cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conformal Powers of the Laplacian via Stereographic Projection

A new derivation is given of Branson's factorization formula for the confor- mally invariant operator on the sphere whose principal part is the k-th power of the scalar Laplacian. The derivation deduces Branson's formula from knowledge of the correspon- ding conformally invariant operator on Euclidean space (the k-th power of the Euclidean Laplacian) via conjugation by the stereographic projection mapping.
Nosocomial Transmission of Opportunistic Infections

Immunocompromised patients are at high risk for opportunistic infections. Traditionally, these infections were thought to arise from endogenous reactivation of previously acquired latent infections, and nosocomial transmission therefore was deemed to be so unlikely that no special infection control interventions were needed to prevent transmission in healthcare settings. However, new data have challenged this view and suggest that some opportunistic pathogens are transmissible from one immunosuppressed patient to another. Epidemiological investigations, molecular genotyping, animal studies, and air-sampling experiments lend support to the hypothesis that reinfection with opportunistic pathogens does occur, that airborne transmission is possible, and that nosocomial spread is a plausible explanation for case clusters. Taken together, these observations support the view that some opportunistic infections are exogenous in origin and that additional epidemiological investigations are needed to define the true risk of nosocomial spread and need for isolation.
Gene Expression Profile of Neuronal Progenitor Cells Derived from hESCs: Activation of Chromosome 11p15.5 and Comparison to Human Dopaminergic Neurons

Background We initiated differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) into dopamine neurons, obtained a purified population of neuronal precursor cells by cell sorting, and determined patterns of gene transcription. Methodology Dopaminergic differentiation of hESCs was initiated by culturing hESCs with a feeder layer of PA6 cells. Differentiating cells were then sorted to obtain a pure population of PSA-NCAM-expressing neuronal precursors, which were then analyzed for gene expression using Massive Parallel Signature Sequencing (MPSS). Individual genes as well as regions of the genome which were activated were determined. Principal Findings A number of genes known to be involved in the specification of dopaminergic neurons, including MSX1, CDKN1C, Pitx1 and Pitx2, as well as several novel genes not previously associated with dopaminergic differentiation, were expressed. Notably, we found that a specific region of the genome located on chromosome 11p15.5 was highly activated. This region contains several genes which have previously been associated with the function of dopaminergic neurons, including the gene for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate-limiting enzyme in catecholamine biosynthesis, IGF2, and CDKN1C, which cooperates with Nurr1 in directing the differentiation of dopaminergic neurons. Other genes in this region not previously recognized as being involved in the functions of dopaminergic neurons were also activated, including H19, TSSC4, and HBG2. IGF2 and CDKN1C were also found to be highly expressed in mature human TH-positive dopamine neurons isolated from human brain samples by laser capture. Conclusions The present data suggest that the H19-IGF2 imprinting region on chromosome 11p15.5 is involved in the process through which undifferentiated cells are specified to become neuronal precursors and/or dopaminergic neurons.
Assessment of Farmer Attitudes and Behavioral Intentions toward Bird Conservation on Organic and Conventional Florida Farms

To enhance efforts to conserve birds, especially insectivorous species, we examined the social di- mensions of conventional and organic farming in northern Florida (U.S.A.). Using a framework for the adoption of agricultural innovations, we developed a 44-item survey instrument to measure farmers' socio- demographic background, farm characteristics, participation in social organizations, communication and information networks, and perceived barriers and incentives to adopting bird-friendly practices. Seventy-six surveys were completed, with a response rate of 84% for organic farmers and 60% for conventional farmers. The population of conventional farmer was composed of more males who were older, less educated, and earned a greater income than organic farmers. Conventional farms were on average 20 times larger than or- ganic farms and grew less than half the varieties of crops. These two factors correlated with higher agreement with statements that a considerable amount of money is spent on pest management and that leaf-eating in- sects cause considerable damage. Fewer conventional than organic farmers scouted for pests daily, an impor- tant component of integrated pest management. Almost all farmers (95%) reported recognizing most of the bird species on their farms. More organic farmers (31%) than conventional farmers (12%) reported more than 30 bird species on their farms. Farmers' overall willingness to attract birds to their farms was not corre- lated with economic or noneconomic incentives and barriers to adopting bird-friendly practices, such as cur- rent costs of pest management, experience with bird damage to crops, and farmers' knowledge of insectivo- rous birds and birds on their farms. Innovations in current farming practices that could enhance bird populations should be disseminated through existing social networks and media channels identified in this paper.
OSM-9, a novel protein with structural similarity to channels, is required for olfaction, mechanosensation, and olfactory adaptation in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Although cyclic nucleotide-gated channels mediate sensory transduction in olfaction and vision, other forms of sensory transduction are independent of these channels. Caenorhabditis elegans cyclic nucleotide-gated channel mutants respond normally to some olfactory stimuli and to osmotic stimuli, suggesting that these chemosensory responses use an alternative sensory transduction pathway. One gene that may act in this pathway isosm-9, which is required for each of these responses as well as a mechanosensory response to nose touch. osm-9encodes a protein with ankyrin repeats and multiple predicted transmembrane domains that has limited similarity to theDrosophila phototransduction channels transient receptor potential (TRP) and TRP-like (TRPL). The sequence of OSM-9 and other TRP-like genes reveals a previously unsuspected diversity of mammalian and invertebrate genes in this family. osm-9 is required for the activity of the predicted G-protein-coupled odorant receptor ODR-10, which acts in the AWA olfactory neurons; its similarity to other G-protein-regulated transduction channels suggests that OSM-9 is involved in AWA signaling. osm-9:: GFP fusion genes are expressed in a subset of chemosensory, mechanosensory, and osmosensory neurons. osm-9 also affects olfactory adaptation within neurons that require the cyclic nucleotide-gated channel for olfaction; in these neurons, the gene has a regulatory function and not a primary role in sensory transduction.
A Multimodal Complexity Comprehension-Time Framework for Automated Presentation Synthesis

In this paper, we present a joint multimodal (audio, visual and text) framework to map the informational complexity of the media elements to comprehension time. The problem is important for interactive multimodal presentations. We propose the joint comprehension time to be a function of the media Kolmogorov complexity. For audio and images, the complexity is estimated using a lossless universal coding scheme. The text complexity is derived by analyzing the sentence structure. For all three channels, we conduct user-studies to map media complexity to comprehension time. For estimating the joint comprehension time, we assume channel independence resulting in a conservative comprehension time estimate. The time for the visual channels (text and images) are deemed additive, and the joint time is then the maximum of the visual and the auditory comprehension times. The user studies indicate that the model works very well, when compared with fixed-time multimodal presentations
Prostaglandin transporter modulates wound healing in diabetes by regulating prostaglandin-induced angiogenesis.

Prostaglandin transporter (PGT) mediates prostaglandin (PG) catabolism and PG signal termination. The prostanoid PGE 2 , which induces angiogenesis and vasodilation, is diminished in diabetic skin, suggesting that PGT up-regulation could be important in wound healing deficiency, typified by diabetic foot ulcer. We hypothesized that up-regulation of PGT in hyperglycemia could contribute to weakened PGE 2 signaling, leading to impaired angiogenesis and wound healing. In human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs), exposure to hyperglycemia increased PGT expression and activity up to threefold, accompanied by reduced levels of PGE 2 . Hyperglycemia reduced HDMEC migration by 50% and abolished tube formation. Deficits in PGE 2 expression, HDMEC migration, and tube formation could be corrected by treatment with the PGT inhibitor T26A, consistent with the idea that PGT hyperactivity is responsible for impairments in angiogenesis mediated by PG signaling. In vivo , PGT expression was profoundly induced in diabetes and by wounding, correlating with diminished levels of proangiogenic factors PGE 2 and VEGF in cutaneous wounds of diabetic mice. Pharmacological inhibition of PGT corrected these deficits. PGT inhibition shortened cutaneous wound closure time in diabetic mice from 22 to 16 days. This effect was associated with increased proliferation, re-epithelialization, neovascularization, and blood flow. These data provide evidence that hyperglycemia enhances PGT expression and activity, leading to diminished angiogenic signaling, a possible key mechanism underlying defective wound healing in diabetes.
High C-Terminal Cross-Linking Telopeptide Levels Are Associated With a Minimal Risk of Osteonecrosis of the Jaws in Patients Taking Oral Bisphosphonates and Having Exodontia

Purpose The clinical significance of bone turnover marker C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide (CTX) levels less than 150 pg/mL among recipients of oral bisphosphonate (OBP) medications who develop osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) after exodontia is unclear. We searched the published data to determine the prevalence of such levels and the association, if any, with development of MRONJ. Materials and Methods A systematic review of published studies in the PubMed database was undertaken to ascertain the prevalence of preoperative, fasting CTX levels less than 150 pg/mL among recipients of OBP scheduled for exodontia and to determine whether such levels are associated with the development of postoperative MRONJ. The data were aggregated and analyzed to provide the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the association between low CTX levels and the development of MRONJ. Results Two studies were chosen for review. The first, with an enrollment of 21 patients, reported that 10 (48%) patients had a preoperative CTX level less than 150 pg/mL and that after exodontia, none developed MRONJ. The second study, with an enrollment of 950 patients, reported that approximately 282 (30%) had a preoperative CTX level less than 150 pg/mL. All the patients with depressed CTX levels were offered a “drug holiday”; however, only 101 accepted the offer. Of the remaining 181 patients, 4 developed MRONJ. The aggregated study data have demonstrated that 30% of patients evidence CTX levels less than 150 pg/mL and that the sensitivity and specificity of these levels in association with the development of MRONJ was 100% and 80.7%, respectively. The positive predictive value was 2.09% and the negative predictive value was 100%. Conclusion The published data suggest that approximately one third of patients exposed to OBP will evidence depressed CTX levels and that only a very small minority (∼2%) will develop postexodontia MRONJ. Prudence would suggest that patients scheduled for exodontia and receiving OBPs should be informed about the strengths and weaknesses of the CTX test and that it should be offered during the consent process.
Pneumococci Stimulate the Production of the Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase and Nitric Oxide by Murine Macrophages

The role of nitric oxide (NO) in the pathophysiology of gram-positive sepsis is uncertain. In inflammatory conditions, high-output NO production is catalyzed by the enzyme inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). The ability of 2 strains of pneumococci, pneumococcal cell wall preparations, and purified pneumococcal capsule (Pnu-Imune 23) to trigger the production of iNOS protein and NO in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages was tested. Live pneumococci, oxacillin-killed pneumococci, and pneumococcal cell wall preparations stimulated the production of iNOS and NO by RAW 264.7 cells in the presence, but not the absence, of low concentrations of recombinant murine interferon-gamma. In contrast, purified pneumococcal capsule induced little or no iNOS or NO production by these cells. Thus, pneumococci stimulate high-output NO production by murine macrophages. The potential role of NO in the pathogenesis of pneumococcal sepsis deserves further study.
Echocardiographic evaluation of cardiac infections.

Cardiovascular infection is a common cause of morbidity and mortality world-wide. With increasing use of central cath-eters, intracardiac devices, the growing incidence of HIV infection and increasing drug resistance to common causal organ-isms, the spectrum of cardiac infection has changed. Hence, despite improvements in diagnostic technology, the evaluation of cardiac infections remains a challenge.Echocardiography is likely the most fre-quently used imaging modality for the eval-uation of cardiac infections. It is safe and is an excellent diagnostic tool with multiple advantages over other available imaging devices. Ultrasound imaging entails no radiation, is portable and is relatively inex-pensive when compared with other imaging modalities. It has also become increasingly affordable and widely available throughout the world.The spectrum of cardiac infections include a comprehensive list of diseases, from the typical native valve infection to less common infections, such as cytomegalovirus myocar-ditis, or even infections related to cardiac prosthesis such as artificial valves, occluder devices and permanent pacemaker wires. Perhaps the best known and most common cardiac infection is infective endocarditis (IE), which can lead to valve destruction and abscess formation, with significant mortal-ity and morbidity
The Resolving Power of Gross Earth Data

A gross Earth datum is a single measurable number describing some property of the whole Earth, such as mass, moment of interia, or the frequency of oscillation of some identified elastic-gravitational normal mode. We show how to determine whether a given finite set of gross Earth data can be used to specify an Earth structure uniquely except for fine-scale detail; and how to determine the shortest length scale which the given data can resolve at any particular depth. We apply the general theory to the linear problem of finding the depth-variation of a frequency-independent local Q from the observed quality factors Q of a finite number of normal modes. We also apply the theory to the non-linear problem of finding density vs depth from the total mass, moment, and normal-mode frequencies, in case the compressional and shear velocities are known.
Identification, Analysis and Prediction of Protein Ubiquitination Sites

Ubiquitination plays an important role in many cellular processes and is implicated in many diseases. Experimental identification of ubiquitination sites is challenging due to rapid turnover of ubiquitinated proteins and the large size of the ubiquitin modifier. We identified 141 new ubiquitination sites using a combination of liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and mutant yeast strains. Investigation of the sequence biases and structural preferences around known ubiquitination sites indicated that their properties were similar to those of intrinsically disordered protein regions. Using a combined set of new and previously known ubiquitination sites, we developed a random forest predictor of ubiquitination sites, UbPred. The class-balanced accuracy of UbPred reached 72%, with the area under the ROC curve at 80%. The application of UbPred showed that high confidence Rsp5 ubiquitin ligase substrates and proteins with very short half-lives were significantly enriched in the number of predicted ubiquitination sites. Proteome-wide prediction of ubiquitination sites in Saccharomyces cerevisiae indicated that highly ubiquitinated substrates were prevalent among transcription/enzyme regulators and proteins involved in cell cycle control. In the human proteome, cytoskeletal, cell cycle, regulatory, and cancer-associated proteins display higher extent of ubiquitination than proteins from other functional categories. We show that gain and loss of predicted ubiquitination sites may likely represent a molecular mechanism behind a number of disease-associatedmutations. UbPred is available at http://www.ubpred.org.
MicroRNAs associated with exercise and diet: a systematic review

MicroRNAs are posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression. MicroRNAs reflect individual biologic adaptation to exposures in the environment. As such, measurement of circulating microRNAs presents an opportunity to evaluate biologic changes associated with behavioral interventions (i.e., exercise, diet) for weight loss. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature to summarize what is known about circulating microRNAs associated with exercise, diet, and weight loss. We performed a systematic review of three scientific databases. We included studies reporting on circulating microRNAs associated with exercise, diet, and weight loss in humans. Of 1,219 studies identified in our comprehensive database search, 14 were selected for inclusion. Twelve reported on microRNAs associated with exercise, and two reported on microRNAs associated with diet and weight loss. The majority of studies used a quasiexperimental, cross-sectional design. There were numerous differences in the type and intensity of exercise and dietary interventions, the biologic source of microRNAs, and the methodological approaches used quantitate microRNAs. Data from several studies support an association between circulating microRNAs and exercise. The evidence for an association between circulating microRNAs and diet is weaker because of a small number of studies. Additional research is needed to validate previous observations using methodologically rigorous approaches to microRNA quantitation to determine the specific circulating microRNA signatures associated with behavioral approaches to weight loss. Future directions include longitudinal studies to determine if circulating microRNAs are predictive of response to behavioral interventions.
A Moveable Feast: The UFW Grape Boycott and Farm Worker Justice

When most people think of the United Farm Workers, two things come to mind: Cesar Chavez and the grape boycott. Regarding the former, Chavez distinguished himself as perhaps the best-known Mexican American labor and civil rights leader in the country through his advocacy for farm worker rights in California during the 1960s and 1970s. In 1970, the union he led forced growers to the bargaining table for the first farm labor contracts in the history of the Golden State. This achievement would not have been possible without Chavez's embrace of the boycott, a strategy that, until proven important to the struggle, had been regarded by labor leaders as supplemental to the main strategies of strikes and marches. In fact, when we evaluate the contributions of the United Farm Workers to the history of labor in the United States, the grape boycott might well be its most enduring legacy, even more so than Chavez's leadership.
Simulating grice: emergent pragmatics in spatialized game theory

How do conventions of communication emerge? How do sounds or gestures take on a semantic meaning, and how do pragmatic conventions emerge regarding the passing of adequate, reliable, and relevant information? My colleagues and I have attempted in earlier work to extend spatialized game theory to questions of semantics. Agent-based simulations indicate that simple signaling systems emerge fairly naturally on the basis of individual information maximization in environments of wandering food sources and predators. Simple signaling emerges by means of any of various forms of updating on the behavior of immediate neighbors: imitation, localized genetic algorithms, and partial training in neural nets. Here the goal is to apply similar techniques to questions of pragmatics. The motivating idea is the same: the idea that important aspects of pragmatics, like important aspects of semantics, may fall out as a natural results of information maximization in informational networks. The attempt below is to simulate fundamental elements of the Gricean picture: in particular, to show within networks of very simple agents the emergence of behavior in accord with the Gricean maxims. What these simulations suggest is that important features of pragmatics, like important aspects of semantics, don't have to be added in a theory of informational networks. They come for free. 1
Learning to Think Like a Lawyer

The process of learning to think like a lawyer is dynamic and evolutionary. First-year students must acquire a set of highly complex and interdependent cognitive skills in a stressful environment. In an attempt to define what it means to think like a lawyer, we began a course of research to be detailed in this article. In Part I of the article, we briefly discuss the skills and pedagogy of legal thinking. In Part II, we go on to describe four models derived from learning theory that we use to frame our analysis. We describe our research method and results in Part III. We used first-year students' essays on thinking like a lawyer and their visual representations of their concept of law as a point of departure for a longitudinal case study of eight students. The case study focused on the students' impressions of the process of learning to think like a lawyer as revealed through a series of interviews. Finally, in Part IV, we outline a number of recommendations for pedagogical reform suggested by our findings. The results of this case study capture the dynamic of learning to think like a lawyer during the first twelve months of law school. We observed the students' concepts of the law and their understanding of their roles in the legal process as this understanding evolved over the course of the study. The results of our research illustrate that the process of learning to think like a lawyer is complex and evolutionary. Our findings further the understanding of this process, and the recommendations presented here make explicit that which is otherwise implicit.
Role of Nickel in Al-10 Percent Si Composites Containing Nickel-Coated Sapphire Whiskers.

The role of nickel in regard to whisker-matrix bonding in a composite of nickel-coated sapphire whiskers inserted into a matrix of aluminum-10 percent silicon alloy by means of liquid phase hot-pressing was investigated. The study was carried out with the aid of optical and electron microscopy, electron probe microanalysis, and microhardness measurements. Results show that most of the nickel is distributed within the matrix alloy. Some of the nickel apparently interacts with the matrix and forms NiAl3. The presence of NiAl3 in this form increases the average hardness of the composite but apparently does not contribute significantly to strengthening of the alloy. Occasionally, clusters or clumps of nickel-rich material which also contains aluminum are found at or very near whisker-matrix interfaces. It is concluded that if any bonding of the nickel to the sapphire occurred, it was in these regions. Finally, a heat treatment to improve nickel to sapphire bonding and hence bonding of the entire composite is suggested.
Stem cell (immunoblastic) lymphoma. A variant of B lymphocytic lymphoma.

From a histologic review of cases coded as Hodgkin’s disease and reticulum cell sarcoma, 12 cases were selected as examples of stem cell lymphoma in which the preponderant cell has characteristics of the B immunoblast. Clinically, these lesions affect the elderly (average age 57.3 years), disseminate early, and, with a few exceptions, progress rapidly to a fatal termination. Morphologically, the neoplastic stem cells, which have pyroninophilic cytoplasm, form diffuse infiltrates with an admixture of acidophilic cells. As a regional variation, the pattern in these lesions overlaps histologically with that seen in angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy. The overlap in patterns is presumptive evidence that the angioimmunoblastic pattern at times may be a precursory expression of the stem cell lymphoma. On the basis of morphologic features, these tumors are interpreted as a variant of B cell lymphomas.
HYPERMOBILIZATION IN CHILE, 1970-1973

The accelerating mobilization of Chile's working class from 1965 onward appears to support Huntington's cautious evaluation of the effects of that process rather than Deutsch's more optimistic one. Instead of resulting in more massive support for Dr. Allende's minority-based UP government (which, needing support, stimulated even further a process that had been noticeable from at least 1965), increased mobilization resulted in (a) heightened but unattainable economic demands; (b) increased support for the extreme left (a severe threat to the regime's policies and even existence, as Allende recognized); (c) increased support for the opposition Christian Democrats; (d) a general de-authorization of all institutions, including those tailored specifically to working-class needs. In some situations, mobilization may sweep away the remnants of an old regime. But where that is not possible or not the real issue, it may overwhelm rather than aid an already weak government, even if it is change-oriented.
Comparative Studies on Quality Traits of Rice with Different Released Years in Northeast Region of China

The typical rice varieties in Liaoning,Jilin and Heilongjiang provinces from 1970 to 2000 were used as trial materials to analyze the differences,changes and relationships in quality traits of rice in different provinces and different released years.The results showed that the milling quality traits of rice in three provinces before 1990s were increased with released years,except brown rice percentage(BR)and milled rice percentage(MR)after 2000s were decreased.The rice appearance quality was significantly increased with released years,the grain length(GL)and ratio of grain length to width(RLW),chalky grain rate(CGR)and chalkiness(CN)of rice after 2000s were very significantly better than those of rice before 2000s,the protein content(PC)was decreased with released years,but amylose content(AC)and score were increased.The increase of score after 1990s was significant higher than before 1990s.The order of milling quality in three provinces was LiaoningJilinHeilongjiang,the GL and RLW in Heilongjiang were the highest,which were very significantly higher than those in Liaoning and Jilin,the order of CGR and CN both were JilinLiaoningHeilongjiang,and there was significant difference of that between different provinces,the order of whiteness was JilinHeilongjiangLiaoning,and there has very significantly difference in three province,the PC and AC of Heilongjiang both were the highest in three provinces and those of Jilin were the lowest,but there had no obvious difference for protein content between Liaoning and Jilin,the order of score was JilinHeilongjiangLiaoning,and there has no obvious difference between Liaoning and Heilongjiang.The BR,MR,CGR,CN,AC and score were significantly and negatively correlated with GL and RLW.The CGR and CN were significantly and negatively correlated with head rice percentage,AC and score.In the future rice breeding and cultivation,more attention should be paid to stabilize BR and MR,increasing milling quality in Heilongjiang,decreasing CGR and CN properly in Jilin.
n-3 fatty acids and hydroperoxide activation of fatty acid oxygenases.

The eicosanoids are extremely potent regulators of cellular and tissue function which are derived from the twenty-carbon fatty acid, arachidonate (20:4n-6). There are two large classes of eicosanoids, the prostaglandins and the leukotrienes (Figure 1). The first committed step in the biosynthesis of each class is catalyzed by a fatty acid oxygenase that produces a hydroperoxide product and that requires a hydroperoxide activator. Thus each oxygenase constitutes an amplifier of hydroperoxide concentration within the cell in which it functions. The amplification process may represent an important molecular tactic for intercellular signaling; an explosive increase in the rate of eicosanoid synthesis is probably necessary to overcome the prevailing rapid rate of eicosanoid inactivation found in most cells. However, a continued excessive rate of eicosanoid synthesis is associated with a variety of pathophysiological situations that are often treated with pharmacological agents that can decrease the biosynthetic rate, such as the steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. As long as the rate of metabolic inactivation tends to exceed the rate of biosynthesis, the eicosanoids that are formed do not accumulate to a concentration sufficient to interfere with the behavior of the surrounding cells.
What are the Best Ways to Teach Case Studies

One of the factors that determines the effectiveness of the case study method of instruction is the quality of the teaching.
NMR/NQR Studies of Phase-Transition Precursors

When the electric-field-gradient (efg) tensor at the site of a quadrupolar nucleus undergoes a substantial change at an order-disorder phase transition (temperature=TC), a very small admixture of the low-temperature order parameter into the high temperature phase can substantially influence the lineshape. Clear evidence of this effect is present in some crystals to temperatures T>3TC. It is shown that this is not an effect associated only with regions near an impurity, but is a bulk phenomenon. Temperature dependence of the lineshape above TC is related to the order parameter admixture
Healthcare Data Mining with Matrix Models

In the last decade, advances in high-throughput technologies, growth of clinical data warehouses, and rapid accumulation of biomedical knowledge provided unprecedented opportunities and challenges to researchers in biomedical informatics. One distinct solution, to efficiently conduct big data analytics for biomedical problems, is the application of matrix computation and factorization methods such as non-negative matrix factorization, joint matrix factorization, tensor factorization. Compared to probabilistic and information theoretic approaches, matrix-based methods are fast, easy to understand and implement. In this tutorial, we provide a review of recent advances in algorithms and methods using matrix and their potential applications in biomedical informatics. We survey various related articles from data mining venues as well as from biomedical informatics venues to share with the audience key problems and trends in matrix computation research, with different novel applications such as drug repositioning, personalized medicine, and electronic phenotyping.
Synthesis, Electrochemistry, and Reactivity of the Actinide Trisulfides [K(18-crown-6)][An(η3-S3)(NR2)3] (An = U, Th; R = SiMe3)

The reaction of [Th(I)(NR2)3] (R = SiMe3) with [K(18-crown-6)]2[S4] results in the formation of [K(18-crown-6)][Th(η3-S3)(NR2)3] (2). Oxidation of 2, or its uranium analogue, [K(18-crown-6)][U(η3-S3)(NR2)3] (1), with AgOTf, in an attempt to generate an [S3]•– complex, results in the formation of [K(18-crown-6)][An(OTf)2(NR2)3] (3, An = U; 4, An = Th) as the only isolable products. These results suggest that the putative [S3]•– ligand is only weakly coordinating and can be easily displaced by nucleophiles.
Instructional Support and Implementation Structure during Elementary Teachers' Science Education Simulation Use.

ABSTRACTThis investigation sought to identify patterns in elementary science teachers’ computer simulation use, particularly implementation structures and instructional supports commonly employed by teachers. Data included video-recorded science lessons of 96 elementary teachers who used computer simulations in one or more science lessons. Results indicated teachers used a one-to-one student-to-computer ratio most often either during class-wide individual computer use or during a rotating station structure. Worksheets, general support, and peer collaboration were the most common forms of instructional support. The least common instructional support forms included lesson pacing, initial play, and a closure discussion. Students’ simulation use was supported in the fewest ways during a rotating station structure. Results suggest that simulation professional development with elementary teachers needs to explicitly focus on implementation structures and instructional support to enhance participants’ pedagogica...
Orthostatic hypotension predicts motor decline in early Parkinson disease.

Abstract Background Orthostatic hypotension is increasingly reported as a risk factor for development of late-stage disease features in Parkinson disease (PD). Less is known about its significance in individuals with early PD who are often targeted for neuroprotective trials. Methods Using data from the CALM-PD trial (n = 275), we explored whether early orthostatic hypotension predicts a decline in the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) II (activities of daily living) or UDPRS III (motor) score after 102 weeks. We also explored risk factors for worsening orthostatic hypotension over a nearly 2-year period. Results After controlling for age, disease duration, gender, study drug, change in mini-mental status exam score, levodopa equivalent dose, and baseline UPDRS II or III score respectively, the degree of orthostatic hypotension at enrollment associated with a worsening in UPDRS motor score (t = 2.40, p = 0.017) at week 102 but not with UPDRS ADL score (t = 0.83, p = 0.409). Worsening in orthostatic hypotension during the study associated with longer disease duration (t = 2.37, p = 0.019) and lower body mass index (BMI) (t = −2.96, p = 0.003). Conclusions Baseline orthostatic hypotension is a predictor of UPDRS motor decline in individuals with early PD and should be accounted for in clinical trial design. Low BMI may predict orthostatic hypotension in PD.
Great Fire of London

I used to attend exhibitions at the old Physical Society (which merged with the Institute of Physics in 1960), and one of the regular exhibitors there was a firm specializing in scientific glassware.
Improved Tunnel Spillway Flip Buckets

Consideration of several buckets, of type used to deflect or flip tunnel spillway discharges downstream, in terms of their desirable or undesirable features; new types of buckets developed from hydraulic model tests are described; dimensionless curves aid in determining jet trajectory length, spreading of jet, tail water drawdown at bucket, and pressures on floor and side walls of bucket.
Structure and Dynamics of DNA and RNA Double Helices Obtained from the GGGGCC and CCCCGG Hexanucleotide Repeats That Are the Hallmark of C9FTD/ALS Diseases.

A (GGGGCC) hexanucleotide repeat (HR) expansion in the C9ORF72 gene, and its associated antisense (CCCCGG) expansion, are considered the major cause behind frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We have performed molecular dynamics simulations to characterize the conformation and dynamics of the 12 duplexes that result from the three different reading frames in sense and antisense HRs for both DNA and RNA. These duplexes display atypical structures relevant not only for a molecular level understanding of these diseases but also for enlarging the repertoire of nucleic-acid structural motifs. G-rich helices share common features. The inner G-G mismatches stay inside the helix in Gsyn-Ganti conformations and form two hydrogen bonds (HBs) between the Watson–Crick edge of Ganti and the Hoogsteen edge of Gsyn. In addition, Gsyn in RNA forms a base-phosphate HB. Inner G-G mismatches cause local unwinding of the helix. G-rich double helices are more stable than C-rich helices due to better sta...
Fabrication and Characterization of Piezoelectric Paper Based Device for Touch and Force Sensing Applications

Abstract A piezoelectric based touch sensitive device has been successfully fabricated by screen printing silver (Ag) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) inks as conductive and piezoelectric materials, respectively, on paper substrate. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was performed to verify the formation of β-phase crystals in the PVDF layer during the curing process. Voltages, as high as 0.22 V, were observed for human finger touch tests and a sensitivity of 0.3 V/N was obtained when varying forces ranging from 0.2 N to 1.4 N, in steps of 0.2 N, were applied on the printed device. The piezoelectric-voltage analysis demonstrated that the printed device can be used for both touch and force sensing applications.
Determination of Vertical Borehole and Geological Formation Properties using the Crossed Contour Method

This paper presents a new method called the Crossed Contour Method for determining the effective properties (borehole radius and ground thermal conductivity) of a vertical ground-coupled heat exchanger. The borehole radius is used as a proxy for the overall borehole thermal resistance. The method has been applied to both simulated and experimental borehole Thermal Response Test (TRT) data using the Duct Storage vertical ground heat exchanger model implemented in the TRansient SYstems Simulation software (TRNSYS). The Crossed Contour Method generates a parametric grid of simulated TRT data for different combinations of borehole radius and ground thermal conductivity in a series of time windows. The error between the average of the simulated and experimental bore field inlet and outlet temperatures is calculated for each set of borehole properties within each time window. Using these data, contours of the minimum error are constructed in the parameter space of borehole radius and ground thermal conductivity. When all of the minimum error contours for each time window are superimposed, the point where the contours cross (intersect) identifies the effective borehole properties for the model that most closely represents the experimental data in every time window and thus over the entire length of the experimental data set. The computed borehole properties are compared with results from existing model inversion methods including the Ground Property Measurement (GPM) software developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the Line Source Model.
Risk-adjusted Adverse Outcomes in Complex Abdominal Wall Hernia Repair with Biologic Mesh: A Case Series of 140 Patients

Abstract Introduction Biologic mesh is preferred for repair of complex abdominal wall hernias (CAWHs) in patients at high risk of wound infection. We aimed to identify predictors of adverse outcomes after complex abdominal wall hernia repair (CAWR) using biologic mesh with different placement techniques and under different surgical settings. Methods A retrospective case series study was conducted on all patients who underwent CAWR with biologic mesh between 2010 and 2015 at a tertiary medical center. Results: the study population included 140 patients with a mean age of 54 ± 14 years and a median follow up period 8.8 months. Mesh size ranged from 50 to 1225 cm 2 . Ninety percent of patients had undergone previous surgery. Type of surgery was classified as elective in 50.7%, urgent in 24.3% and emergent in 25.0% and a porcine mesh was implanted in 82.9%. The most common mesh placement technique was underlay (70.7%), followed by onlay (16.4%) and bridge (12.9%). Complications included wound complications (30.7%), reoperation (25.9%), hernia recurrence (20.7%), and mesh removal (10.0%). Thirty-two patients (23.0%) were admitted to the ICU and the mean hospital length of stay was 10.8 ± 17.5 days. Age-sex adjusted predictors of recurrence were COPD (OR 4.2; 95%CI 1.003–17.867) and urgent surgery (OR 10.5; 95%CI 1.856–59.469), whereas for reoperation, mesh size (OR 6.8; 95%CI 1.344–34.495) and urgent surgery (OR 5.2; 95%CI 1.353–19.723) were the predictors. Conclusions Using biologic mesh, one-quarter and one-fifth of CAWR patients are complicated with reoperation or recurrence, respectively. The operation settings and comorbidity may play a role in these outcomes regardless of the mesh placement techniques.
Total Hemispherical Emissivity of SS 316L with Simulated Very High Temperature Reactor Surface Conditions

Type 316L stainless steel (SS 316L) is a candidate material for the reactor core barrel and selected internal components for high (and very high) temperature gas reactors. An apparatus constructed ...
MHV leader RNA secondary structure affects binding to the nucleocapsid protein

Leader RNA is found at the 5′ end of the mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) genomic RNA, at the 5′ end of the seven viral mRNAs, and free in the cell. Leader RNA is synthesized by a transcriptional activity separate from the activities that synthesize both (-) sense genomic length RNA and the virus mRNAs1. It is believed to function as a primer, binding to complementary intergenic sites, on (-) sense template, situated 5′ of each of the initiation sites for viral mRNAs2. Using monoclonal antibodies specific for the nucleocapsid (N) protein, immunoprecipitations of RNA/protein complexes from infected cells indicate that the N protein is complexed to: 1) genomic RNA; Z) viral mRNAs; and 3) even free leader containing RNA fragments as small as 60 nucleotides in length3. Northwestern blot analysis showed that the viral N protein exhibits RNA binding activity that is specific for viral leader containing RNA when expressed in the (+) sense4,5. However, this system has several limitations. First, in denaturing conditions, RNA/protein interactions which require the interaction of multiple protein subunits cannot be studied, and second, it is not possible to quantify relative affinities and binding characteristics.
For Teachers, by Teachers: An Exploration of Teacher-Generated Online Professional Development

AbstractParticipatory online professional development opportunities created for teachers by teachers have emerged with the proliferation of social media. This article presents an investigation of a voluntary, participant-driven, 5-week online professional development offering in which two high school English teachers invited colleagues at a distance to explore teaching with young adult literature. This article details how the teachers who created and facilitated the course—voluntarily and with no compensation—describe their experiences. Findings reveal that participants described designing and facilitating a participatory online professional development opportunity as (a) a chance to address teachers' expressed needs; (b) a reciprocal process of enhancing confidence; and (c) a building block for future professional development offerings. Implications for teachers, teacher educators, and researchers are provided.
Gland-Preserving Surgery for Benign Neoplasms

Key Points 1. Extracapsular dissection (ECD) differs markedly from classic surgical approaches to the benign parotid neoplasm because initial facial nerve dissection is not performed. 2. Devastating adverse outcomes of permanent facial nerve dysfunction and recurrence preclude this procedure for the occasional and inexperienced parotid surgeon. 3. Low complication rates for ECD have been reported at high-volume centers. 4. The main advantage to ECD compared to traditional facial nerve dissection parotid procedures is the potential reduction in transient nerve injury, Frey’s syndrome, great auricular nerve injury, and sialocele. 5. Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) approach to the parapharyngeal space should include needle biopsy of the tumor to exclude malignancy and cross-sectional imaging to exclude extension across the stylomandibular tunnel. 6. The parapharyngeal space tumor approach should only be performed by surgeons who are comfortable with the transcervical approaches and who have extensive experience with other modules of TORS.
Deep learning beyond cats and dogs: recent advances in diagnosing breast cancer with deep neural networks

Deep learning has demonstrated tremendous revolutionary changes in the computing industry and its effects in radiology and imaging sciences have begun to dramatically change screening paradigms. Specifically, these advances have influenced the development of computer-aided detection and diagnosis (CAD) systems. These technologies have long been thought of as “second-opinion” tools for radiologists and clinicians. However, with significant improvements in deep neural networks, the diagnostic capabilities of learning algorithms are approaching levels of human expertise (radiologists, clinicians etc.), shifting the CAD paradigm from a “second opinion” tool to a more collaborative utility. This paper reviews recently developed CAD systems based on deep learning technologies for breast cancer diagnosis, explains their superiorities with respect to previously established systems, defines the methodologies behind the improved achievements including algorithmic developments, and describes remaining challenges in ...
Developing Interventional Radiology Anticoagulation Guidelines: Process and Benefits †

We created, posted, and updated radiology department anticoagulation guidelines and identified various steps in the process, including triggering events, consensus building, legal analysis, education, and distribution of the guidelines to nurses and clinicians. Supporting data collected retrospectively, before and after implementation, included nursing satisfaction survey results and the number of procedure cancellations. After the guidelines were developed and posted, significantly fewer procedures were cancelled, nursing satisfaction was higher, and radiologists performed procedures with less variability. Anecdotally, radiologists had fewer queries about anticoagulation. The development and dissemination of radiologic procedure anticoagulation guidelines should be considered as a departmental quality improvement project.
Impact of simulated micro-scotomas on reading performance in central and peripheral retina.

Abstract Observers with central field loss typically fixate within a non-foveal region called the preferred retinal locus, which can include localized sensitivity losses, or micro-scotomas (Krishnan and Bedell, 2018). In this study, we simulated micro-scotomas at the fovea and in the peripheral retina to assess their impact on reading speed. Ten younger ( 50 years old) naive observers with normal vision monocularly read high and/or low contrast sentences, presented at or above the critical print size for young observers at the fovea and at 5 and 10 deg in the inferior visual field. Reading material comprised MNREAD sentences and sentences taken from novels that were presented in rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) format. Randomly distributed 13 × 13 arc min blocks corresponding to 0–78% of the text area (corresponding to ∼0–17 micro-scotomas/deg2) were set to the background luminance to simulate micro-scotomas. A staircase algorithm estimated maximum reading speed from the threshold exposure duration for each combination of retinal eccentricity, contrast and micro-scotoma density in both age groups. Log10(RSVP reading speed) decreased significantly with simulated micro-scotoma density and eccentricity. Across conditions, reading speed was slower with low-compared to high-contrast text and was faster in younger than older normal observers. For a given eccentricity and contrast, a higher density of random element losses maximally affected older observers with normal vision. These outcomes may explain some of the reading deficits observed in older observers with central field loss.