cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Epidermal Growth Factor Induction of the c-jun Promoter by a Rac Pathway

The c-jun proto-oncogene encodes a transcription factor which is activated by mitogens both transcriptionally and by phosphorylation by Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). We have investigated the cellular signalling pathways involved in epidermal growth factor (EGF) induction of the c-jun promoter. We find that two sequence elements, which bind ATF1 and MEF2D transcription factors, are required in HeLa cells, although they are not sufficient for maximal induction. Activated forms of Ras, RacI, Cdc42Hs, and MEKK increased expression of the c-jun promoter, while dominant negative forms of Ras, RacI, and MEK kinase (MEKK) inhibited EGF induction. These and previously published results suggest that EGF activates the c-jun promoter by a Ras-to-Rac-to-MEKK pathway. This pathway is similar to that used for posttranslational activation of c-jun by JNK.
Burning-rate predictor for multi-ingredient propellants: Nitrate-ester propellants

The theoretical capability to predict the burning rate of real propellants from their ingredients would be an invaluable aid to formulating new propellants. Despite progress over the last decade on a very few simple ingredients, such as cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX), and a few simple binary mixtures, no general capability of this sort exists today. This shortcoming is not due to insufficient computational resources, but to a lack of understanding of fundamental combustion mechanisms in the condensed phase and surface/gas interface for typical propellant ingredients and their mixtures. This difficult problem is likely to remain intractable for some time to come. It is demonstrated that our previously published semi-empirical formalism for single ingredients can be successfully extended to treat multi-ingredient propellants. In particular, the study is confined to nitrate‐ester propellants (using M10, M2, M9, and JA2 as examples). However, the method should also be applicable to other classes of homogeneous propellants and even composite propellants where mixing of ingredients in a surface melt layer or sufficiently small particle sizes remove the multidimensional character. The method treats the gas-phase processes on the level of elementary reactions and multicomponent transport. A semi-empirical pyrolysis law coupled with informed estimates of the decomposition products of the condensed phase enables us to finesse the absence of knowledge of the detailed processes occurring in the condensed phase and at the burning surface. Results of a computer code, CYCLOPS, based on this approach, show that both the burning rate and flame structure are well predicted for a series of four U.S. Army gun propellants.
Improving R-Score of VoIP Streams over WiMax

In this paper, we exploit the flexible features in the medium access control (MAC) layer of WiMax for construction and transmission of MAC protocol data units (MPDU) for supporting multiple VoIP streams over a WiMax link. Quality of VoIP calls, usually given by R-score, is studied with respect to delay and loss of packets. We observe that loss is more sensitive than delay, hence we trade delay for loss. We propose a combination of techniques that exploit the flexibility of the WiMax MAC layer to strike a balance between loss and delay. These techniques are forward error correction, automatic repeat request, MPDU aggregation, and minislot allocation. Simulation experiments are conducted to test the performance of the proposed mechanisms. We assume a three-state Markovian channel model and study the performance with and without retransmissions. We show that the feedback-based technique coupled with retransmissions, aggregation, and variable length MPDUs are effective and increases the R-score by about 40%.
Quantitative investigation of the multiphoton intrapulse interference phase scan method for simultaneous phase measurement and compensation of femtosecond laser pulses

Femtosecond pulse characterization and compensation using multiphoton intrapulse interference phase scan (MIIPS) [Opt. Lett.29, 775 (2004)] was rigorously tested. MIIPS was found to have 3 mrad precision within the 90 nm bandwidth of the pulses. Group-velocity dispersion measurements of glass and quartz provided independent accuracy tests. Phase distortions from high-numerical-aperture objectives were measured and corrected using MIIPS, an important requirement for reproducible two-photon microscopy. Phase compensation greatly improved the pulse-shaping results through a more accurate delivery of continuous and binary phase functions to the sample. MIIPS measurements were possible through the scattering of biological tissue, a consideration for biomedical imaging.
Photonic crystal enhanced fluorescence for early breast cancer biomarker detection

Photonic crystal surfaces offer a compelling platform for improving the sensitivity of surface-based fluorescent assays used in disease diagnostics. Through the complementary processes of photonic crystal enhanced excitation and enhanced extraction, a periodic dielectric-based nanostructured surface can simultaneously increase the electric field intensity experienced by surface-bound fluorophores and increase the collection efficiency of emitted fluorescent photons. Through the ability to inexpensively fabricate photonic crystal surfaces over substantial surface areas, they are amenable to single-use applications in biological sensing, such as disease biomarker detection in serum. In this review, we will describe the motivation for implementing high-sensitivity, multiplexed biomarker detection in the context of breast cancer diagnosis. We will summarize recent efforts to improve the detection limits of such assays though the use of photonic crystal surfaces. Reduction of detection limits is driven by low autofluorescent substrates for photonic crystal fabrication, and detection instruments that take advantage of their unique features.
Sentence generation as a planning problem

We translate sentence generation from TAG grammars with semantic and pragmatic information into a planning problem by encoding the contribution of each word declaratively and explicitly. This allows us to exploit the performance of off-the-shelf planners. It also opens up new perspectives on referring expression generation and the relationship between language and action.
Recent clinical and translational research on pediatric myocarditis

Myocarditis is one of the most common causes of a pediatric dilated cardiomyopathy phenotype. While pediatric myocarditis is generally associated with resolution of myocardial dysfunction, approximately 30% of pediatric myocarditis patients will die or undergo heart transplantation. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is increasingly being utilized as the primary diagnositic modality in adult myocarditis. Animal studies and adult experience suggest that autoimmunity may contribute to cardiac dysfunction in myocarditis. These adult findings have yet to be evaluated fully in children, but may have an impact on the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric myocarditis in the future. The recent availability of pediatric specific ventricular assist devices may offer the potential for long-term support to allow for a greater chance for myocardial recovery.
Light propagation through random and periodic nano-aperture arrays

Summary form only given. We have demonstrated that the spectral and temporal optical properties of nano-hole arrays are given by the periodicity of the structure. The phase and amplitude spectra are Kramers-Kronig related and both predict very well the measured group delays. Both positive and negative group delays are measured, in agreement with the dispersion of the phase.
Nuclear and mitochondrial genetic variation in the Yanomamö: A test case for ancient DNA studies of prehistoric populations

Ancient DNA provides a potentially revolutionary way to study biological relationships in prehistoric populations, but genetic patterns are complex and require careful interpretation based on robust, well-tested models. In this study, nuclear and mitochondrial markers were compared in the Yanomamo, to assess how well each data set could differentiate among closely related groups. The villages selected for the study share a recent fission history and are closely related to each other, as would likely be the case among prehistoric peoples living in the same valley or region. The Yanomamo generally practice village-level endogamy, but some migration and gene flow are known to occur between villages. Nuclear and mitochondrial DNA data were compared using F-statistics and genetic distance analyses. The nuclear data performed as expected, males and females from the same village were similar, and the villages were genetically distinct, with the magnitude of genetic differences correlated with historical relationship. However, mtDNA analyses did not yield the expected results. The genetic distances between villages did not correlate with historical relationship, and the sexes were significantly different from each other in two villages. Both the Lane and Sublett and the Spence methods, used to test for archaeological residence patterns, were consistent with endogamy. Hence, ancient DNA can, in principle, provide us with a unique opportunity to study genetic structure and gene flow in archaeological populations. However, interpretations, particularly those based on single loci such as mitochondrial DNA, should be cautious because sex-specific migration and sampling issues may have dramatic effects.
Studies of component- total task relations: order of component- total task practice and total task predictability.

Abstract : The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between performance on a complex (total) task and the performance on various components of that task when the latter are practiced in different orders. The total task (The Complex Coordinator) was represented as a composite of single-level and/or double-level task components. When the order in which the various tasks was ignored, 31.6% of the total task variance could be accounted for by the component task scores, but when order of practice was taken into account total task variance accounted for varied from 32.5% up to 70.6% depending on which particular double-level and single-level tasks were combined to predict total task scores. Thus order of practice on part tasks (component tasks) with respect to the total task makes a difference in predicting total task proficiency. More specifically, observed and predicted total task scores agree better when double-level components are practiced before the total task than when they are practiced after the total task. Also, total task proficiency is significantly improved by prior practice on double-level tasks. Prior practice on single-level tasks did not lead to significant total task improvement. (Author)
Associations of Anatomical Measures from MRI with Radiographically Defined Knee Osteoarthritis Score, Pain, and Physical Functioning

Osteoarthritis is a highly prevalent disease whose impact is expected to increase markedly worldwide because of the aging of populations1,2 and the increasing prevalence of obesity. Recent data from Johnson County, North Carolina, indicate that one of every two elderly persons has symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (a Kellgren-Lawrence score of ≥2 and symptoms in the same knee)2. Osteoarthritis is a major reason for disability in women3, and osteoarthritis-related symptoms are one of the most common reasons for visits to health-care providers2,4. Historically, knee radiographs and a report of pain have been used to describe the prevalence of osteoarthritis, although there are limitations to the use of each5-8. There are substantial between-person differences in responses to the same level of pain stimulus9, but articular cartilage is without nocireceptors10. Anteroposterior radiographs exclude adequate visualization of the patellofemoral compartment, and certain abnormalities such as ligamentous injury or synovitis are not well visualized on a radiograph. To address some of these limitations, high-resolution and tissue-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is being used to display bone, cartilage, and soft tissue with greater sensitivity. Our previous work demonstrated that MRI-defined knee damage was evident in a group of 120 middle-aged women11. However, because the sample selection was based on the presence of knee osteoarthritis and pain, accurate population-based prevalences of MRI-defined knee damage could not be estimated. Thus, the purposes of this study were to identify the prevalence of radiographic osteoarthritis of the knee and of multiple MRI-defined abnormalities in a population-based sample of women and to relate the MRI-defined features to radiographically defined knee osteoarthritis scores, measures of physical functioning, and self-report of knee pain and knee injury.
From punishment to treatment: a providers’ perspective on the implementation of 2009 Rockefeller Drug Law reforms in New York

In 2009, New York reformed its “Rockefeller Drug Laws”, terminating mandatory imprisonment for many drug charges and expanding the availability of treatment alternatives to incarceration. The reforms occurred in an environment characterized by high incarceration rates, racial/ethnic disparities in drug convictions and incarceration rates, and expanded use of alternatives to incarceration. Early administrative data show a large impact on the criminal justice system. Few studies have considered the reforms from the providers’ perspective and none have sought to understand how providers are experiencing the reforms in their everyday practice. To provide a providers’ perspective, we use a qualitative, case-study approach entailing in-depth interviews with drug treatment program leaders and staff in six of the leading New York City drug programs, all with extensive experience treating court-mandated clients. Our goal was to assess treatment providers’ experiences during the reforms’ first years in effect. The providers’ reports indicate that no new administrative structures or processes have been developed to foster a changed relationship between the treatment system and the criminal justice system; that the reforms failed to establish an enhanced role for treatment providers in the courts; and that client assessment, decisions on choice of treatment modalities, and program length for mandated clients continue to be dominated by criminal justice rather than clinical concerns. The providers also report some improvements in their communications and relationships with court employees involved in court-mandated cases. Despite some positive changes, implementation issues are potentially limiting the reforms’ ability to capitalize fully on the potential cost-savings and improvements in public health and safety that can result from the appropriate use of drug treatment as an alternative to incarceration. What appears to be occurring alongside the evolving shift from punishment to treatment under the terms of the reforms is a growing demand for treatment providers to meet the requirements of the powerful criminal justice system.
Blood pressure variability in hypertensive patients during and immediately following treatment with propranolol and clonidine

The effects of placebo, propranolol and clonidine on blood pressure and blood pressure variability were examined in 9 patients with moderate essential hypertension. Hydrochlorothiazide was given throughout sequential 4–8 week periods of placebo, propranolol and clonidine treatment. During each treatment period, subjects were admitted twice to the clinical research unit for 24-hour blood pressure monitoring. Blood pressure was recorded at 15 minute intervals using an automated non-invasive recorder (Arteriosonde). Blood pressure monitoring was performed during administration of placebo, propranolol and clonidine and repeated 1–2 weeks later during the first 24 hours following the abrupt cessation of placebo or drug administration.
On the effect of topological structure of the Kohonen network on the performance of a hierarchical two layered isolated word recognition system

A novel hierarchical neural network system for isolated word recognition is presented. Currently, it can simultaneously perform recognition of different acoustic segments, i.e., recognize both phonemes and isolated words, and use them to attain more accurate operation. Simulation results show that one of the significant factors affecting the performance of the system is the topological structure of the self-organizing feature map units. This fact brings up the issues related to data representation in interfacing the layers of the hierarchical system. Experiments demonstrate that data representation of this interface must preserve the topological relationship of self-organizing feature map units. This system is able to achieve a 100% recognition score for the task of a small but difficult 20-isolated-word vocabulary with very limited training. Five utterances of each word are used for training and the remaining five for testing of a single speaker. >
Zinc and skin health: an overview

Zinc is a micronutrient that plays an integral part in the normal functioning of the human body. Recent studies have elucidated the intricate physiology of zinc homeostasis. It has been shown to have immunomodulatory, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory roles. However, the application of this new understanding of zinc homeostasis to chronic inflammatory, infectious and auto-immune dermatological conditions is lacking. Evidence based support to the value of using oral zinc supplementation in various diseases is limited. Literature searches showed a paucity of prospective randomized controlled trials. Most literature on the use of zinc in dermatological conditions is largely anecdotal, based on small case series, or individual case reports. Diseases clearly linked to defective zinc absorption or nutritional deficiencies such as acrodermatitis enteropathica and other acquired zinc deficiency states respond rapidly to oral zinc supplementation. As a consequence, oral zinc supplementation remains a first line agent for these conditions. On the other hand, for most other conditions linked to mild to moderate deficiencies of zinc, its use remains limited as a second line agent or as a last measure in certain patients in whom conventional treatment has failed. Further research and adequate double blinded randomized control trials are needed in future. These should evaluate the efficacy of treatment with oral zinc in patients as compared to conventional treatments and would help to reveal the clinical value of using zinc supplementation.
Design Conduit System by Dynamic Programming

A method, based on dynamic programming and systems concept, was developed for optimizing fluid distribution system. It allows design to proceed by stages to avoid the difficulty of making many simultaneous decisions encountered by existing methods. Theory and computation programs were developed for a serial type fluid transport system. The result showed that optimal design can be obtained readily. However, further effort is needed to develop theory and computation programs for more complex systems consisting of loops, branches, and multiple pumping sources.
Reevaluation of the EPPS Norms

The EPPS was administered to 100 male and 200 female college students and norms were derived. Males differed significantly from the published norms on 8 of the 15 variables; females also differed s...
The influence of social adjustment on normative and risky health behaviors in emerging adults with spina bifida.

Objective: To understand the rates of normative and risky health behaviors and the influence of prior and current social adjustment on health risk behaviors in emerging adults with spina bifida (SB). Method: These data are part of a larger longitudinal study of youth with SB; at ages 18–19, 50 emerging adults with SB and 60 typically developing (TD) youth participated. Social adjustment was measured at ages 12/13, 14/15, 16/17, and 18/19. Substance use and sexual activity were self-reported by emerging adults. Results: The SB group reported similar frequencies (i.e., number of days in the previous month) of cigarette and marijuana use. Fewer individuals with SB reported initiation of both alcohol use (i.e., ever used) and sexual activity (i.e., ever had sex) compared to TD peers. The SB group also reported less frequent alcohol use and fewer sexual partners. Better social adjustment during early adolescence (ages 12/13) predicted more frequent alcohol use and a greater number of sexual partners for all youth. Social adjustment also mediated the effect of group status on health risk behaviors. Conclusions: Emerging adults with SB lag behind TD peers in terms of normative initiation of alcohol use and sexual activity. However, this population participates in some risky health behaviors at similar rates compared to their TD peers (e.g., smoking). Youths’ health risk behaviors may be influenced by their level of social adjustment. A challenge for future interventions for this population will be finding methods of improving social functioning without increasing the rate of health risk behavior.
Propeller Performance Measurement for Low Reynolds Number UAV Applications

The recent boom in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and Micro Air Vehicles (MAV) aircraft development creates a strong demand for accurate small-diameter propeller performance data. Small-diameter propellers as defined in this paper (diameter 6 inches to 22 inches), operate at low Reynolds numbers (typically between 30,000 and 300,000), rendering performance scaling from larger counterparts inaccurate. An Integrated Propulsion Test System (IPTS) has been designed, developed and validated at Wichita State University (WSU). A large number of propellers have been tested and a reliable database of performance data has been created. This paper discusses the salient features of this measurement system and propeller test data for a few propellers.
Risk Factors Associated with Progression to Blindness from Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma in an African-American Population.

ABSTRACTPurpose: To determine the risk factors associated with progression to blindness from primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in an African-American population.Methods: This study examined 2119 patients enrolled in the Primary Open-Angle African-American Glaucoma Genetics (POAAGG) study. A total of 59 eyes were identified as legally blind as a result of POAG (cases) and were age-and sex-matched to 59 non-blind eyes with glaucoma (controls). Chart reviews were performed to record known and suspected risk factors.Results: Cases were diagnosed with POAG at an earlier age than controls (p = 0.005). Of the 59 eyes of cases, 16 eyes (27.1%) presented with blindness at diagnosis. Cases had worse visual acuity (VA) at diagnosis (p < 0.0001), with VA worse than 20/40 conferring a 27 times higher risk of progression to blindness (p = 0.0005). Blind eyes also demonstrated more visual field defects (p = 0.01), higher pre-treatment intraocular pressure (IOP; p < 0.0001), and higher cup-to-disc ratio (p = 0.006) at d...
Millimeter-Wave Properties of Epitaxial YBa2Cu3O7−x Films Grown by Several Methods

The complex conductivities of epitaxial YBa2Cu3O7−x films grown by pulsed laser deposition, off-axis magnetron sputtering and ion seam sputtering have been determined at 59 GHz from transmission measurements. The temperature dependence of the real part of the measured conductivities differs significantly from the predictions of the two-fluid and BCS theories but the imaginary parts are in good agreement. The BCS model can be brought into agreement with the measurements by allowing the mean-free path to vary with temperature. Surface resistances of 2 mΩ at 82K and penetration depths, λ0, of 175 nm have been determined.
Gestational diabetes and perinatal mortality rate.

Significantly higher perinatal mortality rates were found in a prospective study of 187 gestational diabetic patients and 259 randomly selected negative control patients. Since the gestational diabetic patients were older and obese, further analyses were made to determine the role of these variables. Age was found to have a disproportionately adverse effect, enhanced slightly by obesity, on the pregnancies of gestational diabetic patients when compared with those of negative control patients. Two classes of gestational diabetic patients are outlined on the basis of age. The first includes those below 25 years of age who show no increased fetal wastage in pregnancy but may be more susceptible to this problem in unfavorable obstetric circumstances. The second class includes gestational diabetic patients 25 years of age or older who have high-risk pregnancies even in centers administering good prenatal care.
Evaluation of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Surgical Risk Calculator in Gynecologic Oncology Patients Undergoing Minimally Invasive Surgery.

Study Objective To evaluate the ability of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) surgical risk calculator to predict discharge to postacute care and perioperative complications in gynecologic oncology patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Design A retrospective chart review (Canadian Task Force classification II-1). Setting A university hospital. Patients All patients undergoing MIS on the gynecologic oncology service from January 1, 2009, to December 30, 2013. Interventions Surgical procedures were reviewed, and appropriate Common Procedural Terminology codes were assigned. Twenty-one preoperative risk factors were abstracted from the chart and entered into the ACS NSQIP surgical risk calculator. The predicted risk of discharge to postacute care and 8 additional postoperative complications were calculated and recorded. Actual postoperative complications were abstracted from the medical record. The association between the calculated risk and the actual outcome was determined using logistic regression. The ability of the calculator to accurately predict a particular event was assessed using the c-statistic and Brier score. Measurements and Main Results Of the 876 patients reviewed, a majority underwent hysterectomy (71.6%), with almost half of those patients undergoing additional cancer staging procedures (34.8%). Although the calculator was a poor predictor of postoperative complications, it was a strong predictor for discharge to postacute care (c-statistic = 0.91, Brier score = 0.02) with an odds ratio of 2.31 (95% confidence interval, 1.65–3.25; p < .0001). Conclusion The ACS NSQIP surgical risk calculator does not accurately predict postoperative complications or length of stay in gynecologic oncology patients undergoing MIS. Although it was a strong predictor of need for discharge to postacute care, it vastly overestimated the number of patients requiring this service. Therefore, the calculator's risk score for discharge to postacute care may be considered during preoperative counseling but should not be a predictor of whether or not the patient should proceed with surgery.
Conclusion: Informal Learning Today and Beyond

This chapter concludes this book with a discussion of future research directions for informal learning as well as the importance of informal learning for future studies.
Multiple imputation to evaluate the impact of an assay change in national surveys

National health surveys, such as the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, are used to monitor trends of nutritional biomarkers. These surveys try to maintain the same biomarker assay over time, but there are a variety of reasons why the assay may change. In these cases, it is important to evaluate the potential impact of a change so that any observed fluctuations in concentrations over time are not confounded by changes in the assay. To this end, a subset of stored specimens previously analyzed with the old assay is retested using the new assay. These paired data are used to estimate an adjustment equation, which is then used to 'adjust' all the old assay results and convert them into 'equivalent' units of the new assay. In this paper, we present a new way of approaching this problem using modern statistical methods designed for missing data. Using simulations, we compare the proposed multiple imputation approach with the adjustment equation approach currently in use. We also compare these approaches using real National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data for 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Published 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
FLANN: Fast approximate nearest neighbour search algorithm for elucidating human-wildlife conflicts in forest areas

Elephant accidents have been an increasing phenomenon in recent years. To mitigate these casualties, we propose a system Flann Based Matcher and FLANN (Fast Approximate Nearest Neighbor Search Library) using image processing to monitor the path of elephant movements. This involves the following functionalities 1. Monitoring elephant movement over the track 2. Alerting the nearby railway station, the locomotive pilot and the forest range officer if any such movement is detected Monitoring involves elephant detection using image processing by applying the techniques of background subtraction and foreground enhancement. The result shows significant improvement in detecting and preventing elephant accidents compared to the existing system (without FLANN).
Photonic downsampling receiver for millimeter-wave communications

We report on a photonic downsampling receiver architecture for millimeter-wave communication systems. Conversion loss advantage of >16 dB is shown compared to modulator-based photonic downconversion. 3 Gb/s millimeter-wave communication system performance is demonstrated.
Neighborhood topologies in central force optimization

Central Force Optimization (CFO) is a population based metaheuristic algorithm that has been demonstrated to be competitive with other metaheuristic algorithms such as Genetic Algorithms (GA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and Group Search Optimization (GSO). While CFO has often shown superiority in terms of functional evaluations and solution quality, the algorithm is complex and often requires increased computation time in order to achieve convergence. Previous studies have shown that this increased computation time is due to most complex step of the algorithm — updating the acceleration of the probes in the population. In order to reduce the computation time required by CFO while simultaneously maintaining the quality results produced by the algorithm, this study focuses on the impact of different neighborhood topologies on the computation time, functional evaluations, probe corrections, solution quality, convergence, and parameter selection of the CFO algorithm. Results demonstrate that the use of these topologies results in a CFO algorithm that requires 80% — 90% less computation time to converge, averages a 66% reduction in probe corrections, and generally reduces the number of required functional evaluations while continuing to experience convergence characteristics and produce results that are very similar to those of the Standard or Fully Connected topology commonly used with CFO.
Reflections on the Committee of Concerned Asian Scholars at fifty

We first came together in opposition to the brutal aggression of the United States in Vietnam and to the complicity or silence of our profession with regard to that policy. Those in the field of As...
Direct Structural Evidence of Molecular Packing Effects of Xylene Isomers Adsorbed in BIF-20

Improved xylene separation performance through selective sorption of para-xylene on an industrial scale could significantly reduce the energy cost associated with purification and recovery. Understanding the host–guest interactions can aid in the design of more selective sorbent materials. However, only a few—primarily computational—metal–organic framework crystal structures containing xylene isomers have been reported. Here, we report a boron imidazolate framework material that displays local framework flexibility, with high xylene uptake and para-xylene/ortho-xylene single component diffusion selectivity of 3. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies show the different molecular packing arrangements between the xylene isomers, revealing the presence of steric effects in ortho-xylene adsorption. These results provide direct structural insight into flexibility-assisted xylene sorption within the framework and the location of guest binding sites, which could help contribute to the design of a flexible syst...
Transduction technologies for structural acoustics sonars

This presentation will describe underwater acoustic transduction technologies that the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) has developed for structural acoustics sonars. The NRL “Skyfish” downward-looking sonar system is deployed on a 21-inch diameter autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) that features a pair of extendable/retractable wings, each of which houses a thirty-two element cylindrical hydrophone array. The well-behaved acoustic source consists of a pair of transducers, each covering a separate frequency band. The source is designed to provide a fairly wide acoustic aperture for looking both fore and aft as well as in the port and starboard directions. Architectural details of the source and receiver, materials considerations, amplifier design, and experimental data will be presented. [This work supported by the Office of Naval Research & ESTCP.]
Oxygen Transport by Hemocyanins

Although much study of oxygen transport and utilization in animals has centered on the hemoglobins of vertebrates, a very large number of invertebrate marine species utilize very different proteins, the hemocyanins. Both molluscs and arthropods possess these proteins; in each phylum they utilize binuclear copper centers as oxygen binding sites, rather than an iron heme. The molecular structure, and mechanisms of regulation of oxygen binding appear to be quite different in the two phyla. We have concentrated on the hemocyanin of the cephalopod, Octopus dofleini. The functional molecule in the blood is immense, with molecular weight of about 3.6 × 106; this is comprised of ten identical subunits, each containing 2898 amino acid residues. We have recently cornpleted the c-DNA sequencing of this chain. It is divided into seven neatly equivalent domains, each containing one oxygen binding site. The structure of one such domain has recently been determined in collaboration with the laboratory of Dr. W. Hendrickson. The seventy oxygen binding sites in this molecule make it one of the largest allosteric assemblies known. Exactly how such unusual proteins serve in facilitating oxygen transport to the tissues of the major invertebrates remains a matter of continued study. For a comprehensive review, see van Holde and Miller, 1995.
Building your virtual CS department

This tutorial presents motivation, tools and techniques that enable faculty, with the help of their students, to construct video game-like multi-user virtual versions of their home institutions' CS classrooms, offices, and labs. In such environments faculty and students can engage in technical conversations over source code or debugging sessions as needed, even when it is inconvenient to be physically face to face.
The 1952 Kern County, California earthquake: A case study of issues in the analysis of historical intensity data for estimation of source parameters

Abstract Seismic intensity data based on first-hand accounts of shaking give valuable insight into historical and early instrumental earthquakes. Comparing an observed intensity distribution to intensity-prediction models based on modern calibration events allows the magnitude to be estimated for many historic earthquakes. Magnitude estimates can also potentially be refined for earthquakes for which limited instrumental data are available. However, the complicated nature of macroseismic data and the methods used to collect and interpret the data introduce significant uncertainties. In this paper, we illustrate these challenges and possible solutions using the 1952 Kern County, California, earthquake as a case study. Published estimates of its magnitude vary from MW 7.2–7.5, making it possibly the second largest in California during the 20th century. We considered over 1100 first-hand reports of shaking, supplemented with other data, and inferred the magnitude in several ways using intensity prediction equations, yielding a preferred intensity magnitude MI 7.2 ± 0.2, where the uncertainty reflects our judgement. The revised intensity distribution reveals stronger shaking on the hanging wall, south of the surface expression of the White Wolf fault, than on the footwall. Characterizing the magnitude and shaking distribution of this early instrumental earthquake can help improve estimation of the seismic hazard of the region. Such reinterpreted intensities for historic earthquakes, combined with U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Did You Feel It? data for more recent events, can be used to produce a uniform shaking dataset with which earthquake hazard map performance can be assessed.
Puzzling in Teams: A Multipurpose Group Activity for Teamwork, Communication, Problem Solving, and Creativity.

Completing a jigsaw puzzle can be a fun activity, but it can also be a learning experience. Here an exercise is presented that involves student teams completing a simple puzzle while at least one o...
Getting STIF[ed]: Louisville’s Yum! Center, Sales-Tax Increment Financing, and Megaproject Underperformance:

This article evaluates the revenue performance failings of the Yum! Center, a sports arena in Louisville, with the primary objective of explaining how a flawed deal arose in the first place. While ...
The Immortal Commonwealth: Covenant, Community, and Political Resistance in Early Reformed Thought

In the midst of intense religious conflict in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth century, theological and political concepts converged in remarkable ways. Incited by the slaughter of French Protestants in the Saint Bartholomew's Day Massacre, Reformed theologians and lawyers began to marshal arguments for political resistance. These theological arguments were grounded in uniquely religious conceptions of the covenant, community, and popular sovereignty. While other works of historical scholarship have focused on the political and legal sources of this strain of early modern resistance literature, The Immortal Commonwealth examines the frequently overlooked theological sources of these writings. It reveals how Reformed thinkers such as Heinrich Bullinger, John Calvin, Theodore Beza, and Johannes Althusius used traditional theological conceptions of covenant and community for surprisingly radical political ends.
The Impact of Medical Scribes on Patient Satisfaction in an Academic Otolaryngology Clinic.

Objectives:Evidence shows that scribes can improve provider efficiency and satisfaction in several settings, but is mixed on whether scribes improve patient satisfaction. We studied whether scribes...
Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia for Minor Hand Surgery Associated With Lower Opioid Prescriptions, Morbidity, and Costs: A Nationwide Database Study

Purpose We sought to investigate the perioperative opioid prescription patterns, complication rates, and costs associated with wide-awake local anesthesia (WALA) techniques using a nationwide insurance claims-based database. Methods We used the PearlDiver Humana administrative claims database to identify opioid-naive adult patients who underwent a carpal tunnel release, trigger finger release, or de Quervain release between 2007 and 2015. Patients were divided into WALA and standard anesthesia groups by the presence or absence of anesthesia Current Procedural Terminology codes. We evaluated for differences in perioperative opioid prescribing patterns, rates of opioid refills, and insurance reimbursement. The incidence of surgical complications and medical complications within 30 days of surgery were determined by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated with multivariable logistic regression models to identify factors associated with filling or refilling opioid prescriptions and complication rates. Results There were 6,285 patients in the WALA group and 28,657 in the standard anesthesia group. The WALA patients were prescribed significantly lower quantities of opioids than were standard anesthesia patients across all 3 procedures. After controlling for type of surgery, gender, and comorbidities in a multivariate model, WALA patients were less likely to fill an initial opioid prescription during the perioperative period but were equally likely to obtain a refill. The WALA patients had lower odds of developing both surgical and medical complications compared with standard anesthesia patients. Moreover, WALA was associated with significantly lower costs for all procedures. Conclusions Wide-awake local anesthesia technique is an increasingly common and viable option for minor hand surgery. It is a cost-effective and safe technique for simple hand surgical procedures and can be a strategy to minimize postoperative opioid use. Type of study/level of evidence Prognostic II.
Cryptotanshinone Induces Cell Death in Lung Cancer by Targeting Aberrant Feedback Loops

Signaling pathways oversee highly efficient cellular mechanisms such as growth, division, and death. These processes are controlled by robust negative feedback loops that inhibit receptor-mediated growth factor pathways. Specifically, the ERK, the AKT, and the S6K feedback loops attenuate signaling via growth factor receptors and other kinase receptors to regulate cell growth. Irregularity in any of these supervised processes can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation and possibly Cancer. These irregularities primarily occur as mutated genes, and an exhaustive search of the perfect drug combination by performing experiments can be both costly and complex. Hence, in this paper, we model the Lung Cancer pathway as a Modified Boolean Network that incorporates feedback. By simulating this network, we theoretically predict the drug combinations that achieve the desired goal for the majority of mutations. Our theoretical analysis identifies Cryptotanshinone, a traditional Chinese herb derivative, as a potent drug component in the fight against cancer. We validated these theoretical results using multiple wet lab experiments carried out on H2073 and SW900 lung cancer cell lines.
Novel instrumented insole algorithm accurately approximates plantar flexor loading

Abstract Plantar flexor loading is critical for ambulatory function but there are few wearable solutions to monitor loading. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a method to quantify plantar flexor loading using a commercially-available instrumented insole. Seven healthy young adults completed a battery of functional activities to characterize a range of plantar flexor loading which included single leg heel raise, step down, and drop jump as well as walking and running at comfortable speeds. Lower extremity trajectories were captured using motion capture and ground reaction forces were recorded with embedded force plates as well as the instrumented insole. Measurements of plantar flexor loading quantified by the instrumented insole were compared to ‘gold standard’ inverse dynamics. We found that the insole loading calculation of plantar flexor moment was accurate to within 4.2% on average compared to inverse dynamics across all activities. Additionally, the calculated wave forms were strongly correlated with inverse dynamics (Rxy > 0.928). Our findings demonstrate the utility and fidelity of a new method for measuring plantar flexor loading using a commercially available instrumented insole. By leveraging this new methodology, it is now feasible to prospectively track and eventually prescribe plantar flexor loading outside of the clinic to improve patient outcomes.
A numerical method for inextensible elastic filaments in viscous fluids

Abstract The deformations of flagella are important in the motility of single- and multi-flagellated bacteria. Existing numerical methods have treated flagella as extensible filaments with a large extensional modulus, resulting in a stiff numerical problem and long simulation times. However, flagella are nearly inextensible, so to avoid large extensional stiffness, we introduce inextensible elastic rod models with hydrodynamics treated by a surface distribution of regularized Stokeslets. We benchmark this new model against previously described models of extensible elastic rods with hydrodynamics treated by a centerline distribution of regularized Stokeslets and rotlets, as well as a surface distribution of regularized Stokeslets. We compare the accuracy of the inextensible model with the extensible models and illustrate for which ratios of stretching/bending stiffness (which depend on the diameter of filament) the inextensible model is accurate and more efficient. We show that our inextensible approach can be markedly more efficient than the extensible models for many biological filaments. We also compare the accuracy of the centerline distribution of the Stokeslets and rotlets to the more accurate surface distribution of Stokeslets for modeling fluid-structure interactions of filaments.
Epitaxial Er-doped Y2O3 on silicon for quantum coherent devices

Rare-earth ions (REIs) have incomplete 4f shells and possess narrow optical intra-4f transitions due to shielding from electrons in the 5s and 5p orbitals, making them good candidates for solid-state optical quantum memory. The emission of Er3+ in the telecom C-band (1530 nm–1565 nm) makes it especially attractive for this application. In order to build practical, scalable devices, the REI needs to be embedded in a non-interacting host material, preferably one that can be integrated with silicon. In this paper, we show that Er3+ can be isovalently incorporated into epitaxial Y2O3 thin films on Si (111). We report on the synthesis of epitaxial, single-crystalline Er:Y2O3 on Si with a narrow inhomogeneous linewidth in the photoluminescence (PL) spectra, 5.1 GHz (<100 mK), and an optical excited state lifetime of 8.1 ms. The choice of Y2O3 was driven by its low nuclear spin and small lattice mismatch with Si. Using PL and electron paramagnetic resonance, we show that Er3+ substitutes for Y in the crystal lattice. The role of interfacial SiOx, diffusion of silicon into the film, and the effect of buffer layers on the inhomogeneous PL linewidth are examined. We also find that the linewidth decreased monotonically with film thickness but surprisingly exhibits no correlation with the film crystalline quality, as measured by the x-ray rocking curve scans, suggesting other factors at play that limit the inhomogeneous broadening in Y2O3 films.
Secure Over-The-Air Firmware Updates for Sensor Networks

Large-scale wireless sensor networks have been used in the Internet of Things (IoT) and other cyber-physical systems (CPS) to collect large amounts of data. One important practical issue in large-scale sensor networks is firmware updatesas updating many deployed sensors one by one is tedious. In this work, we study secure over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates for large-scale wireless sensor networks. We have designed a prototype system where a node can update the firmware in all nearby sensor nodes simultaneously. A custom bootloader is built for sensor nodes to either enter the update mode or boot into existing firmware. A one-way wireless protocol is designed to broadcast new firmware from one node to many other nodes. A shared key among the sensor nodes is used to encrypt/decrypt data packets and for authentication. The prototype system has been tested in ideal and non-ideal environments, where a node can receive the entire firmware in 2 and 5 rounds of transmissions, respectively.