cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Human Interaction-Oriented Robotic Form Generation

Within the discipline of architecture, the exploration and integration of robotics has recently become an area of rapid development and investment. But with the current majority of architectural robotics research focused primarily around the realms of digital fabrication and biologic form/material optimization, there are few examples of direct translation from human generated data to form and processes, particularly as it pertains to the human experience of, and the interaction with architectural artifacts. Through a series of three case studies each building upon the previous, this paper investigates how the interconnection of secondary, smaller data harvesting/translating robotic systems in collaboration with larger industrial systems can be integrated within the conceptual design workflow to allow for the creation of unique/interactive tools for the materialization of human interaction through design, robotic control, and fabrication.
Safety and Effectiveness of the Modified Sengstaken- Blakemore Tube: A Prospective Study

Fifty consecutive patients with active hemorrhage from esophageal varices as demonstrated by emergency endoscopy were studied in a prospective fashion to determine the safety and effectiveness of the Boyce modification of the Sengstaken-Blakemore tube which was inserted and maintained according to a rigid protocol. Bleeding ceased with the first tamponade in 46 (92%) and in 5 of 8 patients (62.5%) who required a second tamponade after successful initial tamponade. Two major and seven minor complications occurred. Terminal aspiration of gastric contents may have contributed to one death. The modified Sengstaken-Blakemore tube, as used under the conditions of this prospective study, is both safe and effective in the accomplishment of its primary goal—the emergency control of variceal bleeding.
The Earthscope US transportable array 1 Hz surface pressure dataset

A unique set of high temporal frequency surface atmospheric pressure observations have been collected and archived from a large-scale field campaign in the geosciences. The Earthscope U.S. Transportable Array (USArray TA) consists of approximately 400 deployable surface platforms. Stations were deployed in a Cartesian-like gridded fashion across a section of the contiguous United States for 1–2 year then retrieved and redeployed as new platforms further east. While primarily deployed for seismic measurements, platforms also recorded surface atmospheric pressure. These pressure data, collected and stored at a temporal frequency of 1 Hz, have been made available via the Research Data Archive at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) for the time period 1 Jan 2010–31 Dec 2015. The 6 years of observations contain data from over 1000 locations ranging from the central to eastern United States, as well as some platforms in Alaska and the northwest United States. Data were organized as annual station files with supplemental metadata and quality control summary files. Several web-based interfaces are also available to rapidly explore the pressure archive. We describe the available dataset with several prominent atmospheric events shown as usage examples.
Predicting relevant immunogenetic disparities.

In this issue of Blood,Crivello et al report a novel approach to characterize HLA-DPB1 mismatches between donor and recipients that are better tolerated than others after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) from unrelated volunteer donors.1
Studien zum Umschlag laminar-turbulent der freien Konvektions-Strömung an einer senkrechten Platte

Der Umschlag der laminaren in die turbulente Stromungsform wird an einer freien. Konvektionsstromung mit Grenzschichtcharakter untersucht, wie sie sich an einer senkrecht stehenden geheizten Platte ausbildet. Die Untersuchung erfolgt durch Ermittlung der Dichteverteilung mittels eines Mach-Zehnder-Interferometers sowie durch direkte Beobachtung und Photographie von Rauchfaden. Die Versuchsergebnisse lassen sehr schon die stromabwarts wandernden ebenen Storungswellen erkennen, wie sie in der „Methode der kleinen Schwingungen” zur theoretischen Berechnung des Stabilitatsverhaltens einer Laminarstromung herangezogen werden (Tollmiemche Storungswellen). Der quantitative Vergleich der Versuchsergebnisse mit den entsprechenden Grosen aus der „Methode der kleinen Schwingungen” mus, soweit solche Grosen zu einer ersten Orientierung nach bekannten Ergebnissen der asymptotischen Stabilitatstheorie abgeschatzt wurden, als recht befriedigend bezeichnet werden.
Implementation of a Quality Improvement Bundle Improves Echocardiographic Imaging after Congenital Heart Surgery in Children.

Background Postoperative echocardiography after congenital heart disease surgery is of prognostic importance, but variable image quality is problematic. We implemented a quality improvement bundle comprising of focused imaging protocols, procedural sedation, and sonographer education to improve the rate of optimal imaging (OI). Methods Predischarge echocardiograms were evaluated in 116 children (median age, 0.51 years; range, 0.01–5.6 years) from two centers after tetralogy of Fallot repair, arterial switch operation, and bidirectional Glenn and Fontan procedures. OI rates were compared between the centers before and after the implementation of a quality improvement bundle at center 1, with center 2 serving as the comparator. Echocardiographic images were independently scored by a single reader from each center, blinded to center and time period. For each echocardiographic variable, quality score was assigned as 0 (not imaged or suboptimally imaged) or 1 (optimally imaged); structures were classified as intra- or extracardiac. The rate of OI was calculated for each variable as the percentage of patients assigned a score of 1. Results Intracardiac structures had higher OI than extracardiac structures (81% vs 57%; adjusted odds ratio [OR], 3.47; P P P = .01), and extracardiac OI from 35% to 67% (OR, 5.16; P Conclusions After congenital heart disease surgery in children, intracardiac structures are imaged more optimally than extracardiac structures. Focused imaging protocols, patient sedation, and sonographer education can improve OI rates.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery for the Eyelid

The eyelid protects the eye from environmental insults and assists in keeping the cornea moist. At only 0.6 mm thick, the periorbital skin is one of the thinnest cutaneous surfaces of the body. Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) offers advantages over other resection techniques for this area because it attempts to conserve tissue and preserve function. A thorough understanding of the anatomy of this area is paramount to avoid permanently damaging vital structures. The patient’s eye must be protected at all times.
Cross-sectional imaging in refractory celiac disease

The purpose of this study is to identify unique imaging findings of refractory celiac disease (RCD) including Type I RCD, Type II RCD versus healed celiac disease (CD). A retrospective study of patients with known CD and refractory symptoms with cross-sectional imaging was performed. We included patients who underwent T cell receptor rearrangement or T-cell immunophenotyping studies on small bowel (SB) biopsies to classify patients into: healed CD, Type I RCD, or Type II RCD. GI radiologists performed a blinded review of the imaging studies. One-hundred eighteen patients (32 healed; 67 Type I RCD; 19 Type II RCD) were included (mean age 53 ± 6 years; 62% female). The presence of any fold pattern abnormality was more likely to be found in Type II and Type I RCD than healed CD (53% vs. 43% vs.16%; p = 0.009). Type II RCD patients were more likely than Type I RCD and healed CD to have imaging findings of ulcerative jejunitis (26% vs. 6% vs. 3%; p = 0.009), SB wall thickening (37% vs. 16% vs. 0%; p = 0.002) and SB dilation (26% vs. 7% vs. 6%; p = 0.04). Type II RCD demonstrated non-significant trends for decreased number of jejunal folds only, SB mass, mesenteric lymphadenopathy, localized peri-mural edema, and intramural duodenal edema. Fold pattern abnormalities, ulcerative jejunitis, SB wall thickening, and SB dilation are more likely to be identified in cross-sectional imaging of RCD than healed CD. SB dilatation and ulcerative jejunitis are more likely to be found in Type II than Type I RCD.
Strong right fractional calculus for Banach space valued functions

We present here a strong right fractional calculus theory for Banach space valued functions of Caputo type. Then we establish many right fractional Bochner integral inequalities of various types.
Preemergent Weed Control in Container-grown Herbaceous Perennials

Abstract This study was conducted to evaluate several preemergence herbicides for weed control, effects on plant growth, and phytotoxicity to container-grown herbaceous perennials. Surflan (Oryzalin) was applied at 0, 2.24, 4.48, 6.72 kg ai/ha (0, 2, 4, 6 lb ai/A), Ronstar (Oxadiazon) at 0, 4.48, 8.96, 13.44 kg ai/ha (0, 4, 8, 12 lb ai/A), and Rout (Oxyfluorfen + Oryzalin) at 0, 3.36, 6.72, 10.08 kg ai/ha (0, 3, 6,9 lb ai/A) to container-grown Ajuga reptans atropurpurea L. (carpet bugle), Campanula garganica major (Ten.) Fiori (bellflower), and Liatris spicata (L.) Willd. (spike gayfeather). Additionally, Devrinol (Napropamide) and Treflan (Trifluralin) were each applied at 0, 4.48, 8.96, 13.44 kg ai/ha (0, 4, 8, 12 lb ai/A) to Astilbe × arendsii Arends. (false spirea) and Dicentra spectabilis (L.) Lem. (bleeding heart). Plants were grown in 2.54 1 (#1) containers in a medium of sand, topsoil, and sphagnum peat (1:1:1 by vol). Weed control was acceptable with all herbicides except Surflan at 2.24 kg ai/ha...
A filter-based controller for a buck converter

A filter-based control scheme is developed for buck-type converters. This approach relies only on a single output voltage measurement. The benefits of this approach are reducing the system cost as well as measurement noise and disturbance injected by output current and/or inductor current measurements. A Lyapunov stability analysis is utilized to demonstrate system stability. Experimental results demonstrate excellent voltage regulation and insensitivity to the load variations.
Scalable memory hierarchies for embedded manycore systems

As the size of FPGA devices grows following Moore's law, it becomes possible to put a complete manycore system onto a single FPGA chip. The centralized memory hierarchy on typical embedded systems in which both data and instructions are stored in the off-chip global memory will introduce the bus contention problem as the number of processing cores increases. In this work, we present our exploration into how distributed multi-tiered memory hierarchies can effect the scalability of manycore systems. We use the Xilinx Virtex FPGA devices as the testing platforms and the buses as the interconnect. Several variances of the centralized memory hierarchy and the distributed memory hierarchy are compared by running various benchmarks, including matrix multiplication, IDEA encryption and 3D FFT. The results demonstrate the good scalability of the distributed memory hierarchy for systems up to 32 MicroBlaze processors, which is constrained by the FPGA resources on the Virtex-6LX240T device.
The diagnostic clinical value of thumb metacarpal grind, pressure-shear, flexion, and extension tests for carpometacarpal osteoarthritis.

Abstract Study design Clinical measurement. Introduction Common provocative maneuvers to differentiate thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis from other sources of pain are the grind, metacarpal (MC) flexion, and MC extension tests. A maneuver known as the pressure-shear test is described here. Purpose of the study To compare the diagnostic value of the grind, metacarpal flexion, metacarpal extension, and pressure-shear tests for CMC osteoarthritis of the thumb. Methods The diagnostic accuracy of each test was compared in 127 thumbs from 104 patients. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of each test were calculated. In a secondary analysis, polychoric correlation coefficients were used to assess the correlation of each test with severity defined by Eaton-Littler stage. Results The overall diagnostic accuracy of the thumb MC grind, pressure-shear, flexion, and extension tests were 70%, 98%, 47%, and 55%, respectively. The sensitivities were 64%, 99%, 36%, and 46%, respectively, and specificities were 100%, 95%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. For the diagnosis of Thumb CMC arthritis, the MC pressure-shear test was superior overall in terms of overall diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity, while having comparable specificity to the other maneuvers. Conclusion The pressure-shear test was found to be superior to the commonly used grind maneuver and the provocative maneuvers of MC flexion and extension tests to confirm diagnosis of CMC osteoarthritis.
Abstract MP45: Effects of an mHealth Adaptive Intervention on Vascular Health and Cardiorespiratory Fitness

Introduction: Behavioral economics-based interventions for increasing steps/day may improve cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF; Peak O2 uptake - VO2peak), central/aortic blood pressure, and vascular stiffness. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of adaptive (Ad) physical activity (PA) goals (daily step goals based on prior 10-day window and a percentile algorithm) vs. static (St) PA goals (10,000 steps/day) combined with either immediate (Im) financial micro-incentives or delayed (De) incentives (Groups: Ad+Im; Ad+De; St+Im; St+De) on VO2peak, blood pressure and vascular stiffness. We hypothesized that participants randomized to adaptive goals with immediate reinforcement (Ad+Im) would have greater improvements in cardiovascular health measures than participants assigned to static goals and/or delayed reinforcement conditions (active controls). Methods: Inactive adults (Age = 41.8 ± 6.7yrs; BMI = 34.5 ± 6 kg/m2) were randomized to an adaptive/static goal intervention with either immediate micro-incentives or delayed incentives in a 4-month factorial RCT to improve steps/day. Additionally, all four groups received daily text-message prompts-to-action and Fitbit ZipTM activity monitors. Pre and post VO2peak (n=81) were estimated using a modified, sub-maximal Balke treadmill protocol while central blood pressures, augmentation index (Aix@75) (n=70) and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) (n=64) were assessed with the Sphygmocor XCELTM device. Between- and within-group differences were examined using linear mixed models, adjusted for sex, age, race/ethnicity, and smoking history. Alpha was set at 0.05, and data are presented as estimated marginal means ± standard errors (SE). Results: All groups improved from pre to post, but we found no significant between-group differences in the degree of improvement. Across all groups, we found the following: VO2peak and all vascular markers improved significantly pre to post intervention (p Conclusion: Cardiorespiratory fitness and markers of vascular health improved when participants were simply provided a Fitbit and prompted daily to be more physically active, regardless of incentive or goal-setting approach. Implications for designing behavioral interventions for cardiovascular risk reduction will be discussed.
"Why did I get that part of you?" Understanding addiction genetics through family history.

Scientists have sought to uncover the genetic bases of many diseases and disorders. In response, scholars defined “geneticization” to describe genetic infiltration of understandings of health and i...
Biomass-Coal Cofiring: an Overview of Technical Issues

This investigation explores the reasons for and technical challenges associated with co-combustion of biomass and coal in boilers designed for coal (mainly pulverized coal) combustion. Biomass-coal co-combustion represents a near-term, low-risk, low-cost, sustainable, renewable energy option that promises reduction in effective CO2 emissions, reduction in SOx and often NOx emissions and several societal benefits. Technical issues associated with cofiring include fuel supply, handling and storage challenges, potential increases in corrosion, decreases in overall efficiency, ash deposition issues, pollutant emissions, carbon burnout, impacts on ash marketing, impacts on SCR performance and overall economics. Each of these issues has been investigated and this presentation summarizes the state-of-the-art in each area, both in the US and abroad. The focus is on fireside issues. While each of the issues can be significant, the conclusion is that biomass residues represent possibly the best (cheapest and lowest risk) renewable energy option for many power producers.
Hox5 genes direct elastin network formation during alveologenesis by regulating myofibroblast adhesion.

Hox5 genes (Hoxa5, Hoxb5, Hoxc5) are exclusively expressed in the lung mesenchyme during embryogenesis, and the most severe phenotypes result from constitutive loss of function of all three genes. Because Hox5 triple null mutants exhibit perinatal lethality, the contribution of this paralogous group to postembryonic lung development is unknown. Intriguingly, expression of all three Hox5 genes peaks during the first 2 weeks after birth, reaching levels far exceeding those measured at embryonic stages, and surviving Hoxa5 single and Hox5 AabbCc compound mutants exhibit defects in the localization of alveolar myofibroblasts. To define the contribution of the entire Hox5 paralogous group to this process, we generated an Hoxa5 conditional allele to use with our existing null alleles for Hoxb5 and Hoxc5. Postnatally, mesenchymal deletion of Hoxa5 in an Hoxb5/Hoxc5 double-mutant background results in severe alveolar simplification. The elastin network required for alveolar formation is dramatically disrupted in Hox5 triple mutants, while the basal lamina, interstitial matrix, and fibronectin are normal. Alveolar myofibroblasts remain Pdgfrα+/SMA+ double positive and present in normal numbers, indicating that the irregular elastin network is not due to fibroblast differentiation defects. Rather, we observe that SMA+ myofibroblasts of Hox5 triple mutants are morphologically abnormal both in vivo and in vitro with highly reduced adherence to fibronectin. This loss of adhesion is a result of loss of the integrin heterodimer Itga5b1 in mutant fibroblasts. Collectively, these data show an important role for Hox5 genes in lung fibroblast adhesion necessary for proper elastin network formation during alveologenesis.
Multicenter pre-operative assessment of pediatric ovarian malignancy.

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to develop a pre-operative risk assessment tool for childhood and adolescent ovarian malignancy, in order to guide operative management of pediatric ovarian masses. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients Results Among 188 children with ovarian masses, 11% had malignancies. For simple cysts, there were no malignancies (0/24, 95% CI = 0–17%). Among solid lesions, 44% (15/34, 95% CI = 28–62%) were malignant. Among marker-elevated heterogeneous masses, 40% (2/5, 95% CI = 12–77%) were malignant. Conversely, small (≤ 10 cm) and large (> 10 cm) marker-negative heterogeneous lesions had malignancy proportions of 0% (0/39, 95% CI = 0–11%) and 5% (2/40, 95% CI = 1–18%), respectively. Conclusions Given the malignancy estimates identified from these multi-institutional data, we recommend an attempt at ovarian-sparing resection for simple cysts or tumor marker-negative heterogeneous lesions ≤ 10 cm. Oophorectomy is recommended for solid masses or heterogeneous lesions with elevated markers. Finally, large (> 10 cm) heterogeneous masses with non-elevated markers warrant a careful discussion of ovarian-sparing techniques. Complete surgical staging is mandatory regardless of operative procedure. Type of Study Study of Diagnostic Test. Level of Evidence Level I.
International consensus statement on endoscopic skull-base surgery: executive summary

Background Endoscopic skull-base surgery (ESBS) is a rapidly growing discipline that often combines the expertise of otolaryngology-head and neck surgeons and neurosurgeons to provide care for these challenging conditions. As the field has grown, so too has the literature evaluating this surgical approach and the challenges and complications associated with these interventions. An international, multidisciplinary effort to critically evaluate and grade the current literature on ESBS has resulted in the International Consensus Statement on Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery (ICAR:SB). This Executive Summary highlights the key findings of the ICAR:SB document. Methods Following the prior methodology of the ICAR statements, the ICAR:SB document consists of 98 topics in ESBS that underwent a systematic review. When sufficient evidence exists, an evidence-based review with recommendation (EBRR) or evidence-based review (EBR) was created and then underwent an iterative review process until consensus was achieved. This Executive Summary recapitulates these findings. Results This summary complies the EBR and EBRR from the ICAR:SB document in the management of numerous skull-base pathologies including cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, intradural tumors, sinonasal malignancies, and clival tumors, as well as the key issues of reconstruction after and the complications associated with ESBS. Conclusion The ICAR:SB Executive Summary recaps the evidenced-based recommendations concerning the advantages, limitations and challenges of ESBS in the management of diverse skull-base pathologies. Although multifactorial in nature, the overall level of evidence in ESBS is modest. This represents an opportunity to address these knowledge gaps moving forward.
Integrating A Dynamic Simulator and Advanced Process Control using the OPC-UA Standard

Abstract Insufficient interoperability has long been an issue on the factory floor, however, new technologies and standards are enabling production systems to become more agile and interoperable. A communication standard can, for example, make interoperation among different vendor-specific software and hardware tools in production systems easier and more reliable. In this paper, we share our research results and experience for the establishment of a connection between a dynamic simulator and an advanced process controller in a manufacturing system using OPC-UA. The OPC-UA communication protocol, which is middleware, acts as a common interface between these systems. We established the client and server for communication and defined an exchange data structure based on the OPC-UA standard for a control problem in a chemical process plant. The case study is a proof of concept of the OPC-UA standard implementation to support interoperability for different domains.
Decreased phosphorylation of a low molecular weight protein by cGMP-dependent protein kinase in variant HL-60 cells resistant to nitric oxide- and cGMP-induced differentiation

We previously described the isolation of a variant subline of HL-60 cells that does not differentiate in response to nitric oxide (NO)-generating agents or to cGMP analogs [7]. The variant cells have normal guanylate cyclase activity and normal NO-induced increases in the intracellular cGMP concentration. We now show that the variant cells have normal cGMP-dependent protein kinase (G-kinase) activity, both by an in vitro and in vivo assay, and using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis we have identified six G-kinase substrates in the parental cells. Of these six proteins, we found considerably less phosphorylation of one of the proteins in the variant cells than in parental cells, both in vitro and in intact cells, and by 35S-methionine/35S-cysteine incorporation we found much less of this protein in the variant cells than in parental cells. The protein is a shared substrate of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (A-kinase); since cAMP analogs still induce differentiation of the variant cells, it appears that the NO/cGMP/G-kinase and cAMP/A-kinase signal transduction pathways share some but not all of the same target proteins in inducing differentiation of HL-60 cells.
Treatment delays during FOLFOX chemotherapy in patients with colorectal cancer: a multicenter retrospective analysis

Background: FOLFOX (folinic acid, 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin) is the most commonly used chemotherapy regimen for the treatment of colorectal cancer. FOLFOX is administered in 14-day cycles, though toxicities frequently lead to unplanned delays. We report the incidence of unplanned delays among patients receiving FOLFOX and describe the reasons for delays. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients receiving FOLFOX chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. Patients were treated at one of two tertiary cancer centers between January 2012 and April 2016. Cycles 2–6 were assessed for delays, and treatments were considered delayed when the interval from prior treatment was >18 days. Reasons for unplanned delays were categorized based on review of clinical records. Results: We identified 214 patients receiving FOLFOX as standard-of-care therapy. The median age was 59 years, and 55% were female. Of 961 evaluable treatment cycles, 124 (13%) had unplanned delays, and 92 of 214 patients (43%) had one or more unplanned delays in cycles 2–6. Cytopenias (neutropenia and/or thrombocytopenia) were the most common cause of unplanned delays, affecting 34% of patients and accounting for 74 of 124 unplanned delays (60%). Conclusions: Delays are common during FOLFOX chemotherapy, with 43% of patients having at least one unplanned delay prior to completing cycle 6. Neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were the leading causes of unplanned delays. Our findings justify the development of systematic approaches for preventing unplanned delays, such as standardized laboratory treatment criteria and/or proactive dose adjustment strategies.
Longitudinal Development of Receptive Vocabulary in Children with Cerebral Palsy and Anarthria: Use of the MacArthur-Bates CDI.

To examine receptive language growth in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and anarthria using a parent-reported measure of vocabulary. Scores from 47 children (29 males) with CP and anarthria were ...
G280(P) Non-disclosure of foreign travel by parents – neglect?

Immigrant status is known to be associated with unmet health needs and appears to correspond to health care access barriers among disadvantaged social groups. In addition, health professionals often fail to understand immigrants’ medical complaints within the social context of their lives, and particularly their immigrant-specific problems. We report two siblings 8 years and 5 years of age, born in Spain, who presented with pyrexia of unknown origin. Parents who were of African origin had emigrated from Spain to UK 5 years ago and reported no history of recent foreign travel. Initial blood films revealed Plasmodium falciparum schizontemia and subsequent tests diagnosed Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Parents continued to deny foreign travel, which led to repeat testing at the national reference laboratory, which confirmed Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Anti-malarial treatment was commenced while awaiting results due to the high parasitemia and both children made a full, uncomplicated recovery. Parents eventually disclosed recent travel to Africa. Their reason for non-disclosure included anxiety about their immigration status, which was in fact misplaced as the family was found to be eligible for NHS treatment and had the right to remain in UK. Non-disclosure resulted in delayed diagnosis and potential delay in prompt initiation of life saving treatment, which amounts to neglect. Facets of behaviour in new immigrants which can have the (often unintended) consequence of significant harm to children should be highlighted for awareness-raising and identifying solutions including education and support for immigrant populations.
Postoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Safety in Paediatric Patients after Open Hip Reduction and Hardware Implantation

Purpose: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered a valuable diagnostic tool in musculoskeletal imaging. However, there are concerns regarding the use of MRI when metallic implants are present, which include loosening, migration, and heating of the hardware and magnetic field interactions. Few clinical studies have evaluated the safety of MRI use with orthopedic implants, especially in the immediate post-operative period. The objectives of this study were to first assess the safety …
Skeletochronology Reconciles Differences in Growth Strategies and Longevity in the Common Chuckwalla (Sauromalus ater) with Implications for Squamate Life-History Studies

Accurate, comprehensive data on life expectancy, growth rates, age structure, and sexual maturation are necessary to inform decision-making for conservation action, but they are often difficult to obtain from wild animals. Osteohistology has proven a reliable method for accessing chronological data in extant and extinct vertebrates. Traditional mark–recapture methods require repeated measurements in the field and do not allow comparison with far more extensive data from specimens housed in museum collections, thus reducing statistical power and inviting unjustified extrapolation. We investigate longevity and growth in the large-bodied iguanian lizard Sauromalus ater (Common Chuckwalla). We find highly variable growth to be typical for S. ater occupying a spectrum from rapid growth to sexual maturity within two to three years leading to above-average body size later in life or slow growth early in life with sexual maturity at four to eight years followed by growth to body sizes around the average adult size. We show individual S. ater achieve final body size in about ten years, not decades, and that body size and age in adults are significantly correlated. This study suggests conflicting reports on growth, maturation, longevity, and generation cycle in S. ater are all correct and reflect complex ontogeny in squamates.
3 Dimensional photonic scans for measuring body volume and muscle mass in the standing horse.

Author(s): Valberg, Stephanie J; Borer Matsui, Amanda K; Firshman, Anna M; Bookbinder, Lauren; Katzman, Scott A; Finno, Carrie J | Abstract: REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY:Although muscle mass strongly influences performance, there is currently no effective means to measure the 3-dimensional muscle mass of horses. We evaluated a 3-dimensional (3D) scanning methodology for its ability to quantify torso and hindquarter volumes as a proxy for regional muscle mass in horses. OBJECTIVES:Determine the repeatability of 3D scanning volume (V) measurements and their correlation to body weight, estimated body volume and muscle/fat ultrasound (US) depth. METHODS:Handheld 3D photonic scans were performed on 16 Quarter Horses of known body weight 56 days apart (n = 32 scans) with each scan performed in duplicate (n = 32 replicates). Tail head fat, gluteal and longissimus dorsi muscle depths were measured using US. Processed scans were cropped to isolate hindquarter (above hock, caudal to tuber coxae) and torso (hindquarter plus dorsal thoracolumbar region) segments and algorithms used to calculate V. Torso and hindquarter volume were correlated with body weight and US using Pearson's correlation and with estimated torso volume (50% body weight / body density) with Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS:Scans took 2 min with l 3.5% error for duplicate scans. Torso volume (R = 0.90, Pl 0.001) and hindquarter volume (R = 0.82, Pl 0.001) strongly correlated with body weight and estimated BV (R = 0.91) with low bias. Torso volume moderately correlated to mean muscle US depth (R = 0.4, Pl 0.05) and tail head fat (R = 0.42, Pl 0.01). Mean muscle US depth moderately correlated to body weight (R = 0.50, Pl 0.01). MAIN LIMITATIONS:3D Scans determine body volume not muscle volume. CONCLUSIONS:The hand-held 3D scan provided a rapid repeatable assessment of torso and hindquarter volume strongly correlated to body weight and estimated volume. Superimposition of regional scans and volume measures could provide a practical means to follow muscle development when tail head fat depth remain constant.
Hybrid Block Successive Approximation for One-Sided Non-Convex Min-Max Problems: Algorithms and Applications

The min-max problem, also known as the saddle point problem, is a class of optimization problems which minimizes and maximizes two subsets of variables simultaneously. This class of problems can be used to formulate a wide range of signal processing and communication (SPCOM) problems. Despite its popularity, most existing theory for this class has been mainly developed for problems with certain special convex-concave structure. Therefore, it cannot be used to guide the algorithm design for many interesting problems in SPCOM, where various kinds of non-convexity arise. In this work, we consider a block-wise one-sided non-convex min-max problem, in which the minimization problem consists of multiple blocks and is non-convex, while the maximization problem is (strongly) concave. We propose a class of simple algorithms named Hybrid Block Successive Approximation (HiBSA), which alternatingly performs gradient descent-type steps for the minimization blocks and gradient ascent-type steps for the maximization problem. A key element in the proposed algorithm is the use of certain regularization and penalty sequences, which stabilize the algorithm and ensure convergence. We show that HiBSA converges to some properly defined first-order stationary solutions with quantifiable global rates. To validate the efficiency of the proposed algorithms, we conduct numerical tests on a number of problems, including the robust learning problem, the non-convex min-utility maximization problems, and certain wireless jamming problem arising in interfering channels.
Influence of Influenza Infection on In-Hospital Acute Myocardial Infarction Outcomes

Influenza is associated with significant morbidity in the United States but its influence on in-hospital outcomes in patients with AMI has not been well studied. The Nationwide Readmission Database (NRD) from 2010 to 2014 was queried using the International Classification of Diseases-Ninth edition, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes to identify all patients ≥18 years who were admitted for AMI with and without concurrent influenza. Propensity score matching was used to adjust patients' baseline characteristics and co-morbidities. In-hospital mortality, 30-day readmission rates, in-hospital complications, and resource utilization were analyzed. We identified a total of 2,428,361 patients admitted with AMI, of whom 3,006 (0.12%) had coexisting influenza. We noted significantly higher in-hospital mortality (7.7% vs 5.6%, p <0.01) and 30-day readmission rates (15.8% vs 14.1%, p <0.01) in patients with influenza compared with those without it. After propensity matching, the differences in in-hospital mortality and 30-day readmission were no longer statistically significant between the groups. Patients with influenza had a higher incidence of acute kidney injury (30.9% vs 24.6%, p <0.01), acute respiratory failure (50.2% vs 32.2%, p <0.01), need for mechanical ventilation (13.9% vs 9.2%, p <0.01), and sepsis (10% vs 3.8%, p <0.01) in the matched cohort. Patients with influenza had longer hospital stays (8.4 days vs 6.4 days, p <0.01) and mean costs of care (26,200USD vs 23,400USD, p <0.01). In conclusion, AMI patients with concomitant influenza infection had higher in-hospital mortality, 30-day readmission, in-hospital complications, and higher resource utilization compared with those without influenza.
Developing a multiscale in silico cornea for understanding the role of cell mechanics in corneal pathologies

Abstract Multiscale in silico modeling of the cell-tissue-organ units is an emerging area of research with the potential to improve our understanding of various disease pathogenesis. Using a multiscale modeling approach, we developed a computational model of the human cornea to investigate how the application of macroscale loads may alter the micro-mechanical environment of the cells. We then utilized the multiscale model to study the effect of physiological and non-physiological mechanical loading conditions such as intraocular pressure (IOP) loading, IOP spike, and eye-poking on the corneal cells. On comparing the results obtained under increased IOP and eye-poking loading, we observed large differences in the averaged principal stress magnitudes in the immediate vicinity of the cell through the thickness of the cornea. On the other hand, our model predicted that under physiological IOP loading, the average principal strain magnitudes in the immediate vicinity of the cell remained almost constant irrespective of the cell location in the stroma. To our knowledge, this is the first study that investigates the effect of mechanical loading on the corneal cells through a multiscale modeling framework. Our computational multiscale cornea model provides a platform to perform virtual experiments and test hypotheses to further our understanding of the potential mechanical cause of multiple diseases in the cornea.
Structure-Based Deep Mining Reveals First-Time Annotations for 46 Percent of the Dark Annotation Space of the 9,671-Member Superproteome of the Nucleocytoplasmic Large DNA Viruses.

We conducted an exhaustive search for three-dimensional structural homologs to the proteins of 20 key phylogenetically distinct nucleocytoplasmic DNA viruses (NCLDV). Structural matches covered 429 known protein domain superfamilies, with the most highly represented being ankyrin repeat, P-loop NTPase, F-box, protein kinase, and membrane occupation and recognition nexus (MORN) repeat. Domain superfamily diversity correlated with genome size, but a diversity of around 200 superfamilies appeared to correlate with an abrupt switch to paralogization. Extensive structural homology was found across the range of eukaryotic RNA polymerase II subunits and their associated basal transcription factors, with the coordinated gain and loss of clusters of subunits on a virus-by-virus basis. The total number of predicted endonucleases across the 20 NCLDV was nearly quadrupled from 36 to 132, covering much of the structural and functional diversity of endonucleases throughout the biosphere in DNA restriction, repair, and homing. Unexpected findings included capsid protein-transcription factor chimeras; endonuclease chimeras; enzymes for detoxification; antimicrobial peptides and toxin-antitoxin systems associated with symbiosis, immunity, and addiction; and novel proteins for membrane abscission and protein turnover. IMPORTANCE We extended the known annotation space for the NCLDV by 46%, revealing high-probability structural matches for fully 45% of the 9,671 query proteins and confirming up to 98% of existing annotations per virus. The most prevalent protein families included ankyrin repeat- and MORN repeat-containing proteins, many of which included an F-box, suggesting extensive host cell modulation among the NCLDV. Regression suggested a minimum requirement for around 36 protein structural superfamilies for a viable NCLDV, and beyond around 200 superfamilies, genome expansion by the acquisition of new functions was abruptly replaced by paralogization. We found homologs to herpesvirus surface glycoprotein gB in cytoplasmic viruses. This study provided the first prediction of an endonuclease in 10 of the 20 viruses examined; the first report in a virus of a phenolic acid decarboxylase, proteasomal subunit, or cysteine knot (defensin) protein; and the first report of a prokaryotic-type ribosomal protein in a eukaryotic virus.
The landscape of antibody binding to SARS-CoV-2

Abstract The search for potential antibody-based diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics for pandemic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has focused almost exclusively on the spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins1–8. Coronavirus membrane (M), orf3a, and orf8 proteins are also humoral immunogens in other coronaviruses (CoVs)8–11 but remain largely uninvestigated for SARS-CoV-2. Here we show that SARS-CoV-2 infection induces robust antibody responses to epitopes throughout the SARS-CoV-2 proteome, particularly in M, in which one epitope achieved near-perfect diagnostic accuracy. We map 79 B cell epitopes throughout the SARS-CoV-2 proteome and demonstrate that anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies appear to bind homologous peptide sequences in the 6 known human CoVs. Our results demonstrate previously unknown, highly reactive B cell epitopes throughout the full proteome of SARS-CoV-2 and other CoV proteins, especially M, which should be considered in diagnostic, vaccine, and therapeutic development.
Rethinking the Role of the Library in an Era of Inquiry-Based Learning: Opportunities for Interdisciplinary Approaches

Educators are increasingly adopting inquiry-based learning as a way to engender higher order learning outcomes. To date, there has been a considerable debate about how to most effectively implement inquiry-based learning, such as technologies to adopt or professional development strategies. At the same time, libraries are going through considerable changes due to the digitization of resources and the changing needs of patrons. Given that an important element of inquiry-based learning is information-seeking, we argue that the library is uniquely suited to collaborate with instructors as classrooms migrate toward problem-solving strategies. Despite this natural intersection, reform efforts in education and library science are often considered in isolation. In this chapter, we present research suggesting that libraries can best support inquiry-based learning by emphasizing the following: collaborative learning spaces, open-educational resources, and the development of research skills at different stages of problem-solving. Implications for practice are also discussed.
How Do Campaign Spending Limits Affect Elections? Evidence from the United Kingdom 1885–2019

In more than half of the democratic countries in the world, candidates face legal constraints on how much money they can spend on their electoral campaigns, yet we know little about the consequences of these restrictions. I study how spending limits affect UK House of Commons elections. I contribute new data on the more than 70,000 candidates who ran for a parliamentary seat from 1885 to 2019, and I document how much money each candidate spent, how they allocated their resources across different spending categories, and the spending limit they faced. To identify the effect on elections, I exploit variation in spending caps induced by reforms of the spending-limit formula that affected some but not all constituencies. The results indicate that when the level of permitted spending is increased, the cost of electoral campaigns increases, which is primarily driven by expenses related to advertisement and mainly to the disadvantage of Labour candidates; the pool of candidates shrinks and elections become less competitive; and the financial and electoral advantages enjoyed by incumbents are amplified.
Ligand Pyrolysis during Air-Free Inorganic Nanocrystal Synthesis

Oleylamine (OLA) is a ubiquitous organic ligand used in the synthesis of inorganic nanocrystals (NCs) due to its ability to reduce metal precursors and sterically stabilize NCs. However, attempts t...
Soluble phenolic compounds of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.): Potential effects on animal performance, and challenges in determining profiles and concentrations

Abstract Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) contains phenolic compounds esterified to cell walls, and it also contains soluble phenolic compounds in the vacuole. Soluble phenolic compounds of perennial ryegrass may be important to the performance of grazing animals, due to their roles as substrates for polyphenol oxidase and as antioxidants. However, the soluble phenolic compound profile of perennial ryegrass has not been completely identified, making it difficult to determine which compounds could be important for animal performance. This review summarizes information on perennial ryegrass phenolic compound composition and concentration. Chlorogenic acid and its isomers have been characterized in many varieties of perennial ryegrass, as has thesinine rhamnoside. Many glycosides of various flavonoids have been reported, but the glycosidic moieties have not been completely characterized. Condensed tannins have been found in seeds, but their presence in leaf tissue has been variable. Concentration and composition of soluble phenolic compounds of perennial ryegrass are affected by sample preparation, presence of pathogens or endophytes, environmental stresses, time of day, plant maturity, and genetic background. The challenges in characterizing the soluble phenolic compounds of perennial ryegrass lie in the difficulties of comparing results across studies, due to the abovementioned sources of variation, and in the need for consistent extraction methods, separation methods, and adequate amounts of material.
Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Percutaneous Chevron-Akin Osteotomies for the Correction of Hallux Valgus Deformity.

Background:Hallux valgus is a common cause of pain and dysfunction of the foot, sometimes requiring surgical correction when conservative measures fail. Although there are many methods of correctio...
On the Importance of the Americans With Disabilities Act at 30

This article offers a glimpse of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) of 1990, as amended by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (“ADAAA”), at its 30th anniversary. It considers current issues be...
An Automated Approach to Causal Inference in Discrete Settings.

When causal quantities cannot be point identified, researchers often pursue partial identification to quantify the range of possible values. However, the peculiarities of applied research conditions can make this analytically intractable. We present a general and automated approach to causal inference in discrete settings. We show causal questions with discrete data reduce to polynomial programming problems, and we present an algorithm to automatically bound causal effects using efficient dual relaxation and spatial branch-and-bound techniques. The user declares an estimand, states assumptions, and provides data (however incomplete or mismeasured). The algorithm then searches over admissible data-generating processes and outputs the most precise possible range consistent with available information -- i.e., sharp bounds -- including a point-identified solution if one exists. Because this search can be computationally intensive, our procedure reports and continually refines non-sharp ranges that are guaranteed to contain the truth at all times, even when the algorithm is not run to completion. Moreover, it offers an additional guarantee we refer to as $\epsilon$-sharpness, characterizing the worst-case looseness of the incomplete bounds. Analytically validated simulations show the algorithm accommodates classic obstacles, including confounding, selection, measurement error, noncompliance, and nonresponse.
PIK3CA mutation in a case of CTNNB1 mutant sinonasal glomangiopericytoma.

Glomangiopericytomas are rare, primary sinonasal tumors. The existing literature is mostly limited to reports describing the clinicopathologic characteristics of these tumors. Comprehensive genetic characterization of glomangiopericytomas remain lacking. Whole exome sequencing of a case of glomangiopericytoma was performed under an institutional review board approved protocol. A 69 year-old female underwent surgical resection of a glomangiopericytoma. Whole exome sequencing revealed somatic mutations in CTNNB1 and PIK3CA, the former previously associated with this pathology but the latter not described. Concurrent dysregulation of Wnt/beta-catenin and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling, secondary to mutations in these two oncogenes may be amenable to targeted treatment with existing clinically approved drugs. Genomic characterization of glomangiopericytomas remains lacking. This study reports novel co-existence of PIK3CA and CTNNB1 mutations in a case of glomangiopericytoma that may offer insight into the pathogenesis and potential for targeted medical therapies of this rare tumor.