cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rapid analysis of forensic-related samples using two ambient ionization techniques coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometers.

Rationale This paper highlights the versatility of interfacing two ambient ionization techniques, Laser Diode Thermal Desorption (LDTD) and Atmospheric Solids Analysis Probe (ASAP), to high-resolution mass spectrometers and demonstrate the method's capability to rapidly generate high-quality data from multiple sample types with minimal, if any, sample preparation. Methods For ASAP-MS analysis of solid and liquid samples, the material was transferred to a capillary surface before being introduced into the mass spectrometer. For LDTD-MS analysis, samples were solvent extracted, spotted in a 96-well plate, and the solvent was evaporated before being introduced into the mass spectrometer. All analyses were performed using Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization in positive mode. Results Seven consumer "Spice" packets were combined and analyzed by both ASAP and LDTD, which identified 11 synthetic cannabinoids/cathinones by full MS and MS/MS experiments. To further show the usefulness of these techniques, black tar heroin was analyzed, which resulted in the identification of heroin and its impurities (monoacetylmorphine, papaverine, and noscapine). These experiments were performed on the LTQ-Orbitrap to demonstrate the ability to perform both parallel and serial MS and MSn experiments. Conclusions Interfacing LDTD and ASAP to high-resolution mass spectrometers allows for expeditious analysis of a wide range of samples, with minimal or no sample preparation. Both allow for rapid full scan, MS/MS, and/or MSn experiments from a single sample introduction. Published in 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
How do you speak Taíno? Indigenous Activism and Linguistic Practices in Puerto Rico

This paper analyzes emergent speech practices among Taino activists in Puerto Rico. While historical narratives of the Caribbean and conventional knowledge have largely presumed that the Taino, an indigenous population of the Caribbean, have been extinct, several persons in Puerto Rico are actively identifying with and mobilizing around this ethnic category. One of the Taino-identified challenges in such mobilization is that the Taino language is no longer spoken and there is very little documentation from which to reconstruct it. Within this context, I consider the myriad ways in which Taino activists understand what constitutes speaking Taino and how this becomes emblematic of Tainoness. Such practices range from a reliance on speaking in what is understood by many Taino as a Taino style of Spanish to some Taino organizations’ attempts at reconstruction through their studies of still spoken Arawakan languages.
Immigration Federalism: A Reappraisal

This Article identifies how the current spate of state and local regulation is changing the way elected officials, scholars, courts, and the public think about the constitutional dimensions of immigration law and governmental responsibility for immigration enforcement. Reinvigorating the theoretical possibilities left open by the Supreme Court in its 1875 Chy Lung v. Freeman decision, state and local offi- cials characterize their laws as unavoidable responses to the policy problems they face when they are squeezed between the challenges of unauthorized migration and the federal government’s failure to fix a broken system. In the October 2012 term, in Arizona v. United States, the Court addressed, but did not settle, the difficult empirical, theoretical, and constitutional questions necessitated by these enactments and their attendant justifications. Our empirical investigation, however, discovered that most state and local immigration laws are not organic policy responses to pressing demographic challenges. Instead, such laws are the product of a more nuanced and politicized process in which demographic concerns are neither neces- sary nor sufficient factors and in which federal inactivity and subfederal activity are related phenomena, fomented by the same actors. This Article focuses on the con- stitutional and theoretical implications of these processes: It presents an evidence- based theory of state and local policy proliferation; it cautions legal scholars to rethink functionalist accounts for the rise of such laws; and it advises courts to reassess their use of traditional federalism frameworks to evaluate these sub federal enactments.
Analysis of Ferromagnetic-Multiferroic Interfaces in Epitaxial Multilayers of LSMO and BFO

Bilayers were fabricated from ferromagnetic LSMO (Lanthanum Strontium Manganate Oxide, La 0.7 Sr 0.3 MnO 3 ) and ferroelectric BFO (Bismuth Ferrite, BiFeO 3 ) using pulsed laser deposition in the presence of O 2 on LaAlO 3 and SrTiO 3 substrates. The layer thickness and the layer order were varied among 16 samples. The bilayers were analyzed using TEM, XRD, XRR, and XPS to determine the stoichiometry, interlayer diffusion, roughness, and other structural features. TEM imaging showed that portions of the bilayers were highly crystalline. However, XRD analysis demonstrated that the majority of films were amorphous, with some polycrystalline and nanocrystalline samples. XRR data indicated a high roughness but did not yield good thickness values. Finally, XPS confirmed that material stoichiometry was preserved. It appears that the deposition process still needs optimization. This research will serve as the basis for future experiments on the magnetic properties of LSMO/BFO bilayers.
Peripheral leptochoroid: clinical and anatomical findings

Background/Aims To investigate the clinical findings and anatomical characteristics of patients with a thinned peripheral choroid (leptochoroid) presenting with bilateral macular geographical hyperpigmented fundus and compare with matched controls. Methods A retrospective, observational case series of 44 eyes (24 patients): 22 study eyes (12 study patients) with clinical findings of leptochoroid (geographical hyperpigmented fundus centred in the macula) matched with 22 control eyes (12 control patients). All eyes received enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Two independent observers performed all measurements. Statistical analysis was used to correlate interobserver findings, and compare patient and eye characteristics. Results Study patients had a female predominance and median age of 70 years. Iris colour and refractive error of these eyes were varied: 8 eyes were myopic (one of which was highly myopic with a refractive error of −9.00) and 14 eyes were emmetropic or hyperopic (up to+3.00). The best-corrected visual acuity was 20/40 or better in all study eyes. The geographical macular areas of relative hyperpigmentation correspond to normal choroidal thickness compared with controls (p=0.74). The relative hypopigmented surrounding fundus had significantly thinner choroid compared with controls (p value=0.0001). Choroidal thickness had a strong interobserver correlation (r=0.99, p Conclusion Described here is a clinical entity referred to as peripheral leptochoroid. It appears as geographical hyperpigmented fundus centred in the macula, with adjacent relative hypopigmented fundus. Compared with matched normal subjects, the hyperpigmented and hypopigmented fundus correspond with equivocal and decreased choroidal thickness, respectively.
Health Risks of Enteric Viral Infections in Children

Children are at a greater risk of infections from serious enteric viral illness than adults for a number of reasons. Most important is the immune system, which is needed to control the infection processes. This difference can lead to more serious infections than in adults, who have fully developed immune systems. There are a number of significant physiological and behavioral differences between adults and children that place children at a greater risk of exposure and a greater risk of serious infection from enteric viruses. Although most enteric viruses cause mild or asymptomatic infections, they can cause a wide range of serious and life-threatening illnesses in children. The peak incidence of most enteric viral illnesses is in children <2yr of age, although all age groups of children are affected. Most of these infections are more serious and result in higher mortality in children than adults. The fetus is also affected by enterovirus and infectious hepatitis resulting in significant risk of fetal death or serious illness. In addition to the poliovirus vaccine, the only vaccine available is for hepatitis A virus (HAV). A vaccine for rotavirus has currently been withdrawn, pending review because of potential adverse effects in infants. No specific treatment is available for the other enteric viruses. Enteric viral infections are very common in childhood. Most children are infected with rotavirus during the first 2yr of life. The incidence of enteroviruses and the viral enteric viruses ranges from 10% to 40% in children and is largely dependent on age. On average, half or more of the infections are asymptomatic. The incidence of hepatitis A virus is much lower than the enteric diarrheal viruses. There is no current evidence for hepatitis E virus (HEV) acquisition in children in the U.S. Enteric viral diseases have a major impact on direct and indirect health care costs (i.e., lost wages) and amount to several billion dollars a year in the U.S. Total direct and indirect costs for nonhospitalized cases may run from $88/case for Norwalk virus to $1,193/case for enterovirus aseptic meningitis. Direct costs of hospitalization ran from $887/case for Norwalk virus to $86,899/case for hepatitis A. These costs are based on 1997-1999 data. Generally, attack rates during drinking water outbreaks are greater for children than adults. The exception appears to be hepatitis E virus where young adults are more affected. However, pregnant women suffer a high mortality, resulting in concurrent fetal death. Also, secondary attack rates are much higher among children, probably because of fewer sanitary habits among this age group. Overall, waterborne outbreaks of viral disease have a greater impact among children than adults. To better quantify the impact on children, the literature hould be further reviewed for case studies of waterborne outbreaks where data are available on the resulting illness by age group. The EPA and/or Centers for Disease Control should attempt to collect these data as future outbreaks are documented.
Covalent Structure and Bioactivity of the Type AII Lantibiotic Salivaricin A2

Lantibiotics are a class of lanthionine-containing, ribosomally synthesized, and posttranslationally modified peptides (RiPPs) produced by Gram-positive bacteria. Salivaricin A2 belongs to the type AII lantibiotics, which are generally considered to kill Gram-positive bacteria by binding to the cell wall precursor lipid II via a conserved ring A structure. Salivaricin A2 was first reported to be isolated from a probiotic strain, Streptococcus salivarius K12, but the structural and bioactivity characterizations of the antibiotic have remained limited. In this study, salivaricin A2 was purified and its covalent structure was characterized. N-terminal analogues of salivaricin A2 were generated to study the importance for bioactivity of the length and charge of the N-terminal amino acids. Analogue salivaricin A2(3-22) has no antibacterial activity and does not have an antagonistic effect on the native compound. The truncated analogue also lost its ability to bind to lipid II in a thin-layer chromatography (TLC) assay, suggesting that the N-terminal amino acids are important for binding to lipid II. The creation of N-terminal analogues of salivaricin A2 promoted a better understanding of the bioactivity of this antibiotic and further elucidated the structural importance of the N-terminal leader peptide. The antibacterial activity of salivaricin A2 is due not only to the presence of the positively charged N-terminal amino acid residues, but to the length of the N-terminal linear peptide.IMPORTANCE The amino acid composition of the N-terminal linear peptide of salivaricin A2 is crucial for function. Our study shows that the length of the amino acid residues in the linear peptide is crucial for salivaricin A2 antimicrobial activity. Very few type AII lantibiotic covalent structures have been confirmed. The characterization of the covalent structure of salivaricin A2 provides additional support for the predicted lanthionine and methyl-lanthionine ring formations present in this structural class of lantibiotics. Removal of the N-terminal Lys1 and Arg2 residues from the peptide causes a dramatic shift in the chemical shift values of amino acid residues 7 through 9, suggesting that the N-terminal amino acids contribute to a distinct structural conformer for the linear peptide region. The demonstration that the bioactivity could be partially restored with the substitution of N-terminal alanine residues supports further studies aimed at determining whether new analogues of salivaricin A2 for novel applications can be synthesized.
Teaching of the associative property: A natural classroom investigation

In this study we investigate the teaching of the associative property in a natural classroom setting through observation of classroom video of several elementary math classes in a large urban schoo...
Well dispersed sequences in [0,1]d

Abstract Given a sequence z ¯ = ( z 1 , z 2 , … ) where z k ∈ [ 0 , 1 ] d , the dispersion of z ¯ is defined by μ d ( z ¯ ) = inf n ≥ 1 inf m ≥ 1 n 1 / d ‖ z m − z m + n ‖ , where ‖ ⋅ ‖ is taken to be the L 1 metric ‖ ⋅ ‖ 1 on [ 0 , 1 ] d . This is a natural measure for how “spread out” the sequence z ¯ is. In this paper, we investigate α d : = sup z ¯ μ d ( z ¯ ) . Note that the requirement μ d ( z ¯ ) = α d > 0 is a very stringent condition on the distribution of the z i . For example, it implies that ‖ z m − z m + 1 ‖ ≥ α d for all m ≥ 1 . We show by construction that α d ≥ ( ( 2 d − 1 ( 2 d − 1 ) ) 1 / d ( 1 + ∑ k ≥ 1 1 F 2 k ) ) − 1 > 0.098 where F n denotes the n t h Fibonacci number. We also introduce a combinatorial problem for d-tuples of permutations which yields bounds on α d . This work extends previous results of the authors where the value of α 1 is determined.
STDBII, a Database for Storing, Retrieving and Analyzing Spin Trapping Data On an IBM or Macintosh Personal Computer

We have designed a database to facilitate searching the vast amount of data on spin trapping and have implemented it on a personal computer. The database files contain information that is deemed to be vital for most spin trapping applications, including molecular formulae of trapped radicals, hyperfine splitting constants (hfsc), a terse summary of experimental details and full bibliography. Kinetic data and NoH values (hfsc of N atom over hfsc of H atom) will be added in the upcoming version. In order to reach the widest audience, the database has been designed so that hardware requirements are kept to a minimum. We thus chose ASCII format over graphics in storing the information. The accompanying program provides a 'friendly' interface for data retrieval. There are interesting side benefits from using STDBII for spin adduct identification. We have demonstrated that there is good correlation between hfsc and spin adducts and that the NoH parameter is characteristic of the type of radical, especially when considered in conjunction with the hfsc. In addition to spin adduct identification, STDBII also serves as a channel for publishing (or retracting published) spin trapping parameters. The STDBII database is available from the authors upon request.
A web tool for designing and conducting phase I trials using the continual reassessment method

Broad implementation of model-based dose-finding methods, such as the continual reassessment method (CRM), has been limited, with traditional or modified 3 + 3 designs remaining in frequent use. Part of the reason is the lack of reliable, easy-to-use, and robust software tools for designing and implementing more efficient designs. With the aim of augmenting broader implementation of model-guided methods, we have developed a web application for the Bayesian CRM in the R programming language using the Shiny package. The application has two components, simulation and implementation. Within the application, one has the ability to generate simulated operating characteristics for the study design phase, and to sequentially provide the next dose recommendation for each new accrual or cohort based on the current data for the study implementation phase. At the conclusion of the study, it can be used to estimate the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). The web tool requires no programming knowledge, and it is free to access on any device with an internet browser. The application provides the type of simulation information that aid clinicians and reviewers in understanding operating characteristics for the accuracy and safety of the CRM, which we hope will augment phase I trial design. We believe that the development of this software will facilitate more efficient collaborations within study teams conducting single-agent dose-finding trials.
Mirror movements or functional tremor masking organic tremor.

Abstract Background Functional tremors can be diagnosed based on clinical and physiologic criteria such as entrainment, suggestibility, distractibility, variable nature with the associated clinical history of psychosomatic co-morbidities. The current case report highlights the underrecognized utility of neurophysiology in the correct diagnosis of tremors, providing useful clinical and neurophysiologic insights into clinical and physiological assessment of tremors. Case report A 62-year-old woman with a past medical history of polio was referred by a movement disorders neurologist for evaluation of tremor with concerns of a likely functional etiology. On first assessment there were findings notable for a possible organic etiology, but upon subsequent evaluation the tremor was noted to be variable and entrainable, suggestive of a functional etiology. Neurophysiological tremor study could identify an underlying organic tremor (likely of multi-factorial etiology). Tremor entrainment with contralateral hand tapping could be mirror movements or functional movements, as the underlying organic tremor was not entrained. The amplitude of mirrored movement was commensurate with the tapping amplitude. Discussion Functional tremors may mask an underlying organic tremor. Additionally, motor overflow which may happen especially with large amplitude movements may masquerade as mirror movements, which can be difficult to differentiate from an entrained functional tremor. Objective physiology and refinement of the current clinical and physiologic tremor evaluation techniques may help identify an underlying organic etiology.
The surface chemistry of 1,1,1-trifluoro-2,4-pentanedione on clean and oxygen pre-covered Cu(210): A comparison with 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedione and 2,4-pentanedione surface chemistry on the same surfaces

Abstract In the recent literature there has been some interest in the use of diones as metal etchants during wafer cleaning and metal patterning. In previous work we found that trifluoro-2,4-pentanedione was a better etchant for nickel than either hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedione or 2,4-pentanedione. In this paper we examine the decomposition of trifluoro-2,4-pentanedione on copper and etching of copper with the same compound. We find that trifluoro-2,4-pentanedione is not a good etchant for copper, even though trifluoro-2,4-pentanedione is a good etchant for nickel. Trifluoro-2,4-pentanedione decomposes via a β-scission process beginning at about 300 K on copper. While we did observe a tiny amount of etching as evidenced by a tiny Cu(CF 3 COCHCOCH 3 ) 2 peak at 380 K, the etching rate was more than an order of magnitude smaller than that observed with hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedione. These results show that copper is more reactive than nickel for trifluoro-2,4-pentanedione decomposition, even though nickel is usually more reactive than copper for carbon–carbon bond scission processes.
HOW TO RESOLVE THE PYRRHONIAN PROBLEMATIC: A LESSON FROM DESCARTES

Examinant les solutions fondationnalistes a la problematique pyrrhonienne de la justification de la croyance developpees par Aristote, Agrippa, Galien et les Stoiciens, l'A. montre que le scepticisme moderne de Descartes depasse la critique radicale du monde exterieur chez les Pyrrhoniens, en ce sens qu'il substitue a la notion aristotelicienne de cognitio non-reflechie l'idee d'une scientia reflexive fondee sur le principe fiabiliste du critere
Translating Calvino, Calvino Translated, Calvino Translator

italianoIn questo saggio viene analizzato il rapporto di Italo Calvino con il processo di traduzione rispetto al timing della pubblicazione internazionale delle proprie opere a partire dalla fine degli anni sessanta, cioe in un momento in cui le opere di questo autore ricevono un progressivo riconoscimento internazionale, e in cui simultaneamente Calvino e sempre piu interessato al dibattito teorico riguardante la traduzione. Si presentano qui anche alcuni aspetti della relazione di Calvino con William Weaver, il piu rappresentativo traduttore americano di letteratura italiana moderna e contemporanea, e figura che ha avuto un ruolo decisivo nella ricezione di questo autore sia negli Stati Uniti che internazionalmente, vista la posizione dominante del mercato letterario americano dal secondo dopoguerra. Infine, propone un’analisi della complessa mediazione culturale di Calvino traduttore de I fiori blu di Raymond Queneau; in questa traduzione, Calvino sceglie una riscrittura creativa del romanzo di Queneau, considerando questo il miglior modo per esser fedeli a un romanzo davvero sperimentale italianoThe aim of this essay is to investigate Calvino’s evolving relationship with both the translation process and the timing of the international publication of his own work from the late sixties on: at a time when the author first gains international recognition, he is also increasingly interested in the international theoretical debate about translation. This essay also deals with Calvino’s relationship with William Weaver, the most representative contemporary American translator of modern and contemporary Italian literature, and a figure who had a tremendous impact in the American reception of this author, both in the USA and internationally, thanks to the privileged position of the American marketplace worldwide after WWII. Finally, it presents an analysis of the multifaceted cultural mediation performed by Calvino when, in 1967, he translates Queneau’s Les fleurs bleues, a work in which the Italian author chooses a creative re-writing of Queneau’s novel as the best way to be faithful to a very experimental work
Control of metal-insulator transition temperature in VO2 thin films grown on RuO2/TiO2 templates by strain modification

Ruthenium dioxide (RuO2) is an ideal buffer layer for vanadium dioxide (VO2) heterostructures due to its high electrical conductivity and matching crystal structure with metallic VO2. VO2 thin films were deposited on single crystal TiO2 (001) substrates with RuO2 buffer layers via pulsed laser deposition. The metal-insulator transition temperature (TMIT) in VO2 films can be controlled by the epitaxial strain between the VO2 film and RuO2 buffer layer by adjusting the buffer layer thickness (10 - 50 nm). We observed a decrease in the TMIT of VO2 films from 59 °C to 24 °C as the RuO2 thickness decreased from 50 nm to 10 nm. Additionally, we show that the RuO2 buffer layer can sustain an intermediate strain state in VO2 films up to 100 nm in thickness with a subsequently lower TMIT (30 °C). The 10 nm thick RuO2 buffer layer can reduce the TMIT in VO2 films by providing a pathway to relieve the strain through grain boundaries.
AB0242 Delay in dmard initiation in patients newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis: an analysis of united states military health system beneficiaries

Background Prompt initiation of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) is recommended for patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to improve symptoms and prevent disease progression, but treatment delays may still occur. Objectives To investigate predictors and temporal trends for delay in DMARD initiation among patients with incident RA in the United States. Methods We performed a longitudinal cohort study using administrative data from the United States military’s TRICARE program (2007–2012). TRICARE beneficiaries, who are demographically similar to the US, include active/retired military members, spouses, and dependents and receive care in military or civilian settings. We identified incident RA cases using billing codes and initial DMARD receipt using prescription fill date. We quantified the time between RA presentation and initial DMARD receipt, temporal changes in time to treatment over the study period, and investigated predictors of treatment delay (>90 days) using logistic regression. Results We identified 16 680 patients with incident RA that were later prescribed DMARDs. Mean age was 47.2 (SD 13.5) years, 77.6% were female, and 76.5% were spouses/dependents of the military sponsor. The mean time from initial RA presentation to first DMARD prescription was 125.3 days (SD 175.4). Over one-third (35.6%) of incident RA patients experienced treatment delay (>90 days between presentation and DMARD receipt). Time to DMARD initiation was shorter in later years of the study (mean 144.7 days in 2007; 109.7 days in 2012). Patients prescribed opioids between RA presentation and initial DMARD receipt had 4-fold increased risk for delay in initial DMARD (OR 4.07, 95% CI 3.78–4.37). Patients prescribed opioids had mean time to DMARD of 212.8 days (SD 207.4) compared to mean of 77.3 days (SD 132.3) for those who did not use opioids (p Conclusions In this large US nationwide study, delays in initial DMARD receipt after incident RA were common but time to treatment improved in later years of the study. Avoiding opioid use may decrease delay in initiating DMARDs during this vulnerable period when pain and disease activity are often most pronounced. Disclosure of Interest None declared
Coronary artery involvement in chronic graft-versus-host disease presenting as sudden cardiac arrest.

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is related to considerable morbidity and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Cardiac complications associated with GVHD are uncommon, and coronary artery involvement is even more unusual. We report on a male pediatric patient with chronic GVHD who developed a fatal ventricular arrhythmia caused by coronary artery obstruction after HSCT. At 30 months after HSCT, he suddenly collapsed with ventricular fibrillation. After resuscitation, electrocardiography showed abnormal q-wave and ST changes in the inferior leads, suggesting a coronary event. Coronary angiography revealed complete obstruction of the proximal left anterior descending artery, subtotal obstruction of the mid left circumflex artery, and mild narrowing at the right coronary artery. This boy had none of the risk factors for coronary artery disease, and the only possible explanation for the cardiac event is GVHD. Coronary artery disease only rarely occurs as a cardiac event in children. However, coronary artery involvement should be recognized as one of the important manifestations of chronic GVHD in children.
A computational network approach to identify predictive biomarkers and therapeutic combinations for anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in cancer

Abstract Background Despite remarkable success, only a subset of cancer patients have shown benefit from the anti-PD1 therapy. Therefore, there is a growing need to identify predictive biomarkers and therapeutic combinations for improving the clinical efficacy. Results Based upon the hypothesis that aberrations of any gene that are close to MHC class I genes in the gene network are likely to deregulate MHC I pathway and affect tumor response to anti-PD1, we developed a network approach to infer genes, pathway, and potential therapeutic target genes associated with response to PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint immunotherapies in cancer. Our approach successfully identified genes (e.g. B2M and PTEN) and pathways (e.g. JAK/STAT and WNT) known to be associated with anti-PD1 response. Our prediction was further validated by 5 CRISPR gene sets associated with tumor resistance to cytotoxic T cells. Our results also showed that many cancer genes that act as hubs in the gene network may drive immune evasion through indirectly deregulating the MHC I pathway. The integration analysis of transcriptomic data of the 34 TCGA cancer types and our prediction reveals that MHC I-immunoregulations may be tissue-specific. The signature-based score, the MHC I association immunoscore (MIAS), calculated by integration of our prediction and TCGA melanoma transcriptomic data also showed a good correlation with patient response to anti-PD1 for 354 melanoma samples complied from 5 cohorts. In addition, most targets of the 36 compounds that have been tested in clinical trials or used for combination treatments with anti-PD1 are in the top list of our prediction (AUC=0.833). Integration of drug target data with our top prediction further identified compounds that were recently shown to enhance tumor response to anti-PD1, such as inhibitors of GSK3B, CDK, and PTK2. Conclusion Our approach is effective to identify candidate genes and pathways associated with response to anti-PD-1 therapy, and can also be employed for in silico screening of potential compounds to enhances the efficacy of anti-PD1 agents against cancer.
The evolution of incontinence into resolved, refractory and de novo urgency urinary incontinence following sling placement at time of prolapse repair in a large urodynamic cohort.

PURPOSE To improve counseling in women at risk of refractory and/or de novo urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) following sling placement at time of prolapse repair, we created an outcome model to characterize changes in storage dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS We identified 139 women who underwent urodynamics followed by sling or no sling placement at the time of prolapse repair over a 6-year period. Our primary outcome was the presence of UUI following sling placement. Data were analyzed in SAS using chi-square, Fisher's exact, Student's t-test, and Kaplan-Meier methods. RESULTS At baseline, the sling group had significantly higher subjective (62/81 [76.5%] vs. 18/58 [31.0%]; p<0.001), objective (62/81 [76.5%] vs. 6/58 [10.3%]; p<0.001), and occult (41/81 [50.6%] vs. 6/58 [10.3%]; p<0.001) stress urinary incontinence (SUI); and rates of subjective and objective UUI were similar to the no sling group prior to surgery. After surgery (mean follow-up 859 days) there was no difference with or without sling, in the rate of SUI (subjective, objective) and further SUI treatments (bulking agent, repeat sling). Higher rates of de novo (13/81 [16.0%] vs. 6/58 [10.3%]; p=0.454) and refractory (31/81 [38.3%] vs. 14/58 [24.1%]; p=0.048) UUI were noted in the sling group following surgery. On Kaplan-Meier analysis, a greater proportion of women in the no sling group did not report UUI at longest follow-up (hazard ratio 0.63; 95% confidence interval 0.37-1.06; p=0.081). CONCLUSIONS Women should be counseled on the risk of de novo and refractory UUI following sling placement at time of prolapse repair.
Composites of functional polymers: Toward physical intelligence using flexible and soft materials

Materials that can assist with perception and responsivity of an engineered machine are said to promote physical intelligence. Physical intelligence may be important for flexible and soft materials that will be used in applications like soft robotics, wearable computers, and healthcare. These applications require stimuli responsivity, sensing, and actuation that allow a machine to perceive and react to its environment. The development of materials that exhibit some form of physical intelligence has relied on functional polymers and composites that contain these polymers. This review will focus on composites of functional polymers that display physical intelligence by assisting with perception, responsivity, or by off-loading computation. Composites of liquid crystal elastomers, shape-memory polymers, hydrogels, self-healing materials, and transient materials and their functionalities are examined with a viewpoint that considers physical intelligence.
Influence of the Leading-Edge Shock Wave on the Laminar Boundary Layer at Hypersonic Speeds

In order to bring out the importance of the leading-edge region at hypersonic speeds, the influence of the leading-edge shock wave on the laminar boundary layer is investigated in two simple cases of steady flow over a semi-infinite, insulated flat plate: (1) sharp leading edge; (2) blunt leading edge, as approximated by a normal shock wave. The streamlines that enter the boundary layer over a large region of the plate surface has previously crossed the shock wave very near the leadingedge, where the shock is strong and highly curved. Consequently, the temperature at the outer edge of the boundary layer is appreciably higher than free-stream temperature, and the vorticity there is not zero. The effects of this shock-wave "heating" and vorticity on the boundary layer are shown to be much larger than the usual "errors" made in the boundary-layer theory, and an estimate of these effects can therefore be obtained within the framework of that theory. The numerical magnitude of the shock-wave influence is found to be appreciable. For the case of the blunt leading edge the slope of the curve of induced pressures plotted against the hypersonic interaction parameter closely approaches the experimental data of Hammitt and Bogdonoff obtained in helium at large values of this parameter. These approximate results show that the influence of the leading-edge region at hypersonic speeds requires careful theoretical and experimental study.
Clinical Education and Postgraduate Training Opportunities in Nephrology Pharmacy

All colleges of pharmacy in the United States were surveyed to assess the availability of didactic and clinical pharmacotherapy education in the field of nephrology. Forty-four of the 54 (81.5%) co...
AN HISTORICAL OVERVIEW OF RESEARCH IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION ACTIVITIES

Two previous reviews of the research aspects of traffic accident investigations are used as starting points for presenting an up-date of accident investigation activites, both in the U.S. and in foreign countries. Elements of national accident investigation programs are discussed as well as areas of current accident investigation technology. An international accident investigation feasibility study under the auspice of NATO is also studied.
Nonperturbative renormalization of scalar QED in d=3

For scalar QED on a three-dimensional toroidal lattice with a fine lattice spacing we consider the renormalization problem of choosing counter terms depending on the lattice spacing, so that the theory stays finite as the spacing goes to zero. We employ a renormalization group method which analyzes the flow of the mass and the vacuum energy as a problem in discrete dynamical systems. The main result is that counter terms can be choosen so that at the end of the iteration these quantities take preassigned values. No use is made of perturbation theory. The renormalization group transformations are defined with bounded fields, an approximation which can be justified in Balaban's approach to the renormalization group.
A method for in vivo determination of carbon and oxygen using prompt gamma radiations induced by 14.7-MeV neutrons.

Quantification of body fat is important in studying obesity and other diseases involving nutritional assessment.1 The in vivo determinations of total-body carbon and oxygen con be used to obtain clinical information about a person’s fat content. Biggin and Morgan2 showed that the ratio of total-body oxygen to total-body carbon is a sensitive indicator of the percentage of fat tissue in the human body. Kyere et al.,3 measured total-body carbon by counting the number of 4.438-MeV gamma rays emitted from the 12C nuclei after excitation by 14-MeV neutrons. At Brookhaven National Laboratory, Kehayias et al.,4 developed a similar technique for measuring total-body carbon with a beam of 14-MeV neutrons from a pulsed neutron generator. We present here a variation on these two methods that permits the simultaneous determination of both carbon and oxygen, with the potential for a significantly reduced dose of neutron radiation.
The focal complex of epithelial cells provides a signalling platform for interleukin‐8 induction in response to bacterial pathogens

Bacterial pathogens can induce an inflammatory response from epithelial tissues due to secretion of the pro-inflammatory chemokine interleukin-8 (IL-8). Many bacterial pathogens manipulate components of the focal complex (FC) to induce signalling events in host cells. We examined the interaction of several bacterial pathogens with host cells, including Campylobacter jejuni, to determine if the FC is required for induction of chemokine signalling in response to bacterial pathogens. Our data indicate that secretion of IL-8 is triggered by C. jejuni, Helicobacter pylori and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium in response to engagement of β1 integrins. Additionally, we found that the secretion of IL-8 from C. jejuni infected epithelial cells requires FAK, Src and paxillin, which in turn are necessary for Erk 1/2 recruitment and activation. Targeting the FC component paxillin with siRNA prevented IL-8 secretion from cells infected with several bacterial pathogens, including C. jejuni, Helicobacter pylori, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Our findings indicate that maximal IL-8 secretion from epithelial cells in response to bacterial infection is dependent on the FC. Based on the commonality of the host response to bacterial pathogens, we propose that the FC is a signalling platform for an epithelial cell response to pathogenic organisms.
Bringing the Elephant into the Room: Integrating Risk into Interdisciplinary Water Programs

Problems that require risk management are usually cross-disciplinary in nature, which makes it difficult to educate students and professionals on common language, skills, and strategies. Recognition of the interdisciplinary nature of many water challenges in terms of quality, allocation, future supply, infrastructure, damages, etc. has led to the establishment of interdisciplinary graduate water programs. Motivated by experience in an interdisciplinary water program at Tufts University, this paper argues that explicit coverage of the subject of risk is an important component of an interdisciplinary water training program, and that understanding risk should be a core competency of a water professional. The literature on water education is reviewed, particularly regarding the core competencies of an interdisciplinary water professional. Existing interdisciplinary water graduate programs are also surveyed to identify if, and how, risk features in their program descriptions or curriculums. Our analysis found that risk was not mentioned as a core competency or key issue in any of the literature on interdisciplinary water education or training, and featured in only a few program descriptions or curriculums. Based on this analysis, we conclude that there is a significant need to address risk more centrally and explicitly in interdisciplinary water programs.
Vector Space Formulation of Two-Dimensional Signal Processing Operations

Abstracts Signal processing operations on two-dimensional fields of data can be cast into a vector space formulation. This formulation often leads to a simplified analysis of two-dimensional processing systems and to the discovery of more efficient computational algorithms. This paper considers the general representation of two-dimensional fields as vectors and discusses common types of operators on these data vectors. Particular emphasis is given to various forms of the superposition operation. Computation of superposition operations using unitary transform techniques is analyzed.
Social Stress Increases Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Pathology in a Normotensive Rat Model

Territorial stress (TS) elevates blood pressure (BP) in several mammalian species. However, cardiovascular pathology following chronic stress has not been consistently shown in a non‐genetic hypertension model. Therefore, the hypothesis tested was that social stress would directly increase: BP, collagen deposition in coronary and mesenteric arteries, and myocardial fibrosis. Wistar–Kyoto (WKY) male rats, four weeks of age, were divided into one of three groups: controls (n = 9), territorial stress (TS, n = 12), and social isolation followed by territorial stress (SITS, n = 11). Blood pressure was measured biweekly, and blood samples biweekly for serum testosterone, corticosterone, epinephrine and norepinephrine. Blood pressure significantly increased in the TS (130 mmHg, p < 0.05) and SITS (150 mmHg, p < 0.05) groups, compared to controls (120 mmHg, ANOVA, F = 6.7, p < 0.001). Coronary collagen was increased 47% in the TS group and 90% in the SITS group compared to controls ( p < 0.05). The coronary wall/...
Time-iterative solutions of viscous supersonic nozzle flows

Supersonic viscous flows in high-expansion ratio rocket nozzles are studied numerically using the thin-layer Navier-Stokes equations. A discretization scheme using upwind flux-vector split differencing in the streamwise direction and central differencing in the cross-stream direction is chosen. Of the three implicit approximate factorization schemes considered, the diagonally dominant alternating direction and the pafabolized alternating direction methods are found to be much faster than standard alternating direction procedures. The optimum Courant numbers for these methods are about 500 and produce convergence rates that rival direct methods. Proper downstream boundary conditions for the subsonic portion of the outflow are shown to allow control over the exit boundary-layer thickness, including recirculating flows with re-entry conditions at the exit plane. Representative nozzle flowflelds are shown for conical and contoured nozzles for different Reynolds numbers, wall temperatures, and back pressure and for both laminar and turbulent flows. Excellent global mass conservation is demonstrated when the strongly conservative equations are used, but the quasiconservative equations lead to conservation errors that are unacceptably large. The computed results for a typical high Reynolds number flow through the high-expansion nozzle are compared to the Method of Characteristics (MOC) prediction with good agreement.
Temperature decay in a composite geometry reactor vessel subjected to thermal shock: Two-dimensional solution

Abstract A two-dimensional analysis of the temperature distribution in a bimetallic, composite geometry reactor pressure vessel subjected to the thermal shock of emergency cooling is presented. Solutions, generated by both finite difference and finite element techniques for comparison, are numerical in space but exact in time. Nodal and elemental equations are derived, and quantitative results corroborated by recent experimental work, are given.
A molybdenum sulfur binary phase diagram

En analysant les donnees bibliographiques, on propose un nouveau diagramme d'equilibre Mo−S de 400 a 2000 C. On confirme l'existence de trois phases: Mo 2 S 3 stable de 600 a 1740 C, et MoS 2 sous deux formes: R ― stable au-dessous de 1000 C, et 2H ― stable au-dessus de 1000 C. On donne egalement les parametres cristallographiques de chaque phase
Lack of a significant role of P-Rex1, a major regulator of macrophage Rac1 activation and chemotaxis, in atherogenesis

Abstract Background Rho GTPases are known to play important roles in regulating multiple cellular processes that include cell polarization and migration. Among these Rho GTPases, Rac has been shown to be essential for F actin formation and cell migration. P-Rex1 is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) that was previously found to mediate the activation of Rac2, but not Rac1, in mouse neutrophils. Objectives Here we examined the role of P-Rex1 in mouse macrophages and atherogenesis. Methods and results PBD (p21 binding domain) pull down assay was performed to compare the Rac1 activation in WT and P-Rex1-deficient macrophage. In addition, transwell assay was conducted to compare chemotaxis of WT and P-Rex1-deficient macrophage. We found that P-Rex1 is a major Rac1 regulator in mouse macrophages as its deficiency significantly compromises macrophage chemotaxis, superoxide production (SOD), and Rac1 activation in response to chemoattractants. The potential role of P-Rex1 in atherogenesis is also investigated by transferring P-Rex1-deficient bone marrow cells to LDLR deficient mice. Contrary to our prediction, P-Rex1 deficiency did not alter atherogenesis, suggesting chemoattractant-induced macrophage migration may not have a significant role in atherogenesis. Conclusions P-Rex1 is one of the major GEFs in macrophage regulating Rac1 activation and chemotaxis.
On the robust control of robot manipulators

A simple robust nonlinear control law for n-link robot manipulators is derived using the Lyapunov-based theory of guaranteed stability of uncertain systems. The novelty of this result lies in the fact that the uncertainty bounds needed to derive the control law and to prove uniform ultimate boundedness of the tracking error depend only on the inertial parameters of the robot. In previous results of this type, the uncertainty bounds have depended not only on the inertia parameters but also on the reference trajectory and on the manipulator state vector. The presented result also removes previous assumptions regarding closeness in norm of the computed inertia matrix to the actual inertial matrix. The design used thus provides the simplest such robust design available to date. >
Percutaneous imaging-guided access for the treatment of calculi in continent urinary reservoirs.

Purpose: To describe our long-term experience with percutaneous access to continent urinary reservoirs for calculus removal. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study of 13 procedures in 10 patients was performed. In 2 of the 13 procedures, access and calculus removal was performed in a single session. In the other 11 procedures, initial access was obtained using ultrasonography,fluoroscopy, and/or computed tomography. The patients then returned ata later date for a second step where the access was dilated and the calculi were removed. Results: Access was achieved successfully in all cases with no complications. At mean follow-up time of 13.6 months (range 1-94 months) one patient had died of complications unrelated to her continent urinary reservoir. Another patient had been placed on suppressive antibiotics for recurrent calculi. The remaining patients were stone free and without late complication. Conclusions: Percutaneous removal of reservoir calculi can be performed safely, avoiding potential injury to the continence valve mechanism by a direct cystoscopic approach. We propose a two-stage procedure using CT guidance for initial access as the preferred technique.
Corrigendum to “Improving depression treatment for women: Integrating a collaborative care depression intervention into OB-GYN care” [Contemp. Clin. Trials 36 (2013) 362–370]

Corrigendum to “Improving depression treatment for women: Integrating a collaborative care depression intervention into OB-GYN care” [Contemp. Clin. Trials 36 (2013) 362–370] Anna LaRocco-Cockburn, Susan D. Reed, Jennifer Melville, Carmen Croicu, Joan E. Russo, Michal Inspektor, Eddie Edmondson, Wayne Katon a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, WA, USA b Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, WA, USA