cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Separated at Birth? Addressing the Twin Global Crises of Biodiversity and Climate Change

Climate change is a growing threat to biodiversity, particularly in hotspots such as tropical forests and coral reefs. At the same time, deforestation is a major source of carbon emissions. The REDD effort is an attempt to make positive use of this connection. But negative impacts are also possible, such as the destruction of tropical forests as an indirect result of U.S. corn ethanol production. More generally, biodiversity and climate change both raise issues about the legality and effectiveness of bottom-up actions in the absence of global agreement.Finally, climate change and biodiversity threats both have links to the global food system. Sustainable aquaculture can reduce pressures on wild fish stocks. Conversion to agricultural use is a major threat to wild lands that store large amounts of carbon and harbor immense biodiversity. Increased crop yields, dietary changes, and population control can reduce those pressures, with both biodiversity and climate benefits.
Energy Up-Conversion at GaAs-GaInP2 and GaAs-AlGaInP2 Interfaces Caused by Cold Auger Processes

Efficient, low-temperature luminescence at energies far above that of the exciting cw-laser is reported at junctions of GaAs-GaInP2 and GaAs-AlxGa1−x.InP2. The signal originates from the high-band gap layers and disappears only if the excitation energy is tuned below the GaAs band gap, as monitored by up-converted photoluminescence excitation spectroscopy. This shows that the non-linear process is induced by the generation of electrons and holes in the GaAs. Furthermore, it is found that the up-conversion is only observed if the (A1)GaInP2 layers are CuPt B long-range ordered. The reason for this is the inherent presence of metastable states in these ordered alloys. It is argued that cold Auger processes cause the nonlinear effect at these type I interfaces.
Error estimation for gridded bathymetry

Estimating the uncertainty or predicted accuracy of gridded products that are generated from historical bathymetric survey data is of high interest to the maritime navigation community. Surface interpolation methods used for gridding survey data in practice are well established. This paper investigates error estimation methods for gridded bathymetry in terms of their practical utility. Of particular interest are: 1) assessing the quality of a prior uncertainty of random error in survey data; 2) the significance of autocorrelated random errors; 3) the relationship between survey point density and propagated or product uncertainty; 4) the computational feasibility of Monte Carlo (MC) methods over large regions; and 5) the value of cross-validation to estimate error in the absence of controlled truth. K-fold cross-validation is used as the basis for performance evaluation of our approach to propagate a priori random errors via MC perturbation with spline-in-tension surface interpolation. Experiments are conducted with test areas in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard.
Photoelectrochemical Approach for Water Splitting

The splitting of liquid water into hydrogen and water via photoelectrochemical (PEC) approaches is described. If sunlight is used as the illumination source, the overall process provides a means to convert solar power into chemical energy. PEC water splitting is the direct coupling of the following processes: (1) absorption of solar light in a material and the creation of electrons and holes, (2) transport of electrons and holes to the absorber/water interface, and (3) evolution of hydrogen from the electrons and oxygen from the holes, often with the assistance of catalysts. The distinctions between this process and the related approach of coupling photovoltaic (PV) elements to hydrogen evolution (HER) and oxygen evolution (OER) catalysts will be discussed. The history of research on PEC water splitting dating back to its discovery in the early 1970s is summarized. The basic design principles of PEC water splitting device, with an emphasis on the type and number of PV absorbing elements are discussed and state of the art demonstrations are summarized.
Modified technique for radical transmediastinal forequarter amputation and chest wall resection

Forequarter or interscapulothoracic amputation is a major surgical procedure indicated primarily in the treatment of malignant lesions involving the bony and soft tissue parieties of the upper part of the arm, shoulder, and scapula. It is also indicated in extensive trauma with irreparable damage to the shoulder area and as a palliative measure in intractable pain caused by incurable tumors of the shoulder girdle. Several operative techniques have been described: the classical Berger approach, an anterior pectoral approach, and posterior retroscapular approaches. A radical transthoracic approach has been described in cases in which the tumor had spread through the chest wall. The two main goals of these approaches have been early ligation of the subclavian vessels and immediate exploration for operability. This report details our experience with a modified technique for radical forequarter amputation and chest wall resection in which a transmediastinal approach is employed. This approach was used in two patients: One had a radiation-induced fibrosarcoma of the left axilla and adjacent chest wall following a radical mastectomy 19 years earlier, and the other patient had a recurrent rhabdomyosarcoma of the right axilla with invasion of the chest wall. This technique avoids time-consuming and individual excision of ribs and minimizes the amount of blood loss by early ligation of the internal mammary vessels. Safe and excellent exposure and division of the subclavian vessels and early exploration for mediastinal and intrathoracic involvement are made possible. Details of the procedure with illustrations are described.
TRIENNIAL REPRODUCTION SYMPOSIUM: Beef heifer development and lifetime productivity in rangeland-based production systems

Nutritional and environmental factors have been shown to cause epigenetic changes that influence characteristics of the offspring throughout life. In livestock, small differences in nutrition during gestation may alter lifetime production efficiency of offspring. Therefore, the potential for fetal programing should be considered when determining supplemental feeding strategies during gestation. For example, female offspring born to cows grazing dormant winter pasture supplemented with 1.1 kg/d of alfalfa hay during the last third of gestation were 10 kg heavier and had greater BCS at 5 yr of age than those from dams supplemented with 1.8 kg/d of alfalfa hay. These differences were beneficial for maintaining reproductive performance in offspring managed with fewer harvested feed inputs. Evaluation of female offspring from cows wintered on either low-quality or high-quality pasture for 30 to 45 d during the fifth to sixth month of gestation indicated a trend for longer duration of productivity in daughters from cows wintered on improved pasture. In recent studies comparing offspring from cows with or without protein supplementation while grazing dormant winter range during late gestation, heifers from protein-supplemented dams had greater BW at weaning. This BW increase persisted throughout pregnancy and to subsequent calving, and pregnancy rates were greater in heifers from protein-supplemented dams. Heifers from protein-supplemented dams had lower G:F compared with heifers from unsupplemented dams. Therefore, in utero exposure to nutritionally limited environments (nonsupplemented dams) may promote greater feed efficiency in the heifer offspring later in life. Nutrition during postweaning development may also affect lifetime productivity. Heifers developed on low-quality native range with RUP supplementation had greater retention beyond 3 yr of age than cohorts developed in a feedlot with higher quality feed and greater ADG. Collectively, these examples show nutritional management strategies used during gestation and development may influence lifetime productivity.
Moving, Staying, Coming, Going: Migrants and Remigrants in Provincial Britain

William and Jane Garbutt returned to South Shields in the 1840s with two young children, Loredda, six, and Alfred, nine, born during a stay in France. The family disappeared by 1861, perhaps overseas, but by 1871 Loretta had returned, married John Matthew Selby, a labourer like her father, and had three young children. A middle-aged matron in 1891, Laura or Loretta raised seven children, while her husband had obtained the less arduous job of goods checker.1 In the meantime, coalminer William Anderson and his wife Elizabeth returned to Tyneside with four sons born during a sojourn in Australia during the 1850s and 1860s: John, 17, Robert, 13, Stephen, 11, and William, 10. By 1891 John, now 27 and a housepainter, had founded a family of his own, while Robert, 23, had married a local woman, becoming a greengrocer. Stephen and William, now grown, had become a butcher and a clothier’s assistant, continuing to live with their widowed father at 47 Eldon Street, down the street from John’s family and not far from Robert’s in nearby Palmerston Street. The residential clustering this family exemplified has contributed to the English working-class’s reputation for parochialism, homogeneity and insularity.2
The interpretation differences of verbal probability expressions in principles-based accounting standards: evidence from China

This study examines whether verbal probability expressions (VPEs) in principles-based accounting standards are understood and interpreted consistently by Chinese accounting professionals and students. We gathered data from auditors working in Chinese public accounting firms, accounting professionals not employed by Chinese public accounting firms, and Chinese accounting students. The results indicate that Chinese auditors exhibit a high degree of consensus in their VPE interpretations. However, preparer and student interpretations tend to vary more and exhibit lower levels of consensus. In addition, there are evidences showing that small differences in the translation of VPEs can have a significant unintended impact on the interpretations of these expressions in accounting standards.
Software quality across the curriculum

One of the major areas of software engineering, as specified in the SoftWare Engineering Body Of Knowledge, is software quality. This paper argues that software quality should be a central focus in an undergraduate computer science or software engineering curriculum, and that quality should not be viewed only as an exercise in software testing. First, we discuss the concepts and techniques that are needed to develop a high-quality software product. Then, we propose a model for viewing software quality and use the model to advocate quality activities that should be incorporated in a curriculum, addressing both product quality and process quality. We also share some of our ideas and experiences about integrating quality activities into the curriculum. Finally, we describe why an undergraduate software engineering curriculum should include at least one dedicated course in software quality. We present a detailed outline of such a course.
Assessment of gemfibrozil persistence in river water alone and in co-presence of naproxen

Abstract Gemfibrozil is a pharmaceutical commonly found in the aquatic compartment and its presence together with a mixture of several other biologically-active drugs raises concern about the possible long-term adverse effects on biota chronically exposed. Most research focus on its effect/degradation in wastewater treatment plant, while few investigations take into account its persistence in receiving aquatic ecosystems and its effects on natural microbial communities. In this context, the present work aims to evaluate gemfibrozil biodegradation, alone or in the co-presence of naproxen, comparing its persistence in the presence/absence of the river natural microbial community. For this purpose, water samples were collected from a river Tiber stretch inside the city of Rome and located downstream from a wastewater treatment plant and used for degradation experiments. Microbiologically active or sterile water microcosms were set up and treated with 100 μg L− 1 of gemfibrozil alone or in the co-presence of naproxen (100 μg L− 1), in order to evaluate gemfibrozil degradation in the different conditions. At fixed times water samplings were collected for both chemical and microbiological analysis. Moreover, the effects of the pharmaceuticals on the microbial community structure in terms of variations in its abundance and composition were also assessed. The overall results showed gemfibrozil to be a quite persistent molecule in the river water microcosms and the natural microbial community had a key role in its biodegradation. The co-presence of naproxen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug commonly co-occurring with gemfibrozil, increased its persistence and affected negatively some bacterial groups presence.
Study on overhead transmission line magnetic field harmonics of VSC-HVDC

Wind farm connected to local power system through VSC-HVDC is better than AC transmission, but harmonics current from converter station will have effect on electromagnetic environment around both AC and DC transmission line. This paper presents a method to evaluate overhead transmission lines magnetic field harmonics produced by harmonics currents which are from PWM based converter stations of VSC-HVDC. The analysis is completed in the framework of quasi-static field. The magnetic field harmonics distributed characteristics of VSC-HVDC overhead transmission lines are calculated by the harmonics currents which are obtained through PSCAD/EMTDC simulation. The magnetic field harmonics are separately computed and evaluated according to the public safe exposure to magnetic field reference levels of ICNIRP. The calculated results show that some high order magnetic field harmonics will exceed the reference magnetic field level. The results can be applied to the design and reconstruction of AC and DC overhead transmission lines and can be extended to study magnetic field harmonics environmental effects on residents along the transmission line, which are generated by harmonics of high voltage overhead transmission lines.
Mechanisms of cytokinesis in basidiomycetous yeasts

While mechanisms of cytokinesis exhibit considerable plasticity, it is difficult to precisely define the level of conservation of this essential part of cell division in fungi, as majority of our knowledge is based on ascomycetous yeasts. However, in the last decade more details have been uncovered regarding cytokinesis in the second largest fungal phylum, basidiomycetes, specifically in two yeasts, Cryptococcus neoformans and Ustilago maydis. Based on these findings, and current sequenced genomes, we summarize cytokinesis in basidiomycetous yeasts, indicating features that may be unique to this phylum, species-specific characteristics, as well as mechanisms that may be common to all eukaryotes.
Dopamine Increases CD14+CD16+ Monocyte Transmigration across the Blood Brain Barrier: Implications for Substance Abuse and HIV Neuropathogenesis

In human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV) infected individuals, substance abuse may accelerate the development and/or increase the severity of HIV associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). It is proposed that CD14+CD16+ monocytes mediate HIV entry into the central nervous system (CNS) and that uninfected and infected CD14+CD16+ monocyte transmigration across the blood brain barrier (BBB) contributes to the establishment and propagation of CNS HIV viral reservoirs and chronic neuroinflammation, important factors in the development of HAND. The effects of substance abuse on the frequency of CD14+CD16+ monocytes in the peripheral circulation and on the entry of these cells into the CNS during HIV neuropathogenesis are not known. PBMC from HIV infected individuals were analyzed by flow cytometry and we demonstrate that the frequency of peripheral blood CD14+CD16+ monocytes in HIV infected substance abusers is increased when compared to those without active substance use. Since drug use elevates extracellular dopamine concentrations in the CNS, we examined the effects of dopamine on CD14+CD16+ monocyte transmigration across our in vitro model of the human BBB. The transmigration of this monocyte subpopulation is increased by dopamine and the dopamine receptor agonist, SKF 38393, implicating D1-like dopamine receptors in the increase in transmigration elicited by this neurotransmitter. Thus, elevated extracellular CNS dopamine may be a novel common mechanism by which active substance use increases uninfected and HIV infected CD14+CD16+ monocyte transmigration across the BBB. The influx of these cells into the CNS may increase viral seeding and neuroinflammation, contributing to the development of HIV associated neurocognitive impairments.
Treatment of T Cell Large Granular Lymphocyte Leukemia with Reduced-Intensity Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation.

T cell large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukemia is a lymphoproliferative disorder of clonal CD3-positive cytotoxic T cells. Clinical manifestations include neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, recurrent infections and splenomegaly. Two patients with refractory LGL leukemia were treated with an allogeneic stem cell transplantation following a reduced-intensity conditioning regimen. The first patient was a 54 yo female with transfusion dependent anemia and splenomegaly. Prior therapy included low dose methotrexate, cyclosporin A, equine antithymocyte globulin and alemtuzumab. The second patient was a 34 yo female with lymphocytosis and recurrent infections. Prior therapy included cyclosporin A and splenectomy. The hematopoietic cell source was related donor peripheral blood stem cells (5.79 x 106 CD34+ cells/kg) for the first patient, and unrelated donor peripheral blood stem cells (8.04 x 106 CD34+ cells/kg) for the second patient. The preparative regimen was fludarabine 30mg/m2 daily on days −5, −4, −3; melphalan 140 mg/m2 on day −2; the unrelated donor recipient also received rabbit antithymocyte globulin 6mg/kg in 3 divided doses on days −3, −2, −1. GVHD prophylaxis was provided with tacrolimus and methotrexate 5mg/m2 on days +1, 3, 6, 11. Granulocyte engraftment >0.5/μL occurred on day +20 and +11; platelet engraftment >100/μL occurred on day +26 and +116 for the first and second patient respectively. The patient receiving the unrelated donor developed stage 1 skin GVHD and did not require systemic treatment. Patients achieved 100% donor chimerism by day 100. There was no chronic GVHD in either patient. Both patients achieved a complete remission and remain in CR, off immunosuppressive therapy, at 13 and 14 months post transplantation. Allogeneic transplantation using a reduced-intensity preparative regimen is an effective therapy for T cell large granular cell leukemia in patients who have failed prior therapy.
Abstract 2369: Transcription activators that regulate PKC-iota expression and are downstream targets of PKC-iota

Protein Kinase C-iota (PKC-iota) is an anti-apoptotic oncogene over-expressed in multiple cancers including prostate, ovarian, and glioma. PKC-iota is part of a cycle that helps cancer cell avoid senescence by releasing the transcription factor NFkB and promoting apoptotic resistance. PKC-iota is activated externally by factors like loss of PTEN (Paget 2012). However, while under the effect PKC-iota specific inhibitors, expression levels decreased, suggesting PKC-iota plays a role in regulating its own expression. A previous study showed the ELK1 transcription factor to be a regulator of PKC-iota (Gustafson 2003). Other transcription factors including Jun, ISGF3, PAX3, EGR1, and FOXO1 bind on or near the promoter sequence of the gene and their role in PKC-iota regulation was analyzed. Each transcription factor was systematically silenced with its own siRNA. Western Blotting revealed expression of PKC-iota in the transcription factor silenced cells determining which transcription factors are key players in regulation of PKC-iota. qPCR and microarray were performed to analyze the transcriptome of treated cells to match protein levels with mRNA levels. Targets both up and downstream of PKC-iota were analyzed to find the pathway that PKC-iota uses to help regulate itself. Citation Format: Andre H. Apostolatos, Wishrawana S. Ratnayake, Tracess Smalley, Anisul Islam, Mildred Acevedo-Duncan. Transcription activators that regulate PKC-iota expression and are downstream targets of PKC-iota [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2369. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-2369
Checking the Math: Do Restrictive Housing and Mental Health Need Add Up to Psychological Deterioration?:

The current study sought to determine whether restrictive housing leads to psychological deterioration. A growth mixture modeling analysis of clinician ratings on the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale...
A mixed grouped response ordered logit count model framework

The study proposes and estimates a new econometric framework for analysing crash count events labeled as the Mixed Grouped Response Ordered Logit Count model. The proposed framework relates the crash count propensity to the observed counts directly while also accommodating for heteroscedasticity and unobserved heterogeneity. The proposed model is demonstrated by using Traffic Analysis Zone level bicycle crash count data for the Island of Montreal. The model framework employs a comprehensive set of exogenous variables − accessibility measures, exposure measures, built environment, road network characteristics, sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Further, we also compare the performance of the proposed model to the most commonly used negative binomial model and the generalized ordered logit count model by generating a comprehensive set of measures to evaluate model performance and data fit. The alternative modeling approaches considered for the comparison exercise include: (1) negative binomial model without parameterized overdispersion, (2) negative binomial model with parameterized overdispersion, and (3) mixed negative binomial model with parameterized overdispersion, (4) generalized ordered logit count model and (5) mixed generalized ordered logit count model, (6) grouped response ordered logit count model without parameterized variance, (7) grouped response ordered logit count model with parameterized variance and (8) mixed grouped response ordered logit count model with parameterized variance. The comparison exercise clearly highlights that the proposed mixed grouped response ordered logit count model with parameterized variance relative to the mixed negative binomial model with parameterized overdispersion offers either equivalent or superior data fit across various measures in the current study context. The fit measures for comparing the predictive performance also indicate that the proposed grouped response model offers better predictions both at the aggregate and disaggregate levels. Overall, the results from this comparison exercise points out that the grouped response ordered logit count model is a promising alternate econometric framework for examining crash count events.
Implementing a Multi-method Competency Model: Experiences of the MPA Program at James Madison University

AbstractThe implementation of NASPAA’s 2009 accreditation standards embodied a shift toward outcomes-based assessment. NASPAA-accredited programs must now identify, operationalize, and assess mission-related competencies within five competency domains with the goal of demonstrating that their programs lead to student learning. This move aligns with broader trends in governance as efforts to ascertain impact, value, and return on investment permeate the discussions of public sector actors. Public administration programs, like other services that deal in difficult-to-measure outcomes, have discovered the challenges inherent in such an effort. This paper considers the landscape of competency assessment strategies and then examines the experiences of designing a competency-based model at James Madison University.
The effect of zirconium in metal/bromide catalysts on the autoxidation of p-xylene: Part II. Alternative metals to zirconium and the effect of zirconium on manganese(IV) dioxide formation and precipitation with pyromellitic acid

Abstract Metals, such as Fe, V, Ti, Hf, have the same properties as Zr(IV), i.e. the ability to activate a Co/Mn/Br catalyst and to enhance the rate of benzaldehyde formation. There is a perfect correlation with the pK of hydrolysis, a measure of Lewis acidity, and the degree of activation of the metals. The data is consistent with the activation mechanism being a Lewis acid catalyzed dehydration of the benzyl peroxides. Certain metals, including zirconium, inhibit the formation of the undesirable black, insoluble MnO2, during Co/Mn/Br catalyzed autoxidations. In general, the increasing ability of a metal to avoid MnO2 formation is correlated to increasing Z2/r values (Z is the formal valence state and r the ionic radius). It is proposed that the metal can avoid MnO2 formation by decreasing the precursor concentration of Mn–OH2. The solid MnO2 produced during an autoxidation can produce radicals derived from p-xylene which further react to form undesirable dimeric by-products. The presence of Zr(IV) or Hf(IV) kinetically and thermodynamically inhibit the precipitation of the Co(II) and Mn(II) pyromellitic acid (PMA) complexes. The phenomena of activation, prevention of Mn(IV) formation, and solubilization in the presence of select carboxylic acids all occur when the metal has high Lewis acidity. This is consistent with the ability of Zr and Hf to preferentially complex with the acid. Mechanisms are suggested for the above phenomena which illustrates the intimate role that the solvent, acetic acid, performs in these autoxidations.
Positive Affectivity and Accuracy in Social Network Perception

We investigated how positive affectivity influences people's perception of the patterns of social relationships around them. Positive affectivity was measured as trait positive affect. The outcome variable was accuracy in the perception of informal patterns of social interaction in a group (i.e., the group's network structure). Data on the perception of the relationships of friendship and work-related advice at an Italian university were collected from 24 members. Positive affectivity improved the accuracy of people's perception of the friendship network linking all respondents to each other (global accuracy), but hindered the accuracy of the perception of one's personal advice ties (local accuracy). These results suggest that, although happy people may feed unrealistic images of their personal social connections, their superior ability to develop an accurate picture of the broader dynamics of social interaction among people around them may give them an important advantage for social and professional accomplishment in a given social setting.
Aktivierendes reticuläres System, Schlaf und elektrische Aktivität des Gehirns

Die verschiedenen sensorischen Bahnen (Kapitel 7–10) leiten Impulse von Sinnesorganen uber Drei- und Vierneuronen-Ketten zu den jeweiligen Projektionsflachen des Cortex; diese Impulse vermitteln Wahrnehmung und Lokalisation der verschiedenen Sinnesreize. Impulse in diesem Symstem werden uber Kollateralen auch zum aktivierenden reticularen System (aufsteigendes reticulares System, ARS) in der Formatio reticularis des Hirnstammes geleitet; Aktivitat in diesem System halt das Bewustsein (Wachzustand) aufrecht und ermoglicht damit Wahrnehmungen.
Invasiveness of Neutrophil Leukocytes

ABSTRACT Intercellular invasion can be defined as the penetration of cells into the interior of a dissimilar tissue. A variety of cells, including malignant cells, motile blood cells and a number of embryonic cell types are invasive. For many cells, invasion is dependent on active cellular locomotion. A number of mechanisms potentially important for invasion were examined for neutrophil leukocytes using in vitro and in vivo systems. Evidence is presented that invasion does not depend on tissue growth, destruction of the host tissue, defective cellular adhesive recognition, release of serine proteases or ability to respond to chemotactic stimuli. Factors of potential importance displayed by neutrophil leukocytes include low adhesiveness, rapid locomotion, high deformability and an absence of contact paralysis of pseudopodial activity during interaction with cells of the host tissue.
A Comment on Dynamical Chaos in Classical and Quantum Mechanical Hamiltonian Systems

The development, via laser technology, of new and very selective methods for preparing nonstationary states of molecules has stimulated interest in the dynamics of intramolecular relaxation processes. The earliest theoretical discussions of intramolecular energy transfer are now more than fifty years old, 1 and deal with its influence on the rate of thermal unimolecular reactions. The theory assumes, and experiment confirms, 2 that for the vast majority of unimolecular reactions induced by collisional excitation the rate of intramolecular energy transfer greatly exceeds the rate of reaction, so the latter depends only on the energy of the molecule.
The Determination of Copper, Nickel, Cobalt, Manganese, and Magnesium in Irons and Steels by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry

The determinations of copper, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and magnesium in irons and steels are reported here. The analyses obtained for standard samples are compared with certificate values. Analytical precision is discussed, as are analytical time and operational complexity.
Tracking Growth Factors in Experiential Training Groups Through Tuckman’s Conceptual Model

This article reports results of a study that tracked growth factors in experiential training groups through Tuckman’s conceptual framework of group development using Critical Incidents methodology ...
Experience-Based Objectives

Educational objectives focus practice and dictate what happens in US classrooms. Currently, instructional objectives are privileged in K–12 schools over other forms of objectives, thereby marginali...
The growth law for crack propagation under shock conditions

Crack propagation under shock wave conditions has been studied in Armco iron, S-200 beryllium, and a polycarbonate. In the tensile wave following the shock, 103 to 106 cracks per cubic centimeter grow in the zone of maximum damage. The surface cracks observed on a cut section were counted and measured, and the results presented as size distributions: number/cm3 as a function of crack radius.
Assessment and Psychology of Pain

Due to the subjective nature of pain and the many forms of its expression, pain is difficult to objectively evaluate. Pain can be evaluated indirectly by measuring physiologic indicators or inferred from use of rescue analgesics. Direct evaluation of pain can be achieved by utilizing either unidimensional or multidimensional measures relying heavily on patient self-report. Outcome measures in pain must meet the following criteria: validity, reliability, appropriateness, responsiveness, and burden. In addition, one must consider both statistical and clinical significance, which may differ.
Long-Term Impacts of Childhood Medicaid Expansions on Outcomes in Adulthood.

We use administrative data from the Internal Revenue Service to examine long-term impacts of childhood Medicaid eligibility expansions on outcomes in adulthood at each age from 19 to 28. Greater Medicaid eligibility increases college enrolment and decreases fertility, especially through age 21. Starting at age 23, females have higher contemporaneous wage income, although male increases are imprecise. Together, both genders have lower mortality. These adults collect less from the earned income tax credit and pay more in taxes. Cumulatively from ages 19 to 28, at a 3% discount rate, the federal government recoups 58 cents of each dollar of its “investment” in childhood Medicaid.
Exosome reporter mice reveal the involvement of exosomes in mediating neuron to astroglia communication in the CNS

Astroglia play active and diverse roles in modulating neuronal/synaptic functions in the CNS. How these astroglial functions are regulated, especially by neuronal signals, remains largely unknown. Exosomes, a major type of extracellular vesicles (EVs) that originate from endosomal intraluminal vesicles (ILVs), have emerged as a new intercellular communication process. By generating cell-type-specific ILVs/exosome reporter (CD63-GFPf/f) mice and immuno-EM/confocal image analysis, we found that neuronal CD63-GFP+ ILVs are primarily localized in soma and dendrites, but not in axonal terminals in vitro and in vivo. Secreted neuronal exosomes contain a subset of microRNAs (miRs) that is distinct from the miR profile of neurons. These miRs, especially the neuron-specific miR-124-3p, are potentially internalized into astrocytes. MiR-124-3p further up-regulates the predominant glutamate transporter GLT1 by suppressing GLT1-inhibiting miRs. Our findings suggest a previously undescribed neuronal exosomal miR-mediated genetic regulation of astrocyte functions, potentially opening a new frontier in understanding CNS intercellular communication.
Extending Patient-Chatbot Experience with Internet-of-Things and Background Knowledge: Case Studies with Healthcare Applications

Presents case studies in the healthcare industry that focus on the use of Chatbots to improve patient monitoring and medical services. The transition towards personalized health management requires public awareness about management strategies of self-monitoring, self-appraisal, and self-management, eventually paving a way to more timely interventions and higher quality patient–clinician interactions. A key enabler is patient generated health data, fueled in good part by the growth in wearable devices including smart watches and other Internet-of- Things (IoT) for health-tracking. These tracking devices provide “low-level” monitoring signals indicating health conditions such as sleep apnea and heart rhythm disorder. However, to make more sense of IoT data, it is imperative that we develop cognitive approaches where they mine, interlink, and abstract diverse IoT data. These cognitive approaches often needs to keep the user closely engaged to acquire more information, to obtain feedback, to collect verbal health conditions, and to provide intervention and management actions. The chatbot technology was initially introduced as an artificial conversational agent to simulate conversations with a user using voice or text interactions.
Abstract ES1-3: Assessment of PD-L1 in Breast Cancer to Predict Response to Immunotherapy

Many tumors showed promise in phase one trials of immunotherapy, but breast cancer was not high on the list. Since then, focus in breast cancer has shifted to Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) which has shown promise in both the metastatic and neo-adjuvant setting. This presentation will provide a history of the PD-L1 assay to select response to therapy in lung cancer where it was most successful and then discuss its transition to breast cancer. In TNBC, there are successful trials and even FDA approval, but there is also deep concerns related to the IHC-based patient selection assay. This presentation will discuss the breast cancer PD-L1 assay(s) and the controversy surrounding its implementation. Citation Format: DL Rimm. Assessment of PD-L1 in Breast Cancer to Predict Response to Immunotherapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr ES1-3.
Book Review of "Policy and Program Planning for Older Adults and People with Disabilities".

In Elaine Theresa Jurkowski, Ph.D., MSW's Policy and Program Planning for Older Adults and People with Disabilities: Practice Realities and Visions, the reader will find a well-sourced, well laid out, and well-organized text and reference manual that walks the reader, from start to finish, through the formation of policy as it relates to Older Adults and People with Disabilities.
8 – Nutritional Pathology

Publisher Summary It is usually extremely difficult, under farm conditions, to define nutritional diseases in absolute terms, because it is rare for a single deficiency of one essential nutrient to exist. Nutritionally compromised diets will often render fish more susceptible to infectious conditions. Although most deficiency diseases are associated with a complexity of marginal or absolute deficiencies, it is only by detailed experimental studies of single-deficiency conditions for each species that a true understanding of nutritional pathologies of fishes can be obtained. Deficiency diseases are of two types, deficiency or imbalance of the macronutrients in the diet—the protein, carbohydrate, lipid, and fiber—and deficiency of the micronutrients—the vitamins and minerals. Although almost all necessary minerals are available in most practical fish diets and fish can also absorb minerals from the surrounding water, mineral deficiencies do, on occasion, arise in farmed fish. The reduced bioavailability may be associated with a dietary imbalance or with presentation of the element in an unsuitable form. It may also be associated with interaction with other dietary ingredients, such as vitamins and fibers. Heavy metal contamination of feeds resulting from storage vessel leaching or from use of unusual feed sources can cause significant growth inhibition. Probably, the most important of the natural contaminants are the mycotoxins, metabolic products of fungal contaminants of feed components. Other toxic agents include cottonseeds senecio alkaloids, anthropogenic chemicals, and photosensitizers.
AKI in a Patient with Cerebral Toxoplasmosis

### Case Description A 59-year-old man, on mycophenolate mofetil and prednisone for long-standing polymyositis, presented to the emergency department with a 2-day history of flashes in his left eye. His vital signs and physical examination were unremarkable. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple rim-enhancing lesions with perilesional edema. An extensive workup, including cerebrospinal fluid analysis, was unremarkable except for positive serum toxoplasma IgG antibody level. Mycophenolate mofetil was discontinued. Oral sulfadiazine (6 g/d) and pyrimethamine (75 mg/d) were initiated for suspected cerebral toxoplasmosis. After 2 days, the patient developed sudden onset flank pain and gross hematuria. His serum creatinine level acutely increased to 2.0 from 0.6 mg/dl (reference range 0.6–1.2 …
A phase i study to evaluate the safety of wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of de novo high risk or steroid refractory acute Graft Versus Host Disease (aGVHD)

Background & Aim Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation used to manage hematologic malignancies, is frequently complicated by graft versus host disease (GvHD) leading to poor outcomes with increased non-relapse morbidity and mortality. Traditional immunosuppressive therapy has many side effects, thus, necessitating alternative therapies to treat GvHD. Based on their immunomodulation and immunosuppression properties, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are being explored to treat acute GvHD. Currently, there are no cellular products approved in the United States to treat steroid refractory aGvHD. MSCTC-0010, manufactured at the Midwest Stem Cell Therapy Center's GMP facility, is an investigational product consisting of tissue-derived allogeneic, Wharton's Jelly MSCs. We investigated MSCTC-0010 for the treatment of de novo high-risk acute or steroid refractory GvHD in a Phase I, safety clinical trial (IND#17672). The MSCTC-0010 is manufactured by explantation, ex-vivo culture and expansion, and cryopreservation and is tested for identity, potency, sterility, and stability. Methods, Results & Conclusion Method MSCTC-0010 was delivered intravenously twice at a dose of 2 × 106cells/kg in the first cohort and 10 × 106cells/kg in the second cohort on day 0 and 7. GvHD was graded by organ (skin, liver, and gastrointestinal) involvement. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the safety of MSCTC-0010 in patients who experienced a treatment related adverse event. The secondary endpoints include achievement of complete response of aGvHD by day 42 and improvement of GvHD in 1 or more organs involved. Samples were drawn at regular intervals to explore biomarkers that correlate with biological response. Results The study enrolled 10 patients (ages 18-75). Safety of the MSCTC-0010 was demonstrated as there was no infusion related toxicity and no increased incidence of infections. The study showed aGvHD response in 7 of the 10 patients at day 28 (refer to table). A biomarker panel consisting of Reg 3-α and ST-2 was analyzed. Analysis of these two biomarkers showed a reduction from day 0 to day 42. Subjects who received the higher dose of MSCTC-0010 had a statistically significant decline in the Reg-3 α levels on day 7, 14, 21, and 28. The drop in levels correlated with the clinical response. ST-2 levels showed a significant decrease on day 28 and 42. Conclusion This Phase 1 trial with MSCTC-0010 successfully met its primary endpoint of safety. Treatment with MSCTC-0010 shows promise in patients with high risk aGvHD.
Increasing Knowledge Capture of Space Instrumentation Using Systems Engineering Model Architecture

The iterative product development in Los Alamos National Laboratory's (LANL) space instrumentation group requires knowledge of past, present, and anticipated future revisions of United States Nuclear Detonation Detection System (USNDS) projects. As experienced personnel leave and new personnel are introduced, a lack of sufficient knowledge retention introduces inefficiency in project development. This paper focuses on the issues of corporate knowledge loss due to personnel turnover and introduces a project model to be used both as a tool for increased knowledge retention and as an organizational method for new and existing researchers. Using detailed model-based systems engineering architecture and a V-Model life-cycle, we capture data developed during the project's decision-making process including major designs, costs, and risks.
Increased Dielectric Strength of Polyimide/Silicon Dioxide Nanocomposites at Cryogenic Temperatures

Polyimide/silicon dioxide nanocomposites were synthesized and tested dielectrically at both room and cryogenic temperatures. The dielectric strength of the nanocomposites showed significant increase from about 150 kV/mm at room temperature to roughly 300 kV/mm at the cryogenic temperature. This increase in dielectric strength is a result of the contraction of the host polymer around the embedded nanoparticles, which shortens the mean free path of electrons as well as the distance needed for electrons to accelerate to induce avalanche breakdown. The contraction of the host polymer also reduces the overlapping of the transition region, the outermost layer of the multi-core model, between individual nanoparticles. The findings from our experimental results and multi-core model can potentially advance the field of cryogenic dielectrics.
Assessment and Treatment of Challenging Behavior Maintained by a Nonvocal Mands Function

Standard functional analysis procedures may require modifications to assess idiosyncratic variables, such as adult compliance with mands. In the literature, the mands function is largely represented by individuals who vocally communicate idiosyncratic requests. Although effective treatment procedures have been published, schedule thinning has rarely been conducted. Using a reversal design, a mands functional analysis was completed with a 12-year-old nonvocal male. Results showed differentiated rates of challenging behavior. Treatment consisted of differential reinforcement via a chained schedule with signaled availability. During schedule thinning, low rates of challenging behavior were maintained.
Garbage Level Monitoring Device Using Internet of Things with ESP8266

Generally, in metropolitan cities, we see that the refuse repositories or dustbins put at public spots are over-trouble. It makes unhygienic conditions for people similarly as unpalatable to that Place, leaving a horrible odor. To avoid every such situation, we will execute an IoT-based Smart Garbage and Waste Collection canisters. These dustbins are interfaced with a microcontroller-based structure having IR remote systems close by the central structure showing the current status of waste on portable web programs with HTML page by wi-fi. In this manner, the status will be invigorated onto the HTML page. A critical part of our endeavor depends on the wi-fi module's working, fundamental for its utilization. This current endeavor's central point is to diminish HR and attempts close by a smart city vision's overhaul.
Impact of Routine Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery on Subjective Olfaction and Gustation Outcomes.

BACKGROUND As endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery (EESBS) for sellar pathology has become routine, there is increasing awareness of quality-of-life (QOL) outcomes related to this approach. Similarly, there is a growing interest in postoperative chemosensory function, with notable emphasis on olfaction and the corresponding psychosocial implications of olfactory dysfunction. Meanwhile, there has been minimal direct investigation into gustatory outcomes, and the association between these 2 chemosensory functions remains poorly understood. OBJECTIVE To investigate patient-reported chemosensory function and rhinologic-specific QOL following EESBS for routine sellar pathologies. METHODS Comprehensive clinical characteristics and sinonasal QOL assessments, measured using Anterior Skull Base Nasal Inventory-12 (ASK Nasal-12), were collected from 46 patients undergoing EESBS for sellar pathology. RESULTS Forty-six patients were included: 65.2% female, average age 52.8 yr (range: 27-89). The most common pathology was nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma (n = 28). Preoperative ASK Nasal-12 scores (mean = 0.81) demonstrated postoperative worsening at 2 wk (mean = 2.52, P < .0001) and 1 mo (mean = 1.33, P = .0031), with no difference at 3 mo postoperatively (mean = 0.89, P = .92). Meanwhile, there was significant worsening of preoperative subjective smell (mean = 0.62) and taste function (mean = 0.42) at 2 wk (mean = 3.48, P < .0001; mean = 2.69, P < .0001) and 1 mo (mean = 2.40, P < .0001; mean = 2.03, P < .0001) postoperatively, which persisted at approximately 3 mo postoperatively (mean = 1.26, P = .04; mean = 1.15, P = .0059). CONCLUSION Patients undergoing EESBS for sellar pathologies experience anticipated, temporary disruptions in sinonasal QOL but may have longer lasting perturbations in subjective olfaction and gustation. Given the increasing use of the endoscopic endonasal corridor, further investigation in postoperative chemosensory function is essential.
Iron-activated persulfate oxidation degrades aqueous Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) at ambient temperature

Abstract Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA, C8HF15O2) is an industrial surfactant that is highly resistant to natural breakdown processes such as those mediated by heat, hydrolysis, photolysis, and biodegradation. Many efforts have been developed to breakdown PFOA to less harmful species due to its widespread human exposure and potential toxicity. However, these methods require high temperature or specialized equipment with serious disadvantages of high energy cost for long-term use. We investigated the effectiveness of PFOA degradation by ferrous iron-activated persulfate oxidation (IAPO) under various aqueous geochemical conditions. Approximately 64% of PFOA (initial concentration = 1.64 μmol L−1) was degraded after 4 h under illuminated anoxic conditions at ambient temperature. This degradation rate and magnitude support the potential use of IAPO as a novel inexpensive and environmentally friendly method to remediate PFOA in soil and groundwater.