cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transracial Adoption, Neoliberalism, and Religion: A Test of Moderating Effects

Scholars of transracial adoption (TRA) have theorized that neoliberal ideology—valuing unregulated markets, welfare-retrenchment, color-blindness, and privatized charity—has catalyzed support for TRA among political and religious conservatives as a way of relieving governments from subsidizing poor minority children in foster care or their families on welfare. Drawing on theories linking neoliberal ideology, conservative Protestantism, and race, I examine neoliberalism’s effect on support for TRA and its possible moderating relationship with evangelicalism across both Whites and non-Whites. Analyses of national survey data demonstrate that both neoliberalism and evangelicalism in their main-effects are either unassociated or negatively associated with TRA approval. However, neoliberalism interacts with evangelicalism such that evangelicals who hold more strongly to neoliberal views are more inclined to support TRA. This effect holds across both White and racial minority respondents. Findings suggest that ...
Relating static and dynamic machine code measurements

In an effort to relate static measurements of machine code instructions and addressing modes to their dynamic counterparts, both types of measurements were made on nine different machines using a large and varied suite of programs. Using classical regression analysis techniques, the relationship between static architecture measurements and dynamic architecture measurements was explored. The statistical analysis showed that many static and dynamic measurements are strongly correlated and that it is possible to use the more easily obtained static measurements to predict dynamic usage of instructions and addressing modes. With few exceptions, the predictions are accurate for most architectural features. >
Filter banks in digital communications

Digital signal processing has played a key role in the development of telecommunication systems over the last two decades. In recent years digital filter banks have been occupying an increasingly important role in both wireless and wireline communication systems. In this paper we review some of these applications of filter banks with special emphasis on discrete multitone modulation which has had an impact on high speed data communication over the twisted pair telephone line. We also review filter bank precoders which have been shown to be important for channel equalization applications.
Classification of Proteomic Data with Logistic Kernel Partial Least Squares Algorithm

In this paper we introduce the logistic kernel partial least squares (LKPLS) algorithm for classi?cation of health vs. cancer using mass spectrometry (MS). Wavelet decomposition is proposed for feature selection and data preprocessing. LKPLS combines the logistic regression with the kernel partial least squares algorithm. The method is applied to real life cancer samples. Experimental comparisons show that LKPLS outperforms other methods in the analysis of MS data.
High-resolution peripheral vein bypass graft wall studies using high sampling efficiency inner volume 3D FSE.

A 3D inner-volume fast spin echo (3D IV-FSE) sequence was developed for ECG-gated, black-blood, T1- and T2-weighted vessel wall imaging of peripheral vein bypass grafts (PVBG). The sequence utilizes nonselective refocusing excitations to minimize echo spacings and a highly selective IV excitation scheme to minimize the need for oversampling of z-encode slice selections. The method was tested in eight PVBG patients who also underwent 2D FSE graft imaging. High-quality 3D imaging was achieved in all subjects, with significant spatial resolution and volume coverage gains compared to the more conventional 2D FSE sequences normalized for signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) and scan times. Compared to previously proposed 3D IV-FSE methods, nonselective refocusing resulted in a more than 20% FSE echo train sampling efficiency increase while the use of highly selective IV excitation resulted in a 30% improvement in slice oversampling efficiency. Magn Reson Med, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
NATO’s Cyber-Defence: A Methodology for Smart Defence

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, (NATO)’s Smart Defence policy, results as the allied decision towards the application of the Strategic concept. Its attempt for interoperable and technological evolution of its military forces and civilian assets is the added value that makes NATO’s defence a smarter one: Agile forces command and tactical coordinated network-centric oriented operational capability. The ideological perspective of the political/legal framework is based on the necessity of a practical and renewed strategic concept. This concept was agreed initially in April of 2009 and adopted in 2010, considering the twenty-first century challenges and threats. By June 2014, NATO’s “Smart Defence” policy is the newest “brand” name that agrees to agility of military and civilian capabilities at NATO. It is being applied at all levels in an innovative management way, including in the development of a joined cyber-defence policy. Smart Defence policy orientation is concentrated among others, to the constantly increasing need for a technologically secure environment for network centric operations but also deployment of forces. Cyber-defence can be used as a core smart defence policy. A coordinated level of tactical military and civilian capability and capacity deployment in tactical symmetric or asymmetric operations. This paper provides the reader with updated information on Cyber-defence policy, Smart Defence and the North Atlantic Alliance. It is an important topic of research that can hold an impact factor in practice. This paper is an analysis paper and examination paper. It looks at the “lessons learned” to this day. It recommends issues for future capacity management, administration and fiscal costs of cyber-defence in strategic networked operations.
Creative Strategies to Foster Pre-Service School Counselor Group Leader Self-Efficacy

Counselor education programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs are charged with the important task of providing pre-service school counselors with didactic information and experiential opportunities that prepare students for the realities of group work in the school setting. It is important for programs to consider ways in which students develop self-efficacy around their group leadership skills. The accomplishment of this task can be a challenge given time constraints and potentially limited opportunities to provide experience, observation, and supervision of group leadership during coursework training. This article attempts to provide creative solutions to these challenges.
A software engineering project that looks like the real world

Software development is a challenging and complex endeavor. In many software projects today, the challenge and complexity come from dealing with issues related to integration and code re-usability more than issues of algorithm complexity or the typical set of topics covered in a course on Software Engineering. In this paper, we describe a Software Engineering class project where real world, production environment concerns and issues are brought to the fore and concerns relating to teachable classroom topics, while present, do not dominate.
A Joint Model for Entity Analysis: Coreference, Typing, and Linking

We present a joint model of three core tasks in the entity analysis stack: coreference resolution (within-document clustering), named entity recognition (coarse semantic typing), and entity linking (matching to Wikipedia entities). Our model is formally a structured conditional random field. Unary factors encode local features from strong baselines for each task. We then add binary and ternary factors to capture cross-task interactions, such as the constraint that coreferent mentions have the same semantic type. On the ACE 2005 and OntoNotes datasets, we achieve state-of-the-art results for all three tasks. Moreover, joint modeling improves performance on each task over strong independent baselines.
High Confinement Mode and Edge Localized Mode Characteristics in a Near-Unity Aspect Ratio Tokamak.

Tokamak experiments at near-unity aspect ratio A ≲ 1.2 offer new insights into the self-organized H-mode plasma confinement regime. In contrast to conventional A ~ 3 plasmas, the L–H power threshold PLH is ~15× higher than scaling predictions, and it is insensitive to magnetic topology, consistent with modeling. Edge localized mode (ELM) instabilities shift to lower toroidal mode numbers as A decreases. Furthermore, these ultralow-A operations enable heretofore inaccessible Jedge(R,t) measurements through an ELM that show a complex multimodal collapse and the ejection of a current-carrying filament.
Coverage analysis of a dual source opportunistic network utilizing cooperation

The performance of a dual source cooperative multi-hop network is investigated, where linear network coding technique is used by the intermediate nodes to combine and forward the information of two sources. A strip-shaped network is considered where each hop is characterized by a square region in which the nodes are randomly deployed that transmit the information of two sources to a common destination using cooperative decode-and-forward mechanism. The power received at a node is calculated in the presence of Rayleigh fading and path loss. The coverage of the network for a given signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) margin is found using the state distribution probabilities. Numerical simulaions are performed to validate the theoretical results.
Pelvic lymph node dissection. Complication management

Extended pelvic lymph node dissection allows exact lymph node staging and has the potential to improve prognosis. In addition to these advantages, there are some perioperative and postoperative complications. In case of transection of the obturator nerve, a microsurgical end-to-end anastomosis should be performed. The most frequent postoperative complication is (symptomatic) lymphocele which is predominantly diagnosed after extraperitoneal surgery. Meticulous lymph node dissection with clipping of lymphatic vessels, sparing the lateral wall of the external iliac artery from dissection, sufficient postoperative drainage, and application of low molecular weight heparin in the upper arm may reduce their incidence. Instillation of sclerosing agents and sufficient drainage are normally successful. If not, laparoscopic fenestration of lymphocele should be performed. Regular ultrasound examinations are necessary to diagnose and treat postoperative lymphocele in a timely manner.
Preperitoneal pelvic packing: Technique and outcomes.

Abstract Significant pelvic ring fractures are usually secondary to high-energy trauma, and when associated with other life-threatening injuries and hemodynamic instability, result in high mortality rates ranging from 40 to 60%. The major cause of death during the first 24 h after pelvic trauma is attributed to acute blood loss, with later mortality secondary to multisystem organ failure. In a majority of patients, the source of pelvic bleeding is from disruption of the presacral venous plexus and bony fracture sites, while arterial injury is present in only 10–15%. The optimal management algorithm for hemodynamically unstable patients with pelvic fractures remains controversial. The principles of care center on resuscitation, external stabilization of the pelvis, and hemorrhage control with angiography and embolization (AE) and/or preperitoneal pelvic packing (PPP). AE is effective in controlling arterial bleeding and its role in the management of hemodynamically unstable patients with pelvic fractures is supported by the EAST guidelines. However, since most patients suffer from venous bleeding, PPP can be an alternate life saving technique to control hemorrhage, especially if AE is not immediately available.
TU-D-207B-06: Pathological Response Prediction by Radiomic Data From Primary and Lymph Nodes in NSCLC

Purpose: In advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patient, metastasis can spread from the primary tumor to the lymph nodes and hence could have a distinct phenotype compared to unaffected nodes. In this study we investigated the complementary information of radiomics extracted from lymph nodes and the primary tumor in order to predict pathological response at time of surgery after chemoradiation in patients with stage II-III NSCLC. Methods: 86 NSCLC patients with primary tumor and involved lymph nodes (LN) were included in this study. Twenty radiomic features were selected based on stability and variance. Predictive power was evaluated using AUC and false discovery rate (FDR) corrected p-values. Conventional imaging features (total tumor / LN volume and axial tumor diameter) and clinical characteristics were included for comparison. Classification power was investigated using random forest. Performances were assessed using cross validation (1000 iterations, 70% training / 30% validation). Results: Three radiomic features were predictive for pathologic (GRD) gross residual disease (AUC range 0.69–0.75, p 0.05). Patients with pCR were likely to have more homogeneous LN (large area emphasis, AUC=0.74, p<0.05) when in the other hand patients with GRD present rounder primary tumor shape (spherical disproportionality, AUC= 0.68 p<0.05). Cross validation AUC values shown that the combined radiomics-clinical features set outperformed for each outcomes (median AUC = 0.68 and 0.74 respectively for pCR and GRD). Conclusion: We demonstrate that LN phenotypic information, ascertained from radiomic features, is complementary to imaging features obtained from the primary tumor. These features are strongly associated with response to chemoradiation as determined by pathologic response and provide greater predictive performance than clinical characteristics and conventional assessment of tumor burden by diameter or volume. R.M. have consulting interest with Amgen.
Conjunctival lymphangiectasia associated with classic Fabry disease

Background Fabry disease (FD) is a treatable multisystem disease caused by a defect in the alpha-galactosidase gene. Ocular signs of FD, including corneal verticillata, are among the earliest diagnostic findings. Conjunctival lymphangiectasia (CL) has not previously been associated with FD. Methods We examined the eyes of a cohort of 13 adult patients, eight men and five women, with documented classic FD, all treated with enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham between February 2014 and April 2015. The average age was 48 years with a range of 35–55 years for men and 21–71 years for women. The mean duration of ERT was 8.4 years (men 8.9 years, women 7.6 years) with a range of 4–14 years. Classical Fabry mutations included Q283X, R227X, W236X and W277X. A high resolution Haag-Streit BQ-900 slit lamp with EyeCap imaging system was used to record conjunctival images. Results CL was observed in 11 of the 13 patients (85%) despite long-term ERT. Clinical presentations included single cysts, beaded dilatations and areas of conjunctival oedema. Lesions were located within 6 mm of the corneal limbus. Ten of the 13 subjects (77%) had Fabry-related cataracts and all 13 demonstrated bilateral corneal verticillata. Twelve of the 13 patients had evidence of dry eye, 9 of whom were symptomatic, and 10 had peripheral lymphoedema. Conclusion CL represents a common but under-recognised ocular manifestation of FD, which persists despite ERT, and is often accompanied by peripheral lymphoedema and dry eye syndrome.
Making Empowering Choices: How Methodology Matters for Empowering Research Participants

In diesem Beitrag befasse ich mich mit dem Beitrag methodologischer Entscheidungen fur das Empowerment von Forschungsteilnehmer/innen. Ich setze mich hierzu zum einen mit Interaktionen im Forschungsprozess auseinander, zum anderen mit methodologischen Entscheidungen, die Forschende im Verlauf der Untersuchung treffen. In beiden Fallen sind Letztere zentral fur Freiraume, die fur Forschungsteilnehmer/innen entstehen konnen. Ruckgreifend auf Beispiele aus einem Projekt mit fruheren Teilnehmenden israelisch-palastinensischer Begegnungen in Israel arbeite ich Momente des Empowerment heraus, bei denen methodologische Wahlen halfen, traditionelle Machtbalancen in der Forschungsdynamik zu storen, zeige aber auch potenzielle Grenzen hierfur, die fur die meisten Forschungsvorhaben charakteristisch sind.
Incidence and risk factors of groin lymphocele formation after venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in cardiogenic shock patients.

Abstract Objective Venous-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is a well-established therapy for refractory cardiopulmonary failure. Femoral cannulation offers a quick and effective means of providing circulatory support but is not without complication. Inflammation or lymphatic disruption at the site of cannulation can cause the formation of lymphoceles, leading to the patient's discomfort and possibly necessitating intervention. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of in-hospital lymphocele formation in VA-ECMO patients and to identify predictors for their development. Methods We conducted a single-center retrospective review of 192 patients who underwent femoral VA-ECMO insertion and subsequent decannulation from March 2007 to August 2016 for cardiogenic shock. Baseline demographics, risk factors, and cannulation strategies were examined. Groin lymphocele formation was assessed as the primary outcome. Results Median age was 58 years (interquartile range, 48-67 years) with a median duration of support of 4 days (interquartile range, 2-6 days). Lymphocele formation was identified in 31 patients (16%). Patients who developed lymphoceles were more likely to have post-heart transplantation primary graft dysfunction (PGD) as an indication for ECMO support compared with those who did not (54.2% vs 8%; P P = .010). Compared with those PGD patients who did not develop lymphoceles, PGD lymphocele patients had higher rates of diabetes mellitus preoperatively (62% vs 8%; P = .006). Thirteen (42%) patients required surgical incision and drainage, and 4 of these patients (31%) required repeated surgical intervention. Conclusions Lymphocele formation is relatively common after femoral VA-ECMO. There was a significantly higher incidence of lymphocele formation in diabetic patients requiring support for PGD after heart transplantation.
Immunomodulatory vasoactive intestinal peptide amphiphile micelles

Two different vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) amphiphiles have been formulated which readily form micelles of varying shapes. Interestingly, VIP micelle structure has been found to directly correlate to anti-inflammatory behavior providing evidence that these biomaterials can serve as a promising new therapeutic modality.
An improved model to calculate equilibrium constants for formation of peroxy radical–water complexes

Recent experimental results show that the kinetics of some radical–radical reactions important for atmospheric pollution formation are faster when a radical–molecule complex forms as one step in the reaction mechanism. Calculated radical–molecule equilibria are needed to accurately describe the concentrations of complexes formed in these experiments as well as in the atmosphere. Here we report calculation of the equilibrium constant for complexation of hydroperoxy (HO2·) and 2-hydroxyethylperoxy radicals (HOCH2CH2O2·) with one water molecule by directly calculating the canonical partition function of the reactant and product species. We demonstrate the accuracy of the calculation using formation of the water dimer as a test case. Ab initio calculations provide the binding energy, rotational constants, and vibrational frequencies of both monomers and complexes. We demonstrate the failure of the harmonic approximation in the partition function for describing the low-frequency vibrational modes of the complexes. Instead, we model one dissociative hydrogen bond mode using a Lennard-Jones 6–3 potential and the other low-frequency vibrational modes using one- and twofold hindered rotors. The contributions of weakly bound states of the long-range dipole–dipole potential (Lennard-Jones 6–3) and of vibration–rotation coupling are not as important as the contribution of twofold hindered rotors. We also discuss methods for including multiple hydrogen-bonding configurations (local minima) when calculating equilibrium constants for formation of complexes.
In vitro metabolism of testosterone by cultured Sertoli cells and the effect of FSH.

Abstract Cultures of Sertoli cells isolated from testes of 18-and 36-day-old Long Evans rats were used to investigate their capacity to metabolize testosterone and the effect of FSH on such metabolism. Three different approaches were used: 1) investigation of the metabolism of radiolabeled testosterone under saturating substrate conditions; 2) study of the metabolism of radiolabeled testosterone utilizing trace amounts of high specific activity substrates; 3) the utilization of radioimmunoassay for measurement of estradio1–17β. The following steroids were isolated and identified by recrystallization to constant specific acitvity from the control and FSH-treated cultures: testosterone (unconverted substrate) androstenedione, dihydrotestosterone, 3α-hydroxy-5α-androstan-17-one and 5α-androstane 3α, 17β-diol. Radioimmunoassay data suggests that the Sertoli cells produce an estradiol-17β-like compound from unlabeled testosterone and that this production is stimulated by FSH. However, the radioactive metabolite from all our studies that behaved chromatographically like estradiol-17β failed to crystallize to constant specific activity, while in each experiment, authentic radiolabeled estradiol-17β added as recovery tracer did. The data demonstrate that: 1) cultures of Sertoli cells from immature rats have 5α-reductase, 3α- and 17β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase activities; 2) these enzymes may be affected by FSH; 3) based on radiolabeled metabolic techniques, Sertoli cells were unable to biotransform testosterone to estradio1-17β even in the presence of FSH.
Endocardial Global Noncontact Mapping (EnSiteTM)

Multisite epicardial activation mapping has advanced our understanding of arrhythmia mechanisms and has served as a valuable tool during arrhythmia surgery. Conventional endocardial mapping during percutaneous radiofrequency ablation procedures generally is performed using 1–3 catheters, each with a limited number of electrodes. In fact, some arrhythmias, such as AV nodal reentrant tachycardia, can be diagnosed and cured with radiofrequency ablation using only two quadrapolar catheters. However, current catheter-based mapping techniques have significant limitations when attempts are made to ablate complex arrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia in patients with a history of myocardial infarction.
Growth of Clostridium perfringens on Natural and Organic Frankfurters

Eight of ten commercial brands of natural and organic frankfurters showed greater growth by inoculated Clostridium perfringens than that observed for conventionally-cured control frankfurters. These products also demonstrated a wide variation of inhibitory activity. This means that natural and organic processed meats may require additional protective measures in order to consistently provide the same level of safety from bacterial pathogens that is achieved by conventionally-cured meat products.
Exceptionalism and Inclusion in the Modern HIV Era.

Introduction to the December 2009 issue of Virtual Mentor on the topic of HIV care and ethics. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Arming an oncolytic herpes simplex virus Type 1 with a single chain fragment variable antibody against PD-1 for experimental glioblastoma therapy.

Purpose: Glioblastoma (GBM) is resistant to standard of care. Immune checkpoints inhibitors (such as anti-PD-1 mAbs) efficiently restore antitumor T-cell activity. We engineered a new oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV) expressing a single-chain antibody against PD-1 (scFvPD-1) to evaluate its efficacy in mouse models of GBM. Experimental Design: NG34scFvPD-1 expresses the human GADD34 gene transcriptionally controlled by the Nestin promoter to allow replication in GBM cells and a scFvPD-1 cDNA transcriptionally controlled by the CMV promoter. ELISA assays were performed to detect binding of scFvPD-1 to mouse and human PD-1. In vitro cytotoxicity and replication assays were performed to measure NG34scFvPD-1 oncolysis, and scFvPD-1 expression and secretion were determined. In vivo survival studies using orthotopic mouse GBM models were performed to evaluate the therapeutic potency of NG34scFvPD-1. Results: NG34scFvPD-1–infected GBM cells express and secrete scFvPD-1 that binds mouse PD-1. The introduction of the scFvPD-1 sequence in the viral backbone does not alter the oncolytic properties of NG34scFvPD-1. In situ NG34scFvPD-1 treatment improved the survival with a tail of durable survivorship in 2 syngeneic immunocompetent mouse models of GBM. Mice that survived the first GBM challenge rejected the second challenge of GBM when implanted in the contralateral hemisphere. However, this was not true when athymic mice were employed as the recipients of the second challenge, consistent with the need for an intact immune system to obtain a memory response. Conclusions: NG34scFvPD-1 treatment induces a durable antitumor response in 2 preclinical mouse models of GBM with evidence for antitumor memory.
Probabilistic Impact Analysis of Residential Electric Vehicle Charging on Distribution Transformers

Transportation electrification by means of increasing plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) adoption presents both opportunities and challenges to power system operators. Although the electrification of transportation offers power utilities the opportunity to increase total load served in an era of flat year-over-year electricity sales, the sustainable integration of PEVs over the long term requires improved understanding of overload risks on existing power distribution systems. In this context, we propose a probabilistic model to study the impacts of residential PEV charging load on distribution systems. More specifically, the proposed model captures the uncertainty of PEV charging load and the uncertainty of residential customer load through Poisson and Gaussian distribution models respectively. These models are then utilized in a Monte Carlo simulation approach to calculate the statistical significance of resulting total load profiles and ultimately quantify the overloading risk levels on distribution transformers. The proposed model is utilized to study multiple PEV integration scenarios using residential customer load profile data of Salt Lake City and PEV charging load data available by Idaho National Laboratory.
Safety and Efficacy of Supratherapeutic Doses of Clobazam.

Clobazam is a commonly used long-acting benzodiazepine approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat seizures associated with Lennox Gastaut syndrome. The FDA approved maximum dosa...
Early Life History of the Blue Crab Callinectes sapidus: A Review

The blue crab Callinectes sapidus Rathbun has been the subject of scientific investigation for more than 100 years. The crab is a key predator in shallow estuarine and coastal environments, and supports a large commercial fishery along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the United States. Much of the initial research on C. sapidus was purely descriptive and provided only a patchwork perspective on the natural history of the crab. This is in contrast to more modern work that has defined a clear, interrelated series of processes that underlie the early life history of the species. The intent of the present review was to discuss contemporary understanding of the early life history of blue crabs in the context of a coherent time line of development. The review begins with a short section on general aspects of the life history, which provides a background for the overall discussion. This is followed by a segment on courtship and mating, with particular emphasis on chemical communication between mating pairs. Three subsequent sections then deal, respectively, with spawning migrations within the estuary, larval release in the adjacent coastal ocean, and transport of larvae on the inner continental shelf. A following segment, describes settlement of the larvae in the lower estuary and eventual transport of early juvenile stages to estuarine nursery areas. The final section provides a summary and conclusions. Points of emphasis in the review include the following: (1) the role of pheromones in courtship and mating; (2) the discovery of two distinct phases in the spawning migration; (3) the importance of chemical cues in assuring synchronized hatching of eggs; (4) the predominant effect of wind- and buoyancy-driven processes in controlling larval transport in the coastal ocean; (5) the development of mathematical models that allow critical analysis of transport processes; and (6) the combined physical and behavioral processes that facilitate transport of megalopa larvae from the estuarine mouth to nursery habitat in the lower estuary.
Demonstration of LWIR channeled spectro-polarimeter (Conference Presentation)

A compact long wave infrared (LWIR) channeled spectro-polarimeter (IRCSP) has been developed for integration into the ESTO-funded Submm-Wave and LWIR Polarimeters (SWIRP) project to measure the microphysical properties of cloud ice. The IRCSP rotates incident linearly polarized light using the combination of a quarter waveplate with a fast axis at 45◦ and a thick birefringent crystal; the output polarization state’s orientation is then a function of wavelength. To modulate and then measure the rotated light, a subsequent wiregrid linear polarizer tilted at 20◦ generates two output paths with opposite polarities in reflection and transmission to enable joint radiometric and polarimetric measurement and correct for atmospheric attenuation. The two symmetric optical paths following the linear polarizer each consist of a diffraction grating and uncooled microbolometer to simultaneously measure the resulting intensity fringes. Angle and degree of linear polarization (AOLP, DOLP) are retrieved across 8.5-12.5 µm with 1 µm resolution using Fourier decomposition of the modulated spectrum. The IRCSP will not only measure H-V variance but will produce the first full linear Stokes measurements (I, Q, and U) of upper-tropospheric cirrus clouds in the LWIR. Following thermal and polarimetric calibration, the polarimeter is expected to achieve 0.5% DOLP accuracy over 90% of the spectral band.
Control of cardiac contraction by sodium: Promises, reckonings, and new beginnings.

Abstract Several generations of cardiac physiologists have verified that basal cardiac contractility depends strongly on the transsarcolemmal Na gradient, and the underlying molecular mechanisms that link cardiac excitation-contraction coupling (ECC) to the Na gradient have been elucidated in good detail for more than 30 years. In brief, small increases of cytoplasmic Na push cardiac (NCX1) Na/Ca exchangers to increase contractility by increasing the myocyte Ca load. Accordingly, basal cardiac contractility is expected to be physiologically regulated by pathways that modify the cardiac Na gradient and the function of Na transporters. Assuming that this expectation is correct, it remains to be elucidated how in detail signaling pathways affecting the cardiac Na gradient are controlled in response to changing cardiac output requirements. Some puzzle pieces that may facilitate progress are outlined in this short review. Key open issues include (1) whether the concept of local Na gradients is viable, (2) how in detail Na channels, Na transporters and Na/K pumps are regulated by lipids and metabolic processes, (3) the physiological roles of Na/K pump inactivation, and (4) the possibility that key diffusible signaling molecules remain to be discovered.
Monoclonal Antibodies with Neutralizing Activity and Fc-Effector Functions against the Machupo Virus Glycoprotein.

Machupo virus (MACV), the causative agent of Bolivian hemorrhagic fever (BHF), is a New World arenavirus that was first isolated in Bolivia from a human spleen in 1963. Due to the lack of a specific vaccine or therapy, this virus is considered a major risk to public health and is classified as a category A priority pathogen by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. In this study, we used DNA vaccination against the MACV glycoprotein precursor complex (GPC) and murine hybridoma technology to generate 25 mouse monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against the GPC of MACV. Out of 25 MAbs, five were found to have potent neutralization activity in vitro against a recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus expressing MACV GPC (VSV-MACV) as well as against authentic MACV. Furthermore, the five neutralizing MAbs exhibited strong antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity in a reporter assay. When tested in vivo using VSV-MACV in a Stat2-/- mouse model, three MAbs significantly lowered viral loads in the spleen. Our work provides valuable insights into epitopes targeted by neutralizing antibodies that could be potent targets for vaccines and therapeutics and shed light on the importance of effector functions in immunity against MACV.IMPORTANCE MACV infections are a significant public health concern and lead to high case fatality rates. No specific treatment or vaccine for MACV infections exist. However, cases of Junin virus infection, a related virus, can be treated with convalescent-phase serum. This indicates that a MAb-based therapy for MACV could be effective. Here, we describe several MAbs that neutralize MACV and could be used for this purpose.
The US Quest for Regional Dominance in Asia and the Chinese Challenge

In the post-World War Two era, the United States has sought to play the role of a regional hegemon in the Asia-Pacific region. This quest has been organized on multiple fronts, including the establishment of military alliances, efforts to foster open markets and trade relationships, and the development of political ties through diplomacy. Initial policy was rooted in the assumption that Marxist-Leninist movements and regimes posed an existential threat to the United States. Eventually, the US policymakers were compelled to acknowledge the fallacy of their earlier perceptions as to the monolithic nature of the so-called Communist bloc. By the early 1970s, the presidential administration of Richard Nixon indicated its willingness to engage with China (a movement motivated in part by the desire of both sides to counterbalance against the Soviet Union). The establishment of formal diplomatic ties with China in 1979 coincided with the launching of China’s economic reform movement. In subsequent years, linkages between the two states have multiplied: the United States is China’s largest trading partner, while China is the second-largest trading partner of the United States. The two states established a “comprehensive strategic partnership” in 1997 and have conducted joint military exercises. These examples of bilateral cooperation, however, do not obscure a fundamental enduring reality: the United States is committed to maintaining its dominance in East Asia, a goal that is challenged by an ascendant China.
Applying biosensor development concepts to improve preamplification-free CRISPR/Cas12a-Dx

Development of CRISPR/Cas-based in vitro diagnostic devices, or CRISPR/Cas-Dx, has become an intensely researched area. Among the different classes of CRISPR/Cas-Dx, the class based on the Cas12a enzyme (i.e., CRISPR/Cas12a-Dx or simply Cas12a-Dx), is predominantly employed for detecting DNA targets. Current research in Cas12a-Dx has focused on appending Cas12a-Dx to preamplification techniques or coupling Cas12a-Dx to different detection modalities, which has inevitably overshadowed the detection performance of Cas12a-Dx and overlooked its intrinsic detection capability without preamplification. We recognize that Cas12a-Dx, which relies on DNA-activated Cas12a to cleave single-stranded DNA, shares significant similarity with other nuclease-based DNA biosensors, whose performances can be influenced by parameters ranging from the reaction buffer to the reaction temperature. We are thus inspired to probe the limits of preamplification-free Cas12a-Dx by exploring and systematically evaluating several potential parameters that may impact its detection sensitivity and time. Using a previously reported fluorescence-based Cas12a-Dx as the test bed, we have identified that the Cas12a enzyme, the reaction buffer, the substrate label, the substrate concentration, and the reaction temperature can be optimized to significantly improve the signal-to-background ratio and the reaction rate of Cas12a-Dx. Based on these findings, we have improved the limit of detection (LOD) of the Cas12a-Dx to 100 fM, while reduced the time-to-positive to <46 min, representing the most sensitive LOD without preamplification and the fastest time-to-positive for this LOD to date. More broadly, our work provides a roadmap for further advancing Cas12a-Dx and perhaps other classes of CRISPR/Cas-Dx.
Improving Colonoscopy Lesion Classification Using Semi-Supervised Deep Learning

While data-driven approaches excel at many image analysis tasks, the performance of these approaches is often limited by a shortage of annotated data available for training. Recent work in semi-supervised learning has shown that meaningful representations of images can be obtained from training with large quantities of unlabeled data, and that these representations can improve the performance of supervised tasks. Here, we demonstrate that an unsupervised jigsaw learning task, in combination with supervised training, results in up to a 9.8% improvement in correctly classifying lesions in colonoscopy images when compared to a fully-supervised baseline. We additionally benchmark improvements in domain adaptation and out-of-distribution detection, and demonstrate that semi-supervised learning outperforms supervised learning in both cases. In colonoscopy applications, these metrics are important given the skill required for endoscopic assessment of lesions, the wide variety of endoscopy systems in use, and the homogeneity that is typical of labeled datasets.
Genome-wide association of foraging behavior in Drosophila melanogaster fails to support large-effect alleles at the foraging gene

Thirty four years ago, it was postulated that natural populations of Drosophila melanogaster are comprised of two behavioral morphs termed "rover" and "sitter", and that this variation is caused mainly by large-effect alleles at a single locus. Since that time, considerable data has been amassed that compares the behavior and physiology of these morphs. Contrary to common assertions, however, published support for the existence of common large effect alleles in nature is quite limited. To further investigate, we quantified the foraging behavior of 36 natural strains, performed a genome-wide association study, and described patterns of molecular evolution at the foraging locus. Though there was significant variation in foraging behavior among genotypes, this variation was continuously distributed and not significantly associated with genetic variation at the foraging gene. Patterns of molecular population genetic variation at this gene also provide no support for the hypothesis that for is a target of long term balancing selection We propose that additional data is required to support a hypothesis of common alleles of large effect on foraging behavior in nature. Genome-wide association does support a role for natural variation at several other loci, including the sulfateless gene, though these associations should be considered preliminary until validated with a larger sample size.
Features and Capabilities of Current Image Formats

Studies have shown that human brain retain information that is presented to them visually compared to the ones provided to them verbally because language needs to be decoded in a linear and sequential manner that takes more time to process. More ubiquitous in todays’ world, image representation can expedite and increase our level of comprehension and retention. The objective of this report is to analyze how images are represented, and then review the attributes and shortcomings of each representation. The author also attempts to discuss the newly developed image-based technologies and the market players behind them. Thereafter, the author assesses whether the newly developed image-based technologies enhanced the image-based formats.
Generating Longitudinal Atrophy Evaluation Datasets on Brain Magnetic Resonance Images Using Convolutional Neural Networks and Segmentation Priors

Brain atrophy quantification plays a fundamental role in neuroinformatics since it permits studying brain development and neurological disorders. However, the lack of a ground truth prevents testing the accuracy of longitudinal atrophy quantification methods. We propose a deep learning framework to generate longitudinal datasets by deforming T1-w brain magnetic resonance imaging scans as requested through segmentation maps. Our proposal incorporates a cascaded multi-path U-Net optimised with a multi-objective loss which allows its paths to generate different brain regions accurately. We provided our model with baseline scans and real follow-up segmentation maps from two longitudinal datasets, ADNI and OASIS, and observed that our framework could produce synthetic follow-up scans that matched the real ones (Total scans= 584; Median absolute error: 0.03 ± 0.02; Structural similarity index: 0.98 ± 0.02; Dice similarity coefficient: 0.95 ± 0.02; Percentage of brain volume change: 0.24 ± 0.16; Jacobian integration: 1.13 ± 0.05). Compared to two relevant works generating brain lesions using U-Nets and conditional generative adversarial networks (CGAN), our proposal outperformed them significantly in most cases (p 0.86). Our preliminary results on harmonised datasets showed the potential of our framework to be applied to various data collections without further adjustment.
Deepwater sedimentary bedforms in a mobile substrate terrain: Examples from the central Gulf of Mexico Basin

AbstractWe have used high-resolution geophysical data to investigate depositional and erosional bedforms in two geomorphologic provinces of the deepwater central Gulf of Mexico Basin: (1) the Mad D...
Design and methods of the Care Management for the Effective Use of Opioids (CAMEO) trial.

Abstract Low back pain is the most common pain condition seen in primary care, with the most common treatment being analgesic medications, including opioids. A dramatic increase in opioid prescriptions for low back pain over the past few decades has led to increased non-medical use and opioid overdose deaths. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for chronic pain is an evidence-based non-pharmacological treatment for pain with demonstrated efficacy when delivered using collaborative care models. No previous studies have tested CBT compared to analgesic optimization that includes opioid management in primary care. This paper describes the study design and methods of the CAre Management for the Effective use of Opioids (CAMEO) trial, a 2-arm, randomized comparative effectiveness trial in seven primary care clinics. CAMEO enrolled 261 primary care veterans with chronic (6 months or longer) low back pain of at least moderate severity who were receiving long-term opioid therapy and randomized them to either nurse care management focused on analgesic treatment and optimization (MED) or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). All subjects undergo comprehensive outcome assessments at baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months by interviewers blinded to treatment assignment. The primary outcome is pain severity and interference, measured by the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) total score. Secondary outcomes include health-related quality of life, fatigue, sleep, functional improvement, pain disability, pain beliefs, alcohol and opioid problems, depression, anxiety, and stress.
Discovery of Music through Peers in an Online Community

While peer influence in social networks has been studied for over four decades, opportunities for research have exploded with the Internet. Still, research into online social networks faces many of the same challenges discussed in the extant literature: homophily, selection problems, reflection problems, identifying the source of influence, and accounting for pre-existing knowledge. In this essay we present an approach for dissecting an archival dataset to address these challenges in the context of information diffusion in online social networks. We apply our approach to archival data collected from an online community for music and estimate the extent of information diffusion of songs or bands by peers in the network. We find that peers significantly aid diffusion: online users are six times more likely to discover new songs and three times more likely to discover new bands from peers in the network than they would have been without those peers.
Devine, Christopher J., and Kyle C. Kopko. Do Running Mates Matter? The Influence of Vice Presidential Candidates in Presidential Elections

The debate about the potential influence of vice presidential nominees on voters has long been dominated by outdated stereotypes and speculative political punditry. This foundation was a result of ...
Telepharmacy during COVID-19: A Scoping Review

The objective of this scoping review is to summarize the implementation of telepharmacy during the surge of COVID-19. This review will focus on answering four questions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, (1) what were the various telepharmacy initiatives implemented? (2) what were the challenges faced when implementing telehealth initiatives? (3) what were the strategies used by pharmacies to overcome the challenges, and (4) what were some of the innovative methods used by pharmacies to implement telepharmacy? A literature search was conducted to include publications post-March 2020 about telepharmacy implementation via PubMed Central database and Google searches. All articles were examined for inclusion or exclusion based on pre-determined criteria. A total of 33 articles were reviewed. The most commonly observed telepharmacy initiatives were virtual consultations, home delivery of medicines and patient education. Limited access to technology and lack of digital access and literacy were major barriers in the implementation of telepharmacy. New protocols were developed by healthcare systems and regulations were relaxed by countries to accommodate telepharmacy. Pharmacies that successfully implemented telepharmacy overcame these challenges through patient and pharmacist education. The review also revealed the steps that can be taken by pharmacy organizations, payers and entrepreneurs in leveraging the convenience of telepharmacy.
A 60-watt X-band spatially combined solid-state amplifier

In this paper, we present our continued effort in the development of broadband spatial power combining systems implemented in a standard WR-90 waveguide environment. With sixteen commercial MMIC amplifiers integrated with tapered-slot antenna arrays, a new combining circuit renders a 61-watt maximum power output and a gain variation less than /spl plusmn/1.4 dB within the entire band of interest. Higher output power can be achieved by introducing more MMIC amplifiers but still maintaining the same circuit topology, thanks to the modular design of the spatial combiner.