cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract P6-01-02: Flourine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography for the evaluation of response to therapy in bone-dominant metastatic breast cancer: Examination in patients enrolled on UPCC 17113

Background: Response of bone-only (BO) and bone-dominant (BD) metastatic breast cancer (mBC) to therapy is difficult to assess by conventional imaging. UPCC 17113 is a single institution prospective cohort study evaluating FDG PET at early and conventional follow up intervals, 4 and 12 weeks respectively, in patients with hormone receptor (HR) positive mBC receiving endocrine therapy. The objective of this study is to assess the relationship between changes relative to baseline in standard uptake values (SUV) of specific bone lesions and progression free survival (PFS). We will also explore change in SUV as it relates to overall survival (OS) and skeletal related events (SRE). We present interim results. Methods: Enrolled patients were ≥18 years with biopsy proven or documented clinically obvious HR-positive BD/BO mBC due to start new endocrine therapy. Any line endocrine therapy was allowed. FDG PET was performed at baseline, 4 and 12 weeks after initiation of new therapy. SUVmax for the 5 most metabolically active osseous lesions, excluding sites previously treated by radiation or surgery, were recorded at baseline, 4- and 12- week time-points. Average index lesion SUVmax (sum SUVmax/#lesions) and % change from baseline were calculated. Decline of ≥30% from baseline was defined as significant. Results: As of 6/1/2015, 11 patients were enrolled. All patients have completed the 4-week scan and 8 have completed the 12-week scan. Five and 6 out of the 11 patients had BO and BD HR-positive mBC respectively. Detectable changes in SUV from baseline were noted in all patients at both 4 and 12 weeks, with a 37% overall decline in average index lesion SUVmax at 4 weeks. 8 of 11 patients had a ≥30% decline, in SUV at 4 weeks averaging 46%. Five of the 6 patients in this group who completed the 12-week scan had a sustained decline averaging 50% from the baseline. Of note, the average decline between 4 and 12 weeks in this group was only 8%. Despite having an overall decline from baseline of 44%, the sixth patient in this group had an increase between 4 and 12 weeks of 22%. Three of the 11 patients had a Conclusions: There are detectable changes in FDG SUV of osseous lesions at 4 and 12 weeks following initiation of endocrine therapy in patients with BO or BD HR positive mBC. Our interim results demonstrate the emergence of 3 groups of patients: (1) those who have a Citation Format: Lynch MC, Mankoff D, Bradbury AR, Domchek S, Glick JH, Matro J, DeMichele A, Clark AS. Flourine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography for the evaluation of response to therapy in bone-dominant metastatic breast cancer: Examination in patients enrolled on UPCC 17113. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-01-02.
The reinforcing effect of exercise in anorexia nervosa: Clinical correlates and relationship to outcome

The purpose of the current study was to examine the relative reinforcing effect of exercise compared to a non-monetary alternative reinforcer (leisure activity), and to money, before and after weight restoration in an inpatient population with anorexia nervosa (AN). Sixty-two inpatients with AN completed a progressive ratio (PR) task to earn exercise, leisure activities, or cash at low weight and after weight restoration. Measures of pathology and motivation to exercise were completed and post-treatment discharge weights were collected. Patients worked harder for exercise at low weight than after weight restoration (df = 46, t = 5.50, p < .001). PR task performance was weakly associated with a measure of commitment to exercise (low weight: r = 0.31, weight restored: r = 0.36, p < .05), but not with other clinical measures or follow-up weights. Contrary to prior suggestions, measurement of the reinforcing value of exercise among individuals with AN via a PR task does not appear valuable in assessing clinical severity or outcome. Other, simpler, self-report measures of commitment to exercise may have greater value in assessing these outcomes.
An answer checking method for quantum annealers

We present a generic approach for checking the validity of the solutions returned by quantum annealing devices to aid in the analysis of whether the solution is the true ground state of the desired problem. The underlying principle is to embed a mirrored graph G' of the original graph G, and connect the two graphs via strong ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic couplings that span across the mirror plane. This allows one to dismiss solutions that do not agree with the underlying mirror symmetry inherent to the true ground state of the composite graph. Using a 1000 qubit D-Wave 2X device, we demonstrate this method by applying it to spin glass problems defined on the device's native Chimera architecture.
The new (Korean) wave: A global social mobility story please Look after Mom

In this article we examine Shin Kyung-Sook’s international bestseller Please Look After Mom as a South Korean “New Wave” cultural product. We...
Locomotor activity and the expression of orexin A and orexin B in aged female rhesus macaques.

Abstract Reduced activity has been linked to age-associated physiological changes but the underlying root cause is unclear. The goal of the present study was to compare the orexin neuronal system of old (23–29 years) female rhesus macaques with either active or sedentary 24-hour locomotor activity patterns. Using immunohistochemistry, we counted the number of orexin A and orexin B neurons in the lateral hypothalamic area of each animal. Overall, we observed no difference in the distribution pattern or number of either orexin A or orexin B immune-positive neurons between animals in the 2 groups. Thus, reduced activity in the elderly is unlikely to stem from a loss of orexin neuronal perikarya in the lateral hypothalamic area. This, however, does not rule out the possibility that the reduced activity stems from reduced orexin neuronal projections to arousal centers of the brain, such as the locus coeruleus, or from attenuated release of orexin.
A Functional View of Bilingual Lexicosemantic Organization

Abstract This model focuses on individual differences in constraints on language choice. Bilinguals may live among speakers of only one of their languages, or with bilinguals who share the same two languages. In the former (constrained) case, the constraints on language choice result in a more language-dependent organization than the latter(unconstrained). Changes in reaction-time used to explore this organization can be contaminated by these individual differences. RTs to targets belonging to an unexpected language are slowed for constrained bilinguals, but unconstrained bilinguals form no language expectations from context. Violated expectations yield both a lack of visible associations across languages and extra time to process stimuli following a change in language, for constrained bilinguals only. Therefore, investigations of bilingual lexicosemantic networks must consider the role of language for the subjects.
Vitamin D deficiency, incidence, and response to oral supplementation among various gastrointestinal malignancies

9586 Background: Vitamin (vit) D dficiency is prevalent amongst patients (pts) with colorectal and pancreatic cancers. Data for other GI malignancies are limited and the impact of short-course vit ...
A review of fiber optics technology for military applications

For the past two decades, fiber optics technology has been under development in the Army, Navy, and Air Force for applications, which range from fiber optic payout dispensers for air, land, and marine vehicles to fiber optic sensors for vehicle-navigation and environmental sensing and monitoring. Teleoperated weapon systems have been designed to provide the soldier with operator standoff capability, non-line-of-sight targeting, precision kill capability, with unmatched bandwidth. The Government/industry team conducted tremendous research efforts in developing a reliable fiber optic dispenser design, which is part of the data transmission link between a launch platform and a weapon. This paper reviews the advanced fiber optic technology, which includes automated fiber winding, and pack mechanics and payout dynamics models for producing stable fiber optic payout dispensers and thermally symmetric fiber optic gyroscope coils for operations in military environments. Also, non-destructive fiber optic techniques for measuring distributed strain and temperature in wound fiber packs will be discussed. The findings of the novel technique adopted for fiber pack quality verification are also discussed. Finally, the results of research efforts that are underway to develop low cost, high performance, miniature fiber optic gyroscopes for use in tactical weapon systems are presented.
Temporal Trends, Complications, and Predictors of Outcomes Among Nonagenarians Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Insights From the Veterans Affairs Clinical Assessment, Reporting, and Tracking Program

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to determine temporal trends, in-laboratory complications, mortality, and predictors of mortality among nonagenarians undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Background Nonagenarians (patients 90 years of age or older) undergoing PCI are often underrepresented in clinical trials, and their management remains challenging and controversial. Methods All veterans undergoing PCI with data recorded in the Veterans Affairs Clinical Assessment, Reporting, and Tracking program from 2005 to 2014 were evaluated. Temporal trends in the use of PCI, occurrence of in-laboratory complications, and 30-day and 1-year mortality were assessed. Using a frailty model, predictors of 30-day and 1-year mortality in nonagenarians were evaluated. Results Among all veterans undergoing PCI (n = 67,148) between 2005 and 2014, 274 (0.4%) were nonagenarians. The proportion of nonagenarians increased from 0.25% in 2008 to 0.58% in 2014. Compared with younger patients, nonagenarians had a greater risk for acute cardiogenic shock post-procedure (0.73% vs. 0.12%; p = 0.04) and no reflow (2.9% vs. 1.0%; p = 0.02). Unadjusted (10.6% vs. 1.4%; p Conclusions Nonagenarians were a small but growing population with worse 30-day and 1-year mortality. The National Cardiovascular Data Registry risk score was a strong predictor of mortality in these patients.
Transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of autophagy in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Autophagy is a highly conserved catabolic pathway that is vital for development, cell survival, and the degradation of dysfunctional organelles and potentially toxic aggregates. Dysregulation of autophagy is associated with cancer, neurodegeneration, and lysosomal storage diseases. Accordingly, autophagy is precisely regulated at multiple levels (transcriptional, post-transcriptional, translational, and post-translational) to prevent aberrant activity. Various model organisms are used to study autophagy, but the baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae continues to be advantageous for genetic and biochemical analysis of non-selective and selective autophagy. In this Minireview, we focus on the cellular mechanisms that regulate autophagy transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally in S. cerevisiae.
The SK-II #changedestiny campaign and the limits of commodity activism for women’s equality in neo/non-liberal China

This article examines one market-based intervention to combat gender discrimination in China, beauty brand SK-II’s #changedestiny campaign, and in particular an accompanying video, Marriage Market ...
Description of the Problem of Animal Cruelty and Its Association with Interpersonal Violence

The importance of the link between animal cruelty and interpersonal violence was presented and indicated the importance of collaboration between law enforcement, animal control, legal, medical, veterinary, and mental health professionals. The section also summarized the “violence graduation hypothesis,” which was based on the McDonald triad as compared to the “deviance generalization hypothesis,” which posits that one form of social deviance can lead to other forms of social deviance. In addition, it is important to note that the link is a not a simple causal or correlational relationship.
Using the X-FEL as a source to investigate photo-pumped X-ray lasers

H-like and He-like resonantly photo-pumped laser schemes were proposed for producing X-ray lasers nearly four decades ago. However, demonstrating these schemes in the laboratory has proven to be elusive. One major challenge has been the difficulty of finding an adequate resonance between a strong pump line and a line in the laser plasma that drives the laser transition. After finding a good resonance, a second challenge has been to simultaneously create the pump and laser plasma in close proximity so as to allow the pump line to transfer its energy to the laser material. With the construction of the X-ray free electron laser (X-FEL) at the SLAC Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) researchers now have a tunable X-ray laser source that can be used to replace the pump line in previously proposed laser schemes and allow them to study the physics and feasibility of photo-pumped laser schemes. In this paper we model the Na-pumped Ne X-ray laser scheme that was proposed and studied many years ago by replacing the Na He-?? pump line at 1127 eV with the X-FEL at LCLS. We predict large gains greater than 400 cm-1 on the 4f – 3d transition at 231 A.
‘Historically Necessary Illusions’ (1917–1918)

In order to understand better how and why Lukacs divorced himself from actual humanity when attempting to actualize his ideals, let us again peer briefly into his times. They were times designed to intensify rather than dispel his illusions and delusions. Among numerous European countries which at the end of World War I were in turmoil and political upheaval, Hungary in particular opened up irresistible revolutionary opportunities to any man with an apocalyptic temperament.
Birefringence and Transverse Strain Sensitivity in Bragg Grating Sensors

This article presents the derivation of a finite element formulation for the calculation of the spectral response of a fiber Bragg grating sensor embedded in a host material system. The formulation is based on a 3D/2D element for which the local fiber propagation constants are calculated from the optical and geometric properties in the plane perpendicular to light propagation. Afterwards, a modified transfer matrix can be applied to calculate the Bragg wavelength shifts in each of the principle optical axes for the grating. The effects of axial strain, transverse strain, and fiber curvature can be implemented into the formulation. This novel approach permits the prediction of the sensor response when the sensor is embedded in a complicated material system for which analytical or approximate solutions do not accurately predict the strain state in the sensor. A numerical example demonstrating the response of the senor to diametrical compression is presented to verify the formulation.
Quantifying Bound and Active Antibodies Conjugated to Gold Nanoparticles: A Comprehensive and Robust Approach To Evaluate Immobilization Chemistry

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functionalized with antibodies have the potential to improve biosensing technology because of the unique optical properties of AuNPs and the specificity of antibody-antigen interactions. Critical to the development and optimization of these AuNP-enabled sensing technologies is the immobilization of the antibody onto the AuNP. The development of novel immobilization strategies that optimize antibody loading and orientation in an effort to enhance antibody activity, and therefore assay performance, has been the focus of many recent studies. However, few analytical methods exist to accurately quantify the activity of conjugated antibodies and reliably compare different immobilization strategies. Herein, we describe an enzyme-mediated assay to quantify the fraction of the immobilized antibodies that is accessible for antigen binding. Anti-horseradish peroxidase (anti-HRP) antibody is mixed with AuNPs to allow for conjugation, and the unbound, excess antibody is quantified with a modified Bradford assay to determine antibody loading onto AuNPs. The conjugates are then mixed with excess HRP to saturate all accessible binding sites, and bound HRP is quantified based on enzymatic reaction rate. This analytical scheme was used to compare two common immobilization strategies, nonspecific adsorption and protein A-mediated immobilization. We found that the antibody surface coverage is greater for direct adsorption than protein A-mediated binding; however, 23 ± 6% of the directly adsorbed antibodies were active, whereas 91 ± 19% of the antibodies bound through protein A were active. In addition to establishing this method as quantitatively precise and accurate, our results emphasize the need to quantify both antibody loading and antibody activity upon conjugation to gain greater insight into differences in immobilization chemistries and identify optimum protein conjugation strategies to maximize immunoassay performance.
3D Shape Modeling and Analysis of Retinal Microvasculature in OCT-Angiography Images

3D optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) is a novel and non-invasive imaging modality for analyzing retinal diseases. The studies of microvasculature in 2D en face projection images have been widely implemented, but comprehensive 3D analysis of OCT-A images with rich depth-resolved microvascular information is rarely considered. In this paper, we propose a robust, effective, and automatic 3D shape modeling framework to provide a high-quality 3D vessel representation and to preserve valuable 3D geometric and topological information for vessel analysis. Effective vessel enhancement and extraction steps by means of curvelet denoising and optimally oriented flux (OOF) filtering are first designed to produce 3D microvascular networks. Afterwards, a novel 3D data representation of OCT-A microvasculature is reconstructed via advanced mesh reconstruction techniques. Based on the 3D surfaces, shape analysis is established to extract novel shape-based microvascular area distortion via the Laplace-Beltrami eigen-projection. The extracted feature is integrated into a graph-cut segmentation system to categorize large vessels and small capillaries for more precise shape analysis. The proposed framework is validated on a dedicated repeated scan dataset including 260 volume images and shows high repeatability. Statistical analysis using the surface area biomarker is performed on small capillaries to avoid the effect of tailing artifact from large vessels. It shows significant differences ( $p ) between DR stages on 100 subjects in a OCTA-DR dataset. The proposed shape modeling and analysis framework opens the possibility for further investigating OCT-A microvasculature in a new perspective.
A Simplified Method for Estimating the Performance of Photovoltaic Systems

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the method based on the loss-of-load probability (LLP) technique for estimating the performance of stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) systems. The later allows the estimation of the optimum combination of battery capacity (Cs) and photovoltaic array peak power (Pc). The problem consists in determining the combination that corresponds to a minimum total system cost. Two methods are proposed in order to estimate the LLP. The first one is based on the solar energy deviation and tile second uses the auxiliary energy estimated by the Markovian model. This method requires daily radiation data for extended periods.
Encapsulation of ovarian allograft precludes immune rejection and promotes restoration of endocrine function in immune-competent ovariectomized mice

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a significant complication of cytotoxic treatments due to extreme ovarian sensitivity to chemotherapy and radiation. POI is particularly devastating for young girls reaching puberty, because it irreversibly affects their physical and cognitive development. Changes occurring during puberty determine their height, bone health, insulin responsiveness, lipid metabolism, cardiovascular health and cognition. The only available treatment for POI during puberty is hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which delivers non-physiological levels of estrogen, lacks other ovarian hormones and pulsatility, and is not responsive to feedback regulation. Here we report that ovarian allografts encapsulated in a hydrogel-based capsule and implanted in ovariectomized mice restore ovarian endocrine function in immune competent mice. Ovarian tissue from BALB/c mice was encapsulated in poly(ethylene-glycol) (PEG) hydrogels, with a proteolytically degradable core and a non-degradable shell. The dual capsules were implanted subcutaneously in immune competent ovariectomized C57BL/6 mice for a period of 60 days. As expected, non-encapsulated ovarian allografts implanted in a control group sensitized the recipients as confirmed with donor-specific IgG in the serum, which increased 26-fold in the 3 weeks following transplantation (p = 0.02) and infiltration of the graft with CD8 T cells consistent with allo-immunity. In contrast, encapsulation in the Dual PEG capsules prevented sensitization to the allograft in all the recipients with no evidence of lymphocytic infiltration. In summary, the approach of hydrogel-based immunoisolation presents a minimally invasive and robust cell-therapy to restore hormonal balance in ovarian insufficiency. This report is the first to demonstrate the application of a tunable PEG-based hydrogel as an immunoisolator of allogeneic ovarian tissue to restore endocrine function in ovariectomized mice and prevent cell-mediated immune rejection in immune competent mice.
Parents of TGNC children interfacing with their social networks

This systematic literature review explores parents of transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) children’s experiences interfacing with members of their social support networks. We used the quali...
Molecular regulation and function of FoxO3 in chronic kidney disease.

Purpose of review FOXOs are transcription factors that regulate downstream target genes to counteract to cell stress. Here we review the function and regulation of FOXO transcription factors, the mechanism of FOXO3 activation in the kidney, and the role of FOXO3 in delaying the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Recent findings Progressive renal hypoxia from vascular dropout and metabolic perturbation is a pathogenic factor for the initiation and development of CKD. Hypoxia and low levels of α-ketoglutarate generated from the TCA cycle inhibit prolyl hydroxylase domain (PHD)-mediated prolyl hydroxylation of FoxO3, thus reducing FoxO3 protein degradation via the ubiquitin proteasomal pathway, similar to HIF stabilization under hypoxic conditions. FoxO3 accumulation and nuclear translocation activate two key cellular defense mechanisms, autophagy and antioxidative response in renal tubular cells, to reduce cell injury and promote cell survival. FoxO3 directly activates the expression of Atg proteins, which replenishes core components of the autophagic machinery to allow sustained autophagy in the chronically hypoxic kidney. FoxO3 protects mitochondria by stimulating the expression of superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), as tubular deletion of FoxO3 in mice results in reduced SOD2 levels and profound mitochondrial damage. Summary Knowledge gained from animal studies may help understand the function of stress responsive transcription factors that could be targeted to prevent or treat CKD.
Metabolomic Profiling in the Characterization of Degenerative Bone and Joint Diseases

Osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthropathies are a cause of significant morbidity globally. New research elucidating the metabolic derangements associated with a variety of bone and joint disorders implicates various local and systemic metabolites, which further elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms associated with these destructive disease processes. In osteoarthritis, atty acid metabolism has been implicated in disease development, both locally and systemically. Several series of rheumatoid arthritis patients have demonstrated overlapping trends related to histidine and glyceric acid, while other series showed similar results of increased cholesterol and glutamic acid. Studies comparing osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis reported elevated gluconic acid and glycolytic- and tricarboxylic acid-related substrates in patients with osteoarthritis, while lysosphingolipids and cardiolipins were elevated only in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Other bone and joint disorders, including osteonecrosis, intervertebral disc degeneration, and osteoporosis, also showed significant alterations in metabolic processes. The identification of the molecular mechanisms of osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthropathies via metabolomics-based workflows may allow for the development of new therapeutic targets to improve the quality of life in these patient populations.
Justice Kennedy's White Nationalism

This Essay places frequently celebrated sexual orientation opinions written by Justice Anthony Kennedy into conversation with his opinions in immigration and national security contexts. This juxtaposition reveals the identity-based borders of the liberty and dignity that Justice Kennedy often valorized when gays and lesbian asserted their rights. A close analysis of Justice Kennedy’s final sexual orientation opinion, Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, and the final national security opinion that he joined, Trump v. Hawaii, demonstrates that Justice Kennedy’s commitment to social hierarchy privileged the interests and perspectives of white, heterosexual Christians and ultimately harmed a wide swath of sexual, racial, and religious minorities.
Quantifying Risk Tolerance Among Potential Living Kidney Donors With the Donor-Specific Risk Questionnaire.

Rationale & Objective Enhanced informed consent tools improve patient engagement. A novel visual aid measured potential donors’ risk tolerance to postdonation kidney failure and assessed if the closeness of the relationship to the intended recipient altered willingness to accept risk. Study Design Cross-sectional analysis of donor evaluations at the time of enrollment into a longitudinal mixed-methods study between November 2014 and February 2016. Setting & Participants Three US kidney transplant centers. English-speaking adults presenting for in-person living kidney donor evaluation. Exposure Closeness of the relationship between the potential living donor and intended recipient. Outcome Willingness to accept postdonation kidney failure. Analytical Approach The Donor-Specific Risk Questionnaire, a dot matrix visual diagram, was used to measure willingness to accept kidney failure risk. Multivariable logistic regression assessed associations between risk acceptance and data from social science instruments, which measured donors’ perceived closeness with the recipient. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically per grounded theory. Results 307 participants (response rate: 86%) completed testing. 96% indicated a willingness to accept a risk of kidney failure of 0.9% or greater. Those who were older (OR, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.96-0.99]), women (OR, 0.54 [95% CI, 0.31-0.93]), and Black (OR, 0.25 [95% CI, 0.08-0.76]) were less likely to be in the medium versus low willingness to accept risk group. Closeness of the relationship to the recipient was independently associated with greater risk acceptance (for every 1-point greater closeness score, odds ratios for being in the medium and high willingness to accept risk groups were 1.21 [95% CI, 1.03-1.41] and 2.42 [95% CI, 1.53-3.82] compared with being in the low willingness to accept risk group). With the exception of parental relationships, biological linkages were not associated with accepting higher kidney failure risk. Limitations First demonstration of visual aid that used one risk estimate of kidney failure provided to all participants. Risk estimates were not customized to different demographic groups. Conclusions Relationship closeness was independently associated with a greater willingness to accept postdonation kidney failure. Visual aids can provide transplant teams with individualized donor perspectives on risk thresholds and can potentially facilitate greater patient-centered care for living donors.
The Real Benefits of Being Public: Evidence from Public and Private Firms

In this paper, we study efficiency of capital allocation across public and private firms. Using a large dataset that contains financial data on both public and private European firms, we investigate to what extent firms with good (poor) growth opportunities increase (decrease) corporate investment. We find that, on average, public listed firms display higher investment sensitivity to growth opportunities than public unlisted and private firms. This differential, however, only exists in countries with well-developed stock markets. Our results suggest that stock market development provides advantage to public firms in capital allocation over private firms.
Creation of a medical ward from non-clinical space amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: Hospitals were mandated to dramatically increase capacity during the Covid-19 crisis in New York City. Conversion of non-clinical space into medical units designated for Covid-19 patients became necessary to accommodate this mandate. METHODS: Non-clinical space was converted into medical units at multiple campuses of a large academic hospital system over 1 week. The conversion required construction to deliver basic care including oxygen supplementation. Creation of provider workspaces, handwashing areas, and colour-coded infection control zones was prioritized. Selection criteria were created with a workflow to determine appropriate patients for transfer into converted space. Staffing of converted space shifted as hospitalizations surged. RESULTS: The unit was open for 18 days and accommodated 170 unique patients. Five patients (2.9%) required transfer to a higher level of care. There were no respiratory arrests, cardiac arrests, or deaths in the new unit. CONCLUSION: Converting non-clinical space to a medical unit was accomplished quickly with staffing, workflow for appropriate patients, few patients who returned to a higher level of care, and no respiratory or cardiac arrests or deaths on the unit.
Reactivity of binary manganese oxide mixtures towards arsenite removal: Evidence of synergistic effects

Abstract The effects of manganese (Mn) mineral mixtures on arsenite (As(III)) removal (i.e., the sum of As(III) oxidation to As(V) and As species adsorption) were systematically quantified for the first time using varying ratios of hausmannite and manganite, common Mn(III)-containing oxides that often exist as mixtures in natural environments. Due to smaller particle sizes and a higher surface area, hausmannite alone exhibited a total As(III) removal of 8.86 μM m−2 at pH 5, almost double that of manganite, 4.63 μM m−2, with initially fast but then subsequently slower As(III) oxidation and Mn(II) production rates. Both minerals showed a substantial decrease in As(III) removal as pH increased. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) analysis showed mineral edge sites initially and preferably consumed for As(III) oxidation. Mixtures of hausmannite and manganite resulted in enhanced As(III) removal (9.62–11.2 μM m−2) relative to the single minerals at pH 5, increasing with increasing manganite quantities. The mineral mixtures also displayed two reaction phases, where As(III) oxidation and Mn(II) production were initially fast but then slowed after the first hour. Further, the mineral mixtures produced a Mn(II):As(V) ratio higher than the theoretical two, indicating enhanced mineral dissolution than that of a single Mn oxide. Enhanced reactivity was attributed to the aggregation structure of mixtures, as the presence of manganite effectively limited the aggregation of hausmannite particles, as observed in HRTEM, promoting the exposure of highly active edge sites for the surface-mediated reactions. Thus, mineral mixtures may serve as a better surrogate than a single mineral to examine the extent and magnitude of As(III) removal in natural environments, by more closely reflecting the heterogeneity and complexity in surface interactions and aggregation structures between the minerals.
Law Enforcement/Policing and Fear

This chapter briefly explores the history of slave patrols, policing in the Reconstruction era, and the construction of law enforcement; race as a consistent prognosticator of attitudes toward the police and fear; and associative learning and conditioned fear, perception of threat/extremism, and behavior modification.
Mutations in STAT3 and TTN Associated with Clinical Outcomes in Large Granular Lymphocyte Leukemia

Large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukemia is a rare, chronic leukemia associated with clinical manifestations of anemia (RBC < 4.5 million/mcL in males, < 4 million/mcL in females), neutropenia (ANC < 1500/mm3), and autoimmune disease. Progress has been made in identifying a significant and frequent mutation in the STAT3 gene among LGL patients; however, STAT signaling is still largely unexplained in about 60% of those LGL leukemia patients lacking STAT3 mutations. This paper sought to confirm previous studies regarding the association of a STAT3 mutation with clinical manifestations, as well as search for other significant mutations across the rest of the genome in order to determine whether the specific clinical features of autoimmune disease, anemia, and neutropenia present in LGL leukemia patients are associated with additional genomic mutations in LGL cells. As LGL leukemia is rare, presents heterogeneous conditions, and does not have a high mutation burden, our approach is distinct from standard approaches in cancer research where mutation rates are much higher. Methods of dimension reduction are employed in tandem with association analysis and decision trees to search for signals between significant genetic mutations and clinical manifestations of anemia, neutropenia, and autoimmune disease within the LGL patient sample. Results indicate an association exists between anemia and concurrent mutations in STAT3 and TTN (p = 0.03) in T-LGLL patients. Additionally, an association was identified between neutropenia and a mutation in either TTN (p = 0.049) or STAT3 (p = 0.03) in T-LGLL patients as well. These findings imply that TTN may be responsible for STAT activation in combination with a STAT3 mutation or independently in T-LGLL patients. Through XGBoost, 66% accuracy was achieved in predicting neutropenia and 55% accuracy in predicting anemia using gene mutations as the predictor variables. However, the relatively small sample size (N=116 patients), presents concerns of limited statistical power, and the expectation on the number of times these findings might be repeated in independent samples. The ideal sample size needed for an association test to have adequate statistical power was examined. Additionally, a review of past LGL leukemia publications was undertaken to compare the statistical power of their reported analyses. To obtain satisfactory statistical power in analyzing the association between a STAT3 gene mutation and neutropenia in the T-LGLL population (e.g. p ≤ 0.01, power = 0.9), the T-LGLL sample size must be at least 312 patients. This sample size exceeds not only that of the present study but also that in the majority of sample sizes in the LGLL literature. The pooling of extant LGLL datasets as well as the undertaking of new, major multi-site trials is, therefore, warranted.
Some Experimental Results on Wing Flutter

The present paper represents a progress report of some experiments being carried out in the aerodynamics laboratory of Harvard University, The first part of the experimental investigation consisted in the measurement of the vibration response curves of a wing in the wind tunnel. A wing, free to vibrate in bending and in torsion, was subjected to a forced vibration at various air speeds up to the flutter speed. These measurements are of interest in that they show how the two natural frequencies of the wing come together as the flutter velocity is approached. The peaks of these response curves are also of interest in that they determine the maximum stresses which are experienced, for instance, by a propeller which is subjected to periodic impulses from the engine. The second part of the investigation deals with the problem of flutter above the stall. Measurements show that at angles of attack above the positive stalling angle and below the negative stalling angle the flutter speed is decreased to less than one-third of the flutter speed of the unstalled wing. This flutter seems to be associated with an instability which arises when the slope of the lift curve becomes negative. Experiments on a metal wing supported as a cantilever indicate that the flutter at the stall may also be associated with an excitation from a system of Karman vortices.
Theoretical considerations regarding the presence of biliverdin in amniotic fluid

Abstract Biliverdin was detected in human amniotic fluid (9 to 16 weeks' gestation) by spectrophotometric analysis. Its presence was confirmed by a variety of techniques, including column chromatography, electrophoresis, ultraviolet fluorescence, thin-layer chromatography, and spectral analysis of the isolated compound. Detectable capacity of the placenta to reduce biliverdin was not present at any of the gestational ages studied. Capacity of fetal livers to catalyze NADH-dependent biliverdin reduction increased as gestation progressed toward term. Much higher specific activity was observed in liver obtained at autopsy from a 2-week-old child. On the basis of these results a unified theory regarding the presence of bile pigments in amniotic fluid is presented. The theory speculates that fetal hepatic biliverdin reductase may play a key role in the regulation of fetal hemoglobin metabolism during development and in the appearance of hemoglobin metabolites in amniotic fluid.
Valuation of rotodynamic pumps operation, by means of, dimensional analysis

The following article introduces determination method of rotodynamic pumps operation. The pumps have been installed in installations, basing on their work parameters, by means of dimensional analysis. Operation of rotodynamic pumps, as energetic devices, according to J. Girtler, has been treated as a new physical quantity of dimension, Joul multiplied by second [J∙s]. It expresses transformation of energy supplied to liquid, being forced through by the pump. This quantity can be determined, on the basis of algebraic diagram of dimensional analysis, constructed by S. Drobot. This diagram allowed us to control correctness of inference rules, in relation to mathematical aspect, used in numerical functions of rotodynamic pumps operation, fitted in instalations.
Leverage and the Cost of Capital for U.S. Banks

We examine the empirical relationship between leverage and the weighted-average cost of capital (WACC) for U.S. banks from 1996 to 2012. Our paper differs significantly from prior studies that examine this issue in that we explore this relationship for different asset-size classes of banks. Not taking this approach results in misestimating the effects of changes in leverage on the WACCs of banks. We estimate that doubling equity capital (halving leverage) would likely have a minor effect on the WACCs of the six largest banks, while having a greater effect on smaller banks’ WACCs.
A Typology of Rural Areas in Danube Region

Abstract The main objective of this paper is aimed at the quantitative analysis of vulnerability to hydro -climate changes in the eleven counties of the Danube region. The vulnerability was seen by three components: exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity. Twenty- five indicators were examined. The methods used were factor analysis and cluster analysis. Obtained clusters show spatial differences of vulnerability at the county level. In this context, policy makers should adapt their policies to local conditions. In addition, hydro-climatic changes should be placed in the broader context of sustainable rural development.
Lubricated Transport of Viscous Materials

In two phase flows the dynamic response is tied to the way the phases are arranged. Many configurations are realized in practice; these are often described by flow charts for — Liquid-liquid — Gas-Liquid — Liquid-Solid
Transient ion exchange of anion exchange membranes exposed to carbon dioxide

Abstract A common issue with anion exchange membranes (AEMs) is carbon dioxide contamination which causes a conversion from the hydroxide form to a mixed carbonate/bicarbonate form. In the mixed ionic form the membrane suffers from lower conductivity due to the larger and heavier ions having a lower mobility. The purpose of this study is to develop a theoretical model of the transient ion exchange process and elucidate the nature of the conversion of the AEM from a hydroxide form to a carbonate/bicarbonate form. Experimental data available from the literature providing the anion concentrations versus time are used for comparison. The prevalent mechanisms are discussed and the governing equations are cast in a dimensionless form. Extensions are then made to conductivity predictions.
Ductility of Titanium Alloy and Stainless Steel Aerospace Fasteners

This paper presents results from tests aimed to assess the relative ductility of titanium alloy Ti 6Al-4V and stainless steel A286 aerospace fasteners of comparable size and tensile strength. A test procedure is developed, and tensile tests are performed on test fasteners. All test fasteners fracture in the threaded region. Elastic and plastic deformation at rupture are extracted from the resulting load versus displacement curves and used to compute the ductility index for each test fastener. The ductility index quantifies the relative ductility between the different fastener materials. The average ductility index for the titanium alloy fasteners is about one-tenth the average value for the A286 fasteners. In addition, the fracture surfaces of the titanium alloy test fasteners fracture perpendicular to the axis of tensile loading, whereas the A286 test fasteners fracture across three or four threads, which corresponds to about a 45° angle. Both the relative ductility index values and fracture surface characteristics indicate much less ductility in the titanium alloy fasteners. These results are not intended to discourage the use of titanium alloy fasteners but rather to provide additional data for use in proper joint design when the benefits of lower weight or extreme temperature use are required.
Building Racial and Cultural Competence in the Classroom: Strategies From Urban Educators by Karen Monheim Teel and Jennifer E. Obidah (Eds.): (2008). New York: Teachers College Press, 192 pp., $24.95 (paperback)

In the over 40 years since the U.S. Civil Rights Act was enacted, racial inequality and social division remain entrenched in the United States. Although people of all races, nationalities, and reli...
Kaufman's theory of shame and identity in treating childhood sexual abuse in adults.

The competent nurse/therapist treats shame of the adult survivor of childhood sexual abuse. Shame must be identified, validated, and treated. Kaufman's Developmental Theory of Shame and Identity is easily applied to post-sexual-abuse phenomenon. Treatment principles can be incorporated in both individual and group therapy. Nurse/therapists are encouraged to further explore the role of shame in the psychopathology of the adult survivor of childhood sexual abuse. Language: en
Anthropology, Politics, and Place in Sri Lanka: South Asian Reflections from an Island Adrift

How does the idea of ‘South Asia’ play out in the politics and public culture of Sri Lanka? As an island, long connected by the trade routes of the Indian Ocean, it has always been a place of comings and goings. Yet, paradoxically, this fact seems to often generate efforts to imagine it as necessarily bounded and unattached to the adjacent subcontinent. The problems of place-making that follow from this move, it is suggested, may be a source of Sri Lanka’s success as a producer of extraordinary anthropologists—anthropologists like the late Stanley Tambiah, whose research in Thailand was self-consciously conceived as a way of understanding the peculiar dilemmas of his homeland.
Brownian Motion and Potential Theory

Diffusion can be understood on several levels. The study of diffusion on a macroscopic level, of a substance such as heat, involves the notion of the flux of the quantity. If u(t, x) measures the intensity of the quantity that is diffusing, the flux J across the boundary of a region O in x space satisfies the identity $$ \frac{\partial } {\partial }\int\limits_O {u(t,x)dV(x) = - \int\limits_{\partial O} {v \cdot JdS(x)} ,} $$ (0.1) as long as the substance is being neither created nor destroyed.
Ex vivo performance of printed thick film glucose sensors without immobilized glucose oxidase

The present study investigated the temporal modulation in performance of printed thick film electrochemical sensors without immobilized glucose oxidase by comparing the ex vivo performance of such devices with that of in vitro phosphate buffer saline (PBS) maintained sensors, at similar time points. In addition, a preliminary study was conducted to investigate the dependency of the sensor functionality on the method of sterilization. The oxidation and reduction current involving a ferrous-ferric coupling reaction was used to assess the performance of the electrode elements under in vitro and ex vivo conditions. Imaging analysis was employed to investigate the cellular morphology on the surface of the explanted devices. It was concluded that while the devices were affected by the presence of the surrounding biological environment (cellular adhesion, fibrous capsule formation), the ex vivo performance of the printed thick film sensors was comparable to that of the in vitro prototypes, at similar time points.
Electron dense staining affinities of mouse oxytalan and elastic fibers

The staining affinity of electron dense stains to mouse palatal elastic fibers and periodontal oxytalan fibers was assessed and compared. Tissues were stained routinely with uranyl acetate and lead citrate or with elastic tissue stains including: (1) silver tetraphenylporphine sulfonate, (2) tannic acid technique, and (3) a high iron diamine sequence. Staining results were assessed with an electron microscope. Palatal elastic fibers demonstrated staining affinity to all elastic stain techniques. Oxytalan fibers did not demonstrate affinity to elastic fiber stains used. Based on electron dense stains, elastic and oxytalan fibers were dissimilar, in contrast to results reported utilizing light microscopic stains.
The influence of sterics on the formation of polar 1-D hydrogen-bonded networks.

Polar, noncentrosymmetric packing of directional, 1-D hydrogen-bonded networks of chiral, 4-amino-2,6-bis(oxazolinyl)pyridines (ampybox) occurs for isopropyl-substituted ampybox 2; in contrast, 1-D networks of methyl-substituted ampybox 1 pack in an antiparallel arrangement.
Low-Energy Security: Limits and Opportunities in the Internet of Things

Many new "networkable" devices, which constitute the Internet of Things, are low energy and lightweight. These devices must devote most of their available energy and computation to executing core application functionality, making the task of affordably supporting security and privacy quite challenging.