cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimization of the Ultrasound-Induced Blood-Brain Barrier Opening

Current treatments of neurological and neurodegenerative diseases are limited due to the lack of a truly non-invasive, transient, and regionally selective brain drug delivery method. The brain is particularly difficult to deliver drugs to because of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The impermeability of the BBB is due to the tight junctions connecting adjacent endothelial cells and highly regulatory transport systems of the endothelial cell membranes. The main function of the BBB is ion and volume regulation to ensure conditions necessary for proper synaptic and axonal signaling. However, the same permeability properties that keep the brain healthy also constitute the cause of the tremendous obstacles posed in its pharmacological treatment. The BBB prevents most neurologically active drugs from entering the brain and, as a result, has been isolated as the rate-limiting factor in brain drug delivery. Until a solution to the trans-BBB delivery problem is found, treatments of neurological diseases will remain impeded. Over the past decade, methods that combine Focused Ultrasound (FUS) and microbubbles have been shown to offer the unique capability of noninvasively, locally and transiently open the BBB so as to treat central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Four of the main challenges that have been taken on by our group and discussed in this paper are: 1) assess its safety profile, 2) unveil the mechanism by which the BBB opens and closes, 3) control and predict the opened BBB properties and duration of the opening and 4) assess its premise in brain drug delivery. All these challenges will be discussed, findings in both small (mice) and large (non-human primates) animals are shown and finally the clinical potential for this technique is shown.
Sea echo at laser wavelengths

Experimental data on sea echo at a 1.06-micron laser wavelength at normal incidence are discussed. The experimental data over a variety of sea states indicate that the return signal is definitely range-square dependent and that the effective target cross sections (σ0) are 0.15±0.08 and 0.24±0.12 for smooth and rough surface water conditions, respectively. Additional considerations concerning laser spot size at the ocean and its effect on signal returns are discussed.
LOW-TEMPERATURE ALTERATION OF PALYGORSKITE TO SMECTITE

The feasibility of transforming palygorskite from two localities to smectite hydrothermally at temperatures ranging from 22° to 160°C was investigated in a series of laboratory experiments, in which alkalinity was maintained in the pH range of 11.4 to 12 by adding NaOH. The smectite formed was characterized by chemical, spectroscopic, and electron microscopic techniques. Smectite formed rapidly at > 100°C; the transformation was slow, however, at 22°C. The introduction of MgCO3 accelerated the alteration process, but changes in alkalinity at pH > 12 and the difference in elemental composition of the palygorskite samples did not significantly affect the alteration. A pressure of one atmosphere and a temperature of 22°C were sufficient for some transformation to occur within a few months, provided the alkalinity was maintained close to pH 12. X-ray powder diffraction characterization of the product indicated a smectite, and infrared spectroscopy indicated saponite. The alteration to smectite was appreciable even at room temperature, which suggests that the reaction can take place without any external heating.
Hemocompatibility of silicon-based substrates for biomedical implant applications

Silicon membranes with highly uniform nanopore sizes fabricated using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology allow for the development of miniaturized implants such as those needed for renal replacement therapies. However, the blood compatibility of silicon has thus far been an unresolved issue in the use of these substrates in implantable biomedical devices. We report the results of hemocompatibility studies using bare silicon, polysilicon, and modified silicon substrates. The surface modifications tested have been shown to reduce protein and/or platelet adhesion, thus potentially improving biocompatibility of silicon. Hemocompatibility was evaluated under four categories-coagulation (thrombin-antithrombin complex, TAT generation), complement activation (complement protein, C3a production), platelet activation (P-selectin, CD62P expression), and platelet adhesion. Our tests revealed that all silicon substrates display low coagulation and complement activation, comparable to that of Teflon and stainless steel, two materials commonly used in medical implants, and significantly lower than that of diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) cellulose, a polymer used in dialysis membranes. Unmodified silicon and polysilicon showed significant platelet attachment; however, the surface modifications on silicon reduced platelet adhesion and activation to levels comparable to that on Teflon. These results suggest that surface-modified silicon substrates are viable for the development of miniaturized renal replacement systems.
On equivalent dynamic networks: Elimination of capacitor loops and inductor cutsets

Equivalence of two (n + 1) -terminal dynamic networks is defined. An algorithm is presented which shows how networks with loops of capacitors and/or cutsets of inductors can be transformed into equivalent networks without such loops and cutsets. Implications of this result are discussed.
A new method to describe seagrass habitat sampled during fisheries-independent monitoring

We explain a new method of quantifying seagrass cover and describing seagrass species composition during fisheries-independent monitoring. This new method is similar to a point-intercept method developed to estimate arboreal crown cover, but it uses an aquascope designed for shallow water. The method does not require a diver. Seagrass cover (cover ratio) distinguished different percentage cover categories in 0.25-m2 seagrass plots. Estimates of species composition determined by using the new method were most similar to those obtained by using estimates of aboveground biomass. Within each 141-m2 area sampled with a 21.3-m fish seine, we accurately estimated seagrass cover ratio and species composition with six observations that typically required less than 6 total minutes. Within such areas, 42 trials were conducted to evaluate the precision with which different observers estimated seagrass cover ratio and species composition. In 98% of the trials, observers attained statistically similar estimates of cover ratio, and in 100% of the trials in areas with multiple seagrass species, observers attained statistically similar estimates of species composition. We conclude that the new method provided efficient and reasonably accurate means to quantify seagrass cover and species composition.
T-Cell Immunity to the Folate Receptor Alpha Is Prevalent in Women With Breast or Ovarian Cancer

Purpose Studies have demonstrated that the generation of immunity to tumor antigens is associated with improved prognosis for many cancers. A candidate antigen is the folate receptor alpha (FRα), which is overexpressed in breast and ovarian cancers. Our goal in this study was to attain a better understanding of the extent of endogenous FRα immunity. Methods Using a CD4+ T cell epitope prediction algorithm, we predicted promiscuous epitopes of FRα, and tested for immunity in 30 breast (n = 17) or ovarian (n = 13) cancer patients and 18 healthy donors using enzyme-linked immunospot analysis. Results Fourteen peptides were predicted, seven each from the carboxy- and amino-terminus halves of the protein. More than 70% of patients demonstrated immunity to at least one FRα peptide. Patients responded to an average of 3 ± 0.5 peptides, whereas healthy donors responded to 1 ± 0.4 peptides (P = .004). Five peptides were recognized by more than 25% of patients. Responses to three peptides were higher (P < .05) in p...
The truck backer-upper: an example of self-learning in neural networks

Neural networks can be used to solve highly nonlinear control problems. A two-layer neural network containing 26 adaptive neural elements has learned to back up a computer simulated trailer truck to a loading dock, even when initially “jackknifed.” It is not yet known how to design a controller to perform this steering task. Nevertheless, the neural net was able to learn of its own accord to do this, regardless of initial conditions. Experience gained with the truck backer upper should be applicable to a wide variety of nonlinear control problems that appear in power systems.
Energy-delay minimization in nanoscale domino logic

Energy-delay product (EDP) minimization in nanoscale domino logic circuits by supply voltage selection and device sizing is presented. It is shown that the dependence of leakage current on transistor width introduces an additional factor in sizing for leakage dominant circuit blocks. A model is presented for EDP-optimal sizing of the evaluation tree of domino AND-type gates, and the effects of sizing the static output inverter and keeper on EDP are discussed. The model is applied to an 8x8 carry-save multiplier, which achieves 10% reduction in EDP at low frequencies compared to minimum width sizing.
Examples of Hydrothermal Titration and Real Time X-Ray Diffraction in the Synthesis of Open Frameworks

Hydrothermal titration (HTT) techniques represent a new synthetic strategy for the production of open frameworks. As an example, initial digestion of amorphous GeS2 in the presence of tetraethyl ammonium hydroxide (TEAOH) at 100°C is followed by injection of Ag+ into this mixture to condense the [Ge4S10]4− clusters and form a framework consisting of 8-ring channels bounded by alternating GeS-clusters and Ag+. The rational use of this apparatus depends upon determining the timing of injection. Insight into the changes occurring during reactant digestion is provided by real time synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction. Changes in the the system dimethylamine-Sb-S have been followed in real time at different temperatures. The transformation from mixtures of DMA, Sb and S to the known open phase DMA-SbS-SB8 was followed by observing monochromatic X-ray scattering detected on an imaging plates over a 8 hr period with one continuous exposure.
Longitudinal Stability of a Supercavitating Vehicle

At very high speeds, underwater bodies develop cavitation at the trailing edges of sharp corners or from contours where pressures are sufficiently low to allow the formation of cavities containing water vapor. At sufficiently high speeds, a properly designed cavitator at the nose of an underwater vehicle can induce the formation of a vaporous cavity that entirely envelops the vehicle. The injection of gas behind the cavitator can result in the creation of cavities of comparable size at lower vehicle velocity and drag than would be required for vapor cavities. The formation of the cavity results in a significant reduction in drag on the vehicle and so-called high-speed supercavitating vehicles (HSSVs) have been reported to operate at speeds in excess of 100 m/s. The first part of this paper presents a derivation of a model for the longitudinal or pitch-plane dynamics of an HSSV. The vehicle is characterized by its mass and moment of inertia relative to a reference frame fixed to the body. The cavitator is assumed to be a disk, with a scale parameter that can be adjusted to represent an acute cone having an opposite sign for its lift curve slope. The control surface lift curve is specified relative to the cavitator lift effectiveness. A force model for a planing afterbody is also presented. The planing force model is found to be a significant source of damping and depending on a number of vehicle characteristics, the longitudinal dynamics may be stable. This result is significantly different than the conclusions of a number of previously published works. The final section of the paper examines the longitudinal stability at equilibrium of a 170-mm diameter HSSV. Results of parametric studies show the variation of pole locations associated with the transfer function relating cavitator angle to body pitch rate. The varied parameters are length, speed, fin effectiveness, body density, and the load carried on the aft planing surface.
Potential Role of a Membrane-Bound NADH Oxidoreductase in Nitric Oxide Release and Arterial Relaxation to Nitroprusside

The site of metabolism in vascular smooth muscle responsible for the release of nitric oxide (NO) from nitroprusside is not well established. In this study we observed that a membrane-bound NADH oxidoreductase in the pulmonary artery activates nitroprusside to release NO, and we examined whether this process could potentially participate in relaxation to nitroprusside. Relaxation to nitroprusside in bovine calf pulmonary artery is inhibited by a scavenger of NO and by an antagonist of NO stimulation of guanylate cyclase. A flavoprotein probe that inhibits pulmonary artery NADH oxidoreductase (1 micromol/L diphenyliodonium) and electron acceptors for NADH oxidoreductase (0.3 mmol/L nitroblue tetrazolium and 0.1 mmol/L ferricyanide) inhibited pulmonary artery relaxation to nitroprusside, but not to nitroglycerin. Pulmonary arteries were observed to promote the release of NO from nitroprusside in vitro, and NO release was inhibited by the presence of nitroblue tetrazolium, ferricyanide, and diphenyliodonium. In homogenates of pulmonary arteries, NADH (0.1 mmol/L) increased the release of NO from nitroprusside by approximately 6-fold, whereas NADPH, mitochondrial substrates, and other redox cofactors had minimal effects on NO release, and the action of NADH on nitroprusside was inhibited by nitroblue tetrazolium, ferricyanide, and diphenyliodonium. A membrane fraction enriched in NADH oxidoreductase activity showed a NADH-dependent release of NO from nitroprusside; nitroprusside caused NADH consumption, and it also inhibited the NADH-dependent reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium. Thus, a membrane-bound NADH oxidoreductase appears to contribute to the release of NO from nitroprusside, but not nitroglycerin, in calf pulmonary artery.
K-band T/R-converter modules for the IRIDIUM satellite program

The paper describes two K-band multi-chip modules developed for the satellites on the IRIDIUM communication program. The modules employ a wide range of low noise and power 0.25 um PHEMT MMICs to provide all K-band transmit/receive functions aboard the spacecraft. The modules include over 500 active and passive components including LNAs, power amplifiers, mixers, frequency doublers, and associated support circuitry. Descriptions are provided of the MMIC and module development programs, module producibility features, and the associated MMIC reliability test program. Also described is a novel K-band interface method which eliminates RF alignment. >
Trust-based privacy preservation for peer-to-peer data sharing

Privacy preservation in a peer-to-peer (P2P) system tries to hide the association between the identity of a participant and the data that it is interested in. This paper proposes a trust-based privacy-preservation method for P2P data sharing. It adopts the trust relation between a peer and its collaborators (buddies). The buddy works as a proxy to send the request and acquire the data. This provides a shield under which the identity of the requester and the accessed data cannot be linked. A privacy measuring method is presented to evaluate the proposed mechanism. Dynamic trust assessment and the enhancement to supplier's privacy are discussed
Actin cytoskeleton in intact and wounded coenocytic green algae.

The subcellular distribution of actin was investigated in two related species of coenocytic green algae, with immunofluorescence microscopy. Either no, or fine punctate fluorescence was detected in intact cells of Ernodesmis verticillata (Kutzing) Borgesen and Boergesenia forbesii (Harvey) Feldmann. A reticulate pattern of fluorescence appears throughout the cortical cytoplasm of Ernodesmis cells shortly after wounding; this silhouettes chloroplasts and small vacuoles. Slender, longitudinal bundles of actin become evident in contracting regions of the cell, superimposed over the reticulum. Thicker portions of the bundles were observed in well-contracted regions, and the highly-convoluted appearance of nearby cortical microtubules indicates contraction of the bundles in these thicker areas. Bundles are no longer evident after healing; only the reticulum remains. In Boergesenia, a wider-mesh reticulum of actin develops in the cortex of wounded cells, which widens further as contractions continue. Cells wounded in Ca2+-free medium do not contract, and although the actin reticulum is apparent, no actin bundles were ever observed in these cells. Exogenously applied cytochalasins have no effect on contractions of cut cells or extruded cytoplasm, and normal actin-bundle formation occurs in treated cells. In contrast, erythro-9-[3-(2-hydroxynonyl)]adenine (EHNA) completely inhibits longitudinal contractions in wounded cells, and few uniformly slender actin bundles develop in inhibited cells. These results indicate that wounding stimulates a Ca2+-dependent, hierarchical assembly of actin into bundles, whose assembly and functioning are inhibited by EHNA. Contraction of the bundles and concomitant wound healing are followed by cessation of motility and disassembly of the bundles. The spatial and temporal association of the bundles with regions of cytoplasmic contraction, indicates that the actin bundles are directly involved in wound-induced cytoplasmic motility in these algae.
Optimizing the PWM Waveform of a Thyristor Inverter

An optimization method, which will be of use in selecting the modulation technique and Carrier frequency for a PWM inverter system, is presented. The difficult decision, concerning the tradeoff between efficiency and unfiltered harmonic content, can be made with the help of this method. A relation between second-order filter rating and unfiltered harmonic attentuation, for optimum component values, is also obtained. The optimization method is used for illustration to select the optimum modulation technique and its carrier frequency for the modified McMurray inverter [1] to be used in a rapid transit auxiliary power converter. The design aim is to obtain a constant sine wave output with a specific input supply voltage variation. The inverter efficiency is predicted for various carrier frequencies using two modulation schemes. The Schonung and Stemmler [2] modulation approach, with a carrier frequency of 900 Hz, is found to be optimum as it results in low filter rating and an efficient inverter.
Using Gender Role Conflict Theory in Counseling Male-to-Female Transgender Individuals

Very few individuals have ever questioned if their body matches their mind in tenris of gender simply because the two are consistent with one another. Transgender individuals, conversely, are those who experience a mismatch between their biological sex and their psychological awareness of gender, feeling more comfortable in the identity of the other gender. It is not that they are sexually aroused by this identification with the other gender, but that it just feels authentic with respect to their true sense of themselves. Thus, being transgender is independent of one's sexual orientation in that some transgender individuals are attracted to members of the same sex and others are attracted to members of the other sex. Being transgender is not an experience of the majority culture, and for this reason, many mental health care providers lack the education and experience to serve this population expertly. Several documents, such as the Guidelines on Multicultural Education, Training, Research, Practice, and Organizational Change for Psychologists (American Psychological Association, 2003), the Multicultural Counseling Competencies and
Social Work Futures: Reflections from the UK on the Demise of Antiracist Social Work and Emerging Issues in a “Post-Race” Era

Since social work draws upon knowledge from a range of disciplines, postmodern theories began to filter into theory and practice with emphasis upon identities and intersectionality. With the demise of antiracist social work in the 1980s, these issues appear to be given less attention in social work education. Although new racisms have emerged in the past decade, which extend beyond skin color as the only signifier of difference, this marker maintains importance and persistence in contemporary society. As Sefa Dei (Race Ethn Educ 2(1):17–37, 1999) contends, it is “through the racial signification of skin color, individuals and groups are marked and classified for differential and preferential treatment.”
Rate acceleration for estimators of integral curves from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data

Abstract The components of a tensor field M are coefficients in a certain system of regression equations. To estimate the integral curve starting at a given point and driven by the principle eigenvector field corresponding to M , recently an estimation procedure has been constructed in Carmichael and Sakhanenko (2014). We propose a acceleration to this method which dampens the asymptotic mean integrated squared error and boosts the convergence rates. Supporting theoretical results and simulations are presented.
Trivializing sentences and the promise of semantic completeness

This paper challenges defenders/advocates of the semantic-completeness route towards gluts to explain, in simple and plausible terms, why the ‘trivializer paradox’, framed in terms of closure relatives on theories, fails to undermine their argument
An examination of antecedents of conversion rates of e-commerce retailers

Purpose – This study aims to theorize and empirically examine the relationship between “purchase intention and conversion rate”, “website satisfaction and conversion rate” and “purchase intention and conversion rate”. E-Commerce conversion rate represents the percentage of visits to an e-tailer’s website that includes a purchase transaction. Despite the importance of conversion rates for e-tailers, prior research predominantly used purchase intention and website satisfaction as main dependent variables and implicitly assumed that these variables will influence the actual purchase. Design/methodology/approach – Data on 85 US retail websites were used to test the hypotheses. The unit of the analysis is the online retail website. Regression analysis was used to perform the data analysis. Findings – The results indicate that both purchase intention and website satisfaction positively influence conversion rates. It was also found that website satisfaction positively influences purchase intention. Research limi...
Frequency-limited adaptive control of a generic transport model in the presence of system uncertainty and losses in control effectiveness

While adaptive control has been used in numerous applications to achieve system performance without excessive reliance on dynamical system models, the necessity of high-gain learning rates for safety-critical systems to achieve fast adaptation can be a serious limitation of most adaptive controllers. In order to address this problem, two novel adaptive control approaches developed recently aim to limit the bandwidth of the closed-loop adaptive control system in order to suppress the high-frequency content contained in the system error dynamics and adaptation algorithms. Specifically, this key feature of these frameworks allows for robust and fast adaptation by utilizing high-gain learning rates without inducing high-frequency oscillations in system states and the adaptive control signal. In this paper, we apply these two methods to a high-fidelity scaled transport aircraft model, namely the generic transport model, developed at NASA Langley Research Center in the presence of unexpected structural damage and uncertainty in control surface effectiveness.
Evaluation of a Task-Based Intervention After Tendon Transfer to Restore Lateral Pinch

Abstract Objective To quantify changes in pinch force and brachioradialis (BR) activation after a task-based training program designed to improve pinch force after BR to flexor pollicis longus (FPL) transfer. Design One-group repeated-measures design compared pinch force and BR activation pre- and posttraining. Significant differences were tested with Wilcoxon signed-rank tests for pairwise comparisons at the P ≤.05 level. Setting Testing occurred in a Veterans Affairs Medical Center research laboratory and training was in a home setting. Participants Participants with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) and previous BR to FPL transfer were enrolled in the study (N=8). Six patients completed the training program and posttraining measures. Interventions The 10-week training was a home program that included novel activities to increase BR activation and practice producing pinch force in a variety of upper limb postures. Participants were provided with the task-based training equipment and instructed to practice 3 times per week. Main Outcome Measures Fine-wire electromyography of the transferred BR was recorded in maximum effort pinch force (N). Secondary measures included the strength and activation of the antagonist elbow extensor. Results Pinch force increased 3.7N (.38kg) and BR muscle activation increased 10% ( P ≤.05) after the training. There was no increase in elbow extension strength, but participants with previous posterior deltoid to triceps transfer achieved greater activation of the antagonist elbow extensor. Conclusions The findings from this pilot study suggest that outcomes of tendon transfer and conventional therapy can be improved for patients with chronic cervical SCI.
Computer Graphics in the Study of Macromolecular Interactions

The major purpose of molecular graphics is that of modeling, that is the representation of structure and/or process for the purposes of evaluation and understanding. Developments in computation and computer graphics have enabled the production and use of powerful tools for molecular modeling, far surpassing the physical models originally used for the purpose. Hardware advances in processor and display technologies have made possible real-time manipulation of three-dimensional models of increasing complexity and “realism”. Algorithmic developments are producing a variety of useful. interpretable representations and intelligible renderings for construction and display of models. Because of these advances, it becomes most important to emphasize the distinction between model and primary observation. The computer generated image or simulation may look compelling. but seeing is not believing. Looking is the name of the game. A model is only as good as the information used to construct it.
Sharing the Work

SummaryN people take turns pulling a heavy rope hanging off the edge of a building. How much of the rope should each pull in order to share the work equally? Which person's fair share is closest to 1/Nth of the rope's length? We answer these questions using basic calculus and suggest some related problems for student exploration.
Edge addition in directed consensus networks

We study the problem of performance enhancement in stochastically-forced directed consensus networks by adding edges to an existing topology. We formulate the problem as a feedback control design, and represent the links as the elements of the controller graph Laplacian matrix. The topology design of the controller network can be cast as an l 1 regularized version of the ℋ 2 optimal control problem. The goal is to optimize the performance of the network by selecting a controller graph with low communication requirements. To deal with the structural constraints that arise from the absence of absolute measurements, we introduce a coordinate transformation to eliminate the average mode and assure convergence of all states to the average of the initial node values. By exploiting structure of the optimization problem, we develop a customized algorithm based on the alternating direction method of multipliers to design a sparse controller network that improves the performance of the closed-loop system.
Model atmospheres with periodic shocks

The pulsation of a long-period variable star generates shock waves which dramatically affect the structure of the star's atmosphere and produce conditions that lead to rapid mass loss. Numerical modeling of atmospheres with periodic shocks is being pursued to study the processes involved and the evolutionary consequences for the stars. It is characteristic of these complex dynamical systems that most effects result from the interaction of various time-dependent processes.
Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction in athletes using a cortical button suspension technique.

Background A variety of techniques currently exist for ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction in symptomatic overhead athletes, all with the potential complication of fracture about the humeral or ulnar tunnels. Far cortical button fixation is a reproducible, biomechanically attractive option; however, no clinical series has been published on this technique to date. This study reports the clinical outcomes, with minimum 2-year follow-up, of a dual far cortical button suspension technique for UCL reconstruction in athletes. Methods A retrospective evaluation was performed of 23 consecutive athletes who underwent UCL reconstruction with the use of ulnar and humeral-sided far cortical button fixation with minimum 2 years of follow-up. Data were collected from electronic medical records and patient telephone calls. The primary outcome was return to sport. Secondary outcomes included Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, range of motion, and complications. Results We included 23 athletes with a mean follow-up of 47.2 months (range, 24-81 months). Autograft was used in 22 patients (16 palmaris, 6 gracilis, 1 semitendinosus, and 1 gracilis allograft). Overall, 82.6% (19 of 23) of patients returned to sport. At final follow-up, the average Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 3.8, and range of motion averaged 0° to 140°, with 87% (20 of 23) of patients achieving full motion. The visual analog scale score improved from 3.8 preoperatively to 0.2 at the final follow-up (P Conclusions The humeral and ulnar far cortical button suspension technique provides a new UCL fixation option with theoretically lower concern for tunnel fracture and with predictable return to sport and good functional outcomes.
Interface Acid-Base/Charge-Transfer Properties

Recent advances in the understanding of intermolecular interactions have led to new ideas about the interactions at interfaces between unlike substances, and these ideas are now being extended to interactions with biomaterials. Interactions at interfaces involve several kinds of intermolecular forces: dispersion forces, acid-base interactions, and the electrostatic attractions of ionic groups or of injected charges. This chapter reviews advances in: (1) acid-base interactions (including all hydrogen bonds) which had previously been labeled “polar”; and (2) the injection of electric charges upon contacting one material with another (“contact electrification”) and how this effect influences interfaces.
FRP–Concrete Bond after 12-Year Exposure in Tidal Waters

AbstractThe Friendship Trail Bridge linking St. Petersburg to Tampa, Florida, was demolished in 2016. This was the site of 13 fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) repairs of corroding reinforced concret...
What Happened at the Macondo Well

April 20th was a calm sunny day in the Gulf of Mexico. The 126-strong crew of the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig was busy finishing work on the BP Macondo well at a remote location, as shown in Fig. 7.1, some 130 miles southeast of New Orleans and 420 miles east of Houston. Only a few routine operations were left to be completed before the rig would leave the site, with the Macondo well safely plugged with cement and waiting to be reopened at a later date. By March 8, the rig was already scheduled to be at a different location in the Gulf, so everybody was rushing about to mop up and stop the hemorrhage of money escaping from BP’s pocket at a rate of $1,000,000 per day.
The SPECTRUM-UV Project

The Ultra-Violet Space Telescope “SPECTRUM-UV” consists of a 170-cm diffraction limited telescope for spectroscopy and imaging at λ ≥ 912 A and a co-aligned assembly of two 50-cm telescopes for imaging and spectroscopy in the 400 to 1200 A range and of four 20-cm, multilayer coated telescopes for narrow band imaging in the 100 to 400 A range. The Observatory is an international facility to be launched in a highly eccentric orbit in the mid-1990s.
Supporting Literacy Instruction for Students With Extensive Support Needs in Rural Settings Through Collaboration: So Much Better When We Work Together!:

The roles of teachers and related service providers (e.g., speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists) are vital to skill acquisition and meaningful access to the ge...
A novel risk prediction model for 30-day severe adverse events and readmissions following bariatric surgery based on the MBSAQIP database.

Abstract Background Although bariatric surgery is safe, some patients fear serious complications. Objectives This retrospective study used the 2015 Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation Quality Improvement Project (MBSAQIP) database to evaluate patient outcomes for gastric bypass (GB) and sleeve gastrectomy and to develop a risk prediction model for serious adverse events (SAEs) and readmission rates 30 days after surgery. Setting MBSAQIP national patient database. Methods We created separate exploratory multivariable logistic regression models for SAEs and readmissions. We then externally validated both models using the 2016 MBSAQIP Participant Use Data File. Results Significant predictors of SAEs were preoperative body mass index (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.07, P Conclusions Our exploratory regression models may be used by clinicians to counsel patients about surgical risks, although future external validation should occur in non-North American populations.
Carbon Cycle Implications of Soil Microbial Interactions

The soil environment contains the largest pool of organic carbon on the Earth’s surface, with soil carbon residency and flux controlled by microbial metabolism. Despite the fact that microbial interactions have metabolic implications, these interactions are often overlooked in conceptual models of the soil carbon cycle. Here, we hypothesize that microbial interactions are intrinsically coupled to carbon cycling through eco-evolutionary principles. Interactions drive phenotypic responses that result in allocation pattern shifts and changes in carbon use efficiency. These changes promote alterations in resource availability and community structure, thereby creating selective pressures that contribute to diffuse evolutionary mechanisms. The outcomes then feed back into microbial metabolic operations with consequences for carbon turnover, continuing a feedback loop of microbial interactions, evolutionary processes, and the carbon cycle.
Who's on the Hot Seat for an SEC Investigation?

While prior work has studied public enforcement effectiveness, little is known about how the SEC selects targets for investigation. We hypothesize that case selection is driven by (i) the broad social objectives of the agency (“public message” hypothesis); and/or (ii) agency funding considerations and career concerns of enforcement staff (“cost of negligence” hypothesis). Using a new database of formal SEC investigations, we find evidence consistent with both hypotheses. Although both hypotheses play a role in case selection, the implications for case outcomes are contradictory. Investigations driven by the public message motive are more likely to result in formal resolution (i.e., public charges), whereas investigations driven by the cost of negligence motive are less likely to result in formal resolution. These findings help to shine a light on how SEC incentives shape case selection and impact enforcement effectiveness.
An examination of traffic volume during snow events in northeast Ohio

Snowfall presents a hazard to drivers by reducing visibility and increasing safe stopping distances. Some drivers cancel trips if snowfall is occurring or forecast, and traffic volumes often decrease on snowy days. Lake-effect snow is very localized and is thus hypothesized to have a lesser influence on traffic volume than synoptic-scale snow, which usually covers a broader areal extent. We analyze traffic volume in northeast Ohio during 25 snow events and use a matched-pair analysis to determine whether volumes differ between lake-effect and synoptic-scale snowfall in these regions. We also examine the rate at which traffic volume decreases during snow events by time of day and day of week. Results indicate that there is little difference in mean traffic volume decreases when comparing lake-effect and synoptic-scale snow. Hourly trends suggest that traffic volume is most sensitive to snowfall during the midday on weekdays and late afternoon on weekends and least sensitive to snowfall during the overnight hours. Findings presented herein can assist in transportation planning, risk analysis and roadway safety.
Performance of Plasma Biomarkers and Diagnostic Panels for Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis and Advanced Fibrosis in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.

OBJECTIVE The 2019 Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes suggested that patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) should be evaluated for liver fibrosis. However, the performance of noninvasive clinical models/scores and plasma biomarkers for the diagnosis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and advanced fibrosis has not been carefully assessed in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In this cross-sectional study, patients (n = 213) had a liver MRS, and those with a diagnosis of NAFLD underwent a percutaneous liver biopsy. Several noninvasive clinical models/scores and plasma biomarkers were measured to identify NASH and advanced fibrosis (NASH: alanine aminotransferase [ALT], cytokeratin-18, NashTest 2, HAIR, BARD, and OWLiver; advanced fibrosis: AST, fragments of propeptide of type III procollagen [PRO-C3], FIB-4, APRI, NAFLD fibrosis score, and FibroTest). RESULTS None of the noninvasive tools assessed for the diagnosis of NASH in patients with T2DM had an optimum performance (all areas under the curve [AUCs] CONCLUSIONS Performance of noninvasive clinical models/scores and plasma biomarkers for the diagnosis of NASH or advanced fibrosis was suboptimal in patients with T2DM. Combination of multiple tests may provide an alternative to minimize the need of liver biopsies to detect fibrosis in these patients.
Positive emotions and favorable cardiovascular health: A 20-year longitudinal study.

Abstract No studies have examined whether positive emotions lead to favorable cardiovascular health (CVH) early in the lifespan, before cardiovascular disease is diagnosed. Moreover, the direction of the association has not been thoroughly investigated. Among younger adults, we investigated whether baseline positive emotions were associated with better CVH over 20 years. We also considered whether baseline CVH was associated with subsequent positive emotions during the same period. Participants included 4196 Black and White men and women from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study. Positive emotions and cardiovascular-related parameters were each assessed in 1990 (this study's baseline), with repeated assessment through 2010. CVH was defined by blood pressure, lipids, body mass index, diabetes, and smoking status. Primary analyses used linear mixed effects models adjusting for potential confounders; secondary analyses stratified by race and sex. Controlling for sociodemographic factors, greater baseline positive emotions were associated with better CVH across time (β = 0.03, 95% confidence interval = 0.007–0.06). However, positive emotions were unrelated to rate of change in CVH across time. Baseline CVH was also associated with greater average positive emotions across time (β = 0.09, 95% confidence interval = 0.02–0.15), but not rate of change. Positive emotions' association with CVH was stronger for women than men, but race did not modify associations. Positive emotions in early to middle adulthood were associated with better CVH across several decades. Baseline CVH was also associated with greater positive emotions during follow-up. Future research may be able to disentangle these relationships by assessing positive emotions and CVH earlier in life.
Exploring System Resiliency and Supporting Design Methods.

This paper provides a survey of the industry perspective on System Resiliency and Resiliency design approaches and briefly touches on Organizational Resiliency topics. Beginning with a composite definition of Resiliency, System Capabilities, Adversities, and the Resiliency Life-cycle the document then covers Operational Response Timelines, Failure Sources and Classifications. Next, Design for Resiliency is discussed with an introduction to Systems Theory and a review of Trade-off Analysis and Resiliency Dependencies. Then more than a dozen Resiliency Design Patterns are included for the reader to consider for their own solutioning. Supporting non-functional design topics including Availability, Performance, Security, Reliability as well as Reliability Allocation using Reliability Block Diagrams are also covered. Additionally, Failure Mode and Effect Analysis is reviewed, and a Resiliency Maturity Model is discussed. Finally, several Resiliency Design Examples are presented along with a set of recommendations on how to apply System Resiliency concepts and methods in an IT environment.
Maintenance Decision Making using State Dependent Markov Analysis with Failure Couplings

The maintenance decision making considering various types of coupling effect within system components has been a focus in the field of operation & maintenance (O&M) due to its wide applications in engineering systems with potentially significant economic benefits. Various opportunities as the coupling effect can provide, it leads to the difficulty in system modeling and policy establishment when multiple types of dependence exist in the system. This paper presents a novel approach to reflect economic dependence and stochastic dependence in the Markov model so that an optimal maintenance policy can be selected through policy performance comparison. Failure rates of system components change according to the health states of related components and combined maintenance actions introduce O&M time and cost savings. A case study has been used to demonstrate the developed method and further illustrate the benefit of combined maintenance actions in different O&M scenarios considering failure couplings among system components.
P05.02 An integrated virtual tissue platform for incorporating exercise oncology into immunotherapy

We introduce a novel in silico platform for simulating solid tumor growth and anti-tumor immune response. We present the model, test the sensitivity and robustness of its parameters, and calibrate it with pre-clinical and clinical data from exercise oncology experiments which offer a natural biological backdrop for modulation of anti-tumor immune response. We then perform two virtual experiments with the model that demonstrate its usefulness in guiding pre-clinical and clinical studies on immunotherapy. The first virtual experiment probes the intricate dynamics in the tumor microenvironment between the tumor and the infiltrating immune cells. Such dynamics is difficult to probe during a pre-clinical study as it requires significant of redundancy in lab animals and is time and labor intensive. The result is a time series of spatiotemporal observational ‘windows’ into the tumor microenvironment that can serve as a platform to test several mechanistic hypotheses on the role and dynamics of different immune cells in ant-tumor immune response. The second virtual experiment shows how dosage and frequency of immunotherapy drugs can be optimized based on the aerobic fitness of the patient, so that possible adverse side effects of the treatment can be minimized. Disclosure Information A. Hagar: None. J. Aponte Serrano: None.
THE INTERNET IS A SERIES OF ANALOGIES: COMPARATIVE LANGUAGE AS POWERIN ONLINE GOVERNANCE

In 2006, Alaskan Senator Ted Stevens became a laughingstock and enduring meme for arguing during legislative deliberations that the Internet could be understood as "a series of tubes" and “not a big truck" (Belson 2006). The unintended humor of his analogies was ridiculed as evidence that this older lawmaker was too out of touch with modern communications technology to effectively govern them. Yet the episode itself can be understood as evidence of a larger truth—one that both exculpates Stevens somewhat and underlines a broader challenge for internet governance: Namely, that nearly all internet laws and regulations necessarily rely on imperfect metaphor and analogy to keep them in accordance with pre-digital law and constitutional principles, and that even lawmakers and judges with considerable expertise in the field must also rely upon such figurative language. Furthermore, because rhetorical comparisons are fundamentally interpretive, rather than indexical reflections of the things they describe, their use in internet governance amplifies the risk that the prevailing laws and regulations will benefit some users over others, and some uses over others. The internet, in other words, is like a series of analogies. In this article, we catalog many of these analogies and metaphors, document their use in internet governance and policy, and critically investigate how the choice of comparative rhetoric to render the internet knowable introduces hidden bias into the governance process, benefiting some stakeholders over others.