cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Controversies in the Management of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most frequent and lethal disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract of the premature infant. Controversy persists as to the most appropriate management once the diagnosis is confirmed. Methods: Review of the pertinent medical literature. Results: The incidence of NEC is increasing, but the survival rate is not. Initial management of NEC consists of bowel rest, orogastric decompression, intravenous hydration, and broad-spectrum antibiotics; surgical intervention is typically reserved for infants with advanced disease or evidence of intestinal perforation. There is no consensus in the literature regarding the optimal treatment strategy for patients who require surgical intervention. There exists a lack of randomized trials comparing definitive intestinal resection with or without primary anastomosis, intestinal diversion with limited resection, or peritoneal drainage without resection. Conclusion: An individualized approach must be taken to achieve opt...
Sub-sampling Genetic Data to Estimate Black Bear Population Size: A Case Study

Abstract Costs for genetic analysis of hair samples collected for individual identification of bears average approximately US$50 [2004] per sample. This can easily exceed budgetary allowances for large-scale studies or studies of high-density bear populations. We used 2 genetic datasets from 2 areas in the southeastern United States to explore how reducing costs of analysis by sub-sampling affected precision and accuracy of resulting population estimates. We used several sub-sampling scenarios to create subsets of the full datasets and compared summary statistics, population estimates, and precision of estimates generated from these subsets to estimates generated from the complete datasets. Our results suggested that bias and precision of estimates improved as the proportion of total samples used increased, and heterogeneity models (e.g., Mh[Chao]) were more robust to reduced sample sizes than other models (e.g., behavior models). We recommend that only high-quality samples (>5 hair follicles) be used whe...
The mammary hamartoma: appreciation of additional imaging characteristics.

Objective. To determine the mammographic and sonographic findings of hamartomas that were not classic on imaging, how pathologists distinguish the hamartoma from benign breast tissue on core samples, and reasons for discrepancies between core and surgical biopsy. Methods. A retrospective review of all image-recommended core biopsies between 1993 and 2001 was performed. There were 41 cases of hamartomas found on either core or surgical biopsy. The mammographic, sonographic, and pathologic findings were reviewed. Results. Of 41 hamartomas in 38 patients, 18 went on to surgical biopsy. Of these 18 cases, 4 cases of hamartoma on core biopsy were fibroadenoma after excision; 2 cases of hamartoma on core biopsy were confirmed by surgery; and 12 cases of fibrocystic change after core biopsy were hamartoma after surgical biopsy. The 4 cases of fibroadenoma shown at final pathologic examination were excluded from imaging review, leaving 37 cases. In the 20 patients who underwent only core sampling, 23 hamartomas were diagnosed. Seventeen masses were visible on mammography, and 82% were homogeneously dense. Of 36 masses shown on sonography, 86% were uniformly hypoechoic. At histologic examination, only 16% contained fat within the mass. Conclusions. Hamartomas may appear as homogeneously dense, well-circumscribed masses, varying in appearance from the classically described encapsulated mixed fatty-fibroglandular mass. Pathologists can make the diagnosis of hamartoma without the presence of adipose tissue but
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Erectile Dysfunction

Introduction. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major risk factor for the development of erectile dysfunction (ED). Although most diabetic ED cases are in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), the majority of basic science studies examining mechanisms of diabetic ED have been conducted in animal models of type 1 diabetes. Aim. Recently, however, clinical and laboratory-based studies have uncovered some key underlying factors of T2DM-associated ED, which we have compiled in this review of T2DM ED. Main Outcome Measures. The outcomes discussed in this review include major mechanisms underlying T2DM, discussing both clinical and basic science studies. Methods. We conducted an extensive search of pertinent clinical and basic science literature using PUBMED. Results. Mechanisms causing ED in T2DM are multifactorial and often lead to resistance to current therapy. Systemic effects of hyperglycemia and hypogonadism contribute to the development of impaired vasodilatory signaling, smooth muscle cell hypercontractility, and veno-occlusive disorder in T2DM ED. Conclusions. Understanding the different causes for ED in T2DM patients may allow targeted therapy for improved erectile function. Hidalgo-Tamola J, and Chitaley K. Type 2 diabetes mellitus and erectile dysfunction. J Sex Med 2009;6:916–926.
Rennet-induced gels and their mechanical properties

Casein micelles are the basic building block of rennet-induced gels. The stiffness of these gels is increased with reaction time. This is probably due to the continuous participation of activated casein micelles into growing network. Dual binding model of casein micelles, which explains assembly of casein and colloidal calcium phosphate, can provides fairly reasonable explanation for the changes in mechanical properties of rennet-induced gels made from different milk pHs and varying colloidal calcium phosphates. The changes in stiffness of these gels would be used for controlling textural properties of cheeses.
Proof of Lemma 6.15

This chapter contains the proof of the very technical Lemma 6.15 in Chap. 6 Some details of this proof will be postponed to Appendix B.
XPS determination of Mn oxidation states in Mn (hydr)oxides

Abstract Hydrous manganese oxides are an important class of minerals that help regulate the geochemical redox cycle in near-surface environments and are also considered to be promising catalysts for energy applications such as the oxidation of water. A complete characterization of these minerals is required to better understand their catalytic and redox activity. In this contribution an empirical methodology using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is developed to quantify the oxidation state of hydrous multivalent manganese oxides with an emphasis on birnessite, a layered structure that occurs commonly in soils but is also the oxidized endmember in biomimetic water-oxidation catalysts. The Mn2p3/2, Mn3p, and Mn3s lines of near monovalent Mn(II), Mn(III), and Mn(IV) oxides were fit with component peaks; after the best fit was obtained the relative widths, heights and binding energies of the components were fixed. Unknown multivalent samples were fit such that binding energies, intensities, and peak-widths of each oxidation state, composed of a packet of correlated component peaks, were allowed to vary. Peak-widths were constrained to maintain the difference between the standards. Both average and individual mole fraction oxidation states for all three energy levels were strongly correlated, with close agreement between Mn3s and Mn3p analyses, whereas calculations based on the Mn2p3/2 spectra gave systematically more reduced results. Limited stoichiometric analyses were consistent with Mn3p and Mn3s. Further, evidence indicates the shape of the Mn3p line was less sensitive to the bonding environment than that for Mn2p. Consequently, fitting the Mn3p and Mn3s lines yielded robust quantification of oxidation states over a range of Mn (hydr)oxide phases. In contrast, a common method for determining oxidation states that utilizes the multiplet splitting of the Mn3s line was found to be not appropriate for birnessites.
Provincializing Critical Urban Theory: Extending the Ecosystem of Possibilities

Advocating a provincialization of critical urban theory, we seek to move beyond current polarizations and disputes over the basis of urban theory, creating space to take seriously the possibility that no single theory suffices to account for the variegated nature of urbanization and cities across the world. Such provincialization requires a serious engagement with both mainstream and critical Anglophone urban theory, challenging the seeming naturalness of knowledge claims through rigorous theoretical and empirical scrutiny from the standpoint of peripheral perspectives located outside the core. This entails recognizing the existence of a shifting ecosystem of critical urban theories, putting these into even-handed critical conversation with one another. The collective resilience of urban theory will be dependent upon ongoing engagement across such diversity. At the heart of such an ecosystem are shifts in practice, seeking a new comparative analytic that destabilizes the universalism of the dominant norm, against which all other exemplars are to be compared, with the imperative of taking the field seriously.
A covariant constitutive theory for anisotropic hyperelastic solids with initial strains

Soft tissue systems typically do not have a global stress-free configuration, and the configuration taken as the reference normally contains a pre-existing strain field which we refer to as the initial strain. This article presents a constitutive theory for hyperelastic solids with initial strains. The notion of a material metric is introduced. A constitutive description with the material metric describing the natural geometry is developed. Covariant conditions are introduced into the constitutive equation. It is found that the covariant conditions embody the notion of local natural configuration and imply a well-known invariance principle in elasticity. A representation theorem for covariant anisotropic functions is established. This theorem enables the derivation of covariant anisotropic functions using existing Euclidean representation theorems. Examples of covariant constitutive representations for isotropic, transversely isotropic, and general anisotropic materials are presented.
Influence of Tillage System on Soft Red Winter Wheat Cultivar Selection

Soft red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) producers in the southeastern USA are adopting no-till production practices. Official wheat cultivar testing programs, however, are conducted in conventional-till. The objective of this research was to determine whether soft red winter wheat cultivars perform differently across tillage systems, indicating the need for no-till cultivar testing programs. Twelve winter wheat cultivars commonly produced in the southeastern USA were tested in a split-plot design with tillage system as the main effect. The test was located in the North Carolina Piedmont and Coastal Plain in 1996 and 1997. In the Piedmont the soil type was Hiwassee clay loam (fine, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Rhodudults), and in the Coastal Plain the soil was Goldsboro sandy loam (fineloamy, siliceous, subactive, Aquic Paleudults). Plant density after emergence, head density at harvest, kernel weight, grain yield, and test-weight were determined and compared across cultivars and tillage systems. For each of these variables, environment and cultivar effects were significant (P ≤ 0.05). Tillage system had a significant effect only on plant density with average no-till stands being 8.3 % lower than those in the conventional-till system. Relative cultivar performance, or rank, did not change across tillage systems for any of these variables. Consequently, soft red winter wheat cultivars that perform well in conventional-till will probably be the best adapted for no-till production. Separate cultivar trials are not required for the two tillage systems.
Chorionic Gonadotrophin in the Blood and Urine of Pregnant Rhesus Monkeys (Macaca mulatto)

SummaryA sensitive biologic test for monkey chorionic gonadotrophin (MCG) has been developed based upon the augmentation of MCG either by human eunuch gonadotrophin or human postmenopausal gonadotrophin, using uterine weight of immature rats as the end point. With this method MCG was detected as early as 12 days postmating. The duration of MCG excretion in urine was from day 12 to day 38. The amount excreted reached a maximum between days 18 and 28. The maximum levels were between 205 IU and 288 IU of HCG per 24 hours.
A cable fault locater

Our computer department had a problem with its Nimbus network and they approached me with the suggestion that it would be a difficult technical problem to locate a suspected fault in the cable system. I felt instinctively optimistic, recalling the classic physics experiment in which pulses are sent down a cable of measured length and their times of passage, as shown on a good quality cathode-ray oscilloscope, are used to calculate their velocity of propagation. If the metho could be adapted to give a resolution of a metre or so, it would be of some practical value in locating a fault.
Photodynamic inactivation of herpes simplex virus by hematoporphyrin derivative and light.

SummaryA modification of photodynamic inactivation of herpes simplex viruses (HSV) has been developed employing hematoporphyrin derivative (HPD) and visible light. Isolates of HSV Type 1 rapidly and completely lose their plaqueforming ability when a mixture of virus and HPD is exposed to light. This effect is dependent upon optimal concentrations of the tetrapyrrole, light intensity, and the presence of molecular oxygen. Photodynamically inactivated virions do not cause viral cytopathic effects following infection of susceptible cells, and fail to induce viral antigens. The treated particles are unable to adsorb to or penetrate cells, and therefore cannot initiate an infection. These observations are consistent with photooxidative damage to the viral envelope occurring through the interaction of HPD plus light.The expert technical assistance of Ms. Sherie Gibson is gratefully acknowledged. This work was supported in part by a grant from the Milton Fund, and Public Health Service Grant AM-05391. C.S.C. is ...
Modified upgaze technique for pupil examination

Assessing pupil reactivity using the swinging flashlight technique in patients with miotic pupils or heavily pigmented irides can be difficult due to the reflection of the examination light off the cornea. We describe a modification of the standard method of detecting pupil reactivity in these difficult-to-see pupils. With the patient facing forward and eyes looking in maximal upgaze, fixed at distance, the examiner shines the light at the limbus in the straight ahead direction. Improved view of the pupil in upgaze results from reduction of the blink reflex and elimination of the Purkinje-1 image with minimal refractive distortion by the cornea. Optical calculations and multimedia demonstrations are provided to document these findings.
Protection of electronic devices against hostile environments

Initial results indicate that the procedure we developed should greatly improve the reliability of electronic devices and other data processing equipment that are operated in hostile environments. Coated cards have survived laboratory testing at concentrated polluted gas levels of hydrogen sulfide, chlorine and sulfur dioxide, and high humidity with no degradation of the coating or no corrosion of the protected metal surfaces.
Sld3-MCM Interaction Facilitated by Dbf4-Dependent Kinase Defines an Essential Step in Eukaryotic DNA Replication Initiation

Sld3/Treslin is an evolutionarily conserved protein essential for activation of DNA helicase Mcm2-7 and replication initiation in all eukaryotes. Nevertheless, it remains elusive how Sld3 is recruited to origins. Here, we have identified the direct physical association of Sld3 with Mcm2 and Mcm6 subunits in vitro, which is significantly enhanced by DDK in vivo. The Sld3-binding domain (SBD) is mapped to the N-termini of Mcm2 and Mcm6, both of them are essential for cell viability and enriched with the DDK phosphorylation sites. Glutamic acid substitution of four conserved positively charged residues of Sld3 (sld3-4E), near the Cdc45-binding region, interrupts its interaction with Mcm2/6 and causes cell death. By using a temperature-inducible degron (td), we show that deletion of Mcm6 SBD (mcm6ΔN122) abolishes not only Sld3 enrichment at early origins in G1 phase, but also subsequent recruitment of GINS and RPA during S phase. These findings elucidate the in vivo molecular details of the DDK-dependent Sld3-MCM association, which plays a crucial role in MCM helicase activation and origin unwinding.
Measurements and comparisons of lower esophageal sphincter pressures and serum gastrin levels in patients with gastroesophageal reflux.

Although gastrin has been shown to increase lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP), the role of gastrin in maintenance of normal LESP and in sphincter incompetence has not been clarified. LESP and serum gastrin levels were measured at 15-min intervals in 12 patients with gastroesophageal reflux and 10 control subjects before and after ingestion of a 100-g beef meal, and also before and during intragastric infusion of 0.1 N HC1 (30 min) followed by 0.1 n NaHCO3 (30 min). After feeding, LESP in reflux and control subjects increased: mean basal and maximal LESP in reflux patients (7.3 ± 0.5 and 14.4 ± 0.9 mm Hg, sem) were significantly less (P
Use of the Omental Pedicle Graft in Exenterative Surgery

AbstractThe pedicled omentum can be used effectively to cover the ureterointestinal anastomosis and to fill the irradiated, denuded pelvis after a radical cancer operation.
Low-cost dithering generator for accurate ADC linearity test

The ultrafast segmented model identification of linearity error (uSMILE) algorithm dramatically reduces ADC linearity test time while achieving superior test accuracy. This method avoids the gross inefficiencies in the conventional histogram test method to reduce the test data by a factor of over 100. However, in low noise environment where the quantization noise becomes dominant, uSMILE leads to large (up to +/−0.5 LSB) INL estimation error. In this case, proper extra noise needs to be added to the stimulus in order to whiten the quantization noise. In this paper, a pseudo random dithering method and a low-cost implementation of dithering generator in SAR ADC are proposed. The random pattern is generated from a simple shift register and XOR gate. The dithering is added through the dummy capacitor of SAR ADC during the ADC sampling phase. The proposed scheme is validated through extensive simulations. The maximum INL estimation error in a 12-bit ADC with 1 hit/code ramp test is within ± 0.1LSB.
Policy and the Planned Curriculum: Teaching High School Biology Every Day

Carolyn Wallace, a veteran science educator, returned to the classroom during the 2005–2006 academic year to teach high school biology full time. This chapter describes and analyzes her experiences as she attempted to teach science using inquiry- and other reform-based strategies in the current climate of school accountability. Dr. Wallace uses critical realist social theory (Archer, M. (1995). Realist social theory: The morphogenetic approach. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press) to highlight the ways in which societal influences, including structural and cultural influences, mediated her teaching actions. She weaves together multiple examples and teaching vignettes with theoretical analysis from the critical realist perspective to explain the evolution of her own thinking about science teaching. Wallace also gives examples of lessons in which she was able to enact her own teaching beliefs, resulting in what she considered to be high-quality science teaching. This chapter concludes with a synopsis of the ways the experience has influenced Wallace’s own teaching and research agenda, as well as advice for novice teachers.
Guar Stand Establishment, Physiology, and Yield Responses to Planting Date in Southern New Mexico

Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) is a drought-tolerant summer annual legume that can be grown for forage, green pods, or seeds. Galactomannans use in various industries such as food, cosmetic, paper, and oil etc. has attracted the guar production for seed. Currently, most of the United States’ demand for guar is met through imports. Preliminary research has shown that guar can be potentially grown in semiarid irrigated conditions in southern New Mexico (NM). A 2-yr field study was conducted from 2014–2015 to evaluate stand establishment, physiology, and yield performance of eight guar genotypes under four planting dates in southern NM. In both years, mid-June planting resulted in better stand establishment by having higher plant density than late-April and mid-May plantings. The mid-June planting resulted in higher photosynthetic rate (Pₙ) compared to late-April and early July plantings. Transpiration rate (Tᵣ), leaf area index (LAI), clusters plant–¹, pods plant–¹, and seeds plant–¹ were also higher for mid-June planting compared to mid-May and early July plantings in both years. Across genotypes and years, mid-June planting produced 13, 27, and 45% higher seed yield than late-April, mid-May, and early July plantings. Across planting dates, genotype NMSU-15-G1 had highest seed yield among all genotypes in both years; however, it did not differ significantly from cultivar Matador. Introduction lines and cultivar Matador took more days to reach various stages. The mid-June planting showed early maturity. Guar planted under mid-June planting appears to increase seed yield along with having early maturity in southern NM.
On-chip wireless interconnection with integrated antennas

The feasibility of integrated antennas for a wireless clock distribution system is investigated. A wide range of linear, meander, zigzag dipole, and loop antennas on 10 and 20 /spl Omega/-cm silicon and SOS substrates has been experimentally evaluated. A 2-mm long, 30-/spl mu/m wide, 30-degree zigzag dipole antenna pair on a 20 /spl Omega/-cm silicon substrate has -56 dB of transmission gain near 18 GHz. A loop-zigzag pair shows similar gain. The loop antenna with a compact size and an isotropic radiation pattern is ideal for a transmitter antenna.
Study the Cyclic Plasticity Behavior of 508 LAS under Constant, Variable and Grid-Load-Following Loading Cycles for Fatigue Evaluation of PWR Components

This report provides an update of an earlier assessment of environmentally assisted fatigue for components in light water reactors. This report is a deliverable in September 2016 under the work package for environmentally assisted fatigue under DOE’s Light Water Reactor Sustainability program. In an April 2016 report, we presented a detailed thermal-mechanical stress analysis model for simulating the stress-strain state of a reactor pressure vessel and its nozzles under grid-load-following conditions. In this report, we provide stress-controlled fatigue test data for 508 LAS base metal alloy under different loading amplitudes (constant, variable, and random grid-load-following) and environmental conditions (in air or pressurized water reactor coolant water at 300°C). Also presented is a cyclic plasticity-based analytical model that can simultaneously capture the amplitude and time dependency of the component behavior under fatigue loading. Results related to both amplitude-dependent and amplitude-independent parameters are presented. The validation results for the analytical/mechanistic model are discussed. This report provides guidance for estimating time-dependent, amplitude-independent parameters related to material behavior under different service conditions. The developed mechanistic models and the reported material parameters can be used to conduct more accurate fatigue and ratcheting evaluation of reactor components.
Altered Levels of Serum Ceramide, Sphingosine and Sphingomyelin Are Associated with Colorectal Cancer: A Retrospective Pilot Study

Background/Aim: Because patients with cancer of apparently equivalent stage often have different outcomes, it is necessary to gather additional information to complement cancer staging. Dysregulated sphingolipid metabolism contributes to carcinogenesis. In this retrospective pilot study, we tested the hypothesis that changes in serum levels of sphingolipids are associated with stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC). Patients and Methods: We used commercially available serum samples from healthy males and patients with CRC (adenocarcinoma of the large intestine, stage IV with metastases). Blood samples were obtained immediately prior to anesthesia/surgery. We measured sphingolipid levels in sera using mass spectrometry. Results: In serum of patients with CRC, the levels of C16-, C18-, C18:1-, and C24:1-ceramide, as well as those of sphingosine, were significantly higher than those of controls. In contrast, the levels of C24-sphingomyelin were significantly lower than those of controls. A global test of association showed that ceramides and sphingomyelins but not hexosylceramides were significantly associated with stage IV CRC. Conclusion: Sphingolipids have a potential of serving as novel, non-invasive, inexpensive, and effective blood-based biomarkers to complement CRC staging for better prognosis and more personalized medicine.
Spatial Sampling with Fisher Information for Optimal Maintenance Management and Quality Assurance

AbstractMaintenance management has been relying heavily on collecting asset condition information to plan for maintenance activities and budget allocation. Data collection is often conducted on a s...
Optical ground terminals using multi-aperture digital coherent combining (Invited paper)

We discuss an optical ground terminal receiver architecture based on multi-aperture digital coherent combining. Experimental results using four receivers demonstrate lossless coherent combining in the laboratory at power levels below 0.1 photons/bit/receiver, and mitigation of scintillation through a 3.2-km free-space link due to spatial diversity.
1-(Alkylsulfonic)-3-methylimidazolium chloride Brönsted acidic ionic liquid catalyzed hydrogen peroxide oxidations of biomass derived furan aldehydes

Abstract 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural was converted to succinic anhydride in 90–92% yield by oxidation with 30% hydrogen peroxide using 10 mol% 1-(alkylsulfonic)-3-methylimidazolium chloride acidic ionic liquid catalysts at 60 °C for 14 h. The acidic ionic liquid catalyst could be reused for four catalytic cycles without appreciable loss in catalytic activity. On the other hand oxidation of furfural under similar ionic liquid catalyzed conditions produced a mixture of three products: 2(5H)-furanone, succinic anhydride and maleic acid in 68, 8 and 12% yields respectively.
Listening in Mediated Contexts: Introduction to a Special Issue

New communication technologies, applications, and software have fundamentally changed how we communicate. However, listening research and scholarship has not kept pace – conceptually, methodologica...
A Conceptual Design of Residual Stress Reduction with Multiple Shape Laser Beams In Direct Laser Deposition

Abstract Residual stress is a major problem in metal parts fabrication with the direct laser deposition (DLD) process due to severe temperature gradient around a molten pool. A three-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA) model with a simplified substrate clamping fixture modeling method is proposed, validated, and then implemented with a novel DLD heat input strategy in Ti-6Al-4V thin-wall structure fabrication, which was applied with multiple beam shapes, including a super-Gaussian beam, Gaussian beam, and inverse-Gaussian beam, to reduce residual stress in the final part. A regression model of the heat input and final part residual stress was obtained via a three-factor two-level full factorial design. An optimized heat input strategy was achieved based on response surface contour plots of the regression model.
Sociolect/Social Class

The correlation of social class categories with variation in language has been a feature of sociolinguistics from its earliest studies. However, there are fundamental differences in the ways in which social class has been used as an extralinguistic variable. While some investigators have treated social class as a dichotomous feature (comparable to gender), others have considered social class to be a continuous variable (similar to age). In the latter case, the problem lies in dividing up the social continuum into discrete categories. Whatever approach is used, studies have shown the effect of social class on phonological, morphological, syntactic, lexical, and discourse features.
Utilization of the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse as an animal model for the study of secondary Sjögren's syndrome.

Sjogren’s syndrome (S.S.) in the human patient population is an autoimmune inflammatory disease presenting clinical symptoms of xerophthalmia and xerostomia1. This condition predominantly affects women. Most diagnoses of S.S. is made in association with autoimmune connective tissue diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus.2 However, it can also be obseved as an isolated phenomenon, described as primary S.S.
R1: an expert in the computer systems domain

INTRODUCTION. Rl* is a rule-based system that has much in common with other domain-specific systems that have been developed over the past several years [l, 81. It differs from these systeins primarily in its use of Match rather than Generate-and-Test as its central problem solving method [2]; rather than exploring several hypotheses until an acceptable one is found, it exploits its knowledge of its task domain to generate a single acceptable solution. Rl’s domain of expertise is configuring Digital Equipment Corporation’s VAX-l l/780 systems. Its input is a customer’s order and its output is a set of diagrams displaying the spatial relationships among the components on the order; these diagrams are used by the technician who physically assembles the system. Since an order frequently lacks one or more components required for system functionality, a major part of Rl’s task is to notice what components are missing and add them to the order. Rl is currently being used on a regular basis by DEC’s manufacturing organization.3
A hysteretic model for the rotational response of embedded column base connections

Abstract Embedded Column Base (ECB) connections are commonly used in mid- and high-rise steel moment frames, to connect the steel column to the concrete footing. Although recent research has shown these connections to be highly ductile, they are typically designed to be stronger than the adjoining column, resulting in significant cost. To enable assessment of strong-column-weak-base systems that leverage the inherent ductility of these connections, an approach is presented to simulate their hysteretic and dissipative response. The proposed approach simulates ECB connections as an arrangement of two springs in parallel, to reflect moment contributions due to horizontal and vertical bearing stresses. This is informed by recent work that provides physical insight into the internal force transfer within these connections. The springs’ response is defined by the pinched Ibarra-Medina Krawinkler (IMK) hysteretic model, which is able to capture both in-cycle and cyclic degradation in strength and stiffness. The model is shown to reproduce the response of ECB connections with reasonable accuracy. Guidelines to calibrate model parameters are presented; these include physics-based estimation of selected parameters such as strength and stiffness, accompanied by empirical calibration of ancillary parameters associated with cyclic deterioration. Limitations are discussed.
Synthesis of ginger derived nanocarriers (GDNC) and study of in vitro release of 5-amino salicylic acid (5-ASA) as an anti inflammatory drug

Abstract In the present study ginger derived nanocarriers were prepared, characterized and used for the controlled release of an anti-inflammatory drug 5-ASA (5-amino salicylic acid). The mechanism of drug targeting was based on the release of 5-ASA drug molecules from the ginger derived nanocarriers having 62.24% drug loading capacity and 80.55% drug entrapment efficiency, and undergoing swelling in aqueous release medium. The present study considered the ginger not only for preparing nanocarriers but also as a medicine with anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-bacterial actions. The nanocarriers obtained as a fine powder were characterized by different techniques such as Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) based measurements of size and zeta potential, respectively. The particle size was found to be within 50 nm–100 nm range whereas the zeta potential was −29.2 mV at pH 6.9. The effect of various factors like drug loading and entrapment efficiency, pH, and nature of the release medium was observed on the release profiles of 5-amino salicylic acid. The in vitro experiments were also conducted to check the stability of carriers in different pH environments and simulated biofluids.
Distribution Network Marginal Costs - Part I: A Novel AC OPF Including Transformer Degradation

This two-part paper considers the day-ahead operational planning problem of a radial distribution network hosting Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) including Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and storage-like loads such as Electric Vehicles (EVs). We estimate dynamic Distribution nodal Location Marginal Costs (DLMCs) of real and reactive power and employ them to co-optimize distribution network and DER schedules. In Part I, we develop a novel AC Optimal Power Flow (OPF) model encompassing transformer degradation as a short-run network variable cost, and we decompose real/reactive power DLMCs into additive marginal cost components related to (i) the costs of real/reactive power transactions at the T&D interface/substation, (ii) real/reactive power marginal losses, (iii) voltage and (iv) ampacity congestion, and (v) a new transformer degradation marginal cost component. Our detailed transformer degradation model captures the impact of incremental transformer loading during a specific time period, not only on its Loss of Life (LoL) during that period, but also during subsequent time periods. To deal with this phenomenon, we develop methods that internalize the marginal LoL occurring beyond the daily horizon into the DLMCs evaluated within this horizon. In Part II, we use real distribution feeders to exemplify the use of DLMCs as financial incentives that convey sufficient information to optimize Distribution Network, and DER (PV and EV) operation.
Combination of Intravenous t-PA and Endovascular Therapy

This chapter reviews the evolution of thrombolytic therapy in acute ischemic stroke treatment. The chapter begins by reviewing the major clinical trials of intravenous and intra-arterial thrombolysis alone followed by discussing the sequential trials of combination therapy that culminated with the most recently published IMS III Trial. While these trials have not shown combination therapy to be superior to intravenous thrombolysis alone, the chapter does illustrate how each trial has improved the understanding of these therapeutic options and shaped the design of subsequent trials. The chapter concludes with an overview of the ongoing/planned clinical trials of combination therapy which focus on patient selection, early treatment time, and new endovascular techniques to better select patients that would benefit from combination therapy.
Hierarchical and Distributed Machine Learning Inference Beyond the Edge

Networked applications with heterogeneous sensors are a growing source of data. Such applications use machine learning (ML) to make real-time predictions. Currently, features from all sensors are collected in a centralized cloud-based tier to form the whole feature vector for ML prediction. This approach has high communication cost, which wastes energy and often bottlenecks the network. In this work, we study an alternative approach that mitigates such issues by “pushing” ML inference computations out of the cloud and onto a hierarchy of IoT devices. Our approach presents a new technical challenge of “rewriting” an ML inference computation to factor it over a network of devices without significantly reducing prediction accuracy. We introduce novel exact factoring algorithms for some popular models that preserve accuracy. We also create novel approximate variants of other models that offer high accuracy. Measurements on a common IoT device show that energy use and latency can be reduced by up to 63% and 67% respectively without reducing accuracy relative to sending all data to the cloud.
A quantitative method for evaluation of 6 degree of freedom virtual reality systems

Abstract Modern virtual reality systems such as the HTC Vive enable users to be immersed in a virtual world. Validation of the HTC Vive and other contemporaneous systems for use in clinic, research, and industry applications will assure users and developers that games and applications made for these systems are accurate representations of the real world. The purpose of this study was to develop a standardized method for testing the translational and rotational capabilities of VR systems such as the HTC Vive. The translational and rotational capabilities of the HTC Vive were investigated using an industry grade robot arm and a gold standard motion capture system. It was found that the average difference between reported translational distances traveled was 0.74 ± 0.42 mm for all room-scale calibration trials and 0.63 ± 0.27 mm for all standing calibration trials. The mean difference in angle rotated was 0.46 ± 0.46° for all room-scale calibration trials and 0.66 ± 0.40° for all standing calibration trials. When tested using human movement, the average difference in distance traveled was 3.97 ± 3.37 mm. Overall, the HTC Vive shows promise as a tool for clinic, research, and industry and its controllers can be accurately tracked in a variety of situations. The methodology used for this study can easily be replicated for other VR systems so that direct comparisons can be made as new systems become available.
Patients' Perceptions About Medical Record Privacy and Security: Implications for Withholding of Information During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Some patients may withhold relevant medical information from their provider because of concerns about the security and privacy of their information, or about how their information will be used.1 With increasing reliance on telemedicine and telehealth tools (e.g., patient portals) in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, this issue may be particularly problematic. As withholding information can compromise providers’ ability to deliver appropriate care, the accuracy of public health surveillance system data, and even population health efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we need to understand how patients’ concerns about the privacy and security of their medical information may lead to information-withholding behaviors.
Abstract PL01-01: Personal regulome navigation of cancer

Cancer is a disease of genes. Yet the elucidation of cancer genomes does not mean we have conquered cancer; the central challenge is in their interpretation. In every human cell, two meters of DNA is packed into a ~10 micron nucleus. The genome is extensively compacted, except for the active regulatory DNA elements that remain accessible. I will describe new technologies based on DNA transposition that reveals the epigenomic profiles of single cells or from clinical biopsies of disease states. The landscape of active DNA regulatory elements are further linked to 3D genome architecture, mutational profiles, and RNA output to reveal the targets of disease associated DNA elements, such as inherited genetic variants or those modified by environmental stimuli. Our analysis of 23 human cancer types reveal nearly half a million active DNA elements across human cancers, disclose oncogenic extrachromosomal DNA, and identify gene-regulatory interactions underlying cancer immune evasion. These results suggest a systematic approach to understanding the noncoding genome in cancer to advance diagnosis and therapy. Citation Format: Howard Y. Chang. Personal regulome navigation of cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr PL01-01.
Tailoring services in opioid treatment programs for patients involved in America’s criminal justice system: national associations and variation by state and Medicaid expansion status

BACKGROUND Opioid treatment programs (OTPs) are the primary source of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for many individuals with opioid use disorder, including poor and uninsured patients and those involved in the criminal justice (CJ) system. Substance use treatment services that are tailored to the unique needs of patients often produce better outcomes, but little national research has addressed characteristics associated with whether OTPs offer services specifically tailored to community members involved in the CJ system. Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act has broadly strengthened MAT services, but the role of expansion in supporting MAT services that are specifically tailored towards CJ-involved populations remains unknown. Moreover, it is unknown whether the availability of tailored services varies between Medicaid expansion states. METHODS We used the 2019 National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services to identify OTPs in the US (n = 1679) and whether they offered services specifically tailored for CJ-involved patients. We used logistic regression to model the association between OTPs offering tailored services and state Medicaid expansion status, adjusted for state-level opioid overdose and community supervision rates. RESULTS Nationally, only a quarter of OTPs offered services tailored to CJ populations, and the majority of OTPs (73%) were located in Medicaid expansion states. Compared to OTPs in non-expansion states, OTPs in expansion states demonstrated nearly double the odds of offering tailored services (adjusted odds ratio = 1.90, 95% confidence interval = 1.41-2.57, p < 0.0001). The predicted probability of offering tailored services varied by state; probability estimates for all expansion states were above the national mean, and estimates for all non-expansion states were below the national mean. CONCLUSION Our findings reiterate the role of Medicaid in promoting the adoption of comprehensive OTP services for CJ-involved populations. However, the proportion of OTPs that offered tailored services was relatively low, pointing to the need to continually strengthen Medicaid services and coverage.
Fluctuation results for size of the vacant set for random walks on discrete torus

We consider one or more independent random walks on the $d\ge 3$ dimensional discrete torus. The walks start from vertices chosen independently and uniformly at random. We analyze the fluctuation behavior of the size of some random sets arising from the trajectories of the random walks at a time proportional to the size of the torus. Examples include vacant sets and the intersection of ranges. The proof relies on a refined analysis of tail estimates for hitting time and can be applied for other vertex-transitive graphs.
Risk factors for prolonged ileus following colon surgery.

Background Prolonged ileus is one of the most common postoperative complications after colorectal surgery. We sought to investigate the predictors of prolonged ileus following elective colon resections procedures.
Depravity Thrice Removed: Using the 'Heinous, Cruel, or Depraved' Factor to Aggravate Convictions of Nontriggermen Accomplices in Capital Cases

On July 30, 1978, Raymond, Ricky, and Donald Tison broke their father, Gary Tison, and his cellmate, Randy Greenawalt, out of the Arizona State Prison.2 Delayed by a flat tire, the fugitives flagged down a passing car belonging to the Lyons family. The Tisons and Greenawalt drove the Lyons out into the desert and forced them to get out of the car and stand in the headlights. Gary Tison then instructed his sons to go and get the Lyons some water and, after the brothers left, he and Greenawalt brutally executed the whole family. Not only were the Tison brothers surprised by the killing, they later claimed their father had promised no one would be hurt in the escape.3 Raymond and Ricky Tison were convicted of murdering the Lyons family and sentenced to death. Although the brothers intended neither the killings nor the particular manner in which they were committed, the trial court found, as an aggravating factor, that the killings were "especially heinous."4
Force in the Scapholunate Interosseous Ligament During Active Wrist Motion

Purpose To examine the force experienced by the scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) during movements of the wrist. Methods Six fresh-frozen cadaveric wrists were freed of soft tissue and tested in a computer controlled, servohydraulic simulator. Each wrist was tested cyclically through simulated active arcs of flexion-extension and dart throw motion. Tensile forces were recorded across the scapholunate joint with the SLIL cut through a cable placed through the scaphoid to the lunate and fixed to a force transducer external to the wrist. Results The average recorded maximal tensile force across the scapholunate joint during all tested motions was 20 N. During wrist flexion-extension and the dart throw motion, SLIL force was greater at maximum extension than at maximum flexion. No significant differences among the different motions at maximum flexion or extension or for maximal force during motion were found. Conclusions Forces during the flexion-extension and dart throw motions were significantly higher in extension than in flexion. However, during simple unresisted wrist motions, the force did not exceed 20 N. Clinical relevance This information can be used to evaluate surgical methods used for SLIL repairs and thus provide better outcomes for patients.
Morphometric tools for landmark data : geometry and biology

1. Introduction 2. Preliminaries 3. Landmarks 4. Distance measures 5. Shape coordinates 6. Principal axes of shape change for triangles 7. Features of shape comparison 8. Retrospect and prospect.
Optimal policy in an economy with human capital where money is essential

Abstract This paper investigates optimal policies in an economy with human capital where money is essential in trades of consumption goods. To this end, we extend the Lagos and Wright (2005) economy to incorporate human capital accumulation. (i) Since human capital accumulation is distorted by search friction as well as bargaining friction, monetary policy alone cannot achieve the first-best allocation. In our preferred setting, (ii) subsidies to human capital investment are required for the first-best optimum. (iii) The Friedman rule is still optimal.
Moderate intensity exercise mediates comparable increases in exhaled chloride as albuterol in individuals with cystic fibrosis

Rationale Despite the demonstrated advantageous systemic changes in response to regular exercise for individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF), exercise is still viewed as an elective rather than a vital component of therapy, and it is likely that these benefits extend to and are partially mediated by exercise-induced changes in ion regulation.