cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Compositional analyses of lunar pyroclastic deposits

Abstract The 5-band Clementine UVVIS data at ∼100 m/pixel were used to examine the compositions of 75 large and small lunar pyroclastic deposits (LPDs), and these were compared to representative lunar maria and highlands deposits. Results show that the albedo, spectral color, and inferred composition of most LPDs are similar to those of low-titanium, mature lunar maria. These LPDs may have consisted largely of fragmented basalt, with substantial components of iron-bearing mafic minerals (pyroxenes, olivine) and smaller amounts (if any) of volcanic glass. Several smaller LPDs also show substantial highland components. Three classes of very large deposits can be distinguished from most LPDs and from each other on the basis of crystallinity and possible titanium content of their pyroclastic components. One class has spectral properties that are dominated by high-titanium, crystallized “black beads” (e.g., Taurus–Littrow), a second consists of a mixture of high-titanium glasses and beads with a higher glass/bead ratio (Sulpicius Gallus) than that of Taurus–Littrow, and a third has a significant component of quenched iron-bearing volcanic glasses (Aristarchus) with possible moderate titanium contents. Although areally extensive, these three classes of very large pyroclastic deposits compose only 20 of the 75 deposits studied (∼27%), and eruption of such materials was thus likely to have been less frequent on the Moon.
Vaginal douching in adolescents attending a family planning clinic

Background: One of the variables most consistently associated with vaginal douching is race, with African-American women douching more regularly. Sparse data exists in the medical literature about the practice of vaginal douching among adolescents. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence, knowledge, attitude, and practices of vaginal douching among adolescent females attending a public family planning clinic, and determine whether African-American (AA) females douche to a greater degree than Caucasian females. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a one-page questionnaire was administered to all adolescent females (⩽19 years of age) presenting to a public family planning clinic in a small southern city. Participant charts were abstracted for demographic and clinical information. Chi-square analysis, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and odds ratio were used in data analysis conducted in SPSS for Windows software. Results: Of the 169 participants, the mean age was 17.0 years (±1.5 years), 53% were Caucasian, 47% were AA, and 74% were nulliparous. Sixty-nine percent of participants reported vaginal douching, mostly for hygienic reasons (68%). Those reporting vaginal douching were more likely to have a history of one or more sexually transmitted diseases (O.R. 3.7, 95% C.I. 1.5–9.0, p < 0.01). Age of first douche correlated positively with age of first sexual intercourse (r = 0.34, p < 0.001). African-Americans did not douche to a greater degree than Caucasians. Among those who douched, AA females were more likely than Caucasians to believe that the reason women douche was after a period (p < 0.01) and after sex (p < 0.05), and to agree that douching clears up a discharge (p < 0.05) and odor (p < 0.01) from the vagina. Caucasians were more likely than AA to believe that some discharge from the vagina is normal (p < 0.05), and most women never need to douche (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Vaginal douching was a common practice among adolescent females attending a public family planning clinic in a small southern city, and racial differences were noted in knowledge of and attitude toward vaginal douching. This suggests development of a culturally-based educational program to convince AA and Caucasian adolescent females to cease vaginal douching.
Investigation of High-Accuracy Indoor 3-D Positioning Using UWB Technology

There are many challenges in building an ultra-wideband (UWB) indoor local positioning system for high-accuracy applications. These challenges include reduced accuracy due to multipath interference, sampling rate limitations, tag synchronization, and antenna phase-center variation. Each of these factors must be addressed to achieve millimeter or sub-millimeter accuracy. The developed system architecture is presented where a 300-ps Gaussian pulse modulates an 8-GHz carrier signal and is transmitted through an omni-directional UWB antenna. Receiver-side peak detection, a low-cost subsequential-sampling mixer utilizing a direct digital synthesizer, high fidelity 10-MHz crystals, and Vivaldi phase-center calibration are utilized to mitigate these challenging problems. Synchronized and unsynchronized experimental results validated with a sub-millimeter accurate optical tracking system are presented with a detailed discussion of various system errors.
A reconfigurable solar photovoltaic array under shadow conditions

This paper proposes an adaptive reconfiguration scheme to reduce the effect of shadows on solar panels. A switching matrix connects a solar adaptive bank to a fixed part of a solar PV array, according to a model based control algorithm that increases the power output of the solar PV array. Control algorithms are implemented in real-time. An experimental reconfiguration PV system with the battery load is presented and is shown to verify the proposed reconfigurations.
Contrast-to-noise ratio in functional MRI of relative cerebral blood volume with sprodiamide injection.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the dependence of contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) on the dose and rate of sprodiamide injection in magnetic resonance relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) imaging. rCBV maps for 35 normal volunteers were constructed from dynamic MR image sets acquired with echo-planar spin-echo imaging after intravenous injection of sprodiamide. Doses of .1, .2, and .3 mmol/kg, at rates of 2 ml/second and 5 ml/second, were tested. CNRs and blood/volume ratios of gray to white matter were computed. CNR depended on dose (P < .0001) but was independent of injection rate (P < .69). rCBV ratios of gray to white matter were dose independent (P < .38) and rate independent (P < .97). The dependence of CNR on dose, but not injection rate, has practical implications in optimal protocol design. The independence of gray/white ratios supports the theory underlying the generation of rCBV maps.
Autonomous Soaring Using Reinforcement Learning for Trajectory Generation

Autonomous soaring is a concept in which the endurance of unmanned aircraft can be increased by exploiting wind updrafts. Recent research has explored traditional feedback control methods for autonomous navigation of vehicles to thermal updrafts. This paper develops an approach for planar lateral/directional guidance of a linear dynamic gliding aircraft to a known thermal location. Reinforcement learning is utilized to generate reference bank angle commands for directing the aircraft to close proximity of the updraft, and from there the aircraft follows a circling trajectory centered on the thermal to gain energy. A Lyapunov-based feedback control law is used to generate bank angle commands when circling the thermal. By using reinforcement learning the problem of online trajectory generation is reduced to a simple search in a static state-action value table. This approach has the advantage of low computational burden/overhead in practice. Furthermore, the need for a precise aircraft model for learning and simulation is reduced. Monte Carlo results presented in the paper demonstrate that the reinforcement learning guidance agent can consistently navigate the aircraft to the thermal. Reliable navigation is achieved after a relatively small number of learning episodes. An analysis of typical energy gains circling a thermal of constant shape and size is also presented. These results indicate that the approach is a suitable candidate for autonomous soaring.
Cyclical Pattern of Blood Alcohol Levels during Continuous Intragastric Ethanol Infusion in Rats

A rat model of chronic ethanol intoxication was developed to study the effects of complete control of ethanol and nutrient intake on maintenance of blood alcohol levels (BAL). Double gastrostomy cannulas were implanted in male Wistar rats (350-400 g) to permit continuous intragastric alimentation and infusion of ethanol solution. Blood samples were obtained daily from central venous cannulas for determination of BAL and calculation of alcohol elimination rates. The daily ethanol dose was adjusted between 8 and 12 g/kg in an attempt to maintain a high degree of ethanol intoxication with a BAL between 100 and 300 mg/100 ml. The BAL averaged 216 +/- 120 (SD) mg/100 ml in 14 rats for 15-85 days, and exhibited a previously unreported, remarkable cyclical pattern independent of whether constant or variable dose was infused. In addition, the change in daily elimination rate of alcohol was significantly correlated (r = 0.67, p less than 0.0001) with the previous day's BAL. Furthermore, we identified a threshold BAL for each animal, above which a remarkable increase in elimination rate occurred. The variation in individual threshold levels (154.0-266.8 mg/100 ml) resulted in the wide range of mean BAL achieved. It appears that some secondary system or mechanism for alcohol metabolism is responsible for this cyclical phenomenon. We propose that this model will prove versatile and useful for further studies of in vivo alcohol metabolism.
Computer supported and collaborative conflict resolution: Shalom/Salaam

This work-in-progress presents a World Wide Web information space and environment for "making thinking public" and constructing a shared meaning, essential elements in both collaborative learning and conflict resolution. Nontraditional learners learn collaboratively as they study conflict resolution through the context, language, metaphors, and frames of two radically conflicting perspectives. The space encourages making explicit otherwise implicit values, beliefs and assumptions, reframing conflict and reflecting on conceptual change emerging from collaboration.
Nitrate-based metalorganic deposition of CeO2 on yttria-stabilized zirconia

An aqueous nitrate metalorganic deposition (MOD) process was used to form a 30-nm-thick c-axis-textured ceria (CeO2) layer on a yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) single-crystal substrate. X-ray diffraction showed the CeO2 layer was an (001) oriented film with a ω-scan full width at half-maximum of 1.47°. The average roughness of the ceria films, measured by atomic force microscopy, was about 5 nm. Critical current densities of up to 3.6 × 106 A/cm2 were measured on a 0.35-μm Ba2YCu3O7−x (YBCO) layer deposited over this cap layer using a trifluoroacetate (TFA)-based MOD ex situ process. The physical vapor deposition-derived ceria cap layer used in the most common coated conductor buffer layer stacks may be replaced by such a MOD processed film.
An online astrobiology course for teachers.

A continuing challenge for scientists is to keep K-12 teachers informed about new scientific developments. Over the past few years, this challenge has increased as new research findings have come from the field of astrobiology. In addition to trying to keep abreast of these new discoveries, K-12 teachers must also face the demands of the content and pedagogical goals imposed by state and national science education standards. Furthermore, many teachers lack the scientific content knowledge or training in current teaching methods to create their own activities or to implement appropriately new teaching materials designed to meet the standards. There is a clear need for special courses designed to increase the scientific knowledge of K-12 science teachers. In response to this need, the authors developed a suite of innovative, classroom-ready lessons for grades 5-12 that emphasize an active engagement instructional strategy and focus on the recent discoveries in the field of astrobiology. They further created...
Physical Task Stress and Speaker Variability in Voice Quality

The presence of physical task stress induces changes in the speech production system which in turn produces changes in speaking behavior. This results in measurable acoustic correlates including changes to formant center frequencies, breath pause placement, and fundamental frequency. Many of these changes are due to the subject’s internal competition between speaking and breathing during the performance of the physical task, which has a corresponding impact on muscle control and airflow within the glottal excitation structure as well as vocal tract articulatory structure. This study considers the effect of physical task stress on voice quality. Three signal processing-based values which include (i) the normalized amplitude quotient (NAQ), (ii) the harmonic richness factor (HRF), and (iii) the fundamental frequency are used to measure voice quality. The effects of physical stress on voice quality depend on the speaker as well as the specific task. While some speakers do not exhibit changes in voice quality, a subset exhibits changes in NAQ and HRF measures of similar magnitude to those observed in studies of soft, loud, and pressed speech. For those speakers demonstrating voice quality changes, the observed changes tend toward breathy or soft voicing as observed in other studies. The effect of physical stress on the fundamental frequency is correlated with the effect of physical stress on the HRF (r = −0.34) and the NAQ (r = −0.53). Also, the inter-speaker variation in baseline NAQ is significantly higher than the variation in NAQ induced by physical task stress. The results illustrate systematic changes in speech production under physical task stress, which in theory will impact subsequent speech technology such as speech recognition, speaker recognition, and voice diarization systems.
Inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme.

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the development, mechanism of action, and biological activity of two distinct classes of therapeutically useful inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme: the snake venom peptides and a newly developed class of orally active inhibitors that were designed for specific binding to the active site of this enzyme. No other class of drugs has been as logically developed as the antihypertensive inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme, whose primary mechanism of action, enzyme inhibition, has been clear from the first preclinical animal studies. The orally-active inhibitor captopril has been designed for optimal and specific binding to the active center of this enzyme. It is not then too surprising to find that such drugs have remarkable therapeutic ratios and relative freedom from side effects. The logical development of this class of therapeutic agents serve as a model for development of specific therapeutic agents in certain other disease states where pathophysiological mechanisms are beginning to be unravelled.
Dimension and Damage Control in Sintering of Multilayer Powder Composites

Sintering distortions of two and three-layer compositepowder structures are determined based upon the continuum theory of sintering implemented in a finite element computer code. The macroscopic constitutiveparameters of thepowder material are obtained on the basis of the meso-scale simulations of a realistic grain-pore structure. The model follows both the densification and the damage development during sintering using a new fracture criterion for theprediction of macroscopic strength in sintering.
Dynamic secretion during meiotic reentry integrates the function of the oocyte and cumulus cells

The differentiation of the female gamete into a developmentally competent oocyte relies on the protected environment of the ovarian follicle. The oocyte plays a key role in establishing this microenvironment by releasing paracrine factors that control the functions of surrounding somatic cells. Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) are secreted during follicle growth and play pivotal roles in this local regulation. The current view is that the function of these secreted factors declines in the periovulatory period when the oocyte reenters the meiotic cell cycle. Here, we provide evidence that oocyte reentry into meiosis is instead associated with a shift in the pattern of secretion with a new set of bioactive molecules synthesized before ovulation. Using interleukin 7 (IL7) as a prototypic secreted factor, we show that its secretion is dependent on activation of mRNA translation in synchrony with the cell cycle and that its translation is under the control of somatic cells. IL7 is part of a local feedback loop with the soma because it regulates cumulus cell replication. Similar conclusions are reached when IL7 secretion is measured in human follicular fluid during in vitro fertilization cycles. IL7 concentration in the follicular fluid correlates with the oocyte ability to reach the MII stage of maturation. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that a new set of local factors is secreted by the oocyte during ovulation. These dynamic secretions are likely critical for promoting the final stages of maturation and oocyte developmental competence.
Abstract 2958: Quantitative and correlative analysis of variant UGT1A mRNA expression in human liver

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) play an important role in the metabolism and excretion of various endogenous and xenobiotic compounds including several carcinogens and chemotherapeutic agents. UGTs are divided into two sub-families based on sequence homology. The nine UGT1A family members are encoded by a single locus on chromosome 2q37, where each family member has a unique exon 1 and shares exons 2-5. A recently identified exon 5b in the common region of the UGT1A gene cluster leads to the expression of 18 additional mRNA species from this locus. In vitro studies indicate that the proteins encoded by these variant mRNAs negatively modulate the activity of the wild type isoforms. It is hypothesized that inter-individual variation in the ratio of wild type to variant mRNA expression may affect glucuronidation capacity. The goal of this study was to quantitatively examine variant UGT1A mRNA expression in individual human liver specimens to better assess the importance of splicing variants in overall UGT1A activity. To differentiate between the 5’ (exon 1) and 3’ (exon 5) splice variants, a nested, quantitative PCR reaction was developed that allows both variants to be distinguished simultaneously. Results of the study indicate that there is a 406-, 278-, 58-, and 139-fold inter-individual variation in the expression ratio of wild-type to variant mRNA for UGTs 1A1, 1A4, 1A6, and 1A9, respectively, in the 10 human livers examined. UGT1A variant expression reached as high as 8.2-fold more than wild-type UGT1A1, 2.9-fold higher than wild-type UGT1A4, 0.13-fold lower than wild-type UGT1A6, and 0.46-fold lower than wild-type UGT1A9. Even though the expression ratio of wild-type to variant mRNA differs widely between different individuals, results indicate that the expression ratio is consistent for all UGTs examined within a single individual. The correlation between the expression ratio of UGTs 1A1 and 1A4 in different individuals is highly significant (R2 = 0.9661, p<0.0001). Similarly, the correlation between the expression ratio of UGT1A1 and UGT1A6, UGT1A1 and UGT1A9, UGT1A4 and UGT1A6, UGT1A4 and UGT1A9, and UGT1A6 and UGT1A9 are all significant (R2=0.5265, p=0.0269; R2=0.8994, p=0.0003; R2=0.5782, p=0.0174; R2=0.9610, p<0.0001; R2=0.582, p=0.0277, respectively). Together, these data suggest that UGT1A variant expression could significantly impact overall UGT1A activity and that there is a high correlation between wild-type : variant mRNA expression ratios across the entire UGT1A locus within individuals. Future studies will be conducted to determine whether a difference in the UGT1A expression ratio has an impact on glucuronidation capacity in vivo. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2958.
Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Diagnosed During Pregnancy

Thyroid cancer diagnosed during pregnancy has the typical indolent course of differentiated thyroid cancer in young adults. Thyroid cancer without sonographic evidence of capsular invasion or metastatic nodes may be followed by ultrasound without surgery until delivery. However, progressive disease demonstrated sonographically by growth of the primary tumor, evidence of invasion, or new metastatic nodes is an indication for thyroidectomy during pregnancy. Thyroidectomy during pregnancy is generally safe, but is preferably done during the second trimester.
The Changing Face and Focus of the Adolescent with an Eating Disorder

The classic silhouette of the typical adolescent with an eating disorder (ED) is a white female with extremely low body weight; this has begun to take a new shape. The most apparent shift in the classic views are sex and weight. A trend toward a progressively decreasing age of onset in ED has also emerged. The objective of this paper is to describe the ED patients presenting to Childrenâ€™s of Alabamaâ€™s Adolescent Eating Disorders Clinic, encompassing their age, sex, BMI percentile and muscle function. The data was examined from all first presentations to the clinic from 2013 to 2016. Between May 2013 and March 2016, 102 new patient appointments were scheduled. 88 patientâ€™s charts were reviewed from the time of each initial appointment in the Adolescent Eating Disorders Clinic to obtain the sex, age, race, height, weight, reason for referral/active problems and ED diagnosis for each patient. BMI percentile was calculated according to reference ranges for sex and age. Handgrip strength was measured by dynamometer. As is consistent with previously published data, there were significantly more females than males seen in our population. There were more females than males across all categories of ED diagnoses. The highest number of diagnoses occurred between the ages of 13-16. A positive correlation between BMI percentile and measured handgrip strength was observed. Measured handgrip strength in females was lower in ages 13-18 than expected grip strength for age. When males were grouped by â€œMales 14 and underâ€ and â€œMales 15 and over,â€ a lower measured grip strength compared to the expected grip strength for age was demonstrated. The impact of ED on morbidity and mortality has been well recognized; however the most often reported association was mainly based on changes in body weight. The adverse metabolic consequences perturb nutrient sensing and ultimately delivery and utilization. A shift in the focus of energy balanced towards systemic malnourishment may allow healthy and sustained metabolic improvements.
The theoretical effect of measured wavefront diameter on estimating peripheral wavefront data.

PURPOSE To compare the difference between wavefront data measured in the periphery and that calculated from estimations using a smaller measured region. METHODS A total of 32 eyes were measured using the Alcon LADARWave aberrometer (Alcon Laboratories Inc, Fort Worth, Tex). Aberrations were measured through a dilated pupil to the 6th order at a 6.5-mm diameter. Data were then "clipped" to 5.0, 5.5, and 6.0 mm, and each of these smaller diameter wavefronts was used to estimate the larger diameter wavefront coefficients. The measure of interest was the mean and range of error between the estimated and measured values, and how they varied for the different diameters of known data. RESULTS The differences in both the mean and range of error were inversely correlated to the diameter of the region of known data. As this region grew smaller, the region estimated grew larger, with resultant larger mean errors. At 5 mm, the estimated zone was an annulus of 0.75-mm width; in this case the estimated higher order aberrations were 60% higher than those measured, with a range of 40% lower to 300% higher. At 5.5 mm and 6.0 mm, these differences were much smaller, but statistically significant. The differences were greatest when significant peripheral aberrations were measured, as can occur with post-laser in situ keratomileusis eyes. CONCLUSION Basing a treatment on an estimation of the peripheral wavefront may lead to an inaccurate ablation profile. The inaccuracy increases as the size of the measured wavefront decreases relative to the planned ablation zone. The inaccuracy is also greatest when significant peripheral aberrations are present. Refractive surgery systems should only treat optical zones that are smaller than or equal to the diameter of the measured wavefront.
CubeSat to commercial intersatellite communications: Past, present and future

Traditional CubeSat communication systems are limited to Line-of-sight communication methods. Beyond line-of-sight communications require a network of earth stations or intersatellite links (ISLs). In fall 2006, researchers decided to tackle the problem of ISLs for CubeSats as undergraduate researchers at Florida International University. They simulated two commercial possibilities for ISLs in AGI STK and concluded the Iridium network offered the best coverage and possibility of success for their CubeSat. In the following year, they developed “PicoPanther,” the first CubeSat to Iridium payload. The payload realized the goals of commercial ISLs and beyond line-of-sight communications for the CubeSat community. In the years following publication, various researchers and institutions have successfully implemented the CubeSat to Iridium payload. Researchers have also examined ways to communicate with other resident networks, improve antenna technology, data transmission and satellite acquisition times. This paper examines the PicoPanther payload and CubeSat project, the history of CubeSat to commercial satellite ISLs, addresses the technical and non technical challenges still present and outlines other possibilities for the proliferation of ISLs across the CubeSat community.
Where and Why Rugby Matters

The sport of rugby union takes its name from a town in the middle of England. I lived there for a period in the mid-1990s and from the plaque at Rugby School which states how in 1823 William Webb Ellis ‘with a fine disregard for the rules of football as played in his time, first took the ball in his arms and ran with it’, to the museum where you could watch a rugby ball being hand stitched, this is largely what gives this small town its identity. The areas surrounding Rugby are those where association football is, just like in most other parts of the country, the dominant sport. England’s second city, Birmingham, is home to two premier league football teams, and other major football clubs are nearby. Living in the shadow of the association game is a constant of much of the history of rugby both before and during the professional age. Nearby Coventry were once a formidable power in English rugby but by the dawn of the professional age had witnessed years of decline and languished below the top-tier of the game (A. Smith, 1999). Within this chapter I briefly outline the history of the game and then provide a broad overview of where and why rugby matters. This is intended to serve as an introduction to better locate the sport in a wider perspective and provide some context to the discussion that follows.
Signaling of ankle joint position by receptors in different muscles.

Plots were made of multiunit activity versus ankle joint position for receptors in each of the 12 muscles crossing the cat ankle joint, except peroneus tertius, by recording from populations of aff...
Visualization in Undergraduate Geology Courses

Visualization is an essential skill in undergraduate geology courses as it is for expert geologists. Geology students and geologists must visualize the shape of the land from topographic maps, the three-dimensional geometry of geologic structures from limited exposures, and the geologic history recorded in sequences of layers and in natural landscapes. Interactive animations have proven successful in helping college students visualize the three-dimensional nature of geology. They permit interactions that are not possible with traditional, paper-based materials, are deliverable via the Internet, and can be imbedded in modules that embrace constructivist pedagogy.
Clinical hypnosis in pain therapy and palliative care: A handbook of techniques for improving the patient's physical and psychological well-being by Brugnoli, Maria Paola.

I can begin by stating that this book is a masterpiece that belongs in the library of any individual who has the honor of working with individuals in pain. Dr. Brugnoli provides nine chapters, tota...
Catholic Patterns in the American Left

Amandine Barb opens with an analysis of the rise of the Catholic Left since the mid-2000s. As she correctly points out, since the legalization of abortion in 1973, most of the attention on the evolution of Catholic political engagement in the USA has been on increased conservative activism and Republican voting. Barb makes clear that there has been an active counter-mobilization among progressive Catholics who focus on such issues as social welfare, the environment, immigration, and health care, among others. Among religious progressives, Catholics are actually the largest and perhaps most politically active.
Abstract 4910: Development of an antagonist to the TWEAK-Fn14 ligand-receptor interaction with enhanced efficacy/potency in glioblastoma cells

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains the most common and deadly primary brain tumor with minimal advances in therapeutic development for pharmacological treatment. Tumor resection followed by temozolomide (TMZ) and radiotherapy adds months to survival; however, tumor recurrence usually occurs. The fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14) receptor has been shown to be up-regulated in the GBM cells left behind after surgery and contributes to an invasive and pro-survival phenotype, providing a desirable molecule to target after removal of the primary tumor. Previously, L524-0366 was reported by our lab to be the first antagonist of Fn14 signaling; however, minimal efficacy/potency has limited this drug from progressing from a useful research tool to preclinical studies. Structure activity relationship (SAR) studies using the parent L524-0366 compound gave rise to K78, which was found to bind to Fn14 with enhanced affinity, while showing no binding to the structurally-related TNFα receptor. Furthermore, K78 was able to abate the downstream signaling effects initiated by the Fn14 ligand, tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK), as well as sensitize GBM cells to the cytotoxic effects of TMZ. TWEAK-induced cellular migration was also mitigated with co-treatment of K78 in GBM cells, compared to a vehicle control. It is anticipated that further development of Fn14 antagonists will be of great importance for the advancement of GBM patient treatment and warrant further investigation as primary and combination therapy, especially for the prevention of recurrent disease. Citation Format: Bryan Harder, Chris Sereduk, Harshil Dhruv, Nghia Millard, Anthony Kim, Jeffrey Winkles, Graeme Woodworth, Holly Yin, Nhan L. Tran. Development of an antagonist to the TWEAK-Fn14 ligand-receptor interaction with enhanced efficacy/potency in glioblastoma cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4910.
Cardiac Arrhythmia in Sleep Apnea Syndromes: State, Sinus Arrhythmia, and Concurrent Pathophysiology

Sleep apneas are associated with disturbances of blood gas saturation, heart rate and rhythm, arterial pressure, and neurobehavioral state. The purpose of the present study was to analyze cardiac rhythm activity in apneic individuals during nocturnal polysomnography and to correlate these findings with evidence of previously diagnosed cardiovascular dysfunction.
The Burden of High-Energy Musculoskeletal Trauma in High-Income Countries.

Though declining in the recent decades, high-energy musculoskeletal trauma remains a major contributor to the burden of disease in high-income countries (HICs). However, due to limitations in the available body of the literature, evaluation of this burden is challenging. The purpose of this review is to assess: (1) the current epidemiologic data on the surgical burden of high-energy musculoskeletal trauma in HICs; (2) the current data on the economic impact of high-energy musculoskeletal trauma; and (3) potential strategies for addressing gaps in musculoskeletal trauma care for the future. In 2016, mortality from road traffic injuries (RTIs) between the ages of 15–49 was reported to be 9.5% (9.0–9.9) in high-income countries, accounting for approximately 255 million DALYs. While RTIs do not fully capture the extent of high-energy musculoskeletal trauma, as the most common mechanism, they serve as a useful indicator of the impact on the surgical and economic burden. In 2009, the global losses related to RTIs were estimated to be 518 billion USD, costing governments between 1 and 3% of their gross domestic product (GDP). In the last decade, both the total direct per-person healthcare cost and the incremental direct per-person costs for those with a musculoskeletal injury in the USA rose 75 and 58%, respectively. While its impact is large, research on musculoskeletal conditions, including high-energy trauma, is underfunded compared to other fields of medicine. An increased awareness among policy makers and healthcare professionals of the importance of care for the high-energy musculoskeletal trauma patient is critical. Full implementation of trauma systems is imperative, and metrics such as the ICD–DALY have the potential to allow for real-time evaluation of prevention and treatment programs aimed to reduce injury-related morbidity and mortality. The dearth in knowledge in optimal and cost-effective post-acute care for high-energy musculoskeletal trauma is a reason for concern, especially since almost half of the costs are attributed to this phase of care. Multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams as part of a musculoskeletal trauma system may be of interest to decrease further the long-term negative effects and the economic burden of high-energy musculoskeletal trauma.
Function Call Graphs Versus Machine Learning for Malware Detection

Recent work has shown that a function call graph technique can perform well on some challenging malware detection problems. In this chapter, we compare this function call graph approach to elementary machine learning techniques that are trained on simpler features. We find that the machine learning techniques are generally more robust than the function call graphs, in the sense that the malware must be modified to a far greater extent before the machine learning techniques are significantly degraded. This work provides evidence that machine learning is likely to perform better than ad hoc approaches, particularly when faced with intelligent attackers who can attempt to exploit the inherent weaknesses in a given detection strategy.
High-intermediate risk endometrial cancer: Can gene expression predict recurrence?

5591Background: Studies have shown that adjuvant therapy increases progression free survival, but does not affect overall survival in patients with high-intermediate risk (H-IR) endometrial cancer ...
Polyisobutylene model elastomers prepared using demonstrably complete end-linking reactions

Linear polyisobutylene (PIB) molecules with either hydroxyl or isopropenyl groups at the chain ends were prepared using cationic polymerizations with bifunctional initiator-chain transfer agents. Extensive spectroscopic analyses confirmed the essentially perfect difunctionality of the two types of polymers. The former polymers were end-linked using an aromatic triisocyanate, and the latter by means of a tetrafunctional silane. The resulting trifunctional and tetrafunctional model PIB networks were found to have absolutely negligible sol fractions, which demonstrates that the end-linking reactions used to prepare them were essentially complete. The networks were studied with regard to their equilibrium stress-strain isotherms in uniaxial extension at 25 °C. The results thus obtained are in satisfactory agreement with theory and yield no evidence whatever for significant elastic contributions from inter-chain entanglements.
ADHD remission, inclusive special education, and socioeconomic disparities

To understand how institutional environments and socioeconomic backgrounds may influence health outcomes, we examined the relationship among special education environments, socioeconomic status (SES), and likelihood of ADHD remission in children. While the majority of children experience remission by adulthood, the likelihood of remission varies across different SES levels and education environments. We find that for low SES children the likelihood of remission is higher in states that have more inclusive special education regimes. In contrast, for more advantaged children, the odds of remission do not depend on the level of special education inclusivity. Our findings suggest that providing more inclusive education can reduce disparities in behavioral disorders and are particularly important for less advantaged children. In doing so, this study contributes to the fundamental cause and health inequality literature by adding to a growing body of work showing how institutional environments can affect socioeconomic gradients in health treatment and outcomes.
Nonlinear dynamics of a non-contact translational-to-rotational magnetic transmission

Abstract This paper investigates the dynamics of a non-contact magnetic transmission system that converts translational motion into rotational motion. The system's governing equations, derived under the idealization of a magnetic dipole, were used to obtain analytical expressions for the system's equilibria. Both experimental and theoretical static bifurcation diagrams show co-existing solutions and multiple bifurcations. Theoretical and experimental investigations also unveil interesting behaviors, such as harmonic, sub-harmonic, and chaotic responses, when the drive magnet's motion is sinusoidal.
Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator modulators reduce the risk of recurrent acute pancreatitis among adult patients with pancreas sufficient cystic fibrosis.

Abstract Background Approximately 1 in 5 patients with pancreas sufficient cystic fibrosis (PS-CF) will develop acute pancreatitis (AP). It is not known whether ivacaftor alone or in combination with other CFTR (cystic transmembrane regulator) modulators (tezacaftor or lumacaftor) can reduce the risk of AP in patients with PS-CF and AP history. Methods We retrospectively queried the CF registry at our institution for adult patients with PS-CF, a documented history of AP and initiation of CFTR modulators for pulmonary indications. Patient characteristics including demographics, CFTR genotype, pancreatitis risk factors, pancreatic exocrine function and other relevant laboratory, imaging parameters were obtained from the time of the sentinel AP episode through the follow-up period. Results A total of 15 adult CF patients were identified with mean age of 44.1 years (SD ± 13.8). In the 24 months preceding CFTR modulator initiation, six of these patients had at least 1 episode of AP with median of 2 episodes [1.75, 2.5]. None of the patients had evidence of pancreatic calcifications or exocrine pancreas insufficiency at the time of CFTR modulator initiation. The mean duration of follow-up after CFTR modulator initiation was 36.7 months (SD ± 21.5). None of the patients who remained on CFTR modulators developed an episode of AP or required hospitalization for AP related abdominal pain during follow-up. Conclusions CFTR modulators, alone or in combination, substantially reduce the risk of recurrent AP over a mean follow-up period of 3 years in adult patients with PS-CF and a history of prior AP. These data suggest that any augmentation of CFTR function can reduce the risk of pancreatitis.
Tracking and Reporting Asthma Data for Children

Asthma is a common childhood chronic disease. There are various metrics of asthma which are tracked and reported to healthcare providers. We investigated visualizations & concepts for tracking quantitative and qualitative asthma data for pediatric patients. We conducted a 3-part study with 14 participants where we (1) interviewed 2 parents and 6 children about their health tracking behavior (2) tested visualization alternatives with 6 children (3) designed concepts to track qualitative data for future testing. Our study shows that simple visualizations can be comprehended by children, so the use of these to report data to the healthcare provider is a powerful tool not just for the parents but also pediatric patients. We iterated the design of the visualizations based on qualitative feedback.
Modeling Bacterial Spore Germination: Effects of Humectants on High Pressure and Nutrient Germination

Abstract The germination kinetics of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, and Bacillus megaterium spores were comprehensively studied using nutrients, dodecylamine, exogenous dipicolinic acid (DPA), and the nonthermal technology of High Pressure Processing (HPP) as germinants at water activities aw = 0.995–0.698 and DPA loss measured for spore populations and single spores. Primary findings were: i) germinant receptor (GR)-dependent germination was less sensitive to changes in aw than were other germination mechanisms; ii) HPP germination was less sensitive to changes in aw than was germination by other germinants, and iii) the irreversible commitment step was more sensitive to inhibition by lowering aw than were DPA release or cortex peptidoglycan hydrolysis. Presently, we use the three-step Quasi-chemical Germination Kinetics (QCGK) model, Transition State Theory, and Extrathermodynamics' Bunnett equation to determine the effects of humectants on spore germination rates. The QCGK model is an ordinary differential equation system that postulates spore germination occurs as a sequence of two productive steps with associated rate constants (k1 is irreversible and k2) and one nonproductive step (k3). The QCGK model fits the germination kinetics data well for changes in the observed dynamics with decreasing aw. Transition State Theory calculated negative activation volumes (ΔV∗) from the pressure-dependences of k1 and k2, and Bunnett equation calculations established linear relationships for the model's rate parameters, including rate constants and maximum germination rates, with variations in aw. Taken together, these results suggest that the irreversible step (k1) is rate-limiting and the inverse dependence of k1 and k2 on humectant concentration could occur through shielding of the activated complex by the solvated nonelectrolytes at low aw, which prevents the germination intermediate from linking to the aqueous environment. Practical applications High pressure processing is a food safety method that provides the least alteration of food appearance, texture and flavor. This research shows that food additives such as sugar can diminish the efficiency of high pressure food processing.
Immunobiology of Cervix Ripening

The cervix is the essential gatekeeper for birth. Incomplete cervix remodeling contributes to problems with delivery at or post-term while preterm birth is a major factor in perinatal morbidity and mortality in newborns. Lack of cervix biopsies from women during the period preceding term or preterm birth have led to use of rodent models to advanced understanding of the mechanism for prepartum cervix remodeling. The critical transition from a soft cervix to a compliant prepartum lower uterine segment has only recently been recognized to occur in various mammalian species when progesterone in circulation is at or near the peak of pregnancy in preparation for birth. In rodents, characterization of ripening resembles an inflammatory process with a temporal coincidence of decreased density of cell nuclei, decline in cross-linked extracellular collagen, and increased presence of macrophages in the cervix. Although a role for inflammation in parturition and cervix remodeling is not a new concept, a comprehensive examination of literature in this review reveals that many conclusions are drawn from comparisons before and after ripening has occurred, not during the process. The present review focuses on essential phenotypes and functions of resident myeloid and possibly other immune cells to bridge the gap with evidence that specific biomarkers may assess the progress of ripening both at term and with preterm birth. Moreover, use of endpoints to determine the effectiveness of various therapeutic approaches to forestall remodeling and reduce risks for preterm birth, or facilitate ripening to promote parturition will improve the postpartum well-being of mothers and newborns.
On the Use of Microworlds for an Error Seeding Method to Support Human Error Analysis

The field of human reliability analysis (HRA) has matured significantly since its original conception in nuclear safety. However, the field of HRA must be advanced in order to catch up with the advances in the probabilistic safety analysis field to support more accurate quantification of plant risk. This paper examines the Rancor microworld as an HRA data collection tool designed to quickly administer and gather human performance data to support quantitative models of human error. An error seeding method formed the basis of the simulation design to capture human error in response to routine and abnormal operations. The rationale behind a simplified simulator, designing experiments and developing scenarios is described. Furthermore, the results of a task analysis is presented, which establishes a basis of comparison against existing data collections performed with full scope simulator studies with data collected from the Rancor microworld.
Sneddon syndrome: under diagnosed disease, complex clinical manifestations and challenging diagnosis. A case-based review

Herein, we report a case-based review of the Sneddon Syndrome (SS), a rare chronic condition which affects small to medium blood vessels. It is known by its skin presentation, livedo racemosa (LRC), and the relapsing cerebrovascular events. However, neither LRC nor cerebrovascular events are exclusive to SS. A 36-year-old female with history of mitral valve prolapse, hypothyroidism, Raynaud phenomenon, hypertension, migraines, and four episodes of transient ischemic attacks (TIA), presented to our clinic with new skin findings, suggestive of LRC. Based on her previous history, current presentation and skin biopsy results, she was diagnosed with SS secondary to antiphospholipid syndrome. The present report illustrates the difficulty in recognizing SS and how the heterogeneity of the disease may be contributing to the difficulty making a distinct diagnosis.
Toward Space–Time Incoherent Transmitter Design for Millimeter-Wave Imaging

It has been recently demonstrated that microwave and millimeter-wave imagery can be obtained using multiple noise transmitters to illuminate the scene with incoherent space-time-varying fields and a sparse receiving interferometric array. Incoherent imaging has a number of benefits compared to coherent imaging, including no required synchronization between the transmitters and receivers, and fast processing that does not require solving an inverse problem. In this letter, we present a method for characterizing the spatial incoherence of the transmitted signals in an incoherent millimeter-wave imager. We demonstrate theoretically, and experimentally, the characterization of the transmitted radiation spatial coherence as a function of number of noise transmitters in a 37 GHz imaging system.