cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of a Scalable Synthesis of an Azaindolyl-Pyrimidine Inhibitor of Influenza Virus Replication

A scalable, asymmetric route for the synthesis of the influenza virus replication inhibitor 2 is presented. The key steps include an enzymatic desymmetrization of cis-1,3-cyclohexanediester in 99% yield and 96% ee, SNAr displacement of a methanesulfinylpyrimidine, and a Curtius rearrangement to form a morpholinyl urea. This high-yielding route allowed us to rapidly synthesize hundreds of grams of 2 in 99% purity to support in vivo studies.
Computations of shock-wave/boundary-layer interactions with bleed

Computations were performed to investigate three-dimensional, shock-wave/boundary-layer interactions on a flat plate with bleed through eight rows of normal circular holes arranged in a staggered fashion under choked conditions. The focus of the computations was to assess the usefulness of two turbulence models — BaldwinLomax and Baldwin-Barth and issues related to grid distribution by comparing predicted results with experimental data. This study is based on the ensemble-averaged conservation equations of mass, momentum (compressible Navier-Stokes), and total energy. As mentioned, two turbulence models were used. Solutions to the conservation equations were obtained by a diagonalized ADI scheme with central differencing and blended secondand fourth-order artificial dissipation on a Chimera overlapping grid. + Graduate Student, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering. ++ Professor, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering.
Strain rate and temperature sensitive multi-level crystal plasticity model for large plastic deformation behavior: Application to AZ31 magnesium alloy

Abstract In this work, we develop a multi-level constitutive model for polycrystalline metals that deform by a combination of elasticity, slip and deformation twinning. It involves a two-level homogenization scheme, where the first level uses an upper bound Taylor-type crystal plasticity (T-CP) theory to relate the single-crystal scale to the polycrystal meso-scale and the second level employs an implicit finite elements (FE) approach to relate the meso-scale to the macro-scale. The latter relaxes the iso-strain constraints imposed by the Taylor model. As such, we name the model T-CPFE. At the single crystal level, the model features a dislocation-based hardening law providing the activation stresses that governs slip activity within the single crystals. For deformation twinning, it contains an advancement of a composite grain model that retains the total Lagrangian formulation. Here we use the T-CPFE model to analyze the mechanical response and microstructure evolution of extruded AZ31 Mg alloy samples in simple compression, tension, and torsion under strain rates ranging from 10−4 s−1 to 3000 s−1 and temperatures ranging from 77 K to 423 K reported in Kabirian et al. (2015). Taking the experimentally measured initial texture and average grain size as inputs, the model successfully captures stress-strain responses, deformation texture evolution and twin volume fraction using a single set of material parameters associated with the thermally activated rate laws for dislocation density. The distinctions in flow stress evolution among the loading conditions result from differing relative amounts of slip and twinning activity, which the model internally adjusts based on evolution of slip and twin resistances in the response to the imposed loading conditions. Finally, we show that the T-CPFE model predictions of geometrical changes during compression compare favorably with corresponding geometry of samples deformed experimentally. For this application, it predicts the anisotropy and asymmetry of the material flow resulting from crystallographically soft-to-deform extension twinning and basal slip and hard-to-deform contraction twinning and pyramidal slip. The formulation developed is sufficiently general that the T-CPFE model can be applied to other materials that slip and twin.
Relationship between EMB phenotypic drug resistance and embB mutation

Objective:To analyze the relationship between genotype resistance and phenotype resistance of Ethambutol(EMB),the correlation between mutation and multi-drug resistant tuberculosis(MDR-TB) and to make use of Met306 mutation to detect MDR-TB.Methods:Totally 301 isolates collected in China were tested by drug sensitive test(DST) and sequencing in the drug resistant determined region(DRDR) of embB,katG and rpoB.Results:The mutation rate between the EMB-resistance(48.5%) and EMB-susceptibility(39.1%) was no significance(P0.05),however it was found statistics difference(P0.05) not only to MDR-TB but also the numbers of drugs.Moreover for MDR-TB,the coincidence rate between Met306 combined rpoB mutation and phenotypic resistance increased from 80% to 93.3%,meanwhile the rate between Met306 combined katG mutation and phenotypic resistance increased from 80% to 86.7%.Met306 combined rpoB and katG could detect 97.8% MDR-TB.Conclusion:Mutations in Met306 could not be the EMB molecular marker.As a new MDR-TB marker,combined rpoB-the acknowledged MDR molecular marker,it would largely improve the checkout rate of MDR.
Financial Definitions and Variances

This chapter will review some of the financial and accounting definitions and terms that will be used throughout this book in the financial area. There are many variables in the accounting and reporting world that you need to be aware of when reviewing and analyzing financial information. Some differences in accounting techniques will determine if a patient’s service is added to the financial books of the company when it occurs at a point in time later. This will also affect the report you generate from the records. Services performed in a particular day can be posted to the financial books either on the same day the services were performed or at a date later than the actual day of service. Some different accounting terminology and account principles will be explained including cash basis accounting versus accrual basis accounting, variable and fixed costs, posting by date of service versus by date of such posting, etc. General definitions and assumptions of accounting will also be defined in this chapter. A general knowledge of these definitions is required so that you are able to understand the financial statements of your organization.
Expression of Preferences: Systems of Investor Knowledge

Chapter 3 discussed institutional investor preferences for stability and the possibility of the consequent devaluing of democracy. This chapter and Chapter 5 will look at the systems by which this preference for stability becomes homogenized and expressed to the governments of developing countries in search of capital. Focusing on two phenomena, investor organization (Chapter 4) and investor activism (Chapter 5), the argument will be made that investors have become better organized, more skilled, and bolder in communicating their expectations to developing markets. Moreover, as the amount of capital going into the hands of institutional investors increases, leverage over their prospective and current holdings increases. The systemic factors shaping emerging financial markets are understood through an examination of different levels of collaboration taking place within the international financial community. First, the shared belief in complying with neo-liberal tenets leads to the uniformity of doctrine adhered to by institutional investors. Secondly, goals particular to large investors impose another systemic constraint in which the profit-motive reigns supreme and is an important departure from the systemic constraints set by official development assistance.
Implementation of an interior Point LP Algorithm on a Shared-Memory Vector Multiprocessor.

ABSTRACT One attractive aspect of interior point algorithms for linear programming is their suitability for implementation on multiprocessing computers. This paper describes a number of issues relating to the implementation of these methods on shared-memory vector multiprocessors. Of particular concern in any interior point algorithm is the factorization of a sparse, symmetric, positive definite matrix. This implementation exploits the special structure of such matrices to enhance vector and parallel performance. In initial computational tests, a speedup of up to two was achieved on three processors.
Integration of Synaptic Input from On and Off Pathways in Mudpuppy Retinal Ganglion Cells

Based on their responses to steady illumination of the receptive field center, retinal ganglion cells in cold-blooded vertebrates are often classified into three main types, On-center, Off-center and On-Off, which in some cases may be further sub-divided according to other criteria such as directional selectivity. In mudpuppy and tiger salamander, electrophysiological studies have revealed that each type of ganglion cell can receive several physiologically different types of synaptic input (for example, sustained and transient excitation, and sustained and transient inhibition) which are integrated to produce complex responses. This article will first summarize briefly the different types of synaptic inputs to ganglion cells in mudpuppy and tiger salamander, and then concentrate on the convergence of inputs from the On and Off pathways.
Use of Esophageal Hemoximetry to Assess the Effect of Packed Red Blood Cell Transfusion on Gastrointestinal Oxygenation in Newborn Infants.

Objectives There are no widely accepted methods of continuously monitoring gut oxygenation in the newborn during packed red blood cell transfusion. We investigated the use of an orally inserted light spectroscopy probe to measure lower esophageal oxyhemoglobin saturations (eStO2) before, during, and after transfusion and made comparisons with abdominal near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) flow. Study Design Thirteen neonates with corrected gestational ages ranging from 22 weeks, 0 day to 37 weeks, 5 days were enrolled. eStO2 and NIRS measurements were recorded continuously for a 25-hour period starting 1 hour prior to starting the 4-hour transfusion. Transabdominal ultrasound was used to measure SMA flow prior to, upon completion, and 20 hours after the transfusion. Results Twelve infants completed the study. eStO2 was well-tolerated and was weakly (r = 0.06) correlated (p Conclusion Measurement of eStO2 is feasible in neonates and may provide a continuous and sensitive index of rapid changes in mesenteric oxygenation in this patient population.
Effects of cognitive task execution on stable and unstable surface balance

AbstractCompromised balance with respect to both stable and passively unstable surfaces can potentially affect performance of many occupational, recreational and daily living tasks. Many tasks that require some level of balance maintenance, however, also involve burdens on individuals’ cognitive systems. Consequently the purpose of this project was to investigate the effects of performing cognitive tasks on stable surface and passively unstable surface balance performance. Participants in this study performed balance task on a passible unstable surface, as well as on a stable surface, with and without concurrent quantitative and language based cognitive tasks. Concurrent cognitive tasks did not demonstrate statistically significant effects on stable surface balance. For unstable surface balance, concurrent cognitive tasks had significant effects on trunk and arm segment angular velocities, while significant effects on movement of the passively unstable surface were not observed. The lack of cognitive task...
A Survey of IoT Security: Risks, Requirements, Trends, and Key Technologies

Due to the increasing ubiquity of the internet, the “internet of things” (IoT) has become an essential technology, penetrating people’s daily lives and influencing the industry. However, the diversity of environments and lack of standards have left the IoT exposed to security and privacy threats. This paper examines these risks, the security requirements of the IoT, the time trend of IoT-security related research, and key security technologies related to the IoT.
A Taxonomy for Attributivism

The dispositionalist positions of ‘realism’ and ‘rationalism’ largely divide up between themselves the attributivist literature on Aristotle, although realism in one form or another is dominant over rationalism. The most popular form of realism is a version of ‘functionalism’ modeled on the psychological variety currently popular in the philosophy of mind. This chapter will (1) lay out the distinction between realism and rationalism, (2) offer an account of the functionalist version of realism that serves as an interpretation of Aristotle, (3) consider the most influential versions of the rationalist interpretation of Aristotle, and close (4) with an assessment of realism and rationalism as interpretations of Aristotle’s alleged attributivism.
On-line Bayesian regression mixture model for robot model learning

The performance of a robot system heavily relies on its model. The present paper proposes an efficient online Bayesian regression algorithm based on Gaussian Mixture Model. By using the mixture model of local Gaussian experts, the algorithm decouples global correlation of data and achieves linear computational cost to the size of the local model set. The proposed algorithm also realizes on-line implementation. To manage the size of local model on-the-fly, a strategy of adding and pruning local model based on a probabilistic criteria is proposed. Additionally, a forgetting strategy to treat outliers and non-stationary system is suggested. In the end, the algorithm achieved comparable results to other on-line regression algorithms.
Throughput Models of Interconnection Networks: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Throughput performance, an important metric for interconnection networks, is often quantified by the aggregate throughput for a set of representative traffic patterns. A number of models have been developed to estimate the aggregate throughput for a given traffic pattern on an interconnection network. Since all of the models predict the same property of interconnection networks, ideally, they should give similar performance results or at least follow the same performance trend. In this work, we examine four commonly used interconnect throughput models and identify the cases when all models show similar trends, when different models yield different trends, and when different models produce contradictory results. Our study reveals important properties of the models and demonstrates the subtle differences among them, which are important for an interconnect designer/researcher to understand, in order to properly select a throughput model in the process of interconnect evaluation.
Hogarth’s Patriotic Animals: Bulldogs, Beef, Britannia!

Scholars of art history, literary criticism and animal studies have paid considerable attention of late to how visual representations of animals have frequently and sometimes to great effect been deployed in the imagination of national identity. Though the broad backcloth of this chapter is woven from the engagement of these several disciplines with such images, its concern is limited to those that couple nationalism with carnivorism. This couplet has not yet been explored in sufficient detail or depth. The chapter’s particular focus and its sole instantiation of this couplet is how the irascible English artist William Hogarth (1697–1764) deployed images of animals’ edible flesh—of ‘beef’, especially—in order to nourish a nascent national identity in eighteenth-century Britain.
3D Finite element analysis of the geosynthetic reinforced soil-integrated bridge system (GRS-IBS) under different loading conditions

Abstract In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) Finite Element (FE) analysis was developed to simulate the fully-instrumented geosynthetic reinforced soil integrated bridge system (GRS-IBS) at Maree Michel Bridge in Louisiana. The 3DFE computer program PLAXIS 3D 2016 was selected to simulate the GRS-IBS behavior under different loading conditions. A second order-hyperbolic elasto-plastic soil model was used to simulate the granular backfill materials. The soil-structure interaction was simulated using zero thickness interface elements, in which the interface shear strength is governed by Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion. Three different loading conditions were considered in this study: (a) at the end of bridge construction (Case 1); (b) surface loading (Case 2); and (c) at abnormal loading (Case 3), which is equal to the dead load of the bridge structure plus three times the service loading. The predicted results were compared with the field measurements at the end of bridge construction. Moreover; the predicted results of the 3D-FE analysis were compared with those predicted using the 2D-FE analysis. A good agreement was obtained between the 3D-FE and 2D-FE numerical results and the field measurements. The predicted results using the 3D-FE showed that the range of maximum reinforcement strain under service loading ranges between 0.6% and 1.5%, depending on the location of the reinforcement layer. The maximum lateral deformation at the face was between 3 mm (0.07% lateral strain) under service load case and 7 mm (0.3% lateral strain) for abnormal load case. The maximum settlement of the GRS-IBS due to the service loading was 9 mm (0.3% vertical strain). The axial reinforcement forces predicted by FHWA (Adam et al., 2011) design methods were compared with those predicted by the 3D-FE and 2D-FE analysis. The results showed that the FHWA analytical method is 1.5–2.5 times higher than those predicted by the FE analysis, depending on the loading condition and reinforcement location.
Non-Vacuum Deposition of Buffer Layer for YBCO Superconductor Oxide Films

Nonvacuum electrodeposition was used to prepare biaxially textured CeO2 and Sm-doped CeO2 coatings on Ni-W substrates. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (including Θ/2Θ, pole figures, omega scans, and phi scans), atomic force microscopy, and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). Pole-figure scans show that electrodeposited CeO2 and Sm-doped CeO2 on textured Ni-W (3 at.%) is cube textured. Full-width at half-maximum values of thew scan andf scan of the electrodeposited layers were better than those of the Ni-W base substrates, indicating improved biaxial texturing of the electrodeposited layers. AES analysis of the YBCO/CeO2/YSZ/ED-CeO2/Ni-W revealed that Ni interdiffusion was completely stopped at the first electrodeposited CeO2 layer.
Supervised Feedforward Networks

Deep belief nets are generally trained in stages. First, one or more (usually more) layers are trained with unsupervised algorithms. Rather than seeking to learn class memberships or predicted values, the model simply tries to find consistent patterns within the independent variables. Only after such patterns have been found does training switch to supervised mode. However, because supervised training algorithms are easier to understand than the usual unsupervised algorithms, you will begin your study of deep belief nets with supervised training.
Ferroelectric TiN/Hf0.5Zr0.5O2/TiN Capacitors with Low-Voltage Operation and High Reliability for Next-Generation FRAM Applications

In this study, we investigated the ferroelectric properties of Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 (HZO) thin films with different thicknesses (5-20 nm) deposited by atomic layer deposition for the development of future ferroelectric random access memory cells. HZO-based capacitors with a thickness of 5 nm exhibited a switching polarization of ~13 μC/cm2 and a ferroelectric saturation voltage of ~1.0 V as extracted from the pulse write/read measurements. Furthermore, we performed fatigue measurements and we found no degradation up to 1010 switching cycles at 1.2 V.
Coupled Multielectrode Array Systems and Sensors for Real-Time Corrosion Monitoring - A Review

This paper presents a review of multielectrode array systems and sensors for electrochemical studies and corrosion monitoring. Uncoupled multielectrode arrays [also called wire beam electrodes (WBEs)] for corrosion studies were reported in 1991. Coupled multielectrode arrays were first reported in 1996 for studying the spatiotemporal electrochemical behavior and corrosion processes, and in 1997 for mapping localized corrosion. More recently, coupled multielectrode array sensors (CMASs) have been used for real-time measurement of localized corrosion rates. The various application examples for the CMAS probes, including quantitative localized corrosion monitoring in aqueous solutions, wet gases, oil/water mixtures, salt deposits, biodeposits, soil, concrete, and undercoatings were reviewed. Some of the limitations of the multielectrode array systems are discussed.
Wilson cell origin for kupffer's vesicle in the zebrafish

Background Bilaterally symmetric animals have evolved highly reproducible asymmetries between left and right. In teleosts, Kupffer's vesicle, the structure necessary for the determination of left-right asymmetry, is derived from a group of cells in the gastrula termed the dorsal forerunners. Results Wilson cells are a ring of marginal enveloping layer cells that are cytoplasmically connected to the yolk cell and thus the last blastomeres to inherit yolk cell cytoplasm. Afterward, they collapse into the yolk to form the yolk syncytial layer. Without exception, forerunner cells are the progeny of dorsal Wilson cells. At the beginning of gastrulation, these Wilson cell progeny ingress beneath the enveloping layer, transform into Kupffer's vesicle, and eventually become tail notochord and muscle. Before ingressing, the forerunner precursor cells express endodermal promoting genes and require high-levels of Nodal signaling. Conclusions Despite a derived function of the enveloping layer as an epithelium covering the entire embryo, its dorsal margin retains many behaviors of what might be expected of the dorsal superficial layers of the ancestral fish embryo, including an early program of endodermal development, cell ingression, and an eventual contribution of cells to caudal notochord and muscle, as well as the control of laterality. Developmental Dynamics 247:1057-1069, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The role of control processes in temporal and semantic contiguity

Atkinson and Shiffrin (1968) argued that performance on any memory task reflects the combined influence of both the fixed structure of the memory system and control processes tailored to the specific task. We investigated the role of control processes in governing the temporal contiguity and semantic contiguity effects in free recall-tendencies to organize recall based on proximity in the study list and pre-existing semantic associations. Subjects studied lists that contained four "clusters", each composed of four semantically associated words but presented in random order such that associates were not in adjacent serial positions. Subjects were given either standard free-recall instructions, instructions to focus on order-based associations (i.e., the original order of presentation), or meaning-based associations (i.e., pre-existing semantic relationships). Replicating previous work, lists with strong semantic relationships resulted in a reduced overall temporal contiguity effect when recalled under standard free-recall instructions. However, under meaning-based recall instructions, the temporal contiguity effect was nearly eliminated. Detailed analyses of within-cluster transitions and an order reconstruction task revealed that temporal information was encoded, but control processes prevented it from dominating memory search. These results point to a need for more empirical work exploring how control processes change recall dynamics and for more theoretical work modeling the computational basis of these processes.
Aggressive Care near the End of Life for Cancer Patients in Medicare Accountable Care Organizations

OBJECTIVES To compare aggressiveness of end-of-life (EoL) care for older cancer patients attributed to Medicare Shared Savings Programs with that for similar fee for service (FFS) beneficiaries not in an accountable care organization (ACO) and examine whether observed differences in EoL care utilization vary across markets that differ in ACO penetration. DESIGN Cross-sectional observational study comparing ACO-attributed beneficiaries with propensity score-matched beneficiaries not attributed to an ACO. SETTING A total of 21 hospital referral regions (HRRs) in the United States. PARTICIPANTS Medicare FFS beneficiaries with a cancer diagnosis who were 66 years or older and died in 2013-2014. MEASUREMENTS Outcome measures were claims-based quality measures of aggressive EoL care: (1) one or more intensive care unit (ICU) admissions in the last month of life, (2) two or more hospitalizations in the last month of life, (3) two or more emergency department visits in the last month of life, (4) chemotherapy 2 weeks or less before death, and (5) no hospice enrollment or hospice enrollment within 3 days of death. Analyses were adjusted for demographic and clinical characteristics of beneficiaries and practice characteristics. RESULTS Compared with beneficiaries not in an ACO, ACO-attributed beneficiaries had a higher rate of ICU admission during the last month of life (37.7% vs 34.0%; adjusted difference = +2.8 percentage points; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.0-4.6) but fewer repeated hospitalizations (14.5% vs 15.2%; adjusted difference = -1.7 percentage points; CI = -3.1 to -.3). Other measures did not differ for the two groups. Although the ICU admission rates tended to decrease as ACO-penetration rates increased (P < .01), ACO patients had higher rates of ICU admission than non-ACO patients in both medium and high ACO-penetration HRRs. CONCLUSION Cancer patients attributed to ACOs had fewer repeated hospitalizations but more ICU admissions in the last month of life than non-ACO patients; they had similar rates of other measures of aggressive care at the EoL. This suggests opportunities for ACOs to improve EoL care for cancer patients. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:961-968, 2019.
Differential Safety Between Top-Ranked Cancer Hospitals and Their Affiliates for Complex Cancer Surgery

Importance Leading cancer hospitals have increasingly shared their brands with other hospitals through growing networks of affiliations. However, the brand of top-ranked cancer hospitals may evoke distinct reputations for safety and quality that do not extend to all hospitals within these networks. Objective To assess perioperative mortality of Medicare beneficiaries after complex cancer surgery across hospitals participating in networks with top-ranked cancer hospitals. Design, Setting, and Participants A cross-sectional study was performed of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 100% Medicare Provider and Analysis Review file from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2016, for top-ranked cancer hospitals (as assessed byU.S. News and World Report) and affiliated hospitals that share their brand. Participants were 29 228 Medicare beneficiaries older than 65 years who underwent complex cancer surgery (lobectomy, esophagectomy, gastrectomy, colectomy, and pancreaticoduodenectomy [Whipple procedure]) between January 1, 2013, and October 1, 2016. Exposures Undergoing complex cancer surgery at a top-ranked cancer hospital vs an affiliated hospital. Main Outcomes and Measures Risk-adjusted 90-day mortality estimated using hierarchical logistic regression and comparison of the relative safety of hospitals within each cancer network estimated using standardized mortality ratios. Results A total of 17 300 patients (59.2%; 8612 women and 8688 men; mean [SD] age, 74.7 [6.2] years) underwent complex cancer surgery at 59 top-ranked hospitals and 11 928 patients (40.8%; 6287 women and 5641 men; mean [SD] age, 76.2 [6.9] years) underwent complex cancer surgery at 343 affiliated hospitals. Overall, surgery performed at affiliated hospitals was associated with higher 90-day mortality (odds ratio, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.23-1.59;P Conclusions and Relevance The likelihood of surviving complex cancer surgery appears to be greater at top-ranked cancer hospitals compared with the affiliated hospitals that share their brand. Further investigation of performance across trusted cancer networks could enhance informed decision making for complex cancer care.
Nuclear excitation by electronic transition of 235U

Here, nuclear excitation by electronic transition (NEET) is a rare nuclear excitation that can occur in isotopes containing a low-lying nuclear excited state. Over the past 40 yr, several experiments have attempted to measure NEET of 235U and those experiments have yielded conflicting results.
How non-enveloped viruses hijack host machineries to cause infection.

Abstract Viruses must navigate the complex endomembranous network of the host cell to cause infection. In the case of a non-enveloped virus that lacks a surrounding lipid bilayer, endocytic uptake from the plasma membrane is not sufficient to cause infection. Instead, the virus must travel within organelle membranes to reach a specific cellular destination that supports exposure or arrival of the virus to the cytosol. This is achieved by viral penetration across a host endomembrane, ultimately enabling entry of the virus into the nucleus to initiate infection. In this review, we discuss the entry mechanisms of three distinct non-enveloped DNA viruses—adenovirus (AdV), human papillomavirus (HPV), and polyomavirus (PyV)—highlighting how each exploit different intracellular transport machineries and membrane penetration apparatus associated with the endosome, Golgi, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane systems to infect a host cell. These processes not only illuminate a highly-coordinated interplay between non-enveloped viruses and their host, but may provide new strategies to combat non-enveloped virus-induced diseases.
Noninvasive Assessment of Right Ventricular Function in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Left Ventricular Assist Device

Right ventricular (RV) failure in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is associated with increased hospitalizations, worsening functional class, and poor survival. Accurate RV function assessment is essential in diagnosing RV failure, guiding therapies, and determining prognosis. Noninvasive imaging techniques provide fast and reliable quantification of RV morphology and function. We review echocardiography, nuclear medicine, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses for RV function assessment in patients with PAH and LVAD. We identify current knowledge gaps in utilizing noninvasive tests to assess RV function. Echocardiography is most widely used to quantify RV function in patients with PAH and LVAD, followed by cardiac MRI for RV morphology and function measurement in PAH patients. The first-pass radionuclide angiography with radiolabeled RBC is the gold standard for calculating RV function. Gated blood pool SPECT can be an alternative as it separates the cardiac chambers well and provides accurate assessment of the RV function with high reproducibility, which is particularly useful for monitoring treatment. More research is needed to compare and validate these modalities in evaluating RV function.
Image ditching: manipulating images with audio effects

Image glitching and data-bending are used to introduce image formats, data manipulation, and data visualization to beginning CS students and non-major students taking computing courses with no coding required.
Organic Multi-Channel Optoelectronic Sensors for Wearable Health Monitoring

Recent progress in printed optoelectronics and their integration in wearable sensors have created new avenues for research in reflectance photoplethysmography (PPG) and oximetry. The reflection-mode sensor, which consists of light emitters and detectors, is a vital component of reflectance oximeters. Here, we report a systematic study of the reflectance oximeter sensor design in terms of component geometry, light emitter and detector spacing, and the use of an optical barrier between the emitter and the detector to maximize sensor performance. Printed red and near-infrared (NIR) organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and organic photodiodes (OPDs) are used to design three sensor geometries: (1) Rectangular geometry, where square OLEDs are placed at each side of the OPD; (2) Bracket geometry, where the OLEDs are shaped as brackets and placed around the square OPD; (3) Circular geometry, where the OLEDs are shaped as block arcs and placed around the circular OPD. Utilizing the bracket geometry, we observe 39.7% and 18.2% improvement in PPG signal magnitude in the red and NIR channels compared to the rectangular geometry, respectively. Using the circular geometry, we observe 48.6% and 9.2% improvements in the red and NIR channels compared to the rectangular geometry. Furthermore, a wearable two-channel PPG sensor is utilized to add redundancy to the measurement. Finally, inverse-variance weighting and template matching algorithms are implemented to improve the detection of heart rate from the multi-channel PPG signals.
The myosin-tail homology domain of centrosomal protein 290 is essential for protein confinement between the inner and outer segments in photoreceptors

Mutations in the centrosomal protein 290 (CEP290) gene cause various ciliopathies involving retinal degeneration. CEP290 proteins localize to the ciliary transition zone and are thought to act as a gatekeeper that controls ciliary protein trafficking. However, precise roles of CEP290 in photoreceptors and pathomechanisms of retinal degeneration in CEP290-associated ciliopathies are not sufficiently understood. Using conditional Cep290 mutant mice, in which the C-terminal myosin-tail homology domain of CEP290 is disrupted after the connecting cilium is assembled, we show that this domain is essential for protein confinement between the inner and the outer segments. Upon disruption of the myosin-tail homology domain, inner segment plasma membrane proteins, including syntaxin 3 (STX3), synaptosome-associated protein 25 (SNAP25), and interphotoreceptor matrix proteoglycan 2 (IMPG2), rapidly accumulated in the outer segment. In contrast, localization of endomembrane proteins was not altered. Trafficking and confinement of most outer segment-resident proteins appeared to be unaffected or only minimally affected in Cep290 mutant mice. One notable exception was rhodopsin (RHO), which severely mislocalized to inner segments during the initial stage of degeneration. Similar mislocalization phenotypes were observed in Cep290rd16 mice. These results suggest that a failure of protein confinement at the connecting cilium and consequent accumulation of inner segment membrane proteins in the outer segment, along with insufficient RHO delivery, is part of the disease mechanisms that cause retinal degeneration in CEP290-associated ciliopathies. Our study provides insights into the pathomechanisms of retinal degenerations associated with compromised ciliary gates.
Ensemble-Based Targeted Observation Method Applied to Radar Radial Velocity Observations on Idealized Supercell Low-Level Rotation Forecasts: A Proof of Concept

AbstractThe potential future installation of a multifunction phased-array radar (MPAR) network will provide capabilities of case-specific adaptive scanning. Knowing the impacts adaptive scanning ma...
Inhibition of the Inflammasome Signaling Cascade Reduces Alcohol Consumption in Female But Not Male Mice.

BACKGROUND Alcohol use disorder is a significant societal and medical burden that is associated with both organ pathology and addiction. Excessive alcohol use results in neuroinflammation characterized by activation of the inflammasome, a multiprotein complex, and IL-1β increase in the brain. Recent studies suggest that inflammation could contribute to alcohol addiction. Here, we targeted components of the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome cascade, which senses and responds to immunologic stimuli, to determine whether NLRP3 inhibition modulates alcohol consumption. METHODS C57BL/6J male and female mice were provided a 2-bottle choice of alcohol at increasing concentrations (3, 6, 9, and 12%, 4 days each) or water, and some were treated with daily injections of an NLRP3 inhibitor (MCC950), a caspase-1 inhibitor (VX765), IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra; anakinra), or vehicle injection. RESULTS Treatment with VX765, MCC950, and IL-1ra significantly reduced alcohol consumption and preference in female mice (p < 0.05). Treatment with MCC950 and IL-1ra reduced alcohol consumption, while IL-1ra reduced alcohol preference in male mice (p < 0.05). VX765 did not affect alcohol consumption or preference in male mice. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight gender differences in alcohol preference and demonstrate that inhibition of different steps in inflammasome signaling can reduce alcohol consumption in females. Inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and the inflammasome-IL-1β cascade opens novel insights into the development of new therapies to address alcohol use disorder in an era of targeted and precision medicine.
Balancing in a black box: Potential immunomodulatory roles for TGF-β signaling during blood-stage malaria.

Malarial disease caused by Plasmodium parasites challenges the mammalian immune system with a delicate balancing act. Robust inflammatory responses are required to control parasite replication with...
Chapter 6 – Alkaline Flooding

In this chapter, we briefly present the fundamentals of alkaline flooding which include comparison of alkalis, alkaline reactions with crude oil, water and reservoir rock, and alkaline flooding mechanisms. Typical field injection data like alkaline injection concentrations and volumes, and field application conditions are discussed. Finally, we present two mobility-control cases in Russia, one case using high alkaline concentration in Hungary, one caustic-flooding case in India, three cases in the United States, and one case in a Canadian heavy oil field.
Changing Study Strategies with Revised Anatomy Curricula: a Move for Better or Worse?

Investigations into medical student study strategies have seen an increase in recent years, but we have also seen a move to more integrated medical curricula during this time. This manuscript endeavors to assess the changes in study plans and students’ reported study strategies that are associated with a move from a traditional stand-alone anatomy curriculum to an integrated, standardized curriculum. Previously validated study strategy surveys were given to medical students at the beginning of their anatomy course and again at the end of the course. These responses were then correlated with basic demographic information and outcomes in anatomy. Results indicate that this change in curriculum does correlate with changes to students’ study plans and reported study strategies. In particular, the plans for and use of web-based resources appear higher in the new curriculum while the use of self-quizzing and attendance appear lower, with potentially negative implications for understanding and long-term retention. Differences were also seen between genders and student ages. Finally, a few associations with outcomes are also noted for increased use of web-based resources and student confidence going into the exam.
Inverse Design of FinFET SRAM Cells

A convenient method based on deep neural networks and an evolutionary algorithm is proposed for the inverse design of FinFET SRAM cells. Inverse design helps designers who have less device physics knowledge obtain cell configurations that provide the desired performance metrics under selected wearout conditions, such as a set specific stress time and use scenario that creates a specific activity level (duty cycle and transition rate). The cell configurations being considered consists of various process parameters, such as gate length and fin height, in the presence of variations due to process and wearout. The front-end mechanisms related to wearout include negative bias temperature instability (NBTI), hot carrier injection (HCI), and random telegraph noise (RTN). The process of inverse design is achieved quickly and at good accuracy.
Adaptive Segmentation of MRI Data

Intensity-based classification of MR images has proven problematic, even when advanced techniques are used. Intra-scan and inter-scan intensity inhomogeneities are a common source of difficulty. While reported methods have had some success in correcting intra-scan inhomogeneities, such methods require supervision for the individual scan. This paper describes a new method called adaptive segmentation that uses knowledge of tissue intensity properties and intensity inhomogeneities to correct and segment MR images. Use of the EM algorithm leads to a fully automatic method that allows for more accurate segmentation of tissue types as well as better visualization of MRI data, that has proven to be effective in a study that includes more than 1000 brain scans.
Kriging-Bootstrapped DNN Hierarchical Model for Real-Time Seizure Detection from EEG Signals

The Deep Neural Network (DNN) model is known for its high accuracy in classification tasks due to its intrinsic ability to learn the underlying patterns existing in a set of data. Hence it has gained momentum in seizure detection research, as in many other fields. However, its high performance is at the expense of an extensive training time. This is not appropriate for a real-time application such as seizure detection in which a swift reaction is required to save the life of the patient. This paper presents a novel Kriging-Bootstrapped Deep Neural Network hierarchical model for early seizure detection in which Kriging is first used to generate a well-correlated intermediate data set from the original input. The correlated data is then fed into the DNN for the final training. Experiments were carried out using electroencephalogram (EEG) data from both normal and epileptic patients. Results show that, with the same architecture and data size, the cumulative training time of the Krigging-Bootstrapped DNN is about 75% lower than that of the ordinary DNN without a compromise in performance as the proposed hybrid model shows a slightly better accuracy than the baseline DNN model.
“Alone in the Rain(bow)”: Existential Therapy for Loneliness in LGBTQ + Clients

Loneliness and isolation are major concerns for LGBTQ + clients who experience marginalization, discrimination and alienation in society and social networks. These experiences of increased loneline...
Constitutional Disputes in Multiple Dimensions: The Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, and Sustainable Energy

The Washington Post carried an article entitled “The Biggest Fight over Renewable Energy Is Now in the States,” describing how a large portion of the “action on clean energy in the United States is happening at the state level.” This is the critical, if often overlooked, structural element of the U.S. sustainable energy future: States are at the core of U.S. renewable/sustainable energy policy. The federal government has not enacted a significant new renewable energy law in more than a decade, other than incentives and rates embedded in the federal income tax. Federal tax policy now predominately supports renewable energy as opposed to fossil fuels. The fight on energy is not only over the policy described by the Post, but has critical constitutional dimensions. The Wall Street Journal published an article criticizing states for treating renewable power produced outside their states and sold inside their states, unequally to that produced and sold inside the state. Such treatment, in which numerous states are engaging, raises core constitutional questions under the dormant Commerce Clause of the Constitution. After examining federal incentives for sustainable energy policy, this article delves in detail into the legal nuances of the methods by which states have implemented state initiatives for sustainable energy policy. States remain responsible for the primary legislative and regulatory initiatives to promote sustainable energy and renewable energy in the United States. The article synthesizes multiple legal elements into a prescription of what states can do to navigate around constitutional challenge and sustain state policy.
Antibiotic Susceptibility of Bartonella Grown in Different Culture Conditions

Bartonellosis is caused by a Gram-negative intracellular bacterium with a zoonotic transmission. The disease, caused by any of several genospecies of Bartonella can range from a benign, self-limited condition to a highly morbid and life-threatening illness. The current standard of care antibiotics are generally effective in acute infection; these include azithromycin or erythromycin, doxycycline, gentamicin, rifampin, and ciprofloxacin. However, treatment of chronic infection remains problematic. We tested six different antibiotics for their ability to stop the growth of Bartonella sp. in the standard insect media and in an enrichment media. All antibiotics (ceftriaxone, doxycycline, gentamycin, azithromycin, ampicillin, and azlocillin) had minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) below 0.5 µg/mL in the BAPGM enrichment media but were ineffective at inhibiting growth when the standard insect media was used. Azlocillin was the most potent, with a MIC of 0.01 µg/mL. When Bartonella was tested under intracellular growth conditions, none of the antibiotics were efficacious singly. However, growth inhibition was observed when azlocillin and azithromycin were combined. These studies illustrate the impact of growth medium and intracellular environment on antibiotic susceptibility testing and indicate that azlocillin combined with azithromycin may be an effective drug combination for the treatment of Bartonellosis.
Performance on advanced pharmacy practice experiences after implementation of mock acute care patient simulations

Abstract Introduction We sought to compare student performance on acute care advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs) pre- and post-incorporation of mock acute care patient simulations into the curriculum. Methods A series of mock acute care APPE simulations (MACAS) were developed and incorporated into Touro University California College of Pharmacy curriculum for first- and second-year pharmacy students. Results for student performance on Acute Care I and Acute Care II APPEs were collected for students who received none, one year, or two years of the MACAS. Student admission characteristics and didactic academic performance (grade point average [GPA]) were also gathered. Student characteristics and APPE performance were compared across cohorts of students who received none, one year, and two years of MACAS. Multivariate models were created to measure the impact of the MACAS while controlling for student characteristics. Results The final cohort included 394 students. In unadjusted analyses, students with one or two years of MACAS received significantly higher preceptor acute care APPE evaluations for communication, professionalism, and patient scores vs. students who received no MACAS. In multivariate models controlling for age, gender, and undergraduate GPA, one year of MACAS increased student acute care APPE communication, professionalism, and patient care scores, relative to no MACAS. Similar increases in acute care APPE scores were seen for students who received two years of MACAS. Conclusions MACAs significantly improved acute care APPE scores relative to students with no MACAS. This improvement in acute care APPEs occurred after students received a single year of MACAS.