cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Hierarchical Approach to Modeling Agent-Based Systems in Simulink

®is a well-known simulation environment for modeling and simulation of dynamic systems. In several situations such as battlefield scenarios, it is possible to represent such systems from an agent-centric point of view. This raises several modeling and simulation issues as to how to best represent such them inside Simulink. To manage the complexity in the system, we model the system from multiple viewpoints. The highest level is the process view gives information about the operational specifics such as flow metrics of the various agents in the system. The mid-level view is the network view where the various agents are coupled due to imposed constraints on them. For example, in a traffic simulation, the roadway system serves as the coupling network for the various vehicles. The lowest level view gives agent-based view consisting of behavioral models for different agent types. The challenge in realizing such systems is in associating with each agent-event driven, state transition and continuous time dynamics information. The scheme that we use for realizing this synchronization is a centralized database with appropriate filtering for the various agents. Using several Simulink modeling constructs, we introduce a design pattern for associating discrete entities with corresponding discrete-event, continuous-time and state transition model. We enable the simulation of the above system with customizable interactions through hybrid simulation using both event and time-driven execution semantics. As scalability and extensibility are chief concerns for modeling such systems, we also provide best practices on how to scale the type and number of agents. At the network view level, we show how arbitrary network topologies of multiagent system can be implemented using fundamental blocks. Since the comprehension of the dynamics of these agents in a geometric space can be difficult, we also outline a MATLAB ® scripting framework whereby it is possible visualize such systems realistically in 3D. The case study is in this paper is a simplified airport runway management system that embodies the above concepts. Aircraft runway traffic is modeled as entities in SimEvents ® , a discrete event tool available in Simulink. The aircraft dynamics with pilot behavior is modeled in Simulink while the collision detection system of each aircraft is modeled using statecharts in Stateflow ® . The scheduler for routing aircraft in taxiway network based on assigned priorities on the various aircraft. To create the taxiway topologies, we introduce a novel modeling technique for defining these network paths using fundamental building blocks in SimEvents. The dynamic creation and deletion of objects are managed using a MATLAB S-function in conjunction with Simulink 3D Animation™.
Knowledge and Attitude of Occupational Disease Prevention among Different Job Workers in Putuo District of Shanghai

[Objective] To study the status of knowledge and attitude of different job workers in Shanghai Putuo district on occupational disease prevention and control,so as to provide guidance for further propaganda in control and prevention of occupational disease.[Methods] From April to May in 2010,with stratified random sampling method,550 workers of different jobs in Putuo district were interviewed by questionnaire.The relations of the degree of knowledge,and attitude of prevention and control of occupational disease with different jobs of different age,sex,occupation,duration of living in Shanghai,and educational level were analyzed.[Results] There were some differences in knowledge and attitude of prevention and control occupational disease among different age,duration of living in Shanghai,educational level and different occupations.There were also some difference in awareness of hazardous working in confined space and their willing to accept the knowledge among different age groups(χ2=15.80,9.89,P 0.05).Relevant knowledge and attitude were not significantly different between different gender(P 0.05).Workers who lived in Shanghai more than six months did better than those less than six months on the knowledge of occupational disease prevention regulations,hazardous working in confined space,toxicant in sewer and clean-up operation,gauze mask being not dustproof,personal protective equipment of painting and coating,and on the willing to accept relevant knowledge(χ2=21.76,4.07,23.51,5.77,21.77,6.94,respectively,P 0.05).As the education level differs,the knowledge of hazardous working in confined space or sewer or clean-up operation,protective measure of noise,personal protective equipment of painting and coating,gauze mask being not dustproof,and the willing to accept the knowledge were all different(χ2=38.09,50.04,49.35,16.62,23.65,respectively,P 0.05).There were some differences among different jobs on the knowledge of responsible department,hazard of welding,fatal toxicant in sewer and clean-up operation,protective measure of noise,gauze mask being not dustproof,personal protective equipment of painting and coating,and on the willing to accept relevant knowledge(χ2=17.41,11.29,32.98,30.78,28.15,13.51,23.82,respectively,P 0.05).[Conclusion] Further strengthening to the prevention and control of occupational disease should be done according to different occupations.And different methods of intervention should be based on different occupations too.
Application of positive selection system of mannose in Eucalyptus grandis × E. urophylla genetic transformation

In order to study on validity of positive selection system of mannose in the transformation of Eucalyptus grandis × E. urophylla,the plant expression vector pCAMBIA1301 with 6-phosphate isomerase( 6-phosphomannose isomerase,PMI) as selection marker was constructed and transformed into Eucalyptus grandis × E. urophylla by Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation method. The obtained positive plants were identified through chlorophenol red( CPR) method and PCR testing to show that PMI gene was really introduced into the genomes of Eucalyptus grandis × E. urophylla,and the genetic transformation positive rate reached26. 09%. In addition,the process of establishing tissue culture system in different concentrations of hormones was studied and the tissue culture regenerations system and genetic transformation system was optimized by orthogonal optimization method and mannose sensitivity tests of Eucalyptus grandis × E. urophylla The ratio of sucrose and mannose was 19 ∶ 11.
Modeling short (7 hour)- and long (6 week)-term kinetics of vitamin B-6 metabolism with stable isotopes in humans.

The significance and relevance of the topics being discussed in this text is under scored by Westerhoff’s (2000) suggestion that biochemistry is poised to make major advances in this century, similar to those made in physics in the 20th century. He anticipates that, to understand the nonlinear kinetic interactions between molecules and interpret the vast quantities of data becoming available, biochemistry may soon become as computation-intensive as elementary particle physics. The papers in this book should contribute to that process.
Crystal structure of rac-2,3-diphenyl-2,3,5,6-tetrahydro-4H-1,3-thiazin-4-one 1-oxide.

In the title compound, C16H15NO2S [alternative name: rac-2,3-diphenyl-1,3-thia­zinan-4-one 1-oxide], the thia­zine ring exhibits an envelope conformation, with the S atom forming the flap. The sulfoxide O atom is in a pseudo-axial position on the thia­zine ring and is trans to the phenyl group on C-2. The phenyl rings form a dihedral angle of 89.47 (19)°. In this racemate crystal, homochiral mol­ecules form slabs parallel to (010) of thickness b/2 which then stack with alternating chirality in the b-axis direction. The stacking is aided by edge-to-face inter­actions between the phenyl rings of racemic mol­ecules. Within each of the single-enanti­omer slabs, the mol­ecules are held by C—H⋯O-type inter­actions, with an H⋯O distance of 2.30 A, forming infinite chains along the c-axis direction, as well by the edge-to-face inter­actions between phenyl rings of neighboring mol­ecules in the a-axis direction.
Behavioral and reproductive effects of bird-borne data logger attachment on Brown Pelicans ( Pelecanus occidentalis ) on three temporal scales

Although the use of bird-borne data loggers has become widespread in avian field research, the effects of capture and transmitter attachment on behavior and demographic rates are not often measured. Tag- and capture-induced effects on individual behavior, survival and reproduction may limit extrapolation of transmitter data to wider populations. However, measuring individual responses to capture and tagging is a necessary step in developing research techniques that minimize negative effects. We measured the short-term behavioral effects of handling and GPS transmitter attachment on Brown Pelicans under both captive and field conditions, and followed tagged individuals through a full breeding season to assess whether capture and transmitter attachment increased rates of nest abandonment or breeding failure. We observed slight increases in preening among tagged individuals 0–2 h after capture relative to controls that had not been captured or tagged, with a corresponding reduction in time spent resting. One to three days post-capture, nesting behavior of tagged pelicans resembled that of neighbors that had not been captured or tagged. Eighty-eight percent of tagged breeders remained at the same nest location for more than 48 h after capture, attending nests and chicks for an average of 49 days, and 51% were assumed to successfully fledge young. Breeding success was driven primarily by variation in location; however, sex and handling time also influenced the probability of successful breeding in tagged pelicans, suggesting that individual characteristics and the capture process itself can confound the effects of capture and transmitter attachment. We conclude that pelicans fitted with GPS transmitters exhibit comparable behaviors to untagged individuals within a day of capture and that GPS tracking is a viable technique for studying behavior and demography in this species. We also identify measures to minimize post-capture nest abandonment rates in tracking studies, including minimizing handling time and covering nests during processing.
Clofarabine Plus Anthracycline Combinations in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Salvage.

Abstract Clofarabine (CLO) is a second-generation nucleoside analog with activity in acute leukemias. Whereas it has received FDA approval in children with relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the focus of clinical research in adults has shifted to AML. To improve single agent activity, various CLO combinations are being studied. Here we present the results of two dose-finding phase I studies, exploring combinations of CLO with idarubicin (IDA) [CI] and CLO+IDA+Ara−C [CIA] in patients (pts) with relapsed or refractory AML and high-risk MDS. Eligibility for CI required previous Ara-C and primary refractory disease, or relapsed AML with first remission duration (CRD1)
Beyond Satisfaction: Investigating Patron Use of Reference Information

ABSTRACTThis study examines and categorizes common next steps patrons take with information received during reference encounters and examines implications for practice. In a qualitative user study, patrons at a large academic library were interviewed to investigate the criteria they used to evaluate the completeness and accuracy of individual reference encounters and to uncover what they did after the encounter with the information they received. Results indicate practical directions for staff training, marketing, outreach, and design of reference services to accommodate the full life cycle of patron research needs.
Open defecation explains differences in nutritional status between Bengali and tribal children in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh.

ABSTRACTObjective: We describe differences in linear growth as measured by height-for-age z-score (HAZ) between children from Bengali and tribal populations in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh and examine factors associated with HAZ in both groups.Design: We used nutritional surveillance data collected in Bangladesh from 2003 to 2006 to analyze HAZ among 12,006 children aged 6–23 months and conducted multivariate linear regression and Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition to quantify the relative contribution of independent variables to differences in HAZ between Bengali and tribal children.Results: Mean HAZ was stable for Bengali children (−1.88 in 2003 to −1.90 in 2006) but improved for tribal children (−1.87 in 2003 to −1.68 in 2006). The difference between groups was significant across the study period (p = 0.008). Among Bengali children, HAZ was positively associated with father’s schooling (β = 0.221; 95% CI: 0.079–0.363). Among tribal children, HAZ was positively associated with consumption of anima...
C P T tests with the antihydrogen molecular ion

High-precision radio-frequency, microwave, and infrared spectroscopic measurements of the antihydrogen molecular ion ${\overline{\text{H}}}_{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ ($\overline{p}\overline{p}{e}^{+}$) compared with its normal matter counterpart provide direct tests of the $CPT$ theorem. The sensitivity to a difference between the positron-antiproton and electron-proton mass ratios and to a difference between the positron-antiproton and electron-proton hyperfine interactions can exceed that obtained by comparing antihydrogen with hydrogen by several orders of magnitude. Practical schemes are outlined for measurements on a single ${\overline{\text{H}}}_{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ ion in a cryogenic Penning trap that use nondestructive state identification by measuring the cyclotron frequency and bound-positron spin-flip frequency and also for creating an ${\overline{\text{H}}}_{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ ion and initializing its quantum state.
Investigation of the Behavioral Characteristics of Dogs Purpose-Bred and Prepared to Perform Vapor Wake® Detection of Person-Borne Explosives.

Specialized detector dogs are increasingly being utilized for the detection of modern threats. The Vapor Wake® (VW) dog was developed to create a dog phenotype ideally suited for detecting hand-carried and body-worn explosives. VW dogs (VWD) are trained to sample and alert to target odors in the aerodynamic wakes of moving persons, which entrains vapor and small particles from the person. The behavioral characteristics necessary for dogs to be successfully trained and employed for the application of VW are a distinct subset of the desired general characteristics of dogs used for detection tasks due to the dynamic nature of moving targets. The purpose of this study was to examine the behavioral characteristics of candidate detector dogs to determine the particular qualities that set apart VW-capable dogs from others. We assessed 146 candidate detector dogs from a VW breeding and training program. Dogs received identical puppy development and foundational odor training and underwent performance evaluations at 3, 6, 10, and 12 months old, after which they were sold for service. Dogs were categorized based on their final outcome of the training program, independently determined by private vendors, corresponding to three groups: dogs successfully sold for VW, dogs sold for standard explosives detection, and dogs that failed to be placed in any type of detector dog service (Washouts). Comparisons of behavioral evaluations between the groups were made across domains pertaining to search-related behaviors (Performance), reactions to novel stimuli (Environmental), and overall ease of learning new tasks (Trainability). Comparisons were also made at each evaluation to determine any early emergence of differences. VWDs scored significantly higher on Performance characteristics compared to standard explosives detection dogs (EDD) and Washouts. However, Environmental characteristics did not differentiate VWDs from EDDs, though scores on these measures were significantly lower in the Washouts. Furthermore, differences between groups emerged as early as 3 and 6 months for select measures. We describe the behavioral characteristics targeted for selection in developing the VW phenotype and discuss the relative merit and degree of expression of those characteristics in the success of dogs bred and trained for the VW application.
End Tax-Free Monetization of Wealth

This proposal would treat cash received for writing an option, a short sale, or future as boot or recognition of gain on the underlying property held by the taxpayer or a related party. If, however, the taxpayer does not yet own the underlying property, the cash received would be treated akin to borrowed cash and would not taxed until the transaction is completed.The proposal is made as a part of the Shelf Project, a collaboration by tax professionals to develop and perfect proposals to help Congress when it needs to raise revenue. By reasonable estimates, Congress must raise $4 trillion in revenue in the coming decade. The $4 trillion is hard news, but it can either be handled disastrously or with some wisdom. Shelf Project proposals are intended to raise revenue, defend the tax base, follow the money, and improve the rationality and efficiency of the tax system. The tax community can propose, follow, or edit proposals at http://www.taxshelf.org. A longer description of the Shelf Project can be found at ‘‘The Shelf Project: Revenue-Raising Projects That Defend the Tax Base,’’ Tax Notes, Dec. 10, 2007, p. 1077, Doc 2007-22632, or 2007 TNT 238-37.Shelf Project proposals follow the format of a congressional tax committee report in explaining current law, what is wrong with it, and how to fix it.
Physiochemical Property Characterization of Hydrous and Anhydrous Ethanol Blended Gasoline

Water removal during the production of bioethanol is highly energy intensive. At the azeotropic point, the mixture can no longer be separated via fractional distillation, so expensive and energy intensive methods are required for further purification. Hence, there is an interest in using hydrous ethanol at the azeotropic point to improve the energy balance of ethanol fuel production. Currently there is a lack of available thermophysical property data for hydrous ethanol gasoline fuel blends. These data are important to understand the effect of water on critical fuel properties and to evaluate the potential of using hydrous ethanol fuels in conventional and optimized spark ignition engines. In this study, gasoline was blended with 10, 15, and 30 vol % of anhydrous and hydrous ethanol. The distillation curve, Reid vapor pressure, vapor lock protection potential, viscosity, density, haze and phase separation points, and lower heating value were measured for each blend, and the results were compared to ASTM D...
Time-lagged predictors of daily medication nonadherence beliefs during the month post-hospital discharge in patients with psychotic-spectrum disorders.

Abstract We used ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to examine the period following hospitalization when risk for medication nonadherence is highest among patients with psychotic–spectrum disorders. EMA data were collected daily via smartphones from 23 patients with psychotic–spectrum disorders (totaling 1149 surveys) in the month immediately following discharge. Nonadherence beliefs significantly correlated with percentage of medication doses. Time-lagged increases in irritability, sadness, life dissatisfaction, functional impairment, and previous day missed medication dose predicted subsequent increases in nonadherence beliefs over time. Future research should study mobile interventions that target the factors found to predict nonadherence beliefs to improve post-hospital recovery.
Using a distributed hydrologic model to improve the green infrastructure parameterization used in a lumped model

Stormwater represents a complex and dynamic component of the urban water cycle. Hydrologic models have been used to study pre- and post-development hydrology, including green infrastructure. However, many of these models are applied in urban environments with very little formal verification and/or benchmarking. Here we present the results of an intercomparison study between a distributed model (Gridded Surface Subsurface Hydrologic Analysis, GSSHA) and a lumped parameter model (the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Storm Water Management Model, EPA-SWMM) for an urban system. The distributed model scales to higher resolutions, allows for rainfall to be spatially and temporally variable, and solves the shallow water equations. The lumped model uses a non-linear reservoir method to determine runoff rates and volumes. Each model accounts for infiltration, initial abstraction losses, but solves the watershed flow equations in a different way. We use an urban case study with representation of green infrastructure to test the behavior of both models. Results from this case study show that when calibrated, the lumped model is able to represent green infrastructure for small storm events at lower implementation levels. However, as both storm intensity and amount of green infrastructure implementation increase, the lumped model diverges from the distributed model, overpredicting the benefits of green infrastructure on the system. We performed benchmark test cases to evaluate and understand key processes within each model. The results show similarities between the models for the standard cases for simple infiltration. However, as the domain increased in complexity the lumped model diverged from the distributed model. This indicates differences in how the models represent the physical processes and numerical solution approaches used between each. When the distributed model results were used to modify the representation of impermeable surface connections within the lumped model, the results were improved. These results demonstrate how complex, distributed models can be used to improve the formulation of lumped models.
Potential for Enhancement of Biodegradation of Crude Oil in Louisiana Salt Marshes using Nutrient Amendments

Salt marsh ecosystems in Louisiana are at high risk of an oil contamination event while remediation of these systems is mainly limited to intrinsic bioremediation due to the physical sensitivity of salt marshes. This study investigated both the intrinsic and nutrient enhanced rates of crude oil degradation both in microcosm and core studies. In addition, limiting elements, loading rates and optimum nitrogen forms (NH 4 + or NO 3 - ) were determined. Salt marshes have relatively low intrinsic degradation rates (0–3.9% day-1) of the alkane component (C11-C44) but high rates (8–16% day-1) of degradation of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) fraction (naphthalene, C1, and C2-Naphthalene and Phenanthrene, C1, and C2-Phenanthrene). Additions of nitrogen statistically enhanced degradation of many alkanes and total PAHs while naturally present phosphorous was found to be sufficient. Nitrogen was found to be most effective if applied as NH 4 + in the range of 100-500-N mg kg-1 of soil producing a pore water range of 100-670-N mg L-1. Core studies indicate that similar trends are observed when applying fertilizers to intact portions of salt marsh.
Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

Dementia is not a single disease, but instead represents a progressive loss of ability in more than one domain of cognition severe enough to result in decline in an individual’s ability to perform daily activities. Urinary incontinence, along with other lower urinary tract symptoms and conditions, is common among older adults with dementia and may result from either functional incontinence or from other conditions related to both aging and disease process itself. Management of lower urinary tract symptoms in this population is challenging and should take into consideration the degree of botheration experienced by both the patient and the caregiver. Treatment strategies may differ from the typical medical model and should address both medical and psychosocial issues aspects of care.
Histology of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Association with Clinical Features, Radiological Findings, and Locoregional Therapy Outcomes.

Author(s): Park, Benjamin V; Gaba, Ron C; Huang, Yu-Hui; Chen, Yi-Fan; Guzman, Grace; Lokken, R Peter | Abstract: Objective:The objective of the study was to investigate whether hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) histology is associated with clinical and computed tomographic/magnetic resonance imaging features and locoregional therapy (LRT) outcomes. Subjects and Methods:This single-center retrospective study included 124 consecutive patients (92 men, median age 59 years) with 132 HCC diagnosed by biopsy between 2008 and 2017 before LRT. Patients underwent chemoembolization (n = 51, 41%), ablation (n = 41, 33%), yttrium-90 radioembolization (n = 17, 13%), and chemoembolization/ablation (n = 15, 12%). Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) stage was 0/A (n = 48, 38%), B (n = 33, 26%), C (n = 27, 22%), and D (n = 16, 13%). Edmondson-Steiner (ES) grade and cytology were correlated with baseline features and radiologic response using logistic regression. Time to progression (TTP) and transplant-free survival (TFS) were analyzed using Cox proportional hazard models. Results:High ES grade was associated with α-fetoprotein (AFP) g50 ng/ml (odds ratio [OR] 4.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.5-13.9; P l 0.01), tumor diameter g5 cm (OR 3.1, 95% CI: 1.1-9.0; P l 0.05), infiltrative appearance (OR 5.0, 95% CI: 1.5-16.2; P l 0.01), and BCLC Stage C (OR 4.5, 95% CI: 1.3-16.4; P = 0.02). Clear-cell subtype was associated with non-viral cirrhosis (OR 5.3, 95% CI: 1.6-17.2; P l 0.01) and atypical enhancement (OR 3.1, 95% CI: 1.0-9.3; P l 0.05). AFP, BCLC Stage B, and diameter were associated with reduced TTP and TFS (P l 0.05). Neither ES grade nor clear-cell subtype was associated with objective response (OR 2.3, 95% CI: 0.7- 7.4; P = 0.15 and OR 1.1, 95% CI: 0.4-3.4; P = 0.87, respectively), TTP (P g 0.20), or TFS (P g 0.90) on univariate or stratified analysis. Conclusion:Histologic grade is associated with aggressive tumor features, while clear-cell HCC is associated with non-viral cirrhosis and atypical enhancement. Unlike AFP, BCLC stage, and tumor size, histologic features were not associated with LRT outcomes, supporting biopsy deferral for imaging diagnosed HCC.
Medial tenderness revisited: Is medial ankle tenderness predictive of instability in isolated lateral malleolus fractures?

Introduction Determining deltoid ligament incompetence in supination external rotation (SER) injuries commonly relies on stress radiography, given several studies demonstrating low predictive value of physical examination. Stress radiography can be difficult to obtain and may result in suboptimal radiographs with equivocal determination of stability. This study revisits the concept of medial ankle tenderness and its association with mortise instability. Methods Patients who presented with an isolated lateral malleolus fracture underwent prospective data collection. VAS scores were recorded with palpation at the lateral malleolar fracture site, anterior deltoid ligament, and posterior deltoid ligament. Three non-weightbearing radiographs of the ankle and a gravity stress view were obtained. Statistical analysis was performed to determine a correlation between tenderness and instability defined as MCS widening > 4 mm on gravity stress x-ray. Results 51 patients met inclusion criteria. Group I (stable) and Group II (unstable) demonstrated no difference in tenderness over the lateral malleolus (p = 0.94) or anterior deltoid (p = 0.12), but patients in Group II reported significantly more tenderness over the posterior deltoid (p = 0.03). Taking the higher pain score from either anterior or posterior deltoid palpation, patients with unstable ankle fractures reported significantly more tenderness with medial palpation (p = 0.02). The relative risk of having an unstable ankle fracture with any tenderness to palpation over either the anterior or posterior deltoid ligament was 1.77 (95% CI 1.03 - 3.06, P = 0.039). When comparing no pain versus the presence of any pain with palpation medially, the sensitivity for any medial tenderness to detect an unstable ankle fracture was 0.76 (specificity 0.59, PPV 0.79, NPV 0.56). Conclusion Patients with any medial tenderness were at significantly higher risk of having an unstable SER ankle fracture in this study, but strict reliance on the presence or absence of medial tenderness without stress radiographs would lead to an unacceptable number of both false positive and false negative determinations of instability. However, our findings suggest that medial tenderness is associated with instability. The 0.79 PPV of any medial tenderness for instability may be useful to cast doubt on equivocal stress radiography and prompt surgeons to repeat stress radiography or shorten the interval for radiographic follow up. Level of evidence Diagnostic study, Level II-1 (development of diagnostic criteria on basis of consecutive patients [with universally applied reference "gold" standard]).
Cantilever Micro-mirror and Optomechanical Cavity Design

In 1980, Carlton Caves predicted that quantum-mechanical vacuum fluctuations would place a limit on the sensitivity of interferometric gravitational wave detectors (Caves in Phys Rev Lett 45:75–79, (1980) [1]).
From Home to School: Menstrual Education Films of the 1950s

In this essay, Ghanoui examines two menstrual education films of the 1950s widely used in the United States: Molly Grows Up (1953) and As Boys Grow (1957). Ghanoui discusses how the films portrayed the menstrual cycle and how educational literature received the films. She argues that the films became popular because they eased the teaching responsibilities of school instructors without taking away their authority—the films supplemented traditional menstrual education in schools while teachers maintained jurisdiction in their classrooms.
Controlled Release of Anti-inflammatory and Pro-angiogenic Factors from Macroporous Scaffolds

The simultaneous local delivery of anti-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic agents via biomaterial scaffolds presents a promising method for improving the engraftment of tissue-engineered implants while avoiding potentially detrimental systemic delivery. In this study, PDMS microbeads were loaded with either anti-inflammatory dexamethasone (Dex) or pro-angiogenic 17beta-estradiol (E2) and subsequently integrated into a single macroporous scaffold to create a controlled, dual drug-delivery platform. Compared to a standard monolithic drug dispersion scaffold, macroporous scaffolds containing drug-loaded microbeads exhibited reduced initial burst release and increased the durability of drug release for both agents. Incubation of scaffolds with LPS-stimulated M1 macrophages found that Dex suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic factors, when compared to drug-free control scaffolds; however, the co-incubation of macrophages with Dex and E2 scaffolds restored their pro-angiogenic features. Following implantation, Dex-loaded microbead scaffolds (Dex-uBS) suppressed host cell infiltration and integration, when compared to controls. In contrast, the co-delivery of dexamethasone with estrogen from the microbead scaffold (Dex/E2-uBS) dampened overall host cell infiltration but restored graft vascularization. These results demonstrate the utility of a microbead scaffold approach for the controlled, tailored, and local release of multiple drugs from an open framework implant. It further highlights the complementary impacts of local Dex and E2 delivery to direct the healthy integration of implants, which has broad applications to the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Materials Technology Co-optimization of Self-Aligned Gate Contact for Advanced CMOS Technology Nodes

Materials technology co-optimization (MTCO) modeling is used for the first time to simulate Performance-Power-Area (PPA) benefits of self-aligned gate contact (SAGC) technology. We also demonstrate a process flow to integrate novel CMOS compatible materials and processes to enable SAGC at the 3nm node and below.
A Set-Theoretical Foundation of Qualitative Reasoning and its Application to the Modeling of Economics and Business Management Problems

The qualitative reasoning (QR) field has developed various representation and reasoning methods for the modeling with incomplete information or incomplete knowledge. While most uncertain reasoning approaches describe uncertain or imprecisely known information as probability distribution functions, qualitative reasoning bases its model specification on qualitative descriptions that are derived from known qualitative system properties. Problems are formulated as sets of qualitative constraints and their analysis is performed by applying a qualitative calculus. This paper presents a general, unifying theory of the various existing qualitative reasoning systems that includes, as special cases, reasoning methods that use representations of qualitative differential equations and qualitative difference equations. Based on set theory, our QR framework describes fundamental concepts such as qualitative models and solutions, and relates them to the quantitative analogues of its underlying quantitative reference system. Our motivation arises from the types of models found in the management sciences. Thus we emphasize the significance of discrete, dynamic models and optimization models in the business management and economics fields, both of which have received less attention in current QR research. Finally, we extend our theoretical framework to include an approach to qualitative optimization.
Improving turnaround time of molecular diagnosis of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in a hospital in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND There have been 2562 laboratory-confirmed cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in 27 countries, with a case fatality rate of 34.5%. Data on the turnaround time (TAT) are lacking. We report TAT for MERS-CoV samples over time. METHODS This is a monocentric study and the TAT for the reporting of 2664 MERS-CoV polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results were calculated in hours from the time of the receipt of respiratory samples to the reporting of the results. RESULTS The mean TAT±standard deviation was significantly lower in 2018 compared with previous years (19.25±13.8). The percentage of samples processed within 24 h increased from 42.3% to 73.8% in 2015 and 2018, respectively (p<0.0001). The mean TAT was 19.2 h in 2018 and was significantly lower than previous years. CONCLUSIONS The TAT for the MERS-CoV results decreased during the study period. Timely reporting of MERS-CoV PCR results may aid in further enhancing infection control measures.
Computed Tomography Angiography versus Digital Subtraction Angiography as a Primary Diagnostic Tool in Nontraumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Study.

Background Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and computed tomographic angiography (CTA) are used to identify the cause of nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). There is no consensus on which to choose as the first diagnostic tool. We aimed to compare the cost-effectiveness of CTA versus DSA as a primary tool for identifying the cause of nontraumatic SAH. Methods A decision analysis model was built to simulate patients undergoing DSA or CTA as a primary diagnostic tool for the cause of nontraumatic SAH. The input data for the study were extracted from literature. Probabilistic and deterministic sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the robustness of the model. Results In the base case calculation, it cost $1261.82 less and yielded 0.0001 quality-adjusted life year (QALY) when DSA was used as a primary diagnostic imaging tool for nontraumatic SAH. Choosing DSA as a primary tool was cost-effective in more than 65% of iterations in probabilistic sensitivity analysis. Deterministic sensitivity analyses show when the probability of using endovascular treatment is >47.2%, choosing DSA is more cost-effective; otherwise, CTA is more optimal. CTA is more cost-effective when the cost for DSA >2.6 × CTA + $600. Conclusions Based on current literature and our model DSA as a primary diagnostic tool for the cause of nontraumatic SAH is more cost-effective. However, in clinical practice physicians can choose either DSA or CTA according to the scale of endovascular procedures used in their center, as well as the cost correlation between CTA and DSA, which varies among institutions.
Synthesis, optimization, in vitro and in vivo study of bicyclic substituted amine as MenA inhibitor.

Abstract Menaquinone (MK) plays essential role in the electron transport chain (ETC), suggesting MK biosynthesis enzymes as potential targets for drug development. Previously, we demonstrated that Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is susceptible to naphthol-based compounds which were developed by mimicking demethylmenaquinone, a product of MenA enzymatic reaction. Here, a series of new MenA inhibitors (4–19) were synthesized and evaluated as MenA inhibitors in this study. The inhibitors were designed to improve growth inhibitory activity against MRSA. Among the MenA inhibitors, bicyclic substituted amine 3 showed MIC of 3 µg/mL, and alkenyl substituted amine 11 showed MIC of 8 µg/mL against USA300. Regrowth of MRSA was observed on addition of MK when exposed to 8 µg/mL of inhibitor 11, supporting inhibition of MK biosynthesis. However, inhibitor 11 did not show efficacy in treating USA300 infected C. elegans up to 25 µg/mL concentration. However, all infected C. elegans survived when exposed to a bicyclic substituted amine 3. Hence, a bicyclic substituted amine was tested in mice for tolerability and biodistribution and observed 100% tolerable and high level of compound accumulation in lungs.
Theoretical Foundations of Relational Processes in Supervision

This orienting chapter introduces social construction and relational theory. Knowledge, meaning and understanding are seen as achievements generated within interactive processes. Thus, in abbreviated form, we can say that looking at supervision as a relational process means focusing on what people (supervisor, supervisee and client) do together and what their “doing” makes. This is a departure from traditional approaches to supervision where skills, techniques and specific abilities of the supervisor, supervisee and/or client are the focus of attention. I introduce social construction and relational theory as one elaboration of a pluralist stance that refigures how we think about and engage in processes of supervision.
Human Acellular Dermal Matrix for Ventral Hernia Repair in the Compromised Surgical Field

Repair of a ventral hernia is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in the United States. Yet ventral hernia repair in the setting of a contaminated surgical field presents a very difficult surgical dilemma. Prosthetic mesh has been widely employed since the 1950s for the elective repair of ventral hernias. Beyond hernia recurrence, prosthetic mesh has known complications such as infection, contracture, and intestinal fistula formation. In the setting of a clean-contaminated and/or dirty surgical field, prosthetic mesh is contraindicated due to high complication rates [1, 2, 3, 4].
Anchor nodes refinement in joint localization and synchronization of a sensor node

This paper proposes an estimator for refining the inaccurate positions and clocks of the anchors during the localization and synchronization of a sensor node in a wireless sensor network. It solves the highly nonlinear problem in closed-form through parameter transformation and multi-stage weighted least squares processing. Theoretical analysis and simulation studies show that the proposed estimator is able to provide the CRLB accuracy for both the sensor node and the anchors under reasonable amount of Gaussian errors.
SRC: A Century of Science Brought to the Clinic

The SRC family kinases are the largest family of nonreceptor tyrosine kinases and one of the best-studied targets for cancer therapy. SRC, arguably the oldest oncogene, has been implicated in pathways regulating proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis, and bone metabolism. More recently, researchers have proposed that the transforming ability of SRC is linked to its ability to activate key signaling molecules in these pathways, rather than through direct activity. It has been hypothesized that blocking SRC activation may inhibit these pathways, resulting in antitumor activity. However, successfully targeting SRC in a clinical setting remains a challenge, and SRC inhibitors have only recently begun to move through clinical development. Preclinical studies have identified specific molecular "subgroups" and histologies that may be more sensitive to SRC inhibition. In addition, other studies have demonstrated synergistic interactions between SRC inhibitors and other targeted therapies and cytotoxics. In this review, we summarize SRC biology and how it has been applied to the clinical development of SRC inhibitors. The status of SRC inhibitors, including dasatinib, saracatinib, and bosutinib, which are in phase 1, 2, and 3 trials, is highlighted.
Perceptions of genetic counseling services in direct-to-consumer personal genomic testing.

To describe consumers' perceptions of genetic counseling services in the context of direct-to-consumer personal genomic testing is the purpose of this research. Utilizing data from the Scripps Genomic Health Initiative, we assessed direct-to-consumer genomic test consumers' utilization and perceptions of genetic counseling services. At long-term follow-up, approximately 14 months post-testing, participants were asked to respond to several items gauging their interactions, if any, with a Navigenics genetic counselor, and their perceptions of those interactions. Out of 1325 individuals who completed long-term follow-up, 187 (14.1%) indicated that they had spoken with a genetic counselor. The most commonly given reason for not utilizing the counseling service was a lack of need due to the perception of already understanding one's results (55.6%). The most common reasons for utilizing the service included wanting to take advantage of a free service (43.9%) and wanting more information on risk calculations (42.2%). Among those who utilized the service, a large fraction reported that counseling improved their understanding of their results (54.5%) and genetics in general (43.9%). A relatively small proportion of participants utilized genetic counseling after direct-to-consumer personal genomic testing. Among those individuals who did utilize the service, however, a large fraction perceived it to be informative, and thus presumably beneficial.
Stoneridge Investment Partners v. Scientific-Atlanta (8th Cir. 2006) What Makes it the Most Important Securities Case in a Decade?

Stoneridge Investment Partners, LLC v. Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. is scheduled for oral argument before the U.S. Supreme Court on October 9, 2007. It has been described as "arguably the most important securities law case to reach the Court in a decade" and as securities lawyers' "Roe v. Wade." What is the legal issue that has occasioned this much attention? Phrased as a technical legal argument, plaintiff asserts that it may establish that outside actors committed a Rule 10b-5 violation on a theory of "scheme liability;" in contrast, defendants assert that Central Bank of Denver v. First Interstate Bank of Denver, which found no statutory basis for aiding and abetting liability, precludes plaintiff's theory of liability. What is on trial before the Supreme Court, however, may be the future of private securities fraud litigation. Beyond the legal issue, the parties' positions reflect the differing views in the ongoing debate on the value of private securities fraud litigation. Does scheme liability enhance the compensatory and deterrent functions of private litigation or does it contribute to abusive private litigation that jeopardizes the US markets' competitive position? Thirty one amicus briefs have been filed in the case, about equally divided between the plaintiff's and the defendant's position. There was disagreement within the executive branch as to which side the Solicitor General should support. Most recently, the SEC announced that it would hold a spring 2008 roundtable to debate the various positions on private securities litigation. This paper will first analyze the legal issue in Stoneridge, describe the policy issues from the perspective of the amicus briefs and then provide some commentary on the case's significance to the law and policy of private securities fraud litigation. This paper is a work-in-progress, to be continued upon the Court's opinion.
Wavelet transform methods for phase identification in three-component seismograms

We apply the wavelet transform to seismic signals for the purpose of automatically identifying the P and S phase arrivals of seismic events. In this article, an algorithm is presented that locates these arrivals in single-station three-component short-period seismograms using polarization and amplitude information contained in the wavelet transform coefficients of the signals. The main idea is that strong features of the seismic signal appear in the wavelet coefficients across several scales. The first step in the algorithm is the wavelet decomposition of each component of a three-component short-period seismogram. The resulting multi-scalar representation is used to construct “locator” functions that identify the P and S arrivals. The P locator function is constructed by using polarization information across scales, and the S locator function is constructed using transverse over radial amplitude information across scales. These functions prove to be very effective at identifying the important P and S arrivals in the test data. The results are compared with arrival times picked by an analyst.
Characterization of a New Virus From Mus cervlcolor Immunologically Related to the Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus

A virus, similar to the murine mammary tumor viruses (MuMTV) of the laboratory mouse Mus musculus, was identified in the milk of M. cervicolor popaeus mice. The virus was morphologically indistinguishable from the type-B MuMTV and was thus termed MC-MTV. Radioimmunoassays for the 52,000-dalton major envelope glycoprotein and the 28,000-dalton major internal protein of MuMTV demonstrated that MC-MTV shared some antigenic determinants with both of these MuMTV proteins. This reactivity was clearly different, however, from that observed with all MuMTV tested from M. musculus. MC-MTV had a density of 1.16 g/ml in sucrose and a virion-associated DNA polymerase with a divalent cation preference for Mg2+ over Mn2+. Radioimmunoassays clearly differentiated MC-MTV from the other viruses previously identified from M. cervicolor, i.e., M432, CERV-CI, and CERV-CII. These studies thus identified the first virus from another species that is immunologically related to the MuMTV of M. musculus. Particles similar to MC-MTV were also observed in a spontaneous M. cervicolor popaeus mammary tumor.
Creating order from chaos: part I: triage, initial care, and tactical considerations in mass casualty and disaster response.

ABSTRACT How do we train for the entire spectrum of potential emergency and crisis scenarios? Will we suddenly face large numbers of combat casualties, an earthquake, a plane crash, an industrial explosion, or a terrorist bombing? The daily routine can suddenly be complicated by large numbers of patients, exceeding the ability to treat in a routine fashion. Disaster events can result in patients with penetrating wounds, burns, blast injuries, chemical contamination, or all of these at once. Some events may disrupt infrastructure or result in loss of essential equipment or key personnel. The chaos of a catastrophic event impedes decision-making and effective treatment of patients. Disasters require a paradigm shift from the application of unlimited resources for the greatest good of each individual patient to the allocation of care, with limited resources, for the greatest good for the greatest number of patients. Training and preparation are essential to remain effective during crises and major catastroph...