cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Outlook of Application of Aberration Corrected-Electron Microscopy in the Ligandprotected Metal Clusters

HUIPING XU*, RAY D. TWESTEN**, LAURENT MENARD***, ANATOLY FRENKEL****, RALPH NUZZO***, DUANE JOHNSON*****, JUDITH C. YANG * * Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261. ** Center for Microanalysis of Materials, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801. *** Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801. **** Department of Physics, Yeshiva University, New York, NY 10016. ***** Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801 Significant improvement on activity/selectivity of catalysts would be achieved, when their scale is reduced to small size, specifically, the subnanometer regime (<1nm), such as gold[1]. 3-dimensional structural characterization of metal nanoparticles would be required to understand the mechanism of catalysts. However, it is difficult to determine accurately important required parameters (size, crystal structure, polyhedral shape, and bond information) of individual subnano-clusters at atomic level by the conventional high-resolution electron microscopy(HREM) and high angle annular dark field (HAADF) -scanning transmission EM (STEM) imaging. The detrimental effect of lens aberration on the conventional HREM and HAADF imaging for subnanometer metal clusters has been observed. For example, both Fresnel fringes around the particles and strong phase contrast from the carbon films occur in a HREM image (Figure 1) and the obscured edges of the particles in a HAADF image (Figure 2) and these images are taken from our newly synthesized ligand-protected Au
Peritoneal Dialysis Solutions for the 21st Century

Existing peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions were formulated for the maintenance of fluid and electrolyte balance, correction of metabolic acidosis, and the removal of metabolic waste products. Solutions currently in development are designed to improve biocompatibility by neutralizing pH and reducing glucose degradation products. PD solutions developed for the 21st century will address major clinical needs related to the maintenance of adequate nutrition, improvement of cardiovascular comorbidity, preservation of peritoneal membrane function, and adequacy of dialysis. Nutrineal is the first example of a PD solution to address such a clinical need. Another example is a low sodium solution to improve sodium balance thereby reducing the incidence of hypertension and the need for antihypertensive medication. New solutions under investigation will employ additives to protect the peritoneal membrane during peritonitis and chronic PD and to optimize PD therapy via improvements in ultrafiltration and solute clearances. Examples include the use of antioxidants to reduce oxidative damage during peritonitis and the use of glycosaminoglycans or other additives to enhance ultrafiltration. Future concepts include remodeling of the peritoneum, for example, the use of mesothelial gene therapy to introduce metabolic and anabolic machinery to remove or perpetually recycle metabolic wastes. The 21st century promises to be an exciting and fruitful time for the investigation and development of new products for the improvement of PD therapy.
Effects of seven silvicultural treatments on terrestrial salamanders

We compared the relative abundance of terrestrial salamanders before and after application of seven regeneration treatments in a low-elevation, southern Appalachian hardwood forest in southwest Virginia. Treatments included understory removal, group selection, two shelterwoods, leave-tree, clearcut, and a control. Salamander relative abundance was significantly lower after harvest on the group selection (pa0.005), shelterwoods (pa0.007 and pa0.015), leave-tree (pa0.001), and clearcut treatments (pa0.001). There was no significant difference in relative abundance during the same period on the control (pa0.788) or understory removal (pa0.862) treatments. # 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Analysis of Monte Carlo methods applied to blackbody and lower emissivity cavities

Monte Carlo methods are often applied to the calculation of the apparent emissivities of blackbody cavities. However, for cavities with complex as well as some commonly encountered geometries, the emission Monte Carlo method experiences problems of convergence. The emission and absorption Monte Carlo methods are compared on the basis of ease of implementation and convergence speed when applied to blackbody sources. A new method to determine solution convergence compatible with both methods is developed, and the convergence speeds of the two methods are compared through the application of both methods to a right-circular cylinder cavity. It is shown that the absorption method converges faster and is easier to implement than the emission method when applied to most blackbody and lower emissivity cavities.
Effects of Dibutyryl Cyclic AMP on Adrenal Growth and Steroidogenic Capacity

Dibutyryl cyclic AMP, 25 mg given subcutaneously twice daily for 5 days to hypophysectomized rats, resulted in partial maintenance of adrenal weight, and content ofDNA, RNA and protein. There was also partial maintenance of the adrenal steroidogenic response to an intravenous injection of ACTH. (Endocrinology 84: 168, 1969)
Sustained Early Growth Response Gene 3 Expression Inhibits the Survival of CD4/CD8 Double-Positive Thymocytes

In the absence of selection, CD4+, CD8+ double-positive (DP) thymocytes will die after 3-4 days. The mechanism for regulating the life span of DP cells is unknown. Previously, we demonstrated that the zinc finger transcription factor, early growth response gene 3 (Egr3), promotes proliferation during the transition from double negative (DN) to DP. In this study we demonstrate a novel role for Egr3 in controlling DP thymocyte survival in mice. Constitutive transgenic expression of Egr3 in thymocytes increases apoptosis among DP cells and shortens their survival in vitro. In addition, DP cells in Egr3 transgenic mice have poor expression of TCRalpha, and based on the predominant usage of 3' Valpha and 5' Jalpha gene segments, the low level of TCRalpha expression is a result of DP death soon after the initiation of TCRalpha rearrangements. Constitutive transgenic expression of Egr3 results in poor expression of Bcl-x(L) and the thymic isoform of retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor gamma (RORgammat) in DP thymocytes, two molecules that are required in DP cells for normal life span. Egr3 expression induced by pre-TCR signals in nontransgenic mice is transient and returns to background levels before RORgammat or Bcl-x(L) is induced. The data support a model in which Egr3 must be transiently induced in response to pre-TCR signals, so that the expression of the prosurvival molecules, RORgammat and Bcl-x(L), can be elevated only after the proliferative signal provided by Egr3 has subsided.
Management of duodenal injuries in children

Abstract Background/purpose The natural history and management of pediatric duodenal injuries are incompletely described. This study sought to review injury mechanism, surgical management, and outcomes from a collected series of pediatric duodenal injuries. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted for a 10-year period of all children less than 18 years old treated for duodenal injuries at 2 pediatric trauma centers. Results Forty-two children were treated for duodenal injuries. There were 33 blunt and 9 penetrating injuries. Injuries were classified using the Organ Injury Scale for the Duodenum. Twenty-four patients underwent operative management by primary repair (18), duodenal resection and gastrojejunostomy (4), or pyloric exclusion (2). Duodenal hematomas were treated nonoperatively in 94% of cases. The average ISS for operative versus nonoperative cases was 23 and 10, respectively. Delay in diagnosis or operative intervention (>24 hours) was associated with increased complication rate (43% v 29%) and hospitalization (32 v 20 days). Nine children requiring surgery experienced delays and were most highly associated with foreign body, child abuse, and bicycle injuries. There were no deaths caused by duodenal injuries. Conclusions Duodenal injuries in children were predominantly blunt and had a low mortality rate. When surgery was required, primary repair was usually feasible.
Laxative Action of Succinates in Man

Abstract The laxative effect of 260 10‐Gm. doses of succinic acid, sodium succinate, and magnesium succinate administered to 30 patients suffering with chronic constipation is reported. No nephrotoxic action was noted upon prolonged administration. A dosage form is suggested to overcome the unpleasant effects sometimes experienced by the ingestion of simple solutions of succinates in water.
Validation of ISCCP Cloud Detections

This paper describes the validation of the International Satellite Cloud Climatology project (ISCCP)cloud detections by verifying the accuracy of the infrared clear-sky radiances. Comparison of retrieved surface temperatures to other measurements shows that bias errors are less than 2 K and random errors are about 2 K for sea surface (monthly means at 280-km scales) and that bias errors are less than 2 K and random errors are about 4 K for land surfaces (3 hourly at 280-km scales). Bias errors over a few persistently cloudy locations are sometimes -(2-4) K and over winter sea ice may be about +2 K. Surface reflectances are confirmed to be within 3% of other measurements and models for ocean, except for sun glint geometries, and to be within 3%-5% for land surfaces. Sufficiently accurate validation data are not avilable for visible reflectances of sea ice and snow-covered land, but some tests of specific cases suggest that errors are approximately 10%. These errors in clear-sky radiances suggest uncertainties in the ISCCP cloud detections of about 10% with a small (3%-6%) negative bias over land. Some specific regions exhibit both larger rms uncertainties and somewhat larger biases in cloud amount approaching 10%. ISCCP cloud detections are more in error over the polar regions than anywhere else. Based on comparisons with an anlysis of radiances measured at other wavelengths, the ISCCP analysis appears to miss 15%-25% of the clouds in summer but only 5%-10% of the winter clouds.
Water Hammer Analysis

Simplified methods of calculating hydraulic transients are set forth, with techniques for increasing the computing time interval over that permitted by the characteristics method. Lumping and interpolation methods are compared with mixed implicit and characteristics methods. Complex boundary conditions are treated, including a spring-mass system with coulomb friction, an accumulator with inertia and fluid friction, pump failures, and column separation.
A simplification in the conditions for the zero-length-spring seismograph*

It has been found that for the zero-length-spring seismograph recently described the length of the arm need not equal the distance from the pivot to the point of attachment of the spring. The proof of the infinite period is given for the more general case, and the effect on the period of slight deviations from the conditions for infinite period is shown.
Iron Complexes of Square Planar Tetradentate Polypyridyl-Type Ligands as Catalysts for Water Oxidation.

The tetradentate ligand, 2-(pyrid-2′-yl)-8-(1″,10″-phenanthrolin-2″-yl)-quinoline (ppq) embodies a quaterpyridine backbone but with the quinoline C8 providing an additional sp2 center separating the two bipyridine-like subunits. Thus, the four pyridine rings of ppq present a neutral, square planar host that is well suited to first-row transition metals. When reacted with FeCl3, a μ-oxo-bridged dimer is formed having a water bound to an axial metal site. A similar metal-binding environment is presented by a bis-phenanthroline amine (dpa) which forms a 1:1 complex with FeCl3. Both structures are verified by X-ray analysis. While the FeIII(dpa) complex shows two reversible one-electron oxidation waves, the FeIII(ppq) complex shows a clear two-electron oxidation associated with the process H2O–FeIIIFeIII → H2O–FeIVFeIV → O═FeVFeIII. Subsequent disproportionation to an Fe═O species is suggested. When the FeIII(ppq) complex is exposed to a large excess of the sacrificial electron-acceptor ceric ammonium nitrate...
AB INITIO STUDY OF THE MECHANISM FOR THE REACTION OF CF2 RADICALS WITH OH

The reaction of difluorocarbene (CF2) radicals with OH is studied by ab initio molecular orbital theory. The potential energy surface of the reaction system is explored with density functional theory (B3LYP) and second-order Moller−Plesset perturbation theory (MP2). The quadratic configuration interaction [QCISD(T)] method is used to compute the energetics. The mechanism of the reaction is proposed for the first time. It is found that the major products of the reaction are CF2O and H atoms. The products can be produced through the CF2OH or CHF2O intermediates involved in the reaction. The suggestion of CF2O as a product of the CF2 + OH reaction is consistent with experiments.
Professional Artisans in the Hispanic Southwest: The Churches of San Antonio, Texas

The rediscovery of classical civilization and the rapid spread of Humanism through the writings of Erasmus, ushered in the Renaissance. The reawakening turned people outward from the involuted, mystically oriented outlook of the Medieval era. It was a time of rapid change, the period of the Reformation and Counter-Reformation. The new philosophic outlook was manifested in the arts, and the Gutenberg press and copperplate engraving disseminated new ideas along with classicism. The discovery and publication in 1511 of the Roman builder, Vitruvius, was the catalyst to the renewed interest in Greco-Roman forms. These classical forms, however, were for the most part, an external expression of classic Roman “orders” (Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian and Composite) imposed upon structural innovations formulated in the Gothic period. Since highly skilled craftsmen such as Cellini, Ghiberti, Donatello and Brunelleschi worked as painters and sculptors as well as architects, buildings tended to be treated as surfaces and backdrops for embellishment.
A four-parameter rheological model and its hydraulic calculation formulas

A four-parameter rheological model was proposed for accurately describing any time-independent drilling fluid.A variety of data from literatures were used to evaluate the fitting effect of the four-parameter model to different fluids.A generalized hydraulic calculation model was developed,which was applicable to any time-independent non-Newtonian fluid.The laminar flow pressure loss computing model was built using the characteristic parameter method of pipe flow.The turbulent pressure loss was calculated by using the semi-empirical formula.The flow regime method was established by quoting a generalized flow behavior index and the generalized Reynolds number.The computer program of the four-parameter model was developed.The predictions of the developed method were compared with several sets of experimental hydraulic data from different sources.The tested cases include laminar and turbulent flows of various drilling fluids in both pipe and annular geometry.The generalized hydraulic calculation method is superior to currently available standard techniques.
Robust receiver design based on FEC code diversity in pilot-contaminated multi-user massive MIMO systems

This work investigates robust receiver design against pilot-contaminated channel estimation in large multi-antenna systems. Given bounded channel estimate errors, we tackle the multi-user detection problem by presenting a novel idea of exploiting the forward error correction (FEC) code diversity. Unlike the traditional approach based on worst-case or probabilistic channel error, we distribute different channel codes among pilot-interfering users. We then develop a quadratic-programming receiver to utilize the special FEC signature of target user through a set of linear code constraints. Numerical results demonstrate substantial performance gain over existing robust detectors.
Proportionality Outside the Courts (With Special Reference to Popular and Political Constitutionalism)

As used in this paper, “proportionality” names a protocol for use in deciding questions of the constitutionality of laws. The protocol is typically understood to consist of a four- or five-step order of decisional march, of which there are multiple close-kindred versions in circulation. Debates about the virtues, vices, and variations of the protocol and its deployment routinely construct the theater of action as a court of law engaged in judicial constitutional review. Adjudicative use of the protocol is what we think of as the central case. An aim of this paper is to achieve some first steps towards figuring out what relevance, if any, the protocol of proportionality might have for “extended” cases (as we may call them) of constitutional discourses outside the courts. I try here to think about the protocol’s pertinence, if any, to political-practice idealizations in which other political actors displace independent judiciaries as sole or final arbiters of constitutional compliance.
Serotonin (5-HT) 5-HT2C receptor (5-HT2CR) agonist lorcaserin suppresses cocaine or oxycodone cue reactivity

Aims: Almost half of women who smoke prior to pregnancy achieveabstinenceduringpregnancy, butnearly50%relapsewithin 2 weeks of delivery. Despite considerable study, there are few strategies that effectively combat smoking relapse in this population. Thus, we tested a novel technique: the use of smart-phones to administer attentional retraining (AR) as an ecological momentary assessment intervention for relapse prevention in postpartum women. We hypothesized that relative to control, women randomized to AR would show less attentional bias (AB) toward smoking-related stimuli, and a decrease in craving. Methods:Women (N=11)were recruitedduringpregnancyand carried a smart-phone as they went about their daily lives for 1–2 weeks in the lastmonthofpregnancyand immediatelypostpartum. Participants were randomized to receive AR (N=6) or attentional control (N=5). The smartphone randomly alerted participants (4 times/day) to respond to questions assessing subjective states, followed by AR (or control) procedures utilizing a visual probe task. Outcomemeasures included attentional bias for smoking and craving. Results: Participants carried a smartphone for a mean of 20.2 days, completed 444 assessments (60.14% pregnancy; 39.86% postpartum) and 2.92 assessments per day. Craving increased from pregnancy (M=1.40, SD=1.23) to postpartum (M=2.28, SD=2.27); postpartum participants reported having smoked since the last assessment on 12.64% of assessments, and 8 women reported smoking at least 1 cigarette during the study. AB was more negative in theAR group (n=35 assessments,M=−52.6ms, SD=122) vs. controls (n=44 assessments, M=18.5ms, SD=146) (p<0.05, using a linear mixed model). Conclusions: Findings suggest that AR reduced AB to smoking cues and that women in the AR group attended away from smoking cues. This study demonstrates that AR can be administered on a mobile device, women experience craving postpartum, which is associated with AB, and AR can reduce AB to smoking cues in perinatal women. Financial support: This study was funded by NIDA, K12-DA000167.
An historical and archaeological evaluation of the CSS Georgia

The CSS Georgia was a Confederate ironclad built in 1862 and deployed as part of the Savannah Squadron of the Confederate States Navy until December 1864. Intentionally sunk, the vessel has remained relatively intact except where damaged by harbor development activities. An archaeological and electronic instrumental survey of the wrecksite was begun in 1979 and continued at yearly intervals until 1984. The survey resulted in 1) the positive identification of the site as that of the CSS Georgia, 2) a distributional map of exposed features of the site, most notably the armored casemate, and 3) data to augment the paucity of historical information on the vessel’s specific dimensions. Other elements of the study were the analysis and conservation of recovered structural materials and artifacts.
Advanced Age As a Risk Factor for Folate-Induced Cobalamin (Cbl) Deficiency

Abstract 5268 Folate therapy can induce or exacerbate neuro-cognitive changes in patients with clinically significant Cbl deficiency. High serum folate (sFol) values in subjects with low Cbl levels have also been associated with increases in the Cbl-dependent metabolite, methylmalonic acid (MMA) as well as with hematologic, neuro-cognitive and fetal abnormalities, raising concerns about the use of both folate supplements and folate-fortified grains. However, in a more recent study of young adults, MMA values were unaffected by high sFol values. Significantly, advanced age is also linked to increased MMA values even when Cbl values are normal. Thus, a retrospective study was performed of 91 non-diabetic subjects with normal renal function and low-normal Cbl values (201–300 pg/ml) who were evaluated for Cbl deficiency in an ambulatory care setting over a 10 year period to determine if age is a significant determinant of the metabolic interaction of sFol and Cbl when Cbl levels are within the normal reference range. In older individuals (≥60 yrs) with low-normal serum Cbl values, the geometric mean MMA value was significantly higher (401 nmol/l; n=11) when sFol values were elevated (>20 ng/ml) than when sFol values were normal (298 nmol/l; n=35)(p Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Use of Fly Ash to Minimize Deicing Salt Damage in Concrete Pavements

Premature damage has been observed at the joints in numerous concrete pavements where calcium chloride and magnesium chloride deicing salts have been used. This damage results from a reaction between the deicing salt and the calcium hydroxide (CH) in the hydrated cement paste. This reaction leads to the formation of an expansive product known as calcium oxychloride (CAOXY). The use of supplementary cementitious materials as a replacement for cement has been proposed to reduce the CH that is available in the mixture to react with the deicing salts. Reducing the CH can reduce the amount of CAOXY that forms. In this study, mixtures representative of paving concrete were made with cements and fly ashes from across the country. CH amounts were determined by using thermogravimetric analysis, and CAOXY amounts were determined by using low-temperature differential scanning calorimetry. Various replacement levels of fly ash were used to demonstrate that the main parameter that influences the amounts of CH and CAOX...
Belatacept: the challenges with transformational drugs.

Dr. Westhoff’s commentary on the recent article in the NEJM detailing the 7-year follow up study comparing the outcome of belatacept vs. cyclosporine in kidney transplantation is thoughtful, insightful and balanced (1) The pursuit of a CNI-free regimen that is effective, non-nephrotoxic and lacks the added cardiovascular risks inherent to the CNIs has been frustrating with multiple drugs having failed because of lack of efficacy or safety. The only agent to emerge from 2 decades of clinical trials is belatacept approved by the FDA in 2011. If belatacept offers all the advantages listed by Dr. Westhoff, why then the reluctance by transplant physicians to adopt it for wider use. With any transformative drug, there is a learning curve on how best to use the drug and who is most likely to benefit from it.
Letter to my children from a place called Land

Initially written in the form of an essay, this letter is written to my children from a place called Land. It unveils the entanglements coloniality creates in young, racialized, and gendered lives ...
New Sensors for Ocean Observing: The Optical Phytoplankton Discriminator

Abstract Identification and quantification of phytoplankton are critical variables that future ocean observation systems are capable of measuring. Phytoplankton are integral to societal needs such as carbon cycling, food web dynamics, coastal hypoxia and harmful algal blooms. Traditional sampling and analysis of phytoplankton are time-consuming, costly, and provide limited spatial and temporal coverage. The BreveBuster, initially conceived as a means to provide automated early warning of blooms of the harmful alga Karenia brevis , utilized the light absorption signature of K. brevis to detect that species in natural phytoplankton communities. It was adapted for use on benchtops, stationary platforms, and autonomous underwater vehicles. Its function was broadened to discriminate phytoplankton community structure and light absorption of chromophoric dissolved organic matter resulting in the current Optical Phytoplankton Discriminator (OPD). These capabilities suggest that the OPD can play a critical role in ocean observing systems by providing information on relevant biological and optical properties.
Multiple instance learning for classification of human behavior observations

Analysis of audiovisual human behavior observations is a common practice in behavioral sciences. It is generally carried through by expert annotators who are asked to evaluate several aspects of the observations along various dimensions. This can be a tedious task. We propose that automatic classification of behavioral patterns in this context can be viewed as a multiple instance learning problem. In this paper, we analyze a corpus of married couples interacting about a problem in their relationship. We extract features from both the audio and the transcriptions and apply the Diverse Density-Support Vector Machine framework. Apart from attaining classification on the expert annotations, this framework also allows us to estimate salient regions of the complex interaction.
Reliability and validity of severity dimensions of psychopathology assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID)

This study examined whether the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM (SCID), a widely used semistructured interview designed to assess psychopathology categorically, can be adapted to identify reliable and valid severity dimensions of psychopathology. The present study also examined whether these severity dimensions have better psychometric properties (internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and concurrent and predictive validity) than categorical diagnoses. Participants (N = 234) were recruited from the community and clinics. Retest reliability and prospective predictive validity (symptoms and functioning 1 year later) were examined in subsamples of participants. Dimensional severity scales were created from an adapted version of the SCID for both current and lifetime major depression, alcohol, substance, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic, agoraphobia, social anxiety, specific phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. The SCID's severity scales demonstrated substantial internal consistency (all Cronbach's αs >.80), test-retest reliability, and concurrent and predictive validity. Symptom severity scales demonstrated significant incremental validity over and above categorical diagnoses for both current and prospective outcomes. The psychometric properties of SCID-identified symptom scales were far superior to the psychometrics of categorical diagnoses for both current and lifetime psychopathology. These results highlight the feasibility and utility of the SCID to assess reliable and valid symptom severity dimensions of both current and lifetime psychopathology.
Nanosecond laser-metal ablation at different ambient conditions

Abstract Ablation of metals under different ambient conditions and laser fluences, was investigated through series of experiments. A 1064 nm, 6 ns Nd:YAG laser was used to ablate 1 mm thick metal targets with laser energy ranging from 2 mJ to 300 mJ. The experiments were designed to study the effect of material properties, laser fluence, ambient gas, and ambient pressure on laser-metal ablation. The first experiment was conducted under vacuum to study the effect of laser fluence and material properties on metal ablation, using a wide range of laser fluences (2 J/cm2 up to 300 J/cm2) and two different targets, Al and W. The second experiment was conducted at atmospheric pressure using two different ambient gases air and argon, to understand the effect of ambient gas on laser-metal ablation process. The third experiment was conducted at two different pressures (10 Torr and 760 Torr) using the same ambient gas to investigate the effect of ambient pressure on laser-metal ablation. To compare the different ablation processes, the amount of mass ablated, ablation depth, crater profile and melt formation were measured using White Light Profilometer (WLP). The experimental results show that at low laser fluence: the ablated mass, ablation depth, and height of molten layer follow a logarithmic function of the incident laser fluence. While, at high laser fluence they follow a linear function. This dependence on laser fluence was found to be independent on ambient conditions and irradiated material. The effect of ambient pressure was more pronounced than the effect of ambient gas type. Plasma shielding effect was found to be very pronounced in the presence of ambient gas and led to significant reduction in the total mass ablation.
Update on the Health Services Research Doctoral Core Competencies

Objective To present revised core competencies for doctoral programs in health services research (HSR), modalities to deliver these competencies, and suggested methods for assessing mastery of these competencies. Data sources and data collection Core competencies were originally developed in 2005, updated (but unpublished) in 2008, modestly updated for a 2016 HSR workforce conference, and revised based on feedback from attendees. Additional feedback was obtained from doctoral program directors, employer/workforce experts and attendees of presentation on these competencies at the AcademyHealth's June 2017 Annual Research Meeting. Principal findings The current version (V2.1) competencies include the ethical conduct of research, conceptual models, development of research questions, study designs, data measurement and collection methods, statistical methods for analyzing data, professional collaboration, and knowledge dissemination. These competencies represent a core that defines what HSR researchers should master in order to address the complexities of microsystem to macro-system research that HSR entails. There are opportunities to conduct formal evaluation of newer delivery modalities (e.g., flipped classrooms) and to integrate new Learning Health System Researcher Core Competencies, developed by AHRQ, into the HSR core competencies. Conclusions Core competencies in HSR are a continually evolving work in progress because new research questions arise, new methods are developed, and the trans-disciplinary nature of the field leads to new multidisciplinary and team building needs.
Pathological facial weakness detection using computational image analysis

Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. Early recognition and treatment of stroke decreases the mortality and possibility of severe injury. One prominent stroke symptom is facial weakness. Existing methods such as telestroke systems, which require complex configuration including a tablet, a dedicated video conference system, 4G wireless connection, and a standby clinical support team for diagnosis, are far from widely practical use. In this pilot study, we present an automatic pathological facial weakness detection tool based on computational image analysis. The proposed system is able to extract the facial landmarks and classify facial weakness using a learning method. In the experiment, each image in the dataset is scored independently by two senior neurology residents. Only images rated concordantly by both raters as likely normal or likely abnormal (including left facial weakness and right facial weakness) were included for analysis. Our method performed with overall accuracy of 94.5%, precision of 94.8%, sensitivity of 94.6%, and specificity of 96.8%. The experimental result indicates that our method is able to identify pathological facial weakness accurately on the static images.
Thermal Conductivity of Vacuum Pressure Impregnated Cu and Al Stabilized NbTi Superconducting Coils

Superconducting magnets conductively cooled by cryocoolers are cooled by thermal bus systems that do not cover the entire magnet as does liquid helium in an immersion cooled magnet. Therefore, internal temperature profiles of conductively cooled magnets may be significantly different than immersion cooled magnets. Understanding the differences in the effective thermal conductivities of superconducting magnet composites becomes necessary in order to determine the magnets steady state and dynamic thermal performance. For this reason, the effective axial and radial thermal conductivities of vacuum pressure impregnated Cu and Al clad NbTi superconducting magnet composites have been measured, and the results are presented and discussed in this paper.
Transferring scale-independent features to support multi-scale object recognition with deep convolutional neural network

Objects are always represented by different scales on remote sensing imageries, which poses challenges for the state-of-the-art convolutional neural networks for multi-scale object recognition. This paper proposes atrous region proposal to facilitating detect other objects within different scales in an ad-hoc manner.
Reconstructive limb-salvage surgery after lower extremity soft tissue sarcoma resection: A 20-year experience

Background Reconstructive surgery is often required following lower extremity soft tissue sarcoma resection. The relationship between the method of plastic surgery reconstruction and postoperative wound healing or functional oncologic outcomes in this patient population is poorly understood. Methods We performed a retrospective review on all adult patients that underwent soft tissue reconstruction following resection of lower extremity soft tissue sarcomas between 1996 and 2016 at our institution. Results One hundred and thirty-six patients were identified. Wound complications occurred within 6-months postoperatively in 72 patients (52.9%). Average time to heal was 13.0 weeks. Limb survival was 94.9%. 16.9% and 36.8% of patients had evidence of local recurrence or metastatic disease, respectively. There was no significant difference in the incidence of overall wound complications, time to heal, limb survival, local recurrence, or metastatic disease between the different reconstructive methods. Conclusions In our cohort, the utilization of different reconstructive techniques did not correlate with a difference in postoperative wound complications or oncologic outcomes. Local flaps can effectively reconstruct the majority of lower extremity sarcoma defects that cannot be closed primarily. However, alternative reconstructive techniques may be utilized when indicated without a significant increase in postoperative morbidity in this patient population.
Special Feature: Interdisciplinary Mobile Brain–Body Imaging Art-Science Demonstration

Interdisciplinary work, at its core, aspires to understand the relationships and ties between what different approaches to ideas may offer, and how these relationships can further develop research and advancement of any given topic under diverse perspectives. In this performance specifically, the interdisciplinary work helps us see in real time the importance of creating links between creativity and research on neurosciences. With the participation of Rebecca B. Valls, a dancer, Dario Robleto, a conceptual visual artist, Woodrow Witt, a jazz musician, and Jose L. Contreras-Vidal and his team from the University of Houston’s IUCRC BRAIN Center; this experiment is centered on the experience of performance and improvisation.
Helping students cope with adversity: the influence of a web-based intervention on students' self-efficacy and intentions to use wellness-related resources.

Objective: To investigate the effects of an online wellness intervention on college students’ self-efficacy, intentions to seek help, general resilience and whether adverse childhood experiences (A...
Predicting Cost-Effectiveness of Generic Versus Brand Dabigatran Using Pharmacometric Estimates among Patients with Atrial Fibrillation in the United States

Generic entry of newer anticoagulants is expected to decrease the costs of atrial fibrillation management. However, when making switches between brand and generic medications, bioequivalence failures are possible. The objectives of this study were to predict and compare the lifetime cost-effectiveness of brand dabigatran with hypothetical future generics. Markov micro-simulations were modified to predict the lifetime costs and quality-adjusted life years of patients on either brand or generic dabigatran from a U.S. private payer perspective. Event rates for generics were predicted using previously developed pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic models. The analyses showed that generic dabigatran with lower-than-brand systemic exposure was dominant. Meanwhile, generic dabigatran with extremely high systemic exposure was not cost-effective compared to the brand reference. Cost-effectiveness of generic medications cannot always be assumed as shown in this example. Combined use of pharmacometric and pharmacoeconomic models can assist in decision making between brand and generic pharmacotherapies.
Structural Evidence in Favour of a Relay Function for the Anterior Intralaminar Nuclei

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on recent data on the laminar organization of intralaminar nuclei (IL)-cortical fibers and provides evidence of anatomical compartmentation within IL. The functional significance of the structural IL organization is discussed in relation to a hypothesis of IL relay activity. The IL presents a precise structural organization capable of highly specific integration of the different inputs. On physiological grounds, the main difference between IL and relay nuclei is their different roles in affecting cortical functions. IL is classically considered as the thalamic system capable of affecting cortical behavioral states while the relay nuclei are considered as the site for conveying specific information to the cortex. At least in terms of thalamocortical relationships, recent data are against the existence of the differences between IL and relay nuclei. Lesion and recording studies have shown that the rhythmic oscillatory activity during cortical synchronization is present throughout the thalamus under the conditional activity of the nucleus reticularis thalami. Although some recent evidence suggests possible differences among thalamic nuclei in affecting cortical synchronization, no indication exists supporting a functional segregation between IL and relay nuclei.
Surgical Management of Symptomatic Boxing-Induced Spinal Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak After Failed Epidural Blood Patch.

Background Spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is an increasingly recognized condition responsible for spontaneous intracranial hypotension. A host of connective tissue disorders and mechanical factors may precipitate the condition. Conservative treatment has limited efficacy, and many patients with persistent symptoms ultimately require epidural blood patch (EBP). However, about 23%–44% of patients experience recurrence of symptoms after EBP. Unidentified or multiple sites of CSF leaks are thought to be responsible for the failure of EBP. Using our previously published technique, we treated a patient who developed a large spontaneous CSF leak in her cervicothoracic spine after a boxing class, offering further evidence of the utility of the technique for select patients. Case Description A 28-year-old woman was referred to our center with recurrent, severe headaches and associated nausea and vomiting. She underwent EBP 3 times with no resolution of her symptoms. A right-side partial C7-T1 hemilaminotomy was performed to identify a large meningocele filled with CSF. After dissection, dural sealant was applied using an angled needle with a syringe to buttress the meningocele to allow for normalization of the hydrostatic pressure. At 5-month follow-up, her symptoms have resolved with no headaches and paresthesias in upper limbs. Conclusions Commonplace events, such as a boxing/sparring class, may precipitate a spontaneous spinal CSF leak. Our minimally invasive surgical approach can be safely used in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension with recurrent symptoms, no identified leak site, and prior failed attempts of EBP.
Student awareness of campus medical amnesty policies.

Objective: Examine students’ awareness of medical amnesty policies and the influence of policy awareness on the expected consequences of bystander help seeking in alcohol-related emergencies among ...
A rapid screening methodology for chemical processes

Abstract Techno-economic analysis is an important part of evaluating potential chemical manufacturing ventures. A proposed conceptual process design gives the design engineer most of the information required to conduct these analyses. However, developing conceptual designs can be time consuming and expensive, especially given that most conceptual designs never see commercialization. In this work, we present a rapid screening methodology to generate screening-level economic metrics (NPV and NPV%) without dedicating significant time or resources to conventional chemical process design. This methodology uses ultimate bounds on reaction selectivity combined with the minimum work of separations to bypass the design procedure altogether. The methodology presented here provides a means to rapidly screen chemistries for their economic merit, compare a proposed process design to the best-case economic scenario, and compare potential projects competing for the same funding sources. In this article, we present the necessary theory and demonstrate the methodology.
An efficient global algorithm for a class of indefinite separable quadratic programs

We present a global algorithm for indefinite knapsack separable quadratic programs with bound constraints. The upper bounds on variables with nonconvex terms are assumed to be infinite in the algorithmic development. By characterizing optimal solutions of the problem, we enumerate a subset of KKT points to determine a global optimum. The enumeration is made efficient by developing a theory for shrinking and partitioning the search domain of KKT multipliers. The global algorithmic procedure is developed based on interval and point testing techniques that have roots in solving strictly convex problems. Our algorithm has quadratic (worst-case) complexity and its performance is demonstrated on a broad range of randomly generated problem instances and comparisons with existing global and local solvers. It turns out that our method can solve these nonconvex problems of extremely large size in a fraction of the time (relative to commercial software such as CPLEX 12.6) on a desktop computer. Furthermore, a feasible upper bounding scheme is developed for the case when the variables with nonconvex terms are allowed to have finite upper limits, using an iterative application of the above global algorithm, and the computational experience is presented.
Fault Hypothesis Computations Using Fuzzy Logic

The authors apply fuzzy logic techniques to fulfill the requirement to compute a fault hypothesis in a model-based diagnostics reasoner. The primary focus of the research is to illustrate the use of fuzzy sets to derive the current fault hypothesis given test outcomes. In the approach, measurement parameters are mapped to test outcomes using membership functions, and a fuzzy logic processor is used to combine the evidence associated with multiple outcomes from a test as well as information from multiple tests. The chapter deals with two types of uncertainty: test outcome uncertainty and test inference uncertainty. The issues of conflict detection and mitigation, and rehabilitation of conclusions are addressed.
Summary and Major Findings

This chapter resumes major and common findings among chapters 2 to 7. Focus is given to the spatial heterogeneity of Mediterranean region in terms of ecosystem vulnerability to climate change impacts. Further, the role of spatio-temporal scale of evaluation is noteworthy, as well as taking into account extreme events and thresholds in the interaction among climate and its effects.
Discriminating features of gait performance in progressive supranuclear palsy

Abstract Introduction Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is the most common form of atypical Parkinsonism; however it is underdiagnosed and often misdiagnosed as Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods We investigated gait initiation (GI) and gait performance in a total of 36 participants (12 PSP, 12 PD and 12 healthy age- and gender-matched controls) to gain further insight into specific motor deficits that characterize dynamic postural control and gait in PSP. Anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs), quantified by center of pressure (COP) displacement and speed prior to an initial heel off, and the maximum distance (COPCOM) between COP and center of mass (COM) during all three GI phases were calculated to evaluate dynamic postural control. Steady-state gait performance was also evaluated and compared across the groups. Results APAs in PSP were significantly altered such that the posterior COP shift is profoundly diminished when compared to PD (p Conclusion The present study reveals that the compensatory GI strategy in PSP is distinct from PD and paradoxically induces lateral instability. Further, gait performance in PSP is slower and more variable which could be the consequence of lateral instability and fear of falling.
The Association of Early Substance Use with Lifetime/Past Year Contraction of Sexually Transmitted Diseases: A National Study.

The study purpose is to examine the impact of early substance use on lifetime and past year contraction of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, and syphilis. A secondary analysis of the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (N = 52,529) was conducted to determine if lifetime or past year STD contraction differed based on demographic differences. Lifetime and past year contraction based on first use of substance before age 21 differed based on sex, race/ethnicity, age, alcohol, marijuana, crack, and sedatives. Recommendations for future studies are included.
Studies on a Hemagglutinin from the Meadow Mushroom II. PURIFICATION, COMPOSITION, AND STRUCTURE OF AGARICUS CAMPESTRIS HEMAGGLUTININ

Abstract A method is described for the isolation of a phytohemagglutinin from the meadow mushroom, Agaricus campestris. This protein was homogeneous by ultracentrifugation, cellulose acetate electrophoresis, and immunoelectrophoresis. The molecular weight as measured by sedimentation equilibrium was 64,000 and the sedimentation constant, s20,w = 4.8, was independent of protein concentration. There were no disulfide bonds but the hemagglutinin contained 4 "buried" sulfhydryl residues. About 4% of A. campestris hemagglutinin was carbohydrate. In the presence of dissociating solvents such as 6 m guanidine hydrochloride-0.1 m mercaptoethanol and 35% acetic acid-5 m urea the A. campestris hemagglutinin dissociated. In the guanidine hydrochloride-mercaptoethanol solvent the molecular weight was 16,000 as compared to 64,000 for the native protein. Because this protein contained no disulfide bonds, a noncovalently bonded structure consisting of four polypeptide chains is suggested. In 35% acetic acid-5 m urea, the protein showed two electrophoretic components in equal amounts, suggesting two different subunit types. Tryptic peptide analysis and amino acid composition gave results which were consistent with a molecule consisting of symmetrical halves. A four chain structure of the A2B2 type is proposed for the A. campestris hemagglutinin molecule.