cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Qualitative Approach to the Intersection of Sexual, Ethnic, and Gender Identities.

This article reports on a qualitative strategy designed to study the intersection of sexual, ethnoracial, and gender identities, and how people who hold those identities interact with social contexts. Researchers often study identities as isolated constructs (e.g., “Latino,” “gay”) and by using separate measures to characterize each construct. This approach may be helpful depending on the questions asked, but it can also miss important elements of a self-system, such as those that stem from the intersection of identities or from people's interactions with social contexts. The strategy suggested in this article can help researchers overcome these limitations. It allows researchers to study how people craft their identities over time, through recurring and sometimes conflicted negotiations with institutional settings such as those of the church, family, and work.
Wealth Accounting, Ecological Capital and Ecosystem Services

This paper develops a methodology for including ecosystem services in a wealth accounting framework. Accounting for ecosystems and their services leads to adjusting net domestic product (NDP) for the direct benefits provided by the current stock of ecosystems but not for their indirect contributions in terms of protecting or supporting economic activity, property and human lives. When ecosystems are irreversibly converted for economic development, NDP must be further modified to reflect any capital revaluation that occurs with the current conversion of ecological capital to other land uses. The risk of collapse also requires adjustments to NDP, as any capital revaluation associated with ecosystem conversion must be adjusted for this risk, and the discounted minimum value of ecosystems associated with collapse must be subtracted from NDP. These various contributions of ecological capital to wealth accounts are illustrated with the example of mangroves in Thailand over the period 1970–2009.
Mechanism of renal handling of angiotensin II in the dog.

The mechanism of renal handling of angiotensin II was studied in vivo in the renal circulation of the intact anesthetized dog and in vitro in whole blood using 14C-5-Ile-angiotensin II, l-Asp-125I-angiotensin II, and d-Asp-125I-angiotensin II. Seventy-five percent of a 600-pmole bolus of 14C-angiotensin II was degraded in a single passage through the kidney as measured by radioactive tracer and radioimmunoassay techniques. The metabolic products were 14C-5-Ile (59%), 5-Ile-8-Phe (15%), and 3-Val-8-Phe (2%); recovery of the injected radioactive material was 99%. The degradation rate of 14C-angiotensin II in whole dog blood in vitro was only 17%/min. Similar metabolic patterns were seen in vivo and in vitro. Sixty-six percent of the injected l-Asp-125I-angiotensin II was metabolized, but only 23% of the d-Asp-125I-angiotensin II was metabolized in a single passage through the kidney. These observations indicate that, under the conditions of these experiments, (1) angiotensin II is rapidly metabolized in the...
Quantum photonic networks in diamond

Advances in nanotechnology have enabled the opportunity to fabricate nanoscale optical devices and chip-scale systems in diamond that can generate, manipulate, and store optical signals at the single-photon level. In particular, nanophotonics has emerged as a powerful interface between optical elements such as optical fibers and lenses, and solid-state quantum objects such as luminescent color centers in diamond that can be used effectively to manipulate quantum information. While quantum science and technology has been the main driving force behind recent interest in diamond nanophotonics, such a platform would have many applications that go well beyond the quantum realm. For example, diamond’s transparency over a wide wavelength range, large third-order nonlinearity, and excellent thermal properties are of great interest for the implementation of frequency combs and integrated Raman lasers. Diamond is also an inert material that makes it well suited for biological applications and for devices that must operate in harsh environments.
MPI-LAPI: an efficient implementation of MPI for IBM RS/6000 SP systems

The IBM RS/6000 SP system is one of the most cost-effective commercially available high performance machines. IBM RS/6000 SP systems support the Message Passing Interface standard (MPI) and LAPI. LAPI is a low level, reliable and efficient one-sided communication API library implemented on IBM RS/6000 SP systems. This paper explains how the high performance of the LAPI library has been exploited in order to implement the MPI standard more efficiently than the existing MPI. It describes how to avoid unnecessary data copies at both the sending and receiving sides for such an implementation. The resolution of problems arising from the mismatches between the requirements of the MPI standard and the features of LAPI is discussed. As a result of this exercise, certain enhancements to LAPI are identified to enable an efficient implementation of MPI on LAPI. The performance of the new implementation of MPI is compared with that of the underlying LAPI itself. The latency (in polling and interrupt modes) and bandwidth of our new implementation is compared with that of the native MPI implementation on RS/6000 SP systems. The results indicate that the MPI implementation on LAPI performs comparably to or better than the original MPI implementation in most cases. Improvements of up to 17.3 percent in polling mode latency, 35.8 percent in interrupt mode latency, and 20.9 percent in bandwidth are obtained for certain message sizes. The implementation of MPI on top of LAPI also outperforms the native MPI implementation for the NAS Parallel Benchmarks.
Roles, Responsibilities, and Concerns of Paraeducators: Findings From a Statewide Survey

The purpose of this survey study was to obtain descriptive information about job situations of special education paraeducators from paraeducators across one state and determine their perceptions regarding roles, current issues identified in the literature, and other issues of concern. Of particular interest was whether perceptions varied based on (a) paraeducator assignment (one-to-one or group) or (b) time in general education settings. More than 1,800 paraeducators responded. Findings supported previous studies based on smaller samples. Problematic issues previously associated with one-to-one paraeducators in general education settings were reported as concerns by both one-to-one and group paraeducators who spent all or most of their day in self-contained settings. Discussion centers on the importance of “paraeducator voice” in efforts to address broader issues of inclusive schooling, clarification of paraeducators as instructional team members, and better understandings situated in practice of the para...
Double-square-loop FSS for multiplexing four (S/X/Ku/Ka) bands

A dual-screen DSL (double-square-loop) FSS (frequency-selective surface) is designed to multiplex the S, X, Ku and Ka frequency bands for the NASA CRAF/CASSINI mission. Specifically. this four-frequency FSS reflects the X (7.2/8.4-GHz) and the Ka (32/34-GHz) waves but transmits the S-band (2.3-GHz) and the Ku-band (13.8-GHz) waves. The dual-screen DSL FSS may be operated for both transverse electric and transverse magnetic (or circular) polarizations and for incident angles steered from normal to 45 degrees . This FSS was fabricated using the conventional PWB technique. >
Mechanisms of Action of Herbal Cholagogues

Plant secondary metabolic compounds with the cholagogue mode of action are important therapeutic agents for the treatment of cholestasis and hepatobiliary disorders. Herbal cholagogues target different components of the complex bile production and secretion system, and exert their action via diverse routes, such as cholecystokinin-dependent and independent gallbladder contraction, up-regulation of the bile acid synthesis, stimulation of the bile salt export pump, multidrug resistance protein transporter system, and osmotic bile flow.
Integrity Testing and Job Performance Within High Performance Work Teams: A Short Note

Integrity tests have exhibited robust validity for predicting performance among traditional jobs. However, some organizations have shifted to self-managed work teams and the relationship between integrity and performance within these jobs is untested. One hundred fourteen high performance team members within a single department completed the Hogan Personality Inventory (HPI). The HPI Reliability scale was used as the integrity measure. The subjects' job performance was evaluated by their team leaders. Performance ratings were transformed to equalize ratings across the eight teams. Results indicate that integrity was related to transformed performance ratings (r = .25) within a high performance team environment. Limitations and implications are discussed.
Vestibulo-ocular Physiology Underlying Vestibular Hypofunction

The vestibular system detects motion of the head and maintains stability of images on the fovea of the retina as well as postural control during head motion. Signals representing angular and translational motion of the head as well as the tilt of the head relative to gravity are transduced by the vestibular end organs in the inner ear. This sensory information is then used to control reflexes responsible for maintaining the stability of images on the fovea (the central area of the retina where visual acuity is best) during head movements. Information from the vestibular receptors also is important for posture and gait. When vestibular function is normal, these reflexes operate with exquisite accuracy and, in the case of eye movements, at very short latencies. Knowledge of vestibular anatomy and physiology is important for physical therapists to effectively diagnose and manage people with vestibular dysfunction. The purposes of this article are to review the anatomy and physiology of the vestibular system and to describe the neurophysiological mechanisms responsible for the vestibulo-ocular abnormalities in patients with vestibular hypofunction.
Influence of compressive stresses on the Propagation of Surface Shear Cracks in Railroad Rails

We study the influence of longitudinal compressive residual stresses on the elastic state of a railroad head damaged by a surface crack under the conditions of rolling contact. For this purpose, we solve a two-dimensional contact problem of the theory of elasticity for a half plane weakened by an edge crack whose lips are in contact with friction under the action of a moving Hertz load on the edge of the half plane and uniform uniaxial compression at infinity. The stress intensity factors are found and the maps of contact of the crack lips are constructed for different values of the operating parameters typical of the wheel–rail system. We determine the most dangerous orientations of the crack susceptible to propagation in the zone of compression by the mechanism of transverse shear.
INHIBITORY INTERACTIONS BETWEEN CERATOCYSTIS ULMI AND SEVERAL SPECIES OF ENTOMOGENOUS FUNGI

Inhibition by 14 isolates of nine species of entomogenous fungi against two strains of the Dutch elm fungus, Ceratocystis ulmi (aggressive and non-aggressive), was evaluated under laboratory conditions. Eleven of the 14 inhibited one or both strains of C. ulmi. Different levels of antagonism were observed at different light levels and temperatures. Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, and Nomuraea rileyi were antagonistic to both strains of C. ulmi under the four tested combinations of light and temperature. Metarhizium anisopliae produced the highest qualitative level of inhibition. The growth rate of the cultures differed Conventional control measures for the Dutch elm disease (DED) have em- phasized control of the insect vectors, Scolytus scolytus Fabr. and Scolytus mul- tistriatus Marsham, mainly due to the inaccessibility of the pathogen, Ceratocystis ulmi (Buis.) Moreau in the xylem vessels of the elm (Holmes, 1980). Several workers (Doane, 1959; Barson, 1976,1977; Doberski, 1981) have reported patho- genicity in tests for control of the DED insect vectors by the entomogenous fungi, Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill., Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorokin, Pae- cilomyces farinosus (Dicks ex Fr.) Vuill., and Verticillium lecanii (Zimm.) Viegas. The possible use of these entomogenous fungi in biological control of DED requires investigation of antagonistic interactions between vector and control agent, and also between C. ulmi and each entomogenous fungus. Gibbs and Smith (1978) and Webber (1981) identified several fungal antagonists of C. ulmi. The bacterium, Pseudomonas syringae van Hall, has also demonstrated in vivo an? tagonism in studies by Myers and Strobel (1983), and earlier Holmes (1954) showed Bacillus polymyxa to be an effective inhibitor. The objectives of the present study were to assess the interactions between potential vector control agents (such as entomogenous fungi), and two strains of C. ulmi. Fungal antag? onists of C. ulmi would be efficiently brought into action if they were transported
Abstract 3376: Cord blood stem cells revert EMT to MET in glioma stem cells by downregulating synergistic transcriptional activation of Sox2 and Twist1

The dynamic nature of cancer stem cells that underlie metastasis or their ability to switch between different cellular identities, as in epithelial to mesenchymal transition and mesenchymal to epithelial transition has profound implications for cancer therapy. The functional relationship between molecules involved in cancer cell stemness and metastasis is not clear. In this regard, our studies on human glioblastoma tissue grade IV specimens showed significant expression of Twist1 and Sox2, known mesenchymal and stemness related markers, respectively, indicating their association with glial tumorigenesis and metastasis. The glioma stem cells obtained from CD133 + cells demonstrated increased expression of Twist1 and Sox2 accompanied by significant increase in the mesenchymal markers such as N-cadherin, vimentin and β-catenin. Our studies on glioma stem cells treatment with human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cells, showed down regulation of Twist1 and Sox2 proteins, apart from other mesenchymal stem cell markers. Based on the in vitro experiments and in vivo intracranial xenograft mouse model studies we elucidated the potential therapeutic role of hUCBSC in suppressing glioma cancer stemness by the induction of mesenchymal to epithelial transition. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3376. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3376
Prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea by boulardii in children

Objectives: To investigate the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea by boulardii in children.Methods: In a randomized trial,216 children were enrolled,and divided into 2 groups.Boulardii was administered to 114 children who received antibiotic therapy before diarrhea(prevention);or to other 102 children after diarrhea(control).The incidence of AAD in two groups was compared.Results: The incidence of diarrhea was 19.29% in prevention group and 38.24% in the control group.The mean duration of diarrhea was(3.14±0.86) d in prevention group and(4.58±0.91) d in control group.The treatment of 2 groups were(4.09±1.11) d and(6.47±1.10) d.There were significant difference between two groups in both indicators(P0.01).Conclusion: Boulardii can be used to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea in children.
Spin Labeling of Potassium Channels

Potassium channels are the ion channels most extensively studied by structural techniques. Whereas high-resolution crystal structures have provided key insights into the molecular architecture of these channels, spin labeling studies have helped to unveil the dynamic structural aspects underlying their function. From a practical standpoint, the popularity of spin labeling studies of potassium channels lies in their small size and relative ease of overexpression. The inherent fourfold symmetry of most potassium channels has also greatly facilitated spin labeling studies. This chapter focuses on the overexpression, purification, spin labeling, and subsequent reconstitution of modified potassium channels. It will discuss the general methods used to produce a suitable spin-labeled potassium channel sample and highlight some of the common pitfalls that can occur along the way. At the end of the chapter, we provide detailed methods to produce spin-labeled samples of KcsA and KvAP, the two most commonly studied potassium channels.
Ron Fagin: Second-Order Logic

This chapter presents a theorem from 1990 by Bruno Courcelle that furthers relations between logic and complexity classes that were originated by Ron Fagin. Monadic second-order logic and tree decompositions of graphs are at front and center, but lurking behind Big-Oh notations are huge constants that render the associated algorithms “galactic” until further notice.
A Random Network Model with High Clustering Coefficient and Variation in Node Degree

The Erdos-Renyi model-based random network graphs are characteristic of having a low clustering coefficient (a measure of the probability for a link to exist between any two neighbors of a node) and low variation in node degrees, and hence do not match closely to graphs abstracting real-world networks. Our hypothesis is that the clustering coefficient of the nodes could increase if preference is given to closing as many triangles as possible during link formation. Accordingly, when node u is looking for a new link to be setup with some other node x, we consider x along with the two-hop neighbors of u and choose one among these nodes with a probability plink as the new neighbor of node u. The proposed Two-Hop Neighbor Preference (THNP)-based model generates random graphs whose clustering coefficient decreases with increase in node degree, but still exhibits a Poisson-style distribution for node degree and path length.
19.3 A 50-to-66GHz 65nm CMOS all-digital fractional-N PLL with 220fs rms jitter

Digital-PLL frequency synthesizers for wireless applications have become popular in the sub-10GHz range. However, mm-wave synthesizers still rely on analog PLLs, predominantly of the integer-N type [1]. This is due to limited DCO tuning resolution and challenges in phase digitization including limited resolution, linearity, and input frequency of the TDC. The 60GHz ADPLL in [2] uses a 32× CML/injection-locked-frequency-divider chain in the DCO-TDC interface, which results in high power consumption (>0.5 of total power), large area, and high in-band phase noise. This paper presents a 60GHz phase-domain ADPLL with a 16GHz tuning range, digital phase extraction at f DCO /4, and several on-chip calibration techniques that enable low in-band phase noise and spurs.
Negotiating on Behalf of Low-Income Clients: The Distorting Effects of Model Rule 4.1

A lawyer's duty of truthfulness in negotiations has long been one of the most controversial topics in professional ethics. This article deepens the existing controversy by arguing that the duties imposed on lawyers by Model Rule 4.1 are not only impossible to police in the negotiation context, but also counterproductive, for two reasons. First, drawing on the research of an array of social scientists, the article suggests that strict adherence to duties of truthfulness during negotiations may have a chilling effect on the exchange of information, thereby undermining the likelihood of reaching a successful outcome. Second, the article explains why the burden of truthful disclosure may fall particularly heavily on low-income individuals, which in turn leads to outcomes that are arguably unfair. An early draft of the Model Rules had elevated the goal of fairness in negotiation outcomes alongside the duty of truthfulness. However, such concern for fairness is missing entirely from the current version of Model Rule 4.1. This omission, in conjunction with Model Rule 1.8(e)'s prohibition on providing financial assistance to clients, suggests that the rules of professional conduct are not properly calibrated, as they fall particularly harshly on low-income litigants and the attorneys who represent them. The article concludes by suggesting a variety of methods to police truthfulness in negotiations more effectively, without negatively impacting outcomes for low-income litigants.
Project Management Implications and Implementation Roadmap of Human Readiness Levels

A human readiness levels (HRL) scale provides a framework to factor in the human dimension during technology development. This framework promotes careful consideration of the human as a part of the system throughout the product lifecycle. Insufficient attention to the human component of the system can lead to added costs, delayed deliverables, system failure, and even the loss of human life in high-consequence systems. We make the economic and technical justification for using an HRL scale by evaluating a reactive case study within a national laboratory. We create a historical technology readiness level (TRL) adoption roadmap to forecast a potential HRL adoption roadmap. We identify characteristics of organizations that are most likely to adopt the scale and conclude by recommending several project management tactics to ensure successful implementation.
Rapid Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing of Uropathogenic E. coli by Tracking Submicron Scale Motion of Single Bacterial Cells

To combat antibiotic resistance, a rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) technology that can identify resistant infections at disease onset is required. Current clinical AST technologies take 1–3 days, which is often too slow for accurate treatment. Here we demonstrate a rapid AST method by tracking sub-μm scale bacterial motion with an optical imaging and tracking technique. We apply the method to clinically relevant bacterial pathogens, Escherichia coli O157: H7 and uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) loosely tethered to a glass surface. By analyzing dose-dependent sub-μm motion changes in a population of bacterial cells, we obtain the minimum bactericidal concentration within 2 h using human urine samples spiked with UPEC. We validate the AST method using the standard culture-based AST methods. In addition to population studies, the method allows single cell analysis, which can identify subpopulations of resistance strains within a sample.
Surgical vs Endoscopic Management of T1 Esophageal Adenocarcinoma: A Modeling Decision Analysis

Background & Aims Although treatment of T1a esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is shifting from esophagectomy to endoscopic therapy, T1b EACs are considered too high risk to be treated endoscopically. We investigated the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of esophagectomy vs endoscopic therapy for T1a and T1b EACs, and the effects of age and comorbidities, using a decision analytic Markov model. Methods We developed a model to simulate a hypothetical cohort of men 75 years old with Charlson comorbidity index scores of 0 and either T1aN0M0 or T1bN0M0 EAC, as a base case. We used the model to compare the effects of esophagectomy vs serial endoscopic therapy. We performed sensitivity analyses based on age at diagnosis of 60–85 years, comorbidity indices of 0–2, and utilities. Post-procedure cancer-specific mortality was derived from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Medicare database. Results In the T1a base case, esophagectomy yielded more unadjusted life years than endoscopic therapy (6.97 vs 6.81), but fewer quality-adjusted life years (QALYs, 4.95 for esophagectomy vs 5.22 for endoscopic therapy). In the T1b base case, esophagectomy yielded more unadjusted life years than endoscopic therapy (5.73 vs 5.01) and QALYs (4.07 vs 3.85 for endoscopic therapy), but was not cost effective (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio $156,981). Sensitivity analyses showed endoscopic therapy optimized QALYs for patients more than 80 years old with a comorbidity index of 1 or 2, or if the ratio of post-esophagectomy to post-endoscopic therapy utilities was below 0.875. Conclusion In a Markov model, we showed that endoscopic therapy of T1a EAC yields more QALYs and is more cost effective than esophagectomy for patients of all ages and comorbidity indices tested. In contrast, selection of therapy for T1b EAC depends on age and comorbidities, due to surgical mortality and the competing risk of non-cancer death.
Research Syntheses Related to Childhood and Adolescent Sexuality: A Critical Review

The literature about child and adolescent sexuality has increased exponentially in recent years. Therefore, scholars have written many meta-analyses and systematic reviews to understand and provide evidence-based knowledge of the different topics related to child and adolescent sexuality. The methodology behind systematic reviews and meta-analyses needs to be understood to capture completely all of the information they provide. Meta-analysts need to know how to improve them, and consumers of meta-analyses need to know when they are more likely to have high quality evidence-based results and conclusions. This chapter provides a review of procedures and analyses used in systematic reviews and meta-analyses in this domain. This chapter also analyzes and discusses the quality, benefits, and limitations of the available child and adolescent sexuality knowledge that the published reviews provide. Specifically, our team retrieved meta-analyses and systematic reviews using electronic databases and hand searches with pre-established inclusion criteria. We adapted and applied a standard questionnaire of meta-analysis quality to the reviews. The 33 systematic reviews and the 34 meta-analyses that qualified for this review were published between 1986 and 2011. Total methodological quality ranged from 14.29% to 90.48% of the total points possible ( M = 54.7±16.8%), with significantly higher quality for meta-analyses than for systematic reviews. It appears that reviews can provide insights about child and adolescent sexuality, but very few have achieved contemporary quality standards. Our results offer some guidance as to where new reviews are needed, and how to develop high-quality evidence-based child and adolescent sexuality knowledge.
Adaptive estimation of measurement bias in six degree of freedom inertial measurement units: Theory and preliminary simulation evaluation

Six-degree of freedom (DOF) inertial measurement units (IMUs) are widely used for attitude estimation. However, such systems' accuracy is limited by the accuracy of calibration of bias, scale factors, and non-orthogonality of sensor measurements. This paper reports a stable adaptive estimator of measurement bias in six-DOF IMUs and preliminary simulation results employing a commercially available IMU comprising a 3-axis fiber optic gyroscope (FOG) with a 3-axis micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometer. A stability proof of the adaptive estimator and preliminary numerical simulation results are reported. The simulation results for a rotating IMU configuration are promising, and further experimental evaluation and extension of the algorithm for the case of a translating IMU configuration typically found on moving robotic vehicles are needed.
Quantum statistics of a single-atom Scovil-Schulz-DuBois heat engine

We study the statistics of the lasing output from a single-atom quantum heat engine, which was originally proposed by Scovil and Schulz-DuBois [H. E. D. Scovil and E. O. Schulz-DuBois, Phys. Rev. Lett. 2, 262 (1959)]. In this heat engine model, a single three-level atom is coupled with an optical cavity and is in contact with a hot and a cold heat bath together. We derive a fully quantum laser equation for this heat engine model and obtain the photon number distribution both below and above the lasing threshold. With the increase of the hot bath temperature, the population is inverted and lasing light comes out. However, we notice that if the hot bath temperature keeps increasing, the atomic decay rate is also enhanced, which weakens the lasing gain. As a result, another critical point appears at a very high temperature of the hot bath, after which the output light become thermal radiation again. To avoid this double-threshold behavior, we introduce a four-level heat engine model, where the atomic decay rate does not depend on the hot bath temperature. In this case, the lasing threshold is much easier to achieve and the double-threshold behavior disappears.
Effects of participation in paid membership organizations on entrepreneurial success

Research into entrepreneurial networking activities has ignored an aspect that is important to the entrepreneurs‐does it make sense to pay dues to an organization that promises networking opportunities to help build their business? This study looked at that aspect of networking by comparing revenue growth rates and average number of employees between those businesses whose owners belong to paid membership organizations and those who do not. No differences were found between the two groups of entrepreneurial firms. While there are still benefits to joining these organizations, entrepreneurs should not expect to grow their business because of membership.
Effects of Cross-Presentation, Antigen Processing, and Peptide Binding in HIV Evasion of T Cell Immunity.

Unlike cytosolic processing and presentation of viral Ags by virus-infected cells, Ags first expressed in infected nonprofessional APCs, such as CD4 + T cells in the case of HIV, are taken up by dendritic cells and cross-presented. This generally requires entry through the endocytic pathway, where endosomal proteases have first access for processing. Thus, understanding virus escape during cross-presentation requires an understanding of resistance to endosomal proteases, such as cathepsin S (CatS). We have modified HIV-1 MN gp120 by mutating a key CatS cleavage site (Thr 322 Thr 323 ) in the V3 loop of the immunodominant epitope IGPGRAFYTT to IGPGRAFYVV to prevent digestion. We found this mutation to facilitate cross-presentation and provide evidence from MHC binding and X-ray crystallographic structural studies that this results from preservation of the epitope rather than an increased epitope affinity for the MHC class I molecule. In contrast, when the protein is expressed by a vaccinia virus in the cytosol, the wild-type protein is immunogenic without this mutation. These proof-of-concept results show that a virus like HIV, infecting predominantly nonprofessional presenting cells, can escape T cell recognition by incorporating a CatS cleavage site that leads to destruction of an immunodominant epitope when the Ag undergoes endosomal cross-presentation.
Population-Tailored Care for Homeless Veterans and Acute Care Use, Cost, and Satisfaction: A Prospective Quasi-Experimental Trial

Introduction Although traditional patient-centered medical homes (PCMHs) are effective for patients with complex needs, it is unclear whether homeless-tailored PCMHs work better for homeless veterans. We examined the impact of enrollment in a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) homeless-tailored PCMH on health services use, cost, and satisfaction compared with enrollment in a traditional, nontailored PCMH. Methods We conducted a prospective, multicenter, quasi-experimental, single-blinded study at 2 VHA medical centers to assess health services use, cost, and satisfaction during 12 months among 2 groups of homeless veterans: 1) veterans receiving VHA homeless-tailored primary care (Homeless-Patient Aligned Care Team [H-PACT]) and 2) veterans receiving traditional primary care services (PACT). A cohort of 266 homeless veterans enrolled from June 2012 through January 2014. Results Compared with PACT patients, H-PACT patients had more social work visits (4.6 vs 2.7 visits) and fewer emergency department (ED) visits for ambulatory care-sensitive conditions (0 vs 0.2 visits); a significantly smaller percentage of veterans in H-PACT were hospitalized (23.1% vs 35.4%) or had mental health-related ED visits (34.1% vs 47.6%). We found significant differences in primary care provider-specific visits (H-PACT, 5.1 vs PACT, 3.6 visits), mental health care visits (H-PACT, 8.8 vs PACT, 13.4 visits), 30-day prescription drug fills (H-PACT, 40.5 vs PACT, 58.8 fills), and use of group therapy (H-PACT, 40.1% vs PACT, 53.7%). Annual costs per patient were significantly higher in the PACT group than the H-PACT group ($37,415 vs $28,036). In logistic regression model of acute care use, assignment to the H-PACT model was protective as was rating health "good" or better. Conclusion Homeless veterans enrolled in the population-tailored primary care approach used less acute care and costs were lower. Tailored-care models have implications for care coordination in the US Department of Veterans Affairs VA and community health systems.
On the Sensitivity to Model Parameters in a Filter Stabilization Technique for Advection Dominated Advection-Diffusion-Reaction Problems

We consider a filter stabilization technique with a deconvolution-based indicator function for the simulation of advection dominated advection-diffusion-reaction (ADR) problems with under-refined meshes. The proposed technique has been previously applied to the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations and has been successfully validated against experimental data. However, it was found that some key parameters in this approach have a strong impact on the solution. To better understand the role of these parameters, we consider ADR problems, which are simpler than incompressible flow problems. For the implementation of the filter stabilization technique to ADR problems we adopt a three-step algorithm that requires (1) the solution of the given problem on an under-refined mesh, (2) the application of a filter to the computed solution, and (3) a relaxation step. We compare our deconvolution-based approach to classical stabilization methods and test its sensitivity to model parameters on a 2D benchmark problem.
Institutional Interventions That Remove Barriers to Recruit and Retain Diverse Biomedical PhD Students.

This article outlines efforts of the MD Anderson UTHealth Graduate School to increase the diversity of the student body independent of student metrics. It also provides recommendations based on the...
Statistical analysis of polarization vectors for target identification

Polarization measurements can be used to differentiate objects of different geometry and material. Polarimetry has been used as a tool to differentiate between two composite geometries, each comprised of a model satellite bus, a solar panel, and a dish antenna. Each component demonstrates unique polarization signatures that can be obtained by analyzing the reflection of passive illumination. An approach for characterizing geometries using Stokes vector–vector space has been demonstrated to be very effective in differentiating between composite geometries representative of orbiting satellites. Our approach lends itself well to a statistical analysis that is applicable for a computational method to provide target identification of space objects.
Minimally Invasive Decompression and Physiotherapy for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis in Geriatric Patients.

Background Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is the most common indication for spine surgery among the geriatric population. Although decompressive surgery is effective, older patients do not benefit as much as younger patients, and they are frequently excluded from studies assessing postoperative physiotherapy. We sought to evaluate the long-term outcomes after surgery when a novel postoperative physiotherapy regimen was included. Methods We performed a retrospective review of patients with LSS greater than 70 years old who underwent lumbar decompressive surgery by the senior author over the past five years. We evaluated patients who participated in a novel postoperative physiotherapy regimen involving four phases of rehabilitation aimed at progressively independent ambulation. The visual analog scale (VAS), lower extremity motor strength, and functional independence measure (FIM) were collected preoperatively and after physiotherapy to measure outcomes. Results Ten consecutive patients with an average age of 83 years (range: 71 - 96) met the inclusion criteria. Nine patients underwent minimally invasive laminotomies at L4-L5 and one underwent a laminotomy at L3-L4. The average follow-up time was 41.9 months. The preoperative mean VAS was 7.35, and at the end of the study, it was 1.7 (p = 0.005). Three of the four patients with preoperative motor deficits improved. The median transfer and locomotion subscores of the FIM were six preoperatively and increased to seven postoperatively. Neither of these improvements was significant. Conclusions Patients older than 70 years undergoing decompressive surgery and a novel postoperative physiotherapy regimen experienced significant reductions in pain. Independence also increased; however, this did not reach statistical significance.
Recurrent Neural Networks for Classifying Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes

Classification of human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hESC-CMs) is important for many applications in cardiac regenerative medicine. However, a key challenge is the lack of ground truth labels for hESC-CMs: Whereas adult phenotypes are well-characterized in terms of their action potentials (APs), the understanding of how the shape of the AP of immature CMs relates to that of adult CMs remains limited. Recently, a new metamorphosis distance has been proposed to determine if a query immature AP is closer to a particular adult AP phenotype. However, the metamorphosis distance is difficult to compute making it unsuitable for classifying a large number of CMs. In this paper we propose a semi-supervised learning framework for the classification of hESC-CM APs. The proposed framework is based on a recurrent neural network with LSTM units whose parameters are learned by minimizing a loss consisting of two parts. The supervised part uses labeled data obtained from computational models of adult CMs, while the unsupervised part uses the metamorphosis distance in an efficient way. Experiments confirm the benefit of integrating information from both adult and stem cell-derived domains in the learning scheme, and also show that the proposed method generates results similar to the state-of-the-art (94.73%) with clear computational advantages when applied to new samples.
Synthetic Midurethral Slings: Roles, Outcomes, and Complications.

Abstract Synthetic midurethral sling placement is the most studied anti-incontinence procedure available. Multiple randomized trials demonstrate its safety and efficacy, with results out to 5 years. With long-term follow-up, it seems there may be some benefit in efficacy to retropubic sling placement compared with the transobturator approach. Single-incision slings are a newer modification to multi-incision sling placement, and the data regarding safety and efficacy are not as mature as other forms of sling placement. Complications may occur with mesh midurethral sling placement and surgeons performing these procedures should be comfortable with the diagnosis and management of these issues.
Discussion on “Søren Bisgaard’s contributions to Quality Engineering: Design of experiments"

Discussion on “Soren Bisgaard’s contributions to Quality Engineering: Design of experiments"
The Program for Cooperative Cataloging’s Transformative Role as a Leader of Change

The transformation of library metadata encoded in MARC to linked data will enable libraries to participate in the Semantic Web. This transformation, however, will be an iterative development depend...
Criteria for Failure and Fracture

Structural members may have geometric features (including holes, notches, and corners) that result in localized regions of high stress called stress concentrations. The ratio C of the maximum stress resulting from a stress concentration to a defined nominal stress is called the stress concentration factor. Graphs of stress concentration factors are presented for an axially loaded bar, a stepped circular bar subjected to torsion, and a rectangular beam subjected to bending. Failure in brittle materials occurs when a component breaks or fractures, whereas in ductile materials failure is usually defined to occur with the onset of yielding. For a brittle material, the maximum normal stress and Mohr’s failure criteria and for a ductile material the Tresca and von Mises yield criteria are discussed. Fatigue is subdivided into low-cycle, high-cycle, and fatigue crack growth. In low-cycle fatigue, stress levels exceed the yield stress, and the number of cycles to failure is relatively low (<103). High-cycle fatigue can occur when stress levels are lower than the yield stress, and failure may require 103 to 106 cycles. An endurance curve is a graph of the stress amplitude or fatigue strength as a function of the number of cycles to failure at zero mean stress. For some materials, there is a stress amplitude, the fatigue limit, below which fatigue life is essentially infinite. Keeping stress levels below the fatigue limit is known as safe life design. When a structural component contains a preexisting crack, fracture mechanics can be used to determine the state of stress and predict when failure will occur. The stress intensity factor K is a measure of the magnitude of the stress in the neighborhood of a crack tip. In many cases stress intensity factors can be expressed in the form \( K=\sigma \sqrt{\pi a}\;Q\left(a/W\right), \) where σ is the stress, a is the crack length, and Q(a/W) is a function called the configuration factor. The value of the stress intensity factor at which fast crack growth begins is called the fracture toughness. Under cyclic or repeated loading, cracks can grow at stress intensity factor levels that are lower than the fracture toughness. In this situation, the resulting fatigue crack growth or slow growth is governed by the Paris law da/dN = A(ΔK)n, and the number of loading cycles required for failure is determined by calculating the number of cycles necessary for the crack length to reach the critical value for fast growth.
Direct Observation of Pore Formation Mechanisms during LPBF Additive Manufacturing Process and High Energy Density Laser Welding

Abstract Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is a 3D printing technology that can print parts with complex geometries that are unachievable by conventional manufacturing technologies. However, pores formed during the printing process impair the mechanical performance of the printed parts, severely hindering their widespread application. Here, we report six pore formation mechanisms that were observed during the LPBF process. Our results reconfirm three pore formation mechanisms - keyhole induced pores, pore formation from feedstock powder and pore formation along the melting boundary during laser melting from vaporization of a volatile substance or an expansion of a tiny trapped gas. We also observe three new pore formation mechanisms: (1) pore trapped by surface fluctuation, (2) pore formation due to depression zone fluctuation when the depression zone is shallow and (3) pore formation from a crack. The results presented here provide direct evidence and insight into pore formation mechanisms during the LPBF process, which may guide the development of pore elimination/mitigation approaches. Since certain laser processing conditions studied here are similar to the situations in high energy density laser welding, the results presented here also have implications for laser welding.
P787 Trichomonas vaginalis positivity rates by HIV status among women in a clinical study

Background Numerous studies have shown that Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) infection is related to risk of HIV infection, but fewer studies have compared positivity rates based on HIV status. Further, the majority of studies that have looked at this topic have either been performed outside the US, or in HIV specialized care settings. We performed a secondary analysis of data collected for evaluation of a molecular diagnostic assay for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) diagnostics. Methods Study data from patients with evaluable results obtained using a BD MAX CTGCTV study for detection of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) and TV were reviewed for HIV status. These women were recruited from 11 sites in the US that included STID clinics; Family Planning clinics, including Planned Parenthood clinics; OB/GYN clinics and other clinic types. No HIV care specialty clinics participated in recruiting patients into this study. CT, GC and TV results based on HIV were compared status using ×2 with α=0.05. Results HIV status data from 2339 women were available. Among HIV negative women the positivity rates for CT, GC, and TV were 6.2%, 1.9%, and 10.3% respectively. Among HIV positive women the positivity rates for CT and TV were 2.1% and 27.1% respectively. No GC coinfection was detected among HIV positive women. For TV, the positivity rate among women with HIV [27.1% (13/48)] was significantly higher than that of among HIV (-) women [10.3% (236/2291)] (p Conclusion While women engaged in HIV specialty care may be tested for STIs routinely, as services are being pushed to more primary care settings, it is important for clinicians to be aware of the importance of STI screening among HIV (+) women, particularly for TV. Disclosure No significant relationships.
Shear-induced diamondization of multilayer graphene structures: A computational study

Abstract Diamond is the hardest superhard material with excellent optoelectronic, thermomechanical, and electronic properties. Here, we have investigated the possibility of a new synthesis technique for diamane and diamond thin films from multilayer graphene at pressures far below the graphite → diamond transformation pressure. We have used the Molecular Dynamics technique with reactive force fields. Our results demonstrate a significant reduction (by a factor of two) in the multilayer graphene → diamond transformation stress upon using a combined shear and axial compression. The shear deformation in the multilayer graphene lowers the phase transformation energy barrier and plays the role of thermal fluctuations, which itself promotes the formation of diamond. We revealed a relatively weak temperature dependence of the transformation strain and stresses. The transformation stress vs. strain curve for the bulk graphite drops exponentially for finite temperatures.
To Do, This:On Physician Training During COVID-19

I want to do this. I’m called to do this. I’m scared to do this. I learned how to do this. I’ll prove I can do this. Will you let me do this?. No one warned me about this. My family hates that I do this. I got sick from doing this.
The development of a brief measure of health personality

The purpose of this research was to develop a brief assessment of health personality, defined as a set of individual dispositions that are directly related to health. In Study 1, an initial pool of...
Pediatric Hepatoblastoma: What the Sonographer Needs to Know for the Sonographic Evaluation of Complications After Treatment and After Liver Transplantation:

Hepatoblastoma (HB) is a common primary pediatric liver tumor, and its typical presentation is a palpable, nontender abdominal mass that is detected through sonographic imaging. The current treatme...