cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Robust time-optimal feedback control of robotic manipulators with motor dynamics and parameter variations

In order to have a deep insight into the dynamics and the problem of optimization of robots, it is necessary to take into account nonlinear dynamics and uncertainties. In this paper, the nonlinear model of manipulator with DC motors is derived. The concept, theory, and problems that are pertinent to the synthesis of mathematical models and the robust minimum-time controllers design are discussed. A robust optimization procedure for nonlinear uncertain systems is described. The results of synthesis of the robust minimum-time control strategy are presented based upon minimization of a new class of nonquadratic indexes. The proposed scheme is feasible and provides the computational efficiency. A typical example of j-th coordinate of the manipulator with DC motor is treated. >
Internet-based profiler system as integrative framework to support translational research

Background: Translational research requires taking basic science observations and developing them into clinically useful tests and therapeutics. We have developed a process to develop molecular biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis by integrating tissue microarray (TMA) technology and an internet-database tool, Profiler. TMA technology allows investigators to study hundreds of patient samples on a single glass slide resulting in the conservation of tissue and the reduction in inter-experimental variability. The Profiler system allows investigator to reliably track, store, and evaluate TMA experiments. Here within we describe the process that has evolved through an empirical basis over the past 5 years at two academic institutions. Results: The generic design of this system makes it compatible with multiple organ system (e.g., prostate, breast, lung, renal, and hematopoietic system,). Studies and folders are restricted to authorized users as required. Over the past 5 years, investigators at 2 academic institutions have scanned 656 TMA experiments and collected 63,311 digital images of these tissue samples. 68 pathologists from 12 major user groups have accessed the system. Two groups directly link clinical data from over 500 patients for immediate access and the remaining groups choose to maintain clinical and pathology data on separate systems. Profiler currently has 170 K data points such as staining intensity, tumor grade, and nuclear size. Due to the relational database structure, analysis can be easily performed on single or multiple TMA experimental results. The TMA module of Profiler can maintain images acquired from multiple systems. Conclusion: We have developed a robust process to develop molecular biomarkers using TMA technology and an internet-based database system to track all steps of this process. This system is extendable to other types of molecular data as separate modules and is freely available to academic institutions for licensing.
Energy efficient Chessboard Clustering and routing in heterogeneous sensor networks

Sensor nodes have severe energy constraints. The typical many-to-one traffic pattern in sensor networks causes uneven energy consumption among sensor nodes, i.e., sensor nodes near a sink or cluster head have much heavier traffic burden and run out of power much faster than other nodes. This can dramatically reduce sensor network lifetime. In this paper, we adopt a heterogeneous sensor network model and propose a novel Chessboard Clustering (CC) scheme. We also design an efficient routing protocol based on the CC scheme. Extensive simulations show that our scheme balances node energy consumption very well and significantly increases network lifetime.
Outcome after discontinuing prophylactic antibiotics in children with persistent vesicoureteral reflux.

Purpose: Treatment for vesicoureteral reflux remains controversial. Lacking an evidence-based treatment protocol, we offered the option of terminating prophylactic antibiotics in otherwise healthy patients with persistent vesicoureteral reflux at age 5 years or greater. We report outcomes with respect to the urinary tract infection incidence and to whether surgical intervention was eventually done.Materials and Methods: We obtained institutional review board approval to retrospectively review the records of all children with vesicoureteral reflux from December 1999 to February 2009. Of this group we selected children 5 years old or older who had been taken off prophylactic antibiotics. We assessed children with primary vesicoureteral reflux in detail.Results: The records of 1,217 that we reviewed showed that antibiotics were discontinued in 185 patients, including 160 girls (89%) and 25 boys (11%), at an average age of 6.2 years. Average followup was 2.0 years with recorded followup up to 8 years off prop...
A new approach to finding objects in programs

Software maintenance is difficult and costly because the maintainer must understand the existing relationships in the maintained code. The maintainer's job can be made considerably easier if the objects in the code (related groups of types, data, and procedures) are identified. In this paper, we discuss methods for identifying objects in programs, and present a new approach that relies on these key features. First, our internal program representation (IPR) lets us make a more precise identification of objects than previous methods allowed. Second, we introduce the idea of receiver-based object identification. Third, we introduce the idea of two-step object identification, which gives the user greater control in precisely identifying objects. Our object finding tool can be used with the other tools our IPR provides to create an integrated software maintenance environment.
The state of mathematics education today: what happens in the math classroom

The article discusses the efforts that have been made over the last two decades to reform the mathematics curriculum to better serve the needs of partner disciplines such as economics.
The oxygen isotopic composition of phosphate in Elkhorn Slough, California: A tracer for phosphate sources

Abstract Elkhorn Slough, a small seasonal estuary in central California, has been subjected to increased nutrient loading from agricultural and other non-point sources. However, because nutrients do not behave conservatively, tracing nutrient sources and cycling in ecosystems like Elkhorn Slough has been difficult to assess. This is particularly true of phosphorus (P), which has only one stable isotope and cannot be used as an isotopic tracer. However, isotopic fractionation of oxygen in phosphate at surface water temperatures only occurs as a result of enzyme-mediated, biochemical reactions. Thus, if phosphate demand is low relative to input and is not heavily cycled within the ecosystem, the δ18O of phosphate will reflect the isotopic composition of phosphate sources to the system. We utilized the δ18O of dissolved inorganic phosphate (DIP) within the main channel of the slough and nearby Moss Landing Harbor and the δ18O of reactive phosphate from sediment and soil samples collected within the watershed to understand phosphate sources and cycling within Elkhorn Slough. Trends in the δ18O of DIP were seasonally consistent with high values near the mouth reflecting oceanic phosphate (19.1‰–20.3‰), dropping to a minimum value near Hummingbird Island in the central slough (point source, 14.1‰–14.4‰), and increasing again near the head of the slough, reflecting fertilizer input (18.9‰–19.3‰). Reactive phosphate δ18O values extracted from sediments and soils in the watershed range from 10.6‰ in a drainage ditch to 22.3‰ in creek sediments near agriculture fields. The wide range in phosphate δ18O values reflects the variations in land use and application of different fertilizers in this agriculturally dominated landscape. These data suggest that phosphate δ18O can be an effective tool for identifying P sources and understanding phosphate dynamics in estuarine ecosystems.
Realization of free-space fiber optic switches using the surface-micromachining technology

In conclusion, a free-space fiber optic switch has been demonstrated using the surface micromachining technology. With its monolithic microfabrication capability and three-dimensional characteristics, the switch can be made compact, light weight and low cost. The switch is potentially integrable with other micro-optical elements and controlling electronics. This project is supported by the ARPA/ESTO and the Packard Foundation.
Open-Source Tools for Immersive Environmental Visualization

Scientists of the Desert Research Institute's atmospheric, hydrological, and earth and ecosystem science divisions sift through vast amounts of data gathered from sophisticated instrumentation and computational models. To help address the data analysis needs that stem from the growing volume of data, DRI established the center for advanced visualization, computation, and modeling (CAVCaM) to foster DRI's move into interactive, large-scale, 3D visualization of these and other environmental research issues. Our mission is two-pronged. First, we seek to partner with our researcher collaborators at DRI and the larger scientific communities through the development and use of better visualization tools. Second, we work with research sponsors to create visualization applications for training and simulation
Genetic heterogeneity of mannose-binding proteins: the Jekyll and Hyde of innate immunity?

Innate immunity is the immediate ability of a host to prevent and limit an infectious challenge (Fearon and Locksley 1996; Medzhitov and Janeway 1997). The barriers to a noxious challenge take on many guises. As new knowledge accrues, a conceptual congruency in the spectrum of innate immunity in a variety of organisms, ranging from plants to humans, is emerging. The recognition of conserved proteins or domains of proteins has allowed insights into the evolution of nonclonal first-line host defenses, so that we are now able to draw analogies between tobacco plants, fruit flies, frogs, horseshoe crabs, mice, and humans.
Mushroom Ganoderma lucidum prevents colitis-associated carcinogenesis in mice.

Background Epidemiological studies suggest that mushroom intake is inversely correlated with gastric, gastrointestinal and breast cancers. We have recently demonstrated anticancer and anti-inflammatory activity of triterpene extract isolated from mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (GLT). The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether GLT prevents colitis-associated carcinogenesis in mice. Methods/Principal Findings Colon carcinogenesis was induced by the food-borne carcinogen (2-Amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazol[4,5-b]pyridine [PhIP]) and inflammation (dextran sodium sulfate [DSS]) in mice. Mice were treated with 0, 100, 300 and 500 mg GLT/kg of body weight 3 times per week for 4 months. Cell proliferation, expression of cyclin D1 and COX-2 and macrophage infiltration was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The effect of GLT on XRE/AhR, PXR and rPXR was evaluated by the reporter gene assays. Expression of metabolizing enzymes CYP1A2, CYP3A1 and CYP3A4 in colon tissue was determined by immunohistochemistry. GLT treatment significantly suppressed focal hyperplasia, aberrant crypt foci (ACF) formation and tumor formation in mice exposed to PhIP/DSS. The anti-proliferative effects of GLT were further confirmed by the decreased staining with Ki-67 in colon tissues. PhIP/DSS-induced colon inflammation was demonstrated by the significant shortening of the large intestine and macrophage infiltrations, whereas GLT treatment prevented the shortening of colon lengths, and reduced infiltration of macrophages in colon tissue. GLT treatment also significantly down-regulated PhIP/DSS-dependent expression of cyclin D1, COX-2, CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 in colon tissue. Conclusions Our data suggest that GLT could be considered as an alternative dietary approach for the prevention of colitis-associated cancer.
Near-field scanning for EM emission characterization

This tutorial reviews a few important issues when using the near-field scanning technique for EM emission characterization. Calibration of field probes is introduced first to eliminate or reduce the errors in the measurement of EM field components. Then, methodologies to obtain the phase information in near-field scanning are discussed. For characterizing radiators in free space in terms of far-field emissions, different Near-Field Far-Field Transformation algorithms are introduced. Finally, radiated-emission models based on near-field scanning are presented for characterizing the radiators in a complex environment/system, and an example on interference estimation demonstrates the application of such models.
Incidence of Urinary Tract Infection Among Siblings of Children With Vesicoureteral Reflux.

Abstract Background Siblings of children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) are at elevated risk of VUR. Screening siblings may identify VUR before a clinical illness such as a urinary tract infection (UTI), but the benefit of screening has not been demonstrated. We sought to determine the incidence of UTI among siblings, and we hypothesized that the sibling UTI rate is similar between screened and unscreened siblings. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort analysis using insurance claims data (January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2009). Within each family, we identified the index VUR patient and siblings; we included siblings who were enrolled in the insurance plan from birth for at least 1 year. We identified siblings who were screened for VUR and/or had UTI. We investigated the association of screening and UTI, controlling for patient characteristics and clustering within families. Results Among 617 siblings (associated with 497 index patients), 317 (51%) were girls. Median insurance enrollment time was 53.0 months, with 424 enrolled ≥3 years. Among those with 1 or 3 years of enrollment, the proportions of siblings who experienced UTI was 8.4% (52 of 617) and 10.4% (44 of 424), respectively. Median age at initial UTI was 32.7 months. A total of 223 siblings (36.0%) underwent sibling screening. There was no significant difference in UTI between screened and unscreened siblings (odds ratio 1.57, 95% confidence interval 0.87–2.85; P = .14). In multivariate analysis, screening was not associated with sibling UTI incidence (odds ratio 1.33, 95% confidence interval 0.68–2.60; P = .40). Conclusions Although UTI is relatively common among siblings of VUR patients, there was no statistically significant difference in UTI incidence between screened and unscreened siblings.
A framework for protecting worker location privacy in spatial crowdsourcing

Spatial Crowdsourcing (SC) is a transformative platform that engages individuals, groups and communities in the act of collecting, analyzing, and disseminating environmental, social and other spatio-temporal information. The objective of SC is to outsource a set of spatio-temporal tasks to a set of workers, i.e., individuals with mobile devices that perform the tasks by physically traveling to specified locations of interest. However, current solutions require the workers, who in many cases are simply volunteering for a cause, to disclose their locations to untrustworthy entities. In this paper, we introduce a framework for protecting location privacy of workers participating in SC tasks. We argue that existing location privacy techniques are not sufficient for SC, and we propose a mechanism based on differential privacy and geocasting that achieves effective SC services while offering privacy guarantees to workers. We investigate analytical models and task assignment strategies that balance multiple crucial aspects of SC functionality, such as task completion rate, worker travel distance and system overhead. Extensive experimental results on real-world datasets show that the proposed technique protects workers' location privacy without incurring significant performance metrics penalties.
Relations and Functions

We study tuples, cross products, relations, and functions. The n-tuple, or sequence of length n, is the mathematical analogue of the Pascal-like record: it is a list of values (but without names). The cross product is the mathematical analogue of the Pascal record type: it is a set of tuples, corresponding to the set of records that may be associated with a variable of a record type.
Origin of Initial Rapid Cell Current Reduction in Non-Volatile One-Time Programming Memory

The fast bit cell current (BCC) reduction in a one-time programming (OTP) device during high-temperature annealing will severely decrease the data retention (DR) capability. It is found that negative bias temperature instability-like degradation is responsible for this fast BCC shift, which is different from the well-known DR mechanism. The rapid floating gate charge diminution at the initial stage can be attributed to the recombination by hydrogen species as a result of the depassivation of Si–H bonds at the Si/SiO2 interface. Our experiments show that the BCC reduction rate follows a power-law time dependence $t^{-0.73}$ , which is in agreement with a simple analytical model based on interface state ( $N_{{\mathrm{it}}}$ ) generation and floating-gate voltage shift. These observations pave the way for further OTP DR reliability improvement.
Sporting a Skort The Biopolitics of Materiality

This article explores the intersecting vectors of power, surveillance, and identity relating to technologies of material culture as located within the so-called “skort” or running skirt. It presents a cultural history of the skort, situating it within historical debates over femininity and sport, and contemporary arguments over the commercial branding of the feminine ideal. The author also presents and discusses the findings of her participant-observation that she performed in a group fitness studio on multiple occasions dressed in three different exercise outfits: a running skirt, a pair of shorts, and a sweat suit. With a focus on the skort experience, the concept of skorting materiality emerged in relation to the matrices of power acting on the body and highlights the results of this ethnographic experience, which uses “the researcher’s body to understand how power operates.” This analysis of skorting materiality focuses on the historically produced present and the current function of the skort in phys...
The Organizational Context of Market Research Use

Very little attention has been given to the corporate situations in which marketing managers make decisions based upon market research information. This study finds that managers in more decentrali...
catena-Poly­[[di­aqua­di­chloro­iron(II)]-μ-1,4-dioxane-κ2O:O′]

The crystal structure of the title compound, [FeCl2(C4H8O2)(H2O)2]n, contains six-coordinate FeII atoms in approximately octahedral environments. The FeII atoms have \overline 1 symmetry, i.e. all pairs of identical ligands are trans. The structure consists of polymeric chains made up of dioxane mol­ecules, in the chair conformation with \overline 1 symmetry, linking the FeII centers. The chains are crosslinked by O—H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds.
Thermal stability of fatigue dislocation structures in coarse-grained pure aluminum

Coarse-grained pure Al with a high stacking fault energy was first fatigued at different total strain amplitudes(Δ2) up to almost the same accumulated strain, and then annealed at different temperatures(200, 330 and 450 ℃for30 min. The fatigue dislocation structures as well as the microstructural changes resulting from subsequent annealing treatments were detected by TEM. The results show that the dislocation structures of fatigued pure Al are mainly characterized by dislocation cells. With increasing Δt2, the average cell size decreases, the cell walls become more densified, and the density of dislocations in cells decreases. For the coarse-grained pure Al samples fatigued and then annealed at those three temperatures for 30 min, a clear recovery of fatigue dislocation structures occurs for all samples.The only difference exists in the recovery mechanism of the samples fatigued at different strain amplitudes and then annealed at a comparatively lower temperature of 200 ℃; for instance, the recovery process of dislocation structures induced by fatigue at lower strain amplitude is mainly determined by the disappearance of vacancies and the annihilation of dislocations of opposite sign, while the polygonization recovery dominates at higher strain amplitudes. The results of DSC measurements on the pure Al samples fatigued at different strain amplitudes are basically consistent with the results of TEM observations.
The effects of spinal cord injury on somatosensory evoked potentials produced by interactions between afferent pathways.

AbstractThe purpose of the present study was to determine the utility of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) produced by interaction between afferent pathways for spinal cord injury evaluation. Interaction was measured as alterations in SEP configuration compared to controls. Monkeys anesthetized with N2O were used. Stimulus intensities were sufficient to excite all nerve fibers. The conditioning stimulus (CS) was applied to the left peroneal nerve and test stimulus (TS) to the left radial nerve. CS-TS intervals were 100 msec in duration. SEPs were recorded from primary cortical receiving area for the forelimb. Different surgical lesions were made at spinal cord level T3-T4. Amplitudes of TS-produced-SEPs remained unchanged postlesion. CS-produced-SEPs were found to be dependent upon the integrity of anterolateral column pathways. Accentuated interaction was observed following dorsal column ablation. Interaction was slightly enhanced after left hemisection but diminished after right hemisection or cent...
Regulation of renal transport processes and hemodynamics by macrophages and lymphocytes

Inflammatory diseases of the renal glomerulus and interstitium are characterized by numerous alterations in renal glomerular hemodynamics and tubule transport processes. The cellular mechanisms underlying these changes have been theoretically attributed to nephron toxicity and destruction. However, recent studies suggest that many of the alterations in renal physiology may be mediated by specific immune cell-derived factors. Macrophages release a variety of cytokines on activation. One of these monokines, interleukin 1, induces a natriuresis by direct inhibition of collecting duct sodium reabsorption. Glomerular macrophages release highly vasoconstrictive compounds, including leukotriene D4 and thromboxane A2. Macrophages have now been demonstrated to migrate into the renal interstitium in diseases not previously considered to have an immunological component. Acute ureteral obstruction is characterized by a rapid infiltration of macrophages and lymphocytes into the kidney. Removal of the immune cell infiltrate in ureteral obstruction by irradiation markedly improves glomerular filtration rate and renal blood flow and partially corrects sodium and water excretion. Such immune modulation of renal function is likely to occur in a wide variety of diseases of the kidney, many of which do not involve a primary immunological insult. We propose that the abnormalities in renal hemodynamics and in the transport of fluid and electrolytes observed in states characterized by coexistence of immune cells among renal parenchymal cells may reflect a complex immune modulation of renal cell physiology.
Epilogue: The Long Journey Home

The end of the war brought an end to some of the suffering of the fighting, but grief and violence and disillusionment followed the men into an unsettled peace. For many men, a long and agonizing wait for the return home turned their victory into disappointment. Many men felt driven by unresolved grievances to take matters into their own hands, often with bloody and tragic results. Ultimately, though, the joy of returning home overwhelmed all other emotions.
Running the Gauntlet: Understanding Commercial Sexual Exploitation and the Pathways Perspective to Female Offending

Although there exists a growing body of research on female delinquents, few studies have investigated extensively the life courses of young women with histories of commercial sexual exploitation (CSE). Adding to the pathways perspective to offending literature, this article examines the narratives of young women with histories of CSE, emphasizes what they interpret as turning points, and illustrates their criminal trajectories as a “gauntlet.” This article presents a case study of six female offenders with histories of commercial sexual exploitation. Interviewees identified disrupted relationships with their mothers, early experiences of sexual abuse, and justice involvement as turning points toward their “gauntlet” of CSE and criminality. In addition, intergenerational normalization of drug abuse and violence in their homes, economic and racial marginalization, and absence of nurturing relationships led to interviewees’ interpretations of their lives as limited in agency, freedom, and change and filled with criticism, constriction, and punishment. Such interpretations preceded their return to offending behaviors. The pathways perspective to understanding sexually exploited female offenders is an important contribution in the field of feminist criminology. When combined with understanding young women’s turning points toward delinquency and CSE and their perceived effect of system involvement, the pathways perspective underscores the constraint and challenges these young women express as they navigate their communities, approach relationships, and return to criminality.
Genetic Rescue of Mitochondrial Calcium Efflux in Alzheimer's Disease Preserves Mitochondrial Function and Protects against Neuronal Cell Death

Background. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by neurodegeneration, specifically the progressive loss of neuronal populations in the frontal cortex and hippocampus. Numerous studies have shown that neuronal cell death and metabolic dysregulation are fundamental cellular mechanisms driving the progression of AD and other dementia-related diseases. Previous studies have suggested numerous mechanisms whereby intracellular Ca2+ load is increased in AD and thereby likely significantly impacts mCa2+ signaling. Methods. To discern if mCa2+ signaling is causative in the progression of AD, human AD brain samples, an AD mutant mouse model (3xTg) and an AD-mutant cell line (N2a/APPswe) were examined for mitochondrial alterations in: Ca2+ handling, ROS generation, membrane potential (ΔΨ), permeability transition pore activation, OxPhos, APP metabolism and cell death. Results. 3xTg-AD mice and human AD brain samples displayed significant alterations in the expression of key mCa2+ exchange genes, most notably a reduction in the expression of the mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (mNCX, SLC8B1), the major efflux pathway in excitable cells. We discovered that mCa2+ efflux and mCa2+ retention capacity was severely impaired in N2a/APPswe cells. Rescue of mCa2+ extrusion, via adenoviral expression of mNCX, enhanced the clearance of pathogenic mCa2+, recovered (ΔΨ), enhanced OxPhos, reduced extracellular Aβ1-40 levels and protected from ionomycin-, glutamate- and ROS-induced cell death. Conclusions. Our data suggest that impaired mCa2+ exchange is a central contributor to neuronal cell death in AD and that mNCX represents a new therapeutic target to inhibit or reverse AD progression.
A review of varicocele repair for pain

A dilation of the pampiniform venous plexus in the scrotum above the testicle, called a varicocele, affects approximately 15% of the general male population. While the majority is asymptomatic, pain results in up to 10% of cases of varicoceles. The pain associated with varicoceles is typically mild and is described as heavy, achy, or dull—and is usually isolated to the testicle or spermatic cord. Guidelines clearly recommend varicocele repair in males with varicoceles, infertility, and an abnormal semen analysis. While chronic, severe pain is an additional indication for repair, a careful evaluation to rule out other etiologies in addition to a period of conservative management are necessary prior to surgical treatment because of the high incidental prevalence of varicoceles in the general population. Several techniques for varicocele repair have been described, including retroperitoneal, laparoscopic, inguinal, and subinguinal. Additionally, recent adjuncts to improve visualization and identification of critical structures including the operating microscope and microvascular Doppler ultrasound have improved success and complication rates. With careful patient selection, outcomes of varicocele repair with regard to pain are excellent, with over 90% of patients experiencing symptomatic relief. After failure of conservative treatments, a varicocele associated with pain should be considered for repair, and the microsurgical subinguinal approach is the gold standard surgical treatment, offering excellent outcomes while minimizing risk of complications.
Panorama de los estudios sobre Teotihuacan: una corrección historiográfica

El libro de George Cowgill titulado Ancient Teotihuacan (Cowgill, 2015) es una magistral obra narrativa que sintetizacerca de mil a˜nos de la historia del Valle de Teotihuacan, engran parte con base en un analisis cuantitativo de los mate-riales arqueologicos que todavia se conservan, especialmenteceramica, ademas de datos de excavaciones y recorridos desuperficie. Escrito por uno de los arqueologos mas respetados delsector, quien cuenta ya con cincuenta a˜nos de trabajo activo enel campo de los estudios sobre Teotihuacan, este volumen ofreceun analisis concienzudo y es un relato combinado que incluye eltrabajo previo de cientos de estudiosos, debidamente citados enla amplia bibliografia de la obra, que lograron arrojar un pocode luz sobre esta magnifica y misteriosa ciudad. Cowgill manejahabilmente tanto los detalles mas minuciosos como las com-paraciones de amplia escala con otras civilizaciones, haciendogala de un control impresionante. Este volumen cuenta con elrespaldo de una vida entera dedicada a la investigacion y en losa˜nos venideros sin duda se considerara el estudio mas conclu-yente sobre la civilizacion teotihuacana y el punto de partida decualquier futuro trabajo. Sin embargo, para mi gran sorpresa, elautor me ha omitido en gran medida de su labor narrativa y creoque es relevante ofrecer mi punto de vista en una fase crucial deldesarrollo de los estudios sobre Teotihuacan.
Risk Stratification Model: Lower-Extremity Ultrasonography for Hospitalized Patients with Suspected Deep Vein Thrombosis.

The Wells score for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) has a high failure rate and low efficiency among inpatients. To create and validate an inpatient-specific risk stratification model to help assess pre-test probability of DVT in hospitalized patients. Prospective cohort study of hospitalized patients undergoing lower-extremity ultrasonography studies (LEUS) for suspected DVT. Demographics, physical findings, medical history, medications, hospitalization, and laboratory and imaging results were collected. Samples were divided into model derivation (patients undergoing LEUS 11/1/2012–12/31/2013) and validation cohorts (LEUS 1/1/2014–5/31/2015). A DVT prediction rule was derived using the recursive partitioning algorithm (decision tree-type approach) and was then validated. Adult inpatients undergoing LEUS for suspected DVT from November 2012 to May 2015, excluding those with DVT in the prior 3 months, at a 793-bed, urban academic quaternary-care hospital with ~50,000 admissions annually. The primary outcome was the presence of proximal DVT, and the secondary outcome was the presence of any DVT (proximal or distal). Model sensitivity and specificity for predicting DVT were calculated. Recursive partitioning yielded four variables (previous DVT, active cancer, hospitalization ≥ 6 days, age ≥ 46 years) that optimized the prediction of proximal DVT and yield in the derivation cohort. From this decision tree, we stratified a scoring system using the validation cohort, categorizing patients into low- and high-risk groups. The incidence rates of proximal DVT were 2.9% and 12.0%, and of any DVT were 5.2% and 21.0%, for the low- and high-risk groups, respectively. The AUC for the discriminatory accuracy of the Center for Evidence-Based Imaging (CEBI) score for risk of proximal DVT identified on LEUS was 0.73. Model sensitivity was 98.1% for proximal and 98.1% for any DVT. In hospitalized adults, specific factors can help clinicians predict risk of DVT, identifying those with low pre-test probability, in whom ultrasonography can be safely avoided.
Effects of load on the acute response of muscles proximal and distal to blood flow restriction

To determine the effects of load and blood flow restriction (BFR) on muscular responses, we asked 12 participants to perform chest presses under four different conditions [30/0, 30/40, 50/0, and 50/40, presented as percentage one-repetition maximum (1RM)/percentage arterial occlusion pressure (AOP)]. Muscle thickness increased pre- to post-exercise [chest: mean 0.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.21, 0.37 cm; triceps: mean 0.44, 95% CI 0.34, 0.54 cm], remaining elevated for 15 min post-exercise. Electromyography amplitude was greater with 50% 1RM and increased over time for the first three repetitions of each set of chest presses. The last three repetitions differed across time only. AOP increased from pre- to post-exercise, augmented by BFR [30/0: mean 31, 95% CI 18, 44 mmHg; 30/40: mean 39, 95% CI 28, 50 mmHg; 50/0: mean 32, 95% CI 23, 41 mmHg; 50/40: mean 46, 95% CI 32, 59 mmHg). Tranquility decreased and physical exhaustion increased from the pre- to post-condition, with both parameters returning to the baseline 15 min post-exercise level. In conclusion, load and BFR do not elicit meaningful differences in the acute response of chest press exercise taken to failure.
Dosimetric Impact of a Tumor Treating Fields Device for Glioblastoma Patients Undergoing Simultaneous Radiation Therapy.

PURPOSE: A recent randomized phase III clinical trial in patients with glioblastoma demonstrated the efficacy of tumor-treating-fields (TTFields), in which alternating electric fields are applied via transducer arrays to a patient’s scalp. This treatment, when added to standard of care therapy, was shown to increase overall survival from 16 months to 20.9 months. These results have generated significant interest in incorporating the use of TTFields during post-operative concurrent chemoradiation. However, the dosimetric impact of high density electrodes on the scalp, within the radiation field, is unknown. METHODS: The dosimetric impact of TTFields electrodes in the radiation field was quantified in two ways: (1) dose calculated in a treatment planning system, and (2) physical measurements of surface and deep doses. In the dose calculation comparison, a volumetric-modulated-arc-therapy (VMAT) radiation plan was developed on a CT scan without electrodes, and then re-calculated with electrodes. For physical measurements, the surface dose underneath TTFields electrodes were measured using a parallel plate ionization chamber and compared to measurements without electrodes for various incident beam angles and for twelve VMAT arc deliveries. Deep dose measurements were conducted for 5 VMAT plans using Scandidos Delta4 diode array: measured doses on two orthogonal diode arrays were compared. RESULTS: In the treatment planning system, the presence of the TTFields device caused mean reduction of PTV dose of 0.5-1%, and a mean increase in scalp dose of 0.5-1 Gy. Physical measurement showed increases of surface dose directly underneath by 30% to 110% for open fields with varying beam angles, and by 70% to 160% for VMAT deliveries. Deep dose measurement by diode array showed dose decrease of 1-2% in most areas shadowed by the electrodes (max decrease 2.54%). CONCLUSION: The skin dose in patients being treating with cranial irradiation for glioblastoma may increase substantially (130%-260%) with the addition of concurrent TTFields electrodes on the scalp. However, the impact of dose attenuation by the electrodes on deep dose during VMAT treatment is of much smaller, but measureable, magnitude (1-2%). Clinical trials exploring concurrent TTFields with cranial irradiation for glioblastoma may utilize scalp-sparing techniques to mitigate any potential increase in skin toxicity.
Impact of Agronomic and Storage Practices on Acrylamide in Processed Potatoes

Acrylamide is a probable carcinogen found in processed potato products. The compound is formed at elevated temperatures by the Maillard reaction from two primary precursors - reducing sugars (fructose and glucose) and asparagine. Significant advances have been made in reducing acrylamide formation by selecting varieties with low precursor concentrations through conventional breeding or genetic modification techniques. However, acrylamide in many of the traditional varieties processed for fries or chips is sometimes found at elevated levels. Both agronomic and storage practices can significantly influence glucose, fructose, and asparagine concentrations and therefore the potential to form acrylamide during processing. This summary of a symposium presentation given at the 99th Annual Potato Association of American Meeting is to provide a general overview of previous studies that have examined the effects of agronomic factors such as nutrient and water management and storage factors such as temperature and duration on acrylamide precursors and/or acrylamide in processed potato products. A better understanding of how these factors affect acrylamide precursors is a first step in minimizing acrylamide formation during processing and improving the quality of processed potato products.
Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 as a Predictor of Coronary Atherosclerosis in Patients Receiving Coronary Angiography.

Background Animal studies suggest that monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is a promising biomarker for coronary artery atherosclerosis (CAA), but human studies have been inconclusive. Objective To determine potential relationships between plasma MCP-1 and CAA in patients with acute chest pain. Methods A secondary analysis of 150 patients enrolled in emergency department chest pain risk stratification clinical investigations was conducted. Participants with stored blood and known coronary phenotypes (determined by coronary angiography) were selected using stratified randomization such that 50 patients were included into 3 groups: (1) no angiographic evidence of CAA, (2) nonobstructive CAA, and (3) obstructive CAA (stenosis ≥ 70%). Plasma MCP-1 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The association between MCP-1 and obstructive CAA or any CAA was modeled using logistic regression. Variables in the unreduced model included age, sex, race, prior diagnosis of CAA or acute coronary syndrome, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and cardiac troponin I measurement. Results Among the 150 participants, 65.3% (98/150) had invasive coronary angiography and 34.7% (52/150) had coronary computed tomographic angiography. Myocardial infarction occurred in 27.3% (41/150) and coronary revascularization occurred in 26% (39/150) of the participants. Each 10 pg/mL increase in MCP-1 measurement was associated with an odds ratio of 1.12 (95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.19) for obstructive CAA. MCP-1 remained a significant predictor of obstructive CAA and any CAA after adjustment for age, sex, race, traditional cardiac risk factors, and cardiac troponin I. Conclusions MCP-1 is independently associated with CAA among emergency department patients with chest pain.
Effective Counseling Methods for High-Risk College Freshmen.

This article reports a study conducted at Davis and Elkins College in West Virgina in which 63 students participating in the William James House Counseling Program took part in a 12-week study to s...
Synthesis and properties of hydroxy tail-terminated cyanobiphenyl liquid crystals

Two series of new hydroxy tail-terminated cyanobiphenyl compounds are described. The 4′-ω-hydroxyalkynyl-4-cyanobiphenyl compounds (1a–1g) were synthesised as the key intermediates to the 4′-?ω-hyd...
Constitutive Modeling of Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC)

As research in ECC advances from material development to structural applications, the need for accurate constitutive models that capture ECC’s response under load becomes increasingly apparent. When combined with finite element method, constitutive models of ECC can be utilized to simulate structural response. Such simulations are useful to develop a better understanding of how the unique properties of ECC, such as tensile ductility and crack width control, can be translated into advantageous structural performances. Ultimately, high fidelity numerical simulation of ECC structural behavior can lead to a reduction in the amount of experimentation needed to gain confidence in full-scale structural deployment of ECC. Further, constitutive models can be helpful in the deployment of integrated structural and materials design approach, where targeted structural performance can be downlinked to composite properties and material composition and microstructures. Such scale-linkage provides an efficient basis for ECC material design for optimal structural performance.
Establishing Governance for Project and Service Management

Recently, the Carnegie Mellon University Libraries began to implement a new strategic plan, which greatly increased the number, complexity, and scope of new projects and services sponsored by the Libraries. Historically, initiation, planning, and management of projects and services within Libraries lacked both codified processes and uniform management tools. Libraries’ leadership quickly realized that the rapid increase in the size of the unit's project and service footprints had rendered such an unstructured approach to project and service management untenable. In response to leadership's concerns, the Libraries’ Digital Strategy team launched an effort to establish a structure of governance around project and service management within the University Libraries. This paper will review the selection process for new project and service portfolio management tools, as well as the effort to define project initiation and management and service transition guidelines, with the intent of providing a framework for establishing project and service management governance in similar organizations.
Fine-Needle Aspiration of Solid Masses

This chapter discusses the techniques of, indications for, and expected results of ultrasound (US)-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of the most common solid breast masses. Numerous benign solid masses can be sampled with FNA. For some of them, a specific diagnosis can be established cytopathologically. The role of FNA in the diagnosis of malignancy is redefined. While FNA has been replaced by core-needle biopsy in the workup of a suspicious mass in the breast because of its inability to diagnose invasiveness of a malignant tumor, FNA still plays a significant role whenever the simple presence of a malignant tumor must be confirmed, e.g., to confirm multifocality or multicentricity of a known cancer, a local recurrence, a metastasis to the breast from a known extramammary malignancy, or the involvement of the breast by lymphoma or leukemia.
Minimal Invasive Pericardial Perfusion Model in Swine: A Translational Model for Cardiac Remodeling After Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury.

Rationale: Adverse remodeling leads to heart failure after myocardial infarction, with important impact on morbidity and mortality. New therapeutic approaches are needed to further improve and broaden heart failure therapy. We established a minimally invasive, reproducible pericardial irrigation model in swine, as a translational model to study the impact of temperature on adverse cardiac remodeling and its molecular mechanisms after myocardial infarction. Objective: Chronic heart failure remains a leading cause of death in western industrialized countries, with a tremendous economic impact on the health care system. Previously, many studies have investigated mechanisms to reduce infarct size after ischemia/reperfusion injury, including therapeutic hypothermia. Nonetheless, the molecular mechanisms of adverse remodeling after myocardial infarction remain poorly understood. By deciphering the latter, new therapeutic strategies can be developed to not only reduce rehospitalization of heart failure patients but also reduce or prevent adverse remodeling in the first place. Methods and Results: After 90 minutes of myocardial infarction, a 12Fr dual lumen dialysis catheter was place into the pericardium via minimal invasive, sub-xiphoidal percutaneous puncture. We performed pericardial irrigation with cold or warm saline for 60 minutes in 25 female farm pigs after ischemia and reperfusion. After one week of survival the heart was harvested for further studies. After cold pericardial irrigation we observed a significant decrease of systemic body temperature measured with a rectal probe in the cold group, reflecting that the heart was chilled throughout its entire thickness. The temperature remained stable in the control group during the procedure. We did not see any difference in arrhythmia or hemodynamic stability between both groups. Conclusions: We established a minimally invasive, reproducible and translational model of pericardial irrigation in swine. This method enables the investigation of mechanisms involved in myocardial adverse remodeling after ischemia/reperfusion injury in the future.
Two blocking cues counteract in human contingency learning

Abstract Associative cue competition treatments like blocking reduce behavioral control by a target cue at later test. Interestingly, Pavlovian conditioning experiments have documented that two cue competition treatments can counteract when they are administered together, resulting in less competition with and greater behavioral control by a target CS (for a review, see Wheeler & Miller, 2008 ). The present experiments confirmed this observation in a human contingency learning procedure. In two human contingency learning experiments, participants received Phase 1 training of two excitatory cues (C and D, A and D, or A and B) followed by Phase 2 ABX + trials. We observed greater ratings to cue X at test by participants who received previous training of both A and B than by participants who received Phase 1 training of A alone. Thus, two blocking cues counteracted in human contingency learning.
An Integrated TRNG-PUF Architecture Based on Photovoltaic Solar Cells

This article presents an integrated true random number generator (TRNG) and physically unclonable function (PUF) architecture using photovoltaic (PV) solar cells. We illustrate that the PV solar cell sensor response can be engineered into dynamic (TRNG) and static responses (PUF). The proposed prototype uses the iterative Von Neumann postprocessing scheme to produce random bits with 34% better throughput compared to a single Von Neumann operation. The random bit quality was checked by statistical test suites from the National Institute of Science and Technology and achieves an average p-value of 0.45 at all variations in light intensity. The PUF response achieves 92.13% reliability and 50.91% uniformity. The integrated TRNG-PUF architecture is beneficial for resource-constrained cyber-physical system.