cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Role of Hemopoietic Cytokines in the Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Hemopoietic cytokines have been used to attempt to improve the cytopenias and to modulate the pathogenetic mechanisms in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Neutropenia has generally been alleviated in 80–90% of MDS patients with G-CSF and GM-CSF therapy in numerous short-term and several long-term trials. A recent multi-institutional Phase III randomized trial of G-CSF vs. observation in RAEB/RAEB-T subtypes of MDS demonstrated that G-CSF caused no alteration in the incidence or rate of evolution to AML. Survival in RAEB-T patients was the same in both groups; however, RAEB patients receiving G-CSF had decreased survival. This effect was apparent only in the increased number of “high-risk” patients in the G-CSF group. Several trials utilizing the combination of GM-CSF plus low dose AraC have demonstrated either good responses, stable disease or disease progression in approximately equal thirds of the patients, with a high degree of treatment-related toxicity. No increased survival was shown compared to prior studies using either agent alone. These data indicate that other approaches are needed to attempt to alter the natural history of MDS. Cytopenias have been modestly improved with IL-3 as have thrombocytopenias in a minor proportion of patients with IL-6 treatment, although substantial toxicity was noted at high doses. Erythropoietin (Epo) in relatively high doses has improved the anemias in only approximately 20–25% of MDS patients. Epo combined with G-CSF has demonstrated erythropoietic synergistic activity and has led to an approximate 40–45% erythroid response rate in MDS. The biologic effects of the hemopoietic cytokines provide a basis for planning current clinical trials in this problematic disease.
High-Stakes Systematic Reviews: A Case Study From the Field of Teen Pregnancy Prevention.

Background:Systematic reviews help policy makers and practitioners make sense of research findings in a particular program, policy, or practice area by synthesizing evidence across multiple studies...
Removing the costs of indirection in flash-based SSDs with nameless writes

We present nameless writes, a new interface that obviates the need for indirection in modern solid-state storage devices (SSDs). Nameless writes allow the device to pick the location of a write and only then inform the client above of the decision. Doing so keeps control of block allocation decisions in the device, thus enabling it to perform important tasks such as wear-leveling, while removing the need for large and costly indirection tables. We discuss the proposed interface as well as the requisite device and file-system support.
Severely Contracted Bladder Following Intravesical Mitomycin C Therapy

Most superficial bladder tumors are best treated by transurethral resection. However, because of their multifocal origin and high rate of recurrence they often present challenging therapeutic problems. Intravesical chemotherapy often is used in such cases in the treatment and prevention of recurrent transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. Recently, mitomycin C intravesical chemotherapy was shown to be effective in the treatment of superficial bladder tumors. No systemic toxicities were described but bladder irritation and drug-related palmar desquamation were noted. We report a case of a severely contracted bladder requiring urinary diversion following intravesical chemotherapy with mitomycin C. A possible relationship of this complication to the mitomycin C treatment is suggested.
Synthesis of the Commercial Fragrance Compound Ethyl 6-Acetoxyhexanoate: A Multistep Ester Experiment for the Second-Year Organic Laboratory

This synthesis of ethyl 6-acetoxyhexanoate (Berryflor) is designed as an experiment for use in a second-year organic chemistry course focusing on the synthesis and reaction of esters. The compound is described as having a raspberry-like odor with jasmine and anise aspects. A two-step procedure for its synthesis beginning with inexpensive e-caprolactone is described. The first step involves an acid-catalyzed transesterification of the lactone to form ethyl 6-hydroxyhexanoate. Ethyl 6-hydroxyhexanoate is converted to the desired compound via acetylation under mildly basic conditions to give ethyl 6-acetoxyhexanoate in good yield. The product is characterized using 1H NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, gas chromatography, thin layer chromatography, and by comparison to commercial samples.
Randomized Clinical Trials in Colon and Rectal Cancer.

Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment for colon and rectal cancers. Colon cancer outcomes have improved with laparoscopic techniques, enhanced recovery pathways, and adjuvant chemotherapy. Adjuvant 5-fluorouracil with or without oxaliplatin in stage III and possibly high-risk stage II colon cancer is associated with improved survival. Multimodality management of rectal cancer continues to evolve; total mesorectal excision is the cornerstone. Oncologic results do not support the use of laparoscopic resection in rectal cancer. Preoperative short- or long-course radiation for stage II or III rectal cancer is the standard of care. Long course chemoradiation is recommended for bulky tumors.
Driven to Support: Individual- and County-Level Factors Associated With Public Support for Active Transportation Policies.

Purpose:To assess predictors of stated support for policies promoting physically active transportation.Design:Cross-sectional.Setting:US counties selected on county-level physical activity and obes...
Making better steel sheet: Metal behavior during cold rolling and aging

The rolling mills were running for many years before metallurgists addressed themselves to the problem of what was actually happening. Now, the correlation of modern theories of dislocation, and strain-aging with the effects of mechanical working give new insight into the design and practical use of cold rolling facilities.
Clinical Applications of Photodynamic Therapy: A Review

In the past two decades, almost a complete revolution has occurred in the management of life-threatening pathologies. Newer and more effective therapeutic regimens have evolved in response to a better understanding of some disease phenomena. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is one such modality which, due to highly target-specific action, is finding extensive application as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. The phenomenon has been extremely effective in the complete destruction of a number of bacterial strains and viruses in vitro. However, the most pronounced effect of PDT has been on various classes of tumor cells. Certain photosensitizers bind specifically to tumor cell membranes and, upon exposure to light, can completely destroy the neoplastic cells. Results have been so encouraging that PDT is being used in clinical trials to eliminate malignant cells from bone marrow samples and blood products. The purpose of this communication is to present a brief historical background of photodynamic therapy and to r...
“I Know the Plane Crashed”: Children’s Perspectives in Dark Tourism

Researchers have noted that tourism research overlooks children altogether (Khoo-Lattimore, 2015; Poria and Timothy, 2014; Small, 2008). Yet, a large and growing number of children tour “sites associated with death, suffering, and the seemingly macabre” (Stone, 2006, p. 146). Consider these data: In 2013, the US Holocaust Memorial Museum received over 500,000 children and adolescents (D. Perna, personal communication, 19 November 2014). The Newseum in Washington, DC (with several exhibits depicting terrorism, racism, kidnapping, and war) reports that over half of its visitors are 18 years old or younger (S. Williams, personal communication, 10 November 2014). In 2013, the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial admitted 18,500 children in school and other group tours (L. Barton, personal communication, 20 May 2014). Lastly, the Anne Frank House has received more than one million visitors since 2007, most of whom are “high-school students and young adults” (Hartmann, 2014, p. 169).
Incidence of interval colorectal cancer attributable to an endoscopist in clinical practice

Background and Aims Endoscopists who encounter an interval colorectal cancer (I-CRC) may be concerned about the implications because I-CRCs may represent a lapse in colonoscopy quality and a missed opportunity for prevention. We wanted to determine the I-CRC rate per colonoscopy examination and to examine the effect of colonoscopy volume and adenoma detection rate (ADR) on the number of I-CRCs attributable to an endoscopist. Methods We determined the rate of I-CRC diagnosis per outpatient colonoscopy examination by measuring the incidence of CRC diagnosis in practice and by assessing, via literature review, the percentage of cancers that are interval. We also estimated the number of attributable I-CRCs as a function of ADR and colonoscopy volume. Results Among 93,562 colonoscopies performed in 2013 to 2015 by 120 physicians in 4 diverse U.S. medical centers, 526 CRCs were diagnosed (.6%). Of 149,556 CRCs in the published literature, 7958 were I-CRCs (5.25% ± .94%). With rates of .6% (CRC per colonoscopy) and 5.25% (I-CRC per CRC), the rate of I-CRC is 1 per 3174 colonoscopies (95% confidence interval, 1 per 2710 to 1 per 3875). An endoscopist at the median of outpatient colonoscopy volume (316/year) in the lowest ADR quintile of detection (7%-19%) would have an I-CRC attributed every 8.2 years, or 4.2 I-CRCs in a 35-year career, versus every 16.7 years, or 2.0 I-CRCs in a 35-year career, for an endoscopist in the highest ADR quintile (33%-52%). Conclusions An average-volume endoscopist will have 2 to 4 attributable I-CRCs in a 35-year career, but the frequency will vary depending on colonoscopy volume and ADR.
Cancers of the Head and Neck

Head and neck cancers comprise about 5% of all cancers worldwide. Because of the complex normal head and neck anatomy, which is further altered after surgical or radiation treatment, PET imaging of glycolysis has contributed to the diagnostic work-up of these patients. However, physiological muscle activity, vocal cord and normal thyroid activity can render the interpretation of molecular images difficult. PET/CT has helped to overcome some of these difficulties and it was this indication for which the usefulness of PET/CT was first tested and established using the prototype PET/CT at the University of Pittsburg.
Catalysts and Preparation of New Titanates

Summary A series of new crystalline titanates (CT) are shown to have considerable potential as catalysts supports. For Pd supported catalysts, the catalytic activity for pyrene hydrogenation was substantially different depending on the type of CT, and one was substantially more active than Pd on hydrous titanium oxide (HTO). For 1-hexene hydrogenation the activities of the new CTs were approximately the same as for the hydrous metal oxide supports. Stereochemical effects, such as shape selective catalysis, appears to be occurring when pyrene is hydrogenated.
Uncertainty analysis for different virtual pump water flow meters

The water flow rate through a pump can be calculated using other measured inputs, such as pump head, motor input power, and frequency, along with calibrated characteristic curves. Currently virtual...
A Coupled Multiscale Approach to TREAT LEU Feedback Modeling Using a Binary-Collision Monte-Carlo–Informed Heat Source

AbstractThe restart of the Transient Reactor Test facility (TREAT) will once again provide the capability for rapid transient testing of fuel concepts. Under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Material Management and Minimization, research is underway to assess the feasibility of converting the current high-enriched uranium (HEU) fuel in TREAT to low-enriched uranium (LEU) fuel. The LEU concept retains the fuel process that results in micrometer-sized UO2 fuel grains dispersed in a graphite moderator matrix. The LEU fuel design includes more 238U, which fundamentally changes the feedback mechanisms in the fuel. To explore the effects of conversion on a pulse transient, a simplified semi-infinite TREAT fuel element model of both the HEU and proposed LEU configurations was simulated using MAMMOTH with the requisite multiscale and multiphysics coupling. The developed method incorporates fission energy deposition at microscale locations from the Mesoscale Atomistic Glue Program for Inte...
Physical activity and cognition: A narrative review of the evidence for older adults

Researchers have long been interested in understanding the potential benefits of physical activity for cognitive performance. Given that advancing age is associated with cognitive decline and is predictive of a heightened risk of clinical cognitive impairment, older adults are a vulnerable population that may particularly benefit from physical activity participation. Objectives: The goal of this narrative review is to consider evidence relative to the beneficial effects of physical activity for cognitive performance, brain structure, and brain function in older adults. Methods: The current state of the literature is presented for studies incorporating behavioral and neuroimaging outcomes. We focus on the highest quality published evidence using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (2009) evaluation scheme. Thus, we consider meta-analytic reviews followed by experimental, prospective, and cross-sectional empirical evidence. In the absence of meta-analytic evidence, we present a comprehensive review and discuss exemplars of studies to illustrate important points. Results: Findings from these studies have enhanced our understanding of the potential role of physical activity in the enhancement and/or maintenance of cognitive function into advancing age. In sum, prospective evidence provides level 2a evidence and a B+ recommendation that physical activity reduces the risk of cognitive decline and clinical cognitive impairment. Experimental evidence provides level 1a evidence and an A- recommendation for small-to-moderate benefits for behavioral outcomes. Evidence from neuroimaging studies is less well developed and generally did not merit grade recommendations, with the exception of A- evidence for a positive effect of exercise on hippocampal volume. With respect to brain function, there is level 1b evidence of benefits using fMRI data and level 3b evidence of benefits using ERP data. Conclusions: Further advancement in this area will be reliant on large-scale RCTs of sufficient duration to pursue questions related to the mediating roles of brain structure and function in the observed behavioral benefits of physical activity.
Using expressed behaviour of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) to evaluate the vulnerability of upriver migrants under future hydrological regimes: Management implications and conservation planning

Globally, river systems have been extensively modified through alterations in riverscapes and flow regimes, reducing their capacity to absorb geophysical and environmental changes. In western North America and elsewhere, alterations in natural flow regimes and swimways through dams, levees, and floodplain development, work in concert with fire regime, forest management practices, as well as agriculture and urban development, to change recovery trajectories of river systems. Hydroregime scenarios for coho salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch (Walbaum, 1792), were investigated in Washington and Oregon, USA, where long‐term records of discharge, water temperature, and upstream fish passage are available. This novel approach combines hydrological and ecological data in a single visualization, providing empirical foundations for understanding upstream behavioural movement and tolerances of native fishes. The timing of coho salmon movement with respect to temperature and discharge were compared with scenarios representing possible future hydrological conditions associated with a changing climate. This approach provides a framework for the study of future hydrological alterations in other locations, and can inform local and regional conservation planning, particularly in view of water management policy. Management implications and recommendations for action that may expand the capacity of riverscapes to absorb perturbations are discussed.
A CORONARY CONUNDRUM: PAPILLARY MUSCLE RUPTURE AND ISCHEMIC MITRAL REGURGITATION SECONDARY TO THROMBOEMBOLISM IN ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID SYNDROME

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an acquired autoimmune disorder that has a strong predisposition for a hypercoagulable state and thromboembolism. A 52-year-old male with APS developed ischemic mitral regurgitation secondary to a papillary muscle rupture in the setting of a coronary
The labour market analysis and the signs of economic weakness analysis in LFA villages in the region of Nové Hrady

In the article an analysis is made of the labour market in LFA villages in the region of Nove Hrady and the opinions of residents on the signs of economic weakness in villages as well as the opportunities to improve the economic circumstances. The majority of the surveyed population is economically active and evaluates their current personal situation as being good. A significant proportion of the unemployed are women. This result reflects the real employment situation of women in the region. Short-term unemployed people actively search for a new job, whilst the long–term unemployed aren’t interested in finding a new job. Complex evaluation of the signs of economic weakness in villages identified two population groups: a group of realists, who see strong signs of economic weakness in the local aging population, closing institutions, a decline in culture and in the growing apathy of residents towards the local council. The second, less numerous group, is a group of inhabitants, who consider there to be no signs of economic weakness. An analysis of the opportunities to improve the economic circumstances in villages identified two groups of residents: a group of people, who suggest the strengthening of tourism, services and business. They suggest improving the transport links with the regional centres. The second group, is a group of people, who want to continue to live in peace and quiet. They see the advantages that the growth in the provision of services brings, but more intensive development of tourism frightens them. The research proved that those residents who are interested in the development of the community are those who achieved a higher education and are of a productive and post-productive age and have lived in the village for more than 5 years. In contrast, natives don’t want to see the development of the villages because of their concerns that development would bring with it damage to the environment and the loss of peace and quiet.
Does training mental rotation transfer to gains in mathematical competence? Assessment of an at-home visuospatial intervention

The current study examined whether the effect of spatial training transfers to the math domain. Sixty-two 6- and 7-year-olds completed an at-home 1-week online training intervention. The spatial-training group received mental rotation training, whereas the active control group received literacy training in a format that matched the spatial training. Results revealed near transfer of mental rotation ability in the spatial-training group. More importantly, there was also far transfer to canonical arithmetic problems, such that children in the spatial-training group performed better on these math problems than children in the control group. Such far transfer could not be attributed to general cognitive improvement, since no improvement was observed for non-symbolic quantity processing, verbal working memory (WM), or language ability following spatial training. Spatial training may have benefitted symbolic arithmetic performance by improving visualization ability, access to the mental number line, and/or increasing the capacity of visuospatial WM.
Oral Vancomycin Prophylaxis as Secondary Prevention Against Clostridioides difficile Infection in the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and Hematologic Malignancy Population

ABSTRACT Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a common complication in the hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and hematologic malignancy (HM) population. CDI is associated with increased hospital length of stay, health care and societal costs, morbidity, and mortality. Identifying strategies for secondary prevention of CDI is of extreme importance in the HSCT/HM population. In this study, our primary objective was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of an oral vancomycin prophylaxis (OVP) protocol for secondary prevention of CDI in a retrospective cohort of adult autologous/allogeneic HSCT recipients and patients with HM who did not undergo HSCT with a first CDI episode treated with concomitant broad-spectrum antibiotics (BSA). Patients were diagnosed and treated for CDI as inpatients and/or outpatients and were divided into 2 groups based on a preprotocol versus postprotocol analysis: the OVP group, comprising patients who received planned monotherapy with oral vancomycin 125 mg every 6 hours for 14 days for a first episode of CDI and subsequently received OVP posttreatment and a no OVP (NOVP) group, comprising patients who received planned monotherapy with oral vancomycin 125 mg every 6 hours for 14 days for a first episode of CDI and subsequently did not receive OVP posttreatment. OVP was defined as vancomycin 125 mg every 12 hours for up to 7 days after BSA discontinuation. The primary endpoint was recurrent CDI (rCDI), defined as symptoms of loose stools/diarrhea with high clinical suspicion for CDI prompting empiric therapy within 60 days of completion of treatment/prophylaxis for the first CDI episode. The incidence of vancomycin-resistant enterococcal (VRE) infection and 60-day mortality were also compared between the 2 groups. Multivariate logistic regression was created from associated variables to identify independent associations with rCDI. A total of 50 patients were included, 21 in the OVP group (42%) and 29 in the NOVP group (58%). The mean patient age was 58 years, and the cohort was 60% male and 86% Caucasian. HSCT was performed in 60% of the patients, and 76% of CDI cases were diagnosed during hospitalization. The rate of rCDI was significantly lower in the OVP group compared with the NOVP group (5% [1 of 21] versus 35% [10 of 29]; P= .016), with no subsequent increase in VRE infection rate (14% [3 of 21] versus 10% [3 of 29]; P = .686). By multivariable logistic regression, rCDI was inversely associated with OVP (odds ratio [OR], .14; 95% confidence interval [CI], .007 to .994; P = .049) and directly associated with outpatient CDI diagnosis (OR, 8.72; 95% CI, 1.816 to 49.158; P = .007). No between-group differences were found in 60-day mortality (10% [2 of 21] for OVP versus 7% [2 of 29] for NOVP; P > 0.999). OVP appears to be safe and effective for secondary prevention of CDI in the HSCT/HM population. Prospective trials are needed to validate the effectiveness of OVP in this vulnerable population to prevent rCDI.
Trigeminal Amyloidoma: A Report of Two Cases and Review of the Literature.

Cerebral amyloidomas, characterized by localized amyloid deposits in the nervous system in the absence of systemic disease, are rare. These typically consist of immunoglobulin light chain (AL)-type, predominantly lambda. Trigeminal nerve involvement is exceptionally rare with only 21 previously reported cases, three with bilateral disease. We report two additional cases of amyloid localized to Meckel’s cave with secondary involvement of the trigeminal nerves bilaterally, with protein characterization by mass spectrometry. The patients, both females, 39 and 49-years-old, respectively, presented with the insidious onset of progressive trigeminal neuropathy, including pain and numbness with sensory loss, refractory to medical therapy. One patient experienced bilateral symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated abnormal thickening and contrast enhancement along Meckel’s cave bilaterally in both cases. The clinical differential diagnosis included benign neoplasms and inflammatory disorders. At the time of biopsy, the trigeminal nerve was noted to be enlarged and multinodular in one case and associated with abnormal soft tan tissue in the other case. Microscopically, the nerve biopsies showed extensive Congo red-positive amyloid deposits. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry demonstrated that the amyloid was of (AL)-type in both cases (AL [kappa] in one case and AL [lambda] in the other). After extensive evaluation, there was no evidence of systemic involvement. Both patients received localized radiotherapy for their refractory symptoms. One patient has stable symptomatology and imaging. No follow-up is available for the other patient.
Search for long-lived particles at CMS

The most recent searches for long-lived particles at CMS are presented. Searches for displaced jets, displaced leptons, displaced stops, and heavy stable charged particles are among those discussed. A variety of models are constrained by these searches, ranging from hidden valleys to split supersymmetry.
Assessing the Ability of the Fitbit Charge 2 to Accurately Predict VO 2max

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the ability of the Fitbit Charge 2 (FBC2) to accurately estimate VO 2max in comparison to both the gold standard VO 2max test and a non-exercise VO 2max prediction equation. Methods: Thirty healthy subjects (17 men, 13 women) between the ages of 18 and 35 (age =21.7±3.1 years) were given a FBC2 to wear for seven days and followed instructions on how to obtain a cardio fitness score (CFS). VO 2max was measured with an incremental test on the treadmill followed by a verification phase. VO 2max was predicted via a non-exercise prediction model (N-Ex) using self-reported physical activity level. Results: Measured VO 2max was significantly lower than FBC2 predicted CFS (VO 2max =49.91±6.83; CFS =52.53±8.43, P=0.03). N-Ex prediction was significantly lower than CFS but not significantly lower than measured VO 2max (N-Ex =48.79±6.32; CFS vs . N-Ex: P=0.01; VO 2max vs . N-Ex: P=0.54). Relationships between both VO 2max vs . CFS and VO 2max vs . N-Ex were good (ICC: VO 2max vs . CFS=0.87, VO 2max vs . N-Ex =0.87); Bland-Altman analysis indicated consistency of CFS measurement and lack of bias. The coefficient of variation (CV) and mean absolute percent error (MAPE) were greater with CFS than N-Ex (CV: CFS =6.5%±4.1%, N-Ex =5.6%±3.6%; MAPE: CFS =10.2%±6.7%, N-Ex =7.8%±5.0%). Heart rate (HR) estimated by the FBC2 was lower than estimated (Est) HR for pace based on HR extrapolation (FBC2 =155±18 bpm, Est =183±15 bpm, P 2max was inversely correlated with the difference in FBC2 HR and Estimated HR (r =−0.45, P Conclusions: The FBC2 shows consistent, unbiased measurement of CFS while overestimating VO 2max in healthy men and women. The non-exercise VO 2max prediction equation provides a similar, slightly more accurate, VO 2max prediction than the CFS without the need for an exercise test or purchase of a Fitbit.
A novel shallow bore ground heat exchanger for ground source heat pump applications—Model development and validation

Abstract A novel ground heat exchanger design, the Underground Thermal Battery (UTB), was proposed as a low-cost alternative to the conventional vertical bore ground heat exchanger (VBGHE) for the application of ground source heat pumps (GSHPs). The UTB is designed to be installed in a shallow borehole (less than 6 m deep) and thus could cost much less than the conventional VBGHE, which usually is installed in vertical bores 60 m deep. By utilizing natural convection of water and phase change materials, the UTB tempers its temperature change in response to thermal loads, which helps improve the efficiency of GSHPs. A one-dimensional (1D) model of the UTB has been developed and validated with the measured performance data of a small-scale UTB, as well as the simulation results of a more detailed three dimensional (3D) numerical model, which accounts for both heat transfer and fluid dynamics in the UTB. This 1D model is computationally much more efficient than the 3D model and thus can simulate the annual performance of the UTB with acceptable computation time. The 1D model has been used to evaluate the performance of the UTB so that it can be compared with the conventional VBGHE.
3D object recognition through processing of 2D holograms

Correlation of two-dimensional digitally recorded holograms is introduced as a novel approach for object recognition without the need for quantitative assessment of the retrieved complex field, based on the fact that a hologram contains the three-dimensional information of the object. Actual objects with different three-dimensional features such as depth and surface roughness are assessed through processing of the correlation of their two-dimensional holograms. Correlation peak values are extracted as a metric to evaluate correlation of three-dimensional objects. The effect of hologram windowing size on correlation of three-dimensional objects is investigated, and improvements in computation time and dynamic range are assessed. Critical figures of merit used for assessment of correlation of images are applied to the correlation of holograms for object recognition.
Migration and Function of Memory CD8+ T Cells in Skin

CD8+ memory T cells provide anamnestic host defense against intracellular pathogens and cancer immunosurveillance but are also pathogenic in some autoimmune diseases. In mouse skin, there are two unique subsets of CD8+ memory T cells, resident memory cells that reside long-term in steady state skin and recirculating memory cells that are transient. They have distinct mechanisms of recruitment, development, and maintenance in response to skin-derived signals. In this review, we will focus on these mechanisms and the functional relationship of these two types of CD8+ memory cells with host defense and disease.
Intrinsic local distances: a mixed solution to Weyl’s tile argument

Weyl’s tile argument purports to show that there are no natural distance functions in atomistic space that approximate Euclidean geometry. I advance a response to this argument that relies on a new account of distance in atomistic space, called the mixed account, according to which local distances are primitive and other distances are derived from them. Under this account, atomistic space can approximate Euclidean space (and continuous space in general) very well. To motivate this account as a genuine solution to Weyl’s tile argument, I argue that this account is no less natural than the standard account of distance in continuous space. I also argue that the mixed account has distinctive advantages over Forrest’s (Synthese 103:327–354, 1995) account in response to Weyl’s tile argument, which can be considered as a restricted version of the mixed account.
Microplastic ingestion by quagga mussels, Dreissena bugensis, and its effects on physiological processes.

Abstract The impacts of microplastic particulates in benthic freshwater organisms have been largely unexplored despite abundant plastic accumulation in the sediments of these systems. We investigated the uptake of plastic particles by benthic filter feeding quagga mussels (Dreissena bugensis) and associated toxicity exhibited through impacts on mortality, filtration rate, reproduction and oxygen consumption. Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Imaging Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-IMS) technology was used to assess the microplastic inclusion. For this purpose, quagga mussels were exposed to four treatments ranging from 0.0 to 0.8 g/L of a high density fluorescent red polyethylene powder in the size range of 10–45 μm for 24-h, and the targeted endpoints were quantified. Identification of several micrograms of microplastics in the digestive tract suggests rapid clearance from the water column by filtering. At the higher concentrations, about 95% of the microplastics ingested remained in the mussels after 24-h. Microplastics were found in the gills which correlated with decreasing filtration rate at higher microplastic concentrations. Despite large-scale ingestion, plastic exposure did not affect survivorship, reproduction rates, or oxygen consumption in the period examined. MALDI-IMS identified unique mass spectra that correlated with microplastic inclusion. This research suggests that microplastics can impair feeding through decreased filtration rates of filter feeding organisms, potentially resulting in a reduction of overall fitness over time and that MALDI-IMS may have the potential to identify microplastics and changes in tissue at the borders of plastic inclusion.
Reducing the Representation Error of GAN Image Priors Using the Deep Decoder

Generative models, such as GANs, learn an explicit low-dimensional representation of a particular class of images, and so they may be used as natural image priors for solving inverse problems such as image restoration and compressive sensing. GAN priors have demonstrated impressive performance on these tasks, but they can exhibit substantial representation error for both in-distribution and out-of-distribution images, because of the mismatch between the learned, approximate image distribution and the data generating distribution. In this paper, we demonstrate a method for reducing the representation error of GAN priors by modeling images as the linear combination of a GAN prior with a Deep Decoder. The deep decoder is an underparameterized and most importantly unlearned natural signal model similar to the Deep Image Prior. No knowledge of the specific inverse problem is needed in the training of the GAN underlying our method. For compressive sensing and image superresolution, our hybrid model exhibits consistently higher PSNRs than both the GAN priors and Deep Decoder separately, both on in-distribution and out-of-distribution images. This model provides a method for extensibly and cheaply leveraging both the benefits of learned and unlearned image recovery priors in inverse problems.
How Have ACA Insurance Expansions Affected Health Outcomes? Findings From The Literature

A growing body of literature examining the effects of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on nonelderly adults provides promising evidence of improvements in health outcomes through insurance expansions. Our review of forty-three studies that employed a quasi-experimental research design found encouraging evidence of improvements in health status, chronic disease, maternal and neonatal health, and mortality, with some findings corroborated by multiple studies. Some studies further suggested that the beneficial effects have grown over time and thus may continue to grow if the ACA insurance expansions remain in force. However, not all studies reported a significant positive relationship between ACA provisions that expanded insurance coverage and health status. We highlight the challenges facing researchers, including the importance of nonmedical factors in determining individual health and the use of outcome data predominantly drawn from self-reports. In closing, we identify opportunities to enhance researchers' understanding of the relationship between the ACA insurance expansions and health outcomes using new data sources, including electronic health records.
Equatorially trapped convection in a rapidly rotating shallow shell

Motivated by the recent discovery of subsurface oceans on planetary moons, convective flows in shallow spherical shells set in rapid rotation are explored. A new equatorial beta-plane convection model that captures trapping of convection at low latitudes due to rotation is investigated.
Proton beam irradiation of uveal melanoma involving the iris, ciliary body and anterior choroid without surgical localisation (light field)

Aims To assess treatment outcomes after proton beam irradiation (PBI) without surgical localisation of uveal melanomas involving the iris, ciliary body and anterior choroid. Methods Retrospective chart review of 125 patients evaluated at Massachusetts Eye and Ear and treated with PBI using a light field set-up without localisation surgery between November 1975 and April 2017. The tumours were characterised as follows: iris (n=18, 14.4%), ciliary body (n=12, 9.6%), iridociliary (n=58, 46.4%), ciliochoroidal (n=24, 19.2%) and iridociliochoroidal (n=13, 10.4%). The tumours were measured by transillumination and ultrasonography before treatment. Tumours with posterior margin located less than two disc diameters from the ora serrata were treated using the light field technique. Patient outcomes after PBI were evaluated. Results Most patients had good vision at the time of tumour diagnosis (69.6% had baseline visual acuity (VA) of ≥20/40). Median VA at last follow-up (median follow-up: 72.1 months) was 20/63. Recurrences occurred in 12 patients (9.6%) at a median time of 4.0 years post-treatment. Recurrences were treated by repeat PBI (n=5) or enucleation (n=7). Secondary enucleation was performed in 18 patients (14.4%), and 61.1% of these were due to complications. Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) developed in 21 patients (16.8%). Of seven patients who developed NVG after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapies became available, five were treated with intravitreal Avastin injections (23.8% of patients with NVG). Of 69 patients diagnosed with cataract after treatment, 51 (73.9%) were characterised as radiation-related. Death from metastatic uveal melanoma occurred in 20.8% of the cohort, with a median follow-up of 10.1 years. Conclusions Patients treated with PBI using a light field set-up technique experience good outcomes after irradiation. Eye preservation and retention of good VA are seen in the majority of cases, and tumour recurrence is low.
Simulation and analysis of circumferential temperature distribution for overhead conductor

Conductor temperature is an important factor that influences the transmission capacity. It is usually assumed that the conductor is an isothermal cylinder in most studies, which is not consistent with the real situation. Due to the difference of air velocity around the conductor, there is a circumferential temperature difference of the conductor. Therefore, a simulation model for temperature was established based on fluid dynamics theory. The circumferential velocity field and temperature field were simulated. Finally, the influence of wind velocity, environmental temperature and current on the circumferential temperature difference was analyzed. The results show that with the increase of wind velocity and environmental temperature, the circumferential temperature difference decreases gradually, while with the increase of current, the circumferential temperature difference of conductor increases continuously.
A Writer’s Guide to Understanding Charles Dickens’s "George Silverman’s Explanation"

This thesis proposes that “George Silverman’s Explanation”—the last short story completed by Charles Dickens—should be read as Dickens’s final and most comprehensive treatise on writing. The argument states that Dickens, instead of outlining an explicit approach to the writing process, utilizes the narrative of George Silverman as an allegory to detail the formation of a story. The thesis suggests that the framework of “George Silverman’s Explanation” portrays the growth trajectory of the writer and his eternal struggle to create original work from the world of literature that precedes him. For a renowned author like Dickens, approaching his last short story as his departing discourse on the construction of literature is invaluable instruction for future writers. Interestingly, “George Silverman’s Explanation” is also Dickens’s least analyzed work. For this reason, this thesis addresses essentially all of the scholarship that has been written on the short story before preceding to add a new perspective on how the short story can be approached. Understanding this short story as a blueprint for writers provides an innovative and unique angle for approaching literature, since a writer reads with their eyes on the future—and the original works that they can create.
In the era of digital PET/CT, does switching from weight-based to BMI-based FDG dosing result in reduced radiation exposure to and from patients? A technologist perspective

3022 Objectives: In patients undergoing FDG PET/CT scanning, switching from TOF analog to TOF digital PET/CT system have resulted in reduced radiation exposure to both patients and technologists. This was particularly true for obese patients when the maximum injected dose dropped from 15 mCi for analog to 10 mCi for digital scanner. We set out to investigate if switching from a weight-based to BMI-based injected FDG dose would result in further radiation reduction to patients and PET technologists, without compromising image quality. Methods/Materials: A total of 40 patients undergoing a standard of care F-18 FDG PET/CT exam on a digital TOF scanner received an FDG dose based on BMI as follows: 6 mCi for BMI 35. These same 40 patients had a prior exam on the same digital TOF scanner after a weight-adjusted dose of 0.14 mCi/kg. A log was created to compare the F-18 FDG doses to patients. To assess the radiation exposure to technologists, dosimetry reports for 2 months with identical volume (89 patients) were compared before and after the switch to BMI-based dosing. The 3 components to the dosimetry report are the Whole Body Deep Dose Equivalent (DDE), Lens of Eye Dose Equivalent (LDE) and Whole Body Shallow Dose Equivalent (SDE). Results: When comparing doses of the 40 patients scanned using both the weight-based dose and BMI-based dose, our preliminary data (Table 1) has shown an average F-18 FDG dose reduction of 34.86% in patients with a BMI of 25 or less, 17.61% in patients with a BMI between 26-34, and -0.58% in patients with a BMI of 35 or higher. Given that the max FDG dose was kept the same (10 mCi) for patients with BMI ≥35, switching from weight-based to BMI based resulted in greater reduction of radiation doses to patients with BMI < 35. However, based on the dosimeter readings for the 2 months (Table 2), the switch from weight-based to BMI-based did not significantly change radiation exposure to technologists. Conclusion: Ongoing data collection comparing weight-based to BMI-based dosing for the digital TOF PET/CT scanner continues to be acquired. However, our initial assessment has shown reduction of dose to patients, without compromising image quality. In our experience, the radiation exposure to technologists was not significantly reduced when switching to BMI-based dosing instead of weight-based dosing. Table 1: Comparison of weight-based dosing to BMI-based dosing on Digital TOF PET (0.14mCi/kg) vs. Digital TOF PET (BMI kg/m2 ) Dosing Systems Table 2: Technologist Exposure (0.14mCi/kg) vs (BMI kg/m2 )
Selectively-Amortized Resource Bounding (Extended Version).

We consider the problem of automatically proving resource bounds. That is, we study how to prove that an integer-valued resource variable is bounded by a given program expression. Automatic resource-bound analysis has recently received significant attention because of a number of important applications (e.g., detecting performance bugs, preventing algorithmic-complexity attacks, identifying side-channel vulnerabilities), where the focus has often been on developing precise amortized reasoning techniques to infer the most exact resource usage. While such innovations remain critical, we observe that fully precise amortization is not always necessary to prove a bound of interest. And in fact, by amortizing selectively, the needed supporting invariants can be simpler, making the invariant inference task more feasible and predictable. We present a framework for selectively-amortized analysis that mixes worst-case and amortized reasoning via a property decomposition and a program transformation. We show that proving bounds in any such decomposition yields a sound resource bound in the original program, and we give an algorithm for selecting a reasonable decomposition.
Pathophysiology of traumatic brain edema: current concepts

The generally held concept during the past several decades is that traumatic brain edema is predominately vasogenic emanating from the blood vessels subsequent to blood brain barrier compromise. Much of the experimental data has focused on cryogenic injury models where there clearly is a necrotic lesion surrounded by leaking vessels. However, in closed head injury where brain swelling remains a critical problem, the classification of the type of edema that develops is less clear. Most importantly, studies in the clinical setting have ruled out vascular engorgement as one potential mechanism and these studies have shown that edema and not blood volume is the culprit responsible for brain swelling. We have put forth the notion that traumatic brain edema is a combination of vasogenic and cellular with the cellular component predominating. This article provides an update of our current progress toward supporting this hypothesis and includes an update on the role of aquaporins in traumatic brain edema.
Geographic patterns in the bacterial microbiome of the glassy-winged sharpshooter, Homalodisca vitripennis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)

Numerous environmental and physiological factors influence the composition of the bacterial microbiome inhabiting an insect. Pyrosequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA sequences was used to identify bacterial taxa inhabiting 50 Homalodisca vitripennis collected from nine Texas vineyards collected during the summer of 2007. After quantifying distances between insects based on differences in bacterial community composition, it was clear that the geographical locations of the insects collected had a substantial influence on their internal bacterial microbiota composition. There was a clear tendency for insects collected from the same vineyard to cluster in principal component analyses using said distances. A single bacterial species, Candidatus Baumannia cicadellinicola, a primary endosymbiont, represented the majority of bacteria sampled. Many of the more common bacterial genera contain a majority of species known previously to inhabit soil and plants exclusively, suggesting that the insect’s environment is a major source of abundant species of microflora. Many of the bacterial genera sampled had significant positive correlations with other bacteria, and many of these correlations were between genera with the same order.
Qualitative Hybrid Control of Dynamic Bipedal Walking

We present a qualitative approach to the dynamical control of bipedal walking that allows us to combine the benefits of passive dynamic walkers with the ability to walk on uneven terrain. We demonstrate an online control strategy, synthesizing a stable walking gait along a sequence of irregularly spaced stepping stones. The passive dynamic walking paradigm has begun to establish itself as a useful approach to gait synthesis. Recently, researchers have begun to explore the problem of actuating these passive walkers, to extend their domain of applicability. The problem of applying this approach to applications involving uneven terrain remains unsolved and forms the focus of this paper. We demonstrate that through the use of qualitative descriptions of the task, the use of the nonlinear dynamics of the robot mechanism and a multiple model control strategy, it is possible to design gaits that can safely operate under realistic terrain conditions.
Automatic linearity (IP3) test with built-in pattern generator and analyzer

We present a built-in self-test (BIST) approach based on direct digital synthesizer (DDS) for functionality testing of analog circuitry in mixed-signal systems. Of particular interest, and a main contribution of This work, is the BIST-based hardware implementation and measurement of amplifier linearity (IP3) test using DDS. The approach described in This work has been implemented in Verilog and synthesized into FPGAs where it was used for functional testing and compared to simulation results.