cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Agonist-specific alterations in receptor binding affinity associated with solubilization of turkey erythrocyte membrane beta adrenergic receptors.

The beta adrenengic receptor binding sites of turkey erythrocyte membranes, identified by (-)-[3H]dihydroalprenolol binding, were solubilized with digitonin. The binding sites in particulate and soluble preparations displayed appropriate characteristics of beta1 adrenergic specificity, stereospecificity, high affinity and saturability. The affinity of all agonists tested was significantly (2-50-fold) greater in the soluble than in the particulate preparations. The affinities of antagonists, however, were identical in the soluble and particulate preparations. Agonist-specific alterations in receptor binding affinity were also found to be mediated by assay temperature. Thus agonist but not antagonist affinities increased as the temperature was lowered from 37° to 4°. Possible molecular mechanisms responsible for the observed shifts are discussed.
Squamous cell cancer of the perianus and anus.

Methods of treatment of anal cancer have ranged from conservative local excision to abdominoperineal resection with simultaneous bilateral groin dissections. Recent reports from regional tumor registries have helped to resolve some of the controversy over reappropriateness of various modalities.
Using the Crowd to Improve Search Result Ranking and the Search Experience

Despite technological advances, algorithmic search systems still have difficulty with complex or subtle information needs. For example, scenarios requiring deep semantic interpretation are a challenge for computers. People, on the other hand, are well suited to solving such problems. As a result, there is an opportunity for humans and computers to collaborate during the course of a search in a way that takes advantage of the unique abilities of each. While search tools that rely on human intervention will never be able to respond as quickly as current search engines do, recent research suggests that there are scenarios where a search engine could take more time if it resulted in a much better experience. This article explores how crowdsourcing can be used at query time to augment key stages of the search pipeline. We first explore the use of crowdsourcing to improve search result ranking. When the crowd is used to replace or augment traditional retrieval components such as query expansion and relevance scoring, we find that we can increase robustness against failure for query expansion and improve overall precision for results filtering. However, the gains that we observe are limited and unlikely to make up for the extra cost and time that the crowd requires. We then explore ways to incorporate the crowd into the search process that more drastically alter the overall experience. We find that using crowd workers to support rich query understanding and result processing appears to be a more worthwhile way to make use of the crowd during search. Our results confirm that crowdsourcing can positively impact the search experience but suggest that significant changes to the search process may be required for crowdsourcing to fulfill its potential in search systems.
Severity of Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Affects Outcomes in Decompensated Cirrhotics with Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis.

Severity of Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Affects Outcomes in Decompensated Cirrhotics with Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis
The pirelli gassing tendency of transformer oils

Because of the changing supply situation for “transformer oils,” it is particularly important to understand the mechanisms by which these oils react. In particular, if the compositional dependences of these reactions can be established, oils from different crude oil sources or refining processes can be more readily assessed and used with confidence. Optimum compositions can be established, processing techniques leading to the optimum can be considered and improved techniques to continually assess the quality of the resulting oils can be developed.
Does the reciprocity principle imply the lifetimes of counterpropagating modes in whistle-geometry ring lasers should be equal?

A key feature of the whistle-geometry semiconductor ring lasers is the asymmetry between the counterpropagating modes, which might be misconstrued as a violation of the Helmholtz reciprocity principle and the time-reversal symmetry of Maxwell's equations. We confirm the unidirectionality of the proposed whistle-geometry configuration through rigorous three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain simulation.
Perioperative management of the chronically anticoagulated patient.

Common indications for chronic anticoagulation include mechanical prosthetic heart valve, non-rheumatic atrial fibrillation, and venous thromboembolism. Perioperative management of the chronically anticoagulated patient is a complex medical problem, and includes the following issues: urgency of surgery, risk of thromboembolism in the absence of anticoagulation, bleeding risk, consequences of bleeding, ability to control bleeding physically, and duration of bleeding risk after the procedure. Most patients can be managed safely by stopping oral anticoagulants 4–5 days before surgery and restarting anticoagulation after the procedure at the patient's usual daily dose. In general, dental procedures and cataract extraction can be performed without interrupting anticoagulation. Most other procedures can be safely performed with an INR≤1.4. For patients with double-wing prosthetic valves (e.g., St. Jude, Carbomedics) in the aortic position, uncomplicated atrial fibrillation, or a remote (>3 months) history of venous thromboembolism, oral anticoagulants can be stopped 4–5 days before surgery and restarted at the usual daily dose immediately after surgery. For other patients at higher risk of thrombosis, “bridging therapy” with outpatient low molecular weight heparin is safe and effective. For urgent procedures, a small dose of oral vitamin K usually will reduce the INR within 24–36 hours to a level sufficient for surgery and avoids exposure to transfused blood products.
TGE: Machine Learning Based Task Graph Embedding for Large-Scale Topology Mapping

Task mapping is an important problem in parallel and distributed computing. The goal in task mapping is to find an optimal layout of the processes of an application (or a task) onto a given network topology. We target this problem in the context of staging applications. A staging application consists of two or more parallel applications (also referred to as staging tasks) which run concurrently and exchange data over the course of computation. Task mapping becomes a more challenging problem in staging applications, because not only data is exchanged between the staging tasks, but also the processes of a staging task may exchange data with each other. We propose a novel method, called Task Graph Embedding (TGE), that harnesses the observable graph structures of parallel applications and network topologies. TGE employs a machine learning based algorithm to find the best representation of a graph, called an embedding, onto a space in which the task-to-processor mapping problem can be solved. We evaluate and demonstrate the effectiveness of TGE experimentally with the communication patterns extracted from runs of XGC, a large-scale fusion simulation code, on Titan.
Multiclass Traffic Assignment Problem with Flow-Dependent Passenger Car Equivalent Value of Trucks

This paper develops and analyzes a multiclass traffic assignment model considering the flow-dependent passenger car equivalent (PCE) value of trucks based on the latest Highway Capacity Manual (HCM, 6th edition) and explores the properties of the proposed model to provide guidance on related planning applications. HCM discrete values of truck PCEs are fitted by power functions for combinations of link grades and lengths, which have been found to produce high coefficients of determination (R2) in all cases. With the established fitting functions, the multiclass traffic assignment problem is formulated as a variational inequality problem and solved by an efficient method. The equilibrium link flow distribution is proved to exist but may not be unique. Numerical examples and discussions are presented to demonstrate the variance of the link flow distributions and the effect of such nonuniqueness on traffic planning applications. Several approaches are then provided to obtain the best range of solutions accord...
Optimum-wavelength forcing of a bluff body wake

Three-dimensional forcing of the wake of a circular cylinder was studied experimentally to determine the optimal spatial-forcing-wavelength for drag reduction. Dielectric-barrier-discharge plasma actuators were mounted on a cylinder in a square-wave pattern to create the three-dimensional forcing. Six spatial wavelengths (1d–6d) and two blowing ratios (Uj/U∞ = 0.2 and 0.6) were tested at a Reynolds number of 4700. For most spatial wavelengths and blowing ratios, the segmented plasma actuators produced streamwise vorticity that altered the wake development, formation length, and drag. A spatial wavelength of 4d emerged as the optimum wavelength for the high-blowing-ratio case. Forcing with this optimum wavelength significantly attenuated vortex shedding, leading to maximum drag reduction in the high-blowing-ratio case. This optimum wavelength of 4d exists because longer wavelengths reduce the spatial extent of induced velocity and shorter wavelengths inhibit the development of streamwise vorticity.
Visceral transplantation in patients with intestinal-failure associated liver disease: Evolving indications, graft selection, and outcomes

Intestinal failure (IF)-associated liver disease (IFALD) is widely recognized as a lethal complication of long-term parenteral nutrition. The pathophysiology of IFALD is poorly understood but appears to be multifactorial and related to the inflammatory state in the patient with IF. Visceral transplant for IFALD includes variants of intestine, liver, or combined liver-intestine allografts. Graft selection for an individual patient depends on the etiology of IF, abdominal and vascular anatomy, severity of IFALD, and potential for intestinal rehabilitation. The past decade has witnessed dramatic improvement in the management of IFALD, principally due to improved lipid emulsion formulations and the multidisciplinary care of the patient with IF. As the recognition and treatment of IFALD continue to improve, the requirement of liver-inclusive visceral grafts appears to be decreasing, representing a paradigm shift in the care of the patient with IF. This review highlights the current indications, graft selection, and outcomes of visceral transplantation for IFALD.
Simulation of thermal hydraulic performance of multiple parallel micropin arrays for concentrating solar thermal applications with supercritical carbon dioxide

Abstract Concentrated solar power (CSP) plants have the potential to provide 24 h, renewable electricity. Current CSP systems have high capital and operational costs which makes the levelized cost of electricity uncompetitive with conventional techniques. Recent experimental research has shown the potential of small unit cells (up to 2 × 2 cm) containing micropin arrays (DH 140 W cm−2) using supercritical carbon dioxide as the working fluid. Applying this technology to CSP systems would result in a smaller central receiver, which would reduce thermal losses, increase receiver efficiency and reduce the capital cost of the receiver component. This study investigates and addresses the practical thermal and hydraulic issues in numbering up these small unit cells into numerous parallel cells within an integrated module design. A thermal hydraulic network model is developed to quantify the distribution and the overall receiver efficiency of an integrated module. This model is used to specify maximum allowable unit cell size and header dimensions to maintain acceptable thermal performance and pressure loss. Once a module design was finalized, parametric studies were performed to study the effects of varying incident flux on flow distribution and thermal performance of the module. The results show that an integrated module design can be achieved with less than 5% flow maldistribution and a pressure drop acceptable to the remainder of the system.
Effects of Diet/Exercise and Pioglitazone on the Association between Fitness and Intramyocellular FFA Trafficking

Background: Intramyocellular (im) triglycerides (TG) are increased in athletes, but also insulin resistant (IR) adults. To elucidate this discrepancy, we studied FFA storage in imTG and im oleyl-carnitine (OC) concentrations in IR humans pre and post 2 methods of insulin sensitization (IS) in the context of fitness (VO2max). Methods: 39 adults (BMI 28-36 kg/m2) were given a diet/exercise program (DE; 11.7 ± 3.2 kg weight loss) or 30 mg/day pioglitazone (PI) for ∼19 weeks. Blood and muscle samples were taken before and after a 6 hour [U-13C]oleate infusion with either a euglycemic, hyperinsulinemic clamp (n=20) or saline infusion. Plasma oleate storage in imTG (nmol FFA/g muscle/hr) was calculated. Results: Quantative IS was similar in DE and PI groups. VO2max increased post DE (44 ± 1 to 46 ± 2 ml/kgFFM/min†), but not PI (45 ± 1 ml/kgFFM/min pre and post PI). At baseline, oleate storage in imTG during clamps correlated with VO2max (r=0.51*), but the δVO2max with treatment did not correlate with the δoleate storage in imTG. Following IS, VO2max correlated with imOC (r=0.46*); the latter was true for men (m) (r=0.89*), but not women (r=0.32), and for DE (m: r=0.97*) but not PI (m: r=0.70, p=0.18). δ VO2max correlated with δimOC (m: r=0.92*, f: r=0.57†), both post WL (r=0.91*) and PI (r=0.96*).Summary: In IR adults, IS influences the associations between fitness and markers of imFFA oxidation and storage in imTG during hyperinsulinemia. These relationships are more apparent in men and exaggerated post-IS. Conclusion: Fitness in men regulates imFFA trafficking towards storage and oxidation. *p Disclosure S. Shadid: None. M.D. Jensen: Other Relationship; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. Consultant; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S.
How Have Hospital Pricing Practices for Surgical Episodes of Care Responded to Affordable CareAct-Related Medicaid Expansion?

Abstract Objective To determine how Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA) has affected hospital pricing practices for surgical episodes of care. Methods Given that safety net hospitals would be more vulnerable to decreasing reimbursement due to an increase in proportion of Medicaid patients, we utilized the Premier Healthcare Database to compare institutional charge-to-cost ratio (CCR) in safety net hospitals vs nonsafety net hospitals for 8 index urologic surgery procedures during the period from 2012 to 2015. The effect of Medicaid expansion on CCR was assessed through difference-in-differences analysis. Results CCR among safety net hospitals increased from 4.06 to 4.30 following ACA-related Medicaid expansion. This did not significantly differ from the change among nonsafety net hospitals, which was from 4.00 to 4.38 (P = .086). The census division with the highest degree of Medicaid expansion experienced a smaller increase in CCR among safety net hospitals relative to nonsafety net (P Conclusion Safety net hospitals have not preferentially increased CCR in response to ACA-related Medicaid expansion. Census divisions where safety net hospitals did increase CCR more than their nonsafety net counterparts do not correspond to those where Medicaid expansion was most prevalent. This could indicate that, despite being more vulnerable to an increased proportion of more poorly reimbursing Medicaid patients, safety net hospitals have not reacted by increasing charges to private payers.
Emerging Genetic Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease.

The genetic basis of sickle cell disease (SCD) was elucidated >60 years ago, yet current therapy does not rely on this knowledge. Recent advances raise prospects for improved, and perhaps curative,...
Design and Implementation of Bluetooth Controlled Painting Robot for Auto Industry

This research paper presents a robotic arm based paint booth system for auto industry. Acrylic arm is used as robotic arm consisting of two different parts: the upper part that rotates at 180° and the lower part that rotates at 360°. Robotic arm minimizes waste and keeps the interior safe from paint drops as it follows targeted painting. Ultrasonic sensor is used for position allocation of the desired object which has to be painted, which improves spray paint efficiency and quality. The movement of the robot is controlled via Bluetooth using an Android App designed by the authors using MIT App Inventor. The prototype model of this robot presented in the paper was practically implemented and successfully run by the authors.
Nanocomposite Materials Properties of Aminophenylsilsesquioxanes

A series of aminophenylsilsesquioxanes were synthesized and cross-linked with a set of epoxy resins to form 3-D epoxy resins with completely defined interfaces. The objectives of this work were to make materials with very low coefficients of thermal expansions (CTEs) such that these materials could be used for flip-chip underfill in the manufacture of chips on printed circuit boards. Related polyimides were made as oxygen barrier materials. We were able to make epoxy resin hybrid composites with CTEs of ≈30 ppm/°C. Likewise with polyimides we were able to make composite resins with oxygen transmission rates of 3–5 ± 0.5 cc·20 μm/m2·day·atm in films that were only 0.5 mm thick.
Tri-band Reconfigurable Origami Helical Array

This paper presents a reconfigurable origami helical array that operates in three reconfigurable frequency bands centered at 2.07 GHz, 3 GHz and 4.45 GHz. Compared to previous work on origami QHA with foldable reflector, this helical array has a simplified feeding method with circular polarization (CP) achieved at all the 3 states (measured AR<1.5 dB) by serially connecting a smaller helix on top of each uniform monofilar element. Also, one common reflector is applied at the 3 states to simplify the reconfiguration process with a smaller aperture area for each single element. Moreover, compared to the performance of the single element, this 7-element helical array has an increased simulated gain of 4.7 dB at state 1 at 2.07 GHz. Measured realized gains of 9.7 dB, 13 dB and 14.7 dB are achieved respectively at 2.07 GHz, 3 GHz and 4.45 GHz at 3 reconfigurable states. Therefore, this design can be applied in various scenarios, such as satellite radio and WiMax.
The association between histological subtype of a first primary endometrial cancer and second cancer risk

Objective To evaluate the risk of a second primary cancer after endometrial cancer according to histological subtype. Methods Using data from the 13 National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registries we identified women diagnosed with a primary endometrial cancer between 1992 and 2014. We calculated standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for second primary cancer risk (all anatomical sites combined and for individual anatomical sites) among patients with endometrial cancer compared with the general population, in the overall study population and according to histological subtype. Results Among 96 256 women diagnosed with endometrial cancer, 8.4% (n=8083) developed a second primary cancer. The risk of second primary cancer was higher among patients with endometrial cancer than in the general population (SIR=1.05, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.07). We observed significantly higher second primary cancer risk among women with high grade endometrioid (SIR=1.12, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.19), serous (SIR=1.24, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.38), carcinosarcoma (SIR=1.18, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.35), mixed epithelial (SIR=1.22, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.40), and sarcoma (SIR=1.28, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.45) compared with the general population, but not for women with low grade endometrioid (SIR=1.01, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.03) or clear cell (SIR=1.09, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.33) endometrial cancer. Women with low grade endometrioid endometrial cancer had significantly lower second primary cancer risks in the gum and other mouth (SIR=0.57, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.97), lung and bronchus (SIR=0.72, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.77), and lymphocytic leukemia (SIR=0.71, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.93) while women with high risk endometrial cancer histological subtypes experienced significantly higher second primary cancer risk at several anatomical sites. Conclusions Risk of developing second primary cancersat all anatomic sites combined and at individual anatomical sites varied according to histological subtype. Clinicians should be aware that women with different histological subtypes carry different second primary cancer risks .
Co-occurring invasive plant interactions do not predict the impacts of invasion in experimental tallgrass prairie communities

Co-occurring invasive plants are an understudied yet common phenomenon, and likely to become even more frequent with climate change-driven range shifts. Invasive–invasive interactions can be competitive, neutral, or facilitative; symmetric or asymmetric; and their impact on natives can be additive or non-additive. Non-additive impacts, wherein co-occurring invasives either reduce or enhance one another’s effects, have heightened implications for invasive management and native restoration. We investigated interactions among three invasive species—the legume Lotus corniculatus, the forb Cirsium arvense, and the grass Phalaris arundinacea—that co-occur in North American prairie grassland, and impacts on native prairie communities. Employing greenhouse microcosms, we observed invasive–invasive interactions by growing invasive species alone, in pairs, and in three-way combination. To assess impacts of co-occurring invasives, native prairie communities were grown with each single invader, all pairs of invaders, or all three invaders together. For insight into mechanisms of species interactions, measurements of above- and below-ground resources were made. We predicted that the invasive legume would facilitate the other invasive species via nitrogen enrichment, promoting non-additive impacts on native communities. We observed that the legume promoted yields of the other invasive species and was associated with higher soil ammonium content. However, we also observed strongly asymmetric competition between co-occurring invasive species. Impacts of invaders on functionally diverse native communities were similar among invasion treatments and less than expected based on invasive impacts in monoculture. These results warrant future tests of functional group identity and diversity as predictors of co-occurring invasive species interactions and impacts.
Straining the System: Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Preparedness for Concomitant Disasters.

Just a few weeks before the first confirmed case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was reported in the United States, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a bold promise to the nation: the agency will use its scientific expertise to bring a new level of preparedness in the United States and global health security against current and growing threats, finally eliminate certain diseases, and bring an end to the devastation of epidemics (1) The current outbreak of COVID-19 reminds us how urgent this promise is and just how critical it is to continue to sustain and strengthen our nation's public health infrastructure The unprecedented pace of the public health response to COVID-19 has only been possible because of prior investments in public health preparedness To accelerate our pace and meet the challenges of current and future health threats, we must advance our world-class data and analytics capabilities;maintain and expand our state-of-the-art public health laboratory capacity;continue building a workforce of trusted, expert, public health professionals;sustain our capacity to rapidly respond to outbreaks at their source;and assure a strong global and domestic preparedness capacity (Am J Public Health Published online ahead of print February 13, 2020: e1-e2 doi:10 2105/AJPH 2020 305618)
Inbreeding shapes the evolution of marine invertebrates

Inbreeding is a potent evolutionary force shaping the distribution of genetic variation within and among populations of plants and animals. Yet, our understanding of the forces shaping the expression and evolution of nonrandom mating in general, and inbreeding in particular, remains remarkably incomplete. Most research on plant mating systems focuses on self-fertilization and its consequences for automatic selection, inbreeding depression, purging, and reproductive assurance, whereas studies of animal mating systems have often assumed that inbreeding is rare, and that natural selection favors traits that promote outbreeding. Given that many sessile and sedentary marine invertebrates and marine macroalgae share key life history features with seed plants (e.g., low mobility, modular construction, and the release of gametes into the environment), their mating systems may be similar. Here, we show that published estimates of inbreeding coefficients (FIS ) for sessile and sedentary marine organisms are similar and at least as high as noted in terrestrial seed plants. We also found that variation in FIS within invertebrates is related to the potential to self-fertilize, disperse, and choose mates. The similarity of FIS for these organismal groups suggests that inbreeding could play a larger role in the evolution of sessile and sedentary marine organisms than is currently recognized. Specifically, associations between traits of marine invertebrates and FIS suggest that inbreeding could drive evolutionary transitions between hermaphroditism and separate sexes, direct development and multiphasic life cycles, and external and internal fertilization.
A model of COVID-19 transmission and control on university campuses

Abstract In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, institutions of higher education in almost every nation closed in the first half of 2020. University administrators are now facing decisions about how to safely return students, staff and faculty to campus. To provide a framework to evaluate various strategies, we developed a susceptible-exposed-infectious-recovered (SEIR) type of deterministic compartmental transmission model of SARS-CoV-2 among students, staff and faculty. Our goals were to support the immediate pandemic planning at our own university, and to provide a flexible modeling framework to inform the planning efforts at similar academic institutions. We parameterized the model for our institution, Emory University, a medium-size private university in Atlanta, Georgia. Control strategies of isolation and quarantine are initiated by screening (regardless of symptoms) or testing (of symptomatic individuals). We explore a range of screening and testing frequencies and perform a probabilistic sensitivity analysis of input parameters. We find that monthly and weekly screening can reduce cumulative incidence by 42% and 80% in students, respectively, while testing with a 2-, 4- and 7-day delay results in an 88%, 79% and 67% reduction in cumulative incidence in students over the semester, respectively. Similar reductions are observed among staff and faculty. A testing strategy requires far fewer diagnostic assays to be implemented than a screening assay. Our intervention model is conservative in that we assume a fairly high reproductive number that is not reduced through social distancing measures. We find that community-introduction of SARS-CoV-2 infection onto campus can be controlled with effective testing, isolation, contract tracing and quarantine, but that cases, hospitalization, and (in some scenarios) deaths may still occur. In addition to estimating health impacts, this model can help to predict the resource requirements in terms of diagnostic capacity and isolation/quarantine facilities associated with different strategies.
Performance Monitoring, Assessment and Modification of an Adaptive MPC: Automated Insulin Delivery in Diabetes.

In this work, a controller performance monitoring, assessment, and modification (CPMAM) system is developed to analyze the closed-loop behavior and modify the parameters of a model predictive control (MPC) system. To this end, various performance indices are defined to quantitatively evaluate the controller efficacy in real-time. The CPMAM module also incorporates online learning from historical operational data to anticipate impending disturbances and proactively counteract their effects. The MPC is used in automated insulin delivery systems for people with Type 1 diabetes, called artificial pancreas systems.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukemia With Myelodysplasia-Related Changes (AML-MRC).

Objectives Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC) represents a high-risk and somewhat diverse subtype of AML, and substantial confusion exists about the pathologic evaluation needed for diagnosis, which can include the patient's clinical history, cytogenetic analysis, mutational analysis, and/or morphologic evaluation. Treatment decisions based on incomplete or untimely pathology reports may result in the suboptimal treatment of patients with AML-MRC. Methods Using a PubMed search, diagnosis of and treatment options for AML-MRC were investigated. Results This article reviews the current diagnostic criteria for AML-MRC, provides guidance on assessments necessary for an AML-MRC diagnosis, summarizes clinical and prognostic features of AML-MRC, and discusses potential therapies for patients with AML-MRC. In addition to conventional chemotherapy, treatment options include CPX-351, a liposomal encapsulation of daunorubicin/cytarabine approved for treatment of adults with AML-MRC; targeted agents for patients with certain mutations/disease characteristics; and lower-intensity therapies for less fit patients. Conclusions Given the evolving and complex treatment landscape and the high-risk nature of the AML-MRC population, a clear understanding of the pathology information necessary for AML-MRC diagnosis has become increasingly important to help guide treatment decisions and thereby improve patient outcomes.
Build-a- Group: Structural Considerations with Regard to Roles, Phases and Leader Intervention

Gerald Schamess’ writings have provided clinicians with a clear blueprint for structuring groups according to the developmental needs of each group. In this article, I highlight some of his ideas o...
Controlling the Relative Fluxes of Protons and Oxygen to Electrocatalytic Buried Interfaces with Tunable Silicon Oxide Overlayers

Modifying an electrocatalyst surface by encapsulating it with a nanoscale oxide membrane is an attractive approach for improving its activity, stability, and selectivity. However, little is known a...
Microsphere Photolithography Patterned Nanohole Array on an Optical Fiber

Microsphere Photolithography (MPL) is a nanopatterning technique that utilizes a self-assembled monolayer of microspheres as an optical element to focus incident radiation inside a layer of photoresist. The microspheres produces a sub-diffraction limited photonic-jet on the opposite side of each microsphere from the illumination. When combined with pattern transfer techniques such as etching/lift-off, MPL provides a versatile, low-cost fabrication method for producing hexagonal close-packed metasurfaces. This article investigates the MPL process for creating refractive index (RI) sensors on the cleaved tips of optical fiber. The resonant wavelength of metal elements on the surface is dependent on the local dielectric environment and allows the refractive index of an analyte to be resolved spectrally. A numerical study of hole arrays defined in metal films shows that the waveguide mode provides good sensitivity to the analyte refractive index. This can be readily tuned by adjusting the MPL exposure and the simulation results guide the fabrication of a defect tolerant refractive index sensor on the tip of a fiber tip with a sensitivity of 613 nm/RIU. The conformal nature of the microsphere monolayer simplifies the fabrication process and provides a viable alternative to direct-write techniques such as Focused Ion Beam (FIB) milling.
Health behavior changes associated with weight gain among first-year international students studying at an American university.

To characterize the health behaviors and outcomes of first-year international students (FYIS) studying in the U.S. Participants and methods: Three different cohorts of FYIS from a large midwestern ...
Draft Genome Sequences of Four Aerobic Isobutane-Metabolizing Bacteria.

ABSTRACT Here, we report the draft genome sequences of four aerobic gaseous alkane-oxidizing bacteria isolated from soil by enrichment culture using isobutane (2-methylpropane) as the sole carbon and energy source. The sequences all reveal microorganisms with multiple alkane-oxidizing monooxygenases, including soluble di-iron monooxygenases (SDIMOs), copper-containing monooxygenases (CuMMOs), and alkane hydroxylases (AHs).
A numerical framework for simulating episodic emissions of high-temperature marine INPs

Abstract. We present a framework for estimating concentrations of episodically elevated high-temperature marine ice nucleating particles (INPs) in the sea surface microlayer and their subsequent emission into the atmospheric boundary layer. These episodic INPs have been observed in multiple ship-based and coastal field campaigns, but the processes controlling their ocean concentrations and transfer to the atmosphere are not yet fully understood. We use a combination of empirical constraints and simulation outputs from an Earth System Model to explore different hypotheses for explaining the variability of INP concentrations, and the occurrence of episodic INPs, in the marine atmosphere. In our calculations, we examine two proposed oceanic sources of high-temperature INPs: heterotrophic bacteria and marine biopolymer aggregates (MBPAs). Furthermore, we assume that the emission of these INPs is determined by the production of supermicron sea spray aerosol formed from jet drops, with an entrainment probability that is described by Poisson statistics. The concentration of jet drops is derived from the number concentration of supermicron sea spray aerosol calculated from model runs. We then derive the resulting number concentrations of marine high-temperature INPs (≥ 253 K) in the atmospheric boundary layer and compare their variability to atmospheric observations of INP variability. Specifically, we compare against concentrations of episodically occurring high-temperature INPs observed during field campaigns in the Southern Ocean, the Equatorial Pacific, and the North Atlantic. We find that heterotrophic bacteria and MBPAs acting as INPs provide only a partial explanation for the observed high INP concentrations. We note, however, that there are still substantial knowledge gaps, particularly concerning the identity of the oceanic INPs contributing most frequently to episodic high-temperature INPs, their specific ice nucleation activity, and the enrichment of their concentrations during the sea-air transfer process. Therefore, targeted measurements investigating the composition of these marine INPs as well as drivers for their emission are needed, ideally in combination with modeling studies focused on the potential cloud impacts of these high-temperature INPs.
CT of small bowel obstruction secondary to a cocaine-filled condom

Drug smuggling is prevalent in our society. It is now frequently seen in the emergency room as an acute life-threatening emergency. The following case describes one such patient with an emphasis on the CT findings in these cases.
Epidemiology of Soy and Cancer: Perspectives and Directions

Previous epidemiologic studies of the effects of soy protein on cancer risk have been limited by small variations in soy intake, inability to separate soy from other dietary variables and difficulties inherent in relating dietary intake to the development of cancer several decades later. As a result, although existing data suggest that soy protein may be protective for cancer risk, results are overall inconclusive. There is also evidence that soy products may affect risk factors for cancer, such as endogenous hormone levels. Preliminary data from our group indicate that young Adventist women who are vegetarians with high soy intake and a lower risk of breast cancer may have higher levels of an adrenal androgen, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. Other groups have noted that soy protein may be associated with alterations in the regulation and binding of ovarian hormones. Additional studies examining effects of soy protein on risk factors for cancer would help, not only in delineating mechanisms of cancer development, but also in designing dietary programs aimed at cancer prevention
Acute experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis: Differences between T cell subsets in the blood and meningeal infiltrates in susceptible and resistant strains of guinea pigs

Abstract The percentages of early (active, high affinity-rosetting), late (total) T cells and TG cells (suppressor T cells) were determined longitudinally in the blood and meningeal infiltrating cells of Strain 13 (susceptible) and Strain 2 (resistant) animals inoculated for acute EAE and in guinea pigs of both strains in which the disease was suppressed with myelin basic protein (MBP) in incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA). Reactivity of T cells to MBP and oligodendrocyte protein was tested using the antigen-reactive T cell test. After inoculation for acute EAE, a transient increase in circulating early T cells was found during the latent period in Strain 13 guinea pigs only, while both strains showed a decrease in early T cells later on. Low values of circulating TG cells were more apparent in Strain 13 than Strain 2. In infiltrating cells of the meninges, early T cell values were significantly higher in the meninges than in the blood (P
Abdominal myosteatosis is independently associated with hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance among older men without diabetes

Objective Skeletal muscle adipose tissue (AT) infiltration (myosteatosis) increases with aging and may contribute to the development of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It remains unclear if myosteatosis is associated to glucose and insulin homeostasis independent of total and central adiposity. Design and Methods The association between intermuscular AT (IMAT) in the abdominal skeletal muscles (total, paraspinal, and psoas) and fasting serum glucose, insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in 393 nondiabetic Caucasian men aged 65+ was evaluated. Abdominal IMAT, visceral AT (VAT), and subcutaneous AT (SAT) (cm3) were measured by quantitative computed tomography at the L4-L5 intervertebral space. Results In age, study site, height, and muscle volume adjusted regression analyses, total abdominal and psoas (but not paraspinal) IMAT were positively associated with glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR (all P < 0.003). The associations between total abdominal and psoas IMAT and insulin and HOMA-IR remained significant after further adjusting for lifestyle factors, as well as duel-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measured total body fat, VAT, or SAT in separate models (all P < 0.009). Conclusions A previously unreported, independent association between abdominal myosteatosis and hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance among older Caucasian men was indicated. These associations may be specific for particular abdominal muscle depots, illustrating the potential importance of separately studying specific muscle groups.
Image reconstruction from one-bit Fourier phase: Theory, sampling, and coherent image model

In this paper, we tackle the problem of recovering an image from its Fourier transform phase quantized to 1 bit, or, equivalently, from the zero crossings of the real part of the Fourier transform. We first present new theoretical results that set an algebraic condition under which real zero crossings uniquely specify a band-limited image. We then show, however, through a large-scale set of experiments, that sampling in the frequency domain presents a major obstacle to good reconstruction resuits due to the information loss produced by the approximated knowledge of the zero crossing locations. We finally show that, by using a "coherent" image model in which the image is complex and the spatial-domain phase is random and highly uncorrelated, we can significantly reduce the effect of this information loss and improve the quality of image reconstruction.
The Federal Reserve's Supporting Role Behind Dodd-Frank's Clearinghouse Reforms

This Article analyzes the Federal Reserve’s expanded role in payment, clearing, and settlement systems, particularly in connection with certain clearinghouses that have been designated by the newly created Financial Stability Oversight Council as “systemically significant.” The Federal Reserve’s expanded role is a little understood, but critical supporting component of domestic and international regulatory reforms to the $639 trillion over-the-counter (OTC) derivative markets. These reforms mandate the increased use of clearinghouses in OTC derivative markets. Due to critical reforms in Title VIII of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, the Federal Reserve is now positioned to ensure the stability of designated clearinghouses. Importantly, systemically significant clearinghouses are the quintessential “too big to fail” financial institutions.
Toward Obstacle Avoidance in Intermittent Dynamical Environments

In this paper we discuss a robotic task requiring dynamical safety in the face of an intermittent environment. We define and offer examples of this notion. We then construct a dynamically safe composite controller from dynamically safe constituents, and present empirical evidence of its effectiveness.
Sign incidence matrix and generation of basis siphons and traps of Petri nets

The authors introduce a new matrix called the sign incidence matrix for Petri nets. Using this sign incidence matrix, they present a simple algorithm for generating all basis siphons and traps without first generating all siphons or traps. Any siphon (trap) can be expressed as a union of basis siphons (basis traps). The concept of siphons and traps plays an important role in the analysis of Petri nets. In particular, criteria for liveness and reachability of some subclasses of Petri nets can be stated in terms of siphons and traps. >
Academic Libraries and Outreach Services through Precollege Programs: A Proactive Collaboration.

In this time of severe national budget deficit, all programs are reviewed for trimming/downsizing and effectiveness. Just as educational systems are evaluated for trimming, so are school and academic library services. This article will address why it is crucial to have close linkages between school and academic libraries through articulation programs to avoid duplication and waste of human resources, and explain how articulation can be initiated through precollege programs offered by colleges and universities. It will focus on why academic libraries participate in precollege access programs, highlight how collaboration between school and academic libraries helps the “town and gown” community relationship, and point out how precollege programs help minority students and university recruitment and retention efforts. As an example, it will describe the outreach program of the College Library at the University of Wisconsin‐Madi‐son. The article concludes by discussing the future goals of strengthening and broadening the participation of academic libraries in precollege access programs.
The Bayesian estimation of common parameters from several responses

1. SUMMARY Suppose that n multivariate observations are available with the uth such observation
Aggregating with reason(s)

Judgment aggregation is naturally applied to the modeling of collective attitudes. In the individual case, we represent agents as having not just beliefs, but also as supporting them with reasons. Can the Judgment Aggregation help model a concept of collective reason? I argue that the resources of the standard judgment aggregation framework are insufficiently general. I develop a generalization of the framework that improves along this dimension. In the new framework, new aggregation rules become available, as well as a natural account of collective reasons.
Prefiltering Strategies for Metal Oxide Based Sensors: The Use of Chemical Displacers to Selectively Dislodge Adsorbed Organophosphonates from Silica Surfaces

Infrared spectroscopy is used to monitor the competitive adsorption/desorption behavior of the nerve gas simulants, dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), trimethyl phosphate (TMP), methyl dichlorophosphate (MDCP), and trichlorophosphate (TCP) on silica. All four compounds molecularly adsorb via hydrogen bonds (H-bonds) with the surface hydroxyl groups. The adsorption strength depends on two factors: the specific functional group H-bonded to the surface hydroxyl groups and the number of such bonds per molecule. It is shown that the phosphonates are molecularly displaced from the silica surface by chemical displacers. By judiciously selecting chemical displacers as dictated by the two factors, (i.e., type and number of functional groups H-bonded to the surface silanols) it is possible to selectively and sequentially dislodge each of the four phosphonate compounds adsorbed on silica. Specifically, it is shown that the relative adsorption strength of the phosphonate compounds and the chemical displacers (labele...
Modeling conducted emissions in servo drives

This paper presents a modeling approach to simulate conducted emissions in PWM inverter driven PMSM servo drives to help designers to get a deeper understanding of interaction of common-mode noise sources and various circuit elements in a servo drive system. Conducted emissions at the ac mains input are caused by coupling and leakage of high frequency common-mode currents through complex return paths in the system. Common-mode currents are caused by switching of PWM signals at high slew rates that charge and discharge various parasitic elements in a drive system such as motor cable capacitance, motor and other common-mode elements inside the drive hardware. Identifying dominant frequencies above the allowed limits per IEC61800-3 or CISPR 11 for Industrial equipment before a product is fully designed through simulation will help to reduce costly re-spins and identify mitigation techniques upfront. This paper describes how common-mode circuit elements are modeled in frequency domain through measurements and presents a simulation model for the commonmode circuit and concludes with validation of simulation results with experimental results obtained in an actual servo drive system.
Properties of recombinant adenosine receptors

Four subtypes of adenosine receptors have been cloned in several laboratories. The receptors all interact with G proteins and span the plasma membrane 7 times. They range in size from 319 to 412 amino acids. Conservation of structure among 10 different receptor clones for various species suggests that ligand recognition sites involve amino acids in the 2, 3, and 7 transmembrane segments of receptors. Species differences in ligand binding to A1 receptors in tissues are very similar; for bovine receptors the affinity is R-PIA ≫ NECA, for canine receptors NECA ≥ R-PIA. Purified bovine A1 receptors functionally couple to the pertussis toxin sensitive recombinant G proteins, Gi1, Gi2, Gi3, and Go. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.