cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE MODULI SPACE OF CURVES AND GROMOV-WITTEN THEORY

The goal of this article is to motivate and describe how Gromov-Witten the- ory can and has provided tools to understand the moduli space of curves. For example, ideas and methods from Gromov-Witten theory have led to both conjectures and theorems showing that the tautological part of the cohomology ring has a remarkable and profound structure. As an illustration, we describe a new approach to Faber's intersection number conjecture via branched covers of the projective line (work with I.P. Goulden and D.M. Jackson, based on work with T. Graber). En route we review the work of a large number of mathematicians.
Typologies in Alcoholism: An Overview

There seems to be a growing consensus that the differential outcome associated with alcoholism suggests different prognoses of specific subgroupings of alcoholic patients. This paper is a review of the literature of proposed typologies based upon drinking history, psycho-pathology, neuropsychological assessment, and family pedigree, with implications for theories of etiology, approaches to treatment, and research methodology. It should serve as an introduction to the series of papers which will follow.
High-risk human papillomavirus detection in oropharyngeal, nasopharyngeal, and, oral cavity cancers: Comparison of multiple methods

Importance Human papillomaviruses are now recognized as an etiologic factor in a growing subset of head and neck cancers and have critical prognostic importance that affects therapeutic decision making. There is no universally accepted gold standard for high-risk HPV (hrHPV) assessment in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue specimens, nor is there a clear understanding of the frequency or role of hrHPV in sites other than oropharynx. Objective To determine the optimal assessment of hrHPV in FFPE head and neck tumor tissue specimens. Design, Setting, Participants In the setting of a large Midwestern referral center, assessment of hrHPV by p16 immunohistochemical staining, in situ hybridization, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-MassArray (PCR-MA), with L1 PGMY-PCR and sequencing to resolve method discordance, was conducted for 338 FFPE oropharyngeal, nasopharyngeal, and oral cavity tumor tissue specimens. Relative sensitivity and specificity were compared to develop a standard optimal test protocol. Tissue specimens were collected from 338 patients with head and neck cancer treated during the period 2001 through 2011 in the departments of Otolaryngology, Radiation Oncology, and Medical Oncology. Intervention Patients received standard therapy. Main Outcomes and Measures Optimal hrHPV identification, detection, and activity in head and neck cancers. Results Using combined PCR-MA with L1 PGMY-PCR and sequencing for conclusive results, we found PCR-MA to have 99.5% sensitivity and 100% specificity, p16 to have 94.2% sensitivity and 85.5% specificity, and in situ hybridization to have 82.9% sensitivity and 81.0% specificity. Among HPV-positive tumors, HPV16 was most frequently detected, but 10 non-HPV16 types accounted for 6% to 50% of tumors, depending on the site. Overall, 86% of oropharynx, 50% of nasopharynx, and 26% of oral cavity tumors were positive for hrHPV. Conclusions and Relevance PCR-MA has a low DNA (5 ng) requirement effective for testing small tissue samples; high throughput; and rapid identification of HPV types, with high sensitivity and specificity. PCR-MA together with p16 INK4a provided accurate assessment of HPV presence, type, and activity and was determined to be the best approach for HPV testing in FFPE head and neck tumor tissue specimens.
An Overview of EPANET Version 3.0

EPANET is a widely used public domain software package for modeling the hydraulic and water quality behavior of water distribution systems over an extended period of time. The last major update to the code was version 2.0 released in 2000 (Rossman, 2000). Since that time there have been many useful advancements made in water distribution system modeling, many of which have been presented at past WDSA symposia. Several of these are being incorporated into an updated version of EPANET. Hydraulic modeling improvements include more efficient sparse matrix solution routines, the modeling of pressure deficient/dependent demands, more versatile options for controlling pump and valve settings, and improved stability for extended period analysis. Water quality enhancements include non-ideal mixing at pipe junctions, longitudinal dispersion within pipes, and more efficient implementation of the constituent transport procedure within pipes. In addition, several options for re-writing EPANET’s graphical user interface in a more user accessible language and platform-independent manner are being explored.
Epidural analgesia for tracheo‐oesophageal fistula repair

Introduction: Traditionally neonates undergoing surgical repair of tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TOF) would receive opioid analgesia and be returned ventilated to a neonatal intensive care unit (ICU). It has been shown that the use of epidural analgesia can reduce the need for postoperative ventilation (1). In recent years it has been the practice in our institution to use epidural analgesia for these neonates where possible. This is an audit of our recent experience. Methods: We retrospectively identified cases of TOF repair at our institution from January 2002 to September 2005. The notes of these neonates were reviewed for the following information: birth weight, gestational age, co-existing congenital anomalies, preoperative respiratory function, operation duration, postoperative analgesia, ICU admission and duration of stay in ICU. Results: Thirty-five TOF repairs were identified. One neonate was excluded as he had concomitant abdominal surgery. Of the 34 remaining, 30 sets of notes were reviewed. The outcome for these neonates is shown in the diagram. Of the 10 neonates who did not receive an epidural, a reason was found in eight cases: three were already ventilated, two had abnormal coagulation, two had coexisting congenital heart disease and one had recurrent apnoeas. Only three of the 20 neonates with an epidural required postoperative ventilation, one for metabolic acidosis, one for lung collapse and one for inadequate respiratory effort. All three remained on ICU for <24 h. The median PICU stay for those neonates who did not receive an epidural was 4 days (range 2–11 days). The group who received epidural analgesia was more mature (38.7 weeks c.f. 35.3 weeks gestational age) and heavier (2.9 kg c.f. 2.3 kg) than the group who did not. The mean operative time (including bronchoscopy and surgery) was 2.8 h in the epidural group and 3.3 h in the nonepidural group. Conclusion: Mature neonates presenting for TOF repair can be managed with epidural analgesia, usually removing the need for postoperative ventilation and an ICU bed. There is a group of smaller, less mature neonates that did not receive epidural analgesia, we cannot determine from this audit whether any of these would have benefited from epidural analgesia. Reference 1 Bosenberg AT, Wiersma R, Hadley GP. Esophageal atresia: caudo-thoracic epidural anesthesia reduces the need for post-operative ventilatory support. Pediatr Surg Int 1992; 7: 289–291.
Templating Nanoporous Polymers with Ordered Block Copolymers

In the midst of this era of nanotechnology and shrinking device size, block copolymers have evolved from their use in traditional application areas (e.g., adhesives, additives, and elastomers) to enable the development of materials for new emerging and more advanced technologies. This review discusses the use of block copolymers to generate nanoporous polymers that can be used either directly, in applications such as membrane filtration, or subsequently as a template for the formation of other nanostructured materials. The work within describes published research from the beginning of 2005 to the present discussing nanoporous materials in the context of: (i) nanolithography and new alignment technologies, (ii) monoliths, (iii) new fabrication techniques, and (iv) membranes. A summary and perspective on the current direction of the stimulating area of block copolymer derived nanoporous materials concludes the review.
Manganese Superoxide Dismutase is not Protective in Bovine Pulmonary Artery Endothelial Cells at Systemic Oxygen Levels

Bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells (BPAEC) are extremely sensitive to oxygen, mediated by superoxide production. Ionizing radiation is known to generate superoxide in oxygenated aqueous media; however, at systemic oxygen levels (3%), no oxygen enhancement is observed after irradiation. A number of markers (cell growth, alamarBlue, mitochondrial membrane polarization) for metabolic activity indicate that BPAEC maintained under 20% oxygen grow and metabolize more slowly than cells maintained under 3% oxygen. BPAEC cultured in 20% oxygen grow better when they are transiently transfected with either manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) or copper zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) and exhibit improved survival after irradiation (0.5-10 Gy). Furthermore, X irradiation of BPAEC grown in 20% oxygen results in very diffuse colony formation, which is completely ameliorated by either growth in 3% oxygen or overexpression of MnSOD. However, MnSOD overexpression in BPAEC grown in 3% oxygen provides no further radioprotection, as judged by clonogenic survival curves. Radiation does not increase apoptosis in BPAEC but inhibits cell growth and up-regulates p53 and p21 at either 3% or 20% oxygen.
The Maintenance of Extratropical Intraseasonal Transient Eddy Activity in the GEOS-1 Assimilated Dataset

Abstract Diagnostic potential enstrophy (PE) analyses are formulated for studying the dynamics of transient eddies within discrete frequency bands. The PE analyses are derived for nonconservative quasigeostrophic motion on a sphere and relate local PE tendencies to 1) conversions from the climatological-mean flow, 2) nonlinear dynamical sources, and (3) nonconservative physical sources. Local conversions are associated with cross-gradient residual eddy fluxes of pseudopotential vorticity (PV) while the nonlinear and nonconservative sources of PE result from correlations between PV anomalies and anomalous PV source terms. The PE analyses provide a useful local diagnostic approach for studying fundamental aspects of transient wave dynamics within a PV-based framework. Wintertime-average PE analyses are constructed for both bandpass (BP) and low-pass (LP) intraseasonal timescales. These analyses are applied to the multiyear GEOS-1 assimilated dataset to ascertain the primary sources and sinks of BP and LP tr...
Estimating operational benefits of aircraft navigation and air traffic control procedures using an integrated aviation modeling and evaluation platform

Complex constraints generally define the performance of air transportation systems. These constraints include aircraft operational characteristics, airline operating procedures, and Air Traffic Control (ATC) requirements. The operational variability that is present in complex air transportation systems and their components typically demands a Monte Carlo approach when modeling system performance metrics. However, the inherent variability is generally not known a priori. This calls for a separate model validation approach that yields estimates of system variability and validates baseline model performance. This paper reports on an integrated aviation modeling platform that was developed for comparing and evaluating proposed aircraft flight operations and ATC procedures. It integrates both an agent-based Monte Carlo modeling environment and a data-driven model validation capability. The capabilities are outlined, the validation approach is described, and examples are presented of performance metrics quantifying operational benefits of air navigation procedures that are currently being implemented at major U.S. airports.
SUPERCONDUCTING FILM WITH AN ARRAY OF MAGNETIC NANOSTRIPES

We present studies of the transport properties of a Sn superconducting film with an array of parallel nickel magnetic nanostripes (800 nm period) deposited on top of a germanium insulating layer covering the Sn film surface. The critical current parallel to the stripes is larger than the critical current perpendicular to the stripes. Both critical currents demonstrate strong hysteresis and matching field effects. We have observed strong hysteresis in the resistance dependence on the magnetic field.
A randomized, controlled trial of panic disorder treatment initiation in an emergency department chest pain center.

Abstract Study Objective: We examine the effect of a protocol for panic disorder recognition and treatment initiation on medication initiation rates and medication continuation rates at 1- and 3-month follow-up. Methods: Enrolled participants, all at low to moderate risk for acute coronary syndrome, completed a 6-hour emergency department chest pain evaluation and panic disorder screen. Participants who had results positive for panic disorder completed the Panic Disorder Module of the Structured Clinical Interview (SCID) for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) by the research psychiatrist and the treating emergency physician, each blinded to the other's rating. Participants with panic disorder were randomized to either paroxetine initiation at 20 mg/d for 1 month or usual care with telephone follow-up at 3 months. Results: Fifty (32%) of 156 enrolled participants met criteria for panic disorder. All 25 (100%) participants in the paroxetine group initiated treatment, compared with 6 (24%) in the usual care group initiating any form of treatment ( P =.006, relative risk [RR] 2.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20 to 5.58). Fourteen (56%) participants continued paroxetine treatment for at least 1 month, and at 3 months, 9 (36%) continued on some antipanic medication, compared with 2 (8%) for the usual care group ( P =.05, RR 3.57, 95% CI 0.84 to 15.8). Conclusion: Panic disorder is common and severe in this sample of patients with chest pain. A screening measure and a brief (5-minute) structured interview allowed emergency physicians with no extra training to reliably diagnose panic disorder and initiate pharmacologic treatment. [Wulsin L, Liu T, Storrow A, Evans S, Dewan N, Hamilton C. A randomized, controlled trial of panic disorder treatment initiation in an emergency department chest pain center. Ann Emerg Med. February 2002;39:139-143.]
DOES MODEL UNCERTAINTY JUSTIFY CAUTION? ROBUST OPTIMAL MONETARY POLICY IN A FORWARD-LOOKING MODEL

This paper proposes a general method based on a property of zero-sum two-player games to derive robust optimal monetary policy rules—the best rules among those that yield an acceptable performance in a specified range of models—when the true model is unknown and model uncertainty is viewed as uncertainty about parameters of the structural model. The method is applied to characterize robust optimal Taylor rules in a simple forward-looking macroeconomic model that can be derived from first principles. Although it is commonly believed that monetary policy should be less responsive when there is parameter uncertainty, we show that robust optimal Taylor rules prescribe in general a stronger response of the interest rate to fluctuations in inflation and the output gap than is the case in the absence of uncertainty. Thus model uncertainty does not necessarily justify a relatively small response of actual monetary policy.
Cell Therapy: Targeting Endogenous Repair Versus Remuscularization.

A growing body of work supports cell-based therapeutics as a promising strategy for treating cardiovascular disease.1 Patients who receive stem cells, previously isolated from the bone marrow (eg, mesenchymal stem cells [MSCs])2–5 or the heart (cardiac stem cells [CSCs]),6,7 experience improved cardiac anatomy, increased functional capacity, and quality of life. With regard to MSCs and CSCs, scar tissue is reduced and replaced by contractile myocardium,2,3,6,7 accompanied by increased tissue perfusion, due most likely to neovascularization and improved endothelial function, globally8 and locally.1–5 Article, see p 695 Previous studies hypothesized that the therapeutic capacity of transplanted cells is derived from their ability to differentiate into cardiomyocytes.9 However, this concept has not yet been meaningfully achieved. In a recent study by Chong et al,9 nonhuman primates were administered 109 human embryonic stem cells–derived cardiomyocytes after myocardial infarction. In this study, they achieved engraftment but no functional recovery.9 Similar findings were recently reported by others.10 Thus, engraftment and differentiation are not sufficient for cardiac repair. In contrast, transplantation of cells with lower capacity to form new myocytes does significantly enhance repair.1 This seemingly paradoxical effect coupled …
Informativeness And Predictability Of Cash Flows

This study investigates the relationship between the informativeness and the predictability of cash flow data. Predictability is defined as the ability of an accounting variable to predict future cash flows. Using a two-signal capital asset pricing model, this study predicts that the incremental informativeness of cash flows is an increasing function of its predictability and a decreasing function of the predictability of earnings. The empirical evidence is consistent with this prediction. This study contributes to the cash flow/earnings literature in that it identifies a context in which cash flow data possess significant incremental information content beyond that reflected in earnings. The research findings of this study also have methodological implications for other incremental information content studies. Specifically, it suggests that the informativeness of alternative information is an important factor in examining the incremental information of an accounting variable.
Twelve Commandments of Human Relations for the Diverse Academic Environment of Colleges and Universities.

This paper focuses on applying proven industrial relations approaches and sound management practice to address a range of diversity issues in higher education. Issues addressed include the need to set a clear and consistent direction, the importance of effective policy setting and enforcement, the value of positive reinforcement, and the recognition that there are limitations to the university's authority over time away from work. Clear policies, predictable outcomes, and continuous effort at open communication are the foundation for promoting the potential benefits of a diverse university community while guarding against potential disruptions and misunderstandings.
Sampling in Archives

T H E AMERICAN HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION, in 1948, formed the Ad Hoc Committee on Manuscripts to consider problems of "recent large collections." After years of deliberation, the committee submitted a startling report. Most significantly, it legitimatized the wastebasket as an archival tool. It was not that the committee considered modern documentation worthless. "Practically any paper may conceivably be of some use, to somebody, at some time," wrote the committee. Nevertheless, destruction of marginally useful documents was essential if archivists were to cope with, and make usable to scholars, the immense collections of the twentieth century. The committee concluded, "the archivist must be wise enough, and bold enough, to take a calculated risk, and the historian and the biographer must recognize the difficulties, assist with conference and advice whenever possible, and finally, accept the situation." In the more than thirty years since the writing of those words, archivists responsible for contemporary records have shown great reluctance in implementing them. Virtually every archival institution seriously collecting twentieth-century material has great quantities of marginal paper littering its stack areas. One exception to this generally bleak situation has been the application of sampling techniques to these records. While the actual number of archivists who have implemented a systematic sampling procedure is limited, interest in the idea of sampling has been high; because, when properly conceived and implemented, sampling allows the archivist to eliminate quantities of paper, with only a slight possibility of altering their overall historical value. Skeptics of sampling abound, however, and proper conceptualization and implementation of sampling has been more the exception than the rule.
J. Skelly Wright's Democratic First Amendment

In Buckley v. Valeo, a 1976 challenge to the post-Watergate Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA), the Supreme Court held that campaign finance regulations trigger First Amendment scrutiny because of the significant role that money plays as a tool of communication in modern society and recognized only one government interest important enough to justify spending limits--preventing corruption or the appearance of corruption. Judge J. Skelly Wright was one of the earliest and most persuasive critics of that decision. Wright recognized that at stake in Buckley were not just competing interpretations of the First Amendment, but also competing understandings of how our democracy works. This essay, written for a symposium honoring Judge Wright, argues that his early approach was the right one. Rather than tinkering around the margins of an increasingly limited doctrine, we should be talking explicitly about the purpose of First Amendment rights in the context of the kind of democracy we want to have.
Scaling of Microcavity Plasmas Toward 1 µm. Science and Engineering of Spatially-Confined, Low Temperature Plasmas

The DOE has provided, by means of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), $146,400 in funding for the purchase of scientific equipment. Specifically, these funds have enabled the purchase of two scientific cameras that have already been applied to the research in microcavity plasmas at the University of Illinois (Urbana). The first camera system that was purchased with these funds is a gated ICCD system that allows events as short as 5 ns in time to be captured. It is difficult to express the impact that this equipment has already had on our research. Despite having arrived just 6 - 7 months ago, this camera system has already been used by five graduate students and several undergraduates to capture phenomena that we simply could not see in the past. As an example, the low temperature plasma confined to a spiral structure we fabricate in the Al/Al₂O₃ materials system appears, on long time scales such as those we see with our eyes, to be spatially uniform. However, when captured with the new camera system, the plasma actually is formed initially at the center of the spiral and then moves radially (literally, "jumping" over channels as it goes) at a velocitymore » of a few km/sec. This is an exciting result and I should add that the camera shows that plasma standing waves are produced in some of the structures as well. We do not currently understand all of the phenomena we are witnessing but it is obvious that this new system has quite literally opened new areas of plasma research and application. The second system purchased under this ARRA grant is an infrared system that is far more sensitive than anything our laboratory (or the University of Illinois, for that matter) has had previously. Although fewer experiments have been completed to date with this second camera, it is already clear that it is, indeed, extremely sensitive and it is slated for several experiments in the near future in which we will be measuring the infrared spectra of several arrays of microcavity plasmas. In summary, let me express my thanks to the DOE for granting these funds. We are most grateful for the extraordinary scientific capability that thee funds provide our students. We expect that the scientific data already acquired by this equipment will result in several publications in the next 2 - 3 months (two are being written now). Furthermore, the ability we now have to watch plasmas evolve on the nanosecond time scale has given us several ideas that are likely to result in patent applications. On behalf of our students and myself, I thank the DOE for this exceptional equipment.« less
Metaphors in Radiology

Radiology is the most visually oriented of all medical specialties. Because the patient is reduced to a set of images viewed remotely, cues provided by sound, touch and even smell are denied to the radiologist. Thus learning is gained not just from observations directly but also from radiologic signs, many of which are metaphoric. Is knowledge engendered or merely decorated by reference to figurative connections? This essay provides data and some answers to the enduring speculation on the power of metaphor and its pertinence to diagnostic imaging.
Mining Incomplete Data with Many Lost and Attribute-Concept Values

This paper presents experimental results on twelve data sets with many missing attribute values, interpreted as lost values and attribute-concept values. Data mining was accomplished using three kinds of probabilistic approximations: singleton, subset and concept. We compared the best results, using all three kinds of probabilistic approximations, for six data sets with lost values and six data sets with attribute-concept values, where missing attribute values were located in the same places. For five pairs of data sets the error rate, evaluated by ten-fold cross validation, was significantly smaller for lost values than for attribute-concept values (5 % significance level). For the remaining pair of data sets both interpretations of missing attribute values do not differ significantly.
Factors associated with vasopressin release in exercising swine

This study examined the effect of dynamic exercise on vasopressin release in the miniswine and factors that may elicit this response (n = 15). Thus lysine vasopressin (LVP), the catecholamines epin...
A kinetic theory of diffusion forces in metabolizing systems

The development of a molecular theory of the diffusion drag forces in liquids is attempted by considering the liquids as limiting cases of very dense gases. An expression is derived for the force on a small particle suspended in a nonuniform mixture of such gases on the basis of kinetic theory. Another expression for the order of magnitude of the force on a larger particle is obtained by introducing certain hydrodynamical considerations. These results are compared with an expression previously derived by N. Rashevsky, and estimates are made of the order of magnitude of the volume force on the granules and particles within a typical cell due to the diffusion of metabolites. It is found that the drag forces, exerted by a diffusing solute, depend to a very large extent on the physical properties of the solvent.
Ascochyta Blight of Peas

Field pea is an annual, cool-season legume native to northwest to southwest Asia. It was among the first crops cultivated by man. The crop is grown primarily in North Dakota, Washington, Montana, I...
In the Wake of Don't Ask Don't Tell: Suicide Prevention and Outreach for LGB Service Members

It is estimated that lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals are three to five times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual counterparts. Factors linked to increased LGB suicid...
Dysgenetic male pseudohermaphroditism.

Dysgenetic male pseudohermaphroditism is a disorder of sexual differentiation in which patients present with bilateral dysgenetic testes, persistent mullerian structures, cryptorchidism and inadequate virilization. There were 10 patients with this syndrome seen at our hospital between 1956 and 1976. In this series, there was a 30 per cent incidence of testicular tumors. Because patients with dysgenetic male pseudohermaphroditism have a high incidence of testicular tumors this disorder, which is actually a variant of mixed gonadal dysgenesis, must be distinguished from the other forms of male pseudohermaphroditism.
Relational spirituality and depression among married couples in Antigua

ABSTRACTThe World Health Organization indicates depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. At the same time researchers have found religion/spirituality is inversely associated with depression. However, the mechanisms by which spirituality/religion impacts mental health have not been clearly identified particularly in non-western populations. Relational spirituality is a concept that focuses attention on the ways people relate to the sacred. This study examines whether different ways of relating to the sacred are implicated in levels of depression and whether marital partners affect each other’s level of relational spirituality and depression. Ninety-one (n = 91) married heterosexual couples in the Caribbean Island of Antigua completed measures of relational spirituality and depression. Data were analysed using path analysis and through Actor Partner Interdependence Model methods. Results of the analysis showed wives’ and husbands’ depression scores covaried (COV = 6.59, Pearson r = .28, p <...
Identity, identification, and socialization: Preparation and retention of African American males in institutions of higher education

Everyone is vulnerable. The degree of balance (or not) between protective factors present (i.e., supports available and accessible) and risk factors present (i.e., cumulative challenges confronted) in an individual's life is always relative and linked to inevitable perceptual processes (see Spencer, 2006, 2008). That is, individuals’ perceptions of risk and protection are just as important as the actual presence of risk and protective factors. Thus, it is inescapable that human beings – particularly Black males in the United States – will experience some level of vulnerability at every point across the life course. In fact, a persistent dilemma has been the narrow focus of social science literature on the risks and persistent challenges confronted by Black males. Unfortunately, the successes achieved or manifested resiliency of Black males remains under-analyzed. Thus, a resiliency theme is generally not integrated into the training of those intended to provide and contribute to the building of protective factors which maximize the accessibility to and use of sources of support. Accordingly, independent of the fact that all humans are vulnerable, for some who experience a disproportionate share of risks and challenges given particularly constructed social conditions (e.g., African American males), the mechanisms which promote the obtainment of good outcomes as expressed resiliency are frequently under-examined either conceptually or theoretically.
Potential function of simplified protein models for discriminating native proteins from decoys: combining contact interaction and local sequence-dependent geometry

An effective potential function is critical for protein structure prediction and folding simulation. For simplified models of proteins where coordinates of only Ca atoms need to be specified, an accurate potential function is important. Such a simplified model is essential for efficient search of conformational space. In this work, we present a formulation of potential function for simplified representations of protein structures. It is based on the combination of descriptors derived from residue-residue contact and sequence-dependent local geometry. The optimal weight coefficients for contact and local geometry is obtained through optimization by maximizing margins among native and decoy structures. The latter are generated by chain growth and by gapless threading. The performance of the potential function in blind test of discriminating native protein structures from decoys is evaluated using several benchmark decoy sets. This potential function have comparable or better performance than several residue-based potential functions that require in addition coordinates of side chain centers or coordinates of all side chain atoms.
Sex-dependent behavioral impairments in the HdhQ350/+ mouse line

Huntington's Disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease characterized by gradual deterioration of motor and cognitive functions and development of psychiatric deficits. Animal models provide powerful means to study the pathological processes, molecular dysfunctions and symptoms associated with HD. We performed a longitudinal behavioral study of the newly developed HdhQ350/+ mouse line, a knock-in model that expresses a repeat of 350 glutamines. We found remarkable sex-dependent differences on symptom onset and severity. While both sexes lose weight and grip strength, only HdhQ350/+ males have impaired motor coordination as measured by the rotarod and alterations in gait as measured by the catwalk assay. While HdhQ350/+ females do not exhibit impairment in motor coordination, we found a reduction in dark phase locomotor activity. Male and female HdhQ350/+ mice do not show anxiety as measured by the elevated plus maze or changes in exploration as measured by the open field test. To investigate these sex-dependent differences, we performed western blot analyses of striatal tissue. We measured equal mutant huntingtin protein expression in both sexes and found evidence of aggregation. We found the expected decrease of DARPP-32 expression only in female HdhQ350/+ mice. Remarkably, we found no evidence of reduction in synaptophysin or CB1 receptors in HdhQ350/+ tissue of either sex. Our study indicates that male and female HdhQ350/+ mice differentially recapitulate select behavioral impairments commonly measured in other HD mouse models with limited sex-dependent changes in recognized histopathological markers. We conclude that expanded polyglutamine repeats influence HD pathogenesis in a sex-dependent manner.
Spine-Based Growing Rods for the Treatment of Idiopathic Early-Onset Scoliosis

This case describes an 8-year-old female with idiopathic early-onset scoliosis treated using traditional growing rod (TGR) therapy followed by definitive fusion. Initial coronal major curve correction of 59% was obtained at initial surgery, with 66% correction at final follow-up at 15 years of age.
Assessing pharmacy student confidence to answer patient questions regarding herbal medicines and natural product drugs.

Abstract Background and purpose To assess the change in confidence answering questions about herbal medicines and natural product drugs (HMNPD) in third year professional pharmacy students in an HMNPD course. Educational activity and setting A questionnaire was developed to query confidence in responding to patient questions, recommending specific products, and ability to retrieve resources regarding HMNPD. It was administered the first and last week of the semester; responses were evaluated using a Chi-squared test. Findings At baseline, 46 students (84%) were “very hesitant”, “hesitant”, or “neither hesitant nor confident” in responding to HMNPD questions; after the course, most students were “confident” or “very confident” (n=30, 54%) (p Discussion Significant increases in student confidence answering patient questions, responding to disease-specific queries, and using appropriate resources were found. There was no difference in confidence in HMNPD safety/efficacy. Summary This study supported continued HMNPD education in the pharmacy program.
Causal identifiability and piecemeal experimentation

In medicine and the social sciences, researchers often measure only a handful of variables simultaneously. The underlying assumption behind this methodology is that combining the results of dozens of smaller studies can, in principle, yield as much information as one large study, in which dozens of variables are measured simultaneously. Mayo-Wilson (Philos Sci 78(5):864–874, 2011, Br J Philos Sci 65(2):213–249, 2013. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjps/axs030 ) shows that assumption is false when causal theories are inferred from observational data. This paper extends Mayo-Wilson’s results to cases in which experimental data is available. I prove several new theorems that show that, as the number of variables under investigation grows, experiments do not improve, in the worst-case, one’s ability to identify the true causal model if one can measure only a few variables at a time. However, stronger statistical assumptions (e.g., Gaussianity) significantly aid causal discovery in piecemeal inquiry, even if such assumptions are unhelpful when all variables can be measured simultaneously.
On a Three-Sample Test

In 1958 H.T. David defined a statistic for testing the hypothesis that three samples of equal size n are drawn from the same continuous distribution. In this paper explicit formulas are given for the distribution and the asymptotic distribution of this statistic.
Pathological responses to infection

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the pathology and pathogenesis of Marek's disease (MD). The pathology of MD is complex and varies in different hosts. The changing pathology is mainly a result of changes in the virulence and tropism of the virus, although the mutations responsible are yet to be defined. Under natural conditions, MD infection is usually acquired by the inhalation of infective feather debris in the poultry house. Infection by Marek's disease virus (MDV) is followed by an early and persistent cell-associated viremia. The knowledge of the types of virus–cell interactions that occur in MD is crucial for understanding the pathogenesis and pathology of the disease. These interactions are common to a number of members of the family Herpesviridae, and they include (1) fully productive infection, (2) semiproductive infection, (3) nonproductive latent infection, and (4) nonproductive neoplastic infection. During an acute infection of a lymphoid tissue, other tissues may show evidence of a usually low-grade restrictively productive infection, characterized by cytolysis and often the presence of intranuclear inclusion bodies or lesions. The types of lesions are affected by factors such as virus strain and host. The ability to track the sites of virus replication and to characterize the nature of the cellular responses in MD has resulted in significant progress in the understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of the MD lesions.
Do Tax and Expenditure Limits Provide a Free Lunch? Evidence on the Link Between Limits and Public Sector Service Quality

We summarize research addressing the validity of the argument that constitutional constraints such as Proposition 13 could reduce the size of local governments while having little effect on the quality of public services provided. A growing body of re- search is producing a consistent conclusion; imposition of tax and expenditure limits results in long-run reductions in the performance of public school students. We provide evidence that reconciles these reductions with the dominant result of the education production literature: dollars matter little. Whether limits are good public policy remains an open question, because work remains on the quantifica- tion of their costs and benefits.
Diane T. Marsh (1941−2016).

Presents an obituary for Diane T. Marsh (1941-2016). A retired faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg, she made substantial contributions to children's mental health, families affected by mental illness, and psychology education. During her 33 years at Pitt-Greensburg, Diane mentored many faculty members. She offered coauthorships to junior faculty on her book contracts, advised them on teaching, and helped many reach higher levels of research and professionalism. As a recipient of the Catherine Acuff Congressional Fellowship in 2003, Diane had the opportunity to influence public policy while working for U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman. One example of her influence was a Medicare law cosponsored by Bingaman that improved preventative and mental health services and enhanced benefits to low-income and rural populations. (PsycINFO Database Record
ACTR-10. A RANDOMIZED, PHASE I/II TRIAL OF IXAZOMIB IN COMBINATION WITH STANDARD THERAPY FOR UPFRONT TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH NEWLY DIAGNOSED MGMT METHYLATED GLIOBLASTOMA (GBM) STUDY DESIGN

Author(s): Kong, Xiao-Tang; Lai, Albert; Carrillo, Jose A; Fu, Dan Beverly; Meyskens, Frank; Bota, Daniela A
(258) Reversal of Mechanical Hyperalgesia by a Dual-Acting, Peripherally-Restricted Kappa/Delta Opioid Agonist (CA1001) in a Rat Model of Inflammatory Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory pain condition. In RA and other inflammatory states, normally sequestersed peripheral delta-opioid receptors may become active, allowing delta-opioid agonists to participate in the pain pathway directly and through allosteric modulation of peripheral kappa-opioid receptors. This study evaluated the efficacy of a single intraperitoneal injection of CA1001 (a novel dual-acting, peripherally restricted kappa/delta opioid agonist) on hyperalgesic nociceptive behaviors in the CFA (Complete Freund's Adjuvant) Model of Inflammatory Arthritis Pain in Rats. Following IACUC approval, inflammatory arthritis pain was induced with injection of 50 μL CFA into the tibio-tarsal joint. Mechanical hyperalgesia was assessed via joint compression thresholds (JCTs). 50 animals were randomly assigned to 5 groups (Power: 80%). Ipsilateral and contralateral joint compression thresholds (JCTs) were assessed prior to CFA injection, pre-dosing on Day 0, and 1, 2, and 4 hours post-dosing. Animals were administered a single dose of vehicle, CA1001 (1, 5, or 10 mg/kg IP), or celecoxib (30 mg/kg PO: active control; internal validity) on day 0 (14 days after CFA). All behavioral evaluations were performed by a blinded observer. Mechanical hyperalgesia was measured using a digital Randall-Selitto device. CA1001 (10 mg/kg) significantly increased paw compression thresholds compared to vehicle at all time points, (p
Creep in interlaminar shear of an Hi-Nicalon™/SiC–B4C composite at 1300℃ in air and in steam:

Creep behavior in interlaminar shear of an advanced SiC/SiC composite with a self-healing matrix was investigated at 1300℃ in laboratory air and in steam. The composite was processed via chemical v...
Pre LVAD CPET as Predictor of INTERMACS Profile and Early Outcomes Post LVAD

Purpose Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) is the clinical standard to select HF pts for cardiac replacement therapy. INTERMACS profile is used to risk stratify pts who undergo LVAD. We aimed to evaluate the association of CPET performance parameters with INTERMACS profile at implant as well as with clinical outcomes early post LVAD. Methods A retrospective analysis of LVAD pts implanted from 3/10 to 5/19 with CPET data available within 2y of surgery: peak oxygen consumption (pVO2) and minute ventilation − carbon dioxide production relationship (VE/VCO2). The primary endpoints were INTERMACS profile ≤2 at implant and a composite of post LVAD in-hospital mortality, right ventricular failure (RVF) and renal replacement therapy (RRT). Length of stay (LOS) in relation to CPET performance parameters was also evaluated. Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve assessed the ability of pVO2 and VE/VCO2 to predict the composite endpoint. Results We studied 81 pts, median age 58 [IQR 16.5] y, 86% M, 41% ischemic, 48% HMII, 40% HM3 and 12% on other pumps. Median time from CPET to LVAD implant was 233 [388]d. Median pVO2 was 11.9[IQR 4.4] ml/kg/min and VE/VCO2 38 [IQR 10.3]. 46(56.8%) pts were INTERMACS ≤2 at implant. 6 pts died, 7 had RRT and 23 developed RVF during index admission. PVO2 and VE/VCO2 were not significantly different between INTERMACS ≤2 vs >2 groups (p=0.8 and p=0.15, respectively). ROC curves showed that pVO2 Conclusion In a real-world setting, CPET parameters obtained within 2 y of LVAD do not reliably predict INTERMACS profile at implant. However, pVO2 and VE/VCO2 can be helpful to identify pts at risk for in-hospital mortality, major complications and prolonged LOS post LVAD.
Biomechanical Effect on Joint Stability of Including Deltoid Ligament Repair in an Ankle Fracture Soft Tissue Injury Model With Deltoid and Syndesmotic Disruption.

Background:The current operative standard of treatment for bimalleolar equivalent ankle fracture is open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the lateral malleolus followed by syndesmotic stab...
Research Workflows - Towards reproducible science via detailed provenance tracking in Open Science Chain

Scientific research has always struggled with problems related to reproducibility caused in part by low data sharing rates and lack of provenance. Credibility of the research hypothesis comes into question when results cannot be replicated. While the growing amount of data and widespread use of computational code in research has been pushing scientific breakthroughs, their references in scientific publications is insufficient from a reproducibility perspective. The NSF funded Open Science Chain (OSC) is a cyberinfrastructure platform built using blockchain technologies that enables researchers to efficiently validate the authenticity of published data, track their provenance and view lineage. It does this by leveraging blockchain technology to securely store metadata and verification information about research data and track changes to that data in an auditable manner. In this poster we introduce the concept of ”research workflows”, a tool that allows researchers to create a detailed workflow of their scientific experiment, linking specific data and computational code used in their published results in order to enable independent verification of the analysis. OSC research workflows will allow for detailed provenance tracking both within the OSC platform as well as external repositories like Github, thereby enabling transparency and fostering trust in the scientific process.
CD34 positive cells isolated from traumatized human skeletal muscle require the CD34 protein for multi-potential differentiation

The CD34 protein is regarded as a marker of stem cells from multiple origins. Recently a mesenchymal progenitor CD34 positive cell identified from traumatized human skeletal muscle demonstrates differentiation capability into vascular endothelial cells, osteoblasts and adipocytes. Here they were treated with a small inhibitory RNA for CD34, which significantly reduced the cellular level of the CD34 protein. These treated cells had a reduced capacity to proliferate, and migrate. They were both unable to differentiation down multiple pathways and to undergo vascular endothelial differentiation as reflected by a lack of expression of VE cadherin, Tie 2 and CD31. Additionally the cells were unable to form tube-like structures in an endothelial tube assay. These treated cells were also unable to undergo osteogenesis, as revealed by lack of alizarin red and alkaline phosphatase staining and were unable to undergo adipogenesis as revealed by lack of oil red O staining. Finally, when CD34 was expressed in cells lacking this protein, the cells were able to undergo vascular endothelial differentiation as revealed by expression of Tie2, VE-cadherin and CD31. These data indicate that in cells derived from traumatized muscle the CD34 protein is required for enhanced proliferation, migration and differentiation down multiple pathways.