cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measurement of Fusion Boundary Energy Transport During Arc Welding

An experimental technique is presented to identify fusion boundary (liquid/solid interface) energy transport mechanisms during welding procedures. The gas-tungsten-arc-spot-welding procedure, using a low melting (point specimen material (lead), was chosen to demonstrate the methods. Vaporization energy losses were found to be important during the growth of the fusion boundary. Significant thermal convection was absent within the weld pool for applied currents less than about 1000 A, and for such cases the location of the fusion boundary was found to be governed primarily by heat conduction. At the current levels of almost 300 A significant weld pool convection was found to exist, expecially at the (inner) stagnation point, causing a deeper penetration of the fusion boundary there.
Trienoic Fatty Acids Are Required to Maintain Chloroplast Function at Low Temperatures

The chloroplast membranes of all higher plants contain very high proportions of trienoic fatty acids. To investigate how these lipid structures are important in photosynthesis, we have generated a triple mutant line of Arabidopsis that contains negligible levels of trienoic fatty acids. For mutant plants grown at 22°C, photosynthetic fluorescence parameters were indistinguishable from wild type at 25°C. Lowering the measurement temperature led to a small decrease in photosynthetic quantum yield, Φ II , in the mutant relative to wild-type controls. These and other results indicate that low temperature has only a small effect on photosynthesis in the short term. However, long-term growth of plants at 4°C resulted in decreases in fluorescence parameters, chlorophyll content, and thylakoid membrane content in triple-mutant plants relative to wild type. Comparisons among different mutant lines indicated that these detrimental effects of growth at 4°C are strongly correlated with trienoic fatty acid content with levels of 16:3 + 18:3, approximately one-third of wild type being sufficient to sustain normal photosynthetic function. In total, our results indicate that trienoic fatty acids are important to ensure the correct biogenesis and maintenance of chloroplasts during growth of plants at low temperatures.
Category learning through multimodality sensing

Humans and other animals learn to form complex categories without receiving a target output, or teaching signal, with each input pattern. In contrast, most computer algorithms that emulate such performance assume the brain is provided with the correct output at the neuronal level or require grossly unphysiological methods of information propagation. Natural environments do not contain explicit labeling signals, but they do contain important information in the form of temporal correlations between sensations to different sensory modalities, and humans are affected by this correlational structure (Howells, 1944; McGurk & MacDonald, 1976; MacDonald & McGurk, 1978; Zellner & Kautz, 1990; Durgin & Proffitt, 1996). In this article we describe a simple, unsupervised neural network algorithm that also uses this natural structure. Using only the co-occurring patterns of lip motion and sound signals from a human speaker, the network learns separate visual and auditory speech classifiers that perform comparably to supervised networks.
Studies of the Thermal Degradation of Acetaminophen Using a Conventional HPLC Approach and Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry

The thermal degradation of acetaminophen is studied via conventional accelerated aging studies by initially thermally stressing the compound at temperatures between 160 degrees C and 190 degrees C and measuring the rate of decomposition by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Rates of decomposition of the compound in the dry state and the activation energy for the process are determined and compared with previously published kinetic and thermodynamic data for the degradation of acetaminophen in solution. In addition, the thermal fragmentation of acetaminophen under electrospray ionization (ESI) conditions using an interface with a heated capillary inlet is studied and the apparent activation energy for this process also is characterized. A comparison of the data shows that acetaminophen is significantly more stable in the dry state than in solution. However, the gas-phase fragmentation of acetaminophen under ESI conditions occurs more readily than either dry- or solution-state degradation. Although the resulting electrospray fragmentation mimics the breakdown product that is formed when the compound undergoes either acid or base catalyzed hydrolysis in aqueous solutions, the mechanism that produces the fragment ion appears to involve a two-step process. Initially, the parent ion forms of the analyte are produced in the spray region of the interface followed by wall-catalyzed decomposition and re-ionization in the heated inlet capillary of the spectrometer.
Macrophage cell death and transcriptional response are actively triggered by the fungal virulence factor Cbp1 during H. capsulatum infection

Microbial pathogens induce or inhibit death of host cells during infection, with significant consequences for virulence and disease progression. Death of an infected host cell can either facilitate release and dissemination of intracellular pathogens or promote pathogen clearance. Histoplasma capsulatum is an intracellular fungal pathogen that replicates robustly within macrophages and triggers macrophage lysis by unknown means. To identify H. capsulatum effectors of macrophage lysis, we performed a genetic screen and discovered three mutants that grew to wild-type levels within macrophages but failed to elicit host-cell death. Each mutant was defective in production of the previously identified secreted protein Cbp1 (calcium-binding protein 1), whose role in intracellular growth had not been fully investigated. We found that Cbp1 was dispensable for high levels of intracellular growth but required to elicit a unique transcriptional signature in macrophages, including genes whose induction was previously associated with endoplasmic reticulum stress and host-cell death. Additionally, Cbp1 was required for activation of cell-death caspases-3/7, and macrophage death during H. capsulatum infection was dependent on the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and Bak. Taken together, these findings strongly suggest that the ability of Cbp1 to actively program host-cell death is an essential step in H. capsulatum pathogenesis.
The growth of semiconductor quantum wires: a Monte Carlo study

The formation of semiconductor quantum wires on the top of ridges and by deposition through a shadowing mask has been simulated by the Monte Carlo technique. The simulation model includes tetrahedral lattice coordination of the semiconductor material, atom-atom interactions out to second-nearest neighbors, and surface reconstruction effects. The growth of quantum wires with the top (001) surface and (111) sidewalls is demonstrated. The formation of (111) sidewalls of higher quality than that of the top (001) surface has been obtained due to the larger diffusion coefficient of adatoms on the (111) plane. The dependence of the quality of quantum wires on the substrate temperature is shown.
The Functional Analytic Psychotherapy Rating Scale: a Replication and Extension

Few theories of psychotherapy give direction to the therapist on a moment-to-moment level or make predictions about how specific therapist techniques change client behavior in session. Functional analytic psychotherapy (FAP, Kohlenberg and Tsai in Functional analytic psychotherapy: a guide for creating intense and curative therapeutic relationships. Plenum, New York 1991) provides this direction and prediction. Specifically, FAP claims that client problem behaviors will be displayed in the therapeutic relationship and that the therapist can improve client in-session behavior through differential, contingent responding. Further, it is assumed that these improvements in session can be generalized to out of session relationships. The FAP rating scale (FAPRS) was developed for the purpose of coding in-session client and therapist behaviors in an effort to test FAP’s purported mechanism of change. The current study seeks to replicate and extend initial FAPRS findings (Callaghan et al. in J Contemp Psychother 33:321–339, 2003) regarding mechanism of change and to address transportability. FAPRS coding data from a single successful case of an individual diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder and treated with FAP is presented. Results indicate that the FAPRS system is transportable and are generally supportive of the claim that therapist contingent responding leads to client improvement.
STUDIES ON THE PHYSIOLOGY AND GENETICS OF THE ROTIFER, ASPLANCHNA. II. THE GENIC BASIS OF A CASE OF MALE STERILITY.

Two mutant clones have been obtained by selfing from closely-related clones of the rotifer, Asplanchna brightwelli. The females of these male-sterile clones are fertile but the males are unable to fertilize females of the mutant or of normal clones. Females from the mutant clones were out-crossed to fertile males of a wildtype clone and F2, F3, and test-cross generations were obtained. The results of these crosses indicate that the male-sterile phenotype in both mutant clones is determined by a recessive mutation designated “male-sterile” (ms). The mutant ms allele also appears to act as a detrimental, for the viability of zygotes (resting eggs) which are heterozygous for this gene is greater than that of homozygous recessives. This gene shows a maternal effects, for the phenotype of the haploid (or homozygous) males is determined by the genotype of their mothers. Test-crosses of seven individual males born to heterozygous females suggest that each such male carries either the ms or the ms+ allele, but never both. This confirms early cytogenetic studies on oogenesis which indicated that the male rotifer arises by parthenogenetic development from a haploid egg, produced by ordinary meiotic maturation divisions.
Loss of interstitial cells of cajal and inhibitory innervation in insulin-dependent diabetes.

Background & Aims: Gastrointestinal complications of long-standing diabetes include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation. The pathophysiology underlying these symptoms is poorly understood. Recent evidence suggests an important role for interstitial cells of Cajal in controlling gastrointestinal motility. The aim of this study was to determine changes in interstitial cells of Cajal and enteric innervation in a patient with insulin-dependent diabetes. Methods: A full thickness jejunal biopsy was obtained from a 38-yearold insulin-dependent diabetic with evidence for diabetic gastroenteropathy. Immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, and 3-dimensional reconstruction techniques were used to quantify changes in the volume of interstitial cells of Cajal and enteric innervation. Results: Interstitial cells of Cajal were markedly decreased throughout the entire thickness of the jejunum. A decrease in neuronal nitric oxide synthase, vasoactive intestinal peptide, PACAP, and tyrosine hydroxylase immunopositive nerve fibers was observed in circular muscle layer while substance P immunoreactivity was increased. Conclusions: The data suggest that long-standing diabetes is associated with a decrease in interstitial cells of Cajal volume and a decrease in inhibitory innervation, associated with an increase in excitatory innervation. The changes in interstitial cells of Cajal volume and enteric nerves may underlie the pathophysiology of gastrointestinal complications associated with diabetes and suggest future therapeutic targets.
Capitalists without a Class: Political Diversity Among Private Entrepreneurs in China

This article questions predictions about China’s democratic potential based on rising incomes in the private sector. For private entrepreneurs to constitute a democratizing force, structural theories expect two causal links: first, class formation; and second, collective action. This article examines national surveys of business owners, proposes a typology of entrepreneurs’ political behavior, and concludes that class formation has not occurred among private entrepreneurs. The absence of a common basis for identity and interaction challenges the hypothesis that China’s new capitalists might engage in collective action to demand democracy. Entrepreneurs should, thus, be examined at a lower level of abstraction rather than lumped into a catchall capitalist “middle class.” Taking into account the employment background, social networks, and local political conditions of people in apparently similarly situated groups is essential for explaining political dynamics in transitional contexts where the identities a...
5. MIGRAINE IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

Although migraine has been considered in the past to be uncommon in children and adolescents, there is mounting evidence that it is not, and that it produces significant childhood morbidity. However, the clinical picture varies from case to case, and often from attack to attack in the same patient. Stress plays a most important role in triggering attacks of this familial disease, and the physician must be aware of this if his treatment is to be successful. In adolescent girls, falling estradiol plasma levels are apparently important in triggering attacks of migraine associated with menstruation. In an attack, the initial vasoconstrictive phase, mainly intracranial gives way to a vasodilative phase, mainly extracranial, which results from withdrawal of the vasoconstrictive support from the extracranial arteries which is normally provided by serotonin. The plasma level of the latter drops sharply during an attack, and its excretion product, 5-hydroxy-indole acetic acid, appeals in increased amounts in the urine. Laboratory investigations, after a most careful, detailed history, and physical examination, should include an EEG, skull films and possibly a brain scan. Management includes prophylactic measures, both environmental and pharmacologic, and treatment of the attack itself, where promptness is the watchword.
A Role for Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Type 1 in Gut-associated Lymphoid Tissue Development: Genetic Evidence of Synergism with Lymphotoxin β

Lymphotoxin α (LTα) signals via tumor necrosis factor receptors (TNFRs) as a homotrimer and via lymphotoxin β receptor (LTβR) as a heterotrimeric LTα1β2 complex. LTα-deficient mice lack all lymph nodes (LNs) and Peyer's patches (PPs), and yet LTβ-deficient mice and TNFR-deficient mice have cervical and mesenteric LN. We now show that mice made deficient in both LTβ and TNFR type 1 (TNFR1) lack all LNs, revealing redundancy or synergism between TNFR1 and LTβ, acting presumably via LTβR. A complete lack of only PPs in mice heterozygous for both ltα and ltβ , but not ltα or ltβ alone, suggests a similar two-ligand phenomenon in PP development and may explain the incomplete lack of PPs seen in tnfr1 −/− mice.
Dimensional Reduction of Word-Frequency Data as a Substitute for Intersubjective Content Analysis

This paper presents a method for using dimensional reduction in the analysis of political content. We draw inspiration from latent semantic analysis (LSA) theory, which posits that factor analysis can successfully model human language. We suggest that the factor analysis of word frequencies generated from any political text—for example, open-ended survey responses—provides adequate content analysis categories and can substitute for more commonly practiced techniques. The method proceeds in three steps: data preparation, exploratory factor analyses, and hypothesis testing. This method may produce other benefits by allowing the data to speak more clearly in the development of coding dictionaries while avoiding the problems of inferential circularity common in other data-driven approaches. We demonstrate the method using responses collected in the execution of an experimental design dealing with the topic of partial-birth abortion and assess the demonstration by presenting a human coding of the same material.
Endoscopic Endonasal Management of Olfactory Neuroblastoma: A Retrospective Analysis of 10 Patients with Quality-of-Life Measures

Objective Anterior craniofacial resection has served as the traditional surgical treatment of olfactory neuroblastoma (ON). With the development of extended endonasal approaches, the opportunity exists for using minimal access techniques for management of select tumors. This study assesses the impact of endoscopic resection on ON and patient outcomes and quality of life. Methods A retrospective review identified 10 patients with ON (3 women, 7 men; mean age 49.1 years) who underwent endoscopic resection during the period 2010–2013. Modified Kadish staging divided the cohort into 3 stage B patients (30%), 5 stage C patients (50%), and 2 stage D patients (20%). Outcome measures included extent of resection, complications, recurrence, and preoperative and postoperative Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-20 scores. Results Gross total resection was achieved in all patients, with negative margins in 9 patients. One patient had negative frozen section pathology but was noted to have a positive posterior dural margin on final pathology. There was a 20% complication rate (pneumocephalus, ethmoid meningoencephalocele). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiation were performed in 2 patients (Kadish stage C and D). Adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation were performed in 5 patients (4 Kadish stage C and 1 stage D). Postoperative radiation alone was administered in 3 patients (Kadish stage B). Analysis of postoperative Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-20 scores demonstrated no significant change relative to preoperative Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-20 scores. At the most recent follow-up examination, there was no evidence of recurrent disease in patients who underwent endoscopic resection. One patient (Kadish stage D) died during the follow-up period. Mean follow-up duration was 21.1 months. Conclusions This series adds to the growing body of literature that suggests equivalent or improved outcomes of purely endonasal resection for select patients. Given the advanced Kadish stage of most of our patients, longer follow-up is required to determine the full applicability of purely endoscopic approaches to the treatment of ON.
Structure of a novel 13 nm dodecahedral nanocage assembled from a redesigned bacterial microcompartment shell protein

We report the crystal structure of a novel 60-subunit dodecahedral cage that results from self-assembly of a re-engineered version of a natural protein (PduA) from the Pdu microcompartment shell. Biophysical data illustrate the dependence of assembly on solution conditions, opening up new applications in microcompartment studies and nanotechnology.
Short-Term Exposure of Laying Hens to High Dietary Sodium Chloride Levels

Four replicate pens, each containing five individually caged hens received a corn-soy basal diet to which .4, 1, 2, 4, or 6% NaCl was added during two 21-day experiments. An additional bilevel treatment, approximating a reported commercial feed production problem, consisted of 6% NaCl for 7 days followed by .4% NaCl for the remaining 2 weeks. Egg production was significantly reduced by 4 and 6% NaCl in Experiment 1 and by 2, 4, and 6% NaCl in Experiment 2. The switchback treatment (6-.4% NaCl) did not statistically alter overall egg production in either experiment. Daily water consumption increased significantly when more than 1% NaCl was added, and subsequently with each feed addition. When 6% NaCl was fed for 7 days feed intake was quickly suppressed; this caused a rapid increase in water intake. Water intake returned to normal levels before the end of the second week. Daily feed intake was significantly reduced by a continuous feeding of 4% or more NaCl. A 1-week exposure to the 6% treatment suppressed feed intake quickly but intake recovered within one week. In both experiments, only the continuous 6% NaCl feeding regime of Experiment 1 resulted in a significant loss of body weight or a significant reduction of overall egg weight averages. Mortality was not a factor in either experiment. These data indicate that at least 2% NaCl in feed was required before any significant effects were noted, and that laying hens recovered from a 1-week exposure to 6% NaCl in feed within the following week.
Parallel processing in a functional environment

Two special operators that provide the essential features of Parallel Programming are introduced to Functional Programming Languages. The principles of Functional programming are shown to be incompatible with the standard view of Parallel processing as a set of cooperating, communicating processes, but it is demonstrated that the two styles of programming can successfully be united if a modified view of parallel processing is accepted. The theoretical implications of the union are explored, and necessary restrictions on the use of the new operators are determined.
Effect of the group I metabotropic glutamate agonist DHPG on the visual cortex

Metabotropic glutamate receptors have a variety of effects in visual cortex that depend on the age of the animal, the layer of the cortex, and the group of the receptor. Here we describe these effe...
THE INTERFACIAL BEHAVIOR OF MOLTEN STEEL AND LIQUID SLAG IN SLAB CONTINUOUS CASTING MOLD WITH ELECTROMAGNETIC BRAKE AND ARGON GAS INJECTION

A numerical simulation was used in describing the interracial behavior between molten steel and liquid slag layer with different flow-control technologies in the slab continuous casting mold, in which the effects of argon gas flow rate,casting speed and current intensity of coils on the interracial behavior of molten steel and liquid slag with the coupling action of electromagnetic brake(EMBr) and argon gas injection were considered.The relationship between the level fluctuation index of F value and level fluctuation of free surface was also investigated.For a given casting speed with EMBr, increasing the argon gas flow rate can aggravate the local fluctuation of interface so much as lead to the breakup of the steel-slag interface,F value increases with increasing argon gas flow rate and the thickness of liquid slag near the meniscus increases linearly with F value.For a given argon gas flow rate with EMBr,increasing the casting speed has helpful for restraining the interfacial fluctuation near the nozzle,and F value also increasing,the thickness of liquid slag near the meniscus reduces linearly with F value.On the contrary,for a certain casting speed and argon gas flow rate,increasing the current intensity of coils can aggravate the steel/slag interfacial fluctuation near the nozzle.
Increased Tissue Factor Bearing Microparticles in Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome.

Microparticles (MP) are circulating cellular fragments that are increased in thrombotic conditions including TTP, antiphospholipid syndrome, and HIT. Tissue factor (TF)-bearing MP are thought to be procoagulant in these conditions. Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) is a thrombotic disease characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and renal failure secondary to glomerular thrombotic microangiopathy. In children, HUS most often occurs after infection with E. coli O157H7. It is hypothesized that E. coli verotoxin injures renal and other endothelium leading to activation of hemostasis, thrombotic microangiopathy and HUS. We studied 56 children at the time of presentation with bloody diarrhea associated with E. coli O157H7 infection (typically day 4 of illness) prior to developing HUS, and 5 healthy children as controls. Subsequently 14 children (Pre-HUS) went on to develop HUS while 42 (Uncomplicated) resolved their illness without developing HUS. We also studied 15 children that presented with already developed HUS (HUS group). We analyzed the total number of MPs, percent of TF-bearing microparticles and their cellular derivation using a 5-color flow cytometry assay. Endothelial-derived MP are identified as positive for CD144 (Ve-Cad)-PE, monocyte-derived MP are positive for CD14-PE-Cy7, and platelet derived MP are positive for CD41a-PerCP. MPs were collected from plasma by ultracentrifugation (100,000g). MPs were defined based on size (0.5–1 um) and strong annexin V binding. The MP distribution in the control group was similar to reports by others: 204 ±98 ×10 3 MPs/mL of plasma (55% platelet-, 5% endothelial- and 15% monocyte-derived), only 2.6% of MP express TF. The MP distribution in Uncomplicated was 996 ±766 ×10 3 MPs/mL (36% plat-, 11% endo- and 15% mono-derived) and 5.4% express TF; while pre-HUS showed 1197±1108 ×10 3 MPs/mL (21% plat-, 12% endo- and 11% mono-derived) and 8.2% express TF. The MP distribution in the HUS group was 1183±949 ×10 3 MPs/mL (45% plat-, 15% endo- and 19% mono-derived) and 10.9% express TF. Compared to controls, children infected with E. coli O157H7 showed a higher number of total MPs (p E. coli 0157:H7 infection results in increased microparticle production versus controls, and increased tissue factor positive microparticles. Development of HUS is associated with further increases in tissue factor positive microparticles, which correlates with the increased hemostatic activation observed in previous studies, suggesting a pathologic role for the release TF-bearing MP in HUS. Interestingly, Pre-HUS patients show reduced numbers of platelet derived microparticles versus uncomplicated patients that resolve without developing HUS, but when HUS develops the number of TF-bearing MP increases. Whether this reduction of platelet-derived microparticles preceding HUS development results from increased binding of MP to endothelium or reduced production of MP in pre-HUS are ongoing studies that may shed some light into the pathogenesis of HUS.
Response to comment on 'Randomization inference for treatment effects on a binary outcome'.

We thank Professor Yasutaka Chiba [1] for commenting on Rigdon and Hudgens (RH) [2]. Chiba [1] described a certain exact confidence interval reported in RH as “somewhat unnatural.” Chiba also presented an alternative approach to constructing confidence intervals [3]. In this response, we (i) provide a simple explanation why the confidence interval in RH appeared “unnatural,” and (ii) explain the relationship between the RH [2] and Chiba [3] confidence intervals. Essentially the two approaches are equivalent, except RH entails inverting one two-sided test whereas Chiba inverts two one-sided tests. We present a more computationally efficient method (RLH) for computing the RH intervals based on Chiba’s principal stratification formulation of the problem. We also propose a third method based on Blaker [4] which inverts a single two-sided test but forms a confidence interval that is at least as narrow as inverting two one-sided tests. Simulation results show the RLH intervals tend to be as narrow or narrower than the Chiba and Blaker intervals on average.
Unanticipated hospital admissions in patients undergoing radiotherapy with or without concurrent chemotherapy: Incidence and predictive factors.

114 Background: Unanticipated admissions are burdensome for patients and the healthcare system. An improved understanding of their frequency and predictive factors can inform initiatives to prevent...
Optimizing light delivery for a photoacoustic surgical system

This work explores light delivery optimization for a photoacoustic surgical system previously proposed to provide real-time, intraoperative visualization of the internal carotid arteries hidden by bone during minimally invasive neurosurgeries. Monte Carlo simulations were employed to study 3D light propagation in tissue. For a 2.4 mm diameter drill shaft and 2.9 mm spherical drill tip, the optimal fiber distance from the drill shaft was 2 mm, determined from the maximum normalized fluence seen by the artery. A single fiber was insufficient to deliver light to arteries separated by a minimum of 8 mm. Using similar drill geometry and the optimal 2 mm fiber-to-drill shaft distance, Zemax ray tracing simulations were employed to propagate a 950 nm wavelength Gaussian beam through one or more 600 μ m core diameter optical fibers, and the resulting optical beam profile was detected on the representative bone surface. For equally spaced fibers, a single merged optical profile formed with 7 or more fibers, determined by thresholding the resulting light profile images at 1/e times the maximum intensity. The corresponding spot size was larger than that of a single fiber transmitting the same input energy, thus reducing the fluence delivered to the sphenoid bone and enabling higher energies within safety limits. A prototype was designed and built based on these optimization parameters. The methodology we used to optimize our light delivery system to surround surgical tools is generalizable to multiple interventional photoacoustic applications.
Imaging and Intervention of Biliary Leaks and Bilomas

Biliary leaks and bilomas develop due to hepatobiliary surgery, trauma, or locoregional therapy for hepatic malignancies. Though uncommon, they can be a source of abdominal pain, hyperbilirubinemia, and sepsis. A variety of diagnostic tools and interventional techniques are available to diagnose and manage biliary leaks and bilomas. Successful management often requires a multidisciplinary approach between the radiologist, surgeon, and endoscopist.
Bayesian Methods in Biomedical Data Analysis

Modern technologies can collect biomedical data at much greater resolution than ever before, leading to large amounts of data being generated from a single experiment. To extract crucial information from big datasets requires reliable reasoning techniques, one of which is Bayesian analysis. This chapter introduces Bayesian approaches to biomedical data analysis. We begin with the definition of Bayes’ theorem, which lays the foundation of all Bayesian methods. Model selection and parameter estimation are then discussed, followed by how Bayesian networks framework can be used to infer the interlinking dependence relations among variables. The chapter concludes with a discussion of how Bayesian approaches can be used in biomedical contexts.
THE SGLT2 INHIBITOR EMPAGLIFLOZIN DOES NOT EXHIBIT PRO THROMBOTIC EFFECTS

SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin (EMPA) reduces CV death by 40% and heart failure by 35%. Of note, there is no decrease in myocardial infarction or stroke. In fact, there is a numerical increase in stroke rate in the EMPA-treated group (a non-significant trend, p=0.12). The reduction in volemia and the
MEMS for real-time infrared imaging

This project investigates an innovative approach to imaging with Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) based devices. By using a Linnik interferometer and advanced phase unwrapping algorithms for processing data, the feasibility of generating high-resolution grayscale images in real-time was proven with an array of individually addressable MEMS micro-mirrors. Further investigations on a thermal imaging detector consisting of an array of pixels defined by surface micromachined bimaterial beam structures were carried out. A thermal loading fixture was manufactured and incorporated into the interferometer setup, which was also optimized to provide high measuring resolution. Interferometric images were collected at several temperatures in order to determine the beams’ response as a function of temperature, which successfully demonstrated the suitability of the detector to imaging with high-sensitivity and with a linear response. Experimental results were used with analytical and computational models to further predict the thermo-mechanical characteristics of the beams and to perform parametric investigations and optimization of their design. Further developments will consist of integrating the detector into a highly advanced, completely mechanical, imaging device having mK thermal resolution. The availability of such device will greatly improve current thermal imaging technology.
Joint Optimization of MapReduce Scheduling and Network Policy in Hierarchical Clouds

As MapReduce is becoming increasingly popular in large-scale data analysis, there is a growing need for moving MapReduce into multi-tenant clouds. However, there is an important challenge that the performance of MapReduce applications can be significantly influenced by the time-varying network bandwidth in a shared cluster. Although a few recent studies improve MapReduce performance by dynamic scheduling to reduce the shuffle traffic, most of them do not consider the impact by widely existing hierarchical network architectures in data centers. In this paper, we propose and design a Hierarchical topology (Hit) aware MapReduce scheduler to minimize overall data traffic cost and hence to reduce job execution time. We first formulate the problem as a Topology Aware Assignment (TAA) optimization problem while considering dynamic computing and communication resources in the cloud with hierarchical network architecture. We further develop a synergistic strategy to solve the TAA problem by using the stable matching theory, which ensures the preference of both individual tasks and hosting machines. Finally, we implement the proposed scheduler as a pluggable module on Hadoop YARN and evaluate its performance by testbed experiments and simulations. The experimental results show Hit-scheduler can improve job completion time by 28% and 11% compared to Capacity Scheduler and Probabilistic Network-Aware scheduler, respectively. Our simulations further demonstrate that Hit-scheduler can gain the traffic cost by 38% at most and improve the average shuffle flow traffic time by 32% compared to Capacity scheduler.
Re-evaluating the LD50 requirements in the codified potency testing of veterinary vaccines containing Leptospira (L.) serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae and L. serogroup Canicola in the United States

Abstract Approximately one-third of the reportable USDA Category D and E laboratory animals in the United States are expended on the potency testing of leptospiral vaccines by the codified hamster vaccination-challenge assay. Valid tests require ≥80% of challenge controls to succumb to disease and an LD50 between 10 and 10,000. This work evaluates the risk associated with the removal of LD50 limits; thereby, eliminating back-titration hamsters from in vivo potency assays for Leptospira (L.) serogroups Canicola and Icterohaemorrhagiae. The impact was assessed through 1) retrospective analysis of industry and CVB serial release data from July 2011–April 2015 and 2) evaluation through vaccination-challenge assays. For the initial vaccination-challenge assays (n = 3/serogroup), one group received potent bacterin (PB) and six groups received subpotent bacterins (SB1-SB6). PB and SB1 were challenged with a single dilution of Leptospira between 10 and 10,000 LD50. SB2-SB6 received serial dilutions of more concentrated challenge. Based on the retrospective analysis and in vivo assays, 80% of the challenge controls succumbing to disease reasonably ensured the minimal LD50 was administered. Subpotent vaccines were not at increased risk for being deemed potent when challenged with >10,000 LD50, but potent vaccines were at risk of being deemed subpotent when challenged with >10,000 LD50.
Outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with low versus high gradient severe aortic stenosis in the setting of preserved left ventricular ejection fraction.

BACKGROUND Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for low gradient (LG) severe aortic stenosis (AS) with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) remains an area of clinical uncertainty. METHODS Retrospective review identified 422 patients who underwent TAVR between September 4, 2014 and July 1, 2016. Procedural indication other than severe AS (n = 22) or LVEF <50% (n = 98) were excluded. Outcomes were defined by valve academic research consortium two criteria when applicable and compared between LG (peak velocity <4.0 m/s and mean gradient <40 mmHg; n = 73) and high gradient (HG) (n = 229) groups. The LG group was further categorized as low stroke volume index (SVI) (n = 41) or normal SVI (n = 32). Median follow-up was 747 days [interquartile range 220-1013]. RESULTS Baseline thirty-day mortality risk (LG 6.2% [3.8-8.1] vs HG 5.7% [4.1-7.4], P = 0.43) did not differ between groups. Short-term outcomes, including procedural success rate (86.1% vs 88.8%, P = 0.53), peri-procedural complications (intra-procedural heart block: 6.8% vs 7.9%, P = 0.99; permanent pacemaker placement: 11.0% vs 13.6%, P = 0.69; moderate paravalvular regurgitation: 2.7% vs 1.3%, P = 0.60), and all-cause in-hospital mortality (2.7% vs 0.9%, P = 0.25) did not differ between LG and HG groups. On long-term follow-up, all-cause mortality also did not differ between LG and HG groups (6.8% vs 10.0%, plog-rank = 0.33) or between the LG low SVI (9.8%), LG normal SVI (3.1%), and HG (10.0%) groups (plog-rank = 0.39). CONCLUSION Patients with preserved LVEF undergoing TAVR for severe AS with LG, including LG with low SVI, have no significant difference in adverse outcomes when compared to patients with HG.
Are Non-U.S. Citizens Color-Blind? The Racialization of Violent Crimes

The present study aims to investigate whether U.S. citizenship status influences the racialization of offenders engaged in homicide, sexual violence, and terrorism. The role of social media exposur...
Collaboration, Community, and Collectives: Research for and by the People

This chapter is a reflective piece on my research trajectory rooted in collaboration, community, and collectives. I provide a discussion of my development as a scholar-activist and my work with justice-centered research projects. This chapter aims to: (1) highlight work with and for our people; (2) highlight lived experiences grounded in struggle and hope; and (3) complicate the power that schools/universities have to liberate and oppress. I have consistently worked on these three goals, and yet they continue to guide my work and I understand there is no finish line; this work is not static, it is the work of humanity that is always evolving.
Engineered multifunctional sand for enhanced removal of stormwater runoff contaminants in fixed-bed column systems

Abstract The degradation of surface water quality in the US is mostly contributed by nonpoint-source pollution, in which stormwater runoff plays a major role. Stormwater runoff pollution is difficult to control due to its diffuse and stochastic loading. In this study, multifunctional Al Mg/GO engineered sand synthesized via a simple method was used to address four major categories of runoff contaminants, namely nutrient (phosphate), metal (zinc), organic contaminant (caffeine), and pathogen (E. coli), simultaneously. For chemical contaminants (phosphate, zinc, and caffeine), Freundlich and Thomas models can successfully describe the batch isotherms and breakthrough curves of column flow-through experiments, respectively. Better E. coli retention capacity and antibacterial activity of the engineered sand than that of the raw sand was demonstrated in E. coli retention and revitalization experiments. The engineered sand also showed good performance in actual surface runoff. Based on the results of the column flow-through experiments and the literature-reported typical field conditions and design criteria (e.g. 50 m3 engineered sand for 5000 m2 catchment; dissolved concentrations in the runoff: phosphate 0.2 mg/L, zinc 0.3 mg/L, and caffeine 0.0002 mg/L), a preliminary operational lifetime estimation was conducted, which indicated that the engineered sand can maintain its effectiveness for 90% removal of the dissolved phosphate, zinc, and caffeine from stormwater runoff for 81, 15, and >100 years, respectively. The engineered multifunctional sand proved to be a promising solution to future stormwater runoff management.
Narratives of Place

This chapter is focused on a discussion of the relationship between space and place, using time as a way to conceive of geography as a fluid and active participant in history. Fewkes explains how place and history are formed, taking into account the silences in the narratives of the latter. Contemplating the construction of Muslim places in the Maldives, she highlights contemporary Maldivian discourses on the local introduction of Islam and explains the roles of historical trade and travel in the Indian Ocean have played. She finishes the chapter by discussing the construction of women’s mosques in the Maldives as meaningful places, exploring some of the contradictory etiologies offered in discussions about women’s mosques in the Maldives.
Single Crystal Techniques — Preliminary Studies and Crystal Mounting (Also, Vol III, International Tables for X-Ray Crystallography, pps. 1 – 36.)

Most of the items listed in this section are not used exclusively by X-ray crystallographers. However, they are often useful in the course of an intensive investigation. Nearly all of these items are available from hundreds of GEN-LAB dealers throughout the world. Suppliers are specifically listed here only if they are mentioned elsewhere in the Index.
Competitive youth athletes: how do their families prioritize faith development while participating in sports?

Parent-child relationships can be strengthened by the increased time spent together due to youth sport involvement. The time demands, however, require families to skip religious services. The inten...
Treatment selection and medication adherence for stable angina: The role of area‐based health literacy

Rationale, aims, and objectives Clinical studies show equivalent health outcomes from interventional procedures and treatment with medication only for stable angina patients. However, patients may be subject to overuse or access barriers for interventional procedures and may exhibit suboptimal adherence to medications. Our objective is to evaluate whether community-level health literacy is associated with treatment selection and medication adherence patterns. Method The sample included Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries (20% random sample) with stable angina in 2007-2013. We used an area-level health literacy variable because of the lack of an individual measure in claims. We measured the association between (a) area-based health literacy with treatment selection (medication only, percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI], or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery) and (b) area-based health literacy with medication adherence. We controlled for other factors including demographics, co-morbidity burden, dual eligibility, and area deprivation index. Results We identified 8300 patients of whom 8.7% lived in a low health literacy area. Overall, 56% of patients received medication only, 28% received PCI, and 15% received CABG. Patients in low health literacy areas were less likely to receive CABG (-3.5 percentage points; 95% CI, -6.8 to -0.3) than were patients in high health literacy areas, but the significance was sensitive to specification. Overall, 81.5% and 71.5% of patients were adherent to antianginals and statins, respectively. Living in low health literacy areas was associated with lower adherence to antianginals (-3.3 percentage points; 95% CI, -6.1 to -0.6) but not statins. Conclusions Low area-based health literacy was associated with being less likely to receive CABG and lower adherence, but the differences between low and high health literacy areas were small and sensitive to model specification. Individual factors such as dual eligibility status and race/ethnicity had stronger associations with outcomes than had area-based health literacy, suggesting that this area-based measure was inadequate to account for social determinants in this study.
Heatwave duration: Characterizations using probabilistic inference

Characterization of heatwave duration is becoming increasingly important in environmental research as they pose a significant threat to many human lives worldwide. Although several quantification of the extremities of a heatwave have been proposed in literature, they are mostly improvised and there does not exist a universally accepted definition of heatwave. In this article, we devise a probabilistic inferential framework to characterize heatwave and come up with a definition that can capture the essence of all existing ad hoc definitions. We derive an exact distribution on the frequency of such durations for a stationary Markov process and also an approximate distribution of durations for a stationary non‐Markov time series. For a given site, using a daily time series (of ambient temperature or heat‐index), we define a heatwave as the number of sustained days above a given threshold using the probability distribution of the durations. We illustrate the proposed methodology using daily time series of ambient temperature for a fixed site (of Atlanta) and also using the USCRN consisting of 126 sites across the United States. Furthermore, we also derive an empirical quadratic curve based relationship between expected durations and extreme thresholds. The proofs of the theorems, datasets, algorithms, and computer codes are provided in the supplementary materials.
A behavioral approach to the treatment of chronic illnesses

Abstract Chronic illness, defined as any disease that requires at least one year of ongoing medical attention, affects approximately half of all American adults, and at least 7% of American children (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018a; Perrin, Bloom, & Gortmaker, 2007). The economic burden of chronic illness in the United States is unprecedented, with health care costs for the most common chronic diseases estimated to be around $2.3 trillion each year, and at least an additional $1 trillion estimated in lost productivity (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018d; DeVoss & Bedrouddian, 2007). In addition to economic burden, chronic illness imposes great psychological distress and poorer quality of life for diagnosed individuals and their loved ones (Rees, O’Boyle, & MacDonagh, 2001; Strine, Chapman, Balluz, Moriarty, & Mokdad, 2008). The chronic illnesses attributed with the greatest number of deaths in the United States are heart disease, cancer, lower respiratory diseases, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018c). Behavioral patterns, including behavioral excesses and deficits, contribute to all of these chronic health conditions, making them amenable to behavioral interventions.
The Myth’s Modern Purveyors: Reviewing Selig and Nielsen

Whatever its origins the myth of Black buying power today has really only two sources, The Selig Center for Economic Growth and Nielsen consumer surveys. The two are complicit in promoting the myth but more as silent partners to commercial press, media, and punditry. Selig and Nielsen are clear not to attach claims of Black political or economic power to the myth, but they do provide intellectual cover to those who do, and they are both involved in the myth’s overall promotion. And because their expressed goal is to connect media with ad revenue and not to clarify any actual economic conditions Selig and Nielsen are able to develop unclear methods which produce results inconsistent with economic analyses used to assess the actual material and lived experiences of Black and other communities.
Stabilization of Low Valent Zirconium Nitrides in Titanium Nitride via Plasma-Enhanced Atomic Layer Deposition and Assessment of Electrochemical Properties

The increasing awareness of metal nitrides as feasible electrocatalysts in numerous energy-relevant transformations motivates greater synthetic control of mixed metal nitride compositions and their...