cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Magnetic separation of nanoparticles

Magnetic particles in the nanometer size range can be captured by sufficiently large magnetic forces in competition with thermal diffusion. This paper reports on the results of applying two types of magnetic separation, matrix and continuous, to particles in the nanometer size range. Rather than capture particles on a matrix, it is advantageous for some applications to employ a continuous method of separation. We used a dilute ferrofluid in both matrix and continuous flow through an axial HGMS separator in a transverse magnetic field of 0.01 T. The initial particle size distribution was designed to be 5-20 nm. but had some larger clusters. The measured size distribution of the feed material had two peaks, at 12-14 nm. and at 81-84 nm. Particle size distributions of separated fractions were obtained by dynamic laser scattering and show peaks at 12 and 47 nm. for 0.01 T and 5 and 63 nm. for 0.02 T for matrix separations and at 74, 78, and 115 nm. respectively for the continuous. The size distribution of the largest particles was extremely narrow.
Mechanisms and clinical significance of adenosine-induced dormant accessory pathway conduction after catheter ablation.

Background— Adenosine can unmask dormant pulmonary vein conduction after isolation. The role of adenosine in uncovering dormant accessory pathway (AP) conduction after AP ablation is unknown. Methods and Results— We evaluated 109 consecutive patients (age, 41±28 years; 62 [57%] men) who were administered adenosine after successful AP ablation. Dormant AP conduction was defined as adenosine-induced recurrent AP conduction, as demonstrated by recurrent preexcitation or change in retrograde ventriculoatrial activation patterns. Dormant AP conduction was identified in 13 (12%) patients. Adenosine led to transient retrograde AP conduction in 6 patients and transient anterograde AP conduction in 8 patients. In all these cases, adenosine-induced AP conduction occurred during the bradycardia phase of adenosine effect and resulted in dormant AP conduction times shorter than atrioventricular nodal conduction times before adenosine administration. On the basis of analysis of timing of occurrence of dormant AP conduction, the mechanism of adenosine-induced AP conduction was determined to be caused by AP excitability recovery in ≥12 (92%) cases. The presence of dormant AP conduction was a significant predictor of chronic recurrent AP conduction requiring repeat ablation (odds ratio, 8.54; 95% confidence interval, 1.09–66.9; P =0.041). Conclusions— Adenosine can unmask dormant AP conduction after catheter ablation. Direct effects of adenosine on the AP, possibly via AP membrane potential hyperpolarization, are the dominant mechanism of adenosine-induced AP conduction after ablation. Dormant AP conduction is associated with higher rates of recurrent AP conduction requiring repeat ablation.
Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms are associated with adiposity phenotypes

Background: Emerging data suggest a role for the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in lipogenesis and adipocyte differentiation. Objective: Our objective was to evaluate the association of VDR gene variants and adiposity phenotypes in an epidemiologic study. Design: In a sample of 1773 healthy female adults recruited from western New York, we tested for the association of 14 VDR single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with the following 3 adiposity phenotypes: body mass index (in kg/m2), waist circumference (in cm), and abdominal height (in cm). We examined age, education, total energy intake, smoking status, alcohol intake, and menopausal status as potential covariates. Results: One SNP, rs3782905, remained associated with all 3 adiposity phenotypes after multiple-testing correction (Bonferroni-adjusted P = 0.004). The mean waist circumference for women with the rs3782905 homozygous rare genotype was 4.4 cm larger than for women with the common homozygous genotype. Two other VDR SNPs were associated with waist circumference and abdominal height, but the associations did not survive multiple-testing correction. Adjustment for covariates did not influence the results. Conclusion: The study results and the biological activity of VDR in adipocyte differentiation suggest that 3′ VDR variants may play a role in adiposity phenotypes.
The impact of chylothorax on neonates with repaired congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Abstract Purpose Chylothorax is a known complication in neonates after congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) repair. This report uses a large international registry to evaluate risk factors, treatment, morbidity, and survival associated with chylothorax in a prospective cohort of neonates after CDH repair. Methods From January 2007 to January 2010, live-born neonates with repaired, unilateral CDHs were evaluated from a prospective database for chylothorax development. Chylothorax was diagnosed based on pleural fluid examination. Study variables included patient characteristics, CDH defect and disease severity characteristics, chylothorax treatment, and survival. In addition, the temporal relationship between timing of CDH repair and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy was evaluated as a risk factor for chylothorax. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were utilized. Results Among the 1383 patients evaluated, chylothorax was diagnosed in 4.6% of the cohort. Patch repair and ECMO were statistically significant risk factors for chylothorax. The odds of developing a chylothorax were significantly increased in patients with CDH repair on ECMO (aOR 2.6; 95% CI: 1.3–4.9) or after ECMO (aOR 3.1; 95% CI: 1.7–5.8). Most chylothoraces (83.1%) were successfully treated without surgery. Chylothorax patients had significant morbidity including increased oxygen use at 30days and longer length of stay. Survival was not significantly affected by chylothorax. Conclusions Chylothorax is a known but uncommon complication of neonatal CDH repair. In this very large series of chylothorax in association with CDH, major risk factors appear to be related to increased disease severity with the highest risk in patients repaired on or after ECMO. Chylothoraces usually improve with conservative therapy and lead to significant morbidity but not increased mortality.
Neptune radio emission: Predictions based on planetary scaling laws

In this paper a prediction is advanced concerning Neptune's low-frequency radio emission based on the radiometric Bode's law for radio planets in combination with the magnetostrophic scaling law for magnetized planets. The total emitted radio power is predicted to be about 1.6 x 10 to the 7th W, very nearly the same as that predicted and observed for Uranus. Possible emission spectral shapes, based on Saturn and earth-like models, are shown. Using these models, the radio emission frequency range is predicted to extend from approximately 100 to just over 1000 kHz, with a spectral peak between 350 and 500 kHz. If radiation is beamed approximately in the sunward direction, Neptune should be detectable by the planetary radio astronomy experiment onboard the Voyager spacecraft sometime between 45 and 90 days before closest approach. This detection is likely to represent the first direct evidence of a Neptune magnetic field. Possible implications for Neptune's magnetosphere with regard to the time of first detection are discussed.
The spatial semantic hierarchy

Abstract The Spatial Semantic Hierarchy is a model of knowledge of large-scale space consisting of multiple interacting representations, both qualitative and quantitative. The SSH is inspired by the properties of the human cognitive map, and is intended to serve both as a model of the human cognitive map and as a method for robot exploration and map-building. The multiple levels of the SSH express states of partial knowledge, and thus enable the human or robotic agent to deal robustly with uncertainty during both learning and problem-solving. The control level represents useful patterns of sensorimotor interaction with the world in the form of trajectory-following and hill-climbing control laws leading to locally distinctive states. Local geometric maps in local frames of reference can be constructed at the control level to serve as observers for control laws in particular neighborhoods. The causal level abstracts continuous behavior among distinctive states into a discrete model consisting of states linked by actions. The topological level introduces the external ontology of places, paths and regions by abduction to explain the observed pattern of states and actions at the causal level. Quantitative knowledge at the control, causal and topological levels supports a “patchwork map” of local geometric frames of reference linked by causal and topological connections. The patchwork map can be merged into a single global frame of reference at the metrical level when sufficient information and computational resources are available. We describe the assumptions and guarantees behind the generality of the SSH across environments and sensorimotor systems. Evidence is presented from several partial implementations of the SSH on simulated and physical robots.
Perceptual compensation for differences in speaking style

It is well-established that listeners will shift their categorization of a target vowel as a function of acoustic characteristics of a preceding carrier phrase (CP). These results have been interpreted as an example of perceptual normalization for variability resulting from differences in talker anatomy. The present study examined whether listeners would normalize for acoustic variability resulting from differences in speaking style within a single talker. Two vowel series were synthesized that varied between central and peripheral vowels (the vowels in “beat”–“bit” and “bod”–“bud”). Each member of the series was appended to one of four CPs that were spoken in either a “clear” or “reduced” speech style. Participants categorized vowels in these eight contexts. A reliable shift in categorization as a function of speaking style was obtained for three of four phrase sets. This demonstrates that phrase context effects can be obtained with a single talker. However, the directions of the obtained shifts are not reliably predicted on the basis of the speaking style of the talker. Instead, it appears that the effect is determined by an interaction of the average spectrum of the phrase with the target vowel.
Hydrothermal Dolomitization and Recrystallization of Dolomite Breccias from the Miocene Monterey Formation, Tepusquet Area, California

ABSTRACT Dolomite breccias from the Miocene Monterey Formation, Tepusquet area, California are composed of dolomitic siliceous mudstones that are extensively fractured and filled with white, coarse-grained saddle dolomites. Fracturing and brecciation are much more extensive and intense in the Tepusquet area than in most other outcrops of the Monterey Formation. Despite the intensity of brecciation and its potential importance as an analog to Monterey fractured hydrocarbon reservoirs, no detailed petrographic, crystallographic, or geochemical analyses have been performed on the breccias from the Tepusquet area. In the present study, petrographic, crystallographic, and geochemical analyses show that the vein-filling dolomites were precipitated from hydrothermal fluids that were associated wit hydrocarbon migration, and that the early diagenetic matrix dolomites have been recrystallized, resetting their geochemical and crystallographic properties. Recrystallization of matrix dolomites is indicated by the uniformly negative d18O compositions (x = -7.1 d), low Sr contents (x = 230 ppm), low Na contents (x = 364 ppm), contracted unit cells (x: a = 4.812 A, c = 16.058 A), high degree of cation order, high Mg content (x = 46.1 mol% MgCO3) as compared to most Monterey dolomites, and increasing 87Sr/86Sr ratios with decreasing Sr content. Vein dolomites have large variation in stoichiometry (41.7-49.0 mol% MgCO3), Sr content (124-414 ppm), unit-cell dimensions (a: 4.806-4.829 A, c: 16.013-16.178 A), and cation order (Ca site occupancy: 0.73-0.93, g site: 0.68-0.94). Recrystallization of some vein dolomites is indicated by the covariance of mol% MgCO3 with Sr, d18O, cation order, and unit-cell parameters. The covariance of d18O with mol% MgCO3 is the inverse of the trend expected for the recrystallization of dolomite during burial diagenesis, possibly because of recrystallization during uplift. Vein dolomites have higher 87Sr/86Sr values than matrix dolomites. The least radiogenic matrix dolomites (the least recrystallized as inferred from the d18O composition) have 87Sr/86Sr apparent ages (13.0 and 15.5 Ma ± 0.3) that agree well with the previously mapped age of the brecciated unit. The more recrystallized matrix dolomites have higher 87Sr/86Sr ratios (apparent ages too young for the lower Monterey Formation), thus recording the evolution of Sr isotopic composition of the pore fluid. The close chemical similarity of the vein dolomites and the most recrystallized matrix dolomites, the episodic association between hydrocarbons and the ve n dolomites, and the recrystallization trends in the matrix dolomites, all indicate that evolved formation waters were the source of the hydrothermal fluids that precipitated the vein dolomites.
The repair of knee ligaments by cutis-graft transplants.

Skin has less tensile strength, elongates more readily, and loses more energy than fascia. However, it has certain advantages over fascia due to its greater thickness and to its lesser tendency to fray. It has been used successfully in five cases for the repair of torn knee ligaments.
Sulfur-containing amino acids in experimental hepatic coma in the dog and the monkey.

Four dogs andjve monkeys were subjected to end-to-side portacaval anastomosis (PCS) and alterations in plasma and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) levels of the sulfur-containing amino acids (methionine, cysteine, taurine) studied during development of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Methionine, cysteine, ammonia, phe$ethanolamine, and octopamine levels rose in both species in plasma and CSF, while taurine levels increased significantl,, in monkey CSF and in dog plasma. Infusion of a branched-chain amino-acid-rich solution during encephalopathy rapidly reversed all neurological derangements and restored the deranged amino acid pattern to normal. The results confirm the observation that plasma levels of the sulfur-containing amino acids are elevated in HE and demonstrate similar changes in CSF, reflecting brain metabolism. It is suggested that a common transport mechanism for all neutral amino acids across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) causes accumulation of methionine in the brain. Methionine toxicity in chronic liver disease may be mediated in part through its metabolite taurine, which is a well-established inhibitory neurotransmitter, at least in monkeys, but apparently not in dogs. The administration of a branched-chain amino-acid-rich solution lowered the penetration ability of methionine through the BBB. A s a result, the levels of plasma and CSF sulfur-containing amino acid levels returned to normal coincidental+ with animals awakening from their comatose states.
Abstract 293: Brain Gai2 Proteins Mediate Acute Neural Blood Pressure Responses to Centrally and Peripherally Administered NaCl

Aim: We have demonstrated hypertension mediated by failure to upregulate PVN Gαi 2 proteins in rats fed a chronic high salt diet, but the role of this mechanism is unknown in acute settings. We examined the effect of central Gαi 2 proteins in the neural control of blood pressure in response to an acute physiological (IV and ICV) and pharmacological challenge. Methods: Twenty-four hour (24-h) ICV Gαi 2 or SCR oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN; 25μg/5μl)-pretreated conscious Sprague-Dawley rats were continuously monitored for changes in HR and MAP in response to peripherally-administered NaCl (3M IV bolus; 0.14 ml/100g) or centrally-administered NaCl (1M ICV; 5μL)(N=4/gp). To determine the cardiac baroreflex MAP was slowly raised to ~175 mmHg using phenylephrine and lowered to ~50 mmHg using sodium nitroprusside in separate group of pre-treated rats (N=8/gp). Results: In response to IV sodium, peak changes in HR were significantly greater in SCR vs. Gαi 2 treated rats (IV 3M NaCl ΔHR [bpm]; SCR -79±15 vs . Gαi 2 -59±12, P vs . Gαi 2 149±3). In SCR rats, MAP returned to baseline by 100 min whereas Gαi 2 rats remained significantly elevated for 120 min (P vs . Gαi 2 -22±8) or peak MAP changes (ICV 1M NaCl ΔMAP [mmHg] 16±3 mmHg vs . Gαi 2 9±3). In SCR rats, MAP returned to baseline by 50 min whereas Gαi 2 rats remained elevated for 90 min. The 24h Gαi 2 ODN pretreatment significantly altered the high-, but not low-pressure gain of the baroreflex in response to pharmacological challenge (MAP=180 mmHg, SCR HR=270 bpm, Gαi 2 HR=307 bpm, P Conclusion: Downregulation of Gαi 2 proteins resulted in altered cardiac baroreflex function by impairing reflex decreases in HR and mediating significantly prolonged elevated MAP in response to peripherally administered sodium. This highlights a previously undiscovered role of brain Gαi 2 proteins in the baroreflex control of HR at elevated blood pressures—a factor that may contribute to elevated MAP in neurogenic models of hypertension.
Pediatric preclinical testing program (PPTP) evaluation of the fully human anti-IGF-1R antibody SCH 717454

A212 Background: SCH 717454 is a fully human antibody directed against the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R), which is implicated in the growth and metastatic phenotype of a broad range of malignancies. IGF-1R signaling may be of particular importance in the childhood cancer setting, with preclinical data supporting its role in the growth and survival of a number of pediatric cancers, including of neuroblastoma, Ewing sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Wilms tumor, and osteosarcoma. The activity of SCH 717454 was evaluated against the in vitro and in vivo panels of the Pediatric Preclinical Testing Program (PPTP). Methods: The PPTP includes a molecularly characterized in vitro panel of cell lines (n=27) and in vivo panel of xenografts (n=61) representing most of the common types of childhood solid tumors and childhood ALL. SCH 717454 was tested against the PPTP in vitro panel at concentrations ranging from 0.01nM to 100 nM and was tested against the PPTP in vivo panel at a dose of 0.5 mg per mouse administered twice weekly for four weeks via intraperitoneal injection. Three measures of antitumor activity were used: 1) response criteria modeled after the clinical setting; 2) treated to control (T/C) tumor volume at day 21; and 3) a time to event (4-fold increase in tumor volume) measure based on the median EFS of treated and control lines (intermediate activity required EFS T/C > 2, and high activity additionally required a net reduction in median tumor volume at the end of the experiment). Results: SCH 717454 was ineffective at retarding growth of cell lines in the in vitro panel. SCH 717454 significantly increased event-free survival in 20 of 35 (57%) solid tumor xenograft models with tumor regressions in one Ewing sarcoma model (complete response) and 2 osteosarcoma models (maintained complete responses). Although objective responses were not noted in the neuroblastoma panel, tumor growth was well-controlled during the 4 weeks of SCH 717454 treatment for 3 of 6 evaluable neuroblastoma xenografts. Using the time to event activity measure, SCH 717454 had intermediate (n=9) or high (n=1) activity against 31 evaluable solid tumor xenografts, including xenografts from the rhabdoid tumor (1 of 3), Ewing (2 of 5), rhabdomyosarcoma (1 of 4), glioblastoma (1 of 4), ependymoma (1 of 1), neuroblastoma (2 of 5), and osteosarcoma panels (2 of 4). SCH 717454 showed little activity against the 8 xenografts of the acute lymphoblastic leukemia panel. Conclusions: SCH 717454 showed little in vitro activity against the PPTP’s in vitro panel, which may be related to the use of 20% fetal bovine serum and insulin in the growth media used for testing. SCH 717454 demonstrated broad antitumor activity against the PPTP’s in vivo solid tumor panels. Further characterization of the molecular predictors of response and of the activity of combinations of SCH 717454 with other anticancer agents are anticipated. (Supported by NCI NO1CM42216)
REDUCTION OF SERUM CHOLESTEROL CONCENTRATIONS BY PAROMOMYCIN IN PATIENTS WITH ARTERIOSCLEROSIS.

SummaryOral administration of paromomycin for 5 to 16 weeks, in daily doses of 2 g, resulted in significant (p<0.01) reduction of average total serum cholesterol concentrations by 12 to 24% (average: 18%) in 7 of 10 patients studied. There was no significant change in serum cholesterol levels of the remaining 3 patients. Serum cholesterol concentrations remained low during paromomy-cin administration and returned to control levels after the drug was discontinued. There were no major side-effects. The possible role of the intestinal bacterial flora in the cholesterol lowering effect of paromomycin and other related antibiotics was discussed.
Is price support a motive for increasing share repurchases

Prior research shows that companies repurchase stock during quarters with low returns, presumably because the stock is undervalued. We focus on repurchase increases and investigate another motive: Are repurchases increased to provide price support for a stock that, despite recent low returns, remains overvalued? Using an increase in short selling to indicate overvaluation, we regress quarterly changes in share repurchases on quarterly changes in short interest. Consistent with price support, the association is positive and statistically significant each year from 2003 to 2014. We find that the price support quarter is followed by a sharp multi-quarter decline in ROA (return on assets), but the corresponding decline in EPS (earnings per share) is modest due to the reduction in outstanding shares. Abnormal returns after the price support quarter are positive, indicating that price support is effective. We also examine trading by insiders. While insiders generally sell when shorts sell, they hold onto shares during the price support quarter. This indicates that insiders are confident that they can maintain the current stock price.
Toxicity of cyromazine to strains of the housefly (Diptera: Muscidae) variously resistant to insecticides.

Several laboratory and field strains of the housefly, Musca domestica L., were examined for possible resistance to cyromazine. Only one strain, obtained from a poultry farm in Pennsylvania where cyromazine had been used for fly control, was found to be moderately resistant (resistance ratio, 5.42-fold). The synergists piperonyl butoxide and diethyl maleate had a slight antagonistic influence on cyromazine toxicity in both the susceptible and the resistant strains.
Reconstruction of the Pediatric Midface Following Oncologic Resection

Background Sarcoma is the most common midface malignancy in children. While first-line treatment in adults is resection, the challenges associated with resection and reconstruction of these tumors in children often lead to radiation therapy as primary treatment. This report highlights the feasibility and efficacy of midface reconstruction in the pediatric population after resection. In most cases, the same principles utilized in reconstructing midface defects in adults hold for the pediatric population. Patients and Methods From 2008 to 2013 seven pediatric patients underwent resection and reconstruction for maxillary sarcomas. These patients ranged in age from 18 months to 20 years. Five patients were reconstructed with six microvascular free flaps. Two patients received pedicled flaps. Follow-up ranged from 15 months to 4.5 years. Reconstructive, oncological, and functional outcomes were analyzed. Results Seven patients underwent eight reconstructions for sarcomas of the maxilla. Flaps utilized included vertical rectus abdominis, anterolateral thigh, fibula, and temporoparietal fascia. One flap was complicated by venous thrombosis but was successfully salvaged after thrombectomy and revision using vein graft. One patient developed recurrence after initial flap placement and required salvage resection and a second free flap. Six patients were judged to have good facial symmetry and tolerated a regular oral diet with normal or near-normal dental occlusion. Conclusions Standard primary therapy for sarcomas of the maxilla in the pediatric population consists of nonsurgical management. However, a radiation-first approach is associated with significant morbidity and makes surgical salvage more difficult. Based on our experience, microsurgical reconstruction of the pediatric midface is safe and effective, and should be considered a first-line treatment option for midface sarcomas in children. In general, there is no significant area of departure between the principles that govern midface reconstruction in adults and children.
Liberal Development Strategies: An Islamic Perspective

No state can exist in a policy vacuum. Public policy is inescapable in one form or another, even if it pretends to take the shape of governmental non-interference because that is also demand for a particular type of public policy. The nature of development strategy relates ultimately to the public evaluation of ends and the assessment of economic and social means. It is a matter of priorities attached to different goals. Therefore, the justification of a particular type of public policy rests upon the underlying ends and values that society aims to achieve through state powers. A proper understanding of current state of public policy for measuring economic success, both of individual and society, requires an understanding of the informational base: information on the ultimate values that are considered directly relevant for making social judgment. This paper highlights two major trends of liberal development strategies - libertarianism and social democracy - and argues why religiosity must be considered an integral part of development, especially in a Muslim society.
Effects of graded hypotension on cerebral blood flow, blood volume, and mean transit time in dogs.

This study tested the hypothesis that cerebral blood flow (CBF) is maintained by vasodilation, which manifests itself as a progressive increase in mean transit time (MTT) and cerebral blood volume (CBV) when cerebral perfusion pressure is reduced. Cerebral perfusion pressure was decreased in 10 pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs by controlled hemorrhage. Microsphere-determined CBF was autoregulated in all tested cerebral regions over the 40- to 130-mmHg cerebral perfusion pressure range but decreased by 50% at approximately 30 mmHg. MTT and CBV progressively and proportionately increased in the right parietal cerebral cortex over the 40- to 130-mmHg cerebral perfusion pressure range. Total hemoglobin content (Hb1), measured in the same area by an optical method, increased in parallel with the increases in CBV computed as the (CBF.MTT) product. At 30 mmHg cerebral perfusion pressure, CBV and Hb were still increased and MTT was disproportionately lengthened (690% of control). We conclude that within the autoregulatory range, CBF constancy is maintained by both increased CBV and MTT. Outside the autoregulatory range, substantial prolongation of the MTT occurs. When CBV is maximal, further reductions in cerebral perfusion pressure produce disproportionate increases in MTT that signal the loss of cerebral vascular dilatory hemodynamic reserve.
Pretransplant conditioning with fludarabine and IV busulfan, reduced toxicity and increased safety without compromising antitumor efficacy and overall treatment effect?

Pretransplant conditioning with fludarabine and IV busulfan, reduced toxicity and increased safety without compromising antitumor efficacy and overall treatment effect?
Who Needs Crossings? Hardness of Plane Graph Rigidity

We exactly settle the complexity of graph realization, graph rigidity, and graph global rigidity as applied to three types of graphs: "globally noncrossing" graphs, which avoid crossings in all of their configurations; matchstick graphs, with unit-length edges and where only noncrossing configurations are considered; and unrestricted graphs (crossings allowed) with unit edge lengths (or in the global rigidity case, edge lengths in {1,2}). We show that all nine of these questions are complete for the class Exists-R, defined by the Existential Theory of the Reals, or its complement Forall-R; in particular, each problem is (co)NP-hard. One of these nine results - that realization of unit-distance graphs is Exists-R-complete - was shown previously by Schaefer (2013), but the other eight are new. We strengthen several prior results. Matchstick graph realization was known to be NP-hard (Eades & Wormald 1990, or Cabello et al. 2007), but its membership in NP remained open; we show it is complete for the (possibly) larger class Exists-R. Global rigidity of graphs with edge lengths in {1,2} was known to be coNP-hard (Saxe 1979); we show it is Forall-R-complete. The majority of the paper is devoted to proving an analog of Kempe's Universality Theorem - informally, "there is a linkage to sign your name" - for globally noncrossing linkages. In particular, we show that any polynomial curve phi(x,y)=0 can be traced by a noncrossing linkage, settling an open problem from 2004. More generally, we show that the nontrivial regions in the plane that may be traced by a noncrossing linkage are precisely the compact semialgebraic regions. Thus, no drawing power is lost by restricting to noncrossing linkages. We prove analogous results for matchstick linkages and unit-distance linkages as well.
Ethics in the Intensive Care Unit

Summary Health care workers in the ICU frequently confront ethical dilemmas. We recommend that they use moral reasoning rather than intuitive analyses to resolve these dilemmas. Specific recommendations are 1. If a patient expresses a wish based on religious or moral values that is contrary to the proposed course of treatment and if the patient makes that wish known while competent, his or her wish should, in nearly all cases, be respected. 2. If the administration of a hospital wishes to institute a rationing policy to conserve ICU resources, that policy should not withhold care on the basis of socioeconomic status, age, or presumptions about patients with a particular disease. 3. If health care workers are fearful of providing care to patients with a contagious and fatal disease such as AIDS, they should recognize that their risk of infection is quite low and that, more importantly, they have an ethical obligation to treat the patient in their care. Although we believe that moral reasoning can be helpful in deciding these complex issues, the importance of a strong physician-patient relationship cannot be overstated. Only communication between doctor and patient can reveal the exact nature of disputes about treatment and provide the basis for the most appropriate resolution of ethical dilemmas.
Fast in-memory SQL analytics on typed graphs

We study a class of graph analytics SQL queries, which we call relationship queries. These queries involving aggregation, join, semijoin, intersection and selection are a wide superset of fixed-length graph reachability queries and of tree pattern queries. We present real-world OLAP scenarios, where efficient relationship queries are needed. However, row stores, column stores and graph databases are unacceptably slow in such OLAP scenarios.We propose a GQ-Fast database, which is an indexed database that roughly corresponds to efficient encoding of annotated adjacency lists that combines salient features of column-based organization, indexing and compression. GQ-Fast uses a bottom-up fully pipelined query execution model, which enables (a) aggressive compression (e.g., compressed bitmaps and Huffman) and (b) avoids intermediate results that consist of row IDs (which are typical in column databases). GQ-Fast compiles query plans into executable C++ source code. Besides achieving runtime efficiency, GQ-Fast also reduces main memory requirements because, unlike column databases, GQ-Fast selectively allows dense forms of compression including heavy-weight compressions, which do not support random access.We used GQ-Fast to accelerate queries for two OLAP dashboards in the biomedical field. GQ-Fast outperforms PostgreSQL by 2--4 orders of magnitude and MonetDB, Vertica and Neo4j by 1--3 orders of magnitude when all of them are running on RAM. Our experiments dissect GQ-Fast's advantage between (i) the use of compiled code, (ii) the bottom-up pipelining execution strategy, and (iii) the use of dense structures. Other analysis and experiments show the space savings of GQ-Fast due to the appropriate use of compression methods. We also show that the runtime penalty incurred by the dense compression methods decreases as the number of CPU cores increases.
Time lags and novel ecosystems in response to transient climatic change in arctic Alaska

We use a frame-based simulation model to estimate future rate of advance of the arctic treeline in response to scenarios of transient changes in temperature, precipitation, and fire regime. The model is simple enough to capture both the short-term direct response of vegetation to climate and the longer-term interactions among vegetation, fire, and insects that are important features of dynamic vegetation models. We estimate a 150-250 yr time lag in forestation of Alaskan tundra following climatic warming and suggest that, with rapid warming under dry conditions, there would be significant development of boreal grassland-steppe, a novel ecosystem type that was common during the late Pleistocene and today occurs south of the boreal forest in continental regions. Together, the time lag and grassland development would delay the positive feedback of vegetation change to climatic warming, providing a window of opportunity to control fossil fuel emissions, the primary cause of this warming.
Biophysical Variation within the M1 Type of Ganglion Cell Photoreceptor

Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells of the M1 type encode environmental irradiance for functions that include circadian and pupillary regulation. Their distinct role, morphology, and molecular markers indicate that they are stereotyped circuit elements, but their physiological uniformity has not been investigated in a systematic fashion. We have profiled the biophysical parameters of mouse M1s and found that extreme variation is their hallmark. Most parameters span 1-3 log units, and the full range is evident in M1s that innervate brain regions serving divergent functions. Biophysical profiles differ among cells possessing similar morphology and between neighboring M1s recorded simultaneously. Variation in each parameter is largely independent of that in others, allowing for flexible individualization. Accordingly, a common stimulus drives heterogeneous spike outputs across cells. By contrast, a population of directionally selective retinal ganglion cells appeared physiologically uniform under similar conditions. Thus, M1s lack biophysical constancy and send diverse signals downstream.
Mechanical properties of fiber reinforced polymer composites: A comparative study of conventional and additive manufacturing methods:

Fiber reinforced polymer composites have been around for many decades but recently their use has started to increase in multiple industries such as automotive, aerospace, and construction. The conv...
Duplex Ultrasound Imaging of Iliac Venous Stents

Postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) is characterized by persistent leg edema, discoloration, pain, and ulceration in patients with a history of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). We describe a 60-year-old man...
Composites boost 21st-century aircraft engines

Research and development in light-weight, high-temperature composite materials for ultrahigh-bypass engines to be used in high-speed civil transport/rotocraft is presented. It is noted that the expected benefits to be attained by this R&D include weight reduction, lowered fuel consumption, and lower direct operating costs. A major effort underway in this area is the Advanced High Temperature Engine Materials Technology Program (HITEMP) of NASA, which focuses on providing revolutionary high-temperature composite materials: to 425 C (800 F) for polymer-matrix composites (PMCs), to 1250 C (2280 F) for metal-matrix/intermetallic-matrix composites (MMCs/IMCs), and to as high as 1650 C (3000 F) for ceramic-matrix composites (CMCs). Analytical modeling is being used to investigate the structural behavior of these advanced materials in six distinct areas: micromechanics, deformation and damage, fatigue, fracture, trade-off studies, and load definition. It is concluded that the development of advanced materials such as high-temperature composites is highly dependent on the availability of high-temperature fibers. The wide range of fiber characteristics needed will require the development of more than one fiber. In general, a candidate fiber should have low density, high strength, high stiffness, a CTE matching the matrix, chemical compatibility with the matrix, environmental stability and appropriate fiber diameter.
Stereoselective One-Pot Deconjugation, Aldol, and Stabilized Peterson Olefination of α-Trialkylsilyl-β-alkyl-α,β-Unsaturated Esters.

A stereoselective reaction process including a one-pot deconjugation, aldol, and stabilized Peterson olefination of α-trialkylsilyl-β-alkyl-α,β-unsaturated esters coupled with aliphatic aldehydes i...
Fabrication of suspended antenna-coupled nanothermocouples

The authors present the fabrication of suspended antenna-coupled nanothermocouples (ACNTCs) over a cavity formed from an Si substrate by XeF2 etching. They observe a 100-fold increase in the response of such suspended ACNTCs, which is due to two factors: (1) the quasihemispherical shape of the cavity may result in constructive interference of the incident radiation reflected back to the antenna and (2) the cavity provides thermal isolation of the thermocouple from the substrate. The characteristics of Si etched with XeF2 are discussed for micrometer-scale cavities ranging from 1.5 to 25 μm deep. Polarization-dependent measurements are presented, and the authors show that the responses of the suspended single- and bi-metal ACNTCs are 100 times larger than similar devices on a substrate, i.e., without a cavity.The authors present the fabrication of suspended antenna-coupled nanothermocouples (ACNTCs) over a cavity formed from an Si substrate by XeF2 etching. They observe a 100-fold increase in the response of such suspended ACNTCs, which is due to two factors: (1) the quasihemispherical shape of the cavity may result in constructive interference of the incident radiation reflected back to the antenna and (2) the cavity provides thermal isolation of the thermocouple from the substrate. The characteristics of Si etched with XeF2 are discussed for micrometer-scale cavities ranging from 1.5 to 25 μm deep. Polarization-dependent measurements are presented, and the authors show that the responses of the suspended single- and bi-metal ACNTCs are 100 times larger than similar devices on a substrate, i.e., without a cavity.
Alterations in Endothelin Receptors Following Hemorrhage and Resuscitation by Centhaquin

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) acts on ET(A) and ET(B) receptors and has been implicated in hemorrhagic shock (shock). We determined effect of shock and resuscitation by hypertonic saline (saline) or centhaquin on ET(A) and ET(B) receptor expression. Rats were anesthetized, a pressure catheter was placed in the left femoral artery; blood was withdrawn from the right femoral artery to bring mean arterial pressure (MAP) to 35 mm Hg for 30 min, resuscitation was performed and 90 min later sacrificed to collect samples for biochemical estimations. Resuscitation with centhaquin decreased blood lactate and increased MAP. Protein levels of ET(A) or ET(B) receptor were unaltered in the brain, heart, lung and liver following shock or resuscitation. In the abdominal aorta, shock produced an increase (140 %) in ET(A) expression which was attenuated by saline and centhaquin; ET(B) expression was unaltered following shock but was increased (79 %) by centhaquin. In renal medulla, ET(A) expression was unaltered following shock, but was decreased (-61 %) by centhaquin; shock produced a decrease (-34 %) in ET(B) expression which was completely attenuated by centhaquin and not saline. Shock induced changes in ET(A) and ET(B) receptors in the aorta and renal medulla are reversed by centhaquin and may be contributing to its efficacy.
Racial-Geographic Disparity in Lipid Management in Veterans with Type 2 Diabetes: A 10-Year Retrospective Cohort Study.

AbstractPurpose: The prevalence of diabetes in U.S. veterans (20.5%) is nearly three times that of the general population. Minority veterans have higher rates of diabetes compared with their counte...
Immunoglobulin administration for the treatment of CIDP: IVIG or SCIG?

Abstract Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is an acquired neurological disorder characterized clinically by weakness and impaired sensory function evolving over 2 months or more, loss or significant decrease in deep tendon reflexes, and by electrophysiological evidence of peripheral nerve demyelination. Expeditious diagnosis and treatment of CIDP early in the disease course is critical such that irreversible disability can be avoided. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is one first-line and maintenance therapy option for CIDP. The US Food & Drug Administration's (FDA's) approval of subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) in 2018 provides patients with CIDP more treatment options for maintenance therapy. The different options for administration of IG treatment create the need for information to assist clinicians and patients in choosing the optimal therapeutic approach. Considerations for pharmacokinetics, administration procedures, adverse events, patient variables, and cost will all be discussed in this article.
Human factors to develop a safety guard model in human-robot interaction

In this research, a strategy to incorporate an assist-as-needed scheme into human-robot collaboration during an object co-lifting and manipulation task is developed. Surface Electromyography (sEMG) signals from the upper-arm muscles are collected and analyzed to quantify fatigue while the subjects are collaborating with a Universal Robot (UR5). Rated perceived fatigue (RPF) is then utilized to quantify fatigue levels based on personal perception of the subject using the intervals of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. This perceived information is correlated with the change in interaction load at the object-robot interface to quantify the modifying factor needed to stay in the optimal human-robot collaboration (HRC) condition.
Comparative Genomics of Three Novel Lytic Jumbo Bacteriophages Infecting Staphylococcus aureus

The majority of previously described Staphylococcus aureus bacteriophages belong to three major groups: P68-like Podoviridae, Twort-like or K-like Myoviridae, and a more diverse group of temperate Siphoviridae. Here we present three novel S. aureus 9jumbo9 phages: MarsHill, Madawaska, and Machias. These phages were isolated from swine production environments in the United States and represent a novel clade of S. aureus Myoviridae that is largely unrelated to other known S. aureus phages. The average genome size for these phages is ~269 kb with each genome encoding ~263 predicted protein-coding genes. Phage genome organization and content is most similar to known jumbo phages of Bacillus, including AR9 and vB_BpuM-BpSp. All three phages possess genes encoding complete viral and non-viral RNA polymerases, multiple homing endonucleases, and a retron-like reverse transcriptase. Like AR9, all of these phages are presumed to have uracil-substituted DNA which interferes with DNA sequencing. These phages are also able to transduce host plasmids, which is significant as these phages were found circulating in swine production environments and can also infect human S. aureus isolates.
Can’t We Just Live Together? New Evidence on the Effect of Relationship Status on Health

There has been a large empirical literature on the effect of marriage on health, but scant empirical evidence on the effect of cohabitation on health, although cohabitation is increasingly common. We contributed to this literature in three ways. First we explicitly modeled cohabitation distinct from marriage. Second, we included lagged health in our models to address the dynamic process of health and health-related selection into relationships. Extant literature has failed to control for lagged health risking omitted variable bias. Rather, it has controlled for general unobservable heterogeneity using fixed effects models that have relied on limited variation in relationship status over time to identify the effect of relationship status on health. Third, we employed a continuous health index that aids in estimation and inference of dynamic models. Using the Blundell and Bond dynamic panel data estimator and 18 years of the British Household Panel Survey of nearly 18,000 adults, we found that being in a relationship is good for health, but the benefits are not unique to marriage. Our finding that cohabitation is as beneficial as marriage for health was good news for health policy as changing social norms and economic instability have delayed or impaired family formation.
Environmental DNA Metabarcoding: A Novel Method for Biodiversity Monitoring of Marine Fish Communities

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is genetic material that has been shed from macroorganisms. It has received increased attention as an indirect marker for biodiversity monitoring. This article reviews the ...
Electrophysiological measurement of rapid shifts of attention during visual search

The perception of natural visual scenes that contain many objects poses computational problems that are absent when objects are perceived in isolation1. Vision researchers have captured this attribute of real-world perception in the laboratory by using visual search tasks, in which subjects search for a target object in arrays containing varying numbers of non-target distractor objects. Under many conditions, the amount of time required to detect a visual search target increases as the number of objects in the stimulus array increases, and some investigators have proposed that this reflects the serial application of attention to the individual objects in the array2,3. However, other investigators have argued that this pattern of results may instead be due to limitations in the processing capacity of a parallel processing system that identifies multiple objects concurrently4,5. Here we attempt to address this longstanding controversy by using an electrophysiological marker of the moment-by-moment direction of attention — the N2pc component of the event-related potential waveform — to show that attention shifts rapidly among objects during visual search.