to be due to a difference in menopausal status exacerbated in women who are NWO.
Dissections of input and output efficiency: A generalized stochastic frontier model

This paper considers a model that accommodates both output and input-specific inefficiency components (input slacks). We use a translog function to represent the underlying production technology in which the input slacks are generalized to have both deterministic (functions of exogenous variables) and stochastic components. Consequently, the composed error term becomes a nonlinear function of several error components, viz., a onesided input slack vector (the dimension of which depends on the number of inputs), a one-sided output technical inefficiency and a two-sided random noise. Identification of two sets of one-sided errors is possible in a translog model because the vector of one-sided input slacks appears in additive form as well as interactively with the (log) inputs. Distributional assumptions on technical inefficiency and slacks also help in identification. Bayesian inference techniques are introduced, organized around Markov Chain Monte Carlo, especially the Gibbs sampler with data augmentation, to estimate these inefficiency components. For an empirical application we use a large unbalanced panel of the U.K. manufacturing firms. Slacks associated with labor and capital are found to be 2.35% and 10.74%, on average. Output (revenue) loss from technical inefficiency is, on average, 2.43%, while revenue loss from input slacks is, on average, 9.2%.
BIPA: The Most Important Biometric Privacy Law in the US?

This chapter explores the importance and limits of the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). Enacted in 2008, lawmakers designed BIPA to provide “safeguards and procedures relating to the retention, collection, disclosure, and destruction of biometric data.” It was the first state law in the US to specifically regulate biometrics. BIPA’s substantive rules follow a traditional approach to data protection. Private entities must get informed consent before collecting or disseminating a person’s biometric information. They are prohibited from selling, leasing, trading, or otherwise profiting from a person’s biometric information. Companies must also follow specific retention and destruction guidelines. Finally, the statute binds private entities to a high standard of care in transmitting, storing, and protecting biometric information. BIPA has a number of virtues. Thanks to BIPA’s private cause of action, it has become the key for holding companies that use biometric systems accountable. But notwithstanding BIPA’s remarkable effectiveness, it is probably not the best model for America’s biometric privacy identity. A private cause of action is necessary, but not sufficient, to respond to the risk of biometrics. BIPA is too rooted in a myopic and atomistic “notice and choice” approach to privacy. It is a guide for lawmakers not just because of what it provides but also because of what it lacks.
Statistical models versus machine learning in health research

Health researchers and practicing clinicians are with increasing frequency hearing about machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence applications. They, along with many statisticians, are unsure of when to use traditional statistical models (SM) as opposed to ML to solve analytical problems related to diagnosis, prognosis, treatment selection, and health outcomes. And many advocates of ML do not know enough about SM to be able to appropriately compare performance of SM and ML. ML experts are particularly prone to not grasp the impact of the choice of measures of predictive performance. In this talk, I attempt to define what makes ML distinct from SM, and to define the characteristics of applications for which ML is likely to offer advantages over SM, and vice-versa. The talk will also touch on the vast difference between prediction and classification and how this leads to many misunderstandings in the ML world. Other topics to be covered include the minimum sample size needed for ML, and problems ML algorithms have with absolute predictive accuracy (calibration).
“Folks Don’t Understand What It’s Like to Be a Native Woman”: Framing Trauma via #MMIW

Indigenous people are often part of the “fourth world”—a subaltern community whose members experience poor social outcomes despite living in a first world context. In North American, fourth world s...
General Slope Stability Analysis

A statically accurate limiting equilibrium procedure is developed for the numerical treatment of nonhomogeneous earth slopes. The analysis includes a variety of loads including a static approximation for the influence of seismic forces. It may be carried out with use of total or effective strength parameters and yields a factor of safety on strength for any specified potential slip surface of physically reasonable shape. An assumption regarding the distribution of total normal stress on the sliding surface is required. An example giving results for several loading conditions, and comparisons with previous methods are included. Assuming the availability of a high speed computer, the engineer is provided an additional tool for estimating the stability of complex earth slopes.
Universal portfolios with memory

We find an adaptive finite memory portfolio selection algorithm that performs asymptotically as well as if we had known the optimal portfolio dependence on memory ahead of time. >
Free-standing NiTi alloy nanowires fabricated by nanoskiving

We report on free-standing NiTi alloy nanowires (120 nm × 75 nm) fabricated using a technique referred to as “nanoskiving”, which complements conventional thin film sputter deposition with ultramicrotomy for thin sectioning. To date, the technique has been limited to pure metals without exploring metallic alloys. Leveraging the technique for the fabrication of shape memory alloy (SMA) nanostructures meets two critical requirements: compositional control (via film deposition) and controlled dimensions (via film deposition and programmable sectioning). Microstructure and composition analysis confirm continuity of the produced nanowires and Ni and Ti elemental uniformity. Free-standing NiTi nanowires are robust and remain intact throughout physical manipulation. The fabrication of NiTi alloy nanowires by nanoskiving will advance fundamental characterization of small scale SMA behavior.
Coordinate regulation of siderophore and exotoxin A production: molecular cloning and sequencing of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa fur gene.

A 5.9-kb DNA fragment was cloned from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA103 by its ability to functionally complement a fur mutation in Escherichia coli. A fur null mutant E. coli strain that contains multiple copies of the 5.9-kb DNA fragment produces a 15-kDa protein which cross-reacts with a polyclonal anti-E. coli Fur serum. Sequencing of a subclone of the 5.9-kb DNA fragment identified an open reading frame predicted to encode a protein 53% identical to E. coli Fur and 49% identical to Vibrio cholerae Fur and Yersinia pestis Fur. While there is extensive homology among these Fur proteins, Fur from P. aeruginosa differs markedly at its carboxy terminus from all of the other Fur proteins. It has been proposed that this region is a metal-binding domain in E. coli Fur. A positive selection procedure involving the isolation of manganese-resistant mutants was used to isolate mutants of strain PA103 that produce altered Fur proteins. These manganese-resistant Fur mutants constitutively produce siderophores and exotoxin A when grown in concentrations of iron that normally repress their production. A multicopy plasmid carrying the P. aeruginosa fur gene restores manganese susceptibility and wild-type regulation of exotoxin A and siderophore production in these Fur mutants. Images