cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Carbon Nanotube–DNA Nanoarchitectures and Electronic Functionality

Biological molecules such as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) possess inherent recognition and self-assembly capabilities, and are attractive templates for constructing functional hierarchical material structures as building blocks for nanoelectronics. Here we report the assembly and electronic functionality of nanoarchitectures based on conjugates of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) functionalized with carboxylic groups and single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) sequences possessing terminal amino groups on both ends, hybridized together through amide linkages by adopting a straightforward synthetic route. Morphological and chemical-functional characterization of the nanoarchitectures are investigated using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Electrical measurements (I-V characterization) of the nanoarchitectures demonstrate negative differential resistance in the presence of SWNT/ssDNA interfaces, which indicates a biomimetic route to fabricating resonant tunneling diodes. I-V characterization on platinum-metallized SWNT-ssDNA nanoarchitectures via salt reduction indicates modulation of their electrical properties, with effects ranging from those of a resonant tunneling diode to a resistor, depending on the amount of metallization. Electron transport through the nanoarchitectures has been analyzed by density functional theory calculations. Our studies illustrate the great promise of biomimetic assembly of functional nanosystems based on biotemplated materials and present new avenues toward exciting future opportunities in nanoelectronics and nanobiotechnology.
P-V-T equation of state of (Mg, Fe)SiO3 perovskite: constraints on composition of the lower mantle

Abstract Unit-cell volumes (V) of Mg 1− x Fe x SiO 3 perovskite ( x = 0.0 and 0.1) have been measured along several isobaric paths up to P = 11 GPa and T = 1300 K using a DIA-type, cubic anvil high-pressure apparatus (SAM-85). With a combination of X-ray diffraction during heating cycles and Raman spectroscopy on recovered samples, pressure and temperature conditions were determined under which the P - V - T behavior of the perovskite remains reversible. At 1 bar, perovskites of both compositions begin to transform to amorphous phases at T ≈ 400 K, accompanied by an irreversible cell volume contraction. Electron microprobe and analytical electron microscopy studies revealed that the iron-rich perovskite decomposed into at least two phases, which were Fe and Si enriched, respectively. At pressures above 4 GPa, the P - V - T behavior of MgSiO 3 perovskite remained reversible up to about 1200 K, whereas the Mg 0.9 Fe 0.1 SiO 3 exhibited an irreversible behavior on heating. Such irreversible behavior makes equation-of-state data on Fe-rich samples dubious. Thermal expansivities ( α V ) of MgSiO 3 perovskite were measured directly as a function of pressure. Overall, our results indicate a weak pressure dependence in α V for MgSiO 3 . Analyses on the P - V - T data using various thermal equations of state yielded consistent results on thermoelastic properties. The temperature derivative of the bulk modulus, ( ∂K T ∂T ) P , is −0.023(±0.011) GPa K −1 for MgSiO 3 perovskite. Using these new results, we examine the constraints imposed by α V and ( ∂K ∂T ) P on the Fe (Mg + Fe) and (Mg + Fe) Si ratios for the lower mantle. For a temperature of 1800 K at the foot of an adiabat (zero depth), these results indicate an overall iron content of Fe (Mg + Fe) = 0.12(1) for a lower mantle composed of perovskite and magnesiowustite. Although the (Mg + Fe) Si ratio is very sensitive to the thermoelastic parameters of the perovskite and it is tentatively constrained between 1.4 and 2.0, these results indicate that it is unlikely for the lower mantle to have a perovskite stoichiometry.
Anatomic muscular deficits persist in the medial hamstrings nine to eleven years following harvest, but the clinical consequences remain unclear: Commentary on an article by Brian J. Snow, MD, et al.: "Evaluation of muscle size and fatty infiltration with MRI nine to eleven years following hamstring harvest for ACL reconstruction".

Rarely do we see the long-term results of “robbing Peter to pay Paul”1 in orthopaedics, and the paper by Snow et al. is an important addition to the literature in describing the substantial loss of muscle volume and fatty atrophy in the harvested semitendinosus and gracilis muscles at nine to eleven years after harvest for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. In this study, the authors enrolled ten patients for bilateral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans from a list of 220 patients who had undergone isolated ACL reconstruction with doubled semitendinosus-gracilis grafts by the senior authors nine to eleven years prior to the study. These patients had no complaints of pain or instability, and had returned to their preinjury (recreational) level of sports. Images were acquired with a 1.5-T unit and were digitally analyzed by board-eligible orthopaedic surgeons who had been instructed by a musculoskeletal radiologist. The mean volume of the semitendinosus muscle on the operatively treated side was 58.5% of that on the nonoperatively treated side, and the gracilis demonstrated a similar degree of atrophy, with a mean volume of 54.2% of that on the nonoperatively …
The U.S. First Amendment Versus Freedom of Expression in Other Liberal Democracies and How Each Influenced the Development of International Law on Hate Speech

There is a large gap between the American concept and delimitation of the freedom of speech and freedom of press and those of other liberal democracies. Beyond the differences of approach between the United States and most other liberal democracies, each side has tried to influence the concept and interpretation of the freedom of expression in international law. This article attempts to analyze how these two camps have shaped the interpretation of freedom of expression in both international human rights law and international criminal law, particularly with regard to hate speech. While acknowledging that the influence of the United States in the development of freedom of expression in international human rights law seems to have been low compared to that of other liberal democracies, this article highlights how recent developments in international criminal law demonstrate a different trend. Examining how international criminal courts, from the Nuremberg Tribunal to the recently created International Criminal Court, via the ad-hoc tribunals, have tried to interpret the concept and delimitations of the freedom of speech, particularly with regard to hate speech, this article argues that unlike international human rights law, international criminal law seems to more closely follow the American approach to First Amendment jurisprudence. Further, these new developments prove that international human rights law is not correcting the blind spots of international criminal law on hate speech, as some have argued. Rather, hate speech is likely to develop separately in international human rights and international criminal law, the latter more closely following the First Amendment track and the former following that of a majority of other liberal democracies.
Joyful Disaster: An Ambivalence-Religion Hypothesis

L'ambivalence est au coeur de l'experience religieuse en tant que facteur d'emotions humaines. La religion peut fonctionner comme moyen de resoudre cette ambivalence en reconciliant des attentes ou des emotions contradictoires dans un systeme de signification plus large. Ce concept permet une nouvelle definition de la religion chretienne occidentale. Mais la situation actuelle presente une nouvelle source d'ambivalence : la menace d'une eventuelle destruction nucleaire. L'A. formule l'hypothese selon laquelle l'eschatologie apocalyptique fondamentaliste peut etre interpretee comme un exemple actuel de la fonction reductrice d'ambivalence de la religion
Proceedings from Heart Rhythm Society's emerging technologies forum, Boston, MA, May 12, 2015

Physicians are in an excellent position to significantly contribute to medical device innovation, but the process of bringing an idea to the bedside is complex. To begin to address these perceived barriers, the Heart Rhythm Society convened a forum of stakeholders in medical device innovation in conjunction with the 2015 Heart Rhythm Society Annual Scientific Sessions. The forum facilitated open discussion on medical device innovation, including obstacles to physician involvement and possible solutions. This report is based on the themes that emerged. First, physician innovators must take an organized approach to identifying unmet clinical needs and potential solutions. Second, extensive funds, usually secured through solicitation for investment, are often required to achieve meaningful progress, developing an idea into a device. Third, planning for regulatory requirements of the US Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is essential. In addition to these issues, intellectual property and overall trends in health care, including international markets, are critically relevant considerations for the physician innovator. Importantly, there are a number of ways in which professional societies can assist physician innovators to navigate the complex medical device innovation landscape, bring clinically meaningful devices to market more quickly, and ultimately improve patient care. These efforts include facilitating interaction between potential collaborators through scientific meetings and other gatherings; collecting, evaluating, and disseminating state-of-the-art scientific information; and representing the interests of members in interactions with regulators and policymakers.
Mathematical Induction: Definitions and Proofs by Induction

This chapter introduces the concepts of mathematical induction and recursion. Starting from first-order logic and the Zermelo-Fraenkel axioms of set theory, including the axiom of infinity, the chapter establishes the theoretical basis for proofs by the Principle of Mathematical Induction, followed by definitions through mathematical induction, which forms the basis for the concept of primitive-recursive functions. As an extended example, one section defines integer addition and multiplication as primitive-recursive functions, and hence derives the basic properties of integer arithmetic (associativity, commutativity, and distributivity) by induction. Subsequent sections define ordering relations and derive cancellation laws and exponential laws for integer and rational arithmetic. Another section then applies arithmetic to the cardinalities of unions, intersections, differences, and Cartesian products of finite sets. Yet another section focuses on denumerable and other not-necessarily finite sets, leading to J. M. Whitaker’s proof of the Bernstein-Cantor-Schroder Theorem within Zermelo-Fraenkel set theory. The prerequisites for this chapter consist of a working knowledge of first-order logic and Zermelo-Fraenkel set theory, for instance, as described in chapters 1, 2, and 3, which contain all the logical and set-theoretical theorems cited in this chapter.
The heterogeneity of obstructive sleep apnea (predominant obstructive vs pure obstructive apnea).

STUDY OBJECTIVES To compare the breathing instability and upper airway collapsibility between patients with pure OSA (i.e. 100% of apneas are obstructive) and patients with predominant OSA (i.e., coexisting obstructive and central apneas). DESIGN A cross-sectional study with data scored by a fellow being blinded to the subjects' classification. The results were compared between the 2 groups with unpaired student t-test. SETTING AND INTERVENTIONS Standard polysomnography technique was used to document sleep-wake state. Ventilator in pressure support mode was used to introduce hypocapnic apnea during CO(2) reserve measurement. CPAP with both positive and negative pressures was used to produce obstructive apnea during upper airway collapsibility measurement. PARTICIPANTS 21 patients with OSA: 12 with coexisting central/mixed apneas and hypopneas (28% ± 6% of total), and 9 had pure OSA. MEASUREMENTS The upper airway collapsibility was measured by assessing the critical closing pressure (Pcrit). Breathing stability was assessed by measuring CO(2) reserve (i.e., ΔPCO(2) [eupnea-apnea threshold]) during NREM sleep. RESULTS There was no difference in Pcrit between the 2 groups (pure OSA vs. predominant OSA: 2.0 ± 0.4 vs. 2.7 ± 0.4 cm H(2)O, P = 0.27); but the CO(2) reserve was significantly smaller in predominant OSA group (1.6 ± 0.7 mm Hg) than the pure OSA group (3.8 ± 0.6 mm Hg) (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS The present data indicate that breathing stability rather than upper airway collapsibility distinguishes OSA patients with a combination of obstructive and central events from those with pure OSA.
Experimental quantification of the true efficiency of carbon nanotube thin-film thermophones

Carbon nanotube thermophones can create acoustic waves from 1 Hz to 100 kHz. The thermoacoustic effect that allows for this non-vibrating sound source is naturally inefficient. Prior efforts have not explored their true efficiency (i.e., the ratio of the total acoustic power to the electrical input power). All previous works have used the ratio of sound pressure to input electrical power. A method for true power efficiency measurement is shown using a fully anechoic technique. True efficiency data are presented for three different drive signal processing techniques: standard alternating current (AC), direct current added to alternating current (DCAC), and amplitude modulation of an alternating current (AMAC) signal. These signal processing techniques are needed to limit the frequency doubling non-linear effects inherent to carbon nanotube thermophones. Each type of processing affects the true efficiency differently. Using a 72 W(rms) input signal, the measured efficiency ranges were 4.3 × 10(-6) - 319 × 10(-6), 1.7 × 10(-6) - 308 × 10(-6), and 1.2 × 10(-6) - 228 × 10(-6)% for AC, DCAC, and AMAC, respectively. These data were measured in the frequency range of 100 Hz to 10 kHz. In addition, the effects of these processing techniques relative to sound quality are presented in terms of total harmonic distortion.
Application of BP Neural Network in Robot Soccer Competition System

Strategy system of small-size RoboCup robot is a Multi-Agent System of coordination and control. In order to solve the delay problem of small-size RoboCup competition system,this paper applies BP Neural Network to the situation prediction of strategy system. A linear prediction model based on BP Neural Network is established and Neural Network topology is ascertained. Then trained network is applied to the existing competition system and the efficiency in position,coordination and cooperation capability are greatly improved. The experiments show that the method can predict position and direction of robot correctly,thus proving the feasibility and superiority of prediction algorithm in the system.
Chinese-Language Literature in America: Past and Present

The birth of Chinese-language writing in America can be traced to the mid-19~(th) century.With the rapid development of transnational Chinese migration networks,(America's) Chinatowns have become the largest center of Chinese publications outside Asia.What are the characteristics of Chinese-language literature in America? What is its impact on Chinese immigrants? How different is the writing from Chinese American literature in English? And what is the relationship between the text and its broad socio-historical background? This paper is an attempt to find some answers to the questions.
Show that you care.

Are you an Ebenezer Scrooge when it comes to reward and recognition for your staff? How many times last week did you phone a member of your staff, or better yet, visit in person to say that you appreciated something they did? When was the last time you wrote a note of thanks? Do you routinely recognize special efforts during staff meetings? When was the last time you awarded a certificate of appreciation to an employee for a job well done? Are employees working "behind the scenes" recognized? Do you have a system in place to recognize groups who work well as a team? If you answered "no" to most of these questions, don't fret. Establishing a reward and recognition program is relatively easy to do. And, it won't break the budget either.
The Food We Eat: Safer Now or Then?

Food is one of the basic needs vital for human survival yet nearly 3 billion people worldwide intermittently lack food security or are chronically hungry due to varying degrees of poverty.2 The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations defines the existence of food security “when all people, at all times, have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy lifestyle.”3 The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) supplements the FAO definition with the requirement that food security include “the assured ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways (without resorting to theft, scavenging, or tapping into emergency stores).”4
Integration of complex data sources to provide biologic insight into pulmonary vascular disease (2015 Grover Conference Series).

AbstractThe application of complex data sources to pulmonary vascular diseases is an emerging and promising area of investigation. The use of -omics platforms, in silico modeling of gene networks, and linkage of large human cohorts with DNA biobanks are beginning to bear biologic insight into pulmonary hypertension. These approaches to high-throughput molecular phenotyping offer the possibility of discovering new therapeutic targets and identifying variability in response to therapy that can be leveraged to improve clinical care. Optimizing the methods for analyzing complex data sources and accruing large, well-phenotyped human cohorts linked to biologic data remain significant challenges. Here, we discuss two specific types of complex data sources—gene regulatory networks and DNA-linked electronic medical record cohorts—that illustrate the promise, challenges, and current limitations of these approaches to understanding and managing pulmonary vascular disease.
EEG in Landau-Kleffner Syndrome

The EEG was studied in five children with Landau-Kleffner syndrome at the Service de Neurologie I, Hopital Central, Strasbourg, France, and Department de Neurologie C.H.U. Sart Tilmman, Liege, Belgium.
THE GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF INTRACELLULAR PROTEIN DEGRADATION IN DIABETES AND STARVATION

The increased protein catabolism associated with diabetes and starvation is fundamentally different from normal protein degradation. In all normal eukaryotic cells large molecular weight proteins tend to be degraded more rapidly than small proteins, and acidic proteins tend to be degraded more rapidly than neutral or basic proteins. These general correlations are absent or markedly reduced in liver and muscle of diabetic or starved rats. In contrast, the correlations between protein size and half-life and between protein net charge and half-life are not affected in brain. These results indicate that the evidence for lysosomal involvement in protein degradation during diabetes and starvation cannot be taken to imply that lysosomes are also involved in basal levels of proteolysis.
Plant Secondary Metabolites in Alfalfa, Birdsfoot Trefoil, Reed Canarygrass, and Tall Fescue Unaffected by Two Different Nitrogen Sources

Plant secondary metabolites (PSM) may increase the sustainability of agriculture systems by reducing inputs, as PSM protect plants against herbivores and pathogens, act as pesticides, insecticides, and anthelmintics while also attracting pollinators and seed dispersers. Therefore, it is important to understand what affects PSM fluctuation in plant tissues. Limited research has investigated how different nitrogen (N) sources affect PSM concentration in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L., Alf), birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L., BFT), reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L., RCG), and endophyte-infected tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb., E+TF). We investigated how fecal manure (feces) and synthetic N fertilizer (urea, 46% H₂NCONH₂) influence N concentrations and the PSM ergovaline, gramine, saponins, and extractable condensed tannins (CT) in E+TF, RCG, Alf, and BFT, respectively. Ergovaline, saponins, and CT were not affected by fertilization. Gramine tended (P = 0.06) to be greater in control plots than in fertilized plots. Total N in E+TF and RCG was greater (P < 0.05) and tended to be greater for Alf (P = 0.08) in synthetically fertilized plots than in unfertilized plots. Seasonal variation in PSM and N was significant (P < 0.003) across all species and was species specific. Total N in E+TF was greatest in June (41.4 g kg⁻¹), while ergovaline contents were at the lowest values recorded (117.2 μg kg⁻¹), with subsequent increases to the greatest ergovaline values observed in July (680.0 μg kg⁻¹). Our results reveal the variability in PSM production by plants and highlight the complexities of predicting fluctuations of PSM in forages. As environments where plants grow vary through space and time, we recommend studies on a case-by-case basis, depending on land management objectives.
Translingual Practice as Spatial Repertoires: Expanding the Paradigm beyond Structuralist Orientations

The expanding orientations to translingualism are motivated by a gradual shift from the structuralist paradigm that has been treated as foundational in modern linguistics. Structuralism encouraged scholars to consider language, like other social constructs, as organized as a self-defining and closed structure, set apart from spatiotemporal ‘context’ (which included diverse considerations such as history, geography, politics, and society). Translingualism calls for a shift from these structuralist assumptions to consider more mobile, expansive, situated, and holistic practices. In this article, I articulate how a poststructuralist paradigm might help us theorize and practice translingualism according to a spatial orientation that embeds communication in space and time, considering all resources as working together as an assemblage in shaping meaning. I illustrate from my ongoing research with international STEM scholars in a Midwestern American university to theorize how translingualism will redefine the role of constructs such as language, non-verbal artifacts, and context in communicative proficiency.
Communicating on Twitter for Charity: Understanding the Wall of Kindness Initiative in Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan

This study highlights the important role of social media for charity through an analysis of tweets about the Wall of Kindness charity initiative in Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan. Using both quantitative and qualitative methods, we employ a theoretical lens of social influence to explore how individuals and organizations used Twitter to promote charitable initiatives. User engagement on Twitter centered on content sharing and identification through hashtags, and imitative behaviors promoted the Wall of Kindness initiative across countries. Results from the thematic analysis reveal that Twitter users were tweeting about the Wall of Kindness to provide information, encourage donations, inspire others to action, and build an online community. Our content analysis reveals that a majority of the tweets were neutral and supportive of the initiative; users mostly shared textual information, followed by sharing images and videos, tweeting news links, and soliciting donations about the Wall of Kindness. Furthermore, media organizations, wall enthusiasts, and journalists were most active in tweeting about the charity initiative. Implications for future research are discussed.
Clinical Predictors of Engagement in Inpatient Rehabilitation Among Stroke Survivors With Cognitive Deficits: An Exploratory Study.

Objectives The purpose of this exploratory study was to identify clinical predictors that could distinguish clients' level of engagement in inpatient rehabilitation following stroke. Methods This is a secondary analysis of pooled data from three randomized controlled trials that examined the effects of a behavioral intervention. The sample (n=208) consisted of clients with stroke who had cognitive deficits (Quick-EXIT≥3) and were admitted to inpatient rehabilitation facilities associated with a university medical center. Individuals with pre-morbid dementia, aphasia and mood disorders were excluded. The Pittsburgh Rehabilitation Participation Scale was used to measure engagement. Clinical predictors were measured using the Functional Independence Measure, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status, selected subtests of the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and Chedoke McMaster Stroke Assessment. Simple logistic regression identified individual clinical predictors associated with engagement. Hierarchical logistic regression identified the strongest predictors of engagement. Results Impairments in executive functions [mean D-KEFS, odds ratio (OR)=4.062; 95% confidence interval (CI)=.866, 19.051], impairments in visuospatial skills (RBANS Visuospatial Index Score, OR=3.940; 95% CI=1.317, 11.785), impairments in mood (Patient Health Questionnaire-9, OR=2.059, 95% CI=.953, 4.449), and male gender (OR=2.474; 95% CI=1.145, 5.374) predicted levels of engagement in inpatient rehabilitation after controlling for study intervention group, baseline stroke severity, and baseline disability. Conclusions Executive functions, visuospatial skills, mood, and gender distinguished individuals with high or low engagement in inpatient rehabilitation following stroke. Further studies should examine additional factors that may influence engagement (therapist-client relationship, treatment expectancy). (JINS, 2018, 24, 572-583).
A Simple Method for Commonsense Reasoning.

Commonsense reasoning is a long-standing challenge for deep learning. For example, it is difficult to use neural networks to tackle the Winograd Schema dataset (Levesque et al., 2011). In this paper, we present a simple method for commonsense reasoning with neural networks, using unsupervised learning. Key to our method is the use of language models, trained on a massive amount of unlabled data, to score multiple choice questions posed by commonsense reasoning tests. On both Pronoun Disambiguation and Winograd Schema challenges, our models outperform previous state-of-the-art methods by a large margin, without using expensive annotated knowledge bases or hand-engineered features. We train an array of large RNN language models that operate at word or character level on LM-1-Billion, CommonCrawl, SQuAD, Gutenberg Books, and a customized corpus for this task and show that diversity of training data plays an important role in test performance. Further analysis also shows that our system successfully discovers important features of the context that decide the correct answer, indicating a good grasp of commonsense knowledge.
Peptide and steroid hormone receptors as drug targets for enhancement of learning and memory performance

“Then Dr Strauss said Charlie even if this fales your making a grate contribyushun to sience. This experimint has been successful on lots of animals but its never bin tried on a humen being. You will be the first. After the operashun Im gonna try to be smart. Im gonna try awful hard.” (sic) p. 8, Flowers For Angernon [1]
Modelling Human Machine Interaction: Techniques for Prediction of Performance

Human computer interaction (HCI) is an integral part of computer programming (CP). Viewing computer system design as an integrated process including both HCI and CP, it is possible to advance the quality of satisfaction of users with computer systems. Key issues in HCI design include specification of system performance expectations, analysis of performance prediction during design, and analysis of system performance after implementation. In current HCI literature, these issues have given rise to several methods of specification and prediction of system performance after implementation. In current HCI literature, these issues have given rise to several methods of specification and prediction of system performance. These methods fall under three categories: keystroke models, unit-task models and simulations. The advantages and disadvantages of these three categories of methods are discussed and contrasted.
DO SIGNAL CHARACTERISTICS DETERMINE A BAT'S ABILITY TO AVOID OBSTACLES?

Bats of the suborder Microchiroptera navigate and hunt for prey chiefly by means of acoustic perception of the echoes of their own sonar signals. Echolocating bats emit species-specific sonar signals. In a compressive medium such as air, different sounds have different propagation, reflective and refractive properties. As such, different sounds, along with the different analyzing capacity of the auditory system, dictate the performance of bats in various hunting situations.
Chorioamnionitis following vaccination in the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System.

Abstract Background In October 2012, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended a dose of tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) during each pregnancy, irrespective of the woman's prior history of receiving Tdap. A retrospective cohort study to assess the safety of Tdap vaccination in pregnant women in two Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) sites during 2010–2012 found a small but statistically significant increased risk of chorioamnionitis. Objective We conducted a review of the VAERS database to describe reports of chorioamnionitis following receipt of any vaccines. Methods We searched the VAERS database for reports of chorioamnionitis after any vaccine in the United States during the period from July 1, 1990 through February 2, 2014. Results VAERS received 31 reports of chorioamnionitis out of 3389 pregnancy reports in 24 years. The three most common vaccines in these reports were 2009 H1N1 inactivated influenza, quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV4), and Tdap vaccines in 32%, 29% and 26% of reports, respectively. Fifty-eight percent of reports had at least one reported risk factor for chorioamnionitis. Chorioamnionitis was identified in 3 reports of spontaneous abortions and 6 stillbirths, 6 reports of preterm birth (two of whom died) and 16 reports of term birth; maternal outcomes included two reports of postpartum hemorrhage and one report of maternal admission to the intensive care unit. No maternal deaths were reported. Conclusion Chorioamnionitis was found to be uncommonly reported, representing 1% of pregnancy reports to VAERS. A majority of reports had at least one risk factor for chorioamnionitis.
Symptomatic vulvar mucinous cyst: A case report and review of the literature.

Abstract Background Vulvar mucinous cysts are rare, benign, noninvasive masses. They can be mistaken for cysts of Bartholin gland, Skene gland, vestibular, or canal of Nuck. Generally, they may be left untreated, but observed. However, if symptomatic, they may require surgical removal. Case We report a large vulvar mucinous cyst in a 29-year-old woman with no contributory medical history. Excision of the mass was performed because its size had begun to cause symptoms. The diagnosis of a mucinous cyst was based on radiological and clinicopathologic features. The patient developed a post-operative vulvar hematoma and was discharged 2 days after the surgery with a Foley catheter in place. Continued follow-up was maintained for the hematoma, which drained spontaneously and resolved without incident. There has been no recurrence of the cyst after completion of short-term surgical follow-up. Conclusion Vulvar mucinous cysts are rare masses. We present the diagnosis and treatment of a large vulvar mucinous cyst. The cyst was completely removed during surgery, but long-term surveillance for recurrence is currently being conducted.
CostMAP: an open-source software package for developing cost surfaces using a multi-scale search kernel

ABSTRACTCost surfaces are a crucial aspect of route optimization and least cost path (LCP) calculations and are used in awide range of disciplines including computer science, landscape ecology, and...
Assessment of Utilization of Outpatient Based Treatment for Low Risk Patients with Pulmonary Embolism in Two Community Teaching Hospitals

OBJECTIVE: Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analysis has proven safety and efficacy of outpatient based treatment in appropriately selected low-risk patients with pulmonary embolism (PE). Despite the fact that outpatient treatment has been proven safe, prior studies have shown that it is not commonly practiced. Our current multi-center study focuses on identifying practices of outpatient versus inpatient treatment of low risk PE patients in two community hospitals between 2018-2019. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of the patients in two community hospitals with the principal discharge diagnosis of pulmonary embolism aged 18 years or older was conducted. The study period included February 2018 to February 2019. The high risk patients defined as simplified pulmonary embolism severity index (PESI) score of 1 or above were excluded from the study. Low risk patients were defined as with a simplified PESI score of 0. Criteria were established to determine the appropriateness of inpatient admission for low risk patients with PE. The group of low risk patients with thrombocytopenia (platelets less than 70,000/mm3), glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of less than 30 ml/ minute, international normalized ratio (INR) greater than 1.5, pregnancy, active bleeding as documented in the medical records, total bilirubin greater than 3.0 mg/dl, extreme obesity (weight greater than 150 kg), diagnosis of acute PE while on oral anticoagulation, requiring narcotics for chest pain, need for supplemental oxygen , poor social support or presence of concomitant extensive deep vein thrombosis were deemed appropriate for inpatient treatment. The patients without these baseline characteristics were considered appropriate for outpatient treatment. RESULTS: The cohort comprised of 442 patients in two community hospitals. Among these, 172 patients had a simplified PESI score of 1 or above and were excluded from the study. The remaining 270 patients had a simplified PESI score of 0 and were considered low risk. Based on the study criteria, 54% (145 patients out of 270) of the low risk patients were deemed appropriate for outpatient treatment. Out of these, only 16% (23 patients out of 145) were treated at home. The remaining 84% (122 patients out of 145) of the low risk PE patients considered safe for outpatient treatment were actually treated as inpatient. The mean length of hospital stay for this group of patients was 3 days. Anti-coagulation therapy for those treated on outpatient basis was novel oral anticoagulants in 79% (18 patients out of 23) and low molecular weight heparin or warfarin in 21% (5 patients out of 23). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that majority of low risk PE patients deemed appropriate for outpatient based treatment are treated on inpatient basis. This study shows that there is a need to implement interventions to improve practices of outpatient management of appropriately selected low-risk PE patients. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
A parallel-guided compliant mechanism with variable stiffness based on layer jamming

Abstract This article introduces a parallel-guided compliant mechanism, which can achieve a high stiffness ratio (maximum over minimum) of 75 times through pneumatic actuated layer jamming. The compliant mechanism is composed of two flexible beams sandwiched with thin plastic friction layers. With a novel beam cross-section, the beams have large thickness, but still retain high flexibility. The effect of layer jamming is augmented by this large thickness due to the increased leverage of friction force. The beams in parallel-guided configuration have higher vertical and torsional stability compared to a single beam setup. The functionalities of the compliant mechanism have been validated experimentally: stiffness is measured as a function of the applied vacuum pressure. This paper describes the design concept, FEA validation of the design concept, prototyping, experiment results, analytical model, and analysis of vertical and torsional stability. The proposed concept of the compliant mechanism provides a potential solution for design of variable stiffness robotic links for addressing safety concerns in physical human robot interaction. The analytical model for identifying critical design parameters for maximum stiffness-variation effect provides a guideline for high stiffness-variation design on similar structures.
Forgiveness: protecting medical residents from the detrimental relationship between workplace bullying and wellness.

Bullying of medical residents is associated with numerous negative psychological and physiological outcomes. As bullying within this demographic grows, there is increased interest in identifying no...
Growth by MOCVD and photoluminescence of semipolar (202¯1¯) InN quantum dashes

Abstract Semipolar ( 20 2 ¯ 1 ¯ ) InN quantum dash growth by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition on GaN was explored as a function of growth time and temperature. Near-infrared photoluminescence was observed at room temperature from the uncapped InN quantum dashes with peak emission wavelengths from 1350 to 1500 nm. After capping with 30 nm of GaN, room temperature photoluminescence remained with an increase in intensity and slight blue-shifting of the emission. The photoluminescence was shown to be sensitive to the growth temperature and time of the GaN capping layer.
RdRp or RT, That is the Question

The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of all known double-stranded RNA viruses is located within the viral particle and is responsible for the transcription and replication of the viral genome. Through an RT-PCR assay, we determined that purified virions, in vitro translated RdRp proteins, and purified recombinant RdRp proteins of partitiviruses also have reverse transcriptase (RT) function. We show that partitivirus RdRps 1) synthesized DNA from homologous and heterologous dsRNA templates; 2) are active using both ssRNA and dsRNA templates; and 3) are active at lower temperatures compared to an optimal reaction temperature of commercial RT enzymes. This finding poses an intriguing question: why do partitiviruses, with dsRNA genomes, have a polymerase with RT functions? In comparison, 3Dpol, the RdRp of poliovirus, did not show any RT activity. Our findings lead us to propose a new evolutionary model for RNA viruses where the RdRp of dsRNA viruses could be the ancestor of RdRps.
The Legal Double Standard: Gender, Personality Information, and the Evaluation of Supreme Court Nominees

In the last several decades a wide literature has developed around gendered perceptions of political leaders. However, to date, the lion’s share of this literature has examined elected officials. H...
Pragmatic Weight Management Program for Patients With Obesity and Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction.

Background Obesity is associated with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Weight loss can improve exercise capacity in HFpEF. However, previously reported methods of weight loss...
An Innovative Photonic Integrated Channelizer Design for Hyperspectral Microwave Sounding

A photonic integrated channelizer is designed for hyperspectral and ultra-high band coverage remote sensing applications. The tunable delay lines maximize the transmission performance and the device demonstrates 4.5 GHz of optical bandwidth and channel separation. OSCIS codes: (250.5300) Photonic Integrated circuits; (280.4991) Passive remote sensing
Memory Efficient Shortest Path Algorithms for Cactus Graphs

The shortest path problem is fundamental to many areas of image processing, and we present ways to solve it in environments where computation space is scarce. We propose two constant-work-space algorithms for solving the shortest path problem for cactus graphs and clique-cactus graphs of arbitrary size; both algorithms perform in polynomial time. We also present an in-place algorithm for finding the shortest path in cactus graphs, which performs in polynomial time of lower degree.
Novel Implications of the q-Analogue Coherent States

In his pioneering 1989 paper1 on the q-oscillator realization of quantum algebras,2 Larry Biedenharn also defined the q-analogue coherent states lz>q and pointed out the physically important property that the ΔQ ΔP uncertainty relation increases with n in the number basis ln>q for q ≠ 1. In this paper, we will review (i) the use of these q-analogue coherent states to investigate the properties of the q-analogue quantized field in the lz>q “classical limit” paralleling conventional quantum optics analyses, and review (u) the fractional uncertainties and uncertainty relations of various physical quantities characterizing the q-analogue quantized field in this limit.
Transition supports: Equipping youth for adult life

For almost three decades, the inand post-school outcomes of youth with disabilities have provided an important gauge of the quality and relevance of special education and transition services. Despite many noteworthy gains over this time period, virtually every available indicator still suggests that young people with disabilities are not flourishing as they should during this transition to adulthood. Aspirations for a satisfying career, a college degree, a safe place to live, life in a community, and a strong network of friends do not materialize for far too many youth with disabilities, especially those young people with disabilities living in poverty [5]. As a result, numerous transition-age young and young adults leave high school without the constellation of skills and supports they need to realize their dreams for adulthood.
Non-covalent protein assembly

Abstract The aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are diverse proteins which offer a unique opportunity to investigate protein assembly and evolution. Non-covalent assembly of tRNA synthetases has been achieved by association of the core acceptor-stem binding catalytic domain with a domain that facilitates interactions with more distal parts of the tRNA molecule. The core catalytic domain has also been dissected into pieces which can be reassembled through complementary chain-packing interactions. Current evidence suggests the possibility of assemblages of polypeptides as intermediates in the early development of long single-chain aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases.
'Eighteen Million Cracks': Gender's Role in the 2008 Presidential Campaign

Scholars, and even the presidential candidates, have described the 2008 election as an extended interview process for a high-ranking job. Following that characterization of the Presidential race, questions about sexism and gender bias along the campaign trail implicate the law. Title VII protects individuals from sex bias in the workplace. And while modern conceptions of how such bias actually operates, largely drawn from social and cognitive psychology, aids legal decision-makers in determining whether such bias indeed took place in any particular case, greater insight into the intersection of psychology and the law is needed. Here, we explore the role of sexism and implicit (subconscious) gender bias in the Presidential race through the lens of Title VII. Further, we buttresses the proposition put forth by a growing body of legal scholars that the role of implicit attitudes in decision-making has significant implications for Title VII jurisprudence.
Proton versus photon radiation therapy for patients with high-risk neuroblastoma: the need for a customized approach.

BACKGROUND Proton therapy for treatment for high-risk neuroblastoma may offer sparing of organs at risk (OAR) when compared to intensity-modulated X-ray therapy (IMXT). PROCEDURE Double-scattered proton plans and IMXT plans delivering 2,160 cGy to the primary tumor site and other residual disease were developed for 13 consecutive HR-NBL patients. Radiation doses to target volumes and OAR were calculated to determine the optimal modality for each. RESULTS All patients received radiation (5/13 ≥ 2 sites). No patient has experienced local recurrence or clinical organ toxicity. Coverage was excellent using both protons and IMXT: median % dose delivered to 95% clinical target volume was 99% and 100%, respectively. For nine patients with lateralized disease, proton therapy offered sparing of the contralateral kidney both with regard to median dose and dose to 20% (median <1 cGy vs. 362 cGy, P = 0.01; median 100 cGy vs. 634 cGy, P = 0.02, respectively). Proton therapy did not reduce ipsilateral kidney dose, and for 2 select patients with lateralized disease IMXT improved overall bilateral renal sparing. Proton therapy improved median bowel (median 33 cGy vs. 590 cGy, P = 0.01), total body (median <1 cGy vs. 30 cGy, P = 0.15), and liver dose (median <1 cGy vs. 529, P < 0.001). When chest RT was required, proton therapy decreased median heart dose and mean lung dose. CONCLUSIONS For most patients (11/13), proton therapy offered the optimal combination of target coverage and organ sparing, and is a feasible treatment for HR-NBL. We recommend a customized approach with careful evaluation of renal dosimetry; IMXT may be preferred for select patients.
Abstract 148: Whole Exome Sequence Analysis of Cerebral White Matter Hyperintensities on MRI

White matter hyperintensities (WMH) detected on MRI are commonly identified abnormalities in the adult brain, and are associated with a greater risk of stroke, dementia, and death. Genetic factors play a significant role in WMH etiology, yet, common genetic variants identified by GWAS explain little of the variance in WMH burden. Rare variants with larger effect on the phenotype may be identified from sequence analysis of the protein-coding region of the genome (exome). We sequenced the protein-coding regions of 16,541 genes in 2510 individuals of European or African ancestry from three NHLBI cohorts, and investigated whether putatively functional exomic variants were associated with WMH burden, either individually or in aggregate within a gene. Within each cohort, we used the SeqMeta R package to compute race-specific score statistics for each variant and genotypic covariance matrices within predefined gene regions. These were then combined by meta-analysis to generate single-variant and gene-based tests of association. Only missense, nonsense, and splice variants were included in the analyses. Analyses of 12,790 single variants with minor allele frequency (MAF)≥1% did not identify statistically significant associations based on a Bonferroni-corrected significance threshold. The most significantly associated variant was a common missense variant in the ELL gene (p=2.6x10-5). In the sequence kernel association test (SKAT), which included variants with MAF<5%, five genes were significantly associated with WMH burden (p<0.05/16,541). These have known function in phospholipid binding, transport, and signaling (3 genes); Abeta metabolism (1 gene); and have been previously implicated in microvascular complications of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Among 35 candidate genes mapping to five previously reported WMH GWAS loci, association of MRPL38 (chr17q25) was nominally significant by SKAT (p=0.011). This gene contained two missense variants (MAF~1%) also nominally significantly associated with WMH (p=0.040 and 0.017). This study suggests that rare and low frequency variants significantly influence WMH burden and that genes involved in cardiovascular health and disease play a role in WMH etiology.