cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimum Design Of Thin-Walled Box Beams with Coupled Bending and Torsion Using Frequency Constraints

Introduction A LARGE percentage of optimization papers dealing with the beam finite elements consider cross sections where the centroid and the shear center coincide. This is true for some structural applications, but a number of structures such as turbine, helicopter and propeller blades, and automotive and aerospace structures can have cross sections where the inertial axes do not coincide with the elastic axes. This results in coupling between some of the bending and torsional modes. In the present work, optimum structural design of vibrating beams with noncollinear inertial and elastic axes is considered. The condition of noncollinear axes exists in structures having unsymmetric cross sections. The beam behaves as a coupled elastic system where the vibration modes involve simultaneous bending and torsional displacements. The natural frequencies of the coupled vibrations are different from the natural frequencies computed either for pure bending or pure torsion. In this paper, optimum design of vibrating beams with thinwalled rectangular box cross sections having one axis of symmetry is considered. This results in coupling of one of the bending vibrations with the torisonal displacements, whereas the other bending vibrations occur independently. In the following, some of the previous design studies on coupled bending and torsion vibrations are reviewed. Peters et al. considered the helicopter blade optimization for desired placement of natural frequencies. The authors considered symmetric cross sections in obtaining the optimum stiffness and mass distributions. Recent work by Chattopadhyay et al. and Hanagud et al. developed an optimality criterion method for the design of thin-walled channel beams with one axis of symmetry. The minimization of the structural volume with a single frequency constraint and its dual problem of maximization of the fundamental frequency with a volume constraint were considered for the simply supported and cantilever boundary conditions. In Ref. 4, a mathematical programming technique based on an extended quadratic interior penalty function method was employed for the design of vibrating beams with a channel section. In this paper, a rectangular box cross section applicable to a typical blade design (see Fig. 1) is studied. Optimum structural design was done using up to three natural frequency constraints. In addition to the structural mass, nonstructural masses were added on the structure. Optimum flange thickness distribution, natural frequencies, and design iteration histories are presented for the cantilever and simply supported end conditions.
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: optimizing the therapeutic index

The four recent noteworthy strategies aimed at improving therapeutic outcomes for the curative treatment of head and neck squamous cancers include the development of altered fractionation regimens, integration of chemotherapy, incorporation of intensity-modulated radiation therapy and introduction of targeted biologic therapy. Clinical investigations during the last 30 years have demonstrated the benefits of biologically sound altered fractionation and concurrent chemoradiation regimens in improving locoregional control and overall survival. These results have contributed to redefining the standard of care, with the caveat that proper patient selection for those who will benefit from potentially toxic combined modality treatment regimens remains controversial. These benefits have come at the expense of increased acute toxicity (i.e., mucositis) and sometimes at the expense of late toxicity (i.e., fibrosis and dysphagia). There are two additional developments that may help to further widen the therapeutic ratio. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy allows for the delivery of a highly conformal 3D radiation dose distribution around intended targets, thereby limiting the volumes of mucosa receiving a high dose per fraction and high total doses. The technical basis for intensity-modulated radiation therapy delivery reopens many fractionation questions that are still being addressed and challenges us to determine which of these is optimal for use with intensity-modulated radiation therapy alone or in combination with concurrent sensitizers. Finally, combined radiation therapy and biologic therapies directed at targets expressed predominately or exclusively by tumor cells have the promise to help increase tumor cell kill, while at least not substantially increasing normal tissue toxicity. These strategies are reviewed in a clinical context.
Resistance Vessel Endothelium: Isolation, Cloning and Characterization Studies

Vascular endothelial cells are not homogeneous throughout the body but have unique functional properties depending upon organ and species. Considerable evidence also suggests functional differences between endothelial cells derived from micro and macrovascular origin. In this report, we have successfully isolated and characterized endothelial cells derived from enriched preparations of rat cerebral resistance vessels. Previous work from our laboratory demonstrated that cerebromicrovascular smooth muscle cells derived from resistance vessels grew at a slower rate when compared to large vessel (aorta) derived smooth muscle cells and failed to tolerate standard freezing procedures at low passage levels (J. Cell Physiol.129:131,1986). Using collagenase dissociation, we were able to significantly enhance the presence of resistance vessel endothelial cells. Once established and cloned, these cultures express Factor VIII antigen and exhibit phenotypic characteristics of cultured endothelial cells. In addition, these cells, under normal culture conditions, spontaneously form “tube-like” arrays. The presence of the mas oncogene (putative All receptor) mRNA was found in subconfluent and confluent resistance vessel endothelial cell cultures using a probe (pRM I) that contains the gene for the rat mas oncogene. These results demonstrate that resistance vessel derived endothelial cells can easily be isolated and subcultured to provide an in vitro cell system to study cerebral angiogenesis. In addition, the availability of both smooth muscle and endothelial cell population from the same microvascular source will provide a unique system to study their cell-cell interactions in vitro.
Primary Non-Hodgkin’s B-Cell Lymphoma of the Male Urethra Presenting as Stricture Disease

Primary urethral lymphoma is exceedingly rare. There are only three cases reported involving the male urethra, with one in an immunocompromised man. We report a case of primary B-cell lymphoma presenting as complex urethral stricture disease.
Evidence that a lipolytic enzyme—hematopoietic-specific phospholipase C-β2—promotes mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells by decreasing their lipid raft-mediated bone marrow retention and increasing the promobilizing effects of granulocytes

Hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) reside in the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment and are retained there by the interaction of membrane lipid raft-associated receptors, such as the α-chemokine receptor CXCR4 and the α4β1-integrin (VLA-4, very late antigen 4 receptor) receptor, with their respective specific ligands, stromal-derived factor 1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, expressed in BM stem cell niches. The integrity of the lipid rafts containing these receptors is maintained by the glycolipid glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor (GPI-A). It has been reported that a cleavage fragment of the fifth component of the activated complement cascade, C5a, has an important role in mobilizing HSPCs into the peripheral blood (PB) by (i) inducing degranulation of BM-residing granulocytes and (ii) promoting their egress from the BM into the PB so that they permeabilize the endothelial barrier for subsequent egress of HSPCs. We report here that hematopoietic cell-specific phospholipase C-β2 (PLC-β2) has a crucial role in pharmacological mobilization of HSPCs. On the one hand, when released during degranulation of granulocytes, it digests GPI-A, thereby disrupting membrane lipid rafts and impairing retention of HSPCs in BM niches. On the other hand, it is an intracellular enzyme required for degranulation of granulocytes and their egress from BM. In support of this dual role, we demonstrate that PLC-β2-knockout mice are poor mobilizers and provide, for the first time, evidence for the involvement of this lipolytic enzyme in the mobilization of HSPCs.
AMS 14C Dating of Preclassic to Classic Period Household Construction in the Ancient Maya Community of Cahal Pech, Belize

Archaeologists have traditionally relied upon relative ceramic chronologies to understand the occupational histories of large and socially complex polities in the Maya lowlands. High-resolution accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) radiocarbon dating can provide independent chronological control for more discrete events that reflect cultural change through time. This article reports results of AMS 14C dating of stratified sequences at the residential group Tzutziiy K’in, associated with the major Maya polity of Cahal Pech in the Belize Valley. Cahal Pech is one of the earliest permanently settled sites in the Maya lowlands (1200 cal BC), and was continuously occupied until the Terminal Classic Maya “collapse” (~cal AD 800). We use Bayesian modeling to build a chronology for the settlement, growth, and terminal occupation of Tzutziiy K’in, and compare our results to chronological data from the monumental site core at Cahal Pech. The analyses indicate that Tzutziiy K’in was first settled by the Late Preclassic period (350–100 cal BC), concurrent with the establishment of several other large house groups and the growth of the Cahal Pech site core. Terminal occupation by high-status residents at this house group occurred between cal AD 850 and 900. This study provides a framework for interpreting patterns of spatial, demographic, and sociopolitical change between households and the Cahal Pech site core.
Basal membrane complex architecture is disrupted during posterior subcapsular cataract formation in Royal College of Surgeons rats

Purpose Previous studies detailing the development of posterior subcapsular cataracts (PSC) in Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats have shown that aberrant fiber-end migration underlies the structural compromise. This investigation was conducted to examine the distribution of select basal membrane complex (BMC) components and to assess the intravitreal levels of specific cytokines during PSC formation. Methods Lenses from 52 RCS dystrophic rats (RCS/Lav) and 28 genetically matched control animals (RCS-rdy(+)/Lav) from 2 to 8 weeks old were used. After enucleation, vitreous was collected for eventual cytokine level analyses; lenses were then removed and processed for immunocytochemical localization of actin, cadherin, β integrin, vinculin, and cell nuclei. Results At 2-3 weeks postnatal, dystrophic lenses showed normal BMC distribution of actin, cadherin, and vinculin; however β integrin distribution was altered as compared to controls. By 4-6 weeks of age, F-actin was visible as bright foci arranged in a "rosette" pattern around fiber-end profiles. Concurrently, vinculin was rearranged into a diffuse pattern within the BMC. Cadherin delineated the fiber ends in dystrophic lenses until 5 weeks postnatal, after which it displayed diffuse cytoplasmic staining with more definitive labeling at the BMC periphery. β integrin was initially distributed as punctuate spots at 2-3 weeks postnatal; however, by 4-6 weeks it was co-localized with F-actin around the periphery of fiber ends. The distribution of F-actin, cadherin, and β integrin components did not undergo further changes after 6 weeks of age; however, vinculin was present predominantly at the periphery of the BMC in 7-8-week-old dystrophic lenses. Intravitreal cytokine levels were assessed for interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and interferon (IFN)-γ. Levels of IL-1α, IL-4, TNF, and IFN-γ demonstrated a similar pattern, with concentrations increasing from 2 to 6 weeks postnatal and then decreasing slightly up to 8 weeks of age. IL-4 and TNF had the highest average concentrations, with peaks of 148.00 pg/ml and 34.20 pg/ml, respectively. Conclusions The data indicate that defined rearrangements of normal BMC architecture precede and characterize the structural changes that culminate in the PSC. These are consistent with modifications of adhesion mechanics involving cell-cell attachment, cell-matrix adhesion, and timely fiber-end detachment. Further, the results suggest that pro-inflammatory cytokines are potential initiating factors in aberrant fiber-end migration and subsequent PSC formation.
Impact of Marketing Agreements and Orders on the Marketing of Milk

UBLIC control of the pricing of market milk was undertaken primarily for the purpose of raising the incomes of producers to a more satisfactory level. At the time these controls were instituted milk prices and the prices of farm products generally were so low that farmers were hard pressed, and were demanding insistently that effective steps be taken to remedy the situation. In addition to the primary objective of promptly increasing the financial returns to milk producers, a continuing purpose of public control has been to maintain a stable price structure and to prevent unwarranted reductions in the prices paid producers as result of price wars among distributors, or other causes. Closely related to this function of stabilizing producer milk prices is that of providing for an equitable sharing of returns from fluid sales and surplus disposal in the various markets, and of eliminating unfair advantages in the purchase of milk that were enjoyed by certain handlers. Before public control was undertaken, some dealers in practically every market bought milk independently rather than through the leading producers' organization. By limiting their purchases to little more than the quantities sold for fluid use, and paying flat prices that were about the same or only slightly higher than the blended or pool prices paid by the cooperative or by the large dealers, these independent buyers obtained milk for fluid sales at a net cost considerably less than the announced Class I prices. Under federal and state milk marketing orders such disparities in costs and returns are eliminated by extending the classified price plan throughout the market, and by requiring all handlers to pay the full Class I price for milk used for fluid sales. It is obvious that some gain in returns to producers results by making the classified price plan effective throughout the market and enforcing a minimum price for each class of milk. Further increases in producers' returns were sought by the milk control authorities through fixing prices for fluid milk at higher levels than could be
Endogenous adenosine modulates alpha 2- but not alpha 1-adrenergic constriction of coronary arterioles.

In the coronary circulation alpha-adrenergic constriction competes with metabolic vasodilation. Because adenosine is produced by the working myocardium and metabolic stimulation results in arteriol...
Effect of Rapid Heating on Densification and Grain Growth in Hot Pressed Alumina

Compact bodies of α-alumina with an average particle size of 0.22μm were hot-pressed at heating rates of 5 and 500°C/min. A specimen with a relative density of 99.5% was obtained with adopting a heating rate of 500°C/min up to 1310°C, for a holding time of 2min under a uniaxial pressure of 50MPa. The average grain size was 1.5μm. Both densification and grain growth were enhanced by rapid heating. A rationale for this result was given under the assumption that an increase in defect concentration in the alumina grains was produced by rapid heating.
Poland and the Holy See, 1918-1939

From 1918 to 1939, a diplomatic partnership between the Holy See and Poland appeared extremely likely. Since 1870 the Vatican had sought to restore the temporal status it had lost during Italian unification. The Lateran accords of 1929 resolved the Roman question and confirmed the disputed sovereignty of the papal enclave. This achievement, however, was only part of the Apostolic See's determined efforts to fortify its international standing in a continent dominated by Protestant, anticlerical, or atheist states. The Vatican seemed to be a natural match for revived Poland, a nation renowned for its fealty to Rome and menaced by Germany and Russia, traditional antagonists of the papacy and champions of totalitarian doctrines that the church regarded as inimical.
Ultrasound in the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Ovarian Tumors

Diagnostic ultrasound by contact compound B-mode echographic scanning is used at the M. D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute to assist in the diagnosis and management of patients with ovarian tumors. The usefulness of ultrasound for the diagnosis of solid or cystic lesions has been verified by various investigators.(4) Due to the difficulty in following patients with ovarian tumors on a clinical basis alone, the value of diagnostic ultrasound was investigated in following tumors for size, regression or enlargement, recurrence or further extension. In addition ascites, omental metastasis, or lymph node involvement were also evaluated.
IGF binding proteins: regulation of cellular actions

The recent purification and structural analysis of the six forms of insulin-like growth factor binding proteins has opened up the possibility of studying their mechanism of action at the cellular level. While a great deal of information has been published regarding control of secretion of these proteins by cells, their modulation of the target cell actions of the IGFs remains incompletely studied. Both IGFBP-1 and 3 have been shown to be bipotential regulators. Using one set of culture conditions, both proteins appear to inhibit IGF-mediated growth while if other conditions are used they appear to stimulate growth. IGFBP-2, 5 and 6 have been less well studied in this regard, although several studies showing growth inhibition with IGFBP-2 have been published. IGFBP-4 appears to be consistently inhibitory and no studies showing stimulation have been published to date. Recent research has focused on the reason for these bifunctional effects. Clearly the ability to adhere to cell surfaces appears to be one important property of these proteins that results in their ability to potentiate or inhibit growth. Likewise, phosphorylation of IGFBP-1 on serine residues appears to be a structurally modifying change which results in altered growth regulation. The future will no doubt uncover other post-translational modifications that result in modulation of biologic activity.
Another Side of “Born in the U.S.A.”: Form, Paradox, and Rhetorical Indirection

“Born in the U.S.A.” has been one of the most important and controversial songs of Bruce Springsteen’s career. For some listeners, the song is a pro-America anthem; for others, it is a scathing commentary on American government and society. This paper challenges both of those views, arguing that the song’s apparently contradictory musical form and lyrical content interact to produce a collective rhetorical effect. In this view, “Born in the U.S.A.” is not an argument for a specific political ideology but rather a multilayered and multidirectional interrogation of the paradoxes of national belonging.
The Academic Library in 2020

Abstract There are significant models of academic libraries, many already in place, where each seeks to reinvent itself to survive and thrive into the next decade and to remain well positioned as an essential service. Predicting the future is always a rather dicey proposition, the safe bet is to look to the present to use as a foundation on which to base the future because it is what we know. There have been only so many basic variations on a theme when it is related to academic libraries regarding their mission, service and structure. Should this remain the case, then the future of the academic library will, undoubtedly, hinge on many of the successful models currently in place, with some slight variations. The year 2020 is only a mere four years away, so basing the future model of the academic library expecting that such change will arise with the snap of a finger is quite unrealistic. The academic library must move forward into the future, bringing with it all the change that is necessary to ensure its position as an essential academic resource on campus.
Tunable magnetism and structural transformations in mixed light- and heavy-lanthanide dialuminides

Rare-earth intermetallics play a critical yet often obscure role in numerous technological applications, including sensors, actuators, permanent magnets, and rechargeable batteries; therefore, understanding their basic science is of utmost importance. Here we report structural behaviors, specific heat, and magnetism of $\mathrm{P}{\mathrm{r}}_{1\text{--}x}\mathrm{E}{\mathrm{r}}_{x}\mathrm{A}{\mathrm{l}}_{2}$ studied by means of temperature-dependent x-ray powder diffraction, heat capacity, and magnetization measurements, in addition to first-principles calculations. Although the cubic lattice of $\mathrm{PrA}{\mathrm{l}}_{2}$ distorts tetragonally at the Curie temperature ${T}_{C}$, the distortion is rhombohedral in $\mathrm{ErA}{\mathrm{l}}_{2}$, creating a potential for instability in the pseudobinary $\mathrm{PrA}{\mathrm{l}}_{2}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{ErA}{\mathrm{l}}_{2}$ system. When $0.05\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}0.5$, materials show complex magnetization behaviors, including metamagnetic transitions and Griffith-like phase. Unique among other mixed-lanthanide dialuminides, the substitution of Er for Pr in $\mathrm{P}{\mathrm{r}}_{1\text{--}x}\mathrm{E}{\mathrm{r}}_{x}\mathrm{A}{\mathrm{l}}_{2}$ results in unexpected ferrimagnetic behavior, and the ferrimagnetic interactions become strongest around $x=0.25$, where the compound shows unusual metamagnetic like transitions observed only in the odd-numbered quadrants of the full magnetic field cycles. The electronic structure calculations, including exchange interactions and crystal field splitting, magnetic moments, anisotropic $4f$ energy density, and magnetic surface potentials rationalize the interesting physics observed experimentally.
Improving patient knowledge of palliative care: A randomized controlled intervention study

Abstract Objectives To determine if laypersons’ knowledge about palliative care can improve with a brief education intervention. Methods 152 adults were recruited to participate in a web-based randomized intervention trial that followed a 2 (content) × 2 (format) between-subjects design. Groups received either a video intervention, an information page intervention, a video control, or an information page control. An ANCOVA with contrast coding of two factors was utilized to assess if knowledge, as measured by the Palliative Care Knowledge Scale (PaCKS), increased post intervention. Results There was a significant difference between intervention group means and control group means on PaCKS scores from T1 to T2 F(1, 139) = 11.10, p = 0.00, ηp2 = 0.074. There was no significant difference in PaCKS change scores between the video intervention and information page intervention. Conclusions This study demonstrates that an information page and a brief video can improve knowledge of palliative care in laypersons. Practice implications Self-administered educational interventions could be made available in diverse settings in order to reach patients and their families who may benefit from but are unaware of palliative care. Interventions more intensive than the one tested in this study might result in even more significant improvements in knowledge.
Usability and Acceptability of a Mobile Comprehensive HIV Prevention App for Men Who Have Sex With Men: A Pilot Study

Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) are the group most impacted by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic and the only subgroup in the United States among which new HIV diagnoses are not decreasing. To achieve the US National HIV/AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) Strategy goals of reducing new diagnoses by 25%, high (eg, 30-50%) coverage of multiple HIV prevention interventions is needed in both urban and rural areas. Mobile phone “apps” are an important channel through which prevention services could be provided at scale and at low marginal cost. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the usability and acceptability of a theory-based Android mobile phone app for HIV prevention. Methods: The app included self-assessment tools; prevention recommendations; commodity (condoms, HIV self-tests) ordering; reminders to MSM for basic HIV prevention services, HIV testing, condom use, screening for preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and nonoccupational postexposure prophylaxis (nPEP); and prevention and treatment provider locators. The study recruited HIV-negative, Android-using MSM in Atlanta and Seattle who were asked to use the app for 4 months and complete a post-use survey. We measured the use of the app and its features, ordering of commodities, self-report of establishing an HIV testing plan, being HIV tested in the community, and starting PrEP or using nPEP. Usability was assessed using the system usability scale (SUS). Results: A total of 121 MSM were enrolled (59.5%, 72/121 from Atlanta; 40.5%, 49/121 from Seattle). Median age was 28. Nearly half (48.8%, 59/121) were nonwhite, and most (85.9%, 104/121) were gay-identified. Most had tested for HIV in the past (85.1%, 103/121), and 52 (43.0%, 52/121) had a plan to test for HIV regularly. Men used the app for an average of 17.7 minutes over the first 4 months. Over the 4-month period, over half ordered condoms (63.6%, 77/121) and HIV test kits (52.8%, 64/121) on the app. Eight of 86 (9%) PrEP-eligible MSM started PrEP during the 4-month period; of those, 6 of the 8 reported that the app influenced their decision to start PrEP. The mean SUS was 73 (above average). Conclusions: A theory-based mobile phone app was acceptable to MSM and was rated as having above-average usability. Most men used the commodity-ordering features of the app during the 4-month evaluation period, and nearly 1 in 10 PrEP-eligible men started PrEP, with most attributing their decision to start PrEP in part to the app. A broader, randomized controlled study of the impact of the app on uptake of prevention behaviors for MSM is warranted. [JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2017;5(3):e26]
Impact of systemic therapy on the outcomes of patients with metastatic breast cancer to brain: MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) experience 1999-2012.

1046 Background: Management of metastatic breast cancer to the brain (MBC-B) is mainly surgery and/or radiation. The efficacy of systemic therapy remains controversial. Methods: Out of 1514 consecu...
Distinct recognition of complement iC3b by integrins αXβ2 and αMβ2

Recognition by the leukocyte integrins αXβ2 and αMβ2 of complement iC3b-opsonized targets is essential for effector functions including phagocytosis. The integrin-binding sites on iC3b remain incompletely characterized. Here, we describe negative-stain electron microscopy and biochemical studies of αXβ2 and αMβ2 in complex with iC3b. Despite high homology, the two integrins bind iC3b at multiple distinct sites. αXβ2 uses the αX αI domain to bind iC3b on its C3c moiety at one of two sites: a major site at the interface between macroglobulin (MG) 3 and MG4 domains, and a less frequently used site near the C345C domain. In contrast, αMβ2 uses its αI domain to bind iC3b at the thioester domain and simultaneously interacts through a region near the αM β-propeller and β2 βI domain with a region of the C3c moiety near the C345C domain. Remarkably, there is no overlap between the primary binding site of αXβ2 and the binding site of αMβ2 on iC3b. Distinctive binding sites on iC3b by integrins αXβ2 and αMβ2 may be biologically beneficial for leukocytes to more efficiently capture opsonized pathogens and to avoid subversion by pathogen factors.
Analysis of Financial Performance of U.S. Electric Utilities

Abstract U.S. electric utilities have experienced a tough time since the early 1970s. Utilities that had construction programs of large base-load plants, especially nuclear plants, fell into bad financial condition for many reasons, including construction delays and cancellations. An improvement of financial performance is observed for the electric utility industry as a whole after mid-1980s, as construction programs came to an end. However, utilities that completed nuclear power plants in recent years as well as utilities that cancelled plants at the final stage of the construction were not saved from bad financial times. Utilities that are continuing construction also have potential risk of not being able to recover plant cost through early 1990s. As a result, U.S. electric utility industry will be divided distinctly into two groups: utilities with strong cash position and utilities with extremely serious financial problems.
Increase in GLBTQ Minority Stress Following the 2016 US Presidential Election

Since his inauguration, Donald J. Trump and his presidential administration have failed to show support or publicly acknowledge the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer (GLBTQ) ...
A Review on Consensus Clustering Methods

Unsupervised learning/clustering is one of the most common, yet computationally intense, data analysis problems in data mining. The plethora of clustering algorithms and performance measures makes the choice of optimal clustering algorithm a challenging task. In order to overcome this shortcoming consensus learning methods have been proposed in the literature. These methods try to optimally combine independently obtained clusterings into a single more robust clustering of improved quality. In this chapter we provide a review of unsupervised consensus learning techniques based on their underlying theoretical principles. We present the exact, approximation, and heuristic approaches, the relation of consensus clustering with other well-studied problems, and discuss relevant applications.
Mutagenesis Studies with Cultured Mammalian Cells: Problems and Prospects

Environmental mutagenesis is thought to play an important role in hereditary and somatic diseases in man. Numerous studies have been made in recent years assaying the mutagenic response of cultured mammalian cells, with the hope of better understanding the effects of environmental agents on human populations. Different test systems have been developed to detect either gene or chromosome mutations at the cellular and molecular levels. Although some of the heritable variations could be epigenetic, direct evidence is available demonstrating that true point mutations indeed occur in mammalian cells. It is now possible to identify specific molecular alterations in mammalian cell mutants arising in vitro.
Near-IR Picosecond Pulsed Laser Induced Suppression of Metabolic Activity in Malignant Human Brain Cancer: An In-Vitro Study

The role of low light intensity in suppressing metabolic activity of malignant human brain cancer (glioblastoma) cell line was investigated through the application of a 1,552 nm wavelength pulsed picosecond laser. Human glioblastomas were grown in T-75 flasks and were utilized when the cells were 50–70% confluent and thereafter transferred into 96 well plates and exposed in their growth culture medium with serum under various energy doses (i.e., fluence) ranging from 0.115–50 J/cm2. All exposure doses were reached with an average intensity of 0.115 W/cm2; 25 kHz repetition rate with 1.6 μJ per pulse; pulse duration = 2.93 ps. The glioblastomas exhibited a maximal decline in the metabolic activity (down 50–60%) relative to their respective sham exposed control counterparts between the fluence dose values of 5.0–10 J/cm2. The cellular metabolic activities for various treatment doses were measured through the colorimetric MTS metabolic assay 3 days after the laser exposure. Interestingly, the metabolic activity was found to return back to the sham exposed control levels as the fluence of exposure was increased up to 50 J/cm2. Addition of (the enzyme) Catalase in the growth medium prior to the laser exposure was found to diminish the laser induced metabolic suppression for all fluence treatment conditions, thus suggesting a functional role of H2O2 in the metabolic suppression. In view of this evidence, a hypothesis is formulated which attributes the classical biphasic response, in part, to the light induced production of H2O2. Furthermore, it was observed that if the glioblastoma cells were allowed to reach 100% confluency within the T-75 flasks the characteristic laser induced metabolic suppression was found to be severely abrogated. Exploratory steps were also undertaken to maximize the suppression in the metabolic activity through repetitive laser dose of exposure every 24 hours for 3 consecutive days. In addition, the efficacy in the metabolic suppression of the 1,552 nm pulsed laser was also compared to a continuous wave broad band continuous wave heating lamp source channeled through a fiber-optic bundle with identical intensity of exposure. Taken together, our findings reveal that near-IR low level light exposures could potentially be a viable tool in reducing the metabolic activity of cancers; however, due to the cellular “biphasic” response to the non-ionizing irradiation, further research needs to be undertaken to determine exposure parameters which would optimize metabolic and cellular growth suppression in-vivo.
Association of equine sperm population parameters with outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injections.

Abstract Limited clinical information is available regarding sperm population parameters that are important for use with equine intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Therefore, the appropriateness of a sample of sperm is typically not known before ICSI. The aim of our study was to determine which sperm population characteristics were predictive of ICSI outcome. Frozen-thawed sperm samples (n = 114) from 37 stallions in a clinical program were analyzed after ICSI for percentages of normal morphology (MORPH+), live as assessed by eosin/nigrosin stain (LIVE+), membrane intact as assessed by hypoosmotic swelling test (HOS+), and DNA fragmentation determined by sperm chromatin dispersion (DNA–). ICSI was performed on 147 oocytes, and cleavage (≥2 cells), embryo development (morula or blastocyst), and pregnancy status after embryo transfer were determined. Among the examined sperm parameters, LIVE + correlated positively with MORPH+ and HOS+, and MORPH + negatively with DNA–; no other significant correlations were observed. When used for ICSI, sperm population percentages for MORPH+ and DNA– were not predictive of ICSI outcome, including cleavage, embryo development, and establishment of a pregnancy. Sperm population percentages significantly affecting ICSI outcomes were LIVE+ and HOS + for oocyte cleavage, LIVE + for embryo development, and HOS + for establishment of a pregnancy. The probability of a pregnancy was significantly higher for sperm populations having HOS+ ≥40% than populations having HOS+ ≤20%. The mean age of the donor mare per sperm-injected oocyte did not differ for oocyte cleavage, embryo production, or establishment of pregnancy. In our study, the probability of sperm-injected oocytes to develop into an embryo (morula or blastocyst) improved when sperm were selected from a population with higher indicators of membrane integrity (LIVE+ and HOS+).
Pathogenesis of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Abstract Acute myocardial infarction (MI) is a major cause of death and loss of quality of life worldwide. It is usually the manifestation of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD). Clinical characteristics including electrocardiogram (ECG) with ST elevation in at least two contiguous leads, serve to recognize the presence of ST-elevation MI (STEMI). Elevated myocardial necrosis biomarker levels and imaging techniques have been developed to further characterize the full range of STEMI patient characteristics. Recently the definition of types of MI has led to a more detailed classification of the different complications associated to ischemia and myocardial necrosis, including those associated to interventional procedures. Usually STEMI is characterized by MI induced by de-stabilization of an atherosclerotic plaque that triggers intra-luminal thrombosis leading to reduced blood flow to the myocardium, myocardial ischemia, and cardiomyocyte necrosis. The manifestation of MI may occur repeatedly and also in more than one coronary artery. In addition to the improvement on treatment strategies in the acute phase of the disease, it is important to understand and dwell into the pathophysiology of CAD to prevent its progression to STEMI. The pathophysiological determinants of STEMI, that we will revise in this chapter include: (1) development of coronary atherosclerosis and plaque de-stabilization; (2) characteristics of acute intracoronary thrombosis; and (3) characteristics of myocardial ischemia and cardiomyocyte necrosis.
Social network data from teacher leader development.

Abstract Social network analysis can draw upon surveys and discussions to generate quantitative and qualitative data. We describe network data generated via a social network survey and discussion activity with high school science teachers in a teacher leadership development program. Data include social network maps related to seeking expertise in teaching content and/or pedagogy, disaggregated by contacts at the school, district, state, nation, and international spheres of influence. Data also include transcripts of the activity and teacher discussions of networks in their own educational settings. This data article is related to the research article, “The use of visual network scales in teacher leader development” Polizzi et al., 2019, where data interpretation can be found.
Patterns of Teacher Attrition by Preparation Pathway and Initial School Type

This study examines the retention rates of new teachers in Texas given their initial certification type and initial school setting. The 5-year persistence rates of 175,664 teachers from 2000 to 201...
Impact of Regional Nodal Irradiation and Hypofractionated Whole-Breast Radiation on Long-Term Breast Retraction and Poor Cosmetic Outcome in Breast Cancer Survivors.

Abstract Purpose The goal of this prospective, longitudinal study was to determine predictors of long-term breast asymmetry in breast cancer patients treated with breast conserving surgery (BCS) and whole breast radiation (XRT). Patients and Methods 109 stage 0 to III breast cancer patients treated with BCS followed by conventional (50Gy plus boost) or hypofractionated (39.9Gy with simultaneous integrated boost of 48Gy) external beam XRT were enrolled on two studies of XRT-induced skin toxicity before (baseline), during, and 1-year post-XRT. Using baseline and 1-year post-XRT photographs, breast asymmetry was objectively quantified by calculating the percentage breast retraction assessment (pBRA), with larger values indicating more asymmetry. Skin thickness measurements (STRA) were also performed on ultrasound images. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine the relationship among STRA, patient, tumor, and treatment-related factors, and pBRA. Results Seventy-one (65%) patients had more breast asymmetry (positive change in pBRA) 1-year post-XRT relative to baseline. Only pre-XRT STRA associated with higher pre-XRT baseline pBRA in multivariate analysis (p=0.02). Larger breast volume, baseline pBRA, conventionally fractionated (versus hypofractionated) XRT, supraclavicular nodal irradiation and higher STRA at 1 year predicted for higher long term pBRA in the multivariate model (all p Conclusion Our prospective, longitudinal study confirms the known impact of breast volume, surgery, and XRT on breast asymmetry. We also found that supraclavicular nodal irradiation and conventionally fractionated XRT are associated with worse cosmetic outcome 1 year after XRT completion.
Collected Essays 2: Ascetics and BrahminsStudies in Ideologies and Institutions

The second volume of Colleted Essays brings together papers on Indian ascetical institutions and ideologies published by Olivelle over a span of about thirty years. Asceticism represents a major strand in the religious and cultural history of India, providing some of the most creative elements within Indian religions and philosophies. Most of the major religions, such as Buddhism and Jainism, and religious philosophies both within these new religions and in the Brahmanical tradition were created by world renouncing ascetics. Yet, ascetical institutions and ideologies developed in a creative tension with other religious institutions that stressed the centrality of family, procreation, and society. It is this tension that has articulated many of the central features of Indian religion and culture. The papers collected in this volume seek to locate Indian ascetical traditions within their historical, political, and ideological contexts. Many of the papers included here represent some of Olivelle's earliest work. It is quite natural that as one matures as a scholar one's approaches and theoretical models change. It would have been impractical and unwise to rewrite all these earlier papers. Even though some of these papers are now dated, bringing them together in a single volume, it is hoped, will prove to be helpful to scholars and students.
Benchmark Non-volatile and Volatile Memory Based Hybrid Precision Synapses for In-situ Deep Neural Network Training

Compute-in-memory (CIM) with emerging non-volatile memories (eNVMs) is time and energy efficient for deep neural network (DNN) inference. However, challenges still remain for in-situ DNN training with eNVMs due to the asymmetric weight update behavior, high programming latency and energy consumption. To overcome these challenges, a hybrid precision synapse combining eNVMs with capacitor has been proposed. It leverages the symmetric and fast weight update in the volatile capacitor, as well as the non-volatility and large dynamic range of the eNVMs. In this paper, in-situ DNN training architecture with hybrid precision synapses is proposed and benchmarked with the modified NeuroSim simulator. First, all the circuit modules required for in-situ training with hybrid precision synapses are designed. Then, the impact of weight transfer interval and limited capacitor retention time on training accuracy is investigated by incorporating hardware properties into Tensorflow simulation. Finally, a system-level benchmark is conducted for hybrid precision synapse compared with baseline design that is solely based on eNVMs.
128 – Cerebral Vasospasm

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on cerebral vasospasm. Vasospasm is the delayed onset of focal or diffuse narrowing of the major cerebral arteries days after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Vasospasm affects the intradural arteries in the subarachnoid space. Subarachnoid bleeding may result from trauma, ruptured aneurysms, vascular malformations and other angiopathies, rupture of spontaneous intracerebral hematomas into the subarachnoid space, blood coagulation disorders, drugs, and a variety of other conditions. Aneurysmal SAH is the most common cause of large, thick clots in the basal cisterns. The gradation in severity, transient development of vasospasm days after SAH, and relationship to volume of SAH results in some variation in the reported incidence and prevalence of vasospasm. The pathological changes in vasospastic arteries depend on the time after SAH and on the severity of vasospasm. There is thickening of all layers of the arterial wall. The tunica adventitia shows adherent clot with inflammatory cell infiltration and degeneration of perivascular nerve terminals. Complications of hemodynamic therapy may occur in up to 25% of patients and include, in order of decreasing frequency, pulmonary edema, aneurysm rebleeding, hemorrhagic infarction, dilutional hyponatremia, coagulopathy, and complications of central venous catheterization.
Homonegativity and the Black Church: Is Congregational Variation the Missing Link?:

The Black church in the United States has historically functioned as a bastion for civil rights; however, it may also be a source of pain and suffering for sexual minorities. To examine the influen...
Opioid-Related Disorders Among Pregnant Women with Sickle Cell Disease and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes.

Objective Opioid use during pregnancy has increased in recent years, parallel with the opioid epidemic in the general population. Opioids are commonly used as an analgesic for pain crisis, a hallmark symptom of sickle cell disease (SCD). With the amplified frequency and severity of SCD pain crisis during pregnancy, the use of opioids may increase concurrently. The aim of this study was to examine trends in opioid-related disorders (ORDs) among pregnant women with and without SCD, as well as assess the risk for preterm labor, maternal sepsis, and poor fetal growth among patients with SCD and ORD. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of inpatient pregnancy- and childbirth-related hospital discharge data from the 2002-2014 National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample database. The primary outcome was the risk of ORD in pregnant women with SCD and its impact on threatened preterm labor, fetal growth, and maternal sepsis. Results Among the >57 million pregnancy-related hospitalizations examined, 9.6 per 10,000 had SCD. ORD in mothers with SCD was four times as prevalent as in those without SCD (2% vs 0.5%). A significant rise in ORD occurred throughout the study period and was associated with an increased risk of maternal sepsis, threatened preterm labor, and poor fetal growth. Conclusions Pregnant women with SCD have a fourfold increased risk of ORD compared with their non-SCD counterparts. The current opioid epidemic continues to worsen in both groups, warranting a tailored and effective public health response to reduce the resulting adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Distributed space missions applied to sea surface height monitoring

Abstract Distributed space missions can offer significant advantages in cost and complexity over traditional, monolithic spacecraft. The ability of a distributed space mission to perform synthetic aperture radar interferometry for the purpose of sea surface height monitoring is assessed. A multiobjective genetic algorithm is used to vary payload distribution, payload parameters and orbital parameters and to explore the impact of these parameters on measurement error, mission cost, revisit time, and resilience to failure. It is shown that a distributed space mission offers an estimated savings of 26% compared to the upcoming monolithic Surface Water and Ocean Topography mission, suggesting that distributed space missions can meet requirements at similar or reduced costs while offering benefits such as reduced payload complexity and schedule flexibility. Additionally, an extension of the Helix formation to an arbitrary number of satellites is presented.
Point of View: Contingent Choice Behavioral Models in the Presence of Information Uncertainty

Executive Summary. Recent literature suggests that enhancing the quantity and/or quality of corporate disclosures may influence the non-diversifiable component of information risk for the firm, and...