cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Canakinumab for Childhood Sight-threatening Refractory Uveitis: A Case Series.

To the Editor: Pediatric noninfectious uveitis embraces a group of inflammatory eye diseases responsible for severe ocular complications and blindness. Therapeutic options encompass topical or systemic steroid therapy, conventional immune-modulatory therapy, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) antagonists1. The use of anti-TNF-α modifier immunosuppressant treatment may apply to refractory cases2. Canakinumab is a human monoclonal antibody (IgG1) directed against interleukin 1β. It has been successfully used in cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes3, systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)4, refractory Behcet disease5,6, and colchicine-resistant familial Mediterranean fever7. Preliminary evidences suggest the efficacy of canakinumab for refractory eye diseases in patients affected by Blau syndrome8, juvenile Behcet syndrome9, and chronic infantile neurologic cutaneous and articular syndrome10. Here we report 2 children affected by refractory sight-threatening uveitis who have been successfully treated … Address correspondence to Dr. A. Brambilla, AOU Anna Meyer Children’s Hospital, viale Pieraccini 24, Florence, Italy. E-mail: alice.brambilla02{at}ateneopv.it
Managing heritage, making peace: history, identity, and memory in contemporary Kenya

When a nation experiences socio-cultural and political crises, existential questions of identity and collective memory are sure to follow. Managing Heritage, Making Peace: History, Identity, and Me...
New Strategies to Monitor Healthcare Workers’ Hand Hygiene Compliance

Healthcare associated infections (HAIs) are costly and deadly. These infections are also preventable up to 75% of the time. Arguably, the most basic strategy for prevention of HAIs is proper hand hygiene (HH). Despite the relative ease and simplicity of performing HH compared to other infection prevention interventions, compliance rates in hospitals worldwide remain under 50%. Evaluation, monitoring, and feedback are key components of HH prevention. This article will review strengths and weaknesses of current methods to monitor and improve HH compliance.
Social stress, obesity, and depression among women: clarifying the role of physical activity.

Objective: This study examined the role of stress in the association among physical activity, obesity, and depression among women. The extent to which physical activity moderated these relationship...
Factual Evidence without Knowledge

A central function of our evidence is to constrain the epistemic rationality of our propositional attitudes. Our knowledge does this. That fact supports Timothy Williamson's contention that our evidence is identical to our knowledge, ‘E=K’. But it is argued here that some true propositions are evidence without being known. Some of them cannot be known; others are contingently not known. Propositions play the rational role of evidence whenever they are clearly true, whether or not they are known.
The effects of accumulated wealth and corporate governance quality on nonprofit performance

This study will explore the relationship between governance quality, accumulated wealth, and organizational performance in U.S. nonprofits. Accumulated wealth in nonprofits has been previously shown to reduce overall support contributions due to donor perception of reduced need of financial resources. The absence of shareholders in the nonprofit sector also lend itself to weaker monitoring mechanisms and inherent agency problems. Despite the size of the nonprofit sector (5.5% of GDP and 9% of employment), the impact of governance in organizations with accumulated wealth has not received much attention. Using recent data on governance practices at nonprofits, this study finds that the strength of governance practices in nonprofits reduces the negative impact of accumulated wealth in Arts, Health, and Human Services organizations.
Peripheral Nervous System Metastases as Complications of Systemic Cancer

Cancer is an important cause of peripheral nervous system (PNS) dysfunction. In addition to toxic effects of chemotherapy and paraneoplastic disorders, one must also consider direct involvement of the PNS by metastatic disease. Neurologic dysfunction in PNS metastatic disease occurs from direct compression or infiltration by cancer. The location of involvement determines the patient’s presentation. Metastatic disease can affect motor neuron, sensory or autonomic ganglia, nerve roots, plexus, cranial and peripheral nerves, and muscle. PNS metastases often cause severe pain. Neurologic deficits are progressive if untreated. Treatment of metastases to the PNS is typically palliative and can include chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and pain management. The response to therapy is variable and may be temporary. Optimizing pain control and maximizing neurologic function and quality of life are important goals of treatment.
Suicides Linked to Warming.

Temperature increases are associated with decreases in rainfall and ensuing crop yields. A recent study estimates that such warming over the last 30 years is responsible for 59,300 extra suicides in India, and proposes a new perspective to contextualize the linked effects of global warming in affected agricultural communities.
Accelerating Pathway Evolution by Increasing the Gene Dosage of Chromosomal Segments

Experimental evolution is a critical tool in many disciplines, including metabolic engineering and synthetic biology. However, current methods rely on the chance occurrence of a key step that can dramatically accelerate evolution in natural systems, namely increased gene dosage. Our studies sought to induce the targeted amplification of chromosomal segments to facilitate rapid evolution. Since increased gene dosage confers novel phenotypes and genetic redundancy, we developed a method, Evolution by Amplification and Synthetic Biology (EASy), to create tandem arrays of chromosomal regions. In Acinetobacter baylyi, EASy was demonstrated on an important bioenergy problem, the catabolism of lignin-derived aromatic compounds. The initial focus on guaiacol (2-methoxyphenol), a common lignin degradation product, led to the discovery of Amycolatopsis genes (gcoAB) encoding a cytochrome P450 enzyme that converts guaiacol to catechol. However, chromosomal integration of gcoAB in Pseudomonas putida or A. baylyi did not enable guaiacol to be used as the sole carbon source despite catechol being a growth substrate. In ∼1,000 generations, EASy yielded alleles that in single chromosomal copy confer growth on guaiacol. Different variants emerged, including fusions between GcoA and CatA (catechol 1,2-dioxygenase). This study illustrates the power of harnessing chromosomal gene amplification to accelerate the evolution of desirable traits.
Division of Gynecologic Oncology

The Gynecologic Oncology Division at the University of Iowa consists of four attending physicians, three fellows-in-training, two physician assistants, three nurses and supporting research and clerical staff. The concentration of our division remains the care of women with gynecologic malignancies. Our service area includes all counties of Iowa as well as western Illinois. Our patients are seen and treated in the National Cancer Institute designated Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center on the University of Iowa Hospitals campus.
A Texas response to the Sullivan Commission: the undergraduate medical academy model.

The challenge of diversity in the health care workforce is not new. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) in its 2006 report titled Diversity in the Physician Workforce states that by the year 2050, half of the population in the United States will be racial and ethnic minorities. Increasing diversity in the physician workforce has been identified as a factor in closing the gap in health care disparities experienced by racial and ethnic minorities and individuals of low socioeconomic status. The undergraduate medical academy (UMA) was established via legislation by the Texas State legislature. The focus of the legislation was to identify, recruit, and prepare highly motivated students for entrance to schools of medicine. The legislature merged the history of Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU, an historically black college/university), and the Texas A&M Health Science Center into a partnership that combined the strengths of each entity. The partnership of a traditional university campus (PVAMU) and a health science center (Texas A&M) has produced an environment whereby diversity and its richness are underscored. The UMA is the product of the partnership charged with academic and career counseling, faculty mentorship, enriched course development, preparation for the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), and the use of distance learning to support interactive participation with medical schools.
Analysis of Gene Expression of Human Brain

Normal cell functions are dictated by well regulated patterns of gene expression. Any insult that causes aberrant gene expression will disturb the homeostasis of a cell as a unit. Therefore, measurement of gene expression and the identification of genes that are abnormally expressed during a disease process may provide a clue to the understanding of the pathogenesis of complex human diseases which involve the interaction of genetic and environmental factors.
Adaptable similarity search using non-relevant information

Many modern database applications require content-based similarity search capability in numeric attribute space. Further, users' notion of similarity varies between search sessions. Therefore online techniques for adaptively refining the similarity metric based on relevance feedback from the user are necessary. Existing methods use retrieved items marked relevant by the user to refine the similarity metric, without taking into account the information about non-relevant (or unsatisfactory) items. Consequently items in database close to non-relevant ones continue to be retrieved in further iterations. In this paper a robust technique is proposed to incorporate non-relevant information to efficiently discover the feasible search region. A decision surface is determined to split the attribute space into relevant and nonrelevant regions. The decision surface is composed of hyperplanes, each of which is normal to the minimum distance vector from a nonrelevant point to the convex hull of the relevant points. A similarity metric, estimated using the relevant objects is used to rank and retrieve database objects in the relevant region. Experiments on simulated and benchmark datasets demonstrate robustness and superior performance of the proposed technique over existing adaptive similarity search techniques.
A Comparison of Outcomes and Prognostic Features for Radiation-Associated Angiosarcoma of the Breast and Other Radiation-Associated Sarcomas.

PURPOSE Radiation-associated sarcomas (RAS) are considered to have a poor prognosis. Although the incidence is anticipated to rise, contemporary data regarding predictors of outcomes are few. We performed a retrospective analysis to identify RAS prognostic factors and subset analyses for radiation-associated angiosarcoma arising after treatment for breast cancer (RAAB) and other RAS subtypes (other-RAS). METHODS AND MATERIALS Patients with localized RAS evaluated at an institutional multidisciplinary sarcoma clinic were identified. Clinical and histologic review was performed, and outcomes were assessed to identify prognostic features. A subset of cases underwent molecular analysis by next-generation sequencing. RESULTS Among 176 patients, histologic subtypes of RAS included angiosarcoma (41%), undifferentiated/unclassified sarcoma (40%), leiomyosarcoma (8%), malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (6%), and osteosarcoma (2%). Sixty-seven patients (38%) had RAAB, and 109 (62%) had other-RAS. RAAB had significantly shorter latency from time of initial radiation compared with other-RAS (8 vs. 15 years; P < .001). Treatment approaches included surgery (91%), chemotherapy (44%), and radiation therapy (27%). Median follow-up was 3.2 years; 3-year overall survival (OS) was 74%. On multivariate analysis, positive margins (P < .0001), deep tumor location (intrathoracic/intra-abdominal, P = .002), and high grade (P < .0001) were associated with worse OS. In particular, 3-year OS with negative versus positive margins was 90% versus 66%. Patients with RAAB versus other-RAS showed a trend for higher 3-year OS (84% vs 68%; P = .09), significantly higher 3-year metastasis-free survival (82% vs 67%; P = .001), but similar 3-year local recurrence-free survival (54% vs 61%; P = .28). Next-generation sequencing identified overall low tumor mutational burden, recurrent MYC amplification in RAAB, and few clinically actionable mutations. CONCLUSIONS Margin negative excision, superficial tumor location, and low tumor grade are determinants of improved OS for RAS, suggesting that complete surgical excision, when possible, is an optimal component of treatment. RAAB is a clinicopathologically distinct type of RAS with shorter latency from initial RT, different recurrence patterns, and when aggressively managed has potentially better outcomes compared with other-RAS.
Biodiversity Improves Life Cycle Sustainability Metrics in Algal Biofuel Production

Algal biofuel has yet to realize its potential as a commercial and sustainable bioenergy source, largely due to the challenge of maximizing and sustaining biomass production with respect to energetic and material inputs in large-scale cultivation. Experimental studies have shown that multispecies algal polycultures can be designed to enhance biomass production, stability, and nutrient recycling compared to monocultures. Yet, it remains unclear whether these impacts of biodiversity make polycultures more sustainable than monocultures. Here, we present results of a comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) for algal biorefineries to compare the sustainability metrics of monocultures and polycultures of six fresh-water algal species. Our results showed that when algae were grown in outdoor experimental ponds, certain bicultures improved the energy return on investment (EROI) and greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) by 20% and 16%, respectively, compared to the best monoculture. Bicultures outperformed monocultures by performing multiple functions simultaneously (e.g., improved stability, nutrient efficiency, biocrude characteristics), which outweighed the higher productivity attainable by a monoculture. Our results demonstrate that algal polycultures with optimized multifunctionality lead to enhanced life cycle metrics, highlighting the significant potential of ecological engineering for enabling future environmentally sustainable algal biorefineries.
We Get To Carry Each Other: Using the Musical Activism of U2 As Framework For An Engaged Spirituality and Community Engagement Course

Part of the Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching Commons, Civic and Community Engagement Commons, Community-based Learning Commons, Community-based Research Commons, Curriculum and Social Inquiry Commons, Educational Administration and Supervision Commons, Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons, Educational Leadership Commons, Educational Methods Commons, Higher Education Commons, Higher Education and Teaching Commons, Leadership Studies Commons, Liberal Studies Commons, Service Learning Commons, Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education Commons, and the Student Counseling and Personnel Services Commons
Preoperative opioid use is associated with inferior outcomes after patellofemoral stabilization surgery.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the association between preoperative opioid use and persistent postoperative use, and determine the impact of preoperative opioid use on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in patients undergoing patellofemoral stabilization surgery. A retrospective analysis of 60 patients after patellofemoral stabilization surgery with a minimum of 2-year follow-up was performed using a prospectively collected patellar instability registry. Patients were categorized as opioid naive (n = 48) or preoperative opioid users (n = 12). Postoperative opioid use was assessed for all patients at 2 and 6 weeks. Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and Kujala questionnaires were administered at baseline, and 6 months and 2 years postoperatively. Preoperative opioid use was identified as an independent risk factor for postoperative opioid use at 2- and 6-weeks following surgery (p = 0.0023 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Preoperative opioid use was associated with significantly lower KOOS and Kujala scores at baseline, 6 months and 2 years postoperatively. Both groups significantly improved from baseline KOOS and Kujala scores at 6 months and 2 years postoperatively. Regardless of preoperative opioid use, opioid use at 6 weeks after surgery was associated with worse KOOS scores at 6 months and 2 years postoperatively. In patients undergoing patellofemoral stabilization surgery, preoperative opioid use was predictive of postoperative use. Additionally, preoperative opioid use was associated with worse PROs at 6 months and 2 years following surgery. III.
Leg Length Discrepancy in Total Hip Arthroplasty

After conducting a thorough literature review, we realized that no consensus exists regarding the definition of a significant postoperative inequality. Whereas some investigators quantitate the disparity, accepting as much as 2.0 cm or in some cases less, others define a significant disparity as one that promotes adverse functional effects postoperatively. This lack of a consistent definition reflects the wide disparity of opinion regarding the problem of postoperative leg length inequalities in total hip surgery. Although the literature may lack consistency, it does reflect the collective experience of many surgeons and provides valuable insight when approaching the issue of limb lengths in reconstructive surgery of the hip. We offer the following suggestions: 1. Begin with a thorough history and physical examination. Question the patient as to whether he or she actually perceives a leg length inequality. 2. Be aware of apparent leg length discrepancies in patients with hip disease. The perceived limb shortening is usually the result of a fixed adduction contracture with little true shortening. 3. Develop a consistent approach of evaluation preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively. Employ reliable and convenient clinical measures and radiographic techniques. A method of intraoperative assessment is mandatory. 4. Redundancy in the system helps to minimize error. Good preoperative planning does not supplant the need for intraoperative assessment and vice versa. 5. Address the issue of offset in preoperative planning. Anticipate its misleading effects on intraoperative evaluation. 6. Mention potential inaccuracies regarding limb length reconstruction in total hip surgery as part of a routine preoperative evaluation. Patients' expectations should be high but temporized with realism.
Water: Maborosi no hikari/Maborosi, 1995

Maborosi’s subtle and profound depiction of trauma, and recovery from trauma, marks Kore-eda’s award-winning first feature film, based on a short story/novella by Miyamoto Teru. The film moves from fire to water, and back to fire.
Nutritional biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease: the association between carotenoids, n-3 fatty acids, and dementia severity

Carotenoids are fat-soluble antioxidants that may protect polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as n-3 fatty acids from oxidation, and are potentially important for Alzheimer's disease (AD) prevention and treatment. Fasting plasma carotenoids were measured in 36 AD subjects and 10 control subjects by HPLC. Correlations between plasma carotenoid levels, red blood cell (RBC) n-3 fatty acids, and dementia severity were examined in AD patients. Moderately severe AD patients (MMSE=16-19) had much lower plasma levels of two major carotenoids: lutein and beta-carotene, compared to mild AD patients (MMSE=24-27) or controls. Among AD patients, variables (lutein, beta-carotene, RBC docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and LDL-cholesterol) were significantly correlated with MMSE. A lower MMSE score was associated with lower lutein, beta-carotene and RBC DHA levels, and a higher LDL-cholesterol level. These variables explained the majority of variation in dementia severity (55% of variance in MMSE). Lutein, beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin were positively correlated with RBC DHA in AD patients. The association between higher carotenoids levels and DHA and higher MMSE scores, supports a protective role of both types of nutrients in AD. These findings suggest targeting multiple specific nutrients, lutein, beta-carotene, and DHA in strategies to slow the rate of cognitive decline.
Validating Cyclotron-Produced 68Ga as an Alternative Source for Compounding Radiopharmaceutical Kits

466 Objectives: The increasing demand of 68Ga during the last decade has been a challenge for suppliers of this short-lived radionuclide. Although high production volumes of the 68Ge/68Ga generators have recently been made to meet existing needs, there is a strong commercial appeal for cyclotron-produced 68Ga to overcome limited availability of 68Ga radiopharmaceuticals, particularly in densely populated regions. With these in mind, the focus of this study was to validate our cyclotron-produced 68Ga as an alternative source for compounding radiopharmaceutical kits that can be used in routine clinical practice. Methods: The entirety of 68Ga-chloride production was performed using a commercially available module under a cGMP controlled environment. The 68Ga was produced via irradiation of a 68Zn solid target (enrichment: 99.26%, 20-40 mg) by a medical cyclotron for 90 min, with protons at 14.5 MeV energy and beam current of 40 μA. The irradiated target was dissolved and processed by an automation module fitted with our patented single-column purification system. The purified 68Ga-chloride with activity between 14.8-29.6 GBq (0.4-0.8 Ci) was formulated with 26 mL of 0.1 N HCl and passed through a 0.22 µm filter as the compounding substance. To validate its feasibility to compound a radiopharmaceutical kit, 5 mL of the formulated 68Ga-chloride solution containing activity of 1.48-2.22 GBq (40-60 mCi) was added directly to GalliProst, a commercially available single-dose kit of 68Ga-THP-PSMA provided by Theragnostics Inc. The final radiolabeled product required no further purification and QC was performed under the USP guidelines. Results: The fully-automated process of 68Ga-chloride production takes less than 30 minutes after target irradiation. The radionuclidic purity was ≥ 99.8% at the end of production with 67Ga as the primary radionuclidic impurity found through gamma-ray spectroscopy. ICP-MS analysis of the decayed 68Ga-chloride samples was compared to the 68Ga eluent from both ITG and IGG-100 68Ge/68Ga generators (Table 1), in which the data indicated our cyclotron-produced 68Ga is equal, if not better in quality, compared to its generator-produced counterpart. Additionally, the formulated 68Ga-chloride solution was determined to be sterile and colorless. The TLC analysis of the compounding product (68Ga-THP-PSMA) has consistently reported a radiochemical purity of greater than 95% with the pH of 6.0-7.0, which is comparable to the 68Ga eluent from the 68Ge/68Ga generator as the compounding substance. Conclusions We have developed a reliable and fully automated method for the routine production of 68Ga-chloride that is comparable to its generator-produced counterpart and can be used as an alternative source for compounding radiopharmaceutical kits. Whereas the validation toward other commercially available kits are currently underway, our preliminary results indicate the potential for the future development of radiopharmaceutical kits in multi-dose vials compounding with large scale 68Ga activity.
The Distribution and Role of M1 and M2 Macrophages in Aneurysm Healing after Platinum Coil Embolization

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Impairment of macrophage polarization from a proinflammatory macrophage type 1 (M1) population to an anti-inflammatory macrophage type 2 (M2) population is a hallmark of poor wound healing. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the distribution of M1 and M2 macrophages and to analyze their association with healing in aneurysms embolized by endovascular coiling. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Elastase-induced aneurysms were created in female rabbits and subsequently embolized with platinum coils. Aneurysm occlusions were evaluated with angiographic imaging at 1 (n = 6), 3 (n = 5), or 6 (n = 6) months. Aneurysm tissues were harvested for histologic analysis, quantification of M1 and M2 macrophages by immunofluorescence, and collagen deposition determined by Masson trichrome staining. Histologic grading of aneurysm healing was also performed. Untreated aneurysms were used as controls (n = 6). RESULTS: The M1 macrophage population was highest at 1 month posttreatment, progressively decreasing at 3 and 6 months. The M2 macrophage population progressively increased at 3 and 6 months posttreatment. The highest collagen deposition was at 6 months posttreatment. We found a moderate-to-weak direct correlation between the percentage of M2 macrophages and collagen deposition, as well as total histologic scores overall, and a strongly positive direct correlation between the percentage of M2 macrophages and total histologic scores at 6 months posttreatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our data support the direct correlation between M2 macrophage polarization and healing in aneurysm tissues. Our results show a positive relationship between M2 macrophage populations and total histologic scores at later stages of healing after endovascular coiling. We conclude that interventions aimed at stimulating M2 macrophage expression locally may improve aneurysm healing after coil embolization.
Motor Performance Study, Michigan State University: Scientific, Educational and Societal Events that Influenced Its Design and Conduct

The Michigan State University (MSU) Motor Performance Study (MPS) was initiated in 1967 and was known across the United States for its unique blend of teaching, service, and research. Dr. Vern Seef...
O VI ABSORBERS TRACING HOT GAS ASSOCIATED WITH A PAIR OF GALAXIES AT z = 0.167

High signal-to-noise observations of the QSO PKS 0405-123 (z em = 0.572) with the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph from 1134 to 1796 ? with a resolution of ~17?km?s?1 are used to study the multi-phase partial Lyman limit system (LLS) at z = 0.16716, which has previously been studied using relatively low signal-to-noise spectra from STIS and FUSE. The LLS and an associated H I-free broad O VI absorber likely originate in the circumgalactic gas associated with a pair of galaxies at z = 0.1688 and 0.1670 with impact parameters of 116 h ?1 70 and 99 h ?1 70. The broad and symmetric O VI absorption is detected in the z = 0.16716 rest frame with v = ?278?? 3?km?s?1, log N(O VI) = 13.90?? 0.03, and b = 52?? 2?km?s?1. This absorber is not detected in H I or other species with the possible exception of N V. The broad, symmetric O VI profile and the absence of corresponding H I absorption indicate that the circumgalactic gas in which the collisionally ionized O VI arises is hot (log T?~ 5.8-6.2). The absorber may represent a rare but important new class of low-z intergalactic medium absorbers. The LLS has strong asymmetrical O VI absorption with log N(O VI) = 14.72?? 0.02 spanning a velocity range from ?200 to +100?km?s?1. The high and low ions in the LLS have properties resembling those found for Galactic highly ionized high-velocity clouds where the O VI is likely produced in the conductive and turbulent interfaces between cool and hot gas.
A low-power portable scanner for body-worn Wireless Resistive Analog Passive (WRAP) sensors for mHealth applications

Abstract Collecting multiple physiological signals with an embedded computing device can be more effective with battery-less zero-power sensors. We have previously reported our battery less, body-worn sensors named “Wireless Resistive Analog Passive (WRAP) sensors”. Here, we report design, prototyping and functional validation of a low-power, small and portable signal acquisition (scanner, revision 4) device for these sensors. The scanner couples with these sensors inductively by on-board printed spiral coils (PSC) that rely on impedance mismatch technique for physiological signal collection. The scanner was fully tested, characterized, and validated in lab, as well as through deployment to users’ home. As a test case, we show results of the scanner measuring temperature from WRAP temperature sensors with relative error within 0.01% range. The scanner measurement can distinguish between temperature of 1 °F difference and it shows excellent linear dependence between actual and measured resistance ( R 2 = 0 . 998 ). The scanner consumes 45.54 mJ of energy per scanning burst, it weighs 110 grams and measures 5.9”X 2.9”X 0.25”. This device has demonstrated the possibility of small, low-power portable scanner for zero-power WRAP sensors that shows promise for real-life data collection from our study participants in Memphis Smart and Connected Community (S&CC).
Self-evaluation Interventions: Impact on Self-efficacy and Performance in Introductory Programming

Research has repeatedly shown self-efficacy to be associated with course outcomes in CS and across other fields. CS education research has documented this and has developed CS-specific self-efficacy measurement instruments, but to date there have been only a few studies examining interventions intended to improve students’ self-efficacy in CS, and several types of self-efficacy interventions suggested by previous research remain to be tested in CS. This study attempts to address this lack of research by reporting on the results of a trial intervention intended to improve students’ self-efficacy in an introductory programming course. Students were recruited to complete a self-evaluation task, which previous research has suggested could have a beneficial impact on self-efficacy, which should in turn have a beneficial impact on course performance. Participating students’ course outcomes and self-efficacy were compared with those of the students who did not complete the self-evaluation task, using propensity score weighting adjustments to control for differences between the groups on entering characteristics and prior values of self-efficacy and course outcomes. We found that, whereas there was only marginal evidence for the self-evaluation intervention having a direct effect on self-efficacy, students who completed the self-evaluation task had significantly higher project scores during the weeks they were asked to complete it, compared to the students who did not participate. These findings suggest that there are potential benefits to incorporating self-evaluation tasks into introductory CS courses, although perhaps not by virtue of directly influencing self-efficacy.
Relationship Between Prebiopsy Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Biopsy Indication, and MRI-ultrasound Fusion–targeted Prostate Biopsy Outcomes

Abstract Background Increasing evidence supports the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-ultrasound fusion–targeted prostate biopsy (MRF-TB) to improve the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (PCa) while limiting detection of indolent disease compared to systematic 12-core biopsy (SB). Objective To compare MRF-TB and SB results and investigate the relationship between biopsy outcomes and prebiopsy MRI. Design, setting, and participants Retrospective analysis of a prospectively acquired cohort of men presenting for prostate biopsy over a 26-mo period. A total of 601 of 803 consecutively eligible men were included. Interventions All men were offered prebiopsy MRI and assigned a maximum MRI suspicion score (mSS). Men with an MRI abnormality underwent combined MRF-TB and SB. Outcomes Detection rates for all PCa and high-grade PCa (Gleason score [GS] ≥7) were compared using the McNemar test. Results and limitations MRF-TB detected fewer GS 6 PCas (75 vs 121; p p p p =0.012), in men with a prior negative biopsy (28 vs 16; p =0.010), and in men with a prior cancer diagnosis (42 vs 29; p =0.043). MRF-TB detected fewer GS 6 PCas in men with no prior biopsy (32 vs 60; p p =0.034). Limitations include the retrospective design and the potential for selection bias given a referral population. Conclusions MRF-TB detects more high-grade PCas than SB while limiting detection of GS 6 PCa in men presenting for prostate biopsy. These findings suggest that prebiopsy multiparametric MRI and MRF-TB should be considered for all men undergoing prostate biopsy. In addition, mSS in conjunction with biopsy indications may ultimately help in identifying men at low risk of high-grade cancer for whom prostate biopsy may not be warranted. Patient summary We examined how magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-targeted prostate biopsy compares to traditional systematic biopsy in detecting prostate cancer among men with suspicion of prostate cancer. We found that MRI-targeted biopsy detected more high-grade cancers than systematic biopsy, and that MRI performed before biopsy can predict the risk of high-grade cancer.
Thermal Gradient Deposition of SiC Diffusion Tracers

The periodic desire for high temperature and/or corrosion resistant semiconductor devices has invariably caused considerable attention to be focused on α- and β-SiC. However, the favorable properties of refractoriness and chemical inertness also introduce difficulties in fabrication. As such, numerous techniques including sublimation, chemical vapor deposition, sputtering and the several forms of liquid phase epitaxy (LPE) have been used in an attempt to form defect-free crystals and devices (see selected papers in ref. 1–3).
The Adoption of Statistical Tests by Natural Scientists: An Empirical Analysis

Tests of statistical significance are routinely used in many research studies. However, there are critics of this paradigm, and also a lingering sense that critical test levels are somewhat arbitrary. This paper adds to the literature by determining the timing and level of acceptance of common tests of statistical inference. Using the archives of the Royal Society, we examined 574 research studies published between 1926 and 1997, by which point adoption was virtually complete. We find that the rate and level of adoption rises over time, in a manner broadly consistent with the theoretical literature on the adoption rate of innovations. We detect the presence of several influences on the rate of adoption, which may include prior custom, the nature of empirical research topics being reported, the increasing ease of computer processing, and possibly journal editorial policies. We find that confidence/significance testing has been adopted by a majority of the scientific community for over 50 years; the customary reliance on 95 percent confidence (five percent significance) is upheld by the data; and that confidence intervals and critical significance levels are both widely reported and often together in recent decades. For historians of science these data suggest that neither Fisher nor Pearson conclusively “won” their private war. The study sheds new light on an issue of considerable practical importance, the admissibility of statistical evidence in most courts in the United States.
Open source photovoltaic system performance modeling with python

Several tools exist for modeling the annual energy output of photovoltaic (PV) solar systems. However, open source frameworks are not widely available and tend to be procedural. Moreover, they are oriented toward the modeling of the solar resource instead of the optimization of PV system design. Open source software allows for peer revision, collaboration and rapid development. Furthermore, localized optimizations are possible such as adaptation to local requirements or different weather data formats. In this paper, solpy, an object oriented open source python implementation, is presented. This software is capable of using historic or forecasted weather data to predict system performance as well as validate certain design constraints such as system voltage and conductor sizing. The developed software, solpy, compares favorably against NREL PV Watts and System Advisor Model.
G. James Fleming

G. James Fleming was a quiet, unassuming man who lived an exemplary life, made a big difference in society, and impacted on many lives across the country and abroad. A search of the archives reveals that very little written record on this impressive individual is readily available. In discussions with many that knew him, they had only kind words to say, but nothing in writing that could be shared. It is hoped that this paper will add to the written record and further memorialize a pioneer.
Stability in feedback additive fuzzy systems

Feedback fuzzy systems take their own output as input and define nonlinear rulebased dynamical systems. They use a fixed number of rules to model other dynamical systems while feedforward fuzzy systems suffer from exponential rule explosion. But most feedback fuzzy systems are not themselves stable. Generalized additive fuzzy systems are a special class of feedback fuzzy systems that compute a system output as a convex sum of linear operators. A matrix replaces each then-part fuzzy set function in a standard fuzzy system. The paper proves that continuous versions of these feedback systems are globally asymptotically stable if all rule matrices are stable (negative definite). This does not hold for the better-known discrete version of Tanaka. A corollary shows that it does hold for a special but practical case of the discrete additive model.
Comparative study of ZnO thin film and nanopillar growth on YSZ(1 1 1) and sapphire (0 0 0 1) substrates by pulsed laser deposition

Abstract The growth of ZnO films by pulsed laser deposition was systematically studied on three different substrates, namely YSZ(1 1 1), Al 2 O 3 (0 0 0 1), and Si(1 0 0). The dependence of the film morphology on oxygen background pressure and substrate temperature was investigated. A strong dependence of the ZnO morphology on all three growth parameters was found allowing for tuning the microscopic structure of ZnO from contiguous film to a columnar growth, and to perfectly aligned nanopillars.
Playwriting in Three Major Nigerian Languages

In his article, "Playwriting in Three Major Nigerian Languages" Isaiah Ilo analyzes the frequency of playwriting in Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba, the three major Nigerian languages, which together hold about a half of the country's estimated population of 140 million. Ilo uses a case study to contrast the importance of the languages, their evolution as literary languages, and their official status with a role in education. Ilo locates the significance of these factors next to an inventory of the plays and a listing of the writers to demonstrate the neglect of the mother tongue by experienced Nigerian dramatists. The study establishes that indigenous-language drama is well-received among the Yoruba and that literature in Hausa has enthusiastic readership while the languages, including Igbo, that is lagging behind in literary growth, fail to attract the interest of experienced dramatists. Ilo concludes that the creation of dramatic masterpieces in the Nigerian languages will probably help in the languages' continued existence, growth, and fortification. Isaiah Ilo, "Playwriting in Three Major Nigerian Languages" page 2 of 9 CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture 11.4 (2009):
Correlated Rayleigh Scattering Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy Studies of Au−Ag Bimetallic Nanoboxes and Nanocages

The optical properties of hollow nanoparticles (Au-Ag nanoboxes and nanocages) were investigated by recording Rayleigh scattering spectra of single particles, whose morphology and composition had been analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This was achieved by depositing the particles on optically transparent substrates with registration marks, which are compatible with SEM imaging. Fitting the experimental spectra to a Lorentzian function yields the frequencies and homogeneous line widths of the plasmon resonance for the particles. The resonances are extremely broad, with dephasing times of 2-5 fs. Analysis of the line width data using the dimensions determined by SEM shows that the broadening is due to a combination of electron-surface scattering and radiation damping. The sensitivity of the plasmon resonance to the dielectric constant of the environment was also investigated by adding a drop of water to the substrate. The nanoboxes show similar dielectric sensitivities compared to other metal nanoparticle systems. A significant increase in the line width was also observed for the nanoboxes in water compared with air. This was attributed to increased radiation damping in the environment with a higher dielectric constant. Both the red shift and the increase in line width are reversible.
EFFECT OF THE 65 M.P.H. SPEED LIMIT ON HIGHWAY SAFETY IN THE U.S.A. (WITH COMMENTS AND REPLY TO COMMENTS)

Since April 1987, 40 states have increased their speed limits on rural Interstate highways to 65 m.p.h. Motorists have responded by driving faster on these highways and some evidence suggests they are driving faster on highways without a change in speed limits as well. Both the average speed and the 85th percentile in speeds has increased on roads posted at 65 m.p.h. Various statistical approaches for estimating the effect of these higher speeds indicate that fatalities on highways posted at 65 m.p.h. were 15 to 25% higher than expected in 1988.
Battery-electric transit bus developments and operations: A review

ABSTRACTIn this article, we review the worldwide developments of battery-electric buses (a) from medium-sized vehicles (e.g., 6.7 m) to heavy-duty vehicles (e.g., 11 m), and (b) from the slow-charging mode (e.g., 6 hours) to the fast-charging mode (e.g., 10 minutes). We also review the worldwide operations of battery-electric buses (a) from 1907 in London, England, the early 1980s in Denver, Colorado, and the early 1990s in Santa Barbara, California, and Chattanooga, Tennessee, to various international cities now, and (b) from less than 20 vehicles in a transit agency to more than 1,000 vehicles. We summarize the experiences and lessons learned from real-world operations. We examine key technical specifications that are critical to the operations of electric bus systems, in particular the operational distance and charging time. Due to a limited operational range of battery-electric buses, three range remedy methods have been proposed: (a) regular (slow) battery charging with backup vehicles equipped with ...
Revascularization without Embolization: Coronary Bypass in the Presence of a Calcified Aorta

The densely calcified ascending aorta presents a formidable challenge to the cardiac surgeon. Clamping such an aorta in the patient requiring myocardial revascularization may result in catastrophic cerebral embolism and mar an otherwise successful surgical outcome. Myocardial revascularization using ventricular fibrillation and hypothermia without aortic cross-clamping in 3 patients with severely calcified aortas is described.
History of the International Collaborative Group on Hereditary NonPolyposis Colorectal Cancer

The International Collaborative Group on Hereditary NonPolyposis Colorectal Cancer (ICG-HNPCC) is 14 years old. It was conceived in Jerusalem in August 1989 during the 2nd International Conference on Gastrointestinal Cancer organized by Paul Rozen. During this meeting, Giuseppe Cristofaro of Brindisi, Italy, proposed to Henry T. Lynch (Figure 1) that they should form a group of interested colleagues throughout the world to study HNPCC and to form multiple collaborations in the interest of investigating the genetic, clinical and pathologic aspects of the disease. Henry T. Lynch, Jane Lynch, Patrick Lynch, Jukka-Pekka Mecklin, Giuseppe Cristofaro, Jim St. John and Hans Vasen then met informally and agreed that this idea was quite logical given the growing interest in HNPCC. We reasoned that the syndrome’s genotypic and phenotypic heterogeneity would require the study of large numbers of families with detailed pedigrees. These studies would involve meticulous clinical histories, molecular genetics, pathology, surveillance, and management concerns, as well as genetic counseling, in order to grasp a better understanding of the disorder and, most importantly, to benefit the high risk patients and families. Further discussion and announcement about the establishment of the ICG-HNPCC took place in November 1989 at a plenary session of an International Meeting on Colorectal Cancer sponsored by Joji Utsunomiya in Kobe, Japan (see Figure 2).
Adenovirus-mediated β-galactosidase gene delivery to the liver leads to protein deposition in kidney glomeruli

The many cell types of the kidney, precisely arranged, allow this organ to perform its complex physiologic functions. However, this architectural complexity makes gene transfer into the kidney difficult. One approach to delivering a therapeutic protein to the kidney is to transfer a gene to a non-renal tissue. Release of the protein into the circulation might then result in deposition in the kidney, if the protein has the appropriate molecular properties. In this study, we found that parenterally administered replication deficient adenovirus carrying the beta-galactosidase gene resulted in intense beta-galactosidase gene expression in hepatocytes. As a result of immune attack on transduced hepatocytes, beta-galactosidase protein from these cells is released into the circulation, transported, and deposited almost exclusively in kidney glomeruli. Intense beta-galactosidase activity was noted in both kidneys with a peak at two weeks following viral administration, concurrent with loss of beta-galactosidase positive hepatocytes. Consistent with our hypothesis of protein transfer, no beta-galactosidase mRNA was detected in glomeruli. Moreover, systemically administered protein generated similar glomerular beta-galactosidase activity. Finally, co-administration of murine CTLA4 Ig, an immunomodulator of T cell activation, with the adenovirus protected infected hepatocytes and markedly diminished glomerular beta-galactosidase activity. Collectively, these findings suggest that a therapeutic protein can be "targeted" to the renal glomerulus, utilizing the liver as a gene transfer organ.
Time-optimal traversal of curved paths by Cartesian CNC machines under both constant and speed-dependent axis acceleration bounds

Algorithms are developed to compute the feedrate variation along a curved path, that ensures minimum traversal time for a 3-axis CNC machine subject to both fixed and speed-dependent axis acceleration bounds arising from the output-torque characteristics of the axis drive motors. For a path specified by a polynomial parametric curve, the time-optimal feedrate is determined as a piecewise-analytic function of the curve parameter, with segments that correspond to saturation of the acceleration along one axis under constant or speed-dependent limits. Break points between the feedrate segments may be computed by numerical root-solving methods. For segments that correspond to fixed acceleration bounds, the (squared) optimal feedrate is rational in the curve parameter. For speed-dependent acceleration bounds, the optimal feedrate admits a closed-form expression in terms of a novel transcendental function whose values may be efficiently computed, for use in real-time control, by a special algorithm. The optimal feedrate admits a real-time interpolator algorithm, that can drive the machine directly from the analytic path description. Experimental results from an implementation of the time-optimal feedrate on a 3-axis CNC mill driven by an open-architecture software controller are presented. The algorithm is a significant improvement over that proposed in [Farouki RT, Rajan VT. Algorithms for polynomials in Bernstein form. Comput Aided Geometric Des 1988;5:1-26], since the addition of motor voltage constraints precludes the possibility of arbitrarily high speeds along linear or near-linear path segments.