cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Analysis of Time-Domain Dort Method for Ultrawideband Probing of Embedded Objects in Dispersive and Random Media

Time-reversal (TR) techniques were first developed in acoustics and they involve the re-transmission of signals acquired by a set of transceivers in a time-reversed fashion. In lossless and stationary media, time-reversed signals yield optimal focusing around the original scatter locations due to the TR invariance of the wave equation. An important application of TR is the selective focusing on desired scatterer(s) in media with multiple scatterers. This involves the eigenvalue decomposition (EVD) of the TR operator (TRO) of a TR antenna array (TRA) and uses these eigenvectors as the TRA excitations. This TR-based technique is known as the DORT method (French acronym for decomposition of the time reversal operator), which was first applied to electromagnetic (EM) waves by using time-harmonic signals and a full aspect sensor configuration. Then, extensions to limited aspect configuration and ultrawideband (UWB) signals have been considered. Most of the previous works on TR have assumed lossless media. However, when the intervening medium is dispersive and/or lossy, TR invariance is broken and compensation techniques become necessary for satisfactory TR operation. A Short Time Fourier Transform (STFT) based method has recently been introduced to compensate for the cumulative and frequency-dependent attenuation in homogeneous dispersive background media. In this work, this compensation technique is extended for the application of the time-domain (TD)-DORT method in both dispersive and random inhomogeneous media. For this end, the effects of dispersion and conductivity on the eigenvalue and eigenvector structure of the TRO are studied first. Then, time-dependent wideband inverse filters are designed and applied for compensation. Additionally, a numerical compensation method proposed for conductive medium only is extended to both dispersive and conductive media. The simulation scenarios considered are based on typical subsurface sensing scenarios, where UWB signals under limited aspect sensor
Optimal Collision Avoidance Trajectories via Direct Orthogonal Collocation for Unmanned/Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sense and Avoid Operations

The airborne Sense and Avoid (SAA) problem is a challenging and complex optimal control problem to solve. This paper builds on the previous work by the authors, which focused on the methodology for formulating the airborne SAA problem as an optimal control problem. The focus of this current work is on how to realistically formulate the constraints associated with solving the airborne SAA problem as a nonlinear optimal control problem. Based on user defined cost functions, the objective of this optimization problem is to determine the optimal trajectory for an aircraft to fly in order to avoid a collision. A fundamental necessity in solving the airborne collision avoidance problem is modeling and estimating the current and future trajectories of all potential intruder aircraft. To this end, this paper implements a 3D particle filter to model and estimate the intruder’s nonlinear dynamic and measurement equations. As a result, the “point cloud” outputs of the particle filter realistically define 3D probability regions associated with the intruder’s position at some (ti) time initial to some (tf ) time final. The ability to accurately capture and model these probability regions as system constraints is essential in the formulation of the optimal control problem. The previous work by the authors assumed an underlying Gaussian distribution to model these probability regions; however, based on the nonlinearities associated with the system dynamics, the underlying distribution for these regions are not necessarily Gaussian. Therefore, this paper presents an alternate approach that does not assume any underlying distribution. This proposed approach efficiently captures the intruder’s 3D probability regions as a convex optimization problem utilizing Khachiyan’s Algorithm and then smoothly interpolates between these probability regions to accurately identify “collision avoidance corridors” for the airborne SAA optimal control problem. This approach is demonstrated on a representative SAA scenario.
Tripartite Entanglement in Two-Mode Cavity QED

We analyze a multi-level atom inside a driven optical cavity, with two orthogonally polarized modes. We discuss entanglement between the atom and two modes, in particular when the undriven mode is highly lossy.
Proton conduction in exchange membranes across multiple length scales.

Concerns over global climate change associated with fossil-fuel consumption continue to drive the development of electrochemical alternatives for energy technology. Proton exchange fuel cells are a...
Jane Addams, the Hull-House School of Sociology, and Social Justice, 1892 to 1935:

Jane Addams is one of the greatest sociologists who has ever lived; yet, her ideas and practices remain a puzzle to many contemporary sociologists. There are many reasons for this confusion, but th...
Review: SCI-Arc Media Archive by Kevin McMahon and Reza Monahan, project managers, and Aaron Bocanegra, web designer

Kevin McMahon and Reza Monahan project managers; Aaron Bocanegra, web designer SCI-Arc Media Archive Southern California Institute of Architecture http://sma.sciarc.edu On 8 February 2015, I watched C. J. Lim discuss his new book Food City in a lecture at the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc), a lecture he had given four days earlier. For those unable either to attend such lectures or to watch them via the live streaming that SCI-Arc makes available to the public, the school’s recently launched media archive allows guests to virtually attend almost all of the events the school has offered since its founding in 1972. Faced with the challenge of preserving and making available to the public the school’s large collection of VHS cassettes—about to reach the end of their life spans in a technological context of increasingly fewer viable machines available to screen the videos—SCI-Arc’s library manager, Kevin McMahon, initiated the process of translating this material into a publicly accessible and easily searchable website, the SCI-Arc Media Archive, or SMA. In an interview, McMahon told me that while he was completing his M.A. at UCLA’s Moving Image Archiving Program, he “realized how the clock was ticking on forty-year-old videotape” and that the archiving “had to happen.” He added a caution: “Everyone needs to assess their video archives now.”1 The SMA provides written summaries of the archived lectures and events as well as representative clips that allow visitors to locate material easily without having to spend hours screening entire videos. Visitors can explore the archive chronologically and thematically by cutting precise swaths through the collection of 851 (and growing) video recordings of live presentations made by significant architects, artists, and scholars. The archive forms a record of SCI-Arc’s more than forty-year evolution under the directorships of Ray Kappe (1972–87), Michael Rotondi (1987–97), Neil Denari (1997–2002), Eric Owen Moss (2002–15), and now Hernan Diaz Alonso (2015–). The videos document SCI-Arc’s transformation from its …
The Role of Fear of Loss of Vigilance and Reexperiencing in Insomnia Among Veterans

This study examined the relationship between sleep fears and insomnia in veterans. Participants completed questionnaires assessing mental health, pain, insomnia, and sleep fears. Most veterans (84....
Coronary artery disease in Hispanic Americans. How does ethnic background affect risk factors and mortality rates

PreviewA concerted national effort has reduced cardiovascular mortality rates in the general US population. Unfortunately, not all ethnic groups have benefited equally from these improvements in our national health. The author presents insights into social and clinical factors that affect cardiovascular disease among Hispanic Americans.
Immunology of the Skin

The skin is a unique organ from an immunologic perspective; in that it performs barrier functions, innate immune functions, and provides a niche for adaptive immune functions. A host of skin-specific molecules and several unique skin-resident immune cell populations account for these tasks. In this article we will discuss how the structure of the skin and the cells that comprise the tissue contribute to protecting the body from pathogens. In addition, we will describe how antitumor immunity, allergy, and autoimmunity can parallel these responses. Tolerance to self and microbiota as well as wound healing are also important facets of skin immunity that allow the barrier function of the skin to remain intact. We will also highlight current research techniques and approaches to studying skin immunity. Ultimately, a solid understanding of how the immune system in the skin functions under homeostatic and pathologic states is imperative for discovering better vaccines and treatments for diseases.
Survivin inhibitor YM155 induces mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagy, DNA damage and apoptosis in Bcl-xL silenced glioma cell lines

Because the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-xL is overexpressed in glioma, one might expect that inhibiting or silencing this gene would promote tumor cell killing. However, our studies have shown that this approach has limited independent activity, but may tip the balance in favor of apoptosis induction in response to other therapeutic interventions. To address this issue, we performed a pharmacological screen using a panel of signaling inhibitors and chemotherapeutic agents in Bcl-xL silenced cells. Although limited apoptosis induction was observed with a series of inhibitors for receptor tyrosine kinases, PKC inhibitors, Src family members, JAK/STAT, histone deacetylase, the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, MAP kinase, CDK, heat shock proteins, proteasomal processing, and various conventional chemotherapeutic agents, we observed a dramatic potentiation of apoptosis in Bcl-xL silenced cells with the survivin inhibitor, YM155. Treatment with YM155 increased the release of cytochrome c, smac/DIABLO and apoptosis inducing-factor, and promoted loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, activation of Bax, recruitment of LC3-II to the autophagosomes and apoptosis in Bcl-xL silenced cells. We also found an additional mechanism for the augmentation of apoptosis due to abrogation of DNA double-strand break repair mediated by Rad51 repression and enhanced accumulation of γH2AX. In summary, our observations may provide a new insight into the link between Bcl-xL and survivin inhibition for the development of novel therapies for glioma. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Proton beam radiation as salvage therapy for bilateral colorectal liver metastases not amenable to second-stage hepatectomy

Background Bilobar colorectal liver metastases (CRLM), are now aggressively managed in a multidisciplinary fashion with a two-stage hepatectomy; however, up to 30% of patients are not candidates for second stage hepatectomy. In this report, we describe a novel technique of delivering ablative radiation to the entire right hemiliver by using proton therapy in a series of patients. Methods A data base of patients undergoing entire right hemiliver ablative radiation was maintained prospectively. Clinical, pathologic and treatment characteristics were collected for these patients. Survival duration was calculated from end of radiation. Radiation was delivered with proton therapy using deep inspiratory breath hold (DIBH) and a phase contrast simulation CT scan. Results All five patients tolerated radiation treatment well. All four patients treated with biologic equivalent dose (BED) >89.6 Gy achieved partial or complete radiographic response and in-field local control at last follow up. Two patients are alive and without evidence of disease. Two patients experienced disease progression outside of the liver. Conclusion These results suggest that the use of stereotactic proton therapy as a salvage therapy for patients with CRLM not amenable to second stage hepatectomy may achieve good local control and permit an opportunity for long term survival.
Systolic ejection click versus split first heart sound: Are our ears deceiving us?

Objective Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) disease is associated with potential lifetime complications, but auscultation of a BAV click is commonly missed or mistaken for a benign split first heart sound. Our objective was to determine whether pediatric cardiologists could reliably distinguish between BAV clicks and benign split first heart sounds. Design Quality evaluation project using de-identified recordings from an outpatient pediatric cardiology clinic. Outcome Measures Twenty-one cardiologists listened to five de-identified recordings of pediatric heart sounds (three with BAV clicks, two with mitral components of benign split first heart sounds) and indicated whether they believed each recording was a BAV or split first heart sound. The accuracy of diagnoses was determined using percent agreement and calculated kappa coefficients for the cohort and subgroups based on those with less than 10 years of experience versus those with ≥10 years. To assess precision, a kappa extension was used for multiple raters to assess interrater agreement. Results Among participants, diagnostic accuracy of BAV click was 38%, while accuracy of split first heart sound was 41%. No participant correctly diagnosed all sounds. No difference in agreement was observed when stratifying by experience. Kappa was −0.11 (CI 95% −0.31 to 0.08) for all raters, −0.03 (CI 95% −0.39 to 0.33) for those with less than 10 years' experience, and −0.15 (CI 95% −0.38 to 0.08) for those with ≥10 years' experience. The kappa statistic among the 21 raters was 0.01 (95% CI −0.03 to 0.04), indicating poor precision among the raters. Conclusions In this sample of pediatric cardiologists, the diagnostic accuracy of BAV clicks versus split first heart sounds was worse than chance. There was no association between years of experience and diagnostic accuracy. While further study is needed, these data suggest that an echocardiogram may be valuable when either a systolic ejection click or split first heart sound is heard.
Current and future therapies for advanced pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer remains a deadly disease with a 5-year survival rate of only 8%. Even after surgical resection, most patients have recurrence of their cancer. Over the last 10 years, improvements in chemotherapy regimens led to a doubling in median overall survival. Here we review the management of advanced pancreatic cancer and highlight vaccine therapy as a novel modality of treatment.
High-Pressure Densification of Composite Lunar Cement

AbstractIn order to minimize the binder content in composite lunar “cement,” this paper uses JSC-1A lunar soil simulant and unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) to produce low-binder-content composite...
Can Artificial Intelligence Have a Near-Death Experience? A Critical Look at the Ultimate Text

Since a computer model begins as an instance of writing, that is, a “text,” it is appropriate to examine this kind of discourse through the perspective of literary criticism. I examine Stephen Thaler's (1995) “intelligent” computer program and conclude that the gedanken creatures are constructed upon a structuralist theory of the text, which cannot support a complete simulation of human intelligence or experience.
Accelerated Neural Differentiation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Using Chlorate Treatment

The development of rapid, efficient and safe methods for neural induction from human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells is a necessary part of the development of cell replacement therapies. One promising approach for the development of new methodologies is through the regulation of extrinsic signals. Sulfated glycans work as co-receptors or stabilizers of ligand signaling molecules such as BMP, Wnt and FGF, and contribute to the differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells and iPS cells. Sulfation of these glycans is indispensable for this function. Sulfated glycans, including heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate, are expressed on the cell surface and in the extracellular matrix, and their levels of expression increase during differentiation from ES/iPS cells. Chlorate, a chemical inhibitor of sulfation, reduces the sulfation level of glycans and could, therefore, be used for the regulation of these extrinsic signals. In both mouse ES cells and human iPS cells, chlorate treatment inhibits mesodermal differentiation, induces ectodermal differentiation and then accelerates neural differentiation. Neural differentiation can be achieved in 7 days in both cell types.
Gender Differences in Receipt of National Institutes of Health R01 Grants Among Junior Faculty at an Academic Medical Center: The Role of Connectivity, Rank, and Research Productivity

Abstract Objective: To determine whether there were gender differences in likelihood of receiving a first National Institutes of Health (NIH) R01 award among 5445 instructors and assistant professors at Harvard Medical School (HMS). Materials and Methods: Data on R01 award principal investigators were obtained from NIH ExPORTER and linked with faculty data. Using Cox proportional hazard regression, we examined the association of gender with receipt of first R01 award between 2008 and 2015 accounting for demographics, research productivity metrics, and professional characteristics. Results: Compared to males, females had fewer publications, lower h-index, smaller coauthor networks and were less likely to be assistant professors (p < 0.0001). Four hundred and thirteen of 5445 faculty (7.6%) received their first R01 award during the study period. There was no gender difference in receipt of R01 awards in age-adjusted (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.70–1.08) or multivariable-adjusted...
Impact of Nursing Home Palliative Care Teams on End-of-Life Outcomes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background:Deficits in end-of-life care in nursing homes (NHs) are reported, but the impact of palliative care teams (PCTeams) on resident outcomes remains largely untested.Objective:Test the impact of PCTeams on end-of-life outcomes.Research Design:Multicomponent strategy employing a randomized, 2-
United Nations Intelligence and Transnational Organized Crime Initiatives: Evolution and Lessons Learned

The UN has been slow to recognize transnational organized crime as a destabilizer but in 2013, included its mitigation in the mission area as part of its stabilization mission in Mali. This mission was also the first to include an All Sources Intelligence Fusion Unit (ASIFU) to attempt to more effectively collect, process, and share information at the mission level for direct mission action. While this recognition of the need to share intelligence and to consider crime are leaps forward, there are still improvements to be made. This chapter explores information sharing by other multinational organizations in Africa, Europe, and Latin America to glean lessons to be applied to overcome intelligence limitations in UN missions.
Sperm RNA elements as markers of health.

ABSTRACTIdiopathic infertility, an etiology not identified as part of standard clinical assessment, represents approximately 20% of all infertility cases. Current male infertility diagnosis focuses on the concentration, motility, and morphology of spermatozoa. This is of limited value when predicting birth success and of limited utility when selecting the optimum treatment. At fertilization, spermatozoa provide their genomic contribution, as well as a set of RNAs and proteins that have distinct roles in development. The potential of spermatozoal RNAs to be used as a prognostic of live birth has been shown [Jodar et al. (2015) Science Translational Medicine 7(295):295re6]. This relied on a set of 648 sperm RNA elements derived from 285 genes that are perhaps indicative of future health status. To address this tenet, the present study correlated the levels of each transcript among all samples to assess linkage between transcript absence, birth success, and possible disease association. Correlations between ...
Advance Directive Utilization Is Associated with Less Aggressive End-of-Life Care in Patients Undergoing Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation.

Abstract Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, making advance care planning (ACP) and management especially important in this patient population. A paucity of data exists on the utilization of ACP among allogeneic HCT recipients and the relationship between ACP and intensity of healthcare utilization in these patients. We performed a retrospective review of patients receiving allogeneic HCT at our institution from 2008 to 2015 who had subsequently died after HCT. Documentation and timing of advance directive (AD) completion were abstracted from the electronic medical record. Outcomes of interest included use of intensive care unit (ICU) level of care at any time point after HCT, within 30 days of death, and within 14 days of death; use of mechanical ventilation at any time after HCT; and location of death. Univariate logistic regression was performed to explore associations between AD completion and each outcome. Of the 1031 patients who received allogeneic HCT during the study period, 422 decedents (41%) were included in the analysis. Forty-four percent had AD documentation prior to death. Most patients (69%) indicated that if terminally ill, they did not wish to be subjected to life-prolonging treatment attempts. Race/ethnicity was significantly associated with AD documentation, with non-Hispanic white patients documenting ADs more frequently (51%) compared with Hispanic (22%) or Asian patients (35%; P = .0007). Patients with ADs were less likely to use the ICU during the transplant course (41% for patients with ADs versus 52% of patients without ADs; P = .03) and also were less likely to receive mechanical ventilation at any point after transplantation (21% versus 37%, P
The Case for Creative Spaces in Academic Libraries

Abstract This chapter introduces the concept of a creative space in academic libraries. It will define and discuss the library’s role in supporting digital, media, data, and multimodal literacies. It goes on to briefly describe the models for library space covered in this book.
Leaps of quantum phase

Energy levels in superconducting quantum devices are highly sensitive to charge fluctuations. Generally, this is considered a bug, but new work transforms this sensitivity into the defining feature of a novel device.
Key distribution techniques for sensor networks

This chapter reviews several key distribution and key establishment techniques for sensor networks. We briefly describe several well known key establishment schemes, and provide a more detailed discussion of our work on random key distribution in particular.
Abstracting Induction by Extrapolation and Interpolation

We introduce a unified view of induction performed by automatic verification tools to prove a given program specification This unification is done in the abstract interpretation framework using extrapolation widening/dual-widening and interpolation narrowing, dual-narrowing, which are equivalent up to the exchange of the parameters. Dual-narrowing generalizes Craig interpolation in First Order Logic pre-ordered by implication to arbitrary abstract domains. An increasing iterative static analysis using extrapolation of successive iterates by widening followed by a decreasing iterative static analysis using interpolation of successive iterates by narrowing both bounded by the specification can be further improved by a increasing iterative static analysis using interpolation of iterates with the specification by dual-narrowing until reaching a fixpoint and checking whether it is inductive for the specification.
Performance characteristics of Bull's multirule algorithm for the quality control of multichannel hematology analyzers.

With this procedure, a batch of patient specimens is rejected if either of two criteria are satisfied: (1) the Bull’s mean of one of the red blood cell indices is outside its 3% limits, or (2) the average of three consecutive Bull’s means is outside its 2% limits. Power function curves were used to summarize the performance of the multirule approach and demonstrated error-detection capabilities that are superior to the more common implementation of Bull’s algorithm using 3% limits for single Bull’s means. The increased error detection achieved by the multirule procedure allows shifts in hemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume to be more readily detected but also results in the detection of small shifts in red blood cell count. A modified multirule procedure was also tested and was found to be ineffective. The authors recommend the multirule of Levy and colleagues but caution that its use may result in the detection of small shifts in the red blood cell count.
Size-Mismatch Melting in Two Dimensions

Two dimensional systems present structural properties that differ markedly from those of three dimensional systems. It has been known for a long time that at any nonzero temperature the long range positional order is destroyed (Mermin, 1968). However, even if the crystalline structure disappears, the system remains a solid and presents so-called quasi-long-range order; the positional correlations vanish algebraically and the orientational order is maintained.
Drop-free approaches for cataract surgery.

Purpose of reviewRoutine prophylaxis for adverse events following cataract surgery is evolving. Prior reliance on topical eyedrop instillation by patients is giving way to surgeon directed injections at the time of cataract surgery. The benefit of this new approach is assured delivery of drugs in st
Pressure broadening and shift of the cesium D 1 transition by the noble gases and N 2 , H 2 , HD, D 2 , CH 4 , C 2 H 6 , CF 4 , and H 3 e

The pressure broadening and shift rates for the cesium ${D}_{1}$ $(6\text{ }{^{2}P}_{1/2}\ensuremath{\leftarrow}6\text{ }{^{2}S}_{1/2})$ transition with the noble gases and ${\text{N}}_{2}$, ${\text{H}}_{2}$, HD, ${\text{D}}_{2}$, ${\text{CH}}_{4}$, ${\text{C}}_{2}{\text{H}}_{6}$, ${\text{CF}}_{4}$, and $^{3}\text{H}\text{e}$ were obtained for pressures less than 300 torr at temperatures under $65\text{ }\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}\text{C}$ by means of laser absorption spectroscopy. The collisional broadening rate, ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{L}$, for He, Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe, ${\text{N}}_{2}$, ${\text{H}}_{2}$, HD, ${\text{D}}_{2}$, ${\text{CH}}_{4}$, ${\text{C}}_{2}{\text{H}}_{6}$, ${\text{CF}}_{4}$, and $^{3}\text{H}\text{e}$ are 24.13, 10.85, 18.31, 17.82, 19.74, 16.64, 20.81, 20.06, 18.04, 29.00, 26.70, 18.84, and 26.00 MHz/torr, respectively. The corresponding pressure-induced shift rates, $\ensuremath{\delta}$, are 4.24, $\ensuremath{-}1.60$, $\ensuremath{-}6.47$, $\ensuremath{-}5.46$, $\ensuremath{-}6.43$, $\ensuremath{-}7.76$, 1.11, 0.47, 0.00, $\ensuremath{-}9.28$, $\ensuremath{-}8.54$, $\ensuremath{-}6.06$, and 6.01 MHz/torr. These rates have then been utilized to calculate Lennard-Jones potential coefficients to quantify the interatomic potential surfaces. The broadening cross section has also been shown to correlate with the polarizability of the collision partner.
Photoinduced ligand dissociation follows reverse energy gap law: nitrile photodissociation from low energy 3MLCT excited states

A series of Ru(ii)-terpyridine complexes containing electron-donating bidentate ligands are able to effectively photodissociate nitrile ligands using red light. A spectroscopic investigation of these complexes reveal that they follow anti-energy gap law behavior, providing further evidence that population of 3LF excited states is not necessary for photoinduced nitrile dissociation.
Syndiotactic α-Olefin Molecular Bottlebrushes: Crystallization, Melting, and Hierarchical Microstructure

The crystallization of α-olefin molecular bottlebrushes occurs via side-chain crystallization exclusively, which is fundamentally different from the common chain folding process occurring in linear...
Laminate composite-based highly durable and flexible supercapacitors for wearable energy storage

Abstract Flexible supercapacitors are promising power sources for next-generation flexible electronics because they are safe, mechanically stable and durable compared with current batteries. However, flexible supercapacitor devices reported so far have not demonstrated adequate mechanical properties to withstand critical deformations for real-world applications. Here we present our design and construction of flexible supercapacitors using laminate composites to achieve exceptional mechanical properties, including foldability, twistability, and machine washability. The electrode layer is made of a polymer electrolyte/carbon electrode (matrix/filler) composite, with mechanical and electrochemical performance optimized simultaneously in its making. Calculations and experimental results show that proper volume ratio of the electrolyte matrix and fiber-based electrode fillers leads to desired flexibility, strength, as well as high areal capacitance. The prototypes show adjustable areal capacitances of over 40 mF/cm2 with comparable thickness and flexibility to wearable fabrics. The electrochemical performance has remained unchanged after repeated folding and twisting tests. Moreover, a prototype device sewed onto a wearable fabric show non-detectable mechanical damage or capacitance degradation after machine washing.
Research progress in the effects of pectus excavatum on cardiac functions

Background Pectus excavatum, the most common chest wall deformity in children, accounts for nearly 90% of congenital malformations of chest wall. Initially, both parents and doctors paid more attention to the influence of this deformity on patient appearance and psychology. Following deeper studies of pectus excavatum, researchers found that it also affected cardiac functions. The purpose of this review aims to present recent research progress in the effects of pectus excavatum on cardiac functions. Data sources Based on aspects of CT, ultrasound cardiography (UCG) and MRI, all the recent literatures on the influence of pectus excavatum on cardiac function were searched and reviewed. Results Moderate and severe pectus excavatum did have a negative effect on cardiac function. Cardiac rotation angle, cardiac compression index, right atrial and tricuspid annulus size, septal motion and myocardial strain are relatively effective indexes to evaluate cardiac function. Conclusions Pectus excavatum did have a negative effect on cardiac function; so surgeons should actively diagnose and treat such patients in clinical work. However, further research is needed on to explore the measures and indicators that can reflect the changes of cardiac function in patients objectively, accurately, effectively and timely.
Adaptive w-refinement: A new paradigm in isogeometric analysis

Abstract Motivated by the concept of generalized NURBS (GNURBS), recently introduced by the authors, we devise a novel adaptivity technique in isogeometric analysis (IGA), referred to as adaptive w-refinement. GNURBS-based IGA is a natural extension of IGA where the weights of the basis functions in geometry and solution space are decoupled. Considering the additional unknown control weights in the solution function space as design variables, we develop an adaptive algorithm to find these unknowns by solving an unconstrained optimization problem. Due to the decoupling of the weights, the analytical sensitivities can be derived cost effectively; consequently, the optimization problem can be solved efficiently by a gradient-based algorithm. This procedure leads to the optimal rational function space associated with the problem under study, while preserving the underlying geometry as well as its parameterization. We study the performance of this algorithm on elliptic problems with both smooth and rough solutions. Numerical results demonstrate significant improvement of accuracy as well as the convergence rate compared to classic NURBS-based IGA. Moreover, the proposed method enables the isogeometric method to solve problems, whose closed-form solutions lie in rational space, exactly, revealing a new crucial aspect of employing rational splines for analysis. The proposed adaptive w-refinement technique serves as a new powerful adaptive technique in IGA, and perhaps a competitive tool with hierarchical splines for alleviating the deficiencies of NURBS for analysis.
Effect of specimen preparation on the swell index of bentonite-polymer GCLs

Abstract Experiments were conducted to investigate how specimen preparation (crushing and sieving) affects the swell index (SI) of bentonite-polymer (B–P) composites and the relationship between SI and hydraulic conductivity of B–P GCLs. Seven B–P and one Na–B GCLs were used in this study. Tests were conducted using DI water and synthetic municipal solid waste incineration ash leachates. Specimens were prepared using the ASTM D5890 and two alternative methods prior to SI testing. For both Na–B and B–P composites,
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among medical students.

BACKGROUND: Medical students are among the group of frontline healthcare providers likely to be exposed to COVID-19 patients. It is important to achieve high COVID-19 vaccination coverage rates in this group as soon as a vaccine is available. As future healthcare providers, they will be entrusted with providing vaccine recommendations and counseling vaccine-hesitant patients. METHODS: This project used self-report to assess vaccine hesitancy and acceptance among medical students towards the novel COVID-19 vaccine. RESULTS: Nearly all participants had positive attitudes towards vaccines and agreed they would likely be exposed to COVID-19; however, only 53% indicated they would participate in a COVID-19 vaccine trial and 23% were unwilling to take a COVID-19 vaccine immediately upon FDA approval. Students willing to immediately take the vaccine were more likely to trust public health experts, have fewer concerns about side effects and agree with vaccine mandates (P < 0.05). Concern for serious side effects was independently predictive of lower odds of intent to participate in a COVID-19 vaccine trial (AOR = 0.41, P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: This is the first study to evaluate COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among US medical students and highlights the need for an educational curriculum about the safety and effectiveness to promote uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Evaluation of Patient Demographics in Clinical Cancer Genomic Testing

Background Inequitable use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) testing for cancer risk and treatment can contribute to heath disparity. Consequently, it is important to assess the population receiving this testing. In this article, we characterize the population receiving both germline and somatic NGS testing for cancer predisposition and precision oncology at the Genetics and Solid Tumors Laboratory of the University of Washington Medical Center. Methods The general demographics, including ancestry, of patients receiving somatic testing to identify genes related to cancer treatment or prognosis, diagnosis, or germline testing for heritable cancer risk from January 2015 to July 2017 were characterized. Ancestry was determined using single nucleotide variant data and documented pedigree. The demographics of the patient population receiving testing were compared with a reference population comprising patients receiving care from the University of Washington Medical Center with a diagnosis of malignant neoplasm of breast, ovary, colon, rectum, or prostate between January 2015 and May 2018. Results A total of 2210 unique patients were included in this study. Women composed 66% of our total tested population. Patients of European ancestry composed 78% of the tested cohort. The percentages of American Indian/Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander in the cohort receiving NGS testing were significantly different than their respective distributions in the reference cohort. Conclusions Characterizing the demographics of patients receiving NGS testing for cancer predisposition and precision oncology using single nucleotide variant data and documented pedigree may help identify potential health disparities.
Elimination of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria by Transition Metal Dichalcogenides Encapsulated by Synthetic Single-Stranded DNA.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are a significant and growing threat to human health. Recently, two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials have shown antimicrobial activity and have the potential to be used as new approaches to treating antibiotic resistant bacteria. In this Research Article, we exfoliate transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) nanosheets using synthetic single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) sequences, and demonstrate the broad-spectrum antibacterial activity of MoSe2 encapsulated by the T20 ssDNA sequence in eliminating several multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. The MoSe2/T20 is able to eradicate Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-negative Staphylococcus aureus at much lower concentrations than graphene-based nanomaterials. Eradication of MDR strains of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter baumannii are shown to occur at at 75 μg mL-1 concentration of MoSe2/T20, and E. coli at 150 μg mL-1. Molecular dynamics simulations show that the thymine bases in the T20 sequence lie flat on the MoSe2 surface and can, thus, form a very good conformal coating and allow the MoSe2 to act as a sharp nanoknife. Electron microscopy shows the MoSe2 nanosheets cutting through the cell membranes, resulting in significant cellular damage and the formation of interior voids. Further assays show the change in membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation as mechanisms of antimicrobial activity of MoSe2/T20. The cellular death pathways are also examined by mRNA expression. This work shows that biocompatible TMDCs, specifically MoSe2/T20, is a potent antimicrobial agent against MDR bacteria and has potential for clinical settings.
Maslow’s Hammer: teacher assistant research and inclusive practices at a crossroads

Internationally, teacher assistants (TAs) have emerged as a prominent feature of inclusive educational service delivery and existing research has focused extensively on their roles, training and su...
Not Just a Cycle: Three gab genes Enable the Non-cyclic Flux Toward Succinate Via GABA Shunt in 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus'-infected citrus.

Although the mitochondria retain all required enzymes for an intact tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, plants might shift the cyclic flux from the TCA cycle to an alternative non-cyclic pathway via γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) shunt under specific physiological conditions. We hypothesize that several genes may ease this non-cyclic flux and contribute to the citrus response to the phytopathogenic bacterium 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus', the causal agent of Huanglongbing in citrus. To test this hypothesis, we used multi-omics techniques (metabolomics, fluxomics, and transcriptomics) to investigate the potential role(s) of putative gab homologies from Valencia sweet orange (Citrus sinensis). Our findings showed that 'Ca. L. asiaticus' significantly increased the endogenous GABA and succinate content but decreased ketoglutarate in infected citrus plants. Citrus genome harbors three putative gab genes including amino-acid permease (aka GABA permease; CsgabP), GABA transaminase (CsgabT), and succinate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase (aka GABA dehydrogenase; CsgabD). The transcript levels of CsgabP, CsgabT, and CsgabD were upregulated in citrus leaves upon the infection with 'Ca. L. asiaticus' and after the exogenous application of GABA or deuterium-labeled GABA isotope (GABA-D6). Moreover, our finding showed that exogenously applied GABA is quickly converted to succinate and fed into the TCA cycle. Likewise, the fluxomics study showed that GABA-D6 is rapidly metabolized to succinate-D4. Our work proved that GABA shunt and three predicated gab genes from citrus, support the upstream non-cyclic flux toward succinate rather than an intact TCA cycle and contribute to citrus defense responses to 'Ca. L. asiaticus'.
Variation analysis of transcriptome changes reveals cochlear genes and their associated functions in cochlear susceptibility to acoustic overstimulation

Individual variation in the susceptibility of the auditory system to acoustic overstimulation has been well-documented at both the functional and structural levels. However, the molecular mechanism responsible for this variation is unclear. The current investigation was designed to examine the variation patterns of cochlear gene expression using RNA-seq data and to identify the genes with expression variation that increased following acoustic trauma. This study revealed that the constitutive expressions of cochlear genes displayed diverse levels of gene-specific variation. These variation patterns were altered by acoustic trauma; approximately one-third of the examined genes displayed marked increases in their expression variation. Bioinformatics analyses revealed that the genes that exhibited increased variation were functionally related to cell death, biomolecule metabolism, and membrane function. In contrast, the stable genes were primarily related to basic cellular processes, including protein and macromolecular syntheses and transport. There was no functional overlap between the stable and variable genes. Importantly, we demonstrated that glutamate metabolism is related to the variation in the functional response of the cochlea to acoustic overstimulation. Taken together, the results indicate that our analyses of the individual variations in transcriptome changes of cochlear genes provide important information for the identification of genes that potentially contribute to the generation of individual variation in cochlear responses to acoustic overstimulation.
Picosecond Single-Photon-Counting Spectroscopy Of Cd 1-x Zn x Te AND Cd 1-x Mn x Te-CdTe

Time correlated single-photon-counting is a high-sensitivity high-resolution spectroscopic method for picosecond photoluminescence which we apply to two important II-VI semiconductors. In crystalline bulk Cd1-xZnxTe we measure lifetimes of impurity-bound excitons and relate them to theory. In Cd1-xMnx-CdTe superlattices we measure lifetimes of confined excitons decreasing with well thickness, which we relate to two-dimensional behavior, and find lifetimes possibly associated with subband energies.© (1988) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
High-Throughput Cancer Cell Sphere Formation for Characterizing the Efficacy of Photo Dynamic Therapy in 3D Cell Cultures

Photodynamic therapy (PDT), wherein light sensitive non-toxic agents are locally and selectively activated using light, has emerged as an appealing alternative to traditional cancer chemotherapy. Yet to date, PDT efficacy has been mostly characterized using 2D cultures. Compared to 2D cultures, 3D sphere culture generates unique spatial distributions of nutrients and oxygen for the cells that better mimics the in-vivo conditions. Using a novel polyHEMA (non-adherent polymer) fabrication process, we developed a microfluidic sphere formation platform that can (1) generate 1,024 uniform (size variation <10%) cancer spheres within a 2 cm by 2 cm core area, (2) culture spheres for more than 2 weeks, and (3) allow the retrieval of spheres. Using the presented platform, we have successfully characterized the different responses in 2D and 3D cell culture to PDT. Furthermore, we investigated the treatment resistance effect in cancer cells induced by tumor associated fibroblasts (CAF). Although the CAFs can enhance the resistance to traditional chemotherapy agents, no significant difference in PDT was observed. The preliminary results suggest that the PDT can be an attractive alternative cancer therapy, which is less affected by the therapeutic resistance induced by cancer associated cells.
Does Asset Supply Affect Asset Prices? Evidence from the Agency Bond Market

I examine the effect of a change in the relative supply of bonds issued by the Government Sponsored Enterprises (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) on their relative prices. I find that Fannie Mae spreads are tighter than Freddie Mac spreads after an exogenous negative supply shock to Fannie Mae bonds resulting from an undercapitalization announcement. Moreover, a decrease in issuance of Fannie Mae bonds after this event is associated with a decrease in Fannie Mae spreads relative to Freddie Mac spreads, but issuance volume and spreads are not positively related in the rest of the sample. As expected, this supply shock affected the short end of the term structure more than the long end. Collectively, these findings provide evidence that supply of financial assets affects prices, implying that the demand curve for financial assets is not perfectly elastic.
Temporal fluctuations of broadband channel impulse functions and underwater acoustic communications at 2-5 kHz/sup 1/

This paper presents experimental measurements of broadband (2-5 kHz) acoustic channel impulse response functions at two different oceans, and discusses the environmental acoustic impact on underwater acoustic communications.
Quark models of nuclear matter: (I). Basic models and ground-state properties

Abstract Nuclear matter is modeled directly in the constituent quark coordinates. A many-body string flip potential is used which confines quarks, allows hadrons to separate and is symmetric in all quark coordinates. Variational Monte Carlo results are presented for the energy, wave function and quark correlation function of nuclear and quark matter for various densities. These show how quark clustering decreases with density. A percolation phase transition from nuclear to quark matter is observed which is characterized by a dramatic rearrangement of strings.
Should We Teach That the Cause of the Black Death Was Bubonic Plague

For most of the 20th century, historians accepted bubonic plague, Yersinia pestis, as the cause of the 14th-century Black Death, although a wealth of primary sources seems to conflict with that diagnosis. Scientists focused on Y. pestis have been less certain than historians, arguing over their findings and how these might apply to the 14th century. Historians who believe the diagnosis was premature point to the speed with which the disease travelled, and killed; its symptoms, and its extraordinary morbidity and mortality rates; the shortage of evidence for rats or fleas; and the seasons and climates in which the disease thrived; and they question whether every inconvenient bit of medieval evidence can be covered by later hypothetical mutations. Yet, guided by textbooks, and by popular media that distort the work of scientists, teachers often omit medieval evidence that doesn't fit Yersinia. Uncertainty over the cause of the Black Death offers historians a chance to show how historical knowledge is generated, by realistic use of primary sources in dialogue with other scholarly disciplines.