cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Heavy Metal Anomalies in the Tinto and Odiel River and Estuary System, Spain

The Tinto and Odiel rivers drain 100 km from the Rio Tinto sulphide mining district, and join at a 20-km long estuary entering the Atlantic Ocean. A reconnaissance study of heavy metal anomalies in channel sand and overbank mud of the river and estuary by semi-quantitative emission dc-arc spectrographic analysis shows the following upstream to downstream ranges in ppm (μg g−1): As 3,000 to <200, Cd 30 to <0.1, Cu 1,500 to 10, Pb 2,000 to <10, Sb 3000 to <150, and Zn 3,000 to <200. Organic-rich (1.3–2.6% total organic carbon, TOC), sandysilty overbank clay has been analyzed to represent suspended load materials. The high content of heavy metals in the overbank clay throughout the river and estuary systems indicates the importance of suspended sediment transport for dispersing heavy metals from natural erosion and anthropogenic mining activities of the sulfide deposit. The organic-poor (0.21–0.37% TOC) river bed sand has been analyzed to represent bedload transport of naturally-occurring sulfide minerals. The sand has high concentrations of metals upstream but these decrease an order of magnitude in the lower estuary. Although heavy metal contamination of estuary mouth beach sand has been diluted to background levels estuary mud exhibits increased contamination apparently related to finer grain size, higher organic carbon content, precipitation of river-borne dissolved solids, and input of anthropogenic heavy metals from industrial sources. The contaminated estuary mud disperses to the inner shelf mud belt and offshore suspended sediment, which exhibit metal anomalies from natural erosion and mining of upstream Rio Tinto sulphide lode sources (Pb, Cu, Zn) and industrial activities within the estuary (Fe, Cr, Ti). Because heavy metal contamination of Tinto-Odiel river sediment reaches or exceeds the highest levels encountered in other river sediments of Spain and Europe, a detailed analysis of metals in water and suspended sediment throughout the system, and epidemiological analysis of heavy metal effects in humans is appropriate.
Designing a prototype interface for visual communication of pain

Thousands of people use Online Health Communities (OHCs) as a forum for expressing and collaborating on symptoms of pain. Despite the physical nature of pain, these exchanges typically comprise text. While pain referral diagrams have served as patient-physician communication aids for decades, little research has focused on translating them into an interactive digital interface. We propose that such an interface would provide a more efficient and accurate mechanism for expressing pain and would facilitate useful discussion around pain symptoms. In this work-in-progress, we present a pilot study in which users expressed physical symptoms using pen and paper. Our results uncovered several design considerations that are currently being used to inform the design of Body Diagrams, an interactive pain visualization tool that we plan to deploy to a pain-related OHC in the near future.
Implications of Chemoprevention for the American Woman

AbstractBreast cancer continues to represent a major threat to the American woman despite two decades of improved early detection methods, better chemotherapy, major advances in understanding and usefulness of prognostic factors, a clearer concept of the risk/benefit ratios in therapy, and a more fully informed public as a result of a vast application of public education and communication. Approximately 41,000 women will die of breast cancer this year in the United States. One out of 11 American women are faced with this scourge in their lifetime. The annual death rate now seems to be rising after several years of a slight decline. The anticipated rise is fully described in Public Health Service releases published in the New York Times recently. In Denmark, a current study indicates that about 25% of all Danish women can be expected to manifest carcinoma in situ in their lifetimes. This kind of data can probably be replicated in the United States, which has the highest overall breast cancer rate in the wo...
A METHOD OF SOLUTION OF THE EQUATIONS OF MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS

A method for the solution of the two groups of magnetohydrodynamic equations is presented. The derivations and explanations of the equations for these groups are explained. A particular solution of the equations of magnetohydrodynamics was obtained describing the motion of a gas cloud with finite plane faces normal to the direction of motion, the forces being the pressure gradient and a magnetic force parallel to the faces. (B.O.G.)
Adapting and Improving Methods to Manage Cognitive Pretesting of Multilingual Survey Instruments

This paper outlines steps in adapting and improving methods to successfully manage large-scale cognitive pretesting of multilingual survey instruments. The study is based on a U.S. Census Bureau project that pretested the Chinese and Korean translation of the American Community Survey (ACS) Language Assistance Guide (LAG). By following a systematic process and guided by sociolinguistic research framework, we were successful in adapting the methodology in the current literature. Furthermore, we added and implemented the following steps in the process: conducting a systematic translation review process prior to cognitive testing, using a systematic method to identify and recruit non-English speakers, adopting a consistent method to report results, and implementing a project management approach to control and monitor the progress of interviewing. These steps proved to be advantageous and effective in managing a large-scale multilingual pretesting project.
A geologic survey of the medicare RBRVS system

The Resource Based Relative Value System (RBRVS) was established over fifteen years ago in an attempt to bring order to the Medicare reimbursement system. The RBRVS relies on a complicated formula to determine how much each procedure is worth. This article uses an unusual approach to describe the components of the RBRVS equation, how those relative values are developed and managed, and how they relate to each other, even though each one is calculated differently.
How to Guide Light Around Sharp Corners: Topologically Protected Surface Waves without Magnetic Field

We propose a new design of bi-anisotropic meta-waveguide exhibiting topologically protected edge mode which can be guided around sharp corners without external magnetic field. The geometry is very simple and easy to be experimentally implemented.
Atmospheric oxygen level and the evolution of insect body size.

Insects are small relative to vertebrates, possibly owing to limitations or costs associated with their blind-ended tracheal respiratory system. The giant insects of the late Palaeozoic occurred when atmospheric PO2 (aPO2) was hyperoxic, supporting a role for oxygen in the evolution of insect body size. The paucity of the insect fossil record and the complex interactions between atmospheric oxygen level, organisms and their communities makes it impossible to definitively accept or reject the historical oxygen-size link, and multiple alternative hypotheses exist. However, a variety of recent empirical findings support a link between oxygen and insect size, including: (i) most insects develop smaller body sizes in hypoxia, and some develop and evolve larger sizes in hyperoxia; (ii) insects developmentally and evolutionarily reduce their proportional investment in the tracheal system when living in higher aPO2, suggesting that there are significant costs associated with tracheal system structure and function; and (iii) larger insects invest more of their body in the tracheal system, potentially leading to greater effects of aPO2 on larger insects. Together, these provide a wealth of plausible mechanisms by which tracheal oxygen delivery may be centrally involved in setting the relatively small size of insects and for hyperoxia-enabled Palaeozoic gigantism.
Population genetics of CAPN10 and GPR35: implications for the evolution of type 2 diabetes variants.

A positional cloning study of type 2 diabetes in Mexican Americans identified a region, termed “NIDDM1,” on chromosome 2q37 with significant linkage evidence. Haplotype combinations at the calpain-10 gene (CAPN10) within this region were shown to increase diabetes risk in several populations. On the basis of the thrifty genotype hypothesis, variants that increase susceptibility to type 2 diabetes under modern lifestyle conditions provided a survival advantage in past environments by increasing the efficiency of energy use and storage. Here, our goal is to make inferences about the evolutionary forces shaping variation in genes in the NIDDM1 region and to investigate the population genetics models that may underlie the thrifty genotype hypothesis. To this end, we surveyed sequence variation in CAPN10 and in an adjacent gene, G-protein–coupled receptor 35 (GPR35), in four population samples from different ethnic groups. These data revealed two distinct deviations from the standard neutral model in CAPN10, whereas GPR35 variation was largely consistent with neutrality. CAPN10 showed a significant deficit of variation in the haplotype class defined by the derived allele at SNP44, a polymorphism that is significantly associated with diabetes in meta-analysis studies. This suggests that this haplotype class was quickly driven to high frequency by positive natural selection. Interestingly, the derived allele at SNP44 is protective against diabetes. CAPN10 also showed a local excess of polymorphism and linkage disequilibrium decay in intron 13. Simulations show that this pattern may be explained by long-standing balancing selection that maintains multiple selected alleles. Alternatively, it is possible that the local mutation and recombination rates changed since the divergence of human and chimpanzee; this scenario does not require the action of natural selection on intron 13 variation.
Adherence to Physical Activity From Childhood to Adulthood: A Perspective From Tracking Studies

This paper considers the tracking of physical activity during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood in the context of issues relaled to adherence. Based upon two comprehensive literature reviewers and allowing ihr differences in measures of physical activity, the available data are generally consistent in showing moderate tracking of physical activity during childhood and adolescence and more variable but lower levels of tracking across longer intervals within adolescence and horn adolescence into young adulthood. Data relating childhood and adolescent activity to activity at older apes in adulthood are not extensive but suggest a relatively weak association. Factors that influence physical activity are many, and studies of tracking do not include these correlates or covariates. Adherence to a program of physical activity on a regular basis is viewed as important for the health of individuals and the population. Adherence research tends to focus on the adoption of physical activity, the maintenance of reg...
Technocracy, Democracy, and U.S. Climate Politics: The Need for Demarcations:

Ulrich Beck and other theorists of reflexive modernization are allies in the general project to reduce technocracy and elitism by rendering decision making more democratic and robust. However, this study of U.S. climate politics reveals complexities and obstacles to the sort of democratized decision making envisioned by such theorists. Since the early 1990s, the U.S. public has been subjected to numerous media-driven campaigns to shape understandings of this widely perceived threat. Political interests have instigated an important part of these campaigns, frequently resorting to ethically problematic tactics to undermine attempts at policy action designed to avert or reduce the threat. The disproportionate influence of such interests suggests the need for a more level political playing field characterized by more equalized access to power and influence.
Restricted Choices, Limited Options Implementing Choice and Supplemental Educational Services in No Child Left Behind

This article reviews implementation of the school choice and supplementary educational services provisions contained in the No Child Left Behind Act. School district progress, resistance, and obstacles to implementation are discussed and a number of practical remedies to improve implementation of school choice and supplemental educational services are offered. Much more research is needed in these areas to determine whether choice and supplementary educational services improve educational opportunities for disadvantaged children trapped in failing schools. Recommendations for future studies are made.
Computation of the radiation pattern of a microstrip patch antenna in a complex geometry

A hybrid technique for computation of electromagnetic scattering has been developed at the University of Illinois. By utilizing the both high frequency and low frequency methods, the technique can handle large targets with small cracks and cavities on their surfaces. The high-frequency shooting and bouncing ray (SBR) method is used to evaluate the scattering from a large target with the cracks and cavities filled with perfect conductors, and the low frequency finite-element boundary integral (FE-BI) method is employed to analyze the cracks and cavities. The equivalence principle is used to combine the results of the two methods. This hybrid method is extended to compute the radiation pattern of a microstrip patch antenna mounted on a complex geometry. First, the FE-BI method is used to analyze the antenna. The result is an equivalent magnetic current on the surface of the antenna. The SBR method is then used to model the surrounding geometry. Because a microstrip patch antenna is a highly resonant structure, it is assumed that the surrounding geometry has minimal effect the equivalent current. This paper first discusses the theoretical basis of the hybrid FE-BI/SBR method for analyzing the radiation from a microstrip patch antenna. It then presents some numerical results showing the utility and validity of the method.
Adaptive load-sharing force control for two-arm manipulators

Three problems associated with the two-arm load sharing force controller are considered. These are (1) load sharing; (2) control of interactive forces and torques; and (3) the application of desired forces and torques to the object while maintaining accurate position control. These objectives are achieved by minimizing an interactive force/torque error vector. The computation of this vector requires a wrist force/torque sensor on each manipulator. The adaptive load-sharing controller developed optimizes the distribution of joint torques over both manipulators to increase the efficiency and combined load-carrying capacity of the two manipulators. Simulation results are provided. >
A Nonclassical Cold Front Observed during COPS-91: Frontal Structure and the Process of Severe Storm Initiation

Abstract This case study addresses the issue of gravity current and bore development at surface cold fronts, and the role of these phenomena in the generation of severe frontal convection. The event investigated occurred on 27 April 1991 during the Cooperative Oklahoma Profiler Studies 1991 field project. The development of a bore from a gravity current–like structure along a cold front, the subsequent propagation of the bore ahead of the front on a low-level inversion, and the process of severe thunderstorm development along the front are revealed by a dense network of remote sensing and other special observations. Evidence for the gravity current and bore is strengthened by comparisons made between the synthesized observations and theory. The bore developed after a nocturnal inversion, which acted as a waveguide, had become established. The bore and gravity current were both evident as “fine lines” in the radar reflectivity displays. A microscale envelope of enhanced water vapor with an embedded roll cl...
Distributed manufacturing with 3-D printing: a case study of recreational vehicle solar photovoltaic mounting systems

For the first time, low-cost open-source 3-D printing provides the potential for distributed manufacturing at the household scale of customized, high-value, and complex products. To explore the potential of this type of ultra-distributed manufacturing, which has been shown to reduce environmental impact compared to conventional manufacturing, this paper presents a case study of a 3-D printable parametric design for recreational vehicle (RV) solar photovoltaic (PV) racking systems. The design is a four-corner mounting device with the ability to customize the tilt angle and height of the standoff. This enables performance optimization of the PV system for a given latitude, which is variable as RVs are geographically mobile. The open-source 3-D printable designs are fabricated and analyzed for print time, print electricity consumption, mechanical properties, and economic costs. The preliminary results show distributed manufacturing of the case study product results in an order of magnitude reduction in economic cost for equivalent products. In addition, these cost savings are maintained while improving the functionality of the racking system. The additional electrical output for a case study RV PV system with improved tilt angle functionality in three representative locations in the U.S. was found to be on average over 20% higher than that for conventional mass-manufactured racking systems. The preliminary results make it clear that distributed manufacturing - even at the household level - with open-source 3-D printers is technically viable and economically beneficial. Further research is needed to expand the results of this preliminary study to other types of products.
TPMT*26 (208F-->L), a novel mutation detected in a Chinese.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT • More than 27 mutations in the TPMT gene causing decreased TPMT activity have been reported in various races. • Decreased TPMT activity is associated with increased myelosuppression from azathioprine or thioguanine treatment. • TPMT*3C is the most common genetic variant found in Asian populations. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS • TPMT*26 (208FL) is a novel mutation, previously not reported, which is associated with reduced TPMT activity in three siblings in an Asian Chinese family. • This mutation is associated with increased sensitivity to azathioprine clinically. AIMS Azathioprine, mercaptopurine and thioguanine are commonly used to treat autoimmune disorders, leukaemia and solid organ transplantation. However, azathiopurine and its metabolites can also cause adverse reactions such as myelosuppression. These manifestations may be attributed to polymorphisms or mutations in the thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) gene that might result in low TPMT enzyme activity. Our aim was to investigate if azathioprine-related myelosuppression is associated with TPMT polymorphism, which in turn affects its enzyme activity. METHODS A 61-year-old Chinese man with severe atopic eczema developed moderate myelosuppression with standard doses of azathioprine. His TPMT activity was measured using radiochemical assay. Genotyping of TPMT *3C, *3A and *6 were screened using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Novel mutation was detected by sequencing. Family studies of his three other siblings were performed. RESULTS After 4 weeks of azathioprine treatment, the patient's white blood cells and absolute neutrophil count dropped by 40–45%. He was then taken off azathioprine, and blood counts returned to normal. TPMT activity test showed intermediate levels of 9.1 nmol h−1 ml−1 peripheral red blood cells (pRBC). Resequencing of the TPMT gene revealed a missense mutation PheLeu at 208 aa position in exon 9 (ss105107120). Two of his three siblings were heterozygous for 208FL, which accounts for the decreased enzyme activity (brother 8.9 nmol h−1 ml−1 pRBC, sister 8.8 nmol h−1 ml−1 pRBC). The remaining sibling had wild-type allele with normal enzyme activity. Screening of 100 normal healthy Chinese subjects did not reveal any individual with this mutation. CONCLUSION We report a novel mutation TPMT*26 (208FL) associated with a decrease in TPMT enzyme activity.
Hedge Funds and Shareholder Wealth Gains in Leveraged Buyouts

This paper examines the effect of hedge funds on target shareholder gains in leveraged buyouts (LBOs). I find that the buyout premium is increasing in the preannouncement presence of hedge funds, measured as the fraction of equity held by hedge funds in the target firm before the announcement. This effect is driven primarily by hedge funds with activism agendas. This effect is stronger for LBOs with management participation than for third-party LBOs, and is stronger for club deal LBOs than for solo-sponsored LBOs. Using a geographic instrument for the presence of hedge fund, I find that this relationship persists even after controlling for endogeneity. These findings indicate that hedge funds protect target shareholder interests in LBOs.
An analysis of the double-precision floating-point FFT on FPGAs

Advances in FPGA technology have led to dramatic improvements in double precision floating-point performance. Modern FPGAs boast several GigaFLOPs of raw computing power. Unfortunately, this computing power is distributed across 30 floating-point units with over 10 cycles of latency each. The user must find two orders of magnitude more parallelism than is typically exploited in a single microprocessor; thus, it is not clear that the computational power of FPGAs can be exploited across a wide range of algorithms. This paper explores three implementation alternatives for the fast Fourier transform (FFT) on FPGAs. The algorithms are compared in terms of sustained performance and memory requirements for various FFT sizes and FPGA sizes. The results indicate that FPGAs are competitive with microprocessors in terms of performance and that the "correct" FFT implementation varies based on the size of the transform and the size of the FPGA.
Aspirin-Triggered Lipoxin A4 Stimulates Alternative Activation of Microglia and Reduces Alzheimer Disease–Like Pathology in Mice

Microglia play an essential role in innate immunity, homeostasis, and neurotropic support in the central nervous system. In Alzheimer disease (AD), these cells may affect disease progression by modulating the buildup of β-amyloid (Aβ) or releasing proinflammatory cytokines and neurotoxic substances. Discovering agents capable of increasing Aβ uptake by phagocytic cells is of potential therapeutic interest for AD. Lipoxin A 4 (LXA 4 ) is an endogenous lipid mediator with potent anti-inflammatory properties directly involved in inflammatory resolution, an active process essential for appropriate host responses, tissue protection, and the return to homeostasis. Herein, we demonstrate that aspirin-triggered LXA 4 (15 μg/kg) s.c., twice a day, reduced NF-κB activation and levels of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, as well as increased levels of anti-inflammatory IL-10 and transforming growth factor-β. Such changes in the cerebral milieu resulted in recruitment of microglia in an alternative phenotype, as characterized by the up-regulation of YM1 and arginase-1 and the down-regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase expression. Microglia in an alternative phenotype–positive cells demonstrated improved phagocytic function, promoting clearance of Aβ deposits and ultimately leading to reduction in synaptotoxicity and improvement in cognition. Our data indicate that activating LXA 4 signaling may represent a novel therapeutic approach for AD.
Economic Coordination within a Mixed Ecology of Enterprises: Erasing a Theoretical Antinomy

Economic theory contains a significant theoretical antinomy that we seek to erase. That theory can account for coordination through markets. Such coordination, however, covers only some 50-60 percent of economic activity within developed nations. The theory ignores the remainder by presuming that it is provided somehow through the insertion of collective planning and power. We seek to erase this common theoretical antinomy by locating political action within the transactional framework of market interaction. All economic activity, whether pursued by private or collective entities, occurs within a framework of incomplete and distributed knowledge. A significant precursor to our effort is Maffeo Pantaleoni’s (1911) recognition of the parasitical character of political pricing, where political entities calculate through parasitical attachment to market entities. We use a simple model of coordination within an airport to illustrate our approach to economic coordination among differently constituted enterprises.
Prevalence and predictors of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among young women surviving childhood cancer.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection and the cause of cervical and other cancers. Vaccination is available to protect against genital HPV and is recommended for individuals aged 9–26 years. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of HPV vaccination among childhood cancer survivors and to identify factors associated with vaccine outcomes. Young adult females with (n = 114; M age = 21.18 years, SD = 2.48) and without (n = 98; M age = 20.65 years, SD = 2.29) a childhood cancer history completed surveys querying HPV vaccination initiation/completion, as well as sociodemographic, medical, and health belief factors. Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for vaccine outcomes. Among survivors, 38.6 % (44/114) and 26.3 % (30/114) initiated or completed vaccination compared to 44.9 % (44/98) and 28.6 % (28/98) among controls, respectively. In the combined survivor/control group, physician recommendation (OR = 11.24, 95 % CI 3.15–40.14) and familial HPV communication (OR = 7.28, 95 % CI 1.89–28.05) associated with vaccine initiation. Perceptions of vaccine benefit associated with vaccine completion (OR = 10.55, 95 % CI 1.59–69.92), whereas perceptions of HPV-related severity associated with non-completion (OR = 0.14, 95 % CI 0.03–0.71). Despite their increased risk for HPV-related complication, a minority of childhood cancer survivors have initiated or completed HPV vaccination. Modifiable factors associated with vaccine outcomes were identified. HPV vaccination is a useful tool for cancer prevention in survivorship, and interventions to increase vaccine uptake are warranted.
Development of a method to quantify inter-limb coupling in individuals with hemiparetic stroke

A common motor deficit in individuals post-stroke is altered interlimb coupling. Efforts at one extremity can cause involuntary muscle activity and movement at a different extremity. An important step in understanding interlimb coupling and developing effective treatment strategies is to have an accurate quantification of the motor behavior. This paper outlines the development of an approach to measure interlimb coupling between the upper and lower extremity. Isometric and EMG based approaches were explored before determining that the use of a haptic robotic system was ideal to quantify altered interlimb coupling. This is a novel engineering approach that can measure biomechanical parameters while avoiding confounding factors. Preliminary evidence shows that lower extremity efforts cause involuntary movement in the upper extremity in stereotypical flexion and extension patterns.
Correlation of Clinical Outcomes with Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction DNA Copy Number in Patients with Acute Retinal Necrosis

ABSTRACTPurpose: To correlate visual acuity outcomes and clinical features with quantitative PCR DNA copy number in patients with acute retinal necrosis (ARN).Methods: Retrospective, consecutive case series.Results: In total, 14 eyes of 13 patients were diagnosed with ARN, based on the American Uveitis Society criteria, and were followed for a mean of 324.5 days (median 250.5 days, SD ± 214 days). Anterior chamber fluid analyzed by quantitative PCR identified viral DNA in 11 of 14 eyes (78.5%). Varicella zoster virus (VZV) was identified in seven eyes (50%) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) in four eyes (28.5%). Mean DNA copy number was 7.9 × 106/mL (median 2.10 × 106/mL, range: 0–5.60 × 107/mL). Eyes with quantitative PCR DNA copy number of ≥5.0 × 106/mL (n = 6 eyes) had worse baseline visual acuity (logMAR 1.48 ± 0.71 vs 0.94 ± 0.76, p = 0.196) and final visual acuity (logMAR 2.10 ± 0.60 vs 0.82 ± 0.81, p = 0.007) compared with patients with a DNA copy number <5.0 × 106/mL (n = 8 eyes). Patients with a DNA...
Ultrastructure of ascospore ornamentation in Elaphomyces (Ascomycetes)

The development of ascospore ornamentation in Elaphomyces granulatus and E. persoonia was examined by light and electron microscopy. Although early events of ascosporogenesis were not observed, the delimitation ofascospores involved two unit membranes whose origins were not determined. Subsequent events revealed a pattern of ascospore wall development that resembles that described in other higher ascomycetes. However, the derivation of episporal ridges, the formation of a gelatinous, perisporal matrix, and the deposition of tertiary wall material between the epispore and ridge, collectively distinguish ascospore ornament morphogenesis in these two species from that in other taxa.
Feeding Habits of the Southern Armyworm and Rate of Passage of Food through Its Gut

In a recent article (Crowell, 1941) the writer reported his findings on the utilization of certain foodstuffs by larvae of the southern armyworm. The work was done with larvae reared in the Department of Zoology and Entomology at the Ohio State University under the conditions developed and described by Waters (1937).
Effect of steatosis on liver signal and enhancement on multiphasic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.

To investigate the effect of steatosis on liver signal and enhancement in multiphasic contrast-enhanced (MCE) MRI. In this IRB-approved, HIPAA-compliant, retrospective, observational study, 1217 MCE abdominal MRIs performed during 2014 at a single institution were reviewed. Of these, 1085 were excluded, due to potential factors other than steatosis that may affect liver signal intensity and/or enhancement. In the remaining 132, liver fat fraction (FF) was calculated from the in- and opposed-phase 2D T1-weighted images. Liver signal intensity, absolute enhancement, and relative enhancement on fat-suppressed (Dixon method) 3D T1-weighted images before and after injection of gadobutrol (arterial, portal venous, and equilibrium phases) were plotted against co-localized FF values and the linear trend was evaluated by Pearson correlation coefficient (r). P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Liver signal intensity negatively correlated with FF for all phases (r = −0.388 to −0.544, p < 0.001). Absolute enhancement negatively correlated with FF for the portal venous and equilibrium phases (r = −0.286 and −0.289, respectively, p < 0.001), but not for the arterial phase (r = −0.042, p = 0.632). Relative enhancement did not significantly correlate with FF for any phase (p ≥ 0.125). Steatosis reduces liver signal intensity in MCE MRI. This effect of steatosis was reduced in calculated absolute enhancement and eliminated in calculated relative enhancement.
Rheumatologic/Orthopedic Emergencies

Patients with cancer frequently present with signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal and rheumatic diseases. Acute joint pain with swelling is the most common indication of an emergency rheumatologic evaluation. Individuals with monoarthritis should be evaluated immediately to rule out septic arthritis, as patients with cancer are at high risk for infection because of the immunosuppressive effects of their cancer and its treatment. Furthermore, use of empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics should be initiated to prevent loss of joint function. Acute crystal-induced arthritis—either gout or calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposition (CPPD) disease—is one of the most common causes of painful, swollen joints in patients with cancer and is often triggered by dehydration. Paraneoplastic syndromes can present as oligoarthritis or polyarthritis and are often diagnoses of exclusion. Other rheumatologic paraneoplastic syndromes, such as myositis, vasculitis, and tendinitis/fasciitis, can lead to significant morbidity. Skeletal complications may be caused by local or metastatic tumor invasion as well as pathologic and osteoporotic fractures and osteonecrosis and are usually associated with severe pain. In addition, cancer patients with pre-existing rheumatologic diseases can experience flare-ups of those diseases that require urgent intervention. All of these scenarios require physicians to be able to recognize the indications for emergency evaluation and treatment to prevent complications and ensure that patients continue to benefit from optimal cancer treatment.
Knowledge Representation and Semantic Reasoning Research of Olympics

For a long time,expert systems involved in the core technology-computer technology can not effectively solve the inference reasoning problems.Make the expert system has been the lack of intelligent reasoning and effective solution.And in the sharing and reuse is very difficult.To this end,propose a semantic-based solutions.Firstly,OWL-based development platform protege3.4.4 build the Olympic OWL-DL ontology,the RACER description logic-based reasoning to achieve "native ontology" of evolution,to solve the ontology of the "information island" problem.Then the feature extraction for the Olympic body,build SWRL inference rules,and on this basis,the use of Jess inference engine to achieve the Olympic reasoning application model,so that the reasoning is more intelligent.At last,argue the feasibility of this application model from the angle of technology and application.
G99(P) IVIG for Guillain-Barré syndrome: Which regimen should i choose?

Aims Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune acute inflammatory polyradiculoneuropathy. Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) are usually the first choice of treatment. At present, limited information is available regarding the most appropriate dosage regimen of IVIG in GBS. Common options used are 0.4gram/kg/day for 5 days or a single 2gram/kg dose. Our study aims to compare the clinical course and outcome between these two regimens. Methods A retrospective 10 year analysis was performed. 32 children with GBS (median age of 5.7 years) who were admitted to our hospital between 2003 and 2013 were included in the review. Results All children presented with ascending paralysis. The average time to maximum weakness from symptom onset was 6.5 days. 30 patients received IVIG, of which 16 children had 0.4g/kg/day for 5 days and 14 received a single dose of 2g/kg. IVIG was administered at a median time of 2 days from the onset of weakness in both cohorts. The mean disability grade on admission was similar in both groups. Children receiving treatment over 5 days had significantly shorter periods of mechanical ventilation and intensive care stay. Autonomic symptoms of GBS occurred more commonly in children who received a single dose (64%) compared to those who received it over 5 days (25%). 5 children (36%) in the 2g/kg group required a repeat IVIG dose due to deterioration in contrast to 1 child (6%) in the other cohort. The time to recovery from maximum weakness was quicker with the 5 day regimen (median 6 days) compared to the single dose regimen (median 8.5 days). The overall length of hospital stay was also shorter in the 0.4g/kg group. Conclusions In children with GBS requiring IVIG, our study shows that administrating IVIG over 5 days is preferable, leading to faster recovery. It is also associated with a shorter duration spent in intensive care and in hospital on a whole. There were no differences noted in the long-term outcome of our patients from the use of either regimen.
Applications of Specifications Grading in Computer Science Courses (Abstract Only)

Traditional, points-based grading poses several challenges to computer science educators. Students can lose focus on learning the material and instead focus on the game of trying to accumulate enough partial credit to get to the next grade tier. Faculty can waste large amounts of time obsessing over partial credit point assignment for a particular assignment. It can be difficult to use course grades to connect student performance with learning outcomes for the course and the program. This poster presents an overview of an alternative approach to traditional grading: specifications grading. Specifications grading is a points-free, mastery style of grading that replaces partial credit with quality feedback and revision opportunity. This model provides several advantages over the traditional grading approach. These advantages include better support for high academic standards and rigor, an increased focus for students on learning by removing the intrinsic motivation to earn points, and a stronger connection between student grade assessments and course learning outcomes. The poster will provide an overview of specifications grading and its benefits, along with details of implementation for an Android application development course and an introductory-level programming course. Additionally, the poster will include student evaluation data from previous offerings of the courses.
Mini-Review: Sarcomatoid Non-Clear Cell Renal Cancer

Sarcomatoid differentiation can occur within any subdivision of renal cell carcinoma. Although the prevalence of sarcomatoid renal cell cancer has been reported to be anywhere from 1-15% of renal cancers, sarcomatoid non-clear cell renal carcinoma is actually very rare. Studies on these cancers are generally limited to tens of patients. One reason for the paucity of patients with non-clear cell sarcomatoid renal cell cancer is the aggressive nature of this disease. We present a case of sarcomatoid non-clear cell renal carcinoma and review of the treatment for these difficult cases based on the available literature.
Deterministic Placement of Quantum-Size Controlled Quantum Dots for Seamless Top-Down Integration

We demonstrate a new route toward the integration and deterministic placement of quantum dots (QDs) within prepatterned nanostructures. Using standard electron-beam lithography (EBL) and inductively coupled plasma reactive-ion etching (ICP-RIE), we fabricate arrays of nanowires on a III-nitride platform. Next, we integrate QDs of controlled size within the prepatterned nanowires using a bandgap-selective, wet-etching technique: quantum-size-controlled photoelectrochemical (QSC-PEC) etching. Low-temperature microphotoluminescence (μ-PL) measurements of individual nanowires reveal sharp spectral signatures, indicative of QD formation. Further, internal quantum efficiency (IQE) measurements reveal a near order of magnitude improvement in emitter efficiency following QSC-PEC etching. Finally, second-order cross-correlation (g(2)(0)) measurements of individual QDs directly confirm nonclassical, antibunching behavior. Our results illustrate an exciting approach toward the top-down integration of nonclassical li...
Demonstration and Modeling of Material Responses Achieved Through Contradirectional Coupling

Abstract : This report describes the development of broadband and reduced-loss negative permeability and negative refractive index metamaterials at microwave frequencies. The reported structures exhibit fractional bandwidths that are greater than 40%. Simulation and experimental results are described which confirm the electromagnetic properties of the proposed structures. Analytical modeling of the proposed structures is also discussed.
Potential Impacts of Modeling Full Reactor Cores Using Combined Fuel Performance and Thermal Hydraulics Codes

Nuclear reactor systems codes have the ability to model the system response in an accident scenario based on known initial conditions (ICs) at the onset of the transient. However, there has been a ...
Mental health perceptions and school-based treatments in the United States, United Kingdom, and China

Mental health influences several major life outcomes. School-based treatment for mental health issues is the most effective intervention to support individuals with these problems. However, treatme...
Validation of a booted finite element model of the WIAMan ATD lower limb in component and whole-body vertical loading impacts with an assessment of the boot influence model on response.

Objective A novel anthropomorphic test device (ATD) representative of the 50th percentile male soldier is being developed to predict injuries to a vehicle occupant during an underbody blast (UBB). The main objective of this study was to develop and validate a finite element (FE) model of the ATD lower limb outfitted with a military combat boot and to insert the validated lower limb into a model of the full ATD and simulate vertical loading experiments. Methods A Belleville desert combat boot model was assigned contacts and material properties based on previous experiments. The boot model was fit to a previously developed model of the barefoot ATD. Validation was performed through 6 matched pair component tests conducted on the Vertically Accelerated Loads Transfer System (VALTS). The load transfer capabilities of the FE model were assessed along with the force-mitigating properties of the boot. The booted lower limb subassembly was then incorporated into a whole-body model of the ATD. Two whole-body VALTS experiments were simulated to evaluate lower limb performance in the whole body. Results The lower limb model accurately predicted axial loads measured at heel, tibia, and knee load cells during matched pair component tests. Forces in booted simulations were compared to unbooted simulations and an amount of mitigation similar to that of experiments was observed. In a whole-body loading environment, the model kinematics match those recorded in experiments. The shape and magnitude of experimental force-time curves were accurately predicted by the model. Correlation between the experiments and simulations was backed up by high objective rating scores for all experiments. Conclusion The booted lower limb model is accurate in its ability to articulate and transfer loads similar to the physical dummy in simulated underbody loading experiments. The performance of the model leads to the recommendation to use it appropriately as an alternative to costly ATD experiments.
ROS Promotes Cancer Cell Survival through Calcium Signaling

To avoid reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced cell death, cancer cells increase their antioxidant defense system. In this issue of Cancer Cell, Takahashi et al. identify a novel, non-canonical oxidative stress defense mechanism involving TRPA1, a redox-sensitive Ca2+ channel, and the upregulation of anti-apoptotic pathways to promote cancer cell survival.
Tubal anastomosis following unipolar cautery

Twenty-five of 48 women (52%) sterilized by unipolar cautery techniques conceived following tubal anastomosis, of whom 17 (36%) had a living child. The overall cumulative probability of conception at the end of follow-up as determined by life-table analysis was 76%. Increasing age, parity, and the duration of the interval from sterilization to reversal did not influence pregnancy success. A decreased pregnancy rate was associated with ampullary-isthmic anastomosis; however, a pregnancy was least likely to occur in women with shortened oviducts of ≤ 4 cm (P A decreased pregnancy rate in cautery-sterilized patients undergoing reversal may be related to the destruction of a larger segment of the fallopian tube. Interestingly, 71% of the cautery-sterilized patients were noted to have associated tubal disease such as endometriosis and/or proximal hydrosalpinx. The influence of these findings on subsequent pregnancy success remains to be established.
Cluster Analysis: Finding Groups in Data

Cluster analysis is a useful technique in finding natural groups in data. In this chapter, we describe a number of popular statistical clustering techniques and their R implementations. We also introduce a number of cluster analysis tools (R packages) developed by our group in the past for statistical mining of biological data, such as microarray gene expression data and mass-spectrometry proteomic data that are perhaps equally applicable to materials data. We illustrate these techniques by grouping materials with properties of a semiconducting chalcopyrite compounds using certain properties (descriptors) such as the melting point of the constituting elements.
A comparison of the phenol water and Rantz and Randall teichoic acid antigens in group H streptococci.

The Group H antigen which is found in most strains of Streptococcus sanguis is usually extracted by the Rantz and Randall (RR) autoclave method (1). Previous studies had suggested that this antigen was a glycerol teichoic acid (2). Although the RR extracts of a variety of streptococcal Lancefield groups indicated the specificity of the Group H antigen (3), a reaction of identity was obtained when phenol water (PW) preparations of Group D streptococci were tested against Group H antisera (1); Group D antisera did not show this cross reaction with either PW or RR extracts of Group H organisms. These results suggested that the RR and PW extractions affected the cells differently. Both of these methods are important starting points in many procedures for antigen purification and for serological identification. Although the PW method is known to disrupt both covalent and non-covalent bonds (4), the effect of the RR extraction on cells is still the subject of much debate. Moreover, though PW extracts are known to solubilize membrane associated lipoteichoic acids (LTA), the effects on other cell surface components are not known (5–8). The structures affected by the RR procedure have still not been identified.
Association of genetic variation of the six gene prognostic model for castration-resistant prostate cancer with survival.

BACKGROUND We previously identified a blood RNA transcript-based model consisting of six immune or inflammatory response genes (ABL2, SEMA4D, ITGAL, C1QA, TIMP1, and CDKN1A) that was prognostic for survival in cohorts of men with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). We investigated whether inherited variation in these six genes was associated with overall survival (OS) in men with CRPC. METHODS The test cohort comprised 600 patients diagnosed with CRPC between 1996 and 2011 at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Genotyping of 66 tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) spanning the six genes was performed on blood derived DNAs. For the top four SNPs (P < 0.05), validation was conducted in an independent cohort of 223 men diagnosed with CRPC between 2000 and 2014. Multivariable Cox regression adjusting for known prognostic factors estimated hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the association of genetic variants with OS. RESULTS Two thirds of patients in both cohorts had metastases at CRPC diagnosis. Median OS from CRPC diagnosis was 3.6 (95%CI 3.3-4.0) years in the test cohort and 4.6 (95%CI 3.8-5.2) years in the validation cohort. Fifty-nine SNPs in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were analyzed. The major alleles of rs1318056 and rs1490311 in ABL2, and the minor alleles of rs2073917 and rs3764322 in ITGAL were associated with increased risk of death in the test cohort (adjusted-HRs 1.27-1.39; adjusted-p <0.05; false discovery rate <0.35). In the validation cohort, a similar association with OS was observed for rs1318056 in ABL2 (adjusted-HR 1.44; 95%CI 0.89-2.34) and rs2073917 in ITGAL (adjusted-HR 1.41; 95%CI 0.82-2.42). The associations did not reach statistical significance most likely due to the small sample size of the validation cohort (adjusted-p = 0.142 and 0.209, respectively). Additional eQTL analysis indicated that minor alleles of rs1318056 and rs1490311 in ABL2 are associated with a lower ABL2 expression in blood. CONCLUSIONS These findings corroborate our initial work on the RNA expression of genes involved in immunity and inflammation from blood and clinical outcome and suggest that germline polymorphisms in ABL2 and ITGAL may be associated with the risk of death in men with CRPC. Further studies are needed to validate these findings and to explore their functional mechanisms.