cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Technical note: Delaunay Hodge star

We define signed dual volumes at all dimensions for circumcentric dual meshes. We show that for pairwise Delaunay triangulations with mild boundary assumptions these signed dual volumes are positive. This allows the use of such Delaunay meshes for Discrete Exterior Calculus (DEC) because the discrete Hodge star operator can now be correctly defined for such meshes. This operator is crucial for DEC and is a diagonal matrix with the ratio of primal and dual volumes along the diagonal. A correct definition requires that all entries be positive. DEC is a framework for numerically solving differential equations on meshes and for geometry processing tasks and has had considerable impact in computer graphics and scientific computing. Our result allows the use of DEC with a much larger class of meshes than was previously considered possible.
Periodic Clustering of Red-shifts in the Spectra of Quasi-stellar and other Unusual Objects

Analysis of 178 z-values yields a strongly periodic system containing, among others, the period 1/6 and 1/16.
MR detection of retinal hemorrhages: correlation with graded ophthalmologic exam.

Background Dilated fundoscopic exam is considered the gold standard for detecting retinal hemorrhage, but expertise in obtaining this exam is not always immediately available. MRI can detect retinal hemorrhages, but correlation of the grade or severity of retinal hemorrhage on dilated fundoscopic exam with retinal hemorrhage visibility on MRI has not been described.
A DRIFTS study of the formation of surface groups on carbon by oxidation

Abstract Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRIFTS) was used to monitor the in situ oxidation of carbons after a heat treatment at 1230K under flowing Ar or H2 to remove sulfur impurities and provide oxygen-free carbon surfaces. After heating in Ar, a carbon black progressively oxidized at 623K using an O 2 Ar mixture yielded spectra very similar to that obtained from a carbon black oxidized in boiling HNO3. Oxidation by O2 gave evidence for initial formation of cyclic ethers which, upon further oxidation, underwent rearrangement to form ether-like structures cross-linking polyaromatic domains. More complete oxidation by either O2 or HNO3 produced bands assigned to cyclic anhydrides, lactones, ethers, and phenols; but no bands for carboxylic acids were observed, presumably because of the absence of water vapor under our conditions. Gasification by O2 of the HNO3-treated carbon enhanced the initial bands, and also produced quinone-like structures. Surprisingly, after a heat treatment at 1230K in H2, this carbon black provided no discernible spectroscopic features after oxidation by O2, even though it was gasified. Oxidation by O2 of an activated Saran carbon gave results similar to those for the Ar-treated carbon black, except that essentially no absorbance was observed in the carbonyl region.
A Potential Link from Damage Diagnostics to Health Prognostics of Composites through Built-in Sensors

This paper explores the potential of integration of damage diagnostics based on built-in sensors with a progressive failure modeling for monitoring and prediction of composite structures, from damage initiation to final failure while they are in service. A piezobased structural health monitoring system was utilized to monitor the damage initiation based on acoustic signals and to detect its growth based on ultrasonic waves generated by the piezoelectric sensors. Utilizing a damage index and an imaging algorithm, damage initiation and damage extent were estimated, respectively. A finite element code (ABAQUS ) based on a progressive failure analysis was adopted to simulate damage initiation and propagation in composites under a given loading condition. The numerical data and the diagnostic images were compared to x-ray pictures of a test coupon to verify the results. The results of the study strongly indicate that damage diagnostics and health prognostics could potentially be integrated to produce a powerful tool for managing the operation of composite structures in service.
GHB use among gay and bisexual men

The recreational use of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) has been relatively understudied, despite its popularity in gay communities. We examined the use of GHB in a sample of 450 club drug using gay and bisexual men. Of these, 29% indicated use of the substance in the recent past. GHB users were similar to those in the sample who reported no use along key demographic factors, although GHB users were more likely to identify as gay than bisexual and were slightly older. Poly-drug use was common, with close to half of GHB users combining with methamphetamine, MDMA, or ketamine; approximately one quarter also used GHB with alcohol. Participants reported that GHB was often used at nightclubs, circuit parties, sex parties, and sex clubs, with HIV-positive men more likely to use the substance in sexual contexts. Use of GHB is common among a certain subset of gay men despite warnings within the community about the potentially fatal effects of the substance, suggesting that more effort be given to educate drug using gay men about GHB.
Selective excitations in surface enhance Raman scattering

Summary form only given. Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a technique whereby the molecule under investigation is adsorbed on a metallic structure, typically made of silver. Raman signals are amplified through an interaction between the pump light and the surface plasmons propagating in the metal. Gratings are better suited to couple light into the surface plasmon modes owing to momentum conservation conditions. Opalline structures are made of a dosed pack, fcc arrangement of silica spheres with a precise control over the pitch and hence the gratings' depth. Coupling into surface plasmon modes of these two-dimensional structures should therefore, show a significant enhancement to specific vibrational lines.
Leaf disc transformation

Leaf disc transformation of tobacco is the paradigm for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of plant tissues and subsequent selection and regeneration of transgenic plants. This system permits efficient gene transfer, selection and regeneration to be coupled together in a simple process. Tobacco is an excellent host for A. tumefaciens, and also responds exceedingly well in culture. While the technique is most easily practiced with tobacco, it has been applied to a number of other species (Table 1). This example will be described for tobacco, using a vector that confers kanamycin resistance, pMON200 [5].
Treatment of Sickle Cell Anemia Mouse Model with iPS Cells Generated from Autologous Skin

It has recently been demonstrated that mouse and human fibroblasts can be reprogrammed into an embryonic stem cell-like state by introducing combinations of four transcription factors. However, the therapeutic potential of such induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells remained undefined. By using a humanized sickle cell anemia mouse model, we show that mice can be rescued after transplantation with hematopoietic progenitors obtained in vitro from autologous iPS cells. This was achieved after correction of the human sickle hemoglobin allele by gene-specific targeting. Our results provide proof of principle for using transcription factor-induced reprogramming combined with gene and cell therapy for disease treatment in mice. The problems associated with using retroviruses and oncogenes for reprogramming need to be resolved before iPS cells can be considered for human therapy.
The urinary phosphate excretion factor of parathyroid gland extracts; a hormone or an artefact.

TWO hypotheses have been advanced in explanation of the parathyroid hormone control over the level of ionized calcium in the tissue fluids. One is that the hormone induces a release of calcium by a direct stimulating action on the bones (Thomson and Collip, 1932); chemical changes, as reflected by the varying concentrations of calcium and of phosphorus in the serum and in the urine, are considered secondary manifestations. According to the other hypothesis, the hormone acts primarily on the electrolyte equilibria of the body fluids in such a manner as to increase their solvent power for bone salts; bone dissolution follows as a secondary phenomenon (Albright et al., 1929; Albright and Reifenstein, 1948). In brief, the sequence of events is supposedly: (1) the hormone acts on tissue fluid phosphate rendering it more readily excretable by the kidney; (2) serum phosphate is thereby decreased resulting in tissue fluid undersaturation with respect to some equilibrium constant regulating serum calcium and phosp...
Environmental isolation of Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii from Eucalyptus tereticornis

As an extension of the previously established association between Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii and Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River red gum) we have now found a similar relationship between C. neoformans var. gattii and the closely related Eucalyptus tereticornis (Forest red gum). The global distribution of E. tereticornis is similar to that of E. camaldulensis.
N-terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide, Left Ventricular Mass, and Incident Heart Failure

Background—Elevated N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is associated with clinically overt heart failure (HF). However, whether it provides additive prognostic information for incident HF beyond traditional risk factors and left ventricular (LV) mass index among multi-ethnic asymptomatic individuals has not yet been determined. We studied the associations of plasma NT-proBNP and magnetic resonance imaging defined LV mass index with incident HF in an asymptomatic multi-ethnic population. Methods and Results—A total of 5597 multi-ethnic participants without clinically apparent cardiovascular disease underwent baseline measurement of NT-proBNP and were followed for 5.5±1.1 years. Among them, 4163 also underwent baseline cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. During follow-up, 111 participants experienced incident HF. Higher NT-proBNP was significantly associated with incident HF, independent of baseline age, sex, ethnicity, systolic blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, smoking, estimated glomer...
Stress Management and Relaxation Techniques use among underserved inpatients in an inner city hospital.

Summary Objective Little is known about the use of Stress Management and Relaxation Techniques (SMART) in racially diverse inpatients. We hope to identify socioeconomic status (SES) factors, health behavior factors, and clinical factors associated with the use of SMART. Design and main outcome measures We conducted a secondary analysis of baseline data from 623 hospitalized patients enrolled in the Re-Engineered Discharge (RED) clinical trial. We assessed socio-demographic characteristics and use of SMART. We used bivariate and multivariate logistic regression to test the association of SMART with socio-demographic characteristics, health behaviors, and clinical factors. Results A total of 26.6% of participants reported using SMART and 23.6% used mind body techniques. Thirty six percent of work disabled patients, 39% of illicit drug users, and 38% of participants with depressive symptoms used SMART. Patients who both reported illicit drug use and screened positive for depression had significantly increased odds of using SMART [OR = 4.94, 95% CI (1.59, 15.13)]. Compared to non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks [0.55 (0.34–0.87)] and Hispanic/other race individuals [0.40 (0.20–0.76)] were less likely to use SMART. Conclusions We found greater utilization of SMART among all racial groups compared to previous national studies. In the inner city inpatient setting, patients with depression, illicit drug use, and work disability reported higher rates of using SMART.
The role of laparoscopy in the management of malrotation.

Background Malrotation is currently treated via the Ladd's procedure. Many surgeons feel this operation should be performed using the open approach to facilitate adhesion development, thus decreasing the risk for volvulus. However, little comparative data exist on the relative merits of laparoscopy for this operation. Therefore, we have analyzed our experience with the open and laparoscopic Ladd's procedure. Methods A retrospective analysis of our most recent 13-y experience with the Ladd's procedure was performed. Demographics, approach, diagnosis, hospital course, and outcomes were measured. Data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Comparative analysis was performed using a t -test. Results A total of 284 Ladd's procedures were performed during this time, of which 43 were approached laparoscopically. Conversion rate was 33%, usually due to concern for volvulus/orientation. Volvulus after Ladd's procedure occurred in six patients, all of whom underwent an open approach (2.4%). Recovery data excluding patients who underwent bowel resection are displayed in Table 1 . Conclusions A laparoscopic Ladd's procedure should be the initial approach in patients with malrotation in the absence of volvulus. We encourage a low threshold for conversion to an open approach if there is any concern about volvulus/orientation. This may decrease morbidity for patients who are found at operation to have a low risk of recurrent volvulus.
Prospective randomised trial of metronidazole versus vancomycin for clostridium-difficile-associated diarrhoea and colitis

Abstract 101 patients with Clostridium-difficile -associated diarrhoea or colitis were prospectively randomised to 10-day oral courses of metronidazole, 250 mg four times a day, or vancomycin, 500 mg four times a day. 7 did not complete the protocol and were dropped from analysis. Pseudomembranous colitis (PMC) was diagnosed after endoscopy in 33 patients. Of the remaining patients without PMC, 38 had both C difficile culture and cytotoxin and 23 had only culture evidence of C difficile. 52 evaluable patients received vancomycin and 42 received metronidazole. There were two treatment failures with metronidazole and none with vancomycin (p = 0·20); and two relapses with metronidazole versus six with vancomycin (p = 0·17). Treatment in 1 patient in each group was discontinued because of drug intolerance. Response and relapse rates of the 33 patients with PMC were no different from those of the remaining patients. Pharmacy cost for the dosage used was $387.48 to $520.00 for vancomycin and $11.84 for metronidazole. Metronidazole and vancomycin have equivalent efficacy and relapse rates and are tolerated to a similar extent by patients with C-difficile -related diarrhoea and colitis, but metronidazole is considerably more economical.
Corporate Boards and Corporate Democracy

This paper argues that the US corporate scandals symbolised by Enron represent a challenge to corporate governance not adequately addressed by reforms of 2002 including the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act and proposed rule changes by the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) and NYSE (New York Stock Exchange). These changes reflect a minimalist approach to corporate governance and its regulation. The intent is to provide the minimal amount of regulation of governance in order to keep investors committed to stock markets. Effective reform in corporate governance means making corporate boards more representative and democratic. This position draws on the work of legal scholars arguing for more diversity on US corporate boards and builds on the presumed advantages of diversity for better decision-making and strategy formulation. Among the proposals made are that there should be at least two candidates for each board seat, nominations should come from shareholders, the board and employees, and that a majority is required for election to the board. Board elections must also be ratified by a majority of employees of the firm. This is designed to provide a middle ground between the German concept of co-determination and the US approach of self-perpetuating oligarchic boards. There are many legal, ideological and political barriers to these forms but if representative governance and democracy are truly valued, they should be applied to an institution that has huge impact on the lives of individuals and communities in the contemporary world. ● Board of
Cytosolic Phosphorylation of Calnexin Controls Intracellular Ca2+ Oscillations via an Interaction with Serca2b

Calreticulin (CRT) and calnexin (CLNX) are lectin chaperones that participate in protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). CRT is a soluble ER lumenal protein, whereas CLNX is a transmembrane protein with a cytosolic domain that contains two consensus motifs for protein kinase (PK) C/proline- directed kinase (PDK) phosphorylation. Using confocal Ca2+ imaging in Xenopus oocytes, we report here that coexpression of CLNX with sarco endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA) 2b results in inhibition of intracellular Ca2+ oscillations, suggesting a functional inhibition of the pump. By site-directed mutagenesis, we demonstrate that this interaction is regulated by a COOH-terminal serine residue (S562) in CLNX. Furthermore, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate– mediated Ca2+ release results in a dephosphorylation of this residue. We also demonstrate by coimmunoprecipitation that CLNX physically interacts with the COOH terminus of SERCA2b and that after dephosphorylation treatment, this interaction is significantly reduced. Together, our results suggest that CRT is uniquely regulated by ER lumenal conditions, whereas CLNX is, in addition, regulated by the phosphorylation status of its cytosolic domain. The S562 residue in CLNX acts as a molecular switch that regulates the interaction of the chaperone with SERCA2b, thereby affecting Ca2+ signaling and controlling Ca2+-sensitive chaperone functions in the ER.
STRUCTURED ADAPTIVE MODEL INVERSION CONTROL TO SIMULTANEOUSLY HANDLE ACTUATOR FAILURE AND ACTUATOR SATURATION

Traditional adaptive control lacks rigorous theoretical treatment for control in the presence of actuator saturation. Generally, adaptation is stopped as soon as the control saturates to avoid incorrect adaptation. Adaptation in the presence of saturation may be critical, especially when the controller is recovering from a failure. This paper presents an Adaptive Control methodology that facilitates correct adaptation in the presence of actuation saturation limits. The central idea is to modify the reference trajectory on saturation, in such a way that the modified trajectory approximates the original reference as close as possible, and can be tracked within saturation limits. Nonlinear six degree of freedom simulations of an F-16 type aircraft are shown to demonstrate this control scheme.
Outage probabilities in shadowed fading channels using a compound statistical model

A compound probability density function (PDF) was recently proposed to describe wireless channels in short-term fading and shadowing. This three-parameter PDF is able to represent short-term fading such as Rayleigh, Rician, or Nakagami as well as long-term fading, generally represented by the lognormal distribution, thus providing a complete model for shadowed fading channels. Unlike the Suzuki or Nakagami-lognormal distributions commonly used to model the PDF in shadowed fading channels, this compound PDF results in a closed-form solution for the envelope or power of the received signal. Different levels of fading may be obtained by varying the parameters of this compound PDF. Outage probabilities in the absence of any cochannel interference (CCI) are evaluated using this model and compared with those obtained using a Nakagami-lognormal model. Results show excellent agreement between the two models. Outage probabilities are then evaluated in the presence of CCI from a fixed number of channels using this model. The results suggest that the analytical simplicity offered by the compound PDF will be very useful in the analyses of wireless systems in fading and shadowing.
Dynamic Geometry of Polygons

L. Richard Hitt received his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. from Florida State University. He is a professor of mathematics at the University of South Alabama where he has been on the faculty since 1977. His research interests include geometric topology, especially knot theory, as well as elementary and differential geometry. His teaching interests also include mathematical modeling and the use of computing technology in mathematics.
Preparing Administrators To Serve Diverse Populations Of Students With Learning Challenges

The notion of integrating a curriculum is more than connecting pieces so that students can see the bigger design—in effective curriculum integration models, knowledge is meaningfully related and connects in such a way that it is relevant to other areas of learning as well as to real life (Morris, 2003). This work details the integrated efforts of two university departments, The Department of Educational Leadership and Research (ELR) and The Department of Curriculum, Instruction and Special Education (CISE), to restructure a school administrators’ preparation program to better prepare leadership candidates for meeting the challenges of student diversity relative to P-12 students with learning disabilities. This university was located in the southern region of the United States in a state with significant levels of students from diverse populations with special learning needs. A modified action research model was used as the conceptual framework to accomplish this undertaking.
Perturbative Quantum Chromodynamics

From the perspective of the hadronic physics of a decade ago it seems incredible that there now exists a viable, fundamental theory of the strong interactions. In fact, quantum chromodynamics is radically different from the picture of hadronic phenomena which was envisioned in the 1960’s. In contrast to the hadronic bootstrap, the quark and gluon quanta of QCD represent fundamental hadronic constituents, the elementary carriers of the electromagnetic and weak currents. In contrast to a strong-coupling model, the quark and gluon interactions of QCD approach scale-invariance at short distances and can be computed as a perturbative expansion in an asymptotically small coupling constant.1,2 As a consequence, the large momentum-transfer strong, electromagnetic, and weak interactions of hadrons are patterned after elementary short-distance gluon and quark subprocesses.
7-Hydroxystaurosporine (UCN-01) preferentially sensitizes cells with a disrupted TP53 to gamma radiation in lung cancer cell lines.

Abstract Xiao, H. H., Makeyev, Y., Butler, J., Vikram, B. and Franklin, W. A. 7-Hydroxystaurosporine (UCN-01) Preferentially Sensitizes Cells with a Disrupted TP53 to Gamma Radiation in Lung Cancer Cell Lines. Radiat. Res. 158, 84–93 (2002). Mutations in TP53 occur in more than 50% of the lung cancer patients and are associated with an increased resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines A549 and LXSN contain a wild-type TP53 and were growth arrested at both the G1- and G2-phase checkpoints after irradiation. However, a TP53-disrupted cell line, E6, was arrested only at the G2-phase checkpoint. UCN-01 (7-hydroxystaurosporine), a CHEK1 inhibitor that abrogates the G2 block, has been reported to enhance radiation toxicity in human lymphoma and colon cancer cell lines. In this study, UCN-01 preferentially enhanced the radiosensitivity of the TP53-disrupted E6 cells compared to the TP53 wild-type cells. This effect was more pronounced in cells synchronized in early G...
An Invariance Principle in the Theory of Stability

This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction Ordinary Differential Equations References
Abstract B022: Functional bifurcation in T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors

Adoptive transfer of T cells engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) can induce durable regressions in cancer patients, particularly in the treatment of B-cell malignancies. The production and expansion of CAR-T cells relies on in vitro T-cell stimulation and more work is needed to explore the phenotypic changes that occur in this process to elucidate features that are predictive of anti-tumor functionality. Here, we present a systematic study of T cells expressing a second-generation, anti-CD19 CAR and use flow cytometry to interrogate the dynamic phenotypic and functional changes exhibited by CAR-T cells undergoing varied antigen stimulation courses. By tracking CAR–T-cell viability, proliferation, cytokine production, lytic abilities, and expression of various T-cell activation markers and inhibitory receptors across time, we find that CAR-T cells consistently bifurcate into two distinct subpopulations with dramatically different functional capacities and surface marker expression profiles. Furthermore, the proportion of CAR-T cells that demonstrate the superior functions is dependent on the particular degree of antigen stimulation and the composition of the T cell population (CD4 vs CD8, T-cell memory compartment breakdown, % transduced). Altogether, the systematic characterization methods and results reported here can guide future efforts to improve CAR–T-cell therapies. Citation Format: ZeNan L. Chang, Pamela A. Silver, Yvonne Y. Chen. Functional bifurcation in T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR Inaugural International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference: Translating Science into Survival; September 16-19, 2015; New York, NY. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2016;4(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B022.
Constrained, networked inertial navigation for human and humanoid robot feet pose estimation

This paper analyzes algorithms and sensor fusion architectures used to mechanize a self-contained, pose-estimation for the feet of humans or humanoid robots. The approaches makes use of a network of low-cost, inertial measurement units (IMUs) affixed to the feet. By leveraging known equality and inequality constraints between the motion and location of the IMUs, drift due to inertial sensor output errors are reduced or eliminated. Two sensor fusion approaches are evaluated; a de-centralized estimator and centralized estimator. Experimental results demonstrating the performance of these fusion schemes are presented. Issues associated with tuning the de-centralized and centralized estimators are discussed in detail.
Enterprise Productivity: A Three-Speed Europe

Between 2003 and 2008 productivity patterns diverged between the fast growing, newest members of the European Union and the slower paced, elder ones - as would be expected. However, there are also striking divergences within the latter group, with productivity in Southern Europe going into reverse. This paper analyzes which factors - whether country-level or firm-specific ones - contributed more to the emergence of a three-speed Europe. The analysis combines firm-level data with country-level inputs. Among the newest members of the European Union, country characteristics including the stock of inward foreign direct investment, the availability of credit, and the quality of the business environment and the skills of the workforce prove to be the most important drivers. Firm specific characteristics are shown to matter as well, notably that small firms and firms which are part of international groups realize more productivity gains than larger domestic competitors. Among the more advanced member countries, firm-level characteristics are most important, with larger firms and firms with international affiliation demonstrating faster productivity gains. Country specific factors, such as the quality of the business environment, the size of outward FDI and the skills of the workforce, do matter as well. These explanations of diverging productivity patterns suggest that European Union nations can realize significant benefits from low cost policy interventions such as improving business regulations and encouraging firms’ internationalization.
Effective use of cohesive zone-based models for the prediction of progressive damage at the fiber/matrix scale:

The onset and growth of damage in fiber/matrix composites under transverse loads were modelled using cohesive elements and representative volume elements of randomly arranged fibers. Switching betw...
Against Personifying the Reasonable Person

One way in which fact finders are supposed to determine the reasonableness of a defendant is via a counterfactual test that personifies the reasonable person. We are to imagine the reasonable person being in the defendant’s circumstances. Then we are to determine whether the reasonable person would have done as the defendant did. This paper argues that, despite its prevalence, the counterfactual test is a hopeless guide to determining defendant reasonability. In brief, the test is of the wrong sort to give fact finders the requisite guidance. What we are after is not a counterfactual judgment (what the reasonable person would do) but instead is a question of possibility (what could the reasonable person do). However, since the only thing impossible of the reasonable person is being unreasonable, personifying the reasonable person cannot offer any useful guidance on this question.
Safe motherhood: values, purpose, and possibility.

The term safe motherhood has deep emotional connotations that deserve to be explored as the safe motherhood movement gains prominence in public discussions and public health. At theNational Summit on Safe Motherhood: Investing in the Health of Women, convened by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2001, participants noted that clinical care is aimed more often at the infant than at the mother. Others commented that motherhood is far from safe for the millions of women who do not have adequate health insurance coverage (1). And the point was made that what focus there is on mothers’ health is almost exclusively on deaths and disease, while issues such as women’s discomfort and dissatisfaction are neglected. The focus of the summit was domestic, but the issues are global, with prevention of deaths even more compelling because of the large numbers. At the summit and other forums, additional themes have emerged to form strong currents in the discussions about safe motherhood and women’s health. What follows are some of the recurring themes that I have noticed over the past few years and how I think these themes link together and reinforce each other.
Low-cost Mobile Air Pollution Monitoring in Urban Environments: A Pilot Study in Lubbock, Texas

The complex nature of air pollution in urban areas prevents traditional monitoring techniques from obtaining measurements representative of true human exposure. The current study assessed the capability of low-cost mobile monitors to acquire useful data in a city without a monitoring network in place (Lubbock, Texas) using a bicycle platform. The monitoring campaign resulted in 30 days of data along a 13.4 km fixed concentric route. Due to high sensitivities to airflow, the apparent wind velocity was accounted for throughout the route. The data were also normalized into percentiles in order to visualize spatial patterns. The highest estimated pollution levels were located near frequently busy intersections and roads; however, sensor issues resulted in lower confidence. Additional research is needed concerning the appropriate use of low-cost metal oxide sensors for citizen science applications, as measurements can be misleading if the user is unaware of sensors specifications. The simultaneous use of several low-cost mobile platforms, rather than a single platform, as well as the use of high-end cases, are recommended to create a more robust spatial analysis. The issues addressed from this research are important to understand for accurate and beneficial application of low-cost gaseous monitors for citizen science.
Consensus clustering algorithms: comparison and refinement

Consensus clustering is the problem of reconciling clustering information about the same data set coming from different sources or from different runs of the same algorithm. Cast as an optimization problem, consensus clustering is known as median partition, and has been shown to be NP-complete. A number of heuristics have been proposed as approximate solutions, some with performance guarantees. In practice, the problem is apparently easy to approximate, but guidance is necessary as to which heuristic to use depending on the number of elements and clusterings given. We have implemented a number of heuristics for the consensus clustering problem, and here we compare their performance, independent of data size, in terms of efficacy and efficiency, on both simulated and real data sets. We find that based on the underlying algorithms and their behavior in practice the heuristics can be categorized into two distinct groups, with ramification as to which one to use in a given situation, and that a hybrid solution is the best bet in general. We have also developed a refined consensus clustering heuristic for the occasions when the given clusterings may be too disparate, and their consensus may not be representative of any one of them, and we show that in practice the refined consensus clusterings can be much superior to the general consensus clustering.
Human Genetic Analysis: Paternity or Missing Persons Cases and Statistics

Paternity cases and missing person cases can be criminal and domestic in nature. Forensic scientists are often tasked with determining the expected DNA profile for a missing person or a statistical calculation to assess the strength of evidence, and the probability of a random match. In paternity cases, likelihood ratios and combined probability of exclusion are two calculations that can be performed to evaluate the certainty of the evidence based on the principles of Mendelian genetics as applied to short tandem repeat (STR) loci including X and Y markers. Data that includes the DNA profiles for the alleged father (AF), mother (M) and child (C) are given. Punnett squares will be emplyed to evaluate whether the parent genotypes could produce the child genotype shown for each locus and the likelihood ratios and combined probability of exclusion will be computed from the data. Punnett squares will be used to deduce parent profiles and possible paternity in reverse parentage cases. Finally, the partial genotype of a missing parent will be predicted using the genotype of only one offspring.
Noninvasive diagnosis in dermatology

In addition to dermoscopy, there are other imaging and biophysical methods for the noninvasive diagnosis of skin lesions. Confocal laser microscopy allows for high-resolution imaging of the epidermis and upper dermis. It is particularly suitable in the differential diagnosis of melanocytic lesions. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has a lower resolution compared to confocal laser microscopy but a greater depth of penetration. It is primarily used for imaging epithelial skin cancer, especially in the context of monitoring the effectiveness of nonsurgical therapies. Electrical impedance spectroscopy does not yield cutaneous images but rather provides a score based on the cellular irregularity of the skin. Multispectral analysis involves illumination of the skin with different wavelengths and likewise results in the computation of a score. Both methods are used in the differentiation of dysplastic nevi from melanoma. Other diagnostic imaging and biophysical methods are currently still in the developmental stages. By increasing the sensitivity and specificity of clinical and dermoscopic findings, the aforementioned methods bring about an improvement in noninvasive diagnosis. They allow for skin lesions to be monitored over time and therapeutic effects to be quantified. Finally, they facilitate early diagnosis of skin cancer, and help avoid unnecessary surgery of benign lesions.
Towards Combined Deterministic and Statistical Approaches to Modeling Dispersed Multiphase Flows

The goal of modeling dispersed multiphase flows is to predict spatial distributions of the volume fraction, velocities and other properties of interest of the dispersed and continuous phases in geometries of practical interest. In this chapter we summarize key advances that have enabled progress towards this goal by starting with the development of interphase momentum transfer models for flow past single particles with a view to extending them to multiparticle systems. Particle-resolved direct numerical simulation of microscale (particle scale) phenomena has emerged as a powerful tool to propose statistical models for mesoscale and macroscale simulations of dispersed multiphase flow. Key advances in modeling of interphase momentum as well as particle and fluid velocity fluctuations are briefly reviewed. Building on this foundation we examine deterministic models for multiparticle effects that are based on the generalized Faxen theorem which provides a rigorous theoretical foundation for their development. In particular, the recently proposed pairwise interaction extended point-particle (PIEP) model is presented as a means of systematically including fluid-mediated particle-particle interactions in a deterministic framework. The performance of the PIEP model is assessed in different validation tests. Although the deterministic modeling approach provides physical insight and mechanistic interpretation of model terms, its limitation is it does not fully account for all the fluctuations that occur at the microscale. Therefore it is important to complement the deterministic model with a stochastic component to properly account for the statistical variability that is naturally present in all dispersed multiphase flows. We review key advances in statistical modeling of dispersed multiphase flows in terms of both the two-fluid theory as well as the Euler-Lagrange approach, with an emphasis on the latter, where we consider both Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) and large eddy simulation (LES) descriptions of the carrier phase. Finally, we propose a new paradigm for modeling dispersed multiphase flows that effectively combines the best elements of the deterministic and statistical modeling approaches as the most promising direction for development of predictive models.
Technology Research and Development for Environmental Management - With Specific Reference to Malaysia

Technology Research and Development for Environmental Management - With Specific Reference to Malaysia
Exoskeleton-assisted gait training to improve gait in individuals with spinal cord injury: a pilot randomized study.

Robotic wearable exoskeletons have been utilized as a gait training device in persons with spinal cord injury. This pilot study investigated the feasibility of offering exoskeleton-assisted gait training (EGT) on gait in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) in preparation for a phase III RCT. The objective was to assess treatment reliability and potential efficacy of EGT and conventional physical therapy (CPT). Forty-four individuals were screened, and 13 were eligible to participate in the study. Nine participants consented and were randomly assigned to receive either EGT or CPT with focus on gait. Subjects received EGT or CPT, five sessions a week (1 h/session daily) for 3 weeks. American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Lower Extremity Motor Score (LEMS), 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and gait characteristics including stride and step length, cadence and stance, and swing phase durations were assessed at the pre- and immediate post- training. Mean difference estimates with 95% confidence intervals were used to analyze the differences. After training, improvement was observed in the 6MWT for the EGT group. The CPT group showed significant improvement in the TUG test. Both the EGT and the CPT groups showed significant increase in the right step length. EGT group also showed improvement in the stride length. EGT could be applied to individuals with iSCI to facilitate gait recovery. The subjects were able to tolerate the treatment; however, exoskeleton size range may be a limiting factor in recruiting larger cohort of patients. Future studies with larger sample size are needed to investigate the effectiveness and efficacy of exoskeleton-assisted gait training as single gait training and combined with other gait training strategies. Clinicaltrials.org, NCT03011099 , retrospectively registered on January 3, 2017.
Metals and Cardiovascular Disease

Metals are both essential for cardiovascular health and among the oldest known cardiovascular toxicants. Recent findings, such as large prospective epidemiological studies or finding that metal chelation therapy reducing cardiovascular events in cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients, strengthen the link between metal exposures and disease promotion. However, pathogenic mechanisms for metals promoting human CVD remain poorly understood and are often controversial due to difficulty in interpreting and translating results from high dose animal toxicity studies to causal disease etiologies in humans. There is increasing appreciation that lower, chronic environmental exposures, exposures occurring in critical developmental windows, or exposures at occupational and therapeutic levels may have subtler effects in causing or modifying CVD. Recent epidemiological studies and studies in genetic rodent models that focus on environmental exposures indicate that pathogenic effects of metals on cell signaling and epigenetic regulation are not random and cannot be attributed to competition with endogenous ions or excessive oxidant-mediated injury. Resolution of the molecular understanding of pathogenic metal effects remains a challenge complicated by complex differential concentration and temporal exposure relationships, as well as genetic determinants. This chapter presents pathogenic effects of metals in the heart and vasculature with an emphasis on the cellular and molecular actions underlying CVD promotion and clinically significant toxicities.
Autism Spectrum Disorders and Intellectual Disability

There is a significant overlap between autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and intellectual disability (ID). In this chapter, we review this co-occurring relationship. We choose to tackle this task by examining issues related to definition and classification, biological underpinnings, and epidemiology. We then discuss the impact of level of functioning on the presentation of ASDs and their associated features as well as the similarities and differences between the two disabilities in terms of psychopathology and adaptive behavior. This chapter is not meant to be a comprehensive review of the literature. Rather, it is meant to provide a summary of relevant and contemporary studies on these selected themes.
Court Packing, Senate Stonewalling, and the Constitutional Politics of Judicial Appointments Reform

Reforming the Supreme Court is at the center of the political and legal landscape for the first time in generations. The growing gap between the ideological composition of the Court and the democratic will of the electorate, along with perceived procedural irregularities in the appointment of Justices over the last five years, has fueled calls for radical change including expanding the size of the Court. Those calls have in turn triggered renewed efforts to repair the appointments process through term limits and a regularized appointments schedule. But in an age of peaking partisanship, the bipartisan cooperation that would be necessary for that proposal to pass seems far out of reach. This Article offers a novel path forward. First, it completes the unfinished work of designing a full solution to the broken appointments process by addressing the problem of Senate stonewalling, like that we saw in 2016 when the Republican Senate refused to confirm any nominee put forward by President Obama. It offers the only viable solution to that problem: vesting the appointment power in the President in office at the time the vacancy arises. Second, because that solution would require a constitutional amendment, it analyzes the prospects of achieving that challenging goal through game theory. It offers three models of the parties’ strategic behavior in the face of a cycle of escalation: the Prisoner’s Dilemma, the Hawk-Dove Game, and the Asymmetric Hawk-Dove Game. The analysis shows that the increased salience of escalating constitutional hardball tactics in general alters the incentive structure for the parties in a way that makes judicial appointments reform the winning strategy for both parties. It arrives at the counterintuitive conclusion that in this moment of cratering cooperation and collapsing constitutional norms, there may thus be a rare political and legal opportunity to restructure the judicial appointments process for the better and for good.
Freestanding electrospun nanofibrous materials embedded in elastomers for stretchable strain sensors

Stretchable/flexible strain sensors are of great interests in the fields of human motion monitoring, soft robotics, and human machine interface. In this talk, we present stretchable strain sensors prepared by embedding the freestanding electrospun carbon nanofibers (CNFs) in an elastomer matrix (e.g. polyurethane). The piezoresistive response of the sensor under stretching was investigated; and the result showed that the sensor had high stretchability, high sensitivity to strain change, and good stability and reproducibility. The mechanism of the sensor was elucidated by morphological studies of the device at various strains. The effects of various device parameters on the device performance were explored to fabricate the strain sensors with sensitivity over a broad strain range. Furthermore, using these strain sensors as wearable devices for human motion monitoring was demonstrated.
RNAseq studies reveal distinct transcriptional response to vitamin A deficiency in small intestine versus colon, discovering novel VA-regulated genes

Abstract Vitamin A (VA) deficiency remains prevalent in resource limited countries, affecting over 250 million preschool aged children. Vitamin A deficiency is associated with reduced intestinal barrier function and increased risk of mortality due to mucosal infection. Citrobacter rodentium (C. rodentium) infection in mice is a model for diarrheal diseases in humans. During C. rodentium infection, vitamin A deficient (VAD) mice displayed reduced survival rate and pathogen clearance compared to their vitamin A sufficient (VAS) counterparts. Objectives To characterize and compare the impact of vitamin A (VA) deficiency on gene expression patterns in the small intestine (SI) and the colon, and to discover novel target genes in VA-related biological pathways. Methods vitamin A deficient (VAD) mice were generated by feeding VAD diet to pregnant C57/BL6 dams and their post-weaning offspring. Total mRNA extracted from SI and colon were sequenced using Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. Differentially Expressed Gene (DEG), Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment, and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) were performed to characterize expression patterns and co-expression patterns. Results The comparison between VAS and VAD groups detected 49 and 94 DEGs in SI and colon, respectively. According to GO information, DEGs in the SI demonstrated significant enrichment in categories relevant to retinoid metabolic process, molecule binding, and immune function. Immunity related pathways, such as “humoral immune response” and “complement activation,” were positively associated with VA in SI. On the contrary, in colon, “cell division” was the only enriched category and was negatively associated with VA. Three co-expression modules showed significant correlation with VA status in SI and were identified as modules of interest. Those modules contained four known retinoic acid targets. Therefore we have prioritized the other module members (e.g. Mbl2, Mmp9, Cxcl14, and Nr0b2) to be investigated as candidate genes regulated by VA. Also in SI, markers of two cell types, mast cell and Tuft cell, were found altered by VA status. Comparison of co-expression modules between SI and colon indicated distinct regulatory networks in these two organs.