cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multi-Actor Life-Cycle Assessment of Algal Biofuels for the U.S. Airline Industry

The chapter describes a hybrid approach for assessing the environmental impacts resulting from the production and use of algae-derived biofuels. It addresses the issue of the level of emissions reductions that can be expected from the adoption of algal biofuels. The approach used for answering the question combines a standard life-cycle assessment (LCA) method with the perspectives of multiple actors along the life-cycle stages and supply chain network (e.g. algae growers, refiners, distributors, and users), hence the Multi-Actor Life-cycle Assessment. In addition to the accounting of life-cycle emissions, the decision-making behaviors of actors are considered. The result of the approach is a prediction of emission impacts that may actually take place. The fundamental concepts of multi-actor life-cycle assessment methodology will be described and then applied via a system-based simulation model to assess potential emissions reduction resulting from the adoption of algal biofuels in the U.S. airline industry.
Constructing and Validating Geographically Refined HAZUS-MH4 Hurricane Wind Risk Models: A Machine Learning Approach

Accurate estimation of risk to structures due to hurricane wind hazards is critical for emergency planning and post-event recovery. A widely used model for assessing risks due to hurricane winds at the county or zip code level is the HAZUS-MH4 suite of programs developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Very few studies have attempted to assess the predictive accuracy of HAZUS wind risk models at levels of geographical specificity below counties and zip codes. In this paper, we present a methodology for computing HAZUS predictions of wind damage aggregated to the level of one kilometer square blocks. We use detailed damage data on over 700,000 single-family residences in Harris County collected in September 2008 after Hurricane Ike for evaluating the predictive performance of HAZUS. We show that at this level of aggregation, HAZUS has a predictive accuracy of 29.5%. This finding raises the question of how to improve the predictive accuracy of HAZUS-MH4 models at this level of spatial specificity. It is difficult to manually analyze errors made by HAZUS over a data set with 700,000+ structures, so we devise a statistical machine learning approach to distinguish structures whose damage is correctly predicted by HAZUS from those that are incorrectly predicted. We identify ten potential explanatory variables at the level of each building. These variables include number of floors, terrain, age, whether a building was remodeled, building and land value, proximity to highway, and more refined wind measurements including wind speed, wind swath and wind direction. Our machine learning classifier reveals the relative importance of these variables for improving HAZUS’s predictive performance. In particular, we find that HAZUS’s fragility curves for one and two floor residences in urban terrains need to be refined by incorporating building and land value, age, proximity to a major highway, as well as wind direction and wind swath. These results can be used to build the next generation of HAZUS fragility curves for accurately predicting hurricane wind damage to structures at a spatial specificity of one kilometer square blocks.
An alternative method for mucosal flap closure during peroral endoscopic myotomy using an over-the-scope clipping device.

Maintaining the integrity of the mucosal flap and the reliable closure of mucosal entry during peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is paramount in preventing leakage of esophageal contents into the mediastinal space. We describe our experience with POEM, the problems encountered with closure of mucosal flaps, and successful closure with over-the-scope clips (OTSC). Two patients with achalasia underwent successful endoscopic myotomy during POEM. During both procedures, the proximal end of the longitudinal mucosal incision was noted to be gaping and completion of the closure with standard clips was unsuccessful. The sides of the flap were approximated using a Twin Grasper followed by placement of OTSC. Closure of the mucosal entry appeared to be complete at the end of the procedures. Esophagram the following day revealed no leaks in either patient. There were no other complications and patients were discharged home after 1 – 2 days of hospital observation. Patients reported complete resolution of achalasia symptoms during follow-up. We propose closure of mucosal incisions during POEM using one to two OTSC as an alternative to described techniques. The use of OTSC may simplify the procedure and result in a more durable (i. e. full-thickness) closure.
Non-Religion-Based State Constitutional Challenges to Educational Voucher and Tax Credit Programs

This article provides an overview of non-religion-based state constitutional challenges to educational voucher and tax credit/scholarship programs. The first section discusses litigation examining whether education voucher programs violate constitutional provisions requiring the legislature to provide an efficient system of public schools. The second section looks at litigation examining whether educational voucher programs violate constitutional provisions requiring states to provide a uniform system of public schools. The third section summarizes case law in which plaintiffs have claimed that educational voucher programs violate constitutional requirements that state spending serve a public purpose. The fourth section discusses litigation in which courts have addressed whether educational voucher programs violate local control mandates. The fifth section evaluates challenges to education voucher and scholarship tax credits on the grounds that such policies contravene constitutional mandates that prohibi...
A sensor package for mapping pH and oxygen from mobile platforms

Abstract A novel chemical sensor package named “WavepHOx” was developed in order to facilitate measurement of surface ocean pH, dissolved oxygen, and temperature from mobile platforms. The system comprises a Honeywell Durafet pH sensor, Aanderaa optode oxygen sensor, and chloride ion selective electrode, packaged into a hydrodynamic, lightweight housing. The WavepHOx has been deployed on a stand-up paddleboard and a Liquid Robotics Wave Glider in multiple near-shore settings in the Southern California Bight. Integration of the WavepHOx into these mobile platforms has enabled high spatiotemporal resolution pH and dissolved oxygen data collection. It is a particularly valuable tool for mapping shallow, fragile, or densely vegetated ecosystems which cannot be easily accessed by other platforms. Results from three surveys in San Diego, California, are reported. We show pH and dissolved oxygen variability >0.3 and >50% saturation, respectively, over tens to hundreds of meters to highlight the degree of natural spatial variability in these vegetated ecosystems. When deployed during an extensive discrete sampling program, the WavepHOx pH had a root mean squared error of 0.028 relative to pH calculated from fifty six measurements of total alkalinity and dissolved inorganic carbon, confirming its capacity for accurate, high spatiotemporal resolution data collection.
Kant's Ethical Thought: The formula of universal law

Objective practical principles Kant's initial formulation of the principle of morality is “formal” because it is derived from the “mere concept of a categorical imperative” (G 4:420). A categorical imperative or “practical law,” Kant says, must be “valid in the same form for all rational beings” (KpV 5:19,21). Hence it must determine the will “on grounds which are valid for every rational being as such” (G 4:413). The reason for following it must be “the formal supreme determining ground of the will regardless of any subjective differences among human beings” (KpV 5:32). This must be a reason that is overriding for all rational beings, in the sense that it is the strongest reason they have (though not necessarily the reason that in fact motivates them the most strongly). It must also be numerically the same reason for all rational beings. A categorical imperative “must contain exactly the same determining ground for the will of all rational beings and in all cases” (KpV 5:25). What sort of ground or reason might this be? Clearly, no empirical desire, not even the universal desire we all have for happiness, will meet the conditions required to ground a categorical imperative, for the desire for happiness is of merely empirical origin and not numerically the same reason for you as it is for me.
The Language Question: Considering Three Somali American Students With Autism

Little research addresses the experiences of students with autism living in multilingual families. This multiple case study project examines the language-development-related knowledge and beliefs of paired mothers and educators of three Somali American boys with autism. Data include serial interviews, observations, and analysis of educational documents. Five distinct themes emerged from this study: (a) individuals with autism benefit from exposure to multiple languages, (b) the belief that multilingualism can be confusing for individuals with autism, (c) families value home language exposure, (d) educators are uncertain about providing language recommendations, and (e) information about students' multilingual context is virtually absent from educational documents and Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings. With these findings in mind, implications for practice are discussed.
Cigarette smoking risk-reducing beliefs: Findings from the United States Health Information National Trends Survey.

Abstract Cigarette smoking risk-reducing beliefs are ideas that certain health promoting behaviors (e.g., exercise) may mitigate the risks associated with smoking. The objective of this study was to describe smoking risk-reducing beliefs and the belief that quitting can reduce the harmful effects of smoking among the U.S. adult population and the associations between these beliefs, current smoking status, and sociodemographics. Data were from the Health Information National Trends Survey 4 (HINTS 4) Cycles 3 and 4 (2013–2014; N = 6862). Descriptive analyses were conducted to examine bivariate associations among the quit smoking belief, smoking risk-reducing beliefs, and covariates. Weighted ordinal logistic regression models examined the adjusted associations between smoking status and sociodemographics, with quit smoking belief and risk-reducing beliefs. Eighty-two percent of the population reported that quitting cigarette smoking can help reduce the harmful effects of smoking a lot: former smokers and individuals with higher educational attainment were more likely to endorse this belief than never smokers and those with lower educational attainment. Many people endorsed smoking risk-reducing beliefs about exercise (79.3%), fruits and vegetables (71.8%), vitamins (67.2%), and sleep (68.5%). Former smokers were less likely to subscribe to these beliefs than never smokers. Vulnerable populations who may be most at risk of smoking attributable morbidity and mortality were more likely to endorse risk-reducing beliefs. Future studies are needed to better understand how risk-reducing beliefs are formed and if modifying these beliefs may help to reduce cigarette smoking in the U.S.
Scaling Bias and Record Selection for Quantifying Seismic Structural Demand

AbstractLack of sufficient earthquake records for a given site and hazard level is a frequent challenge in seismic response assessment. This paper considers the response of several simple nonlinear...
Evaluation of the logit/probit transform method to modeling historical resource production and forecasting compared to conventional Hubbert modeling

Abstract This paper compares modeling of historical resource production and forecasting of future production trends using the logit/probit transform advocated by Rutledge (2011) with conventional Hubbert curve fitting, using global coal production as a case study. The conventional Hubbert/Gaussian method fits a curve to historical production data whereas a logit/probit transform uses a linear fit to a subset of transformed production data. Within the errors and limitations inherent in this type of statistical modeling, these methods provide comparable results. That is, despite that apparent goodness-of-fit achievable using the logit/probit methodology, neither approach provides a significant advantage over the other in either explaining the observed data or in making future projections. For mature production regions, those that have already substantially passed peak production, results obtained by either method are stable, and estimates of ultimately recoverable resources obtained by either method are comparable. In contrast, for immature regions, estimates of ultimately recoverable resources generated by either of these alternative methods are unstable and thus, need to be used with caution. Although the logit/probit transform generates high quality-of-fit correspondence with historical production data, this approach provides no new information compared to conventional Gaussian or Hubbert-type models and may have the effect of masking the noise and/or instability in the data and the derived fits. Therefore, production forecasts for immature or marginally mature production systems based on either method need to be regarded with caution.
In Praise of the “Ologies”: A Discussion of and Framework for Using Soft Skills to Sense and Influence Emergent Behaviors in Sociotechnical Systems

Systems engineering has at its core the elucidation and instantiation of certain life-cycle properties that help to define the system of interest. System engineers refer to these life-cycle properties as the “ilities.” The ilities—repeatability, predictability, auditability, quality, reliability, flexibility, scalability, etc.—are nonfunctional requirements and properties that are usually used to evaluate the performance of the system, often after the system is in use. In sociotechnical systems the ilities are important, but there is another set of properties, concepts, and constructs which is derived from the social sciences and are at least as important, if not more so, than the ilities—the “ologies.” Sociotechnical enterprises represent a microsociological construct. The ologies emerge from the interaction of people in the systems and have profound implications for systems engineers and managers analyzing, designing, maintaining, and transforming such systems. Therefore, systems engineers must have an understanding of the disciplines from the social sciences, such as sociology and philosophy. This article serves as an introduction to the prevalence and importance of the social sciences to the discipline of systems engineering, offers one proposed framework for understanding the connected nature of the ologies, and provides systems-relevant background and context provided by these sciences.
Important Group Differences on the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Kidney Symptom Index Disease-Related Symptoms in Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Abstract Background The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Kidney Symptom Index Disease-Related Symptoms (FKSI-DRS) is important to gauge clinical benefit in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Objectives To estimate important difference (ID) in FKSI-DRS scores that is considered to be meaningful when comparing treatment effect between groups, using mRCC trial data. Methods Data were derived from two pivotal phase III mRCC trials comparing sunitinib versus interferon alfa (N = 750) in first-line mRCC, and axitinib versus sorafenib (N = 723) in second-line mRCC. The change from baseline in FKSI-DRS score was examined as a function of a set of anchors using the repeated-measures model. Several anchors were evaluated: FKSI item “I am bothered by side effects of treatment,” EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire utility score, and adverse events. Results When the “I am bothered by side effects of treatment” score was used as an anchor, the ID ranged between 1.2 and 1.3 points. When change in the EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire utility score was used as an anchor, the FKSI-DRS ID ranged between 0.62 and 0.63 points. Selecting the adverse events that corresponded to a maximum worsening in the FKSI-DRS score in either trial, the ID ranged between 0.62 and 0.74 points. Conclusions Among patients undergoing treatment for mRCC, between-group differences in FKSI-DRS scores as low as 1 point might be meaningful.
The Adoption Of Gasb 34 In Small, Rural, Local Governments

In June 1999, the Government Accounting Standards Board issued Government Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 34 - Basic Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis for State and Local Governments (GASB 34) to improve the transparency and accountability of governments. This study examines the adoption of GASB 34 in local governments where the state government does not mandate GAAPcompliant financial reporting. The findings show low adoption rates among small, rural, local governments and high adoption rates among large, urban, local governments. Factors such as occupational specialization, government type, and a history of GAAP-compliant financial reporting are positively associated with adoption.
Measuring nuclear-spin-dependent parity violation with molecules: Experimental methods and analysis of systematic errors

High-precision measurements of nuclear-spin-dependent parity-violation (NSD-PV) effects are demonstrated with the diatomic molecule ${}^{138}$Ba${}^{19}$F, where the sensitivity of the measurements is expected to be sufficient to measure NSD-PV effects of the size anticipated across a wide range of nuclei.
Regex-Based Linkography Abstraction Refinement for Information Security

Linkographs have been used in the past to model behavioral patterns for creative professionals. Recently, linkographs have been applied to the context of cyber security to study the behavioral patterns of remote attackers of cyber systems. We propose a human supervised algorithm that refines abstractions to be used for linkographic analysis of common attack patterns. The refinement algorithm attempts to maximize the accuracy of computer-derived linkographs by optimally merging and splitting abstraction classes, represented as regular expressions (regexes). We first describe an algorithm to select and perform a globally optimal merge of two abstraction classes. We then describe a counterpart algorithm to select and split a single abstraction class into two separate ones. We cast a regex as a conjunction of disjunctions and refine it by adding and removing conjunctive and disjunctive elements. We also show how to use the Stoer-Wagner algorithm, normally used for least cost cuts of graphs, to create two optimal subsets of a set of elements.
Motor imitation in young children with autism : What's the object?

Two studies investigated the nature of motor imitation in young children with autism. Study 1 compared different types of motor imitation in 18 autistic children, 18 children with developmental delay, and 18 normally developing children. Results revealed weaker imitation skills for the autistic group, though all groups demonstrated a similar pattern of performance across different imitation domains. Imitation of body movements was more difficult than imitation of actions with objects, and imitation of nonmeaningful actions was more difficult than imitation of meaningful actions. Study 2 investigated concurrent and predictive relations between imitation and other developmental skills within a sample of 26 two-year-old children with autism. Results suggested that imitation of body movements and imitation of actions with objects represent independent dimensions. Imitation of body movements was concurrently and predictively associated with expressive language skills, and imitation of actions with objects was concurrently associated with play skills. Improvements in both motor imitation domains occurred over a 1-year period.
Equations of the First Kind

We have discussed Fredholm equations of the first kind off and on in previous chapters. These equations occupy a special place since they possess an inherent ill-posedness. This property makes their numerical evaluation difficult; different tecniques are needed to compute such solutions. We shall discuss some of the well-known methods in this chapter.
The Construction of the Social World

Consider the following descriptions: Michael is warm and friendly; he really helps you when you are down. Cindy is a live wire; she makes everyone around her happy. Fred is a serious student; he thinks a lot and is kind of a loser. Barbara is stuck up; she thinks money makes up for brains. These are off-the-top-of-the-head descriptions of four classmates. Do any sound familiar? They are the way many of us might describe people around us.
Directly light-regulated binding of RGS-LOV photoreceptors to anionic membrane phospholipids

We report natural light–oxygen–voltage (LOV) photoreceptors with a blue light-switched, high-affinity (KD ∼ 10−7 M), and direct electrostatic interaction with anionic phospholipids. Membrane localization of one such photoreceptor, BcLOV4 from Botrytis cinerea, is directly coupled to its flavin photocycle, and is mediated by a polybasic amphipathic helix in the linker region between the LOV sensor and its C-terminal domain of unknown function (DUF), as revealed through a combination of bioinformatics, computational protein modeling, structure–function studies, and optogenetic assays in yeast and mammalian cell line expression systems. In model systems, BcLOV4 rapidly translocates from the cytosol to plasma membrane (∼1 second). The reversible electrostatic interaction is nonselective among anionic phospholipids, exhibiting binding strengths dependent on the total anionic content of the membrane without preference for a specific headgroup. The in vitro and cellular responses were also observed with a BcLOV4 homolog and thus are likely to be general across the dikarya LOV class, whose members are associated with regulator of G-protein signaling (RGS) domains. Natural photoreceptors are not previously known to directly associate with membrane phospholipids in a light-dependent manner, and thus this work establishes both a photosensory signal transmission mode and a single-component optogenetic tool with rapid membrane localization kinetics that approaches the diffusion limit.
Morphological Variability among Spawning Populations of Bering Cisco Coregonus laurettae

Bering Cisco Coregonus laurettae is an anadromous coregonine species known almost exclusively from northwestern North America and with only three documented spawning populations, all in Alaska. Previous studies of Bering Cisco phenotypic variation examined individuals collected primarily in coastal rearing habitats where population affiliation was not known. Here we compare meristic counts and morphometric ratios of pre-spawning adults among the three known populations: one each in the Yukon, Kuskokwim, and Susitna rivers in Alaska. We also compare meristic data with those previously reported for this species. Populations in the Yukon and Kuskokwim rivers were very similar, while the population in the Susitna River was significantly divergent for certain meristic counts and morphometric ratios. Our findings are consistent with recent genetic analyses that found the Susitna River population to be the most divergent of the three populations. While the Yukon and Kuskokwim river populations survived the Wisconsinan Ice Age in the Beringian Refugium, the Susitna River population colonized the drainage following ice retreat sometime in the last few thousand years. The population's divergence from the source population in the Yukon or Kuskokwim river could be due to a founder effect or adaptation to different environmental conditions.
Downregulation of SNCA Expression by Targeted Editing of DNA Methylation: A Potential Strategy for Precision Therapy in PD

Elevated levels of SNCA have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD), while normal physiological levels of SNCA are needed to maintain neuronal function. We ought to develop new therapeutic strategies targeting the regulation of SNCA expression. DNA methylation at SNCA intron 1 regulates SNCA transcription, and PD brains showed differential methylation levels compared to controls. Thus, DNA methylation at SNCA intron 1 is an attractive target for fine-tuned downregulation of SNCA levels. Here we developed a system, comprising an all-in-one lentiviral vector, for targeted DNA methylation editing within intron 1. The system is based on CRISPR-deactivated Cas9 (dCas9) fused with the catalytic domain of DNA-methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A). Applying the system to human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived dopaminergic neurons from a PD patient with the SNCA triplication resulted in fine downregulation of SNCA mRNA and protein mediated by targeted DNA methylation at intron 1. Furthermore, the reduction in SNCA levels by the guide RNA (gRNA)-dCas9-DMNT3A system rescued disease-related cellular phenotype characteristics of the SNCA triplication hiPSC-derived dopaminergic neurons, e.g., mitochondrial ROS production and cellular viability. We established that DNA hypermethylation at SNCA intron 1 allows an effective and sufficient tight downregulation of SNCA expression levels, suggesting the potential of this target sequence combined with the CRISPR-dCas9 technology as a novel epigenetic-based therapeutic approach for PD.
2-body:Many-body QM:QM study of structures, energetics, and vibrational frequencies for microhydrated halide ions

The optimised structures, electronic dissociation energies and harmonic vibrational frequencies of microhydrated halide ions have been probed with the MP2 and CCSD(T) quantum mechanical (QM) electr...
PRMT7 as a unique member of the protein arginine methyltransferase family: A review.

Abstract Protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) are found in a wide variety of eukaryotic organisms and can regulate gene expression, DNA repair, RNA splicing, and stem cell biology. In mammalian cells, nine genes encode a family of sequence-related enzymes; six of these PRMTs catalyze the formation of ω-asymmetric dimethyl derivatives, two catalyze ω-symmetric dimethyl derivatives, and only one (PRMT7) solely catalyzes ω-monomethylarginine formation. Purified recombinant PRMT7 displays a number of unique enzymatic properties including a substrate preference for arginine residues in R-X-R motifs with additional flanking basic amino acid residues and a temperature optimum well below 37 °C. Evidence has been presented for crosstalk between PRMT7 and PRMT5, where methylation of a histone H4 peptide at R17, a PRMT7 substrate, may activate PRMT5 for methylation of R3. Defects in muscle stem cells (satellite cells) and immune cells are found in mouse Prmt7 homozygous knockouts, while humans lacking PRMT7 are characterized by significant intellectual developmental delays, hypotonia, and facial dysmorphisms. The overexpression of the PRMT7 gene has been correlated with cancer metastasis in humans. Current research challenges include identifying cellular factors that control PRMT7 expression and activity, identifying the physiological substrates of PRMT7, and determining the effect of methylation on these substrates.
Lessons Learned and Strategies for Recruitment of Diverse, Low-income Patients into an Integrative Medical Group Visit Clinical Trial.

Objective Description of recruitment methods and lessons learned in a randomized controlled trial of underserved patients using an integrative medical group visits intervention. Methods Comparison of the demographic characteristics of participants screened and consented to the study as well as description of recruitment methods used. Outcome Measures This paper examines the characteristics of patients who were eligible compared to those who were not, characteristics of patients at the different sites, and patient characteristics over time (by comparing various cohorts) based on our experiences recruiting underserved patients. Results We screened 338 patients, with 205 (60.6%) meeting eligibility criteria and 159 patients randomized and consented. 133 patients were found ineligible, with the most common reasons being low depression scores (n = 20), manic symptoms (n = 20), and psychotic symptoms (n = 19), and alcohol use (n = 15). We found demographic differences in patients recruited by different methods and at different sites- patients referred by provider letter were older than those referred by self-referral or provider referral (mean age/SD vs. mean age/SD, p = 0.0001). For site-specific differences, patients at DH were older (53 SD = 12.3) than those at the Boston Medical Center (49 SD = 11.3) and CSHC (p = 0.048) in pair-wise comparisons. Patients at DH were also more likely to be white (25%) as compared to BMC (18%) and DH (7%), while those at CSHC were more likely to be black (70%) (p = 0.008).
Student perception surveys for K-12 teacher evaluation in the United States: A survey of surveys

In this overview piece, we document the six student perception surveys (SPSs) currently available for state, district, and school consumption and use, given SPSs are increasingly becoming one of th...
Predicting Exercise With a Personality Facet: Planfulness and Goal Achievement:

Establishing reliable predictors of health behavior is a goal of health psychology. A relevant insight from personality psychology is that facets can predict specific behaviors better than broad traits do. We hypothesized that we could predict physical activity with a facet of conscientiousness related to goal pursuit-planfulness. We measured the relationship between Planfulness Scale scores and physical activity in 282 individuals over a total of 20 weeks, using a piecewise latent growth curve model. We additionally tested whether planfulness uniquely relates to activity when compared with related constructs. Finally, ratings of participants' written goals were correlated with these personality traits and physical activity. We found that planfulness was positively associated with average visits to a recreational center, that planfulness explained unique variance in activity, and that planfulness correlated with the descriptiveness of written goals. We conclude that the Planfulness Scale is a valid measurement uniquely suited to predicting goal achievement.
Nanocellulose Film Modulus Determination Via Buckling Mechanics Approaches

Glassy polymer films are important materials in many manufacturing industries. The rapid and reliable characterization of the elastic modulus is essential for the implementation of these materials in industrial processes. In this study, a freestanding column buckling mechanics approach is utilized to determine the elastic moduli of glassy polymer films. To demonstrate the efficacy of this measurement approach, several types of nanocellulose films are measured (specifically, mechanically fibrillated cellulose nanofibers (CNF), 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TOCNF), and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC)). Two different analysis approaches, the linear intercept (LI) method and the Southwell method, were used to determine the modulus of each film type for various thicknesses. The LI and Southwell methods determined similar moduli for each film type. However, when compared with tensile testing results, the modulus of the TOCNF and CNC films had similar experimental error...
Response to: 'Clarification regarding the statement of the association between the recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) and gout flares' by Didierlaurent et al.

We read with great interest the correspondence from Didierlaurent et al 1 regarding our recent report on the association between vaccination and risk of gout flares using a case-crossover design.2 In particular, we appreciate the clarification that the authors provided regarding the unsolicited adverse events reported during the 30 days after each vaccination, including episodes of gout, with incident gout cases surpassing reports of recurrent gout flares. While this is a notable difference from our online case-crossover study which included only patients with known gout and assessed for recurrent gout flares, this …
Utilizing an Analytical Hierarchy Process with Stochastic Return On Investment to Justify Connected Vehicle-Based Deployment Decisions:

With the increasing interest in connected vehicles (CV), it becomes all the more important to support decisions by transportation agencies to invest in Connected Vehicle to Infrastructure (V2I) app...
Oral bacteria and leaky endothelial junctions in remote extraoral sites.

Periodontitis and periodontal pathogens have been associated with systemic complications that influence comorbid conditions, such as cardiovascular disease. Using a zebrafish larvae infection model, Farrugia et al. show that Porphyromonas gingivalis causes vascular damage and increased endothelial permeability by degrading, via its gingipain proteases, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1, and vascular endothelial cadherin, which are crucial for endothelial junctional integrity. These findings suggest a molecular mechanism whereby this oral pathogen may contribute to endothelial dysfunction and perhaps atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Representative cancer-associated U2AF2 mutations alter RNA interactions and splicing

High-throughput sequencing of hematologic malignancies and other cancers has revealed recurrent mis-sense mutations of genes encoding pre-mRNA splicing factors. The essential splicing factor U2AF2 recognizes a polypyrimidine-tract splice-site signal and initiates spliceosome assembly. Here, we investigate representative, acquired U2AF2 mutations, namely N196K or G301D amino acid substitutions associated with leukemia or solid tumors, respectively. We determined crystal structures of the wild-type (WT) compared with N196K- or G301D-substituted U2AF2 proteins, each bound to a prototypical AdML polypyrimidine tract, at 1.5, 1.4, or 1.7 A resolutions. The N196K residue appears to stabilize the open conformation of U2AF2 with an inter-RNA recognition motif hydrogen bond, in agreement with an increased apparent RNA-binding affinity of the N196K-substituted protein. The G301D residue remains in a similar position as the WT residue, where unfavorable proximity to the RNA phosphodiester could explain the decreased RNA-binding affinity of the G301D-substituted protein. We found that expression of the G301D-substituted U2AF2 protein reduces splicing of a minigene transcript carrying prototypical splice sites. We further show that expression of either N196K- or G301D-substituted U2AF2 can subtly alter splicing of representative endogenous transcripts, despite the presence of endogenous, WT U2AF2 such as would be present in cancer cells. Altogether, our results demonstrate that acquired U2AF2 mutations such as N196K and G301D are capable of dysregulating gene expression for neoplastic transformation.
Preoperative optimization and enhanced recovery for colorectal surgery

Abstract The preoperative window represents a significant opportunity for ongoing clinical improvement through implementation of existing evidence-based practices, as well as the discovery of new strategies for reducing operative morbidity. While novel concepts such as prehabilitation and immunonutrition have captured some attention, in general, the preoperative window is under-studied relative to intraoperative and postoperative interventions. This chapter will review current evidence surrounding preoperative optimization for colorectal surgery patients with a focus on novel topics and special patient populations.
Implications of the Landmark ISCHEMIA Trial on the Initial Management of High-Risk Patients with Stable Ischemic Heart Disease.

In the decades following the advent of percutaneous coronary intervention, the optimal treatment strategy for managing stable ischemic heart disease has remained a topic of debate. The purpose of this review is to discuss current literature that provides insight into preferred treatment strategies for managing stable coronary artery disease. The COURAGE trial (2007) compared patients with stable coronary artery disease treated with percutaneous coronary intervention plus optimal medical therapy versus optimal medical therapy alone and found no difference in death from any cause and non-fatal myocardial infarction at 4.6 years. The more recent ISCHEMIA trial (2020) compared an initial invasive revascularization strategy with optimal medical therapy to optimal medical therapy alone and similarly found no difference in death from cardiovascular causes, myocardial infarction, or hospitalization for unstable angina, heart failure, or resuscitated cardiac arrest at 5 years. When applied to a broad population with stable coronary artery disease, evidence suggests there is no benefit to an initial invasive revascularization strategy relative to optimal medical therapy alone. Further investigation is warranted to determine whether there are subgroups of individuals that may benefit from earlier revascularization.
Finite State Machine Decomposition

Finite state machine (FSM) decomposition is concerned with the implementation of a FSM as a set of smaller interacting submachines. Such an implementation is desirable for a number of reasons. A partitioned sequential circuit usually leads to improved performance as a result of a reduction in the longest path between latch inputs and outputs. This fact is particularly true when the individual submachines are implemented as Programmable Logic Arrays (PLAs). It appears that the primary interest in using decomposition tools in industry stems from a need to improve the performance of FSM controllers, which often dictates the required duration of the system clock. FSM decomposition can be applied directly when Programmable Gate Array (PGAs) or Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs) are the target technology. Such technologies are characterized by I/O or gate-limited blocks of logic and latches into which the circuit must be mapped. In many cases, it is desirable for reasons of clock-skew minimization or simplifying the layout to distribute the control logic for a data path in such a manner that the portions of the data path and control that interact closely are placed next to each other. FSM decomposition can also be used for this purpose. Partitioning of the logic implementing the FSM could result in simplified layout constraints resulting in smaller chip area. In PLA-based FSMs, decomposition has the effect of partitioning the PLA that implements the original FSM into smaller interacting PLAs that implement the individual submachines. In such situations, an area reduction can be attributed to PLA partitioning. Finally, it is not computationally feasible for current multilevel logic minimizers (e.g. MIS-II [10]) to search all possible area minimal solutions. In some cases, an initially-decomposed FSM could correspond to a superior starting point for multilevel logic minimization.
Toward an Addictionary

Abstract A confusing array of terms is used to describe alcohol-and other drug-related problems and individuals with such problems. The terms used to describe these phenomena should be explicit, precisely defined, and used consistently to aid unambiguous clinical and scientific communication and promote clearer appraisal of, and generalizations from, empirical findings. Furthermore, because our terminology has implications for patients (e.g., stigma), programs (e.g., treatment access), and policy (e.g., appropriation of healthcare funding), we should think more critically about our choice of terms and what may be communicated by their use. Specific language is suggested along with a simple algorithm to facilitate the consistent use of terms such as “misuse,” “abuse” and “dependence,” as well as “alcohol,” “drug,” and “substance use disorders.”
Applications of binary neural networks learning to pattern classification

This paper considers the use of binary neural networks for pattern classification. An expand-and-truncate learning (ETL) algorithm is used to determine the required number of neurons as well as the connecting weights in a three-layered feedforward network for classifying input patterns. The ETL algorithm is guaranteed to find a network for any binary-to-binary mappings. The ETL algorithm's performance in pattern classification is tested using a breast cancer database that have been used for benchmarking performance other machine learning methods. The ETL algorithm decomposes an arbitrarily linearly nonseparable function into multiple linearly separable functions, each of which is realized by a neuron in the hidden layer. ETL first finds the required hyperplanes for the given patterns, based on a geometrical analysis of the given patterns. The weights and thresholds are determined based on these identified hyperplanes. Depending on the given training patterns, the required number of neurons in the hidden layer will be determined by ETL. >
Resuscitation of the newborn infant; use of the positive pressure oxygen-air lock.

Summary 1. Infants may be oxygenated quickly and respirations stimulated under an increase of total oxygen and carbon dioxide diffusion pressures. 2. The absorption of oxygen through the skin and upper-respiratory tract is a most important mechanism for the initial onset of respiration. Varying of pressure aids in this mechanism. 3. Oxygen appears at this time to be the one gas necessary for the prompt stimulation of the respiratory center. 4. The diffusion of oxygen in the plasma and its use by the tissue cells of the premature infant is favored by pressure in a considerable number of premature infants. In 12 per cent of the premature infants processed by positive pressure it appears that positive pressure is the only mechanism enabling the premature infant to get by the respiratory block seen developing early in life. 5. The expansion of gases expels fluids and secretions from the upper-respiratory tract in approximately one of five asphyxiated newborn infants. 6. Total positive pressures employed by the mother in labor and used in this study subjects the infant to no danger and may be continued for long periods. 7. The placing of an infant in a positive pressure oxygen air lock for resuscitation eliminates the possibility of danger from perforation of the lungs and intestines seen in a few attempts with vigorous manual resuscitation. 8. The tracheal catheter from this study and other studies indicates that it is an instrument fraught with danger and its use should be discontinued. 9. The mortality rate in a large maternity hospital has been lowered approximately 25 per cent from a slight reduction in the premature delivery rate and the use of the positive pressure oxygen air lock in resuscitating asphyxiated newborn infants.
Boundary layer sources for the Asian anticyclone: Regional contributions to a vertical conduit

[1] The transport of air from the planetary boundary layer (PBL) into the Asian Summer Monsoon anticyclone is investigated using backward trajectories initiated within the anti-cyclone at 100 mb and 200 mb during August 2011. Transport occurs through a well-defined conduit centered over the southern Tibetan plateau, where convection lofts air parcels into the anticyclone. The conduit, as a dynamical feature, is distinct from the anticyclone. Thus, while the anticyclone influences transport through the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere, it does not by itself define a transport pipeline through that region. To quantify model sensitivities, parcel trajectories are calculated using wind fields from multiple analysis data sets (European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, National Center for Environmental Prediction's Global Forecasting System, and NASA's Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications [MERRA]) and from synthetically modified data sets that explore the roles of vertical motion and horizontal resolution for discrepancies among these calculations. All calculations agree on the relative contributions to PBL sources for the anticyclone from large-scale regions with Tibetan Plateau and India/SE Asia being the most important. However, they disagree on the total fraction of air within the anticyclone that was recently in the PBL. At 200 mbar, calculations using MERRA are clear outliers due to problematic vertical motion in those data. Large differences among the different data sets at 100 mbar are more closely related to horizontal resolution. It is speculated that this reflects the importance of deep, small-scale convective updrafts for transport to 100 mbar.
Antibiotic use in food animals: controlling the human health impact.

Resistance to antimicrobial drugs has compromised control of many bacterial pathogens. For foodborne pathogens, the most likely source of resistance is use of antimicrobials in food-producing animals. To control the human health impact from use of antimicrobials in animals, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced plans to assess the microbial safety of all antimicrobials intended for use in food-producing animals. This paper describes the history of antimicrobial use and regulation in animals, the public health concern, the current animal drug approval process in the United States, the international perspective, and FDA's proposed procedures to evaluate the human health impact of the antimicrobial effects associated with animal drugs intended for use in food-producing animals. The primary public health goal of the improved regulatory paradigm is to ensure that significant human antimicrobial therapies are not lost due to use of antimicrobials in food animals.
The Principles and Practice of International Commercial Arbitration: Introduction to International Commercial Arbitration

PURPOSE Arbitration is a private system of adjudication. Parties who arbitrate have decided to resolve their disputes outside of any judicial system. In most instances, arbitration involves a final and binding decision, producing an award that is enforceable in a national court. The decision-makers (the arbitrators), usually one or three, are generally chosen by the parties. Parties also decide whether the arbitration will be administered by an international arbitral institution, or will be ad hoc, which means no institution is involved. The rules that apply are the rules of the arbitral institution, or other rules chosen by the parties. In addition to choosing the arbitrators and the rules, parties can choose the place of arbitration and the language of arbitration. Arbitration thus gives the parties substantial autonomy and control over the process that will be used to resolve their disputes. This is particularly important in international commercial arbitration because parties do not want to be subject to the jurisdiction of the other party's court system. Each party fears the other party's “home court advantage.” Arbitration offers a more neutral forum, where each side believes it will have a fair hearing. Moreover, the flexibility of being able to tailor the dispute resolution process to the needs of the parties, and the opportunity to select arbitrators who are knowledgeable in the subject matter of the dispute, make arbitration particularly attractive. Today, international commercial arbitration has become the norm for dispute resolution in most international business transactions.