cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oncolytic adenoviruses targeted to Human Papilloma Virus-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinomas

Summary Objectives In recent years, the incidence of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) has markedly increased. Our aim was to design a novel therapeutic agent through the use of conditionally replicative adenoviruses (CRAds) that are targeted to the HPV E6 and E7 oncoproteins. Methods Each adenovirus included small deletion(s) in the E1a region of the genome (Δ24 or CB016) intended to allow for selective replication in HPV-positive cells. In vitro assays were performed to analyze the transduction efficiency of the vectors and the cell viability following viral infection. Then, the UPCI SCC090 cell line (HPV-positive) was used to establish subcutaneous tumors in the flanks of nude mice. The tumors were then treated with either one dose of the virus or four doses (injected every fourth day). Results The transduction analysis with luciferase-expressing viruses demonstrated that the 5/3 fiber modification maximized virus infectivity. In vitro, both viruses (5/3Δ24 and 5/3CB016) demonstrated profound oncolytic effects. The 5/3CB016 virus was more selective for HPV-positive HNSCC cells, whereas the 5/3Δ24 virus killed HNSCC cells regardless of HPV status. In vivo, single injections of both viruses demonstrated anti-tumor effects for only a few days following viral inoculation. However, after four viral injections, there was statistically significant reductions in tumor growth when compared to the control group (p Conclusion CRAds targeted to HPV-positive HNSCCs demonstrated excellent in vitro and in vivo therapeutic effects, and they have the potential to be clinically translated as a novel treatment modality for this emerging disease.
The Effects of Extracellular Matrix Proteins and Stiffness on Neuronal Cell Adhesion

Spinal cord injuries have spurred research interests in finding ways to repair or replace damaged neurons. We are looking to find novel ways to promote proliferation and differentiation of stem cells in order to replace damaged spinal cord neurons. While previous studies have shown that the mechanical properties of the cellular environment influence proliferation and differentiation, these studies have only been performed on polyacrylamide and agarose gels (1, 2). Collagen gels provide the opportunity to promote neuronal precursor cell (NPCs) proliferation and differentiation in a more natural environment by utilizing the mechanical properties of the gel. In this study, we examine the effects of 2D collagen matrices of varying stiffness on proliferation and differentiation of rat, spinal cord NPCs in order to create a more biocompatible tissue-engineered platform.© 2011 ASME
Incorporating Prior Knowledge into the Analysis of Conjoint Studies

The authors use conjoint analysis to provide interval-level estimates of part-worths allowing tradeoffs among attribute levels to be examined. Researchers often possess prior information about the ...
Hindlimb unweighting alters endothelium-dependent vasodilation and ecNOS expression in soleus arterioles.

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that endothelium-dependent dilation is impaired in soleus resistance arteries from hindlimb-unweighted (HLU) rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (300...
Biological Diversity of Plants on Ridge of Paddy

Plant species on ridge of paddy at Yushanwu where rice fields were irrigated with spotless water were morethan at Chengbei where rice fields were irrigated with water polluted by industrial waste. In the same type of plant community, Yushanwu provided significantly higher total important value [ Iv(t) ] of plant species on ridge of paddy than Chengbeidid. The index of biological diversity (H') between two villages were given with the similar trends. The various type of plantcommunity showed the different data of biological diversity. Dominant community of short-stalked plants offered the greatadvantage of plant species number, Iv(t) and H' compared with the dominant community of high-stalked plants and dominantcommunity of exotic plants. Attention must be paid to the control of an exotic plant Alternanthera philoxeroides, limit ofdominant community of high-stalked plants, as well as protection of dominant community of short-stalked plants.
The Local and Supralocal Contexts for the Patterns of Usage

This chapter discusses and contextualizes the results for /u/ and /Ʊ/ (Chapter 6) and /ai/ (Chapter 7) in terms of the local contact situation in Detroit as well as the supralocal context of American English. Section 8.1 provides comments on Detroit and its relationship to the suburbs. Participants discuss residential segregation, “White Flight” out of Detroit, perceptions concerning the suburbs, poverty and crime in Detroit, the 1967 riot, and Coleman Young, the first African American mayor of Detroit. Section 8.2 provides comments on migration, the South, and Southern cultural practices. Speakers discuss reverse migration and purchasing property in the South, ties to the South which include trips to South and loved ones who either remained in the South or returned there, rural cultural traditions brought to Detroit by first-generation migrants and persisting for later generations, relationships between African American and Appalachian White Southern migrants, the self-reported categories of “Southern” and “Hillbilly,” and metapragmatic commentary on language.
Fragile X Syndrome Workshop

The proceedings of the 9th International Workshop on Fragile X Syndrome and X-Linked Mental Retardation, held in Strasbourg, France, are reported from the University Hospital of Leuven, Belgium.
Resonant distortion in vertical cavity surface emitting lasers for RF communication

We present distortion measurements of 850-nm oxide aperture vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) over a 2 GHz to 8 GHz frequency range. A maximum spurious free dynamic range (SFDR) of 107.8 dB-Hz/sup 2/3/ at 2.6 GHz was measured, which we believe is the highest reported SFDR for a VCSEL. Resonant distortion due to the intrinsic nonlinearity of the laser and optical feedback is measured in both free space and multimode fiber-optic links.
Abstract 248: Integrin-β1 Regulates Cardiac Stem Cell Self-renewal and Differentiation

Background: Adult cardiac stem cells (CSCs) capable of self-renewal and differentiation into cardiac, smooth muscle and endothelial lineages have been shown to promote tissue repair after ischemic injury and improve heart function. Despite their potential role in cardiac regeneration, evidence suggests that resident CSCs are impaired in conditions such as myocardial infarction, limiting their regenerative capacity. Methods and Results: The growth rate of CSCs is significantly reduced by 40% (p<0.05) under hypoxic stress (0.5% O2). Using an extracellular-matrix (ECM) and adhesion-focused PCR array, we found that incubation of CSCs for 18 hours under hypoxia leads to down-regulation of several genes, including osteopontin, thrombospondin-1 and integrins. Due to their critical role in communicating extracellular signals regulating stem cell mobilization, proliferation, survival, migration and differentiation we decided to investigate the role of integrins in CSCs self-renewal and differentiation. Our gene expression studies showed that integrin-β1 (Itgb1) is the most abundant integrin expressed in CSCs. Therefore, we knocked down (KD) Itgb1 in CSCs and evaluated these cells regarding adhesion, growth and differentiation properties. Our results showed that reduction in Itgb1 levels in CSCs significantly decreased their interaction with extracellular matrix components fibronectin, laminin and vitronectin by 32%, 20% and 24% (p<0.05), respectively. KD of Itgb1 in CSCs reduced growth by 40% (p<0.05), similar to what we observed by with wild-type cells in hypoxia. Assessment of endothelial differentiation showed that KD cells have a higher angiogenic potential vs. NS-control, as demonstrated by upregulation of vWF (3-fold), VEGF (2.5-fold), Pecam1 (2.3-fold) and Nos3 (1.9-fold) (p<0.05). Interestingly, Itgb1 KD per se induced upregulation of these vascular markers in CSCs. Conclusions: Our results suggest that Itgb1 plays an important role in CSCs self-renewal, differentiation and cell adhesion. It is possible that loss of self-renewal is a consequence of changes in CSCs fate as knockdown of Itgb1 leads to upregulation of endothelial lineage markers in these cells. This would limit the expansion of CSCs and their regenerative capacity.
Synchronized DNA cycling across a bacterial population

A defining goal of synthetic biology is to engineer cells to coordinate tasks that often require precise temporal modulation of gene expression. Although a variety of relatively small gene circuits have been constructed and characterized, their logical combination into larger networks remains a central challenge. This is due primarily to the lack of compatible and orthogonal elements for predictable dynamic control of gene expression. As an alternative approach to promoter-level regulation, we explored the use of DNA copy number as a circuit control element. We engineered colony-wide DNA cycling in Escherichia coli in the form of plasmid copy number oscillations via a modular design that can be readily adapted for use with other gene circuitry. Copy number modulation is a generalizable principle that adds a layer of control to synthetic gene circuits, allowing dynamic regulation of circuit elements without requiring specially engineered promoters.
The Manix (California) earthquake of April 10, 1947*

This report presents seismometric and field data, exclusive of those relating to geology and field evidence of faulting. It includes information reaching the Seismological Laboratory at Pasadena from various sources and embodies the results of investigation by members of the Laboratory staff, and by other staff members and students of the Division of the Geological Sciences, California Institute of Technology. All times mentioned are Pacific Standard Time.
Cyber-Physical Security and Privacy in the Electric Smart Grid

Abstract This book focuses on the combined cyber and physical security issues in advanced electric smart grids. Existing standards are compared with classical results and the security and privacy principles of current practice are illustrated. The book paints a way for future development of advanced smart grids that operated in a peer-to-peer fashion, thus requiring a different security model. Future defenses are proposed that include information flow analysis and attestation systems that rely on fundamental physical properties of the smart grid system. Table of Contents: Preface / The Smart Grid as a Cyber-Physical System / The Basics of Cyber-Physical Security / Defenses / Attack Motivation / Privacy / Standards / Summary / References / Authors' Biographies
Photochemical Effects in the Heterogeneous Reaction of Soot with Ozone at Low Concentrations

The soot-ozone reaction at low concentrations (ppm O3) hasbeen examined todetermine any influence of solar radiation on its products and kinetics. Theeffect of simulatedsolar radiation is to change the product distribution towardsCO2(g), CO (g) and H2O(g) at theexpense of soot surface functional groups formation. Little effect on theextent or rate ofdiminution of O3 through this rapid reaction is observed. Theinitial rate laws for formation ofall products remain the same under simulated solar radiation, with changes inthe rate constants(and thus in the relative importance of mechanistic pathways) responsible forthe differingproduct distributions. Decarboxylation of soot surface functionalities hasbeen shown to be onepossible mechanism underlying these effects. Atmospheric soot, particularlythat emitted nearthe tropopause by increasing numbers of subsonic and supersonic aircraft, mayplay a role inozone depletion; the rapid diminution of ozone in soot's presence isunaffected by solarradiation.
Ozenoxacin: A Novel Topical Quinolone for Impetigo.

Objective: To review the data supporting Food and Drug Administration (FDA) labeling of ozenoxacin and evaluate its place in therapy for impetigo. Data Sources: A literature search was conducted us...
Neck Injury Biomechanics

This chapter summarizes the research on the biomechanical responses of the neck in a form that will be useful in design of protective systems and in the development of societal strategies to reduce the number of cervical spine injuries. Neck injuries are described in detail and injury mechanisms are explained. Accidents that involve neck injuries are analyzed. Real-life neck injuries are presented and laboratory results are synthesized to provide a rational basis for understanding neck injury. In order to maintain a reasonable scope, we restrict our discussion to severe fractures – those with a high probability of spinal cord injury. Low AIS injuries, such as whiplash, sprains and strains are left to other sources.
Individual Differences in the Neural and Cognitive Mechanisms of Single Word Reading

Written language is a human invention that our brains did not evolve for. Yet, most research has focused on finding a single theory of reading, identifying the common set of cognitive and neural processes shared across individuals, neglecting individual differences. In contrast, we investigated variation in single word reading. Using a novel statistical method for analyzing heterogeneity in multi-subject task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we clustered readers based on their brain's response to written stimuli. Separate behavioral testing and neuroimaging analysis shows that these clusters differed in the role of the sublexical pathway in processing written language, but not in reading skill. Taken together, these results suggest that individuals vary in the cognitive and neural mechanisms involved in word reading. In general, neurocognitive theories need to account not only for what tends to be true of the population, but also the types of variation that exist, even within a neurotypical population.
Th17 Cells in Cancer

T helper (Th)17 cells regulate host defense and exacerbate autoimmune diseases, yet their role in tumor immunity remains controversial with reports that Th17 cells could either promote or suppress tumor growth, depending on the type of malignancy or means of therapeutic intervention. This review discusses how inflammatory signals (such as cytokines and co-stimulatory/co-inhibitory molecules) induced in the tumor milieu regulate the functional fate of Th17 cells, which ultimately affect the cells’ capacity to mount immune responses against cancer. We review recent findings regarding the factors that influence the generation, plasticity, and memory phenotype of Th17 cells and their relevance to cancer immunotherapy. Further, we discuss recent reports concerning the interaction of Th17 cells with regulatory T lymphocytes and cytotoxic cluster of differentiation 8 (CD8+) T cells present in tumor tissue. Unraveling the mysteries surrounding basic and translational aspects of Th17 cell biology promises to have important implications for patients with advanced malignancies.
Clinical improvements of specific seminal deficiencies via intercourse with a seminal collection device versus masturbation

In the present study of 50 patients, it was determined that those with seminal deficiencies in masturbated samples showed greater improvement in semen parameters with I-SCD use than the nondeficient groups with which they were compared. The use of I-SCD in oligospermia and OTA Syndrome is therefore indicated, both diagnostically and therapeutically. The subjective rating of sexual stimulation elicited when I-SCD was used was far superior than with masturbation. It is believed the success of I-SCD is due, in part, to this greater degree of sexual stimulation, presumably by added loading of the vas deferens prior to ejaculation.
Health and Genetic Structure of the American Eel in Florida

We collected biological, health, and parasite-infection (e.g., Anguillicoloides crassus [a swim-bladder nematode]) data for 609 Anguilla rostrata (American Eel), and population-genetics data from a subset of 299 individuals captured throughout Florida from 2014 through 2016. We did not find evidence of genetic differentiation between groups and concluded that a single American Eel stock extends through the Atlantic-coast drainages into the Gulf of Mexico. We found spatial and seasonal differences in swim-bladder condition and in prevalence and incidence of A. crassus infection in Florida's American Eels. Average values for the ratio of swim-bladder to length and health indices were similar between regions, among seasons, and between uninfected and infected American Eels. Information gathered by this study will be important in future conservation and management efforts.
Linking Student Achievement to Teacher Preparation: Emergent Challenges in Implementing Value Added Assessment

Systemic efforts to strengthen teacher preparation in Louisiana led to the first statewide value-added assessment (VAA) of teacher preparation programs (TPPs). Subsequently, a number of states have...
Even parity states in 16O

Abstract Procedures are established for constructing and eliminating spurious shell model states in the jj-coupling scheme for double closed shell nuclei. The program is applied to even parity states in 16O with spin and isospin values Jπ(T) = 0+ (0, 1), 1+(0), 2+ (0), 4+(0, 1). Energy eigenvalues and eigenvectors and photo- and electro-excitation transition matrix elements are calculated using a zero-range residual interaction. All relevant two-particle/two-hole excitations are included. The results are compared with the available experimental data below 20 MeV. The spectrum of 0+(0) and 2+(0) states agrees reasonably well with the observed levels, but the energies of the 4+(0) levels are much too low. Form factors for inelastic electron scattering are generally much smaller than the measured values. This is also true for the pair emission rate of the lowest 0+ level. The admixture of the closed shell configuration into the 0+ excited states is also considered.
Discrete fractional order SIR epidemic model and it’s stability

This paper deals with the fractional order SIR epidemic model in discrete form describing the dynamics of disease propagation in a population. The Disease Free Equilibrium (DFE) and Endemic Equilibrium (EE) points are computed and the stability nature at these points are discussed. Applying next generation matrix method to calculated the basic reproduction number R 0. The time plots, phase portraits and bifurcation are presented for different sets of parameter values. The numerical simulations of the discrete fractional-order SIR epidemic model are performed to illustrate the stability of the epidemic model.
Phosphorus Retention and Elevated FGF-23 in Chronic Kidney Disease

Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially in those with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and the risk of cardiovascular mortality is 10–20-fold higher among hemodialysis patients. However, some of the traditional risk factors of cardiovascular disease such as African-American race, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity are paradoxically associated with better outcomes in CKD and ESRD patients, and these observations point to the presence of novel cardiovascular risk factors in CKD. In addition to the fact that decreased kidney function itself is a strong and independent predictor of cardiovascular events, CKD is characterized by a complex metabolic milieu that consists of multiple biochemical and hormonal abnormalities. Those abnormalities in mineral and bone metabolism have also been associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes and mortality independent of traditional risk factors. These findings have led to the emergence of a framework termed CKD-related mineral and bone disorders (CKD-MBD).
Pediatric facial kaposiform hemangioendothelioma: a case report and review of the literature

Cutaneous kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) and tufted angioma (TA) are vascular tumors that are often misdiagnosed. Treatment urgency and type varies depending on which tumor-type is diagnosed, because of the differing rates of progression to Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon. An 11-month-old male presented with a facial mass and biopsy results favoring a diagnosis of TA. The diagnosis of KHE, was later favored over TA given the overall clinical picture of initial rapid growth. However, serial imaging showed no subsequent growth, suggesting that clinically diagnosed KHE, may follow a benign clinical course when biopsy results suggest a diagnosis of TA.
Managing Face in the Midst of Interpersonal Deception: A Cross-Cultural Examination

People from different cultures perceive and respond to deception differently. The present study aims to understand how individuals from two different cultures communicatively respond to deception once it has been detected. Specifically, this cross-cultural research examined Thai and American young adults’ facework behaviors as responses to deception detection. Three hundred and twenty-two (N = 322) undergraduate students from universities in Thailand and the US participated in this study. The findings reveal Thai participants reported using more avoiding behaviors to respond when deception was detected, whereas American participants reported using dominating behaviors more than other facework behaviors. Additionally, results indicate that avoiding behaviors are positively correlated with interdependent self-construal and negatively correlated with independent self-construal. Other findings and implications are discussed in the chapter.
Mutual Information for Transfer Learning in SSVEP Hybrid EEG-fTCD Brain-Computer Interfaces

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) allow individuals with limited speech and physical abilities to communicate with the surrounding environment. Such BCIs require calibration sessions which is burdensome for such individuals. We introduce a transfer learning approach for our novel hybrid BCI in which brain electrical activity and cerebral blood velocity are recorded simultaneously using Electroencephalography (EEG) and functional transcranial Doppler ultrasound (fTCD) respectively in response to flickering mental rotation (MR) and word generation (WG) tasks. With the aim of reducing the calibration requirements, for each BCI user, we used mutual information to identify the top similar datasets collected from other users. Using these datasets and the dataset of the current user, features derived from power spectrum of EEG and fTCD signals were calculated. Mutual information and support vector machines were used for feature selection and classification. Using the hybrid combination, an average accuracy of 93.04% was achieved for MR versus baseline whereas WG versus baseline yielded average accuracy of 90.94%. As for MR versus WG, an average accuracy of 92.64% was obtained by hybrid combination compared to 88.14% obtained by EEG only. Average bit rates of 11.45, 17.24, and 19.72 bits/min were achieved for MR versus WG, MR versus baseline, and WG versus baseline respectively. The proposed system outperforms the state of the art EEG-fNIRS BCIs in terms of accuracy and/or bit rate.
Random Vectors and Matrices

This chapter builds the foundation for the statistical analysis of multivariate data. We first give the notation we use in this book, followed by a quick review of the rules for manipulating vectors and matrices. Then, we learn about random vectors and matrices, which are the fundamental building blocks for multivariate analysis. We then describe the properties of a variety of estimators of an unknown mean vector and unknown covariance matrix of a multivariate Gaussian distribution.
The Effect of Narrative Language Intervention on the Language Skills of Children with Hearing Loss

Purpose Narrative intervention has not been extensively investigated with children with hearing loss, but it has been shown to improve a broad range of language skills of children with a variety of...
Driving Safety of Cognitively-Impaired Drivers Based on Near Collisions in Naturalistic Driving.

Background Controlled naturalistic driving for examining impacts of cognitive impairment on driving safety is rare. Objective Evaluating the safety among drivers with mild cognitive impairment based on near collision incidents using naturalistic driving, and investigating its correlation with cognitive measures. Methods Frequency of near collisions of 44 cognitively impaired [Age = 75.1(±6.7), MMSE = 25.5(±2.5)] and 19 control group drivers [Age = 72.5(±7.8), MMSE = 29.3(±0.8)] were obtained from two weeks of recorded driving. Survival time free of predicted collision based on a previously established near-collision to collision estimate ratio of 11 : 1, for 140 hours of driving exposure was calculated. Participants were also tested using Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE), Trail A, and Trail B. Spearman correlation and Cox survival analysis were conducted. Results Near collision frequency per driving hour was correlated with MMSE (r = -0.258, p = 0.041). Survival analyses showed that cognitively impaired drivers might be prone to higher probability of having collision (p = 0.056) with a hazard ratio of 5.78 (p = 0.092). When all participants were combined, there was a significant difference (p 0.186). Cox regression analysis showed MMSE as the only significant factor (p < 0.025) for survival time of predicted collision, but not age, gender, or driving experience. Conclusion The association between driving critical events and cognitive measures suggests that some drivers with mild cognitive impairment might have an elevated driving collision risk compared to control drivers. Standard clinical cognitive measures may be reasonable predictors.
Preoperative angular insertion depth prediction in case of lateral wall cochlear implant electrode arrays

Cochlear implants (CI) use an array of electrodes surgically threaded into the cochlea to restore hearing sensation. Techniques for predicting the insertion depth of the array into the cochlea could guide surgeons towards more optimal placement of the array to reduce trauma and preserve the residual hearing. After analyzing the CT images of 86 lateral wall positioned straight electrode array CI recipients, a linear regression model is proposed for insertion depth prediction based on cochlea size, array geometry, and base insertion depth (BID). The model is able to accurately predict angular insertion depths with standard deviation of 41 degrees.
Sleep disturbance and depressive symptoms in later-life: Cross-sectional examination of cognitive mechanisms

Abstract Background Sleep disturbance relates to depressive symptom endorsement. The mechanisms relating these variables are not clearly elucidated, though inhibitory control and rumination are believed to play key roles. The current study aims to elucidate the relationship between sleep disturbance and depressive symptoms by examining the moderated mediating effect of inhibitory control and rumination. Methods The sample included 41 community-dwelling older adults (age 70 and older). Measures included the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Inventory, a stroop task (inhibitory control), the Ruminative Responses Scale, and the Geriatric Depression Scale. A series of bootstrapped models were employed to test hypotheses using a stepped approach. Results Worse sleep disturbance was associated with higher rumination and depressive symptoms; however, these associations were no longer significant among older adults with higher inhibitory control. The association between sleep disturbance and depression was fully attenuated by rumination, and inhibitory control significantly moderated the association between sleep disturbance and rumination in the final model. Limitations The smaller cross-sectional nature of the study as well as the restricted demographics of the participants (i.e., highly educated and primarily White) were the primary limitations of the study. Conclusion Among community-dwelling older adults, the association between sleep disturbance and depression is mediated by rumination, and this effect is mitigated by inhibitory control. As such, these findings suggest that inhibitory control may be a relevant target for intervention in older adults with poor sleep quality, rumination, and depressive symptoms.
MuSE (multidimensional, user-oriented synthetic environment): a new approach to the human-computer interface using precognitive models of perception

The human mind is capable of absorbing and processing large volumes of information. Most of this processing, however, occurs at a precognitive level, the results of which serve to alert the cognitive mind to areas of potential interest. The Multidimensional User-oriented Synthetic Environment, fluSE is an open-ended software shell that provides a new approach to interacting with computer-based information. By using a real-time, device-independent software design and incorporating both cognitive and experiential models of human perception, fluSE greatly enhances a person's ability to examine, interact with, and understand relationships in complex information space. A jluSE shell may be wrapped around data, models, simulations or even complete programs. Using a design, based on human functionality, it provides tools for the presentation, exploration, navigation, manipulation, and examination of information. Users experience a highly interactive environment, capable of dynamically mapping information into visual, auditory or kinesthetic representations.
State of the nation: Customizing energy and finances for geothermal technology in the United States residential sector

Abstract Geothermal residential heating and cooling systems have undeniable potential savings. The possibilities of the energy savings with a geothermal heat pump system is well-established in the commercial and residential sectors. Building location has a critical impact on the performance of geothermal heat pump systems and magnitude of savings. An important contribution of this paper takes the step past technological optimization to investigate 12 climate zones across the contiguous United States. Residential homes within common neighborhoods are thoroughly analyzed by considering soil characteristics and home construction features. Within these climate zones, federal and all local incentive programs are quantified to determine an accurate expectation for capital investment payback period, a critical factor for system attractability. Ultimately, a climate zone is classified as either a promising or poor candidate for residential geothermal technology based on data from previously conducted human interest polls regarding payback period on energy savings investments. With such lasting potential delivered to the hands of consumers, geothermal energy use still experiences slow implementation. This paper conducts a study integrating data on technology, finances, and human nature to identify the prevailing barrier to widespread geothermal execution. Solid evidence on energy and monetary savings reveals the dominant barriers are initial capital investment and long payback period. This paper highlights the immense positive impact that local incentives have on affecting these two prevailing deterrents.
Cost-Effectiveness and Outcomes of Direct Access to Physical Therapy for Musculoskeletal Disorders Compared to Physician-First Access in the United States: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE Direct access to physical therapy provides an alternative to physician-first systems for patients who need physical therapy for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Direct access across multiple countries and the United States (US) military services has produced improved functional outcomes and/or cost-effectiveness at clinical and health care system levels; however, data remain scarce from civilian health care systems within the United States. The purpose of this study was to compare evidence regarding costs and clinical outcomes between direct access and physician-first systems in US civilian health services. METHODS A database search of PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Reviews, and PEDro was conducted through May 2019. Studies were selected if they specified civilian US, physical therapy for MSDs, direct access or physician-first, and extractable outcomes for cost, function, or number of physical therapy visits. Studies were excluded if interventions utilized early or delayed physical therapy access compared with physician-first. Five retrospective studies met the criteria. Means and standard deviations for functional outcomes, cost, and number of visits were extracted, converted to effect sizes (d) and 95% CI, and combined into grand effect sizes using fixed-effect or random-effects models depending on significance of the Q heterogeneity statistic. RESULTS Direct access to physical therapy showed reduced physical therapy costs (d = -0.23; 95% CI = -0.35 to -0.11), total health care costs (d = -0.19; 95% CI = -0.32 to -0.07), and number of physical therapy visits (d = -0.17; 95% CI = -0.29 to -0.05) compared to physician-first systems. Disability decreased in both direct access (d = -1.78; 95% CI = -2.28 to -1.29) and physician-first (d = -0.89; 95% CI = -0.92 to -0.85) groups; functional outcome improved significantly more with direct access (z score = 0.89; 95% CI = 0.40 to 1.39). CONCLUSIONS Direct access to physical therapy is more cost-effective, resulting in fewer visits than physician-first access in the United States, with greater functional improvement. IMPACT These findings within civilian US health care services support a cost-effective health care access alternative for spine-related MSDs and can inform health care policy makers.
Durable 5-year local control for resected brain metastases with early adjuvant SRS: the effect of timing on intended-field control.

Background Adjuvant stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) improves the local control of resected brain metastases (BrM). However, the dependency of long-term outcomes on SRS timing relative to surgery remains unclear. Methods Retrospective analysis of patients treated with metastasectomy-plus-adjuvant SRS at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) between 2013 and 2016 was conducted. Kaplan-Meier methodology was used to describe overall survival (OS) and cumulative incidence rates were estimated by type of recurrence, accounting for death as a competing event. Recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) and competing risks regression modeling assessed prognostic variables and associated events of interest. Results Two hundred and eighty-two patients with BrM had a median OS of 1.5 years (95% CI: 1.2-2.1) from adjuvant SRS with median follow-up of 49.8 months for survivors. Local surgical recurrence, other simultaneously SRS-irradiated site recurrence, and distant central nervous system (CNS) progression rates were 14.3% (95% CI: 10.1-18.5), 4.9% (95% CI: 2.3-7.5), and 47.5% (95% CI: 41.4-53.6) at 5 years, respectively. Median time-to-adjuvant SRS (TT-SRS) was 34 days (IQR: 27-39). TT-SRS was significantly associated with surgical site recurrence rate (P = 0.0008). SRS delivered within 1 month resulted in surgical site recurrence rate of 6.1% (95% CI: 1.3-10.9) at 1-year, compared to 9.2% (95% CI: 4.9-13.6) if delivered between 1 and 2 months, or 27.3% (95% CI: 0.0-55.5) if delivered >2 months after surgery. OS was significantly lower for patients with TT-SRS >~2 months. Postoperative length of stay, discharge to a rehabilitation facility, urgent care visits, and/or disease recurrence between surgery and adjuvant SRS associated with increased TT-SRS. Conclusions Adjuvant SRS provides durable local control. However, delays in initiation of postoperative SRS can decrease its efficacy.
AR-V7 exhibits non-canonical mechanisms of nuclear import and chromatin engagement in Castrate-Resistant Prostate Cancer

Expression of the AR splice variant, AR-V7, in prostate cancer is correlated with poor patient survival and resistance to AR targeted therapies and taxanes. Currently, there is no specific inhibitor of AR-V7, while the molecular mechanisms regulating its biological function are not well elucidated. Here we report that AR-V7 has unique biological features that functionally differentiate it from canonical AR-fl or from the second most prevalent variant, AR-v567. First, AR-V7 exhibits fast nuclear import kinetics via a pathway distinct from the nuclear localization signal dependent importin- /{beta} pathway used by AR-fl and AR-v567. We also show that the dimerization box domain, known to mediate AR dimerization and transactivation, is required for AR-V7 nuclear import but not for AR-fl. Once in the nucleus, AR-V7 is transcriptionally active, yet exhibits unusually high intranuclear mobility and transient chromatin interactions, unlike the stable chromatin association of liganded AR-fl. The high intranuclear mobility of AR-V7 together with its high transcriptional output, suggest a Hit-and-Run mode of transcription. Our findings reveal unique mechanisms regulating AR-V7 activity, offering the opportunity to develop selective therapeutic interventions.
Identifying ENSO-related interannual and decadal variability on terrestrial water storage

We apply two statistical techniques to satellite measurements to identify a relationship between terrestrial water storage (TWS) and El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). First, we modified and used the least-squares regression of a previous study using longer records. Second, we applied a cyclostationary empirical orthogonal function analysis (CSEOF). Although the CSEOF technique is distinct from the least-squares regression in that it does not consider proxies, each method produces two modes (decadal and interannual), showing consistency with each technique in spatial pattern and its evolution amplitudes. We also compared the results obtained by the two methods for thirty watersheds, of which five watersheds were compared with previous studies. The combination of the two modes explains the total variance in most watersheds showing the role that interannual and decadal ENSO-related signals in understanding terrestrial water storage variability. The results show that the decadal mode, along with the interannual mode, also plays an important role in describing the local TWS.
The Visual Cortex

ABSTRACT.Our knowledge of the visual cortex has increased tremendously over the past ten years based on studies in subhuman primates. Over a dozen separate cortical visual areas have now been described in monkeys (Van Essen and Maunsell 1983). This paper will review our current understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the visual cortex in monkeys and human beings. Specifically, this paper will discuss the striate cortex, and how object recognition, visual motion analysis and visual spatial localization is processed in the extrastriate visual cortex in monkeys and humans.
The Attractions of Private Practice

Observers have expressed concern about the large number of social work students who expect to enter private practice. To explore why many students plan to enter private practice, the author conducted a survey of students in a New York State masters of social work program. Findings indicated that students’ plans for private practice were influenced by their interest in treatment modalities and client groups that lend themselves to a private practice setting. In addition, students who placed great importance on being their own boss, earning a good income, and having flexible work hours were more likely than other social work students to plan to enter private practice. Students who placed great importance on helping the most disadvantaged people in their community were less likely than other students to plan to enter private practice.
Cysticercosis with an Orbital Tropism in Twins

Two fraternal twin sisters developed cysticercosis localizing to the right lateral orbit over the same period after a presumed common-source exposure in China. This case demonstrates that cysticercosis can be related to travel. Similar temporal and spatial occurrences of these infections suggest a genetic tropism of the infecting organism in these twins.
Mars Pathfinder flight system design and implementation

This paper describes the system architecture, design and implementation highlights for the Mars Pathfinder flight system scheduled to land on the surface of Mars on July 4, 1997. Mars Pathfinder is one of the new series of small, challenging missions doing significant science/engineering on a fast schedule and cost capped budget. The Mars Pathfinder spacecraft is actually three spacecraft: cruise stage, entry vehicle and lander. The cruise stage carries the entry and lander vehicles to Mars and is jettisoned prior to entry. The entry vehicle, including aeroshell, parachute and deceleration rockets, protects the lander during the direct entry and reduces its velocity from 7.6 to 0 km/s in stages during the 5 minute entry sequence. The lander's touchdown is softened by airbags which are retracted once stopped on the surface. The lander then uprights itself opens up fully and begins surface operations including deploying its camera and rover. The project is 2 years into its 3 year development cycle with most flight hardware delivered and in system test. This paper overviews the mission design, system architecture and configuration. Descriptions of key subsystems are given, including the entry, descent and landing system elements. The implementation approach is discussed from the point of view of the new ways of doing business needed to accomplish this challenging mission within the schedule and cost constraints.
Daubenmire Versus Line-Point Intercept: A Response to Thacker et al. (2015)

On the Ground Thacker et al. compared two common techniques for assessing greater sage-grouse habitat: Daubenmire quadrats and line-point intercept sampling. Sampling only 16 Daubenmire quadrats may not have been adequate to support Thacker et al.'s assertion that line-point sampling yields higher cover values and that the two methods are not comparable. Using data from sagebrush ecosystems in Montana, we show that mean percent cover changes depending on the number of Daubenmire quadrats sampled and that 16 Daubenmire quadrats may not be sufficient to accurately characterize sagebrush vegetation. Assessing the appropriate sampling effort for the method and study is a crucial part of designing sampling protocols and has implications for greater sage-grouse management and conservation.
Transmission of DICOM studies using Multi-Series DICOM format

The DICOM standard defines the application layer network protocol used to send and receive medical images. DICOM is defined on top of TCP. DICOM addresses many issues associated with medical image transmission; however, sending and receiving large studies is inefficient because they are transmitted one object at a time. The Multi-Series DICOM (MSD) format has been introduced as a solution to this problem. It can store an entire study in a single object. In addition, the metadata information in the MSD object is free of repetition. In this work, the performance of sending and receiving DICOM studies as MSD objects is investigated. A set of DICOM studies is stored in two formats, traditional Single-Frame DICOM (SFD) and MSD. The times required to send the studies in both formats synchronously and asynchronously are measured. The results show that there is a significant reduction in the time required to synchronously send the studies in the MSD format compared to the SFD format and a small improvement when sending asynchronously. Sending studies synchronously in the SFD format results in a delay waiting for the acknowledgement for each DICOM object sent before sending subsequent ones. With the asynchronous approach, the time reduction is a direct result of the difference in metadata size between the SFD and MSD formats and the lower number of acknowledgements sent back from the receiving application entity to the sender. The results show that it is more efficient to send DICOM studies as MSD objects whether synchronously or asynchronously.
Compact natural orbital expansions for the helium ground state

Using the natural orbital representation and optimizing the exponents in the Slater-type orbital basis, configuration interaction type wave functions for the helium atom are given which combine compactness and high accuracy.
The integration of process safety into a chemical reaction engineering course: Kinetic modeling of the T2 incident

The explosion and subsequent death of four people at the T2 Laboratories, chemical facility in Jacksonville, Florida, USA, in 2007 has resulted in the United States Chemical Safety Board finding that undergraduate chemical engineering students do not receive adequate knowledge in the hazards associated with chemical processing. This article summarizes the events that led up to the T2 tragedy. A reactor engineering analysis of the event is presented that can be used in a chemical reaction engineering classroom to demonstrate the hazards involved when dealing with exothermic reactions and methods to mitigate. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2011
Distributed hydrological modelling in California semi-arid shrublands: MIKE SHE model calibration and uncertainty estimation

The Generalized Likelihood Uncertainty Estimation (GLUE) methodology is used for model calibration, testing and predictive uncertainty estimation in the application of the MIKE SHE hydrologic model for estimating monthly streamflow in a semi-arid shrubland (chaparral) catchment in central California. Monte Carlo simulation is used to randomly generate one thousand parameter sets for a 20-year calibration period encompassing variable climatic and wildfire conditions, from which behavioural (acceptable) MIKE SHE parameter sets are identified and 5% and 95% uncertainty bounds for monthly streamflow are calculated. This group of behavioural parameter sets is subsequently used to predict streamflow and to construct uncertainty bounds for a 12-year test period with climatic and fire characteristics different from those of the calibration period. More than two-thirds of the observations in each period fell within the corresponding uncertainty bounds, suggesting a similar level of model performance in the calibration and test periods. Prediction errors (i.e. observations falling outside the uncertainty bounds) were generally associated with large rainfall and wildfire events and are indicative of deficiencies in model structure, uncertainty in input data, and/or errors in observed streamflow. The effect of uncertainty in remote sensing-based LAI model inputs on the uncertainty associated with MIKE SHE streamflow predictions receives special attention in this work due to the fire-prone nature of the study area and the increasing use of remotely sensed LAI estimates in distributed hydrological modelling applications. Results from MIKE SHE simulations for seven LAI input scenarios (including the baseline LAI sequence used in the model calibration and testing phase of this study) indicate that differences in predictive uncertainty between scenarios are usually less than ±10%. This is evidence that the baseline LAI trajectory is generally appropriate for distributed hydrological modelling of chaparral catchments.
Effects of malathion on disease susceptibility in Woodhouse's toads.

Adult male Woodhouse's toads (Bufo woodhousi) developed clinical disease, hepatomegaly, and died at a higher rate when externally exposed once to either a high or low sublethal dose (0.011 or 0.0011 mg malathion/g toad) of field grade malathion and challenged with a sublethal dose of Aeromonas hydrophila injected intraperintoneally (1.1 × 104 bacteria/g toad) when compared to toads not exposed to malathion but challenged with A. hydrophila (P < 0.007). Toads exposed to malathion (high or low dose) and challenged with A. hydrophila had clinical disease, hepatomegaly, and died at a higher rate [9 (90%) of 10] than toads exposed to malathion alone (P < 0.002). Toads exposed to the high and low doses of malathion had a 22% and 17% decrease in brain cholinesterase levels, respectively, when they were compared to nonmalathion exposed toads (P < 0.025, P < 0.006). It appears that field grade malathion applied externally to adult Woodhouse's toads may cause increased disease susceptibility when challenged with a ...