cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A spline smoothing approach to transient signal reconstruction

The author considers the problem of transient signal reconstruction in a nonparametric regression setting, where L-spline functions are shown to be optimal estimators for a restricted class of transient signals. On this basis, a Monte Carlo simulation is presented to show the performance characteristics for a special case of L-spline functions in the signal reconstruction for several typical transient signals modeled on a white Gaussian noise background. It is shown that one can recover such transient signals, which are contaminated with noise, to a large degree of accuracy. >
Development of Functionality-Based Conformance Classes for ISO 10303 - Conformance Classes for Tolerancing Functionality

ISO 10303 which is STandard for the Exchange of Product model data (STEP) contains a large amount of extremely detailed information. There are no clear and easy instructions for implementing STEP, and the only way to check whether a developed software product actually satisfies STEP requirements is to test it using Conformance Classes (CCs), which are the subsets of STEP’s application protocols (APs). However, existing CCs do not give users any idea about the functional capabilities of a software product conforming to STEP. These deficiencies necessitate the development of new CCs based on functionality, to help both developers and users. In this study, to achieve this goal, the functionalities expected for different product lifecycle (PLC) activities are defined at several functionality levels (FLs), using a layered approach. This approach allows the defining of a composite functionality (higher FLs) through the composition of simple, basic functionalities (lower FLs). Information requirements are defined for each functionality, and these information requirements are mapped to STEP entities. These groups of entities for functionalities constitute our functionality-based CCs. In this paper, tolerancing functionality has been studied to develop functionality-based CCs as an example.
“What does it Matter? All is Grace”

Admirers of Robert Bresson often remark on the commitments he shares with the philosopher and activist Simone Weil. Both stubbornly idiosyncratic, they subscribe to what modernists call “a poetics of impersonality”: a deep desire to shed the ego and find some space empty of will, intention and even consciousness. Bresson pursued this ideal through his anti-theatrical practice, his resistance to expression and interpretation, and his war against “acting.” In Weil's religious thinking, the possibility of achieving a state of automatism in the soul, and thus leaving room for God to occupy all, was central. “Decreation,” her term for this principle, sounds like a will to suicide (a recurring theme in Bresson) but she explains it as motivated by love. Bresson's writerly films – the Bernanos adaptations (especially Diary of a Country Priest) – and Au hasard Balthazar – take as their theme the problem of grace. As in Weil, the path to grace goes through an acceptance of brutal necessity and incomprehensible acci...
Bio-inverter model and interface to digital hardware

Conventionally, VLSI circuits are built using CMOS transistors and the circuits are fabricated on silicon. But the looming crisis created by continually shrinking CMOS features sizes is pushing scientists to research alternate technologies for future generations of circuits. One active field of research is the development of bio-circuits. In this paper we discuss one such bio-circuit, the bio-inverter. This inverter is implemented using the switching mechanism observed in the phage lambda virus. This switching mechanism has been well documented in work by Ptashne and by Weiss. We have developed a model for such an inverter both in Matlab and also in VHDL-AMS. Our simulations show that the bio-inverter possesses good rise and fall time characteristics, switching threshold and gain, even though the gate switching time is approximately 10/sup 2/ seconds. We have also discussed the practical limitations of building bio-circuits and their applications as sensors for drug research.
Staphylococcus aureus isolation from the lesions, the hands, and anterior nares of patients with atopic dermatitis☆

Abstract Staphylococcus aureus colonization is common in atopic dermatitis (AD) and can exacerbate the disease. Some patients with atopic dermatitis may act as a reservoir for S. aureus transmission to others. This study compared S. aureus colonization in atopic dermatitis patients and their caregivers with control patients and their caregivers. Quantitative cultures were obtained from the lesions, clinically normal skin, hands, and anterior nares of 100 patients with atopic dermatitis, 100 controls with other cutaneous disorders, and 200 caregivers. The AD patients had significantly greater presence of S aureus from lesional and clinically normal skin, as well as the hand. Significantly increased carriage of S. aureus was found in the anterior nares of caretakers of AD patients compared with control caretakers. Topical corticosteroid use did not affect recovery of S. aureus . There was a significant correlation between recovery of S. aureus from lesional skin and recovery from the anterior nares and hands. The nares and hands may be important reservoirs and vectors for autotransmission of S. aureus to lesional skin and for transmission to patients with AD.
Improving prediction of cardiovascular complications of cancer therapy: what does the future hold?

In the era of improved cancer outcomes, increased therapeutic options, and growing population of cancer survivors, the acute and long-term adverse effects of cancer therapies are becoming increasingly relevant. Improved tools for cardiovascular (CV) risk prediction may allow physicians to better tailor cancer therapy, identify patients who would benefit from close CV monitoring and consider CV protective approaches prior, during and after cancer treatment. Ongoing major advances in oncology therapeutics, with vast repertoire of new molecules targeting key tumor pathways, have brought unprecedented opportunities to combat cancer and occasionally manifested unexpected CV side effects pointing to important, unexplored interactions between new therapeutics and CV homeostasis. Probably most widely known example is the one of trastuzumab, HER2targeted monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer, that can cause left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and heart failure in susceptible individuals [1,2]. Major strides have been made to limit CV toxicity of trastuzumab and related new HER2-targeted agents, pertuzumab and ado-trastuzumab emtansine, including mandatory assessment of cardiac function prior and during treatment with HER2-targeted agents, and holding or stopping therapy in patients with abnormal LV systolic function [3–5]. These clinical practice recommendations evolved from clinical trial experiences and represent an important step forward in recognizing and limiting cardiotoxicity or HER2-targeted therapies, nevertheless a number of questions continue to challenge daily clinical practice. They include the concerns that stopping and holding HER2-therapy in patients whose cardiac function is only mildly reduced may compromise their cancer outcomes (to improve what may be a low cardiac risk). On the other side of the coin are the patients with normal cardiac function at baseline who continue to experience cardiotoxicity and OpiniOn Special Focus Issue: Cardio-oncology
High Hydroxide Conductivity in Polymerized Ionic Liquid Block Copolymers

Herein, we report a polymerized ionic liquid diblock copolymer with high hydroxide conductivity and nanoscale morphology. Surprisingly, the conductivity is not only higher (over an order of magnitude) than its random copolymer analog at the same ion and water content, but also higher than its homopolymer analog, which has a higher ion and water content than the block copolymer. These results should have a significant impact on low-cost (platinum-free), long-lasting, solid-state alkaline fuel cells.
PL02.3 HIV Transmission Dynamics; Can We Translate Knowledge into Action

Background There are 34 million people living with HIV globally, and 2.5 million people become newly infected last year. Although there have been some successes in prevention, the epidemic continues unabated in many populations, requiring more intensive and integrated behaviour and biomedical prevention programmes if we are to control HIV spread. Methods A comprehensive review of randomised trials of behavioural and biomedical interventions aimed at decreasing HIV transmission and acquisition was performed and will be presented. Results In addition to male circumcision, the most successful biomedical intervention has been the use of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) for prevention of HIV perinatal transmission and sexual transmission among HIV discordant couples, and for the prevention of HIV acquisition via microbicides and oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). All of the transmission studies have demonstrated that reductions in viral load with ARVs to undetectable viral blood levels during birth, breast-feeding, or sexual intercourse reduces transmission by > 96%. This has been the greatest success in the HIV prevention field over the past two decades and continual scale-up of access to ARVs can be associated with marked reductions in HIV transmission and incidence. Decreasing acquisition with use of ARVs is totally dependent on high adherence (> 90%) to the medications in an uninfected population. Studies have had mixed results with some populations with high adherence demonstrating high efficacy using PrEP (> 70% efficacy) or microbicide (> 50% efficacy), while others with low adherence as measured by non-detectable blood levels of ARVs demonstrated no efficacy. Conclusion Multiple studies have confirmed that effective use of ARVs substantially reduces transmission and emphasise the critical importance of integrated behavioural and biomedical strategies. When treatment with ARVs is combined with other interventions involving voluntary counselling and testing, condoms, adherence to medications, and circumcision, the possibility of controlling HIV becomes a feasible and achievable goal.
Tantrices of Spherical Curves

While evety loop cJ on s2 with non-vanishing speed defines a "tantricial" loop in this way, not every loop is tantricial. Here, we will completely expose the non-obvious but lovely obstruction to this converse. To begin, note that if the speed of cr never vanishes, neither will that of x. In fact, the speed of , computed relative to arclength along a, gives the curvature of cr as a curve in R3. But cr, lying on S2, can nowhere approximate a straight line to second order: its cuIvature the speed of X will never vanish. Referring non-experts to the sidebar discussions of "immersion" and "ardength" for further details, we conclude more precisely that if v immerses the circle in S2, so will .
Beyond survival: fostering growth and innovation in doctoral study--a concept analysis of the Ba space.

PURPOSE This concept analysis examines the Ba space in the context of interdisciplinary doctoral study in nursing and healthcare innovation in a minimal residency program. The authors identified Ba in their small, highly diverse, self-selected doctoral study group and believe Ba is an educational innovation that will prove useful to nursing and healthcare educators. BACKGROUND Ba originates from Japanese philosophy and is foundational to the birth and sustainment of environments fostering knowledge creation. Ba manifests in complex environments where participants are emotionally invested and relies on the tacit knowledge of each participant, allowing for synthesis of rationality and intuition. METHOD Walker and Avant's concept analysis methodology will explore Ba's centrality to interdisciplinary education. Ba's utility and application in fostering innovation in doctoral study will be illustrated. SIGNIFICANCE Ba is a true educational innovation, enriching learning environments promoting interdisciplinary collaboration. Ba permits each member a voice and fosters a safe environment where relationships are created and sustained.
Developmental evaluation of a centrifuge flight simulator as an enhanced maneuverability flying qualities tool

Significant improvements in high angle of attack aerodynamics, flight control systems and the use of thrust vectoring is providing current and anticipated aircraft with enhanced maneuverability. These aircraft generate unusual rates and accelerations which will severely affect pilot spatial orientation and situational awareness during air combat maneuvering. The developing technology of centrifuge flight simulation offers the prospect of ground-based flying qualities and human factors testing in this same environment. Centrifuge flight simulation technology, as implemented on the Dynamic Flight Simulator, has shown its value with F-14 flat spin and mishap investigations, preliminary enhanced fighter maneuverability studies, and physiological investigations in a realistic flight environment. Recent and current efforts are to expand this role for potential use as an enhanced maneuverability simulation tool. Specifically targeted for evaluation is the ability to perform piloted analyses of critical displays during high angle of attack enhanced maneuvering tasks. Improvements have been made to the Dynamic Flight Simulator motion base control and actuator quality, cockpit displays, data collection capability, and compatible tactical aircraft models. The evaluation involved analyzing improvements to motion fidelity and demonstrating the potential for addressing a broader class of aircraft research, development, test and evaluation issues. Limitations are separated into those inherent to the technology and those dependent on the Dynamic Flight Simulator implementation. Tradeoffs between control method and mission applications are shown. At B CCA CFS
A General Method for High-Performance Li-Ion Battery Electrodes from Colloidal Nanoparticles without the Introduction of Binders or Conductive-Carbon Additives: The Cases of MnS, Cu2–xS, and Ge

In this work, we demonstrate a general lithium-ion battery electrode fabrication method for colloidal nanoparticles (NPs) using electrophoretic deposition (EPD). Our process is capable of forming robust electrodes from copper sulfide, manganese sulfide, and germanium NPs without the use of additives such as polymeric binders and conductive agents. After EPD, we show two postprocessing treatments ((NH4)2S and inert atmosphere heating) to effectively remove surfactant ligands and create a linked network of particles. The NP films fabricated by this simple process exhibit excellent electrochemical performance as lithium-ion battery electrodes. Additive-free Cu2–xS and MnS NP films show well-defined plateaus at ∼1.7 V, demonstrating potential for use as cathode electrodes. Because of the absence of additives in the NP film, this additive-free NP film is an ideal template for ex situ analyses of the particles to track particle morphology changes and deterioration as a result of Li ion cycling. To this end, we ...
A Strategy for the Surgical Management of Gallstone Pancreatitis

There is no single test specific for pancreatitis. Therefore, in the patient with upper abdominal pain and hyperamylasemia presumed to have pancreatitis, conditions such as perforated ulcer, and acute cholecystitis must be considered and ruled out. The presence of free air on flat plate and upright of the abdomen will identify 80% of patients with a perforated peptic ulcer. In patients without free air but still suspected of having a perforated peptic ulcer, the matter can be settled with a water-soluble contrast study.
Metabolic Abnormalities in Cancer Patients: Carbohydrate Metabolism

Weight loss in patients with a variety of cancers is associated with a poor prognosis. Consistent abnormalities of carbohydrate metabolism are seen in cancer patients with weight loss and appear to represent derangements in host metabolism that are induced by the presence of cancer. To define therapeutic strategies to improve the poor clinical outcome for patients with cancer cachexia, investigations are under way to define the relationships among glucose metabolism, altered energy expenditure, caloric intake, weight loss, and clinical outcome.
James Moores Ball: Ophthalmologist, medical historian, bibliophile:

James Moores Ball (1862-1929) was an ophthalmologist in St. Louis, Missouri, who excelled as a medical historian and collector of rare and historic books about the history of anatomy. During his lifetime, he was best known as the author of a comprehensive, authoritative, and popular textbook titled Modern Ophthalmology First published in 1904, there were five further editions. Ball was very interested in the history of anatomy and wrote two books on this subject, the first being a biography of Andreas Vesalius, one of the earliest in English, and the second a history of the resurrection men or grave robbers who sold corpses to professors of anatomy and surgery for teaching purposes. His legacy today is the 470 volumes of his personal library, which are now in the Archives and Rare Books department of the Becker Medical Library of the Washington University School of Medicine. These texts are one of their major collections, concentrating on the history of anatomy, beginning with a first edition of Vesalius's De Humani Corporis Fabrica and holding many important and beautiful landmark volumes of anatomical atlases.
Physical Activity, Screen-Time Behavior, and Obesity Among 13-Year Olds in Ireland with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder

The primary purposes of this study were to compare (a) physical activity participation, screen-time habits, obesity, and (b) reported reasons for lack of participation in sport, between a nationally representative sample of Irish children with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Participation in moderate to vigorous activity, light activity, and sports was significantly lower among the group with ASD. On examination of screen time variables, no significant differences were seen between groups. However, time spent watching TV was higher among children with ASD. Overweight or obese status was more prevalent among the group with ASD (34.4 vs. 24.7 %). The findings are discussed in relation to international statistics on youth physical activity, screen-time, and weight status, and recommendations are provided for future research.
Positive Projections and Health: An Initial Validation of the Implicit Psychological Capital Health Measure

In this set of studies, we conduct an initial validation of the Implicit Psychological Capital Questionnaire-Health (IPCQ-H), a short, easy to administer and score measure of psychological capital designed to reflect implicit schemas or cognitions surrounding one's health. The results of two studies demonstrate that the implicit measure of IPCQ-H is correlated with an explicit PsyCap-Health measure (PCQ-H), but has very little construct overlap with measures of personality. Moreover, scores of the IPCQ-H were stable over time. Study 2 documents the predictive validity of the IPCQ-H with a number of physical and mental health outcomes. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Representation of Stochastic Processes

Similarly to the case of the deterministic finite element method, whereby functions are represented by a denumerable set of parameters consisting of the values of the function and its derivatives at the nodal points, the problem encountered in the stochastic case is that of representing a random process by a denumerable set of random variables, thereby discretizing the process. In a more applied sense, it is sought to describe random processes in such a manner that they can be implemented in a finite element formulation of the physical problem.
USE OF POTENT P2Y12 INHIBITORS IN AFRICAN-AMERICAN PATIENTS TREATED WITH PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION FOR ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROMES

Background: African American (AA) patients are at high risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes after PCI, thus providing a rationale for use of potent P2Y12 inhibitors in such individuals. However, whether or not race is a determinant of prasugrel versus clopidogrel use in acute coronary syndrome (
OLAP and machine learning

The objective of this tutorial is to present an overview of machine learning (ML) methods. This paper outlines different types of ML as well as techniques for each kind. It covers popular applicati...
Nutritional Therapy in the Hospitalized Patient: Is it better to Feed Less?

These are turbulent times in clinical nutrition. Recent studies have generated the clinical impression that it is better to feed less when a patient is admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) [1–3]. Some investigators have pressed further to suggest that no “forced mandatory feeding” should be provided during the first week of hospitalization [4]. The implication from these comments is that nutrition is less important than previously thought, that providing sustenance to critically ill patients has a lower priority than before. A number of dangerous misconceptions are present in this line of thinking, which may lead to suboptimal care of those patients in the hospital who are most in need of such therapy.
Erythropoietin and Its Cardiovascular Effects

Recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) was approved in 1989 for treatment of anemia secondary to chronic kidney disease (CKD). EPO has been shown to have non-hematological effects on cardiac myocytes, angiogenesis, and endothelial cells. Several post-approval studies of erythropoietic stimulating agents (ESAs) examined patient outcomes related to target Hb level and most demonstrated increased adverse cardiovascular outcomes with a “normal” Hb target of >13 g/dL. It is not possible from the data published to determine the relative quantitative importance of the increased target Hb itself versus the amount of ESA used and/or iron treatment as playing a causative role in the risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes from higher target Hb levels. As a result of these studies, the FDA recommends in its product information for ESAs that treatment be initiated only when the Hb level is <10 g/dL, the rate of Hb decline indicates the likelihood of the patient requiring a red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, and lowering the risk of alloimmunization and/or RBC transfusion risk is a goal. Interactions among various factors are responsible for an increased incidence of hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy and vascular thrombosis in patients receiving ESA therapy. A novel approach to the treatment of EPO deficiency in anemic patients with CKD is the use of agents which stimulate endogenous EPO production in renal and non-renal tissues. Such a strategy might decrease adverse outcomes by allowing for a more continuous physiologic level of EPO to stimulate RBC production rather than the high intermittent blood levels of ESA that result from pharmacological administration of an exogenous ESA.
Resilient Distributed Control of Multi-agent Cyber-Physical Systems

Multi-agent cyber-physical systems (CPSs) are ubiquitous in modern infrastructure systems, including the future smart grid, transportation networks, and public health systems. Security of these systems are critical for normal operation of our society. In this paper, we focus on physical layer resilient control of these systems subject to cyber attacks and malicious behaviors of physical agents. We establish a cross-layer system model for the investigation of cross-layer coupling and performance interdependencies for CPSs. In addition, we study a two system synchronization problem in which one is a malicious agent who intends to mislead the entire system behavior through physical layer interactions. Feedback Nash equilibrium is used as the solution concept for the distributed control in the multi-agent system environment. We corroborate our results with numerical examples, which show the performance interdependencies between two CPSs through cyber and physical interactions.
Daily-level Associations between Negative Mood, Perceived Stress, and College Drinking: Do Associations Differ by Sex and Fraternity/Sorority Affiliation?

Background: Individuals experiencing elevated negative mood and stress may drink to self-medicate, yet daily-level evidence for these associations is mixed. Objective: To clarify daily associations...
Ultrafast Tunable Metasurface with Transparent Conducting Oxide Antenna Array

We demonstrate large reflection and transmission modulation and femtosecond relaxation times in undoped zinc oxide films. Using these experimental results, we designed an optically tunable, terahertz-speed metasurface with a 17.4dB extinction ratio at 1.30 μm.
Feminist Digital Research Methodology for Rhetoricians of Health and Medicine

This article argues that rhetoricians of health and medicine can benefit from new methodological orientations that more fully account for conducting digital research within vulnerable online commun...
Tracking Groundwater Levels Using the Ambient Seismic Field

Aquifers are vital groundwater reservoirs for residential, agricultural, and industrial activities worldwide. Tracking their state with high temporal and spatial resolution is critical for water resource management at the regional scale yet is rarely achieved from a single dataset. Here, we show that variations in groundwater levels can be mapped using perturbations in seismic velocity (dv/v). We recover daily measurements of dv/v in the San Gabriel Valley, California, from cross correlation of the ambient seismic field. dv/v reproduces the groundwater level changes that are marked by the multi-year depletions and rapid recharges typical of California’s cycles of droughts and floods. dv/v correlates spatially with vertical surface displacements and deformation measured with GPS. Our results successfully predict the volume of water lost in the San Gabriel Valley during the 2012-2016 drought and thus provide a new approach to monitor groundwater storage.
Oncolytic Virotherapy for Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast cancer continues to be a leading cause of mortality among women. While at an early stage, localized breast cancer is easily treated; however, advanced stages of disease continue to carry a high mortality rate. The discrepancy in treatment success highlights that current treatments are insufficient to treat advanced-stage breast cancer. As new and improved treatments have been sought, one therapeutic approach has gained considerable attention. Oncolytic viruses are uniquely capable of targeting cancer cells through intrinsic or engineered means. They come in many forms, mainly from four major virus groups as defined by the Baltimore classification system. These vectors can target and kill cancer cells, and even stimulate immunotherapeutic effects in patients. This review discusses not only individual oncolytic viruses pursued in the context of breast cancer treatment but also the emergence of combination therapies with current or new therapies, which has become a particularly promising strategy for treatment of breast cancer. Overall, oncolytic virotherapy is a promising strategy for increased treatment efficacy for advanced breast cancer and consequently provides a unique platform for personalized treatments in patients.
Longitudinal physical activity assessment in post-surgical gynecologic cancer patients.

e21582Background: Physical activity is a key determinant of health, and exercise can be effective for decreasing anxiety and depression and improving quality of life in cancer survivors. The primar...
CROSSLANGUAGE LEXICAL ACTIVATION: A Test of the Revised Hierarchical and Morphological Decomposition Models in Arabic-English Bilinguals

This study tested the predictions of the revised hierarchical (RHM) and morphological decomposition (MDM) models with Arabic-English bilinguals. The RHM (Kroll & Stewart, 1994) predicts that the amount of activation of first language translation equivalents is negatively correlated with second language (L2) proficiency. The MDM (Frost, Forster, & Deutsch, 1997) claims that in nonconcatenative languages, including Arabic, activation spreads by morphological identity rather than orthographic similarity. To test these two models, native speakers of Arabic at two levels of English L2 proficiency completed a translation recognition task. In the critical conditions, the Arabic word was not the correct translation of the English word (shoulder-katif) but was orthographically related (shoulder-kahf “cave”), morphologically related but semantically opaque (shoulder-takaatuf “unity”), or semantically related (shoulder-raqaba “neck”). Results show more morphological- than orthographic-form interference for all participants, in line with the MDM. Contrary to the RHM, however, both proficiency groups experienced interference in the semantic condition as well as in the form conditions.
Experiential learning theory: identifying the impact of an Ocean Science Festival on family members and defining characteristics of successful activities

ABSTRACTDespite the growing popularity and frequency of science festivals in the United States (US), the body of science festival research is limited. Using the lens of experiential learning theory, we examined the lasting impacts of science festivals on individual family members’ perspectives of the experience, and the similarities and differences in parent and children perspectives. The participants were 175 visitors and five families (7 children, 6 adults), who attended a science-themed festival. On the day of the event, 175 participants completed a questionnaire. Three months later individual family members participated in a drawing, drawing description, and interview. The results indicate that children described themselves as active participants, while parents portrayed themselves as onlookers. Families attended the event as a unit, but the experiences individuals described were dissimilar. The findings have implications for researchers and practitioners who design science festival programs. A discus...
How field-level institutions become a part of organizations: A study of enterprise architecture as a tool for institutional change

Abstract Heeding recent calls for more studies on micro-practices and institutional change, this study reports a collaborative case study to elucidate the micro-practices and legitimating strategies that make field-level institutions a part of organizations. Building on institutional theories and using Enterprise Architecture (EA) as an example of field-level institutions, the study explores how two distinct organizations adopted EA, the impediments they experienced, and the strategies used to make EA an acceptable part of organizations. The findings suggest three change mechanisms that enact field-level institutions in organizations: the creation of shared spaces for knowledge exchange between organization members, the importance of role shifting within shared spaces to effectively engage with other organization members, and the need for lexical shifts in communication to better resonate with users. The findings deepen our understanding of institutional elements that impede change, as well as the legitimating strategies that enact field-level institutions.
How Teams Can Help You (or Hurt You) When It Comes to Ethics

This paper uses what we know about cognitive errors to discuss how professional organizations can better organize teams to increase the likelihood of better decisionmaking.
7 – Revenge Kidnapping

Revenge Kidnappings are motivated by the desire for retaliation. Chapter 7 explores the victimology, offender characteristics, abductions sites, modus operandi, and outcomes typically associated with this crime. The Chapter also explores dynamics that are correlated with the prevention, investigation and prosecution of Revenge Kidnappings, including verbal threats and aggression, and reparation and reconciliation.
Declines of Black-Billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia) and Black-Capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) in the North-Central United States Following the Invasion of West Nile Virus

West Nile virus (WNV) is an introduced pathogen, transmitted by mosquitos, that spread across North America following its arrival there in 1999. Birds host the virus, but consequences of the disease to bird species have been variable. A small number of avian species are especially susceptible to WNV, experience high mortality rates when infected, and have shown regional declines apparently because of the disease. Other species have seemingly been unaffected. Transmission of WNV is associated with climate, with higher incidence of transmission in dry areas with warm winters. The north-central United States is an area that exhibits clines in temperature and precipitation, and in this area changes in species abundance due to WNV have not been closely examined. We used Christmas Bird Count (CBC) data to investigate changes in winter abundance of selected species before and after the arrival of WNV in the Great Plains. After arrival of WNV, average estimated abundances of Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia) were significantly lower than projected abundances across much of the Great Plains. Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) abundances reached their lowest counts in portions of the Great Plains immediately after the arrival of WNV and experienced overall negative annual declines from 1988 to 2017. Two other species that were examined did not experience changes in abundance across the study area. Abundances of Black-billed Magpies and Black-capped Chickadees have declined over the past 30 years in the Great Plains, and WNV has likely played a major role in recent declines of magpies throughout the study area.
Relative strength of synaptic input from short-latency pathways to motor units of defined type in cat medial gastrocnemius

1. Intracellular recording and stimulation techniques were used in anesthetized cats to study the interrelations between amplitudes of PSPs produced by electrical stimulation of several short-latency pathways to MG alpha motoneurons and the mechanical properties of muscle units innervated by the same cells. Motor-unit types were identified by muscle-unit properties.2. The maximum amplitudes of monosynaptic EPSPs produced in MG motoneurons by activation of homonymous (MG) and heteronymous (LGS) group Ia afferents were clearly related to motor-unit type, being, on the average, largest in type S units, somewhat smaller in type FR and F(int) units, and smallest in type FF units. Correspondingly, group Ia EPSP amplitudes were inversely correlated with muscle-unit tension production and directly correlated with resistance to fatigue. The same input distribution was true for disynaptic IPSPs produced by group Ia afferents from antagonist ankle flexors.3. The amplitudes of monosynaptic EPSPs produced by fibers descending in the ipsilateral ventral funiculi of the low thoracic cord were not clearly related to MG motor-unit type or (therefore) to muscle-unit properties.4. A quantitative input-output model of the MG motor-unit pool, based in part on the present results, suggests that overall characteristics of MG motor units, and their relative numbers in the MG pool, reflect functional specializations determined by specific mechanical demands placed on the MG muscle by the usual motor behavior of the animal.
CubeSat science instruments

Abstract Miniaturized and highly capable science instruments are being developed for CubeSats at an increasing rate. These instruments have enabled significant, if niche, science to be performed by CubeSats in the areas of Earth remote sensing, astrophysics, space physics, and soon to include planetary science. CubeSat instruments now available and proven include infrared spectrometers, a variety of radiometers, magnetometers, radar for bistatic radar studies (relatively) high-resolution optical imagers, highly sensitive photometers, Lidar, field and particle sensors, and neutron spectrometers. Development of these instruments has been facilitated by a variety of evolving technologies leading to miniaturization, lower mass, low power consumption, and excellent capabilities. These capable new CubeSat instruments are starting to support applications and missions that were once the realm of large, extremely expensive spacecraft systems. A survey and overview of these instruments is provided along with an assessment of their impact and a brief projection of a vision for future development and related science missions.
Abstract 008: Depletion of Antibody-Secreting Plasma Cells Attenuates Hypertension in an Experimental Model of Autoimmune Disease

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that is characterized by aberrant immunoglobulin (Ig) production, notably pathogenic autoantibodies, and is associated with preva...
George Phillip Cammann (1804-1863): A physician's contribution to the modern stethoscope and auscultatory percussion.

In the middle third of the 19th century, George Phillip Cammann became known for the stethoscope improvement that came to bear his name and for the development of the then-popular diagnostic techni...
Unambiguous detection of SARS-CoV-2 subgenomic mRNAs with single cell RNA sequencing (preprint)

Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) studies have provided critical insight into the pathogenesis of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of COronaVIrus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). scRNAseq workflows are generally designed for the detection and quantification of eukaryotic host mRNAs and not viral RNAs. The performance of different scRNAseq methods to study SARS-CoV-2 RNAs has not been thoroughly evaluated. Here, we compare different scRNAseq methods for their ability to quantify and detect SARS-CoV-2 RNAs with a focus on subgenomic mRNAs (sgmRNAs), which are produced only during active viral replication and not present in viral particles. We present a data processing strategy, single cell CoronaVirus sequencing (scCoVseq), which quantifies reads unambiguously assigned to sgmRNAs or genomic RNA (gRNA). Compared to standard 10X Genomics Chromium Next GEM Single Cell 3′ (10X 3′) and Chromium Next GEM Single Cell V(D)J (10X 5′) sequencing, we find that 10X 5′ with an extended R1 sequencing strategy maximizes the unambiguous detection of sgmRNAs by increasing the number of reads spanning leader-sgmRNA junction sites. Differential gene expression testing and KEGG enrichment analysis of infected cells compared with bystander or mock cells showed an enrichment for COVID19-associated genes, supporting the ability of our method to accurately identify infected cells. Our method allows for quantification of coronavirus sgmRNA expression at single-cell resolution, and thereby supports high resolution studies of the dynamics of coronavirus RNA synthesis.
Annex Materials: Investment Arbitration in East Asia & Pacific - A Statistical Analysis of Bilateral Investment Treaties, Other International Investment Agreements and Investment Arbitrations in the Region

Many countries in the East Asian and Pacific (EAP) region have strengthened their networks of bilateral investment treaties (BITs) and other international investment agreements (IIAs). This growth in investment protection instruments not only illustrates the region’s continued attractiveness to foreign investors, but also reflects a shift of several developing EAP countries from having been predominantly recipients of foreign investment in the past, toward becoming important sources of foreign investment abroad. Reflecting trade and investment patterns, as of December 2014, EAP countries concluded a total of at least 712 BITs and 69 other IIAs. On the heels of this development, the region has seen a rising number of investment arbitrations. As of December 2014, at least 49 investment arbitrations have been brought against EAP countries and/or by EAP investors. Most recently, the number of new cases has picked up pace significantly, making the region a veritable ‘hot bed’ of investment arbitration. This submission contains the Annex Materials -- overview tables and charts -- on which the analysis relies.
Ethnicity Matters: The Socioeconomic Gradient in Health among Asian Americans

This study examines the relationship between socioeconomic indicators and health status among Asian Americans using data from the 2001 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), a population-based random-digit-dial survey with race-ethnic supplemental samples. Multivariate logistic regression analyses show that the inverse relationship between socioeconomic position and health status is similar for Asian Americans when measured as an aggregate group compared to Whites. However, when specific Asian American ethnic groups are examined, the relationship varies greatly. For example, among Chinese Americans and Vietnamese Americans, education is a significant predictor of poor health status, but household income is more significant among Korean Americans. The importance of disaggregation for subgroup populations in research and policy is discussed.
U.S. Market Potential For Dried Distillers Grain With Solubles

Prior research presumes that the U.S. livestock feed demand for dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) can accommodate the rapid growth in DDGS production. The objective of this work is to reexamine the market potential for DDGS by considering factors that limit the adoption rate of DDGS. An estimate of DDGS market size requires information about DDGS inclusion rates, animal populations, and adoption rates. The rapid expansion of the ethanol industry will saturate the dairy and hog markets for DDGS by the end of 2009, while the beef and poultry use must triple to consume all available product. One must be circumspect of these forecasts for three reasons. First, the supply of DDGS is contingent on ethanol production. If the downturn in ethanol profitability spreads, less DDGS may be available to absorb. Second, in the short run, farms capable of consuming DDGS are not likely to shift, and thus animal populations are relatively fixed. However, the DDGS inclusion rates will most likely increase from current practices. Yet it is hard to imagine the market penetration rate will reach 100 percent for any class of livestock. Finally, export markets may also consume more DDGS than expected, reducing the pressure to expand US consumption. Thus, producers and consumer of DDGS would be well advised to pay careful attention to market developments as the US DDGS continues to grow.
Pharmacyclics: Financing Research & Development

SUBJECT AREAS: Biotechnology, Decision trees, Equity financing, RD Pharmaceutical industry; $1.3 million revenues; 2000 Pharmacyclics (NASDAQ: PCYC), a pharmaceutical company that manufactures products that will improve existing therapeutic treatments for cancer, arteriosclerosis, and retinal disease, was considering a $60 million private placement in February 2000. The company had more cash than ever before, but projections of R&D and marketing expenses were also unprecedented. PCYC's most promising oncology drug, a radiation enhancer called Xcytrin, was in Phase III clinical trials - the rigorous final phase before FDA approval for commercialization. Analysts gave the drug a slightly better than 50% chance of success. This case focuses on stage financing and a simple decision-tree evaluation. Students have the opportunity to consider the impact of past staged financing decisions on the ownership structure of the firm and to evaluate the current stock market price in light of analyst forecasts of the cash flow and the probability of success for each drug. These two analyses help inform the private placement decision.
Choroid plexus in benign cystic teratoma of the ovary. Chemical and electrophoretic analysis of cyst fluid.

Abstract 1. 1. A case of benign cystic ovarian teratoma containing a well-formed choroid plexus has been described. Like many other well-differentiated tissues in teratomas, the choroid plexus subserved a functional role. 2. 2. The fluid produced by this organ, whether by dialysis, secretion, or transudation, in many aspects resembles cerebrospinal fluid. 3. 3. Its proteinogram bespeaks origin from blood serum, the source of the cerebrospinal fluid. 4. 4. A possible reason for an increase of protein in the cyst fluid is that other tissues are found in the cyst lining and transudation from these areas might easily add protein to the fluid.
Investigation of the convergence of the iterative design algorithm for phase shifter pairs for simple beam transformations

The use of a pair of reflectors to convert a microwave beam from one amplitude/phase distribution to another is important in microwave technology. A simpler version of this problem is the use of a pair of hypothetical ideal thin phase correctors to transform the beam. This problem has many of the same features of the reflector design problem and small phase shift variations can usually be converted to equivalent mirror surface variations. The phase shift profiles and some convergence properties are presented for transformations between some simple Gaussian beam profiles.
Canine mesenteric artery and vein convey no difference in the content of major contractile proteins.

Mesenteric arteries and veins are composed of tonic smooth muscles and serve distinct functions in the peripheral circulation. However, the basis for the functional disparity of the resistive and capacitative parts of the mesenteric circulation is poorly understood. We studied potential differences in the expression levels of six contractile proteins in secondary and tertiary branches of the inferior mesenteric artery and vein along with differences in the vessel wall morphology. Bright field and electron microscopy showed that both vessel walls had the same major structural elements. The arterial walls, however, had greater number, and more tightly assembled, smooth muscle cell layers compared to vein walls. The content of actin, myosin heavy chain, myosin light chain, and calponin was similar in the two blood vessels. The artery expressed higher amount of the actin-binding protein caldesmon than the vein (41.86 ± 2.33 and 30.13 ± 3.37 μg/mg respectively, n = 12). Although the total tropomyosin content was almost identical in both blood vessels, the alpha isoform dominated in the artery, while the beta isoform prevailed in the vein. Canine mesenteric artery and vein differ in vessel wall morphology but do not convey differences in the expression levels of actin, myosin light chain, myosin heavy chain and calponin. The two vascular networks express distinct amounts of caldesmon and tropomyosin, which might contribute to the fine tuning of the contractile machinery in a manner consistent with the physiological functions of the two vascular networks.
HIV: Opportunities for Faculty Engagement

Boyer and others have called for academe to become more actively engaged in service and outreach activities to address pressing issues that demand the attention of our culture. The HIV epidemic has affected our culture in critical ways; it has had both a local and a global impact that demands the attention of academe. Faculty, staff, and students need to bring to bear human and intellectual assets to assist communities in dealing with the full impact of the epidemic in a meaningful and personal way.More than thirteen years ago a faculty group from diverse disciplines at the University of Hartford, including biology, health sciences, philosophy, art history, and communication, developed a course called “Epidemics and AIDS.” This course engages faculty and students in this epidemic in ways that have resulted in substantial service to the community, improved teaching and learning, and new and important scholarship.
The structure and dynamics of solvated electron in polar liquids

A review with 106 references of the recent advances in understanding the structure, dynamics, and photodynamics of solvated electrons in polar liquids (and, to some degree, clusters): water, alcohols, ammonia, ethers. Both the orthodox (cavity) and heterodox (multimer anion) pictures of the solvated electron are discussed.