cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A comprehensive approach to trust management

Trust has been recognized as a key component of agent decision making in the context of multiagent systems (MASs). Though diverse trust models and mechanisms, influenced by various fields of study, have been proposed, implemented, and evaluated, we believe that the literature has ignored key aspects of pragmatic and holistic trust based reasoning. In particular, the focus of trust research has been on a posteriori evaluation of the trustworthiness of another agent and relatively few efforts have investigated the issue of establishment, engagement, and usage of trusted relationships. We envision that a holistic agent architecture will not use a trust module as a black-box for evaluating others but as a core component that will inform and shape interactions with other agents in the environment to best serve the decision-makers interests. Accordingly, we present a general and comprehensive trust management scheme (CTMS) that addresses key issues surrounding trust development, maintenance, and use. We present an operational definition of trust motivated by uncertainty management and utility optimization. We identify the various components required of a CTMS and their relationships and overview their use in the existing literature on trust in MAS. We welcome the MAS community to develop on the ideas presented here and build effective agent designs and implementations with fully-integrated CTMS cores.
U.S. Military Children and the Wartime Deployments of Family Members

In 2014, 1.8 million American children lived in military families, and they represented only a fraction of the U.S. children exposed directly to parents' wartime deployments over the past 15 years. In this article, we summarize recent research about military children in U.S. families and propose directions for research. Emerging from studies across the country are troubling elevations in levels of risky behaviors and mental health problems in military children, particularly when their parents have been deployed. The experiences of children in military families can help us understand risk and resilience not just in military children but in children in the general population.
Preparing for the Future of Post–Acute Care A Metasynthesis of Qualitative Studies

Despite poor outcomes for older adults following hospitalization, practice patterns of post–acute care clinicians and factors impacting quality of care are not well studied, which limits advancements in clinical care. Qualitative research on the factors that influence physician practice patterns with respect to older adults has been studied and may provide a framework for hypothesizing factors relevant to other post–acute care clinicians. Three themes emerged from this qualitative metasynthesis: (1) Current medical education and clinical guidelines are not aligned with the multifaceted care needed for older adults, (2) communication gaps impact quality of care, and (3) health policies constrain quality of care. Identifying potential factors that impact practice patterns in post-acute care providers may guide future research initiatives that shape health professional education and system policies.
Effect of Formulation and Process Parameters on Chitosan Microparticles Prepared by an Emulsion Crosslinking Technique

There are many studies about the synthesis of chitosan microparticles; however, most of them have very low production rate, have wide size distribution, are difficult to reproduce, and use harsh crosslinking agents. Uniform microparticles are necessary to obtain repeatable drug release behavior. The main focus of this investigation was to study the effect of the process and formulation parameters during the preparation of chitosan microparticles in order to produce particles with narrow size distribution. The technique evaluated during this study was emulsion crosslinking technique. Chitosan is a biocompatible and biodegradable material but lacks good mechanical properties; for that reason, chitosan was ionically crosslinked with sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) at three different ratios (32, 64, and 100%). The model drug used was acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). During the preparation of the microparticles, chitosan was first mixed with ASA and then dispersed in oil containing an emulsifier. The evaporation of the solvents hardened the hydrophilic droplets forming microparticles with spherical shape. The process and formulation parameters were varied, and the microparticles were characterized by their morphology, particle size, drug loading efficiency, and drug release behavior. The higher drug loading efficiency was achieved by using 32% mass ratio of TPP to chitosan. The average microparticle size was 18.7 μm. The optimum formulation conditions to prepare uniform spherical microparticles were determined and represented by a region in a triangular phase diagram. The drug release analyses were evaluated in phosphate buffer solution at pH 7.4 and were mainly completed at 24 h.
Comparison of 200 cGy vs. 400 cGy Total Body Irradiation (TBI) When Used with Fludarabine for Reduced-Intensity Conditioning Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (RIC AHSCT).

Abstract Fludarabine(FLU) and 200cGy TBI is commonly used for RIC AHSCT, but we observed 12% graft rejections and a 43% incidence of disease relapse when used at our institution. We hypothesized that this might be improved with dose escalation of TBI to 400cGy. From 12/03–4/07 40 pts with hematologic malignancies received RIC AHSCT using FLU 30 mg/m2/d on days -5, -4 and -3 and then TBI 200cGy on days -1 and 0. Our analysis compared outcomes with 42 historical control pts who received 200cGy TBI from 1/00–11/03. Matched sibling donors (MSD) were used for 32(76%) pts in the 200cGy group and 26 (65%) in the 400cGy group (p=0.27); other pts had 8/8 HLA matched unrelated donors (MUD). MSD pts received cyclosporine/mycophenolate and MUD pts received tacrolimus/mycophenolate. There were no differences in diagnostic categories between the 200cGy and 400cGy groups, which included 19(45%) and 22(56%) pts with myeloid (MY) diseases, respectively, (AML most common for both) while the remaining pts with lymphoid (LY) diseases had NHL most commonly. No other baseline characteristics differed between the groups. 200cGy pts received a higher median CD34+ cell dose (6.77 vs 4.93 × 106/kg, p Download : Download high-res image (88KB) Download : Download full-size image Figure
Anforderungsgerechte Schlupfzeitverteilung zur situationsbasierten Reihenfolgebildung

Kurzfassung Produzierende Unternehmen agieren heute in einem dynamischen Umfeld, welches durch steigende Variantenzahlen und kurze Lieferzeiten gepragt ist. Aufgrund dieser Entwicklungen wird eine ...
The Beacon Block-diagram Environment

Abstract BEACON is a Computer Aided Engineering environment which allows the user to graphically design a real time control system as a series of hierarchical block diagrams. The diagrams constitute a complete documentation of the designed system. These diagrams can thereafter be used to automatically generate both simulation and real-time computer code. BEACON has been used within the General Electric Company to generate production code since the first quarter of 1992. This paper will present the BEACON block-diagram editor, its graphical user interface, and its different modes of operation. The extensive hierarchical modeling capabilities of BEACON will be discussed.
Single-Molecule Electrochemistry: From Redox Cycling to Single Redox Events

Summary The field of single-molecule electrochemistry has seen many exciting advances since Bard and Fan demonstrated the use of redox cycling. Recent development of nanoelectrodes and microfabricated nanogap devices has enabled reproducible measurements of single redox molecules. Fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy are increasingly used to probe individual heterogeneous electron-transfer events. The use of bipolar coupling may allow optical recording of single redox events for conventional redox species.
Conformationally Gated Electron Transfer in Nitrogenase. Isolation, Purification, and Characterization of Nitrogenase From Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus

Abstract Nitrogenase is a complex, bacterial enzyme that catalyzes the ATP-dependent reduction of dinitrogen (N2) to ammonia (NH3). In its most prevalent form, it consists of two proteins, the catalytic molybdenum-iron protein (MoFeP) and its specific reductase, the iron protein (FeP). A defining feature of nitrogenase is that electron and proton transfer processes linked to substrate reduction are synchronized by conformational changes driven by ATP-dependent FeP–MoFeP interactions. Yet, despite extensive crystallographic, spectroscopic, and biochemical information on nitrogenase, the structural basis of the ATP-dependent synchronization mechanism is not understood in detail. In this chapter, we summarize some of our efforts toward obtaining such an understanding. Experimental investigations of the structure–function relationships in nitrogenase are challenged by the fact that it cannot be readily expressed heterologously in nondiazotrophic bacteria, and the purification protocols for nitrogenase are only known for a small number of diazotrophic organisms. Here, we present methods for purifying and characterizing nitrogenase from a new model organism, Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus. We also describe procedures for observing redox-dependent conformational changes in G. diazotrophicus nitrogenase by X-ray crystallography and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, which have provided new insights into the redox-dependent conformational gating processes in nitrogenase.
Scalable Top-Down Approach Tailored by Interferometric Lithography to Achieve Large-Area Single-Mode GaN Nanowire Laser Arrays on Sapphire Substrate

GaN nanowires are promising for optical and optoelectronic applications because of their waveguiding properties and large optical band gap. However, developing a precise, scalable, and cost-effective fabrication method with a high degree of controllability to obtain high-aspect-ratio nanowires with high optical properties and minimum crystal defects remains a challenge. Here, we present a scalable two-step top-down approach using interferometric lithography, for which parameters can be controlled precisely to achieve highly ordered arrays of nanowires with excellent quality and desired aspect ratios. The wet-etch mechanism is investigated, and the etch rates of m-planes {1100} (sidewalls) were measured to be 2.5 to 70 nm/h depending on the Si doping concentration. Using this method, uniform nanowire arrays were achieved over a large area (>105 μm2) with an spect ratio as large as 50, a radius as small as 17 nm, and atomic-scale sidewall roughness (<1 nm). FDTD modeling demonstrated HE11 is the dominant t...
Pool-boiling enhancement using multilevel modulated wick

Abstract Main challenges in saturated pool-boiling heat transfer are limited Critical Heat Flux (CHF) and Heat Transfer Coefficient (HTC), caused by the counterflow of liquid and vapor over the heated surface. Using multilevel modulated wicks, i.e., monolayer, columnar, and mushroom post wicks, we control the liquid and vapor flow for efficient phase separation, thereby improving the CHF and HTC. The wicks are fabricated using multi-step sintering process using 200 μm copper particles, and the pool boiling uses n-pentane at ambient pressure. The monolayer wicks without and with the mushroom post structure provide 20% and 87% CHF enhancements, respectively, compared to the plain surface. It is found that the CHF enhancement of the mushroom wick is attributed to its pitch distance, 3.5 mm, which effectively reduce the hydrodynamic instability (Rayleigh-Taylor) wavelength. The further reduction of the pitch distance, 1 mm, results in the 250% CHF improvement in agreement with the theory. The columnar and mushroom posts with monolayer increase HTC by tenfold, compared to the plain surface, due to the reduced conduction path through the thin monolayer wick under the controlled vapor region using the columnar and mushroom post wick (vapor chamber-like environment in pool boiling). The multilevel wick design provides fundamental insights into simultaneous CHF and HTC enhancements with potential use in advanced thermal management systems.
Host Nitric Oxide Disrupts Microbial Cell-to-Cell Communication to Inhibit Staphylococcal Virulence.

Summary Staphylococcus aureus is a commensal bacterium that can asymptomatically colonize its host but also causes invasive infections. Quorum sensing regulates S. aureus virulence and the transition from a commensal to a pathogenic organism. However, little is known about how host innate immunity affects interbacterial communication. We show that nitric oxide suppresses staphylococcal virulence by targeting the Agr quorum sensing system. Nitric oxide-mediated inhibition occurs through direct modification of cysteine residues C55, C123, and C199 of the AgrA transcription factor. Cysteine modification decreases AgrA promoter occupancy as well as transcription of the agr operon and quorum sensing-activated toxin genes. In a staphylococcal pneumonia model, mice lacking inducible nitric oxide synthase develop more severe disease with heightened mortality and proinflammatory cytokine responses. In addition, staphylococcal α-toxin production increases in the absence of nitric oxide or nitric oxide-sensitive AgrA cysteine residues. Our findings demonstrate an anti-virulence mechanism for nitric oxide in innate immunity.
Redundant Implementations of Linear Finite-State Machines

This chapter applies techniques similar to those of Chapter 5 to provide fault tolerance to linear finite-state machines (LFSM’s) [Hadjicostis, 1999]. The discussion focuses on linear encoding techniques and, as in Chapter 5, results in a complete characterization of the class of appropriate redundant implementations. It is shown that, for a given LFSM and a given linear encoding, there exists a variety of possible implementations and that different criteria can be used to choose the most desirable one [Hadjicostis, 2000; Hadjicostis and Verghese, 2002]. The implications of this approach are demonstrated by studying hardware implementations that use interconnections of 2-input XOR gates and single-bit memory elements (flip-flops). The redundancy in the state representation (which essentially appears as a linearly encoded binary vector) is used by an external, fault-free mechanism to perform concurrent error detection and correction at the end of each time step. The assumption of a fault-free error corrector is relaxed in Chapter 7.
Interfaces and Data Transmission Standards

Electronic health records in pediatric care must connect to other systems to integrate information and to communicate to providers in other systems. In order to perform this data transfer, there must be formats for the construction of messages, and standard terminologies that communicate the clinical concepts. Messaging standards are usually in the form of delimited character strings that follow the HL7 version 2.X standard. We will review the state of the art of HL7 version 2 messaging types and describe the best known example of this kind of messaging in the CDC Implementation Guide for Immunization Messaging. HL7 version 3, built on XML, has the potential for richer semantics, but is not yet widely used. We will use the Continuity of Care Document as a pediatric example of the use of this standard in real systems. Terminology systems, both open and proprietary, are used to encode clinical and administrative concepts in pediatrics. We will review terminology systems in current use and their pediatric-specific limitations.
Common Intraoperative Problems

Learn to identify common intraoperative problems including hypoxia, hypotension, and hypercarbia. Provide a differential diagnosis for each intraoperative problem based on available data. Identify the most important management options once a diagnosis is made.
Behavioral Studies of Free-Swimming Photoresponsive Organisms

Photomovement in microorganisms provides us with tractable model systems for studying sensory transduction, while also offering a delightful variety of behaviors to examine. Behavior can be studied at several levels. Once we are familiar with the phenomenology of a photoresponse, we can use that behavior to ask questions about the response mechanism. Information can be obtained from determining action spectra, from examining responses of selected mutants, and from studying “behavior” of isolated cell parts, such as flagella. After reviewing the various types of photomovement found in microorganisms, this chapter will focus on behavioral studies in the biflagellated alga Chlamydomonas.
Later Twentieth-Century Studies

The two studies of Lundby, Sweden, by Essen-Moller2 in 1947 and Hagnell3 in 1957 are probably the most intensive and thorough investigations of the prevalence of psychiatric disorder that have been conducted. Also, from these investigations, Hagnell was able to calculate the incidence of mental disorders; his work is the only major study of its kind that has been carried out in Western society.
Using a direct current (DC) glow discharge electrode as a non-invasive impedance probe for measuring electron density

A small RF signal is applied to the anode of a low pressure (P ≤ 200 mTorr), low temperature (Te ≤ 3 eV) direct current (DC) glow discharge operating at an electron density of ne ∼ 106 cm-3. The discharge is modeled as a collection of capacitive, resistive, and inductive circuit elements that have resonances at particular frequencies, much like an RLC circuit. The location of these resonances in frequency space provides information about the plasma parameters. In this work, an electrode that is used to sustain a DC glow discharge is also used to probe the impedance of the discharge. The benefit of this approach is that it is not necessary to insert a physical probe that could introduce perturbations or contaminate the discharge. Experiments were performed to demonstrate this non-invasive impedance probing method for extracting the plasma discharge density at various neutral gas pressures and discharge voltages and currents from changes to the input impedance of the anode. Comparisons between densities extracted with this method and Langmuir probe measurements showed overall good agreement.
Food and Beverage Intake From 12 to 23 Months by WIC Status.

BACKGROUND: In 2009, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) revised its food packages to align with updated nutrition science. Understanding how these revisions may impact current consumption patterns could be important. METHODS: Dietary data from the 2011–2014 NHANES were used to estimate the percentage of children who were aged 12 to 23 months consuming selected food and beverage categories on any given day by age and WIC status (children who were on WIC, those who were eligible for but not receiving WIC benefits, and those who were not eligible for WIC). RESULTS: Consumption of food and beverage categories differed by WIC status. On a given day, a lower percentage of children who were eligible for but did not receive WIC benefits consumed vegetables (excluding white potatoes; 42.3%) and grains (76.5%) compared with children who were participating in WIC (vegetables [excluding white potatoes]: 60.4%; grains: 85.5%) and those who were not eligible for WIC benefits (vegetables [excluding white potatoes]: 58.1%; grains: 87.2%; P CONCLUSIONS: Improving early WIC participation and retention could positively impact some diet-related disparities among young children who are eligible for WIC.
Exploring Variations of Hyperbole and Puffery in Advertising

This research explored whether hyperbole and puffery ads at two levels of intensity produced differential effects in contrast to nonexaggerated ads. An experiment had 597 subjects rate 1 of 20 ads ...
Finding common ground in God’s story: Experiencing Luke 7:36–50 with the first-century hearers

Luke designed the narrative of Luke 7:36–50 in a way that heightens the tension for his first-century audience. The polarity emphasized in the narrative—a sinful woman at a Pharisee’s dinner table—...
In-Frame Indel Mutations in the Genome of the Blind Mexican Cavefish, Astyanax mexicanus.

Organisms living in the subterranean biome evolve extreme characteristics including vision loss and sensory expansion. Despite prior work linking certain genes to Mendelian traits, the genetic basis for complex cave-associated traits remains unknown. Moreover, it is unclear if certain forms of genetic variation (e.g., indels, copy number variants) are more common in regressive evolution. Progress in this area has been limited by a lack of suitable natural model systems and genomic resources. In recent years, the Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus, has advanced as a model for cave biology and regressive evolution. Here, we present the results of a genome-wide screen for in-frame indels using alignments of RNA-sequencing reads to the draft cavefish genome. Mutations were discovered in three genes associated with blood physiology (mlf1, plg, and wdr1), two genes associated with growth factor signaling (ghrb, rnf126), one gene linked to collagen defects (mia3), and one gene which may have a global epigenetic impact on gene expression (mki67). With one exception, polymorphisms were shared between Pachon and Tinaja cavefish lineages, and different from the surface-dwelling lineage. We confirmed the presence of mutations using direct Sanger sequencing and discovered remarkably similar developmental expression in both morphs despite substantial coding sequence alterations. Further, three mutated genes mapped near previously established quantitative trait loci associated with jaw size, condition factor, lens size, and neuromast variation. This work reveals previously unappreciated traits evolving in this species under environmental pressures (e.g., blood physiology) and provides insight to genetic changes underlying convergence of organisms evolving in complete darkness.
Immunity to Dictyocaulus viviparus in calves. I. Exposure of larvae to triethylene melamine (TEM) and preliminary vaccination experiments.

Infective Dictyocaulus viviparus larvae were exposed for 1hr. at 26°C. to concentrations of triethylene melamine (TEM) varying from 0.25 to 0.7%. Reduction in numbers and size of treated larvae after development in calves was related to the TEM concentration. At the optimum concentration of 0.7% TEM the numbers of worms recovered from calves killed at various times up to 28 days of infection were reduced by 87 to 95% compared with normal larvae and the size of worms reduced by 5 to 22%. The infection did not become patent and respiratory rates were only marginally above normal. Lower concentrations of TEM allowed worms to develop fully and larvae appeared in the faeces. Preliminary vaccination experiments in which pairs of calves were given 2 doses of 1,000 normal larvae or larvae attenuated with 0.7, 0.8 or 0.9% TEM showed that a high degree of immunity to experimental challenge was present as measured by faecal larval excretion, respiratory rate and weight gains.
Fibroblast protection of borrelia burgdorferi from doxycycline, cefuroxime and daptomycin combination is eliminated by oregano or carvacrol essential oil

Abstract Borrelia burgdorferi could be occasionally recovered from patients after antibiotic treatment, which indicates it may resist eradication by antibiotic and host defense mechanisms. Skin fibroblast cells have previously been shown to protect the killing of B. burgdorferi by ceftriaxone, a powerful antibiotic commonly used to treat Lyme disease. In this study, we evaluated if fibroblast cells could also protect against the doxycycline+ cefuroxime+ daptomycin drug combination which has previously been shown to completely eradicate highly persistent biofilm-like microcolonies of B. burgdorferi. To do so, we utilized a GFP-labeled B. burgdorferi for infection of murine fibroblast cells and assessed the effect of the drug combination on killing the bacteria in the presence or absence of the fibroblast cells. Surprisingly, we found that fibroblasts could protect B. burgdorferi from being completely killed by the drug combination doxycycline, cefuroxime and daptomycin, which eradicated B. burgdorferi completely in the absence of fibroblast cells. Interestingly, addition of essential oil carvacrol or oregano at 0.1% could enhance the activity of the doxycycline+ cefuroxime+ daptomycin drug combination and led to complete eradication of B. burgdorferi even in the presence of fibroblast cells. Further studies are needed to determine if the essential oil drug combinations could eradicate persistent B. burgdorferi infection in vivo in animal models. Our study provides a useful and convenient ex vivo model for evaluating different drug regimens needed for developing more effective treatment of persistent Lyme disease in the future.
Unraveling the roles of genotype and environment in the expression of plant defense phenotypes

Phenotypic variability results from interactions between genotype and environment and is a major driver of ecological and evolutionary interactions. Measuring the relative contributions of genetic variation, the environment, and their interaction to phenotypic variation remains a fundamental goal of evolutionary ecology.In this study, we assess the question: How do genetic variation and local environmental conditions interact to influence phenotype within a single population? We explored this question using seed from a single population of common milkweed, Asclepias syriaca, in northern Michigan. We first measured resistance and resistance traits of 14 maternal lines in two common garden experiments (field and greenhouse) to detect genetic variation within the population. We carried out a reciprocal transplant experiment with three of these maternal lines to assess effects of local environment on phenotype. Finally, we compared the phenotypic traits measured in our experiments with the phenotypic traits of the naturally growing maternal genets to be able to compare relative effect of genetic and environmental variation on naturally occurring phenotypic variation. We measured defoliation levels, arthropod abundances, foliar cardenolide concentrations, foliar latex exudation, foliar carbon and nitrogen concentrations, and plant growth.We found a striking lack of correlation in trait expression of the maternal lines between the common gardens, or between the common gardens and the naturally growing maternal genets, suggesting that environment plays a larger role in phenotypic trait variation of this population. We found evidence of significant genotype-by-environment interactions for all traits except foliar concentrations of nitrogen and cardenolide. Milkweed resistance to chewing herbivores was associated more strongly with the growing environment. We observed no variation in foliar cardenolide concentrations among maternal lines but did observe variation among maternal lines in foliar latex exudation.Overall, our data reveal powerful genotype-by-environment interactions on the expression of most resistance traits in milkweed.
Clinical analysis of 92 cases of occupational chronic lead poisoning

Objective To explore the incidence,diagnosis and treatment of occupational chronic lead poisoning.Methods Removing lead hospitalized patients with lead poisoning treatment clinical data were analyzed.Results 92 cases of lead poisoning in the mild lead poisoning in 85 cases,moderate lead poisoning cases.The type of work and length of service with the onset of chronic lead poisoning(all P ＜ 0.05).Removing lead 2 to 6 courses of treatment and continuous observation of urine lead changes give aminoxatyl complexing agent,in patients with clinical symptoms of poisoning disappeared,urine lead back to normal.Conclusion Occupational lead poisoning is common battery manufacturing personnel,multiple occupational diseases;diagnostic removing lead test for the diagnosis and treatment of lead poisoning has important practical significance ; the disodium edetate calcium for the treatment of lead poisoning preferred removing lead drug,which has reliable effects. Key words: Lead poisoning; Air pollutants, occupational; Diagnosis; Treatment outcome
Regarding Blood-Based Next-Generation Sequencing Analysis of Appendiceal Cancers

This letter to the editor questions whether liquid next‐generation sequencing is a reasonable substitute for tissue next‐generation sequencing for all forms of appendiceal cancer.
Relational Cultural Theory: The Case of Monica

Relational cultural theory (RCT) is a therapeutic framework rooted in the belief that growth occurs through connection in relationships, and that relational connection is inherently compromised in a society based on inequality among social groups (Miller, Toward a new psychology of women. Beacon Press, Boston, 1976/2012). Originally named self-in-relation theory in the mid-1970s, a group of feminist clinician-scholars collaboratively developed a clinical model to better understand and describe what they were experiencing in their practices and to formulate a model of women’s development where relational standpoint and connection are the markers of health.
A pilot randomized controlled trial of endovascular coils and vascular plugs for proximal splenic artery embolization in high-grade splenic trauma.

To evaluate the feasibility of enrolling patients in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing endovascular coils (EC) and vascular plugs (VP) for proximal splenic artery embolization (pSAE) in high-grade splenic trauma, and to collect data to inform the design of a larger clinical effectiveness trial. Single-center, prospective, RCT of patients with Grade III–V splenic injuries selected for nonoperative management. Patients were randomized to pSAE with EC or VP. The main outcome was feasibility. We also evaluated technical success, time to stasis, complications, mortality, and splenectomy rates, by estimating rates and 95% confidence intervals. 46 of 50 eligible patients were enrolled (92%, 95% CI 90–100%). Overall, splenic salvage was 98% (45/46; 95% CI 94–100%). Primary technical success was observed in 22 EC patients (96%; 95% CI 87–100%) and 20 VP patients (87%; 95% CI 73–100%). Bayesian analysis suggests a > 80% probability that primary technical success is higher for EC. Two complications (one major and one minor) occurred in the EC group (9%; CI 0–20%) and one major complication occurred in the VP group (4%; CI 0–13%). Randomized comparisons of endovascular devices used for pSAE after trauma are feasible. pSAE using either EC or VP results in excellent rates of splenic salvage in trauma patients with high-grade splenic injuries. These high rates of splenic salvage and low rates of complications make their use as a primary outcome in a future trial problematic. Consideration should be given to technical parameters as a primary outcome for future trials.
Variation in Methylmercury Metabolism and Elimination in Humans: Physiological Pharmacokinetic Modeling Highlights the Role of Gut Biotransformation, Skeletal Muscle, and Hair.

The biological half-life (t1/2) of methylmercury (MeHg) shows considerable individual variability (t1/2 120 days), highlighting the importance of mechanisms controlling MeHg metabolism and elimination. Building on a prior physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model, we elucidate parameters that have the greatest influence on variability of MeHg t1/2 in the human body. Employing a dataset of parameters for mean organ volumes and blood flow rates appropriate for man and woman (25-35 years) and child (4 - 6 years), we demonstrate model fitness by simulating data from our prior controlled study of MeHg elimination in people. Model predictions give MeHg t1/2 of 46.9, 38.9, and 31.5 days and steady-state blood MeHg of 2.6, 2.6, and 2.3 µg/l in man, woman, and child, respectively, subsequent to a weekly dose of 0.7 µg/kg body weight. The major routes of elimination are biotransformation to inorganic Hg in the gut lumen (73% in adults, 61% in child) and loss of MeHg via excretion within growing hair (13% in adults, 24% in child). Local and global sensitivity analyses of model parameters reveal that variation in biotransformation rate in the gut lumen, and rates of transport between gut lumen and gut tissue, have the greatest influence on MeHg t1/2. Volume and partition coefficients for skeletal muscle (SM) and gut tissue also show significant sensitivity affecting model output of MeHg t1/2. Our results emphasize the role of gut microbiota in MeHg biotransformation, transport kinetics at the level of the gut, and SM mass as moderators of MeHg kinetics in the human body.
Higher Education and the Ethic of Care: Finding a Way Forward During a Global Pandemic:

At the outset of the coronavirus pandemic, before we had a chance to acclimate to our world turned upside-down, I was genuinely confounded by the inflexibility of some professors to help students. ...
Race, Age, Gender, and Insurance Status: A Comparative Analysis of Access to and Quality of Gastrointestinal Cancer Care

Socioeconomics, demographics, and insurance status play roles in healthcare access. Considering the limited resources available, understanding the relative impact of disparities helps prioritize programs designed to overcome them. This study evaluates gastrointestinal cancer care disparity by comparing the impact of different patient factors across oncologic care metrices. A multi-institutional prospectively maintained cancer database was reviewed retrospectively for gastrointestinal cancers (esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, colorectal, and hepato-pancreato-biliary) from 2007 to 2017 to assess quality of care provided. Quality of care was defined by clinical course following national guidelines for the respective cancer. This included surgical intervention, chemotherapy, palliative care, and minimal delay to treatment/diagnosis. Logistic regression was used to adjust for confounders and identify factors associated with quality of care. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were compared using log-rank test. One thousand seventy-two patients were identified. Survival improved in patients with private insurance compared to government-funded options [median overall survival (mOS) 57.8 vs. 21.2 months; P < .001]. Private insurance also correlated with earlier stage at diagnosis [stages I–II = 50.9% vs. 37.5%, stages III–IV = 37.7% vs. 49.1%, P < .001], increased chemotherapy use [44.2% vs. 37.1%, P < .001], and more surgical intervention [62.4% vs. 48.8%, P < .001]. Outcomes were inferior for Black Americans, including trend towards lower rate of surgical treatment [42% vs. 54%, P = .058] and worse survival in private insurance carriers [mOS 7.8 vs. 57.8 months, P = .021] and those with early stage disease [mOS 39.2 vs. 81.5 months, P = .045] compared to White counterparts. Insurance status has the strongest impact on the quality of gastrointestinal oncologic care with negative synergistic negative effect of race for Black Americans. While governmental programs aim to improve equality of care, there remains significant disparity compared to private insurance. Moreover, private insurance doesn’t correct disparity for Black Americans, suggesting the need to address racial imbalances in cancer care.
Research on variable speed operation of static frequency converter for pumped storage units

Constant speed pumped storage unit is widely used, however it cannot adjust the input power when working in the electric mode, and cannot work in the best efficiency when the head of the reservoir changes greatly. Therefore, it is necessary to study and develop the variable speed pumped storage systems. This paper has studied on variable speed operation of static frequency converter for pumped storage units. Besides, development status of variable speed pumped storage system at home and abroad is investigated. Furthermore, classification and advantages and disadvantages of variable speed pumped storage system are also introduced, mainly including two typical variable speed pumped storage systems, i.e., doubly-fed variable speed system and full power variable speed system.
Ex vivo evaluation of novel core tenorrhaphy patterns in dogs.

OBJECTIVE To compare the biomechanical properties and gapping characteristics of four novel tenorrhaphy patterns in a canine flexor tendon model. STUDY DESIGN Ex vivo, randomized, biomechanical study. SAMPLE POPULATION Superficial digital flexor tendons of 60 forelimbs (30 dogs). METHODS Each tendon was transected 25 mm distal to its musculotendinous junction prior to tenorrhaphy with 2-0 polypropylene. Repair patterns included the three-loop pulley (3LP, control), exposed double-cross-lock (ExDCrL), embedded double-cross-lock (EmDCrL), triple-circle-lock (TCiL), and Modified-Tang patterns (MTang) were randomly assigned to each experimental group (n = 12/group). Yield, peak, and failure loads, gap formation and failure modes were compared. RESULTS Tendons repaired with ExDCrL (p < .0001), EmDCrL (p < .0001), and MTang (p < .0001) sustained yield, peak, and failure loads ~2.2x, ~2.0x, and ~1.9x, respectively, greater than those repaired with 3LP. Loads to 1 and 3 mm gapping were also higher for ExDCrL (p < .0001), EmDCrL (p < .0004), and MTang constructs (p < .0017) compared to 3LP. Although TCiL constructs sustained higher loads, their resistance to gap formation did not differ from that of 3LP repairs. Failure mode differed between groups (p < .0001), EmDCrL, ExDCrL, MTang, and TCiL constructs failing predominantly by suture breakage compared to 3LP repairs that failed by suture pull-through. CONCLUSION Use of novel patterns ExDCrL, EmDCrL, and MTang improved resistance to loads and gap formation and were biomechanically superior compared to 3LP in healthy canine tendon repairs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE These results justify in vivo evaluation of ExDCrL, EmDCrL, or MTang pattern for tenorrhaphy in dogs.
Protective mechanism of dried blood spheroids: stabilization of labile analytes in whole blood, plasma, and serum

Three-dimensional (3D) dried blood spheroids form when whole blood is deposited onto hydrophobic paper and allowed to dry in ambient air. The adsorbed 3D dried blood spheroid present at the surface of the hydrophobic paper is observed to offer enhanced stability for labile analytes that would otherwise degrade if stored in the traditional two-dimensional (2D) dried blood spot method. The protective mechanism for the dried blood spheroid microsampling platform was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which revealed the presence of a passivation thin film at the surface of the spheroid that serves to stabilize the interior of the spheroid against environmental stressors. Through time-course experiments based on sequential SEM analyses, we discovered that the surface protective thin film forms through the self-assembly of red blood cells following the evaporation of water from the blood sample. The bridging mechanism of red blood cell aggregation is evident in our experiments, which leads to the distinct rouleau conformation of stacked red blood cells in less than 60 min after creating the blood spheroid. The stack of self-assembled red blood cells at the exterior of the spheroid subsequently lyse to afford the surface protective layer detected to be approximately 30 μm in thickness after three weeks of storage in ambient air. We applied this mechanistic insight to plasma and serum to enhance stability when stored under ambient conditions. In addition to physical characterization of these thin biofilms, we also used paper spray (PS) mass spectrometry (MS) to examine chemical changes that occur in the stored biofluid. For example, we present stability data for cocaine spiked in whole blood, plasma, and serum when stored under ambient conditions on hydrophilic and hydrophobic paper substrates.
Consumer Finance and Parent-Child Communication

Most research investigating parent–child communication about consumer finance has focused on consumer socialization and been based on the family communication patterns theory. Five additional theories are suggested for guiding consumer finance researchers as they seek to better understand the complexity of parent–child conversations: communication privacy management theory, relational dialectics theory, relational communication theory, emotional regulation theory, and communication accommodation theory. As families face increasingly complex financial circumstances and decisions, increasingly complex research exploring parent–child communication is needed.
WE-A-210-00: Educational: Diagnostic Ultrasound QA

This presentation will focus on the present role of ultrasound medical physics in clinical practices. The first part of the presentation will provide an overview of ultrasound QC methodologies and testing procedures. A brief review of ultrasound phantoms utilized in these testing procedures will be presented. The second part of the presentation will summarize ultrasound imaging technical standards and professional guidelines by American College of Radiology (ACR), American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM), American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The current accreditation requirements by ACR and AIUM for ultrasound practices will be described and the practical aspects of implementing QC programs to be compliant with these requirements will be discussed. Learning Objectives: 1. Achieve familiarity with common ultrasound QC test methods and ultrasound phantoms. 2. Understand the coverage of the existing testing standards and professional guidelines on diagnostic ultrasound imaging. 3. Learn what a medical physicist needs to know about ultrasound program accreditation and be able to implement ultrasound QC programs accordingly.
The Ontogeny of the Hematopoietic System

The origin and potentiality of the hematopoietic stem cell has been debated for more than 100 years between two main concepts: the monophyletic hypothesis recognizing a common stem cell for all lymphomyeloid lineages and the polyphyletic hypothesis recognizing a variety of distinct stem cells. The current consensus recognizes a pluripotential lymphomyeloid stem cell and a hierarchy of progressively lineage-restricted progenitor cells with a major bifurcation at the level of the common lymphoid progenitor (CLP) and the common myeloid progenitor (CMP). One early assumption had been that each developing hematopoietic or lymphoid organ produces its own complement of stem cells, with morphological studies variously proposing an in situ origin in hematopoietic tissues from undifferentiated mesenchyme or endothelium and, in primary lymphoid organs such as the thymus or the avian bursa of Fabricius, a derivation from epithelium. More than 35 years ago, this view was challenged by Moore and Owen in a series of chromosome marker studies in avian embryos that showed developing hematopoietic and lymphoid organs were colonized from the outset by an inflow of stem cells from the blood stream. Since the yolk sac (YS) was identified at that time as the first site of hematopoiesis as early as 35–48 hours of incubation, it was proposed as the site of origin of stem cells that colonized all subsequent hematopoietic and lymphoid organs. This hypothesis was modified following marker studies in chick–quail and chick–chick chimeras established by reciprocal grafting of the early (35–48 hours) embryo and YS, which demonstrated the embryo origin of hematopoietic or lymphoid cells that later appeared in the spleen, marrow, thymus, and bursa of Fabricius. Nevertheless, injection of YS cells into irradiated embryos demonstrated that the 7-day YS was a rich source of stem cells capable of repopulating all hematopoietic and lymphoid organs. This suggested that the avian YS served a role analogous to the fetal liver in mammals, expanding a small initial stem cell population that had migrated from the intraembryonic para-aortic region and secondarily seeded stem and progenitor cells to other sites.
Total nondialyzable solids in human urine. XI. Chemical analysis of purified normal uromucoid.

Abstract A detailed chemical analysis of uromucoid is reported. Except for a smaller percentage of sialic acid, the data available for comparison indicate the identity of uromucoid and the urinary mucoprotein of Tamm and Horsfall.
GDP as a Measure of Economic Welfare 1

Ever since the early days of National Income accounting we can observe periodic surges of demands to fix the measurement of GDP to better reflect progress, welfare or even happiness. In recent years even Presidents and Prime Ministers in Europe have joined the chorus of the discontent. In this paper I argue that the critique is mostly misguided. Welfare measurement has not been the objective of the GDP accounts especially since the late 1940s when National Accounts became a vehicle for applying Keynesian economics for, primarily, short run stabilization. I also argue that the search for a unique index of welfare, well-being, or happiness is a chimera.
Finescale Planktonic Vertical Structure: Horizontal Extent and the Controlling Physical Processes Layered Organization in the Coastal Ocean (LOCO) DRI

Abstract : Our long-term goal is to quantify the interactions between small-scale biological and physical processes within the upper ocean. Our work within the Layered Organization in the Coastal Ocean (LOCO) DRI examines specific scientific questions that relate the distribution and variability in sub- 1m scale bio-optical properties with coincident vertical and horizontal scales of physical properties. Observations in different ocean areas have confirmed the presence of persistent, small-scale local maxima in the concentrations of nutrients, phytoplankton, and zooplankton. These persistent features result from complex linkages between physical forcing and gradients in the distribution of biological properties. Therefore, our goals within the LOCO DRI are to * quantify the linkage these physical processes and the steep vertical gradients in biological properties within "thin layers," * develop a more detailed understanding of the time scales and horizontal spatial scales over which these features persist, and * evaluate the relative importance of vertical and horizontal processes in establishing planktonic distribution patterns.
State money and the real world: or chartalism and its discontents

Recent emphasis on chartalism is an important extension of the monetary theory within Post Keynesian analysis. However, chartalism as the main interpretation for the existence of money has some limitations. Sovereignty, understood as the power to tax and to collect in the token of choice, is not the main explanation for the existence of money, even if modern money is ultimately chartal money. The view according to which institutions that provide bridges between the present and the future create the conditions for economic agents to be willing to hold money is far more instructive. The state is certainly one of those institutions, but so are banks, and other financial institutions, which, during certain historical periods, might have had more importance.
Exploring How Knowledge Translation Can Improve Sustainability of Community-based Health Initiatives for People with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities.

Community-based health initiatives (CBHI) play an important role in maintaining the health, function and participation of people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) living in the community. However, implementation and long-term sustainability of CBHI is challenging. The Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (PARiHS) is a knowledge translation (KT) framework that is particularly relevant to intellectual/developmental disabilities research as it identifies the barriers and facilitators of implementation and action plans. This framework provides a foundation for understanding how KT can be used to aid the implementation and sustainability of CBHI for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities. The following study explores how KT - specifically the PARiHS framework - can be used to help sustain CBHI for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities.