cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Partnering with industry via your advisory board

Many schools and programs have advisory boards that function as little more than a fundraising pool or an audience for the reading of the annual report. Ideally, an advisory board should team with the school to drive the strategic direction while providing advice on various important issues. Having the right group of people on the board is a key factor in determining how effective it will be. But, who are the ldquorightrdquo people? And, how should they be organized? According to many academic leaders, the board should be made up of a small, select group of people with a variety of experiences. This variety of people and experience makes the meetings much more productive and the board much more effective. Finding and attracting the right outside advisors is not as easy as it seems. Regardless of who is on your board, it is important that they can be relied upon for good advice and direction.
Nationwide energy supply chain analysis for hybrid feedstock processes with significant CO2 emissions reduction

Integrating diverse energy sources to produce cost-competitive fuels requires efficient resource management. An optimization framework is proposed for a nationwide energy supply chain network using hybrid coal, biomass, and natural gas to liquids (CBGTL) facilities, which are individually optimized with simultaneous heat, power, and water integration using 162 distinct combinations of feedstock types, capacities, and carbon conversion levels. The model integrates the upstream and downstream operations of the facilities, incorporating the delivery of feedstocks, fuel products, electricity supply, water, and CO2 sequestration, with their geographical distributions. Quantitative economic trade-offs are established between supply chain configurations that (a) replace petroleum-based fuels by 100%, 75%, and 50% and (b) utilize the current energy infrastructures. Results suggest that cost-competitive fuels for the US transportation sector can be produced using domestically available coal, natural gas, and sustainably harvested biomass via an optimal network of CBGTL plants with significant GHG emissions reduction from petroleum-based processes. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
Field potentials in the human hippocampus during the encoding and recognition of visual stimuli

Intracranial field potentials were recorded from electrodes implanted in the hippocampus in 12 epileptic patients. Potentials were elicited by stimuli presented during a delayed matching-to-sample test. Each trial began with a sample stimulus composed of a 3 x 3 grid of rectangular color patches. The sample was followed by a sequence of similar but task-irrelevant stimuli and the sequential presentation of two test stimuli, one of which was identical to the sample. Patients indicated their recognition of the test stimulus that matched the sample with a button press. High-amplitude negative potentials were consistently elicited by sample and test stimuli. Peak amplitudes occurred 300-500 ms after stimulus onset and were larger for the sample in all cases. The patterns of potential gradients observed between adjacent hippocampal contacts and the locations of maximal amplitudes, as verified by magnetic resonance imaging in seven patients, suggest that these potentials were produced by neuronal activity in posterior hippocampus. These field potentials appear to index a memory storage function engaged in response to events that will later be remembered. The hippocampal contribution to storing declarative memories can thus begin, in some circumstances, within the first half-second after the presentation of a to-be-remembered stimulus.
Assessing suicide attempts and depression among Chinese speakers over the Internet.

Background: In populations where mental health resources are scarce or unavailable, or where stigma prevents help-seeking, the Internet may be a way to identify and reach at-risk persons using self-report validated screening tools as well as to characterize individuals seeking health information online. Aims: We examined the feasibility of delivering an Internet-based Chinese-language depression and suicide screener and described its users. Method: An Internet-based depression and suicide screener was created and advertised primarily through Google AdWords. Participants completed a suicide and depression screening measure and received individualized feedback, which, if necessary, included the suggestion to seek additional mental health resources. Results: In 7 months, 11,631 individuals visited the site; 4,709 provided valid information. Nearly half reported a current major depressive episode (MDE) and 18.3% a recent suicide attempt; however, over 75% reported never having sought help, including 77.7% of ...
Amazon’s Day One in China: The Role of Amazon’s Kindle in China

After the long-standing effort and negotiations, Amazon finally released its two Kindle products in China since it entered China 9 years ago. Some say Kindle as it plays as a Catfish would stir up China’s e-book reading market, while the others say Kindle has missed the best timing to enter the market. The article describes the Kindle’s current status in China digital publishing arena, exploring the consistent Amazon strategies in China e-commerce market, and analyzing its threats and opportunities coming from four aspects in the long run, policy, content, willingness-to-pay and competition.
Random sampling of moment graph: a stochastic Krylov-reduction algorithm

In this paper we introduce a new algorithm for model order reduction in the presence of parameter or process variation. Our analysis is performed using a graph interpretation of the multi-parameter moment matching approach, leading to a computational technique based on Random Sampling of Moment Graph (RSMG). Using this technique, we have developed a new algorithm that combines the best aspects of recently proposed parameterized moment-matching and approximate TBR procedures. RSMG attempts to avoid both exponential growth of computational complexity and multiple matrix factorizations, the primary drawbacks of existing methods, and illustrates good ability to tailor algorithms to apply computational effort where needed. Industry examples are used to verify our new algorithms.
Representation of two-phase flows by volume averaging

Abstract We consider descriptors of gas-particle aggregates which represent space-averaged local properties of the aggregate. We show that such descriptors have undulations due to the finite size of the averaging volume, and derive an estimate for the bounds of the amplitude of the undulations. According to that estimate, one obtains reasonably accurate averages only if the averaging volume contains at least 60–150 particles. In terms of the size of the averaging volume, this limitation means that the diameter of the volume should equal at least 4–5 mean distances between particle centers. A consequence for the modeling of two-phase flows through tubes is that space-averaged descriptors cannot resolve the radical structure of such flows unless the mean particle distance is much smaller than one-tenth of the tube diameter. This condition excludes, for instance, the use of average descriptors for radial flow resolution of some interior ballistics flows, where the particulate phase consists of propellant grains.
Staged information flow for javascript

Modern websites are powered by JavaScript, a flexible dynamic scripting language that executes in client browsers. A common paradigm in such websites is to include third-party JavaScript code in the form of libraries or advertisements. If this code were malicious, it could read sensitive information from the page or write to the location bar, thus redirecting the user to a malicious page, from which the entire machine could be compromised. We present an information-flow based approach for inferring the effects that a piece of JavaScript has on the website in order to ensure that key security properties are not violated. To handle dynamically loaded and generated JavaScript, we propose a framework for staging information flow properties. Our framework propagates information flow through the currently known code in order to compute a minimal set of syntactic residual checks that are performed on the remaining code when it is dynamically loaded. We have implemented a prototype framework for staging information flow. We describe our techniques for handling some difficult features of JavaScript and evaluate our system's performance on a variety of large real-world websites. Our experiments show that static information flow is feasible and efficient for JavaScript, and that our technique allows the enforcement of information-flow policies with almost no run-time overhead.
Multiple punctate cerebral hemorrhages in acute leukemia with blast crisis.

A 56-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman presented to our hospital with symptoms of headache and encephalopathy. Both patients proved to have acute myeloid leukemia with marked leukocytosis, elevated blast …
DISPERSAL OF THE FIRE ANT DECAPITATING FLY, PSEUDACTEON CURVATUS (DIPTERA: PHORIDAE) IN NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI

Pseudacteon curvatus Borgmeier is one of three species of phorid decapitating flies currently approved for release in the U.S. for the suppression of the red, black, and hybrid imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta Buren, S. richteri Forel, and S. invicta x richteri, respectively. Two biotypes of P curvatus are established in the U.S. The Las Flores, Argentina biotype prefers black and hybrid imported fire ants (Porter & Briano 2000) and is established at sites in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee (Graham et al. 2003; Thead et al. 2003; Vogt & Streett 2003; Vail et al. 2004; Ward et al. 2004). The Formosa, Argentina biotype prefers red imported fire ants and is established at sites in Florida (R. J. Vasquez & S. D. Porter, pers. comm.). This study reports dispersal of flies of the Las Flores biotype, first released in spring, 2002 in a grazed pasture (Knox site) in Clay Co., MS (3.25 ha, 33040'05.87"N, 88034'48.02"W) (Fig. 1) (Vogt & Streett 2003). By Sept. 2002, flies had established on a mixture of black and hybrid imported fire ants and had spread up to 600 m from the original release site (Vogt & Streett 2003). Additional releases, with the same protocol, were made during spring 2002 and 2003 in a grazed pasture (Prima site) in Clay Co., MS, about 8.8 km and 149.70 SE of the Knox site (Fig. 1). Fly presence was confirmed at both sites during 2003 (J. T. V. & L. G. T., unpubl. data). Observations were made outside the release sites on 23 dates from May-Sept. 2004, between 09:25 and 15:45 hours at 134 active fire ant mounds. Sampling areas were randomly selected and located on roadsides that were bordered by forests with overhanging vegetation or by grazed pastures. The presence of P curvatus was determined by making a round depression (about 4-5 cm wide and 5-10 cm deep) in black and hybrid imported fire ant mounds. Hovering flies were counted within and around the depression. Ants were macerated and dropped into the depression to release semiochemicals that attract the flies (Porter et al. 2004). All sampled areas were georeferenced. Mounds were observed for up to 35 min. If flies were found in an area, we moved and sampled farther from the release sites. An area was re-sampled later unless flies were found farther from the release sites along a similar compass bearing. Average air temperature during sampling was 29.9 ? 2.6?C (?SD), with a mean relative humidity of 66.3 18.5%, and a mean wind speed of 1.2 ? 1.45 km/h.
Actions of Intravenous Eserine and Pyridostigmine on Cat Spinal Cord Renshaw Cells

Protection from irreversible inhibition of cholinesterases (ChE) is afforded by pretreatment with a carbamate such as physostigmine (Koelle, 1946, 1957). This tertiary drug readily gains access to the CNS, and it has been shown to raise the LD50 in rats when given prior to toxic doses of potent, centrally acting irreversible inhibitors of ChEfs. Some protection from exposure to centrally-acting irreversible anticholinesterases (antiChE) also has been reported following pretreatment with pyridostigmine, a quaternary carbamate (Wolthuis and Vanwersch, 1984). Using indirect observations, these authors propose a CNS action of pyridostigmine.
Do Catastrophes in Poor Countries Lead to Event-Related Policy Change?: The 2010 Earthquake in Haiti

Prompted by Birkland and Warnement’s (2014) findings that the earthquake was not a significant focusing event in Haiti, the author reassessed the issue. Using the 2010 earthquake as the starting point, a detailed content analysis of evaluation and strategy report and DRR and developmental plans to find the level of policy adopted and implemented after the earthquake. Using the criterion of event-related implementation as a proxy for event-related policy change the author judges whether and to what extent was the earthquake a focusing event. Among the findings are that not only were there event-related policy change inside and outside of Haiti. Many policy changes were significant in the way they shaped development policy, disaster risk reduction policy and practice as well as humanitarian policy and practices and the tools and methods used in planning for and responding to catastrophes. The more fundamental question is whether, once adopted and implemented, the policy changes can be sustained. Findings show significant challenges in that regard.
Crop Straw Resources and Their Utilization in Anhui Province

Staple crop straw yield was 35.35 million tons in Anhui Province every year. The straw of rice, wheat and rape were principal and their proportion in total was above 75%. Their distributions have obvious regional and individual characteristics. Their utilization rate in Anhui Province is only 53.04% currently, and nearly half of them have not being used, that have become a new source of pollution. Among the existing ways of straw utilization, returning back to the fields and being fodder were 28.2% and 23.9%, respectively. But the utilization efficiency of taking straw as resources and industrial raw materials were very low. This article analyzes the strategy of straw utilization under the existing technological and economical conditions, puts forward feasible approaches for integrated utilization of crop straw, and designs the goals for developing and utilizing crop straw in Anhui Province till 2015.
Abstract PR12: Mutant p53 drives early events in fallopian tube tumorigenesis through mesenchyme-associated autocrine production of matrix that supports survival and mesothelial intercalation.

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGS-OvCa) harbor p53 mutations and predominantly originates from the secretory epithelial cell compartment of the fallopian tube fimbriae. From this site, tumor cells detach, survive in the peritoneal cavity, and form cellular clusters that clear the mesothelium and expand to form peritoneal masses. To examine the contribution of mutant p53 to any of these phenotypic alterations associated with HGS-OvCA tumor progression, we developed live-cell microscopy assays that recapitulate these phenotypes and examined dynamic processes regulated by depletion of p53 or gain-of-function (GOF) mutations in p53 in cultured secretory fallopian tube epithelial cells. Expression of GOF mutant variants of p53, but not depletion of endogenous wild-type p53, promoted survival and cell-cell aggregation under conditions of cell detachment, leading to the formation of spheroids with mesothelium-clearing capacity. These phenotypes were blocked by mutant p53 reactivation and depended on the expression of the mesenchyme transcription factor TWIST1, inhibition of p63 and de novo formation of a unique cell-matrix adhesion niche supported by autocrine fibronectin production and activation of integrins in detached cells. Inhibition of fibronectin or integrin α5 in suspension blocked cell-to-cell adhesion leading to HGS-OvCa spheroid disintegration and ultimately anoikis. These results indicate the detached FTE cells-expressing GOF mutants of p53 undergo a mesenchymal transition under conditions of matrix detachment leading to autocrine production of matrix and anchorage-independent survival and proliferation, as well as mesothelial clearance activity. These findings provide important new insights into activities of mutant p53 that may play a critical role in early events in tumorigenesis of high-grade ovarian serous tumors and provide a rationale for the development of therapeutics that target ovarian cancer cells transiting through the peritoneal cavity. This abstract is also presented as Poster B03. Citation Format: Marcin P. Iwanicki, Hsing-Yu Chen, Ioannis Zervantonakis, Marian Novak, Taru Muranen, Tan A. Ince, Ronny Drapkin, Joan S. Brugge. Mutant p53 drives early events in fallopian tube tumorigenesis through mesenchyme-associated autocrine production of matrix that supports survival and mesothelial intercalation. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research: Exploiting Vulnerabilities; Oct 17-20, 2015; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2016;22(2 Suppl):Abstract nr PR12.
Development of Numerosity Estimation: A Linear to Logarithmic Shift?

Young children’s estimates of numerosity increase approximately logarithmically with actual set size. The conventional interpretation of this finding is that children’s estimates reflect an innate logarithmic encoding of number. A recent set of findings, however, suggest logarithmic number-line estimates could emerge via a dynamic encoding mechanism that is sensitive to the prior distribution of stimuli. Here we test this idea by examining trial-to-trial changes in logarithmicity of numerosity estimates. Against the dynamic encoding hypothesis, first trial estimates in both adults (Study 1) and adults and children (Study 2) were strongly logarithmic, despite there being zero previous stimuli. Additionally, although numerosity of a previous trial affected adult estimates of numerosity, the nature of this effect varied across experiments, yet always resulted in a logarithmic-to-linear shift from trial-to-trial. These results suggest that a dynamic encoding mechanism is neither necessary nor sufficient to elicit logarithmic estimates of numerosity.
Filters for preparing to meet a venture capitalist.

Venture capitalists employ several criteria when considering whether to commit funds to a biotechnology startup.
Nucleosome disassembly during human non-homologous end joining followed by concerted HIRA- and CAF-1-dependent reassembly

The cell achieves DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair in the context of chromatin structure. However, the mechanisms used to expose DSBs to the repair machinery and to restore the chromatin organization after repair remain elusive. Here we show that induction of a DSB in human cells causes local nucleosome disassembly, apparently independently from DNA end resection. This efficient removal of histone H3 from the genome during non-homologous end joining was promoted by both ATM and the ATP-dependent nucleosome remodeler INO80. Chromatin reassembly during DSB repair was dependent on the HIRA histone chaperone that is specific to the replication-independent histone variant H3.3 and on CAF-1 that is specific to the replication-dependent canonical histones H3.1/H3.2. Our data suggest that the epigenetic information is re-established after DSB repair by the concerted and interdependent action of replication-independent and replication-dependent chromatin assembly pathways.
Filtering a stochastic complex scalar: The prototype test problem

As discussed in the introductory chapter, the scientific issue in real-time prediction problems is to provide a statistical estimate of a true state given that the nature of the physical process is chaotic and given the fact that the measurements (observations) are inaccurate or sometimes even unavailable. Essentially, at every time when observations become available, one chooses the best estimate of the true state by accounting for the prior forecasts and these observations. There are two challenges for improving the real-time prediction of a turbulent signal with multiple scales: the first is to improve the model which suffers from model error since we don't yet understand the underlying physical processes. Even if we do, we cannot realize these processes at every temporal or spatial scale with our limited computing power. Thus, the second challenge is to provide efficient and accurate strategies that meet this practical constraint. In this chapter, we derive the one-dimensional Kalman filter formula which is a specific analytical solution of the Bayesian update in a simplified setting. As mentioned in the introductory chapter, this is an important test problem for filtering multi-scale turbulent systems and this point of view is emphasized here. We show the numerical results of filtering a one-dimensional complex Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process. We then discuss the conditions for filtering stability and compute the asymptotic off-line variables in closed form for the one-dimensional Kalman filter.
Discrete Variable Optimum Design Concepts and Methods

Several types of mixed variable optimum design problems (MV-OPT) are defined. Some basic concepts, definitions, and solution concepts related to the mixed discrete and continuous variable optimization problems are presented. Several methods for different classes of problems, such as the branch and bound method, integer programming, sequential linearization methods, simulated annealing (a stochastic method), dynamic rounding-off, and neighborhood search methods, are presented. An adaptive method for discrete variable optimization is also described. Methods for linked discrete variables where specification of value for one variable is linked to several other variables are also presented and illustrated. Characteristics of various discrete variable optimization methods are summarized in a table making it easier to select a method for the given MV-OPT problem.
Cancer Survivors Who Play Recreational Computer Games: Motivations for Playing and Associations with Beneficial Psychological Outcomes.

Abstract Objective: Playing recreational videogames is a common activity, yet little is known about its role in the lives of people who are coping with serious illness. These individuals may experience depression and isolation and may turn to games to help alleviate negative experiences and support well-being. We explored these possibilities in the context of cancer survivors. The study aimed to discover motivations underlying game play and the extent to which motivations are associated with psychological health and well-being. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of survivors who play recreational games (N = 794). Key variables were motivations and indicators of psychological health, including self-efficacy in cancer communications, resilient coping, and beliefs that one is living a fulfilling and meaningful life (flourishing). Results: Participants were most likely to be motivated to play for stimulation and a sense of accomplishment (intrinsic rewards), followed by development of self,...
Fast and low-complexity reinforcement learning for delay-sensitive energy harvesting wireless visual sensing systems

In this paper, we consider an energy challenged remote sensor transmitting latency-sensitive imagery data over a time-varying channel. The sensor harvests energy from the environment and hence efficient energy consumption is of great importance. In this paper, we aim to find the optimal transmission scheduling and power management policies that maximize the available energy for future transmissions while meeting a queuing delay constraint. We formulate this problem as a Markov Decision Process (MDP) and propose a reinforcement learning (RL) algorithm to solve it online. Our experiments show that the proposed algorithm achieves comparable performance to a state-of-the-art RL algorithm, but at much lower complexity.
Golden Generalities and Co-opted Anomalies: Haldane vs. Muller and the Drosophila Group on the Theory and Practice of Linkage Mapping

Thus the authors of the Mechanisms of Mendelian Heredity — the second edition of their textbook manifesto — concluded their discussions of Haldane’s views on a theory of linkage. By 1922, Drosophila genetics had center stage in theoretical investigations of the nature of the gene and their organization into chromosomes, whose mechanics gave what was soon to be known as “classical” genetics a theoretical centrality and predictive power rivalling that of classical mechanics in its own domain two centuries before. It appeared to be a picture of great generality. The key to this theoretical revolution in genetics was the discovery, analysis, explanation, and exploitation of linkage, and the linkage map was, properly, an exemplar of high theoretical science at its best. As authors of such a theoretical achievement, Morgan, Sturtevant, Bridges, and Muller — so a naive view goes — should have been both prepared and inclined to appreciate further theoretical developments of their model.
Measurements of hot-electron temperature in laser-irradiated plasmas

In a recently published work [Yaakobi et al., Phys. Plasmas 19, 012704 (2012)] we reported on measuring the total energy of hot electrons produced by the interaction of a nanosecond laser with planar CH-coated molybdenum targets, using the Mo Kα emission. The temperature of the hot electrons in that work was determined by the high-energy bremsstrahlung [hard X-ray (HXR)] spectrum measured by a three-channel fluorescence-photomultiplier HXR detector (HXRD). In the present work, we replaced the HXRD with a nine-channel image-plate (IP)–based detector (HXIP). For the same conditions (irradiance of the order of 1014 W/cm2; 2–ns pulses), the measured temperatures are consistently lower than those measured by the HXRD (by a factor ∼1.5 to 1.7). We supplemented this measurement with three experiments that measure the hot-electron temperature using Kα line-intensity ratios from high-Z target layers, independent of the HXR emission. These experiments yielded temperatures that were consistent with those measured by...
A cost-effective high-resolution modular pixelated clinical SPECT detector based on small NaI (Tl) pixels with medium-size single-anode PMTs, utilizing spatial modulation of scintillation light output

The current trend toward SPECT systems dedicated to imaging specific organs has created new pressures to improve gamma camera performance. A number of designs rely on projection minification to increase system sensitivity by acquiring multiple non-overlapping simultaneous views, placing stringent requirements on detector intrinsic spatial resolution (ISR). Curved detector geometries require modular assemblies, making monolithic slab detectors impractical due to their large dead areas at the edges. Previously, we described a modular detector based on a scintillator block comprised of 2.75 × 2.75 × 10 mm3 NaI(Tl) pixels in a 3 × 3 mm pitch and decoded by an array of 51 mm diameter single-anode PMTs. The event positioning accuracy of the curved detector, averaged over its entire area, exceeds that of a hypothetical monolithic slab detector with 2.75 mm ISR. To reduce the pixel size/pitch and thus increase linear sampling in the transaxial dimension (the dimension along which the detector is curved and minification is applied), we introduce scintillation light output modulation between neighboring pixels. A series of narrow absorbing stripes is applied at the exit surface of every other pixel column, producing a modulation in light output between adjacent pixels and allowing the use of energy discrimination to more effectively assign events to the correct pixel. Compared to the 3×3 mm pitch modules, our new detector, with 2.25 × 2.75 × 10 mm3 NaI(Tl) pixels (2.5 × 3 mm pitch), achieves the same event positioning performance in terms of the average event positioning error, while yielding 10.3% energy resolution. This translates to an improvement in linear sampling, without any loss in positioning accuracy (and, thus, effective spatial resolution), a mod
The reproductive viability of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) in the western basin of Lake Erie

Abstract Grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella, one of the Asian carps, was first introduced into the United States in 1963 as a biocontrol agent to assist in the control of aquatic plants in ponds and lakes. Intentional biocontrol releases, however, had undesirable outcomes and resulted in fish that escaped and spread to other lakes and rivers. While the overall extent of their impact is not fully known, grass carp pose a significant risk to native biota because of their invasive qualities. Although a program exists to prevent the release of fertile grass carp which is prohibited in all of the Great Lakes states, there has been recent evidence of natural reproduction in the Sandusky River and a few reproductively viable individuals captured in Lake Erie proper. While previous published studies have documented reproduction, the sample sizes were comparatively low (n = 9) and limited to the Sandusky River tributary. Thus, prior reports likely do not represent the overall reproductive dynamics of grass carp in Lake Erie. As such, the reproductive status (ploidy; diploid vs. triploid) of feral populations in Lake Erie proper is largely unknown. Here, we assess the reproductive status of grass carp captured in western Lake Erie over a three-year period to inform the risk of future population growth. Ploidy from sixty individuals was determined in our sampling and 86.7% of grass carp were reproductively viable (diploid). Our results enable management to better understand the reproductive potential of feral grass carps in Lake Erie and assist with management of this invasive carp.
The Effects of Bit Wear on Respirable Silica Dust, Noise and Productivity: A Hammer Drill Bench Study.

Objectives Hammer drills are used extensively in commercial construction for drilling into concrete for tasks including rebar installation for structural upgrades and anchor bolt installation. This drilling task can expose workers to respirable silica dust and noise. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of bit wear on respirable silica dust, noise, and drilling productivity. Method Test bits were worn to three states by drilling consecutive holes to different cumulative drilling depths: 0, 780, and 1560 cm. Each state of bit wear was evaluated by three trials (nine trials total). For each trial, an automated laboratory test bench system drilled 41 holes 1.3 cm diameter, and 10 cm deep into concrete block at a rate of one hole per minute using a commercially available hammer drill and masonry bits. During each trial, dust was continuously captured by two respirable and one inhalable sampling trains and noise was sampled with a noise dosimeter. The room was thoroughly cleaned between trials. Results When comparing results for the sharp (0 cm) versus dull bit (1560 cm), the mean respirable silica increased from 0.41 to 0.74 mg m-3 in sampler 1 (P = 0.012) and from 0.41 to 0.89 mg m-3 in sampler 2 (P = 0.024); levels above the NIOSH recommended exposure limit of 0.05 mg m-3. Likewise, mean noise levels increased from 112.8 to 114.4 dBA (P < 0.00001). Drilling productivity declined with increasing wear from 10.16 to 7.76 mm s-1 (P < 0.00001). Discussion Increasing bit wear was associated with increasing respirable silica dust and noise and reduced drilling productivity. The levels of dust and noise produced by these experimental conditions would require dust capture, hearing protection, and possibly respiratory protection. The findings support the adoption of a bit replacement program by construction contractors.
Seroconversion of raccoons following two oral rabies vaccination baiting strategies

Seroprevalence of rabies virus neutralizing antibodies (rVNA) in raccoons (Procyon lotor) following oral rabies vaccination (ORV) with RABORAL V-RG® in the United States has annually averaged 30% since 1997, a level that is unlikely to successfully interrupt rabies transmission in raccoon populations. A longitudinal ORV zone is maintained in the eastern United States with raccoon variant rabies established east of the zone but absent to the west. However, questions remain regarding the effect of the bait application strategy towards achieving optimal population immunity. We estimated the number of ORV baits/km2 of raccoon home range and calculated rVNA seroprevalence following 2 ORV baiting strategies: cluster baiting (≤10 baits dropped at a time) via helicopter and hand distribution of individual baits at regular intervals along roads and trails in suburban Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA, during fall 2013 and 2014. We applied baits at 75 baits/km2 under both strategies. We established 6 1-km2 cells in each treatment area, and fitted ≤2 raccoons with global positioning system collars in each cell. We trapped and sampled ≤25 raccoons in each study cell pre- and post-ORV application for rVNA analysis. Overall raccoon home range and core area estimates were 80.7 ha and 17.5 ha, respectively (n = 36). Average bait application for home ranges (n = 32 home ranges that received bait) was 80.9 baits/km2 for helicopter baiting and 63.6 baits/km2 for hand baiting sites. Average bait application for core areas was 104.7 baits/km2 for helicopter baiting and 69.2 baits/km2 for hand baiting sites. All home ranges were baited in both treatment areas, whereas 10/18 and 13/14 core areas were baited in the helicopter and hand distribution sites, respectively. Overall, helicopter cluster ORV delivered more baits/km2 of raccoon home range than hand distribution but was less effective in reaching core areas. Seroprevalence did not change as a function of baiting strategy (helicopter vs. hand baiting). The average overall increase in seroprevalence following ORV application was 8.9%. Evaluation of additional strategies are needed because both methods failed to achieve herd immunity necessary to disrupt rabies transmission in raccoons. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
The Association of Aortic Valve Pathology With Renal Resistive Index as a Kidney Injury Biomarker.

Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common serious complication after cardiac surgery. Doppler-determined renal resistive index (RRI) is a promising early AKI biomarker in this population. However, the relationship between aortic valve pathology (insufficiency and/or stenosis) and RRI is unknown. This study aimed to investigate RRI variability related to aortic valve pathology. Methods In a retrospective review of cardiac surgery patients, RRI and aortic valve pathology were assessed prior to cardiopulmonary bypass using transesophageal echocardiography. Aortic valve status was categorized into four subgroups: normal (insufficiency and stenosis, none/trace/mild), insufficiency (insufficiency, moderate/severe; stenosis, none/trace/mild), combined insufficiency/stenosis (insufficiency and stenosis, moderate/severe), or stenosis (insufficiency, none/trace/mild; stenosis, moderate/severe). RRI and time-matched hemodynamic and Doppler measurements were compared among subgroups. Results Of 175 patients, 60 had aortic valve pathology (16 insufficiency, 18 insufficiency/stenosis, 26 stenosis). Compared with the normal subgroup, patients with aortic insufficiency had lower diastolic blood pressure and trough renal Doppler velocities, and higher RRI (0.77 versus 0.69; p p = 0.042). Conclusions Patients with aortic insufficiency and combined insufficiency/stenosis had higher median RRI values compared with normal patients. For these individuals, diastolic flow differences related to aortic insufficiency may explain why their presurgery RRI values often exceeded postoperative thresholds typically associated with AKI. Strategies to account for the potentially confounding effects of aortic insufficiency on renal flow patterns, independent of renal injury, may add to the value of RRI as an early AKI biomarker.
A Brief History of Hamiltonian Graphs

A graph is hamiltonian if it contains a closed cycle passing through every vertex. In this paper we outline the history of hamiltonian graphs from the early studies on the knight's tour problem to Gabriel Dirac's important paper of 1952.
Computer extracted measurements of vessel tortuosity on baseline CT scans to predict response to nivolumab immunotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer.

11566Background: Immune-checkpoint blockade treatments, particularly drugs targeting the programmed death-1 (PD-1) receptor, demonstrate promising clinical efficacy in patients with non-small cell ...
Construction of Strata Boundaries for Ranked Set Sampling

Abstract In this chapter, we use LINGO/PYTHON to address the problem of constructing strata boundaries in stratified random sampling for Neyman allocation. The effect on strata boundaries from using ranked set sampling instead of simple random sampling is discussed under different distributions such as uniform, triangular, exponential, etc. The proposed new method of constructing strata boundaries is compared to the original method suggested by Dalenius (1950). We suggest for further study an idea to construct strata boundaries using ranked set sampling for randomized response technique, introduced by Bouza (2009).
Variability-Aware Performance Assessment of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Interconnects using a Predictor-Corrector Polynomial Chaos Scheme

In this paper, a predictor-corrector scheme is presented to expedite the construction of polynomial chaos (PC) metamodels for the variability-aware performance assessment of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) interconnects. The proposed scheme is broken into two main stages. First, a low-fidelity predictor PC metamodel of the MWCNT network is constructed using the equivalent single conductor (ESC) approximation model. Thereafter, the accuracy of the predictor model is sufficiently enriched using a low-order corrector function based on the rigorous multiconductor circuit (MCC) model. The combined CPU costs of constructing the predictor and corrector functions are 9 times smaller than the CPU costs for directly constructing a conventional PC metamodel of comparable accuracy.
Independence tests for VNTR alleles defined as quantile bins.

Abstract VNTR fragment lengths in three databases maintained by the FBI for forensic purposes were partitioned into quantile bins, and tests for independence of the two bins at each of six loci were conducted. Whether independence was declared depended on the number of quantiles used. For a large number of quantile bins, equal to the number of fixed bins used by the FBI, 10 of 18 likelihood-ratio tests showed significant departures from independence when all genotypes were considered, and this changed to 7 of 18 when only heterozygotes were tested. This is in contrast to likelihood-ratio tests on fixed bins, when there were five significant departures over all genotypes and two departures for heterozygotes.
The 2003 Iraq War

The execution of the 2003 Iraq War, like the war in Afghanistan, resulted from US foreign policy changes in the post-9/11 period. However, unlike Afghanistan, the United States lacked widespread support for intervention. This chapter begins with an introduction to the disputes between the United States, the UN, and NATO over the Iraq War. The second section of this chapter demonstrates the effects of the Iraq debate on US-NATO relations. The third section of this chapter further addresses the question of legitimacy. I demonstrate how the United States first pursued international support via the United Nations, then multilateral support through NATO, and finally assembled the coalition because it wanted to enhance the legitimacy of its actions. The legitimacy of the United States’ actions in Iraq was not significantly challenged by the absence of NATO. The United States’ continued engagement with NATO also served a practical purpose—because the allies were fully engaged in Afghanistan, the United States could divert additional resources to the Iraq effort. Although the alliance did not undertake the war in Iraq, there is no evidence of the Bush administration devaluing the utility of the alliance, or the importance of multilateralism.
Evaluation of analytical performance of double pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for the detection of rare earth elements

Abstract Double pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (DP-LIBS) in collinear configuration was demonstrated to enhance the signal intensity of three rare earth elements (REEs), Eu, Gd, Pr, and Y (Yttrium is included because of its similar chemical properties and occurrence in similar deposits as REE). Significant enhancement in spectral signals of all elements was observed with an aid of second laser. Two laser pulses of 1064 nm wavelength were employed in collinear geometry on the Pr2O3, Eu2O3, Gd2O3, and Y2O3 pellets to obtain emission spectra. For selected strong emission lines of Eu and Gd signal enhancement was found to be 3–7-fold and that for Y and Pr lines was observed to be 3–13-fold compared to single-pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (SP-LIBS). Role of inter-pulse delay between two pulses in DP-LIBS was found to be very crucial. While comparing selected ionic and neutral lines, ionic lines were found to have larger signal enhancement in DP-LIBS at the experimental conditions used in this study.
A GERIATRIC APPROACH TO SENIOR FORENSIC DETAINEES

Introduction The past two decades have ushered in a nationwide “forensification” of state hospitals, a rapid surge in the number of criminal defendants, especially those committed as “incompetent to stand trial” (IST). Since some of these individuals require protracted hospitalization to attain restoration of competency (RTC), the number of incarcerated patients awaiting forensic treatment has reached unprecedented levels. Moreover, the population of geriatric detainees which, according to Human Rights Watch grew by 63% between 2007 and 2010, has exacerbated this problem as this group requires twice the hospital length of stay of younger individuals to attain RTC. Methods A retrospective review of records from 10/14/2018 to 10/14/2019 of patients over the age of 65 committed as IST was conducted at the California Department of State Hospitals, Patton facility. Results Of 27 individuals over the age of 65 with IST commitment, 13 (48.14%) were found to carry a primary or secondary diagnosis of cognitive dysfunction and a length of hospitalization longer than 365 days. Conclusions Our study has replicated the findings of Bartos BJ et al. (2017) and Morris and Parker (2009) showing that older individuals with or without cognitive deficit may require time-intervals in excess of statutory timeframes to attain RTC. Development of community forensic-geriatric centers, providing individualized competency or diversion programs, may at least in part, alleviate the shortage of forensic beds in state hospitals. This research was funded by: None
A Model of the Universe in Kathmandu's Old Royal Palace

This paper discusses a model of the universe found in Mohan courtyard of the old royal palace of Kathmandu, the Hanūmānḍhokā. It was commissioned and installed by King Pratāpa Malla in 1656 CE. The artifact is referred to as “earth-ball” or terrestrial globe (bhūgola) in an inscription and is based on Purāṇic concepts of the universe. An eighteenth-century ritual text indicates that it was an object of worship in the courtyard.
Unexpected Short-Tandem-Repeat Patterns in Posttransplant Chimerism Testing: Investigation of 3 Cases with Help from Forensic Science

Chimerism testing by short tandem repeats (STRs) is used to monitor engraftment after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Generally, STR alleles are stable and transferred from parent to child or from donor to recipient. However, 3 cases did not follow this norm. Additional work-up with help from forensic literature solved these mysteries. In case 1, the patient received HSCT from his son. The son shared STR alleles in 22/23 loci except Penta E, which was explained by repeat expansion in the son. In case 2, the patient had been in remission for 14 years after HSCT for lymphoma and developed repeat expansion in CSF1PO in granulocytes. In case 3, a pre-HSCT patient demonstrated 3 alleles, with 2 peaks taller than the third, in the FGA locus (chromosome 4). A combination of a triallelic variant and leukemia-associated trisomy 4 explained the finding. STR number variants are rare and clinically inconsequential but can overlap malignancy-associated, clinically significant changes.
The practicality of a two-incision surgical approach for hypoglossal nerve stimulator implantation.

Abstract Introduction Determine the feasibility of a two-incision surgical approach to hypoglossal nerve stimulator implantation based on anatomic considerations. Methods Upper airway stimulation (UAS) using the Inspire system uses three implanted devices—the implantable pulse generator (IPG), stimulation lead and sensing chest wall lead. The traditional surgical approach requires three skin incisions located on the submandibular neck, anterosuperior chest wall and inferolateral chest wall. Our surgical team sought to determine the anatomic considerations of combining the two chest wall incisions into one. In order to minimize morbidity and reduce operative time, the chest wall sensing lead was placed posterolateral to the IPG site via the same incision. Results Using an adult cadaver for anatomical analysis, access to the third and fourth intercostal spaces was made more difficult by the pectoralis major humeral head and upper arm. The intercostal space was narrower, the musculature along the anterior axillary line and anterior chest wall was devoid of the innermost intercostal muscle group found more laterally. Furthermore, there were much thinner external and internal intercostal muscle components as they transitioned to a membranous layer anteriorly in comparison to the inferolateral chest wall. Conclusion Lack of the innermost intercostal muscle and thinning of the external and internal intercostal muscles lateral to the IPG site leaves little barrier between the thoracic musculature and parietal pleural increasing the risk of complications such as pleurisy and pneumothorax. Given the anatomical findings, a two-incision surgical approach for UAS therapy is at higher risk for complications.
Lipid Metabolism Gets in a JAML during Kidney Disease.

It is still unclear if the ability of key regulators of actin cytoskeletal remodeling to influence lipid metabolism contributes to kidney injury. In this issue of Cell Metabolism, Fu et al. (2020) show that junctional adhesion molecule-like (JAML) is a novel mediator of glomerular disease progression while suggesting a direct link between defects in cell adhesion and lipotoxicity.