cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Potency-magnitude scaling relations for southern California earthquakes with 1.0<ML<7.0

Linear and quadratic scaling relations between potency P 0 and local magnitude M L for southern California earthquakes are derived using observed data of small events (1.0 < M L < 3.5) recorded in the Cajon Pass boreholeand moderate events (3.5 < M L < 6.0) recorded by the broad-band TERRAscope/TriNet network. The derived relations are extended to M L = 7.0 and compared with observed potency-magnitude values of four earthquakes in the extended range. The results indicate that a linear scaling relation can describe accurately data extending only over 2-3 orders of magnitudes. The best-fitting slope of a linear log P 0 vs M L scaling for the small Cajon Pass events is about 1.0, while the slope for the 3.5 < M L < 6.0 events is about 1.34. A quadratic relation can fit the data well over the entire 1.0 < M L < 7.0 magnitude range. The results may be explained in terms of a continuous transition from a limiting scaling P 0 ∼ (rupture area) for highly disordered small events, to a limiting scaling P 0 ∼ (rupture area times slip) for crack-like large events. Such a transition is expected to characterize evolving seismicity on heterogeneous faults, where small events propagate in (and are arrested by) a rough fluctuating stress field, while large events propagate across a relatively smooth correlated field.
Optimal quantizer performance and the Wasserstein distortion

The Wasserstein distortion has proved useful in a variety of mathematical, signal processing and coding problems as a measure of how different two distributions are. In this paper we provide an expression for the performance of the optimal entropy constrained quantizer in terms of the Wasserstein distortion. The proof presented is significantly different from that previously shown by Linder (2002) and also provides an algorithm to achieve the optimal performance as the block size increases.
Coping with friction for non-penetrating rigid body simulation

Algorithms and computational complexity measures for simulating the motion of contacting bodies with friction are presented. The bodies are restricted to be perfectly rigid bodies that contact at finitely many points. Contact forces between bodies must satisfy the Coulomb model of friction. A traditional principle of mechanics is that contact forces are impulsive if and only if non-impulsive contact forces are insufficient to maintain the non-penetration constraints between bodies. When friction is allowed, it is known that impulsive contact forces can be necessary even in the absence of collisions between bodies. This paper shows that computing contact forces according to this traditional principle is likely to require exponential time. An analysis of this result reveals that the principle for when impulses can occur is too restrictive, and a natural reformulation of the principle is proposed. Using the reformulated principle, an algorithm with expected polynomial time behaviour for computing contact forces is presented.
The capsid protein of satellite Panicum mosaic virus contributes to systemic invasion and interacts with its helper virus.

Satellite panicum mosaic virus (SPMV) depends on its helper Panicum mosaic virus (PMV) for replication and spread in host plants. The SPMV RNA encodes a 17-kDa capsid protein (CP) that is essential for formation of its 16-nm virions. The results of this study indicate that in addition to the expression of the full-length SPMV CP from the 5′-proximal AUG start codon, SPMV RNA also expresses a 9.4-kDa C-terminal protein from the third in-frame start codon. Differences in solubility between the full-length protein and its C-terminal product were observed. Subcellular fractionation of infected plant tissues showed that SPMV CP accumulates in the cytosol, cell wall-, and membrane-enriched fractions. However, the 9.4-kDa protein exclusively cofractionated with cell wall- and membrane-enriched fractions. Earlier studies revealed that the 5′-untranslated region (5′-UTR) from nucleotides 63 to 104 was associated with systemic infection in a host-specific manner in millet plants. This study shows that nucleotide deletions and insertions in the 5′-UTR plus simultaneous truncation of the N-terminal part of the CP impaired SPMV spread in foxtail millet, but not in proso millet plants. In contrast, the expression of the full-length version of SPMV CP efficiently compensated the negative effect of the 5′-UTR deletions in foxtail millet. Finally, immunoprecipitation assays revealed the presence of a specific interaction between the capsid proteins of SPMV and its helper virus (PMV). Our findings show that the SPMV CP has several biological functions, including facilitating efficient satellite virus infection and movement in millet plants.
Some statistical methods for survival analysis with rare failures

Suppose that a large population is under observation with respect to some kind of failure whose hazard rate is low and depends on both a variable under study and.a categorical covariate. Length of observation may vary; both the variable under study and the covariate may change over time. Methods are presented for the testing of hypotheses regarding the effect of the variable under study as well as for the estimation of this effect.
Variable responses of human and non-human primate gut microbiomes to a Western diet

The human gut microbiota interacts closely with human diet and physiology. To better understand the mechanisms behind this relationship, gut microbiome research relies on complementing human studies with manipulations of animal models, including non-human primates. However, due to unique aspects of human diet and physiology, it is likely that host-gut microbe interactions operate differently in humans and non-human primates. Here, we show that the human microbiome reacts differently to a high-protein, high-fat Western diet than that of a model primate, the African green monkey, or vervet (Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus). Specifically, humans exhibit increased relative abundance of Firmicutes and reduced relative abundance of Prevotella on a Western diet while vervets show the opposite pattern. Predictive metagenomics demonstrate an increased relative abundance of genes associated with carbohydrate metabolism in the microbiome of only humans consuming a Western diet. These results suggest that the human gut microbiota has unique properties that are a result of changes in human diet and physiology across evolution or that may have contributed to the evolution of human physiology. Therefore, the role of animal models for understanding the relationship between the human gut microbiota and host metabolism must be re-focused.
Angiotensin converting enzyme in brush-border membranes of avian small intestine

Angiotensin converting enzyme activity was identified in brush-border membranes purified from the small intestinal epithelium of the common grackle, Quiscalus quiscula. Angiotensin converting enzyme was enriched 20-fold in the membrane preparation, compared with intestinal epithelial cell scrapes, and was coenriched with the brush-border markers, alkaline phosphatase and aminopeptidase N. The kinetics of hydrolysis of N-[3-(2-furyl)acryloyl]-L-phenylalanylglycylglycine (FAPGG) gave a Vmax of 907 +/− 41 units g-1 and a Km of 55 +/− 6 mumol l-1. The avian intestinal angiotensin converting enzyme was inhibited by the antihypertensive drug, Ramipril, with a median inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 1 nmol l-1. In the light of previous studies on angiotensin converting enzyme in mammalian epithelia, these results may implicate a physiological role for angiotensin converting enzyme in regulating electrolyte and fluid uptake in bird small intestines.
E-leadership: Implications for theory, research, and practice

Abstract In this article we review literature to build a broad understanding of what constitutes e-leadership in organizations. We propose a framework based on Adaptive Structuration Theory that could be used to study how Advanced Information Technology could influence and is influenced by leadership. According to our framework, the effects of Advanced Information Technology emerge from their interaction with organizational structures of which leadership is a part. Furthermore, organizational structures, including leadership, may themselves be transformed as a result of interactions with Advanced Information Technology. We use our Adaptive Structuration Theory–based framework to pool relevant results and suggestions from a diverse array of literature to provide recommendations for developing a research agenda on e-leadership.
Erratum to “Can approximate reasoning be consistent?”: [Fuzzy sets and systems 65 (1994) 13–18]

Abstract In [3] the author points out that the proof of Theorem 1 in [1] is not correct. This Theorem was to show that FATI (first aggregate, then infer) is not consistent. In this Erratum we present a new argument showing that FATI is not consistent.
Analysis of electrolyte level change in a lithium air battery

Abstract A two-dimensional physical model that employs the deformed mesh method to track the electrolyte level in a Li-air coin cell battery is presented and used to investigate the effects of electrolyte level drop during cell discharge. The electrolyte level drop is caused by solid phase volume decrease and electrolyte solvent evaporation. Simulation results show that by neglecting the drop in electrolyte level, a Li-air battery model would under-estimate cell discharge capacity by as much as 22.5% in the parameter range studied. This counter-intuitive result is explained by an in-depth analysis of simulation results. A more realistic prediction of Li2O2 deposit distribution is obtained, with the peak value of Li2O2 volume fraction in the middle of the cathode instead of on the top surface, as predicted by previous studies. The interaction between the battery and its surroundings is considered by incorporating the air chamber into the computation domain. The diffusion of solvent vapor and oxygen in this chamber is included. For batteries using volatile solvents such as DMF, increasing the air chamber radius from 5 cm to 15 cm would result in a 72% increase of discharge capacity at the cost of losing a large amount of electrolyte.
The Skull and Upper Dentition of Heliscomys senex Wood (Heliscomyidae: Rodentia)

MARKS, E. 1950. Biostratigraphy of the Jonah quadrangle, Williamson County, Texas. Unpubl. M.A. thesis, University of Texas, Austin, 140 p. MEEK, F. B. 1876. A report on the invertebrate Cretaceous and Tertiary fossils of the Upper Missouri country. U.S. Geological Survey of the Territories, 9, 629 p. MILLER, H. W. 1968. Invertebrate fauna and environment of deposition of the Niobrara Formation (Cretaceous) of Kansas. Fort Hays Studies-New Series, Science Series, 8, 90 p. PESSAGNO, E. A., JR. 1969. Upper Cretaceous stratigraphy of the western Gulf Coast area of Mexico, Texas, and Arkansas. Geological Society of America, Memoir 111, 139 p. PRATT, L. M. 1984. Influence of paleoenvironmental factors on preservation of organic matter in middle Cretaceous Greenhorn Formation, Pueblo, Colorado. American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, 68:1146-1159. REESIDE, J. B., JR. 1957. Paleoecology of the Cretaceous seas of the Western Interior United States, p. 505-541. In H. S. Ladd (ed.), Treatise on Marine Ecology and Paleoecology, Volume 2, Paleoecology. Geological Society of America, Memoir 67. Scorr, G. R., AND W. A. COBBAN, 1964. Stratigraphy of the Niobrara Formation at Pueblo, Colorado. U. S. Geological Survey, Professional Paper 454-L, 30 p. , AND . 1986. Geologic, biostratigraphic, and structure map of the Pierre Shale between Loveland and Round Butte, Colorado. U. S. Geological Survey, Miscellaneous Investigations Series, Map 1-1700.
Family Abuse and Violence

At age 20 a thoughtful woman from a family with high social status began a lengthy period of enslavement to her father, a theologian. Claiming only that he loved his daughter, the father took possession of his daughter’s body, her sexuality, her emotional well-being, her social and family relationships, and nearly her life itself. Now an acclaimed young novelist, Kathryn Harrison quietly writes about the years of her own father—daughter incest experiences in The Kiss. Her memoirs tell about an ordinary case of family abuse. There were no repressed memories recovered, no failed social service agency, no murdered victim, and no falsely accused offender. There are, however, permanent and emotional scars resulting from an especially insidious form of family abuse and perplexing questions that can never be answered. The Kiss compels its readers to acknowledge a well-known social fact: A family member characterized by any socioeconomic group, any age, either gender, or any race or ethnicity can experience one or several forms of family abuse and violence. A highly educated mother can neglect her newborn infant, a university professor can kill his partner, an older sister can batter a young brother, a middle-aged husband can rape his wife, and a mother can exploit financially and physically abuse her own elderly mother.
Achalasia: new perspectives on an old disease

Achalasia is defined by esophageal outflow obstruction from abnormal relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) due to deranged inhibitory control. In genetically predisposed individuals, an autoimmune response to an unknown inciting agent, perhaps a viral infection, results in inflammation and sometimes loss of myenteric plexus ganglia and neurons. The net result is varying degrees of inhibitory dysfunction, at times associated with imbalanced and exaggerated excitatory function, with manometrically distinct achalasia phenotypes on high resolution manometry. There is new evidence in the current issue of this Journal suggesting that type 1 achalasia, with esophageal outflow obstruction and absent esophageal body contractility, is an end-stage phenotype from progression of type 2 achalasia, which is characterized by panesophageal compartmentalization of pressure in the untreated patient, and partial recovery of peristalsis after treatment. Esophageal outflow obstruction with premature peristalsis (type 3 achalasia) or intact peristalsis may result from plexitis in the myenteric plexus but can also be encountered in other settings including chronic opioid medication usage and structural processes at the esophagogastric junction and distally. In most instances when idiopathic esophageal outflow obstruction is confirmed, some form of pharmacologic manipulation or disruption of the LES provides durable symptom relief. This review will focus on current understanding of pathophysiology, diagnosis, and principles of management of achalasia in light of emerging literature on the topic.
Potential and Limitations of Radioimmunodetection and Radioimmunotherapy with Monoclonal Antibodies

UNLABELLED Recently, we developed a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model capable of predicting antibody biodistribution in humans by scaling up from mice. By applying this model to anticarcinoembryonic antigen murine antibody ZCE025, we address several critical issues in radioimmunodetection and radioimmunotherapy, including the optimal antibody doses, the desirable antibody form for cancer detection, the optimal combinations of antibody forms and radionuclides for cancer treatment and the effectiveness of the modality. METHODS Under the baseline conditions of a standard 70-kg man with a 20-g tumor embedded in the liver, the model was used to: (a) estimate absorbed doses in tumor and normal tissues, (b) determine dose-dependent antibody uptake in the tumor, (c) simulate tumor-to-background antibody concentration ratio and (d) calculate therapeutic ratios for different antibody forms and radionuclides. Sensitivity analysis further enabled us to determine antibody delivery barriers and to assess the modality under average and favorable tumor physiological conditions. RESULTS By using ZCE025 under the baseline conditions, the model found that Fab was the most suitable form for cancer diagnosis, while 131l combined with F(ab')2 provided the highest tumor-to-bone marrow therapeutic ratio for cancer treatment. Sensitivity analysis showed that antibody permeability was the major barrier for antibody accretion in tumors. It also demonstrated that normal tissue antigen expression at a level lower than in the tumor had little effect on the therapeutic ratio. CONCLUSION The model demonstrates that: (a) for radioimmunodetection, the most effective antibody form (Fab for ZCE025) was the lower mol weight form, yet not sensitive enough for hepatic metastasis detection; and (b) for radioimmunotherapy, a relatively fast-clearing antibody form (F(ab')2 for ZCE025) in combination with long half-life beta(-)-emitters was optimal, yet inadequate as the sole therapeutic modality for solid tumors.
On a Galois Connection Between Algebras of Linear Transformations and Lattices of Subspaces of a Vector Space

Representation theory has contributed much to the study of linear associative algebras. The central problem of representation theory per se is the determination for each algebra of all its indecomposable representations. This turns out to be a much deeper problem than the classification of algebras, in the sense that there are algebras for which any “internal question” can be answered but for which the number and nature of representations is almost completely unknown, or if known is much more complicated than the internal theory. This can be illustrated by the example of a commutative algebra of order three for which the representation theory can be shown to be essentially the same as the problem of classifying pairs of rectangular matrices under equivalence. (This algebra has indecomposable representations of every integral degree.)
Characterization of multiple cysteine and cystine transporters in rat alveolar type II cells

Cysteine availability is rate limiting for the synthesis of glutathione, an important antioxidant in the lung. We used rat alveolar epithelial type II cells to study the mechanism of cysteine and c...
Benchmarking student performance and engagement in an early alert predictive system using interactive radar charts

This poster synthesizes the design features of a visualization layer applied on the Open Academic Analytics Initiative (OAAI), an open source academic early alert system based on predictive analytics. The poster explores ways to convey the predictive model outputs and benchmark student performances using visually intuitive radar plots.
Power Quality Conditioner for High-Speed Railway Based on Traction Transformer with V/v Wiring

For the use of traction transformer with V/v Wiring,Some power quality problems in power grid caused by High-speed railway have appeared.This work shows a depth study of an advanced power quality conditioner,including the main circuit topology and control methods.The device is composed of multiple single-phase H-bridges modules with its DC bus connected logether,and access traction system with single-phase multi-winding transformer.Fixed DC voltage control strategy has applicated on one side of the H-bridges modules and the other side use fixed active power output control.The simulation of the conditioner based on EMTDC/PSCAD has presented to show that the proposed structure and control methods are effective,the device to achieve a negative sequence and harmonics compensation.
The dependence of shape of human erythrocyte ghosts on calcium, magnesium, and adenosine triphosphate.

ATP depletion of erythrocytes is associated with discocyte-echinocyte transformation and accumulation of calcium. This study was undertaken to evaluate whether this shape transformation results from interaction of Ca2+, Mg2+, and ATP with structural proteins of the membrane. ATP, Mg2+, or Ca2+ were incorporated into ghosts during hypotonic hemolysis followed by restoration of isotonicity with NaCl and incubation. Reconstituted ghosts were examined by electron microscope after osmium tetroxide fixation followed by platinum and carbon shadowing and in-phase contrast microscope. Four ghost configurations were observed: (1) flat, discoidal electron-penetrable ghosts were produced when ghosts were prepared without any additives, or with ATP alone, Mg2+ alone, or EDTA; (2) biconcave and cup-shaped less electron-penetrable ghosts predominated when equimolar concentrations of Mg2+ and ATP (0.5-2 m M ) were introduced into ghosts during hemolysis; (3) spherical, spiculated, or markedly deformed electron-dense ghosts of smaller volume were the prevalent shape forms when Ca2+ alone was introduced during hemolysis; (4) small, smooth, electron-dense spheroids were present when both Ca2+ and Mg ATP (2 m M ) were added during hemolysis. The above shapes were independent of ouabain, monovalent cations (NaCl, KCl, or choline chloride), transmembrane osmotic gradient, and ghost volume. The shape effects of Ca2+ and Mg ATP were prevented by preincubation of red cells with SH-blocking agent N-ethylmaleimide (4 m M ) and by repeated ghost washing, which was associated with removal of water-soluble fibrous proteins from membranes. It is concluded that the interaction of Ca2+, Mg2+, and ATP with membrane structural proteins exerts a significant role in the control of shape of human erythrocytes.
Spondyloschisis following spine fusion.

No final conclusion can be drawn as to the cause of these defects. It is suggested, however, that they may represent stress or fatigue fractures which were caused by alterations in the stresses following stiffening of the adjacent vertebral joints.
Training Watson - a cognitive systems course

We developed a course in which students train an instance of Watson and develop an application that interacts with the trained instance. Additionally, students learn technical information about the Jeopardy! version of Watson and they discuss a future infused with cognitive assistants. In this poster, we justify this course, characterize major assessment items and provide advice on choosing a domain.
Abstract 3331: Gene expression profiling after radiation in human breast cancer specimens and breast cancer cell lines

Background: Breast radiotherapy is currently “one size fits all” regardless of breast cancer subtype (eg. luminal, basal). Emerging clinical data suggests that these distinct subtypes of breast cancer have unique patterns of response to radiation. There is a clinical need to identify radiation response biomarkers in order to provide individualized and optimal radiotherapy. Here we report on gene expression profiles associated with radiation response from: i) a rare clinico-genomic data in women treated with preoperative breast radiation and, ii) data from a pilot study of 16 biologically diverse breast tumor cell lines. Methods: Microarray analysis was done using the Affymetrix GeneChip® Human Transcriptome Array 2.0 (HTA 2.0) and the Affymetrix HU133A2.0 arrays. RNA was harvested from paired pre- and post-radiation formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded breast cancer tissue in 26 patients treated with radiation prior to surgical resection. In addition, RNA was obtained from 16 biologically diverse breast cancer cell lines exposed to radiation treatment (5Gy and 0Gy). The genes with the highest coefficient of variation were selected and a paired sample t-test was used to evaluate the significance of these changes. We compared the top 100 significantly induced human genes with genes identified as differentially expressed in the 16 breast cancer cell lines. Findings of interest were validated using qPCR, IHC and wWestern blotting assays. Results: Fourteen genes had significant adjusted p-values for differential expression in the human data and were differentially expressed among the radiation responsive versus non-responsive cell lines. Differential expression of genes involved in: apoptosis, cell cycle and MAPK signaling pathways were observed in both the luminal human tumors and the largely luminal radiation responsive cell lines. Differential expression of FAS, a critical modulator of programmed cell death, was highly significant. Conclusion: The known function of FAS suggests a biologically plausible role in breast subtype specific radiation response. Induction of FAS is seen in human tissue, and preferentially in luminal breast cancer cell lines. Citation Format: Sharareh Siamakpour-Reihani, Wei Chen, Chen-Ting Lee, Yingchun Zhou, Kouros Owzar, Jen-Tsan Chi, Janet K. Horton. Gene expression profiling after radiation in human breast cancer specimens and breast cancer cell lines. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3331. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3331
State Variance-Based Approach to Flight Dynamic Constraints in Multidisciplinary Design Optimization

Traditional flying qualities metrics use first-order descriptors of the “classical” aircraft modes such as the phugoid, short-period, Dutch roll, etc. These modes are often difficult to distinguish...
Entropic forces drive self-organization and membrane fusion by SNARE proteins

SNARE proteins are the core of the cell’s fusion machinery and mediate virtually all known intracellular membrane fusion reactions on which exocytosis and trafficking depend. Fusion is catalyzed when vesicle-associated v-SNAREs form trans-SNARE complexes (“SNAREpins”) with target membrane-associated t-SNAREs, a zippering-like process releasing ∼65 kT per SNAREpin. Fusion requires several SNAREpins, but how they cooperate is unknown and reports of the number required vary widely. To capture the collective behavior on the long timescales of fusion, we developed a highly coarse-grained model that retains key biophysical SNARE properties such as the zippering energy landscape and the surface charge distribution. In simulations the ∼65-kT zippering energy was almost entirely dissipated, with fully assembled SNARE motifs but uncomplexed linker domains. The SNAREpins self-organized into a circular cluster at the fusion site, driven by entropic forces that originate in steric–electrostatic interactions among SNAREpins and membranes. Cooperative entropic forces expanded the cluster and pulled the membranes together at the center point with high force. We find that there is no critical number of SNAREs required for fusion, but instead the fusion rate increases rapidly with the number of SNAREpins due to increasing entropic forces. We hypothesize that this principle finds physiological use to boost fusion rates to meet the demanding timescales of neurotransmission, exploiting the large number of v-SNAREs available in synaptic vesicles. Once in an unfettered cluster, we estimate ≥15 SNAREpins are required for fusion within the ∼1-ms timescale of neurotransmitter release.
Preparing Scholarly Practitioners: Redesigning the EdD to Reflect CPED Principles

CPED presents guiding principles, rather than a prescriptive program model, for the EdD, requiring each CPED-influenced institution to engage in a program design process specific to its context. Over 80 CPED schools and colleges of education offer an EdD program that endorses the CPED framework which “blend[s] practical wisdom with professional skills and knowledge to name, frame, and solve problems of practice…”(CPED, 2010). As with any design process in a complex organization, faculty members may wonder where to begin. This article describes the context, guiding values, characteristics of our redesigned EdD, lessons learned, and implementation challenges of the education administration faculty in the Graduate School of Education at Portland State University as we increased our focus on CPED principle #1, a focus on “equity, ethics, and social justice to bring about solutions to complex problems of practice” (CPED, 2009).
Iterative submatrix diagonalisation for large configuration interaction problems

The Davidson method has been highly successful for solving for eigenpairs of the large matrices that are common in quantum chemical simulations. Electronic structure simulations, however, can still...
A compiler for cyber-physical digital microfluidic biochips

Programmable microfluidic laboratories-on-a-chip (LoCs) offer the benefits of automation and miniaturization to the life sciences. This paper presents an updated version of the BioCoder language and a fully static (offline) compiler that can target an emerging class of LoCs called Digital Microfluidic Biochips (DMFBs), which manipulate discrete droplets of liquid on a 2D electrode grid. The BioCoder language and runtime execution engine leverage advances in sensor integration to enable specification, compilation, and execution of assays (bio-chemical procedures) that feature online decision-making based on sensory data acquired during assay execution. The compiler features a novel hybrid intermediate representation (IR) that interleaves fluidic operations with computations performed on sensor data. The IR extends the traditional notions of liveness and interference to fluidic variables and operations, as needed to target the DMFB, which itself can be viewed as a spatially reconfigurable array. The code generator converts the IR into the following: (1) a set of electrode activation sequences for each basic block in the control flow graph (CFG); (2) a set of computations performed on sensor data, which dynamically determine the result of each control flow operation; and (3) a set of electrode activation sequences for each control flow transfer operation (CFG edge). The compiler is validated using a software simulator which produces animated videos of realistic bioassay execution on a DMFB.
The current status of live attenuated varicella vaccine

This manuscript reviews the means by which live attenuated varicella vaccine offers protection against varicella and zoster. It is accepted that although varicella is usually a mild illness, complications leading to morbidity and mortality are significant and the disease is worth preventing. The vaccine offers close to 100% protection from severe chickenpox and 90% protection from illness. Waning of immunity after vaccination, particularly in children, has not been a significant problem. Ways in which vaccination may decrease the incidence and severity of zoster include the following. Vaccine virus may be less likely to establish latency and to be able to reactivate than wild type virus. In addition, by selective immunization of certain hosts such as HIV-infected children whose immune systems are still relatively intact and individuals with latency due to wild type virus to boost the cell-mediated immune response to the virus, zoster may be decreased. Varicella vaccine is predicted to have a major impact on the epidemiology of varicella and zoster in countries with high vaccine uptake.
Changes in Spontaneous and Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions and Corresponding Psychoacoustic Threshold Microstructures Induced by Aspirin Consumption

Spontaneous otoacoustic emissions, delayed evoked emissions, synchronous evoked emissions and psychoacoustical threshold microstructure were monitored (in two subjects) before, during and after the consumption of 3.9g of aspirin per day for three consecutive days (12 doses of three 325mg tablets every 6 hours). Spontaneous emissions followed a pattern similar to that found by McFadden and Plattsmeir (1984). Evoked emissions were also reduced by aspirin consumption but persisted longer and recovered sooner. Reduction of psychoacoustic threshold microstructure associated with the emissions followed much the same time course as the evoked emissions. In most instances the reduction of threshold microstructure began with a lowering of threshold maxima (with threshold minima remaining relatively constant) and ended with all thresholds elevated.
The Risk of Serious Bacterial Infection in Febrile Infants 0-90 Days of Life With a Respiratory Viral Infection.

Background Molecular diagnostic methods enhance the sensitivity and broaden the spectrum of detectable respiratory viruses in febrile infants ≤90 days of life. We describe the occurrence of respiratory viruses in this population, as well as the rates of serious bacterial infection (SBI) and respiratory viral coinfection with regard to viral characteristics. Methods This was a prospective observational cohort study performed in the emergency department that included previously healthy febrile infants ≤90 days of life. Clinical and historical characteristics were documented, and a respiratory nasal wash specimen was obtained from each patient. This sample was tested for 17 common respiratory pathogens, and a chart review was conducted to ascertain whether the infant was diagnosed with an SBI. Results In a 12-month period, 67% of the 104 recruited febrile infants were positive for a respiratory virus. The most commonly detected viruses were rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, enterovirus and influenza. The rate of respiratory viral and SBI coinfection was 9% overall, and infants with either a systemic respiratory virus or negative viral testing were 3 times more likely to have an SBI than those with viruses typically restricted to the respiratory mucosa (95% confidence interval: 1.1, 9.7). Conclusions Respiratory viruses are readily detectable via nasopharyngeal wash in febrile infants ≤90 days of life. With the enhanced sensitivity of molecular respiratory diagnostics, rates of coinfection of respiratory viruses and SBI may be higher than previously thought. Further investigation utilizing molecular diagnostics is needed to guide usage in febrile infants ≤90 days.
Characterization of Dyspnea in Veteran Lung Cancer Survivors Following Curative-Intent Therapy

Author(s): Ha, Duc; Ries, Andrew L | Abstract: PurposeDyspnea is highly prevalent in lung cancer survivors following curative-intent therapy. We aimed to identify clinical predictors or determinants of dyspnea and characterize its relationship with functional exercise capacity (EC).MethodsIn an analysis of data from a cross-sectional study of lung cancer survivors at the VA San Diego Healthcare System who completed curative-intent therapy for stage I-IIIA disease ≥1 mo previously, we tested a thorough list of comorbidities, lung function, and lung cancer characteristics. We assessed dyspnea using the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Lung Cancer Module 13 (LC13) and functional EC using the 6-minute walk. We replicated results with the University of California San Diego Shortness of Breath Questionnaire.ResultsIn 75 participants at a median of 12 mo since treatment completion, the mean ± SD LC13-Dyspnea score was 35.3 ± 26.2; 60% had abnormally high dyspnea. In multivariable linear regression analyses, significant clinical predictors or determinants of dyspnea were (β [95% CI]) psychiatric illness (-20.8 [-32.4 to -9.09]), heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (-15.5 [-28.0 to -2.97]), and forced expiratory volume in the first second of expiration (-0.28 [-0.49 to -0.06]). Dyspnea was an independent predictor of functional EC (-1.54 [-2.43 to -0.64]). These results were similar with the University of California San Diego Shortness of Breath Questionnaire.ConclusionWe identified clinical predictors or determinants of dyspnea that have pathophysiological bases. Dyspnea was independently associated with functional EC. These results have implications in efforts to reduce dyspnea and improve exercise behavior and functional EC in lung cancer survivors following curative-intent therapy.
Design, Synthesis, and Enzymatic Characterization of Quinazoline-Based CYP1A2 Inhibitors

Cytochrome P450 isozyme 1A2 (CYP1A2) is one main xenobiotic metabolizing enzyme in humans. It has been associated with the bioactivation of procarcinogens, including 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), a tobacco specific and potent pulmonary carcinogen. This work describes the computational design and in-silico screening of potential CYP1A2 inhibitors, their chemical synthesis, and enzymatic characterization with the ultimate aim of assessing their potential as cancer chemopreventive agents. To achieve this, a combined classifiers model was used to screen a library of quinazoline-based molecules against known CYP1A2 inhibitors, non-inhibitors, and substrates to predict which quinazoline candidates had a better probability as an inhibitor. Compounds with high probability of CYP1A2 inhibition were further computationally evaluated via Glide docking. Candidates predicted to have selectivity and high binding affinity for CYP1A2 were synthesized and assayed for their enzymatic inhibition of CYP1A2, leading to the discovery of novel and potent quinazoline-based CYP1A2 inhibitors.
Calibration for Computer Experiments With Binary Responses and Application to Cell Adhesion Study

Calibration refers to the estimation of unknown parameters which are present in computer experiments but not available in physical experiments. An accurate estimation of these parameters is importa...
Discussion on Regulatory Risk of in Vitro Diagnostic Reagents in Use

According to the information of the supervision and inspection of in vitro diagnostic reagents for clinical use, this article analyzed the compliance issues and discussed the methods to solve the problems, to urge medical institutions to reduce the regulatory risk of in vitro diagnostic reagents in use.
Outcomes Using Veno-Arterial Extra-Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation as a Bridge to Heart Transplantation Following the UNOS Allocation Policy Change

Purpose The change in the UNOS heart allocation policy was intended to prioritize the sickest patients first and put forth stringent hemodynamic (HD) criteria to justify use of temporary mechanical circulatory support (tMCS). Patients meeting HD criteria and requiring tMCS with veno-arterial extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) receive the highest priority (Status 1) and includes extended donor organ sharing. Herein, we report on the association between time spent on VA-ECMO and post-heart transplantation (HT) outcomes following the UNOS policy change. Methods The UNOS registry was queried for all patients on VA-ECMO in the 6-months following the UNOS allocation policy change. A total of 32 patients were bridged to HT with VA-ECMO. Patients were divided into short- (N=24) and long- (N=8) duration groups based on time on VA-ECMO support, while listed as Status 1, using a cutoff of 5-days. Clinical, laboratory, hemodynamic, and ischemic time were compared with standard statistical methods and between-group mortality was assessed with Cox proportional hazards modeling. Results Median age was similar between the short- (32.6 ± 12.9) and long- (30.9 ± 10.6) duration groups, p=0.38. Median number of days on VA-ECMO while listed as Status 1 was 2.0 (2.0, 3.5) days versus 7.0 (5.5, 11.0) days with 24/32 (75%) successfully bridged to HT in less than five days. The short-duration group spent a total median (interquartile range) time on VA-ECMO support of 2.5 (2.0, 4.0) days compared to 26.5 (11.5, 52.5) days. There were no differences in renal function, hemodynamics, or need for dialysis at the time of transplant. Additionally, there was no difference in mean donor age or ischemic time. There was a trend towards better survival in the short-duration VA-ECMO group versus the long-duration group (p=0.097) Conclusion A majority of patients listed as Status 1 and supported with VA-ECMO undergo HT within a 5-day period. There is a suggested association of better survival with shorter duration of VA-ECMO support while listed as Status 1, but more analysis is needed to establish this. More analysis is required to identify factors leading to longer duration on VA-ECMO support.
Microsystems Process Integration, Testing, and Packaging

This chapter covers the important topic process integration where a number of individual processing steps (covered in Chaps. 3 and 4) are combined into a process sequence for the implementation of MEMS devices. A general outline of yield improvement activities is given. Some of the challenges of process integration for MEMS are discussed including the significant time, cost, and risk that are commonly encountered. Integrated MEMS process sequences are defined as the merging of microelectronics onto the same substrate as the MEMS devices. Reasons why attempting to develop integrated MEMS is so difficult are also explained. Two notable examples of process technologies are reviewed; the first is a generic MEMS surface micromachining process sequence, and the second is an integrated MEMS process technology. Parameter variations that arise in process sequences are discussed, and an example of the parameter variations of a well-known MEMS process technology called PolyMUMPS™ is reviewed. The concept of design rules in microsystems manufacturing is then covered along with a review of the design rules for the PolyMUMPS™ process sequence. This chapter also briefly discusses the testing and packaging of MEMS, including device trimming and calibration.
The Duke neurology advanced practice provider residency: Its time has comeAuthors Respond:

I read with interest Morgenlander and Blessing's1 experience with developing a 1-year neurology residency program for advanced practice providers (APPs), namely nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs), in their institution. While I laud the authors in their effort and believe that APPs with formal training in neurology shall improve patient care, I disagree this is the way forward to address the growing shortage of neurologists. An APP with additional training in neurology is still an APP unable to independently diagnose and treat complex neurologic disorders with confidence. While APPs with additional training in neurology are a useful addition to the neurology workforce, they should not be a substitute for additional residency-trained neurologists. Congress needs to act now to alleviate this shortage. That should be the message we send out.
Comparison of Point-of-Care Testing Methods and Laboratory Analysis for Assessing Urine Specific Gravity and pH of Children Undergoing Chemotherapy.

BackgroundTo reduce the risk of renal toxicity, urine specific gravity (SG) and pH (potential of hydrogen) parameters should be met before nephrotoxic chemotherapeutic agents are administered. The ...
Therapeutic Potential of TNF-α Inhibition for Alzheimer's Disease Prevention.

Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) is increasingly prevalent and over 99% of drugs developed for AD have failed in clinical trials. A growing body of literature suggests that potent inhibitors of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) have potential to improve cognitive performance. Objective In this review, we summarize the evidence regarding the potential for TNF-α inhibition to prevent AD and improve cognitive function in people at risk for dementia. Methods We conducted a literature review in PubMed, screening all articles published before July 7, 2019 related to TNF blocking agents and curcumin (another TNF-α inhibitor) in the context of AD pathology. The keywords in the search included: AD, dementia, memory, cognition, TNF-α, TNF inhibitors, etanercept, infliximab, adalimumab, golimumab, and curcumin. Results Three large epidemiology studies reported etanercept treated patients had 60 to 70% lower odds ratio (OR) of developing AD. Two small-randomized control trials (RCTs) demonstrated an improvement in cognitive performance for AD patients treated with etanercept. Studies using animal models of dementia also reported similar findings with TNF blocking agents (etanercept, infliximab, adalimumab, Theracurmin), which appeared to improve cognition. A small human RCT using Theracurmin, a well-absorbed form of curcumin that lowers TNF-α, showed enhanced cognitive performance and decreased brain levels of amyloid-β plaque and tau tangles. Conclusion TNF-α targeted therapy is a biologically plausible approach to the preservation of cognition, and warrants larger prospective RCTs to further investigate potential benefits in populations at risk of developing AD.
The Potential Protective Effect of Hope on Students' Experience of Perceived Stress and Burnout during Medical School.

BACKGROUND A major problem facing today's physicians and medical students is burnout. Christina Maslach and fellow researchers have described burnout as a product of chronic stress and a lack of protective psychological factors like hope. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between hope, stress, and burnout among medical students. METHODS This study involved an online survey of 329 first- through fourth-year allopathic and osteopathic medical students. Validated psychometric scales were used to measure the primary variables. We conducted Pearson correlation, hierarchical regression, and mediation analyses to test the relationships between hope, stress, and burnout and to determine whether hope directly impacts stress and burnout. RESULTS We found significant correlations between hope, stress, and burnout. Hierarchical regression revealed that hope accounted for significant variance in burnout over and above psychological stress and that stress and hope together accounted for 48% of this variance. We discovered that hope may be partially mediating the relationship between stress and burnout. CONCLUSION Hope may play a significant protective role in the stress-burnout relationship in the context of medical students: higher levels of hope are associated with lower levels of stress and burnout. Our study supports the idea of using hope-based interventions in medical student populations and investing more resources into this area of research.
From theory to implementation: Examining EL certification requirements through the lens of local context

With growing English learner (EL) populations enrolling in districts throughout the United States, educators must be trained to meet the needs of this culturally and linguistically diverse population. However, the approaches used to meet this growing teacher training need vary widely, with little available research on how different approaches impact student success. The current paper uses geospatial mapping to examine how states’ EL teacher certification requirements are related to the academic success of English learners in those states. The results of this study suggest that state EL teacher certification requirements are related to student outcomes and that geographic location moderates those results. The geospatial mapping technique utilized in this study improves the accessibility of available data to the general population and policy makers.