cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Light, Imaging, Vision: An interdisciplinary undergraduate course

Students in physical and life science, and in engineering, need to know about the physics and biology of light. In the twenty-first century, it has become increasingly clear that the quantum nature of light is essential both for the latest imaging modalities and even to advance our knowledge of fundamental life processes, such as photosynthesis and human vision. But many optics courses remain rooted in classical physics, with photons as an afterthought.I'll describe a new undergraduate course, for students in several science and engineering majors, that takes students from the rudiments of probability theory to modern experimental methods like fluorescence imaging and Forster resonance energy transfer. After a digression into color vision, students then see how the Feynman principle explains the apparently wavelike phenomena associated to light, including applications like diffraction limit, subdiffraction imaging, total internal reflection and TIRF microscopy. Then we see how scientists documented the single-quantum sensitivity of the eye seven decades earlier than ‘ought’ to have been possible, and finally close with the remarkable signaling cascade that delivers such outstanding performance.A new textbook, to be published in April 2017, allows others to replicate this course.Partially supported by the United States National Science Foundation under Grant PHY-1601894.
Age-related changes in male rat reproductive organ weights and plasma testosterone concentrations after administration of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor.

Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of pargyline, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, on male rat reproductive organ weights, testicular histology, and plasma testosterone levels. Pargyline was administered to various groups of rats by implanting it, either dissolved or in a powder form, in Silastic tubing capsules. Additional rats were injected with pargyline solutions. The effects of pargyline appeared to be age-related with younger animals, weighing under 400 gm (
Influence of diet and exercise on energy expenditure-a review

Maintenance of a healthy body weight results from equating total energy intake to total energy expenditure (resting metabolic rate, RMR; the thermic effect of feeding, TEF; the thermic effect of activity, TEA; and adaptive thermogenesis, AT). Dietary quantity and composition and acute and chronic exercise have been shown to influence all components of total energy expenditure. This paper reviews the effects of exercise and diet on energy expenditure and, ultimately, energy balance. Overnutrition increases RMR and TEF while undernutrition decreases them. Carbohydrate and protein oxidation is closely tied to intake whereas fat oxidation does not closely parallel fat intake. Thus excess fat intake is likely to lead to fat storage. Acute endurance exercise at > 70% VO2max increases postexercise RMR and TEF. Chronic exercise training may increase RMR while also increasing TEF. Review of the research indicates that energy balance may best be achieved by consuming an energy appropriate, low fat diet complemented by endurance exercise.
Effects of hemoglobin on heme oxygenase gene expression and viability of cultured smooth muscle cells

Ferrous Hb contributes to cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage, although the mechanisms involved are uncertain. The hypothesis that cytotoxic effects of ferrous Hb on smooth muscle cells contribute to vasospasm was assessed. Cultured rat basilar artery smooth muscle cells were exposed to pure Hb, dog erythrocyte hemolysate, or Hb breakdown products; and heme oxygenase (HO-1 and HO-2) and ferritin mRNA and protein were measured. Cytotoxicity was assessed by lactate dehydrogenase release and fluorescence assays. Pure Hb or hemolysate caused dose- and time-dependent increases in HO-1 mRNA and protein. Hemin was the component of Hb that increased HO-1 mRNA. Cycloheximide inhibited the increase in HO-1 mRNA in response to hemin. Ferritin protein heavy chain but not mRNA increased upon exposure of cells to Hb. Hemin and ferric but not ferrous Hb were toxic to smooth muscle cells. Toxicity was increased by exposure to Hb plus tin protoporphyrin IX. In conclusion, exposure of smooth muscle cells to Hb induces HO-1 mRNA and protein through pathways that involve new protein synthesis. Hemin is the component of Hb that induces HO-1. Hemin and ferric but not ferrous Hb are toxic.
Legendre's Identity

(1969). Legendre's Identity. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 76, No. 6, pp. 611-616.
Amblyomma Inornatum (Acarina: Ixodidae): Natural Hosts and Laboratory Biology

In a survey of ticks collected from native wild hosts in South Texas, Amblyomma inornatum (Banks) was recorded for the first time parasitizing Virginia Opossum ( Didelphis virginiana ) and Badger ( Taxidea taxus ); additionally, this tick was collected from Collared Peccary ( Tayassu tajacu ), Coyote ( Canis latrans ), Raccoon ( Procyon lotor ), Bobcat ( Lynx rufus ), and Eastern Cottontail ( Sylvilagus floridanus ). Adult ticks of this species collected from their natural hosts in the field were colonized in the laboratory with guinea pigs as hosts of all 3 parasitic stages. Details of the laboratory biology of all 3 stages and linear measurements of the immature stages of A. inornatum are presented. Although engorged females of A. inornatum weighed less than engorged females of other Amblyomma species, most other aspects of the life cycle in the laboratory were very similar to those of the other Amblyomma spp. previously studied in the United States. The weights and linear body measurements of male and female A. inornatum differed greatly. Indeed, the sexes could be separated on the basis of the weight of engorged nymphs immediately after repletion and detachment.
Porosity Measurements and Analysis for Metal Additive Manufacturing Process Control

Additive manufacturing techniques can produce complex, high-value metal parts, with potential applications as critical metal components such as those found in aerospace engines and as customized biomedical implants. Material porosity in these parts is undesirable for aerospace parts - since porosity could lead to premature failure - and desirable for some biomedical implants - since surface-breaking pores allows for better integration with biological tissue. Changes in a part’s porosity during an additive manufacturing build may also be an indication of an undesired change in the build process. Here, we present efforts to develop an ultrasonic sensor for monitoring changes in the porosity in metal parts during fabrication on a metal powder bed fusion system. The development of well-characterized reference samples, measurements of the porosity of these samples with multiple techniques, and correlation of ultrasonic measurements with the degree of porosity are presented. A proposed sensor design, measurement strategy, and future experimental plans on a metal powder bed fusion system are also presented.
Reclaiming Our Past: Linking Theory and Practice

As others have done before me, I am honored to receive the APSA John Gaus Award. As I prepared this lecture, I realized that the Gaus award has been given by APSA 26 times; mine is the 27th. The first was awarded to Herbert Kaufman whose work set a very high standard for this honor. Reviewing the list of the other Gaus award recipients provides a picture of the development of our field. It includes a variety of individuals who represent different approaches to the intersection of public administration and political science. Among the recipients are seven individuals who had a major and personal influence on my work: Aaron Wildavsky, Frank Rourke, George Frederickson, Martha Derthick, Lou Gawthrop, Larry Lynn, and David Rosenbloom. Others are people who have been important to my own intellectual development.
SU‐G‐TeP4‐11: Implementation of a Non‐Measurement‐Based Patient‐Specific IMRT QA Program

Purpose: To implement a comprehensive non-measurement-based verification program for patient-specific IMRT QA Methods: Based on published guidelines, a robust IMRT QA program should assess the following components: 1) accuracy of dose calculation, 2) accuracy of data transfer from the treatment planning system (TPS) to the record-and-verify (RV) system, 3) treatment plan deliverability, and 4) accuracy of plan delivery. Results: We have implemented an IMRT QA program that consist of four components: 1) an independent re-calculation of the dose distribution in the patient anatomy with a commercial secondary dose calculation program: Mobius3D (Mobius Medical Systems, Houston, TX), with dose accuracy evaluation using gamma analysis, PTV mean dose, PTV coverage to 95%, and organ-at-risk mean dose; 2) an automated in-house-developed plan comparison system that compares all relevant plan parameters such as MU, MLC position, beam iso-center position, collimator, gantry, couch, field size settings, and bolus placement, etc. between the plan and the RV system; 3) use of the RV system to check the plan deliverability and further confirm using “mode-up” function on treatment console for plans receiving warning; and 4) implementation of a comprehensive weekly MLC QA, in addition to routine accelerator monthly and daily QA. Among 1200 verifications, there were 9 cases of suspicious calculations, 5 cases of delivery failure, no data transfer errors, and no failure of weekly MLC QA. These 9 suspicious cases were due to the PTV extending to the skin or to heterogeneity correction effects, which would not have been caught using phantom measurement-based QA. The delivery failure was due to the rounding variation of MLC position between the planning system and RV system. Conclusion: A very efficient, yet comprehensive, non-measurement-based patient-specific QA program has been implemented and used clinically for about 18 months with excellent results
A Direct, Early Stage Guanidinylation Protocol for the Synthesis of Complex Aminoguanidine-containing Natural Products

The guanidine functional group, displayed most prominently in the amino acid arginine, one of the fundamental building blocks of life, is an important structural element found in many complex natural products and pharmaceuticals. Owing to the continual discovery of new guanidine-containing natural products and designed small molecules, rapid and efficient guanidinylation methods are of keen interest to synthetic and medicinal organic chemists. Because the nucleophilicity and basicity of guanidines can affect subsequent chemical transformations, traditional, indirect guanidinylation is typically pursued. Indirect methods commonly employ multiple protection steps involving a latent amine precursor, such as an azide, phthalimide, or carbamate. By circumventing these circuitous methods and employing a direct guanidinylation reaction early in the synthetic sequence, it was possible to forge the linear terminal guanidine containing backbone of clavatadine A to realize a short and streamlined synthesis of this potent factor XIa inhibitor. In practice, guanidine hydrochloride is elaborated with a carefully constructed protecting array that is optimized to survive the synthetic steps to come. In the preparation of clavatadine A, direct guanidinylation of a commercially available diamine eliminated two unnecessary steps from its synthesis. Coupled with the wide variety of known guanidine protecting groups, direct guanidinylation evinces a succinct and efficient practicality inherent to methods that find a home in a synthetic chemist's toolbox.
Communication—Indentation of Li-Ion Pouch Cell: Effect of Material Homogenization on Prediction of Internal Short Circuit

We performed finite element simulations of spherical indentation of Li-ion pouch cells. Our model fully resolves different layers in the cell. The results of the layer resolved models were compared to the models available in the literature that treat the cell as an equivalent homogenized continuum material. Simulations were carried out for different sizes of the spherical indenter. Here, we show that calibration of a failure criterion for the cell in the homogenized model depends on the indenter size, whereas in the layer-resoled model, such dependency is greatly diminished.
Fibroblasts and Tissue Repair Cells

Fibroblasts are specialized cells that develop from embryonic mesenchyme. They provide an important source of the cellular response to peritoneal injury. As fibroblasts migrate they send out lamellipodia, which adhere to surfaces and allow the fibroblast to move to the new attachment site by contraction of the filaments (Abercrombie, Heaysman, & Pegrum, 1971, 1972; Harris & Dunn, 1972). Fibroblasts synthesize matrix components and direct organization of the resulting connective tissue matrix (e.g., collagens, fibronectin, proteoglycans, and other proteins). The matrix is constantly being turned over and remodeled by fibroblasts and the degradative enzymes they secrete (e.g., collagenases, proteoglycanases, glycosaminodases, and other proteases).
Survey of Potential Reservoir Species for the Oyster Parasite Multinucleate Sphere X (Haplosporidium nelsoni) in and Around Oyster Farms in the Damariscotta River Estuary, Maine

ABSTRACT In the summer of 2010, the Damariscotta River Estuary, ME, experienced the first large multinucleate sphere X disease (Haplosporidium nelsoni) outbreak in commercial stocks of the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica). In 2012, biofouling organisms were sampled in and around the commercial oyster operations with the intent of looking for the presence of the parasite to see which, if any, biofouling species may be acting as a reservoir host and harboring the parasite. Organisms collected included tunicates, gastropods, polychaetes, and arthropods, as well as plankton samples from the surrounding water column. A quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay for H. nelsoni using a TaqMan minor groove binder probe, which was originally developed for detection of the parasiteDNAin oysters, was applied to biofouling species. The protozoan parasite H. nelsoniDNA was present in up to 70% of tunicate samples and about 30% of plankton samples. The highest parasite DNA copies (averaging 4 × 104 copies) were...
Rational Combination Immunotherapy: Understand the Biology

Selecting rational treatment combinations remains a major challenge for improving immunotherapy outcomes. In this issue of Cancer Immunology Research, Zhang and colleagues reduced tumors by inhibiting CD47 in a lung carcinoma model, a treatment that inadvertently induced autophagy through inhibition of the Akt/mTOR pathway. By also targeting autophagy, the therapeutic response improved, highlighting the importance of understanding the biology beneath antitumor immunity. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(5); 355-6. ©2017 AACRSee article by Zhang et al., p. 363.
Statistical QoS-driven power allocation for WiFi offloading over heterogeneous wireless networks

To support the emerging next era of mobile wireless networks, researchers have made a great deal of efforts in promising techniques in multimedia services - the statistical quality-of-service (QoS) technique, which has been proved to be effective in statistically guaranteeing delay-bounded video transmissions over the time-varying wireless channels. On the other hand, as one of the 5G-promising techniques, the offloading technique has been demonstrated as the powerful approach to address the data explosion problem, alleviating the congestion in macrocells. Consequently, challenges have been imposed in applying the WiFi offloading scheme for maximizing the effective capacity under QoS constraints. To effectively overcome the above-mentioned challenges, we propose the statistical QoS-driven power allocation scheme through applying the WiFi offloading system over heterogeneous wireless networks. In particular, under the Nakagami-m fading channel model, we establish the communication model for WiFi offloading over heterogeneous wireless networks. Then, we propose the WiFi offloading methods. Given the statistical QoS constraints, we derive and analyze the effective capacity under our developed optimal power-allocation policies for the WiFi offloading scheme over heterogeneous wireless networks. Also conducted is a set of simulations which analyze the performance and the benefits of our proposed WiFi offloading scheme, compared to the schemes without WiFi offloading in terms of effective capacity under statistical QoS constraints over heterogeneous wireless networks.
Counting perfect polynomials

Abstract Let A ∈ F 2 [ T ] . We say A is perfect if A coincides with the sum of all of its divisors in F 2 [ T ] . We prove that the number of perfect polynomials A with | A | ≤ x is O ϵ ( x 1 / 12 + ϵ ) for all ϵ > 0 , where | A | = 2 deg ⁡ A . We also prove that every perfect polynomial A with 1 | A | ≤ 1.6 × 10 60 is divisible by T or T + 1 ; that is, there are no small “odd” perfect polynomials.
From Classroom to Community: the Impact of a Non-Clinical Clerkship on Fourth-Year Medical Students’ Ability to Address Social Determinants of Health

The AAMC has called for research exploring causes of health disparities and the value of educating health care providers about population health. Research on best practices for educating medical students about social determinants of health is limited. During academic year 2015–2016, we implemented a required 4-week community health clerkship for all fourth-year medical students at Tulane University not concurrently seeking an MPH. The 15-h classroom component of the course included discussion of reading materials and didactic instruction on social determinants of health, principles of prevention, health disparities, racism, cultural humility, and community health workers’ (CHWs) roles in improving population health. Students also spent 80 h at a community agency doing non-clinical work. In addition to course evaluations, students completed pre-and post-course surveys that included 15 items measuring knowledge and attitudes about patient care and community health on a 4-point Likert scale. Post-course surveys also contained ten open-ended questions. Students were highly satisfied with the course. There were significant changes in 11 of 15 items related to knowledge and attitudes about patient care and community health. Students reported better understanding of chronic disease causes, physicians’ roles in health promotion, and the roles of CHWs. Students expressed intent to improve their communication skills, address health literacy, contextualize care based on social circumstances, and respond to patients’ cultural health beliefs. This required 4-week course resulted in significant changes in fourth-year students’ attitudes and knowledge of community health principles. This course may be a model for other institutions.
Metabolic effects of estrogens and progestins.

Objective: To review the effects of exogenous estrogen and progestin on metabolic risk factors for coronary artery disease in women. Design: Review of selected literature. Setting: Population studies and clinical trials. Patients: Premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Interventions: Exogenous gonadal hormones in oral contraceptives and hormone replacement regimens. Main Outcome Measures: Lipoprotein, hemostatic, carbohydrate, and blood pressure metabolic parameters. Results: Favorable lipoprotein changes have been demonstrated in both observational studies and clinical trials of effects of exogenous hormones on cardiovascular risk factors in women
Curcumin gum formulation for prevention of oral cavity head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma represents the sixth most common cancer. As a result of field cancerization, second primaries and recurrences are high. Hence, research has focused on chemoprevention. Curcumin, a polyphenol compound with anticarcinogenic properties, is one such promising nutraceutical. As poor bioavailability limits curcumin's use, a novel gum formulation was tested allowing for direct mucosal absorption into the bloodstream. This preliminary study validates curcumin gum efficacy by assessing release and transmucosal absorption, along with measuring its effects on serum cytokine levels. STUDY DESIGN Clinical trial. METHODS Protocols consisting of initial chew (chewing gum for 30 minutes) and revised chew (alternating chewing and parking gum against buccal mucosa for 30 minutes) were tested in healthy volunteers. High-performance liquid chromatography measured remnant curcumin in chewed gum, serum, and saliva. Serum levels were assayed for 15 proinflammatory cytokines via multiplex analysis. RESULTS Revised chew samples demonstrated significantly higher curcumin release and absorption (P = .0078). Curcumin serum levels were significantly higher at 4 hours in samples > 2.0 g of curcumin release (P = .01). As saliva levels decreased, a concurrent increase in serum levels was observed, with no significance in the inverse relationship (P = .1423). When evaluating differences between gender, race, and age, the Asian population showed significantly lower curcumin release and serum levels (P = .009). CXCL1 (GRO-α) and TNF-α were significantly decreased in serum after chewing the gum (P = .036, P < .001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Enhanced mucosal contact appears critical in improving curcumin release and absorption. CXCL1 and TNF-α both represent potential biomarkers for the future study of curcumin chemoprevention. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2b Laryngoscope, 129:1597-1603, 2019.
Promoting Mastery Learning in an Introductory Programming Course

Programming is a complex skill requiring computational thinking, knowledge of the programming language, and the ability to distinguish, combine, and manipulate appropriate components to solve a problem. Practice is an effective strategy for teaching programming because it fosters skill mastery especially when students get sufficient experience and feedback. However, properly implementing programming practice is difficult because instructors need to assign appropriate problems for each student, evaluate solutions, and provide feedback. We conducted a pilot study on an introductory C++ programming class that applied mastery learning to optimize practice, used a repository of programming problems to reduce instructor effort, and leveraged unit tests to provide feedback and facilitate grading. The class had a lecture component to introduce programming concepts and a lab component for practice. We used mastery learning to control the number of practice-problems students solved on a topic before moving to a more advanced one. We assumed mastery when students answered three programming problems correctly in a row without help. If they sought help, they had to successfully solve a new set of three problems in a row. We also assumed mastery if they solved ten problems because it should have given them sufficient practice. We observed that experienced students asked fewer questions and quickly progressed across topics, while other students got much-needed help from instructors. The repository saved time for preparing problems and the unit tests helped answer students' low-level questions. Unit tests already checked students' solutions against expected results, so it significantly reduced checking time.
Silencing Stories: Challenges to Diverse Books

This research expands on a previous discourse analysis of censorship on challenges to diverse books through more robust analysis of the challenge cases. The article specifically focuses on two common themes found in the arguments that book challengers give for the redaction, restriction, relocation, and removal of diverse titles in and from school curricula, school libraries, and public library collections in the U.S. The article begins with a working definition of diverse books and a brief overview of the campaign to increase their publication and circulation in the U.S. An overview of previous research on general book challenges and challenges to diverse literature is provided, as well as the methodology for analysis. The article concludes with a discussion of recommendations for protecting access to diverse books in public libraries and schools.
Correlation consistent basis sets designed for density functional theory: Second-row (Al-Ar)

The cc-pV(n+d)Z correlation consistent basis sets of double- through quintuple-ζ quality for the atoms Al-Ar have been modified for use with density functional theory (DFT). These basis set modifications include truncation of high-angular momentum basis functions, recontraction of the s- and p-functions, and reoptimization of basis function exponents with generalized gradient approximation and hybrid-DFT functionals. The effects of basis set truncation, recontraction, and reoptimization are shown to improve convergence behavior in atomic energies as well as dissociation energies and enthalpies of formation.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation to Overcome Graft-Cavity Disparity of Lung Transplantation

The waitlist mortality rate is higher in patients with severe restrictive pulmonary disease because of the rapid clinical progression of the disease and the challenges of finding lung allografts that fit their small chest cavities in a timely manner. This report describes a case of urgent lung transplantation in which venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was used after open chest management and volume reduction to allow the lung allograft to accommodate to a smaller chest cavity. The use of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in this case facilitated early chest closure in a patient with graft-cavity disparity while lowering the risk of infection without hemodynamic or respiratory compromise.
Dendrimer–didox nanocomplex for enhanced anticancer activity

Didox (DX; 3,4-dihydroxy benzo-hydroxamic acid), a derivative of hydroxamic acid, is a potent inhibitor of ribonucleotide reductase (RR), the enzyme responsible for deoxyribonucleotide synthesis. While RR inhibitors such as hydroxyurea and others are being used widely for cancer treatment, DX is emerging as a newer RR inhibitor because of its lower rate of hematopoietic toxicity. DX also has an antiretroviral activity as it can deplete deoxynucleotides necessary for the synthesis of the pro-viral DNA intermediates of retrovirus replication. Our group is working on investigating application of DX for the treatment of glioblastoma (GBM). Since DX alone cannot cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) (Veale et al. Br J Cancer 58:70–72, 1988; Dogruel et al. J Neurochem 87(1):76–84, 2003; Sebastien et al. Drug Metab Dispos 34:1945–1949, 2006), we propose use of dendrimers as a delivery system to improve its uptake by the brain. We investigated many different approaches such as using different PAMAM dendrimers (G4-amine, G4-Pyrr, hybrid dendrimers), changing the dendrimer and DX concentrations. Amine and PYRR dendrimers were of 4–5-nm size range and hybrid dendrimers were of 7–9-nm size range. Results indicated that dendrimers enhance the cell penetration capability of DX in GBM cell lines (2D and 3D). Effect of dendrimer was more prominent in 3D (neurospheres) compared with that in 2D cell lines. Pyrrolidinone (PYRR) PAMAM dendrimer formulations showed better biocompatibility compared with amine PAMAM dendrimers. We have also used the hybrid dendrimer approach to manage the safety of amine dendrimers. It was observed that carboxylate dendrimer significantly helped reduce amine dendrimer toxicity in hybrid dendrimer.
SCATTERING OF SLOW NEUTRONS BY H$sub 2$ AND CH$sub 4$

The mass tensor approximation, introduced by previous authors to calculate the scattering cross section of slow neutrons by molecules when the incident energy ${E}_{0}$ of the neutron is large compared with the average level spacing of the molecular rotations, is extended here to take into account the molecular vibrations. Calculations are made in the case of ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ and C${\mathrm{H}}_{4}$ at room temperature for neutron energies below the threshold of excitation of higher vibrational states. The agreement with experiment is very satisfactory in the expected range of validity of this theory. The cross section for higher ${E}_{0}$ is also treated in the case of ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$, without taking into account, however, the thermal agitation of the scattering molecules: the asymptotic form of the total cross section for large values of ${E}_{0}$ is derived, and numerical calculations show that the asymptotic behavior is quickly reached.
Perception and Practices Towards Pesticides and Associated Health Impacts Among Vegetable Farmers in Badulla

Purpose : Pesticides continued to be a significant component in vegetable production in Sri Lanka. But human health impacts due to pesticide exposure are not well documented even though acute poisoning is a major public problem today. Within this context, current study was conducted to assess the awareness of hazardous pesticides, usage and associated health impacts among vegetable farmers in Badulla district. Research Method : Information pertaining to the study was collected from primary sources and secondary sources. Hundred vegetable farmers from Badulla district were interviewed using structured pre tested questionnaires. Descriptive statistic, frequency distribution and t test were employed to examine the relationships. Findings : Almost all the farmers depended on the chemical pesticides. 94% of farmers used Zoro (Abamactin) and 85% of farmers used Calcrone (Profenofos), which are extremely hazardous insecticides. Almost all farmers identified the pictogram of “wearing gloves”. About 75% of respondents were affected by any type of acute disease due to pesticide application. 52% were affected by skin problems like itching. Among them 98.67% took treatments. A significant difference was observed between those who participated in training and others on acute diseases (P Research Limitations : Hospital data related to illness or poisoning due to pesticides was lacking in the study area. Originality / Value : It is evident from the study that farmers are mishandling and overusing pesticides which leads to diseases and the need for pesticides related education to farmers.
Epidemic status of Kala azar in the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Gannan in Gansu Province from 2005 to 2014

Objective To understand the epidemic status of Kala azar in Gannan of Gansu Province and to provide a scientific basis for making effective control measures. Methods The epidemic monitoring data of Gannan Kala azar from the infectious disease network direct reporting system and the Gannan County Center for Disease Prevention and Control was collected, descriptive epidemiological method was used to analyze the distribution of Kala azar. Results From 2005 to 2014, a total of 285 Kala azar cases were reported, the incidence rate was 4.21/one hundred thousand (285/6 764 645). The incidence rate in 2005 was the lowest (1.97/one hundred thousand, 13/658 961), in 2011 was the highest (6.39/one hundred thousand, 44/689 104). The cases mainly distributed in the Bailongjiang Valley in Zhouqu County (14.97/one hundred thousand, 200/1 336 150) and Diebu County (14.29/one hundred thousand, 76/531 915). Gannan had reported the cases of Kala azar all year round, and the cases were sporadically distributed. The time of the disease mainly occurred from May to August. The incidence rate in male (58.60%, 167/285), children under 5 years old (43.86%, 125/285) and farmers and herdsmen (25.26%, 72/285) accounted for the major parts. In addition to Luqu County and Xiahe County, other counties had cases of imported Kala azar. Conclusion Kala azar in Gannan is happened sporadically year round. Long-term mechanism need to be established; investment funding should be ensured; the monitoring of the epidemic should be strengthened; the epidemic situation of Kala azar should be timely reported in order to effectively prevent and control the epidemic of Kala azar in Gansu. Key words: Kala azar; Epidemiology; Data collection
Parton distribution function for the gluon condensate

Motivated by the desire to understand the nucleon mass structure in terms of light-cone distributions, we introduce the twist-four parton distribution function $F(x)$ whose first moment is the gluon condensate in the nucleon. We present the equation of motion relations for $F(x)$ and discuss the possible existence of the delta function (``zero mode'') contribution at $x=0$. We also perform one-loop calculations for quark and gluon targets.
E-009 A prospective, multicenter registry for the investigation of clot in ischemic stroke and hematoma evacuation: study protocol for insight

Introduction/Purpose Multiple clinical studies have established the importance of effective clot evacuation on good clinical outcomes for acute ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, and suggest that thrombus composition can impact treatment efficacy. Understanding clot composition and associated genomic, epigenomic, and proteomic signatures could provide insight into thrombus biology, etiology, and aid in prognosis. The primary objective of the INSIGHT study is to develop a ‘multi-omic’ blood clot signature to predict the etiology of the blood clot in patients with ischemic stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Clots retrieved through either mechanical thrombectomy or endoscopic ICH aspiration will be analyzed with histology, RNA sequencing, and proteomics while contemporaneously collected peripheral blood samples will undergo single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis, RNA sequencing, and proteomic analysis. A secondary objective is to identify specimen characteristics that correlate with patient clinical presentation, procedural outcome, hospital length of stay, and 90-day functional outcome. Materials and Methods INSIGHT is a prospective, multicenter registry for the collection and analysis of specimens collected from ischemic stroke thrombectomy procedures and minimally invasive interventions for intracerebral hematoma evacuation utilizing the Penumbra Aspiration Pump. The registry will enroll up to 1000 patients from up to 50 U.S. sites. Patients age ≥18 years, treated frontline with the Penumbra System (for ischemic stroke patients eligible for mechanical thrombectomy) or the Artemis Neuro Evacuation device (for intracerebral hematoma evacuation in patients eligible for minimally invasive surgery), and with extracted thrombus/embolus, will be included. Exclusion criteria includes current participation in a clinical trial that may confound the ability to capture clot and/or influence clot composition. Patient demographics, medical history, procedural information, and extracted clot and blood specimen will be collected. Follow-up assessments will occur at discharge and at 90 days post-procedure. Results The estimated date for study completion is 2023. Conclusion We report the design of the INSIGHT study, a prospective ‘multi-omic’ registry to analyze specimen collected during ischemic stroke thrombectomy and minimally invasive intracerebral hematoma evacuation. Disclosures C. Kellner: None. J. Fraser: None.
Etingof's conjecture for quantized quiver varieties

We compute the number of finite dimensional irreducible modules for the algebras quantizing Nakajima quiver varieties. We get a lower bound for all quivers and vectors of framing. We provide an exact count in the case when the quiver is of finite type or is of affine type and the framing is the coordinate vector at the extending vertex. The latter case precisely covers Etingof’s conjecture on the number of finite dimensional irreducible representations for Symplectic reflection algebras associated to wreath-product groups. We use several different techniques, the two principal ones are categorical Kac–Moody actions and wall-crossing functors.
Estimating minimal clinically important differences for two scales in patients with chronic traumatic brain injury.

This study aimed to establish the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for the Fugl-Meyer Motor Scale (FMMS) and the Disability Rating Scale (DRS) to evaluate interventions in patients wi...
When low and high tech solutions converge: Adapting to teaching soils during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract COVID-19 restrictions required a transition of our Soil Science and Forest Soils courses to an online format A pre-transition survey found that ?10% of students enrolled in our courses lacked high-speed internet capable of streaming videos and/or computers compatible with the applications in our Learning Management System (LMS) To ensure that students with limited internet or technology were not left behind, we adopted a low-tech/bandwidth delivery (slides + transcript with LMS-delivered assessments) of all lectures and recitation activities Students could also complete either a low-tech/bandwidth (lab slides + transcripts) or high-tech/bandwidth lab option (delivered via video) Upon completion, students were surveyed to assess preferences and perceptions which are vital in understanding how our approach impacted student motivation, engagement with the material, and overall course satisfaction Despite 90% of the students having access to high-speed internet, ?45% of the students used the low-tech solutions either exclusively or half the time, even when high-tech options (such as video) were available Overall, students felt the low-tech/bandwidth delivery of the lecture (?87%) and recitation (?76%) material was effective Students (?74%) also reported that online delivery of the lab material effectively supported their learning and was an effective replacement for the in-lab learning experience Students preferred in-person to online delivery (63% vs 17%) with 20% undecided Noting the flexibility and organization of the course, 69% of the students felt the online delivery of our courses was more effective than their other courses despite, or perhaps because of, the lack of high-tech delivery Our experience demonstrates one approach to adapting an in-person course to a virtual environment that considers inequities in broadband and technology access Despite being perceived as effective by our students, low-tech options were less preferred than in-person instruction suggesting that, while effective, it was not viewed as equivalent This article is protected by copyright All rights reserved
Bioactive Components of Salvia and Their Potential Antidiabetic Properties: A Review.

The utilization of therapeutic plants is expanding around the globe, coupled with the tremendous expansion of alternative medicine and growing demand in health treatment. Plants are applied in pharmaceuticals to preserve and expand health—physically, mentally and as well as to treat particular health conditions and afflictions. There are more than 600 families of plants identified so far. Among the plants that are often studied for their health benefit include the genus of Salvia in the mint family, Lamiaceae. This review aims to determine the bioactive components of Salvia and their potential as antidiabetic agents. The search was conducted using three databases (PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus), and all relevant articles that are freely available in the English language were extracted within 10 years (2011–2021). Salvia spp. comprises many biologically active components that can be divided into monoterpenes, diterpenes, triterpenes, and phenolic components, but only a few of these have been studied in-depth for their health benefit claims. The most commonly studied bioactive component was salvianolic acids. Interestingly, S. miltiorrhiza is undoubtedly the most widely studied Salvia species in terms of its effectiveness as an antidiabetic agent. In conclusion, we hope that this review stimulates more studies on bioactive components from medicinal plants, not only on their potential as antidiabetic agents but also for other possible health benefits.
Meso-Neoproterozoic Rodinia supercycle

Abstract Rodinia is the purported supercontinent that existed in early Neoproterozoic time. Most currently viable Rodinia models, that is, consistent with both the geological/geochemical record and geophysical constraints from paleomagnetism and reasonable plate kinematics, include Laurentia in a central position, flanked on nearly all sides by about 6–8 other cratons. Details of the history of Rodinia formation depend critically on the ages of orogens within those bounding cratons, some of which might have closed as late as ~900 Ma. Rodinia’s initial breakup likely coincided with voluminous large igneous province emplacement at ~800 Ma, lasting until final separations as young as ~600 Ma. The Rodinian-era paleomagnetic database of reliable poles is growing steadily but still requires augmentation for most cratons. Enough poles are available in key intervals (especially c.1110 and 760 Ma) that kinematic models can be constructed that plausibly evolve toward better-established Paleozoic reconstructions. A new synthesis-based model of Rodinia assembly and breakup is briefly introduced herein, which includes Tarim craton in a “missing link” role between Laurentia and proto-Australia, as well as South China and India in their recently proposed inverted orientation near the supercontinent’s southern paleo-margin. Kinematic transitions between successive supercontinents Nuna, Rodinia, and Pangea are each postulated to contain elements of both “introverted” and “extroverted” style, depending on the paleogeographic sectors of the supercontinents and distinct temporal stages of evolution that produce megacontinents prior to supercontinents. Both of these components can be rectified within an overall mantle-convective framework of “orthoversion” whereby each supercontinent fully assembles within the subduction-girdle ~90 degrees from the centroid of its predecessor.
Distinctions between depression and anxiety with fear of being a burden in late life.

Objectives: The perception of being a burden is a well-known risk factor for dying by suicide. Research on factors that precede the state of perceived burdensomeness, such as fearing being a burden, is necessary. We investigated the extent to which health status, elevated depressive symptoms, and elevated anxiety symptoms are associated with fear of being a burden in late life.Method: Older adult participants (N = 155) completed the Geriatric Anxiety Scale (GAS), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8), and demographic and health questions. Fear of being a burden, assessed with a supplemental item on the GAS, was categorically grouped as 'no fear' or 'some fear'. Using logistic regression, we examined predictors of fear of being a burden.Results: In the first step, elevated depression was associated with fear of being a burden (OR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.09, 4.89, p = .03), but health status was not significant. In the second step, elevated anxiety was significant (OR = 2.63, 95% CI: 1.15, 5.99, p = .02); depression was no longer significant.Conclusion: Contrary to expectations, anxiety more strongly predicted fear of being a burden than depression. Future research should further investigate the role of anxiety in fear of being a burden and ways of intervening.
TH-CD-304-02: Clinical Uncertainty of in Vivo Dosimetry for Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy Using Optically-Stimulated Luminescent Dosimeters

Purpose: Several studies have reported the physical properties of optically-stimulated luminescent dosimeters (OSLDs) and suggest their efficacy for clinical in vivo dosimetry, but few publications have assessed the clinical uncertainties associated with OSLD-based in vivo dosimetry for conformal and intensity-modulated treatment. The purpose of the current work is to identify and characterize clinical uncertainties for OSLD-based in vivo dosimetry. Methods: OSLDs are placed in dosimetrically-appropriate locations on a weekly basis, covered with small 5 mm bolus squares, exposed during patient treatment, read, and compared with doses predicted from the treatment planning system. Six (6) parameters were identified as significant contributors to uncertainty in the process: Inherent physical OSLD uncertainty (σ_ OSLD), OSLD reader uncertainty (σ_reader), dose calculation uncertainty in the build-up region (σ _calc), uncertainty of depth for planned dose (σ_d), dosimetric uncertainty due to daily image-guided shifts (σ_ s), and placement uncertainty (σ_p). σ_d, σ_ s, and σ_p were estimated by analyzing clinical OSLD dosimetry for inverse-planned intensity-modulated treatment plans (prostate, lung, and head-and-neck) and field-in-field intensity-modulated treatment plans (breast). Total uncertainty was estimated by summing the 6 components in quadrature. Results: σ_OSLD was defined by the manufacturer (±3.0%). σ_calc was assumed to be approximately ±5.0% at 5 mm depth from other works in the literature. σ_reader and σ_s were measured to be ±1.0 and ±5.8% at 5 mm depth respectively. σ_p was found to be ±3.6% for breast, ±4.2% for prostate, ±4.4% for lung, and ±10.6% for head-and-neck. Total uncertainty was ±9.0% for breast, ±11.5% for prostate, ±13.2% for lung, and ±16.1% for head-and-neck. Conclusion: Site-specific clinical uncertainty for a limited selection of sites ranged from ±9.0% to ±16.1%. The largest components were image-guided shifts and estimated placement uncertainty. A wider selection of anatomical sites, site-specific correction factors, and clinical tolerance/action level guidelines will be presented.
Debugging MBIST hard fails without bitmapping

Embedded memories modules are one of the core components in System-on-a-Chip (SoC) device. For memory built-in self-test (MBIST) failures, bitmapping tool is normally used to locate the defect location. This paper demonstrates the effectiveness in the use of dynamic photon emission microscopy (PEM) analysis as an alternative method to debug MBIST failures. We also show how an additional failure characterization step prior to fault localization, can enhance success rate and turnaround time.
DNA Polymerase Fidelity Mechanisms

DNA polymerase is a protein that catalyses the polymerization of one strand of DNA, called the primer strand, based on the sequence in another strand, called the template strand. Fidelity in this process refers to the ability of the polymerase to avoid or to correct errors in the newly synthesized strand. Keywords: mutation; proofreading; exonuclease; processivity proteins; SOS response
A Specification and Verification Framework for Developing Weak Shared Memory Consistency Protocols

A specification and verification methodology for Distributed Shared Memory consistency protocols implementing weak shared memory consistency models is proposed. Our approach uniformly describes a wide range of weak memory models in terms of a single concept--the visibility order of loads, stores, and synchronization operations, as perceived by all the processors. A given implementation is correct with respect to a weak memory model if it produces executions satisfying the visibility order for that memory model. Given an implementation, the designer annotates it with events from the visibility order, and runs reachability analysis to verify it against a specification that is also similarly annotated. A specification is obtained in two stages: first, the designer reverse engineers an intermediate abstraction from the implementation by replacing the coherence network with a logically equivalent concurrent data structure. The replacement is selected in a standard way, depending almost exclusively on the memory model. Verification of the intermediate abstraction against a visibility order specification can be accomplished using theorem-proving. The methodology was applied to four snoopy-bus protocols implementing aspects of the Alpha and Itanium memory models, with encouraging results.
Syntax-Driven Machine Translation as a Model of ESL Revision

In this work, we model the writing revision process of English as a Second Language (ESL) students with syntax-driven machine translation methods. We compare two approaches: tree-to-string transformations (Yamada and Knight, 2001) and tree-to-tree transformations (Smith and Eisner, 2006). Results suggest that while the tree-to-tree model provides a greater coverage, the tree-to-string approach offers a more plausible model of ESL learners' revision writing process.