cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Engaging the community with mobile app projects (abstract only)

As the popularity of mobile devices surges, more and more organizations are looking to exploit the novel interaction methods of mobile devices to re-deploy legacy software or to develop innovative new applications. Many organizations are looking to nearby universities for expertise in this area. At the same time, mobile computing has become increasingly integrated within courses in CS departments. Historically, capstone courses and other advanced electives have resulted in the production of non-trivial software artifacts. This BOF will provide a platform for discussion of how the use of mobile app platforms in such courses can allow for the development of meaningful software projects that engage with and give back to the community and provide rich opportunities for service learning.
BAFF/APRIL system in pediatric OMS: relation to severity, neuroinflammation, and immunotherapy

Background: B-cell dysregulation has been implicated but not fully characterized in pediatric opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome (OMS), a neuroblastoma-associated neuroinflammatory disorder. Objective: To assess the role of B-cell activating factor (BAFF) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), two critical B cell-modulating cytokines, as potential biomarkers of disease activity and treatment biomarkers in OMS. Methods: Soluble BAFF and APRIL were measured in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum by ELISA in 433 children (296 OMS, 109 controls, 28 other inflammatory neurological disorders (OIND)). BAFF-R receptors on circulating CD19 + B cells were measured by flow cytometry. A blinded scorer rated motor severity on the OMS Evaluation Scale. Immunotherapies were evaluated cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Results: The mean CSF BAFF concentration, which was elevated in untreated OMS and OIND, correlated with OMS severity category (P = 0.006), and reduction by adrenocorticotropic hormone or corticotropin (ACTH) (−61%) or corticosteroids (−38%) was seen at each level of severity. In contrast, CSF APRIL was normal in OMS and OIND and unaffected by immunotherapy. When the entire OMS dataset was dichotomized into ‘high’ versus ‘normal’ CSF BAFF concentration, the phenotype of the high group included greater motor severity and number of CSF oligoclonal bands, and a higher concentration of inflammatory chemokines CXCL13 and CXCL10 in CSF and CXCL9 and CCL21 in serum. Serum APRIL was 6.7-fold higher in the intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) group, whereas serum BAFF was 2.6-fold higher in the rituximab group. The frequency of B cell BAFF-R expression was similar in untreated and treated OMS. Longitudinal studies of CSF BAFF revealed a significant decline in ACTH-treated patients (with or without rituximab) (P < 0.0001). Longitudinal studies of serum APRIL showed a 2.9-fold increase after 1 to 2 g/kg IVIg monotherapy (P = 0.0003). Conclusions: Striking distinctions in BAFF/APRIL signaling were found. OMS displayed heterogeneity in CSF BAFF expression, which met many but not all criteria as a potential biomarker of disease activity. We speculate that CSF BAFF may have more utility in a biomarker panel than as a stand-alone biomarker, and that the selective upregulation of both serum APRIL by IVIg and BAFF by rituximab, as well as downregulation of CSF BAFF by ACTH/ steroids, may have utility as treatment biomarkers.
A Comparative Study of Permanent Magnet Linear Alternator and Hydraulic Free-Piston Engines

This paper presents a comparative study of two possible power-generating units for the free-piston engine (FPE): Permanent-magnet linear alternator (PMLA) and linear hydraulic pump. The FPE discussed in this paper is a linear, opposed-piston, opposed-cylinder (OPOC) engine that operates with a homogenous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion. Lack of crankshaft in the FPE allows lower friction loss, variable compression ratio, and higher modularity compared to a conventional engine. Also the OPOC configuration enables high-frequency operation of the FPE, which results in high power density. The FPE is also well suited for HCCI operation, which offers improved fuel efficiency and emissions. The chemical power released in the combustion chambers can be transformed to fluid or electric power. This could be done via a hydraulic pump or a linear alternator. In this paper these two systems are studied and compared as the power-generating device for the FPE.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Integrating the English Language Arts Common Core State Standards into Physical Education

Physical education teachers are expected to implement the English language arts (ELA) Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in their instruction. This has proved to be challenging for many physical educators. The purpose of this article is to provide developmentally appropriate examples of how to incorporate the ELA CCSS into physical education, while at the same time aligning the CCSS with the new national physical education content standards and grade-level outcomes.
Single-Molecule Enzymatic Dynamics

Enzymatic turnovers of single cholesterol oxidase molecules were observed in real time by monitoring the emission from the enzyme's fluorescent active site, flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). Statistical analyses of single-molecule trajectories revealed a significant and slow fluctuation in the rate of cholesterol oxidation by FAD. The static disorder and dynamic disorder of reaction rates, which are essentially indistinguishable in ensemble-averaged experiments, were determined separately by the real-time single-molecule approach. A molecular memory phenomenon, in which an enzymatic turnover was not independent of its previous turnovers because of a slow fluctuation of protein conformation, was evidenced by spontaneous spectral fluctuation of FAD.
Specht Filtrations for Hecke Algebras of Type A

Let Hq (d) be the Iwahori–Hecke algebra of the symmetric group, where q is a primitive lth root of unity. Using results from the cohomology of quantum groups and recent results about the Schur functor and adjoint Schur functor, it is proved that, contrary to expectations, for l 4 the multiplicities in a Specht or dual Specht module filtration of an Hq (d)-module are well defined. A cohomological criterion is given for when an Hq (d)-module has such a filtration. Finally, these results are used to give a new construction of Young modules that is analogous to the Donkin–Ringel construction of tilting modules. As a corollary, certain decomposition numbers can be equated with extensions between Specht modules. Setting q = 1, results are obtained for the symmetric group in characteristic p 5. These results are false in general for p = 2 or 3.
Building and applying geographical information system Grids

We discuss the development and application of Web-service-based geographical information system (GIS) Grids. Following the WS-I+ approach of building Grids on Web service standards, we have developed data Grid components for archival and real-time data, map generating services that can be used to build user interfaces, information services for storing both stateless and stateful metadata, and service orchestration and management tools. Our goal is to support dynamically assembled Grid service collections that combine both GIS services with more traditional Grid capabilities such as file transfer and remote code execution. We are applying these tools to problems in earthquake modeling and forecasting, but we are attempting to build general purpose tools by using and extending appropriate standards. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
OBSERVE: Occupancy-based system for efficient reduction of HVAC energy

Heating, cooling and ventilation accounts for 35% energy usage in the United States. Currently, most modern buildings still condition rooms assuming maximum occupancy rather than actual usage. As a result, rooms are often over-conditioned needlessly. Thus, in order to achieve efficient conditioning, we require knowledge of occupancy. This paper shows how real time occupancy data from a wireless sensor network can be used to create occupancy models which in turn can be integrated into building conditioning system for usage based demand control conditioning strategies. Using strategies based on sensor network occupancy model predictions, we show that it is possible to achieve 42% annual energy savings while still maintaining American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning (ASHRAE) comfort standards.
A NIMA-Related Kinase Suppresses the Flagellar Instability Associated with the Loss of Multiple Axonemal Structures

CCDC39 and CCDC40 were first identified as causative mutations in primary ciliary dyskinesia patients; cilia from patients show disorganized microtubules, and they are missing both N-DRC and inner dynein arms proteins. In Chlamydomonas, we used immunoblots and microtubule sliding assays to show that mutants in CCDC40 (PF7) and CCDC39 (PF8) fail to assemble N-DRC, several inner dynein arms, tektin, and CCDC39. Enrichment screens for suppression of pf7; pf8 cells led to the isolation of five independent extragenic suppressors defined by four different mutations in a NIMA-related kinase, CNK11. These alleles partially rescue the flagellar length defect, but not the motility defect. The suppressor does not restore the missing N-DRC and inner dynein arm proteins. In addition, the cnk11 mutations partially suppress the short flagella phenotype of N-DRC and axonemal dynein mutants, but do not suppress the motility defects. The tpg1 mutation in TTLL9, a tubulin polyglutamylase, partially suppresses the length phenotype in the same axonemal dynein mutants. In contrast to cnk11, tpg1 does not suppress the short flagella phenotype of pf7. The polyglutamylated tubulin in the proximal region that remains in the tpg1 mutant is reduced further in the pf7; tpg1 double mutant by immunofluorescence. CCDC40, which is needed for docking multiple other axonemal complexes, is needed for tubulin polyglutamylation in the proximal end of the flagella. The CCDC39 and CCDC40 proteins are likely to be involved in recruiting another tubulin glutamylase(s) to the flagella. Another difference between cnk11-1 and tpg1 mutants is that cnk11-1 cells show a faster turnover rate of tubulin at the flagellar tip than in wild-type flagella and tpg1 flagella show a slower rate. The double mutant shows a turnover rate similar to tpg1, which suggests the faster turnover rate in cnk11-1 flagella requires polyglutamylation. Thus, we hypothesize that many short flagella mutants in Chlamydomonas have increased instability of axonemal microtubules. Both CNK11 and tubulin polyglutamylation play roles in regulating the stability of axonemal microtubules.
Vocal communication is multi-sensorimotor coordination within and between individuals.

Speech is an exquisitely coordinated interaction among effectors both within and between individuals. No account of human communication evolution that ignores its foundational multisensory characteristics and cooperative nature will be satisfactory. Here, we describe two additional capacities – rhythmic audiovisual speech and cooperative communication – and suggest that they may utilize the very same or similar circuits as those proposed for vocal learning.
Aqueous phase hydrogenation of levulinic acid using a porous catalytic membrane reactor

Abstract Membrane reactors offer an alternative approach for conducting three-phase heterogeneous chemical reactions. The membrane acts as a liquid/gas phase contactor, while also serving as the support for a solid catalyst. A significant benefit from this approach is circumvention of gas phase dissolution and diffusion in the liquid phase to reach catalytic sites. This method of gas phase mass transfer allows a significant reduction in operating pressure compared to traditional three-phase reactors that often require higher gas pressures due to low gas solubility and diffusivity in the liquid phase. The membrane reactor in this work consists of a porous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane with deposited Ru catalyst particles. The reaction studied is the aqueous phase hydrogenation of levulinic acid to produce γ-valerolactone. The highly hydrophobic PTFE material provides an almost impermeable barrier to the liquid phase while allowing hydrogen gas to freely transport through the pores to reach catalytic sites located at the liquid/membrane interface. The reaction kinetics displayed by the membrane reactor favorably compare to those of a packed bed reactor (PBR). In terms of hydrogen pressure the maximum catalytic benefit in comparison to the PBR is obtained at pressures greater than 0.7 bar, and a more pronounced and continuously increasing catalytic benefit is obtained with increasing temperature.
Molecular Adsorption on ZnO(101̅0) Single-Crystal Surfaces: Morphology and Charge Transfer

While ZnO has excellent electrical properties, it has not been widely used for dye-sensitized solar cells, in part because ZnO is chemically less stable than widely used TiO2. The functional groups typically used for surface passivation and for attaching dye molecules either bind weakly or etch the ZnO surface. We have compared the formation of molecular layers from alkane molecules with terminal carboxylic acid, alcohol, amine, phosphonic acid, or thiol functional groups on single-crystal zinc oxide (1010) surfaces. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images show that alkyl carboxylic acids etch the surface whereas alkyl amine and alkyl alcohols bind only weakly on the ZnO(1010) surface. Phosphonic acid-terminated molecules were found to bind to the surface in a heterogeneous manner, forming clusters of molecules. Alkanethiols were found to bind to the surface, forming highly uniform monolayers with some etching detected after long immersion times in an alkanethiol solution. Monolayers of hexadecylphosphonic...
The Liquid-Drop Model and Nuclear Moments

The magnetic and electric quadrupole moments of charged spinning drops have been compared with experimental nuclear moments and the agreement found to be very poor.
Planning Technology Development Experimentation through Quantitative Uncertainty Analysis

Development activities are planned to gain new information about the technologies in question. As new information is gained, it is expected that the readiness will increase and the uncertainty surrounding the performance will be reduced. The linkage between technology readiness and performance uncertainty has been acknowledged in the literature and this research expands on the current state of the art by providing a methodology that synthesizes this information for experiment design planning. The methodology encompasses a new readiness communication tool that utilizes morphological analysis to decompose TRL into a set of attributes and choices. Furthermore, two new sensitivity analyses were created, the P-OAT analysis and the T-OAT analysis, to prioritize both technologies and individual technology impacts for experiment planning. The methodology was implemented on a use case motivated by the NASA Environmentally Responsible Aviation program and a physics-based aircraft performance model was utilized to provide the quantitative performance assessments. The results of the implementation demonstrated that it has the ability to recommend the type of experiment, what should be tested, and the type of measurements that are required to reduce uncertainty.
Centering Security Studies Around Felt, Gendered Insecurities

This article draws on two decades of work in feminist security studies, which has argued that gender is necessary, conceptually, for understanding the concepts of war and security; important, empirically, for analyzing causes and predicting outcomes in the field of security; and essential to finding solutions to insecurity in global politics. The work of feminist security studies suggests that one of the most persistent features of the global political arena is gender hierarchy, which plays a role in defining and distributing security. The argument in this article moves from talking about the security of gender to discussing the gendered sources of insecurity across global politics. It then builds on existing work in Feminist Security Studies to suggest a felt, sensed, and experiential notion of the security/insecurity dichotomy as a new way to think about global security (studies). A (feminist) view of “security as felt” could transform the shape of a number of research programs in security studies.
Alternative Approaches for p-Xylene Production from Starch: Techno-Economic Analysis

Two alternatives for the production of p-xylene from starch are investigated using detailed techno-economic analysis. The first route is based on the patents by GEVO Inc. and uses fermentation followed by the catalytic conversion, whereas the second one utilizes CCEI-discoveries - solely the catalytic conversion. The minimum p-xylene price for the GEVO and CCEI processes is found as $4121 and $3637/metric ton, respectively, without accounting for the byproduct values, while taking into consideration that the byproduct value leads to $3481 and $2885/metric ton. Using sensitivity analysis, the biomass feedstock cost is determined as a major contributor of the total cost. Other significant contributors include biocatalyst cost in the GEVO process and ethylene and solvent (THF) costs in the CCEI process. The impacts of selectivity and conversion on the p-xylene price for the CCEI process are investigated. High selectivity is favorable compared to high conversion due to recycling used to improve the performanc...
History- or ultrasound-based cerclage placement and adverse perinatal outcomes.

Objective To determine whether cerclage based on serial transvaginal ultrasound (STVUS) vs. cerclage based on obstetric history (prior multiple midgestation losses) is superior for treatment of cervical insufficiency. Study design This retrospective study evaluated all history-based or ultrasound-based cerclages in singleton pregnancies over a 5-year period at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Demographic statistics, interval from cerclage placement to delivery, and gestational age at delivery were recorded, as were neonatal factors such as birthweight, morbidity, and mortality. Results No significant difference was found in regard to gestational age at delivery between the history-based cerclage and the ultrasound-based groups. The number of patients delivered before 24 weeks or after 34 weeks was similar. Birth weights, Apgar scores, and the number with growth restriction were similar between the two groups, as were perinatal loss and significant morbidity. In the ultrasound-based cerclage group, 52.1% did not require cerclage placement despite a history consistent with cervical insufficiency. Conclusion There were no statistical differences between history-based and ultrasound-based cerclage in regard to obstetric or neonatal outcome. Using STVUS instead of cerclage procedures based on obstetric history, unnecessary procedures can be avoided in more than half the patients.
Al-Ḥijāz on the Eve of the Rise of Islam

In its broad outline Arabian history comprises three main eras: 1. The Sabaeo-Ḥimyarite period, ending at the beginning of the sixth century after Christ; 2. The Jāhilīyah period, which in a sense extends from “the creation of Adam” down to the mission of Muhammad, but more particularly, as used here, covers the century immediately preceding the rise of Islam; 3. The Islamic period, extending to the present day.
I can time with a little help from my friends: effect of social enrichment on timing processes in Pigeons (Columba livia).

There is evidence that impulsive decision-making is associated with errors in timing. However, there has been little attempt to identify the putative mechanism responsible for impulsive animals’ timing errors. One means of manipulating impulsivity in non-human animals is providing different levels of access to conspecifics. These preclinical models have revealed that social isolation increases impulsive responding across a wide range of tasks. The goal of the present study was to determine whether social isolation modulates time perception in pigeons by inducing more variability or a bias to underestimate the passage of time in temporal judgments. A temporal bisection task was used to characterize time perception. One group of pigeons performed the bisection following social enrichment, and the remaining half of the pigeons were tested following social isolation. Results revealed pigeons in the social isolation condition categorized a temporal stimulus sample as “long” at shorter durations than pigeons in the social enrichment condition. These data highlight the mechanism(s) thought to underlie timing-based interventions aimed at reducing impulsivity in humans. Future work should consider whether impulsivity is produced by misperceptions of time or a reduced threshold for a response.
Affidavit of Dr. Richard A. Leo filed in State v. Dassey

This affidavit by Dr. Richard Leo reviews police interrogation practices, coercive influence techniques, and false confessions in the context of the interrogation of Brendan Dassey. Dassey was just 17 years old when he was convicted of first-degree murder, mutilation of a corpse, and second-degree sexual assault, and sentenced to life in prison with possibility of parole in 2048 in Wisconsin state court. Dassey’s confession, which he subsequently recanted, contributed to his conviction. His trial and videotaped interrogation were featured in the 2015 Netflix documentary, Making a Murderer. Dassey’s conviction was overturned by a federal court in 2016.
Whole transcriptome profiling reveals major cell types in the cellular immune response against acute and chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a common human pathogen that infects over 95% of the population worldwide. In the present study, the whole transcriptome microarray data were generated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells from Chinese children with acute infectious mononucleosis (AIM) and chronic active EBV infection (CAEBV) that were also compared with a publicly available microarray dataset from a study of American college students with AIM. Our study characterized for the first time a broad spectrum of molecular signatures in AIM and CAEBV. The key findings from the transcriptome profiling were validated with qPCR and flow cytometry assays. The most important finding in our study is the discovery of predominant γδ TCR expression and γδ T cell expansion in AIM. This finding, in combination with the striking up-regulation of CD3, CD8 and CD94, suggests that CD8+ T cells and CD94+ NK cells may play a major role in AIM. Moreover, the unique up-regulation of CD64A/B and its significant correlation with the monocyte marker CD14 was observed in CAEBV and that implies an important role of monocytes in CAEBV. In conclusion, our study reveals major cell types (particularly γδ T cells) in the host cellular immune response against AIM and CAEBV.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy for Traumatized Adolescents: An Under-Utilized, Under-Studied Intervention

ABSTRACTMindfulness involves the cultivation of conscious awareness and attention, with an emphasis on seeing and accepting things as they are. While mindfulness-based interventions have been widely examined among adults with PTSD, thery were very scarcely studied among traumatized adolescents. In this paper, we address this gap in knowledge. We present evidence supporting the potential benefits of applying mindfulness-based interventions in PTSD, and argue that mindfulness, with its emphasis on non-judgmental thought, mind-body connection and a group setting, may be particualrly suitable for traumatized adolescents. We therefore encourage researchers to allocate more resources to systematically study the utility of mindfulness practice among this population.
Physical aging of ester-cross-linked hollow fiber membranes for natural gas separations and mitigation thereof

Abstract Like other glassy polymers, ester-cross-linked polyimide hollow fiber membranes can experience physical aging, which leads to some loss of permeation productivity. Highly quenched asymmetric structures are especially susceptible to such aging. To explore approaches to control physical aging, CO2 conditioning and continuous CO2/CH4 feed tests were studied in this work. A 100 psig CO2 conditioning overnight did not affect the aging of cross-linked hollow fibers significantly. However, periodical 15 psig CO2 conditioning reduced the CO2 permeance loss of cross-linked hollow fiber membranes by ~50%, compared to unconditioned ones during a 2300 h aging test. To further suppress physical aging, continuous exposure to CO2/CH4 feed typical of realistic continuous operations was used for hollow fiber samples. This protocol, in fact, reflects the realistic situation for use of asymmetric membranes that typically run under protracted steady state conditions. A 200 psia continuous 50/50 CO2/CH4 feed resulted in a CO2 permeance loss of only up to 3%, compared the 25% loss for samples without continuous mixed gas feed during a 400 h aging test. These results suggest that physical aging may be essentially quenched as long as the membrane remains contacted with a high CO2 partial pressure feed typical of actual aggressive feeds for which the membrane would be used. By inhibiting physical aging, periodic CO2 conditioning and continuous CO2/CH4 feed provide high performance of cross-linked hollow fiber membranes for natural gas separations.
Managing with Total Quality Management

(1998). Managing with Total Quality Management. Quality Management Journal: Vol. 5, No. 4, pp. 86-86.
Fast Randomized Algorithms for Probabilistic Robustness Analysis

In this chapter, we develop efficient randomized algorithms for estimating probabilistic robustness margin and constructing robustness degradation curve for uncertain dynamic systems. One remarkable feature of these algorithms is their universal applicability to robustness analysis problems with arbitrary robustness requirements and uncertainty bounding sets.We have developed efficient methods such as probabilistic comparison, probabilistic bisection, backward iteration and sample reuse to facilitate the computation. In particular, confidence interval for binomial random variables has been frequently used in the estimation of probabilistic robustness margin and in the accuracy evaluation of estimating robustness degradation function. Motivated by the importance of fast computation of binomial confidence interval in the context of probabilistic robustness analysis, we have recently derived an explicit formula for constructing the confidence interval of binomial parameter with guaranteed coverage probability. The formula overcomes the limitation of normal approximation which is asymptotic in nature and thus inevitably introduces unknown errors in applications. Moreover, the formula is extremely simple and very tight in comparison with classic Clopper-Pearson’s approach.
Secure efficient multiparty computing of multivariate polynomials and applications

We present a robust secure methodology for computing functions that are represented as multivariate polynomials where parties hold different variables as private inputs. Our generic efficient protocols are fully black-box and employ threshold additive homomorphic encryption; they do not assume honest majority, yet are robust in detecting any misbehavior. We achieve solutions that take advantage of the algebraic structure of the polynomials, and are polynomial-time in all parameters (security parameter, polynomial size, polynomial degree, number of parties). We further exploit a "round table" communication paradigm to reduce the complexity in the number of parties. A large collection of problems are naturally and efficiently represented as multivariate polynomials over a field or a ring: problems from linear algebra, statistics, logic, as well as operations on sets represented as polynomials. In particular, we present a new efficient solution to the multi-party set intersection problem, and a solution to a multiparty variant of the polynomial reconstruction problem.
Search for the mechanism of toxicity of dioxins: A lesson in toxicology

The development of modern toxicology was strongly influenced by parallel evolutions of sister disciplines as well as regulatory requirements. This led to an overemphasis of some areas of toxicology while other aspects of it experienced at least a temporary benign neglect. The author of this paper believes that the few and far between successes in elucidating the mechanism of toxicity of chemicals are related to this uneven approach to a very complex problem. Based on one of the most important and controversial contemporary issues in toxicology, viz. that of dioxins, it is argued that by a systematic step-wise use of methodologies borrowed from sister disciplines, our capabilities of elucidating the mechanism of action of toxicants can be considerably improved.
Monarchist Ambition in China’s New Republic: Illustrated Manual of Dress for Ritual Sacrifice for Yuan Shikai’s Presidency

Yuan Shikai (1859–1916) was a Chinese general, politician, and a short-lived president and the debatable last emperor of China. In 1913, he had been made President of the new Republic of China after a series of political reforms. In 1914, he emulated the Qing state ritual of visiting the Temple of Heaven near the Forbidden City. This was a highly symbolic act that anticipated his plan to revive the monarchy with himself on the throne. For this ceremony, a special set of garb was designed for himself, the ranked officials, and the ritual assistants. They included jeweled headdresses, upper and lower garments, belts, sashes, and boots. Because Yuan’s presidency and his imperial reign were brief, little documentation is left of these artifacts. This essay pieces together the concept behind the designs primarily with reference to the Illustrated Manual of Official Dress for Ritual Sacrifices printed by the Bureau of Rites during Yuan’s presidency. The analysis explores the style, construction, and iconography of these garments to elucidate his imperial ambition.
Phonation Demonstrates Goal Dependence Under Unique Vocal Intensity and Aerobic Workload Conditions.

Purpose This study investigated whether metabolic respiratory requirements (treadmill workload) affected glottal valving in phonation, based on aerodynamic measures, when a sound pressure level (vo...
Chemotherapy Use within the Last 14 Days of Life in Patients with Hematological Malignancies

Abstract 240 BACKGROUND: Hematologic malignancies (HM) are widely variable in their potential for cure, but most have multiple treatment options that are also increasing due to research. The toxicity profile of the treatments can also be quite variable. Thus, discussing realistic therapeutic goals, and potential serious life threatening toxicities, is critical to planning appropriate end of life medical interventions. We analyzed chemotherapy use within 14 days prior to end of life, and do not resuscitate (DNR) orders, among patients with HM who died at our institution. METHODS: We reviewed all adult patients (age>18 years) with a diagnosis of HM who had received care at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and died from 12/1/2010 through 5/31/2012 (pts that had a stem cell transplantation within 100 days of end of life were excluded). Data on patients9 demographics, chemotherapy within last 14 days, inpatient DNR orders, and co-morbidities were from the institution9s administrative databases. HM diagnostic categories were grouped as Leukemia, Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma and Other. Statistical analysis: odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were compared for different groups (chemotherapy use with age, gender, ethnicity, comorbidities, years of disease diagnosis, and HM diagnostic categories); statistical significance was defined as P value RESULTS: 1,179 HM patients died: median age 65 years; 61% female; 472 (40 %) died in hospital, of which 442 (94%) had DNR orders and 294 (26 %) died in ICU. Overall, 272 (23 %) had chemotherapy within 14 days of end of life. 29% of pts with leukemia, 19% of pts with lymphoma, 10% of pts with myeloma, and 25%of pts with other diseases received chemotherapy within the last 14 days of life. Forty-nine% (134/272) of them received chemotherapy as frontline therapy; and (219/272 = 81%) died in hospital. Adjusted by logistical regression, chemotherapy within 14 days of end of life was less common in patients with lymphoma and myeloma than in those with leukemia [odds ratios (ORs), 0.7 and 0.3, respectively; all P P P P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Nearly a fourth of HM deaths at our hospital occurred within 14 days of treatment, and 60% of these were inpatients receiving second line or later therapy. Most pts (94 %) had DNR orders indicating that an end of life decision was discussed, and 26% died in ICU, suggesting acute events such as sepsis likely led to hospital admission . In addition, some patients with HM can manifest serious disease-related complications, and death may also occur shortly after diagnosis. Patients should be informed of these risks for treatment and end of life planning decisions. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Muteness and Disembodied Difference: Three Case Studies

Embodied difference reminds us that even if something looks human, it could still lack reason, the capacity commonly supposed to separate humans from other forms of life. Not visual evidence, but spoken, articulate language was key for whether a creature possessed reason, whereas things that were “mute” were presumed to lack it. In medieval uses of the word, something that was mute could be silent, like a stone; or irrational and noisy, like an animal; or disabled, like a human. That is, the category of muteness traverses inanimacy, irrationality, and disability. Responses to muteness in medieval texts can be divided into three models, one “liberal,” the other “posthuman,” and the third a disability and ecostudies approach. Aquinas’s legendary childhood muteness, which needed only a sympathetic hearer to be recognized as rational, exemplifies the liberal model; commentary on Psalm 144:10, “Let all they works, O Lord, praise thee,” which asserts the radical linguistic capacity of both rocks and humans in relation to God, exemplifies a posthuman approach; and finally, an episode of mute fish knights exemplifies a disability and ecostudies approach, by focusing not on capacity or incapacity, but on mutual accommodation.
The First Step Act and the Brutal Timidity of Criminal Law Reform

It took decades to partially correct the egregiously wrong 100-1 ratio between crack and powder cocaine in federal law. Marijuana is still a Schedule I narcotic, despite universal condemnation of that categorization. Even when we get it, criminal law reform comes achingly slowly and with brutal timidity, at a stunning cost in lives and freedom. This article explores the grim history of this dynamic in the modern United States, explores the causes, and suggests solutions. It will appear in the New England Law Journal with responses from a variety of legal analysts.
Comparison of WBGTs over Different Surfaces within an Athletic Complex

Many athletic governing bodies are adopting on-site measurement of the wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) as part of their heat safety policies. It is well known, however, that microclimatic conditions can vary over different surface types and a question is whether more than one WBGT sensor is needed to accurately capture local environmental conditions. Our study collected matched WBGT data over three commonly used athletic surfaces (grass, artificial turf, and hardcourt tennis) across an athletic complex on the campus of the University of Georgia in Athens, GA. Data were collected every 10 min from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. over a four-day period during July 2019. Results indicate that there is no difference in WBGT among the three surfaces, even when considered over morning, midday, and afternoon practice periods. We did observe microclimatic differences in dry-bulb temperature and dewpoint temperature among the sites. Greater dry-bulb and lower dewpoint temperatures occurred over the tennis and artificial turf surfaces compared with the grass field because of reduced evapotranspiration and increase convective transfers of sensible heat over these surfaces. The lack of difference in WBGT among the surfaces is attributed to the counterbalancing influences of the different components that comprise the index. We conclude that, in a humid, subtropical climate over well-watered grass, there is no difference in WBGT among the three athletic surfaces and that, under these circumstances, a single monitoring site can provide representative WBGTs for nearby athletic surfaces.
Synthesis of 2,3-dihydrobenzo[b][1,4]dioxine-5-carboxamide and 3-oxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[b][1,4]oxazine-8-carboxamide derivatives as PARP1 inhibitors.

Abstract Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1), a widely explored anticancer drug target, plays an important role in single-strand DNA break repair processes. High-throughput virtual screening (HTVS) of a Maybridge small molecule library using the PARP1-benzimidazole-4-carboxamide co-crystal structure and pharmacophore model led to the identification of eleven compounds. These compounds were evaluated using recombinant PARP1 enzyme assay that resulted in the acquisition of three PARP1 inhibitors: 3 (IC50 = 12 μM), 4 (IC50 = 5.8 μM), and 10 (IC50 = 0.88 μM). Compound 4 (2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxine-5-carboxamide) was selected as a lead and was subjected to further chemical modifications, involving analogue synthesis and scaffold hopping. These efforts led to the identification of (Z)-2-(4-hydroxybenzylidene)-3-oxo-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazine-8-carboxamide (49, IC50 = 0.082 μM) as the most potent inhibitor of PARP1 from the series.
Transmission Planning and Co-optimization with Market-Based Generation and Storage Investment

A tool for planning grid reinforcements while recognizing how supply and storage investments will respond to the changed network is presented here. The model is formulated as a mixed-integer linear program that co-optimizes transmission–generation–storage expansion; in an unbundled market context, use of such a model by transmission owners is termed “proactive” or “anticipative” transmission expansion planning (TEP). Using a case study of planning for the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) in the USA, we demonstrate how inclusion of battery storage co-optimization will change the TEP solution, and we quantify the economic benefit of such co-optimization. The results show that (1) optimizing while accounting for storage expansion will help TEP avoid overbuilding lines in some cases and underbuilding lines in others, while generation and storage are sited and sized more efficiently; and (2) explicitly recognizing that storage siting will react to network expansion will result in additional transmission benefits. This benefit increases as the cost of battery storage is reduced but changes nonmonotonically with respect to the assumed cost of carbon emissions.
Synthesis of Enantiopure Triols from Racemic Baylis-Hillman Adducts Using a Diastereoselective Peroxidation Reaction.

Using a chiral (−)-menthone auxiliary, enantiopure cyclic derivatives of Baylis–Hillman adducts were synthesized. A diastereoselective peroxidation reaction was used to introduce an oxygen atom and...
Correlating Aggregate Polish Susceptibility to Limestone Concentration Using X-Ray Diffraction

To minimize the occurrence of friction loss through polishing, pavements must be constructed from polish-resistant aggregates. Research has shown that limestone aggregates with high concentrations of carbonates are highly susceptible to polishing. Identifying polish-susceptible aggregates in the laboratory before they are placed on the road surface can help reduce accidents and save lives. Seven aggregate sources from nine field sites throughout Utah were identified by the locked-wheel skid trailer (LWST) to have low friction surfaces. A correlation between carbonate content, determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), and accelerated polish testing was developed. Additionally, a correlation between field testing and laboratory testing was developed between the results of XRD and LWST testing. The correlations were characterized by high coefficients of determination, indicating that carbonate content is highly correlated to both polish susceptibility and field friction values. These correlations can be used to help reduce risk to the traveling public and predict pavement friction values before placing new asphalt.
Painkillers for Profit Gains: How the Ninth Circuit’s Revival of Dent v. NFL Could Hold the League Liable for Long-term Injuries Caused by Its Administration of Painkillers

Ambition, hard work, and competition drive football players to reach the pinnacle−the National Football League (“NFL”). It’s a long and grueling road to receive the call on draft day that says, “I’ve made it.” Outside the locker room, the NFL is filled with high income, fame, and success. But on the inside, there is more than just those three hours on Sunday. Along with the bumps and bruises, former players are leaving the NFL with addiction, long-term injuries, and internal damage due to the administration of painkillers. In Dent v. NFL former players alleged in a 2014 class action suit that the NFL, team doctors, and trainers plied players with painkillers in efforts to get players back on the field as part of a “return to play” culture. Specifically, the players alleged opioids, Toradol, and anti-inflammatories were administered in dangerous quantities and without warning of associated health risks. But, Section 301 preemption of the Labor Management Relations Act blocked their efforts in the Northern District Court of California−at least until 2018. In this Article, the author discusses the Ninth Circuit’s revival of Dent v. NFL by examining the workings of Section 301 preemption and its interaction with Collective Bargaining Agreements, and the drug use within the NFL. Additionally, the author discusses the prior attempts by the players through the courts in Dent and in Evans that provided the basis for the Ninth Circuit’s decision to push the former players past the first-down marker.
Wikipedia and open recognition: writing the future of work

This article defines the concept of open recognition and places its development within the context of the development of Wikipedia. The potential impact of open recognition on higher education is e...
Robotic Right Colectomy with Complete Mesocolic Excision and Intracorporeal Anastomosis

Resection is the cornerstone in the treatment of nonmetastatic colon cancer. Complete mesocolic excision, with central vascular ligation and resection of the mesentery with intact visceral peritoneum, facilitates tumor removal with a clear margin and adequate lymphadenectomy. A robot-assisted approach facilitates complete resection due to improved visualization, better ergonomics, and superior dexterity comparted to straight laparoscopy. This chapter details the technical steps of robotic right hemi colectomy with complete mesocolic excision and describes navigation of common pitfalls.
Understanding authors' psychological reactions to peer reviews: a text mining approach

Peer reviews play a vital role in academic publishing. Authors have various feelings towards peer reviews. This study analyzes the experiences shared by authors in Scirev.org to understand these authors' psychological reactions to several aspects of peer reviews, including decisions, turnaround time, the number of reviews, and review quality. Text mining was used to extract different types of psychological reactions of authors, including affective processes and cognitive processes. Results show that authors' psychological responses to peer reviews are complex and cannot be summarized by a single numerical rating directly given by the authors. Rejection invokes anger, sadness, and disagreement, but not anxiety. Fast turnaround arouses positive emotions from authors, but slow peer review processes do not increase negative emotions as much. Low-quality reviews lead to a wide array of negative emotions, including anxiety, anger, and sadness.
Conserved Transcription Factors Control Chromatin Accessibility and Gene Expression to Maintain Cell Fate Stability and Restrict Reprogramming of Differentiated Cells

The comprehensive characterization of mechanisms safeguarding cell fate identity in differentiated cells is crucial for 1) our understanding of how differentiation is maintained in healthy tissues or misregulated in disease states and 2) to improve our ability to use direct reprogramming for regenerative purposes. To uncover novel fate-stabilizing regulators, we employed a genome-wide TF siRNA screen followed by a high-complexity combinatorial evaluation of top performing hits, in a cardiac reprogramming assay in mouse embryonic fibroblasts, and subsequently validated our findings in cardiac, neuronal and iPSCs reprogramming assays in primary human fibroblasts and adult endothelial cells. This approach identified a conserved set of 4 TFs (ATF7IP, JUNB, SP7, and ZNF207 [AJSZ]) that robustly opposes cell fate reprogramming, as demonstrated by up to 6-fold increases in efficiency upon AJSZ knockdown in both lineage- and cell type-independent manners. Mechanistically, ChIP-seq and single-cell ATAC-seq analyses, revealed that AJSZ bind to both open and closed chromatin in a genome-wide and regionalized fashion, thereby limiting reprogramming TFs access to target DNA and ability to remodel the chromatin. In parallel, integration of ChIP-seq and RNA-seq data followed by systematic functional gene testing, identified that AJSZ also promote cell fate stability by proximally down-regulating a conserved set of genes involved in the regulation of cell fate specification (MEF2C), proteome remodeling (TPP1, PPIC), ATP homeostasis (EFHD1), and inflammation signaling (IL7R), thereby limiting cells ability to undergo large-scale phenotypic changes. Finally, simultaneous knock-down of AJSZ in combination with cardiac reprogramming TFs overexpression improved heart function by 250% as compared to no treatment and 50% as compared to MGT, 1 month after myocardial infarction. In sum, this study uncovers a novel evolutionarily conserved mechanism mediating cell fate stability in differentiated cells and also identifies AJSZ as promising therapeutic targets for regenerative purposes in adult organs. Significance Statement Differentiated cells can be converted from one cell type into another by overexpressing lineage-determining transcription factors. Direct lineage reprogramming represents a promising strategy for regenerative medicine, but current clinical applications remain limited by the low yield of the reprogramming process. Here, we present the identification and detailed mechanistic study of a novel mechanisms opposing reprogramming process and promoting cell fate stability. Using a highthroughput screening technique, we identified four transcription factors that act as blockades to cell type change. By tracking chromatin and gene expression changes, we reconstructed a conserved pathway mediating cell fate stability in differentiated cells.