cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The biomechanical evaluation of four fixation techniques for proximal biceps tenodesis.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the cyclic displacement and ultimate failure strength of 4 proximal biceps tendon tenodesis fixation methods: the open subpectoral bone tunnel (SBT) biceps tenodesis, the arthroscopic suture anchor (SA) tenodesis, the open subpectoral interference screw (SIS) fixation technique, and the arthroscopic interference screw (AIS) technique. Type of Study: Biomechanical experimental control. Methods: Twenty fresh-frozen cadaver shoulders were dissected free of soft tissues, leaving the proximal humerus and the proximal biceps tendon as a free graft. Specimens were randomized to 1 of 4 groups with 5 total specimens in each group. A proximal biceps tenodesis was performed according to the techniques listed above. The specimens were mounted for an axial pull of the biceps tendon on a servohydraulic materials testing system with a 100-N load cycled at 1 Hz for 5,000 cycles, followed by an axial load to failure test. Cyclic displacement, ultimate load to failure, and site of failure were recorded for each specimen. Results: The mean cyclic displacement recorded for each experimental group was as follows: SBT group, 9.39 2.82 mm; AIS group, 5.26 2.60 mm; SIS group, 1.53 0.60 mm; and SA group, 3.87 2.11 mm. The mean ultimate failure loads after 5,000 cycles were as follows: SBT group, 242.4 51.33 N; AIS group, 237.6 27.58 N; SIS group, 252.4 68.63 N; and SA group, 164.8 37.47 N. Each specimen failed at the tenodesis site. Conclusions: The SBT group showed statistically significant greater displacement than the other tenodesis methods. There were no statistically significant differences in ultimate failure strength between any of the biceps tenodesis methods tested. Clinical Relevance: The data serve as a guide to the surgeon performing a proximal biceps tenodesis in choosing a fixation method. Key Words: Biceps tenodesis—Interference screw—Subpectoral.
CMPSched$im: Evaluating OS/CMP interaction on shared cache management

CMPs have now become mainstream and are growing in complexity with more cores, several shared resources (cache, memory, etc) and the potential for additional heterogeneous elements. In order to manage these resources, it is becoming critical to optimize the interaction between the execution environment (operating systems, virtual machine monitors, etc) and the CMP platform. Performance analysis of such OS and CMP interactions is challenging because it requires long running full-system execution-driven simulations. In this paper, we explore an alternative approach (CMPSched$im) to evaluate the interaction of OS and CMP architectures. In particular, CMPSched$im is focused on evaluating techniques to address the shared cache management problem through better interaction between CMP hardware and operating system scheduling. CMPSched$im enables fast and flexible exploration of this interaction by combining the benefits of (a) binary instrumentation tools (Pin), (b) user-level scheduling tools (Linsched) and (c) simple core/cache simulators. In this paper, we describe CMPSched$im in detail and present case studies showing how CMPSched$im can be used to optimize OS scheduling by taking advantage of novel shared cache monitoring capabilities in the hardware. We also describe OS scheduling heuristics to improve overall system performance through resource monitoring and application classification to achieve near optimal scheduling that minimizes the effects of contention in the shared cache of a CMP platform.
Comment on negative diffusion coefficients in quasi-linear theory

Unstable electron plasma oscillations quasi-linear theory, discussing improper treatment of perturbed electron distribution for damped waves leading to negative diffusion coefficient
Values-Based Supply Chains: Supporting Regional Food and Farms

Values-based supply chains (VBSCs) have emerged as a structure to enhance the viability of mid-scale farms while preserving jobs and rural economies. They involve partnerships between producers, pr...
Payoff based dynamics for multi-player weakly acyclic games

We consider repeated multi-player games in which players repeatedly and simultaneously choose strategies from a finite set of available strategies according to some strategy adjustment process. We focus on the specific class of weakly acyclic games, which is particularly relevant for multi-agent cooperative control problems. A strategy adjustment process determines how players select their strategies at any stage as a function of the information gathered over previous stages. Of particular interest are "payoff based" processes, in which at any stage, players only know their own actions and (noise corrupted) payoffs from previous stages. In particular, players do not know the actions taken by other players and do not know the structural form of payoff functions. We introduce three different payoff based processes for increasingly general scenarios and prove that after a sufficiently large number of stages, player actions constitute a Nash equilibrium at any stage with arbitrarily high probability. We also show how to modify player utility functions through tolls and incentives in so-called congestion games, a special class of weakly acyclic games, to guarantee that a centralized objective can be realized as a Nash equilibrium. We illustrate the methods with a simulation of distributed routing over a network.
The Role of Ependymin in Neuronal Plasticity and LTP

Ependymin is a brain extracellular glycoprotein that has been implicated in the formation of long-term synaptic changes after learning and neuronal regeneration. It was first identified as a brain protein that became more highly labeled after goldfish learned a new pattern of swimming behavior (Shashoua, 1976, 1977a, 1979). This type of change did not occur in a variety of experiments that controlled for the effects of stress, motor activity and physical strength of the animals (Shashoua, 1977b). Injections of anti-ependymin sera into the 4th ventricle of gold-fish brain at 8–24 hr after initiation of training blocked long-term (LTM) but not short-term memory (Shashoua and Moore, 1978). A blockade of LTM was also obtained for another training procedure in which goldfish learned to avoid a shock by escaping into another compartment in a shuttle box following the onset of a light in an avoidance conditioning experiment (Piront and Schmidt, 1988). More recent studies indicate that ependymin is also involved in classical (Pavlovian) conditioning (Shashoua and Hesse, 1989a). Goldfish were trained in a soundproof light-tight chamber (see Fig. 1) to associate the onset of light as the conditioning stimulus (CS) with the delivery of a shock as the US using the CS-US parameters established by Bitterman (1964). Measurements of the concentration of ependymin in goldfish brain extracts enriched with ECF proteins (Shashoua, 1981) using an ELISA procedure demonstrated that goldfish receiving the CS-US stimuli in a “paired” presentation showed changes whereas the controls receiving the same number of stimuli “unpaired” showed no changes (see Table I) in comparison to unstimulated animals. For the “paired stimulus” group there was an initial decrease at 3.5 hr after the start of the training followed by an increase at 52 hr, a time span that corresponds to the transcription and translation of messenger RNA in goldfish brain (Shashoua, 1970). This type of result was similar to that obtained for goldfish trained to swim with a float (R. Schmidt, 1986). Thus in two separate experiments it is found that ependymin is used up by the CNS as a consequence of the training procedure. The response of the brain is to synthesize and secrete more of the protein into the brain extracellular space. Moreover the quantity of ependymin that is depleted from ECF in a 70-mg goldfish brain is substantial, being about 71.tg for the acquisition of the classical conditioning experiment.
Gajdusek, D. Carleton

D. Carleton Gajdusek (1923–2008) was an American virologist and pediatrician who characterized the transmission of kuru, a spongiform encephalopathy found among the Fore people of New Guinea. He was jointly awarded the 1976 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine with Baruch S. Blumberg; “for their discovery of new mechanisms for the origin and dissemination of infectious diseases”. He was jailed in 1997 for molesting children that he had brought from New Guinea and Micronesia and left the United States thereafter.
LEADING REGGE TRAJECTORY IN THE /lambda phi/$sup 4$ THEORY

In a field-theoretic model of pion-pion scattering it is shown that the leading Regge pole approaches $l=0$ as the squared energy approaches $\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}\ensuremath{\infty}$.
Crowding, dynamics and transcription(Conference Presentation)

Biophotonic studies based on partial wave spectroscopy have shown that early carcinogenesis is characterized by a change in the nanoscale molecular organization of the cell nuclii. These finding suggest that cancer is associated with change in macromolecular crowding. In this presentation we will discuss a recent approach that we have developed to incorporate molecular scale information into a systems based approach to study the role of macromolecular crowding on different phenomena ranging from protein diffusion to gene transcription. Macromolecular crowding affects both dynamics and equilibrium properties. We will show that transcription is a non-monotonic function of crowders concentration in the cell nuclei. Furthermore, we will show how changes in macromolecular crowding in the nuclei and in the cytoplasm lead to different changes in the oscillatory behavior on NF-κB upon stimuli. Our results show the important regulatory role that non-specific interactions play in biological systems.
Incentives in public addiction treatment systems: Context and effects on access, retention, selection and outcomes

Aims: Value-based purchasing (VBP) aims to align program incentives and purchaser goals, often to improve quality of care, yet is uncommon in addiction treatment systems. Maine is the only state currently using an incentivized contract (IC) in its public addiction treatment system. We aim to understand the context in which the IC was implemented and determine whether rewarded measures (access and retention), client selection, and outcomes changed under the IC. Methods: We use state administrative data (N=37,470 admissions) and multivariate multilevel modeling with a difference-indifference approach and a nonIC comparison group. Propensity score techniques adjusted for pre-period differences in IC and nonIC admissions. Program director interviews collected information on activities implemented in response to the IC and more broadly to understand the context for any potential changes. Results: The probability of receiving 4 ormore outpatient treatment sessions did not change significantly between the 2005–07 pre-period and the 2008–11 post-period and was not significantly different in IC agencies and non-IC agencies (p= .43). Neither waiting time nor probability of remaining in treatment for over 90 days was significant. Admission rates of people with diagnosed mental disorders did not indicate selection effects. Early substance use andcriminal justiceoutcomes showed littledifferenceacross IC and non-IC groups over time. While most program directors acknowledged making changes to respond to the IC system, they quickly became acclimatized to the IC, with incentives not a large driver in changing how they approach care or do business. Non-IC programs are less likely to think of quality and outcomes measurement in a precise way. Conclusions: Introduction of an IC is a significant change in payment design that may affect addiction treatment service delivery, thus increasing our understanding of its effects is critical. We find the overall net effect of incentivized contract is very small and not significant. Financial support: NIDA R01 DA033402.
Pediatric surgery. Current concepts.

New procedures and techniques, made possible by simultaneous developments in pediatrics, anesthesiology, radiology, pathology and laboratory sciences, have increased survival and decreased morbidity in childhood. Recent progress in pediatric surgery is surveyed for the practicing pediatrician, and a variety of new techniques and procedures are briefly evaluated.
Spatial and Census Data to Evaluate Obese Persons and their Environment (SCOPE)

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the built environment and its relationship to BMI for individuals in eastern Idaho. METHODS Geospatial analyses were coupled to demographic data of adult individuals. ArcGIS Community Analyst was used to compare demographics relative to median BMI. RESULTS For every kilometer increase in distance to prepared food sites, BMI went down by 1.3% and every kilometer increase in distance to green space, BMI went down by 0.8% (p < .001). For every kilometer increase in distance to trails, BMI went up by 1.5%. No other built environment variables had a statistically significant association with BMI. CONCLUSION The distance to prepared foods and trails was associated with expected changes in BMI. Conversely, increased distance to green space was associated with a lower BMI.
Modified predator-prey (MPP) algorithm for single-and multi-objective optimization problems

OF THE THESIS MODIFIED PREDATOR-PREY (MPP) ALGORITHM FOR SINGLEAND MULTI­ OBJECTIVE OPTIMIZATION PROBLEMS by Souma Chowdhury Florida International University, 2008 Miami, Florida Professor George S. Dulikravich, Major Professor The aim of this work is to develop an algorithm that can solve multidisciplinary design optimization problems. In predator-prey algorithm, a relatively small number of predators and a much larger number of prey are randomly placed on a two dimensional lattice with connected ends. The predators are partially or completely biased towards one or more objectives, based on which each predator kills the weakest prey in its neighborhood. A stronger prey created through evolution replaces this prey. In case of constrained problems, the sum o f constraint violations serves as an additional objective. Modifications o f the basic predator-prey algorithm have been implemented in this study regarding the selection procedure, apparent movement o f the predators, mutation strategy, dynamics o f the Pareto convergence, etc. Further modifications have been made making the algorithm capable o f handling equality and inequality constraints. The final modified algorithm is tested on standard constrained/unconstrained, single and multi­ objective optimization problems.
Between the American Scylla and Chinese Charybdis: Hong Kong, 1950–54

The British government confirmed its defense priorities in the Far East when it chose to reinforce Malaya with troops from Hong Kong. Although the Defence Committee clearly intended the Hong Kong garrison to put up a vigorous defense of the colony against a Chinese attack, by 1951 it was clear to officials in both London and Singapore that improvements in Chinese military efficiency had made a successful defense of Hong Kong impractical. The decision to send a British con- tingent to Korea proved to be the high water mark of British military deployments to the Far East, and it was firmly tied to wider strategic reasons. The government’s subsequent refusal to send any more troops to Asia led to a secret decision to abandon Hong Kong in the event of an all-out Chinese attack. Nonetheless, it saw no reason to drop the pretense that Britain intended to put up a resolute defense, and so resorted to strategic and tactical deception as a means of deterring a Chinese attack. The Australians agreed to assist in a theater-wide deception effort, and it appears the Americans did too.
Financialization and the subprime subject: the experiences of homeowners during California’s housing boom

AbstractThis paper extends scholarship on the ‘everyday practices’ of global finance by specifically examining the decisions, motivations, and financial practices of homeowners caught up in the subprime lending boom in California. Drawing on evidence from 80 in-depth interviews in Oakland and Stockton, the paper explores how homeowners enacted their own subject positions within the financial ecologies of subprime markets. The research enriches and complicates our understanding of the interplay between financialization and the formation of financial subjects, and highlights how race and class, affective ties, and distinct socio-spatial relations shape and inform borrowers’ financial decisions and practices, even during a period of excessive credit access and house price speculation.
Stress-strain response of A706 grade 80 reinforcing steel

Abstract Before ASTM A706 grade 80 rebar may be specified in the seismic design of structures, its mechanical properties must be well understood and calibrated on a statistical basis. Based on the results of 788 tensile tests of A706 grade 80 rebar encompassing bar sizes No. 4–No. 18 (approx. metric No. 13–No. 57), five major stress-strain parameters are statistically evaluated and used to develop recommendations for an expected monotonic stress-strain curve. An existing material model is shown to accurately capture the shape of the monotonic stress-strain curve. Additional tests are used to evaluate the strain-aging performance of the steel.
Biogeographic Comparison of Lophelia-Associated Bacterial Communities in the Western Atlantic Reveals Conserved Core Microbiome.

Over the last decade, publications on deep-sea corals have tripled. Most attention has been paid to Lophelia pertusa, a globally distributed scleractinian coral that creates critical three-dimensional habitat in the deep ocean. The bacterial community associated with L. pertusa has been previously described by a number of studies at sites in the Mediterranean Sea, Norwegian fjords, off Great Britain, and in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). However, use of different methodologies prevents direct comparisons in most cases. Our objectives were to address intra-regional variation and to identify any conserved bacterial core community. We collected samples from three distinct colonies of L. pertusa at each of four locations within the western Atlantic: three sites within the GOM and one off the east coast of the United States. Amplicon libraries of 16S rRNA genes were generated using primers targeting the V4-V5 hypervariable region and 454 pyrosequencing. The dominant phylum was Proteobacteria (75–96%). At the family level, 80–95% of each sample was comprised of five groups: Pirellulaceae, Pseudonocardiaceae, Rhodobacteraceae, Sphingomonadaceae, and unclassified Oceanospirillales. Principal coordinate analysis based on weighted UniFrac distances showed a clear distinction between the GOM and Atlantic samples. Interestingly, the replicate samples from each location did not always cluster together, indicating there is not a strong site-specific influence. The core bacterial community, conserved in 100% of the samples, was dominated by the OTUs of genera Novosphingobium and Pseudonocardia, both known degraders of aromatic hydrocarbons. The sequence of another core member, Propionibacterium, was also found in prior studies of L. pertusa from Norway and Great Britain, suggesting a role as a conserved symbiont. By examining more than 40,000 sequences per sample, we found that GOM samples were dominated by the identified conserved core sequences, whereas open Atlantic samples had a much higher proportion of locally-consistent bacteria. Further, predictive functional profiling highlights the potential for the L. pertusa microbiome to contribute to chemoautotrophy, nutrient cycling, and antibiotic production.
Different short-term responses of greenhouse gas fluxes from salt marsh mesocosms to simulated global change drivers

Salt marshes are valued as important greenhouse gas (GHG) sinks, but global changes in climate, nitrogen (N) pollution, and exotic species invasion may alter this marsh function. With the goal of better understanding the potential responses of coastal marsh GHG fluxes to interacting global changes, a multifactorial experiment was conducted. Two climate treatments (present-day and end-of-century temperatures and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations) and two N treatments (non-enriched and simulated eutrophic estuary conditions) were applied to mesocosms containing either invasive Phragmites australis (Cav. Trin. Ex Steud.) or native Spartina patens (Aiton) Muhl. vegetated soil cores. Fluxes of CO2, methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) were measured in each mesocosm before and after treatment using cavity ring-down spectrometry, along with vegetation growth, edaphic conditions, and pore water chemistry. Methane emissions increased in P. australis but not in S. patens mesocosms under climate change conditions, while CO2 fluxes were similar between vegetation types and treatments. Nitrous oxide emissions increased with N loading from both S. patens and P. australis mesocosms, but were decreased in N-enriched S. patens mesocosms under climate change conditions. These findings demonstrate complex GHG flux responses to global change and suggest the potential for vegetation community-specific responses, though further research is needed to test mechanisms underlying observed GHG flux patterns.
Heidegger’s Gigantomachy

This chapter is devoted to a consideration of the philosophy of Martin Heidegger in the context of the Gigantomachy, in particular, Heidegger’s attempt at a “third way” between materialism and idealism. The chapter highlights specifically three majors essays of Heidegger: What is Metaphysics? (1929), The Question Concerning Technology (1954), and The Origin of the Work of Art (1935). I argue that Heidegger’s middle position in the Gigantomachy concerns a reconsideration by Heidegger of Platonic methexis (participation), but ultimately fails as a viable alternative to either position in the Gigantomachy.
Bye-bye intro: A proposal for transforming introductory psychology.

Like most other college and university students, most introductory psychology students—especially nonmajors—tend to forget the specifics of what they learned surprisingly soon after the course ends. Further, the typical introduction to psychology course does surprisingly little to permanently alter
Multi-layer dielectric rod antenna with stable patterns over decade bandwidth

A six-layer dielectric rod antenna is designed for symmetric and stabilized wide-beam radiation from 4 to 40 GHz. The desired HE 11 mode is excited in the rod by means of a 50-Ω Vivaldi feeding within a compact overall antenna structure. The study shows that the antenna has symmetric patterns with VSWR below 2:1, efficiency above 75%, and E/H-plane 10-dB beamwidths over 100° over the examined frequency band.
Survey of checkpoints along the pathway to diverse biomedical research faculty.

There is a persistent shortage of underrepresented minority (URM) faculty who are involved in basic biomedical research at medical schools. We examined the entire training pathway of potential candidates to identify the points of greatest loss. Using a range of recent national data sources, including the National Science Foundation’s Survey of Earned Doctorates and Survey of Doctoral Recipients, we analyzed the demographics of the population of interest, specifically those from URM backgrounds with an interest in biomedical sciences. We examined the URM population from high school graduates through undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral training as well as the URM population in basic science tenure track faculty positions at medical schools. We find that URM and non-URM trainees are equally likely to transition into doctoral programs, to receive their doctoral degree, and to secure a postdoctoral position. However, the analysis reveals that the diversions from developing a faculty career are found primarily at two clearly identifiable places, specifically during undergraduate education and in transition from postdoctoral fellowship to tenure track faculty in the basic sciences at medical schools. We suggest focusing additional interventions on these two stages along the educational pathway.
MANAGEMENT OF SUBMASSIVE PULMONARY EMBOLISM COMPLICATED BY PARADOXICAL THROMBUS-IN-TRANSIT

Submassive pulmonary embolism (PE) may be treated with the ultrasound enhanced catheter directed thrombolytic (CDT). CDT is not indicated for thrombus-in-transit given the risk of systemic embolization. A 70 year old man presented with progressive dyspnea and near-syncope. Physical exam
Low energy laser light (632.8 nm) suppresses amyloid-beta peptide-induced oxidative and inflammatory responses in astrocytes

Oxidative stress and inflammation are important processes in the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent studies have implicated the role of amyloid β-peptides (Aβ) in mediating these processes. In astrocytes, oligomeric Aβ induces the assembly of NADPH oxidase complexes resulting in its activation to produce anionic superoxide. Aβ also promotes production of pro-inflammatory factors in astrocytes. Since low energy laser has previously been reported to attenuate oxidative stress and inflammation in biological systems, the objective of this study was to examine whether this type of laser light was able to abrogate the oxidative and inflammatory responses induced by Aβ. Primary rat astrocytes were exposed to Helium-Neon laser (λ= 632.8 nm), followed by the treatment with oligomeric Aβ. Primary rat astrocytes were used to measure Aβ-induced production of superoxide anions using fluorescence microscopy of dihydroethidium (DHE), assembly of NADPH oxidase subunits by the colocalization between the cytosolic p47phox subunit and the membrane gp91phox subunit using fluorescent confocal microscopy, phosphorylation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), and expressions of pro-inflammatory factors including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS) using Western blot Analysis. Our data showed that laser light at 632.8 nm suppressed Aβ-induced superoxide production, colocalization between NADPH oxidase gp91phox and p47phox subunits, phosphorylation of cPLA2, and the expressions of IL-1β and iNOS in primary astrocytes. We demonstrated for the first time that 632.8 nm laser was capable of suppressing cellular pathways of oxidative stress and inflammatory responses critical in the pathogenesis in AD. This study should prove to provide the groundwork for further investigations for the potential use of laser therapy as a treatment for AD.
Age-Dependent Decrease in Adropin is Associated with Reduced Levels of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase and Increased Oxidative Stress in the Rat Brain.

Adropin is a peptide highly expressed in the brain. Emerging evidence indicates that low plasma levels of adropin are closely associated with aging and endothelial dysfunction. We hypothesized that aging reduces adropin levels in the brain, which correlates with reduced endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and increased oxidative stress associated with age-related endothelial dysfunction. Cortical brain tissue and plasma were collected from young (10-12 weeks old) and aged (18-20 months old) male Sprague-Dawley naive rats. Using RT-qPCR, we quantified the mRNA levels of the energy homeostasis associated (Enho) gene encoding for adropin. Western blotting was utilized to measure adropin and markers of endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress in the brain tissue. Levels of adropin in plasma were measured using an ELISA kit. Compared to young rats, both Enho mRNA and protein levels were dramatically reduced in the aged rat brain, which was accompanied by a significant reduction in plasma adropin levels in aged compared to young rats. Additionally, total and phosphorylated levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) were significantly decreased in aged rat brains and were associated with dramatically increased gp91phox-containing NADPH oxidase (a major source of free radicals) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), a lipid peroxidation marker. Brain levels of Akt and caveolin-1 were significantly reduced in aged rats compared with young animals. Collectively, these findings indicate that adropin levels negatively correlate with markers of endothelial dysfunction and oxidative injury, which raises the possibility that loss of brain adropin might play a role in the pathogenesis and development of aging-associated cerebrovascular dysfunction.
A Microbiota-Dependent, STAT3-Driven Mouse Model of Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma

In recent years, much has been learned about the molecular genetics of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. Fanok et al. (2018) translate knowledge from systematic genomic and transcriptomic analyses to develop a mouse model that tests the hypothesis that activated STAT3 in CD4+ T cells may be a driver of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. The transgenic mouse that they developed exhibits clinical features of mycosis fungoides, as well as Sezary syndrome, two well-known entities in the cutaneous T-cell lymphoma spectrum. Furthermore, these authors show that TCR engagement and microbiota are required for development of the complete clinical phenotype. This mouse model, which develops progressive disease, provides a new tool to understand cutaneous T-cell lymphoma biology and to potentially test new therapies.
Sensitivity methods for mathematical modelling

This paper has attempted to present an overview of certain aspects of functional sensitivity analysis with particular applications towards kinetics and quantum scattering theory. There is an important need at this point to perform practical numerical calculations in order to gain further insight in how to interpret and utilize the sensitivity densities. The generality of these sensitivity concepts and especially their ability to handle non-linear differential equations, implies that they should be a potentially valuable tool for treating a wide variety of problems besides those directly discussed in this paper.
Amino Acid Modifications

Abstract: In this chapter on amino acid modifications, coverage is provided of the several special amino acids that are likely formed through posttranslational modification of one or more of the standard 20 amino acids covered in the prior chapter. The major characteristics, locations, and importance to veterinary application of these special amino acids are discussed. Modified Amino Acids Found in Protein; Nonprotein Amino Acids; Essential and Nonessential Amino Acids are covered, with examples, characteristics, and relevance in application given. The relationship between ornithine and citrulline in the hepatic urea cycle; taurine and taurine deficiency in cats; and the formation of GABA in CNS neurons is also covered.
Development of Form Perception in Repeated Brief Exposures to Visual Stimuli

Many contemporary accounts of visual pattern perception hold that visual form is analyzed in terms of processes whereby specific features are extracted and compared to representations of previously experienced visual forms stored in memory. Two issues arising from this kind of information processing approach are (1) the nature of the features of the visual forms stored or encoded in memory and (2) the nature of the processes by which the stored information interacts with incoming information.
Urinary Tract Infection Pathogenesis: Host Factors

Clinically, host factors in the pathogenesis of urinary tract infection (UTI) may be considered as modifiable (eg, behaviors associated with increased risk of UTI, anatomic and functional problems of the urinary tract) and thus potentially amenable to a change in patient behavior or treatment approach, or as intrinsic and nonmodifiable host factors that neither the patient nor the clinician can influence (eg, gender and genetic influences associated with UTI). Although considering nonmodifiable host factors may be discouraging to patients and clinicians at present, some genetic associations have the potential for future predictive value and may interface with future treatments.
A Rapid Genetic Method for the Study of RNA Binding Proteins

Publisher Summary This chapter introduces a rapid genetic method for the study of ribonucleic acid (RNA) binding proteins (RNA-BP). This method is useful for: (1) identifying mutations in the RNA or the RNA-BP that affect binding affinity and/or specificity, (2) obtaining quantitative estimates of relative binding affinities from repression ratios easily measured in E. coli , and (3) developing models for RNA–protein interaction on the basis of the altered specificity or enhanced affinity of RNA-BP suppressor mutants thereby, identified and characterized. Using this approach, translational repression of modified lacZ transcripts is achieved not only with Rev, but also with other heterologous RNA-BPs including: U1A, nucleolin, and alfalfa mosaic virus coat protein. A future goal is to adapt this method for cloning complementary deoxyribonucleic acids (cDNAs) encoding RNA-BPs that bind to specific RNA sequences. This chapter discusses about the quantitative model for translation repression by heterologous RNA-BP S . The chapter also explains concepts related to methods such as strains, plasmids, and RNA-BP plasmid. Preparation and use of competent cells is also discussed. In addition, the chapter highlights the conditions for expression of the RNA-BP in E.coli and elaborates upon estimating dissociation constants.
Dual-function radar-communications using QAM-based sidelobe modulation

Abstract Spectrum sharing using a joint platform for radar and communication systems has attracted significant attention in recent years. In this paper, we propose a novel dual-function radar-communications (DFRC) strategy to embed quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) based communication information in the radar waveforms by exploiting sidelobe control and waveform diversity. The proposed information embedding technique can support multiple communication receivers located in the sidelobe region. In addition to the information broadcasting, the developed approach enables multi-user access by allowing simultaneous transmission of distinct information streams to the communication receivers located in different directions. We prove that the proposed technique ensures a significant data rate enhancement compared to the existing techniques. Moreover, the developed DFRC strategy generalizes the mathematical framework of the existing sidelobe control-based information embedding techniques.
Applying the Information–Motivation–Behavioral Skills Model to Understand PrEP Intentions and Use Among Men Who Have Sex with Men

Research is needed to determine targets for interventions to increase pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake. The Information–Motivation–Behavioral Skills (IMB) model has not been tested for PrEP use among men who have sex with men (MSM). Men and transgender women and men were surveyed at a community event in the Midwest in 2016 (N = 476, 60% White, Mage = 35). New measures assessed PrEP knowledge, attitudes, stigma, descriptive and subjective norms, and intentions, and participants reported on PrEP use. We tested the IMB model for a subsample of HIV-negative MSM and transgender individuals (N = 357) using structural equation modeling. Only 12% of participants used PrEP. New measures performed well and were reliable (αs = 0.83–0.94). Structural models generally supported the IMB model: knowledge, stigma, and self-efficacy were directly associated with use, and attitudes, stigma, and descriptive norms had indirect effects on use via self-efficacy. The IMB model may be useful when developing PrEP interventions for MSM.
Chapter 32 – Every Moment Counts: Synchrophasors for Distribution Networks with Variable Resources

Historically, with mostly radial power distribution and one-way power flow, it was only necessary to evaluate the envelope of design conditions, e.g., peak loads or fault currents, rather than continually observe the operating state. But the growth of distributed energy resources introduces variability, uncertainty, and opportunities to recruit diverse resources for grid services. This chapter addresses how the direct measurement of voltage phase angle might enable new strategies for managing distribution networks with diverse, active components.
Acid pKa Dependence in O–O Bond Heterolysis of a Nonheme FeIII–OOH Intermediate To Form a Potent FeV═O Oxidant with Heme Compound I-Like Reactivity

Protons play essential roles in natural systems in controlling O–O bond cleavage of peroxoiron(III) species to give rise to the high-valent iron oxidants that carry out the desired transformations....
Acute-phase protein α-1-acid glycoprotein is negatively associated with feed intake in postpartum dairy cows.

ABSTRACT α-1-Acid glycoprotein (AGP) is an acute-phase protein that may suppress dry matter intake (DMI), potentially by acting on the leptin receptor in the hypothalamus. Our objectives were to characterize plasma AGP concentration and associations with DMI during the transition period, and to determine the utility of AGP to identify or predict cows with low DMI. Plasma samples (n = 2,086) from 434 Holstein cows in 6 studies were analyzed on d −21, −13 ± 2, −3, 1, 3, 7 ± 1, 14 ± 1, and 21 ± 1 relative to parturition. A commercially available ELISA kit specific for bovine AGP was validated, and 2 internal controls were analyzed on each plate with interplate variation of 15.0 and 17.3%, respectively. Bivariate analysis was used to assess the relationship between AGP and DMI. For significant associations, treatment(study) was added to the model, and quadratic associations were included in the model if significant. Plasma AGP concentration (±SEM) increased from 213 ± 37.3 μg/mL on d −3 to 445 ± 60.0 μg/mL on d 14. On d 3, AGP was associated negatively with DMI in a quadratic manner for wk 1 and wk 2 and linearly for wk 3. Day 7 AGP was associated negatively with DMI in a quadratic manner for wk 2 and linearly for wk 3. Similarly, d 14 AGP was negatively associated with DMI for wk 3 and wk 4. As d 3 AGP concentration increased over the interquartile range, a calculated 1.4 (8.5%), 0.5 (2.7%), and 0.4 (1.9%) kg/d reduction in predicted DMI was detected during wk 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Using bivariate analysis, d 3 AGP explained 10% of the variation in DMI during wk 1. We explored the clinical utility of d 3 AGP to diagnose low DMI, defined as wk 1 DMI >1 standard deviation below the mean. Receiver operating characteristic analysis identified a threshold of 480.9 μg/mL, providing 76% specificity and 48% sensitivity (area under the curve = 0.60). Limited associations occurred between AGP and blood biomarkers; however, AGP was associated with plasma haptoglobin concentration postpartum and incidence of displaced abomasum, retained placenta, and metritis. These results demonstrate a negative association between plasma AGP concentration and DMI in early-postpartum dairy cows, although its diagnostic performance was marginal. Further investigation into whether AGP directly suppresses DMI in dairy cattle is warranted.
Hypofractionated Proton Therapy in Early Prostate Cancer: Results of a Phase I/II Trial at Loma Linda University.

Abstract Purpose: To determine whether a hypofractionated proton therapy regimen will control early-stage disease and maintain low rates of side effects similar to results obtained using standard-f...
An Overview of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Resulting from Regimens Used in Gynecologic Malignancies

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy poses a significant impact on patients’ quality of life and often results in chemotherapy dose reductions or discontinuation. Multiple treatment modalities have been investigated, with few that have shown measurable clinical improvement. This paper is a review of the pathophysiology of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and the utility of the available prevention and treatment modalities. We narrowed the focus of the review to only include chemotherapy regimens used in gynecologic oncology. Over 50 articles were reviewed across various search engines using keywords such as “chemotherapy-induced neuropathy” with specific agents including taxanes, platinum-based therapies, vincristine, and bortezomib individually researched to provide a comprehensive review of their mechanisms of action and etiologies of neuropathy. Gynecologic and non-gynecologic literature was reviewed with keywords “chemotherapy-induced neuropathy treatment” or “prevention.” A total of 43 references were included. A comprehensive review of the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical patterns, diagnosis, prognosis, and management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy as result of regimens used in gynecologic malignancies was summarized in this paper. The therapies identified to have significance for treatment were duloxetine, photobiomodulation, and possibly capsaicin patches. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy can greatly impact a large portion of the gynecologic oncology population. It is important for the clinician to have a fundamental understanding of clinical manifestations and treatment modalities available. Continued dedicated research in both prevention and treatment is needed to improve the care of our patients, especially given the paucity of research specific to the gynecologic oncology population.
Hip hemiarthroplasty for the treatment of femoral neck fractures in dialysis patients.

OBJECTIVES This study sought to delineate the postoperative outcomes in dialysis patients undergoing hip hemiarthroplasty (HHA) for the treatment of femoral neck fractures (FNF) in order to better optimise pre- and postoperative management and minimise short-term morbidity and mortality rates. METHODS 16,955 patients who had undergone HHA for femoral neck fractures from 2005 to 2018 were isolated from a multi-institutional surgical registry, of which 343 (2.0%) were on dialysis and 16,612 (98.0%) were not. The cohorts were identified/analysed for differences in their comorbidities, demographic factors, and 30-day postoperative complications using Fischer's exact tests and Mann-Whitney U-tests. Coarsened exact matching (CEM) was implemented in order to control for baseline difference in demographics and comorbidities. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess the impact of dialysis as an independent risk factor for various complications, including reoperations, readmissions, and mortality. RESULTS Upon CEM-matching (L1-statistic <0.001), weighted multivariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated dialysis to be an independent risk factor for minor complications (OR 3.051, p < 0.001), pneumonia (OR 3.943, p < 0.001), urinary tract infections (UTIs) (OR 2.684, p < 0.001), major complications (OR 1.892, p < 0.001), unplanned intubation (OR 2.555, p = 0.047), cardiac arrest (OR 11.897, p < 0.001), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), (OR 2.610, p = 0.049), and mortality (OR 2.960, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Dialysis independently increased the risk for unplanned intubation, cardiac arrest, blood transfusions, pneumonia, DVT, and mortality. In communicating postoperative expectations, surgeons should aim to clarify the patients' preferences and potential resuscitation designations prior to surgical intervention due to the increased risk of serious complications. A lower threshold of suspicion for DVT in this population is reasonable. Identifying high-risk patient populations that may experience increased rates of complications, with the ensuing financial expenditures, due to medical complexity rather than subpar management may help providers avoid penalties in caring for these patients.
THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES OF NONELECTROLYTE SOLUTION. PART 4. ESTIMATION AND MATHEMATICAL REPRESENTATION OF SOLUTE ACTIVITY COEFFICIENTS AND SOLUBILITIES IN BINARY SOLVENTS USING THE NIBS AND MODIFIED WILSON EQUATIONS

Abstract The limitations and applications of the various nearly ideal binary solvent (NIBS) and Modified Wilson models for predicting the thermochemical properties of solutes dissolved in binary solvent mixtures are examined using published solute solubility and infinite dilution activity coefficient data for 72 systems. Expressions derived from the basic NIBS and extended NIBS models provide very reasonable predictions for anthracene, thianthrene and carbazole solubilities in systems containing both specific and non-specific interactions. For many of the systems considered, deviations between experimental and NIBS predictions are of the order of 6% or less. In comparison, the Modified Wilson equation grossly underpredicts the observed solubilities, with deviations for several of the carbazole systems being 40% or more. Both models can serve as a point-of-departure for the mathematical representation of experimental solubility data, and two possible descriptive forms are suggested.
Tarmac Delay Policies: A Passenger-Centric Analysis

Abstract In this paper, we analyze the effectiveness of the 2010 Tarmac Delay Rule from a passenger-centric point of view. The Tarmac Delay Rule stipulates that aircraft lift-off, or an opportunity for passengers to deplane, must occur no later than 3 h after the cabin door closure at the gate of the departure airport; and that an opportunity for passengers to deplane must occur no later than 3 h after the touchdown at the arrival airport. The Tarmac Delay Rule aims to protect enplaned passengers on commercial aircraft from excessively long delays on the tarmac upon taxi-out or taxi-in, and monetarily penalizes airlines that violate the stipulated 3-h tarmac time limit. Comparing the actual flight schedule and delay data after the Tarmac Delay Rule was in effect with that before, we find that the Rule has been highly effective in reducing the frequency of occurrence of long tarmac times. However, another significant effect of the rule has been the rise in flight cancellation rates. Cancellations result in passengers requiring rebooking, and often lead to extensive delay in reaching their final destinations. Using an algorithm to estimate passenger delay, we quantify delays to passengers in 2007, before the Tarmac Delay Rule was enacted, and compare these delays to those estimated for hypothetical scenarios with the Tarmac Delay Rule in effect for that same year. Our delay estimates are calculated using U.S. Department of Transportation data from 2007. Through our results and several sensitivity analyses, we show that the overall impact of the current Tarmac Delay Rule is a significant increase in passenger delays, especially for passengers scheduled to travel on the flights which are at risk of long tarmac delays. We evaluate the impacts on passengers of a number of rule variations, including changes to the maximum time on the tarmac, and variations in that maximum by time-of-day. Through extensive scenario analyses, we conclude that a better balance between the conflicting objectives of reducing the frequency of long tarmac times and reducing total passenger delays can be achieved through a modified version of the existing rule. This modified version involves increasing the tarmac time limit to 3.5 h and only applying the rule to flights with planned departure times before 5pm. Finally, in order to implement the Rule more effectively, we suggest the tarmac time limit to be defined in terms of the time when the aircraft begin returning to the gate instead of being defined in terms of the time when passengers are allowed to deplane.