cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improved Delay-Tolerant Communication by Considering Radio Propagation in Planning Data Ferry Navigation

Unmanned aircraft are becoming popular elements of team missions, where communication is essential for success. In either mobile or large environments, end-to-end communication may not be guaranteed, resulting in a need for a dedicated data ferry to deliver data. This work focuses on communication details while using an aircraft as a dedicated data ferry to collect and deliver data between separate nodes. Performance here depends heavily on the ferry's route between nodes, and we show that the route is dependant on the notion of visiting a node. In a stationary sensor network where the aircraft is given the order to visit nodes, considering range dependencies of wireless communication rates in the planning of the ferry's navigation can improve performance by reducing delay as much as 25% over more simplistic models. Ignoring these di erences may lead to choosing suboptimal routes. Communication models thus play an important role in designing higher layers of the ferry routing problem.
Laboratory life histories of Peromyscus eremicus and Peromyscus interparietalis.

Various aspects of reproduction in Peromyscus eremicus and P. interparietalis were studied. Mice of the P. guardia group are abundant on rocky beaches of the islands they inhabit but occur sparsely in other habitats. Birth of young of P. eremicus and of P. interparietalis occurred throughout the year in the laboratory. Mean litter size in the laboratory was 2.22 for P. eremicus and 2.40 for P. interparietalis. Gestation during lactation in P. interparietalis averaged ap¬proximately 32 days. Postpartum estrus occurs in P. interparietalis females and possibly also in P. eremicus females. The condition of the neonate and growth and development are similar in these two species and also to P. californicus.
Church and State in Cameroon: The Political Theology of Christian Cardinal Tumi

In this essay, I discuss church state relations in Cameroon through a hermeneutics of the political theology of Christian Cardinal Tumi. I begin with a brief introduction to set the scene and follow it with a discussion of two major works by Cardinal Tumi. In the first book Tumi provides a detailed analysis of his relationship with the political leaders of Cameroon, and in the second book, he articulates his political theology. I conclude by arguing that one way forward for a political theology in Cameroon is to embrace a broad perspective that is not restricted to one’s personal faith in Jesus Christ.
Elevated CETP Lipid Transfer Activity is Associated with the Risk of Venous Thromboembolism.

Aim: Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) is an important lipid transfer factor in plasma that enhances prothrombinase activity in purified systems. This study was conducted to test the association of plasma CETP activity with venous thrombosis (VTE) and to address the procoagulant mechanism of CETP activity in prothrombinase assays. Methods: We measured CETP lipid transfer activity in plasmas of 49 male VTE patients and in plasmas of matched controls. CETP procoagulant activity was tested in purified prothrombinase systems. Results: CETP lipid transfer activity levels were significantly higher in VTE patients than in controls (p = 0.0008). A subset of patients carrying the CETP mutations Ala373Pro and Arg451Gln, which were also linked to the VTE risk, showed significantly higher plasma CETP activity than the non-carriers. The plasma CETP activity negatively correlated with APTT, suggesting that the CETP activity is associated with plasma coagulability. Recombinant (r) CETP bound to both factor Xa (Kd = 15 nM) and Gla-domainless factor Xa (Kd = 59 nM), whereas rCETP enhanced prothrombin activation by factor Xa, but not by Gla-domainless factor Xa. rCETP also required factor Va for enhancement of prothrombinase activity. When we addressed the effects of mutations in CETP on prothrombinase activity, Gln451-rCETP was found to have five-fold higher thrombin generation activity than wt-rCETP or Pro373-rCETP. Conclusions: Elevated CETP lipid transfer activity in plasma was associated with the risk of VTE. Gln451-CETP, which is linked to VTE, has much higher procoagulant activity than wt-CETP. CETP might act as a physiologic procoagulant by mechanisms that involve its direct binding to factor Xa.
Glyphs for Asymmetric Second-Order 2D Tensors

Tensors model a wide range of physical phenomena. While symmetric tensors are sufficient for some applications such as diffusion, asymmetric tensors are required, for example, to describe differential properties of fluid flow. Glyphs permit inspecting individual tensor values, but existing tensor glyphs are fully defined only for symmetric tensors. We propose a glyph to visualize asymmetric second-order two-dimensional tensors. The glyph includes visual encoding for physically significant attributes of the tensor, including rotation, anisotropic stretching, and isotropic dilation. Our glyph design conserves the symmetry and continuity properties of the underlying tensor, in that transformations of a tensor such as rotation or negation correspond to analogous transformations of the glyph. We show results with synthetic data from computational fluid dynamics.
Lessons from Fission

My observations on the future of fusion reactors are based on twenty- five years of experience with military and civilian applications of fission reactors in the United States. From that perspective I believe that the United States, and probably the majority of the industrialized world, must convince the public that fusion reactors are safe and environmentally superior to all other viable alternatives if we are to be allowed to construct and operate them.
Charisma, Control and Coercion: the Dilemma of Leadership

The authority to lead does not necessarily accrue to those with power. Nowhere is this proposition more evident than among nation-states ruled by communist parties. The drama with which such distinctions became evident in Poland, culminating in 1980–81, bears witness to the dilemma communist parties face as they seek the authority to lead rather than just the power to rule. The former is sought, of course, because it is more efficient to govern when most citizens obey willingly, and best when some are enthusiastic supporters of those who govern and their policies.
Wave-Related Electric Fields

Electrostatic and electromagnetic waves play an important role in the earth’s environs. Much of what we call space weather is due to plasma instabilities in the ionosphere. In addition,we use radio waves of many types to probe and understand the system. In this chapter, we derive the key equations of electromagnetic wave theory and apply them to several examples, including lightning. We also explore a few important electrostatic instabilities.
TCT-779 Catheter-directed Thrombolysis vs. Systemic Thrombolysis in Acute PE: A Single Center Experience

Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) for acute pulmonary embolism (PE) has emerged as an alternative to systemic thrombolysis (ST) in patients with massive and submassive PE. ST in patients with submassive PE is effective at reducing PE related morbidity compared to heparin alone, however the net
Testosterone vs. aromatase inhibitor in older men with low testosterone: effects on cardiometabolic parameters.

Summary Testosterone (T) replacement is being increasingly offered to older men with age-related decline in testosterone levels. The effects of long-term testosterone replacement and aromatase inhibition (AI) on glucose homeostasis and cardiometabolic markers were determine in older non-diabetic men with low testosterone levels. Men ≥65 years, mean age 71 ± 3 years with serum total T < 350 ng/dL were randomized in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, proof-of-concept trial evaluating the effects of 5 g transdermal testosterone gel (TT) (n = 10), 1 mg anastrozole (n = 10) or placebo (n = 9) daily for 12 months. Homeostatic Model Assessment of insulin resistance (HOMAIR) was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included OGIS in response to OGTT, fasting lipids, C-reactive protein (CRP), adipokines, and abdominal and mid-thigh fat by computed tomography. All outcomes were assessed at baseline and 12 months. After 12 months, absolute changes in HOMAIR in both treatment arms (TT group: −0.05 ± 0.21); (AI group: 0.15 ± 0.10) were similar to placebo (−0.11 ± 0.26), as were CRP and fasting lipid levels. Adiponectin levels significantly decreased in the TT group (−1.8 ± 0.9 mg/L, p = 0.02) and abdominal subcutaneous fat (−60.34 ± 3.19 cm2, p = 0.003) and leptin levels (−1.5 ± 1.2 ng/mL, p = 0.04) were significantly lower with AI. Mid-thigh subcutaneous fat was reduced in both treatment arms (TT group: −4.88 ± 1.24 cm2, p = 0.008); (AI group: −6.05 ± 0.87 cm2, p = 0.0002). In summary, in this proof-of-concept trial, changes in HOMAIR AI were similar in all three groups while the effects of intervention on subcutaneous fat distribution and adipokines were variable. Larger efficacy and safety trials are needed before AI pharmacotherapy can be considered as a treatment option for low T levels in older men.
Single image restoration using scene ambient light differential

In this paper, we restore images degraded by scattering and absorption such as hazy, sandstorm, and underwater images. By calculating the difference between the observed intensity and the ambient light in a degraded image scene, which we call the scene ambient light differential, we estimate the transmission map. In the restoration process, we first enhance the degraded images based on the proposed transmission estimation using the image formation model, and then use an adaptive color correction method to restore color. Experimental results on various degraded images demonstrate the proposed method outperforms other enhancement and restoration methods.
Relational Possible Global Predicates

In this chapter, we discuss detection of relational global predicates which cannot be rewritten as a conjunction, or a disjunction of local predicates. The predicate (x 0 + x 1 < C) belongs to this class, where x0 and x1 are integers in different processes and C is a constant.
Magnetohydrodynamic Origin of Jets from Accretion Disksa

A review is made of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) theory and simulation of outflows from disks for different distributions of magnetic field threading the disk. In one limit of a relatively weak, initially diverging magnetic field, both thermal and magnetic pressure gradients act to drive matter to an outflow, while a toroidal magnetic field develops which strongly collimates the outflow. The collimation greatly reduces the field divergence and the mass outflow rate decreases after an initial peak. In a second limit of a strong magnetic field, the initial field configuration was taken with the field strength on the disk decreasing outwards to small values so that collimation was reduced. As a result, a family of stationary solutions was discovered where matter is driven mainly by the strong magnetic pressure gradient force. The collimation in this case depends on the pressure of an external medium. These flows are qualitatively similar to the analytic solutions for magnetically driven outflows. The problem of the opening of a closed field line configuration linking a magnetized star and an accretion disk is also discussed.
Shoe Orthotics for the Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Objectives To investigate the efficacy of shoe orthotics with and without chiropractic treatment for chronic low back pain compared with no treatment. Design Randomized controlled trial. Setting Integrative medicine teaching clinic at a university. Participants Adult subjects (N=225) with symptomatic low back pain of ≥3 months were recruited from a volunteer sample. Interventions Subjects were randomized into 1 of 3 treatment groups (shoe orthotic, plus, and waitlist groups). The shoe orthotic group received custom-made shoe orthotics. The plus group received custom-made orthotics plus chiropractic manipulation, hot or cold packs, and manual soft tissue massage. The waitlist group received no care. Main Outcome Measures The primary outcome measures were change in perceived back pain (numerical pain rating scale) and functional health status (Oswestry Disability Index) after 6 weeks of study participation. Outcomes were also assessed after 12 weeks and then after an additional 3, 6, and 12 months. Results After 6 weeks, all 3 groups demonstrated significant within-group improvement in average back pain, but only the shoe orthotic and plus groups had significant within-group improvement in function. When compared with the waitlist group, the shoe orthotic group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in pain ( P P =.0068). The addition of chiropractic to orthotics treatment demonstrated significantly greater improvements in function ( P =.0278) when compared with orthotics alone, but no significant difference in pain ( P =.3431). Group differences at 12 weeks and later were not significant. Conclusions Six weeks of prescription shoe orthotics significantly improved back pain and dysfunction compared with no treatment. The addition of chiropractic care led to higher improvements in function.
Drosophila cytoplasmic dynein: Mutations, tools, and developmental functions

Abstract The study of Drosophila cytoplasmic dynein has leveraged the awesome power of genetics to isolate mutations in dynein subunits and allow the organism to reveal dynein's essential functions. These studies have relied on an extensive background of literature describing Drosophila development, as well as a tool box of sophisticated technologies that have allowed the targeted studies of dynein function in specific cells and tissues. In this review, we summarize many of the available Drosophila mutations and tools that are used to study dynein's function and highlight developmental functions of dynein in germ cells, embryos, and neurons.
A comprehensive analysis of various electro-textile materials for wearable antenna applications

A wide diversification in the designs of flexible wearable antenna is conceivable these days thanks to the innovative utilization of electro-textile materials. These textiles are usually made of conductive yarn either in a twisted or spurn fashion and in some instances have conductive materials interpolated in them to enable electrical conductivity. In this paper, the use of electro-textile as a candidate for wearable patch antenna design is demonstrated. For a comparative analysis of different performance parameters, three patch antennas are designed and fabricated using ShieldiT super, Cobaltex and Copper Polyester Taffeta. Their performances are analyzed in the context of wearable patch antenna working at the 2.4 GHz ISM frequency band. For this comparative analysis, Jeans is used as the substrate due to its low dielectric constant and low loss tangent which results in a higher bandwidth and lower power loss. The measurement results from the fabricated wearable antennas are compared with the simulation results in terms of the reflection coefficient and received power. The objective of this comparative study is to identify the best performing electro-textiles for the next-generation IoT (Internet-of-things) and wearable biomedical sensor applications.
Nuclear DNA and Oxidative Phosphorylation

The ubiquitous nature of mitochondria, the dual genetic foundation of the OXPHOS system in mitochondrial and nuclear genome, and the peculiar rules of mitochondrial genetics all contribute to the extraordinary heterogeneity of clinical disorders associated with defects of oxidative phosphorylation (mitochondrial encephalomyopathies). Here, we review recent findings about nuclear gene defects in OXPHOS enzyme complex deficiency. This information should help in identifying patients with mitochondrial disease and defining a biochemical and molecular basis of the disorder found in each patient. This knowledge is indispensable for accurate genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis, and is a prerequisite for the development of rational therapies, which are still, at present, woefully inadequate.
Prospects for Early Detection and Options for Remediation of Leakage from CO 2 Storage Projects

Geologic storage projects of CO 2 should be designed to maintain secure storage thousands of years or longer. However, in some cases, leakage may occur and remediation measures, either to stop the leak or to prevent human or ecosystem impacts will be needed. Moreover, the availability of remediation options will reassure the public that geologic storage can be safe and effective and help build confidence in carbon capture and storage. This chapter reviews the remediation options available for many of the types of leakage that may occur based on analogous situations in natural gas storage, oil and gas production, groundwater remediation, and soil gas and vadose zone cleanup. Remediation options are discussed for damaged injection wells, leaking abandoned wells, over pressured reservoirs, carbon dioxide accumulations in shallow groundwater, secondary contamination of groundwater by acidification, vadose zone and soil gas accumulations, and surface releases. Examples of remediation options for buildings and surface water are also discussed.
Dominican Republic: Language Situation

Despite its extensive contact with Haitian creole or with English-speaking immigrants, by and large the Dominican Republic is essentially a monolingual Spanish-speaking country that exhibits common characteristics with other Hispanic Caribbean countries while retaining its own idiosyncratic properties.
Endonuclease III: an endonuclease from Escherichia coli that introduces single polynucleotide chain scissions in ultraviolet-irradiated DNA.

An endonuclease that makes single polynucleotide chain scissions in UV-irradiated DNA has been purified from Escherichia coli. The activity has the following properties: (1) unirradiated DNA is attacked very little if at all; (2) single-stranded DNA is not attacked, whether irradiated or not; (3) there is no requirement for divalent cations, and the activity is not affected by the addition of EDTA; (4) the pH optimum is approximately 7; (5) the activity is inhibited by 1 M NaC1, single-stranded DNA, transfer RNA, and unirradiated double-stranded DNA; (6) the sedimentation coefficient, S 20, W’ is approximately 2.6; (7) it is a basic protein. The enzyme is tentatively named E. coli endonuclease III. The physiological function of the endonuclease has not yet been established.
Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge (TPACK) and Beliefs of Preservice Secondary Mathematics Teachers: Examining the Relationships

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between preservice secondary mathematics teachers’ beliefs and knowledge regarding teaching mathematics with technology. By conducting three semi-structured interviews, I investigated four preservice secondary mathematics teachers’ technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge (TPACK) and their beliefs about the nature of mathematics, learning and teaching mathematics, and technology use in the mathematics classroom. The findings of this study suggest that preservice teachers with constructivist-oriented or student-centered beliefs about the nature of mathematics, learning mathematics, and technology use displayed higher levels of mathematical knowledge, pedagogical content knowledge, and technological content knowledge, respectively, than preservice teachers with traditional or teacher-centered beliefs about mathematics, learning, and technology use.
THE BUSINESS CYCLE AND INFLATION—THE MONETARIST VIEW

In one sense, we are all Keynesians now; in another sense, nobody is any longer a Keynesian. The latter half is at least as important as the first. 1 [ Milton Friedman ]
Expanding the fetal phenotype: Prenatal sonographic findings and perinatal outcomes in a cohort of patients with a confirmed 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

22q deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is most often correlated prenatally with congenital heart disease and or cleft palate. The extracardiac fetal phenotype associated with 22q11.2DS is not well described. We sought to review both the fetal cardiac and extracardiac findings associated with a cohort of cases ascertained prenatally, confirmed or suspected to have 22q11.2DS, born and cared for in one center. A retrospective chart review was performed on a total of 42 cases with confirmed 22q11.2DS to obtain prenatal findings, perinatal outcomes and diagnostic confirmation. The diagnosis was confirmed prenatally in 67% (28/42) and postnatally in 33% (14/42). The majority (81%) were associated with the standard LCR22A-LCR22D deletion. 95% (40/42) of fetuses were prenatally diagnosed with congenital heart disease. Extracardiac findings were noted in 90% (38/42) of cases. Additional findings involved the central nervous system (38%), gastrointestinal (14%), genitourinary (16.6%), pulmonary (7%), skeletal (19%), facial dysmorphism (21%), small/hypoplastic thymus (26%), and polyhydramnios (30%). One patient was diagnosed prenatally with a bilateral cleft lip and cleft palate. No fetus was diagnosed with intrauterine growth restriction. The average gestational age at delivery was 38 weeks and average birth weight was 3,105 grams. Sixty-two percentage were delivered vaginally and there were no fetal demises. A diagnosis of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome should be considered in all cases of prenatally diagnosed congenital heart disease, particularly when it is not isolated. Microarray is warranted in all cases of structural abnormalities diagnosed prenatally. Prenatal diagnosis of 22q11.2 syndrome can be used to counsel expectant parents regarding pregnancy outcome and guide neonatal management.
At the Original Position as a Fetus: Rawlsian Political Theory, Human Rights, and the Pro-Life Imperative

The approach of liberal political philosopher John Rawls on the issue of abortion relied on his construct of “public reason,” in which citizens in a pluralistic democracy restrict the use of deliberative arguments and reasons which are drawn from their “irreconcilable comprehensive doctrines,” including their religious worldviews. From this reasoning, Rawls concludes that a just society is one which includes the legal right to abortion. However, I contend that the use of another of Rawls’s theories — “justice as fairness” — leads to an alternate conclusion: that legally sanctioned abortion represents the unjust persecution of a specific population — the unborn. This theoretical approach lends itself to the conclusion that a just society ought to protect the fetus as a uniquely vulnerable position in society.
The Duality of Vietnam’s Deference and Resistance to China

ABSTRACTCritically reviewing David Kang’s China-centred hierarchical model, his interpretation of historical interactions between China and Vietnam favours Sinocentrism whilst claiming to rescue historical East Asian international relations theories from Eurocentrism. This analysis provides a nuanced account of Vietnam’s agency in pursuing its national interests in the context of a rising China, showing that Vietnam today continues to draw on the historical tradition of deference/resistance to China to orient its strategies and tactics in dealing with its northern neighbour. Vietnam’s stance toward China is akin to balancing Great Power influence, which entails enlisting other Great Powers to defend its core interests vis-a-vis China. The result is that Vietnam simultaneously pursues a mixture of deference and resistance to China that does not resemble balance of power—against China, or balance of threat—bandwagon with China's behaviours.
Can rituximab unlock the innate potential of checkpoint blockade in the CNS

Under normal conditions, the brain maintains a relatively quiescent immunologic state, however in the setting of CNS lymphoma, a robust inflammatory response is often detectable in diagnostic speci...
Impact of Child and Maternal Weight on Healthcare Trainee Clinical Assessment Decision Making: A Virtual Human Study

Abstract Background: Adult literature documents that healthcare providers rely on patient characteristics, such as age, race, and weight, when making clinical decisions. However, little research ha...
How prior experience and self-efficacy shape graduate student perceptions of an online learning environment in computing

ABSTRACTBackground & Context: As graduate programs in computing expand to online environments, existing research is limited in its ability to inform both practical and theoretical understandings of the factors influencing student success.Objective: We explore student perceptions of their learning environment at the understudied intersection of online graduate education, STEM, and adult learning. We focus on how students’ human capital influences self-efficacy and how self-efficacy shapes perceptions of the learning environment.Method: We conduct a survey of students in a large, online MS program in computer science, then examine those findings using descriptive statistics and OLS.Findings: Findings indicate gender variation in both learning and computing self-efficacy and in how positively students perceive the online learning environment. Students with prior online education experiences have lower learning self-efficacy.Implications: Low learning self-efficacy is one potential mechanism for why online st...
Rapid evolutionary responses to insecticide resistance management interventions by the German cockroach (Blattella germanica L.)

The German cockroach (Blattella germanica L.) is a worldwide pest that lives exclusively in human environments. B. germanica threatens human health by producing asthma-triggering allergens, vectoring pathogenic/antibiotic-resistant microbes, and by contributing to unhealthy indoor environments. While insecticides are essential for reducing cockroach populations and improving health outcomes, insecticide resistance has been a consistent barrier to cockroach control since the 1950s. We conducted seminal field studies to compare three insecticide resistance intervention strategies for cockroaches and evaluated resistance evolution across multiple generations. Using pre-treatment resistance assessment to drive decisions, we found that single active ingredient (AI) treatments can successfully eliminate cockroaches if starting resistance levels are low. We further established that rotation treatments intuitively reduce selection pressure, and are effective when insecticides with no/low resistance are used. We also found that mixture products containing thiamethoxam + λ-cyhalothrin AIs were universally ineffective and highly repellent; and finally, evolution of cross-resistance among AIs is a significant, previously unrealized challenge.
Genetic Mutations Underlying Phenotypic Plasticity in Basosquamous Carcinoma

Basosquamous carcinoma (BSC) is an aggressive skin neoplasm with the features of both basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). While genetic drivers of BCC and SCC development have been extensively characterized, BSC has not been well studied, and it remains unclear whether these tumors originally derive from BCC or SCC. In addition, it is unknown which molecular pathways mediate the reprogramming of tumor keratinocytes toward basaloid or squamatized phenotypes. We sought to characterize the genomic alterations underlying sporadic BSC to elucidate the derivation of these mixed tumors. We identifed frequent Hedgehog (Hh) pathway mutations in BSCs, implicating Hh deregulation as the primary driving event in BSC. Principal component analysis of BCC and SCC driver genes further demonstrate the genetic similarity between BCC and BSC. In addition, 45% of the BSCs harbor recurrent mutations in the SWI/SNF complex gene, ARID1A, and evolutionary analysis revealed that ARID1A mutations occur after PTCH1 but before SCC driver mutations, indicating that ARID1A mutations may bestow plasticity enabling squamatization. Finally, we demonstrate mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway activation and the loss of Hh signaling associated with the squamatization of BSCs. Overall, these results support the genetic derivation of BSCs from BCCs and highlight potential factors involved in modulating tumor reprogramming between basaloid and squamatized phenotypes.
The Role for Radical Prostatectomy in Advanced Prostate Cancer

Radical prostatectomy can be an effective treatment in the management of high-risk or locally advanced prostate cancer. Radical prostatectomy provides accurate pathologic grading and staging and when used alone or as part of multimodal treatment can result in acceptable long-term local control and prostate cancer survival.
Spatial analysis and simulation of selected hydrogeologic and groundwater quality parameters in a glacial till aquitard

vi CHAPTER 1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION 1 Rationale and Objectives 1 Dissertation Organization 3 References 4 CHAPTER 2. HYDRAULIC CONDUCTIVITY VARIATIONS IN WEATHERED AND UNWEATHERED GLACIAL TILL FROM SLUG TESTS 7 Abstract 7 Introduction 7 Site Description and Field Experimental Methods 8 Method of Analysis for Slug Test Data 9 Results and Discussion 12 Conclusions IS Acknowledgements 16 References 16 CHAPTER 3. GEOSTATISTICAL ANALYSIS AND ESTIMATION OF HYDRAULIC CONDUCTIVITY IN GLACIAL TILL 35 Abstract 35 Introduction 35 Theoretical Background 37 Site Description and Field Experimental Methods 42 Methodology for Geostatistical Analysis 43 Results and Discussion 44 Conclusions 50 Acknowledgements 51 References 52
3D Mapping of Serial Histology Sections with Anomalies Using a Novel Robust Deformable Registration Algorithm

The neuroimaging field is moving toward micron scale and molecular features in digital pathology and animal models. These require mapping to common coordinates for annotation, statistical analysis, and collaboration. An important example, the BRAIN Initiative Cell Census Network, is generating 3D brain cell atlases in mouse, and ultimately primate and human.
The adjuvant use of capecitabine for residual disease following pre-operative chemotherapy for breast cancer: Challenges applying CREATE-X to a US population:

IntroductionThe CREATE-X study, conducted in Japan and South Korea, established capecitabine as an adjuvant treatment option for patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) who have residual...
Studies on the optimization of deformation processed metal metal matrix composites

A methodology for the production of deformation processed metal metal matrix composites from hyper-eutectic copper-chromium alloys was developed. This methodology was derived from a basic study of the precipitation phenomena in these alloys encompassing evaluation of microstructural, electrical, and mechanical properties. The methodology developed produces material with a superior combination of electrical and mechanical properties compared to those presently available in commercial alloys. New and novel alloying procedures were investigated to extend the range of production methods available for these material. These studies focused on the use of High Pressure Gas Atomization and the development of new containment technologies for the liquid alloy. This allowed the production of alloys with a much more refined starting microstructure and lower contamination than available by other methods. The knowledge gained in the previous studies was used to develop two completely new families of deformation processed metal metal matrix composites. These composites are based on immissible alloys with yttrium and magnesium matrices and refractory metal reinforcement. This work extends the physical property range available in deformation processed metal metal matrix composites. Additionally, it also represents new ways to apply these metals in engineering applications.
Labeled Leukocyte Imaging: Dawn of an Era (perspective on “Indium-111-Labeled Autologous Leukocytes in Man” J Nucl Med. 1977;18:1014–1021)

More than one hundred years after the discovery of penicillin, infection remains a major threat to humankind. In 2017, more than 8 million deaths and 400,000 years of life lost were due to infection, making it first in morbidity and third in mortality among human diseases ([1][1]). Diagnosing
Black “(un)bookishness” in Othello and American Moor: A Meditation

As Iago reminds the audience of his continued plans to distort both truth and reality for Othello, he characterizes the burgeoning jealousy of his adversary as “unbookish”: As he shall smile, Othel...
Predicting Farms’ Donations to Food Banks using the Analytic Hierarchical Process and Dempster Shafer Theory

We present an analysis of factors contributing to the annual level of donation of sweet potatoes in 2010-2016 to a North Carolina food bank. Our approach follows that of Su et al., who used the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Dempster-Shafer theory (DST) to assess annual grain security in China for 1997-2007. We first identified the indices (or factors or criteria) that influence the level of donation and their "directions:" positive (the more the better), negative, or non-directional (average is best). We divided the range of each index into degrees (intervals) then applied AHP to get weights for the indices. To apply DST, we defined a frame of discernment that would generate focal elements that could be assigned to degrees of the indices. Then, using the index weights, we defined a BPA (basic probability function) for each year. Since for each year we had multiple pieces of possibly conflicting evidence, we used Dempster’s rule to combine each BPA with itself several times. In the resulting BPA, the focal element with greatest mass was taken as the prediction for the donation level for that year. We partitioned the range of the donation data into degrees to compare observations with the focal elements in the BPA. Predicted donation degrees matched observed degrees reasonably well if degree boundaries are well chosen. Analysis of apparent anomalies suggested a more sophisticated approach and the need to involve other information sources. This approach allows one to experiment in a principled way (and without assumptions about probability distributions) with the relative importance of the multiple factors that affect the predicted quantity and so to understand how these factors together contribute to that quantity. It is suggested for gaining preliminary insight, which may be exploited in the application of more rigid analytic techniques.
Hansen's Mistaken View on Keynes's Creation of the IS-LM Model: Where Hansen Went Wrong

A.Hansen essentially went wrong in his evaluation of Keynes’s work in the General Theory (GT;1936) that dealt with the Liquidity Preference function in chapters 13,14,15,and 21.His basic error occurs when he evaluates Keynes’s chapter 14 analysis on pp.179-183 that dealt with the fact that the neoclassical analysis was missing the liquidity preference function by using the wrong liquidity preference function on page 168 from chapter 13 instead of using the correct Liquidity Preference function from page 199 in chapter 15.The Liquidity Preference function from chapter 15 is defined for Y and r. It can only be analyzed in (r,Y) space. It is impossible to analyze in (r;Qm,Qs) space. Keynes’s December, 1933 model of IS-LP(LM),presented to Keynes’s students, demonstrates that Hansen’s belief that the rate of interest for Keynes was determined only by the demand and supply of money was always false.
Welfare Costs of Urban Traffic through Retail Prices

This paper investigates the welfare costs of urban traffic by considering its implications on good-level prices. Using price data for 40 products from 70 cities (covering 47 countries) for multiple years, the estimation results suggest that the elasticity of good-level prices with respect to the time spent in urban traffic is about 0.5. This elasticity is further connected to the welfare of individuals by using the implications of a simple model. The corresponding investigation shows that reducing the time spent in urban traffic by one minute results in a welfare gain of about 1.3% for the average city, with a range between 0.8% and 2.3% across cities.
The Publicness of Publicly Funded Research (Accepted for Publication: Science and Public Policy Journal)

In this paper, we chronicle key U.S. legislative initiatives during the post-World War II history of public policy related to the ownership of publicly funded research-based knowledge. Our motivation for recording this history is the observation that many scholars, who are appropriately concerned about taxpayer rights, have argued for the need for public policy to clarify ownership of the publicness or openness of publicly funded research results when in fact such public policies have long been in place. We conclude this historical trace with the proposition that if the past is prologue to the future, one might expect future administrations to continue to acknowledge the importance of public access to findings from publicly funded research, be that research having occurred in federal laboratories, universities, or private-sector organizations.
Colon cancer screening

Colorectal cancer is a major health problem worldwide. Last year in the United States alone, more than 130 000 people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer and more than 56 000 died of their disease[1]. Fortunately, this neoplasm is highly suited to screening because of its long preclinical phase, during which it is detectable and curable[2]. Nevertheless, screening programs for colorectal cancer have been only partly successful, owing largely to poor patient compliance with screening recommendations[3,4]. A number of organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Cancer Society (ACS), the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR), the US Preventive Service Task Force (USPSTF), and the American Gastroenterology Association (AGA) have issued or endorsed guidelines for colorectal cancer screening. This review summarizes the clinical evidence supporting colorectal cancer screening in the average-risk population and in high-risk groups, discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the available screening tests, and outlines the currently recommended guidelines for screening based on risk category.
The Gene Product of IMPG1 is the Glycoprotein SPACR, not an IPM Proteoglycan

From affinity purified SPACR we obtained seven peptides whose sequences reveal 100% identity to the deduced sequences in IMPG1 (accession number AF047492). The gene product of IMPG 1 is described as a chondroitin-6-sulfate proteoglycan. We report here that SPACR is the most prominent 147–150kD molecule present in the IPM. SPACR is not a chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan since it is not a product of chondroitinase ABC digestion and does not react with a highly specific chondroitin-6-sulfate antibody. Additionally, the deduced amino acid sequence of IMPG1 reveals no established glycosaminoglycan attachment site. We conclude that the glycoprotein SPACR is the gene product of IMPG1. SPACR is a heavily sialated glycoprotein containing both N- and O-linked glyconjugates. It is not the core protein of an IPM specific chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan.
Biased Replacement Policies for Web Caches: Differential Quality-of-Service and Aggregate User Value

Disk space in shared Web caches can be diverted to serve some system users at the expense of others. Cache hits reduce server loads, and if servers desire load reduction to different degrees, a replacement policy which prioritizes cache space across servers can provide differential quality-of-service (QoS). We present a simple generalization of least-frequently-used (LFU) replacement that is sensitive to varying levels of server valuation for cache hits. Through trace-driven simulation we show that under a particular assumption about server valuations our algorithm delivers a reasonable QoS relationship: higher byte hit rates for servers that value hits more. We furthermore adopt the economic perspective that value received by system users is a more appropriate performance metric than hit rate or byte hit rate, and demonstrate that our algorithm delivers higher "social welfare" (aggregate value to servers) than LRU or LFU.
Rings of Uranus - A review of occultation results

The structure and orbits of the nine confirmed rings of Uranus are reviewed based on occultation observations from ring discovery in March 1977 through April 1981. Observations of stellar occultations by Uranus have revealed the rings to be characterized by narrow widths (up to 100 km) and sharp edges, with possible internal structure, and to have orbits fitting the coplanar precession model, and showing a decreasing eccentricity with semimajor axis. Occultation results have also allowed the determination of the J2 and J4 coefficients of the Uranian gravity potential, the coordinates of the ring plane pole, planetary equatorial radius and ellipticity and the rotation period. The sharp edges and narrow widths of the rings may be explained by small satellites orbiting near the rings, and the uniform precession of three of the rings is attributed to self-gravity. Future plans for Uranus ring observations include further occultation studies, the Voyager 2 fly-by, and Space Telescope data.
Immunologic effects of whole-body ultraviolet (uv) irradiation. III Defective splenic adherent cell function in alloantigen-stimulated T-cell proliferation.

Abstract The daily exposure of a mouse to ultraviolet (uv) radiation causes a selective depletion of Ia-bearing adherent cells in that animal's spleen. This depletion manifests itself in functional deficiencies in the presentation of protein antigens and haptens to T cells. The present studies demonstrate a defect in splenic adherent cells (SAC) from uv-irradiated mice resulting in defective alloantigen presentation. We show that unfractionated splenocytes and SAC from uv-irradiated mice show decreased stimulatory activity in allogeneic MLR. We then utilize this phenomenon induced by uv radiation to characterize the stimulator cell in the M locus (Mls) determinant-driven MLR. We show that the stimulator cell in Mls determinant-driven MLR is an adherent cell and demonstrate that this stimulator cell bears Ia determinants by showing that whole spleen cells and SAC from mice treated with uv radiation are inefficient stimulators of the Mls determinant-driven MLR. The importance of the Ia determinant on the stimulator cells in Mls determinant-driven MLR is corroborated by the demonstration that a monoclonal antibody directed at this determinant fully blocks the Mls determinant-driven MLR. The significance of these studies to the problem of alloreactions in vivo is discussed.
Investment-Specific R and D and the Decline in the Relative Price of Capital

The relative price of capital has declined at a rapid rate in the postwar period.This article provides a candidate explanation for this relative price decline—research and development that are embodied in new, more efficient investment goods. The model mimics the secular aspects of the data, and it has the property that the long-run growth rate of consumption is nontrivially determined as a function of the R and D efforts. Because growth is driven by investment in durable goods in the present model, it seems natural to assume that R and D is product-specific and that the firms producing these goods are long-lived profit centers that internalize the dynamic gains from R and D. A result of this assumption is that the growth rate in the decentralized economy is too low: the so-called business stealing effects that may cause the equilibrium growth rate to be too high in other models is internalized here in the form of planned obsolescence.
Foundations of Quantum Gravity

Exploring how the subtleties of quantum coherence can be consistently incorporated into Einstein's theory of gravitation, this book is ideal for researchers interested in the foundations of relativity and quantum physics. The book examines those properties of coherent gravitating systems that are most closely connected to experimental observations. Examples of consistent co-gravitating quantum systems whose overall effects upon the geometry are independent of the coherence state of each constituent are provided, and the properties of the trapping regions of non-singular black objects, black holes and a dynamic de Sitter cosmology are discussed analytically, numerically and diagrammatically. The extensive use of diagrams to summarise the results of the mathematics enables readers to bypass the need for a detailed understanding of the steps involved. Assuming some knowledge of quantum physics and relativity, the book provides text boxes featuring supplementary information for readers particularly interested in the philosophy and foundations of the physics.
“Want to Stay Over?” Demographic, Intrapersonal, and Relational Differences Among Those Who Date, Stay-Over, and Cohabit

This study explored the potential uniqueness of staying over, or spending the night with a romantic partner, as a relationship status. Using a recent sample of 2,304 individuals in romantic relationships, we explored how staying over might be associated with demographic, intrapersonal, and relational characteristics. Results suggested that individuals in “stay-over relationships” were similar to those in dating relationships and that cohabiters, defined as those who lived with a romantic partner in the same residence, were the most likely to differ from those in other types of relationships on demographic, intrapersonal, and relational assessments. Staying over in the absence of cohabitation was not associated with differences in relationship outcomes once controls were taken into account, but cohabiters who were not spending the night together did report lower relationship satisfaction compared with cohabiters spending most nights together.
Muscle-directed gene therapy for hemophilia B with more efficient and less immunogenic AAV vectors

Summary. Background: Adeno-associated viral vector (AAV)-mediated and muscle-directed gene therapy is a safe and non-invasive approach to treatment of hemophilia B and other genetic diseases. However, low efficiency of transduction, inhibitor formation and high prevalence of pre-existing immunity to the AAV capsid in humans remain as main challenges for AAV2-based vectors using this strategy. Vectors packaged with AAV7, 8 and 9 serotypes have improved gene transfer efficiencies and may provide potential alternatives to overcome these problems. Objective: To compare the long-term expression of canine factor IX (cFIX) levels and anti-cFIX antibody responses following intramuscular injection of vectors packaged with AAV1, 2, 5, 7, 8 and 9 capsid in immunocompetent hemophilia B mice. Results: Highest expression was detected in mice injected with AAV2/8 vector (28% of normal), followed by AAV2/9 (15%) and AAV2/7 (10%). cFIX expression by AAV2/1 only ranged from 0 to 5% of normal levels. High incidences of anti-cFIX inhibitor (IgG) were detected in mice injected with AAV2 and 2/5 vectors, followed by AAV2/1. None of the mice treated with AAV2/7, 2/8 and 2/9 developed inhibitors or capsid T cells. Conclusions: AAV7, 8 and 9 are more efficient and safer vectors for muscle-directed gene therapy with high levels of transgene expression and absence of inhibitor formation. The absence of antibody response to transgene by AAV7, 8 and 9 is independent of vector dose but may be due to the fact that these three serotypes are associated with high level distribution to, and transduction of, hepatocytes following i.m. injection.
A framework for portable shared memory programming

Widespread adaptation of shared memory programming for high performance computing has been inhibited by a lack of standardization and the resulting portability problems between platforms and APIs. We present the HAMSTER framework, which helps overcome these problems via cross-platform support and easy retargetability to a wide range of programming models. HAMSTER currently supports models ranging from thread APIs to one-sided put/get interfaces, all on top of a single, core middleware architecture. The HAMSTER framework allows programmers to use any of these models, without modification, on top of SMPs, NUMA-like clusters, and Beowulf systems. In addition, our experiments show that HAMSTER achieves this flexibility and portability without sacrificing performance.