cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of Western Corn Rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Larval Injury on Yield of Different Types of Maize

Two field experiments were conducted in 1995—1996 to determine if there are common yield responses among maize hybrids to larval western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte injury. Three yellow dent hybrids, five white food grade dent hybrids, and a popcorn hybrid were included in the study. The minimum level of rootworm injury as measured by root damage ratings (3.2—4.2) that significantly reduced yield was similar across the hybrids included in the study. However, the pattern of yield response to different rootworm injury levels varied among hybrids. This suggests that maize hybrids may inherently differ in their ability to tolerate rootworm injury and partition biomass in response to injury and other stresses. The complex interaction among hybrid, level of injury, and other stresses suggests that a common western corn rootworm injury— yield relationship may not exist within maize.
Unusual manifestations of child abuse.

Cases of child abuse are seen each day in the clinics, emergency departments, private offices, and public and private hospitals. Unusual presentations are intermixed with the straightforward, conventional, and well-understood cases. Fatal pepper aspiration, abdominal injuries ranging from rents in the liver and spleen, transection of the pancreas, and traumatic pseudocysts of that organ are described here. The triad of signs dubbed the "tin ear syndrome" consists of bruising of the ear, retinal hemorrhages, and cerebral edema. Toxic ingestions, mainly of cocaine, and its related paraphernalia are described in addition to peculiar tissue-specific microwave oven burns, an inflicted injury that rational minds find hard to comprehend. Finally, the bizarre syndrome of Munchausen by proxy is reviewed, and some understanding of the dynamics of this disorder has begun. Knowledge about these diagnostic oddities will enable us to intervene and attempt to alter the outcome in these dysfunctional families. The authors would welcome other case reports of unusual manifestations of child abuse, neglect, and child sexual abuse.
Microwave Determination of the Probability of Collision of Electrons in Helium

A previously reported microwave method for determining the collision probability for momentum transfer of slow electrons has been modified so that a variation in average electron energy from 0.012 ev to 3 ev may be obtained. Measurements of the ratio of the real part to the imaginary part of the electron conductivity are performed in the afterglow of a pulsed helium discharge in a microwave resonant cavity. The average electron energy is varied by applying a microwave electric field in the afterglow and, under appropriate assumptions, the average electron energy is determined theoretically from this field. Measurements are also obtained by varying the gas temperature from 77\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K to 700\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The value of the collision probability for momentum transfer in helium is 18.3\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2 percent ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$/${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$ per mm Hg from 0 to 0.75 electron volts and increases slowly to a peak value of 19.2\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2 percent at 2.2 ev.
Reducing Combat Vehicle Accidents via Improved Organizational Processes

Despite extraordinary efforts by leaders at all levels throughout the U.S. Army, dozens of soldiers are killed each year as a result of both combat and motor vehicle accidents. The objective of this study is to look beyond the events and symptoms of accidents which normally indicate human error, and instead study the upper-level organizational processes and problems that may constitute the actual root causes of accidents. Critical to this process is identifying critical variables, establishing causality between variables, and quantifying variables that lead to both resilience against accidents and propensities for accidents. After reviewing the available literature we report on our development of a System Dynamics model, which is an analytical model of the system that allows for extensive simulation. The results of these simulations suggest that high-level decisions that balance mission rate and operations tempo with troop availability, careful management of the work-rest cycle for deployed troops, and improvement of the processes for evaluating the lessons learned from accidents, will lead to a reduction in Army combat and motor vehicle accidents.
Developing an Educational Tool to Model Food Chains

The Framework for K-12 Science Education (NRC, 2012) and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS Lead States, 2013) stress that in addition to disciplinary core ideas (content), students need to engage in the practices of science and develop an understanding of the crosscutting concepts such as cause and effect, systems, and scientific modeling. In response to these reform suggestions we developed an educational tool to be used to help teach students about models and the marine food chain. Our research was the validation of the tool as a legitimate instructional device. The research reported here outlines the process and provides science teacher and science teachers educators with an alternative for teaching this topic.
Intraperitoneal delivery of radiotherapeutic mesoporous silica nanoparticles as a treatment for peritoneal tumor metastases

210 Objectives To demonstrate the tumor specific intraperitoneal delivery of radiotherapeutic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) in various peritoneal metastasis tumor models and study the MSN penetration into tumor tissues for effective radiation therapy. Methods MSNs were synthesized containing a stable isotope holmium-165 (165Ho). Radiotherapeutic nanoparticles were prepared by neutron activation of 165Ho in MSNs to produce the beta-emitting 166Ho (Emax = 1.84 Mev; t½ = 26.8 h). The 166Ho-MSNs were administered to the peritoneal cavity of female athymic nude mice bearing peritoneal SKOV-3 human ovarian tumors that were grown for 20 days. Similarly MSNs containing a near infrared dye were administered to mice bearing OVCAR-8 and NCI/ADR-RES ovarian tumors as well as MIA Paca pancreatic tumors in the peritoneal cavity. MSN penetration in tumors was monitored based on optical imaging. Results TEM showed a uniform size distribution of the synthesized 165Ho-MSNs with average size of 60 nm and 20% of 165Ho loading. The predominant accumulation of the MSNs in tumor tissues was observed in all the tumor models tested. The small particle size of the prepared MSNs allows their penetration from the surface to significant tumor depths as evidenced by optical imaging of cryo-sectioned tumor slices. The penetration may be promoted by the emitted radiation. A 3D tumor spheroid model was established to demonstrate the improved penetration of the MSNs into the core of tumor tissues by inducing apoptosis of outer layer tumor cells and promoting migration of MSNs to core tumor cells. Conclusions The specific tumor accumulation and significant tumor penetration of 166Ho-MSNs make them ideal for improving therapeutic responses while lowering toxicity. The results can be used for dosimetry calculation to deliver effective radiation doses to treat peritoneal metastases. Making the MSNs radioactive after preparation allows for maximum safety for manufacturers, patients and clinic personnel.
Developing a Regional Open Space Strategy (ROSS) for Central Puget Sound, Washington State, USA

Abstract Ecosystem services provided by the landscapes of regions and cities are critical to human and environmental health, quality of life, environmental justice, biodiversity and climate mitigation and adaptation. In the Pacific Northwest region of the US, a team led by the University of Washington Green Futures Lab is working to identify, conserve and enhance regionally-significant landscapes and to evaluate their contributions as ecosystem or “open space” services. This paper outlines the goals and planning methods of the ongoing Regional Open Space Strategy for Central Puget Sound (ROSS) project, and the frameworks and processes being developed to evaluate ecosystem and open space services in order to inform and influence local and regional governance structures and decisions.
Super-Stable, Highly Monodisperse Plasmonic Faradaurate-500 Nanocrystals with 500 Gold Atoms: Au∼500(SR)∼120

Determining the composition of plasmonic nanoparticles is challenging due to a lack of tools to accurately quantify the number of atoms within the particle. Mass spectrometry plays a significant role in determining the nanoparticle composition at the atomic level. Significant progress has been made in understanding ultrasmall gold nanoparticles such as Au25(SR)18 and Au38(SR)24, which have Au core diameters of 0.97 and 1.3 nm, respectively. However, progress in 2–5 nm-diameter small plasmonic nanoparticles is currently impeded, partially because of the challenges in synthesizing monodisperse nanoparticles. Here, we report a plasmonic nanocrystal that is highly monodisperse, with unprecedentedly small size variability. The composition of the superstable plasmonic nanocrystals at 115 kDa was determined as Au500±10SR120±3. The Au∼500 system, named Faradaurate-500, is the largest system to be characterized using high resolution electrospray (ESI) mass spectrometry. Atomic pair distribution function (PDF) data...
APPLICATION OF VIRTUAL REALITY TECHNOLOGY FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF SAFETY IN THE STEEL ERECTION PROCESS

Technological advances in personal protective equipment have improved the safety of workers in the construction industry. Even with such improvements, construction continues to be one of the most dangerous industries in the U.S. economy. Structural steel workers and construction laborers have t wo of the most dangerous occupations in the United States with 58.2 fatalities and 27.7 fatalities per 100,000 workers respectively. About 33% of all fatalities in the construction industry are related to falls , but in steel erection, 63% of the fatalities are the result of falls. As demonstrated by the se statistics, there is a need for improvement of safety in steel erection. The purpose of this paper is to present a methodology for using Virtual Reality (VR) technology to improve safety in steel erection. VR technologies have been used in various fields for worker trainin g, safety training, design evaluation, and military training. This paper outlines possible applications of VR for safety training in steel erection. One of the primary benefits of this application is that workers can experience simulated hazards like they would encounter in steel erection without real risk of injury.
False-positive monospot tests in malaria.

Two of fourteen consecutive patients with malaria had positive Monospot tests. Neither had a history of other recent febrile illness, and tests for heterophil and Epstein-Barr virus antibodies were negative. Another instance of a positive Monospot test in a patient with malaria in which the positive Monospot test contributed to a delay in the diagnosis of malaria has been reported. Because infectious mononucleosis and malaria can initially cause similar signs and symptoms, physicians should be aware of this possibility to avoid such delays in diagnosis and institution of proper treatment.
Concentrative uptake of 6-Diazo-5-Oxo-L-Norleucine by Sarcoma 180, Liver and Muscle in vivo.

SummaryDON is concentrated intracellularly in S 180 and liver to levels 5-fold and 4-fold higher respectively than the extracellular concentration at a plasma level of 0.8–0.9 mM/kilo of plasma water. Intracellular concentrations in skeletal muscle were the same or less than the extracellular.
Initial report of near‐infrared fluorescence imaging as an intraoperative adjunct for lymph node harvesting during robot‐assisted laparoscopic gastrectomy

Introduction Adequate lymphadenectomy is a fundamental aspect of oncologically sound gastrectomies. Robot-assisted laparoscopic gastrectomy is a minimally invasive alternative that allows functional imaging to be easily integrated to the surgical field and may aid in intraoperative identification of lymphovascular bundles. Methods Indocyanine green application and near-infrared fluorescence imaging were used during robot-assisted laparoscopic gastrectomy as an adjunct for the identification of relevant lymph node basins in real time. Results A total of 31 patients were included. Twenty-nine gastrectomies were performed for adenocarcinoma and two wedge resections for neuroendocrine tumors. The mean lymph node retrieval was twenty-nine (range 17–61) for adenocarcinoma and five for neuroendocrine tumors. In all cases, at least five lymph nodes were seen along the main nodal basins, which provided real time intraoperative feedback regarding lymph node identification. Average time for indocyanine green application and functional imaging was less than 10 min. Conclusions Near-infrared fluorescent imaging may provide an improved method to help visualize lymph nodes intraoperatively during robot-assisted laparoscopic gastrectomy, thus adding a potentially valuable adjunct for lymphadenectomy and overall lymph node retrieval. J. Surg. Oncol. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Analysis of current iodine deficiency disorders prevalence situation in Xinjiang production and construction corps in 2011

Objective To understand the current situation of iodine deficiency disorders(IDD) in Xinjiang production and construction corps and to evaluate the effect of control and prevention measures of IDD in order to provide basic information for working out control strategies of IDD.Methods Probability sampling method(PPS) was used to select 30 units in Xinjiang production and construction corps,of each unit 40 children aged 8 to 10 were selected as the investigation objects,their thyroids were examined by B ultrasound and the household salt iodine were also investigated.At the same time,12 children aged 8 to 10 were selected randomly as a group to examine urinary iodine.Results A total of 1 195 salt samples were detected and the coverage and qualified rates of iodized salt were 97.49% and 96.07%,respectively.1 220 children aged 8 to 10 were examined,40 goiter were detected,goiter rate was 3.3% by B ultrasound.407 urine samples of children aged 8 to 10 were detected,urinary median iodine was 235.31 μg / L,urinary iodine lower than 50 μg / L accounted for 1.5%,lower than 100 μg / L accounted for 8.1%.Conclusion Control and prevention measures of IDD has achieved remarkable results in Xinjiang production and construction corps,all indicators have reached the national standard to eliminate IDD,and iodine excess dose not exist.But we should also adjust measures according to local conditions,and guide residents in eating iodized salt scientifically.
Physicians’ Self-Conceptions of Their Expertise in Statutory Health Insurance and Social Security Systems

Medical experts who practice social medicine have a strong ethical approach for their professional positions. Their reports must reflect an objective, independent, high-quality assessment of interactions between health status and the disability of individuals. However, they must simultaneously consider the societal involvement of these individuals when determining the framework of the Statutory Health Insurance and Social Security Systems. Their task is to recommend sociomedical benefits that are tailored to suit personal needs and that respect the individual life situations of the persons involved, thus complementing the efforts of healthcare professionals in clinical settings. The editorial describes the self-conception of this medical specialty on behalf of the German Society of Social Medicine and Prevention (DGSMP). Policy makers in social insurances and social security systems generally must respect independent sociomedical recommendations as a crucial point for further realistic development activities.
Ménétriers Disease: Serial Morphological, Secretory, and Serological Observations

Serial morphological, secretory, and serological observations of a patient with Menetrier's disease disclosed hypergastrinemia, antibodies to parietal cells and dietary substances, and an acute reduction of gastrointestinal protein loss after atropine administration. Transformation of the gastric mucosa from hypertrophy to atrophic gastritis was associated with disappearance of the protein-losing gastroenteropathy and serum antibodies and reduction of the serum gastrin concentration.
Optimal timing for a repeat fine-needle aspiration biopsy of thyroid nodule following an initial nondiagnostic fine-needle aspiration.

Abstract Background In the case of a nondiagnostic thyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy result, recent guidelines from the Bethesda system recommend repeat thyroid FNA after 3 months to prevent false-positive results. We aimed to examine our institutional data to determine whether the 3-month period affects the diagnostic yield of repeat biopsies. Methods A retrospective review of patient records over a 5-year period at our institution was performed. Patients who required repeat FNA due to nondiagnostic results were included. The time between the FNA biopsies, adequacy of the FNA specimens, as well as the surgical pathology diagnosis were analyzed. Results We identified 317 patients who required a repeat FNA. Of these, 96 (30.3%) patients had repeat FNAs less than 3 months after initial biopsy, while 221 (69.7%) patients had repeat FNAs in greater than 3 months. One hundred five patients were referred to our clinic with an initial nondiagnostic biopsy from an outside institution. Repeat FNA was nondiagnostic in 35 patients (11.04%) in the total study population. There was no difference in satisfactory diagnostic yield between repeat FNAs performed greater than 3 months (201 patients, 90.95%) or less than 3 months (81 patients, 84.38%) after the initial biopsy ( P = .117). Of the 35 patients with repeat nondiagnostic biopsy, 17 patients underwent diagnostic lobectomy and 3 (17.6%) patients were found to have malignant disease. Conclusions Early (
A Traffic-Light Label Intervention and Dietary Choices in College Cafeterias.

Objectives. To examine whether traffic-light labeling and choice architecture interventions improved dietary choices among students at a northeastern US university.Methods. In 6 cafeterias at Harvard University, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, we implemented a 7-week intervention including traffic-light labeling (red: least nutrient rich; yellow: nutrient neutral; green: most nutrient rich), choice architecture (how choices are presented to consumers), and “healthy-plate” tray stickers. During the 2014–2015 academic year, 2 cafeterias received all interventions, 2 received choice architecture only, and 2 were controls. We analyzed sales for 6 weeks before and 7 weeks during interventions. Using interrupted time-series analyses, we measured changes in red, yellow, and green items served. We collected 1329 surveys to capture perceptions of labeling.Results. Among 2.6 million portions served throughout the study, we found no significant changes in red (–0.8% change/week; P = .2) or green (+1.1% change/week; P =...
Sequential extraction protocol for organic matter from soils and sediments using high resolution mass spectrometry

A vast number of organic compounds are present in soil organic matter (SOM) and play an important role in the terrestrial carbon cycle, facilitate interactions between organisms, and represent a sink for atmospheric CO2. The diversity of different SOM compounds and their molecular characteristics is a function of the organic source material and biogeochemical history. By understanding how SOM composition changes with sources and the processes by which it is biogeochemically altered in different terrestrial ecosystems, it may be possible to predict nutrient and carbon cycling, response to system perturbations, and impact of climate change will have on SOM composition. In this study, a sequential chemical extraction procedure was developed to reveal the diversity of organic matter (OM) in different ecosystems and was compared to the previously published protocol using parallel solvent extraction (PSE). We compared six extraction methods using three sample types, peat soil, spruce forest soil and river sediment, so as to select the best method for extracting a representative fraction of organic matter from soils and sediments from a wide range of ecosystems. We estimated the extraction yield of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) by total organic carbon analysis, and measured the composition of extracted OM using high resolution mass spectrometry. This study showed that OM composition depends primarily on soil and sediment characteristics. Two sequential extraction protocols, progressing from polar to non-polar solvents, were found to provide the highest number and diversity of organic compounds extracted from the soil and sediments. Water (H2O) is the first solvent used for both protocols followed by either co-extraction with methanol-chloroform (MeOH-CHCl3) mixture, or acetonitrile (ACN) and CHCl3 sequentially. The sequential extraction protocol developed in this study offers improved sensitivity, and requires less sample compared to the PSE workflow where a new sample is used for each solvent type. Furthermore, a comparison of SOM composition from the different sample types revealed that our sequential protocol allows for ecosystem comparisons based on the diversity of compounds present, which in turn could provide new insights about source and processing of organic compounds in different soil and sediment types.
Compressed ultrafast photography

We demonstrate a two-dimensional dynamic imaging technique, compressed ultrafast photography (CUP), which can capture non-repetitive time-evolving events at up to 100 billion fps.
A Comparative Analysis of Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 with a Demineralized Bone Matrix versus Iliac Crest Bone Graft for Secondary Alveolar Bone Grafts in Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate: Review of 501 Cases.

Background Alveolar cleft reconstruction using iliac crest bone graft is considered standard of care for children with complete cleft lip and palate at the time of mixed dentition. Harvesting bone may result in donor-site morbidity and additional operating time and length of hospitalization. Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP)-2 with a demineralized bone matrix is an alternative bone source for alveolar cleft reconstruction. The authors investigated the outcomes of rhBMP-2/demineralized bone matrix versus iliac crest bone graft for alveolar cleft reconstruction by reviewing postoperative surgical complications and cleft closure. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted for 258 rhBMP-2/demineralized bone matrix procedures (mean follow-up, 2.9 years) and 243 iliac crest bone graft procedures (mean follow-up, 4.1 years) on 414 patients over a 12-year period. The authors compared complications, canine eruption, and alveolar cleft closure between the two groups. Results In the rhBMP-2/demineralized bone matrix group, one patient required prolonged intubation because of intraoperative airway swelling not thought to be caused by rhBMP-2, 36 reported facial swelling and one required outpatient steroids as treatment, and 12 had dehiscence; however, half of these complications resolved without intervention. Twenty-three of the 228 rhBMP-2/demineralized bone matrix patients and 28 of the 242 iliac crest bone graft patients required repeated surgery for alveolar cleft repair. Findings for canine tooth eruption into the cleft site through the graft were similar between the groups. Conclusions The rhBMP-2/demineralized bone matrix appears to be an acceptable alternative for alveolar cleft repair. The authors found no increase in serious adverse events with the use of this material. Local complications, such as swelling and minor wound dehiscence, predominantly improved without intervention. Clinical question/level of evidence Therapeutic, III.
Regression of a pituitary adenoma following levothyroxine therapy of primary hypothyroidism

Two patients are described who were suffering from primary hypothyroidism and who developed a pituitary microadenoma and macroadenoma with suprasellar extension, respectively, diagnosed by CT scan of the pituitary. Both patients originally presented with amenorrhea and galactorrhea. In addition to low serum T4 and T3 levels and an elevated TSH level, they also had hyperprolactinemia. The TRH test performed in one of the patients showed an exaggerated response of both TSH and PRL to TRH. Correction of hypothyroidism by prolonged (months) treatment with levothyroxine resulted in normalization of thyroid function tests as well as hyperprolactinemia and in regression of the pituitary tumor. It was concluded that primary hypothyroidism was the cause of the pituitary adenoma and the amenorrhea/galactorrhea syndrome. It is recommended that routine thyroid function tests be obtained for patients with hyperprolactinemia. Demonstrable primary hypothyroidism should be corrected for prolonged periods of time by levothyroxine therapy, and CT scanning of the pituitary should be repeated before any other treatment such as bromocriptine or surgery is attempted.
An Efficient and Fast Li-Ion Battery Charging System Using Energy Harvesting or Conventional Sources

This paper presents a multi-input battery charging system that is capable of increasing the charging efficiency of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. The proposed battery charging system consists of three main building blocks: a pulse charger, a step-down dc–dc converter, and a power path controller. The pulse charger allows charging via a wall outlet or an energy harvesting system. It implements charge techniques that increase the battery charge efficiency of a Li-ion battery. The power path controller (PPC) functions as a power monitor and selects the optimal path for charging either via an energy harvesting system or an ac adapter. The step-down dc–dc converter provides an initial supply voltage to start up the energy harvesting system. The integrated circuit design is implemented on a CMOS 0.18 μm technology process. Experimental results verify that the proposed pulse charger reduces the charging time of 100 mAh and 45 mAh Li-ion batteries respectively by 37.35% and 15.56% and improves the charge efficiency by 3.15% and 3.27% when compared to the benchmark constant current-constant voltage charging technique. The step-down dc–dc converter has a maximum efficiency of 90% and the operation of the PPC is also verified by charging the battery via a thermoelectric energy harvesting system.
Semi-analytical fault-on trajectory simulation and its application in direct methods

This paper proposes a time series based semi-analytical solution (SAS) which can approximately represent the solution of dynamical power system equations within a short period of time. All system parameters and initial conditions are represented by symbolic variables such that different system operating conditions and contingencies can be completely considered in the evaluation of any power system. The proposed SAS is accurate at the initial point while its error increases over time. It is observed that using the SAS for approximating the fault-on trajectory is fairly accurate. Since faults in a power system are cleared after a short period of time, i.e 5 or 6 cycles (.08 to .1 seconds), then the proposed SAS can be integrated with any direct methods to access the transient stability of the system. A decoupling based direct method is used in this paper along with the proposed SAS for demonstration purposes. Case studies performed on the IEEE 9-bus system and the simplified WECC 179-bus system show the accuracy of the proposed SAS and its application in transient stability analysis using direct methods.
The Urey — Bradley Force Constants of Trigonal Bipyramidal XY5 -Type Molecules

Normal coordinate analysis has been carried out for the trigonal bipyramidal XY5 -type molecules, and the results have been applied to SbCl5, SbF5, PCl5, and PF5 using the Urey—Bradley force field. It has been found that the introduction of an angle—angle interaction force constant to the simple Urey—Bradley force field is necessary to obtain good agreement between calculated and observed frequencies. The results provide consistent band assignments and force constants for the four molecules studied.
Deployment of Preventive Interventions — Time for a Paradigm Shift

Deployment of Preventive Interventions Historically, preventive services have been adopted only if they save money, whereas treatments have been evaluated on the basis of their benefits and risks, regardless of their cost. As a result, effective behavioral interventions haven’t been translated into practice.
Device models: a new methodology for a perennial problem

This paper addresses the problem of obtaining accurate LSI and VLSI device models for use in simulation. A joint project with a leading semiconductor manufacturer is described whereby device models are obtained directly from the manufacturer's data base. The issues associated with linking into a manufacturer's chip database are discussed. The integration of the resulting device models into Teradyne's LASAR Software Version 6.1 Simulation System is demonstrated with specific examples.
Using End User Characteristics to Facilitate Effective Management of End User Computing

5 term “end-user computing”. This term is often substituted for “user” or the person that “uses” the reports generated by a computer. In addition to different definitions and assumptions, there is a variety of enduser classification schemes from which to organize research designs. A research base which does not share common definitions from which to investigate end-user computing creates a number of difficulties. First, the results are not comparable because the same language is not spoken. We simply do not understand the end users we are studying. Second, some study findings, using different definitions, are contradictory and inconclusive. Surely we do not want to recommend to managers that Using End User Characteristics to Facilitate Effective Management of End User Computing
Sound Velocities in Stage 1 and Stage 2 FeC13 Intercalated Graphite

We report the first successful measurement of sound velocities in graphite intercalation compounds and provide the first experimental test of the clasical two force constant linear chain model for the elastic constants in intercalation compounds. Stage 1 and stage 2 FeCl3 intercalated graphite were prepared from HOPG by the conventional two bulb technique and characterized by weight gain, thickness gain and X-ray diffraction. The longitudinal and transverse sound velocities along the c-axis were measured by the pulse echo overlap method with ultrasonic frequencies of 5, 11, and 30 MHz. The compressional elastic constants C33 were determined to be (1.58 ± 0.05), (3.1 ± 0.1) and (3.3 ± 0.1) × 1011 dyne/cm2, for the stage 1 compound, the stage 2 compound, and HOPG, respectively. These data can not be fitted by the two force constant linear chain model, indicating that the forces between the intercalated layer and the graphite layer in the stage 1 compound are different from that in the stage 2 compound. This result can be interpreted by considering the stage dependence of the charge transfer and the charge distribution.
A Novel µECoG Electrode Interface for Comparison of Local and Common Averaged Referenced Signals

Micro-electrocorticography (µECoG) is a minimally invasive neural interface that allows for recording from the surface of the brain with high spatial and temporal resolution [1], [2]. However, discerning multi-unit and local field potential (LFP) activity with potentially highly-correlated signals across a dense µECoG array can be challenging. Here we describe a novel µECoG design to compare the effect of referencing recordings to a local reference electrode and common average referencing (CAR). The filtering effect and the significant increase in signal to noise ratio of the evoked response (ESNR) can be seen after re-referencing for both types of referencing. In a preliminary analysis, re-referencing the µECoG signals can increase recording performance at high contact densities in the auditory cortex. This also provides promising evidence for a versatile in-house fabricated µECoG electrode.
Electrocardiogram in a 28-year-old woman with dyspnea on exertion.

A28-year-old HIV-infected woman with dyspnea on exertion for 6 months had no history of acute rheumatic fever or opportunistic infections and no family history of heart disease. Her CD4 count 3 months earlier was 473/μL, and she was adherent with her antiretroviral therapy. On physical examination her neck veins were normal, as were her carotid pulses. The chest was clear to auscultation. A 1+/4+ left parasternal (right ventricular) lift was felt, and the left ventricular impulse was normal. The first heart sound was loud and split. The second heart sound was loud and palpable in the second left intercostal space. Heard at the cardiac apex were a soft pansystolic murmur of mitral regurgitation and an early low-medium pitched third heart sound immediately followed by a typical diastolic murmur of mitral stenosis. An electrocardiogram was normal except for signs of left atrial enlargement: a negative terminal portion of the P wave in lead V1 ≥ 0.1 mV in amplitude and ≥ 0.04 seconds in duration (2); P waves in leads II, III, aVF, V3, and V4 ≥ 0.12 seconds in duration (3); and bifid with >0.04 seconds between the 2 peaks (4) in leads III and V3 (Figure). Figure. Electrocardiogram in a 28-year-old woman with exertional dyspnea for 6 months. See text for explication. An echocardiogram explained how a patient with a third heart sound could have a typical murmur of mitral stenosis by demonstrating a large left atrial myxoma that fell into the mitral orifice early in each diastole causing a “tumor plop” followed by a mitral stenosis murmur because the orifice of the valve was almost completely occluded. The mean diastolic pressure gradient across the mitral valve was 18 mm Hg as measured by echo-Doppler. Because the hemodynamics of left atrial myxoma and mitral stenosis are so similar, it is not surprising that both the physical exam and the electrocardiogram would be similar in the two conditions, with P waves suggesting left atrial enlargement being early electrocardiographic findings in both. The patient underwent uneventful operative removal of a 5 × 4 × 8.5 cm left atrial myxoma.
Sevoflurane exposure has minimal effect on cognitive function and does not alter microglial activation in adult monkeys.

Abstract Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction (POCD) is a complication that has been observed in a subset of adult and elderly individuals after general anesthesia and surgery. Although the pathogenesis of POCD is largely unknown, a growing body of preclinical research suggests that POCD may be caused by general anesthesia. A significant amount of research has examined the effects of general anesthesia on neurocognitive function in rodents, yet no studies have assessed the adverse effects of general anesthesia on brain function in adult nonhuman primates. Thus, this study sought to determine the effects of an extended exposure to sevoflurane anesthesia on cognitive function and neural inflammation in adult rhesus macaques. Five adult rhesus macaques (16–17 years of age) were exposed to sevoflurane anesthesia for 8 h and, and micro-positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) imaging and a battery of operant tasks were used to assess the effects of anesthesia exposure on 18F-labeled fluoroethoxybenzyl-N-(4-phenoxypyridin-3-yl) acetamide ([18F]-FEPPA) uptake, a biomarker of microglia activation, and aspects of complex cognitive function. Exposure to sevoflurane anesthesia for 8 h did not increase [18F]-FEPPA uptake in the adult monkey brain. Sevoflurane anesthesia significantly decreased accuracy (mean difference = 22.79) on a learning acquisition task 6 days after exposure [t(3) = 6.92, p = 0.006], but this effect did not persist when measured 1 week and 2 weeks after additional exposures. Further, sevoflurane anesthesia had no impact on performance in 4 additional cognitive tasks. These data suggest that exposure to anesthesia alone may not be sufficient to cause persistent POCD in adult populations.
Effects of Hole Diameter on Torsional Mechanical Properties of the Rabbit Femur

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of three clinically applicable screw hole diameters on rabbit femoral torsional structural properties. Sample Eighteen pairs of skeletally mature New Zealand White rabbit femora (36 bones). Materials and Methods Femora with a bicortical hole at mid-diaphysis from one of the 3-drill bit sizes, 1.1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, and intact bones were studied. Each bone was bi-axially loaded in a servo-hydraulic load frame with the bone positioned so the neutral axis of torsion was aligned with the centre of the bone diaphysis. Axial compression to 35% body weight was applied to represent compression at stance, and rapid external torsion was applied to failure. Torque and angular deformation data were plotted for each test, with pre-yield and post-yield stiffnesses derived. Yield and failure torques and angles were determined, along with calculated yield, failure and post-yield energies. Results Failure torque was reduced compared with that of intact bone; weakened by 37% in 1.1-mm hole models, 53% in 1.5-mm hole models and 65% in 2.0-mm hole models. The torque angular deformation curves lacked plastic deformation. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance This study demonstrates the unique, brittle biomechanics of rabbit bone. Based on data from other species that strength loss of no more than 50% is acceptable when placing orthopaedic implants, no defect greater than 1.1 mm (15% bone diameter) is recommended in rabbit femora.
Role of Social and Sexual Network Factors in PrEP Utilization Among YMSM and Transgender Women in Chicago

Despite demonstrated efficacy, uptake of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) remains low, particularly among high-risk demographics such as transgender women, Black men who have sex with men (BMSM), and young MSM (YMSM). Research thus far has largely focused on individual factors that may impede PrEP uptake in these demographics, leaving social network factors relatively unexplored. The present study used data collected from participants within RADAR, a longitudinal cohort study in Chicago focused on understanding the individual, dyadic, network, social, and biologic factors associated with HIV infection within YMSM. Of the 906 study participants who did not report an HIV diagnosis at baseline, 7.0% reported using PrEP in the prior 6 months. Recent PrEP use was associated with both individual-level (age and gender) and network-level factors (mean relationship strength, sexual network degree, etc.). These findings highlight the need to expand beyond focusing on individual-level drivers of PrEP uptake, as well as changing our understanding of who is most important within a network (centrality vs. strength of weak ties). Future work is needed to determine whether variables associated with PrEP uptake are similarly connected to PrEP adherence.
New Concept of Differential Effective Mobility in MOS Transistors

A new concept of differential effective mobility is proposed. It characterizes the effective mobility of an increment of drain current resulting from a small increase of inversion charge in MOSFET channel. It allows us to show that the effective mobility can be described by a local electric field approach and not entirely by an effective electric field model.
A Processing-In-Memory Implementation of SHA-3 Using a Voltage-Gated Spin Hall-Effect Driven MTJ-based Crossbar

Processing-In-Memory (PIM), which implements logic operations within memory cells, opens up a new direction on organizing data and computation. Leveraging resistive or magnetic characteristics of nonvolatile memory (NVM) devices, platforms such as PLiM and ReVAMP have been proposed. This paper presents a PIM implementation of SHA-3, a state-of-the-art secure hash algorithm using a Voltage-Gated Spin Hall-Effect (SHE) Driven magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) based crossbar, which is able to achieve a complete set of Boolean operations. The work includes the design of the crossbar circuit, the instruction set, and both unpipelined and pipelined implementations of SHA-3. Experimental results show that the proposed SHE MTJ-based implementation is able to achieve 2.16X higher throughput than a state-of-the-art Resistive RAM based SHA-3 implementation. Further throughput improvement can be achieved with multiple message hash (MMH) pipelining.
Current state of robotic use in inguinal hernia repair: a survey of minimally invasive hernia surgeons.

Little is known about how robot technology is employed by surgeons in minimally invasive surgery (MIS). We evaluated the needs of established robotic surgeons and of those who are new to this technology. A survey was designed and sent electronically to MIS surgeons. Questions included fellowship training, area of expertise, experience with robotic simulation and in clinical use, mentorship, likelihood of switching to a different approach, and expectations for the robot. Descriptive analysis was conducted using STATA/MP 15.1. 189 interviewees self-identified as hernia surgeons. 73.8% had additional fellowship, with majority practicing for 3–6 years (54%). Nearly 40% were MIS surgeons (N = 73), followed by general surgery (34.4%), and bariatrics (13.8%). 146 interviewees (77.7%) have used the daVinci® in clinical scenarios. Among robotic surgeons, majority were performing less than ten robotic cases per month. Inguinal hernia repairs were the leading procedures (49%), followed by foregut-related (19.5%), and colorectal-related surgeries (17.5%). Nearly 40% of surgeons stated inguinal hernia repairs to be the most often performed procedure using the robot. Nearly 40% of open and laparoscopic hernia surgeons are willing to adopt robotic-assisted procedures for their inguinal hernia repairs. Level 1 evidence (47.9%) and cost (24.1%) were the most pressing needs for robotic research. Majority of interviewees have used the daVinci® in clinical settings. Hernia repair remains the primary application of the robot in general surgery, among specialized surgeons. Over 40% of hernia surgeons are interested in switching to robotic technology over its open or laparoscopic counterparts.
Optimal Walking Speed Transitions for Fully Actuated Bipedal Robots

In this paper, we utilize the Partial Hybrid Zero Dynamics (PHZD) framework to find a continuous family of stable periodic orbits on the PHZD surface. We find optimal controllers to transition between these types of orbits subject to PHZD constraints, along with finding optimal periodic orbits associated to different PHZD surfaces for different walking speeds. Additionally, optimal controllers that form a connecting surface between these distinct PHZD surfaces, along with transitions between them are synthesized. The two methods are compared with performance metrics associated with the cost of transport. The results are illustrated on a 5 degree of freedom planar bipedal robot.
Identification, Corroboration, and Charging: Examining the Use of DNA Evidence by Prosecutors in Sexual Assault Cases:

This study examines the influence of DNA evidence on prosecutorial decisions in sexual assault cases. Thirty-eight prosecutors experienced with prosecuting sexual violence cases were surveyed regar...
The Influence of Operation Parameters and Product Properties on Time-to-Temper for Frozen Raw Meat Based on Simulation

Tempering is a unit operation of increasing the temperature of the frozen food to an optimal temperature for further processing, usually below its freezing point. In the meat industry, tempering occurs prior to slicing, dicing, cutting, or other steps. This study recommended a definition of time-to-temper based on temperature distribution uniformity. A transient heat transfer model was established with MATLAB PDE toolbox in finite element method (FEM) to generate temperature distribution histories within the studied pork products, which provides faster computation and more straightforward data postprocessing. The temperature-dependent thermophysical properties of the frozen products have been predicted based on product composition. The simulated results provide an illustration of the temperature distribution history during tempering. The effects of convective heat transfer coefficient (h), ambient temperature (Ta), product composition, and product dimension on time-to-temper have been compared and discussed. Increasing h-value reduces time-to-temper effectively only in the range of 0 to 200 W⋅m− 2 ⋅K− 1; further increase in h does not significantly decrease time-to-temper. Ta below freezing point of the product leads to relatively short time-to-temper, and the highest time-to-temper usually occurs when Ta is around 1 ∘C higher than the product freezing point. When product thickness increases, time-to-temper increases at a higher ratio than that of thickness increase.
Machine Learning-Aided Security Constrained Optimal Power Flow

Though many approaches have been proposed in recent decades to solve the full AC optimal power flow (OPF) problem, efficiently finding the solution still remains challenging due to its highly non-linear and non-convex nature, especially for large scale networks. Machine learning has proven to significantly improve the computational efficiency in many problems. Thus in this paper, a learning augmented optimization approach is developed to solve the security-constrained optimal power flow (SCOPF) problem. More specifically, a multi-input multi-output random forest model is developed to first solve network voltage magnitudes and angles of buses. Then, physics-based network equations are employed to determine the current injection and complex/real power injection at different buses. To evaluate the efficiency of the proposed machine learning-aided algorithm, two benchmark models are adopted: (i) one with the conventional MATPOWER Interior Point Solver, and (ii) the other one with an end-to-end pure machine learning approach. Test results on a 500-bus network show that the proposed machine learning-aided approach has significantly improved the computational efficiency compared to the MATPOWER solver, while all network constraints are successfully satisfied.
Federal funding allocation on HIV/AIDS research in the United States (2008-2018): an exploratory study using Big Data.

Literature suggests that federal funding allocation for HIV-related research in the US may not align with HIV disease burden but is influenced by structural disparities. This study sought to examin...
Complements to Ample Divisors and Singularities

The paper reviews recent developments in the study of Alexander invariants of quasi-projective manifolds using methods of singularity theory. Several results in topology of the complements to singular plane curves and hypersurfaces in projective space extended to the case of curves on simply connected smooth projective surfaces.
A Case for Hydrogen Sulfide Metabolism as an Oxygen Sensing Mechanism

The ability to detect oxygen availability is a ubiquitous attribute of aerobic organisms. However, the mechanism(s) that transduce oxygen concentration or availability into appropriate physiological responses is less clear and often controversial. This review will make the case for oxygen-dependent metabolism of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and polysulfides, collectively referred to as reactive sulfur species (RSS) as a physiologically relevant O2 sensing mechanism. This hypothesis is based on observations that H2S and RSS metabolism is inversely correlated with O2 tension, exogenous H2S elicits physiological responses identical to those produced by hypoxia, factors that affect H2S production or catabolism also affect tissue responses to hypoxia, and that RSS efficiently regulate downstream effectors of the hypoxic response in a manner consistent with a decrease in O2. H2S-mediated O2 sensing is then compared to the more generally accepted reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated O2 sensing mechanism and a number of reasons are offered to resolve some of the confusion between the two.