cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computational approaches to define a human milk metaglycome

Motivation: The goal of deciphering the human glycome has been hindered by the lack of high-throughput sequencing methods for glycans. Although mass spectrometry (MS) is a key technology in glycan sequencing, MS alone provides limited information about the identification of monosaccharide constituents, their anomericity and their linkages. These features of individual, purified glycans can be partly identified using well-defined glycan-binding proteins, such as lectins and antibodies that recognize specific determinants within glycan structures. Results: We present a novel computational approach to automate the sequencing of glycans using metadata-assisted glycan sequencing, which combines MS analyses with glycan structural information from glycan microarray technology. Success in this approach was aided by the generation of a ‘virtual glycome’ to represent all potential glycan structures that might exist within a metaglycomes based on a set of biosynthetic assumptions using known structural information. We exploited this approach to deduce the structures of soluble glycans within the human milk glycome by matching predicted structures based on experimental data against the virtual glycome. This represents the first meta-glycome to be defined using this method and we provide a publically available web-based application to aid in sequencing milk glycans. Availability and implementation: http://glycomeseq.emory.edu Contact: sagravat@bidmc.harvard.edu Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
RGS10 deficiency ameliorates the severity of disease in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Regulator of G-protein signaling (RGS) family proteins, which are GTPase accelerating proteins (GAPs) that negatively regulate G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), are known to be important modulators of immune cell activation and function. Various single-nucleotide polymorphisms in RGS proteins highly correlate with increased risk for multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune, neurodegenerative disorder. An in-depth search of the gene expression omnibus profile database revealed higher levels of RGS10 and RGS1 transcripts in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in MS patients, suggesting potential functional roles for RGS proteins in MS etiology and/or progression. To define potential roles for RGS10 in regulating autoimmune responses, we evaluated RGS10-null and wild-type (WT) mice for susceptibility to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a widely studied model of MS. Leukocyte distribution and functional responses were assessed using biochemical, immunohistological, and flow cytometry approaches. RGS10-null mice displayed significantly milder clinical symptoms of EAE with reduced disease incidence and severity, as well as delayed onset. We observed fewer CD3+ T lymphocytes and CD11b+ myeloid cells in the central nervous system (CNS) tissues of RGS10-null mice with myelin oligodendrocyte protein (MOG)35–55-induced EAE. Lymph node cells and splenocytes of immunized RGS10-null mice demonstrated decreased proliferative and cytokine responses in response to in vitro MOG memory recall challenge. In adoptive recipients, transferred myelin-reactive RGS10-null Th1 cells (but not Th17 cells) induced EAE that was less severe than their WT counterparts. These data demonstrate a critical role for RGS10 in mediating autoimmune disease through regulation of T lymphocyte function. This is the first study ever conducted to elucidate the function of RGS10 in effector lymphocytes in the context of EAE. The identification of RGS10 as an important regulator of inflammation might open possibilities for the development of more specific therapies for MS.
Neotrigonia, the Sole Surviving Genus of the Trigoniidae (Bivalvia, Mollusca)

The bivalve mollusk genus Neotrigonia holds a special place in the history of evolutionary biology. When it was discovered in 1802, naturalists had believed for many years that the family to which it belongs, the Trigoniidae, had disappeared at the end of the Mesozoic Era, about 65 million years ago (Gould 1968). Thus, Neotrigonia has been regarded as a “living fossil” in the sense that it is the sole surviving genus of a once flourishing and widely distributed family. In Upper Cretaceous deposits (ranging from about 100 million years old to 65 million years old) approximately 20 genera of trigoniids are recognized (Cox et al. 1969). In early Cenozoic deposits, however, only one trigoniid genus has been found; this is Eotrigonia, the apparent ancestor of the living genus.
Microwave Treatment of Hazardous Wastes: Physical Chemical Mechanisms

The objective Is to develop processes to treat hazardous waste streams using microwave treatment. First, physical chemical mechanisms have been posited for a variety, of such waste streams including: soils contaminated with organics, and toxic heavy metals; “spent” GAC; organics in the gas phase. Second, feasibility tests are being carried out to determine if on-site field testing is warranted. In the case of microwave-induced steam distillation of volatile and semivolatile organics, pilot plant stuides indicate that the incident power cost is not prohibitive: that fear of prohibitive power costs has been thought to be the major drawback for micrwave treatment to become a competitive technology in this market.
DISTRIBUTED MICFOPRCCESSORS IN AVIONICS SYSTEMS

This paper discusses the advantages of multiple distributed processors in avionics systems and the characteristics of the software which must be provided for these processors. It considers the present characteristics of avionics software and what the f uture will be with several of the innovations which are caning into the technology at the present time. It goes on to discuss the characteristics of software construction for distributed avionics systems and need for software tools and testing aids to make possible the ef f icient and reliable construction of programs for these systems. And it concludes by pointing out that the distributed processor concept can have a high pay-off in avionic systems and increased flexibility and reliability, but that development of adequate software production and testing tools is required.
A mixed-integer bilevel programming approach for a competitive prioritized set covering problem

The competitive set covering problem is a two-player Stackelberg (leader-follower) game involving a set of items and clauses. The leader acts first to select a set of items, and with knowledge of the leader's action, the follower then selects another subset of items. There exists a set of clauses, where each clause is a prioritized set of items. A clause is satisfied by the selected item having the highest priority, resulting in a reward for the player that introduced the highest-priority selected item. We examine a mixed-integer bilevel programming (MIBLP) formulation for a competitive set covering problem, assuming that both players seek to maximize their profit. This class of problems arises in several fields, including non-cooperative product introduction and facility location games. We develop an MIBLP model for this problem in which binary decision variables appear in both stages of the model. Our contribution regards a cutting-plane algorithm, based on inequalities that support the convex hull of feasible solutions and induce faces of non-zero dimension in many cases. Furthermore, we investigate alternative verification problems to equip the algorithm with cutting planes that induce higher-dimensional faces, and demonstrate that the algorithm significantly improves upon existing general solution method for MIBLPs.
Abstract 198: Racial Disparity In Resuming Anticoagulation For Atrial Fibrillation After An Episode Of Major Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Background: Racial disparities are well known in patients treated for atrial fibrillation (AF). Racial minorities are less likely to be treated and diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. However, it is not known if gastrointestinal bleeding which is common complication in anticoagulated atrial fibrillation patients leads to any racial disparities. Methods: Retrospective data was obtained from claims of warfarin prescriptions made to a large insurance company of South Eastern Michigan. Patients with gastrointestinal bleeding were confirmed by detailed chart review. GIB was defined as a drop of 2 gram of hemoglobin or need for blood transfusion in the setting of one of the symptoms of GIB confirmed by hospital staff. A propensity matched multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the likelihood of being resumed on warfarin. Recurrent GIB, stroke/TIA and mortality rates were also compared between Caucasians and African Americans.The analysis was adjusted for propensity score, blood transfusions, length of stay, CHADS2 and HAS - BLED scores. Results: Out of 118,342 initially obtained patients on warfarin, there were 1143 (mean age 75.8 ± 14.7, women 46%) patients that developed gastrointestinal bleeding while on anticoagulation for AF. There were 776 (58.38%) Caucasians and 367 (27.6%) African American (AA) patients. Out of these, 339 (43.7%) Caucasians and 189 (55.7%) AA patients were resumed on warfarin (p = 0.001). Warfarin was resumed later in Caucasians than AA (68 vs. 64 days, p = 0.03). AA were more likely to not resume warfarin due to personal preference or negative experience with warfarin and Caucasians were more likely to not resume warfarin due to doctor’s suspicion of higher risk of bleeding (p <0.01). Caucasians had less endoscopic evaluations 106 (13.6%) than AA 58 (15.8%) patients (p = 0.002). AA had non-significant higher rates of recurrent GIB 48 vs. 68 (13.1% vs. 12.8%) than Caucasians (p=0.09) but stroke risk was significantly less than Caucasians 39 vs. 112 (10.6% vs 14.4%) (p = 0.001).There were 113 (30.7%) deaths in AA and 301 (38.7%) Caucasians died (p = 0.001). The risk of stroke was lower in AA patients than Caucasians (OR 0.74; 95% CI 0.58 - 0.94, p = 0.015). AA also had decreased mortality (HR 1.45; 95% CI 1.2 - 2.1, p = 0.004). There were higher readmissions for recurrent GIB in AA patients (p= 0.04). For having one more stroke/TIA than AA, warfarin needed to be discontinued in 41 additional Caucasians than AA. Conclusion: In conclusion, the racial disparity in resuming warfarin after an episode of major GIB in anticoagulated patients for atrial fibrillation was more for Caucasians than African American. This may be explained by uncertainty of outcomes that frequently leads to overtreatment of minority patients. Cultural beliefs for not resuming warfarin might have also played a role.
Cortex dynamically modulates responses of thalamic relay neurons through prolonged circuit-level disinhibition in rat thalamus in vivo.

Dense corticothalamic projections modulate thalamic sensory responses in the rat vibrissa system as cortex selectively changes thalamic whisker responses depending upon the direction preference of ...
Fully automatic processing of in vivo proton spectra and spectroscopic images

A fully automated spectral analysis method is proposed. This is used in combination with several additional processing steps to provide totally automated formation of /sup 1/H metabolite images from the magnetic resonance (MR) spectral data of the human brain. The MR images obtained by the new method show great improvement compared with the images obtained by the traditional method. The new method could provide a very promising solution to massive routine processing of magnetic resonance spectral imaging data for clinical and biomedical studies. >
Team Approach: The Treatment of Metastatic Tumors of the Femoral Diaphysis.

The differential diagnosis for an adult patient presenting with an aggressive-appearing bone lesion includes metastatic disease, multiple myeloma, lymphoma, chondrosarcoma, osteosarcoma, non-neoplastic conditions such as infection, and metabolic bone diseases such as Paget disease of bone[1][1]. An
The EPISOD study: long-term outcomes

Background and Aims The EPISOD (Evaluating Predictors and Interventions in Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction) study randomized patients with post-cholecystectomy pain, and little or no objective evidence for biliary obstruction, to sphincterotomy or sham intervention. Results at 1 year showed no benefit for the active treatment. We now report the outcomes at up to 5 years. Methods One hundred three patients completing 1 year, and still blinded to treatment allocation, were enrolled and followed by phone every 6 months for a median of 58 months (range, 17-71 months). Their success was assessed at the final visit by 2 criteria: (1) a low pain score (Recurrent Abdominal Pain and Disability instrument [RAPID] Results By the RAPID criteria, success rates for the patients in the sphincterotomy and sham arms were similar: 26/65 (40%) versus 16/38 (42%), respectively. However, by the PGIC criteria, actively treated patients fared worse: 16/43 (37%) versus 16/22 (73%). A total of 75 patients underwent active treatment during the entire study. Their success rate by the RAPID criteria was 31 (41%) compared with 16 (62%) who had no active treatment at any time. Conclusions These data confirm our initial report that endoscopic sphincterotomy is no better than sham intervention in these patients (and, by some criteria, worse), and that ERCP can no longer be recommended. The patients have genuine and often severe symptoms, and further research is needed to establish effective management. (Clinical trial registration number: 00688662 05/3/2008.)
Highly efficient passively Q-switched Tm:YAP laser using a Cr:ZnS saturable absorber.

We describe a diode-pumped, passively Q-switched 2 μm Tm:YAP laser generating 10.5 W of average power. The laser utilized a Cr2+:ZnS saturable absorber with a nonsaturated transmission (T0) of 90% and exhibited a record 46% optical slope efficiency and a 42% overall optical conversion efficiency, both measured relative to the incident 794 nm pump power. At maximum average output power, the laser generated 0.6 mJ Q-switched pulses with a maximum peak power of 32 kW. Pulse duration varied between 20 and 53 ns, depending on operating wavelength and pump power. A laser with a T0=80% saturable absorber generated 1.45 mJ Q-switched pulses with a peak power of 138 kW.
Broad spectrum infrared thermal desorption of wipe-based explosive and narcotic samples for trace mass spectrometric detection.

Wipe collected analytes were thermally desorbed using broad spectrum near infrared heating for mass spectrometric detection. Employing a twin tube filament-based infrared emitter, rapid and efficiently powered thermal desorption and detection of nanogram levels of explosives and narcotics was demonstrated. The infrared thermal desorption (IRTD) platform developed here used multi-mode heating (direct radiation and secondary conduction from substrate and subsequent convection from air) and a temperature ramp to efficiently desorb analytes with vapor pressures across eight orders of magnitude. The wipe substrate experienced heating rates up to (85 ± 2) °C s−1 with a time constant of (3.9 ± 0.2) s for 100% power emission. The detection of trace analytes was also demonstrated from complex mixtures, including plastic-bonded explosives and exogenous narcotics, explosives, and metabolites from collected artificial latent fingerprints. Manipulation of the emission power and duration directly controlled the heating rate and maximum temperature, enabling differential thermal desorption and a level of upstream separation for enhanced specificity. Transitioning from 100% power and 5 s emission duration to 25% power and 30 s emission enabled an order of magnitude increase in the temporal separation (single seconds to tens of seconds) of the desorption of volatile and semi-volatile species within a collected fingerprint. This mode of operation reduced local gas-phase concentrations, reducing matrix effects experienced with high concentration mixtures. IRTD provides a unique platform for the desorption of trace analytes from wipe collections, an area of importance to the security sector, transportation agencies, and customs and border protection.
“Inversions without end”: The judge as Hephaestus in Cormac McCarthy’s Blood Meridian

Blood Meridian’s Judge demands attention, and critics have obliged. A popular way to understand the ambiguous Judge is through comparison, from Ahab to nihilism, Tarot’s Fool, and the devil himself...
Awareness of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in U.S. Young Adults Aged 18-39 Years.

Introduction Young adults with hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes are at increased risk of developing heart disease later in life. Despite emphasis on early screening, little is known about awareness of these risk factors in young adulthood. Methods Data from the nationally representative cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2014 were analyzed in 2017 to estimate the prevalence of self-reported awareness of hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and diabetes in U.S. young adults aged 18–39 years (n=11,083). Prevalence estimates were weighted to population estimates using survey procedures, and predictors of awareness were identified using weighted logistic regression. Results Among U.S. young adults, the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and diabetes was 8.8% (SE=0.4%); 7.3% (SE=0.3%); and 2.6% (SE=0.2%), respectively. The prevalence of borderline high cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood glucose were substantially higher (21.6% [SE= 0.6%]; 26.9% [SE=0.7%]; and 18.9% [SE=0.6%], respectively). Awareness was low for hypercholesterolemia (56.9% [SE=2.4%]) and moderate for hypertension and diabetes (62.7% [SE=2.4%] and 70.0% [SE=2.7%]); Conclusions Despite the high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in U.S. young adults, awareness remains less than ideal. Interventions that target access may increase awareness and facilitate achieving treatment goals in young adults.
The enzymology of poxvirus DNA replication.

DNA replication is arguably the most fundamental of biological processes and serves as a pivotal element in the poxvirus life cycle. Replication generates progeny genomes and initiates the transition to late gene expression. Unraveling the mechanism of poxvirus replication and identifying the panoply of enzymatic activities which it requires has been a focus of much recent research. The intent of this chapter is to move beyond previous reviews (McFadden and Dales 1982; Holowczak 1983) and focus on viral proteins whose participation in DNA replication is presumed on the basis of genetic or biochemical data. Implicit in this discussion was the choice of a broad definition of DNA replication, one which centers on DNA synthesis but also encompasses regulation of the topology of genomic DNA and its assembly into a nucleoprotein complex.
Walsh, Da Silva, and Wei Reply:

This is a reply to Stefano Sanvito and Chaitanya Das Pemmaraju's, Comment on Theoretical Description of Carrier Mediated Magnetism in Cobalt Doped ZnO, Phys. Rev. Lett. 102, 159701 (2009); and the original article is Theoretical Description of Carrier Mediated Magnetism in Cobalt Doped ZnO, Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 256401 (2008).
Evaluation of Jacobian Matrices for Newton’s Method with Deflation to Approximate Isolated Singular Solutions of Polynomial Systems

For isolated singular solutions of polynomial systems, we can restore the quadratic convergence of Newton’s method by deflation. The number of deflation stages is bounded by the multiplicity of the root. A preliminary implementation performs well in case only a few deflation stages are needed, but suffers from expression swell as the number of deflation stages grows. In this paper we describe how a directed acyclic graph of derivative operators guides an efficient evaluation of the Jacobian matrices produced by our deflation algorithm. We illustrate how the symbolic-numeric deflation algorithm can be used within PHCmaple interfacing Maple with PHCpack.
RAS Mutation Status Confers Prognostic Relevance in Patients Treated With Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Colorectal Cancer.

Abstract Background Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with peritoneal carcinomatosis is an increasingly prevalent disease that carries significant mortality if left untreated. Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) in this patient population is associated with improved outcomes but high morbidity. We sought to study the prognostic significance of the known genomic driver, RAS, in patients with mCRC undergoing CRS/HIPEC to allow for improved assessment of risk-benefit ratio in this patient population. Methods Patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC for mCRC between 2010 and 2017 at our institution were identified. Patient demographics, RAS mutation status, perioperative morbidity, overall survival (OS), and relapse-free survival (RFS) were evaluated. Results Forty-seven patients met inclusion criteria. RAS mutant versus RAS wild-type groups were well matched with no difference in the clinicopathologic factors between groups. RAS mutation was associated with decreased RFS but no difference in OS. Conclusions RAS mutation is an independent marker of early recurrence in patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC for mCRC and may identify patients who do not derive benefit from this high-risk procedure.
SpecEye: Towards Pervasive and Privacy-Preserving Screen Exposure Detection in Daily Life

Digital devices have become a necessity in our daily life, with digital screens acting as a gateway to access a plethora of information present in the underlying device. However, these devices emit visible light through screens where long-term use can lead to significant screen exposure, further influencing users' health. Conventional methods on screen exposure detection (\textite.g., photo logger) are usually privacy-invasive and expensive, further, require ideal light conditions, which are unattainable in real practice. Considering the light intensity and spectrum vary among different light sources, an effective screen spectrum estimation can provide vital information about screen exposure. To this end, we first investigate the characteristics of the junction between p-type and n-type semiconductor (i.e., PN junction) to sense the spectrum under various conditions. Empirically, we design and implement, \textsfSpecEye, an end-to-end, low cost, wearable, and privacy-preserving screen exposure detection system with a mobile application. For validating the performance of our system, we conduct comprehensive experiments with $54$ commodity digital screens, at $43$ distinct locations, with results showing a base accuracy of $99$%, and an equal error rate (EER) approaching $0.80$% under the controlled lab setup. Moreover, we assess the reliability, robustness, and performance variation of \textsfSpecEye under various real-world circumstances to observe a stable accuracy of $95$%. Our real-world study indicates \textsfSpecEye is a promising system for screen exposure detection in everyday life.
U.S. Re-Licensure Opioid/Pain Management Continuing Education Requirements in Dentistry, Dental Hygiene, and Medicine

Drug-induced deaths have been accelerating over the last two decades. The aim of this study was to determine if states with high opioid-induced deaths and overall drug-induced deaths were more likely to have continuing education (CE) requirements related to opioid use/pain management than states with fewer opioid-induced deaths. Almost 200 state dental and medical law boards' websites were examined for CE requirements, license renewal periods, and CE requirements for opioid use/pain management in December 2018 and January 2019. Drug-induced death data were obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention online database. States were categorized into quartiles of opioid-induced deaths per 100,000 population. A similar categorization was created for all drug-induced deaths. The results showed that states in the second, third, and fourth quartiles of opioid-induced deaths were more likely to have dental boards requiring opioid use/pain management CE than states in the first quartile in dentistry. This pattern was not the case with the medical boards' requirements. Dentists and physicians in states with higher all drug-induced deaths per 100,000 population were as likely to be required to attend opioid use/pain management CE as dentists and physicians in states with lower opioid-induced deaths. Although many licensing boards require opioid use/pain management CE in relation to their opioid-induced death rates, there is a need for policies to increase education in substance use disorders to reduce the number of drug-induced deaths.
Modeling Snyder-Robinson Syndrome in multipotent stromal cells reveals impaired mitochondrial function as a potential cause for deficient osteogenesis

Patients with Snyder-Robinson Syndrome (SRS) exhibit deficient Spermidine Synthase (SMS) gene expression, which causes neurodevelopmental defects and osteoporosis, often leading to extremely fragile bones. To determine the underlying mechanism for impaired bone formation, we modelled the disease by silencing SMS in human bone marrow - derived multipotent stromal cells (MSCs) derived from healthy donors. We found that silencing SMS in MSCs led to reduced cell proliferation and deficient bone formation in vitro, as evidenced by reduced mineralization and decreased bone sialoprotein expression. Furthermore, transplantation of MSCs in osteoconductive scaffolds into immune deficient mice shows that silencing SMS also reduces ectopic bone formation in vivo. Tag-Seq Gene Expression Profiling shows that deficient SMS expression causes strong transcriptome changes, especially in genes related to cell proliferation and metabolic functions. Similarly, metabolome analysis by mass spectrometry, shows that silencing SMS strongly impacts glucose metabolism. This was consistent with observations using electron microscopy, where SMS deficient MSCs show high levels of mitochondrial fusion. In line with these findings, SMS deficiency causes a reduction in glucose consumption and increase in lactate secretion. Our data also suggests that SMS deficiency affects iron metabolism in the cells, which we hypothesize is linked to deficient mitochondrial function. Altogether, our studies suggest that SMS deficiency causes strong transcriptomic and metabolic changes in MSCs, which are likely associated with the observed impaired osteogenesis both in vitro and in vivo.
A Century of Cartilage Tribology Research Is Informing Lubrication Therapies

Articular cartilage is one of the most unique materials found in nature. This tissue's ability to provide low friction and low wear over decades of constant use is not surpassed, as of yet, by any synthetic materials. Lubrication of the body's joints is essential to mammalian locomotion, but breakdown and degeneration of cartilage is the leading cause of severe disability in the industrialized world. In this paper, we review how theories of cartilage lubrication have evolved over the past decades, and connect how theories of cartilage lubrication have been translated to lubrication-based therapies. Here, we call upon these historical perspectives and highlight the open questions in cartilage lubrication research. Additionally, these open questions within the field's understanding of natural lubrication mechanisms reveal strategic directions for lubrication therapy.
Chapter 7 – OLAP

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the features defined by Structured Query Language/Online Analytical Processing (SQL/OLAP), including both the underlying concepts and the actual SQL syntax used to accomplish the goals meant to be satisfied by the standard. The most fundamental enhancement that SQL/OLAP adds to the SQL language is the notion of a window—a user-specified selection of rows within a query (or a logical partition of a query) that determines the set of rows used to perform certain calculations with respect to the current row under examination. In SQL/OLAP, window sizes can be specified in terms of individual rows (e.g., one can specify that a window extends for four rows on either side of the current row), or it can be specified that a window extends to all rows on either side of the current row in which the value of some column is within a certain range of the value of that column in the current row. SQL/OLAP windows have three essential aspects: window partitioning, window ordering, and window framing. Each of these aspects has a significant impact on the specific rows of data visible in a window at any point in time.
Chapter 5 – Defenses to Civil Litigation and Risk Management

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the legal concepts of immunities and defenses. It provides a discussion of reducing liability exposure by examining basic principles of risk management. It explores two primary components for responding to civil lawsuits filed in accordance with Section 1983; first, law enforcement officers do not have absolute immunity but rather qualified immunity. Qualified immunity can protect an officer from many of the risks associated with civil liability for alleged constitutional right violations. To maximize the benefit of this doctrine, officers should pay close attention to performing their duties within the guidelines of the law; being knowledgeable of their agency's policies and procedures; and performing their duties in accordance with their training. Keeping current in the legal aspects of the job and reviewing agency policies will not only assist an officer in adhering to agency standards but can also be used to successfully defend against a constitutional rights claim resulting from citizen-officer contact. Second, in order to reduce litigation and provide a proactive approach to risk management, criminal justice agencies should strive to incorporate risk reduction strategies throughout the organization as identified through an ongoing process of risk assessment. This means that officers and supervisors participate together in identifying the frequency and severity of risks specific to job tasks that officers perform routinely. Once the risks have been identified, implementing elements of risk control should be considered in designing a risk control program so that managers and line-level employees may work toward more efficient agency operations in an effort to reduce the risk of liability in the future.
Nervous System Involvement in SARS-Coronavirus infection: A Review on Lessons Learned from the Previous Outbreaks, Ongoing Pandemic and What to Expect in the Future.

Viral infections have been associated with the deleterious damage to nervous system resulting in impairment of the central nervous system (CNS) as late sequalae infections. Since the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2), several studies have reported patients developing adverse neurological signs and symptoms. Like the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003, the recent outbreak has undermined the norm of the nervous system. This review will summarize the possible mechanism of neurological manifestations, the clinical presentations of patients with such symptoms secondary to SARS coronaviruses, and the prospective role of neurology and neurosurgery practice in managing these symptoms in the current climate.
Ultrasound pulse shaping for improved H -scan imaging and tissue classification

H-scan is a new ultrasound (US) tissue classification technology. Previous work has consistently found a strong correlation between H-scan US image intensity and US scatterer size in the medium being studied. However, there exists a subtle difference between theoretical H-scan US transmit pulses and that currently used in experimentation. In both simulation and experimental studies, we explored use of a traditional Gaussian transmit pulse shape and one that is more consistent with H-scan US theoretical considerations, namely, a Gaussian-weighted Hermite polynomial transmit pulse. For experimental studies, the shape of the US pulse was modified by using the arbitrary waveform generator functionality on our programmable US scanner (Vantage 256, Verasonics Inc) equipped with a L11-4v transducer. Simulated and experimental studies were conducted using homogeneous tissue-mimicking phantoms embedded with small spherical US scatterers of varying size (i.e. 15, 30 and 40 µm in diameter). Overall, these preliminary studies revealed an improved sensitivity of H -scan US imaging to changes in scatterer size after modifying the US transmit pulse to more closely match theoretical considerations in simulation and experimentation.
Smaller right pulmonary artery is associated with longer survival time without scimitar vein repair.

INTRODUCTION: The optimal management of scimitar syndrome remains incompletely defined. We (1) evaluated the impact of aortopulmonary collateral (APC) occlusion, (2) compared outcomes according to surgical approach for patients who underwent surgery, and (3) identified anatomic factors associated with longer survival time without scimitar vein repair. METHODS: We conducted a single center, retrospective study of 61 patients diagnosed with scimitar syndrome between 1995 and 2019. Right pulmonary artery to total pulmonary artery cross-sectional area (RPA:PA CSA) quantitatively assessed right pulmonary artery size. Anatomical features were analyzed for association with longer survival time without scimitar vein repair. RESULTS: Median follow-up time was 6 years (Q1-Q3, 2-12), with 96% 5-year survival. Twenty-three patients underwent APC occlusion, which significantly decreased symptoms of overcirculation (100%-46%; p = .001) and systolic pulmonary artery pressure (median, 34-29 mmHg; p = .004). Twenty-three patients underwent scimitar vein repair; 5-year freedom from scimitar vein stenosis was 90% among patients who underwent a reimplantation compared with 42% in patients with baffle repair (p = .1). Three patients underwent surgery before the first year of age, with lower 5-year freedom from scimitar vein stenosis (0% vs. 84%; p < .001). On multivariate analysis, a lower RPA:PA CSA was associated with longer survival time without scimitar vein repair (p = .003). CONCLUSIONS: APC occlusion improves the clinical status of young and hemodynamically unstable patients. Repair at an early age is associated with an increased risk of scimitar vein stenosis. Scimitar vein repair might be avoided in patients with a smaller right pulmonary artery.
Point-of-Care Tomosynthesis Imaging of the Wrist.

Introduction Musculoskeletal injury to extremities is a common issue for both stateside and deployed military personnel, as well as the general public. Superposition of anatomy can make diagnosis difficult using standard clinical techniques. There is a need for increased diagnostic accuracy at the point-of-care for military personnel in both training and operational environments, as well as assessment during follow-up treatment to optimize care and expedite return to service. Orthopedic tomosynthesis is rapidly emerging as an alternative to digital radiography (DR), exhibiting an increase in sensitivity for some clinical tasks, including diagnosis and follow-up of fracture and arthritis. Commercially available digital tomosynthesis systems are large complex devices. A compact device for extremity tomosynthesis (TomoE) was previously demonstrated using carbon nanotube X-ray source array technology. The purpose of this study was to prepare and evaluate the prototype device for an Institutional Review Board-approved patient wrist imaging study and provide initial patient imaging results. Materials and methods A benchtop device was constructed using a carbon nanotube X-ray source array and a flat panel digital detector. Twenty-one X-ray projection images of cadaveric specimens and human subjects were acquired at incident angles from -20 to +20 degrees in various clinical orientations, with entrance dose calibrated to commercial digital tomosynthesis wrist scans. The projection images were processed with an iterative reconstruction algorithm in 1 mm slices. Reconstruction slice images were evaluated by a radiologist for feature conspicuity and diagnostic accuracy. Results The TomoE image quality was found to provide more diagnostic information than DR, with reconstruction slices exhibiting delineation of joint space, visual conspicuity of trabecular bone, bone erosions, fractures, and clear depiction of normal anatomical features. The scan time was 15 seconds and the skin entrance dose was verified to be 0.2 mGy. Conclusions The TomoE device image quality has been evaluated using cadaveric specimens. Dose was calibrated for a patient imaging study. Initial patient images depict a high level of anatomical detail and an increase in diagnostic value compared to DR.
Effects of Moringa Leaf Extract and Poultry Manure on the Growth Parameters of Sweet Maize

This study examined the effects of moringa leaf extract (MLE) and poultry manure (PM) on the growth parameters of sweet maize. The experiment was a Randomized Complete Block Design involving nine treatments: control (no extract), 3% MLE, 6% MLE, 9% MLE, 3% MLE + 15 t/ha–1 PM, 6% MLE + 15 t/ha–1 PM, 9% MLE + 15 t/ha–1 PM, 15 t/ha–1 PM, and 30 t/ha–1 PM. Data on growth parameters including plant height, number of leaves per plant, stem girth, and leaf area were collected and analyzed. The results of the study show that there were significant differences (P = 0.05) among the treatments because plots that received 30 t/ha–1 PM performed best on plant height (193.6 and 152.8 cm) number of leaves (13.1 and 10.2), stem girth (3.75 and 3.22 cm), and leaf area (584.9 and 402.9 cm2) in both early and late season. This was followed by plots that received 9% MLE and 15 t/ha–1 PM, with values of 189.0 and 152.2 cm; 12.5 and 10.0; 3.58 3.15 cm; and 546.2 and 392.2 cm2, respectively. The study concluded that 30 t/ha–1 PM can be used to yield effective growth parameters in sweet maize and is hereby recommended to extension workers for dissemination to farmers
International institutions and national policies

The proliferation of international institutions and their impact has become a central issue in international relations. Why do countries comply with international agreements and how do international institutions influence national policies? Most theories focus on the extent to which international institutions can wield 'carrots and sticks' directly in their relations with states. Xinyuan Dai presents an alternative framework in which they influence national policies indirectly by utilizing non-state actors (NGOs, social movements) and empowering domestic constituencies. In this way, even weak international institutions that lack 'carrots and sticks' may have powerful effects on states. Supported by empirical studies of environmental politics, human rights and economic and security issues, this book sheds fresh light on how and why international institutions matter. It will be of interest to students, scholars and policymakers in both international relations and international law.
Interface Reconstruction in Multi-fluid, Multi-phase Flow Simulations

An advanced Volume-of-Fluid or VOF procedure for locally conservative reconstruction of multi-material interfaces based on volume fraction information in cells of an unstructured mesh is presented in this paper. The procedure employs improved neighbor definitions and topological consistency checks of the interface for computing a more accurate interface approximation. Comparison with previously published results for test problems involving severe deformation of the materials (such as vortex-in-a-box problem) show that this procedure produces more accurate results and reduces the “numerical surface tension” typically seen in VOF methods.
Loading studies for power transmission line models in the presence of non-fundamental frequencies

This work describes simulations used to investigate commonly used electric power transmission line models. Specifically, the paper focuses on the study of the line model behavior over non-fundamental frequencies and at varying loading conditions. Comparison among the distributed line model and three differently segmented models was made in terms of their performance, characterized through waveform propagation, including attenuation and phase shift.
The NRL high level radiation laboratory: Part II. Laboratory functions and equipment

Abstract As a continuation of a detailed description of the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory High Level Radiation Laboratory (HLRL), this report describes the function of each area of the laboratory and the equipment employed for the safe and efficient execution of the programs associated with radiation effects research.
Four-band quantum well infrared photodetector array

In this paper, four-band quantum well infrared photodetector array has been demonstrated by stacking different multi quantum well structures based on GaAs/AlGaAs/InGaAs material system.
Reusable Rocket Engine Turbopump Condition Monitoring

Significant improvements in engine readiness with attendant reductions in maintenance costs and turnaround times can be achieved with an engine condition monitoring system (CMS). The CMS provides real time health status of critical engine components, without disassembly, through component monitoring with advanced sensor technologies. Three technologies were selected to monitor the rotor bearings and turbine blades: the isotope wear detector and fiber optic deflectometer (bearings), and the fiber optic pyrometer (blades). Signal processing algorithms were evaluated and ranked for their utility in providing useful component health data to unskilled maintenance personnel. Design modifications to current configuration Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) high pressure turbopumps and the MK48-F turbopump were developed to incorporate the sensors.
Evaluation of Tai Chi Program Effectiveness for People with Arthritis in the Community: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: Evaluate effectiveness of the Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi Program for community participants with arthritis. Methods: 343 individuals were randomized to either the intervention or wait-list control group. Performance and self-reported outcome (SRO) measures were assessed at baseline and eight weeks. At one year, SROs only were assessed. Adjusted means were determined using regression models adjusting for covariates, and effect sizes (ES) were calculated. Results: Average participant age was 66 years, 87% were female, and 87% were Caucasian. Among 284 (83%) participants who returned at eight weeks, balance by reach (ES = 0.30) and helplessness, sleep, and role participation satisfaction (ES = 0.24–0.54) improved significantly; pain, fatigue, and stiffness improvement (ES = 0.15–0.23) approached significance. No change was noted in mobility, lower extremity strength, or single-leg stance balance. At one year, improvements in pain, fatigue, stiffness, helplessness, and role participation satisfac...
Computational geometry for uncertain data

The talk will review recent results and algorithmic challenges for computational geometry problems in the context of uncertain data. This is an active area of investigation in the database community, and we introduce it through the specifics of the maximal elements problem (called the skyline problem in the database community): Rather than being a point, an uncertain object is a set of points called instances, each with an associated probability; instances of the same uncertain object can be geometrically far from each other, and are mutually exclusive (i.e., at most one of them can occur). For this version of the maximal elements problem, the input is a collection of m uncertain objects, whose total number of instances is n, and the problem is to compute for each of these n instances the probability that it is a maximal point, i.e., that it occurs for its own object and is not dominated by any occurring instance from another object.
DNA-damaging agents stimulate the formation of directed reciprocal translocations in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Abstract DNA-damaging agents can stimulate the formation of directed reciprocal translocations of Saccharomyces cerevisiae containing his3 recombinational substrates to generate chromosomal rearrangements. Such agents were compared with those that can stimulate sister- chromatid recombination. We show that chemicals and environmental agents that produce a variety of DNA lesions, including bulky adduct, thymidine dimers, interstrand cross-links, double-strand breaks and alkylated bases, can stimulate recombination to yield reciprocal translocations. Of the agents teted, only the alkylating agents methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) and N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguinidine (MNNG), and a bifunctional agent that causes bulky DNA adducts, 4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide (4-NQO), significantly stimulate sister-chromatid recombination in our assay. Factors that contribute to the stimulation of interchromosomal recombination include strain genetic background and ploidy.
Ambulatory Cassette Electroencephalography of Psychiatric Patients

• Indications and results of ambulatory cassette electroencephalography obtained on 133 hospitalized psychiatric patients were reviewed. Interictal epileptiform abnormalities were detected in 15 patients (11%), of whom six had an established diagnosis of epilepsy. Actual seizures were recorded in two patients, of whom one had an established diagnosis of epilepsy. Subclinical seizure activity was detected in only one patient, who also experienced overt seizures. Routine screening of psychiatric patients with ambulatory cassette electroencephalography does not seem to be justified, although the test can provide useful adjunctive evidence to support the diagnosis of epilepsy and clarify the nature of suspicious clinical episodes in selected patients.
Photoelectron spectra of carbonyls, carbonates, oxalates and esterification effects

Abstract Photoelectron spectra are reported for dimethyl carbonate, ethylene carbonate, oxalic acid, dimethyl oxalate and diethyl oxalate. These spectra are discussed on a composite molecule basis using CNDO/s computational data and many of the individual bands are identified. The differential effects of esterification on ionization energies are discussed briefly.
Weaving clinical expertise in online health communities

Many patients visit online health communities to receive support. In face-to-face support groups, health professionals facilitate peer-patients exchanging experience while adding their clinical expertise when necessary. However, the large scale of online health communities makes it challenging for such health professional moderators' involvement to happen. To address this challenge of delivering clinical expertise to where patients need them, we explore the idea of semi-automatically providing clinical expertise in online health communities. We interviewed 14 clinicians showing them example peer-patient conversation threads. From the interviews, we examined the ideal practice of clinicians providing expertise to patients. The clinicians continuously assessed when peer-patients were providing appropriate support, what kinds of clinical help they could give online, and when to defer to patients' healthcare providers. The findings inform requirements for building a semi-automated system delivering clinical expertise in online health communities.