cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Finite Element Analysis for Evaluation of Pressure Ulcer on the Buttock: Development and Validation

The interface pressure is currently the only clinical tool to estimate the risk of sitting-related pressure ulcers. However, it provides little information on the loading condition in deep tissues. We present a comprehensive 3-D finite element (FE) model for human buttocks with the consideration of the joint configuration and realistic boundary conditions in a sitting posture. Sitting induced soft tissue deformation, internal pressure, and von-Mises stress were computed. The FE model was well validated qualitatively using actual displacement obtained from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images. FE analysis demonstrated that the deformation induced by sitting pressure was substantially different among muscle, fat, and skin. The deformation of the muscle varied with location and the maximum was seen in the regions underneath the bony prominence of ischial tuberosity. In these regions, the range of compressive pressure was 65-80 kPa, 50-60 kPa, and 55-65 kPa, for skin, fat, and muscle, respectively. The von-Mises stress distribution had a similar pattern. In conclusion, this study suggests a new methodology for the development and validation of FE models for investigating the risk of sitting-related soft tissue injury. The proposed model may provide researchers and therapists with a powerful technique for evaluating the effectiveness of various postural modulations in preventing deep tissue ulcers.
Extending the coverage of phenotypes in SNOMED CT through post-coordination.

Objectives: To extend the coverage of phenotypes in SNOMED CT through post-coordination. Methods: We identify frequent modifiers in terms from the Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO), which we associate with templates for postcoordinated expressions in SNOMED CT. Results: We identified 176 modifiers, created 12 templates, and generated 1,617 post-coordinated expressions. Conclusions: Through this novel approach, we can increase the current number of mappings by 50%.
Electron trapping in noncrystalline remote plasma deposited Hf-aluminate alloys for gate dielectric applications

The physical and electrical properties of noncrystalline Hf-alumiunate alloys, (HfO2)x(Al2O3)1−x, were investigated. Characterization by Auger electron spectroscopy and Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy confirm these alloys are homogeneous and pseudobinary in character, displaying increased thermal stability against crystallization with respect to the respective end-member oxides. Capacitance–voltage and current density-voltage data as a function of temperature demonstrate that the Hf d states of these alloys act as localized electron traps, and are at an energy approximately equal to the conduction band offset energy of HfO2 with respect to Si. This work also provides additional insight into a previously reported study of Ta-aluminate alloys with localized electron traps associated with d states of the Ta atoms.
Decentralized Load Balancing for Improving Reliability in Heterogeneous Distributed Systems

A probabilistic analytical framework for decentralized load balancing (LB) strategies for heterogeneous distributed-computing systems (DCSs) is presented with the overall goal of maximizing the service reliability in the presence of random failures. The service reliability of a DCS is defined as the probability of successfully serving a specified workload before all the computing nodes fail permanently. In the framework considered the service and failure times of nodes are random, the communication times in the network are both tangible and stochastic, and LB is performed synchronously by all the nodes during the runtime of each submitted workload. By taking a novel regenerative stochastic-analysis approach, the service reliability of a two-node DCS is characterized analytically. This formulation, in turn, is used to form and solve an optimization problem, yielding LB policies with maximal reliability. A scalable extension of the two-node formulation to an arbitrary size system is also presented. The validity of the proposed theory is studied using both Monte-Carlo simulations and real experiments on a small-scale testbed.
The impact of multidideoxynucleoside resistance-conferring mutations in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 reverse transcriptase on polymerase fidelity and error specificity.

Variants of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) that are highly resistant to a number of nucleoside analog drugs have been shown to develop in some patients receiving 2′,3′-dideoxy-3′-azidothymidine therapy in combination with 2′,3′-dideoxycytidine or 2′,3′-dideoxyinosine. The appearance, in the reverse transcriptase (RT), of the Q151M mutation in such variants precedes the sequential appearance of three or four additional mutations, resulting in a highly resistant virus. Three of the affected residues are proposed to lie in the vicinity of the template-primer in the three-dimensional structure of the HIV-1 RT–double-stranded DNA complex. The amino acid residue Q151 is thought to be very near the templating base. The nucleoside analog resistance mutations in the β9-β10 (M184V) and the β5a (E89G) strands of HIV-1 RT were previously shown to increase the fidelity of deoxynucleoside triphosphate insertion. Therefore, we have examined wild-type HIV-1BH10 RT and two nucleoside analog-resistant variants, the Q151M and A62V/V75I/F77L/F116Y/Q151M (VILYM) RTs, for their overall forward mutation rates in an M13 gapped-duplex assay that utilizes lacZα as a reporter. The overall error rates for the wild-type, the Q151M, and the VILYM RTs were 4.5 × 10−5, 4.0 × 10−5, and 2.3 × 10−5 per nucleotide, respectively. Although the mutant RTs displayed minimal decreases in the overall error rates compared to wild-type RT, the error specificities of both mutant RTs were altered. The Q151M RT mutant generated new hot spots, which were not observed for wild-type HIV-1 RT previously. The VILYM RT showed a marked reduction in error rate at two of the predominant mutational hot spots that have been observed for wild-type HIV-1 RT.
Response of articular chondrocytes to pituitary fibroblst growth factor (FGF)

Rabbit chondrocytes from pooled articular joints have been delineated by their time of attachment of culture flasks after initiation of primary monolayer culture, either attached (48-AT) or floating (48-F) after 48 hours. A general population of chrondrocytes (attached after 72 hours, 72-AT) was also studied. The growth-promoting activity of pituitary fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and its effect on sulfated-proteoglycan synthesis was studied on each chondrocyte population in secondary monolayer culture. 3H-thymidine incorporation during a 1-hour pulse was stimulated by FGF (100 ng/ml) in each chondrocyte population. The response of AT-72 chondrocytes to FGF required an additional fetal bovine serum supplement, while 48-F cells resonded independent of serum. The response of 48-AT chondrocytes to FGF (100 ng/ml) during a 1-hour pulse with 3H-thymidine was increased in low serum (0.5–2.0%) rather than when high serum (8–10%) was present in the culture medium. FGF reduced 35SO4 incorporation into sulfated-proteoglycans in the 48-AT and 48-F chondrocyte populations, but not in the 72-AT population. The reduction in 35SO4 incorporation in the 48-AT and 48-F chondrocytes was not characterized by alterations in the hydrodynamic size of the sulfated-proteoglycans as measured by Sepharose CL-2B chromatography nor by changes in the types of sulfated-glycosaminoglycans produced. These results indicated that FGF produced quantitative rather than qualitative alterations in chondrocyte sulfated-proteoglycan synthesis. The latter appears uncoupled from the growth-promoting activity of FGF on chondrocytes.
Stratosphere-troposphere exchange ozone flux related to deep convection

[1] We study the mechanisms driving stratosphere-troposphere exchange of ozone fluxes within a chemistry-transport model. For years 2004–2006, year-round, most of the stratosphere-to-troposphere flux of O3 is associated with shear and folding around the subtropical jet, and this jet-related flux peaks for the northern hemisphere in May. Over the northern mid-latitude continents, however, surface convection penetrates to stratospheric levels of O3 (250 ppb), enhancing the O3 flux by 19% of the northern hemisphere total, and shifting the peak flux to June. This convection-related O3 flux represents 49% of the total over northern mid-latitudes in June.
THE IN VITRO DIFFERENTIATION OF MONONUCLEAR PHAGOCYTES IV. THE ULTRASTRUCTURE OF MACROPHAGE DIFFERENTIATION IN THE PERITONEAL CAVITY AND IN CULTURE

The structure of unstimulated mouse peritoneal phagocytes has been examined by electron microscopy and compared to cells obtained from the inflamed peritoneum and from cultures maintained in vitro. The unstimulated cell resembles the blood monocyte and contains a moderate amount of rough surfaced endoplasmic reticulum, a small but well defined Golgi apparatus and a few, small, electron-opaque granules in the cytoplasm. During in vitro cultivation there are marked changes in cell ultrastructure. Most prominent is the formation of large electron-opaque granules, some of which have a complex matrix containing both electron-opaque and lucent vesicles. In addition, there is an increase in size of the Golgi apparatus with the appearance of new lamellae and tiny, smooth surfaced vesicles. With continued cultivation, large lipid droplets are found in apposition to the rough endoplasmic reticulum. The formation and size of electron-opaque granules as well as the enlargement of the Golgi region is stimulated by high concentrations of serum in the medium. Cells obtained from the peritoneal cavity of lipopolysaccharide stimulated animals demonstrated changes in ultrastructure similar to those seen in cells cultured in vitro.
Planning for infectious disease outbreaks: a geographic disease spread, clinic location, and resource allocation simulation

In the event of an outbreak of a highly contagious communicable disease, public health departments often open mass-vaccination or antiviral dispensing clinics to treat the infected population or reduce the further spread of disease. In this research, we have created a simulation of the disease spread process employing a SEIR compartmental model. The model includes employment patterns and separates the population into age groups and spatial location to more accurately describe disease spread behavior. The analysis involves measuring health-related performance as we change the number of days elapsing between clinic days. We open clinics in locations that maximize the infected population coverage subject to budget and resource-related constraints, using a MIP location-allocation model. An example case is provided in the context of an outbreak occurring in Wake County, NC. The simulation is coded in C++, using ILOG Concert Technology to implement the location-allocation model.
The design and assessment of a secure passive RFID sensor system

This paper presents a low-overhead security enhancement for EPC Class-1 Generation-2 (Gen2) compatible RFID tags that provides data confidentiality for a series of common threats. The new security circuit, based on the PRESENT block cipher, is fully integrated into a passive RFID tag architecture. The circuit is evaluated in an FPGA-based emulation platform which allows for the validation of the circuit and the use of a protocol which seamlessly interacts with a standard off-the-shelf RFID reader. A complete system, including a temperature sensor attached to the emulated tag, was successfully tested in the lab using an existing Gen2 RFID reader. The hardware overhead of the security enhancement is roughly 1,900 logic gates.
The Global Atmospheric Research Program

The survey paper deals with the major activities, during the past four years, within the Global Atmospheric Research Program (GARP), written for the Atlantic Tropical Experiment (GATE). Emphasis is on the participation of the United States, but in the context of the international effort as a whole. The activities are outlined according to the subprograms recognized by the international Joint Organization Committee for GARP.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in paediatric intensive care patients.

To identify the success of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the paediatric ICU patient we undertook a retrospective study in an 11-bed medical and a 14-bed surgical paediatric ICU over a 32-month period. Thirtyfour patients suffered an arrest in the ICU. Only 4 patients could be resuscitated successfully; 1 died after 24 h. Of the 3 long-term survivors 1 suffered from severe neurologic sequelae. All patients were in CCS classes III or IV. All but 3 patients had PSI scores >8. The decision to resuscitate or to withhold therapy in individual patients who are deteriorating in the course of a critical, preceding illness should not be based on the risk index of these scoring systems. Both medical and ethical considerations should be guidelines in the process of decision-making.
Down regulation of the high-affinity IgE receptor associated with successful treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria with omalizumab.

Chronic idiopathic urticaria is a condition that is often controllable with antihistamine therapy. However, some patients have disease burden that is difficult to manage, non-responsive to antihistamines and often requires immunosuppressive medications such as corticosteroids or cyclosporine. We present here a study that demonstrates the effectiveness of omalizumab in treating this condition and the temporal relationship between improvement and down regulation of the high affinity IgE receptor (FceRI). For this, blood samples were obtained from a symptomatic patient before each treatment and processed for flow cytometric analysis of FceRI levels on the surface of blood basophils. Down regulation of FceRI was observed in association with significant clinical improvement and discontinuation of immunosuppressive medications.
All Things Considered? the Role of Choice Set Formation in Diversification:

Abstract The diversification effect, a tendency toward greater variety as multiple choices are made simultaneously, in advance of consumption, is a robust and important phenomenon. Researchers have typically explained the diversification effect in terms of differences in the process by which people select items from among those available. This precludes the possibility that the locus of the effect lies in people's choice sets themselves—that is, how people decide which options to consider when making choices. The authors examine the effects of set formation using an experimental choice sequence task and conjoined stochastic model of set formation and conditional choice. The findings demonstrate that set formation plays a critical role in diversification: Previously chosen options are indeed discounted, but only for simultaneous choices and only in the set formation portion of the model. Furthermore, the expected number of choice set items is substantially greater in multiple- versus single- item choice. S...
The Influence of Daylength, Body Weight, and Age on the Reproductive Ability of Broiler Breeder Cockerels

Abstract June-hatched broiler breeder cockerels of two strains were evaluated for reproductive performance in mating pens from 22 to 48 weeks of age. Two light programs with maximum daily daylengths of 15.5 or 16.5 hr were studied. An increase in the light day to 16.5 hr did not significantly affect the male reproductive traits except in number of completed matings and percent packed sperm volume (PSV). The males on 16.5 hr of light had significantly fewer completed matings than did the males on 15.5 hr. Strain 1 males on 16.5 hr produced significantly more spermatozoa at 35 and 40 weeks of age than males on 15.5 hr of light. Male body weights of both strains were significantly lower at 30 weeks of age on the longer daylength. Body weights of cockerels in all treatment groups increased with aging. The range in male body weight markedly influenced the percentage of producing cockerels with aging. During the late egg cycle, the number of producing males increased as body weight increased. The overall mean age of peak in the percentage of males in semen production was 44 weeks of age, which was 7 weeks later than peak egg production. Hatchability was significantly lower for male Strain 2, which had a higher percent PSV and a higher number of attempted matings than did Strain 1. Body weight was significantly correlated with male vent feather-wear at all ages and with the percentage of producing males at 48 weeks of age. The percentage of producing males was correlated with vent feather-wear, evert score, semen volume, and PSV. These results emphasize the importance of body weight selection for optimum breeding flock performance.
Spatial and Temporal Characteristics of Polarimetric Tornadic Debris Signatures

AbstractNonmeteorological scatter, including debris lofted by tornadoes, may be detected using the polarimetric radar variables. For the 17 months from January 2012 to May 2013, radar data were examined for each tornado reported in the domain of an operational polarimetric Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D). Characteristics of the tornadic debris signature (TDS) were recorded when a signature was present. Approximately 16% of all tornadoes reported in Storm Data were associated with a debris signature, and this proportion is shown to vary regionally. Signatures were more frequently seen with tornadoes that were rated higher on the enhanced Fujita (EF) scale, with tornadoes causing higher reported total property damage, with tornadoes that were closer to the radar and thus intercepted by the beam at lower altitude, and associated with tornadoes with greater total pathlength. Tornadic debris signatures were most common in spring, when more strong tornadoes occur, and in autumn, when natural d...
A fractal-based photodiode for on-chip energy harvesting

This paper presents the design and test of a photodiode with improved conversion efficiency for on-chip solar energy harvesting applications. The improved efficiency is achieved by exploiting the lateral photoresponse of the photodiode through the usage of diodes with fractal geometries. The fractal diodes have a large perimeter-to-area ratio which translates into more collected charges due to lateral photoresponse. An approximation of the quadric Koch island fractal has been designed and fabricated in a 0.5µm CMOS process along with a rectangular photodiode of equal area but different perimeter that serves as the control. Measurements of the fabricated chip show improvements in the charge collection of the fractal-based photodiode of up to 6% with respect to the rectangular control photodiode.
The effects of boron penetration on p/sup +/ polysilicon gated PMOS devices

The penetration of boron into and through the gate oxides of PMOS devices which employ p/sup +/ doped polysilicon gates is studied. Boron penetration results in large positive shifts in V/sub FB/, increased PMOS subthreshold slope and electron trapping rate, and decreased low-field mobility and interface trap density. Fluorine-related effects caused by BF/sub 2/ implantations into the polysilicon gate are shown to result in PMOS threshold voltage instabilities. Inclusion of a phosphorus co-implant or TiSi/sub 2/ salicide prior to gate implantation is shown to minimize this effect. The boron penetration phenomenon is modeled by a very shallow, fully-depleted p-type layer in the silicon substrate close to the SiO/sub 2//Si interface. >
A Monte Carlo simulation study of the mechanical and conformational properties of networks of helical polymers. Part II. The effect of temperature

Abstract In a recent article (Carri GA, Batman R, Varshney V, Dirama TE. Polymer 2005;46:3809 [17] ) we presented a model for networks of helical polymers. In this article we generalize our results to include the effect of temperature and focus on the mechanical, conformational and thermo-elastic properties of the network. We find that the non-monotonic stress–strain behavior observed at constant temperature also appears in the stress–temperature behavior at constant strain. The origin of this behavior is traced to the induction and melting of helical beads by the application of large strains or reduction in temperature. Other conformational properties of the polymer strands are also discussed. We also study the network entropy and heat capacity, and find a non-monotonic dependence on temperature and strain. Our study shows that the entropy is controlled by the helical content whenever the latter is significant. Otherwise, the entropy corresponds to the one of a network made of random coils. In addition, the study of the heat capacity shows that strain shifts the helix-coil transition temperature significantly. Other results are also discussed.
Mechanical Behavior of Spinodal Alloys

The mechanical properties of spinodal alloys are reviewed and related to structural features of the alloys. Following a brief discussion of techniques for and results of structural characterization, the empirical observations of yield strength are compared with theory. In closing, the response of these alloys to cyclic deformation is compared with that of homogeneous and precipitation hardened alloys.
Clinical and Radiological Analysis of Idiopathic Pulmonary Hemosiderosis in Children

Objective:To study the imaging characteristics and pathologic findings of idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis(IPH).Methods: The clinical data and imaging findings of 18 cases with IPH treated in our hospital between 1999 and 2005 were retrospectively analyzed.Results: On chest radiography,enhanced lung markings(n=15),flake consolidation and ground-glass shadows(n=12),diffuse miliary and micronodular shadows(n=6),and diffuse reticular shadows(n=8) were shown in both lungs,and enlarged heart shadow in 2 cases and bulged the segment of pulmonary artery in 1 case were seen.On HRCT,diffuse flake consolidation and ground-glass shadows(n=2) and air bronchogram(n=1),diffuse miliary and micronodular shadows(n=1),and thickened interlobular septum(n=2) were demonstrated.Conclusion: Chest film is the important method to detect IPH,while HRCT may provide more information on foci of interest.Combined analysis of imaging findings,clinical manifestation,and laboratory results,particularly the presence of hemosiderin macrophagocyte in sputum,gastric juice or lung tissue may provide a confirmed diagnosis of IPH.
Hypertension in Pregnancy

SUMMARY Any pregnancy complicated by hypertension must be considered to be at increased risk. Proper management dictates early diagnosis, liberal use of hospitalization, appropriate antihypertensive therapy, and timely intervention with consideration being given to maternal and fetal compromise if the pregnancy is allowed to continue. Unfortunately, the decision as to the proper timing for delivery is not always easily made, especially if the fetus is premature and there is an absence of compelling complications. Consequently, the liberal use of perinatal referral sources in these cases is both appropriate and indicated. Fortunately, the diligence and the care employed by the physician in dealing with these patients can be expected to be rewarded by a good outcome for both mother and infant.
Multiple Decay Analysis of the Correlation Function

“In this mood of mind I betook myself to the mathematics and the branches of study appertaining to that science as being built upon secure foundations, and so worthy of my consideration.” (Victor Frankenstein to Robert Walton)
RT-qPCR for the diagnosis of dermatophilosis in horses.

Background Dermatophilus congolensis causes a crusting dermatitis that affects horses. Diagnosis requires the identification of the organism with cytological evaluation of crust samples. This method can lack sensitivity in chronic cases. Hypothesis/Objectives To develop a probe-based real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) test to assist with the diagnosis of dermatophilosis in horses. Animals Twenty six privately owned horses and seven horses from a research colony were used. Methods Crust samples, collected from 14 horses with suspected dermatophilosis and 12 horses with crusting skin disease not characteristic of dermatophilosis, were evaluated by cytological evaluation and RT-qPCR; the latter was also performed on hair samples collected from seven healthy horses. Results Cytological evaluation revealed organisms consistent with Dermatophilus congolensis from nine horses with suspected dermatophilosis, with only a few organisms seen from five samples. Cytological evaluation of all other crusts was negative for Dermatophilus. Other bacterial organisms were detected on cytological evaluation from 15 samples. RT-qPCR for Dermatophilus was positive from 11 crusts, whereas all other samples were negative. Two samples were cytologically negative but RT-qPCR positive for Dermatophilus. No samples were cytologically positive but RT-qPCR negative for Dermatophilus. Conclusion Results of this study show that RT-qPCR may be a more sensitive and easier method than cytological evaluation for the diagnosis of dermatophilosis in horses.
“Everyone Knows It’s About Something Else, Way Down”: Boredom, Nihilism, and the Search for Meaning in David Foster Wallace’s The Pale King

ABSTRACTThis article investigates the “something else” that underlies information-age boredom, according to The Pale King’s “Author,” and analyzes the novel’s representations of boredom to that end. Wallace’s decade-long engagement with the problem of boredom, which ended with his suicide, and The Pale King’s longest section, the story of “Irrelevant” Chris Fogle, are read in context with existentialist philosophies, particularly Viktor Frankl’s and Albert Camus’s contrasting treatments of boredom in Man’s Search for Meaning and The Myth of Sisyphus, respectively. The “something” behind Fogle’s boredom appears in this light as an aimless, default, self-centered nihilism, which he overcomes temporarily by choosing to see meaning in a job that others might view as absurd: working for the IRS. The article concludes by noting that Fogle’s story and The Pale King in general significantly resist closed interpretation due to the open-endedness of Fogle’s narrative, his ongoing drug dependency, and the recursive ...
Consistency and plausible reasoning

The usual approach to plausible reasoning is to associate a validity measure with each fact or rule, and to compute from these a validity measure for any deduction that is made. This approach is shown to be inappropriate for some classes of problems, particularly those in which the evidence is not internally consistent. Two current plausible reasoning architectures are summarized and each applied to the same small task. An analysis of the performance of these systems reveals deficiencies in each case. The paper then outlines a new approach based on the discovery of consistent subsets of the given evidence. This system can be used either in isolation or in conjunction with a validity-propagating architecture. Comparative results from implementations of all three systems are presented.
Electrostatic Interactions between Tau Peptides and Model Biological Membranes: A Folding-Upon-Binding Mechanism

Found in neuronal cells of the central nervous system, tau proteins primarily function in cytoskeletal stability by associating with microtubules. During Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies, misfolded tau proteins form neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), thus impairing neuronal function and causing various neurodegenerative effects. The microtubule binding domain of tau consists of four repeat segments (R1-R4), and aggregation of these segments has previously been observed within NFTs. Previous research has also found misfolded tau components associated with the Golgi membrane, but not the plasma membrane. Here, we have used circular dicroism (CD) and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) to examine interactions between repeat segments R1-R4 and lipid bilayers of varying charge (DOPC and DOPC/DOPG 80:20). Our data indicate that significant structural changes are induced by charged membrane mimics and an entropy-driven binding process occurs during this interaction. Indeed, binding of tau occurs concomitantly with a classical hydrophobic effect. Thus, we propose a folding-upon-binding event occurring between negatively-charged membranes and the more promiscuous tau repeat segments. Results from calcein leakage assays and membrane fusion FRET measurements will also be presented to further probe the mechanism of bilayer disruption. These results will help explain a possible mechanism of tau misfolding during Alzheimer's disease, and are potentially beneficial to design strategies that prevent or reverse the aggregation process.
Constructing a ‘first’ First Lady through memory: The case of China’s Peng Liyuan:

Our study analyzed how cultural memory of previous and contemporary First Ladies was used as a journalistic device by US media to make sense of the unusual case of Peng Liyuan, the current First Lady of China. A textual analysis showed that news coverage of Peng relied on a Western and gendered conception of the First Lady while distancing her from her predecessors. We found that resonance with the idealized First Lady template served to signal Peng’s progressiveness in both the general and the political sense. Although Peng’s performance as a ‘first’ First Lady was celebrated in international politics, it is important to be aware that cultural values and gender norms associated with the First Lady identity can become rhetorical tools that sustain the existing political order between the West and the non-West.
Resource capture and competitive ability of non-pathogenic Pseudogymnoascus spp. and P. destructans, the cause of white-nose syndrome in bats

White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a devastating fungal disease that has been causing the mass mortality of hibernating bats in North America since 2006 and is caused by the psychrophilic dermatophyte Pseudogymnoascus destructans. Infected bats shed conidia into hibernaculum sediments and surfaces, but it is unknown if P. destructans can form stable, reproductive populations outside its bat hosts. Previous studies have found non-pathogenic Pseudogymnoascus in bat hibernacula, and these fungi may provide insight into the natural history of P. destructans. We compared the relatedness, resource capture, and competitive ability of non-pathogenic Pseudogymnoascus isolates with P. destructans to determine if they have similar adaptations for survival in hibernacula sediment. All non-pathogenic Pseudogymnoascus isolates grew faster, utilized a broader range of substrates with higher efficiency, and were generally more resistant to antifungals compared to P. destructans. All isolates also showed the ability to displace P. destructans in co-culture assays, but only some produced extractible antifungal metabolites. These results suggest that P. destructans would perform poorly in the same environmental niche as non-pathogenic Pseudogymnoascus, and must have an alternative saprophytic survival strategy if it establishes active populations in hibernaculum sediment and non-host surfaces.
Band gaps for elastic wave propagation in a periodic composite beam structure incorporating microstructure and surface energy effects

Abstract A new model for determining band gaps for elastic wave propagation in a periodic composite beam structure is developed using a non-classical Bernoulli–Euler beam model that incorporates the microstructure, surface energy and rotational inertia effects. The Bloch theorem and transfer matrix method for periodic structures are employed in the formulation. The new model reduces to the classical elasticity-based model when both the microstructure and surface energy effects are not considered. The band gaps predicted by the new model depend on the microstructure and surface elasticity of each constituent material, the unit cell size, the rotational inertia, and the volume fraction. To quantitatively illustrate the effects of these factors, a parametric study is conducted. The numerical results reveal that the band gap predicted by the current non-classical model is always larger than that predicted by the classical model when the beam thickness is very small, but the difference is diminishing as the thickness becomes large. Also, it is found that the first frequency for producing the band gap and the band gap size decrease with the increase of the unit cell length according to both the current and classical models. In addition, it is observed that the effect of the rotational inertia is larger when the exciting frequency is higher and the unit cell length is smaller. Furthermore, it is seen that the volume fraction has a significant effect on the band gap size, and large band gaps can be obtained by tailoring the volume fraction and material parameters.
“Foi como se tivesse ficado órfã duas vezes”: Orfandade em O Tibete de África

Working as a countercurrent to the imperial rhetoric around the patriarchal family and home, the literary trope of the orphan offers a critical view of the Portuguese colonial and postcolonial experience, emphasizing the anxieties and traumas that were felt in the context of the end of the Empire, the Decolonization process and the return of settlers and their descendants to Portugal. The experience between worlds (the Portuguese and the African), which characterizes the trajectory of the protagonist of O Tibete de Africa -- a novel published by Margarida Paredes in 2006 -- manifests itself in a state of double orphanhood stemming from her father's death and subsequent disintegration of the family, as well as from the loss of her place of origin - Angola. This essay delves into this orphan journey, which has obvious symbolic repercussions.
Andro-privilege, raunch culture, and stripping:

This study notes a rising number of female customers at heterosexual strip bars and explores the reasons for this change. Drawing methodologically on audio-taped interviews with strip club employees and 150 hours of observation in strip bars, we explore the dynamics of raunch culture—a hypersexualized climate—and andro-privilege, a new concept in feminist theory that we originate here. Patriarchal cultures condition members to preference practices associated with hegemonic masculinity, and uphold masculinism, the ideology that justifies male domination. Andro-privilege is a new Western cultural practice that cloaks masculinism in a discursive mantle of gender progress. That andro-privilege exists at all is a sign of growth. It demonstrates that progressive ideas about gender equality have affected people, and created, at least among some, a misalignment with unfairness. Andro-privilege resolves this discomfort by temporarily allowing some girls and women to be “one of the guys” while allowing no parallel ...
The Performance of MIL-STD-105D Under the Switching Rules: Part 1: Evaluation

MIL-STD-105D is a sampling scheme. As such, switching from normal to tightened or reduced plans must be utilized to effect optimum protection. Unfortunately, the standard itself presents tables of ...
Hurst parameter as a correlation measure for brain signal

Correlation in brain is generally considered an evidence of physical connectivity of the neuron network. However, the way neuron clusters cooperate varies from mental function to function. In this work, we used Hurst parameter as a measure of brain signal correlation and analyzed the EEG data made fungible available by USC. We found striking results showing significant self-similarity in the analyzed EEG signal in the form of high values for the Hurst's parameter. This raises the question whether neurons communicate using common control signals very similar to the control protocols in Internet devices, also resulting in high self-similarity.
NEUTRON RADIOGRAPHY AT THE GENERAL ELECTRIC NUCLEAR TEST REACTOR

Neutron Radiography is presently being performed on a routine production basis. The neutron source is the General Electric designed and constructed Nuclear Test Reactor, a 100 kw (t) graphite-moderated and-reflected, light-water-cooled, thermal reactor at the Pleasanton, California, U.S.A., Vallecitos Nuclear Center.
A new era for treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis

Adoption of new treatment regimens for drug-resistant TB has been slowed amid concerns regarding their efficacy and safety. Numerous studies worldwide now provide substantial evidence to support widespread implementation of these new drugs and regimens.http://ow.ly/FX8I30lpANX
The Psychiatrist's Role in Retrospective Determination of Suicide: An Uncertain Science

Psychiatrists have made significant contributions to our understanding of the phenomenon of suicide and are generally regarded as experts in all matters relating to suicide. When a legal determination must be made as to whether an individual has died as a result of suicide or by accidental (or any other) means, psychiatrists are often called upon to proffer their expert opinion to assist the courts to resolve the matter. Two case illustrations are presented and analyzed in which psychiatrists were called upon to make such retrospective determinations of suicide. The question is raised as to whether psychiatrists may sometimes exceed the limits of their scientific expertise in making such determinations.
Nanoscale Restructuring of Polymer Materials to Produce Single Polymer Composites and Miscible Blends.

I summarize work conducted in our laboratories over the past 30 years using small host molecules to restructure polymer materials at the nanometer level. Certain small molecules, such as the cyclic starches cyclodextrins (CDs) and urea (U) can form non-covalent crystalline inclusion compounds (ICs) with a range of guest molecules, including many polymers. In polymer-CD- and -U-ICs, guest polymer chains reside in narrow channels created by the host molecule crystals, where they are separated and highly extended. When the host crystalline lattice is carefully removed, the guest polymer chains coalesce into a bulk sample with an organization that is distinct from that normally produced from its melt or from solution. Amorphous regions of such coalesced polymer samples have a greater density, likely with less chain entanglement and more chain alignment. As a consequence, after cooling from their melts, coalesced amorphous polymers show glass-transition temperatures (Tgs) that are elevated above those of samples prepared from their solutions or melts. Upon cooling from their melts, coalesced samples of crystallizable polymers show dramatically-increased abilities to crystallize more rapidly and much closer to their melting temperatures (Tms). These unique behaviors of polymers coalesced from their CD- and U-ICs are unexpectedly resistant to extended annealing above their Tgs and Tms. Taking advantage of this behavior permits us to create polymer materials with unique and improved properties. Among these are amorphous polymers with elevated Tgs and semi-crystalline polymers with finer more uniform morphologies. Improved mechanical properties can be achieved through self-nucleation with small amounts of the same polymer made rapidly crystallizable through coalescence from its CD- or U-IC. This can lead to single polymer composites with as-received polymer matrices and self-nucleated reinforcements. Through simultaneous formation and subsequent coalescence from their common CD–ICs, stable well-mixed blends can be achieved between any two or more polymers, despite their inherent immiscibilities. Such coalesced and well-mixed blends are also resistant to phase segregation when heated for extensive periods well above their Tgs and Tms.
Abstract 2264: Synergistic combination of oncolytic virotherapy and immunotherapy for glioma

Oncolytic viral immunotherapy is a novel approach to cancer treatment. Viruses can directly kill cancer cells, provide antigens to dendritic cells to stimulate a T cell response, and make cancer cells express genes of immune-enhancing cytokines locally within the tumor microenvironment. We hypothesized that the combination of oncolytic virus with a local stimulus for activating tumor-specific T cells and an anti-immunosuppressant would improve treatment of gliomas and applying the combination treatment after the resection of late-stage established glioma might overcome immunosuppression caused by surgical trauma, kill the residual tumor and cure glioma-bearing mice. Virally encoded IL15Rα-IL15 as the T cell activating stimulus and a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor as the anti-immunosuppressant were combined with adoptive transfer of tumor-specific T cells. Two oncolytic poxviruses, vvDD vaccinia virus and myxoma virus, were each engineered to express the fusion protein IL15Rα-IL15 and a fluorescent protein. Viral gene expression (YFP or tdTomato Red) was confirmed in the murine glioma GL261 in vitro and in vivo. GL261 tumors in immunocompetent C57BL/6J mice were treated with vvDD-IL15Rα-YFP vaccinia virus or vMyx-IL15Rα-tdTr combined with other treatments, including vaccination with GARC-1 peptide (a neoantigen for GL261), rapamycin, celecoxib, and adoptive T cell therapy. The feasibility of partial resection of late-stage established glioma in mouse brain was confirmed. We found that vvDD-IL15Rα-YFP and vMyx-IL15Rα-tdTr each infected and killed GL261 cells in vitro. In vivo, NK cells and CD8+ T cells were increased in the tumor due to the expression of IL15Rα-IL15. Each component of a combination treatment contributed to prolonging survival: an oncolytic virus, the IL15Rα-IL15 expressed by the virus, a source of T cells (whether by pre-vaccination or adoptive transfer), and prostaglandin inhibition all synergized to produce elimination of gliomas in a majority of mice. vvDD-IL15Rα-YFP occasionally caused encephalitis, but vMyx-IL15Rα-tdTr was safe and effective, causing a strong infiltration of tumor-specific T cells and eliminating gliomas in 83% of treated mice All these facts suggest that IL15Rα-IL15-armed oncolytic poxviruses provide potent antitumor effects against brain tumors when combined with adoptive T cell therapy, rapamycin and celecoxib. And it is possible to do tumor resection on mice bearing late-stage glioma. We are working on applying the combination treatment after the resection of late-stage established glioma. Citation Format: Bingtao Tang, Zong Sheng Guo, David Bartlett, Jia Liu, Grant McFadden, Joanna Shisler, Kari Foss, Heidi Phillips, Terence Lichtor, Edward Roy. Synergistic combination of oncolytic virotherapy and immunotherapy for glioma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 912.
The mediating effects of functions of social support on HIV-related trauma and health-related quality of life for PLHIV in China

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of social support as a buffer between traumatic life events and HRQOL. We hypothesized that social support would mediate the effect of traumatic ...
UPC++ v1.0 Specification, Revision 2020.10.0

UPC++ is a C++11 library providing classes and functions that support Partitioned Global Address Space (PGAS) programming. The key communication facilities in UPC++ are one-sided Remote Memory Access (RMA) and Remote Procedure Call (RPC). All communication operations are syntactically explicit and default to non-blocking; asynchrony is managed through the use of futures, promises and continuation callbacks, enabling the programmer to construct a graph of operations to execute asynchronously as high-latency dependencies are satisfied. A global pointer abstraction provides system-wide addressability of shared memory, including host and accelerator memories. The parallelism model is primarily process-based, but the interface is thread-safe and designed to allow efficient and expressive use in multi-threaded applications. The interface is designed for extreme scalability throughout, and deliberately avoids design features that could inhibit scalability.
Developing Smartphone Applications to Improve Communication Between Respiratory Therapists and Spanish Speaking Patients

Background: UC San Diego serves a community which is 35% Latino/Hispanic, many of whom do not speak English. It is critical that our staff be able to effectively communicate with these patients. Finding no respiratory care specific translation tool, we decided to create a point of care translation tool to help respiratory therapists better communicate with their Spanish speaking patients and their families. Since the majority of the clinicians in our facility own a smartphone, we opted to create a mobile application that could function throughout the hospital without a WiFi signal. Methods: Development of 9RT Assist9 was guided by our bilingual staff respiratory therapists, ICU nurses, a critical care pulmonologist and community members. Our focus was specific to translating the terms that respiratory therapists use in the clinical setting. Common questions, instructions and phrases used were identified by respiratory therapist and each of those phrases translated. We enlisted the use of an expert in smartphone applications to develop the tool with the characteristics and specifications defined by our team. We organized our app into independent sections, based on the type of encounter that was expected. For example, we have a dedicated section to communicate with intubated patients, especially guiding spontaneous breathing trials. Other sections guide patients through medication administration, arterial blood gases, chest physiotherapy or incentive spirometry. Lastly, we have included phrases that allow clinicians to assess pain, neurological status and the comfort level of their Spanish-speaking patients. Results: This application was published and made available free of charge to staff, as well as the online community in late 2013. Staff are currently using the application in the clinical setting. When the user clicks on a phrase or command written in English, the app will then replay that exact phrase in Spanish through the external speaker that is standard on modern smartphones. We have strong feedback and praise from multiple reviewers. The initial response has been significant, with downloads approaching 1,000. Conclusions: Mobile applications are rapidly evolving and helping to shape the future of healthcare. By embracing technology, and using it to our advantage, we can help improve patient outcomes. Keeping this in mind, we have released Android and iPhone platforms. Disclosures: None.
Genomic study of oral lichen planus and oral microbiome with RNAseq

ABSTRACT Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a common chronic inflammatory disease affecting the oral mucosa. The pathogenesis of OLP is incompletely understood but is thought to be related to the immune system. As the oral cavity is a major reservoir and transmission gateway for bacteria, viruses, and fungi, the microbial composition of the oral cavity could play a role in the pathogenesis of OLP. However, due to limitations of analytic technology and incomplete knowledge of the microbial community in the oral cavity, it is not yet clear which pathogens are associated with OLP. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a powerful tool that can help to identify pathogens for many infectious diseases. In this study, we compared host cell gene expression profiles and microbial profiles from OLP patients and matched healthy individuals. We identified activation of the hepatocyte nuclear factor alpha (HNF4A) network in OLP patients and potential pathogens, including Corynebacterium matruchotii, Fusobacterium periodonticum, Streptococcus intermedius, Streptococcus oralis, and Prevotella denticola. P. denticola is capable of activating the HNF4A gene network. Our findings shed light on the previously elusive association of OLP with various diseases like hepatitis, and indicate that OLP is a T-helper type 17 (Th17)-mediated mucosal inflammatory process. The molecular pathways and microbes identified here can inform future investigations into OLP pathogenesis and development of novel therapeutics for OLP treatment.