cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Integrating information literacy into the economics classroom: a faculty-librarian collaboration

Information literacy is "an intellectual framework for understanding, finding, evaluating, and using information-activities which may be accomplished in part by fluency with information technology, in part by sound investigative methods, but most importantly, through critical discernment and reasoning" (ACRL, 2000). In the current environment of information abundance driven by ever-evolving information and communication technology, information literacy is even more vital for students in higher education. However, literature on economic education shows that developing and assessing information literacy skills has not been fully incorporated into economics curricula. This study seeks to address this issue by embedding information literacy instruction into an economics general education course, assessing student learning outcomes, and analysing how information literacy instruction supports the learning process in an economics course. At California State University, Fresno, collaboration between an economics faculty member and a librarian liaison to the economics department resulted in information literacy instruction being incorporated into one of the two sections of the principles of macroeconomics course, from the fall 2013 semester to the spring 2015 semester. The results of the pre- and post-test assessment showed that the information literacy instruction integrated into the ECON 50 coursework helped develop students' information research skills and understanding of information literacy concepts.
Dynamics of peptide bonds: A study of N-acetylethanolamine using chirped-pulsed Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy

Abstract The torsional barrier of a methyl rotor can be used to probe the local electronic environment around the group to which it is attached. In this study, the microwave spectrum of the amide-containing N-acetylethanolamine was recorded in a pulsed supersonic jet using chirped pulse techniques. The spectrum displays both 14N quadrupole and methyl torsional splittings, with the barrier height determined to be 96.05 cm−1. Comparisons of this barrier to those of similar molecules illustrate the effects of methyl group substitution on the distribution of π-electrons within the peptide bond.
A novel approach for the rolling force calculation of cold rolled sheet

The rolling force model was the core factor for the control system of the cold rolled sheet, the prediction accuracy affect the final flatness and the strip thickness directly. A novel approach for the rolling force prediction of cold rolled sheet was first proposed based on the plastic mechanics, in which the cylindrical velocity field was used to analyze the metal flow in the deformation region by the upper bound analysis in this paper. The analysis solution of rolling torque, rolling force and stress state coefficient are obtained by minimizing the total power which contain the internal plastic power, frictional power, shear power and tense power. Moreover, the effects of frictional factor, reduction ratio and the tense on the location of neutral point and stress state coefficient are discussed, respectively, and the validity of the proposed model was verified by comparing with the traditional models. The calculation process was programed and applied in the control system of one 1450 mm cold tandem mill successfully, the prediction results was in good agreement with the actual measured ones, and deviation proportion in the range of ±10.0% reached 97.3%, it can meet the requirements of the control system in cold rolling process.
Prevalence, correlates, and trends in tobacco use and cessation among current, former, and never adult marijuana users with a history of tobacco use, 2005–2014 ☆

Abstract Background Approximately 70% of current (past 30-day) adult marijuana users are current tobacco users, which may complicate tobacco cessation. We assessed prevalence and trends in tobacco cessation among adult ever tobacco users, by marijuana use status. Methods Data came from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, a cross-sectional, nationally representative, household survey of U.S. civilians. Analyses included current, former, and never marijuana users aged ≥ 18 reporting ever tobacco use (cigarette, cigar, chew/snuff). We computed weighted estimates (2013–2014) of current tobacco use, recent tobacco cessation (quit 30 days to 12 months), and sustained tobacco cessation (quit > 12 months) and adjusted trends in tobacco use and cessation (2005–2014) by marijuana use status. We also assessed the association between marijuana and tobacco use status. Results In 2013–2014, among current adult marijuana users reporting ever tobacco use, 69.1% were current tobacco users (vs. 38.5% of former marijuana users, p Conclusions Current marijuana users who ever used tobacco had double the prevalence (vs. never-marijuana users) of current tobacco use, and significantly lower sustained abstinence. Interventions addressing tobacco cessation in the context of use of marijuana and other substances may be warranted.
MicroRNA Signature of Human Microvascular Endothelium Infected with Rickettsia rickettsii

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) mediate gene silencing by destabilization and/or translational repression of target mRNA. Infection of human microvascular endothelial cells as primary targets of Rickettsia rickettsii, the etiologic agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, triggers host responses appertaining to alterations in cellular gene expression. Microarray-based profiling of endothelial cells infected with R. rickettsii for 3 or 24 h revealed differential expression of 33 miRNAs, of which miRNAs129-5p, 200a-3p, 297, 200b-3p, and 595 were identified as the top five up-regulated miRNAs (5 to 20-fold, p ≤ 0.01) and miRNAs 301b-3p, 548a-3p, and 377-3p were down-regulated (2 to 3-fold, p ≤ 0.01). Changes in the expression of selected miRNAs were confirmed by q-RT-PCR in both in vitro and in vivo models of infection. As potential targets, expression of genes encoding NOTCH1, SMAD2, SMAD3, RIN2, SOD1, and SOD2 was either positively or negatively regulated. Using a miRNA-specific mimic or inhibitor, NOTCH1 was determined to be a target of miRNA 200a-3p in R. rickettsii-infected human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HMECs). Predictive interactome mapping suggested the potential for miRNA-mediated modulation of regulatory gene networks underlying important host cell signaling pathways. This first demonstration of altered endothelial miRNA expression provides new insights into regulatory elements governing mechanisms of host responses and pathogenesis during human rickettsial infections.
P1.16 Acquisition of azithromycin resistance in neisseria gonorrhoeae via intragenus recombination

Introduction Reduced susceptibility to azithromycin (AziRS) is increasing in frequency in Neisseria gonorrhoeae. We have shown that non-gonococcal alleles at the mtr operon, encoding the MtrCDE efflux pump and the transcription repressor, are associated with AziRS and sought to define further their role in resistance. Methods We transformed a susceptible strain (MIC Results Transformation studies confirm mosaic mtr alleles cause AziRS. Phylogenetic patterns support frequent AziRS-associated recombination of mtrR, mtrC, and mtrD between N. gonorrhoeae and other Neisseria. Conversely, 16S and mtrE displayed almost exclusive species-based clade topology and no recombination events associated with AziRS. Within gonococcal populations, reduced nucleotide diversity at mtrE (n=1102, π=0.0054) compared to mtrRCD (π=0.014) suggests either equal rates of interspecific recombination across the mtr operon with increased levels of purifying selection acting to purge the introduction of novel alleles at mtrE, or a ‘hotspot’ of interspecific recombination at mtrRCD. Recombination of mosaic mtr alleles into novel gonococcal genomic backgrounds does not deleteriously affect growth rate in vitro, raising questions regarding the associated fitness cost. Conclusion This work supports that Neisseria serve as a reservoir of gonococcal AziRS through interchange of mtr alleles. The genomic epidemiological evidence of multiple acquisitions of these alleles underscores the importance of screening for mtr mosaics to prevent outbreaks of AziRS.
Next generation of pure titania nanoparticles for enhanced solar-light photocatalytic activity

TiO2 nanoparticles are renowned for its photocatalytic degradation. Herein, Oxygen-rich TiO2 nanosphere and TiO2 nanorods have been prepared by photon induced method (PIM). This facial preparation method is cost effective and produce pure anatase phased TiO2 nanoparticles with high stability. The morphology of the prepared TiO2 samples for various preparation times have been analyzed using HRTEM and HRSEM. As the preparation time is increased, a morphological transformation from nanorods to nanospheres is witnessed. The possible reason behind this transformation has also been discussed. The nature of the samples have been investigated using XRD, FTIR, PL, XPS and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The PIM prepared sample for 8 days show pure anatase phase stability even at a higher calcination temperature of 800 °C. This is correlated with the oxygen richness of the sample. A clear discussion regarding this enhanced phase stability is also presented here. Also, the photocatalytic activity of both the samples have been investigated through the degradation of methylene blue dye. The degradation of methylene blue under sunlight by pure TiO2 nanosphere is quicker when compared with TiO2 nanorods and Degussa P25. The reason for the enhanced photodegradation activity of pure TiO2 nanospheres has also been discussed in detail.
Motus Moderari: A Neuroscience-Informed Model for Self-Regulation of Emotion and Motivation

This chapter takes a fresh look at emotion regulation and its associated neural systems by adopting a functionalist perspective on emotion and motivation. The common Latin root for both words is motus: to move. Considering emotion and motivation together because of their shared role in impelling behavior allows us to expand our theoretical perspective on “emotion regulation” to include attempts to control or modify motivational states (e.g., craving) as well as emotional ones. Researchers working in affective and clinical science have begun to establish the neural systems associated with the regulation of emotional and motivational states, respectively, but these literatures have remained largely unconnected. Here, we review human studies on emotion/motivation regulation that use neuroimaging, particularly functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and highlight distinct and overlapping patterns during the regulation of emotion versus motivation. These two literatures reveal a broad pattern of prefrontal cortical regulation of subcortical systems but with some critical variations depending on the specific target of the regulation (e.g., positive vs. negative emotions), task type (e.g., implicit vs. explicit), and the degree of agency implied (e.g., whether or not escape is an option). We conclude by introducing an integrated framework for understanding the similarities and differences between different forms of emotion or motivation regulation. The goals of this framework are to accommodate existing results and meaningful differences between them and to provide a clear roadmap for future work to address gaps in the literature on emotion/motivation regulation.
Noise Analysis of Nonautonomous Circuits

In the previous chapter we developed a noise simulation and characterization technique for oscillators. We found that a mathematically consistent way of representing the output of a noisy oscillator is to view it as a sum of two stochastic processes: a small amplitude noise process arid a large signal output process which is the noiseless oscillator response phase shifted by a Brownian motion process. This new way of characterizing the oscillator output has far reaching impact on the methodology of performing noise simulation for circuits driven by these oscillators. The “traditional” approach for this is to view the oscillator output as a deterministic signal with some additive noise, classified as phase noise and amplitude noise. Therefore, for traditional noise analysis of nonautonomous circuits, it is assumed that the input signal noise can be viewed as a circuit noise source. Since the circuit is driven by a periodic input signal, the circuit response is also periodic. Traditional noise analysis techniques linearize the circuit equations around the periodic response and solve the resulting linear periodic time varying (LPTV) system of equations. Since the circuit is driven by a large periodic signal, the circuit noise statistics and the output noise statistics are also periodically time varying.
Comparing Cloud Content Delivery Networks for Adaptive Video Streaming

Cloud vendors offer content delivery network (CDN) services to compete for the video market. The user experience and the costs of providing the same video streaming service can vary when using different cloud CDNs. We emulate video streaming users in PlanetLab cloud to measure cloud CDNs including Amazon Web Service (AWS) CloudFront, Microsoft Azure Verizon CDN, and Google Cloud CDN. We leverage an approximated Quality of Experience (QoE) as a metric for evaluation. Our study finds that: 1) cloud vendors vary in providing QoE across regions; the video provider should assign a user to the CDN offering the best QoE at his location; 2) the QoE provided by one CDN can change over time; the video provider should adapt the CDN selection according to the real time QoE measurement; 3) cloud CDNs vary in scalability; streaming sessions may crash when there is bursty user demand; video providers should choose among the cloud CDNs that can properly scale; 4) regarding the cost, some cloud CDN is more economical than others given certain cache hit rate; video providers can minimize their costs by forcing free trial users to stream from the cheapest one.
Increased levels of circulating MMP3 correlate with severe rejection in face transplantation.

Face transplantation is a viable treatment option for carefully selected patients with devastating injuries to the face. However, acute rejection episodes occur in more than 80% of recipients in the first postoperative year. Unfortunately, neither a correlation between histological grades of rejection and anti-rejection treatment nor systemic surrogate markers of rejection in face transplantation are established in clinical routine. Therefore, we utilized next generation aptamer-based SOMAscan proteomics platform for non-invasive rejection biomarker discovery. Longitudinal serum samples from face transplant recipients with long-term follow-up were included in this study. From the 1,310 proteins analyzed by SOMAscan, a 5-protein signature (MMP3, ACY1, IL1R2, SERPINA4, CPB2) was able to discriminate severe rejection from both no-rejection and nonsevere rejection samples. Technical validation on ELISA platform showed high correlation with the SOMAscan data for the MMP3 protein (rs = 0.99). Additionally, MMP3 levels were significantly increased during severe rejection as compared to no-rejection (p = 0.0009) and nonsevere rejection (p = 0.0173) episodes. Pathway analyses revealed significant activation of the metallopeptidase activity during severe face transplant rejection. This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of SOMAscan to identify non-invasive candidate biomarkers of rejection in face transplantation. Further validation in a larger independent patient cohort is needed.
A Simple Technique for Removing Snow from Images

This paper presents a simple technique for removing snow from images that has applications in many areas of image processing, computer vision, and pattern recognition. The biggest challenge in this case is the variability in data. It is very important to differentiate patterns representing snow from other valid objects within an image. Since an image may contain a wide variety of patterns, a probabilistic method should be applied. In this paper, we present a snow detection and removal technique based on mixture modeling and compressive sensing. Mixture modeling is the primary tool used to detect and remove snow. During this process, however, some noise is induced in the processed images. Compressive Sensing Orthogonal Matching Pursuit algorithm is then applied to denoise the image. The final result shows an image cleared of snow, while still retaining the main objects and features of interest.
Diverging by Gender: Syrian Refugees’ Divisions of Labor and Formation of Human Capital in the United States:

In this article, I examine how Syrian refugee men and women shifted their household divisions of labor in their initial years of resettlement in the United States. I combine and extend relational a...
Scalability of an IT Intervention to Prevent Pressure Ulcers in Nursing Homes.

Abstract Background Pressure ulcers pose an important quality-of-care challenge in nursing homes, with serious consequences for residents' health. We assessed the scalability of the On-Time Pressure Ulcer Prevention (On-Time) intervention strategy, developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality, in nursing homes nationwide. Intervention On-Time uses electronic health record reports to identify changes in resident pressure ulcer risk and facilitate multidisciplinary input into clinical decision making. Objective To assess the scalability and impact of On-Time on pressure ulcer incidence in nursing homes. Design We used quasi-experimental methods, employing a difference-in-differences design, to compare the pre-post trends in pressure ulcer incidence in the treatment and comparison homes. Setting and participants The study population included long-stay residents at high risk for developing pressure ulcers in 47 nursing homes and matched comparison homes in 17 states. Measures Stage 2 to 4 pressure ulcer incidence among long-stay residents who met the criteria for high risk, identified using an algorithm adapted from the Minimum Data Set 3.0 Percent of High-Risk Residents with Pressure Ulcers (Long Stay) measure. Results The overall decline in pressure ulcer rates for treatment relative to matched comparison homes was statistically insignificant (P > .05). A subgroup of heterogeneous homes experienced a statistically significant decline of 3.24 percentage points (61.0% relative decrease) in pressure ulcer rates relative to matched comparison homes, but no uniting characteristic common across homes readily explained their success. Conclusions/Implications Scalability of future health information technology–based quality improvement interventions in nursing home settings requires nuanced implementation support, particularly around electronic health record report accessibility and accuracy.
Sociopolitical Feedbacks and Climate Change

The Article investigates sociopolitical feedbacks in the economy-climate system. These feedbacks occur when climate change affects the social or political processes that determine mitigation or adaptation levels, which in turn affect future climate damages. We discuss two possible feedbacks: an economic disruption pathway and a political disruption pathway. In both, climate damages earlier in time undermine mitigation and adaptation policies, which exacerbates future climate damages. Using data on participation in multilateral environmental agreements, we explore the political disruption pathway. Coupled with prior work demonstrating the potential for climate damages to exacerbate civil conflict, our empirical analysis indicates that climate-induced political disruptions may impede climate policymaking, increasing the threat of future damages. We estimate how feedbacks of this sort affect predictions of temperature change and damages in the Dynamic Integrated Climate Economy (DICE) model. We find that, especially if feedbacks affect participation in international emissions reduction efforts, anticipated temperature change and damages are substantially higher than currently estimated. Finally, we discuss how policymakers can respond to the existence of these feedbacks, especially by facilitating the resilience of climate policies and governance to climate related shocks.
3D Micromanipulation of Particle Swarm Using a Hexapole Magnetic Tweezer

This article discusses the design, modeling, and application of a powerful hexapole magnetic tweezer system for closed-loop 3D swarm control applications. The system consists of six sharp tapered magnetic poles that are integrated with six electromagnetic coils and mounted on two yokes composed of 3D printed magnetic material. Magnetic field gradients are generated at the sharp tips of the magnetic poles when current is applied through the attached electromagnetic coils. Different combinations of current input can interact with magnetized microparticles to create three-dimensional motion. A closed-loop control algorithm based on image processing and hardware integration through MATLAB was developed to automatically operate external power supplies connected to the magnetic tweezer system. Coordinate system transformation is utilized to transform the tilted actuation coordinates, by virtue of the system hardware configuration, to the measurement coordinates used during experiments and analysis. This magnetic tweezer system has the advantage of a larger working space and higher magnetic field strengths when compared to several other similar designs. The magnetic tweezer system allows for more diverse applications within the microscale, such as microparticle swarm control, cell penetration, and cell therapy. Experimental analysis performed in this article demonstrates the closed-loop navigation of a microparticle swarm moving freely in both 2D and 3D environments. Results show highly consistent trajectories within the swarm with only a few fluctuations due to microflows. This system will keep being updated and optimized to investigate the performance of microparticles in in vivo environments.
Perspectives on three-dimensional printing of self-assembling materials and structures

Abstract Spiders, silks, and webs are marvels of nature that have inspired high-performance material design, resilient structural design, and innovative manufacturing in the materials science and engineering fields. In this article, we review the roles and mechanisms of self-assembly and spinning processes for making hierarchical structures of synthetic and natural fibers with multifunctionality. We discuss the ability of spider webs to maintain their functionality under construction while withstanding predator, human, and environmental threats, which comes from their self-assembled structures from nanoscales to macroscales. We conclude by exploring the future of novel mobile, autonomous, time- and cost-effective spider-inspired three-dimensional printing technology for making resilient biomaterials, structures, and synthetic silk materials.
Reimagining the Luxury Department Store: Investigating the Millennial Luxury Consumer and the Luxury Department Store from a Systems Perspective

Millennial consumers tend to have a negative attitude towards luxury department stores despite their expressed preferences for luxury goods sold by these retailers. Therefore, identifying new sources of competitive advantage is critical for the luxury department store’s sustainability. Creating differentiation and attainment of target consumer groups like Millennials are key strategic suggestions for luxury department store retailers. Currently, no literature addresses Millennial luxury consumers, their connection with the disruptions in the retailing industry, and particularly with the luxury department store. Therefore, the authors propose a model to investigate the Millennial luxury consumer and the luxury department store from a systems theory perspective.
EFFECTS OF NEUROMUSCULAR TRAINING ON BIOMECHANICAL EFFICIENCY IN HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES

Background:Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most common and devastating sports-related knee injuries. Neuromuscular training (NMT) has demonstrated efficacy as a preventive i...
Developmental and degenerative deficiencies in the language network: A sibling story

The story of a hereditary vulnerability of the left hemisphere language network as the basis for both developmental and degenerative language deficits has been unfolding for some time. It has long been recognized that developmental dyslexia and other developmental language impairments can reflect cortical anomalies in the left hemisphere, including the planum temporale.1 A genetic basis for some developmental language disorders such as FOXP2 mutations was also identified nearly 2 decades ago.2 We have also known for some time that people with the neurodegenerative language disorder of primary progressive aphasia (PPA) have cortical atrophy in the left hemisphere.3 But a link between developmental and neurodegenerative language deficits has been discovered more recently,4,5 and a FOXP2 -driven network has recently been implicated in both developmental and neurodegenerative disease.6
Similitudes y contradicciones... en el Libro de Buen amor y la Sátira de Mateo Rosas de Oquendo

Como parte del Cartapacio poetico encontrado por Antonio Paz y Melia en la Biblioteca Nacional de Madrid, aparece la Satira hecha por Mateo Rosas de Oquendo a las cosas que pasan en el Piru, ano de 1958.
Fatal cerebral edema in patients with decompensated cirrhosis: A case series.

Abstract Purpose Unlike patients with acute liver failure, patients with cirrhosis are not traditionally thought to be at risk for developing cerebral edema. In the largest case series to date, we document clinical characteristics of cirrhotic patients who develop cerebral edema. Materials and methods In this retrospective case series, seventeen adult patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) were identified using Morbidity & Mortality data. Neurological decompensation was defined by focal neurological deficits or abnormal movements. Elevated ICP was diagnosed clinically by pupillary reflex change improving with hyperosmolar therapy, or by herniation on CT. Pulsatility indices >1.2 on transcranial Dopplers (TCDs) and/or optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) >0.5 cm were acceptable alternatives. Results Median MELD-Na was 36 (IQR 31.5,43) compared with 20 (IQR 19,23) prior to admission. Neurological decompensation was associated with abnormal pupil reactivity in 76% and abnormal movements in 65%. Cerebral edema was diagnosed by CT (n = 14). For those too ill to transport, elevated ICP was confirmed with TCDs for three patients and ONSD for two. Mortality was 100% a median of 3 days (IQR 1.5,5) from neurologic decompensation. Conclusions ACLF patients with neurological decompensation exhibit distinct clinical changes. Noninvasive bedside techniques may serve as surrogate measures for ICP.
Modeling connected granular media: Particle bonding within the level set discrete element method

Abstract Granular materials are made up of particles with complex non-convex shapes that in many cases become connected by cementation, sintering or other adhesive processes. This paper introduces and describes the methodology behind using the bonded particle method (BPM) with the level set discrete element method (LS-DEM-BPM), in order to model connected granular materials with arbitrary particle shape. The method is thoroughly detailed in both two and three dimensions. Examples of use for the method are shown for three distinct contexts. The first is the modeling of a fault gouge, where it is demonstrated that the method has the potential to be predictive of the rate-and-state friction law and have key insights into the micromechanics of the process. Another example is presented where a cone penetrates porous sintered ice showing that bond thickness has a considerable effect on model behavior. The third example is a simulation using many unique bonds for each contact interface, demonstrating the ability to simulate partial fractures. A discussion is also included on how and when this method can be either advantageous or disadvantageous.
Implementation of a food scholarship program improves nutrient intake and dietary quality of college students.

OBJECTIVE To determine the impact of a new food scholarship program on nutrient intake and dietary quality. Participants: College students (n = 49), female (78%), single (76%), average age 28 years, and white (49%). Methods: Fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat products and nonperishable foods were distributed twice a month. A one-group pretest post-test intervention compared baseline and 10 weeks data. Food security was measured and three-day food records assessed nutrient intake, Health Eating Index (HEI)-2015 (total and component) scores, and food group servings. Paired t-test at baseline and 10 weeks were performed (SPSS v25) (p < 0.05). Results: Prevalence of food insecurity did not change (baseline 53%, 10 weeks 47%). Protein, (p = 0.001), niacin (p = 0.002), magnesium (p = 0.034), phosphorous (p = 0.039), potassium (p = 0.019), and vegetable servings (p = 0.034) intake increased. Total HEI-2015 scores remained unchanged but HEI-2015 vegetable scores increased (p = 0.023). Conclusion: Increased intake of some nutrients and vegetable servings were achieved with the food scholarship program.
Effective HIV Molecular Surveillance Requires Identification of Incident Cases of Infection.

Author(s): Little, Susan J; Chen, Tom; Wang, Rui; Anderson, Christy; Pond, Sergei Kosakovsky; Nakazawa, Masato; Mathews, William C; DeGruttola, Victor; Smith, Davey M | Abstract: BackgroundEnding the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic requires knowledge of key drivers of spread of HIV infection.MethodsBetween 1996 and 2018, 1119 newly and previously diagnosed, therapy-naive persons with HIV (PWH) from San Diego were followed. A genetic distance-based network was inferred using pol sequences, and genetic clusters grew over time through linkage of sequences from newly observed infections. Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify factors associated with the rate of growth. These results were used to predict the impact of a hypothetical intervention targeting PWH with incident infection. Comparison was made to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) molecular surveillance strategy, which prioritizes clusters recently linked to all new HIV diagnoses and does not incorporate data on incident infections.ResultsOverall, 219 genetic linkages to incident infections were identified over a median follow-up of 8.8 years. Incident cluster growth was strongly associated with proportion of PWH in the cluster who themselves had incident infection (hazard ratio, 44.09 [95% confidence interval, 17.09-113.78]). The CDC EHE molecular surveillance strategy identified 11 linkages to incident infections a genetic distance threshold of 0.5%, and 24 linkages at 1.5%.ConclusionsOver the past 2 decades, incident infections drove incident HIV cluster growth in San Diego. The current CDC EHE molecular detection and response strategy would not have identified most transmission events arising from those with incident infection in San Diego. Molecular surveillance that includes detection of incident cases will provide a more effective strategy for EHE.
Three-dimensional mapping for His-bundle pacing in pediatric patients, a case series.

Abstract Introduction Pediatric patients who receive pacemakers may have a lifetime of repeat exposure to fluoroscopy. His bundle pacing may provide better long-term pacing for these patients. To minimize fluoroscopy and for improved localization of the His bundle, we utilized three-dimensional mapping to guide His bundle pacing and we follow-up short-term results. Methods An Octapolar Livewire catheter (Abbott, Minneapolis, USA) was used for mapping and location of the His bundle while 3-dimensional mapping via the EnSite Precision system (Abbott Medical, Abbott Park, IL) was utilized to create a 3-dimensional geometry. The EnSite Precision system also mapped and recorded His bundle signal strengths and earliest ventricular activation or retrograde His bundle activation. Results Three patients are presented and followed for 4–5 months. The ages ranged from 10 to 15 years with 1 male patient. Diagnoses including progressive atrioventricular block, alternating bundle branch block and atrioventricular canal defect with complete heart block. All patients received selective His-bundle pacing systems. The range in fluoroscopy time was 6.4 to 9.9 min with 5.64 mGy to 10.18 mGy. Stable lead thresholds, impedances and sensing were present at last follow-up. Conclusions His bundle pacing in our 3 pediatric patients including one with altered His-bundle physiology (case 3 with atrioventricular canal defect) was successful with good short-term follow-up results.
Signet-Ring Cell Melanoma

Melanoma with signet-ring cells is a rare histological variant of melanoma first described in 1988. The challenge of this diagnosis lies in its mimicry with the more commonly seen adenocarcinoma with signet-ring cells, as there has been a suggestion that melanoma with signet-ring cells may be more often observed in metastatic or recurrent lesions. Interestingly, though unusual in human melanoma (estimated to occur in approximately 0.5 % of tumors), this morphological variant has been reported more frequently in animals.
Transitions of care for stroke and TIA.

AbstractPurpose:The purpose of this study was to identify elements of a stroke population that may affect transitions of care (TOC).Data sources:A retrospective analysis of the demographic characteristics of patients from an urban primary stroke center with an admitting diagnosis of transient ischem
"Forever Wild": New York's Constitutional Mandates to Enhance the Forest Preserve

Arthur M. Crocker Lecture, presented on Feb. 15, 2007, at the Center for the Forest Preserve, Niskayuna, New York. Includes bibliography of legal materials on the Adirondack Park compiled by Jack McNeill, Associate Director, Pace Law Library.
Dispersion engineering employing curved space mapping and chromo-modal excitation

We report a new optical design capable of providing large group delay dispersion with tunable nonlinear dispersion profile.
A method of quantifying electrode performance based on non-invasive three dimensonal isometric torque data

Several researchers are investigating the use of electrodes placed directly on large nerve trunks for use in Functional Nerve Stimulation systems. A method of quantifying electrode selectivity and performance is not currently available. Presented here is a method/algorithm of displaying functional performance of an electrode and a means of quantifying electrode selectivity from isometric, three-dimensional torque data acquired non-invasively. First, we have developed the Torque Recruitment Trajectory from torque recruitment data. The TRT is an effective method of visualizing torque data and assessing the functional stimulation properties of an electrode or contact. Second, the curvature measure of the TRT quantifies the selectivity of the electrode. >
Swarm intelligence routing resilient to byzantine adversaries

An ad hoc wireless network is an autonomous self-organizing system of mobile nodes connected by wireless links where nodes not in direct range communicate via intermediary nodes. Routing in ad hoc networks is a challenging problem as a result of highly dynamic topology as well as bandwidth and energy constraints. The Swarm intelligence paradigm has recently demonstrated as an effective approach for routing in small network configurations with no adversarial intervention. These algorithms have also been proven to be robust and resilient to changes in node configuration. However, none of the existing routing algorithms can withstand a dynamic proactive adversarial attack, where the network may be completely controlled by byzantine adversaries. The routing protocol presented in this work attempts to provide throughput competitive route selection against an adversary which is essentially unlimited; more specifically, the adversary benefits from complete collusion of adversarial nodes, can engage in arbitrary byzantine behavior and can mount arbitrary selective adaptive attacks, dynamically changing its attack with each new packet. In this work, we show how to use the Swarm intelligence paradigm and distributed reinforcement learning in order to develop provably secure routing against byzantine adversaries. Preliminary simulation results are presented.
The In Ovo Chick Chorioallantoic Membrane (CAM) Assay as an Efficient Xenograft Model of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) begins to develop by day 7 after fertilization and matures by day 12. The CAM is naturally immunodeficient and highly vascularized, making it an ideal system for tumor implantation. Furthermore, the CAM contains extracellular matrix proteins such as fibronectin, laminin, collagen, integrin alpha(v)beta3, and MMP-2, making it an attractive model to study tumor invasion and metastasis. Scientists have long taken advantage of the physiology of the CAM by using it as a model of angiogenesis. More recently, the CAM assay has been modified to work as an in vivo xenograft model system for various cancers that bridges the gap between basic in vitro work and more complex animal cancer models. The CAM assay allows for the study of tumor growth, anti-tumor therapies, and pro-tumor molecular pathways in a biologically relevant system that is both cost- and time-effective. Here, we describe the development of CAM xenograft model of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with embryonic survival rates of up to 93% and reliable tumor take leading to growth of three-dimensional, vascularized tumors.
A quantitative analysis of sources for summertime phytoplankton variability over 18 years in the South Shetland Islands (Antarctica) region

Abstract Eighteen years of summertime hydrographic and chlorophyll- a (Chl- a ) data (∼2700 stations) from the South Shetland Islands (Antarctica) region show that a “bell-shaped” (unimodal) distribution of phytoplankton biomass results annually when plotted against the inshore to offshore gradient in surface salinity. The maximum for this unimodal Chl- a distribution corresponds with a shallow upper mixed layer (UML) in iron-rich waters that occurs at salinities ∼34. Methods of gradient analysis are used to distinguish sources of variability for bloom development among years. The control of phytoplankton biomass is resolved across the salinity gradient that separates the co-limiting conditions of deep UML depths and low-iron concentrations as opposing end-members. Chlorophyll-fluorescence yield data (a proxy for Fe-stress) showed that at salinities ∼34, phytoplankton biomass was unlikely to be limited by Fe. Instead, blooming at salinities ∼34 (1.3±1 mg Chl- a m −3 ) co-varied with shallow UML depths (41±19 m) that occurred as a function of higher UML temperature (1.5±0.5 °C) among years, and is evidence that atmospheric climate variability impacts summertime phytoplankton biomass and production in this Southern Ocean seascape.
ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA COMPLICATED BY CHOROID PLEXUS CARCINOMA

A 14-year-old boy with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in remission developed headaches characteristic of migraines. His neurologic examination was normal, serial studies of cerebrospinal fluid were unremarkable, and the headaches responded promptly to antimigraine therapy. Ultimately, radiographic and pathologic examinations demonstrated a choroid plexus carcinoma.
Multivariate models to predict clinically important outcomes at prostatectomy for patients with organ-confined disease and needle biopsy Gleason scores of 6 or less.

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the clinical and biopsy features associated with outcomes at radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) in patients with clinically organ-confined prostate cancers and biopsy Gleason scores (GS) of 6 or less. We reviewed 274 biopsies with GS 6 or less cancers from patients with clinically organ-confined disease between 1995 and 1998 to determine statistically significant predictors for the following outcomes at RRP: tumor volume, small ( P P = 0.001) and PSA (median 5.5 ng/mL; P = 0.009) predicted tumor volume (median 1.4 cc). Biopsy tumor extent ( P = 0.002), PSA ( P = 0.002), and percent S-phase nuclei ( P = 0.050) predicted potentially “insignificant” tumors at RRP ( n = 76, 28%). Percent surface area positive for cancer ( P = 0.003) predicted EPE ( n = 22, 8%). DNA ploidy ( n = 211, 79% diploid) and MIB-I proliferation (median 1.4%) did not add information to predict these RRP outcomes. Biopsy tumor extent and serum PSA were significantly associated with tumor volume. Biopsy tumor extent, serum PSA, and percent S-phase nuclei by DIA were predictive of potentially insignificant tumors. Patients with clinically confined disease,
Percentage Points of H-Distribution for Computing Confidence Limits or Performing t-Tests by Way of the Mean Absolute Deviation

Abstract A table to three decimal places is provided for the percentage points of the variate , where d is the mean absolute deviation from the mean of a normal sample of size n, and μ is the population mean. The table is analogous to the table of Student's t-distribution. It makes it possible to compute confidence limits for the mean and to perform various tests of significance by way of the mean absolute deviation instead of the standard deviation. This method is almost as accurate as standard procedures. It is very simple to use, particularly for small samples, and has the additional advantage that results are less sensitive to doubtful outlying observations inasmuch as the mean absolute deviation gives less weight to large deviations than does the standard deviation.
Solid-liquid interface free energies of pure bcc metals and B2 phases.

The solid-liquid interface (SLI) free energy was determined from molecular dynamics (MD) simulation for several body centered cubic (bcc) metals and B2 metallic compounds (space group: Pm3m; prototype: CsCl). In order to include a bcc metal with a low melting temperature in our study, a semi-empirical potential was developed for Na. Two additional synthetic “Na” potentials were also developed to explore the effect of liquid structure and latent heat on the SLI free energy. The obtained MD data were compared with the empirical Turnbull, Laird, and Ewing relations. All three relations are found to predict the general trend observed in the MD data for bcc metals obtained within the present study. However, only the Laird and Ewing relations are able to predict the trend obtained within the sequence of “Na” potentials. The Laird relation provides the best prediction for our MD data and other MD data for bcc metals taken from the literature. Overall, the Laird relation also agrees well with our B2 data but req...
Oscillations of rectangular sandwich plates with concentrated masses

The vibration characteristics of simply supported rectangular sandwich plates with arbitrarily placed concentrated masses are investigated. By using Fourier transform methods the frequency equation is obtained. A numerical example for a square plate with one attached mass is presented.
Effect of hypophysectomy on intestinal phosphate absorption in rats

Intestinal active and passive transport of phosphate (Pi) was studied in hypophysectomized (HX) and intact rats using the in situ intestinal loop technique. Hypophysectomy resulted in a significant reduction of total Pi absorption under active transport conditions. However, when transport data were expressed on the basis of mucosal mass, the reduction was not apparent. Under passive transport conditions, net Pi absorption was lower in the HX rats even after correction for the decrease of mucosal mass. Administration of bovine growth hormone (bGH) did not change the intestinal Pi absorption in the HX rats. These results indicate that a decrease in mucosal mass following hypophysectomy is one of the factors that causes a decrease of intestinal Pi absorption.
Low concentration eserine therapy for the tonic pupil (Adie) syndrome.

Abstract Very dilute solutions of the reversible anticholinesterase physostigmine salicylate provided varying degrees of symptomatic relief to three of five patients with the tonic pupil (Adie) syndrome. The therapeutic implications of the physiology of denervation supersensitivity and the pathophysiology of the tonic pupil are discussed.
Thermally reversible polymer gel for chondrocyte culture

We have evaluated a biomaterial to serve as a scaffold for the propagation and amplification of chondrocytes that promotes the original cellular phenotype of these cells. The goal of the present study was to investigate the use of thermally reversible polymer gels poly(NiPAAm-co-AAc), as a biocompatible supporting scaffold for the propagation of chondrocytic cells. The polymer gels at temperatures above its lower critical solution temperature whereas liquefying at temperatures below its lower critical solution temperature of 34.5°C. Hence, the polymer, in its gelled form, has the ability to hold cells in situ, forming a matrix similar to the natural cellular environment or the extracellular matrix that comprises cartilage. We tested the hypothesis that the polymer gel promotes cell viability and function. Human osteoblast-like cells, nasal chondrocytes, and articular chondrocytes (1 × 105/150 μL) were resuspended in enriched Dulbecco's minimal essential media and were plated onto control (without gel) and gel containing 24-well plates. The plates were reincubated at 37°C, 5% CO2 for the time point of interest. Additional media was added to the plates and exchanged as needed. After cell culture, cells were retrieved, enumerated, and cell viability was determined. Other aliquots of the cells were stained for morphological analysis whereas expression of chondrocyte markers including collagen type II and aggrecan were determined using reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction. The polymer gel was not cytotoxic because the cell number retrieved from three-dimensional culture gel was found to be one to two times higher than that retrieved from monolayer culture. Chondrocytes propagated in the thermo-reversible polymers expressed enhanced or maintained expression of collagen type II and aggrecan. Collagen type I expression was decreased or unaltered. The N-isopropylacrylamide and acrylic acid copolymer gel has potential use as a cell culture substrate and as a cell delivery vehicle. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 67A: 1310–1319, 2003
Are transformer stabilizing windings necessary

FOR MANY YEARS it has been common practice to include a Δ-connected stabilizing winding in Y-Y-connected transformers and Y-connected autotrans-formers. This applies to 3-phase units of all types of core construction as well as 3-phase banks of single-phase units. The practice has been followed so closely for such a long time that it is generally taken for granted that the stabilizing winding is a necessary part of all Y-connected transformers. In many cases it is; but it is not necessary or even desirable to include a stabilizing winding in all cases regardless of type of core construction and system characteristics.
Topological function-theoretic proofs in spectral theory

In this paper, the spectral theorem and related characterizations of the spectrum and the spectral projections for bounded self adjoint and normal operators on a Hilbert space, are proved in purely topological —function theoretic terms. The basis for such a development, is the Gelfand—Naimark theorem for commutativeC *-algebras and the fact that the structure space of the (abelian) von Neumann algebra generated by the operator is a Stonean space.