cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Robust feature selection in resting-state fMRI connectivity based on population studies

We propose an alternative to univariate statistics for identifying population differences in functional connectivity. Our feature selection method is based on a procedure that searches across subsets of the data to isolate a set of robust, predictive functional connections. The metric, known as the Gini Importance, also summarizes multivariate patterns of interaction, which cannot be captured by univariate techniques. We compare the Gini Importance with univariate statistical tests to evaluate functional connectivity changes induced by schizophrenia. Our empirical results indicate that univariate features vary dramatically across subsets of the data and have little classification power. In contrast, relevant features based on Gini Importance are considerably more stable and allow us to accurately predict the diagnosis of a test subject.
A new construction of 16-QAM Golay complementary sequences

We present a new construction of 16-QAM Golay sequences of length n = 2/sup m/. The number of constructed sequences is (14 + 12m)(m!/2)4/sup m+1/. When employed as a code in an orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) system; this set of sequences has a peak-to-mean envelope power ratio (PMEPR) of 3.6. By considering two specific subsets of these sequences, we obtain new codes with PMEPR bounds of 2.0 and 2.8 and respective code sizes of (2 + 2m)(m!/2)4/sup m+1/ and (4 + 4m)(m!/2)4/sup m+1/. These are larger than previously known codes for the same PMEPR bounds.
African-American Women's Health und Social Issues

Catherine Fisher Collins, ed., Afircan-American Women's Health and Social Issues (Westport: Auburn House, 1996): 227 pp., ISBN: 0-86569-250-5, $59.95. To order call 1-800-225-5800.
An Electrokinetic Study on the Oil Flotation of Oxidized Coal

Abstract The objective of this investigation was to study the electrokinetic behavior of oxidized coals and of hydrocarbon emulsion droplets of flotation reagents to indicate the feasibility of separating the oxidized coals from ash materials and pyrite by an oil flotation process. The effects of surfactants and hydrolyzed metal ions were also included. The electrokinetic behavior of the oxidized coals and the hydrocarbon emulsion droplets were studied by an electrophoresis technique. Generally the isoelectric point (IEP) of the coals decreased with increasing degree of oxidation. A model of selective flotation of oxidized coal is postulated on the basis of the electrokinetic results. This model simply states that in the presence of a suitable amount of collector and frother, the optimal selective flotation of oxidized coal will occur at the IEP of the oxidized coal. To achieve this condition at the coal surface, it is necessary to adsorb heavy metal hydroxide ions prior to flotation and to absorb hydroca...
Surgical Treatment of the Ulcerated Foot

Foot ulceration with infection continues to be one of the leading causes of hospitalization for patients with diabetes mellitus. It has been previously reported that the incidence and prevalence of diabetic foot ulcerations is believed to be 15%. The rate of recidivism remains a staggering 50% with the majority of these ulcerations recurring within 18 months. This has significant economic ramifications on the health care system when one considers that the average total direct cost of healing an infected ulceration not requiring amputation is approximately $17,500 per episode.
Placental Transfer and Pharmacokinetics of a Single Dermal Dose of [14C]Methyl Parathion in Rats

The pharmacokinetics and placental transfer of a single dermal 10.0 mg (10microCi)/kg dose of uniformly phenyl-labeled [14C] methyl parathion (0,0-dimethyl 0-4-nitrophenyl phosphorothioate) were investigated in pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats at 14-18 days of gestation. Three rats were killed at each time interval: 1, 2, 4, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after dosing. Radioactivity disappeared biexponentially from the administration sites, which retained 50% and 3% of the dose after 1 h and 96 h, respectively. Most of the absorbed radioactivity was excreted in the urine (91%). Only 3% of the 14C was recovered in the feces. One h after the administration, radioactivity was detected in all tissues, including fetal tissue. The peak maternal plasma concentration of radioactivity (ng methyl parathion equivalent/ml) was 1005 at 2 h, compared to 318 ng for fetal plasma at 12 h. The maximum concentrations of radioactivity (ng methyl parathion equivalent/g), detected in most tissues within 12 h of dosing, were, in descending order: adipose tissue (67,532), kidney (1,571), spleen (1,256), spinal cord (1,004), heart (729), liver (706), brain (546), placenta (389), and fetus (256). The metabolism studies showed that methyl parathion, detected by HPLC, was the major compound identified in plasma and tissues. The maximum concentration detected was in plasma, at 513 ng/ml, and in the following tissues (ng/g fresh tissue): kidney (819), fetus (668), placenta (394), liver (375), and brain (282). The metabolite methyl paraoxon was detected in maternal brain and liver at maximum concentrations (ng/g fresh tissue) of 135 and 64 after 12 h and 4 h respectively, while p-nitrophenol was only detected in liver at a maximum concentration of 21 ng/g 72 h after dosing. Pharmacokinetic studies showed that methyl parathion disappeared monoexponentially from plasma and tissues. The half-life of elimination of methyl parathion from plasma was 11 h corresponding to a constant rate value of 0.06 h(-1). The results indicate that skin and placenta are poor barriers against methyl parathion permeability, resulting in a rapid and extensive dermal absorption of this insecticide and extensive placental transfer. This is indicated by the relative residence (R(R)) of methyl parathion in the plasma, which was largest in the placenta followed by the fetus. This study suggests that pregnant women and fetuses may be at risk of cholinergic toxicity following dermal exposure to methyl parathion.
Tightly linked zonal and meridional sea surface temperature gradients over the past five million years

The climate of the tropics and surrounding regions is defined by pronounced zonal (east–west) and meridional (equator to mid-latitudes) gradients in sea surface temperature. These gradients control zonal and meridional atmospheric circulations, and thus the Earth’s climate. Global cooling over the past five million years, since the early Pliocene epoch, was accompanied by the gradual strengthening of these temperature gradients. Here we use records from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, including a new alkenone palaeotemperature record from the South Pacific, to reconstruct changes in zonal and meridional sea surface temperature gradients since the Pliocene, and assess their connection using a comprehensive climate model. We find that the reconstructed zonal and meridional temperature gradients vary coherently over this time frame, showing a one-to-one relationship between their changes. In our model simulations, we systematically reduce the meridional sea surface temperature gradient by modifying the latitudinal distribution of cloud albedo or atmospheric CO2 concentration. The simulated zonal temperature gradient in the equatorial Pacific adjusts proportionally. These experiments and idealized modelling indicate that the meridional temperature gradient controls upper-ocean stratification in the tropics, which in turn controls the zonal gradient along the equator, as well as heat export from the tropical oceans. We conclude that this tight linkage between the two sea surface temperature gradients posits a fundamental constraint on both past and future climates. Global mean temperatures during the Pliocene epoch were warmer than at present, with a shallow meridional temperature gradient. Numerical simulations suggest that since the Pliocene, the meridional and zonal temperature gradients have varied in tandem.
Interactions between the transmembrane domains of CD39 : identification of interacting residues by yeast selection

Rat CD39, a membrane-bound ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase that hydrolyzes extracellular nucleoside tri- and diphosphates, is anchored to the membrane by two transmembrane domains at the two ends of the molecule. The transmembrane domains are important for enzymatic activity, as mutants lacking one or both of these domains have a fraction of the enzymatic activity of the wild-type CD39. We investigated the interactions between the transmembrane domains by using a strain of yeast that requires surface expression of CD39 for growth. Random mutagenesis of selected amino acid residues in the N-terminal transmembrane domain revealed that the presence of charged amino acids at these positions prevents expression of functional protein. Rescue of the growth of these mutants by complementary mutations on selected residues of the C-terminal transmembrane domain indicates that there is contact between particular faces of the transmembrane domains.
Review Of The Theories For Sand Drains

The existing theories for vertical consolidation of clays by vertical flow of water and by radial flow to a drain well are satisfactory within the limits of the assumptions. The effect of consideri...
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy of Polymer-Metal Interface Reactions

Applications of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for probing polymer-metal interfaces are described with examples of polyimide (PI)-metal systems relevant to electronics packaging and poly(phenylene vinylene) (PPV) derivatives used in electroluminescent devices. Emphasis is placed on the detection and interpretation of interfacial reactions that influence performance characteristics (e.g., adhesion, stability, and light emission) of polymer-metal structures. In situ infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS) is used to explore the formation of PI-on-metal interfaces, the hydrolytic stability of such interfaces, and the reactivity of PPV systems when exposed to ultraviolet light and oxygen. Differences between polymer-on-metal and metal-onpolymer interfaces are discussed. Models of the infrared optical processes in the thin film composites are used to distinguish between chemical and optical effects. The FTIR observations are supported by additional spectroscopic characterizations, specifically ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
Copper-Catalyzed Cyclopropanol Ring Opening Csp3–Csp3 Cross-Couplings with (Fluoro)Alkyl Halides

Novel and general copper-catalyzed cyclopropanol ring opening cross-coupling reactions with difluoroalkyl bromides, perfluoroalkyl iodides, monofluoroalkyl bromides, and 2-bromo-2-alkylesters to synthesize various β-(fluoro)alkylated ketones are reported. The reactions feature mild conditions and excellent functional group compatibility and can be scaled up to gram scale. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest the involvement of radical intermediates. The difluoroalkyl–alkyl cross-coupling products can also be readily converted to more valuable and diverse gem-difluoro-containing compounds by taking advantage of the carbonyl group resulting from cyclopropanol ring opening.
Study on laser flying marking systems based on DSP and CPLD

In order to achieve fast and high precision,a dynamic laser flying marking system equipped on product line was introduced based on digital signal processing(DSP) and complex programmable logic device(CPLD)'s dynamic tracing technology so that the problems in the course of laser process on product line,such as metamorphosis,dislocation,distortion was solved,and the labor degree of workers was decreased than the static marking system.Applying the software developed by ourselves,with the laser parameters'setting marking on the same object,it can be seen that the efficiency of laser marking was enhanced with a velocity up to 2000byte/s and the marking line and silhouette were very clear.To the same marking result was achieved on both the dynamic and the static marking systems.
White Paper: PROMESA's Shortsighted Reaction to Puerto Rico's Woes

Discussion of the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act's proposed stay of litigation.
Muscarinic Cholinergic Receptors in Bladder Exstrophy: Insights Into Surgical Management

AbstractThe surgical management of classical bladder exstrophy (functional bladder closure or urinary diversion) should be influenced by the inherent detrusor function of the exstrophied bladder. Cystometrograms performed previously on individuals with successful exstrophy closures demonstrate normal bladder function. The biochemical and neurophysiological properties of the exstrophied bladder have otherwise not been investigated. In this study radioligand receptor binding techniques were used to compare the density and equilibrium dissociation constant of muscarinic cholinergic receptors in control and exstrophy bladders. The density of muscarinic cholinergic receptors in the control and exstrophy groups was 1.97 plus or minus 0.29 and 1.44 plus or minus 0.21fmol. per μg. deoxyribonucleic acid (mean plus or minus standard error of mean), respectively. The dissociation constant of the control and exstrophy groups was 0.15 plus or minus 0.02 and 0.14 plus or minus 0.02nM. (mean plus or minus standard error...
Endocrine and Paracrine Regulation of Mammalian Spermatogenesis

Publisher Summary Spermatogenesis is composed of the mitotic divisions of spermatogonia to produce spermatocytes, the two meiotic divisions, and the differentiation of the resulting spermatids to spermatozoa. The mammalian testis is composed of the seminiferous tubular and interstitial compartments. Within the seminiferous epithelium are the somatic Sertoli cells and the developing germ cells with which the Sertoli cells are associated. Spermatogenesis proceeds in an ordered fashion that includes diploid spermatogonial stem cells dividing mitotically to become spermatocytes, the two meiotic divisions producing haploid round spermatids, and the differentiation of the spermatids to elongated, mature sperm. In addition to their ability to differentiate, a subset of the spermatogonial cells are able to self-renew, thereby maintaining a pool of stem spermatogonia required for the continuous production of male gametes.
The Nature of the Public Sector

Perhaps the most general observation that can be made about government activities is that they have grown, both relatively and absolutely, in all countries of the world. This commonplace observation must necessarily serve as the starting point for any systematic treatment of the political economy of public expenditure, for the growth of government lies at the heart of continued controversy over the role of the public sector. This controversy is particularly acute in a mixed economy where the public sector is growing more rapidly than the private and where it often appears that this growth is at the expense of, or contributes to a diminution in, private economic activity. In any economic system, regardless of the relative growth of public and private activities, there will be continuously difficult and controversial choices in selecting the appropriate composition of government expenditure and in choosing among alternative government programs that are intended to accomplish social goals.
Use of Hydrogen Chemisorption and Ethylene Hydrogenation as Predictors for Aqueous Phase Reforming of Lactose over Ni@Pt and Co@Pt Bimetallic Overlayer Catalysts

Overlayer Pt on Ni (Ni@Pt) or Co (Co@Pt) were synthesized and tested for H2 generation from APR of lactose. H2 chemisorption descriptor showed that Ni@Pt and Co@Pt overlayer catalysts had reduced H2 adsorption strength compared to a Pt only catalyst, which agree with computational predictions. The overlayer catalysts also demonstrated lower activity for ethylene hydrogenation than the Pt only catalyst, which likely resulted from decreased H2 binding strength decreasing the surface coverage of H2. XAS results showed that overlayer catalysts exhibited higher white line intensity than the Pt catalyst, which indicates a negative d-band shift for the Pt overlayer, further providing evidence for overlayer formation. Lactose APR studies showed that lactose can be used as feedstock to produce H2 and CO under desirable reaction conditions. The Pt active sites of Ni@Pt and Co@Pt overlayer catalysts showed significantly enhanced H2 production selectivity and activity when compared with that of a Pt only catalyst. Th...
Single-sided cap solution for thinner Z-height

Efforts to enable a more cost-effective power integrity (PI) solutions to cater for the needs of emerging markets are described in this paper. The challenge in the PI design is compounded by the requirements of low system cost and z-height, i.e. high density interconnect (HDI) boards and backside capacitors (BSC) are not viable options. And to enable low profile packages, no package decoupling capacitors are employed; thus, adding to the requirements for better onboard decoupling. Techniques to reduce the impedance profile from system on chip (SoC) to the Power management integrated circuit (PMIC) will be addressed. While the principles in the following sections are applicable to both Core and I/O circuits, the scope of the results are on Core and the decoupling frequency of interest is in the MHz range.
Epigenetics: A tug of war for DNA methylation.

A new study uncovers thousands of RNA-directed DNA methylation target sites masked by the active removal of methylated cytosines by a demethylating enzyme.
On the impact of predictor geometry on the performance on high-dimensional ridge-regularized generalized robust regression estimators

We study ridge-regularized generalized robust regression estimators, i.e. $$\begin{aligned} {\widehat{\beta }}={{\mathrm{argmin}}}_{\beta \in {\mathbb {R}}^p} \frac{1}{n}\sum _{i=1}^n \rho _i(Y_i-X_i'\beta )+\frac{\tau }{2}||\beta ||^2, \quad \text {where } \quad Y_i=\epsilon _i+X_i'\beta _0, \end{aligned}$$ in the situation where p/n tends to a finite non-zero limit. Our study here focuses on the situation where the errors $$\epsilon _i$$ ’s are heavy-tailed and $$X_i$$ ’s have an “elliptical-like” distribution. Our assumptions are quite general and we do not require homoskedasticity of $$\epsilon _i$$ ’s for instance. We obtain a characterization of the limit of $$||{\widehat{\beta }}-\beta _0||$$ , as well as several other results, including central limit theorems for the entries of $${\widehat{\beta }}$$ .
Evaluation of the Gene Encoding Calcium Diacylglycerol Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor I (CalDAG-GEFI) in Human Patients with Congenital Qualitative Platelet Disorders.

Abstract Abstract 5078 Normal platelet function is dependent on an orchestrated series of interactions resulting in primary hemostasis. Dysfunction in any step of platelet activation and aggregation results in abnormal platelet function and abnormal mucocutaneous bleeding. Defects in agonist/receptor interactions, membrane phospholipid and cytoskeleton structure, signal transduction, storage pool content and release have all been described. While some congenital qualitative platelet function disorders such as Bernard-Soulier syndrome or Glanzmann thrombasthenia are well characterized at the molecular and genetic level, the majority of congenital platelet function disorders are not. Recently, insights into the molecular and genetic causes of platelet signal transduction and secretion pathway disorders have been found in animals. Dogs and cattle with recurrent abnormal mucocutaneous bleeding symptoms and abnormal in vitro platelet aggregation have been found to be caused by a mutation in the calcium-diacylglycerol guanine nucleotide exchange factor I (CalDAG-GEFI) gene. Genetic ablation of CalDAG-GEFI in mice has resulted in abnormal platelet function and bleeding. Polymorphisms in the human CalDAG-GEFI gene have been linked to Kindlin-3/ FERMT3 mutations resulting in a leukocyte adhesions defect associated with platelet dysfunction (LAD-III or LAD-1/variant syndrome). To date, mutations in the CalDAG-GEFI gene in humans associated with abnormal platelet function and bleeding have not been described. To determine if mutations in the human CalDAG-GEFI gene are associated with abnormal mucocutaneous bleeding and platelet aggregation dysfunction, we have begun sequencing the CalDAG-GEFI gene in human patients with a congenital qualitative platelet function disorder of unknown etiology. As control groups, we will also evaluate the CalDAG-GEFI gene sequence of unaffected family members and unrelated blood donors known to have normal platelet aggregation. Preliminary results of our analysis will be presented. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
“Stop smoking!” Do we say it enough?

268 Background: There are clear benefits of smoking cessation after the diagnosis of Bronchogenic Carcinoma (BC). Patients who quit smoking report lower levels of pain and are less likely to develop a second primary tumor when compared to patients who continue to smoke after they are diagnosed with BC. Persistent smoking is also associated with poor performance status and survival outcomes. Evidence suggests that smokers are more likely to quit if they are counseled by their physicians yet, there may be a prevailing belief among physicians that treating tobacco dependence is futile in this population. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether physicians addressed smoking cessation with patients who were diagnosed with BC. Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients who were diagnosed with BC was conducted at a community medical center between 2008 and 2010, using the hospital’s cancer registry. Demographic information including age, race, sex, AJCC stage, and smoking status at the time of...
Clinical toxicology: past and future.

Everyone needs an editor. – Tim FooteIt is traditional for the incoming Editor-in-Chief (EIC) of Clinical Toxicology to reflect, in print, on the past and to look to the future [1,2]. I am fortunat...
Tunable Nitric Oxide Release from S-Nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine via Catalytic Copper Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications

The quest for novel therapies to prevent bacterial infections and blood clots (thrombosis) is of utmost importance in biomedical research due to the exponential growth in the cases of thrombosis and blood infections and the emergence of multi-drug-resistant strains of bacteria. Endogenous nitric oxide (NO) is a cellular signaling molecule that plays a pivotal role in host immunity against pathogens, prevention of clotting, and regulation of systemic blood pressure, among several other biological functions. The physiological effect of NO is dose dependent, which necessitates the study of its tunable release kinetics, which is the objective of this study. In the present study, polymer composites were fabricated by incorporating S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) in a medical-grade polymer, Carbosil, and top-coated with varying concentrations of catalytic copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs). The addition of the Cu-NPs increased the NO release, as well as the overall antimicrobial activity via the oligodynamic ...
Winter temperature prediction for near-surface depth of pervious concrete pavement

Pervious concrete pavement (PCP) consists of a highly porous concrete slab, placed on a permeable base layer. This permeable pavement system allows storm water runoff to infiltrate through the pave...
Idiotype-Specific T Cells

The nature of T-cell receptors is among the most controversial questions in contemporary immunology. The key problem lies in the hypothesis that T-cell receptors are encoded by genes which are homologous to immunoglobulin gene segments.(1–3) Data that are pertinent for this issue come from four different approaches: (1) serological identification of T-cell surface proteins or T-cell-derived factors, (2) functional impairment or stimulation of T-cell activities induced by idiotype-specific antibodies, (3) demonstration of immunoglobulin linkage for T-cell-specific functions, and (4) analysis of the immunoglobulin gene segment arrangement in specific T-cell clones. Among the strongest supportive evidence for the immunoglobulinlike structures of T-cell receptors is the sharing of idiotopes among B and T cells. For example, some anti-idiotypic(4–8) and anti-VH framework sera(9) effect T-cell functions and bind to antigen-specific factors made by T cells(10,11) In a set of recent experiments we have obtained evidence that T-helper cells (Th) can recognize idiotypes as carrier-determinants for a hapten-specific B cell.(12,13) These Th can be induced by idiotype- and antigen-specific priming procedures. The specificity of idiotype recognition is somewhat unique and clearly different from that of B cells responding to immunization with idiotype.(14,15) It appears that the idiotype-recognizing Th recognize idiotopes primarily on the heavy chain and that these idiotopes are involved in the binding site of the target idiotype immunoglobulin.
Early work on modeling computational sprinting

Ever tightening power caps constrain the sustained processing speed of modern processors. With computational sprinting, processors reserve a small power budget that can be used to increase processing speed for short bursts. Computational sprinting speeds up query executions that would otherwise yield slow response time. Common mechanisms used for sprinting include DVFS, core scaling, CPU throttling and application-specific accelerators.
From CoreValve to Evolut PRO: Reviewing the Journey of Self-Expanding Transcatheter Aortic Valves

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become standard therapy for patients with severe aortic stenosis who are deemed at least intermediate risk for surgical valve replacement. Over the past decade, several technological advances have taken place to improve the quality and safety of these devices. The current commercially available valves are broadly grouped into balloon expandable and self-expandable valves. The latest iteration of the self-expandable valve is Medtronic’s repositionable valve known as the Evolut PRO system. In this review, we highlight the evidence behind the use of TAVR, improvement in devices over previous generations, clinical evidence behind the CoreValve Evolut PRO system, and the future of TAVR.
Pediatric Specialty Care Model for Management of Chronic Respiratory Failure: Cost and Savings Implications and Misalignment With Payment Models.

Objective:To describe program design, costs, and savings implications of a critical care–based care coordination model for medically complex children with chronic respiratory failure.Design:All program activities and resultant clinical outcomes were tracked over 4 years using an adapted version of t
Barriers to accessing treatment for pregnant women with opioid use disorder in Appalachian states.

Background and aims: Opioid agonist therapies (OATs) are highly effective treatments for opioid use disorders (OUDs), especially for pregnant women; thus, improving access to OAT is an urgent publi...
RADIATION TRANSFER IN THE ATMOSPHERE | Ultraviolet Radiation

Synopsis This article provides a review of ultraviolet radiation in the atmosphere–ocean system with emphasis on the basic interaction with molecules and suspended particles in both media as well as the reflection and refraction occurring at the air–water interface. A comparison between measured and computed irradiances in the ocean is provided to illustrate the utility of the modeling. The model is also used to discuss the impact of an ozone depletion at high latitudes the primary production in the water column.
Yeast mitochondrial RNase P: an unusual member of the RNase P enzyme family

We review here our studies of the tRNA processing enzyme, RNase P. Yeast mitochondrial RNase P contains an AU-rich mitochondrial coded RNA which varies in size in different yeasts. All of these RNAs contain two short sequences with similarity to two sequences found in all RNase P RNAs. The only identified protein subunit, coded by the RPM2 gene, is much larger than and displays little similarity to the bacterial protein subunits. Progress to date and issues for future research are discussed.
Adsorption Energetics of NO and CO on Pt(111)

The adsorption energetics of NO and CO on Pt(111) are studied using an ab initio embedding theory. The Pt(111) surface is modeled as a three-layer, 28-atom cluster with the Pt atoms fixed at bulk lattice sites. Molecular NO is adsorbed at high symmetry sites on Pt(111), with the fcc threefold site energetically more favorable than the hcp threefold and bridge sites. The calculated adsorption energy at the fcc threefold site is 1.90 eV, with an N-surface distance of 1.23 A. The NO molecular axis is perpendicular to the Pt(111) surface. Tilting the O atom away from the surface normal destablizes adsorbed NO at all adsorption sites considered. On-top Pt adsorption has been ruled out. The Pt(111) potential surface is very flat for CO adsorption, and the diffusion barriers from hcp to fcc sites are 0.03 eV and less than 0.06 eV across the bridge and the atop sites, respectively. Calculated adsorption energies are 1.67, 1.54, 1.51, and 1.60 eV at the fcc threefold, hcp threefold, bridge, and atop sites, respectively. Calculated C-surface distances are 1.24 A at the fcc threefold site and 1.83 A at the atop site. It is concluded that NO and CO adsorption energetics and geometries are different on Pt(111).
Effects of ozone on pulmonary function: the relationship of response to dose.

A dose-response relationship for the effects of ozone on pulmonary function in humans has been derived using the concept of internal thoracic dose. This quantity, which represents the dose of inhaled pollutant capable of reaching and affecting target sites in the lower respiratory tract, was estimated using a mathematical model derived in part from theory and in part from data obtained using human and animal subjects. The model was applied to ozone exposures of individuals ranging in age from infants to adults over age 65 and for exercise conditions ranging from rest to heavy exercise (greater than 6 times resting minute ventilation). The dose model was successfully used to compare results from clinical studies in which subjects were exposed under disparate conditions of exercise, exposure concentration and exposure duration. The model can also be applied to estimate doses to populations exposed to ambient pollution. The effects of ozone on pulmonary function in adults and children were evaluated using the model. On the basis of dose of ozone (micrograms O3 per kg body mass), children, aged 8 to 15 years, and adults were equally sensitive. When dose is analyzed as a function of age, the data suggest that children, under themore » age of 6 years, receive greater doses to respiratory tract tissues than do older children or adults, under equivalent conditions of exposure.« less
Stent-based release of paclitaxel to prevent restenosis

Paclitaxel, a microtubule-stabilizing agent with potent antiproliferative effects, has shown great promise as a locally delivered, antirestenotic therapy in both experimental and pilot clinical trials. Its protean effects, including attenuation of smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation and inhibition of cellular and subcellular components of inflammation, interfere with major elements of restenosis. In addition, paclitaxel's biophysical attributes – particularly its lipophilicity – allow for ready delivery from a polymer matrix, selective partitioning into lipid-rich atheroma in the arterial wall, with minimal systemic delivery and toxicity. In vitro selective inhibition of smooth muscle cell versus endothelial cell proliferation suggests that paclitaxel may reduce the fibromuscular proliferation following vascular injury without disrupting endothelialization. In a New Zealand White rabbit model of arterial injury, implantation of NIR stents coated with pLA/pCL bioerodible polymer loaded with paclitaxel (200 mcg, delivered over 56 days) resulted in near-total abolition of neointimal proliferation compared to vessels treated with control stents. The impact on wound healing was sustained for at least six months, long after drug delivery and polymer degradation were complete. NIR stents coated with a non-erodible polymer loaded with either a high dose of rapidly-delivered paclitaxel (“high dose” group) or a low dose of slowly-delivered paclitaxel (“low dose” group) were implanted in pig coronary arteries. “High dose” stented vessels developed wide-spread tissue necrosis, incomplete healing, late stent malapposition, and late stent thrombosis in 25 % of treated vessels. “Low dose” stented vessels developed minimal neointima, complete endothelialization and wound healing by 90 days, and no thrombotic complications. From rabbit and porcine data, it is clear that stent-based paclitaxel delivery may have a profound and durable effect, but that tissue dosimetry must be carefully contained within the therapeutic window. Pilot clinical trials including TAXUS I (using the NIR stent “low dose” profile described above) have demonstrated an astonishing effect on restenosis reduction in human coronaries. Furthermore, larger-scale trials will be needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of stent-based paclitaxel delivery and its applicability to more complex, “real world” clinical situations including bifurcation lesions, left main disease, the use of overlapping stents, and the potential need for extended anti-platelet therapy.
Genome Sequences of Rhinovirus Genotype C56 Detected in Three Patients with Acute Respiratory Illness, California, 2016 to 2017

ABSTRACT We report here two genome sequences of a newly designated rhinovirus genotype, RV-C56, which were obtained from respiratory specimens of three patients with acute respiratory illness in 2016 and 2017. To our knowledge, these sequences represent the first near-complete genomes for RV-C56 strains.
What if Acupuncture Were Covered by Insurance for Pain Management? A Cross-Sectional Study of Cancer Patients at One Academic Center and 11 Community Hospitals.

Objective In response to the national opioid crisis, governmental and medical organizations have called for broader insurance coverage of acupuncture to improve access to nonpharmacologic pain therapies, especially in cancer populations, where undertreatment of pain is prevalent. We evaluated whether cancer patients would be willing to use insurance-covered acupuncture for pain. Design and setting We conducted a cross-sectional survey of cancer patients with pain at one academic center and 11 community hospitals. Methods We used logistic regression models to examine factors associated with willingness to use insurance-covered acupuncture for pain. Results Among 634 cancer patients, 304 (47.9%) reported willingness to use insurance-covered acupuncture for pain. In univariate analyses, patients were more likely to report willingness if they had severe pain (odds ratio [OR] = 1.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03-2.45) but were less likely if they were nonwhite (OR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.39-0.90) or had only received high school education or less (OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.32-0.65). After adjusting for attitudes and beliefs in multivariable analyses, willingness was no longer significantly associated with education (adjusted OR [aOR] = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.50-1.21) and was more negatively associated with nonwhite race (aOR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.29-0.84). Conclusions Approximately one in two cancer patients was willing to use insurance-covered acupuncture for pain. Willingness was influenced by patients' attitudes and beliefs, which are potentially modifiable through counseling and education. Further research on racial disparities is needed to close the gap in utilization as acupuncture is integrated into insurance plans in response to the opioid crisis.
Abstract 3605: The role of androgen receptor in invasive lobular breast carcinoma

The leading problem for women with estrogen receptor α (ER) breast cancer – approximately 70% of all breast cancers – is that while the majority of tumors initially respond to anti-estrogen treatment including Tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors, they will develop endocrine resistance. A histological subset of breast cancer called invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) accounts for 15% of all breast cancer cases and approximately 90% of ILC are ER-positive. Despite clinical markers suggesting a better prognosis for ILC compared to the more common invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), recent data suggests women with ILC develop Tamoxifen resistance at a higher rate than IDC. New strategies for treating hormone refractory tumors are needed that not only overcome anti-estrogen resistance, but also present a more tolerable side effect profile and have fewer dose-limiting toxicities than adjuvant chemotherapy. The majority of ER-positive breast cancers also express androgen receptor (AR) and while AR presence in breast cancer is controversial, increased expression of AR leads to Tamoxifen resistance in IDC cell lines. Since ILC has more AR expression than IDC, the role of AR in ILC was studied by treating cells with the non-aromatizable androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and the synthetic androgen R1881 as well as the anti-androgen Enzalutamide. We have previously begun to characterize a Tamoxifen resistant variant of the ILC cell line Sum44PE termed LCCTam cells. In both Sum44PE and LCCTam cells, AR protein expression increases in response to androgens, an action that is blocked by Enzalutamide. Interestingly, androgens do not promote growth in ILC cells, but Enzalutamide is still able to inhibit growth. These results suggest Enzalutamide may be an effective alternative therapy for women with ILC. Future studies will focus on whether regulation of nuclear receptor co-factors influences differences in AR signaling in ILC. Citation Format: Hillary Stires, Rebecca B. Riggins. The role of androgen receptor in invasive lobular breast carcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3605. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-3605
Size effect of oscillating columns on mixing: A CFD study

Abstract Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed to study the effect of the size of the column on mixing in an oscillating column. Volume of Fluid (VOF) method was employed to track the interface, and tracer simulations were carried out to estimate the mixing time. The fluid was assumed to be water, and the ratio of the height of the water in the column and the diameter of the column was equal to 1. The amplitude of the applied oscillation was kept constant at 0.25 cm, and the frequency was varied from 1 Hz to 20 Hz. Two cylindrical columns were considered in this work: one with a radius twice the benchmark geometry and the other with a radius half of it. The benchmark geometry was the cylindrical column with radius = 0.05 m, which was utilized in our previous work (Bale et al., 2017). It was observed that the mixing within an oscillating column was nonlinear with respect to the applied oscillation. The mixing time per unit volume was much smaller for the larger column, with similar power per unit mass applied to both the columns. The optimal condition to operate the two columns under consideration were reported. The numerical simulation results were corroborated by the stability chart determined theoretically by solving a series of Mathieu equation, contour plots through the column, and the snapshots of the free surface.
Lesson Study and Textbook Revisions: What Can We Learn from the Japanese Case?

According to Japanese mathematics educators, Lesson Study is not only a professional development activity for teachers but also a part of a feedback mechanism to inform curricular revisions. The learning from Lesson Study informs the revision of the National Course of Study (NCOS), which takes place about every 10 years. Lesson Study also informs the revision of commercially produced textbook series, which are revised much more frequently than the NCOS. In an earlier study, Watanabe (Transformation of Japanese elementary mathematics textbooks: 1958–2012. In: Li Y, Silver EA, Li S (eds), Transforming mathematics instruction: multiple approaches and practices, 199–216. Springer, Cham, 2014) examined how Japanese elementary mathematics textbooks have changed over the years as Japanese mathematics teachers transformed mathematics teaching from teacher-centered instruction to what Stigler and Hiebert (Teaching Gap: Best Ideas from the World’s Teachers for Improving Education in the Classroom. The Free Press, New York, 1999) called structured problem-solving style instruction. That study revealed that Japanese textbooks indeed changed over the years to reflect more closely the structured problem-solving style lessons. However, the previous study could not attribute those changes to Lesson Study. In this follow-up study, we examined Lesson Study artifacts from the 1980s to see how Lesson Study might have affected the changes in Japanese textbooks. Although we cannot definitively conclude that Lesson Study led to specific changes in textbooks, there are some evidences that suggest its influence. We speculate that certain features of the Japanese education system may contribute to making such influences possible.
Holographic angular amplification for LiDAR scanner

Non-mechanical beam scanner such as phase array are very attractive for LIDAR application. Unfortunately their angular span is limited to a few degree due to their relatively large pitch (Bragg’s law). By multiplexing holograms in a thick material we demonstrated that it is possible to achieve a high angular selectivity so that multiple incident angles are diffracted toward different directions. This process can effectively amplify the angular span of phase arrays and cover up to 4π steradian.)
Effects of Incorporating Inertial Measurements on the Localization Accuracy of the Seaglider AUV

Seaglider is a buoyancy driven autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) primarily used as a platform for oceanographic measurements of salinity, temperature, and oxygen, where precise localization is not crucial. A recent experiment tracked a Seaglider, instrumented with an attitude and heading reference system (AHRS), on an acoustic tracking range in an effort to quantify the accuracy of the Seaglider’s two localization solutions and determine the effects of incorporating additional inertial measurements into the solution.Preliminary analysis of results has shown the Seaglider’s glide slope model (GSM) is more accurate and reliable than the hydrodynammic model (HDM) during typical flight dynamics. Errors in the GSM solution did not exhibit a clear drift behavior but remained on average within 22 m of the ground truth acoustic track over dives with a maximum depth of 90 to 125 m. Errors in the HDM solution exhibited linear growth until the apogee point of the dive when errors began to linearly reduce. On average the error increased at a rate of about 5 m/min between the surface and maximum dive depth, with maximum errors in excess of 100 m during dives with a maximum depth of 90 m. The substitution of attitude estimates from the AHRS into the localization models provided similar but less consistent results with slightly higher errors.
Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common peripheral neuropathy encountered by the upper extremity surgeon. Patients classically present with painful paresthesias radiating down the medial elbow into the ring and small finger. Symptoms are often exacerbated with activities that require repetitive elbow hyperflexion. The presence of intrinsic weakness, muscle atrophy, and clawing is often associated with advanced nerve compression and a more ominous prognosis. At times, the diagnosis can be elusive. Provocative examination maneuvers remain important tools in reaching the diagnosis. Modifications to the classic maneuvers may improve their sensitivity and specificity. Electrodiagnostic tests and advanced imaging continue to evolve in their technique and utility. Nerve conduction studies and electromyography can be used to supplement ones clinical diagnosis. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging allow for visualization of pathologic structural changes within and around the ulnar nerve as it courses through the Cubital tunnel. Continued advances in imaging may allow noninvasive objective means to assist in diagnosis and prognosis.
Large magnetoresistance in antiferromagnetic CaMnO 3 − δ

${\mathrm{CaMnO}}_{3\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\delta}}}$ with $\ensuremath{\delta}=0,$ 0.06, and 0.11 was prepared by the Pechini citrate gel process at 1100 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. Oxygen defects were created by quenching the sample from high temperature. Chemical analysis and x-ray absorption show that the formal valence of Mn in ${\mathrm{CaMnO}}_{3}$ is close to 4+, and that Mn(III) is created in the quenched samples. Moreover the x-ray absorption near-edge spectra results support the creation of two Mn(III) five coordinate sites for each O vacancy. ${\mathrm{CaMnO}}_{3\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\delta}}}$ $(\ensuremath{\delta}=0--0.11)$ are n-type semiconductors and order antiferromagnatically with N\'eel temperatures close to 125 K. The activation energy decreases with increasing \ensuremath{\delta}. A relatively large (\ensuremath{\sim}40%) negative magnetoresistance (MR) is observed for ${\mathrm{CaMnO}}_{2.89}.$ This result shows that a substantial MR can occur in these G-type antiferromagnetic materials.
Structural elements of kallistatin required for inhibition of angiogenesis

Kallistatin is a serpin first identified as a specific inhibitor of tissue kallikrein. Our recent studies showed that kallikrein promoted angiogenesis, whereas kallistatin inhibited angiogenesis an...
Machine learning in asthma research: moving toward a more integrated approach.

Big data are reshaping the future of medicine. The growing availability and increasing complexity of data have favoured the adoption of modern analytical and computational methodologies in every ar...
Risk Factors for Carbetocin Failure after a Cesarean Section: Is Obesity One of Them?

Obese pregnant women have increased rates of fetal macrosomia, long labor, and cesarean sections, which lead to an increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Carbetocin is useful for the prevention of PPH after a cesarean section. Our study aimed to investigate predictors of carbetocin failure after a cesarean section, and specifically whether obesity is associated with carbetocin failure. We retrospectively analyzed all women who received carbetocin after a cesarean section. Carbetocin failure was defined as changes in hematocrit and hemoglobin, blood loss ≥ 1000 mL, and the need for an additional uterotonic agent or second-line therapies for persistent PPH. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate predictors of carbetocin failure. The study included 600 women, with 131 (21.8%) obese women. Overall, 44 (7.3%) carbetocin failures were reported, and rates of obese women were similar between groups (carbetocin failure, 11.4% vs. 22.9%; p = 0.08). Previous PPH (p < 0.001), a cesarean section during labor (p = 0.01), cervical ripening (p = 0.02), and birthweight (p = 0.01) were significantly different between groups. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for potential confounders, cervical ripening (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–4.80), compared with spontaneous labor, was significantly associated with carbetocin failure. Obesity was not associated with carbetocin failure after cesarean sections.