cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How a creative system learns: the distributed activity of choreography

Although the arts, and dance in particular, are underrepresented in studies of cognition, they provide rich opportunities to enlarge our understandings of how people learn, think, and accomplish tasks, individually and collectively. In an ethnographic study of professional choreographers and dancers composing in their studios, I sought to understand choreography as a case of distributed cognition, embodied knowledge, and creative work. In this paper, I present a model of the interactions between choreographer and dancers as a system of activity. I explain the specific contributions of each of these roles to the function of the system, and how both individual and joint cognitive activity help to move a composition from initial conception to final performance. I argue that the creative relationship between choreographer and dancers represents a unique model of collective learning, one that is not addressed in current research on cognition in practice.
Chattering analysis of sliding mode self-optimization systems

In this paper, convergence rate and accuracy are studied for self-optimization systems. It was also shown that the estimate of the accuracy is higher than previously published studies. The convergence rate is compared with a modified algorithm which implies a decreasing rate of reference input.
A Sequence of Interbedded Cultural and Natural Deposits at Point of Pines, Arizona

ABSTRACTPost-Pleistocene alluvial sequences on the Colorado Plateau and in the Sonoran Desert have been studied since the early 1920s. This paper documents a sequence of alluvial and cultural deposits from the intervening mountainous region at Point of Pines in east-central Arizona. Four periods of channel cutting have been identified. The earliest channel is poorly known, but the interbedding of well-dated cultural layers with fluvial deposits permits precise dating of the second channel to the final decades of the thirteenth century and good correlation with the Tsegi-Naha erosional episode on the plateau. The third channel postdates a.d. 1450, and the fourth is the active channel of the present-day stream. The geomorphic, hydrologic, fluvial, climatic, and human factors in the Point of Pines region need to be more thoroughly studied before this alluvial sequence can be fully interpreted.
Control of leukocyte adhesion and activation in atherogenesis

A number of studies have suggested that atherosclerosis represents a chronic and unsuccessful inflammatory response. Studies by Gerrity et al. [1] and Ross et al. [2] showed that within one week after the feeding of a high cholesterol diet monocytes begin to enter and accumulate in the aortic wall in certain areas referred to as the areas of predilection. When these monocytes take up lipid, they form the principal cell of the fatty streak. Very few if any neutrophils enter the wall in response to the diet. Important early studies by Gerrity’s group demonstrated that both monocytes and endothelial cells from hypercholesterolemic animals become more adhesive and contribute to increased monocyte endothelial interactions [3]. Studies in a number of species have shown that monocytes continue to enter at the edges of more advanced lesions. More recent studies have shown that T cells are also present in lesions and represent approximately 0.5% of the total inflammatory cells. While these lymphocytes play an important role in atherogenesis, this review will focus on the monocyte. Studies both in vitro and in vivo suggest that monocytes may play an important role in all stages of lesion development. In Apo E null, op/op mice which lack monocyte colony stimulating factor (M-CSF), fatty streak formation is significantly reduced [4, 5]. This observation suggests an important role for monocytes in initiation of the disease process. Monocytes may play an important role in modulating smooth muscle migration, replication and matrix synthesis. Evidence for this role comes from the finding that macrophages isolated from lesions or studied in situ produce smooth muscle regulatory cytokines [6]. Monocytes may also play an important role in plaque rupture. There is evidence that the overall macrophage content of the ruptured plaques, obtained from patients with unstable angina undergoing atherectomy, is 3-4-fold higher than that of the plaques obtained from patients with stable angina [7]. It has been proposed that MMP-1 and MMP-2 (matrix metalloproteinases) secreted by the macrophages play a direct role in causing collagen breakdown, thus leaving the plaque vulnerable to rupture [8]. Galis et al. [9] demonstrated that plaque macrophages over-express several matrix metallo-proteinases and also showed actual proteolytic activity in the plaques and not in normal arteries.
P110 Alveolar progenitor cell dysfunction in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis leads to expansion of a novel airway basal stem cell

Interstitial lung diseases, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), have marked pathologic changes in the abundance and organization of epithelial cells and their associated stroma. Recent evidence suggests that this pattern of tissue remodeling is caused in part by defects in epithelial cell function and repair capacity. Moreover, …
Optical properties of high temperature molten salt mixtures for volumetrically absorbing solar thermal receiver applications

Abstract Molten salts are promising candidates for liquid volumetric absorbers in concentrated solar power systems. To characterize absorption and heat transfer performance in high temperature applications, their optical properties are required. Thus a method for experimentally determining the absorption coefficient of non-scattering high temperature semi-transparent liquids for large (∼1 m-deep) direct absorption solar receiver applications was developed. It was used to measure the absorption coefficient in liquids over a broad spectral range and temperatures up to 800 °C in a 40 wt.% KNO 3 :60 wt.% NaNO 3 binary nitrate molten salt mixture (solar salt) and a 50 wt.% KCl:50 wt.% NaCl binary chloride molten salt mixture. The binary nitrate and binary chloride both demonstrated well distributed solar absorption (>95% absorption through 1 m and 2 m, respectively). At 400 °C, the binary nitrate is optically thick in its re-emission spectrum and behaves as a blackbody radiator. The effects of thermal decomposition were also shown to have significant consequences on the overall performance of the binary nitrate mixture, transforming it into an opaque surface absorber following thermal degradation (>95% in
A low latency coding scheme for compressing reference frame in video codec

Designing ultra-low latency coding algorithms has been the key concern for the development of live video system. In the current video coding standards, the capacities of frame memory and bus bandwidth are the major aspects that affect the performance of encoder and decoder. To address this issue, this paper proposes a low-latency reference frame compression algorithm, which utilizes spatial correlation of frame to improve the throughput of frame memory. The proposed approach makes effective use of spatial correlation between pixels through special compression's order, and employs Golomb-Rice coding approach to encode the magnitude of pixel difference optimally according to its occurring frequency.
Comparison of the prognostic value of non-ischaemic fractional flow reserve using intracoronary versus intravenous adenosine.

Aims Intracoronary adenosine (ICA) yields similar fractional flow reserve (FFR) results to the "gold standard" of intravenous adenosine (IVA). Whether they have similar prognostic significance is unknown. We therefore sought to study the prognostic value of the route of adenosine administration for the measurement of FFR in deferred coronary lesions in a large, real-world cohort. Methods and results Five hundred and seventy-six patients with 787 lesions in whom PCI was deferred based on FFR >0.75 were studied. The primary outcome was the first major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE; defined as death, myocardial infarction [MI], or target vessel revascularisation [TVR]), and the secondary outcome was a composite of MI and target vessel failure (TVF). FFR was measured with ICA in 426 lesions and IVA in 361 lesions. Median follow-up duration was 3.2 years (interquartile range: 1.7- 4.6). Propensity-matched cohorts of ICA and IVA were well matched for baseline clinical, angiographic and haemodynamic characteristics. In the propensity-matched cohort, MACE occurred in 23.5% of the ICA group and in 22.3% of the IVA group (p=0.29). On multivariate analysis, acute coronary syndrome, FFR and prior MI/revascularisation were independent predictors of MACE and MI/TVF. The route of adenosine administration was not predictive of MACE or MI/TVF. Conclusions ICA and IVA yield similar FFR values and show comparable long-term prognostic utility in a deferred population. These findings provide confirmation that non-ischaemic FFR using a simpler ICA protocol provides prognostic data similar to the gold standard IVA.
Epistemology and Logical Positivism

I start this chapter with a brief introduction to contemporary epistemology. Epistemology is the philosophical study of knowledge—more specifically, the questions of “What is knowledge?”; “Is knowledge even possible?”; (also known as the skeptical question)—and “How does knowledge grow?” being some of the central problems of epistemology. In most contemporary views, epistemology and the philosophy of science are highly interrelated because science attempts to produce knowledge—and for many, it has been a unique ability to produce knowledge.
Risk Management in Research and Development: A Case Study from the Semiconductor Industry

This paper reviews a completed product development project at a semiconductor manufacturing firm. The data gathered is organized using a Risk Categorization Framework and Behavior Model. Key questions explored include the unpredictable nature of R&D as related to semiconductor manufacturing and the manner in which risk can be better managed in an R&D setting. The research was accomplished through an action research methodology. The researchers have been a part of the development team for over 2 years starting with the planning of the product and ending with the launch of the product. A post launch process helped gather the final data used in this paper
First Report of Puccinia coronata var. coronata sensu stricto Infecting Alder Buckthorn in the United States

Field symptoms, host distribution, pathogen morphology, and phylogenetic analyses clearly demonstrated that the rust fungus infecting alder buckthorn in Connecticut is Puccinia coronata var. corona...
Effects of Language, Insurance, and Race/Ethnicity on Measurement Properties of the PROMIS Physical Function Short Form 10a in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Objective Most studies that have evaluated patient-reported outcomes, such as those utilizing the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function Short Form 10a (PF10a) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), have been performed in white and English-speaking populations. The aim of our study was to assess the measurement properties of the PF10a in a racially/ethnically diverse population with RA and to determine the effect of non-English language proficiency, insurance status, and race/ethnicity on the validity and responsiveness of the PF10a. Methods Data were abstracted from electronic health records for all RA patients seen in a university-based rheumatology clinic between 2013 and 2017. We evaluated the use of the PF10a, floor and ceiling effects, and construct validity across categories of language preference, insurance, and race/ethnicity. We used standardized response means and linear mixed-effects models to evaluate the responsiveness of the PF10a to longitudinal changes in the Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) across population subgroups. Results We included 595 patients in a cross-sectional analysis of validity and 341 patients in longitudinal responsiveness analyses of the PF10a. The PF10a had acceptable floor and ceiling effects and was successfully implemented. We observed good construct validity and responsiveness to changes in CDAI among white subjects, English speakers, and privately insured patients. However, constructs evaluated by the PF10a were less correlated with clinical measures among Chinese speakers and Hispanic subjects, and less sensitive to clinical improvements among Medicaid patients and Spanish speakers. Conclusion While the PF10a has good measurement properties and is both practical and acceptable for implementation in routine clinical practice, we also found important differences across racial/ethnic groups and those with limited English proficiency that warrant further investigation.
Mastering Modern Linux

Praise for the First Edition: "This outstanding book … gives the reader robust concepts and implementable knowledge of this environment. Graphical user interface (GUI)-based users and developers do not get short shrift, despite the command-line interface’s (CLI) full-power treatment. … Every programmer should read the introduction’s Unix/Linux philosophy section. … This authoritative and exceptionally well-constructed book has my highest recommendation. It will repay careful and recursive study." --Computing Reviews, August 2011 Mastering Modern Linux, Second Edition retains much of the good material from the previous edition, with extensive updates and new topics added. The book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date guide to Linux concepts, usage, and programming. The text helps the reader master Linux with a well-selected set of topics, and encourages hands-on practice. The first part of the textbook covers interactive use of Linux via the Graphical User Interface (GUI) and the Command-Line Interface (CLI), including comprehensive treatment of the Gnome desktop and the Bash Shell. Using different apps, commands and filters, building pipelines, and matching patterns with regular expressions are major focuses. Next comes Bash scripting, file system structure, organization, and usage. The following chapters present networking, the Internet and the Web, data encryption, basic system admin, as well as Web hosting. The Linux Apache MySQL/MariaDB PHP (LAMP) Web hosting combination is also presented in depth. In the last part of the book, attention is turned to C-level programming. Topics covered include the C compiler, preprocessor, debugger, I/O, file manipulation, process control, inter-process communication, and networking. The book includes many examples and complete programs ready to download and run. A summary and exercises of varying degrees of difficulty can be found at the end of each chapter. A companion website (http://mml.sofpower.com) provides appendices, information updates, an example code package, and other resources for instructors, as well as students.
Bacterial indicator reduction in dairy manure using hybrid zero-valent iron (h-ZVI) system

Novel and efficient animal wastewater treatment technologies of bacteria reduction are needed for preventing disease outbreak in animal herds and safeguarding environmental health. Zero-valent iron (ZVI) has been used to treat bacteria contaminated water for the past decades, but its passivation issue has been a major challenge. In this study, batch tests were performed to evaluate the effect of a hybrid zero-valent iron (h-ZVI) or a mixed ZVI/Fe3O4 media system on reduction of Escherichia coli (E. coli) levels. The h-ZVI media was created through a wet chemical process that uses nitrate to oxidize ZVI in the presence of externally added Fe2+ (aq.). Transforming ZVI into a h-ZVI system could overcome the passivation of ZVI and increase the reactivity of the media. The results demonstrated that E. coli cells in the bulk phase were removed rapidly by h-ZVI media. Majority of E. coli was attached (or adsorbed) to the surface of h-ZVI media within a few minutes, which suggested that adsorption was the dominant mechanism for bacterial removal in the initial phase. This adsorption was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy with CTC-DAPI double staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Increasing contact time steadily inactivated E. coli; all cells were inactivated after 120 min of contact. The TEM results indicated that h-ZVI inactivated E. coli by causing direct damage on bacterial cell membrane. The results of this study strongly suggest that h-ZVI treatment can be used in water treatment industry where bacterial contamination is concerned.
On device EPE: minimizing overlay, pattern placement, and pitch-walk, in presence of EUV stochastics and etch variations (Conference Presentation)

EUV lithography and multi patterning introduce variability often referred to as EUV and Etch stochastics. These consume a large part of the EPE (Edge Placement Error) budget. To bring EPE to the necessary specifications, the industry needs to minimize the key EPE contributors of CD, Overlay, pattern placement, pitch-walk, and LER. The challenge is that these attributes are being gauged by different metrology technologies, thus just matching these different metrology techniques might consume the entire EPE budget. Hence, the industry has sought solutions presented in this work that are capable of measuring the above attributes of EPE from a single image. The study presented will then investigate weather measuring all of EPE on a scribe like target introduces a pitch dependent bias that could be rid of - if all of EPE was measured on device. The paper will show data from thousands of EUV vias over multi-patterned interconnects of a real device. Once established that measuring on device is not prone to pitch dependent bias. The work will compare measuring and correcting EPE at ADI - after develop inspection, to reduce the time to accuracy compared to known methods of measuring accuracy, only at AEI, after etch. An attempt is made to investigate weather after etch accuracy methods used today insert a litho to etch metrology driven bias. After walking the audience through an EPE metrology budget minimization flow based on real images and data, the paper will look for further opportunities to minimize EPE at the source, such as self-aligned processes, beyond litho, specifically discussing spacer uniformity, and etch slant control versus overlay.
Enzyme therapy in Gaucher disease type 1 : dosage efficacy and adverse effects in 33 patients treated for 6 to 24 months

Gaucher disease is the most frequent lysosomal storage disease and the most prevalent genetic disease among the Ashkenazi Jews (q approximately 0.047). The disease results from inherited defects of acid beta-glucosidase and the accumulation of the substrate, glucosylceramide, in cells of monocyte/macrophage origin. The therapeutic response to macrophage-targeted (alpha-mannosyl-terminated) alglucerase (Ceredase, at 60 to 15 IU/kg every 2 weeks) was analyzed in 33 patients (age range, 2 to 63 years; 15 splenectomized) with extensive Gaucher disease over periods of 6 to 24 months. The efficacy of several different doses and dosage reductions was evaluated. In patients with anemia (n = 30) and/or thrombocytopenia (n = 19), hemoglobin levels and platelet counts increased by 0% to 178% and 15% to 155%, respectively, within 3 to 12 months. In patients with splenomegaly (n = 17) and/or hepatomegaly (n = 28), liver and spleen volumes decreased in 6 months from 7% to 64% and 8% to 84% by 12 months, respectively. Hematologic and visceral improvements were noted at any doses between 60 and 15 IU/kg every 2 weeks. Furthermore, these positive initial therapeutic responses were persistent throughout therapy, with doses reduced by 50%. Pulmonary Gaucher disease did not improve clinically in 3 patients. Unrelated cirrhotic (n = 2), cholestatic (n = 1), or renal disease (n = 1) did not influence the rate of patient improvement. Two of five patients who developed serum antibodies against alglucerase during the first 6 to 12 months of therapy had mild antibody reactions. This study shows similar regression of clinical Gaucher disease manifestations with enzyme therapy, using doses between 30 and 60 IU/kg every 2 weeks. Therapeutic efficacy was not diminished after 50% to 75% dose reductions or in the presence of anti-enzyme antibodies.
Predictors of Gestational Weight Gain in Mexican American Women in Los Angeles

Background and Significance: Extremes of gestational weight gain (GWG) are associated with newborn and pregnancy complications, postpartum obesity and chronic illnesses. In the United States, Mexican American women are the largest subgroup of Hispanics but have been studied least often. The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence, characteristics, and predictors of GWG in Mexican American women. Methods: A retrospective, correlational design used data from charts (n=684) in a federally qualified health center in Los Angeles. Prevalence of GWG was inadequate, 22%; adequate, 33%; and excessive, 45%. Risk factors for excessive GWG were hypertension (p = .04), overweight (p = .00), or obese pre-pregnancy BMI (p = .01). Conversely, women who had gestational diabetes (p = .02), ate more snacks (p = .01), were multiparous (p = .03), and less acculturated (p = .03) experienced less excessive gain. Conclusions: Efforts to prevent excessive GWG in Mexican Americans should be targeted to women having their first baby and those with high pre-pregnancy BMI. One strategy may be recommending diet/exercise similar to that used in women with gestational diabetes. For women who are less acculturated and/or who are multiparous, strategies that will minimize inadequate GWG may improve newborn outcomes.
A Joint Deep Neural Network and Evidence Accumulation Modeling Approach to Human Decision-Making with Naturalistic Images

Evidence accumulation models (EAM) have proven to be an invaluable tool in probing the dynamical properties of decisions over recent decades. However, much of this literature has studied decisions utilizing simple stimuli where the experimenter has perfect knowledge and control over stimulus properties. Here, we develop and test a new method for studying decisions involving naturalistic stimuli (medical images in this case) where the experimenter has neither perfect knowledge nor control of the stimuli properties. The central challenge in studying such decisions is to extract useful representations of images that can be associated with accumulation or drift rates in EAMs. Here, we couple a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) with the diffusion decision model (DDM) to study how expert pathologists and novices make decisions involving the classification of digital images of blood cells as either normal (non-blast) or cancerous (blast). In our approach, the CNN is the basis of a function that translates each image into a drift rate for use in the DDM. Results of fitting the joint CNN-DDM model to choice and response time data demonstrates that (1) both novices and experts demonstrated substantial speed accuracy tradeoffs, (2) both were susceptible to biases introduced by the presentation of pre-stimulus probabilistic cues, and (3) experts were more adept at extracting useful information from images than novices. These results demonstrate that this is a fruitful approach to studying decisions involving complex stimuli that will open new avenues for studying questions not possible with existing methods. Furthermore, this approach is technically feasible and has the potential to be translated into other domains of decision-making research.
Apical periodontitis-induced mechanical allodynia: A mouse model to study infection-induced chronic pain conditions.

Infection-induced chronic pain is an under-studied pain condition. One example is apical periodontitis, which evokes considerable mechanical allodynia that persists after treatment in 7% to 12% of ...
Congenital II: Radial longitudinal deficiency and thumb hypoplasia

Abstract Radial longitudinal deficiency (RLD) is the most common upper limb longitudinal deficiency. Initial evaluation not only includes assessment of the upper extremity, but also addresses the high incidence of associated medical conditions and syndromes. Patients with RLD represent a spectrum of pathology ranging from thumb hypoplasia distally to phocomelia affecting more proximal segments. In patients with radial dysplasia, initial treatment focuses on stretching, orthosis fabrication, and assessing developmentally appropriate functional activities with a trend toward less invasive surgical corrections. Treatment of the hypoplastic thumb is based on thumb stability and may require serial examinations with a therapist to determine the appropriate surgical plan. Therapy must take into account not only the pathology and surgical procedures performed, but also the child and parent's ability to participate in therapy and orthosis wear.
Clinical applications of custom 3D printed implants in complex lower extremity reconstruction.

Three dimensional printing has greatly advanced over the past decade and has made an impact in several industries. Within the field of orthopaedic surgery, this technology has vastly improved education and advanced patient care by providing innovating tools to complex clinical problems. Anatomic models are frequently used for physician education and preoperative planning, and custom instrumentation can assist in complex surgical cases. Foot and ankle reconstruction is often complicated by multiplanar deformity and bone loss. 3D printing technology offers solutions to these complex cases with customized implants that conform to anatomy and patient specific instrumentation that enables precise deformity correction. The authors present four cases of complex lower extremity reconstruction involving segmental bone loss and deformity – failed total ankle arthroplasty, talus avascular necrosis, ballistic trauma, and nonunion of a tibial osteotomy. Traditional operative management is challenging in these cases and there are high complication rates. Each case presents a unique clinical scenario for which 3D printing technology allows for innovative solutions. 3D printing is becoming more widespread within orthopaedic surgery. This technology provides surgeons with tools to better tackle some of the more challenging clinical cases especially within the field of foot and ankle surgery.
Investigating Transit-Induced Displacement Using Eviction Data

This article uses eviction data to test the transit-induced displacement hypothesis—that the placement of new transit stations will lead to elevated property values, gentrification, and displacemen...
Development and implementation of the BlightPro decision support system for potato and tomato late blight management

A web-based DSS for potato and tomato late blight management has been developed.Disease dynamics are predicted based on weather, crop, and management information.The web-tool enables well-informed decisions regarding fungicide use.The BlightPro DSS can help users improve the efficiency of their disease management. A web-based decision support system (DSS) for potato and tomato late blight management has been developed which links several models into a system that enables prediction of disease dynamics based on weather conditions, crop information, and management tactics. Growers identify the location of their production unit of interest (latitude and longitude of field) and the system automatically obtains observed weather data from the nearest available weather station, and location-specific forecast weather data from the National Weather Service - National Digital Forecast Database. The DSS uses these weather data along with crop and management information to drive disease forecasting systems and a validated mechanistic model of the disease to generate location-specific management recommendations for fungicide application. An integrated alert system allows users to receive notification of upcoming critical thresholds via e-mail or text message. This system provides producers, consultants, researchers, and educators with a tool to obtain management recommendations, evaluate disease management scenarios, explore comparative epidemiology, or function as a teaching aid. In field and computer simulation experiments, DSS-guided schedules were influenced by prevailing weather and host resistance and resulted in schedules that improved the efficiency of fungicide use and also reduced variance in disease suppression when compared to a weekly spray schedule. In situations with unfavorable weather, the DSS recommended fewer fungicide applications with no loss of disease suppression. In situations of very favorable weather, the DSS recommended more fungicide applications but with improved disease suppression. The DSS provides an interactive system that helps users maximize the efficiency of their crop protection strategy by enabling well-informed decisions.
Practicing with Theory: Teacher Education at High Tech High/Graduate School of Education.

New graduate schools of education (nGSEs) are a small but growing phenomenon of graduate-level teacher preparation programs that are dislocated from college and university settings. This article in...
Multi-Modal Pneumatic Actuator for Twisting, Extension, and Bending

Soft pneumatic actuators are commonly used in robotics for creating single-axis compression, extension, or bending motions. If these actuators are composed of compliant materials, they can also have low off-axis stiffnesses, making it difficult to restrict off-axis motions. In this work, we exploit the low off-axis stiffnesses of pneumatic actuators to design a modular actuator system that is capable of multi-modal extension, compression, two-axis bending, and twisting motions. By combining physical constraint mechanisms and motion planning, we demonstrate closed loop control with up to 24 mm of compression, 70 mm of extension, 115 degrees of bending, and 240 degrees of twisting. This actuator system is then used to illustrate several unique applications including twisting for unscrewing bottle caps and peristaltic crawling for locomotion.
Threshold models improve estimates of molt parameters in datasets with small sample sizes

The timing of events in birds’ annual cycles is important to understanding life history evolution and response to global climate change. Molt timing is often measured as an index of the sum of grown feather proportion or mass within the primary flight feathers. The distribution of these molt data over time has proven difficult to model with standard linear models. The parameters of interest are at change points in model fit over time, and so least-squares regression models that assume molt is linear violate the assumption of even variance. This has led to the introduction of other nonparametric models to estimate molt parameters. Hinge models directly estimate changes in model fit and have been used in many systems to find change points in data distributions. Here, we apply a hinge model to molt timing, through the introduction of a double-hinge (DH) threshold model. We then examine its performance in comparison to current models using simulated and empirical data. Our results suggest that the Underhill–Zucchini (UZ) and Pimm models perform well under many circumstances and appear to outperform the DH model in datasets with high variance. The DH model outperforms the UZ model at low sample sizes of birds in active molt and shorter molt durations and provides more realistic confidence intervals at smaller sample sizes. The DH model provides a novel addition to the toolkit for estimating molt phenology, expanding the conditions under which molt can accurately be estimated.
Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Persons Who Inject Drugs in the Middle East and North Africa: Intervention Strategies.

There is a high incidence and prevalence of hepatitis C viral infection in persons with or without substance use disorders (SUDs) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, but only a small number receive comprehensive care. Highly effective direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications are available at substantially lower costs; however, complete elimination of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) can only be achieved if integrated care strategies target those at highest risk for HCV infection and transmission and improve access to care. Due to the high prevalence of SUD in the MENA region, strategies to eliminate HCV must focus on integrated healthcare across multiple subspecialties, including addiction medicine, psychiatry, infectious diseases, hepatology, and social work. In this invited manuscript, we review the epidemiology of HCV in the MENA region and highlight intervention strategies to attain the WHO’s goal of HCV eradication by 2030.
A Case of Steroid-Responsive Encephalopathy.

Hashimoto's encephalopathy (HE), also known as steroid-responsive encephalopathy, is associated with autoimmune-mediated thyroiditis. Onset is typically gradual often with evolution over the course of months. Characteristic symptoms include impaired concentration and memory, delusions, hallucinations, personality changes, incoordination, tremor, hemiparesis, seizures, and speech difficulties. Diagnosis is predicated upon discovery of elevated anti-thyroid antibodies, specifically anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO) or anti-M antibodies. Some patients may also present with subclinical hypothyroidism but many are euthyroid. Of note, neither thyroid function tests or antibody titers correlate with disease severity. Other common laboratory findings include elevations in sedimentation rate, liver enzymes, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein. Radiological work-up, including cerebral angiography, is often normal. Successful treatment includes administration of steroids and/or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) or plasmapheresis. We describe a case of a 74-year-old male who presented for evaluation of abrupt onset confusion ultimately determined to be a consequence of autoimmune-mediated thyroiditis.
Differing associations between measures of somatic symptom reporting, personality, and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

OBJECTIVE Somatic complaints are known to complicate recovery after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), but the construct is poorly understood due to evolving definitions of associated disorders and uncertainty related to its position within the broader construct network of psychopathology. Methods: To better understand measures of somatic symptom reporting widely used with mTBI patients, we examined relationships between the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 Somatization (SOM) scale, the Minnesota Multiple Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form Somatic Complaints (RC1) scale, other measures of psychological and personality functioning, and mTBI in both athlete concussion (n = 100) and civilian trauma (n = 75 mTBI, n = 79 orthopedic injury) samples. Results: The association between post-injury SOM and RC1 was moderate (r=.37-.46) and similar to associations between these inventories and depression and anxiety symptoms. In civilians with mTBI, RC1 was more strongly associated with diverse personality dimensions than SOM. mTBI athletes reported increases in somatic symptoms from pre- to post-injury, with larger group effect sizes on SOM (ηp2 = 0.34, p < .001) than RC1 (ηp2 = 0.09, p = .003). Civilian mTBI patients showed a trend for somewhat higher post-injury RC1 scores than orthopedic trauma controls (ηp2 = 0.02, p = .068). Conclusions: Findings add to the current knowledge of the influence of somatic complaints in mTBI. BSI-18 SOM and MMPI-2-RF RC1 are not interchangeable, as they are only modestly correlated and demonstrate differing associations with other clinical outcomes and mTBI.
Single-cell analysis of basal cell carcinoma reveals heat shock proteins promote tumor growth in response to WNT5A-mediated inflammatory signals

How basal cell carcinoma (BCC) interacts with its tumor microenvironment to promote growth is unclear. Here we use singe-cell RNA sequencing to define the human BCC ecosystem and discriminate between normal and malignant epithelial cells. We identify spatial biomarkers of both tumors and their surrounding stroma that reinforce the heterogeneity of each tissue type. Combining pseudotime, RNA velocity, cellular entropy, and regulon analysis in stromal cells reveal a cancer-specific rewiring of fibroblasts where STAT1, TGF-{beta}, and inflammatory signals induce a non-canonical WNT5A program that maintains the stromal inflammatory state. Cell-cell communication modeling suggests that tumors respond to the sudden burst of fibroblast-specific inflammatory signaling pathways by producing heat shock proteins, which we validated in situ. Finally, dose-dependent treatment with an HSP70 inhibitor suppresses in vitro BCC cell growth and Hedgehog signaling and in vivo tumor growth in a BCC mouse model, validating HSP70s essential role in tumor growth and reinforcing the critical nature of tumor microenvironment crosstalk in BCC progression.
Ethics and Public Trust: Results from a National Survey

Is the public more likely to trust an ethical administration? Does ethical behavior by civil servants influence public trust? This article empirically examines the relationship between administrative ethics and public trust. A model is developed linking the ethical behaviors of public organizations to citizen trust as perceived by managers. The model is tested with data from a survey of cities in the United States. The results show that there are higher perceptions of trust in cities where there are higher perceptions of ethical behaviors. The study indicates that an effective strategy to improve trust should emphasize honest behavior by employees, encourage employee openness, and promote organizational and individual loyalty to the public interest.
The addition of non-fat dairy products to the regular diet reduces central blood pressure and improves vascular function (272.5)

Elevated central systolic blood pressure and vascular dysfunction increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Using a randomized, crossover study design, we tested the hypothesis that the addition...
TRYPTOPHANASE-TRYPTOPHAN SYNTHETASE SYSTEMS IN ESCHERICHIA COLI II. Effect of Glucose

Freundlich, Martin (University of Minnesota, Minneapolis) and Herman C. Lichstein. Tryptophanase-tryptophan synthetase systems in Escherichia coli. II. Effect of glucose. J. Bacteriol. 84:988-995. 1962.-The effect of glucose and other compounds on the formation of tryptophanase and tryptophan synthetase in Escherichia coli was examined. Although most of these compounds were potent inhibitors of the synthesis of tryptophanase, they invariably increased the formation of tryptophan synthetase. The severity of tryptophanase inhibition depended upon the degree of utilization of the compound by the growing bacterial cells. It was found that high levels of tryptophan overcame by 40% the repression caused by glucose. The stimulatory effect of glucose on tryptophan synthetase formation in E. coli 9723E could be duplicated by indole-3-propionic acid. A study of the amino acid pool of E. coli 9723E revealed no free tryptophan in cells harvested from the basal medium containing glucose. In contrast, cells grown in the absence of glucose possessed a measurable amount of this amino acid. The possible mechanisms of the effect of glucose and related compounds on tryptophanase and tryptophan synthetase formation, as well as the relationship of these effects to the metabolic control of tryptophan metabolism, are discussed.
Microwave synthesis of NTHU-4

This paper presents the successful microwave synthesis of luminescent gallium phosphate NTHU-4 after heating for 4 hours at 160 °C. This material represents a promising option for single source white light emission for different optoelectronics applications. Different synthesis conditions are currently under study to provide further advances on color and brightness optimizations.
The Spallation neutron source accelerator low level RF control system

The Spallation Neutron Source low level RF team includes members from Lawrence Berkeley, Los Alamos, and Oak Ridge national laboratories. The team is responsible for the development, fabrication and commissioning of 98 low level RF (LLRF) control systems for maintaining RF amplitude and phase control in the front end (FE), linac and high energy beam transport (HEBT) sections of the SNS accelerator, a 1 GeV, 1.4 MW proton source. The RF structures include a radio frequency quadrupole (RFQ), rebuncher cavities, and a drift tube linac (DTL), all operating at 402.5 MHz, and a coupled-cavity linac (CCL), superconducting linac (SCL), energy spreader, and energy corrector, all operating at 805 MHz. The RF power sources vary from 20 kW tetrode amplifiers to 5 MW klystrons. A single control system design that can be used throughout the accelerator is under development and will begin deployment in February 2004. This design expands on the initial control systems that are currently deployed on the RFQ, rebuncher and DTL cavities. An overview of the SNS LLRF control system is presented along with recent test results and new developments
Determination of the impact fracture parameters in ductile polymers

Abstract This paper presents a new model for the impact fracture characterization of ductile polymers. The model takes into account the energy dissipated in plastic deformation during the crack propagation period. Two material parameters are used in the model: the fracture energy at initiation and an equivalent tearing modulus which represents the variation of the fracture energy as the crack grows. The method was used to measure the impact fracture toughness of a toughened nylon 66 and of a polycarbonate/polyethylene blend. Measurements were made in impact as well as at a low loading rate. The material fracture toughness was also measured by the J -integral method in nonlinear fracture mechanics at a low loading rate. The fracture energy at initiation determined from the proposed model is in good agreement with that of the J -integral method. Inconsistency and the negative intercept which result from the conventional method of analysis are also discussed in terms of the two material parameters.
Hybrid approaches to clinical trial monitoring: Practical alternatives to 100% source data verification.

For years, a vast majority of clinical trial industry has followed the tenet of 100% source data verification (SDV). This has been driven partly by the overcautious approach to linking quality of data to the extent of monitoring and SDV and partly by being on the safer side of regulations. The regulations however, do not state any upper or lower limits of SDV. What it expects from researchers and the sponsors is methodologies which ensure data quality. How the industry does it is open to innovation and application of statistical methods, targeted and remote monitoring, real time reporting, adaptive monitoring schedules, etc. In short, hybrid approaches to monitoring. Coupled with concepts of optimum monitoring and SDV at site and off-site monitoring techniques, it should be possible to save time required to conduct SDV leading to more available time for other productive activities. Organizations stand to gain directly or indirectly from such savings, whether by diverting the funds back to the RD investing more in technology infrastructure to support large trials; or simply increasing sample size of trials. Whether it also affects the work-life balance of monitors who may then need to travel with a less hectic schedule for the same level of quality and productivity can be predicted only when there is more evidence from field.
The ataxic subgroup: A discrete outcome after traumatic brain injury

We have observed five individuals who appear to represent a unique subgroup of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Because of the prominence of severe ataxia, this group has been labelled the 'ataxic subgroup'. These individuals are distinguished by both clinical course and outcome, including severe ataxia, prolonged coma and prolonged post-traumatic amnesia (PTA). They distinguish themselves from other severely impaired TBI patients in that they spend a relatively longer length of time prior to the establishment of volition, but progress rapidly through the period of confusion. We hypothesized that this group is unique in that they have suffered Grade III diffuse axonal injury (DAI) with no or minimal complications due to other primary or secondary brain damage. In order to investigate these hypotheses, a retrospective file review of a selected group of 72 patients was undertaken to determine the specificity and sensitivity of two diagnostic criteria. The existence of severe Grade III DAI without other primary or secondary brain damage was presumed if severe ataxia was present in conjunction with normal CT scans. Results of this review indicated that 33% of the population demonstrated severe ataxia, although only 11% also had normal CT scans. These dual criteria were neither adequately sensitive nor specific to define the five patients who comprised the 'ataxic subgroup'. When rate of clearing the confused period of PTA was added to the diagnostic criteria, specificity improved. Although this attempt to define this subgroup empirically was not entirely successful, further attempts to delineate this group are important in that prognosis for clearing PTA is good despite early indicators of poor outcome.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Coactivator proteins as determinants of estrogen receptor structure and function: spectroscopic evidence for a novel coactivator-stabilized receptor conformation.

The direct regulation of gene transcription by nuclear receptors, such as the estrogen receptor (ER), involves not just ligand and DNA binding but the recruitment of coregulators. Typically, recruitment of p160 coactivator proteins to agonist-liganded ER is considered to be unidirectional, with ligand binding stabilizing an ER ligand binding domain (LBD) conformation that favors coactivator interaction. Using fluorophore-labeled ERα-LBDs, we present evidence for a pronounced stabilization of ER conformation that results from coactivator binding, manifest by decreased ER sensitivity to proteases and reduced conformational dynamics, as well as for the formation of a novel coactivator-stabilized (costabilized) receptor conformation, that can be conveniently monitored by the generation of an excimer emission from pyrene-labeled ERα-LBDs. This costabilized conformation may embody features required to support ER transcriptional activity. Different classes of coactivator proteins combine with estrogen agonists o...
Na+Ca2+ Exchange effects in the detachment of latex colloids deposited in glass bead porous media

Abstract The detachment of latex colloids deposited in packed glass-bead columns was observed under conditions where the ionic strength was reduced and ion exchange between Na+ and Ca2+ occurred. For identical influent solutions producing colloid release, it was found that deposited colloids in equilibrium with Ca2+ were released less readily than those in equilibrium with Na+. For influent solutions at the same reduced ionic strength with Ca2+ or Na+, colloid release was lower when Ca2+ ions were present. These phenomena can be explained by the selectivity of latex surfaces for Ca2+ over Na+ ions as observed in Na+Ca2+ exchange experiments.
The Role of Communication in the Patient–Physician Relationship

Hirsh Student Writing Award Winner 2009–2010 Health care, much like most industries, has become increasingly complex, relying heavily on new technology and the ability to adapt to changing environm...