cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Sodium Chloride and Sodium Polyphosphate Treatments on Proximate Composition, Selected Mineral Content, and Sensory Properties of Canned Fowl

Abstract White and dark fowl meat were soaked overnight at 3 C in deionized H2 O, 2% NaCl, 3% Kena, and 2% NaCl + 3% Kena. Drained meat was water-cooked 90 min at 92 C, then batched with skin, fat, and broth; packed into cans; vacuum-sealed; and retorted 120 min at 250 F (121 C). White and dark meat, after soaking and after cooking, were analyzed for proximate composition and content of selected minerals (P, Cl, Na, K). Canned products were analyzed for proximate composition, selected mineral content, and sensory properties. Moisture, ash, and moisture-protein ratio increased and protein decreased in meat after soaking and cooking. In canned products, the only significant (P≤.05) effects noted for proximate composition were lower protein values and higher moisture-to-protein ratios attributed to phosphate treatments with or without sodium chloride. The Na contents of canned meat from 2% NaCl + 3% Kena treatments were 1.5 to 2 times greater than other treatments. Panelists did not distinguish an increased salty taste in these products. Significant effects on sensory properties were noted in lighter color, increased tenderness, increased juiciness, higher persistence of moisture release, and decreased off-flavor of finished product containing meat soaked in Kena with or without sodium chloride.
Influence of Initial Conditions on Turbulent Mixing in Shock Driven Richtmyer-Meshkov Flows

Recent computational studies have shown that carefully designed initial conditions can be used to control late time turbulence and mixing in buoyancy-driven Rayleigh-Taylor (RT) as well as shock-driven Richtmyer-Meshkov (R-M) ∞ows. Such a dependence has not been conflrmed in experiments, which is important for Veriflcation and Validation (V&V) purposes. A systematic experimental study is carried out to understand the in∞uence of initial condition parameters, namely the amplitude ‐0 and wavenumber •0=2…/‚0 (where ‚0 is the wavelength) of perturbations, on R-M mixing and transition to turbulence. Initial conditions in the form of stable, single and multi mode membrane-free gas curtain of airSF6-air was used in our experiments. The density and velocity flelds for the difierent initial conflgurations were characterized using Planar Laser Induced Fluorescence (PLIF) and Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) respectively. These initial conditions were subjected to a shock wave with Mach number M = 1.2 and the evolution of R-M instability after the incident shock and subsequent re-shock was obtained using simultaneous PLIF and PIV. A non-dimensional length scale deflned as · = •‐ was used to parametrically link the initial condition dependence to R-M mixing. Statistics such as dimensionless mixing widths, turbulent kinetic energy, turbulent Reynolds number, variances of velocity ∞uctuations were measured to quantify the amount of mixing. Some of these statistics were found to be in disagreement with the linear theory. The results also indicate a strong correlation between initial condition parameters and mixing at late times. These results present an opportunity to predict and \design" late-time turbulence, with transformative impact on our understanding and prediction of Inertial Conflnement Fusion and general ∞uid mixing processes. The experimental results obtained are being compared with data from ongoing 3-D Implicit Large Eddy Simulation.
Exploring Solid/Aqueous Interfaces with Ultradilute Electrokinetic Analysis of Liquid Microjets

We describe a novel method that exploits electrokinetic streaming current measurements for the study of ion-interface affinity. Through the use of liquid microjets and ultradilute solutions (<1 μM), we are able to overcome inherent difficulties in electrokinetic surface measurements engendered by changing double-layer thicknesses. Varying bulk KCl concentrations produce statistically significant changes in streaming current down at picomolar concentrations. Because the attending ion concentrations are below that from water autoionization, these data are compared with those from ultradilute HCl and KOH solutions assuming that the K+ and Cl– introduce no new counterions. This permits comparison of the individual effects of K+ and Cl– on the interface, evidencing a cooperative effect between these ions at silica surfaces. Altogether, these results establish the effectiveness of this experimental approach in revealing new ion–surface phenomena and indicate its promise for the general study of aqueous interfaces.
Adsorption of a Hydrogen Atom on a Graphene Flake Examined with Quantum Trajectory/Electronic Structure Dynamics

Adsorption of atomic hydrogen colliding with C37H15, a planar “flake” of graphene, is examined using a hybrid quantum trajectory/electronic structure (QTES) dynamics for the values of the collision energies below 2.0 eV. The entire system of 53 atoms is represented by a quantum trajectory ensemble. The quantum correction on dynamics is included for the adsorbing hydrogen. The electronic structure is computed on-the-fly using the density functional tight binding (DFTB) method. The highest probability of adsorption is obtained for the kinetic energy of incident hydrogen in the range from 0.1 to 0.9 eV. Adsorption mechanism involves transfer of the collision energy to the graphene flake and projection of the carbon atom of the forming CH bond, accompanying sp3 hybridization of orbitals. The QTES–DFTB simulations with and without the quantum correction show that localization of the proton wave function and details of the mixed quantum/classical description of light and heavy nuclei greatly influence the adsor...
Hamiltonian structure of isospectral deformation equation and semi-classical approximation to factorizedS-matrices

We consider semi-classical approximation to factorizedS-matrices. We show that this new class of matrices, calleds-matrices, defines Hamiltonian structures for isospectral deformation equations. Concrete examples of factorizeds-matrices are constructed and they are used to define Hamiltonian structure for general two-dimensional isospectral deformation systems.
Strain monitoring of a composite wing

An instrumented composite wing is described. The wing is designed to meet the load and ruggedness requirements for a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in search-and-rescue applications. The UAV supports educational systems development and has a 2.1-m wingspan. The wing structure consists of a foam core covered by a carbon-fiber, laminate composite shell. To quantify the wing characteristics, a fiber-optic strain sensor was surface mounted to measure distributed strain. This sensor is based on Rayleigh scattering from local index variations and it is capable of high spatial resolution. The use of the Rayleigh-scattering fiber-optic sensors for distributed measurements is discussed.
Abstract P3-07-37: Quantitative analysis of T cell and macrophage immune markers in Her2-positive breast cancer

Purpose/Objectives: Her2-neu positive breast cancers have a good overall prognosis with the advent of Her2-directed therapies such as trastuzumab. However, despite the increased efficacy with Her-2-directed therapies 20-30% of patients still have local and/or distant failure despite being Her-2 amplified on pathology. The etiology of this local failure remains unknown. Recent evidence has suggested that there may be immune factors that contribute to the progression of breast cancer and the response to therapy so we undertook a study to examine the relationship between immune-based markers and traditional pathologic and clinical markers of outcome. Materials/Methods: Paraffin-embedded sections were generation and clinical records were reviewed for 88 patients, age ≥ 18 years, with pathologically-proven Her2-neu+ breast cancer who were treated at a single institution from 01/2001 to 12/2013. Single-color immunohistochemical staining was performed for CK5/6, CK14 and EGFR and scored by a breast pathologist. Adjacent sections were also then stained for CD45, CD4, CD8 and CD68 using a multi-color immunohistochemical approach. Slides were scanned using the Vectra Automated Quantitative Pathology Imaging System and analyzed using an in-house algorithm to quantitate the number of immune cells within the tumor, tumor margin and within 2 mm outside the tumor. We then compared the level of CK5/6, CK14, EGFR with the number of immune cells. The number of different immune cells were also analyzed with respect to other clinical parameters including age, tumor size, nodal status, hormone receptor status, time to progression, progression-free survival and overall survival. Results: At a median follow-up of 66.5 months, 20 (22.7%) patients had progressed. We found that the number of CD45+ leukocytes at the margin correlates with the expression of CK5/6 (p = 0.015) which predicted for local failure. Further, we found that the ratio of CD8 to CD4 cells within the tumor and margin highly correlates with the expression of the hormone receptors (p = 0.01). Conclusions: Our preliminary results suggest that immune markers may be important predictors of a basal-like phenotype as defined by CK5/6 expression in Her2+ breast cancers which itself correlated with significantly higher local failure. Further higher CD8 to CD4 ratios were highly correlated with hormone receptor expression, particularly PR expression suggesting that in the Her2+ population the more favorable prognosis for the "triple-positive" subtype of Her2+ cancers may be in part due to a more favorable immune microenvironment. Citation Format: Shiao SL, Gertych A, Ma Z, Zhang X, Burnison CM, Mirhadi AJ, Giuliano A, Knudsen BS, Chung A. Quantitative analysis of T cell and macrophage immune markers in Her2-positive breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-07-37.
Future drugs for the treatment of depression: the need to look beyond monoamine systems.

Review of extant biological data would suggest that major depressive disorder (MDD) is a term used to subsume a syndrome that may involve a variety of different pathophysiological processes. Current research has implicated a myriad of different factors in the pathogenesis of depressive disorders including: genetic predisposition, “hormonal” abnormalities, disturbances in neurostransmitters, disturbances in neurocircuitry, and immune dysfunction. Our most recent consensus suggests that the depressive disorders reflect the interplay between these biological systems and psychosocial experiences, such as early-life trauma and current life stressors. Thus, MDD truly represents a complex heterogeneous syndrome. This conceptualization suggests that a variety of different types of treatment approaches will be necessary to adequately ameliorate the symptoms of patients suffering from this syndrome. Although this is a daunting task, we are beginning to develop approaches that will enable us to add to our armamentation of biological treatments.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Working Group Report on Salt in Human Health and Sickness: Building on the Current Scientific Evidence

Humans have had a long and complex relationship with salt. Although highly valued in many societies, dietary salt has long been associated with high blood pressure1–3 and, more recently, with other diseases.4–6 Some individuals with hypertension often display salt-sensitive blood pressure changes, which is a condition more prevalent among blacks, older people, and individuals with renal insufficiency or diabetes mellitus.7–9 In general, for those with salt-sensitive hypertension, excess sodium intake is associated with higher blood pressure, whereas a low-salt diet decreases blood pressure.3 In spite of this well-known association, the basic molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the effects of salt on blood pressure regulation are still not well understood. Furthermore, individuals with high blood pressure are at increased risk for multiple diseases (ie, coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, and renal disease) although at present whether or not a high dietary salt intake can directly lead to these diseases (ie, in the absence of hypertension) is not known. Our understanding of the effect of salt on health has grown even more complex recently. Researchers have reported a new connection between salt and autoimmunity: a high-salt diet was shown to accelerate autoimmune activity in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis.10,11 In addition, a close connection between hypertension and the immune system has been revealed.12–16 However, the causal relationships between salt, immunity, and hypertension (eg, how salt could mediate interactions between the immune system and the vasculature, brain, or kidney to increase blood pressure) are not well understood. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute convened a Working Group (WG) in 2014 to discuss this new emerging scientific area in hypertension research. The WG brought together experts from diverse backgrounds including hypertension, epidemiology, preeclampsia, cardiovascular disease, …
A new ant genus from southern Argentina and southern Chile, Patagonomyrmex (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

The ant genus Pogonomyrmex (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae) comprises 71 described species that occur in North America, South America, and Hispaniola, and it is the nominal genus in the recently established tribe Pogonomyrmecini. A molecular phylogeny using 3,647 base pairs from fragments of one mitochondrial gene (cytochrome oxidase I) and five nuclear genes (long-wavelength rhodopsin, elongation factor 1α F1, elongation factor 1α F2, wingless, rudimentary) inferred that Pogonomymrex was not monophyletic. The vast majority of species belonged to a monophyletic clade (Pogonomyrmex sensu stricto), whereas species in the Po. angustus-group formed a second lineage outside of Pogonomyrmex and Hylomyrma, the latter being the only other genus in the tribe. To maintain monophyly of Pogonomyrmex, we create the genus Patagonomyrmex gen. n., which consists of the three angustus-group species (Patagonomyrmex angustus comb. n., Patagonomyrmex laevigatus comb. n., and Patagonomyrmex odoratus comb. n.) that are sister to all other pogonomyrmecines. The genus is restricted to southern Argentina and southern and southcentral Chile. Workers are characterized by: (1) poorly-developed psammophore that consists of short to medium-length hairs scattered over the ventral surface of the head, (2) anterior clypeal margin strongly convex in full-face view, (3) clypeus strongly convex in profile, (4) superior and inferior propodeal spines long, (5) dorsal surface of promesonotum smooth and shiny, lacking rugae or if rugae present, then interrugae strongly granulate-punctate, (6) anteroventral margin of peduncle of the petiole with a small, acuminate spine, and (7) palp formula 5,4. We also provide information on biology, distribution maps, and a key to workers, queens, and males in English and Spanish.
Abstract A024: Predicting cancer survival with neo-epitope burden

For many common cancers, survival and efficacy of state-of-the-art therapies are strongly predicted by the number of non-synonymous mutations. It is widely hypothesized that this association between mutations and survival is a result of mutations leading to neo-epitopes which in turn induce a robust anti-tumor immune response. It follows that accurately quantifying the number of neo-epitopes within a patient should better predict survival than that of non-synonymous mutations, however that has generally not been the case. Indeed, mutations and predicted neo-epitopes explain roughly the same survival variance, likely due to the difficulty of accurately predicting and prioritizing immunogenic neo-epitopes from mutations. We hypothesized that by integrating several data types and using state-of-the-art techniques for major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II allele calling and epitope binding prediction, we could predict survival of cancer patients better than with mutation calls alone. We have developed a pipeline to characterize the potential immunogenicity of neo-epitopes. The pipeline uses copy-number variants and reads from whole-exome sequencing to assess the clonality of a given neo-epitope. MHC class I and class II allelotyping is performed, and expression of MHC alleles and mutations is determined using RNA-Seq. Similarity of epitopes to self-peptides is assessed by measuring similarity to predicted self-ligands, as well as by measuring the MHC affinity of wild-type versions of mutated epitopes. With this pipeline we were able to rapidly process the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) breast cancer (BRCA), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), melanoma (SKCM), and pancreatic cancer (PAAD) datasets to infer neo-epitopes burden with high resolution. A linear model of survival as a function of mutations and their putative immunogenicity was constructed using these datasets via elastic net regularization, while modeling variance was controlled with k-fold cross validation. Our results confirm that the putatively immunogenic mutational burden is a highly significant term is such models. Finally, we quantify epitope response in these models by incorporating TCR sequence entropy as a proxy for clonal tumor infiltrating lymphocyte expansion. Citation Format: Nicholas K. Akers, Eric Schadt, Bojan Losic. Predicting cancer survival with neo-epitope burden [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Second CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference: Translating Science into Survival; 2016 Sept 25-28; New York, NY. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2016;4(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A024.
Defining Coverage of a Domain Using a Modified Nearest-Neighbor Metric

Validation experiments are conducted at discrete settings within the domain of interest to assess the predictive maturity of a model over the entire domain. Satisfactory model performance merely at these discrete tested settings is insufficient to ensure that the model will perform well throughout the domain, particularly at settings far from validation experiments. The goal of coverage metrics is to reveal how well a set of validation experiments represents the entire operational domain. The authors identify the criteria of an exemplary coverage metric, evaluate the ability of existing coverage metrics to fulfill each criterion, and propose a new, improved coverage metric. The proposed metric favors interpolation over extrapolation through a penalty function, causing the metric to prefer a design of validation experiments near the boundaries of the domain, while simultaneously exploring inside the domain. Furthermore, the proposed metric allows the coverage to account for uncertainty associated with validation experiments. Application of the proposed coverage metric on a practical, non-trivial problem is demonstrated on the Viscoplastic Self-Consistent material plasticity code for 5182 aluminum alloy.
Deep Phenotyping of Systemic Arterial Hemodynamics in HFpEF (Part 1): Physiologic and Technical Considerations

A better understanding of the pathophysiology of heart failure with a preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HFpEF) is important. Detailed phenotyping of pulsatile hemodynamics has provided important insights into the pathophysiology of left ventricular remodeling and fibrosis, diastolic dysfunction, microvascular disease, and impaired oxygen delivery to peripheral skeletal muscle, all of which contribute to exercise intolerance, the cardinal feature of HFpEF. Furthermore, arterial pulsatile hemodynamic mechanisms likely contribute to the frequent presence of comorbidities, such as renal failure and dementia, in this population. Our therapeutic approach to HFpEF can be enhanced by clinical phenotyping tools with the potential to "segment" this population into relevant pathophysiologic categories or to identify individuals exhibiting prominent specific abnormalities that can be targeted by pharmacologic interventions. This review describes relevant technical and physiologic aspects regarding the deep phenotyping of arterial hemodynamics in HFpEF. In an accompanying review, the potential of this approach to enhance our clinical and therapeutic approach to HFpEF is discussed.
Toll-Like Receptor Ligand-Based Vaccine Adjuvants Require Intact MyD88 Signaling in Antigen-Presenting Cells for Germinal Center Formation and Antibody Production

Vaccines are critical in the fight against infectious diseases and immune stimulating adjuvants are essential for enhancing vaccine efficacy. However the precise mechanisms of action of most adjuvants are unknown. There is an urgent need for customized and adjuvant formulated vaccines against immune evading pathogens that remain a risk today. Understanding the specific role of various cell types in adjuvant-induced protective immune responses is vital for an effective vaccine design. We have investigated the role of cell specific MyD88 signaling in vaccine adjuvant activity in vivo, using Neisserial PorB, a TLR2-ligand based adjuvant, compared with an endosomal TLR9 ligand (CpG) and TLR-independent (Alum, MF59) adjuvants. We found that intact MyD88 signaling is essential, separately, in all three APC types (B cells, macrophages and DCs) for optimal TLR-ligand based adjuvant activity. The role of MyD88 signaling in B cell and DC in vaccine adjuvant has been previously investigated. In this study, we now demonstrate that the immune response was also reduced in mice with macrophage specific MyD88 deletion (Mac-MyD88-/-). We demonstrate that TLR-dependent adjuvants are potent inducers of germinal center (GCs) responses, but GCs are nearly absent in Mac-MyD88-/- mice following immunization with TLR-dependent adjuvants PorB or CpG, but not with TLR-independent adjuvants MF59 or Alum. Our findings, reveal a unique and here-to-for unrecognized importance of intact MyD88 signaling in macrophages, to allow for a robust vaccine induced immune responses when TLR-ligand based adjuvants are used.
ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC PREDICTORS OF TRICUSPID RING FAILURE

Background: Secondary or functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) typically occurs as a result of left-sided heart or pulmonary disease. Selection of the appropriate tricuspid valve procedure for patients with FTR remains a challenging clinical question. The failure rate for tricuspid ring
Reflection phase characterization of spherical high impedance surfaces with circular periodicity

In this paper the reflection phase of a flat HIS with circular periodicity is characterized. A spherical curvature is then introduced to the designed surface and its impact on the reflection phase is investigated. A mathematical analysis is provided to find the limit of the curvature which can be applied to these type of artificial ground planes.
Identifying the Onset of Phase Separation in Quaternary Lipid Bilayer Systems from Coarse-Grained Simulations.

Understanding the (de)mixing behavior of multicomponent lipid bilayers is an important step toward unraveling the nature of spatial composition heterogeneities in cellular membranes and their role in biological function. We use coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations to study the composition phase diagram of a quaternary mixture of phospholipids and cholesterol. This mixture is known to exhibit both uniform and coexisting phases. We compare and combine different statistical measures of membrane structure to identify the onset of phase coexistence in composition space. An important element in our approach is the dependence of composition heterogeneities on the size of the system. While homogeneous phases can be structured and display long correlation lengths, the hallmark behavior of phase coexistence is the scaling of the apparent correlation length with system size. Because the latter cannot be easily varied in simulations, our method instead uses information obtained from observation windows of di...
Low-abundant bacteria drive compositional changes in the gut microbiota after dietary alteration

As the importance of beneficial bacteria is better recognized, understanding the dynamics of symbioses becomes increasingly crucial. In many gut symbioses, it is essential to understand whether changes in host diet play a role in the persistence of the bacterial gut community. In this study, termites were fed six dietary sources and the microbial community was monitored over a 49-day period using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. A deep backpropagation artificial neural network (ANN) was used to learn how the six different lignocellulose food sources affected the temporal composition of the hindgut microbiota of the termite as well as taxon-taxon and taxon-substrate interactions. Shifts in the termite gut microbiota after diet change in each colony were observed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and beta diversity analyses. The artificial neural network accurately predicted the relative abundances of taxa at random points in the temporal study and showed that low-abundant taxa maintain community driving correlations in the hindgut. This combinatorial approach utilizing 16S rRNA gene sequencing and deep learning revealed that low-abundant bacteria that often do not belong to the core community are drivers of the termite hindgut bacterial community composition.
Joy shines more brightly engulfed in chaos: reflections on a mission trip to Haiti.

I recently had the privilege to participate in a medical mission trip to Haiti. The experience was both challenging and rewarding. The motivation for this article is to encourage anyone who might consider volunteering for medical mission work. I would like to share a few stories about some of the people I met as a result of this particular trip. Often others express interest in medical mission work but relate that they do not know where to start or do not have the time to become involved. While preparing for this trip to Haiti, I became aware of a wonderful new resource here at Baylor Health Care System (BHCS) known as the Faith in Action Initiative. Joel Allison, president and chief executive officer of BHCS, having a desire to take the Christian ministry of Baylor to the next level, established this program to organize and direct the charitable donations provided by BHCS when needs arise similar to those of the recent Haitian earthquake. This department matches volunteers with various resources to help fill needs around the world and in the community. The director of the program, Donald Sewell, previously worked for Texas Baptist Missions Foundation for 12 years. He has been asked to formalize the processes and strategy and have his department act as a hub of much of the charitable activity and volunteerism that has previously been less organized. For example, I made several inquiries to various departments about the possibility of obtaining donated medical supplies and medications for the trip to Haiti. I was met with much enthusiasm from everyone, but little progress was made until I was directed to Don Sewell. One of my initial challenges was to fill two large suitcases, the maximum allowed by the Haitian Department of Customs, with the appropriate medical supplies and medications. With very short notice, the Faith in Action Initiative helped fill the suitcases beyond airline weight baggage limits. One of the medications provided, a large supply of albendazole, was particularly helpful in making an impact, successfully treating many of the children who suffered with intestinal worms.
Sodium influx in isolated gills of the freshwater mussel,Ligumia subrostrata

Isolated gills of the freshwater mussel,Ligumia subrostrata, accumulate Na from a pondwater bathing medium. The rate of Na transport by the isolated gill is 13.2±1.1 μmol (g dry gill·10 min)−1 which equals or exceeds the estimated Na transport rate of intact animals. Sodium influx is saturable with aV max of 13.6±1.2 μmol (g dry gill·10 min)−1 and an affinity (K s) of 0.17 mM Na/l. The isolated gills survive prolonged exposure to pondwater with a constant $$\dot V_{O_2 }$$ of 890 μl O2 (g dry gill·h)−1 over a 4 h period. Sodium transport in the isolated gills is stimulated 80% above control values by 10−4 M serotonin, 60% by 0.5 mM cAMP and 60% by 12.5 μg/ml nystatin. Sodium influx is inhibited by 0.5 mM amiloride and 1 mM lithium.
The Active Ingredients of Effective Case Management: A Research Synthesis

As we move to managed care, the nature and role of case management is in flux and undetermined. Based on the outcome research, this paper seeks to identify the common elements of effective case management practice to guide its development under the new financing schema.
Construction of Markov Processes from Hitting Distributions Without Quasi-Left-Continuity

Let K be a compact metric space, Δ a fixed point in K, and D the family of all closed sets in K containing Δ. Given a family (\( \left\{ {{H_D}\left( {x, \cdot } \right):D \in D,x \in K} \right\} \) of measures on K satisfying very general conditions, we consider the problem of constructing a right process (X t ;P x )on K with Δ as the adjoined death point such that, for all x and D, the hitting distribution \( {P^{x}}\left[ {X\left( {{T_{D}}} \right) \in \cdot ,{T_{D}} < \infty } \right] \) , where \( {T_D} = \inf \left\{ {t \geqslant 0:{X_t} \in D} \right\} \), is the given H D (x,.).
Chapter 30 – Erythrocytic Protection from O2 Toxicity

Abstract: Breathing 100% oxygen can be toxic. Superoxide anions (O2−., i.e., free radicals) are produced normally in the body, and are usually quickly removed through several different cellular processes. Hydroxyl radicals (OH.) are considered to be more toxic than superoxide anions or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Hydroperoxidation of membrane lipids adversely affects membrane structure and function. Catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase, and methemoglobin reductase protect erythrocytes from free radicals. Excessive oxidative stress may result in the formation of Heinz bodies in circulating erythrocytes. Vitamin E, vitamin C, and perhaps uric acid also act as antioxidants.
Standardizing the Case Narrative

This chapter is a meta-commentary on case commentaries in the present volume, which highlight potential hazards of using case narratives to evaluate clinical ethics consultation. I argue that in several ways, the commentaries illustrate how important it is, given the attestation model currently used to evaluate the practice of clinical ethics consultation, to develop an idea of a standardized narrative in clinical ethics consultation. If we do not, we risk mistaking clear, eloquent, or rhetorically impressive case narratives for rigorous, ethically appropriate consultations.
Impacts of moisture, soil respiration, and agricultural practices on methanogenesis in upland soils as measured with stable isotope pool dilution

Abstract Anoxic microsites can alter the habitat of upland soils and host diverse anaerobic processes that affect greenhouse gas production, nitrogen dynamics, and biodiversity. Microsites that are methanogenic indicate deeply reducing conditions that may have especially strong impacts on soil function. However, there have not been controlled studies to determine the regulators of methanogenic microsite formation or persistence and most studies have been limited to tropical or high organic matter soils. We hypothesized that upland methanogenesis, as an indicator of anaerobic activity, is primarily affected by soil moisture and organic matter. To test this hypothesis, we examined relationships between soil properties, rates of methanogenesis, and biogeochemical responses in an incubation experiment that manipulated soil source (semi-arid and mesic ecosystems), agricultural practice (conventional, no-till, and organic), and moisture (10%–95% water-filled porespace) of intact soil cores. Methanogenesis was correlated with factors related to both increased O2 demand (e.g., soil respiration) and decreased O2 diffusion (e.g., water-filled porespace), and the relative importance of these different mechanisms changed over four months. While the highest rates of methanogenesis occurred above 75% water-filled porespace, we observed methanogenesis over the full range of soil moistures. These are the driest soils shown to host methanogenesis, outside of biological soil crusts. Cores from plots with organic amendments had the highest rates of methanogenesis. Comparisons of methanogenesis and N-cycling revealed new relationships in upland soils: stronger methanogenesis was associated with more soil NH4+ and higher N2O emissions but less NO3−, likely due to reduced conditions causing increased denitrification and/or decreased nitrification. Our findings show that upland methanogenesis can arise from either increased O2 demand or decreased O2 diffusion, similar to wetland ecosystems, and that the presence of anoxic microsites appears to alter N-cycling. The current paradigm is that upland anaerobicity is generally a minor or moisture-related event, but we demonstrate here that it can be persistent, occur across the full range of soil moisture, and may result in significant impacts on nutrient availability. These and other anaerobic impacts on soil function and biodiversity may occur over the entire landscape of temperate ecosystems.
Acoustic-like behavior in periodic metal structures

Pentamode materials are of interest for acoustic metamaterials because of their property of having only one elastic mode, similar to the hydrostatic response of an acoustic fluid. This static property does not take into account dynamic frequency dependent effects related to the necessary spatial inhomogeneity in the structural realization. In this talk, we argue that pure pentamode behavior is not desirable, and instead AMM users should focus on the one-wave dynamic response. Experience with metal structures designed to provide acoustic properties close to those of water using metal structures, e.g., Su et al. (JASA 2017, doi: 10.1121/1.498519), shows that the most useful response is in a one-wave band gap in which shear waves are non-propagating. Surprisingly, the one-wave region is generally broadband relative to the cutoff frequency of the shear waves at low frequencies, and is non-dispersive, with constant phase speed over the one-wave gap. The talk will attempt to explain these surprising and unexpected features using numerical and analytical results. The latter include an approximation of the dynamic effective properties of 2D and 3D metallic structures displaying broadband one-wave regions using simplistic models.
Authentic Knowledge, Learning Outcomes, and Professional Identity: A Mixed-Methods Study of a Successful Engineering Course

This research full paper reports results from a sequential mixed-methods study that included quantitative (pre- and post-survey) and qualitative (focus group interviews, class observations, and student journals) data from 60 undergraduate engineering students. Subject matter authenticity is an important topic in engineering education research. The study investigated how students evaluated and accepted the relevance/authenticity of knowledge delivered by the instructors in an engineering course focusing on military technology. Quantitative data analysis with students’ pre- and post-surveys showed a statistically different difference indicating that students’ learning in the class was highly effective. Qualitative findings provided a further and detailed account of how the students organized, evaluated, and accepted the new course contents. Overall results indicate that successful learning involves students’ holistic development, affirming their current personal and professional identities and facilitating new professional identities which create a meaningful connection to the new piece of knowledge presented to them.
Exploring Result Presentation in Conversational IR Using a Wizard-of-Oz Study

Recent researches in conversational IR have explored problems related to context enhancement, question-answering, and query reformulations. However, very few researches have focused on result presentation over audio channels. The linear and transient nature of speech makes it cognitively challenging for the user to process a large amount of information. Presenting the search results (from SERP) is equally challenging as it is not feasible to read out the list of results. In this paper, we propose a study to evaluate the users’ preference of modalities when using conversational search systems. The study will help us to understand how results should be presented in a conversational search system. As we observe how users search using audio queries, interact with the intermediary, and process the results presented, we aim to develop an insight on how to present results more efficiently in a conversational search setting. We also plan on exploring the effectiveness and consistency of different media in a conversational search setting. Our observations will inform future designs and help to create a better understanding of such systems.
Identification of Time-Dependent Risks of Hemodynamic States After Stage 1 Norwood Palliation.

Background Mortality after stage 1 palliation of hypoplastic left heart syndrome remains significant. Hemodynamic changes result from interaction of cardiac output (CO) and systemic vascular resistance (SVR). We sought to identify time-dependent changes in postoperative hemodynamic states and their associations with mortality. Methods Perioperative data were prospectively collected in an institutional review board–approved database. Hemodynamic state was classified as high CO, high SVR, low SVR, and low CO using bivariate analysis of mean arterial pressure and somatic regional near-infrared spectroscopic oximetry saturation. State classifications over 48 postoperative hours were modelled using multinomial logistic regressions for association with mortality. Results Data from 9614 of 10,272 hours in 214 patients were analyzed. Operative survival was 91%. The predominant state was high CO (46% time). Low CO state without extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was found in 52% of patients for 9.7% time. ECMO was employed in 24 (11.2%) patients for 10.4% time. State stability was 33%, with high SVR the least stable (17%) and high CO the most stable (53%). Transition from high CO increased in hours 1 to 12, mainly to low SVR. Transition to low CO was 18.4%, increasing in hours 1 to 12, mainly from high SVR. The transition risk to ECMO was 0.32%, and 0.74% during hours 1 to 12, only from low CO. Both low CO and ECMO had increased mortality risk. Conclusions Bivariate classification defines hemodynamic states with distinct physiologic, transition, and mortality risk profiles. High SVR state was unstable. Transition to ECMO occurred only from low CO, while the low SVR and high CO states were safest.
Relevance of transgenic mouse models for Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract Over the last several decades, a number of mouse models have been generated for mechanistic and preclinical therapeutic research on Alzheimer's disease (AD)-like behavioral impairments and pathology. Acceptance or rejection of these models by the scientific community is playing a prominent role in how research findings are viewed and whether grants get funded and manuscripts published. The question of whether models are useful has become an exceptionally contentious issue. Much time and effort have gone into investigators debating comments such as “there are no mouse models of AD,” “…nice work but needs to be tested in another mouse model,” or “only data from humans is valid.” This leads to extensive written justifications for the choice of a model in grant applications, to the point of almost apologizing for the use of models. These debates also lead to initiatives to create new, better models of AD without consideration of what “better” may mean in this context. On the “other side,” an argument supporting the use of mouse models is one cannot dissect a biological mechanism in postmortem human tissue. In this chapter, we examine issues that we believe must be addressed if in vivo AD research is to progress. We opine that it is not the models that are the issue, but rather a lack of understanding the aspects of AD-like pathology the models were designed to mimic. The goal here is to improve the utilization of models to address critical issues, not to offer a critique of existing models or make endorsements.
Express Loans for Small Business: Supplementing the CARES Act

In this brief, propose to supplement the CARES Act by enhancing the SBA Express program of the Small Business Administration (SBA) My proposal is inspired by
Neural Machine Translation: A Review and Survey

The field of machine translation (MT), the automatic translation of written text from one natural language into another, has experienced a major paradigm shift in recent years. Statistical MT, which mainly relies on various count-based models and which used to dominate MT research for decades, has largely been superseded by neural machine translation (NMT), which tackles translation with a single neural network. In this work we will trace back the origins of modern NMT architectures to word and sentence embeddings and earlier examples of the encoder-decoder network family. We will conclude with a survey of recent trends in the field.
Motivation and Self-Regulated Learning in Computer Science: Lessons Learned From a Multiyear Program of Classroom Research

Contribution: This article presents a synthesis of the findings and implications from the IC2Think program of research in undergraduate computer science (CS) courses examining student motivation and self-regulated learning (SRL). These studies illuminate both the difficulty and potential for motivating CS students, as well as the uniqueness of CS as a context for studying undergraduate motivation. Background: Computing disciplines are increasingly important in preparing the future workforce. It is imperative that CS educators understand how to motivate students and enhance student outcomes. Synthesizing findings across multiple studies allows for the emergence of new insights into student motivation and SRL. Research Questions: Which aspects of students’ motivation and SRL are predictive of achievement and retention in CS and how can findings inform CS education? Methodology: The primary methodology is a comprehensive review of seven years of research on undergraduate CS education. Studies use a variety of analysis techniques, examine a range of constructs, and include multiple introductory and advanced CS courses. Studies of relationships between variables and change over time were conducted. Findings: The present synthesis of studies on motivation and SRL highlights the complex, counter-intuitive, and positive aspects of student motivation in CS.
Human rights and global citizenship in social studies standards in the United States.

There is a synergetic complementary relationship between human rights education (HRE) and global citizenship education (GCE). Historically, however, HRE began to develop earlier than GCE. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether and to what degree a human rights narrative in the social studies standards of individual US states facilitates the introduction of the concept of global citizenship, and whether social studies standards connect human rights and global citizenship, contextually or thematically. The analysis demonstrates that despite an increased visibility of both concepts, state standards still fall short of demonstrating a clear connection between human rights and global citizenship or utilising a human rights discourse and paradigm to advocate for a broader exposure and acceptance of global citizenship
Demographic Characteristics of Children Diagnosed with Bacterial Tracheitis

Objectives:Examine the presentation and clinical course of patients with bacterial tracheitis (BT). Identify if socioeconomic differences exist among children who present with BT.Methods:This was a...
Network and Proximity Effects on LGBTQ Youth’s Psychological Outcomes during a Camp Intervention

Research has found a tendency for youth's psychological states to influence their friendship development, and vice versa. Whether this occurs among LGBTQ youth in the context of identity-affirming intervention programming has not been established. The current study provides a longitudinal assessment of self-esteem, depressive symptoms, and anxiety in a network of 238 youth ages 12 to 18 participating in a summer camp for young LGBTQ people. Results showed youth experienced significant increases in self-esteem and decreases in depressive symptoms and anxiety at camp. Peer proximity based on cabin assignment influenced youth's depressive symptoms over time. The network processes of peer selection and influence did not significantly affect psychological outcomes. Our findings highlight the impact of affirming programming on the self-esteem, depressive symptoms, and anxiety of LGBTQ youth and the influence of intervention-based proximity on youth's depressive symptoms over time.
Impact of maternal trauma-related psychopathology and life stress on HPA axis stress response.

To understand and curb intergenerational transmission of stress-related disorder, it is important to identify how trauma-related psychopathology in mothers impacts their psychophysiological stress regulation, particularly in the context of parenting their infants. In this study we investigated associations between mothers’ trauma-related psychopathology and life stress and HPA axis response to a personally relevant stressor (infant separation stress) in a non-clinical sample followed longitudinally postpartum. A community sample of low-income mothers (n = 73) and their infants completed laboratory sessions at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months postnatal, and salivary cortisol samples collected before and after dyadic stress tasks at the latter three sessions. These tasks were used to assess HPA function. A three-level hierarchical linear model of repeated cortisol measures nested within sessions within mother-infant dyads did not reveal significant main effects of trauma-related psychopathology on maternal cortisol response, but there was evidence that both a clinical interviewer-rated diagnosis of PTSD and ongoing self-reported trauma symptoms blunted effects of life events on cortisol reactivity. Region of significance analyses indicated that current life stress predicted more pronounced cortisol reactivity only among mothers without trauma-related psychopathology; for those with trauma-related psychopathology, life stress did not relate to cortisol response. Effects held when controlling for childhood trauma and previous (prenatal) maternal distress symptoms, suggesting they did not reflect ongoing impacts of past trauma exposure and/or psychopathology. Blunting effects of trauma-related psychopathology on maternal life stress responsiveness may help clarify how stress sensitivities and mental health are transmitted from parent to child.
The Ball Bearing High Voltage Generator – A Demonstration Apparatus Illustrating Electrostatic Concepts at Multiple Levels

The Ball Bearing High Voltage generator is a fairly simple and transparent apparatus that can serve as a tool to motivate conceptual descriptions and calculations in electrostatics that are normally presented to our students in a rather dry and matter-of-fact fashion.