cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Concepts For Future Vessel Traffic Systems

a unique aspect of the San Francisco Experimental Vessel Traffic System has been its extensive use of real time automatic processing technology. Automatic detection and tracking of vessels in radar coverage areas has successfully been accomplished even in the presence of clutter. Vessel movement information has been extracted, presented to operators on computer-animated displays, and traffic analyzed both automatically and at the request of operators. But these demonstrated capabilities should be employed only as a guide to the design of future systems and not interpreted as a literal prototype configuration. Future system designs should assume traffic will be controlled, rather than advised. Risk analysis based upon port geometry, traffic levels, and minimum turning radius can contribute to assessing deployment priorities. Vessel routing should be constrained to follow narrow tracks rather than broad lanes. A minimum configuration would be based upon a computerized Vessel Movement Reporting (VMR) system. Data entry and retrieval terminals could be available within the maritime community. Information, including guidance, could be selectively distributed to active ships via a novel multiplexed television transmission. All radar configurations would include automatic detection and tracking equipment. Finally, area navigation systems could be integrated with VTS. The opinions expressed in this document are those of the author, presented in the interest of stimulating discussion, and they do not necessarily reflect the views of either the Applied Physics Laboratory or the United States Coast Guard.
Purification, Characterization, and Potential Bacterial Wax Production Role of an NADPH-Dependent Fatty Aldehyde Reductase from Marinobacter aquaeolei VT8

Wax esters, ester-linked fatty acids and long-chain alcohols, are important energy storage compounds in select bacteria. The synthesis of wax esters from fatty acids is proposed to require the action of a four-enzyme pathway. An essential step in the pathway is the reduction of a fatty aldehyde to the corresponding fatty alcohol, although the enzyme responsible for catalyzing this reaction has yet to be identified in bacteria. We report here the purification and characterization of an enzyme from the wax ester-accumulating bacterium Marinobacter aquaeolei VT8, which is a proposed fatty aldehyde reductase in this pathway. The enzyme, a 57-kDa monomer, was expressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein with the maltose binding protein on the N terminus and was purified to near homogeneity by using amylose affinity chromatography. The purified enzyme was found to reduce a number of long-chain aldehydes to the corresponding alcohols coupled to the oxidation of NADPH. The highest specific activity was observed for the reduction of decanal (85 nmol decanal reduced/min/mg). Short-chain and aromatic aldehydes were not substrates. The enzyme showed no detectable catalysis of the reverse reaction, the oxidation of decanol by NADP+. The mechanism of the enzyme was probed with several site-specific chemical probes. The possible uses of this enzyme in the production of wax esters are discussed.
Application of Entropy Viscosity Method for Supersonic Flow Simulation using Discontinuous Spectral Element Method

ow as an indicator to introduce additional numerical viscosity only in the regions near discontinuities. The combined DSEM-EV method is implemented in 1D and 2D and several model problems are simulated for validation. The results of the simulations have been compared with the exact solutions, where available, and demonstrate a proof-of-concept for implementation of the EV method in conjunction with the DSEM.
Bt Toxin Modification for Enhanced Efficacy

Insect-specific toxins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) provide a valuable resource for pest suppression. Here we review the different strategies that have been employed to enhance toxicity against specific target species including those that have evolved resistance to Bt, or to modify the host range of Bt crystal (Cry) and cytolytic (Cyt) toxins. These strategies include toxin truncation, modification of protease cleavage sites, domain swapping, site-directed mutagenesis, peptide addition, and phage display screens for mutated toxins with enhanced activity. Toxin optimization provides a useful approach to extend the utility of these proteins for suppression of pests that exhibit low susceptibility to native Bt toxins, and to overcome field resistance.
Evidence for an emotion–cognition interaction in the statistical prediction of suicide attempts

Abstract Suicidal behavior is a prevalent problem among adolescents and young adults. Although most theoretical models of suicide suggest that this behavior results from the interaction of different risk factors, most prior studies have tested only bivariate associations between individual risk factors and suicidal behaviors. The current study was designed to address this limitation by testing the effect of an emotion–cognition interaction on suicide attempts among youth. Specifically, we hypothesized that the interaction of emotion reactivity and problem-solving skills would statistically predict the probability of a recent suicide attempt among 87 adolescents and young adults. Results revealed a significant interaction, such that emotion reactivity was strongly associated with the probability of a suicide attempt among those with poor problem-solving skills, moderately associated among those with average problem-solving skills, and not significantly associated among those with good problem-solving skills. The next generation of studies on suicidal behavior should continue to examine how risk factors interact to predict this dangerous outcome.
Ascendancy of weekly low-dose methotrexate in usual care of rheumatoid arthritis from 1980 to 2004 at two sites in Finland and the United States

Objectives. To analyse consecutive patients with RA in usual rheumatology care between 1980 and 2004 at two settings for the proportion of patients taking MTX, interval from patient presentation to MTX prescription and radiographic and functional status outcomes. Methods. Longitudinal study of all patients seen in usual care between 1980 and 2004, 1982 consecutive patients in Jyvaskyla, Finland and 738 consecutive patients in Nashville, TN, USA. Clinical status was assessed as Larsen radiographic scores in Jyvaskyla and modified health assessment questionnaire (MHAQ) in Nashville. Results. The probability of initiating MTX within 5 yrs after presentation increased from 90% in 2000–04, and from 25% in Nashville in 1980–84 to >90% since 1995. The median interval from presentation to MTX initiation in Jyvaskyla was 14 yrs in 1980–84 vs 8.6 in 1985–89, 4.5 in 1990–94, 1.8 in 1995–99 and <1 yr in 2000–05; in Nashville, median intervals were 8.6 yrs in 1980–84, 4.4 years in 1985–89, and <2 months in 1990–95, 1995–2000 and 2000–05. Patient outcomes were substantially improved in both settings: in Jyvaskyla, mean 5-yr Larsen radiographic scores (0–100) were 15.7 in 1980–84 vs 4.0 in 1995–99; in Nashville, mean MHAQ scores (0–3) for physical function were 1.13 in 1980–84 vs 0.57 in 2000–04. Conclusion. Early MTX in usual clinical care of RA increased from 90% in 2004. Over this period, substantially improved outcomes were seen, most of which antedated biological agents.
Vitamin A Deficiency Blocks the Initiation of Meiosis of Germ Cells in the Developing Rat Ovary In Vivo

Vitamin A (retinol) is required for male and female reproduction as well as to support many developmental processes. In the male, meiotic entry of germ cells occurs after birth and throughout adulthood, whereas in the female, the entry into meiosis I occurs during embryonic development. Evidence from cultured embryonic ovaries suggests that the vitamin A metabolite, all-trans retinoic acid (atRA), initiates this process. However, in vivo evidence to support a normal role for atRA in meiotic entry is lacking. The present study demonstates that although germ cell number is normal in ovaries from both vitamin A-sufficient (VAS) embryos and those that are deficient in atRA, the majority of germ cells in the most severely atRA-deficient group fail to enter meiosis and remain in an undifferentiated state. In contrast, in a group that is only moderately deficient in atRA, a small number of ovarian germ cells enter meiosis (30%) compared with 75% of cells in the VAS control group. The expression of the atRA-responsive gene, Stra8, is reduced by approximately 90% and 50% in the severely and moderately atRA-deficient ovaries, respectively, compared with the VAS controls. These results provide the first in vivo evidence that vitamin A regulates the entry of germ cells into meiosis in the developing ovary.
The origin of an anomalous, low 2θ peak in x-ray diffraction spectra of MoS 2 films grown by ion beam assisted deposition

The origin of a previously reported anomalous low 2{theta} x-ray diffraction peak from MoS{sub 2} thin films grown by ion beam assisted deposition was investigated. The anomalous peak, observed in a film grown on Si(100), was removed by ion irradiating the film with 180 keV Ar{sup ++} ions to a dose of 1{times}10{sup 15}ions/cm{sup 2}. Microstructures of the two films were investigated using x-ray diffraction and cross-section transmission electron microscopy. Diffraction data and bright-field images indicated that the low 2{theta} peak was due to a local interplanar expansion of the crystal structure normal to MoS{sub 2} basal planes. This expansion was attributed to molecular defects. {copyright} {ital 1997 Materials Research Society.}
Perfluorinated polymer colloids: controlling the size, shape, and surface charge.

Abstract The first report of perfluorocyclobutyl (PFCB) aryl ether polymer colloids is presented herein. The biphenyl rings were post-functionalized with chlorosulfonic acid modification in the backbone of the perfluoropolymer, thereby changing the zeta potential (ζ) of the colloids across the pH range (2–12). Self-assembly of the colloids was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) on four separate surfaces which led to different morphological changes for each surface; spherical on Al substrate, clover-like on Cr substrate, flower-like on carbon substrate, and “squalloid” on Si substrate.
Prevention of hemodialysis‐related muscle cramps by intradialytic use of sequential compression devices: A report of four cases

Background: Hemodialysis (HD)-related lower extremity (LE) muscle cramps are a common cause of morbidity in end-stage renal disease patients on maintenance HD. Numerous pharmacologic and physical measures have been tried with variable success rates. Methods: Sequential compression devices (SCD) improve venous return (VR) and are commonly used to prevent LE deep venous thrombosis in hospitals. We hypothesized that LE cramps are triggered by stagnant venous flow during HD and are preventable by improving VR. We prospectively studied four adult patients (mean age 61 ± 14 years) on thrice-weekly HD who experienced two or more episodes of LE cramping weekly in the month before the study. SCD were applied before each HD on both legs and compressions were intermittently applied at 40 mmHg during treatment. Results: All four patients reported complete resolution of cramping during the study period that lasted 1 month or 12 consecutive dialysis treatments. Conclusion: Application of SCD to LE may prevent the generation of LE HD-related cramping in a select group of patients. Larger, controlled studies are needed to establish the utility of this noninvasive alternative for the prevention of LE HD-related cramps.
Coverage-Dependent Adsorption of CH3S and (CH3S)2 on Au(111): a Density Functional Theory Study

The origin of the superlattice present in the commensurate hexagonal structure of self-assembled monolayers of n-alkanethiols on gold and the question of whether the thiols are adsorbed onto the surface as dimers (disulfides) or monomers (thiolates) have been under debate for many years. Looking for a better understanding of the structural properties of these systems, we have performed a theoretical study of the molecular and dissociative adsorption of dimethyl disulfide on Au(111) as a function of coverage (0.25 e £ e 1), using gradient-corrected density functional (DFT) calculations with a slab geometry. For the dissociated state, our results indicate that the hcp hollow site is much less favorable than the fcc site. For the latter site, we find that, because of surface gold atom relaxation, the adsorption energy depends strongly on £, changing from 18 kcal/mol at £ ) 0.25 to 3 kcal/mol at £ ) 1. For the bridge site, instead, the adsorption energy is a weak function of £, and for all investigated coverages, this site is by far the most stable. According to our DFT approach, the adsorption of dimethyl disulfide is dissociative with a thermodynamic gain, at £ ) 1, of 13 kcal/mol with respect to the adsorbed molecular state. We also find, however, that the energy of c(4 2) structures containing at least two inequivalent CH 3S groups per unit cell (with a minimum S-S distance of 3.7 A) is, within the accuracy of our approach, indistinguishable from the pure (x3 x3) hexagonal structure. Our results suggest that the full solution of this thorny problem will require, also for the shortest chains, an estimate of the energetic contribution of dispersion forces that are not included in the DFT calculations.
Assessment of a fictitious domain method for patient-specific biomechanical modelling of press-fit orthopaedic implantation.

In this article, we discuss an application of a fictitious domain method to the numerical simulation of the mechanical process induced by press-fitting cementless femoral implants in total hip replacement surgeries. Here, the primary goal is to demonstrate the feasibility of the method and its advantages over competing numerical methods for a wide range of applications for which the primary input originates from computed tomography-, magnetic resonance imaging- or other regular-grid medical imaging data. For this class of problems, the fictitious domain method is a natural choice, because it avoids the segmentation, surface reconstruction and meshing phases required by unstructured geometry-conforming simulation methods. We consider the implantation of a press-fit femoral artificial prosthesis as a prototype problem for sketching the application path of the methodology. Of concern is the assessment of the robustness and speed of the methodology, for both factors are critical if one were to consider patien...
Cytogenetic Studies of Human Breast Cancer Lines: MCF-7 and Derived Variant Sublines

Cytogenetic studies of the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 and the sublines derived from it demonstrated extensive aneuploidy with both numerical and structural abnormalities and a wide range of heteroploidy. Detailed G-banding analyses showed that loss of marker chromosomes was a rare event, while formation of additional structural abnormalities was very common in these long-term cultures. All chromosomes were involved in these abnormalities. Loss of a morphologically normal X-chromosome may be related to the loss of estrogen receptors in these cell lines. With the exception of one subline, all cell lines had a short homogeneously staining region (HSR) on chromosome 7. Although the parent MCF-7 line had tetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase levels within the normal range, a lengthened HSR has been found in MCF-7 lines that are resistant to methotrexate. This observation strongly favors the association of an increased level of tetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase with HSR. In conclusion, the inherent genetic instability in this group of related cell lines may explain the heterogeneity found in this tumor. Continuous chromosomal rearrangements and numerical changes may reflect an ongoing process of selection and adaptation in these cell lines established from a breast carcinoma and may be characteristic of the aggressiveness of this neoplasm.
The Strain Analysis of Solid Propellant Rocket Grains

There is often a wide divergence of interest between the missile engineer responsible for thrust performance on the one hand, and the motor tube manufacturer concerned with chemical composition on the other. The propellant grain design analj^st interested in structural integrity is, therefore, frequently hard put to compromise both aims efficiently in arriving at a configuration, part icular^ because of the physical properties of the grain material. Whereas conventional engineering analysis usually deals with linear relations between stress and strain, grain materials are potentially nonlinear and, generally speaking, more sensitive to time dependence, including the effect of temperature. The background relating to viscoelastic analysis, including the theoretical work of Alfrey, Tsien, and Lee, is covered with special reference to grain-like configurations. The practical aspects of the elastic-viscoelastic analog}^ is brought out, and illustrated for stead3^ pressure and temperature loading on star grains. The use of previous^ developed pressure and thermal stress concentration data for propellant analysis is described, and the importance of physical property data and material representation b}^ mathematical models is discussed. Finalty, the needs for some presently lacking physical propert}^ data and a satisfactory failure criterion for grain materials are stressed in order to instigate additional work in this area.
Melting in The Presence of Natural Convection in A Saturated Porous Medium

This paper reviews the recent progress made on the study of melting in the presence of natural convection in a porous medium saturated with a phase-change material. The basic geometries that have been considered are the confined porous medium that is heated from the side, the vertical melting front between semiinfinite liquid and solid regions, the horizontal melting front, and the confined layer that is heated from below. Most of this work (numerical and analytical) is based on a simple model in which the liquid flow is in the Darcy regime. Improvements on this flow model are also reviewed.
Groundwave Propagation Across Semi‐Infinite Strips and Islands on a Flat Earth

An electromagnetic groundwave propagating along the surface of the earth will be partially transmitted and partially reflected at an abrupt electrical discontinuity such as a coastline, lake, island, peninsula, river, certain types of mineral deposits, etc. The theoretical work of Wait is extended to yield a solution which can be applied to semi-infinite or finite ground plane inhomogeneities of arbitrary shape. Calculations were made for two special cases: perpendicular propagation near a semiinfinite strip (e.g., a peninsula), and near a small rectangular island. The theoretical solution was experimentally verified to a good order of accuracy through the use of microwave-frequency (4.3 Gc/s) laboratory models on which both amplitude and phase measurements were made. In these models, water was used to simulate imperfectly conducting media, while aluminum plates simulated perfectly conducting media. It is shown that the position of a semiinfinite strip or island transverse to the direction of propagation has considerable influence on the phase of the transmitted signal.
Contaminant Robust Water Extraction from Lunar and Martian Soil for In Situ Resource Utilization - System Architecture Development

In-situ resource utilization for deep space exploration provides a means for explorers of other planets and celestial bodies to survive given the limited resources that a spacecraft and manned mission can provide for a crew. Water is a critical resource for any extended duration manned mission. The ability to generate propellants and life support consumables from available water and other in-situ resources is vital to any mission success. However, many of the water sources on extraterrestrial surfaces are contaminated with compounds damaging to downstream processing equipment such as hydrochloric and sulfuric acid. A water clean-up system is key to the implementation of water extraction from planetary sources. An ionomer-membrane based Contaminant Robust In-situ Water Extractor (CRIWE) is currently being developed to clean water for in-situ processing. Various system architectures employing CRIWE technology for both Lunar and Martian environments are explored in the context of water electrolysis. One architecture compatible with a NASA ISRU soil reactor/oxygen production system is selected for further development and will be shown as a reference to future test results expected to be shown in future publications.
Trichinella spiralis : size of F 1 generations produced in mice by transplanted femates or from infections with known numbers of male and femate larvae

To determine the reproductive potential of adult Trichinella spiralis males and females, Swiss mice were inoculated orally with known numbers of male and female larvae. Five or 6 weeks after inoculations the mice were killed and the larvae present in the diaphragm and in the pepsin digests of the carcass were counted. Diaphragms of all infected mice contained larvae. Inocula consisting of 1 male and 1 female produced from 274 to 1,094 larvae; 1 female and 10 males from 433 to 2,158 larvae; 1 male and 10 females from 1,240 to 3,162 larvae. Forty-eight-hour-old T. spiralis females transplanted into normal mice, one female per mouse, produced from 19 to 283 larvae; transplanted 96-hour-old females produced from 265 to 863 larvae. Up to three inseminated females were recovered on the 6th day of infection from the intestine of mice inoculated with 10 female and I male larvae. These results indicate that a male can produce sufficient sperm to fertilize approximately 3,200 oocytes, or more, and can inseminate more than one female; a female can produce approximately 2,200 oocytes, or more. Furthermore, they suggest that multiple inseminations may occur during the course of infection. Presence or absence of larvae in the diaphragm of a mouse can be used as an absolute criterion to confirm or rule out infection with T. spiralis .
Parallel parking algorithm based on autonomous path planning

In order to solve problems of narrow parking space in cities and lack of continuity of vehicle's motion in other parking approaches,this paper proposed an autonomous parking algorithm.It improved the approach of fifth-order polynomial,and designed penalty function and genetic algorithm to calculate the best path and the tightest parking space,finally realizing automatic parallel parking.The simulation result indicates that this method can park a car swiftly and efficiently with slight impact on vehicles and the least space requirement.
Nociceptin, a novel endogenous ligand for the ORL1 receptor, has potent erectile activity in the cat

The heptadecapeptide nociceptin, also known as orphanin FQ, is a newly discovered endogenous ligand for the opioid-like G protein-coupled receptor ORL1. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of intracavernosal injections of nociceptin on penile erection in anesthetized cats. Responses to nociception were compared with erectile responses elicited by intracavernosal injection of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), adrenomedullin (ADM), the novel nitric oxide donor diethylaminenitric oxide complex sodium (DEA/NO), and the control triple-drug combination (papaverine, phentolamine, and prostaglandin E1). The order of potency was VIP > ADM > nociceptin > DEA/NO. Intracavernosal injections of nociceptin in doses of 0.3-30 nmol elicited dose-related increases in cavernosal pressure and penile length that were comparable to those induced by the triple-drug combination, which is used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. The response to nociceptin was rapid in onset, and the duration of the peak pressure increase and total response was significantly shorter than the response to the control triple-drug combination but longer in duration than responses to VIP and ADM. Intracavernosal injection of the triple-drug combination resulted in a greater decrease in mean systemic arterial blood pressure than did nociceptin. These data demonstrate that intracavernosal injection of this novel endogenous ligand for the ORL1 receptor induces a potent and relatively long-lasting erectile response in the cat.
Immunodissection of mitochondria-rich cells from rabbit outer medullary collecting tubule

Two types of mitochondria-rich (MR) cells have been identified in the rabbit collecting tubule based on differences in immuno- and lectin cytochemistry. We have produced a monoclonal antibody, immunoglobulin (Ig) G1 (mr-mct), that reacts specifically with the MR cells (identified by positive histochemical staining for succinate dehydrogenase) found predominantly in the outer medulla (OM) and cells of the proximal tubule. IgG1 (mr-mct) reacted with 18 +/- 2% of the cells of the outer medullary collecting tubule (OMCT) and did not colocalize with peanut lectin-binding MR cells in the cortex. To isolate MR-OMCT cells, collecting tubule cells from collagenase dispersions of the OM were first adsorbed onto plates treated with a monoclonal antibody reactive against all of the OMCT cells. Of the isolated OMCT cells, 17% reacted with IgG1 (mr-mct). Cells were then detached from the plate and transferred to plates coated with IgG1. Greater than 70% of the adsorbed cells were MR as determined by positive staining w...
Scalp Reduction in the Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia

Scalp reductions represent an advance in the surgical treatment of male-pattern baldness. The initial enthusiasm that is shared by both the patient and the surgeon should be tempered by the knowledge that there will be some stretch-back and distortion of the bald area and that the scar may present a problem with styling.
The marvelous clouds: towards an elemental theory of media

In his lyrical Water and dreams: On the material imagination of matter (1942), Gaston Bachelard wrote that, “A material element must provide its own substance, its own rules and poetics” (p. 3). Al...
Prevention and reversal of selenite-induced cataracts by N-acetylcysteine amide in Wistar rats

The present study sought to evaluate the efficacy of N-acetylcysteine amide (NACA) eye drops in reversing the cataract formation induced by sodium selenite in male Wistar rat pups. Forty male Wistar rat pups were randomly divided into a control group, an N-acetylcysteine amide-only group, a sodium selenite-induced cataract group, and a NACA-treated sodium selenite-induced cataract group. Sodium selenite was injected intraperitoneally on postpartum day 10, whereas N-acetylcysteine amide was injected intraperitoneally on postpartum days 9, 11, and 13 in the respective groups. Cataracts were evaluated at the end of week 2 (postpartum day 14) when the rat pups opened their eyes. N-acetylcysteine amide eye drops were administered beginning on week 3 until the end of week 4 (postpartum days 15 to 30), and the rats were sacrificed at the end of week 4. Lenses were isolated and examined for oxidative stress parameters such as glutathione, lipid peroxidation, and calcium levels along with the glutathione reductase and thioltransferase enzyme activities. Casein zymography and Western blot of m-calpain were performed using the water soluble fraction of lens proteins. Morphological examination of the lenses in the NACA-treated group indicated that NACA was able to reverse the cataract grade. In addition, glutathione level, thioltransferase activity, m-calpain activity, and m-calpain level (as assessed by Western blot) were all significantly higher in the NACA-treated group than in the sodium selenite-induced cataract group. Furthermore, sodium selenite- injected rat pups had significantly higher levels of malondialdehyde, glutathione reductase enzyme activity, and calcium levels, which were reduced to control levels upon treatment with NACA. The data suggest that NACA has the potential to significantly improve vision and decrease the burden of cataract-related loss of function. Prevention and reversal of cataract formation could have a global impact. Development of pharmacological agents like NACA may eventually prevent cataract formation in high-risk populations and may prevent progression of early-stage cataracts. This brings a paradigm shift from expensive surgical treatment of cataracts to relatively inexpensive prevention of vision loss.
Developing Expressive Ani-Morphs

The expressive potential of the morph is most fully realized in animation, a technique known as the ‘ani-morph’. Though ani-morphing has a fascinating history, there is no critical systematization of this technique that allows for direct comparison of one such transformation to another. This article introduces a taxonomical framework that provides a consistent and organized method of examining the visual expressivity of the morph, enabling comprehensive comparisons to be made between diverse morphing sequences. This framework is particularly useful in evaluating the practice of ‘continuous ani-morphing’, or the use of multiple morphs in sequence. The article begins by entering into a detailed taxonomical analysis of several ani-morphs, first by typifying each category of the taxonomy, and then following with a full cataloguing of their progressive stages. A case study supports the conclusion that high expressivity in continuous ani-morphing exists in sequences that employ a range of object relationships a...
Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver disease is a debilitating, expensive, and potentially fatal pathology of rapidly increasing incidence. Currently, detection, characterization, and diagnosis of fatty liver disease rely heavily on blood serum biomarkers and biopsy—methods which are either nonspecific to fatty liver disease (serum biomarkers) or invasive and highly focal (biopsy). In this chapter, we detail state-of-the-art imaging techniques for detecting and quantifying fatty liver disease, its precursors, and its downstream complications. Methods for detecting fatty liver with ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT) are discussed first. Special emphasis is then placed on magnetic resonance (MR)-based techniques, which are inherently sensitive to the molecular composition of tissue and can quantify the so-called proton density fat fraction of the liver with extremely high accuracy and precision. Finally, preclinical and investigational techniques, including novel US, CT, and MR methods, as well as positron emission tomography and optical imaging techniques, are discussed.
Thermodynamical and Microbiological Evidence of Trophic Microniches for Propionate Degradation in a Methanogenic Sludge-Bed Reactor

The upflow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) concept, first proposed by Hemens et al. (1962), has been developed and extensively promoted by the Lettinga school, and applied to a large variety of wastewaters (Lettinga et al. 1980, 1983). The UBF reactor used in this study hybridized the UASB reactor with a packing filter (Guiot and van den Berg 1984). These reactors are characterized by the ability to accumulate a large amount of biomass due to adhesion of bacterial cells to each other. In the UASB and UBF reactors, the upflow velocity will select for organisms which can adhere to each other to form well settling granules which can be several millimeters in diameter. The granules accumulate in the reactor and then are exposed to the continuous feeding which is injected into the bottom of the reactor.
Intestacy, Wills, and Intent: A Short Comment on Wright & Sterner

This invited reply to Danaya C. Wright & Beth Sterner, Honoring Probable Intent in Intestacy: An Empirical Assessment of the Default Rules and the Modern Family, 42 ACTEC L.J. 341 (2017) recommends the article and offers three gentle criticisms.
Young Children Talking about Food and Health.

Background Limited patents have explored young children's understanding of the connection between food and health. This qualitative study aimed to narrow this gap by investigating young children's health conceptions. Methods Seventy-two children, 5 to 7 years of age, participated in this study. Two instruments, the demographic survey and child interview survey, were used to collect data. Data were analyzed following the processes of conducting initial coding, specifying categories, and combining categories to develop themes. Results Children in this age group had certain knowledge about five food categories: Diary, meat, grain, fruit, and vegetables. They believed that food from these five categories were good for them and would make them strong; they also believed that sweets and salty foods were unhealthy, yet many of them preferred sweets and listed them as top snack choices. These children demonstrated awareness of complex nutritional terms such as vitamins, fiber, and protein yet misconceptions became evident when were asked to identify overall health effects of mixed dishes for which various components were not easily recognizable. Conclusion This study provides new insights into children's understanding about food, nutrition, and health that can impact future education endeavors. Findings from this study can be helpful to inform educators about the development of nutritional education curricula specifically targeting nutritional values regarding foods being processed in different ways.
Japanese American Relocation in World War II: A Reconsideration

In this revisionist history of the United States government relocation of Japanese-American citizens during World War II, Roger W. Lotchin challenges the prevailing notion that racism was the cause of the creation of these centers. After unpacking the origins and meanings of American attitudes toward the Japanese-Americans, Lotchin then shows that Japanese relocation was a consequence of nationalism rather than racism. Lotchin also explores the conditions in the relocation centers and the experiences of those who lived there, with discussions on health, religion, recreation, economics, consumerism, and theater. He honors those affected by uncovering the complexity of how and why their relocation happened, and makes it clear that most Japanese-Americans never went to a relocation center. Written by a specialist in US home front studies, this book will be required reading for scholars and students of the American home front during World War II, Japanese relocation, and the history of Japanese immigrants in America.
Stable Multiple Sclerosis Patients on an Interferon Therapy Have Better Outcomes When Staying on Therapy Than Patients Who Switch to Another Interferon (P2.396)

Objective: To compare outcomes of stable multiple sclerosis (MS) patients on an interferon who stayed on therapy vs. switched to another interferon. Background: Real-world outcomes from staying on an interferon vs. switching to another interferon could help guide treatment decisions. Design/Methods: MS patients from the Clinformatics Data Mart Multi-Plan from Optum Insights who were 18 to 64 years old, relapse-free (stable) over one year while continuously treated with an interferon from January 1, 2004 to September 30, 2015 were identified. Relapses were defined as any MS hospitalizations or any MS outpatient visit within 30 days of an IV steroid use, ACTH, oral steroid daily dose of >= 500 mg prednisone, or total plasma exchange. Patients were propensity score matched 3:1 using age, gender, previous interferon, adherence, and month and year (first claim=index date) for patients who stayed on the initial interferon (No Switch) to patients who switched to another interferon (Switch). Patients had to be continuously enrolled for one year prior to (baseline) and one year after the index date (follow-up). Relapses were recorded during the follow-up. Results: After matching, there were 381 patients in the Switch group and 1143 in the No Switch group. Baseline characteristics were well matched between groups (46 years old; 72% female). The percentage of patients experiencing a relapse during the follow-up was significantly higher in the Switch group compared with the No Switch group (21% vs. 12%, p Conclusions: MS patients stable on interferon therapy who remain on initial therapy had significantly better outcomes (lower annual relapse rate and percentage of patients with relapses) than patients who switched to another interferon. This supports the benefits of allowing patients to remain on current interferon therapy when stable. Study Supported by: Biogen, Inc. Disclosure: Dr. Chen has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen. Dr. Wu has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec as an employee. Dr. Wu holds stock and/or stock options in Biogen Idec. Dr. Watson has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen.
What Hides in Comparison

This chapter analyzes the ways in which comparative method and analysis conceal particular knowledge formations especially with respect to race, gender, ability, and sexuality even as it presents itself as a rational and neutral research tool. Such an approach conceals how comparative instantiations have always been a part of U.S. liberalism and the construction of white supremacy. The unrelenting use of comparison as a methodological and ideological tool across the political spectrum both naturalizes and dulls it analytic usefulness. Political cartoons used in the United States and Puerto Rico throughout the twentieth century provide evidence for these methodological limits. Comparison is deployed as a methodological tool that scaffolds both (white) (neo)colonialist projects as well as presumed revolutionary nationalisms.
Development of a Plastic Surgery Supply Cart: Patient Outcomes and Quality of Care.

Background Plastic surgeons experience unique quality issues related to the specialty nature of patient procedures. Lack of accessibility to specialty supplies is a rate-limiting variable that impacts treatment efficiency and hospital resources. This study had the following goals: (1) to develop a mobile plastic surgery cart and (2) to assess the impact of a plastic surgery cart on time to treatment of consults. Methods Two plastic carts were developed using preexisting hospital supplies. Cart composition was designed and approved by hospital staff. A prospective study was conducted to assess overall time to treatment of patient consults throughout the hospital comparing a plastics cart versus a traditional hunt and gather methodology. One surgeon recorded time to treatment with and without the plastics cart for each consult during on-call duty hours over a 6-month period. Results A total of 40 patients were treated for either head or neck (60%) or hand-related (40%) cases. The average time (minutes) to treatment across all procedures with the plastics cart was 3.7 ± 1.9 versus 46.3 ± 60.0 without the plastics cart. The maximum time to treatment was 9.5 minutes with the plastics cart and 3 hours without the plastics cart. Usage of the plastics cart resulted in a significant reduction in total time to treatment of 42.5 ± 60.3 minutes (P < 0.0001). Conclusions A specialty supplies cart has quality improvement implications for patients, physicians, and hospitals. Increased accessibility of specialty supplies may significantly reduce the time to treatment for plastic surgery patient consults throughout a hospital.
Repair assessment for distortion-induced fatigue cracks in a seismically retrofitted double-deck bridge complex

Abstract Many steel bridges in the United States designed before the mid-1980s are highly susceptible to distortion-induced fatigue cracking. This vulnerability is substantially increased if the out-of-plane driving force caused by differential girder displacement is increased for any reason. This research examines one such case where a double-deck bridge complex, originally built in the 1960s, was retrofitted to improve seismic performance. As part of the retrofit, single angle K-type diaphragms were replaced with stiffer double-angle cross-type diaphragms. This seismic retrofit led to an increase in web-gap stresses, and within approximately one year following the retrofit, inspectors identified numerous fatigue cracks in the web of longitudinal girders where connection plates terminate near top flanges. A repair measure was implemented to provide a positive connection between the connection plate and the girder flange. The purpose was to reduce the high stress concentrations in the web-gap region by restricting the out-of-plane distortion in the web-gap region. Field tests were carried out in addition to developing finite element (FE) models to investigate the efficacy of the repair technique. The results confirmed a significant decrease in the web-gap stress after implementation of the repair, and a subsequent FE analysis showed that the new load path through the repair angle section did not introduce a new fatigue sensitive area. In fact, the repair resulted in stresses well below the constant amplitude fatigue threshold (CAFT) for this type of detail.
Modeling PpIX-effective fluence rate in tissue for multiple light sources used in photodynamic therapy of skin (Conference Presentation)

In recent years, numerous publications have documented the growing consensus among dermatologists for daylight-photodynamic therapy (dPDT) treatment of Actinic Kerasotis (AK), with additional evidence supporting treatment of certain non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC). While these publications aim to address the minimum effective surface-irradiance required for successful clearance, our current work investigates how the tissue optical properties influence the fluence rate within tissue. While it is known red and blue light will have drastically different attenuation profiles in tissue, it is harder to quantify this for broad-spectrum light sources. Our model aims to expand the current PpIX-weighted irradiance metric by incorporating a clinically relevant depth distribution factor. Using a 7-layer skin model, Monte Carlo simulations of optical photons ranging from 350nm – 900nm provide insight into the potential depth of activation of the photosensitizer. Additionally, these models can be applied to known light spectra for both narrow-band conventional treatments (415nm, 633nm), as well as for the Sun and other white light sources (CFL, Halogen). Using this model, we show even when the effective surface-irradiance of the Sun is 4x a halogen light source, the effective fluence within the top 3mm of tissue is generally equivalent, due to the higher proportion of UV-blue light in Sun spectrum which is highly attenuated within the first 50m. We plan to use this model to inform which light source or light combinations would be most appropriate for specific lesion morphologies.
(318) Case Study of a Psychologically Complex VA Spinal Cord Stimulator Recipient: A Multi-Component Intervention and Significant Change on Repeated Psychological Measures

Patients in the Veterans Healthcare Administration system are known to have more physical and psychological morbidities than civilian age and gender matched controls. Relatedly, psychological disorders are known in the Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) literature to be a factor negatively affecting efficacy of the SCS device in recipients. This patient had an extensive history of multiple psychological morbidities but had successfully completed a CBT-based pain management and coping skills group and maintained a productive relationship with their psychiatrist for 10 years. Thus, the patient demonstrated themselves capable of positive change over time, which may be a prognostic indicator of SCS success if that psychological stability can be maintained. As part of an ongoing Veterans Affairs Quality Improvement (VAQI) Project, psychological measures of Depression, as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9); Catastrophizing, as measured by the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS); and PTSD symptoms as measured by the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL 5) were administered to patients considered candidates for Spinal Cord Stimulator placement at initial evaluation. Those measures were repeated with recipients after device implantation at 1 and 6 month follow ups. Measure scores were converted to z-scores to be able to compare results across measures. Time between measure administration was the Independent Variable and represented the effect of the Spinal Cord Stimulator implant. Results indicated significant differences in the desired direction between baseline and six months for the PHQ-9 and the PCS; baseline and both one month and six months on the PCL5. Data collection is currently underway with additional patients advancing to the SCS trial and permanent implant stage. The PROMIS Function, Pain Interference, and World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) measures have been added to further identify factors responsive to psychological intervention prior to SCS implantation and prognostic potential for SCS efficacy.
Solvable extensions of the naturally graded quasi-filiform Leibniz algebra of second type $\mathcal{L}^4$.

For a sequence of the naturally graded quasi-filiform Leibniz algebra of second type $\mathcal{L}^4$ introduced by Camacho, Gomez, Gonzalez and Omirov, all the possible right solvable indecomposable extensions over the field $\Bbb C$ are constructed.
Pricing Schemes in Cloud Computing: Utilization-Based versus Reservation-Based

Cloud computing has been a rising trend in the business world. In this paper, we consider two most important pricing schemes offered to sustained customers by major service providers in the cloud industry: the reservation-based scheme (the R-scheme) by Amazon or Microsoft, and the utilization-based scheme (the U-scheme) by Google. We consider a duopoly model with heterogeneous customers characterized by the mean and the coefficient of variation of their usage. We show that under either pricing scheme, the effective price is essentially an increasing function of the coefficient of variation of usage, and thus both schemes aim for rewarding stability in usage. However, when the providers adopt different schemes, we show that customers with lower demand volatility would prefer the R-scheme, while those with higher demand volatility would prefer the U-scheme. Furthermore, we study the impact of evolving market characteristics, including the distributions of market preference, demand size, and demand volatility, as well as the impact of the providers' service levels on their choices of schemes and decisions on the pricing parameters. We find that if the market has a stronger preference for a particular provider or that provider has a higher service level than its competitor, the provider is more likely to adopt the R-scheme, while its competitor's adoption of a scheme depends on the extent of the price competition. Specifically, when the diversity of customer preference becomes higher (lower), the price competition becomes softened (intensified), and the competitor is more likely to adopt the R-scheme (U-scheme, respectively).
Advanced Security Methods for Dummy Location-Based Servic

Convenience is a main concept applied towards the advancement of today’s technology. Convenient services such as Location Based services (LBS) collect data based on a user’s location. This gathered information may seem invasive to many. To others it may be a proper way to enhance user experience such as GPS, social media applications, games, and other services that utilize a user’s location. To further improve the user experience, we present a new method on how to not explicitly expose a user’s location. Maintaining privacy is key here, as an alternative to a user’s precise location we will remove any previous notions of user’s being tracked and/or their privacy being violated. Dummy locations are a great alternative to the present precise location methods. Providing a generalized location of the current user maintains user privacy by not releasing their precise location, simultaneously the convenience of LBS is still kept by providing data collectors with sufficient information of user’s location to continue enhancement to common location-based services. We provide a new algorithm that will show a dummy location precise enough to meet LBS requirements, meanwhile it keeps the user’s privacy. This dummy location will provide time, generalized location of current user, and user settings that allow one to modify the precision of their location.