cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic modeling of the coexistence of stimulatory and sedative components for midazolam

Midazolam increased the shorter-response rate and decreased the reinforcement rate of a contingency-controlled timing behavior--a differential-reinforcement-of-low-rate 45-s schedule. The responding rate changes observed were immediately interpretable as functions of midazolam concentration during a 3-h session--a period for investigating the onset, peak, and disappearance of midazolam effect--in rats. That the midazolam pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model was a direct application of our alprazolam pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model implies that both drugs exhibit similar pharmacological effects. The two peaks of the shorter-response rate increases produced by midazolam were modeled as a stimulation-sedation model that consisted of two opposing effect-link sigmoidal Emax functions. The stimulation-sedation model suggested that midazolam possesses both stimulatory and sedative effects in a continuous but sequential fashion, and hypothesizes the coexistence of stimulation and sedation components for midazolam; this model may help delineate possible mechanisms for rebound side effects and of tolerance in humans. The reinforcement rate was, then, an index for evaluating the deficit in timing performance.
Evolutionarily conserved cytogenetic changes in hematological malignancies of dogs and humans – man and his best friend share more than companionship

The pathophysiological similarities shared by many forms of human and canine disease, combined with the sophisticated genomic resources now available for the dog, have placed 'man's best friend' in a position of high visibility as a model system for a variety of biomedical concerns, including cancer. The importance of nonrandom cytogenetic abnormalities in human leukemia and lymphoma was recognized over 40 years ago, but the mechanisms of genome reorganization remain incompletely understood. The development of molecular cytogenetics, using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technology, has played a significant role in our understanding of cancer biology by providing a means for 'interrogating' tumor cells for a variety of gross genetic changes in the form of either numerical or structural chromosome aberrations. Here, we have identified cytogenetic abnormalities in naturally occurring canine hematopoietic tumors that are evolutionarily conserved compared with those that are considered characteristic of the corresponding human condition. These data suggest that humans and dogs share an ancestrally retained pathogenetic basis for cancer and that cytogenetic evaluation of canine tumors may provide greater insight into the biology of tumorigenesis.
Parallel Web Service Composition in MoSCoE: A Choreography-Based Approach

We present a goal-driven approach to model a choreographer for realizing composite Web services. In this framework, the users start with an abstract, and possibly incomplete functional specification of a desired goal service. This specification is used to compose a choreographer that allows communication between the client and the set of available component services, and is functionally equivalent to the goal service. However, if such a composition cannot be realized, the proposed approach identifies the cause(s) for the failure of composition. This information can be used by the user to minimally reformulate the goal to reduce the ?gap? between the desired functionality. The process can be iterated until a feasible composition is realized or the user decides to abort. The approach ensures that (i) a choreographer, if one is produced by our composition algorithm, in fact realizes the user-specified goal functionality; and (ii) the algorithm is guaranteed to find a composition that meets the user needs as captured in the goal specifications (whenever such a composition exists).
Effect of Amphotericin B on Capsule and Cell Size in Cryptococcus neoformans during Murine Infection

Antifungal drugs can affect the cellular morphology of Cryptococcus neoformans in culture, which alters its interactions with phagocytes. We examined the effects of amphotericin B on C. neoformans during murine infection. The antifungal reduced capsule size and serum polysaccharide, which suggests an additional mechanism for amphotericin B's efficacy in cryptococcosis.
Comparison of Selective Parenchymal Clamping to Hilar Clamping During Robotic-assisted Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy

Objective To compare perioperative outcomes after robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RALPN) with hilar clamping vs parenchymal clamping. Methods A retrospective, single-institution review of the patients undergoing RALPN with hilar or parenchymal clamping was performed. Associations between perioperative factors and clinicopathologic outcomes were determined using the t test, Fisher's exact test, and multivariate linear regression. Results In 51 patients undergoing RALPN, 36 (71%) and 15 (29%) were performed with hilar and parenchymal clamping, respectively. Median tumor diameter was 2.8 cm for both groups (range, 1.1-6.1; P = .93). Tumor complexity by nephrometry score was mild (69% vs 80%), moderate (29% vs 20%), and high (2% vs 0%) in the respective groups (P = .65). Operative time was significantly shorter in the parenchymal clamp group (median 245 vs 320 minutes; P Conclusion Compared with hilar clamping, selective regional ischemia with the parenchymal clamp for mild-moderately complex tumors is feasible and safe during RALPN. Parenchymal clamping is associated with enhanced immediate preservation of GFR and shorter operative times.
Focal loss of actin bundles causes microtubule redistribution and growth cone turning

It is commonly believed that growth cone turning during pathfinding is initiated by reorganization of actin filaments in response to guidance cues, which then affects microtubule structure to complete the turning process. However, a major unanswered question is how changes in actin cytoskeleton are induced by guidance cues and how these changes are then translated into microtubule rearrangement. Here, we report that local and specific disruption of actin bundles from the growth cone peripheral domain induced repulsive growth cone turning. Meanwhile, dynamic microtubules within the peripheral domain were oriented into areas where actin bundles remained and were lost from areas where actin bundles disappeared. This resulted in directional microtubule extension leading to axon bending and growth cone turning. In addition, this local actin bundle loss coincided with localized growth cone collapse, as well as asymmetrical lamellipodial protrusion. Our results provide direct evidence, for the first time, that regional actin bundle reorganization can steer the growth cone by coordinating actin reorganization with microtubule dynamics. This suggests that actin bundles can be potential targets of signaling pathways downstream of guidance cues, providing a mechanism for coupling changes in leading edge actin with microtubules at the central domain during turning.
Simulation of queuing systems on a highly parallel computer system

The purpose of this research was to implement the simulation of specific queuing systems on the Encore Multimax computer system. The environment partitioning approach to distributed simulation was used to implement parallel simulations of three benchmark queuing models to show performance improvement. The execution times obtained for the queuing systems were better with environment partitioning than without. However, this only occurred when the objects to implement the simulation were tightly coupled and were not hiding a lot of information. Object oriented techniques were not completely applicable because the time spent in message passing between processors was large compared to the time spent in a processor's local computation. While speedups of up to 2.0 were obtained, this is far smaller than prior simulation studies have suggested are possible for a computer with faster inter-processor communication. Thus, the Multimax was not a suitable machine for distributed simulation employing object oriented design and environment partitioning.
Biomonitoring with sentinel plants to assess exposure of nontarget crops to atmospheric deposition of herbicide residues

In regions of highly diversified agriculture, herbicides used in one field may not be compatible with crops growing in nearby fields. Injury to nontarget crops may occur from drift or localized atmospheric transport of herbicide residues. Pea, bean, and corn seedlings have been used as sentinels to detect atmospheric deposition of trace residues. Seedlings were exposed at various locations throughout south central Washington and exchanged on a weekly basis with a new set of plants. Plants were returned to a lath house and observed over 3 weeks for development of symptoms indicative of probable exposure to four classes of herbicides-sulfonylureas, phenoxyacetates, aminophosphonic acids, and bipyridiliniums. The most frequently observed symptoms on sentinel plants were chlorotic spots on the upper leaf surfaces ; such symptoms were created under controlled conditions by exposing plants to aerosols of the sulfonylurea (SU) herbicide chlorsulfuron. For 3 years, the greatest incidence of probable SU symptoms was detected during April ; however, occurrence of symptoms was not correlated with periods of maximum use of SU herbicides on wheat in the region. The results suggested a general atmospheric loading of herbicides with occasional deposition, rather than point source drift. Further tests are needed to quantitate the exposures of sentinel plants and determine if chlorotic spots are associated with adverse physiological effects.
Is testing for inherited coagulation inhibitor deficiencies in young stroke patients worthwhile

Objective. To test the hypothesis that in patients under age 50, with a first, arterial, ischemic cerebral infarct, whose family history and medical history do not suggest an inherited coagulation inhibitor deficiency, the yield of a laboratory search for these disorders will be low. Materials and methods. In 55 such patients under age 50, we systematically searched for deficiencies of protein C, protein S, and antithrombin III. Results. No abnormalities of protein C or antithrombin III were found. One patient had a deficiency of protein S, which was most likely acquired rather than inherited. Conclusions. In patients who lack clinical features of a prothrombotic state, the yield of testing for protein C, S and AT III deficiency is likely to be low.
Comparison of the effects of guanabenz and hydrochlorothiazide on plasma lipids

The effects of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) and guanabenz monotherapy on blood pressure and serum lipoprotein levels were compared in a 14-week, randomized, parallel, double-blind multicenter study of 218 outpatients with mild hypertension. Mean supine blood pressure decreased 13/9 mm Hg in the guanabenz group and 17/11 mm Hg in the HCTZ group, changes that were significantly (p < 0.01) different from baseline but not significantly different between the two treatment groups. Significant (p < 0.01) mean decreases in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels (of 9 mg/dl and 4 mg/dl from baseline values) occurred during guanabenz treatment; HDL cholesterol levels fell by an average of 4 mg/dl. In the HCTZ group, triglyceride levels were significantly (p < 0.01) increased by 13 mg/dl, and HDL cholesterol levels fell by 2 mg/dl. The change in LDL cholesterol levels, but not HDL cholesterol levels, was significantly different between guanabenz and HCTZ periods. The results show that guanabenz, although providing effective blood pressure control that is comparable to that of HCTZ, has more favorable effects on lipoproteins. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1988) 44, 297–302; doi:10.1038/clpt.1988.153
Microstructure and Interdiffusion of Template-Synthesized Au/Sn/Au Junction Nanowires

Microstructure and interdiffusion of striped Au/ Sn/Au nanowires grown by sequential electrodeposition of Au and Sn in porous polycarbonate membranes were investigated by X-ray diffraction, HRTEM, ...
Perspectives of High Tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication Users With Cerebral Palsy at the Post-Secondary Level

Abstract In this qualitative case study, we investigated the perspectives of users of high tech augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems regarding their AAC systems, suggestions for others, and their successes and barriers. The five participants in this study had cerebral palsy and were at the postsecondary education level or the employment status. We found 5 main themes during the investigation: (a) day-to-day challenges; (b) experiences with AAC; (c) perceptions of preferable features and future AAC; (d) suggestions to others, including communication partners, professionals in the AAC field, and/or potential AAC users; and (e) adopted strategies. We will interpret these findings from three perspectives: (a) the participants' perspectives on AAC; (b) their perspectives on other people; and (c) their personal insights on themselves. Overall, participants indicated that AAC systems were indispensable in their daily lives, school settings, and work environments. However, all of the participa...
Calcium sulfite hemihydrate: Crystal growth rate and crystal habit

The crystal growth rate of CaSO3 · 1/2H2O was measured by a pH-stat method in aqueous solution with pH 3.5 to 6.5, 1 to 25 mM dissolved sulfite, 0.01 to 0.3 M Ca++, and 0 to 25 mM sulfate. The growth rate was a strong function of relative supersaturation and was strongly inhibited by dissolved sulfate. The growth rate per unit BET surface area, R' (mole/cm2-min), is given by: 9.7 × 10−4 exp (−10250/RT) × (RSCaSO3−1)2 × RSCaSO4−1, where RSCaSO3 and RSCaSO4 are the relative saturations with respect to calcium sulfite and gypsum, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy and IR spectroscopy demonstrated that solids generated in the presence of dissolved sulfate contained solid solution sulfate and crystallized as agglomerates of very thin platelets. In the absence of solid or dissolved sulfate the solids were agglomerates of well-informed columnar, hexagonal crystals.
Automatic image decomposition

The decomposition of an image into its primitive components, such as cartoon plus texture, is a fundamental problem in image processing. In previous works, various authors have proposed a technique to achieve this decomposition into structure and texture. These two components are competing ones, and their proposed model has a critical parameter that controls this decomposition. In this paper, we show how to automatically select this parameter, and demonstrate with examples the importance of this optimal selection.
A Benchmark Control Problem for Supercavitating Vehicles and an Initial Investigation of Solutions

At very high speeds, underwater bodies develop cavitation bubbles at the trailing edges of sharp corners or from contours where adverse pressure gradients are sufficient to induce flow separation. Coupled with a properly designed cavitator at the nose of a vehicle, this natural cavitation can be augmented with gas to induce a cavity to cover nearly the entire body of the vehicle. The formation of the cavity results in a significant reduction in drag on the vehicle and these so-called high-speed supercavitating vehicles (HSSVs) naturally operate at speeds in excess of 75 m s-1. The first part of this paper presents a derivation of a benchmark problem for control of HSSVs. The benchmark problem focuses exclusively on the pitch-plane dynamics of the body which currently appear to present the most severe challenges. A vehicle model is parametrized in terms of generic parameters of body radius, body length, and body density relative to the surrounding fluid. The forebody shape is assumed to be a right cylindri...
We should strive for optimal hemodialysis: a criticism of the hemodialysis adequacy concept.

Adequacy of hemodialysis is frequently equated with Kt/Vurea , the amount of urea clearance (K) multiplied by time (t) and divided by urea distribution volume (V). Several formulas have been developed to calculate Kt/Vurea from the pre- and post-dialysis urea concentrations. In three-times-weekly hemodialysis, a single pool (spKt/Vurea) value of 1.3 per treatment is commonly considered to indicate adequate therapy. Despite providing the recommended spKt/Vurea of 1.3 per treatment, short dialysis with rapid ultrafiltration is associated with multiple intradialytic and interdialytic complications. Patients experience cramps, nausea, vomiting, headaches, fatigue, hypotensive episodes during dialysis, and hangover after dialysis; patients remain fluid overloaded with subsequent poor blood pressure control, left ventricular hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction, and high cardiovascular mortality. According to Webster's dictionary, “optimal” means most desirable or satisfactory; “adequate” means sufficient for a specific requirement or barely sufficient or satisfactory. Optimal dialysis is the method of dialysis yielding results that cannot be further improved. New approaches, including hemeral quotidian or long nocturnal dialysis, provide opportunities to abandon the notion that adequate dialysis is “good enough” for our patients. Optimal dialysis should be our goal. Dialysis sessions should be long and frequent enough to provide excellent intra- and interdialytic tolerance of hemodialysis, normalization of serum calcium and phosphorus, blood pressure control, normal myocardial morphology and function, and hormonal balance, and to eliminate all, even subtle, uremic symptoms.
Viral infection of megakaryocytes in varicella with purpura.

A 9-year-old boy died with intracerebral hemorrhage during the course of disseminated varicella. Hepatic damage and thrombocytopenia contributed to his bleeding tendency. Viral infection of megakaryocytes was found at autopsy and documented by electron microscopy. Some instances of thrombocytopenia in varicella may be caused by viral infection of megakaryocytes.
Business unIntelligence: Insight and Innovation Beyond Analytics and Big Data, by Barry Devlin

I think that C-level executives need to understand that technology is a tool that can provide a tremendous amount of value. But it’s really the business processes and business discipline that make ...
Applying SCORE to field-based performance evaluations of soldier worn sensor technologies: Field Reports

Soldiers are often asked to perform missions that last many hours and are extremely stressful. After a mission is complete, the soldiers are typically asked to provide a report describing the most important things that happened during the mission. Due to the various stresses associated with military missions, there are undoubtedly many instances in which important information is missed or not reported and, therefore, not available for use when planning future missions. The ASSIST (Advanced Soldier Sensor Information System and Sensors Technology) program is addressing this challenge by instrumenting soldiers with sensors that they can wear directly on their uniforms. During the mission, the sensors continuously record what is going on around the soldier. With this information, soldiers are able to give more accurate reports without relying solely on their memory. In order for systems like this (often termed autonomous or intelligent systems) to be successful, they must be comprehensively and quantitatively evaluated to ensure that they will function appropriately and as expected in a wartime environment. The primary contribution of this paper is to introduce and define a framework and approach to performance evaluation called SCORE (System, Component, and Operationally Relevant Evaluation) and describe the results of applying it to evaluate the ASSIST technology. As the name implies, SCORE is built around the premise that, in order to get a true picture of how a system performs in the field, it must be evaluated at the component level, the system level, and in operationally relevant environments. The SCORE framework provides proven techniques to aid in the performance evaluation of many types of intelligent systems. To date, SCORE has only been applied to technologies under development (formative evaluation), but the authors believe that this approach would lend itself equally well to the evaluation of technologies ready to be fielded (summative evaluation). © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Abstract 634: Hypercholesterolemia Increases the Incidence of Colorectal Neoplasia by Impairing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Differentiation Towards Nkt and γδ T Cells

Rationale: Hypercholesterolemia, a co-morbidity of obesity, is one of the most common diet-related metabolic disorders and is an independent risk factor for colorectal neoplasia. As yet, no generalizable mechanism has been described to show how hypercholesterolemia increases the risk of cancer especially that of colorectal neoplasia. Objective: We hypothesized that hypercholesterolemia impaired the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) toward the cellular components critical to immunosurveillance against colorectal neoplasia. Identifying the mechanisms by which hypercholesterolemia affects HSC differentiation may provide clues to understanding how hypercholesterolemia increases all-cause mortality and especially that of colorectal cancer in divergent clinical studies. Methods and Results: Two different hypercholesterolemic mice were applied in the study, including ApoE-/- mouse and high cholesterol diet fed WT mouse. Colorectal neoplasia was induced by IP injection of AOM. The incidence of colorectal neoplasia was significantly higher in these hypercholesterolemic mice. FACS analysis showed that NKT and γδT cells were significantly fewer in the thymus and colon of hypercholesterolemic mice. The infiltration of NKT and γδT cells in tumors isolated from hypercholesterolemic mice was attenuated. In agreement, in vitro differentiation assay demonstrated that the differentiation capacity of HSCs towards NKT and γδT cells was significantly impaired in the groups isolated from hypercholesterolemic mice. The deficiency in NKT or γδT cells increased the incidence of AOM-induced colorectal neoplasia. Conclusion: NKT and γδT cells are critical cellular components in the immnuosurveillance against colorectal neoplasia. Hypercholesterolemia increases the incidence of colorectal neoplasia by impairing the differentiation of HSCs towards NKT and γδT cells.
The impact of operating pressure on residential bathroom exhaust fan performance

Abstract This study quantified the performance impact of increasing operating pressure on residential bathroom exhaust fans based on the comparative analysis of airflow, efficacy, and loudness on more than 80 different residential bathroom exhaust fans with alternate current motors. The fan performance data were measured in a well-instrumented laboratory environment that includes a calibrated nozzle airflow chamber and a six-microphone reverberant sound chamber. Fan airflow rates, efficacies, and loudness were experimentally determined to investigate the impact of external static pressure (ESP) on fan performance at the rating pressure of 0.1 in. w.g. (25 Pa) and the higher field-observed pressure of 0.25 in. w.g. (62.5 Pa). An analysis of results showed that fan performance was strongly affected with increasing the ESP. For example, when the ESP was increased from 0.1 to 0.25 in. w.g. (25–62.5 Pa), the average value of fan airflow rate decreased by 19%, efficacies were penalized by 16%, and the loudness increased by 75%.
Anesthesia and sedation data in the gastroenterology suite: Leveraging clinical data to support operational workflows

Abstract Technology and information management systems (IMS) have the potential to offer gastrointestinal endoscopy suites opportunities for improved efficiency and ultimately value to the patients. The clinical data obtained from an IMS can translate to improved workflows, decreased costs, and improved patient satisfaction. Benefits are both immediate and longitudinal. Information that already exists in the suite can be leveraged for shorter wait times, less frequent delays, decreased provider downtime, increased caseloads, higher revenues, and improved satisfaction scores. This article presents examples from 1 IMS that illustrate the technology’s effect on scheduling (both before the procedure and on the day of procedure), interprovider communication, and staffing. In addition to meeting growing mandates for electronic record adoption, the major benefit of any given IMS is its ability to define local problems and provide guidance for an appropriate local solution. As with all technology, the benefits are only achievable when the implementation matches the local workflow.
69 G-6A POLYMORPHISM OF THE ANGIOTENSINOGEN GENE MODULATES THE EFFECT OF BLOOD PRESSURE ON CAROTID ARTERY INTIMA-MEDIA THICKNESS: THE BOGALUSA HEART STUDY.

Background The adverse association between blood pressure and carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT), a surrogate marker of subclinical arteriosclerosis, is well known. However, whether G-6A polymorphism of the angiotensinogen (AGT) gene, a candidate gene involved in the renin-angiotensin system, modulates this relationship is unknown. Methods This aspect was examined in a 680 white and black subjects, aged 25 to 43 (73.4% white, 39.7% male). Common carotid IMT was measured by B-mode ultrasonography. In addition, the genotyping of G-6A polymorphism of the AGT gene and traditional CV risk factors were performed. Results Mean arterial blood pressure was significantly associated with common carotid IMT in whites, blacks, and the total sample. The A-6 allele frequency was higher in blacks compared with whites (0.85 vs 0.45, p Conclusion These results indicate that allelic variation (G-6A) of the AGT gene modulates the association between carotid IMT and mean arterial blood pressure in young adults.
Reversible binary image data hiding by histogram modification

A novel reversible binary image data hiding scheme using Run-Length(RL) histogram modification was presented.Select the sequence of RL couples in which the length of couple is not shorter than threshold T1: First eliminate the white RL of isolated white pixels,and then embed data in the black RL whose length equals T.The proposed scheme worked for text,graphics,their mixture,and both halftone and non-halftone binary images.Experimental results have shown its superiority to other methods.
Mindfulness Competencies for Counselors and Psychotherapists

This article examines the results of a survey about mindfulness competencies in the area of counseling and psychotherapy; it specifically addresses competencies needed for training clients in the use of mindfulness methods. The study investigated whether experts on mindfulness (N = 52) agreed with a proposed set of 16 competency statements. It also asked about recommended levels of personal mindfulness practice for those new to the specialty. In general, participants agreed on the proposed 16 competencies. Here we offer recommendations about mindfulness practice for counselor preparation, cultural competency, continuing education, and clinical applications, and suggest questions for future research.
Bringing Blood-Based Molecular Testing to the Clinic

In cancer, plasma-derived cell-free DNA can be used for detection of oncogenic aberrations relevant for treatment selection. A cell-free DNA-based test for EGFR mutations has been approved as an alternative to tumor tissue analysis in lung cancer. Testing for other aberrations, including copy number alterations, continues to be investigated. Clin Cancer Res; 22(22); 5400-2. ©2016 AACRSee related article by Chicard et al., p. 5564.
An enhanced centrifuge-based approach to powder characterization: Experimental and theoretical determination of a size-dependent effective Hamaker constant distribution

Abstract Powder behavior affects a wide variety of industries due to the use of solids in processing and manufacturing. As such, the prediction of powder behavior is advantageous to these industries and particle scale measurements that allow prediction of powder behavior can be very beneficial. The centrifuge technique was utilized experimentally with silica particles adhered to stainless steel to characterize the adhesion of the silica powder. To describe the observed adhesion force distributions, a simulated powder with a realistic size distribution, but assumed to be comprised of smooth spheres, was conceived. The adhesion between the real powder and the stainless steel was modeled using the idealized powder and assuming a simple sphere-flat plate adhesion model. During the model validation, an effective Hamaker constant distribution that allowed the simulated adhesion of the smooth spheres to match the experimentally-observed adhesion was developed. The effective Hamaker constant distribution captured the effects of the roughness and shape variations in the individual particle within the powder, and these effects were linked to the measured particle size distribution of the powder.
Interaction of plant essential oil terpenoids with the southern cattle tick tyramine receptor: A potential biopesticide target.

An outbreak of the southern cattle tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, (Canestrini), in the United States would have devastating consequences on the cattle industry. Tick populations have developed resistance to current acaricides, highlighting the need to identify new biochemical targets along with new chemistry. Furthermore, acaricide resistance could further hamper control of tick populations during an outbreak. Botanically-based compounds may provide a safe alternative for efficacious control of the southern cattle tick. We have developed a heterologous expression system that stably expresses the cattle tick's tyramine receptor with a G-protein chimera, producing a system that is amenable to high-throughput screening. Screening an in-house terpenoid library, at two screening concentrations (10 μM and 100 μM), has identified four terpenoids (piperonyl alcohol, 1,4-cineole, carvacrol and isoeugenol) that we believe are positive modulators of the southern cattle tick's tyramine receptor.
Recurring breast and arm cellulitis in patients with early breast cancer.

e20600 Background: Breast and arm cellulitis (BAC) is a recognized risk following treatment for early stage breast cancer with case reports suggesting an incidence <3%. However, there is limited in...
Listing of 502 Times When the Ulysses Magnetic Fields Instrument Observed Waves Due to Newborn Interstellar Pickup Protons

In two earlier publications we analyzed 502 intervals of magnetic waves excited by newborn interstellar pickup protons that were observed by the Ulysses spacecraft. Due to the considerable effort required in identifying these events, we provide a list of the times for the 502 wave event intervals previously identified. In the process, we provide a brief description of how the waves were found and what their properties are. We also remind the reader of the conditions that permit the waves to reach observable levels and explain why the waves are not seen more often.
Excretory Function of the Skin in the Squid.

SummaryThe skin of the squid functions as an organ of excretion. This is proven by feeding squids neutral red solution. The neutral red is eliminated by the skin in the form of dark red droplets, heavier than sea water and not soluble in it.
Obstructive sleep apnea in the irradiated head and neck cancer patient.

Objectives/Hypothesis To assess the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in head and neck cancer (HNSCC) patients treated with radiation therapy. Study Design Prospective case series without comparison group. Methods Patients who underwent radiation therapy for oropharyngeal or laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma completed a 3-night home sleep test (HST), Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire, and University of Washington Quality of Life questionnaire. Exclusion criteria included oncologic surgical procedures, active disease, history of tracheotomy, history of OSA, or completion of radiation therapy within the last 3 months. Results Sixteen HNSCC patients completed the HST, with 50% (8) demonstrating objective evidence of OSA ranging from mild to severe (range 5.6–38.8, median 13.9). Median age was 61.6 years, with a median body mass index (BMI) of 29.8, and 13 of the subjects were male. There were no differences in age, BMI, median radiation dose, tumor primary site or stage, human papilloma virus status, or comorbidity status between the OSA and non-OSA groups. Self-reported questionnaire scores were no different between the two groups. OSA patients had a nonsignificant shorter time interval between the completion of radiation and the HST date (1.8 vs. 3.4 years, P = 0.065) and higher rate of gastrostomy tube placement during radiation (62.5% vs. 12.5%, P = 0.059). Conclusion The results of this preliminary study suggest that the prevalence of OSA is increased in the head and neck irradiated patient when compared to the general population. Self-report of sleep symptoms alone may be unreliable to determine risk of OSA in the HNSCC population. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 2017
Tridiagonal pairs of q-Racah type, the Bockting operator ψ, and L-operators for U q (L(sl 2 ))

We describe the Bockting operator ψ for a tridiagonal pair of q -Racah type, in terms of a certain L -operator for the quantum loop algebra U q ( L (sl 2 )) .
Effects of artificial warming during quiescence on budbreak and growth of white spruce, Picea glauca

Climate change is expected to increase winter temperatures in boreal climates. White spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) is vulnerable to spring frost damage due to its habit of early budbreak, which may be exacerbated or lessened with increasingly warm winters at its southern range edge. We tested the effects of episodic warming during the quiescent stage on budbreak time and growth of seven seed sources grown in a common garden setting in Minnesota, USA. Treatment plots were warmed with infrared lamps for 4 days each in February, March, or February and March to simulate a midwinter thaw. Control plots for each treatment and an overall control were included for comparison. Trees warmed in February experienced a slight delay in spring budbreak, but differences in budbreak time were generally not significant. Terminal growth was significantly and negatively correlated with time of budbreak but not with time to growth cessation. Our results suggest that white spruce is relatively resilient to the effects of...
Atomic-scale dynamics and mechanical response of geopolymer binder under nanoindentation

Abstract Using molecular dynamics simulations, the mechanical response of amorphous geopolymer binder (GB) under spherical nanoindentation was examined as a function of GB composition (Si/Al ratio), indenter size (radius of indenter) and loading rates. The observed hardness values were strongly dependent on the indenter size and loading rates. Specifically, the GB hardness increased with decreasing indenter size and increasing loading-rate. The indenter size effect and the effect of loading rate were related to the ease of rotation of the underlying Si and Al tetrahedra in conjunction with the breaking of bridging Si O and Al O bonds. Further, for a given indenter size, increasing the Si/Al ratio increased the hardness and Young’s modulus of the GB, which was correlated to higher strength of Si O bonds as compared to Al O bonds present in the GB.
Fast behavioral locomotion with layered navigation meshes

We address the problem of efficient navigation planning for virtual characters with multiple locomotion behaviors. One main difficulty in this problem is the need to rely on expensive collision detection computations which typically lead to methods unsuitable for realtime applications. At the same time, the alternative of using reactive path following methods lead to characters less capable of addressing cluttered environments. In this paper we propose a locomotion planning approach that incorporates the behavioral capabilities of the character during the path planning stage without the need to rely on expensive collision detection computations. Our approach is based on computing paths and clearance tests in layered navigation meshes, where layers are positioned at different body heights in order to reduce 3D collision checking to fast 2D clearance determination per layer. The proposed approach significantly improves the overall planning time making our method suitable for real-time applications while successfully addressing tradeoffs between path length and selection of narrow passages according to preferred locomotion behaviors.
Generalizing term subsumption languages to fuzzy logic

During the past decade, knowledge representation research in AI has generated a class of languages called term subsumption languages (TSL), which is a knowledge representation formalism with a well-defined logic-based semantics-Due to its formal semantics, a term subsumption system can automatically infer the subsumption relationships between concepts defined in the system. However, these systems are very limited in handling vague concepts in the knowledge base. In contrast, fuzzy logic directly deals with the notion of vagueness and imprecision using fuzzy predicates, fuzzy quantifiers, linguistic variables, and other constructs. Hence, fuzzy logic offers an appealing foundation for generalizing the semantics of term subsumption languages. Based on a test score semantics in fuzzy logic, this paper first generalizes the semantics of term subsumption languages. Then, we discuss impacts of such a generalization to the reasoning capabilities of term subsumption systems. The generalized knowledge representation framework not only alleviates the difficulty of conventional AI knowledge representation schemes in handling imprecise and vague information, but also extends the application of fuzzy logic to complex intelligent systems that need to perform highlevel analyses using conceptual abstractions.
Electronic cigarette chemicals transfer from a vape shop to a nearby business in a multiple-tenant retail building.

Background Electronic cigarettes (ECs) are nicotine delivery devices that produce aerosol without combustion of tobacco; therefore, they do not produce sidestream smoke. Nevertheless, many users exhale large clouds of aerosol that can result in passive exposure of non-users. Analogous to thirdhand cigarette smoke, the exhaled aerosol also settles on indoor surfaces where it can produce a residue. We refer to this residue as EC exhaled aerosol residue (ECEAR). Our objective was to determine if exhaled EC aerosol transferred from a vape shop in a multiple-tenant retail building, where it was produced, to a nearby business (field site) where it could deposit as ECEAR. Methods We examined the build-up of ECEAR in commonly used materials (cotton towel and paper towels) placed inside the field site across from the vape shop. Materials were subjected to short-term (days) and long-term (months) exposures. Nicotine, other alkaloids and tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) were identified and quantified in controls and field site samples using analytical chemical techniques. Results Nicotine and other alkaloids were detected after 1 day of exposure in the field site, and these chemicals generally increased as exposure times increased. TSNAs, which have been linked to carcinogenesis, were also detected in short-term and long-term exposed samples from the field site. Conclusions In a multiple-tenant retail building, chemicals in EC aerosol travelled from a vape shop into an adjacent business where they deposited forming ECEAR. Regulatory agencies and tenants occupying such buildings should be aware of this potential environmental hazard.
Effects of axial forearm instability on force transmission across the elbow.

Background The interosseous membrane (IOM) and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) provide axial stability to the forearm. Our hypothesis was that injury to these structures alters force transmission through the elbow. Methods A custom-designed apparatus that applies axial loads from the wrist to the elbow was used to test 10 cadaveric upper limbs under the following simulated conditions (1) intact, (2) DRUJ injury, (3) IOM injury, or (4) IOM + DRUJ injury. IOM injury was simulated by osteotomies of the IOM attachment to the radius, and DRUJ injury was simulated by distal ulnar oblique osteotomy. We applied 160 N of axial force during cyclic and functional range of forearm rotation (40o pronation/40o supination), and force, contact pressure, and contact area through the elbow joint were measured simultaneously. Results The force across the radiocapitellar joint was significantly higher in the IOM + DRUJ injury and the IOM injury groups than in the intact and DRUJ injury groups. The mean force across the radiocapitellar joint was not significantly different between the intact and DRUJ injury groups or between the IOM + DRUJ injury and the IOM injury groups. Forces across the ulnohumeral joint showed an inverse pattern to those in the radiocapitellar joint. Conclusions These findings suggest that injury to the IOM contributes more to the disruption of the normal distribution of axial loads across the elbow than injury to the DRUJ.
Culprit of the Eastern Pacific Double-ITCZ Bias in the NCAR CESM1.2

AbstractThe eastern Pacific double-ITCZ bias has long been attributed to the warm bias of SST in the southeastern Pacific and associated local air–sea interaction. In this study, we conducted two s...
MULKSG: MUL tiple K S imultaneous G raph Assembly

This work shows how to parallelize multi K de Bruijn graph genome assembly simultaneously, removing the bottleneck of iterative multi K assembly. The expected execution time on a single node with 40 cores is variable, with the average execution time for the entire pipeline over 16 datasets tested being 1613 s for SPAdes vs. 1581 s for MULKSG, with the MULKSG graph creation and traversal averaging 15% faster than SPAdes. We implement a multi-node implementation for the graph creation and traversal portions of the assembly, showing the speedups in Fig. 4. We show that when implemented correctly with correction phases performed per graph in parallel, the expected outcome is very close to the original method, in some cases having less errors while keeping the same NGA50 and genome coverage %. We show this works in practice, implementing with the popular genome assembler SPAdes. Further, this algorithmic change gets rid of the single node sequential bottleneck on multi K genome assembly, allowing for the use of parallel error correction, graph building, graph correction, and graph traversal. We implement a parallel version of the assembly and show the statistics are the same as when run on a single node. The code is open source and can be found at https://github.com/cwright7101/mulksg.
A general model for carbon isotopes in red-lineage phytoplankton: Interplay between unidirectional processes and fractionation by RubisCO

Abstract The carbon isotopic composition of organic matter preserved in marine sediments provides a window into the global carbon cycle through geologic time, including variations in atmospheric CO2 levels. Traditional models for interpreting isotope records of marine phytoplankton assume that these archives primarily reflect kinetic isotope discrimination by the carbon-fixing enzyme RubisCO. However, some in vivo and in vitro measurements appear to contradict this assumption, indicating that significant questions remain about the mechanistic underpinning of algal isotopic signatures, including the role of carbon concentrating mechanisms (CCMs). Here, we present a general model to explain photosynthetic carbon isotope fractionation (eP) in marine red-lineage phytoplankton groups; the model reproduces existing chemostat and batch culture datasets with a normalized root mean squared error (nRMSE) of 6.8%. Our framework proposes that a nutrient- and light-dependent step upstream of RubisCO is a kinetic barrier to carbon acquisition and therefore represents a significant source of isotopic fractionation. We suggest this step represents a carbon concentrating strategy that becomes favorable to cells under conditions of excess photon flux. The primary implications are that RubisCO is predicted to exert minimal isotopic control in photon-rich, nutrient-limited regimes but becomes influential as growth becomes light-limited. This framework enables both environment-specific and taxon-specific isotopic predictions. By refining the mechanistic understanding of marine photosynthetic carbon isotope fractionation, we may begin to reconcile existing datasets and reexamine Phanerozoic isotope records—including the resulting CO2 reconstructions—by emphasizing the influence of different types of resource limitation on photosynthetic carbon acquisition.
1533. Is Cation-Adjusted Mueller–Hinton Broth (CAMHB) Appropriate for Metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) Susceptibility Testing? Novel Insights in In Vitro–In Vivo Discordance Among MBL-Producing Enterobacteriaceae

Background MBLs, which require Zn for catalytic activity, are a major contributor to high-level β-lactam resistance when tested using conventional CAMHB. We have previously reported marked reductions in meropenem (MEM) MICs in Zn-depleted media (Chelex-CAMHB and EDTA-CAMHB; Zn [C] <0.002 mg/L) compared with conventional CAMHB (Zn [C] 0.959 mg/L) against a variety of MBL-producing isolates, whereas Zn-depletion had no impact on levofloxacin (LVX) MICs (ASM Microbe 2019, San Francisco. Abstract P508). To explore in vivo implications, we evaluated the efficacy of MEM human simulated regimen (HSR) against MBL-producing isolates in a murine pneumonia model. In addition, LVX HSR was examined for model validation.
My Life as a Female Leader in the Academy: Lessons Learned

AbstractIn this article, I share my story as a clinical psychologist in academic medicine and as a female leader within organized psychology. I discuss how my sociocultural background impacts and i...
Harm Perceptions of the JUUL E-Cigarette in a Sample of Ever Users.

Background: Monitoring trends and perceptions of new nicotine salt-based electronic cigarettes (ECs), like JUUL, is important to identify associations with product experimentation and use. Understanding harm perceptions of these new devices will inform prevention and intervention efforts. The current study assesses perceptions of the absolute harmfulness of JUUL use in addition to comparing it to other tobacco products. Methods: Participants (N = 839, 52% male) reporting ever use of JUUL were recruited from Amazon’s Mechanical Turk from January to March 2018. Respondents completed questionnaire items assessing demographics, co-use of non-JUUL products, JUUL use status (i.e., daily users (10.8%), non-daily users (29.4%), and triers (59.9%)), and JUUL and other tobacco products absolute harm perceptions. Results: Overall, participants rated JUUL as significantly less harmful than all other tobacco products (p < 0.001), except other ECs. Daily JUUL users rated JUUL as less harmful compared to non-daily JUUL users and JUUL triers (p < 0.05). JUUL was rated as more harmful by women compared to men (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Increased frequency of JUUL use was associated with decreased harm perceptions. JUUL was associated with reduced perceptions of absolute harm compared to most other tobacco products, except other ECs. Public health practitioners should develop public health interventions that increase harm perceptions of ECs.
Intentional Design and Implementation of a "Flipped" Upper Division Geology Course: Improving Student Learning Outcomes, Persistence, and Attitudes.

Flipped instruction is not new and the literature is extensive with examples of flipped courses. However, there is a lack of studies with a structured, methodical approach to flipped design, implem...
Role of crystalline silica admixture in mitigating ettringite-induced heave in lime-treated sulfate-rich soils

A research study was designed and conducted to evaluate the applicability of using crystalline silica-rich material as a co-additive with calcium-based stabilisers to treat sulfate-rich expansive s...