cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Online distributed optimization via dual averaging

This paper presents a regret analysis on a distributed online optimization problem computed over a network of agents. The goal is to distributively optimize a global objective function which can be decomposed into the summation of convex cost functions associated with each agent. Since the agents face uncertainties in the environment, their cost functions change at each time step. We extend a distributed algorithm based on dual subgradient averaging to the online setting. The proposed algorithm yields an upper bound on regret as a function of the underlying network topology, specifically its connectivity. The regret of an algorithm is the difference between the cost of the sequence of decisions generated by the algorithm and the performance of the best fixed decision in hindsight. A model for distributed sensor estimation is proposed and the corresponding simulation results are presented.
Acute Neurocardiogenic Injury After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Background— Left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction has been reported in humans with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and its underlying pathophysiology remains controversial. Possible mechanisms include myocardial ischemia versus excessive catecholamine release from sympathetic nerve terminals. Methods and Results— For 38 months, echocardiography and myocardial scintigraphy with technetium sestamibi (MIBI) and meta-[123I]iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) were performed on 42 patients admitted with SAH to assess myocardial perfusion and sympathetic innervation, respectively. A blinded observer interpreted the scintigraphic images. Cardiac troponin I (cTI) was measured to quantify the degree of myocyte necrosis. Blinded observers calculated the LV ejection fraction and graded each LV segment as normal (score=1), hypokinetic (score=2), or akinetic (score=3). A wall-motion score was calculated by averaging the sum of the 16 segments. All subjects with interpretable scans (N=41) had normal MIBI uptake. Twelve subje...
Microtubules, microfilaments, and pigment movement in the chromatophores of Palaemonetes vulgaris (Crustacea).

The glass shrimp, Palaemonetes vulgaris changes to match the color of its background by a rapid, so-called physiological color change and a much slower, morphological color change. Apparently both are controlled by hormones, but the rapid color change is mediated by translocations of pigments within stellate cells called chromatophores, whereas the slow color change is effected by selective increases in certain types of chromatophore pigments. The large, dark chromatophores of the ovary were isolated intact and shown to be polychromatic (perhaps four pigments) by correlating light and electron microscopy. Incubated chromatophores supplied with crude extracts of certain neurosecretory tissues exhibit centripetal movement of pigment equivalent to that observed in vivo when a prawn is transferred from a dark-colored background to a light-colored background. Centripetal translocation of pigment is not inhibited in the chromatophores by preincubation in 10−3M colchicine or vinblastine sulfate even though the vinblastine treatment elicits production of crystalline complexes of microtubular protein in place of the normal bundles of microtubules. Cytochalasin B (10 μg/ml) blocks pigment migration reversibly, but does not disrupt microfilaments or other ultrastructural elements. Apparently, normal pigment aggregation depends on some function which is reversibly sensitive to cytochalasin B, and not on the impressive system of microtubules in these cells.
Effective border gateway protocol protection that does not require universal adoption of a public key infrastructure

Although it is fundamental to inter-domain routing in the Internet, the border gateway protocol (BGP) is susceptible to both misconfiguration and malicious attacks. Prefix-hijacking problems arise when an Internet service provider incorrectly advertises a route to one or more prefixes, and path hijacking problems arise when an advertisement contains an incorrect path. Several proposals have been made for ways to avoid or at least ameliorate catastrophic outcomes (such as black holes and man-in-the-middle attacks) that can occur as the result of a hijack. The techniques can be divided into two broad categories: those that use an external authority to validate incoming BGP information and those that validate incoming BGP messages against a historical record of past BGP advertisements. The study begins by defining terms, reviewing the existing methods, and explaining approaches used for external validation. It considers the effectiveness of each mechanism. The study then proposes a hybrid scheme that combines the use of an external authority and historical validation to improve effectiveness. It discusses the difference between our approach and validation using certificates plus a public key infrastructure. We show that it is possible to construct a hybrid hijack deterrent scheme that does not depend on a public key infrastructure and yet remains as effective as schemes that rely on the resource public key infrastructure and certificates to validate path origins. We present measurements that show the cost of maintaining a local cache of registry information and a local cache of historical data as well as the effectiveness of our approach.
Synthetic establishment microdata around the world

Abowd and Vilhuber acknowledge support through NSF Grant SES-1042181. Reiter acknowledges support through NSF grant SES-11-31897.
Ending a Mud Bowl: Defining Arbitration’s Finality Through Functional Analysis

The Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) and Uniform Arbitration Act (UAA), on the state level, prescribe a nearly identical procedural and remedial scheme for promoting independent, self-contained arbitration. To that end, both acts curtail courts' review of arbitration awards, by limiting the grounds for vacating awards to those aimed at ensuring only basic procedural fairness. Nonetheless, seemingly "pro-arbitration" impulses have driven some courts' eager application, or misapplication, of the FAA/UAA statutory scheme to enforce dispute resolution agreements that reject the acts' limited review prescriptions. This Article tackles this arguable abuse of the FAA/UAA scheme, by proposing a functional analysis for defining how "final" a procedure must be for it to qualify as arbitration within the acts' purview. The Article concludes that the FAA/UAA limited review prescriptions are integral to the acts' goals and functions, and therefore define the finality of arbitration governed by the acts. If parties reject these prescriptions and contract for substantive judicial review of their arbitration procedure, then they have not agreed to arbitrate under the FAA/UAA scheme and may not reap the acts' remedial and procedural benefits.
Reliability Models

Performance modelers typically use Markov models associated with their analysis of computer systems. This tutorial introduces additional probabilistic models (e.g., competing risks, proportional hazards) and the associated statistical methods that are commonly used in reliability engineering and biostatistics to complement the Markov models.
Degrees and Dimensions of Rightness: Reflections on Martin Peterson’s Dimensions of Consequentialism

Martin Peterson argues for two interesting and appealing claims: multi-dimensionalism and degrees of rightness. Multi-dimensionalism is the view that more than one factor determines whether an act is right. According to Peterson’s multi-dimensionalism, these factors are not simply ways of achieving some greater aggregate good. Degrees of rightness is the view that some actions are more wrong or less right than others without being entirely wrong. It is of course, compatible with this, that some actions are right or wrong to a maximal degree, or entirely right or wrong. Multi-dimensionalism and degrees are taken to be intertwined. On Peterson’s view, if there were only one dimension, we wouldn’t need degrees; where only one dimension applies, an act is entirely right or entirely wrong. Peterson claims that degrees of rightness or wrongness arise only because there are multi-dimensions, and that an act cannot be entirely right if it is wrong on some dimension. I shall argue against both of these claims.
The Quantitative Pilomotor Axon-Reflex Test (QPART) - A Technique To Assess Autonomic Nerve Fiber Function (P05.197)

Objective: To characterize phenylephrine evoked piloerection physiology. Background Sudomotor and vasomotor axon-reflex responses may be used to assess small fiber function. We have previously reported that piloerection is evoked by phenylephrine iontophoresis beneath the application (direct) site and in the surrounding (indirect) region most likely via an axon-reflex. The mechanism of the indirect response is not fully elucidated. Design/Methods: In this study, twenty subjects participated in 5 studies. Piloerection was stimulated by iontophoresis of 1% phenylephrine and quantified by silicon impressions. In studies 1 and 2, piloerection was measured after application of lidocaine gel and subcutaneous injection of 1% lidocaine-hydrochloride to block the axon reflex. In study 3, to isolate the contribution of ionophoretic current, piloerection was measured after saline iontophoresis. In study 4, the time-course of the piloerection was measured by digital photographing. In study 5, to examine the role played by blood flow, subjects were tested with and without iontophoretic nitroprusside pretreatment. Results: In lidocaine pretreated regions, there were reduced impressions in the indirect area (66.6±19.2 control vs. 7.2±4.3 lidocaine; P Conclusions: These data demonstrate that: The indirect pilomotor response is attenuated by lidocaine consistent with an axon-reflex response; 2)Iontophoresis alone does not induce piloerection; 3)Axon-reflex mediated piloerection is not secondary to vasoconstriction; and 4)Direct and indirect pilomotor responses to phenylephrine have different latencies suggesting different physiological mechanisms. These data are consistent with an axon-reflex mechanism for the pilomotor response and support QPART as a measure of small fiber function. Supported by: NIH; Langer Family Foundation; German Research Foundation. Disclosure: Dr. Siepmann has nothing to disclose. Dr. Illigens has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gibbons has nothing to disclose. Dr. Freeman has received personal compensation for activities with Pfizer Inc, Eli Lilly & Company, GlaxoSmithKline, Inc., Solvay S.A., and Chelsea Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Freeman has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Clinical Journal of Pain.
Status of Hepatitis C Virus Infection of Adjacent Three Counties in Binzhou City

Objective To research the status of hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection of adjacent three counties in Binzhou City,in order to provide the basis for clinical prevention and treatment in the region.Methods From January 2011 to May 2013,26558 cases of hospitalized patients and the healthy check-up of Zhanhua,Lijin and Estuary were given anti HCV detection,and anti HCV was detected by ELISA.Results The anti-HCV positive rate was 2.83% of 26558 cases,men was3.10% and women was 2.42%,the female was higher than male(P0.01).In each age group,elderly group was the highest(3.38%).752 cases of anti HCV positive always had a history of surgery(33.38%),the blood dialysis(18.22%) and blood transfusion or blood products(8.11%) were with high-risk in the region,173 cases(23.01%) reason were unknown.Conclusion The HCV infection rate of the region is high,has a history of surgery,hemodialysis and blood transfusion or blood products is with high-risk groups,a high incidence of unexplained recessive infections.
Class Size Effects on Mathematics Achievement in Cyprus: Evidence from TIMSS.

ABSTRACTClass size reduction has been viewed as one school mechanism that can improve student achievement. Nonetheless, the literature has reported mixed findings about class size effects. We used 4th- and 8th-grade data from TIMSS 2003 and 2007 to examine the association between class size and mathematics achievement in public schools in Cyprus. We employ instrumental variables methods, and take advantage of a regression discontinuity design to examine causal effects of class size on mathematics achievement. The results indicate a non-significant relationship between class size and mathematics achievement in 8th grades. However, there is evidence of positive class size effects in 4th grade. The gender gap is significant and favoured males in 4th grade and females in 8th grade. SES indexes such as parental education and items in the home are positively and significantly related to mathematics achievement. Teacher and school variables are not significantly related with mathematics achievement.
Phase match orientation of crystals for frequency inversion arrays

Nova uses over 200 KDP crystals for its frequency doubling and tripling arrays. The arrays for the ten Nova beams are 3 × 3 matrices of 27-cm crystal segments sandwiched between support windows to form a monolithic structure that can be aligned for maximum conversion efficiency as a single element.
Novel target of lapatinib enhances anti-tumor activity via TRAIL sensitization

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 12-16, 2008; San Diego, CA 835 The anti-Her2 and anti-EGFR dual kinase inhibitor lapatinib (Tykerb) in combination with capecitabine (Xeloda) was approved by the FDA on March 13, 2007 for treatment of Her2(+) breast cancer patients who received prior therapy with anthracyclines, taxanes and Herceptin. We hypothesized that targeting cancer cell survival pathways with lapatinib may synergize with TRAIL, which initiates extrinsic apoptotic cell death, and this may be of utility in therapy of solid tumors. We initially confirmed the high sensitivity of high Her2-expressing SKBR3 and BT474, and resistance of low Her2-expressing MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cell lines. In contrast, we identified a number of colon cancer cell lines with (+) EGFR (HCT116, SW480, HT29) or (+) Her2 (HCT116 and HT29) expression that were resistant to lapatinib up to 20 μM. SW620 expressed no detectable EGFR and low levels of Her2, and was also resistant to lapatinib. Lapatinib was found to sensitize TRAIL-resistant SW620, SW480-R6 and HT29 colon carcinoma cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis, as determined by propidium iodide staining followed by FACS analysis, and Western blot analysis of caspase-3, 8, 9, and PARP processing. TRAIL-sensitization was evident with lapatinib concentrations higher than the EGFR and Her2 IC50s but similar to patient plasma concentrations achieved in clinical trials. In addition to recombinant TRAIL, lapatinib enhanced apoptosis triggered by agonistic TRAIL receptor antibodies mapatumumab and lexatumumab. Lapatinib sensitization to TRAIL was accompanied by up-regulation of death receptor (DR4 and DR5) expression and induction of Mcl-1 fragmentation. These novel effects are unrelated to EGFR and/or Her2 inhibition, as treatment with EGFR and Her2-specific inhibitors, AG1478 and AG825, respectively, alone or in combination, failed to recapitulate lapatinib-mediated TRAIL sensitization. The current studies point to a novel therapeutic combination of lapatinib and TRAIL or TRAIL receptor-targeted agonist antibodies. This combinatorial approach may be effective in colon and other tumors, and provides a preclinical mechanistic rationale for the anti-tumor effects.
Encapsulation of Nanoparticles During Polymer Micelle Formation: A Dissipative Particle Dynamics Study

The formation of block copolymer micelles with and without hydrophobic nanoparticles is simulated using dissipative particle dynamics. We use the model developed by Spaeth et al. [Spaeth, J. R., Kevrekidis, I. G., and Panagiotopoulos, A. Z. J. Chem. Phys. 2011, 134 ((16)) 164902], and drive micelle formation by adjusting the interaction parameters linearly over time to represent a rapid change from organic solvent to water. For different concentrations of added nanoparticles, we determine characteristic times for micelle formation and coagulation, and characterize micelles with respect to size, polydispersity, and nanoparticle loading. Four block copolymers with different numbers of hydrophobic and hydrophilic polymer beads, are examined. We find that increasing the number of hydrophobic beads on the polymer decreases the micelle formation time and lowers polydispersity in the final micelle distribution. Adding more nanoparticles to the simulation has a negligible effect on micelle formation and coagulati...
Advances in Radiotherapy Management of Esophageal Cancer

Radiation therapy (RT) as part of multidisciplinary oncologic care has been marked by profound advancements over the past decades. As part of multimodality therapy for esophageal cancer (EC), a prime goal of RT is to minimize not only treatment toxicities, but also postoperative complications and hospitalizations. Herein, discussion commences with the historical approaches to treating EC, including seminal trials supporting multimodality therapy. Subsequently, the impact of RT techniques, including three-dimensional conformal RT, intensity-modulated RT, and proton beam therapy, is examined through available data. We further discuss existing data and the potential for further development in the future, with an appraisal of the future outlook of technological advancements of RT for EC.
Effects of external shielding on the performance of a 1 mm 3 resolution breast PET camera

We are constructing a 1 mm3 resolution, high sensitivity breast-specific PET camera, consisting out of 2 imaging heads each built out of many layers of 8×8 arrays of 1×1×1 mm3 LYSO crystals coupled to Position Sensitive Avalanche Photo-Diodes (PSAPDs). This paper investigates the effects of shielding on out-of-field background event rate from highly vascular organs like heart, liver, spleen and brain. In order to optimize the performance of the breast specific PET camera, we must address this background by proper external shielding, which reduces the single photon event rate. This avoids data acquisition saturation and reduces the amount of scatter and random coincidences, which enhances the image SNR. Shielding should ideally reduce out-of-field activity while maintaining a high sensitivity for photons emitted from the breast. Shielding design is studied using the Monte-Carlo simulation package GRAY, which supports complex mesh based primitives for phantoms and detector shapes. An anatomically accurate model of the female torso based on the realistic NURBS CArdiac Torso (NCAT) phantom is used, which was manipulated to include a slight breast compression to a width of 7.5 cm. In these simulation studies we exploit the unique feature of GRAY allowing a direct import of the camera's CAD drawings made in Solid Works. As shielding material we use an alloy of 97% tungsten, 2.1% Ni and 0.9% Fe, which has a density of 18.5 g/cm3 and an high atomic number Z. Different shielding thicknesses and locations are investigated and their influence on the system count rate is analyzed. We show that the count rate is reduced by 45% (57 %) when placing 2.54 mm (5.08 mm) of tungsten shielding around the panels. The highest observed event rate per ASIC is 19 kHz (15 kHz), which is well below the 83 kHz maximum estimated count rate of our data acquisition system. The shielding only reduces the counts coming from the breast by 8% (11%).
Breadth and magnitude of antigen-specific antibody responses in the control of plasma viremia in simian immunodeficiency virus infected macaques

Increasing evidence suggests an unexpected potential for non-neutralizing antibodies to prevent HIV infection. Consequently, identification of functional linear B-cell epitopes for HIV are important for developing preventative and therapeutic strategies. We therefore explored the role of antigen-specific immune responses in controlling plasma viremia in SIV infected rhesus macaques. Thirteen rhesus macaques were inoculated either intravaginally or intrarectally with SIVMAC251. Peripheral blood CD4+ T-cells were quantified. Plasma was examined for viremia, antigen specific IgG, IgA and IgM binding responses and neutralizing antibodies. Regions containing binding epitopes for antigen-specific IgG, IgM and IgA responses were determined, and the minimum size of linear Envelope epitope responsible for binding antibodies was identified. The presence of neutralizing antibodies did not correlate the outcome of the disease. In a few SIV-infected macaques, antigen-specific IgG and IgM responses in plasma correlated with decreased plasma viremia. Early induction and the breadth of antigen-specific IgG responses were found to be significantly correlated with the control of plasma viral load. Immunoglobulin classes share similar functional linear B-cell epitopes. SIV-specific linear envelope B-cell epitopes were found to be 12 amino-acids in length. Early induction of combination of peptide-specific IgG responses were found to be responsible for the control of plasma viral load and indicative of disease outcome in SIV-infected rhesus macaques and might be important for the development of therapeutic strategies for control or prevention of HIV/AIDS.
Why lions roar like babies cry

When an angry lion roars, the sounds it emits can terrify anyone within earshot. But, as Ingo Titze explains, the properties of a lion's roar have some surprising similarities with those of a crying baby.
In vitro activity of ceftaroline and comparator agents against Gram-positive and Gram-negative clinical isolates from cancer patients.

Bacterial infections are common in cancer patients. Ceftaroline (CFT) is a broad-spectrum cephalosporin with activity against most Gram-positive organisms (GPOs) and many Gram-negative organisms. In this study, the in vitro activity of CFT was compared with vancomycin (VAN), daptomycin (DAP), linezolid (LZD), trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole (SXT) and tigecycline (TIG) against bacteria (predominantly blood culture isolates) isolated from cancer patients in 2014 and 2015. CFT was active against methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), methicillin-susceptible coagulase-negative staphylococci (MS-CoNS) and methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MR-CoNS) with MIC90 values (minimum inhibitory concentration that inhibited 90% of the isolates) of 0.25, 2.0, 0.12 and 0.5 mg/L, respectively. MIC90 values for other GPOs were: Bacillus spp., >8.0 mg/L; Corynebacterium spp., 2.0 mg/L; Micrococcus spp., <0.06 mg/L; viridans group streptococci, 0.5 mg/L; Streptococcus pneumoniae, 0.25 mg/L; and Streptococcus spp., <0.06 mg/L. Among the comparator agents, VAN, DAP, TIG and LZD were active against the majority of GPOs tested. CFT also had moderate activity against common extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-negative Gram-negative bacilli such as Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Proteus mirabilis and Serratia spp.
Procedure for Immunoassays

Principle. The RID plates contain a mixture of agarose and a monospecific antiserum to human fibrinogen. Known concentrations of a standard are applied to a series of wells cut in the agarose. The antigen in the sample diffuses radially into the medium and reacts with the antiserum to form a visible white precipitin ring. The diameter of the ring is proportional to the amount of antigen in the sample. A standard curve of fibrinogen concentrations vs. the square of the ring diameters is plotted and the patient’s sample is read off the graph.
Speed-Discussion: Engaging Students in Class Discussions.

Courses: Communication Criticism, Rhetorical Criticism, Family and Communication, Gender and Communication, Popular Communication, and theory-based coursesObjectives: This activity engages students in dynamic, supportive, social discussion groups; helps them to identify and review the central ideas from the reading; and creates a record of their ideas that they can draw upon in later discussions. By the end of the activity, students should be able to (1) provide their own examples for difficult communication concepts, (2) work effectively with their peers, (3) understand a given case-study from a variety of perspectives, and (4) be prepared to contribute to a whole class discussion regarding sensitive, complex, and/or theoretical communication topics. Speed-Discussion is not a graded activity but rather a fun, low-risk, discussion activity that primes the pump for a dynamic, discussion-based class experience.
Pandemic influenza and major disease outbreak preparedness in US emergency departments: a selected survey of emergency health professionals.

Objective: To assess the level of pandemic preparedness at emergency departments (EDs) around the country and to better understand current barriers to preparedness in the United States represented by health professionals in the American College of Emergency Physician (ACEP) Disaster Medicine Section (DMS). Methods, design, and setting: A cross-sectional survey of ACEP DMS members was performed. A total of 300 members were surveyed both via e-mail and with paper surveys during the 2009 ACEP Scientific Assembly DMS Meeting. An optional comments section was included for section members’ perspectives on barriers to preparedness. A 15-item pandemic preparedness score was calculated for each respondent based on key preparedness indicators as defined by the authors. Results were analyzed with descriptive statistics, ᵪ2 analysis, Cochran-Armitage trend test, and analysis of variance. Free text comments were coded and subjected to frequency-based analysis. Results: A total of 92 DMS members completed the survey with a response rate of 31 percent. Although 85 percent of those surveyed indicated that their hospital had a plan for pandemic influenza response and other infectious disease threats, only 68 percent indicated that their ED had a plan, and 52 percent indicated that their hospital or ED had conducted disaster preparedness drills. Only 57 percent indicated that there was a plan to augment ED staff in the event of a staffing shortage, and 63 percent indicated that there were adequate supplies of personal protective equipment.While 63 percent of respondents indicated that their ED had a plan for distribution of vaccines and antivirals, only 32 percent of EDs had a plan for allocation of ventilators.A total of 42 percent of respondents felt that their ED was prepared in the event of a pandemic influenza or other disease outbreak, and only 35 percent felt that their hospital was prepared. The average pandemic preparedness score among respondents was 8.30 of a total of 15. Larger EDs were more likely to have a higher preparedness score (p = 0.03) and more likely to have a pandemic preparedness plan (p = 0.037). Some major barriers to preparedness cited by section members included lack of local administration support, challenges in funding, need for dedicated disaster preparedness personnel, staffing shortages, and a lack of communication among disaster response agencies, particularly at the federal level. Conclusions: There appear to be significant gaps in pandemic influenza and other infectious disease outbreak planning among the hospitals where ACEP DMS members work.This may reflect a broader underlying inadequacy of preparedness measures.
Challenges in Modeling Complexity of Neglected Tropical Diseases: A Review of Dynamics of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Resource Limited Settings

Neglected tropical diseases (NTD), account for a large proportion of the global disease burden, and their control faces several challenges including diminishing human and financial resources for those distressed from such diseases. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), the second-largest parasitic killer (after malaria) and an NTD affects poor populations and causes considerable cost to the affected individuals. Mathematical models can serve as a critical and cost-effective tool for understanding VL dynamics, however, complex array of socio-economic factors affecting its dynamics need to be identified and appropriately incorporated within a dynamical modeling framework. This study reviews literature on vector-borne diseases and collects challenges and successes related to the modeling of transmission dynamics of VL. Possible ways of creating a comprehensive mathematical model is also discussed. Published literature in three categories are reviewed: (i) identifying non-traditional but critical mechanisms for VL transmission in resource limited regions, (ii) mathematical models used for dynamics of Leishmaniasis and other related vector borne infectious diseases and (iii) examples of modeling that have the potential to capture identified mechanisms of VL to study its dynamics. This review suggests that VL elimination have not been achieved yet because existing transmission dynamics models for VL fails to capture relevant local socio-economic risk factors. This study identifies critical risk factors of VL and distribute them in six categories (atmosphere, access, availability, awareness, adherence, and accedence). The study also suggests novel quantitative models, parts of it are borrowed from other non-neglected diseases, for incorporating these factors and using them to understand VL dynamics and evaluating control programs for achieving VL elimination in a resource-limited environment. Controlling VL is expensive for local communities in endemic countries where individuals remain in the vicious cycle of disease and poverty. Smarter public investment in control programs would not only decrease the VL disease burden but will also help to alleviate poverty. However, dynamical models are necessary to evaluate intervention strategies to formulate a cost-effective optimal policy for eradication of VL.
Quantification of Reduction in Hydraulic Conductivity and Skid Resistance Caused by Fog Seal in Low-Volume Roads:

Fog seal increases pavement life and postpones major rehabilitation. The reduction of permeability caused by fog sealing will reduce moisture-induced damage, but this benefit comes with a temporary loss of surface friction. However, quantifying the effectiveness of fog sealing by measuring permeability is a difficult task. Although fog seal may be a good low-cost maintenance option for low-volume roads, the rate of recovery of friction may be very slow because of less rubbing action between the fog-sealed surface and tires. Four low-volume parish roads in Caddo Parish, Louisiana, were selected for this study. Two emulsions, CSS-1H and E-Fog, with three application rates, were used to evaluate the reduction in hydraulic conductivity and to assess the characteristics of friction over time. Results showed that fog seal can be expected to be fully cured within 2.5 to 3.5 hours for an application rate of 0.2 to 0.4 gallons per square yard (gal/yd2). The same field cores were tested before and after fog sealing...
EFFECTS OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA ON THE OUTCOMES OF ATRIAL FIBRILLATION: A NATIONWIDE ANALYSIS

Studies suggest patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who also suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) might have a different response to ablative procedures. It has been hypothesized that AF substrates and pathophysiology in these patients might be different from patients with primary AF. Data
Mashing up metals with carbothermal shock

Different materials and the capabilities they enabled have marked the ages of civilization. For example, the malleable copper alloys of the Bronze Age provided harder and more durable tools. Most exploration of new alloys has focused on random alloys, in which the alloying metal sites have no metal preference. In binary and ternary metal systems, dissimilar elements do not mix readily at high concentrations, which has limited alloying studies to intermetallics (ordered multimetallic phases) and random alloys, in which minor components are added to a principal element. In 2004, crystalline metal alloys consisting of five or more principal elements in equal or nearly equal amounts ( 1 , 2 ) were reported that were stabilized by their high configurational entropy. Unlike most random alloys, the “high-entropy” alloys ( 3 , 4 ) reside in the centers of their multidimensional phase diagrams (see the figure, right). On page 1489 of this issue, Yao et al. ( 5 ) present an innovative and general route to high-entropy alloys that can mix up to eight elements into single-phase, size-controlled nanoparticles (NPs).
Gradient twinning microstructure generated by laser shock peening in an AZ31B magnesium alloy

Abstract Mg alloys are lightweight structural metals that are promising for a variety of engineering applications. However, use of Mg alloys is often restricted by their poor mechanical properties. Recent studies indicate that a novel laser-based surface processing technology, laser shock peening (LSP), is promising to improve the engineering performance of Mg alloys by enhancing their surface strength, biocompatibility, fatigue resistance, and anti-corrosion ability. Despite these experimental efforts, little attention has been paid to study the surface microstructure evolution in the LSP process, particularly the formation of high density deformation twins. Deformation twinning in hexagonal closed-packed (HCP) crystal structure plays a fundamental role in enhancing mechanical performance of Mg alloys. This research is to establish the process-microstructure relationship of Mg alloys as processed by LSP. A focus is placed on understanding the deformation twinning mechanism. LSP experiments are conducted on a rolled AZ31B Mg alloy. The microstructures before and after laser processing are characterized. The effect of laser intensity on the twin volume fraction is investigated. The surface hardness as associated with the twin density is measured. The mechanism responsible for the formation of gradient twinning microstructure and the twinning-induced hardening effect are discussed. The anisotropic response to LSP in terms of grain orientation and the resultant microstructure and hardness improvement in the Mg samples are discussed.
Symmetry Models in Solid State Chemistry

One aspect of solid state chemistry which has flourished in recent years is the ability of chemists to synthesize new and exciting materials. Unfortunately, the synthesis of most advanced materials has been directed toward applications; as a result, solid state chemistry has become a collection of unrelated topics. Furthermore, chemistry departments have been slow in accepting the solid state as a part of chemistry. Part of the problem is that chemists are obsessed with molecules. Even the models of crystal structures which have been used for almost 75 years are an outgrowth of molecular models (i.e. ball-and-stick models). Our laboratory, has devoted many years to the systematic preparation and characterization of fundamental inorganic systems and we have concluded that the structural behavior of non-molecular solids may be explained better through symmetry models. Our models employ two aspects of symmetry: (1) fundamental structures are represented by tilings and/or packings and (2) dynamic behaviors involving structural changes are governed by laws of symmetry. Results which support these conclusions are presented in this paper.
Does midline episiotomy increase the risk of third- and fourth-degree lacerations in operative vaginal deliveries?

Objective To explore the association between midline episiotomy and the risk of third- and fourth-degree lacerations during operative vaginal delivery with either vacuum extractor or forceps. Methods This retrospective cohort study analyzed all operative vaginal deliveries at a university hospital in 1989 and 1990. Univariate analysis of the relationships between perineal lacerations and obstetric variables was performed. Stratified analysis using the relevant variables was used to calculate relative risk (RR) estimates. Results Episiotomy, birth weight, and whether the index birth was the first vaginal birth were associated with third- and fourth-degree perineal lacerations. Stratified analysis demonstrated an RR of 2.4 with a 95% confidence interval of 1.7-3.5 for rectal injury with episiotomy, adjusting for parity and birth weight. Conclusion Midline episiotomy is associated with an increased risk of third- and fourth-degree perineal lacerations in operative vaginal deliveries.
Tryptase From Human Mast Cells

Tryptase is the predominant protein expressed by all human mast cells. Two types of tryptase genes reside in the human genome, α-tryptase and β-tryptase. Serum levels of mature β-tryptase released from mast cell secretory granules serve as a clinical marker of mast cell activation, while those of total tryptase (mature and immature forms of tryptase) serve as a clinical indicator of mast cell number. Enzymatically active tryptase exists as a tetramer that is ionically bound to heparin proteoglycan, which serves to stabilize the enzyme and to limit diffusion from its tissue site of release. The biologic function(s) of tryptase, though uncertain, may include effects on tissue growth and repair, inflammation and organ function, and may depend in part on other components of the protease-proteoglycan complex released from mast cells.
Vibrio cholerae Interactions with the Gastrointestinal Tract: Lessons from Animal Studies

Vibrio cholerae is a curved Gram-negative rod that causes the diarrheal disease cholera. One hundred and twenty five years of study of V. cholerae microbiology have made this lethal pathogen arguably the most well-understood non-invasive mucosal pathogen. Over the past 25 years, modern molecular techniques have permitted the identification of many genes and cellular processes that are critical for V. cholerae colonization of the gastrointestinal tract. Review of the literature reveals that there are two classes of genes that influence V. cholerae colonization of the suckling mouse intestine, the most commonly used animal model to study V. cholerae pathogenesis. Inactivation of one class of genes results in profound attenuation of V. cholerae intestinal colonization, whereas inactivation of the other class of genes results in only moderate colonization defects. The latter class of genes suggests that V. cholerae may colonize several intestinal niches that impose distinct requirements and biological challenges, thus raising the possibility that there is physiologic heterogeneity among the infecting population. Efficient V. cholerae intestinal colonization and subsequent dissemination to the environment appears to require temporally ordered expression of sets of genes during the course of infection. Key challenges for future investigations of V. cholerae pathogenicity will be to assess the degree of heterogeneity in the infecting population, whether such heterogeneity has functional significance, and if stochastic processes contribute to generation of heterogeneity in vivo.
Assignment of Endosperm Balance Numbers to the tuber-bearing Solanums and their close non-tuber-bearing relatives

The Endosperm Balance Number (EBN) of over 80 species and subspecies of the tuber-bearing Solanums and their close non-tuber-bearing relatives representing 13 taxonomic series has been determined, with no species assigned to more than one EBN level. Among North American species, most diploids are 1EBN, most tetraploids are 2EBN and all hexaploids are 4EBN; however, among South American species most diploids are 2EBN, most tetraploids are 4EBN and again all hexaploids are 4EBN. Thus species may be isolated from others of the same ploidy level by EBN differences, e.g., 4×(2EBN) from 4×(4EBN), while other species differing in ploidy but having the same EBN may be intercrossed, e.g., 4×(2EBN) and 2×(2EBN). Chromosome doubling or 2n gametes can be used to make a lower EBN species compatible with a higher EBN species. These findings also explain the major crossing difficulties previously inherent in the use of North American species in potato improvement. They also have direct implications for potato improvement, barring the occurrence of other incompatibility barriers. Any 4×(4EBN) cultivar is endosperm compatible and thus will cross with 4×(4EBN) and 6×(4EBN) species. The 2×(2EBN) haploids of 4×(4EBN) cultivars likewise will hybridize with 2×(2EBN) and 4×(4EBN) species. All 2×(1EBN) species are crossable with 2×(2EBN) haploids through 2n gametes or chromosome doubling.
Longitudinal association of PTSD symptoms and self-reported physical functioning among Veterans

Abstract Background Few longitudinal studies have investigated the potentially dynamic relationship between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and physical functioning, and the number of follow-up timepoints have been limited. We evaluated whether PTSD symptoms predicted future physical functioning and vice versa using five assessments over four years. Methods Data was used from a longitudinal cohort of 695 participants recruited from Veteran Affairs medical outpatient clinics who experienced a traumatic event. PTSD symptom severity was assessed annually with the PTSD Checklist (PCL). Physical functioning was measured with the 10-item subscale of the SF-36. An autoregressive cross-lagged panel model was used to determine the temporal associations between PTSD and physical functioning, adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, education and employment. Comorbidities and health behaviors were added to assess their roles in the relationship. Results Greater PTSD symptom severity predicted worse physical functioning the following year (average β = –0.10, P Limitations Both primary variables relied on self-report, and generalizability may be limited by the mostly male Veteran sample. Conclusions Our results support a bidirectional, but unequal, relationship between PTSD and physical functioning over time. They also highlight the importance of long-term control of PTSD symptoms in preventing functional decline.
Influence of ethylene and acetylene on the rate and reversibility of methane dehydroaromatization on Mo/H-ZSM-5 catalysts

Abstract Acetylene is identified as a key intermediate in methane dehydroaromatization (DHA) reactions present in concentrations O (1) Pascal. The rank of acetylene and other C2 hydrocarbon intermediates is determined by conversion-selectivity profiles collected from 0.01% to 8% methane conversion varied by extent of “non-selective” deactivation of Mo/H-ZSM-5 catalysts. Ethane is shown to be the sole primary product of methane pyrolysis and is sequentially dehydrogenated to ethylene and acetylene – which aromatizes to benzene with rates similar to direct acetylene aromatization measured in the absence of methane. The influence of C H cleavage and C C coupling events to control the rate and reversibility of DHA is assessed by the degree of reversibility control, introduced here for the first time, and the degree of rate control. The approach to equilibrium of the methane to benzene synthesis reaction is length averaged and affinity averaged by the degree of reversibility control of each intervening elementary step to rigorously calculate forward rates of benzene synthesis by use of De Donder relations. Forward rates are found to be invariant along the catalyst bed once the DHA network reaches a pseudo-steady state and methane, ethane, and ethylene form an equilibrated pool.
Dark-state-based low-loss metasurfaces with simultaneous electric and magnetic resonant response

The realization of metamaterials or metasurfaces with simultaneous electric and magnetic response and low loss is generally very challenging at optical frequencies. Traditional approaches using nanoresonators made of noble metals, while suitable for the microwave and terahertz regimes, fail at frequencies above the near-infrared, due to prohibitive high dissipative losses and the breakdown of scaling resulting from the electron mass contribution (kinetic inductance) to the effective reactance of these plasmonic meta-atoms. The alternative route based on Mie resonances of high-index dielectric particles normally leads to structure sizes that tend to break the effective-medium approximation. Here, we propose a subwavelength dark-state-based metasurface, which enables configurable simultaneous electric and magnetic responses with low loss. Proof-of-concept metasurface samples, specifically designed around telecommunication wavelengths (i.e., λ ≈ 1.5 μm), were fabricated and investigated experimentally to val...
Child Abuse and Neglect

Child abuse and neglect represent complex social problems confronting our society today. From 1976, when the first national figures for child maltreatment were generated, to the most recent period, child maltreatment reports have been increasing steadily. In 1992, child protective service agencies received an estimated 1.9 million reports of child abuse and neglect involving an estimated 2.9 million children. Maltreatment was substantiated or indicated in 41% of these reports. Each year, including 1992, approximately 1100 children die as a result of abuse and neglect. In 1992, this translated into more than 1 death per 1000 substantiated victims (Sedlak & Broadhurst, 1996).
ADA Compliance Inside the Virtual Classroom: Preparing ADA Compliant Learning Materials Amid COVID-19

This presentation and practitioner guide will teach faculty how to develop ADA compliant learning materials and publish Word, Powerpoint, and PDF materials using free technologies. Free resources are also available at the end of the guide.
Expenditure and price elasticities for tourism sub-industries from the Fourier flexible form:

Tourism studies holding expenditure and price elasticities constant can produce misleading results. The Fourier flexible form provides estimates of expenditure and price elasticities over the busin...
[Analysis on the status of health literacy and its influencing factors among residents aged 15-69 years old in Haidian District of Beijing City in 2018].

Objective To understand the status of health literacy and its influencing factors among the residents in Haidian District of Beijing, and to provide references for targeted health education intervention. Methods A multi-staged probability proportionate to size sampling(PPS) sampling method was used to collect 7034 residents that aged 15-69 years old in Haidian District in 2018. Results The standardized rate of health literacy among the residents of Haidian District was 28. 56%. The standardized health literacy rate of basic health knowledge and concept literacy, health lifestyle and behavior literacy, basic health skill were 35. 79%, 30. 90% and 36. 39%, respectively. The standardized health literacy rate of 6 health literacy issues from high to low were safety and first aid(66. 39%), scientific health perspectives(51. 24%), infectious diseases prevention and treatment(39. 78%), health information(30. 25%), chronic disease control and prevention(13. 33%), and basic medical care(11. 23%), respectively. The result of multiple logistic regression showed that aged between 30-39 years old, female, high school education and above, the teacher, medical and government staff, staff of other institutions, staff of other enterprises, other employees and the annual income of the familyg45000 RMB were protective factors for health literacy. Aged between 50-69 years old was risk factor for health literacy. Conclusion The level of health literacy in Haidian District was low. Various forms of intervention activities should be carried out to improve the residentsa health literacy, especially focused on health lifestyle and behavior literacy, chronic disease control and prevention and basic medical care.