cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A health outcomes framework for assessing health status and quality of life: enhanced data for decision making.

Background: Currently, information to improve health status and quality of life is derived from independently designed data systems that range from population-based health surveys to health records used in managing individual patient care. But there is no coherent strategy for using these data sources in concert across diverse applications. Thus, it is frequently difficult to compare or combine results across studies to provide population-level inferences based on findings from specific subpopulations. Objective: The Health Outcomes Framework is an analytic structure to provide more comprehensive information about the health status and quality-of-life impact of disease and its treatment. This framework consists of three components: (1) a core set of health, lifestyle, and economic questionnaires that collect data from an individual’s perspective; (2) applications that range from population to patient care levels; and (3) time. Although health is the outcome of interest, lifestyle behaviors and economic and political factors are important determinants of health, which also need to be studied using standardized procedures; thus, they are included in the core. This article focuses on the nature and application of a core health status and quality-of-life instrument. To be useful across a range of applications, such a core instrument needs to have three conceptual characteristics: (1) a theoretical model that regards health as a continuum of states; (2) domains that represent policy-relevant aspects of impairment, disability, and handicap; and (3) a set of societal preferences for these domains. In addition, the core needs to address three practical concerns: (1) brevity, (2) methods of administration that are suitable for respondents with diverse capabilities, and (3) documentation that is publicly available. These features are discussed using examples from currently available, multi-domain generic instruments, each of which has some, but not all, of the necessary features of the core instrument. Conclusion: The Health Outcomes Framework is intended to be a cooperative effort. It is proposed that the National Cancer Institute and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention take leadership roles not only by adopting a core health status and quality-of-life instrument for use in current and future cancer data collection activities but also in encouraging industry and academic investigators to implement this core instrument in their cancer studies. Having a vertically integrated core instrument can lead to more representative data for informing decision making and ultimately for obtaining a more equitable distribution of health. [J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr 2004;33:168–77]
Morphometric changes correlate with poor psychological outcomes in patients with acromegaly

Objective: Acromegaly is frequently associated with altered facial appearance at the time of diagnosis. Furthermore, acromegaly is also associated with adverse psychological outcomes. We conducted a single-centre, cross-sectional study comparing patients with growth hormone vs non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFA) to assess the association between morphometric changes and psychological outcomes and illness perception of patients with acromegaly. Methods: A seven-step scale was developed to grade morphometric changes based on facial photographs. In addition, all patients were asked to draw an image of their own body and an image of what they considered to be an average healthy body and complete seven psychological questionnaires. We recruited 55 consecutive patients in each of the two groups who had undergone surgery with or without radiation therapy (RT). Results: Our data showed that the clinician-rated morphometric scale was highly reliable in assessing facial changes, with 93/99 (Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)Z0.95 (0.93-0.97)) graded as similar by independent raters. The mean (S.D.) grading for Acro and NFA patients on the clinician-rated morphometric scale were 3.5 (1.3) and 0.41 (0.35) respectively (P!0.0001). A higher clinician-rated morphometric score was also predictive of a poorer score on the drawing test. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates a correlation between physical changes associated with acromegaly and poor psychological outcomes, whereas no such correlation existed with modes of therapy, disease control status, RT, malignancy, initial or recent GH/IGF1 or secondary hormonal deficiency. Our data support the utility of the morphometric scale as a clinical tool for grading facial changes.
Paternity Assignment for White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus): Mating across Age Classes and Multiple Paternity

Abstract Incomplete observations of matings and uncertainty about which male's sperm is responsible for fertilization have traditionally made paternity difficult to document in field research. Modern genetic methods, combined with field data, now facilitate assigning paternity in many species. I investigated male reproductive success in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginanus) by a microsatellite paternity analysis, which revealed that males from all age classes >0.5 years fathered offspring. The oldest males did not monopolize matings; for 12 of 14 males ≥3 years old who fathered young, the numbers of females mated and young fathered were highly variable (1–7 and 1–9, respectively). Three yearling males that bred mated with 3 yearling females and one 2.5-year-old female, whereas all other male age classes mated with females from any age class. In addition, the 1st cases of frequent multiple paternity in free-ranging white-tailed deer were documented. Multiple paternity was found in 22% of twins, with pa...
The impact of inmate and prison characteristics on prisoner victimization

A considerable amount of research has been directed at understanding the sources of inmate misconduct (offending within prison), whereas few studies have focused on identifying the causes and correlates of prisoner victimization. The sources of inmate victimization should be distinguished from those of offending, however, because the policy implications of each focus differ to some extent. In order to determine the predictors of inmate victimization and stimulate further research on the topic, we systematically reviewed studies of the causes/correlates of prisoner victimization published between 1980 and 2014. Our findings revealed that predictor variables reflecting inmates' background characteristics (e.g., history of victimization), their institutional routines and experiences (e.g., history of misconduct), and prison characteristics (e.g., population size) all influence victimization.
A Decade of Differentials and Trends in Serious Crimes in 86 American Cities by Southern and Non-Southern Pairs

and placed them in the "fringer" position in the social structure. Of the different "fringer" types, "betrayers" were the most dangerous and the most feared because of their deliberate efforts to attain personal goals at the expense of the factions by using illegitimate means. "Newcomers" disturbed prison life when they were extended faction bids and evaded the responsibility of accepting them. Causing the least unrest were the "disorganized personalities" who because of their psychotic tendencies were tolerated by the factions. In terms of total prison life what was the effect of the "fringer" role? To answer this question it is necessary to look at the informal structure which had transcended the formal organization to organize prison life. From this view we see the role of the "fringers" had three major effects. First, the "fringers" threatened the solidarity of the factions and thus of prison life by violating faction norms. Second, they simultaneously tended to reinforce the integration of the factions by reemphasizing to the factions faction standards and the need of avoiding those who violated them. Third, they helped to lessen the antagonism between the factions by acting as a counter-irritant. Why were the "fringers" able to infringe upon the rights of the factions and not have pressures brought against them? Again the answer lies in the nature of the informal structure. The two factions having divergent interests and competing with one another for power not only produced the possibility for the aberrant conduct but also rendered it incapable of control.
FLAME PROPAGATION IN CHANNELS: STEADY AND PULSATING PROPAGATION

The structure, dynamics and stability of twodimensional ∞ame fronts propagating in channels of arbitrary width is studied, accounting for heat losses by conduction to the walls, an imposed Poiseuille ∞ow and difierential difiusion efiects. Our primary objective is to determine within the ∞ammable regions, the conditions that result in steady-propagation and those leading to a pulsating mode of propagation. Special attention is given to the difierence between propagation in narrow and wide channels, or thick versus thin ∞ames, and on whether the ∞ame is supported or opposed by the ∞ow fleld.
Aggression and Nectar Use in Territorial Non-Breeding New Holland Honeyeaters Phylidonyris novaehollandiae in Eastern Australia

Territorial non-breeding New Holland Honeyeaters Phylidonyris novaehollandiae were studied in an open forest in eastern Australia. During winter, birds maintained priority of access to nectar from Banksia inflorescences but the extent to which this use was exclusive was variable. I examined the aggressive responses of these birds to intruders of different sizes (interference behaviour), and their use of defended nectar (exploitation behaviour). Owners displayed interspecific discrimination with all honeyeater species being excluded except the much larger wattlebird which was harassed while feeding. Owners expelled a greater proportion of intruding conspecifics compared to other species and used more aggressive behaviour (chases) against them. Energy inexpensive aggression (displacements) was used against smaller intruder species who were also more likely to be attacked if they attempted to feed. The rate at which intruding honeyeaters were expelled (birds/h/m²) increased with both nectar abundance and intruder pressure but actual territory exclusiveness (proportion of intruders expelled) was highest only at moderate nectar levels (lower when nectar was poor or very rich). Owners visited inflorescences in their territories more often than intruding honeyeaters, and fed at the most productive inflorescence stages. Nectar within territories was depleted at a faster rate then undefended nectar. Consequently, the territories appeared to be operated as nectar 'sinks', rather than as the 'sources' typical of other nectarivorous birds.
Synthesis, Structure, and Properties of Eu16Sb11 and Eu16Bi11

Abstract The compounds Eu16Sb11 and Eu16Bi11 have been prepared from the elements in Ta containers by heating at 1100°C and then slowly cooled to 1000°C over 4 days.These compounds are isostructural with the Zintl-phase Ca16Sb11 and crystallize in the tetragonal space group P 4 21m (Z=2). The structures were determined from single-crystal X-ray data (T=143 K) for Eu16Sb11 (a=12.674 (2) A, c=11.720 (2) A, R1=4.04% wR2=0.84%), and Eu16Bi11 (a=12.885 (2) A, c=11.883 (4) A, R1=6.09%, wR2=15.24%). The Ca16Sb11 structure type can be described as pairs of face-shared square antiprisms that are joined by means of a square prism to form a columnar chain composed of Ca2+ cations and centered by Sb anions along the c axis. The columns are associated by means of Ca–Ca bonds that alternate long and short along the c axis in a ladder-like fashion. Along the a and b axes, there is an intergrowth of square prism, antiprism columns alternating with columns of face-sharing hexagonal antiprisms. The structures of these Eu compounds are compared with those of Ca16Sb11. Temperature-dependent resistivity of Eu16Sb11 indicates that it is a semiconductor. Magnetization measurements show that Eu16Sb11 and Eu16Bi11 are paramagnetic. The effective moment in the paramagnetic state for Eu16Sb11 is μexp=32.2 (1) μB per formula unit (8.06 (3) μB/Eu atom) and for Eu16Bi11, μexp=33.6 (2) μB/formula unit (8.40 (6) μB/Eu atom), consistent with divalent Eu2+ cations (μeff=7.94 μB/Eu atom).
A new international reference preparation for proteins in human serum.

A new international reference preparation for proteins in human serum will be released jointly by the Bureau Communitaire de Reference of the European Economic Community, Brussels, Belgium, and the College of American Pathologists, Northfield, Ill, in 1992-1993. This material has been prepared by the Committee on Plasma Protein Standardization of the International Federation for Clinical Chemistry. It is intended for use as a matrix reference from which values are to be transferred to working calibrants and controls for the immunoassay of serum proteins. The methods of preparation and value assignment are presented, along with a brief comparison of the international reference preparation for proteins in human serum with Reference Preparation for Serum Proteins Lot 4 and previous reference materials from the College of American Pathologists.
Alveolar lavage cytology in transplanted lungs. I. Staining methods and findings in dogs with autografts and allografts without immunosuppression.

Alveolar lavages were performed repetitively on the normal and transplanted lungs of dogs that had received autografts or allografts without immunosuppression. One half of the lavage returns was fixed as a cytologic smear; the other half was subjected to semi-thin section or electron microscopic examination. Of the staining methods used, the periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and Giemsa techniques were best for differentiating and counting cells. The Ladewig technique was best for evaluating the presence and location of fibrin. After autotransplantation, the proportion of so-called alveolar marcophages increased, reached a peak in 4 to 7 days, and then returned to normal. Phagocytized fibrin increased for the first postoperative week, but no extracellular fibrin was ever observed. After allotransplantation, a progressive decrease in the proportion, size, and vacuolization of so-called alveolar macrophages was noted along with an increase in extracellular fibrin. Intracellular fibrin could be detected only up to the third day. These findings define adequate methods for preparing and staining material obtained from diagnostic alveolar lavages, and they suggest that the procedure may serve as an index of lung allograft rejection.
Coronary artery bypass with freeze-preserved saphenous vein allografts.

Over the past 5 years, 13 patients had coronary artery bypass performed with freeze-preserved saphenous vein allografts. There were no operative deaths or significant morbidity. Six patients were studied postoperatively at 42, 37, 10, 7, 5, and 1 months. Six of 8 grafts were patent with good flow. There were four late deaths; two of these occurred in patients who had concomitant resection of a ventricular aneurysm. Of the 9 surviving patients, 6 (6/9) are asymptomatic and 2 (2/9) have occasional chest pains; the condition of 1 patient (119) is unchanged. This experience suggests that free-preserved saphenous vein allografts may be used successfully for coronary bypass when autologous veins and internal mammary arteries are unavailable or insufficient for multiple bypass.
SiGe HBT X-band and Ka-band switchable dual-band low noise amplifier

This paper investigates a switchable dual-band low noise amplifier design that can operate at X-band and Ka-band using monolithic SiGe heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBT) technology. The LNA is based on a single stage cascade common emitter amplifier with emitter degeneration. Diode connected HBT switch with series-shunt configuration has been utilized for its excellent broadband switch characteristic encompassing X- to Ka-band frequency spectrum. The total switchable dual band LNA dimension is 1.05 × 0.98 mm2, consuming 33 mA from 1.2 V supply (39 mW). To our knowledge, this paper is the first one to discuss feasibility of SiGe integrated switchable dual band LNA at X band and Ka band.
The Potyviral P3 Protein Targets Eukaryotic Elongation Factor 1A to Promote the Unfolded Protein Response and Viral Pathogenesis

The biochemical function of the potyviral P3 protein is not known, although it is known to regulate virus replication, movement, and pathogenesis. We show that P3, the putative virulence determinant of soybean mosaic virus (SMV), targets a component of the translation elongation complex in soybean. Eukaryotic elongation factor 1A (eEF1A), a well-known host factor in viral pathogenesis, is essential for SMV virulence and the associated unfolded protein response (UPR). Silencing GmEF1A inhibits accumulation of SMV and another ER-associated virus in soybean. Conversely, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-inducing chemicals promote SMV accumulation in wild-type, but not GmEF1A-knockdown, plants. Knockdown of genes encoding the eEF1B isoform, which is important for eEF1A function in translation elongation, has similar effects on UPR and SMV resistance, suggesting a link to translation elongation. P3 and GmEF1A promote each other’s nuclear localization, similar to the nuclear-cytoplasmic transport of eEF1A by the Human immunodeficiency virus 1 Nef protein. Our results suggest that P3 targets host elongation factors resulting in UPR, which in turn facilitates SMV replication and place eEF1A upstream of BiP in the ER stress response during pathogen infection.
Using the BCH construction to generate robust linear hash functions

Providing a single hash function for use across multiple applications is challenging due to the fact that different applications require different sizes of hashed values. An application-independent hash function must be robust in the sense that it must maintain good characteristics independent of the number of output bits which are used. In this paper we show how the BCH construction can be used to construct a single n/spl rarr/m bit linear hash function with the property that that the n/spl rarr/m' bit subhash functions obtained by discarding the upper m - m' output bits all have provably good collision avoidance properties. We apply this technique to the construction of a 256/spl rarr/128 bit hash function. We find that of the 256/spl rarr/m' subhashes, over 78% have optimal minimum collision distances and all but one have a minimum collision distance within 2 of optimal.
Cultivating Moral Resilience

: Decades of research have documented the frequency, sources, and consequences of moral distress. However, few studies have focused on interventions designed to diminish its negative effects. The cultivation of moral resilience-the ability to respond positively to the distress and adversity caused by an ethically complex situation-is proposed as a method to transform moral distress.
Measuring and Advancing Experimental Design Ability in an Introductory Course without Altering Existing Lab Curriculum.

Introductory biology courses provide an important opportunity to prepare students for future courses, yet existing cookbook labs, although important in their own way, fail to provide many of the advantages of semester-long research experiences. Engaging, authentic research experiences aid biology students in meeting many learning goals. Therefore, overlaying a research experience onto the existing lab structure allows faculty to overcome barriers involving curricular change. Here we propose a working model for this overlay design in an introductory biology course and detail a means to conduct this lab with minimal increases in student and faculty workloads. Furthermore, we conducted exploratory factor analysis of the Experimental Design Ability Test (EDAT) and uncovered two latent factors which provide valid means to assess this overlay model’s ability to increase advanced experimental design abilities. In a pre-test/post-test design, we demonstrate significant increases in both basic and advanced experimental design abilities in an experimental and comparison group. We measured significantly higher gains in advanced experimental design understanding in students in the experimental group. We believe this overlay model and EDAT factor analysis contribute a novel means to conduct and assess the effectiveness of authentic research experiences in an introductory course without major changes to the course curriculum and with minimal increases in faculty and student workloads.
Broadband mid-infrared dual comb spectroscopy with comb-tooth resolution and high signal-to-noise ratio

We demonstrate a mid-infrared dual-comb spectrometer that can measure comb-tooth resolved spectra across an octave of bandwidth in the mid-infrared from 2.6–5.2 μm with kHz frequency precision and a signal-to-noise ratio up to 5,000:1.
Concurrent Anticonvulsant/Ketogenic Diet Efficacy

Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, studied retrospectively the comparative efficacy of six most frequently used anticonvulsants when employed in combination with the ketogenic diet (KD) for treatment of 115 children with epilepsy.
Data and Knowledge Processing

Once the data is collected, we need to process this data. For processing, we need to use computers—and the more data we collect, the more computer power we need. It is therefore important to optimally distribute this computing power. This is the problem that we will analyze in Sect. 3.1. In many cases, data processing is a creative process, it goes beyond simple application of known algorithms. The problem of selecting the best ways of organizing this process is handled in Sect. 3.2. To come up with the best ways of processing data, of extracting knowledge from the data, it is often not sufficient to have individual efforts, we need creative teams—teams that combine domain expertise and computer expertise. Just like with computers, simply bringing people together does not always improve their efficiency. It is therefore important to make sure that people collaborate in the most efficient way. This aspect of data and knowledge processing is analyzed in Sect. 3.3.
Identifying Risk Factors for the Development of Stiffness After Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Abstract Background Although there are several studies concerning manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) after primary total knee arthroplasty, there is a paucity of literature evaluating MUA after revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA). The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence, timing, and risk factors associated with MUA after rTKA. Methods The Humana database was reviewed from 2007 to 2015 for all patients who underwent rTKA. Patients who underwent rTKA followed by ipsilateral MUA were identified. Time to MUA was calculated monthly. Possible risk factors analyzed included preoperative narcotic use, smoking, anxiety and/or depression, diabetes, obesity, age, and sex. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine odds ratio. Results In total, 5414 rTKAs were included in the study and 1.7% (n = 96) underwent MUA after surgery. Sixty-nine percent of MUAs occurred within the first 3 months after rTKA. Young patients ( Conclusion In this large multicenter cohort study, 1.7% of patients underwent MUA after rTKA and younger patients were 6 times more likely to have a MUA than patients over 50 years old. These data should serve to help counsel patients regarding their risk of MUA after rTKA.
SLAM-driven robotic mapping and registration of 3D point clouds

Abstract With the rapid advancement of laser scanning and photogrammetry technologies, frequent geometric data collection at construction sites by contractors has been increased for the purpose of improving constructability, productivity, and onsite safety. However, the conventional static laser scanning method suffers from operational limitations due to the presence of many occlusions commonly found in a typical construction site. Obtaining a complete scan of a construction site without information loss requires that laser scans are obtained from multiple scanning locations around the site, which also necessitates extra work for registering each scanned point cloud. As an alternate solution to this problem, this paper introduces an autonomous mobile robot which navigates a scan site based on a continuously updated point cloud map. This mobile robot system utilizes the 2D Hector Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) technique to estimate real-time positions and orientations of the robot in the x-y plane. Then, the 2D localization information is used to create 3D point clouds of unknown environments in real time to determine its navigation paths as a pre-scanning process. The advantage of this framework is the ability to determine the optimal scan position and scan angle to reduce the scanning time and effort for gathering high resolution point cloud data in real-time. The mobile robot system is able to capture survey-quality RGB-mapped point cloud data, and automatically register the scans for geometric reconstruction of the site. The performance of the overall system was tested in an indoor environment and validated with promising results.
Hispanics in the Labor Force

Twenty years ago, a researcher studying Hispanics in the United States would have found a somewhat limited list of titles. How dramatically different the situation is today. The study of Hispanic history and social development in the United States has progressed to the point where, in the early 1990s, there is now an entire literature dedicated to Hispanic studies, which certainly reflects the greater importance and visibility given to Hispanics as an ethnic group. Hispanic studies encompasses a diversity of research issues and theoretical approaches that compete in order to understand and interpret the Hispanic reality.
St. Wolfgang College's Health

St. Wolfgang College recently decided to change its health care plan. The administration took this action after just minimum consultation with the faculty. Consequently, the faculty is disheartened, seeing the action as a reflection of the college's top down decision making process and command culture. Faculty are in a quadary as to what they can do. Further, the administration of the college has largely rebuffed the faculty's efforts to increase its involvement in governance, rejecting a faculty reform effort. The college's president has a background primarily in administration at the secondary school level. Since assuming leadership he has focused on improving physical plant. He avows a mission of enhancing the college's academic reputation and has taken actions that he and the administration believe will achieve this goal, such as dismantling two year degree programs that primarily serve disadvantaged and minority students and providing extra funding to flagship programs.
Simulation of Spherical Particle Breakage

Abstract Many papers on particle breakage provide qualitative descriptions of changes in particle shape, but do not provide quantitative analysis of changes in the particle shape. The papers that provide quantitative analysis often focus on the case where corners are chipped off of a cubic crystal. However, there are many other cases that are encountered in industry. The goal of this work is to develop breakage functions that account for the sizes and aspect ratios of resulting child particles as spheres are fragmented. The focus in these studies is breakage by single impact and is based on experimental results. The equations developed allow the user to adjust the number of coarse particles formed by fragmentation. This is necessary because the force of impact and the material properties determine the number of coarse particles formed. Therefore, this allows the user to adjust the parameters for the system being studied.
Insider Threat Cybersecurity Framework Webtool & Methodology: Defending Against Complex Cyber-Physical Threats

This paper demonstrates how the Insider Threat Cybersecurity Framework (ITCF) web tool and methodology help provide a more dynamic, defense-in-depth security posture against insider cyber and cyber-physical threats. ITCF includes over 30 cybersecurity best practices to help organizations identify, protect, detect, respond and recover to sophisticated insider threats and vulnerabilities. The paper tests the efficacy of this approach and helps validate and verify ITCF's capabilities and features through various insider attacks use-cases. Two case-studies were explored to determine how organizations can leverage ITCF to increase their overall security posture against insider attacks. The paper also highlights how ITCF facilitates implementation of the goals outlined in two Presidential Executive Orders to improve the security of classified information and help owners and operators secure critical infrastructure. In realization of these goals, ITCF: provides an easy to use rapid assessment tool to perform an insider threat self-assessment; determines the current insider threat cybersecurity posture; defines investment-based goals to achieve a target state; connects the cybersecurity posture with business processes, functions, and continuity; and finally, helps develop plans to answer critical organizational cybersecurity questions. In this paper, the webtool and its core capabilities are tested by performing an extensive comparative assessment over two different high-profile insider threat incidents.
Algorithmic Improvements to MCNP5 for High-Resolution Fusion Neutronics Analyses

AbstractNeutronics analyses of the ITER experimental fusion reactor rely on increasingly complex geometry models and estimates of energy-dependent neutron flux and radiation dose-rate distributions generated at ever higher resolutions. There are significant practical challenges with applying the Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) continuous-energy transport code to high-resolution analyses. For models consisting of more than 100 000 surfaces and cells, geometry initialization can take several hours, thus slowing down model integration and transport analysis efforts. In multithreaded simulations, the amount of memory consumed by superimposed mesh tally data increases in proportion to the number of threads. This behavior limits either the tally resolution or the number of processor cores that can be utilized in the simulation. This paper describes algorithmic improvements that were implemented in a modified version of MCNP5 to overcome these limitations. These improvements are referred to as the Oak Ridge Nation...
Recent History of Aedes aegypti: Vector Genomics and Epidemiology Records

Aedes aegypti bears the common name “the yellow fever mosquito,” although, today, it is of more concern as the major vector of dengue, chikungunya, and, most recently, Zika viruses. In the present article, we review recent work on the population genetics of this mosquito in efforts to reconstruct its recent (approximately 600 years) history and relate these findings to epidemiological records of occurrences of diseases transmitted by this species. The two sources of information are remarkably congruent. Ae. aegypti was introduced to the New World 400–550 years ago from its ancestral home in West Africa via European slave trade. Ships from the New World returning to their European ports of origin introduced the species to the Mediterranean region around 1800, where it became established until about 1950. The Suez Canal opened in 1869 and Ae. aegypti was introduced into Asia by the 1870s, then on to Australia (1887) and the South Pacific (1904).
Graphene nanoflakes for acute manipulation of membrane cholesterol and transmembrane signaling

ABSTRACT Cholesterol is one of the most essential lipids in eukaryotic cell membranes. However, acute and selective manipulation of membrane cholesterol remains challenging. Here, we report that graphene nanoflakes (GNFs) insert into the plasma membrane and directly interact with cholesterol, resulting in acute cholesterol enrichment – and thus structural and functional changes. Using two representative cell preparations, we explore the utility of GNFs in modifying cell communication pathways sensitive to membrane cholesterol. In fibroblasts, GNFs enhance ATP-induced intracellular Ca2+-release by allosteric facilitation of P2Y receptors, a subtype of G protein-coupled receptors, in a cholesterol-dependent manner. In neurons, which possess higher membrane cholesterol levels than most cell types, GNFs further increase cholesterol. Consequently, GNFs change membrane fluidity, especially at synaptic boutons, and potentiate neurotransmitter release by accelerating synaptic vesicle turnover. Together, our results provide a molecular explanation for graphene’s cellular impacts and demonstrate its potential for membrane-oriented engineering of cell signaling.
Method to Identify and Visualize Barriers in a Low-Stress Bike Network:

Low-stress bike networks are often disconnected, with gaps or barriers that make travel between two points impossible without riding on high-stress roads. Barriers can also force long detours that ...
Health Care Transition for Adolescent and Young Adults with Intellectual Disability: Views from the Parents

Abstract Purpose This study explored the health care transition (HCT) experiences of parents of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with intellectual disability (ID), 18–33 years of age, including barriers and facilitators to the AYA's transition to adulthood within and between the medical, educational, community, and vocational systems. Design and methods A qualitative descriptive design with semi-structured individual interviews with 16 parent participants was used. Purposive sampling of parents was utilized with variation on race/ethnicity and AYA age, stage in transition, and condition. This study was conducted through a major medical center in the southeast United States. Content analysis was utilized. Results Three overarching themes represented the factors and essence of supporting AYAs with ID transition to adulthood. Inefficient and siloed systems illuminated barriers families are commonly experiencing within and between the medical, educational, community, and vocational systems. ‘Left out here floundering’ in adulthood, described the continued inadequacy of resources within each of these systems and parent's having to find available resources themselves. Hope despite uncertainty, included the perceived costs and benefits of their AYA's disability and the value of parent peer support in providing key knowledge of resources, strategies, and perspectives. Conclusions Our findings illuminate the need for improved infrastructure to provide effective HCT and partnerships to help integrate HCT support within other life course systems. Results support the rationale for non-categorical HCT-focused approach. Practice implications A parent peer coach-facilitated intervention offers promise for bridging the gap between systems and meeting family needs.
Spinal subarachnoid space tapering in patients with syringomyelia.

Background and purposeCervical spine tapering affects cerebrospinal fluid dynamics. Cervical spine taper ratios derived from anteroposterior diameters reportedly differ between patients with syring...
Trends in Ambulatory Laminectomy in the USA and Key Factors Associated with Successful Same-Day Discharge: A Retrospective Cohort Study:

BackgroundLaminectomy is commonly used in the treatment of lumbar spine pathology. Laminectomies are increasingly being performed in outpatient settings, but patient safety concerns remain.Question...
Stability of Switched Nonlinear Feedback Systems with Bounded Average Time-Variation

For a time-varying nonlinear MIMO feedback system, the robustness against uncertainties in feedback loop is investigated in an input-output framework. A general sufficient condition in terms of average uncertainties for the system to be stable is derived without assuming the loop function is stabilizing all the time. The condition gives a tolerable limit on infrequent large variations or slow time-variation rate of a nonlinear MIMO adaptive switched system to preserve its stability.
Beyond binomial: exploring practical applications for gender research

Going ‘beyond binomial’ has been an arduous process. I’m an outlier to the community under study; an academic and university professor teaching in an advertising degree programme. I am also a data ...
Technologies and Workflow of Creative Coding Projects: Examples from the Google DevArt Competition.

Recently, many artists and creative technologists created computer programming as a goal to create something expressive instead of something functional. In this paper, I analyzed 18 creative coding projects from the Google DevArt competition and summarized the critical technologies, types of content, and key workflows of these creative coding projects. The paper also discusses the potential research opportunities for creative coding and art technologies.
An Innovative Approach for Graduate Education for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners

A major transformation in nurse practitioner (NP) education is the emergence of post graduate residencies; their foci include (a) educating NPs in population health; (b) increasing clinical proficiency; and (c) incorporating quality and safety into practice. We describe a psychiatric NP residency program supported by an academic-practice partnership, known as the Veterans Affairs Nursing Academic Partnership for Graduate Education (VANAP-GE) between the Birmingham Veterans Administration Medical Center (BVAMC) and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Nursing (SON) for a population of Veterans with complex mental and physical health needs. Topics which are covered include risks of suicide among Veterans, post-traumatic stress disorder, depressive and anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders. During this one-year traineeship during the first year after NP certification, residents engage in development of crucial skills for improving the future of U.S. health care. All residents are newly licensed PMHNPs, but some are also pursuing DNP degrees. For residents who are simultaneously enrolled in BSN to DNP programs, the additional clinical training afforded by NP residency education provides a natural laboratory for their projects with foci of quality and safety, leadership, and clinical scholarship. Reduction in NP turnover as well as cost savings of orientation and recruitment are significant benefits for the practice partner with zero vacancies since the partnership's inception. These multiple successes predict increased establishment of residencies as viable post graduate pathways for NPs.
Solvent Effects and Side Reactions in Organocatalyzed Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization for Enabling the Controlled Polymerization of Acrylates Catalyzed by Diaryl Dihydrophenazines.

Investigation of the effects of a solvent on the photophysical and redox properties of the photoredox catalyst (PC), N,N-di(2-naphthyl)-5,10-dihydrophenazine (PC 1), revealed the opportunity to use...
Recognition Versus Disclosure: Operating Lease Capitalization and Managerial Leasing Decisions

I examine whether and how the recognition of operating leases on balance sheets influences managerial leasing decisions. In 2019, the FASB implemented ASC 842, which requires companies to capitalize operating leases. Because operating lease information was previously disclosed in footnotes, it was unclear whether capitalization would make any difference to managers or financial statement users. Upon the new standard's adoption, I find a marked decrease in firms' use of operating leases. This decline is driven by lease-intensive and less-levered firms. I also document a systematic substitution of operating leases with short-term and variable leases, which are both still allowed to be left off balance sheet. These findings consistently suggest that the elimination of perceived off-balance-sheet reporting benefits serves as the channel through which the new standard affects leasing decisions. Overall, I provide evidence that disclosure location (footnote vs. balance sheet) exerts a real effect on managerial behavior. This study responds directly to the FASB's call for research that examines the standard's real effects.
Large-scale and low-cost production of graphene nanosheets-based epoxy nanocomposites with latent catalyst to enhance thermal conductivity for electronic encapsulation

High density and high-power integrated circuits require fast heat dissipation electronic encapsulation martials. epoxy composites are one of the most common materials in packaging areas. However, epoxy have low thermal conductivity value. Graphene nanosheets are the good option to combine with epoxy to enhance the thermal conductivity due to its high thermal conductivity value (3000 - 5000 W/mK). In this paper, graphene nanosheets fabricated by liquid exfoliation of graphite powders were proposed. We combined low-energy ball milling and sonication methods to produce graphene nanosheets on a large scale. The surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) has been used as the stabilizer to prevent graphene nanosheets from aggregating. Additionally, the latent catalyst was used in epoxy composites during the curing process. It was obviously that latent catalyst plays the role of accelerator in the epoxy curing at specific curing temperature, which could provide effective control of curing process by heating. Also, it provided better storage ability for epoxy composites. The graphene-epoxy composites achieved higher thermal conductivity which was enhanced 225% compare to pure epoxy, which has the potential to be applied in heat management materials of electronic encapsulation.
Image Synthesis and Editing with Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs): A Review

Recently, as many deep learning models are emerging, deep learning has achieved great success in the field of artificial intelligence(AI). Especially, the Generative adversarial networks (GANs) based on zero-sum game theory has become a new research hot spot in the field of deep learning. The significance of the GAN model is that it can generate realistic data through unsupervised learning. Based on the conceptual and theoretical framework of the generative adversarial network, GANs models and their application result in tremendous success among different areas, especially in image synthesis and editing. This paper visualizes the data structures of various kinds of GANs models in 3D and discusses the variational GAN models with respect to their improvements in the applications. As the GANs have superior learning ability, strong plasticity, great potential for improvement, and a wide application range, this paper prospects the possible applications of the GANs in the near future.
Learning Sparse Analytic Filters for Piano Transcription.

In recent years, filterbank learning has become an increasingly popular strategy for various audio-related machine learning tasks. This is partly due to its ability to discover task-specific audio characteristics which can be leveraged in downstream processing. It is also a natural extension of the nearly ubiquitous deep learning methods employed to tackle a diverse array of audio applications. In this work, several variations of a frontend filterbank learning module are investigated for piano transcription, a challenging low-level music information retrieval task. We build upon a standard piano transcription model, modifying only the feature extraction stage. The filterbank module is designed such that its complex filters are unconstrained 1D convolutional kernels with long receptive fields. Additional variations employ the Hilbert transform to render the filters intrinsically analytic and apply variational dropout to promote filterbank sparsity. Transcription results are compared across all experiments, and we offer visualization and analysis of the filterbanks.
Integrated Biorefinery for Valorization of Engineered Bioenergy Crops—A Review

Biorefinery allows production of multiple bioproducts from various biomass and streams using suitable unit operations to improve the economics of process while minimizing waste generation. Biorefin...
Chapter 9 Regulation of Health, Safety, and Environmental Risks

Abstract This paper provides a systematic review of the economic analysis of health, safety, and environmental regulations. Although the market failures that give rise to a rationale for intervention are well known, not all market failures imply that market risk levels are too great. Hazard warnings policies often can address informational failures. Some market failures may be exacerbated by government policies, particularly those embodying conservative risk assessment practices. Labor market estimates of the value of statistical life provide a useful reference point for the efficient risk tradeoffs for government regulation. Guided by restrictive legislative mandates, regulatory policies often strike a quite different balance with an inordinately high cost per life saved. The risk-risk analysis methodology enables analysts to assess the net safety implications of policy efforts. Inadequate regulatory enforcement and behavioral responses to regulation may limit their effectiveness, while rising societal wealth will continue to generate greater levels of health and safety.
Inverse Semigroups and their Lattices of Inverse Subsemigroups

For any class C of algebras it is natural to wonder how well algebras from C are determined by their lattices of subalgebras. This topic has a long history, beginning with subgroup lattices of groups (see §3). The subspace lattice of a vector space was shown to be intimately connected with projective geometry by R. Baer [1]. An interesting historical perspective may be found in the introduction to [33]. In my talk I will consider this topic from the point of view of inverse semigroups.
Reliability and Availability Studies in the RIA Driver Linac

The Rare Isotope Accelerator (RIA) facility will include various complex systems and must provide radioactive beams to many users simultaneously. The availability of radioactive beams for most experiments at the fully-commissioned facility should be as high as possible within design cost limitations. To make a realistic estimate of the achievable reliability a detailed analysis is required. The RIA driver linac is a complex machine containing a large number of superconducting (SC) resonators and capable of accelerating multiple-charge-state beams [1]. At the pre-CDR stage of the design it is essential to identify critical facility subsystem failures that can prevent the driver linac from operating. The reliability and availability of the driver linac were studied using expert information and data from operating machines such as ATLAS, APS, JLab, and LANL. Availability studies are performed with a Monte-Carlo simulation code previously applied to availability assessments of the NLC facility [2] and the results used to identify subsystem failures that most affect the availability and reliability of the RIA driver, and guide design iterations and component specifications to address identified problems.
Design and implementation of single antenna polarimetric active radar calibrators

An outline of the theory, design, and implementation of the L and C-band single antenna PARCs (polarimetric active radar calibrators) developed for NASA and JPL at the University of Michigan is presented. The C band PARC system underwent various phase and amplitude tests within anechoic chamber and actual field deployment environments. The maximum RCS (radar cross section) response obtainable with this system, namely 40 dBsm is demonstrated. In this case, the PARC receives a vertically polarized signal which is amplified, delayed, and transmitted back to the SAR (synthetic aperture radar) platform with a horizontal polarization. This orientation also yields a cross polarization isolation of 38 dB. A PARC is most useful, however, when its aperture is rotated by 45/spl deg/; this orientation allows a complete calibration of the Mueller matrix. >