cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Univariate Versus Bivariate Strong Independence

As noted by Samuelson in his introduction of the Strong Independence axiom, essentially the same set of axioms rationalize an Expected Utility representation of preferences over lotteries with (i) a scalar payoff such as money and (ii) vector payoffs such as quantities of different commodities. Assume a two-good setting, where an individual's preferences satisfy the Strong Independence axiom for lotteries paying off quantities of each good separately. This paper identifies the incremental axioms required for the preference relation over lotteries paying off the vector of goods to also satisfy the Strong Independence axiom. The key element of this extension is a Coherence axiom which requires a particular "meshing together" of certainty preferences over commodity bundles and preferences over non-degenerate lotteries for individual goods. The Coherence axiom is shown to have interesting theoretical implications for Allais paradox-like behavior when confronting lotteries over multiple goods.
Painting with turbulence

In a 2012 article in Leonardo, Lior Shamir presented an image analysis of 513 works of art created by 9 well-known artists. The analysis used the Wndchrm algorithm, which is based on a large collection of numerical image content descriptors. The conclusion, surprising at first glance, was that the two artists whose work was most similar to one another were Vincent van Gogh, a post-Impressionist, and Jackson Pollock, an Abstract Expressionist. Nevertheless, in retrospect, the essence of the strong similarity can be captured in a single word, employed by Leonardo da Vinci some 500 years ago: turbulence. The goal of this project is to create a software system that provides an artist-directable framework for composing paintings that naturally carry the energy of turbulent flow. To this end, a 3D lattice-Boltzmann model is used to simulate flows with Reynolds numbers on the order of 10 million, e.g., air flow at 100 m/s, and this is coupled with a particle system generated by a commercial package, Houdini, to provide a 3D turbulent flow of paint droplets. At the user's option, the 3D flow can be captured by an arbitrarily placed, simulated canvas.
Effects of Combined Treatment With Arsenic Trioxide and Itraconazole in Patients With Refractory Metastatic Basal Cell Carcinoma.

Most cutaneous basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are successfully treated by surgical resection. However, locally advanced (unresectable) or metastatic BCC (mBCC) have a poor prognosis, with a mean survival ranging from 8 months to 3.6 years.1 Basal cell carcinomas require the hedgehog (HH) pathway for growth. Hedgehog pathway inhibitors, such as vismodegib2 and sonidegib phosphate, target the G-protein–coupled receptor Smoothened (SMO) and are recommended as first-line treatment for advanced BCC or mBCC by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.3 The emergence of resistance has limited vismodegib's efficacy2,4 and led the search for therapeutics downstream from SMO. Investigators5 found that 50% of SMO inhibitor–resistant BCCs had SMO mutations with disruption of ligand responsiveness or release of autoinhibition. Itraconazole, a widely used oral antifungal agent, is a potent HH pathway antagonist that suppresses BCC carcinogenesis and reduces messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of the GLI family zinc finger 1 (GLI1 [OMIM 165220]) gene in murine BCCs6 and in patients with nonadvanced cutaneous BCCs.7 Arsenic trioxide, which is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia, inhibits the HH pathway downstream from SMO by preventing ciliary trafficking and destabilizing GLI2. Arsenic trioxide can bypass acquired mutations in SMO found in resistant tumors.8 Combined treatment with arsenic trioxide and itraconazole (ATO-ITRA) has an additive HH inhibitory effect shown to be effective in murine BCCs.9 To assess the HH inhibitory effect and clinical efficacy of ATO-ITRA in human BCC, we performed an open-label proof-of-concept, phase 2 biomarker trial in patients with mBCC whose tumors were clinically resistant to SMO inhibitors.10 The primary goal of our study was to determine whether administration of intravenous (IV) arsenic trioxide and oral itraconazole in patients with mBCC is associated with a reduction in GLI1 mRNA expression in tumor and/or normal skin biopsy samples. Secondary end points included the evaluation of tumor response, safety profile, and presence of HH pathway mutations in SMO inhibitor–resistant BCCs before treatment.
Discipline for Students with Disabilities in the Recovery School District (RSD) of New Orleans

This article focuses on special education in New Orleans post Hurricane Katrina. After Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana's Recovery School District (RSD) took over 102 of the city's 128 schools with the stated goal of creating a ‘choice district’ for parents. This ‘choice district’ is made up of RSD direct-run schools, Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) schools, ‘open-admissions' charter schools and selective-admissions charter schools. Obtaining entrance into the more selective schools that succeed academically has become a survival-of-the-fittest contest, as special education students are often concentrated in certain schools. This is because of entrance requirements, enrollment caps and the RSD's hands-off approach with discipline proceedings. This article first reviews the legal precedents for special education and then discusses the application of these laws in the decentralized school system within New Orleans. The article was written by a former teacher in the RSD.
Righting software

What tools do we use to develop and debug software? Most of us rely on a full-screen editor to write code, a compiler to translate it, a source-level debugger to correct it, and a source-code control system to archive and share it. These tools originated in the 1970s, when the change from batch to interactive programming stimulated the development of innovative languages, tools, environments, and other utilities we take for granted. Microsoft Research has developed two generations of tools, some of which Microsoft developers already use to find and correct bugs. These correctness tools can improve software development by systematically detecting programming errors.
A New Survey Technique for Citrus Thrips

A clear plastic sheet coated on both sides with sticky material and mounted over an emergence box was an effective trap for monitoring populations of mature larvae and adults of Scirtothrips citri (Moulton). Mature larvae and prepupae were trapped as they dropped to the ground for pupation; adults were trapped as they emerged from the leaflitter.
Ontogeny and Comparative Radiation Sensitivity in the Confused Flour Beetle and Strains of the Red Flour Beetle

Sensitivities of species and strains of Tribolium to X-radiation were tested at significant life-cycle stages. Eggs Were most sensitive, 1–3 kr required for lethality, and adults least sensitive, LD100 8–15 kr and sterilizing dose 4–6 kr. Larval and pupal sensitivities were intermediate with 18-day-old larvae more sensitive than earlier larval stages, In all stages the confused flour beetle. Tribolium confusum Jacquelin duVal (strain Chicago Standard) was more sensitive than strains of the red flour beetles Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (strains Brazil cl and sooty).
Comparative analysis of the effect of cracking down on drug trading through high duty and control

The present paper makes a comparative analysis of the effects (positive effect and negative effect) of the two means cracking down on drug trading:high duty and control.The combined use of the two is better than either of the two in effect.The writer of the paper tries to find out the way to decide the optimum tax rate when the combined means is used.
Aufspaltung 1. Ordnung: Die (N + 1)-Regel

In Kap. 3 haben wir die drei charakteristischen Merkmale von NMR-Spektren, die Information uber die Probe liefern konnen, kurz besprochen: die chemische Verschiebung, das Integral und die Linienaufspaltung. In diesem Kapitel werden wir das Modell fur die Deutung der Aufspaltungsbilder, das im vorigen Abschnitt eingefuhrt worden ist, weiter entwickeln.
Chloride flux in phagocytes

Phagocytes, such as neutrophils and macrophages, engulf microbes into phagosomes and launch chemical attacks to kill and degrade them. Such a critical innate immune function necessitates ion participation. Chloride, the most abundant anion in the human body, is an indispensable constituent of the myeloperoxidase (MPO)-H2 O2 -halide system that produces the potent microbicide hypochlorous acid (HOCl). It also serves as a balancing ion to set membrane potentials, optimize cytosolic and phagosomal pH, and regulate phagosomal enzymatic activities. Deficient supply of this anion to or defective attainment of this anion by phagocytes is linked to innate immune defects. However, how phagocytes acquire chloride from their residing environment especially when they are deployed to epithelium-lined lumens, and how chloride is intracellularly transported to phagosomes remain largely unknown. This review article will provide an overview of chloride protein carriers, potential mechanisms for phagocytic chloride preservation and acquisition, intracellular chloride supply to phagosomes for oxidant production, and methods to measure chloride levels in phagocytes and their phagosomes.
MST1/MST2 Protein Kinases: Regulation and Physiologic Roles.

The MST1 and MST2 protein kinases comprise the GCK-II subfamily of protein kinases. In addition to their amino-terminal kinase catalytic domain, related to that of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein kinase Ste20, their most characteristic feature is the presence near the carboxy terminus of a unique helical structure called a SARAH domain; this segment allows MST1/MST2 to homodimerize and to heterodimerize with the other polypeptides that contain SARAH domains, the noncatalytic polypeptides RASSF1–6 and Sav1/WW45. Early studies emphasized the potent ability of MST1/MST2 to induce apoptosis upon being overexpressed, as well as the conversion of the endogenous MST1/MST2 polypeptides to constitutively active, caspase-cleaved catalytic fragments during apoptosis initiated by any stimulus. Later, the cleaved, constitutively active form of MST1 was identified in nonapoptotic, quiescent adult hepatocytes as well as in cells undergoing terminal differentiation, where its presence is necessary to maintain those ...
Congenital Brain Tumors

Congenital brain tumors, unlike those of older children and adults, are a rare entity, accounting for less than 2% in terms of incidence, of all childhood brain tumors. They differ in their location, histology, biological behavior, and the therapeutic response compared with those of older children. In this article, we review the most important types of congenital brain tumors mainly focusing on their imaging findings.
Investigating the Role of Fetal Gene Expression in Preterm Birth

Second-trimester amniotic fluid supernatant (AFS) contains cell-free fetal RNA (cffRNA) transcripts that can provide information about fetal gene expression. In a retrospective case-control study, we measured second-trimester fetal gene expression using cffRNA extracted from AFS in women who had spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) 37 weeks. We extracted cffRNA from AFS of women with singletons who had second-trimester genetic amniocenteses. Twenty-one gravidas who had sPTB and 21 term controls were matched 1:1 for maternal age, fetal sex, race, gestational age (GA) at the time of amniocentesis, and medication exposure. Cell-free fetal RNA was extracted and hybridized to a customized 65-gene NanoString panel containing genes related to oxidative stress, inflammation, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and included 15 housekeeping genes. Two models were run, 1 examining sPTB in relation to case/control status and 1 examining sPTB in relation to GA as a continuous variable. Among cases, the gene expression of nitric oxide synthase 1 ( NOS1), d-aspartate oxidase ( DDO), and Beta-2-microglobulin ( B2M) was higher than controls ( P value < .05; false discovery rate-corrected Q value of ≤0.10). Nitric oxide synthase 1 and DDO are genes associated with oxidative stress; B2M is a marker of the fetal inflammatory response. Fetal HPA gene expression is not associated with GA at delivery or sPTB in second-trimester AFS. Alterations of fetal gene expression related to inflammation and oxidative stress antedate clinical symptoms and may be useful for early identification of patients at risk of having an sPTB.
Business Analytics and Organizational Value Chains: A Relational Mapping

Given the increased interest and investment in business analytics (BA) applications, it is important to have an understanding of what analytics capabilities firms use to enhance value through their...
Toward a Natural Philosophy of Macroevolution

This paper understands macroevolution from a general perspective focused upon energy and thermodynamics. Its biological perspective is ecological, more particularly regarding energy flows. The basic image is the spontaneous dispersion of energy gradients, which, while microscopic, entrains and enables the hierarchical organization of material systems, including the living. The paper will deal with the philosophy of development (involving final cause), the dissipative structure concept, the maximum entropy production, and maximum power principles. The origin of life was the origin of detailed informational control of energy flows. Key processes in organic evolution relating to energy flows were the tendency to generate a plenitude of ecological niches, as well as the evolution of endothermy, involving increases in both the size and complexity of organisms. Organisms serve the universe by serving as exemplary channels speeding up the dissipation of energy gradients. In my perspective, the course of human evolution can be understood, not as being a goal of organic evolution as such, but as entrained by a universal development toward thermodynamic equilibration.
Normal Thyroid Appearance and Anatomic Landmarks in Neck Ultrasound

Performance of head and neck ultrasound for the evaluation of thyroid and parathyroid disease is readily learned by medical personnel trained in the use of basic ultrasound techniques. The proximity of the thyroid and parathyroid glands to the skin surface allows high-resolution images not only of these endocrine organs but of all of the surrounding vascular, muscular, nervous, and even bony anatomy of the neck. This chapter will explain normal neck anatomy, with specific attention to the thyroid and its surroundings. It is important to have a solid grasp of the normal ultrasound appearance of all of the neck structures, enabling you to readily identify abnormal findings, and normal variants.
The Menorah: From the Bible to Modern Israel

The seven-branched candelabrum known in Hebrew as the menorah has led a full life. Consecrated and pressed into service by the ancient Temple in Jerusalem from which it was looted, depicted on the ...
Risk Factors for Heart Failure in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: The CRIC (Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort) Study.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases [U01DK060990, U01DK060984, U01DK061022, U01DK061021, U01DK061028, U01DK060980, U01DK060963, U01DK060902]; Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Clinical and Translational Science Award [NIH/NCATS UL1TR000003]; Johns Hopkins University [UL1 TR-000424]; University of Maryland [GCRC M01 RR-16500]; Clinical and Translational Science Collaborative of Cleveland; National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) component of the National Institutes of Health [UL1TR000439]; NIH roadmap for Medical Research, Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research (MICHR) [UL1TR000433]; University of Illinois at Chicago [CTSA UL1RR029879]; Tulane COBRE for Clinical and Translational Research in Cardiometabolic Diseases [P20 GM109036]; Kaiser Permanente NIH/NCRR UCSF-CTSI [UL1 RR-024131]
Advanced Eye Movement Analysis

Although the information in Chap. 13 is technically sound, accessibility to advanced algorithms and programming languages has increased, making it possible to better illustrate more flexible approaches to fixation and/or saccade (or in general “event”) detection. Beyond fixations, new methods have emerged producing greater insight into observed visual behavior than fixations alone could provide.
Age-dependent sensitivity of the mouse kidney to chronic nicotine exposure.

Many adolescents are exposed to nicotine via smoking, e-cigarette use, or second-hand smoke. Nicotine-induced renal oxidative stress and its long-term consequences may be higher in adolescents than in adults because of intrinsic factors in the adolescent kidney. Adolescent and adult male C57Bl/6J mice were subjected to 2 or 200 μg/ml nicotine, which closely emulates passive or active smoking, respectively, for 4 weeks. Extent of nicotine exposure (cotinine content), oxidative stress (HNE), renal function (creatinine), tubular injury (KIM-1), and pretreatment renal levels of select pro-oxidant (p66shc) and antioxidant (Nrf2/MnSOD) genes were determined. Impact of p66shc overexpression or Nrf2/MnSOD knockdown on low-/high-dose nicotine-induced oxidative stress was determined in cultured renal proximal tubule cells. Despite similar plasma/renal cotinine levels, renal HNE and KIM-1 contents were higher in adolescents compared with those in adults, whereas renal function was unaltered after passive or active smoking-equivalent nicotine exposure. Pretreatment levels of p66shc were higher, whereas Nrf2/MnSOD levels were lower in the adolescent kidney. In agreement with this, overexpression of p66shc or knockdown of Nrf2/MnSOD augmented nicotine-induced ROS production in renal proximal tubule cells. Chronic nicotine exposure incites higher oxidative stress in the adolescent than in adult kidney because of a pre-existent pro-oxidant milieu.
What is an Industry? An Empirical Investigation into Two Industry Classification Schemes

The Standard Industry Classification system for grouping firms into distinct industries is widely used in academic studies often to control for industry effects in studies of firm level phenomena. ...
Extracellular enzyme kinetics and thermodynamics along a climate gradient in southern California

Abstract Microbial decomposers produce extracellular enzymes to degrade complex plant polymers, making plant C available for metabolism and eventual respiration back to the atmosphere as CO2. Knowledge of how extracellular enzyme kinetics and microbial activity vary with climate is therefore valuable for predicting how future carbon cycling may be affected by climate change, but studies investigating such dynamics in more xeric ecosystems are underrepresented in the literature. We investigated how microbial biomass, litter chemistry, and extracellular enzymes (Vmax and Km) and their temperature sensitivities varied along a Mediterranean climate gradient in southern California. Total microbial biomass did not vary among sites along the gradient in either the dry or the wet season. In contrast, extracellular enzyme Vmax and Km varied as a function of fungal biomass and substrate availability. We also found that Vmax of most enzymes was more sensitive to temperature in colder sites than in warmer sites, though only in the dry season. In contrast, Km of multiple enzymes was more sensitive to temperature in warmer sites across both seasons. Observed enzyme Vmax and Km were indicative of extracellular enzyme accumulation in the drier sites along the gradient, which may contribute to the large pulses of respiration that follow rewetting events in these xeric systems. Variation in enzyme characteristics along the gradient indicate that as these systems become more arid in the future, enzyme dynamics will shift from smaller, potentially more active pools to larger, potentially less active enzyme pools that accumulate over dry periods. In addition, rates of enzymatic decomposition will likely be most sensitive to rising temperatures in the coldest sites along our gradient.
Overexpression of 5-Lipoxygenase Worsens the Phenotype of a Mouse Model of Tauopathy

Brain accumulation of increasing amount of phosphorylated microtubule associated tau protein is one the major hallmark lesions of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related tauopathies. Consistent evidence from clinical and animal studies has shown that neuroinflammation characterizes these diseases. The 5-lipoxygenase (5LO) is an enzyme protein whose metabolic products are lipids with potent inflammatory actions. Previously, we showed that blockade of 5LO activation ameliorates the phenotype of the htau transgenic mice. Here, by employing a vector system to overexpress 5LO in the brain of the same mouse model, we investigated its role and contribution to their behavioral deficits and development of tau neuropathology. Compared with controls, 5LO gene targeted mice manifested significant impairments in their memory and learning ability. On the other hand, brain tissues of the same mice had higher 5LO protein level and activity which resulted in intense neuroinflammation and synaptic pathology. Further, the same mice had a significant elevation of tau phosphorylation, which associated with the activation of the cdk5 kinase and an accumulation of insoluble tau. The functional involvement of this kinase in the 5LO-dependent tau phosphorylation was confirmed in neuronal cells. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that neuronal 5LO is directly involved in tau phosphorylation and tau neuropathology, and for this reason, it should be considered a good therapeutic target for tauopathies.
The impact of physicochemical property interactions of iso-octane/ethanol blends on ignition timescales

Abstract This work presents new measurements of liquid fuel ignition delay times of iso-octane and ethanol fuel blends obtained from an ignition quality tester at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL IQT), which are compared to previous ignition delay data from the University of Michigan rapid compression facility (UM RCF), at the same experimental conditions. Pressure-time histories were used to determine liquid fuel ignition delays at global stoichiometric non-premixed conditions for iso-octane, ethanol and iso-octane/ethanol blends of 25, 50, 75% by volume in mixtures of 10% oxygen diluted in nitrogen. Temperatures ranging from 880 to 970 K were studied at a pressure of 10 atm. By comparing total ignition delay times from the NREL IQT with chemical ignition delay times from the UM RCF, the contributions of physical phenomena were quantified as representative time scales for spray injection, breakup and evaporation processes, and for gas-phase turbulent mixing. Regression analyses were developed for ignition time scales as function of blend level and charge temperature. Non-dimensional analyses were also carried out to determine the relative effects of physical time scales with respect to chemical ignition delay times.
Older adults in secure mental health care: health, social wellbeing and security needs measured with HoNOS-secure across different age groups

ABSTRACTThe number of older offenders is rapidly increasing in the United Kingdom and some older adults with mental health issues are referred to secure care services. It is therefore important to understand their unique characteristics in order to develop services based on their individual needs rather than chronological age. This study explored wellbeing and security needs of younger and older patients admitted to a secure psychiatric hospital. HoNOS-secure assessment at admission and discharge was extracted and used to build an anonymous data-set. Group comparison and score change during admission were conducted for six age groups: 18–24, 25–34, 35–44, 45–54, 55–64 and 65+. Younger patients improved on most measures whereas older patients aged 55–65+ showed little improvement or deterioration over time. This finding suggests that the subscales are sensitive to age difference although the needs measured by HoNOS-secure are less likely to inform the decision to discharge.
Coronary Aorto-Ostial Lesion Interventions

Aorto-ostial lesions (AOLs), defined as a significant stenosis within 3 mm of the aortic orifice, are an uncommon but challenging lesion subset to manage. AOLs account for roughly 2.6% of interventions and frequently involve the right coronary artery. Risk factors for target lesion failure include treatment of bypass grafts, prior in-stent restenosis, direct stenting, and narrow postprocedure luminal diameter; all factors that can be influenced by the operator. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is a key tool that provides a means of identifying the optimal landing zone and ensures optimal luminal gain and stent coverage after stent deployment. IVUS is strongly recommended for treatment of all AOLs. Additionally, appropriate lesion preparation with atherectomy or specialty angioplasty balloons is crucial in achieving maximal luminal gain. Although specialized AOL devices and techniques have been developed, the simple algorithm of adequate lesion preparation and heavy use of IVUS provides a robust and broadly applicable approach to AOLs. Successful long-term results can be obtained with AOLs involving the right coronary artery, left main, or the anastomosis of surgical bypass grafts.
Predicting postoperative day 1 hematocrit levels after hysterectomy.

Background The Swenson model was developed as a linear regression model to estimate postoperative day 1 hematocrit levels after benign hysterectomy. Predictive variables included preoperative hematocrit level, patient weight, estimated blood loss, intraoperative crystalloid volume, preoperative platelet count, and hysterectomy route that predicted postoperative day 1 hematocrit level at ±5% for 100% of patients who used an internal validation set. Objective We aimed to validate externally the Swenson model using our hysterectomy population and to further validate the model in a cohort that included robotic-assisted cases. Study Design In a retrospective cohort, data were collected from benign hysterectomies from April 2014 through May 2016. Predicted postoperative day 1 hematocrit level was calculated with the use of the Swenson equation and compared with measured hematocrit values. We compared our results to the Swenson model results using chi-square or Fisher’s exact test. We then restricted our analysis to those with actual postoperative day 1 hematocrit level of ≤30%, to determine whether the model performed accurately in this subgroup that may need intervention. We generated a receiver-operating characteristic curve with Louden Index to determine the best cut-point from the Swenson hematocrit level projections for the prediction of an actual hematocrit level of ≤30%. Furthermore, we stratified the Swenson model predicted hematocrit level into 4 ranges: 38%. This stratification allowed us to assess the differential accuracy of the Swenson model across hematocrit level ranges. Results Of 602 hysterectomies, 478 patients had all the variables that were needed for the Swenson model and postoperative day 1 hematocrit level for comparison. The Swenson model was significantly less accurate in our data compared with their validation set with fewer patients whose predicted hematocrit level was accurate at different thresholds from ±1% through ±5% of actual hematocrit level (all P 38%. When predicted hematocrit level was Conclusion Although the Swenson model was reliable for the prediction of postoperative day 1 hematocrit level in their internal validation set, it did not perform as well in our hysterectomy population. It may have utility as a screening tool if the projected hematocrit level was ≥35%. Further research is needed to create a model for the prediction of postoperative day 1 hematocrit level that can be incorporated into standard practice.
Aesthetic Considerations in Community Dance:A Practitioner’s Perspective

Since the 1970s, artists in the United States have been developing a wide range of community dance practices, profoundly influencing the aesthetics of contemporary art as a whole, and the communities in which they live. For the purposes of this paper, community dance is defined as a field in which artists collaborate with other community members on creative projects, many of which tackle social issues that include political, religious, historical, and cultural concerns. Although an enormous range of initiatives exists, community dance projects tend to celebrate such democratic ideals as collaboration, inclusion, and diversity, and focus on process-based approaches to art making. Yet despite the significant proliferation of practices, and its influence on the evolution of contemporary arts during the past forty years, community dance continues to be marginalized as a serious art form. As a whole, the field is bifurcated into two parts: its social agenda and its artistic goals, with the former being valued far more than the latter. This paper examines some of the biases towards community dance aesthetics, and attempts to identify artistic criteria that could increase appreciation of the form, expand our practices, and broaden our overall perceptions of art.
Characterization of Ti-Al-Er alloy produced via direct laser deposition

Recent advances in manufacturing technology have led to the development of a new breed of advanced materials. These new materials are process dependent and would be difficult, if not impossible, to produce using conventional methods. Laser direct manufacturing (LDM) is a solid freeform fabrication process that enables the production of these advanced materials. LDM utilizes a high energy density heat source, powdered metal feedstock, and computer driven machine controls to produce bulk materials in near-net shape form. The combination of powdered metallurgy (P/M) and rapid solidification processing (RSP) allow bulk structures to be made with novel compositions and unique properties. In addition, near-net shape production eliminates the need for thermomechanical post-processing that can nullify some of the metallurgical advantages gained through RSP and P/M. These advantages have led to the development of alloys specifically tailored to the LDM process. This paper describes a dispersion hardened erbium-bearing titanium alloy developed to couple with the processing advantages found in the laser direct manufacturing process.
Measuring health status and symptom burden using a web-based mHealth application in patients with heart failure:

Background:Symptoms of heart failure markedly impair a patient’s health status. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of health status in a sample of racially and ethnically diverse pati...
Hints of Same-Sex Attraction and Transgender Traits in George Eliot’s Characters

Some critics suggest that some of George Eliot’s characters—both men and women—are attracted to individuals of the same sex, and scenes critics cite tend to be the scenes in which the characters involved are most clearly living out the principles which define her moral philosophy. What are moral transgressions for George Eliot—who made it clear that in her opinion no one moral principle applies in every case—that each situation has a “right” and a “wrong” of its own? In Eliot’s moral philosophy, two basic principles consist of Solidarity or sympathetic understanding and Continuity which involves both an appreciation of the past and leaving a legacy for posterity. Yet, the examples of same-sex couples are at opposite ends of Eliot’s moral spectrum. Critics ascribe same-sex relationships to her most morally depraved and to her most morally mature characters.
Efficient Water Pollution Abatement

The cost of purifying many chemicals is inversely proportional to their feed concentration over 10 orders of magnitude. This empirical proportionality implies that the key to chemical separation is the free energy of unmixing, that is, to entropic effects. It suggests that pollution abatement involves balancing concentration and toxicity using multiobjective optimization, and hence, a strategy for optimizing pollution abatement is obtained. This knowledge provides insight for policy that incentivizes cleanup of the most important pollutants from contaminated water, whether there is one or many pollutants.
Learning Analytics to Inform the Learning Design: Supporting Instructor’s Inquiry into Student Learning in Unsupervised Technology-Enhanced Platforms

Instructors may design and implement formative assessments on technology-enhanced platforms (e.g., online quizzes) with the intention of encouraging the use of effective learning strategies like active retrieval of information and spaced practice among their students. However, when students interact with unsupervised technology-enhanced learning platforms, instructors are often unaware of students’ actual use of the learning tools with respect to the pedagogical design. In this study, we designed and extracted five variables from the Canvas quiz-log data, which can provide insights into students’ learning behaviors. Anchoring our conceptual basis on the ‘influential conversational framework’, we find that learning analytics (LA) can provide instructors with critical information related to students’ learning behaviors, thereby supporting instructors’ inquiry into student learning in unsupervised technology-enhanced platforms. Our findings suggest that the information that LA provides may enable instructors to provide meaningful feedback to learners and improve the existing learning designs.
Agronomic and economic tradeoffs between alternative cover crop and organic soybean sequences

Organic grain producers are interested in reducing tillage to conserve soil and decrease labor and fuel costs. We examined agronomic and economic tradeoffs associated with alternative strategies for reducing tillage frequency and intensity in a cover crop–soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) sequence within a corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean–spelt (Triticum spelta L.) organic cropping system experiment in Pennsylvania. Tillage-based soybean production preceded by a cover crop mixture of annual ryegrass (Lolium perenne L. ssp. multiflorum), orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) and forage radish (Raphanus sativus L.) interseeded into corn grain (Z. mays L.) was compared with reduced-tillage soybean production preceded by roller-crimped cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) that was sown after corn silage. Total aboveground weed biomass did not differ between soybean production strategies. Each strategy, however, was characterized by high inter-annual variability in weed abundance. Tillage-based soybean production marginally increased grain yield by 0.28 Mg ha−1 compared with reduced-tillage soybean. A path model of soybean yield indicated that soybean stand establishment and weed biomass were primary drivers of yield, but soybean production strategy had a measurable effect on yields due to factors other than within-season weed–crop competition. Cumulative tillage frequency and intensity were quantified for each cover crop—sequence using the Soil Tillage Intensity Rating (STIR) index. The reduced-tillage soybean sequence resulted in 50% less soil disturbance compared to tillage-based soybean sequence across study years. Finally, enterprise budget comparisons showed that the reduced-tillage soybean sequence resulted in lower input costs than the tillage-based soybean sequence but was approximately $114 ha−1 less profitable because of lower average yields.
Best practices for operando depth-resolving battery experiments

Operando studies that probe how electrochemical reactions propagate through a battery provide valuable feedback for optimizing the electrode architecture and for mitigating reaction heterogeneity. Transmission-geometry depth-profiling measurements carried out with the beam directed parallel to the battery layers – in a radial geometry – can provide quantitative structural insights that resolve depth-dependent reaction heterogeneity which are not accessible from conventional transmission measurements that traverse all battery layers. However, these spatially resolved measurements are susceptible to aberrations that do not affect conventional perpendicular-beam studies. Key practical considerations that can impact the interpretation of synchrotron depth-profiling studies, which are related to the signal-to-noise ratio, cell alignment and lateral heterogeneity, are described. Strategies to enable accurate quantification of state of charge during rapid depth-profiling studies are presented.
Emerging Techniques in Diagnostic Imaging for Idiopathic Scoliosis in Children and Adolescents: A Review of the Literature

Traditionally, full spine standing radiographs have been the reference standard for diagnostic imaging in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). However, recent advances in diagnostic imaging have the potential to reduce radiation exposure and preserve the image quality and utility. Recent advances in diagnostic imaging for AIS include the EOS imaging system, the DIERS formetric scanner, and ultrasonography. Moderate to strong evidence is available to support the interobserver reliability and validity of each of these modalities, even compared with the reference standard imaging techniques. As such, these emerging techniques might prove beneficial in diagnosing and monitoring AIS and its progression, without high levels of continued radiation exposure. To understand the historical perspective and current state of advanced imaging techniques for AIS, a search of PubMed electronic database was conducted to identify studies that had examined these new techniques in the diagnosis of idiopathic scoliosis in children and adolescents.
Chronic medical conditions and late effects following non-Hodgkin lymphoma in HIV-uninfected and HIV-infected adolescents and young adults: a population-based study.

Little is known about the incidence of late effects following non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) among adolescent and young adult (AYA, 15-39 years) survivors. Using data from the California Cancer Registry linked to hospital discharge, we estimated the cumulative incidence of late effects at 10 years among AYAs diagnosed with NHL during 1996-2012, who survived ≥2 years. Cox proportional-hazards models were used to investigate the influence of sociodemographic and clinical factors on the occurrence of late effects. Of 4392 HIV-uninfected patients, the highest incident diseases were: endocrine (18·5%), cardiovascular (11·7%), and respiratory (5·0%), followed by secondary primary malignancy (SPM, 2·6%), renal and neurologic (2·2%), liver/pancreatic (2·0%), and avascular necrosis (1·2%). Among the 425 HIV-infected survivors, incidence was higher for all late effects, especially over threefold increased risk of SPM, compared to HIV-uninfected patients (8·1% vs. 2·6%). In multivariable models for HIV-uninfected patients, public or no health insurance (vs. private), residence in lower socioeconomic neighbourhoods (vs. higher), and receipt of a haematopoietic stem cell transplant were associated with a greater risk of most late effects. Our findings of substantial incidence of late effects among NHL AYA survivors emphasise the need for longterm follow-up and appropriate survivorship care to reduce morbidity and mortality in this vulnerable population.
Cochlear Implantation in Adults

Cochlear Implants in Adults The clinical aspects and implications of hearing loss in adults are presented, along with the current criteria for cochlear implantation. Modern cochlear-implant surgery...
Cascading Structure Linear Quadratic Tracking Control for Dual-stage Nanopositioning Systems

This paper investigates the design of a cascading linear quadratic tracking controller to improve the tracking performance of a dual-stage nanopositioning system. This approach separates the controller design between actuators, allowing for more flexibility in assigning actuator inputs. Specifically, the short-range actuator is given a reference dependent on the long range actuator's residual tracking error compared to the full desired trajectory, effectively enabling more aggressive effort from the secondary actuator. This new control paradigm is validated in simulation on one axis of an experimental multi-axis dual-stage positioner, where individual actuator measurements are assumed to be available. Simulations are conducted with slow and fast triangular reference trajectories using the cascading design and a standard multi-input multi-output tracking controller. The plant is varied to include high-order dynamics and nonlinearities (specifically hysteresis) to further demonstrate performance. Results show a reduction of maximum and root-mean-square error by approximately 40% for plants with umodeled dynamics and hysteresis, while the root-mean-square error is reduced by nearly 90% for a model matching the plant's dynamics.
Aerodynamic Behavior of Rear-Tubercle Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine Blade

This chapter presents the study of wind energy performance using different wind turbine blades. The text contains three different sections of the study. The first of which involves the design of three airfoil-based turbine blades designed and tested in the wind tunnel laboratory. The airfoils were verified independently to investigate the lift and drag forces developed by varying wind velocities through a wind tunnel. The second section of the study is the redesign and improvement of a support structure used to mount each blade being tested in the wind tunnel. An ideal structure will produce no forces or moments that may affect results obtained from the turbine blade. The final portion of the chapter is an improvement of the wind turbine column developed for the extensive testing. This testing was done by putting a strain gauge on the column to test compression and tension during oscillation. If testing shows that the support bar decreases vibration enough, the design was accepted and implemented. Additional improvement to the wind turbine column was the addition of Plexiglas/polycarbonate to supporting the new motor, along with an improved turbine blade hub. This improvement holds the wind turbine in place and increases efficiency that would typically have been lost due to excess movement. The designed hub allows the wind turbine mast to attach to the motor securely. The important discoveries through the improvement of wind turbine blades are discussed toward the end of this chapter.
Cubic Spline Smoothing Compensation for Irregularly Sampled Sequences

The marriage of recurrent neural networks and neural ordinary differential networks (ODE-RNN) is effective in modeling irregularly sampled sequences. While ODE produces the smooth hidden states between observation intervals, the RNN will trigger a hidden state jump when a new observation arrives and thus cause the interpolation discontinuity problem. To address this issue, we propose the cubic spline smoothing compensation, which is a stand-alone module upon either the output or the hidden state of ODE-RNN and can be trained end-to-end. We derive its analytical solution and provide its theoretical interpolation error bound. Extensive experiments indicate its merits over both ODE-RNN and cubic spline interpolation.
Maxillofacial Reconstruction: From Autogenous Bone Grafts to Bone Tissue Engineering

Maxillofacial reconstruction (using autogenous bone grafts, biomaterials, growth factors, distraction osteogenesis, dental implants, and bone tissue engineering) is complex and poses significant challenges to surgeons. The use of these techniques has profoundly improved patients’ function, form, and quality of life. Several techniques are currently being used to treat bone defects of the jaws (ranging from minor to major defects), including autogenous bone grafting, guided bone regeneration, the use of growth factors with biomaterials, and distraction osteogenesis. Dental implants have become a routine treatment for the final and total rehabilitation of patients. Bioengineering of autologous bone is an exciting minimally invasive alternative to bone harvesting techniques to replace missing bone of any part of the skeleton. Advances in the field of bone tissue engineering over the past few decades offer promising new treatment alternatives using biocompatible scaffold materials, autologous mesenchymal stem cells, and growth factors. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a variety of different current evidence-based treatment options, as well as novel tissue engineering technologies for the reconstruction of minor and major jaw defects.
Prone-transpsoas as single-position, circumferential access to the lumbar spine: A brief survey of index cases

Abstract Background case description Prone transposoas (PTP) is a novel approach to the lateral lumbar interbody fusion that harnesses the advantages of minimally invasive surgery with circumferential access to the lumbar spine in a single position. We present the peri-operative course of four index cases of patients having undergone PTP at a single institution. Outcome Pre and post-operative spinal imaging with alignment parameters, operative approach, and patient outcome are reviewed for each index case. Conclusion As advances in neuromonitoring and minimally invasive technology continue to evolve, new lumbar interbody fusion approaches are becoming operatively feasible.
QTL mapping for grain yield and three yield components in a population derived from two high-yielding spring wheat cultivars

Four genomic regions on chromosomes 4A, 6A, 7B, and 7D were discovered, each with multiple tightly linked QTL (QTL clusters) associated with two to three yield components. The 7D QTL cluster was associated with grain yield, fertile spikelet number per spike, thousand kernel weight, and heading date. It was located in the flanking region of FT-D1, a homolog gene of Arabidopsis FLOWERING LOCUS T, a major gene that regulates wheat flowering. Genetic manipulation of yield components is an important approach to increase grain yield in wheat (Triticum aestivum). The present study used a mapping population comprised of 181 doubled haploid lines derived from two high-yielding spring wheat cultivars, UI Platinum and LCS Star. The two cultivars and the derived population were assessed for six traits in eight field trials primarily in Idaho in the USA. The six traits were grain yield, fertile spikelet number per spike, productive tiller number per unit area, thousand kernel weight, heading date, and plant height. Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) analysis of the six traits was conducted using 14,236 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers generated from the wheat 90 K SNP and the exome and promoter capture arrays. Of the 19 QTL detected, 14 were clustered in four chromosomal regions on 4A, 6A, 7B and 7D. Each of the four QTL clusters was associated with multiple yield component traits, and these traits were often negatively correlated with one another. As a result, additional QTL dissection studies are needed to optimize trade-offs among yield component traits for specific production environments. Kompetitive allele-specific PCR markers for the four QTL clusters were developed and assessed in an elite spring wheat panel of 170 lines, and eight of the 14 QTL were validated. The two parents contain complementary alleles for the four QTL clusters, suggesting the possibility of improving grain yield via genetic recombination of yield component loci.