cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) distinguishes sustained from transient acute kidney injury after general surgery.

Introduction This prospective study tests the hypothesis that after general surgery urinary neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin (NGAL) can distinguish between sustained acute kidney injury (AKI), typical of nephron damage, and transient AKI, commonly seen with hemodynamic variation and prerenal azotemia. Methods Urine was collected in 510 patients within 2 to 3 hours after general surgery, and urinary NGAL was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Patients who met AKIN stage 1 criteria of AKI were subclassified into those with sustained AKI (serum creatinine elevation for at least 3 days) and those with transient AKI (serum creatinine elevation for less than 3 days). Results Seventeen of 510 patients (3.3%) met the stage 1 AKIN criteria within 48 hours of surgery. Elevations in serum creatinine were sustained in 9 and transient in 8 patients. Urinary NGAL was significantly elevated only in patients with sustained AKI (204.8 ± 411.9 ng/dl); patients with transient AKI had urinary NGAL that was indistinguishable from that of patients who did not meet AKIN criteria at all (30.8 ± 36.5 ng/dl vs. 31.9 ± 113 ng/dl). The area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic curve of urinary NGAL to predict sustained AKI was 0.85 (95% confidence interval: 0.773–0.929, P Discussion Urinary NGAL levels measured 2 to 3 hours after surgery were able to distinguish the kinetics of creatinine (sustained AKI vs. transient AKI) over the subsequent week. Transient AKI is an easily reversible state that is likely not associated with substantial tubular injury and therefore NGAL release. Using AKIN criteria, both transient and sustained AKI are classified as AKI even though our data demonstrate that they are possibly different entities.
Color perception influences microhabitat selection of refugia and affects monitoring success for a cryptic anuran species

Perceptual-biases are important for understanding an animal's natural history, identifying potential ecological traps, and for developing effective means to monitor individuals and populations. Despite research demonstrating anurans having a positive phototactic response towards blue colors, we do not yet understand if color cues are used functionally beyond sexual selection. The aim of our study was to determine if color cues are used in selecting microhabitat, and if anuran's blue-positive phototactic response could increase selection of artificial PVC refugia used to monitor cryptic camouflaging anuran species. We captured 32 Cope's Gray Treefrogs and placed them in mesh enclosures with three PVC tubes painted blue, brown, and white. Concurrently, we placed blue, brown, or unpainted white PVC tubes in stratified arrays around a treefrog breeding pond, and counted the number of occasions treefrogs occupied different colored PVC tubes. In the confined choice experiment, treefrogs selected blue tubes (48.3%) significantly more often than brown (28.5%) or white (23.2%) tubes. Our field experiment mirrored these findings (52.0% of capture events in blue, 29.0% in brown, and 19.0% in unpainted white tubes). Our results suggest color influences Cope's Gray Treefrog microhabitat selection, and they utilize color vision when choosing refugia. We demonstrate simple, small changes based on perceptual-biases can induce behaviors that may in turn have large impacts on sampling techniques used in monitoring and inventorying. Incorporating non-traditional physiological measures into animal inventorying and monitoring programs can be used in the future to improve conservation efforts.
The enigmatic relationship of creativity to mental health and psychopathology.

Creativity has long enjoyed a privileged position in psycho-analytic thinking as being intimately associated with mental health generally and with the successful sublimation and neutralization of t...
Live-vaccinia virus encapsulation in pH-sensitive polymer increases safety of a reservoir-targeted Lyme disease vaccine by targeting gastrointestinal release.

The incidence of Lyme disease has continued to rise despite attempts to control its spread. Vaccination of zoonotic reservoirs of human pathogens has been successfully used to decrease the incidence of rabies in raccoons and foxes. We have previously reported on the efficacy of a vaccinia virus vectored vaccine to reduce carriage of Borrelia burgdorferi in reservoir mice and ticks. One potential drawback to vaccinia virus vectored vaccines is the risk of accidental infection of humans. To reduce this risk, we developed a process to encapsulate vaccinia virus with a pH-sensitive polymer that inactivates the virus until it is ingested and dissolved by stomach acids. We demonstrate that the vaccine is inactive both in vitro and in vivo until it is released from the polymer. Once released from the polymer by contact with an acidic pH solution, the virus regains infectivity. Vaccination with coated vaccinia virus confers protection against B. burgdorferi infection and reduction in acquisition of the pathogen by naive feeding ticks.
The Rise and Fall of the Brazilian-American Military Alliance, 1942-1977

The article examines how the military alliance took shape in the early years of World War II, how the Brazilian Expeditionary Force became symbolic of Brazil’s war role, and how end of war decisions effected Brazil’s gains. Brazilian leaders promised more than they could deliver. The post war era saw less cooperation but continued efforts at maintaining good relations. Vargas to Geisel years brought shifts that ultimately led to unilateral renouncement of the alliance. Even so the two militaries sought to maintain ties where possible. The text sketches the long term relations and it is based on archival research.
Selective area growth of GaAs on Si patterned using nanoimprint lithography

Heteroepitaxial selective area growth (SAG) of GaAs on patterned Si substrates is a potential low-cost approach to integrate III-V and Si materials for tandem or multijunction solar cells. The use of nanoscale openings in a dielectric material can minimize nucleation-related defects and allow thinner buffer layers to be used to accommodate lattice mismatch between Si and an epitaxial III-V layer. For photovoltaic applications, the cost of patterning and growth, as well as the impact on the performance of the Si bottom cell must be considered. We present preliminary results on the use of soft nanoimprint lithography (SNIL) to create patterned nucleation templates for the heteroepitaxial SAG of GaAs on Si. We demonstrate that SNIL patterning of passivating layers on the Si substrate improves measured minority carrier properties relative to unprotected Si. Cost modeling of the SNIL process shows that adding a patterning step only adds a minor contribution to the overall cost of a tandem III-V/Si solar cell, and can enable significant savings if it enables thinner buffer layers.
Sudanese Women and the Intersection of Identity and Islam in Historical and Contemporary Perspective

Al Rasheed focused analytically on literature on race immigration, blackness and performativities, and in challenging the homogeneity of identities as produced in the diaspora space, addressing interrelationship between gender ethnicity and identity of Muslim women while exploring the dominant mainstream Islam in the UK. Al Rasheed draws attention to the components that make up Muslim identity and culture as specifically produced through religious performativity. Investigating the dominant mainstream Islam and the Sudanese women’s Sufi Islam in West Yorkshire, and their attendant contestations, Al Rasheed stresses that different socio-political histories resulted in different Muslim performativities for different groups, and Muslims in the UK have experienced all the processes of migrating, conflicting identities, the essence of belonging and attachment differently.
Laws, norms, and the Institutional Analysis and Development framework

Elinor Ostrom's Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework has been described as ‘one of the most developed and sophisticated attempts to use institutional and stakeholder assessment in order to link theory and practice, analysis and policy’. But not all elements in the framework are sufficiently well developed. This paper focuses on one such element: the ‘rules-in-use’ (a.k.a. ‘rules’ or ‘working rules’). Specifically, it begins a long-overdue conversation about relations between formal legal rules and ‘working rules’ by offering a tentative and very simple typology of relations. Type 1: Some formal legal rules equal or approximate the working rules; Type 2: Some legal rules plus (or emended by) widely held social norms equal or approximate the working rules; and Type 3: Some legal rules bear no evident relation to the working rules. Several examples, including some previously used by Ostrom, are provided to illustrate each of the three types, which can be conceived of as nodes or ranges along a continuum. The paper concludes with a call for empirical research, especially case studies and meta-analyses, to determine the relevant scope of each of these types of relations, and to provide data for furthering our understanding of how different types of rules, from various sources, function (or not) as institutions.
The Impact of Intergenerational Head Start Participation on Success Measures Among Adolescent Children

This study examines the influence of intergenerational Head Start participation on success outcomes among adolescent children of mother-adolescent pairs (N = 1,251). Data come from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY79) and the National Longitudinal Survey's Child-Mother (NLSCM) files. Of 290 adolescents who participated in Head Start as children, one-third (n = 97) had mothers who had also participated in Head Start when they were children. Graduates of Head Start appear roughly comparable to other adolescents in regard to highest grade completed, a sense of mastery, perceived health, and level of depressive symptoms. They do not attain the levels of achievements as other adolescents in regard to reading comprehension and years living above the poverty level.
Shoulder Muscle Architecture, Physiology, and Plasticity

Muscles generate movement of the shoulder complex (glenohumeral, scapulothoracic, and acromioclavicular joints) and provide the stability needed to protect vital anatomic structures, in coordination with the rest of the neuromusculoskeletal system (i.e., tendons, ligaments, and the nervous system). One subset of muscles, the rotator cuff (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor), is assembled in a way that optimizes them for generating dynamic stability—in this case of the glenohumeral joint. Of course, injury and degeneration are common in the tendons of the rotator cuff, which cause pain, instability, and impaired upper extremity function. Although the tendons of the rotator cuff, and their associated bony footprint, have been the focus of a tremendous amount of research related to pathophysiology and surgical reconstruction techniques, more recent data suggests that atrophic changes in these muscles complicate reconstruction and impair function and are persistent even after successful tendon reconstruction. And beyond tendinopathy and frank tendon tears, rotator cuff dysfunction has also been implicated in a variety of pathologic conditions, such as glenohumeral instability, internal derangement, and non-cuff tendinopathy. However, the mechanisms (neural or otherwise) that relate muscle function (or dysfunction) to pathologic processes are unclear.
Development and implementation of an alcohol withdrawal protocol using a 5-item scale, the Brief Alcohol Withdrawal Scale (BAWS)

ABSTRACTBackground: The standard of care for management of alcohol withdrawal is symptom-triggered treatment using the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol (CIWA-Ar). Many items of this 10-question scale rely on subjective assessments of withdrawal symptoms, making it time-consuming and cumbersome to use. Therefore, there is interest in shorter and more objective methods to assess alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Methods: A 6-item withdrawal scale developed at another institution was piloted. Based on comparison with the CIWA-Ar, this was adapted into a 5-item scale named the Brief Alcohol Withdrawal Scale (BAWS). The BAWS was compared with the CIWA-Ar and a withdrawal protocol utilizing the BAWS was developed. The new protocol was implemented on an inpatient unit dedicated to treating substance withdrawal. Data was collected on the first 3 months of implementation and compared with the 3 months prior to that. Results: A BAWS score of 3 or more predicted CIWA-Ar score ≥8 with a sensitivity of ...
Preoperative genetic testing impacts surgical decision making in BRCA mutation carriers with breast cancer: a retrospective cohort analysis.

The impact of timing of genetic testing on surgical decision making in women with breast cancer and BRCA mutation is not well known. Women who were found to carry a deleterious BRCA mutation and had been diagnosed with breast cancer were identified from a database at Beaumont Health. Women who had received BRCA positive results at least a day prior to their index surgery were considered to be aware of their mutation status prior to surgery. Baseline characteristics and surgical choices were compared between women who were aware of their mutation status prior to surgery and those who were not. Fischer’s exact test was used for categorical variables and Mann–Whitney U-Test was used for continuous variables. A total of 220 patients were included in the final analysis, 208 (94.5%) with unilateral breast cancer and 12 (5.5%) with bilateral breast cancer. Out of the 208 patients with unilateral breast cancer, 106 (51.0%) patients were aware of their mutation status prior to index surgery while 102 (49%) were not. A significantly (p < 0.05) higher proportion of women underwent contralateral prophylactic mastectomy in the group that was aware of their mutation status prior to index surgery compared to the group that was not (76.4% vs 14.7%). Our study demonstrates that knowledge of BRCA mutation status impacts surgical decision making in favor of bilateral mastectomy in patients who are aware of their results prior to index surgery. This finding supports the practice of preoperative genetic testing in patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer.
Chemical sensing of microhabitat by pueruli of the reef-dwelling Caribbean spiny lobster Panulirus argus: testing the importance of red algae, juveniles, and their interactive effect

Although our knowledge about the early life of the Caribbean spiny lobster, Panulirus argus (Latreille, 1804), has increased considerably during recent decades, little is known about chemical sensing used by pueruli during settlement. Considering previously-reported benefits of inhabiting red algae Laurencia spp., such as increased growth rate and costs of close proximity to already settled benthic juveniles from predators, we predicted that the pueruli of P. argus will be attracted to the metabolites produced by red algae and repulsed by metabolites produced by juvenile conspecifics. We also expected that any preference for Laurencia spp. would cease or decrease if this cue was presented together with metabolites produced by conspecific given the reported costs of associating with them after settlement. Our results were not consistent with the predictions above. Our experiments suggest that pueruli do not display any preference for the metabolites produced by red algae or avoidance of metabolites produced by juvenile conspecifics. Unexpectedly, settling stages were attracted to water with a combination of metabolites produced by red algae and juveniles. We also examined the influence of conspecific and red algae abundance on pueruli settlement in Florida Bay, the most important nursery ground of P. argus in the USA. Partially consistent with our experiments, field data indicated that juvenile lobster density had a positive influence on pueruli settlement, as did a synergistic effect of juvenile lobster density and Laurencia spp. algae cover. Altogether, our field and laboratory data suggest that the interplay of environmental cues drives settlement of the Caribbean spiny lobster in a more complex manner than originally thought. Additional studies on the settling behavior of P. argus pueruli are needed to improve our understanding of the relationship between recruitment and fishery stocks in this heavily exploited species.
Kickstarter as a source of funds for computer games

Kickstarter has provided funding for over 450 video game projects, and generated substantial publicity based in part on the possibility of rendering publishers obsolete. However, in its current form, most funded projects are tiny (median requested value of $8000), and nearly half (40%) are new enough not to have reached their self-imposed deadlines for delivery. Of the 96 largest computer game projects, only 13 have delivered their game, and even the largest projects have budgets that are dwarfed by even small commercial PC games. While it is too early to make definitive judgments, Kickstarter so far is not a viable alternative to traditional publishers.
Statistical shape model segmentation and frequency mapping of cochlear implant stimulation targets in CT

Cochlear implant (CI) surgery is considered standard of care treatment for severe hearing loss. CIs are currently programmed using a one-size-fits-all type approach. Individualized, position-based CI programming schemes have the potential to significantly improve hearing outcomes. This has not been possible because the position of stimulation targets is unknown due to their small size and lack of contrast in CT. In this work, we present a segmentation approach that relies on a weighted active shape model created using microCT scans of the cochlea acquired ex-vivo in which stimulation targets are visible. The model is fitted to the partial information available in the conventional CTs and used to estimate the position of structures not visible in these images. Quantitative evaluation of our method results in Dice scores averaging 0.77 and average surface errors of 0.15 mm. These results suggest that our approach can be used for position-dependent image-guided CI programming methods.
Morita Equivalence, GLn(Fq)-Modules, and the Steenrod Algebra

The purpose of this announcement is to describe, on one hand, a new approach to the modular representation theory of the semigroup of n × n matrices M n (F q ) and its group of units GL n (F q ), and, on the other, a new approach to studying the category of unstable modules over the Steenrod “q th-power” operations. Perhaps most remarkable is that these two approaches are the same via a generalization of classical Morita equivalence.
Secure transcoding of internet content

In this paper, we introduce a secure transcoding framework that enables network intermediaries such as proxies to transcode multimedia data without violating end-to-end security guarantees. In our approach, an encoder decomposes a data stream at the source into multiple streams, encrypts each stream independently, and annotates each stream with clear-text metadata. An intermediary performs transcoding by prioritizing the data streams based only on the clear-text metadata, and then dropping lower priority streams. The destination can then decrypt the remaining received streams and recombine them into the transcoded output stream. Our solution offers true end-to-end security since there is no decryption and re-encryption of the data stream midway. As a result, the proxy/intermediary may employ compression-based transcoding of encrypted multimedia data to improve speed of delivery over slow access links without having to decrypt the data.
Organic Dye-Catalyzed, Visible-Light Photoredox Bromination of Arenes and Heteroarenes Using N-Bromosuccinimide

A variety of arenes and heteroarenes are brominated in good to excellent yields using N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) under mild and practical conditions. According to mechanistic investigations described within, the reaction is speculated to proceed via activation of NBS through a visible-light photoredox pathway utilizing erythrosine B as a photocatalyst. A photo-oxidative approach effectively amplifies the positive polarization on the bromine atom of the NBS reagent. This increase in the electrophilic nature of NBS results in drastically reduced reaction times and diversion from competing light-promoted reactive pathways.
Barriers to Buprenorphine Expansion in Ohio: A Time-Elapsed Qualitative Study.

Buprenorphine partial opioid agonist pharmacotherapy, a key treatment for opioid use disorders (OUDs), is underutilized in the United States. Qualitative interviews, conducted in 2012/2013 and repe...
Silver triflate mediated dehydration of benzylic alcohols and vinyl hydrovinylation of styrene

Abstract The use of silver trifluoromethanesulfonate (silver triflate, AgOTf) as a halide abstraction reagent is pervasive in organometallic chemistry. However, recent reports suggest a “hidden” Bronsted acid lurks within it that may catalyze purported metal-based catalysis. Presented herein are new reactions that are either catalyzed or promoted by the “hidden” acid, generated upon silver triflate degradation. 1-Phenylethanol dehydrates to styrene (1) upon reaction with AgOTf at 90 °C over 24 h, which slowly coverts to the vinyl hydrovinylation product (E)-1,3-diphenyl-1-butene, (2, 64%) over several days. While dehydration was observed with a number of benzylic alcohols to yield Zaitsev selective olefins, only 1-phenylethanol affords vinyl hydrovinylation products. Dehydration was not observed for primary and secondary alcohols, suggesting an acid catalyzed E1elimination reaction mechanism is at play. The degradation of silver triflate was found to be the source of the “hidden” Bronsted acid, which demonstrated a dependence on the presence of light and oxygen. In the absence of light and oxygen, dehydration of 1-phenylethanol was severely stunted and 2 is not formed, but instead the ether product, oxy-bis(ethane-1,1-diyl)dibenzene (3), is afforded. The mesitylene internal standard also reacts with the in situ formed styrene to produce 2-(1-phenylethyl)mesitylene (4) through acid catalyzed electrophilic aromatic substitution. These reactions were monitored (products characterized) by GC-MS and/or 1H NMR spectroscopic methods. We present herein the details of these reactions and our characterization methods.
Combining opioids and non-opioids for pain management: Current status

Pain remains a global health challenge. For decades, clinicians have been primarily relying on μ-opioid receptor (MOR) agonists and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain management. MOR agonists remain the most efficacious analgesics available; however, adverse effects related to MOR agonists use are severe which often lead to forced drug discontinuation and inadequate pain relief. The recent opioid overdose epidemic urges the development of safer analgesics. Combination therapy is a well-established clinical pharmacotherapeutic strategy for the treatment of various clinical disorders. The combination of MOR agonists with non-MOR agonists may increase the analgesic potency of MOR agonists, reduce the development of tolerance and dependence, reduce the diversion and abuse, overdose, and reduce other clinically significant side effects associated with prolonged opioid use such as constipation. Overall, the combination therapy approach could substantially improve the therapeutic profile of MOR agonists. This review summarizes some recent developments in this field. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'New Vistas in Opioid Pharmacology'.
The Magnetosphere-Ionosphere Electron Precipitation Dynamics and Their Geospace Consequences During the 17 March 2013 Storm

During geomagnetic storms and substorms, the magnetosphere and ionosphere are strongly coupled by precipitating magnetospheric electrons from the Earth's plasma sheet and driven by both magnetospheric and ionospheric processes. Magnetospheric wave activity initiates electron precipitation, and the ionosphere and upper atmosphere further facilitate this process by enhancing the value of precipitated energy uxes via connection of two magnetically conjugate regions and multiple atmospheric reections. This paper focuses on the resulting electron energy uxes and afliated heightintegrated Pedersen and Hall conductances in the auroral regions produced by multiple atmospheric reections during the 17 March 2013 geomagnetic storm and their effects on the inner magnetospheric electric eld and ring current. Our study is based on the magnetically and electrically selfconsistent Rice ConvectionModelEquilibrium of the inner magnetosphere with SuperThermal Electron Transport modied electron energy uxes that take into account the electron energy interplay between the two magnetically conjugate ionospheres. SuperThermal Electron Transportmodied energy ux in the Rice ConvectionModelEquilibrium leads to a signicant difference in the global conductance pattern, ionospheric electric eld formation, Birkeland current structure, ring current energization and its energy content, subauroral polarization drifts intensications and their spatial locations, interchange instability redistribution, and overall energy interplay on the global scale.
Advancing the Promise of Digital Technology and Social Media to Promote Population Health.

In June of 2018, the Society for Public Health Education partnered with The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health at ...
Introduction to Android: conference tutorial

In an effort to engage students with the relevancy of some of the concepts they are learning in our courses, many educators have taken the time to introduce some additional concepts beyond loops and if statements and object-oriented programming. For many young people, the computational device with which they are most familiar is the mobile phone, so introducing mobile programming has been utilized by a number of educators to give programming more exciting relevancy than a checkbook balancing application using text I/O. This workshop seeks to introduce basic concepts of Android programming and engage attendees in a hands-on exercise to develop a simple Android app. Android programming, as described in the tutorial, requires the Java SDK [1], Eclipse IDE [2] or IntelliJ IDEA [3], and the Android SDK [4]. Additional information about installing and using the software, along with copies of the presentation materials, will be available for a time from http://www.shsu.edu/~csc_kth/android/.
Study of agglomeration in fluidized bed gasification of biomass using CPFD simulations

Linkoping Electronic Conference Proceedings publiceras artiklar som ar vetenskapligt granskade (peer reviewed). Publicering av proceedings sker pa villkoret att konferensen har anknytning till LiU som t.ex. organisator eller redaktor. Artiklarna ar fritt tillgangliga (Open Access). Lisensiert under CC-By-NC.
Comparison of the ViOptix Intra.Ox Near Infrared Tissue Spectrometer and Indocyanine Green Angiography in a Porcine Bowel Model.

Background This study aims to directly compare measurements of tissue oxygenation obtained using the Intra.Ox (Vioptix Inc., Fremont, CA) near infrared spectrometer with the perfusion assessment of the indocyanine green (ICG)-based SPY Elite imaging system (Stryker Co., Kalamazoo, MI) in a porcine bowel model. Methods Two live minipigs underwent laparotomy and isolation of a 30-cm segment of a large bowel. Standardized oximetry measurements were taken along the segment of bowel immediately before, after, and serially for 30 minutes following transection. A 0.5 mg/kg dose of ICG was then injected intravenously and the SPY Elite system was used to visualize and quantify tissue perfusion. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated using the outcomes. Results Transected and ligated bowel yielded mean Intra.Ox measurements of 61% oxygenation at the proximal base of the limb and 27.8% at the distal edges. Analysis of the relative ICG fluorescence using the SPY Elite's proprietary software yielded perfusion estimates of 64.8% proximally and 6.8% distally. Intra.Ox and SPY Elite measurements demonstrate a Pearson product–moment correlation of 0.929. Repeat measurements at 15-mm intervals along the tissue yielded decreasing Intra.Ox measurements along the length of the flap that correlate to SPY Elite measurements (r = 0.645). Conclusion Both the Intra.Ox and the SPY detected clinically relevant changes in bowel oxygenation following transection and ligation. The use of intravenous ICG dye did not appear to affect measurements of tissue oxygenation obtained using the Intra.Ox.
From Kepler to Newton to a Picture of the Universe

Chapter 1 is a historical essay that provides the context and sets the stage for all that follows. It recalls humanity’s efforts to understand the planets, moons, comets, and asteroids and how they move, from the time of the Greeks, to Isaac Newton and the Scientific Revolution, to the discovery of the vast, expanding universe of galaxies in the twentieth century. In describing the decisive contributions of Kepler, Newton, Hubble, and those of other pioneering scientists, the chapter considers some of the elementary mathematical elements involved by introducing the ellipse, parabola, and hyperbola as well as very basic concepts and principles of the physics of motion.
Assessing the Characteristics of FOSS Contributions in Network Automation Projects

Network Automation seeks to integrate software solutions that aid in the management and maintenance of modern networks. In industry, large organizations see dedicated software engineering resources within a networking team. However, in the broader industry, it is more common to see traditional network engineers working on network automation. With the growth of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS), network automation software solutions also started to adhere to this development model. However, as it is known from the literature, onboarding to FOSS projects is not a trivial task and may be more challenging for people without a software development background. In this paper, we study network automation FOSS projects, which are seeing a large number of new contributors who do not have traditional software engineering skills. We analyze a set of data collected from pull requests and issues collected from 81 GitHub projects (71 network automation projects, and 10 top-projects from other domains), to identify the characteristics that are specific to first-time project contributors in the network automation domain. Our results show that pull requests in the Network Automation domain differ from those in the Top-10 set and the existing literature. At the same time that Network Automation projects are more inclusive (rejection rate: 12% vs. 28% on Top-10), the pull request latency is longer in this specific domain, especially for first-timers.
Immunological memory to SARS-CoV-2 assessed for up to eight months after infection

Author(s): Dan, Jennifer M; Mateus, Jose; Kato, Yu; Hastie, Kathryn M; Yu, Esther Dawen; Faliti, Caterina E; Grifoni, Alba; Ramirez, Sydney I; Haupt, Sonya; Frazier, April; Nakao, Catherine; Rayaprolu, Vamseedhar; Rawlings, Stephen A; Peters, Bjoern; Krammer, Florian; Simon, Viviana; Saphire, Erica Ollmann; Smith, Davey M; Weiskopf, Daniela; Sette, Alessandro; Crotty, Shane | Abstract: Understanding immune memory to SARS-CoV-2 is critical for improving diagnostics and vaccines, and for assessing the likely future course of the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed multiple compartments of circulating immune memory to SARS-CoV-2 in 254 samples from 188 COVID-19 cases, including 43 samples at ≥ 6 months post-infection. IgG to the Spike protein was relatively stable over 6+ months. Spike-specific memory B cells were more abundant at 6 months than at 1 month post symptom onset. SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4 + T cells and CD8 + T cells declined with a half-life of 3-5 months. By studying antibody, memory B cell, CD4 + T cell, and CD8 + T cell memory to SARS-CoV-2 in an integrated manner, we observed that each component of SARS-CoV-2 immune memory exhibited distinct kinetics.
The influence of capital structure on firm profitability in USA and Bangladesh engineering industry

The aim of this paper is not only to determine and compare the nature of capital structure but also its effect on company performance of engineering industry of USA and Bangladesh. We utilize a pan...
210Po and 210Pb as Tracers of Particle Cycling and Export in the Western Arctic Ocean

The distribution and vertical fluxes of particulate organic carbon and other key elements in the Arctic Ocean are primarily governed by the spatial and seasonal changes in primary productivity, areal extent of ice cover, and lateral exchange between the shelves and interior basins. The Arctic Ocean has undergone rapid increase in primary productivity and drastic decrease in the areal extent of seasonal sea ice in the last two decades. These changes can greatly influence the biological pump as well as associated carbon export and key element fluxes. Here, we report the export of particulate organic and inorganic carbon, particulate nitrogen and biogenic silica using 210Po and 210Pb as tracers for the seasonal vertical fluxes. Samples were collected as a part of US GEOTRACES Arctic transect from western Arctic Basin in 2015. The total activities of 210Po and 210Pb in the upper 300 m water column ranged from 0.46 to 16.6 dpm 100L-1 and 1.17 to 32.5 dpm 100L-1, respectively. The 210Pb and 210Po fluxes varied between 5.04 to 6.20 dpm m-2 d-1 and 8.26 to 21.02 dpm m-2 d-1, respectively. The corresponding particulate organic carbon (POC) and particulate nitrogen (PN) fluxes ranged between 0.75 to 7.43 mg C m-2 d-1 and 0.08 to 0.78 mg N m-2 d-1 with highest fluxes observed in the northern ice-covered stations. The particulate inorganic carbon (PIC) and biogenic silica (bSi) fluxes were extremely low ranging from 0 to 0.14 mg C m-2 d-1 and 0.14 to 2.88 mg Si m-2 d-1, respectively, at all stations suggesting absence of ballast elements in facilitating the biological pump. The variability in POC fluxes with depth suggest prominent influence of lateral transport to downward fluxes across the region. The results provide a better understanding of the spatial variability in the vertical fluxes POC, PN, bSi and PIC in the western Arctic which is currently undergoing dramatic changes.
Continuing Education and Stratification at Midlife.

We ask whether patterns of racial ethnic and socioeconomic stratification in educational attainment are amplified or attenuated when we take a longer view of educational careers. We propose a model...
Fabrication and characterization of a self-aligned gate stack for electronics applications

A metal–oxide–semiconductor (MOS) gate stack that is self-aligned with the underlying silicon doping profile is demonstrated. We combine a new hybrid bottom-up patterning technique with atomic layer deposition (ALD) to selectively deposit a platinum-hafnium dioxide-silicon MOS gate stack. A poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) brush is blanket grown from a Si(100) surface and selectively removed from the lightly doped (∼1018 cm−3) regions using a doping-selective KOH etch. The PMMA brush that remains on the heavily doped (∼1020 cm−3) regions effectively blocks the ALD of both HfO2 and platinum. MOS capacitors exhibit promising capacitance-voltage characteristics with a HfO2 dielectric constant of ∼25 and an average interface state density of 2.1 × 1011 eV−1 cm−2 following forming gas anneal.
Determinants of survival in sinonasal and skull base chondrosarcoma: An analysis of the National Cancer Database

Background Chondrosarcomas are rare, malignant chondroid tumors that can occur in the sinonasal and skull base regions. Surgery is a mainstay of treatment, but complete resection can be challenging because of the close proximity of critical neurovascular structures. Because of their rarity and relatively indolent nature, optimal treatment regimens are not established. Our objective was to assess determinants of survival for sinonasal and skull base chondrosarcomas utilizing the National Cancer Database (NCDB). Methods The NCDB (2004-2017) was queried for cases of sinonasal and skull base chondrosarcoma. Multivariate hazard regression modeling was used to identify significant predictors of 60-month and 120-month overall survival (OS). Results Seven hundred thirty-six cases met inclusion criteria. OS for all treatment types was 84.7% [SE±0.02] at 60 months and 75.6% [SE±0.02] at 120 months. Surgery with or without adjuvant treatment was found to associate with highest OS at 60 and 120 months. For patients receiving adjuvant radiation during treatment, proton therapy had significantly better OS at 60 months (95.4% [SE±0.03] vs 82.3% [SE±0.03], -2 = 5.27; p = 0.02) and 120 months (85.1% [SE±0.08] vs 72.8% [SE±0.05], -2 = 4.11; p = 0.04) compared with conventional external beam. After adjustment for primary site, multivariate Cox regression modeling (n = 561) identified cofactors significantly associated with variation in mortality risk at 60 and 120 months, including age, Charlson-Deyo total score ≥ 3, insurance provision status, and tumor grade. Conclusions Sinonasal and skull base chondrosarcoma are primarily treated with surgery with favorable OS. Adjuvant treatment may be required and proton radiation was associated with improved 60-month and 120-month survival compared with conventional radiation.
Application of Extended DLVO Theory: III. Effect of Octanol on the Long-Range Hydrophobic Forces between Dodecylamine-Coated Mica Surfaces

Abstract Using a Mark IV surface force apparatus, adsorption of dodecylamine hydrochloride has been studied at pH 5.7 in the presence and absence of octanol. With amine alone, the repulsive forces between mica surfaces are reduced due to charge neutralization and attractive hydrophobic force; however, the latter is of relatively short range with decay lengths in the range of 1.2-1.4 nm. In the presence of amine and octanol, long-range hydrophobic forces are observed, the largest decay length being 6.8 nm. The appearance of the long-range hydrophobic force in the presence of octanol may be attributed to the coadsorption of the neutral surfactant in the monolayer of dodecylammonium ions on mica. The increased hydrophobic force due to the coadsorption of octanol is also manifested by the improved floatability of silica in dodecylamine solutions.
Ankle and Foot

The tendon is a densely packed connective tissue structure consisting of type I collagen fibrils embedded in a matrix of proteoglycans. Tendons are relatively hypovascular but the predominant cell is the fibroblast, or tenocyte. Tenocytes are responsible for producing and maintaining a healthy matrix. Collagen fibrils are arranged in closely packed bundles to form fascicles. Tendons that move in a straight line, such as the Achilles tendon, are surrounded by loose areolar connective tissue called the “paratenon”. The paratenon is usually not visible on imaging studies unless it is surrounded by fluid on both sides. Tendons that bend sharply around corners, such as the long flexors of the foot, are subject to compressive forces and are enclosed by a tendon sheath. Tendons sheaths are lubricated by synovial fluid in order to reduce friction [1, 2].
A probabilistic approach to assurance of database design

A probabilistic framework for decision-making is developed. It is based on the recognition that if it is impossible to consider every case in which security might be comprised, at the least a rational method of controlling estimated risk is desirable. Multilevel secure databases are considered. The author describes several principle aggregation and inference problems, and shows how the solutions are externalized to the database designer. These externalized problems are reformulated in a context of approximate reasoning or probability. An overview of probability issues is provided and classified into two orthogonal approaches. These concepts are applied to the database design problem, and policies are provided that can be used to control decision-making for controlling in turn the probability of database inference. >
Efficient Application of Boron Fire Retardant to Cellulosic Loose-Fill Insulation

Different methods of applying boron fire-retardant chemicals were investigated for their effectiveness in improving the fire performance of cellulose insulation. Loose-fill insulation derived from newsprint was treated with boric acid/borax (1:1) applied as either a dry powder or an aqueous solution; vapor deposition treatment was also evaluated for applying boric acid. Insulation produced by direct conversion from wood chips was treated with an aqueous solution and by vapor deposition. Nominal fire retardant application levels of 10, 18, and 25% (based on newsprint or wood fiber weight) were employed. The aqueous method gave better flame-spread resistance than dry powder or vapor application. Wavelength dispersive spectroscopy showed more uniform distribution of fire retardant on the fiber surface and penetration into the fiber when applied by the aqueous method. Smoldering resistance showed little dependence on application method but did depend on fire retardant level, insulation density, and particle size. Thermal conductivity was independent of fire-retardant application method, fire retardant level, and insulation density. Overall, wood fiber and newsprint insulation gave very comparable results.
Carbaryl, propham and chlorpropham: A comparison of the rates of hydrolysis and photolysis with the rate of biolysis

Abstract Alkaline hydrolysis half-lives, based on second-order alkaline hydrolysis rate constants, for carbaryl, propham (IPC), and chlorpropham (CIPC) at pH 9 (27°C) are 0.15 > 1 × 10 4 , and > 1 × 10 4 days, respectively. The direct photolysis half-life for carbaryl in sunlight is 6.6 days in distilled water. Calculated minimum half-lives for the direct photolysis of IPC and CIPC in a clear water body near the surface are 254 and 121 days, respectively. Half-lives, based on second-order fungal rate constants, for the IPC and CIPC are calculated under given conditions. Kinetic data on hydrolysis, photolysis, and biolysis are employed as a basis for comparison of the relative importance of these three degradation processes.
Cortical release of labeled compounds during arousal in the cat: correlations with carbon dioxide, brain temperature and EEG.

Abstract The release of 45Ca2+, 3H2O, [14C]-carboxyl-inulin, [3H]-γ-aminobutyric acid, [14C]-taurine, [3H]-5-hydroxytryptamine, [3H]-norepinephrine and [3H]-lysine from cerebral cortex into a superfusion medium has been studied in vivo, using locally anesthetized, immobilized cats. Peaks in the rate of release of all these compounds from the suprasylvian gyrus could be correlated with a diminished amplitude of the cortical EEG and with increases in brain temperature and levels of CO2 in alveolar air. Peaks correlated with pCO2 could still be observed after the topical application of 5 × 10−4 NaCN. Death, produced by an overdose of pentobarbital, resulted in a 45% drop in the release of 45Ca2+ and 3H-GABA followed by irregular peaks in efflux. Superfusion of the cortical surface with a low Ca2+ medium resulted in very regular oscillations in the efflux of a number of isotopes including 45Ca and 3H2O. These oscillations, which had a period of about 6 min, were best observed immediately before or after a train of seizures, while the efflux pattern during seizures was slightly more irregular. The ratio of 45Ca2+ and 3H2O released at this time also rose and fell in phase with the oscillations in efflux. At each individual seizure, the Ca/3H2O ratio fell to a minimum. On two occasions marked long term changes in the amplitude of the EEG were observed to correlate with a change in the amplitude of the oscillations. Hemodynamic factors are considered to affect the rate of release of isotopes into the superfusate but cortical metabolism is also likely to play a role in controlling the rate of release, especially during the oscillations in efflux in low calcium media.
Augmented pasting with indirect pointing

Copy-and-paste (or cut-and-paste) have been a representative metaphor of segmented data exchange between electrical documents in a personal computer. Computing environment is now spreading over life space. Data exchange between mobile phones, tablet devices, and home electric appliances is expected to be intuitive and copy-and-paste is one effective metaphor for such a purpose. In this case, copy-and-paste should be used across device boundaries through real space. In this paper, we focus on realizing ‘paste’ of copy-and-paste through real space. We call such an interface for pasting digital objects through real space as ‘augmented pasting’. As for the approaches of ‘augmented pasting’, there are direct pointing and indirect pointing. The latter is preferable because it needs fewer requirements on the environment, but it is anticipated to be less intuitive. We introduced prototype to explore the design space of augmented pasting and confirmed the disadvantage can be overcome by some visual effects and auxiliary mechanism.
Activated carbon nanofiber anodes for microbial fuel cells

Abstract This investigation considers the use of activated carbon nanofiber nonwoven (ACNFN) as a novel anode for microbial fuel cells (MFCs). ACNFN has an ultra-thin, porous interconnected structure with high bioaccessible surface area. Reduced distances from the free surface to the interior maximize use of the available surface area and this, combined with high macroporosity ensures superior performance by decreasing transport limitations. ACNFN was fabricated by pyrolysis of electrospun polyacrylonitrile and subsequent steam activation. Extensive characterization, including surface morphology, material chemistry, surface area, mechanical strength and biofilm adhesion was performed to validate the use of the material as an MFC anode. Preliminary tests in a single chamber MFC showed current densities of 2715 A/m 3 which is about 10% greater than the highest maximum obtained so far. Further, this was achieved with a conductivity of only a fifth of that of the corresponding material. The bio-electrochemical performance of ACNFN was also compared to that of commonly-used anodes, carbon cloth and granular activated carbon. Such anode architecture will greatly help mitigate low power density issues which are one of the main factors limiting widespread adoption of MFCs.