cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Magnetorheological polishing of optical surfaces

This paper discusses the principle of magnetorheological (MR) polishing, which is widely used in the production of precision optics, and also presents the results of processing optical items of complex shape. The concept of ablation of material from the surface to be processed, based on the principle of conservation of momentum by the particles of a binary abrasive suspension, is considered in the theoretical part as applied to the method of MR polishing. According to the proposed model, the forces normal to the surface required for the incorporation of abrasive particles into the material being polished are provided by their interaction near the surface with the more massive baseline (magnetic) particles, which in the shear flow of the concentrated suspension are subject to fluctuations and exchange momentum with the abrasive particles.
Origin of postcranial skeletal pneumaticity in dinosaurs

The sauropodomorph Thecodontosaurus caducus and theropod Coelophysis bauri are the earliest known dinosaurs with postcranial skeletal pneumaticity. In both taxa, postcranial pneumatic features are confined to the cervical vertebrae. This distribution of pneumaticity in the skeleton is most consistent with pneumatization by diverticula of cervical air sacs similar to those of birds. Other hypotheses, including pneumatization by diverticula of the lungs, larynx and trachea, or cranial air spaces, are less well-supported.
COINS: An Innovative Informatics and Neuroimaging Tool Suite Built for Large Heterogeneous Datasets

The availability of well-characterized neuroimaging data with large numbers of subjects, especially for clinical populations, is critical to advancing our understanding of the healthy and diseased brain. Such data enables questions to be answered in a much more generalizable manner and also has the potential to yield solutions derived from novel methods that were conceived after the original studies' implementation. Though there is currently growing interest in data sharing, the neuroimaging community has been struggling for years with how to best encourage sharing data across brain imaging studies. With the advent of studies that are much more consistent across sites (e.g., resting fMRI, diffusion tensor imaging, and structural imaging) the potential of pooling data across studies continues to gain momentum. At the Mind Research Network (MRN), we have developed the COllaborative Informatics and Neuroimaging Suite (COINS; http://coins.mrn.org) to provide researchers with an information system based on an open-source model that includes web-based tools to manage studies, subjects, imaging, clinical data and other assessments. The system currently hosts data from 9 institutions, over 300 studies, over 14,000 subjects, and over 19,000 MRI, MEG, and EEG scan sessions in addition to more than 180,000 clinical assessments. In this paper we provide a description of COINS with comparison to a valuable and popular system known as XNAT. Although there are many similarities between COINS and other electronic data management systems, the differences that may concern researchers in the context of multi-site, multi-organizational data-sharing environments with intuitive ease of use and PHI security are emphasized as important attributes.
Median Nerve Trauma in a Rat Model of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder

Anatomical and physiological changes were evaluated in the median nerves of rats trained to perform repetitive reaching. Motor degradation was evident after 4 weeks. ED1-immunoreactive macrophages were seen in the transcarpal region of the median nerve of both forelimbs by 5–6 weeks. Fibrosis, characterized by increased immunoexpression of collagen type I by 8 weeks and connective tissue growth factor by 12 weeks, was evident. The conduction velocity (NCV) within the carpal tunnel showed a modest but significant decline after 9–12 weeks. The lowest NCV values were found in animals that refused to participate in the task for the full time available. Thus, both anatomical and physiological signs of progressive tissue damage were present in this model. These results, together with other recent findings indicate that work-related carpal tunnel syndrome develops through mechanisms that include injury, inflammation, fibrosis and subsequent nerve compression.
Teaching Case: New Product Development And Pre-Launch Plans For Tickets Sales, Inc.

Ticket Sales, Inc (TSI) [1] is a startup business that has received seed funding. TSI is using the seed funding to perform a number of feasibility studies that will enable it to seek first-round venture capital. TSI has already performed a technology feasibility study and a marketing feasibility study, including a 5-year total cost of ownership pro forma budget. Outside consultants were retained to perform the studies. The case presents the Marketing Analysis and Feasibility Study performed by Big Apple Marketing. The TSI management team desires a second opinion concerning the work of Big Apple Marketing [1] and this case asks that NYC Associates [1] prepare an assessment of the Marketing Analysis and Feasibility Study in light of documented best practices in new product development.
Intermolecular Interactions and Luminescence Spectroscopy of Twodimensional Layered Solids

Salts of AAu(CN)2 (A=K+, CS+, Tetrabutylammonium+) in the solid state form a two-dimensional layered structure. When the cation or the temperature is changed, the nearest neighbor Au-Au distance varies. We have done spectroscopic experiments to probe the dependence of the photophysical properties of these systems on the interactions between Au atoms in two-dimensions. Laser excited emission polarization studies and lifetime measurements have been made on the pure solids and on mixed alkali halide crystals as a function of cation, temperature and host lattice. Low temperature lifetime studies for CsAu(CN)2 reveal the presence of emitting states separated by 50 cm-1 with spin-orbital coupling responsible for the closely separated emitting states as in the one-dimensional AnPt(CN)4.XH2O systems. Variable temperature polarized emission and crystallographic measurements for KAu(CN)2 reveal that the observed emission energy varies as R-3 in agreement with simple exciton theory. Comparisons can be made between intermolecular interactions and luminescence for the two-dimensional AAu(CN)2 versus the one-dimensional AnPt(CN)4 XH2O systems.
Compact Gigahertz Repetition Rate Kerr-lens Mode Locked Ti:Al2O3 Lasers using Positive Dispersion

Kerr-lens mode locking (KLM)[1,2] is a powerful technique for generating ultrashort pulses from many different gain media and laser cavity geometries. To date, these lasers all require the use of dispersion compensating intracavity elements to provide net negative dispersion. Pulse shortening is enhanced by a soliton-like interplay between net negative dispersion and self-phase modulation. Analysis has shown[3] that net negative dispersion (−GVD), while not necessary for pulse formation, has the advantages of generating chirp- free pulses without requiring strong KLM nonlinearities. Pulse formation in the presence of net positive dispersion (+GVD) requires a stronger KLM nonlinearity and results in comparatively longer, chirped pulses. In the +GVD case, minimization of chirp and pulse duration can be achieved by optimizing KLM nonlinearities, and by reducing intracavity dispersion. In this paper, we demonstrate self starting KLM mode locking in compact lasers without the need for intracavity dispersion compensation. Since most techniques for dispersion compensation provide serious limitations to cavity size, the elimination of intracavity dispersion compensation permits a wide range of very compact and simple laser cavity designs. We present a compact positive dispersion Ti:Al2O3 laser design that achives high average power, ultrashort pulses at gigahertz repetition rates.
Transport Properties of Polycrystalline Ni3Al

Recent advances in ductilizing the intermetallic compound Ni3A1 may lead to practical applications. These applications, which are based on the outstanding strength and oxidation resistance of the compound, also require physical property data. In this paper, the room-temperature electrical and thermal conductivities of annealed high purity specimens containing 74 to 76 at. % Ni are presented and compared to theoretical predictions. Residual (4.2 K) electrical resistivity data are also employed in the analysis and these results show a pronounced minimum at the stoichiometric composition. The data show that the thermal conductivity of this compound is quite sensitive to stoichiometry and, at room temperature, has a maximum value at about 74.8 at.% Ni. Calculated and experimentally derived phonon thermal conductivity values agree well, and indicate that this carrier is responsible for about 25% of the room temperature thermal conductivity. The electronic Lorenz function is essentially equal to the Sommerfeld value.
Augmentation of Early Season Releases of Filth Fly (Diptera: Muscidae) Parasites (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) with Freeze-killed Hosts

House fly, Musca domestica L., pupae parasitized by three species of pteromalid wasps, Spalangia cameroni Perkins, Urolepis rufipes (Ashmead), and Muscidifurax zaraptor Kogan & Legner, were released into house fly and stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.), breeding habitats on three dairies during the spring season. In conjunction with these releases, freeze-killed house fly pupae were placed in the same areas to serve as hosts for the emerging parasites. S. cameroni and U. rufipes did not use the freeze-killed pupae as hosts, but M. zaraptor readily oviposited on and produced progeny from the introduced hosts. Freeze-killed pupae remained suitable as hosts for M. zaraptor for up to 4 weeks at the cooler spring temperatures. Large numbers of second-generation progeny after 8 weeks suggested that the use of early spring releases of M. zaraptor and freeze-killed hosts may effectively build up early season populations of this pteromalid species for the control of house flies and stable flies present on midwestern livestock confinements.
Transconjunctival Inferior Orbitotomy: Indications, Surgical Technique, and Complications:

Surgical access to the inferior orbit can be accomplished through either a transcutaneous or transconjunctival incision. The preferred approach should provide adequate surgical exposure with the fewest adverse effects. The purpose of this article is to review the literature on the transconjunctival incision and to discuss the indications and complications of the approach. The authors also discuss their preferred technique and provide a step-by-step instruction. The transconjunctival approach provides good surgical access with a low incidence of complications and a better aesthetic outcome than transcutaneous approaches.
Iatrogenic Ventricular Septal Defect Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Systematic Review.

Background Ventricular septal defects (VSD) are rarely reported as a complication following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We sought to characterise the patients, clinical management, and outcomes regarding this rare phenomenon. Methods Relevant articles were identified by a systematic search of MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from January, 2002 to September, 2015. Results A total of 18 case reports, including 20 patients, were identified. The median age was 83 years and six were male. Twelve were performed by trans-femoral approach. Pre-dilation was performed in 12 patients and post-dilation in four. Balloon expandable valves were used in the majority (85%) of cases. The clinical presentation varied from asymptomatic to progressive heart failure. The timing of the diagnosis also varied significantly from immediately post valve implantation to one year afterwards. There were two cases of Gerbode-type defect while the rest were inter-ventricular defects. The location was mostly membranous or perimembranous (79%) and adjacent to the valve landing zone. A total of seven interventions (one open surgery and six percutaneous closure) were performed. Four patients died during the same hospital admission. Sixteen survived past discharge (range 12 days to two years). Conclusions Ventricular septal defects post-TAVR were seen more with balloon expandable valves and with pre-dilation or post-dilation. Percutaneous treatment of the VSD was preferred over open cardiac surgery given the high surgical risk in this patient population. Some, but not all, patients survived TAVR and VSD and had a good prognosis for both patient groups with or without VSD closure.
Simply discussing on the use of statistics in management of medical records

Medical records are special kind of files,not only for its aboriginality,authenticity and accuracy which are the common characteristic of files,but also for its own Professional particularity.This paper elaborates on the importance of medical records management and the filing range of the records.The application of statistical sampling methods in filing management were also described in this paper.
Grading Ring Parameter Design and Corona Characteristic Test Arrangement of 1 000kV AC Compact Transmission Line

In order to provide references for designing grading ring and corona characteristic tests of grading rings on1 000kV ultra-high voltage(UHV)AC compact transmission line,we analyzed the influence of the shape of grading ring and arrangement on its surface electric field intensity by using the numerical finite element method(FEM)and the pre-designed parameters of 1 000kV UHV AC compact transmission line.Firstly,we established a 3D electrostatic field finite element model of grading ring(full model)to calculate the influences of pipe diameter,ring diameter,installation position,and small grading ring on the maximum electric field intensity on the surface of the grading ring(Em).Based on the calculation results,four kinds of grading rings with different parameters were preliminarily selected for true type test.Then,adopting the pre-designed tower parameters,we proposed the parameters of simulative tower window and test arrangement of composite insulator and grading ring for corona characteristic tests in UHV AC Test Base.Furthermore,a 3Delectrostatic field finite element model of the corona characteristic test arrangement(test model)was also built,by which the electric field intensities of the four kinds of grading rings were calculated and compared with the results of full model.Correction coefficients between the results in the two models were also obtained based on electric field intensity equivalent method.The calculations show that for racetrack rings,the maximum field intensity all appear at their openings as well as at the nadir of lower half circle for circular rings.Em increases with the rise of grading ring's installation position,and it decreases with the increase of pipe diameter or ring diameter.Small grading rings show no influence on Emof big grading ring.For a middle phase racetrack grading ring with its pipe diameter of 800 mm,ring diameter of 110 mm and installation position of 140,Em at its ring opening is 21.97kV/cm;as for a circular ring with the same parameters,Em is 18.44kV/cm,which is the best among the four calculated kinds parameters.
Literature review of shear performance of cold-formed thin-walled steel composite walls

Based on the force transfer path analysis,the composite shear wall plays a very important role in terms of sustaining and transferring horizontal and vertical loads. From component to system,a relatively comprehensive review of the studies at home and abroad on the seismic performances of wall studs,fasteners and the composite shear wall is presented. A statistical analysis was implemented mainly based on the data of typical shear resistance experimental results at home and abroad of cold-formed thin-walled steel composite shear walls,indicating how the sheathing boards,fasteners,steel frame,aspect ratio,opening size and loading regime make influence on the shear perofrmance of shear walls. Some experimental results were compared with the design guidance values of Chinese code finding that the design guidance values after linear interpolation make a conservative prediction of shear resistance with large spacing fasteners. The calculation of reliability index was made with the partial safety factor for resistance given in Chinese code,showing that the design guidance values of Chinese code can't satisfy the objective reliability index 3. 2. The recalculated reliability index with partial safety factor for resistance adjusted according to a reference's recommendation are in good agreement with objective reliability index and there will be a lot of work remaining to do for a more appropriate value of partial safety factor for resistance. Some suggestions on the seismic performance research field of this kind of structures system are proposed.
The management of infectious and noninfectious anorectal complications in patients with leukemia

Background Infectious and noninfectious anorectal complications may occur in patients undergoing therapy for leukemia. Controversy surrounds the treatment of this problem in immunocompromised patients. Study design A retrospective review of the medical records of 83 patients with acute or chronic leukemia in whom anorectal disease developed during inpatient therapy for leukemia was performed to determine the initial signs and symptoms, treatment, and outcomes. Results During a 12-year period, 92 patients with anorectal complications were treated. This series included 25 patients with perirectal abscesses, 22 patients with anal fissures, 18 patients with symptomatic external hemorrhoids, 12 patients with perianal ulcerations, 12 patients with symptomatic internal hemorrhoids, and three patients with fistulas in ano. Overall, 79 (86 percent) of the 92 anorectal complications resolved in 68 of the 83 patients. Increasing periods of neutropenia did not adversely affect the resolution of anorectal disease. Thirteen patients (16 percent) required surgical intervention, most commonly secondary to a perirectal abscess. Incision and drainage was necessary in ten (40 percent) of 25 patients with perirectal abscess, which included five patients with fluctuation and five patients in whom infection failed to respond to medical therapy. Conclusions Noninfectious anorectal complications in patients with leukemia respond to nonoperative intervention and rarely progress to a life-threatening infection. Nonoperative intervention in the form of systemic antibiotics and sitz baths is successful in the treatment of infectious anorectal complications. Incision and drainage should be performed when fluctuation is present and in patients whose complications fail to respond to medical therapy.
Corticosteroid therapy of ophthalmologic diseases.

Specific therapy must always be used in tandem with steroids to prevent surreptitious progression of the primary disease, which might be masked by reduced inflammation and apparent symptomatic relief.
Single‐Dose Basiliximab Induction in Low‐Risk Renal Transplant Recipients

OBJECTIVES To compare the efficacy of a single dose of basiliximab with two doses in preventing acute rejection in selected low-risk renal transplant recipients. METHODS This observational study of 760 kidney transplant recipients considered to be at low immunologic risk (peak panel reactive antibody less than 10%) compared patient and graft outcomes following a single-dose versus a two-dose regimen of basiliximab. MAIN RESULTS No differences were found in patient survival (92% vs 92%, p=0.6), graft survival (86% vs 83%, p=0.2), acute rejection (cellular [4% vs 7%, p=0.2], antibody-mediated rejection [19% vs 19%, p=0.9]), or opportunistic infections (34% vs 30%, p=0.3) between the single versus two-dose regimens, respectively. In multivariate analyses, the number of doses of basiliximab was not associated with acute rejection or patient/graft survival despite adjustment with Cox regression and propensity scores. However, delayed graft function (DGF), donor age older than 65 years, and human leukocyte antigen mismatch of 3 or higher were associated with acute rejection (hazard ratio [HR] 2.64, 1.91, and 1.57, respectively, p≤0.04), and DGF and diabetes were associated with death/graft loss (HR 2.56 and 1.63, respectively, p≤0.009). PRINCIPAL CONCLUSIONS A single dose of basiliximab is safe and effective for induction in low-risk kidney transplant recipients.
Contention resolution with log-logstar channel accesses

For decades, randomized exponential backoff has provided a critical algorithmic building block in situations where multiple devices seek access to a shared resource. Surprisingly, despite this history, the performance of standard backoff is poor under worst-case scheduling of demands on the resource: (i) subconstant throughput can occur under plausible scenarios, and (ii) each of N devices requires Omega(log N) access attempts before obtaining the resource. In this paper, we address these shortcomings by offering a new backoff protocol for a shared communications channel that guarantees expected constant throughput with only O(log(log* N)) access attempts in expectation. Central to this result are new algorithms for approximate counting and leader election with the same performance guarantees.
A meta-analytic investigation of the relationship between leader-member exchange and work-family experiences ☆

Abstract It is well accepted that leadership-relevant constructs (e.g., leader support, family supportive supervisor behaviors) are advantageous for subordinates' work-family experiences. However, the profundity of this literature has lacked connection to well-established leadership theories, which could inform its progress. This study was designed to demonstrate the value of LMX theory as a lens through which employees' work-family experiences can be understood. An expansive search of the published and unpublished literature yielded 64 correlations ( N = 18.139) from 40 independent studies. Using random-effects meta-analysis, LMX was demonstrated to be negatively related to work interference with family (ρ = − 0.26), and family interference with work (ρ= − 0.13), and positively linked to work-family enrichment (ρ = 0.38), and family-work enrichment (ρ = 0.28). Analyses suggest both contextual and methodological moderators in the relationship between LMX and work interference with family. This study highlights the value of incorporating established leadership theory into work-family research to better understand how and why leaders assist their employees in effectively managing work and family.
Use and cost of Best Management Practices (BMPs) and BMP-related sustainable forestry initiative guidelines to Arkansas timber producers

A mail survey was conducted to determine the cost and frequency of use for Best Management Practices (BMPs) and BMP-related Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) guidelines on logging sites across the state by Arkansas timber producers. Respondents were asked to report figures based on their records and estimates, including annual tons of wood produced from 1999 through 2001 and cost estimates for BMPs and BMP-related SFI practices used on their job sites. Practices most frequently utilized by timber producers included planning roads and skid trails, no tree tops in stream channel, and creating waterbars. The results of this study indicate the cost for implementing BMPs and BMP-related SFI practices was over $12 million in 2001 for Arkansas timber producers.
Carbohydrates as potentially versatile core subcarriers for multivalent immunogens

Synthetic multivalent glycoclusters that carry carbohydrate antigen epitopes have been recognized as promising candidates for the development of carbohydrate based vaccines. Here we describe a convergent strategy for the synthesis of conjugation-ready multivalent glycoclusters using sugars as versatile core subcarriers. d-Glucose and gentiobiose were converted into poly-alkyne functionalized cores which were then decorated with an azide bearing model ligand d-glucose using click chemistry, to form structurally well-defined tetra- and heptavalent glycoclusters. Each cluster was conjugated to a model protein bovine serum albumin (BSA) by squaric acid chemistry. Carbohydrate clusters can be prepared in a variety of sizes and spatial arrangements by altering the structure and configuration of the core, depending on the mono-, or oligosaccharides used for their assembly. It is suggested that the use of carbohydrate as core subcarriers provides an opportunity to tailor the size and topology of antigens and modify multivalent presentation of immunogens in a way to optimize cluster effect for stronger immunoreactivity.
Surface Roughness Identification in End Milling Using Vibration Signals and Fuzzy Clustering

The study presented involves the identification of surface roughness in Aluminum work pieces in an end milling process using fuzzy clustering of vibration signals. Vibration signals are experimentally acquired using an accelerometer for varying cutting conditions such as spindle speed, feed rate and depth of cut. Features are then extracted by processing the acquired signals in both the time and frequency domain. Techniques based on statistical parameters, Fast Fourier Transforms (FFT) and the Continuous Wavelet Transforms (CWT) are utilized for feature extraction. The surface roughness of the machined surface is also measured. In this study, fuzzy clustering is used to partition the feature sets, followed by a correlation with the experimentally obtained surface roughness measurements. The fuzzifier and the number of clusters are varied and it is found that the partitions produced by fuzzy clustering in the vibration signal feature space are related to the partitions based on cutting conditions with surface roughness as the output parameter. The results based on limited simulations are encouraging and work is underway to develop a larger framework for online cutting condition monitoring system for end milling.Copyright © 2016 by ASME
Variable length compression for bitmap indices

Modern large-scale applications are generating staggering amounts of data. In an effort to summarize and index these data sets, databases often use bitmap indices. These indices have become widely adopted due to their dual properties of (1) being able to leverage fast bit-wise operations for query processing and (2) compressibility. Today, two pervasive bitmap compression schemes employ a variation of run-length encoding, aligned over bytes (BBC) and words (WAH), respectively. While BBC typically offers high compression ratios, WAH can achieve faster query processing, but often at the cost of space. Recent work has further shown that reordering the rows of a bitmap can dramatically increase compression. However, these sorted bitmaps often display patterns of changing run-lengths that are not optimal for a byte nor a word alignment. We present a general framework to facilitate a variable length compression scheme. Given a bitmap, our algorithm is able to use different encoding lengths for compression on a per-column basis. We further present an algorithm that efficiently processes queries when encoding lengths share a common integer factor. Our empirical study shows that in the best case our approach can out-compress BBC by 30% and WAH by 70%, for real data sets. Furthermore, we report a query processing speedup of 1.6× over BBC and 1.25× over WAH. We will also show that these numbers drastically improve in our synthetic, uncorrelated data sets.
Politische Partizipation und Bürgerbeteiligung als Kompetenzanforderung in der Landesverwaltung von Baden- Württemberg

Die Landesregierung von Baden-Wurttemberg ist im Jahr 2011 durch die Einrichtung einer Stabsstelle fur Burgerbeteiligung und Zivilgesellschaft angetreten, die Burgerbeteiligung bei Planungsvorhaben des Landes in der hierarchisch strukturierten Verwaltung auszubauen. Neben den bereits durch die Europaische Union ermoglichten Burgerbeteiligungsrechten ist der Nachholbedarf gegenuber anderen Bundeslandern - und hier insbesondere zu Bayern - jedoch in der Frage von Burger- und Volksentscheiden immer noch sehr gros.
Integrating Cache-Related Preemption Delay into GEDF Analysis for Multiprocessor Scheduling with On-chip Cache

Most existing multiprocessor schedulability analysis assumes zero cost for preemptions and migrations. In order for those analysis to be correct, execution time estimations are often inflated by a certain (pessimistic) factor, leading to severe waste of computing resource. In this paper, a novel Global Earliest Deadline First (GEDF) schedulability test is proposed, where Cache-Related Preemption Delay (CRPD) is separately modeled and integrated. Specifically, multiple analyses for estimating CRPD bounds are conducted based on the refined estimation of the maximal number of preemptions, leading to tighter G-EDF schedulability tests. The experimental study is conducted to demonstrate the performance of the proposed methods.
Lunatics, Idiots, Paupers and Negro Seamen: Immigration Federalism in the Early American State

Why did it take the U.S. national government until 1882 to gain control over immigration policies from the states, and what does this situation say about the strength of the Early American State? This phenomenon is especially curious since the control of entry into and across a nation is so fundamental to the definition of a State. I argue that the delay of the national government takeover was not due to a lack of administrative capacity. Instead, there were regionally specific reasons for why the states wanted to retain control over immigration. The national government did not take over policy because of the nineteenth-century political-cultural understanding that many migration policies were properly in the province of local control. This article explains the timing and sequencing of state and federal controls over nineteenth-century migration policies and what this timing meant for the freedom of movement of many politically vulnerable classes of people.
Deep Learning in Biomedical Data Science

Since the 1980s, deep learning and biomedical data have been coevolving and feeding each other. The breadth, complexity, and rapidly expanding size of biomedical data have stimulated the developmen...
miRNA profiling of magnetic nanopore-isolated extracellular vesicles for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer

Improved diagnostics for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) to detect the disease at earlier, curative stages and to guide treatments is crucial to progress against this disease. The development of a liquid biopsy for PDAC has proven challenging due to the sparsity and variable phenotypic expression of circulating biomarkers. Here we report methods we developed for isolating specific subsets of extracellular vesicles (EV) from plasma using a novel magnetic nanopore capture technique. In addition, we present a workflow for identifying EV miRNA biomarkers using RNA sequencing and machine-learning algorithms, which we used in combination to classify distinct cancer states. Applying this approach to a mouse model of PDAC, we identified a biomarker panel of 11 EV miRNAs that could distinguish mice with PDAC from either healthy mice or those with precancerous lesions in a training set of n = 27 mice and a user-blinded validation set of n = 57 mice (88% accuracy in a three-way classification). These results provide strong proof-of-concept support for the feasibility of using EV miRNA profiling and machine learning for liquid biopsy.Significance: These findings present a panel of extracellular vesicle miRNA blood-based biomarkers that can detect pancreatic cancer at a precancerous stage in a transgenic mouse model. Cancer Res; 78(13); 3688-97. ©2018 AACR.
Uranium Diffusion in H-451 Graphite

The transport or diffusion of uranium (as a standin for plutonium) was investigated under conditions approximating those of the primary coolant loop in a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor. Profiles were obtained for uranium penetration in H-451 graphite at temperatures ranging from 900 to 1400/sup 0/C. Profile data for given temperatures were considered in terms of the following expression: (erf/sup -1/(1-C/C /SUB o/ ))/sup 2/=X/sup 2//4Dt, where C is the concentration of uranium at time t, for distance x, into the pellet; C /SUB o/ is a constant representing the uranium concentration at x = 0 for all t, and D is the diffusion coefficient. Diffusion coefficients for uranium initially present as dicarbide at 1000 and 1400/sup 0/C were found to be defined by Duc/sub 2/ = 3.5 X 10/sup -3/ exp(-4.8 X 10/sup 4//RT) cm/sup 2//s. For uranium initially present as dioxide at 900, 1000, and 1400/sup 0/C, diffusion coefficients are defined by Duo/sub 2/ = 2.34 X 10/sup -6/ exp(-3.2 X 10/sup 4//RT) cm/sup 2//s, where R is the gas constant and T is the temperature in degrees Kelvin.
Organic analysis of lunar samples and the Martian surface.

In addition to the organogenic elements (H, C, N, O, S, P) which are necessary for the synthesis of organic molecules, the lunar samples from Apollo 11, 12, 14 and 15 contain substantial amounts (approximately equal to 10 to 100 microgram/g) of CO, N2 and CO2, which are released at relatively high temperatures and smaller amounts (approximately equal to 0.1 to 10 microgram/g) of more complex organic compounds (e.g. benzene). Most of these analyses have been performed by mass spectrometry or by combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry after appropriate volatilization. The release of very small amounts of water has also been observed and is consistent with the findings of goethite (FeO.OH) and with measurements by the suprathermal ion detector. The lunar surface provides one of the less favorable solar system models for the synthesis of organic compounds yet small amounts of these compounds have been detected in the returned samples. It is reasonable to assume that the different physical and developmental features of the planet Mars (increased gravitational field, presence of an atmosphere with CO2, CO and H2O, recent volcanic and tectonic activity, etc.) would favor an increased organic content of the surface of this planet relative to the moon. Therefore the organic molecules present in the Martian soil should be measurable by miniaturized mass spectrometers after fractional distillation or gas chromatographic separation of the volatiles released by moderate heating.
Long-Term Cancer Survivors’ Everyday Embodiment

Long-term survivors of cancer (LTS) face daunting challenges to their physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being in the years following completion of cancer treatment. Most LTS face a new realit...
A Low Jitter Low Power and Wide Tuning Range Differential Ring Oscillator Topology in 28nm CMOS Technology for Clock Synthesizer Applications

The Differential Ring Oscillator (DRO)-based VCO design involves many tradeoffs between frequency generation, phase noise, tuning range, power and area. Generally a lower phase noise design requires an higher current consumption, or a wider tuning range can be achieved at expense of higher noise level. In this paper, a 0.9-V differential ring oscillator (DRO) implemented in a 28nm CMOS technology is presented. Using very simple current-controlled delay cells, the proposed VCO achieves a wide operating frequency range from 1.10 to 1.62 GHz with a relatively constant output amplitude and excellent linearity between the output frequency and the input control current. Both theory and simulation show that the root-mean-square (rms) timing jitter is as small as 0.5 ps. The phase noise is −143.8 dBc/Hz at 10 MHz offset from the carrier frequency. The power supply sensitivity is 5.5%/V, the temperature coefficient is +500 ppm/degC, and the power consumption is 3 mW at nominal conditions. The area occupation is relatively smaller due to the simplicity and the low number of the delay cell used.
Hydrothermal crystal growth of 2-D and 3-D barium rare earth germanates: BaREGeO4(OH) and BaRE10(GeO4)4O8 (RE = Ho, Er)

Abstract Two new structural types of BaREGeO4(OH) and BaRE10(GeO4)4O8 (RE = Ho3+,Er3+) single crystals were synthesized via high-temperature and high-pressure hydrothermal synthesis. The BaREGeO4(OH) compounds were found to crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Pbca. BaHoGeO4(OH) is used as a representative of the family with cell parameters of a = 5.7175(2) A, b = 10.1556(5) A, c = 10.6189(9) A and V = 964.97(8) A3. The BaREGeO4(OH) structure contains a one-dimensional chain of rare-earth polyhedra linked through edge sharing of oxygen atoms. High density BaRE10(GeO4)4O8 crystals crystallize in the monoclinic space group C2/m and feature a sheet like arrangement of rare-earth oxide polyhedra with Keggin-like features. BaHo10(GeO4)4O8 is used as a representative of this structure type with cell parameters of a = 12.4533(8) A, b = 7.2008(5) A, c = 12.0034(8) A, β = 100.183(2)⁰ and V = 1059.43(12) A3. Barium polyhedra and isolated GeO4 units aid in connecting the rare earth oxide framework to extend it in three-dimensional (3-D) space. Characterization by single crystal X-ray diffraction and Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopies is reported.
Variation in Thermal Tolerance and Its Relationship to Mitochondrial Function Across Populations of Tigriopus californicus

Variation in thermal tolerance plays a key role in determining the biogeographic distribution of organisms. Consequently, identifying the mechanistic basis for thermal tolerance is necessary for understanding not only current species range limits but also the capacity for range limits to shift in response to climate change. Although variation in mitochondrial function likely contributes to variation in thermal tolerance, the extent to which mitochondrial function underlies local thermal adaptation is not fully understood. In the current study, we examine variation in thermal tolerance and mitochondrial function among three populations of the intertidal copepod Tigriopus californicus found across a latitudinal thermal gradient along the coast of California, USA. We tested (1) acute thermal tolerance using survivorship and knockdown assays, (2) chronic thermal tolerance using survivorship of nauplii and developmental rate, and (3) mitochondrial performance at a range of temperatures using ATP synthesis fueled by complexes I, II, and I&II, as well as respiration of permeabilized fibers. We find evidence for latitudinal thermal adaptation: the southernmost San Diego population outperforms the northernmost Santa Cruz in measures of survivorship, knockdown temperature, and ATP synthesis rates during acute thermal exposures. However, under a chronic thermal regime, survivorship and developmental rate are more similar in the southernmost and northernmost population than in the mid-range population (Abalone Cove). Though this pattern is unexpected, it aligns well with population-specific rates of ATP synthesis at these chronic temperatures. Combined with the tight correlation of ATP synthesis decline and knockdown temperature, these data suggest a role for mitochondria in setting thermal range limits and indicate that divergence in mitochondrial function is likely a component of adaptation across latitudinal thermal gradients.
Severe Asthma in Pregnancy: Special Considerations

Asthma is one of the most common conditions that afflict pregnant women. Because uncontrolled asthma in pregnancy affects both maternal and offspring outcomes, careful attention to maintaining control of asthma symptoms throughout pregnancy is of paramount importance. This chapter will review the epidemiology and course of asthma in pregnancy and the effects of uncontrolled asthma to both the mother and offspring and provide an overview of the management, both non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic, of asthma in pregnancy. While the management of asthma in pregnancy relies on guidelines for the general population, special considerations regarding the safety of medications are required. Data available for established medications and newer therapies are presented.
Endocytosis of hyaluronic acid by rat liver endothelial cells. Evidence for receptor recycling

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is cleared from the blood by liver endothelial cells through receptor-mediated endocytosis [Eriksson, Fraser, Laurent, Pertoft & Smedsrod (1983) Exp. Cell Res. 144, 223-238]. We have measured the capacity of cultured rat liver endothelial cells to endocytose and degrade 125I-HA (Mr approximately 44,000) at 37 degrees C. Endocytosis was linear for 3 h and then reached a plateau. The rate of endocytosis was concentration-dependent and reached a maximum of 250 molecules/s per cell. Endocytosis of 125I-HA was inhibited more than 92% by a 150-fold excess of non-radiolabelled HA. HA, chondroitin sulphate and heparin effectively competed for endocytosis of 125I-HA, whereas glucuronic acid, N-acetylglucosamine, DNA, RNA, polygalacturonic acid and dextran did not compete. In the absence of cycloheximide, endothelial cells processed 13 times more 125I-HA in 6 h than their total (cell-surface and intracellular) specific HA-binding capacity. This result was not due to degradation and rapid replacement of receptors, because, even in the presence of cycloheximide, these cells processed 6 times more HA than their total receptor content in 6 h. Also, in the presence of cycloheximide, no decrease in 125I-HA-binding capacity was seen in cells processing or not processing HA for 6 h, indicating that receptors are not degraded after the endocytosis of HA. During endocytosis of HA at 37 degrees C, at least 65% of the intracellular HA receptors became occupied with HA within 30 min. This indicates that the intracellular HA receptors (75% of the total) function during continuous endocytosis. Hyperosmolarity inhibits endocytosis and receptor recycling in the asialoglycoprotein and low-density-lipoprotein receptor systems by disrupting the coated-pit pathway [Heuser & Anderson (1987) J. Cell Biol. 105, 230a; Oka & Weigel (1988) J. Cell. Biochem. 36, 169-183]. Hyperosmolarity inhibited 125I-HA endocytosis in liver endothelial cells by more than 90%, suggesting use of a coated-pit pathway by this HA receptor. We conclude that liver endothelial cell HA receptors are recycled during the continuous endocytosis and processing of HA.
Extrapulmonary Coccidioidomycosis Among Children in Central California: A Retrospective Review.

Background:The literature on pediatric extrapulmonary coccidioidomycosis is limited. We reviewed the clinical course, diagnostic studies, treatment and outcomes of children with extrapulmonary coccidioidomycosis followed at a tertiary care center in central California.Methods:Retrospective study of
Coincidence of Homeostasis and Bifurcation in Feedforward Networks

Homeostasis is an important and common biological phenomenon wherein an output variable does not change very much as an input parameter is varied over an interval. It can be studied by restricting ...
Aerobic Catalyzed Oxidative Cross-Coupling of N,N-Disubstituted Anilines and Aminonaphthalenes with Phenols and Naphthols

The cross-coupling of N,N-dialkyl aniline and aminonaphthalenes with phenols and naphthols using a Cr–salen catalyst under aerobic conditions was developed. Notably, air serves as an effective oxid...
Chemotherapy (CT) for advanced biliary tract cancers (BTC): A retrospective analysis from UT Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW) and Parkland Hospital (PH).

e15200 Background: CT is the main treatment option for patients (pts) with advanced BTC. There is limited randomized data to guide treatment selection. Based on phase 3 data, gemcitabine (G)/cispla...
Using Spatio-Algorithmic Problem Solving Strategies to Increase Access to Data Structures

The substantive gender and racial gaps in spatial ability create unnecessary barriers to entry to STEM and computing fields [14,15]. Data structures courses in particular are difficult for those in underrepresented groups [8,12,13]. In Chemistry, this gender gap has been closed by teaching students both spatio-imagistic and spatio-analytic strategies to solving problems with diagrams. I seek to similarly close this gap in Data Structures by developing and evaluating further techniques for teaching data structures using diagrams.
Real-Time Thermospheric Density Estimation from Satellite Position Measurements

In this paper, a new data-driven method is demonstrated for real-time neutral density estimation via model–data fusion in quasi-physical ionosphere–thermosphere models. The proposed method has two ...
A Gecko-Like/Electrostatic Gripper for Free-Flying Perching Robots

This paper describes the experimental evaluation of a robotic gripper's ability to perch on a variety of flat surfaces when used in conjunction with a free-flying robot in microgravity. The gripper is designed to be integrated with Astrobee, a free-flying robot deployed in the International Space Station (ISS) in April 2019. Astrobee was developed to help astronauts perform routine tasks while aboard the ISS. The robot has physical space for payloads such as a manipulator arm, which allows it to grasp grapple points such as handrails to conserve energy while maintaining a given position. However, grapple points are not always readily available. As such, the goal of this work is to have Astrobee perch onto other surfaces. To enable extended perching times, the gripper described here uses a gecko-like/electrostatic adhesive coupled with a cam-actuated mechanism designed to consume little to no energy while engaged with a surface. The gecko-like adhesives allow the gripper to easily attach and detach to/from surfaces through the camactuation mechanism. The gripper was tested in a simulated microgravity environment where it was mounted on a platform equipped with air bearings. This paper describes the gripper design and evaluates the gripper's attachment performance as a function of the platform's approach velocity and approach angle for several different target material types. The gripper perched on glass and acrylic substrates with over a 70% success rate. For carbon fiber/epoxy laminate and Kapton sheets the success rate was approximately 50%. The results showed a clear correlation between the approach velocity and approach angle for carbon and glass materials.