cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Finite time step and spatial grid effects in δf simulation of warm plasmas

This paper introduces a technique for analyzing time integration methods used with the particle weight equations in ?f method particle-in-cell (PIC) schemes. The analysis applies to the simulation of warm, uniform, periodic or infinite plasmas in the linear regime and considers the collective behavior similar to the analysis performed by Langdon for full-f PIC schemes 1,2. We perform both a time integration analysis and spatial grid analysis for a kinetic ion, adiabatic electron model of ion acoustic waves. An implicit time integration scheme is studied in detail for ?f simulations using our weight equation analysis and for full-f simulations using the method of Langdon. It is found that the ?f method exhibits a CFL-like stability condition for low temperature ions, which is independent of the parameter characterizing the implicitness of the scheme. The accuracy of the real frequency and damping rate due to the discrete time and spatial schemes is also derived using a perturbative method. The theoretical analysis of numerical error presented here may be useful for the verification of simulations and for providing intuition for the design of new implicit time integration schemes for the ?f method, as well as understanding differences between ?f and full-f approaches to plasma simulation.
Discordance between fetal RhD typing using molecular methods and neonatal typing with serology.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based genotyping on amniotic fluid in an RhD-negative alloimmunized woman predicted an RhD-negative fetal blood type. The neonate was RhD-positive and developed hemolytic disease. Discrepant results were also observed on paternal testing. PCR analysis with a different set of primers correctly predicted the RhD-positive fetal and paternal blood type. Use of more than one set of primers and parental testing can avoid some of the problems associated with use of PCR genotyping.
Patterns of failure in patients receiving definitive and postoperative IMRT for head-and-neck cancer.

Purpose To analyze the patterns of locoregional failure in patients with head-and-neck cancer treated with inverse planning intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Methods and materials Between February 1997 and December 2000, 165 patients with histologically confirmed head-and-neck cancer were treated using a parotid-sparing inverse planning IMRT protocol. Thirty-nine patients who received either palliative repeat irradiation or IMRT as a boost were excluded from this analysis, leaving 126 patients for this analysis. Of the 126 patients, 30 were women and 96 were men (median age 56 years, range 13-84). Fifty-two patients (41%) received definitive IMRT. Of the 52 patients, 17 were treated with RT alone and 35 with concurrent cisplatin-based chemotherapy regimens. Seventy-four patients (59%) received postoperative IMRT. The median follow-up was 26 months (range 12-55). IMRT was used only in the upper neck for salivary sparing. The lower neck was treated with a conventional AP low-neck port abutted to the inferior IMRT dose distribution border. The radiation dose was prescribed to the two clinical target volumes (CTVs) according to the assumed risk of containing disease. The mean dose for definitive IMRT patients was 72.64 +/- 4.83 Gy to CTV1 and 64.34 +/- 5.15 Gy to CTV2. The mean dose to CTV1 and CTV2 in postoperative cases was 68.53 +/- 4.71 Gy and 60.95 +/- 5.33 Gy, respectively. The locations of failure were analyzed. Results Seventeen locoregional failures (persistent or recurrent disease) were found. Of these 17 failures, 9 (53%) were inside CTV1. One failure (6%) was marginal to CTV1 but inside CTV2. One failure (6%) occurred outside CTV1 but inside CTV2. Another failure was marginal to CTV2. Of the 17 failures, 5 (28%) were found outside of the IMRT field and in the lower neck. Dose-volume histogram analysis revealed that for all but 1 patient, the recurrent/persistent disease within the CTVs received comparable or superior dose coverage relative to the CTV. The 2-year actuarial locoregional control rate was 85%, and the ultimate locoregional control rate after surgical salvage was 89%. We observed no dermal failure and only one marginal failure in the region adjacent to the spared parotid glands. Conclusion We have shown that the target definition and coverage for patients treated with IMRT for parotid sparing is adequate. The predominant tumor failure within CTV1 may imply the need to identify patients with radioresistant tumor subvolumes (such as hypoxic regions) within the CTV. This information would assist in discriminating a subgroup of tumors for a more aggressive and target-specific therapeutic approach.
On-chip RF spiral inductors and bandpass filters using active magnetic energy recovery

We present designs to achieve monolithic integration of high-Q spiral inductors and bandpass filters (BPFs) in standard CMOS technology. The designed transformer-type inductor behaves like an ideal inductor due to the active magnetic feedback from the secondary coil for compensating energy loss in the primary coil. This approach is compatible with mainstream IC technologies and has potential to achieve high-Q reactance with low power, low noise and high linearity. The fabricated inductors exhibit Q/spl sim/3000 between 1.5 to 2.1 GHz. The fabricated BPF shows 3 dB bandwidth of 120 MHz at 1.75 GHz with 3.1 dB in-band gain and 30 dB out-of-band rejection below 1.2 GHZ.
RAC GTPases in Tobacco and Arabidopsis Mediate Auxin-Induced Formation of Proteolytically Active Nuclear Protein Bodies That Contain AUX/IAA Proteins

Auxin signaling relies on ubiquitin ligase SCFTIR1-mediated 26S proteasome-dependent proteolysis of a large family of short-lived transcription regulators, auxin/indole acetic acid (Aux/IAA), resulting in the derepression of auxin-responsive genes. We have shown previously that a subset of Rac GTPases is activated by auxin, and they in turn stimulate auxin-responsive gene expression. We show here that increasing Rac signaling activity promotes Aux/IAA degradation, whereas downregulating that activity results in the reduction of auxin-accelerated Aux/IAA proteolysis. Observations reported here reveal a novel function for these Rac GTPases as regulators for ubiquitin/26S proteasome-mediated proteolysis and further consolidate their role in auxin signaling. Moreover, our study reveals a cellular process whereby auxin induces and Rac GTPases mediate the recruitment of nucleoplasmic Aux/IAAs into proteolytically active nuclear protein bodies, into which components of the SCFTIR1, COP9 signalosome, and 26S proteasome are also recruited.
PM Generator Characteristics for Oscillatory Engine Based Portable Power System

An ultra-portable power system driven by a mesoscaled internal combustion swing engine (MICSE) is introduced. The characteristics of a permanent magnet (PM) AC generator operating under oscillatory motion are shown and the velocity profile of the rotor is approximated by a simple mathematical function suitable for use in a FEA simulation. A generator topology is presented and the effects of certain parameters on the output characteristics are noted. The output power of the generator is estimated when connected to a basic 6-bridge diode rectifier circuit and the characteristics of the generator are experimentally validated.
The emergent church and neo-correlational theology after Tillich, Schleiermacher and Browning

What has ‘emerged’ in the ‘emerging church’ movement, through writers such as Brian McLaren, is merely a new form of correlational theology – or what I will term ‘neo-correlational theology’. This ‘emergent’ movement aligns itself with Paul Tillich's systematic presentation of what he termed a ‘theology of culture’ addressed in his 1919 lecture ‘Uber die Idee einer Theologie der Kultur’ and is deeply rooted in theological essentialisms aligned with Friedrich Schleiermacher and Don Browning. While many adherents of the Emergent movement have recently attempted to catalogue its theological legacy, this article will address three key emphases which haunt the corners of its discourse yet remain largely unacknowledged. First, the heritage of Schleiermacher's notion of ‘feeling’ as an authentic categorical form of knowledge forged through radical reflexivity which is the proper domain for authenticity in the Emergent movement. Second, as underscored in Tillich's Theology of Culture , the church as ‘emergent’ is profoundly imminent and therefore necessarily social, positivistic and historical. Third, theological anthropology is understood primarily through our freedom over and (at times) against the necessity of redemption. The question this article will address is whether or not such an approach reimagined as ‘neo-correlational theology’ and actualised through the ‘emerging church’ movement tacitly relies upon a more traditional theology which it explicitly rejects.
Electrophysiologic effects of propafenone on canine ischemic cardiac cells.

Abstract The electrophysiologic effects of propafenone were studied by conventional microelectrode techniques in ischemic myocardial and Purkinje fibers from 1-day-old myocardial infarction in the dog. Propafenone reduced the amplitude and rate of rise of normal myocardial and Purkinje action potentials and had little effect on the resting potential. In the control state, both ischemic myocardial and Purkinje fibers had reduced resting potential, action potential amplitude and upstroke velocity. These fibers were more susceptible to the depressant effects of propafenone than normal fibers. Ischemic myocardial fibers were particularly sensitive to the actions of propafenone that resulted in marked depression of action potential characteristics, with little effect on resting potential. These changes resulted in cycle length-dependent conduction disorders in ischemic epicardial preparations. However, in ischemic endocardial preparations in which triggered activity could be initiated, propafenone reversibly suppressed the triggered activity. Termination of the triggered activity was preceded by slowing of the rate, which was attributed to a decrease in the rate of rise of the delayed afterdepolarizations. This activity terminated when the delayed afterdepolarization failed to attain threshold potential. This study suggests that propafenone has a membraneanesthetic effect, with the abnormal fast channel in ischemic cells being more sensitive; propafenone depresses delayed afterdepolarizations in ischemic Purkinje fibers; and the actions of propafenone could result in an antiarrhythmic effect in vivo on both reentrant ventricular rhythms in ischemic myocardium and triggered rhythms in ischemic Purkinje fibers.
Regularization: A stable and accurate method for generating depth profiles from angle‐dependent XPS data

An algorithm for generating depth profiles from angle-dependent XPS data has been developed. The algorithm uses the regularization method with non-negativity constraints. Four criteria for determining the optimal amount of solution smoothing have been investigated. A criterion that uses the least-squared error in the regenerated data set proved most effective for selecting the optimal smoothing. Simulated data for a two-layer sample were used to investigate the effects of the number of data points, where each data point consisted of the spectra acquired at a take-off angle. Simulated data were also used to investigate the effect of random error on the calculated depth profiles. Increasing the number of data points improved the resolution at the interface. Greater than 10% error could be added to the data without affecting the stability of the algorithm. The algorithm has also been tested on actual angle-dependent XPS data sets from a thin polyurethane film on gold, a thin silicon oxide film on silicon, and a thick polyetherurethane film on glass. Performance of the regularization algorithm has been compared to an algorithm that uses a singular value decomposition of angle-dependent XPS data to generate depth profiles. The regularization algorithm demonstrates significantly improved stability and accuracy with roughly equal computational difficulty. Using the regularization algorithm, a quantitative estimate of the depth profile in the upper 100 A region of a sample can be calculated using data with > 10% error and using as few as three data points.
Efficient Distance Computation Using SQL Queries and UDFs

Distance computation is one of the most computationally intensive operations employed by many data mining algorithms. Performing such matrix computations within a DBMS creates many optimization challenges. We propose techniques to efficiently compute Euclidean distance using SQL queries and user-defined functions (UDFs). We concentrate on efficient Euclidean distance computation for the well-known K-means clustering algorithm. We present SQL query optimizations and a scalar UDF to compute Euclidean distance. We experimentally evaluate performance and scalability of our proposed SQL queries and UDF with large data sets on a modern DBMS. We benchmark distance computation on two important data mining techniques: clustering and classification. In general, UDFs are faster than SQL queries because they are executed in main memory. Data set size is the main factor impacting performance, followed by data set dimensionality.
Hiding the tobacco power wall reduces cigarette smoking risk in adolescents: using an experimental convenience store to assess tobacco regulatory options at retail point-of-sale

Objectives This experiment tested whether changing the location or visibility of the tobacco power wall in a life sized replica of a convenience store had any effect on adolescents’ susceptibility to future cigarette smoking. Methods The study was conducted in the RAND StoreLab (RSL), a life sized replica of a convenience store that was developed to experimentally evaluate how changing aspects of tobacco advertising displays in retail point-of-sale environments influences tobacco use risk and behaviour. A randomised, between-subjects experimental design with three conditions that varied the location or visibility of the tobacco power wall within the RSL was used. The conditions were: cashier (the tobacco power wall was located in its typical position behind the cash register counter); sidewall (the tobacco power wall was located on a sidewall away from the cash register); or hidden (the tobacco power wall was located behind the cashier but was hidden behind an opaque wall). The sample included 241 adolescents. Results Hiding the tobacco power wall significantly reduced adolescents’ susceptibility to future cigarette smoking compared to leaving it exposed (ie, the cashier condition; p=0.02). Locating the tobacco power wall on a sidewall away from the cashier had no effect on future cigarette smoking susceptibility compared to the cashier condition (p=0.80). Conclusions Hiding the tobacco power wall at retail point-of-sale locations is a strong regulatory option for reducing the impact of the retail environment on cigarette smoking risk in adolescents.
Computer simulations of thermal tissue remodeling during transvaginal and transurethral laser treatment of female stress urinary incontinence.

Background and Objectives A non-surgical method is being developed for treating female stress urinary incontinence by laser thermal remodeling of subsurface tissues with applied surface tissue cooling. Computer simulations of light transport, heat transfer, and thermal damage in tissue were performed, comparing transvaginal and transurethral approaches. Study Design/Materials and Methods Monte Carlo (MC) simulations provided spatial distributions of absorbed photons in the tissue layers (vaginal wall, endopelvic fascia, and urethral wall). Optical properties (n,μa,μs,g) were assigned to each tissue at λ = 1064 nm. A 5-mm-diameter laser beam and incident power of 5 W for 15 seconds was used, based on previous experiments. MC output was converted into absorbed energy, serving as input for finite element heat transfer simulations of tissue temperatures over time. Convective heat transfer was simulated with contact probe cooling temperature set at 0°C. Variables used for thermal simulations (κ,c,ρ) were assigned to each tissue layer. MATLAB code was used for Arrhenius integral thermal damage calculations. A temperature matrix was constructed from ANSYS output, and finite sum was incorporated to approximate Arrhenius integral calculations. Tissue damage properties (Ea,A) were used to compute Arrhenius sums. Results For the transvaginal approach, 37% of energy was absorbed in the endopelvic fascia target layer with 0.8% deposited beyond it. Peak temperature was 71°C, the treatment zone was 0.8-mm-diameter, and 2.4 mm of the 2.7-mm-thick vaginal wall was preserved. For transurethral approach, 18% energy was absorbed in endopelvic fascia with 0.3% deposited beyond the layer. Peak temperature was 80°C, treatment zone was 2.0-mm-diameter, and 0.6 mm of 2.4-mm-thick urethral wall was preserved. Conclusions Computer simulations suggest that transvaginal approach is more feasible than transurethral approach. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biomaterials Applications in Medicine and Case Studies

Discussion of anatomy and physiology and materials properties has set the stage for an exploration of the ways materials are used to construct biomedical devices.
A proposal for a quantitative model of "Mura" level of LCDs on the basis of human senses

The purpose of this study was to quantify the degree of “Mura”, which is the luminance non-uniformity of an LCD, from the human-factors point of view. A subjective evaluation was carried out to obtain the JND (just-noticeable-difference) and Distinct levels of Mura. Thirty-one kinds of Mura with circle and rectangle shapes were simulated on a TFT/LCD display for evaluation by subjects. The result indicated that both JND and Distinct levels of Mura is influenced most by the area of Mura. The larger the Mura, the more easily it is detected and becomes annoying. The degree to which is annoying Mura was found to be expressed as a function of area and the contrast of the region of Mura. A new unit, “JND” that indicates the degree to which Mura is annoying, had thus been created; 1.0 JND corresponds to the limit for Mura being noticeable and 3.0 JND is the boundary of the Distinct level. The outcome of this study has already been applied in manufacturing processes and this has been effective.
Life-Cycle Cost Analysis of Bridges and Tunnels

This paper presents an analysis of life cycle costs for four bridges and two tunnels constructed and operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Cost components include the initial cost, repair and rehabilitation costs, and annual maintenance costs. Results show that the maintenance and rehabilitation costs, as a percentage of the initial cost, are reasonably similar for both bridges and tunnels for perhaps the first 65 years of their service life, after which these costs increase significantly for bridges. However, based on cost per square foot and cost per traffic lane, the opposite is clearly true. Only time and detailed cost records for ensuing years will reveal how the two types of structure compare over their entire service lives.
Self-Assessments: What Are Their Valid Uses?

A major contribution of the article, "Self Assess ment of Knowledge: A Cognitive Learning or Af fective Measure?," is that it provides empirical evidence supporting something that many fac ulty members have already anecdotally ob served through classroom instruction. Student self-assessments or student self-reports on learn ing outcomes are only moderate predictors of cog nitive learning. Cognitive learning refers to the direct measurement of factual or skill-based knowledge. Furthermore, although not measured by Sitzmann et al. but well referenced is that weaker students are more likely to over-predict their abilities. From an instructional and research perspective, this indicates that when used in iso lation self-assessments provide limited informa tion with respect to cognitive learning. Self-assessments are found in Sitzmann, Ely, Brown, and Bauer's study to be strong predictors of learners' motivations and satisfaction and a moderate predictor of self-efficacy. The authors' operational definition for each term is as follows: Satisfaction is measured through learners' re ported reactions to the learning experience and is reported under the variable name "reactions." Motivation is measured through the extent to which learners strive to use the knowledge they have acquired. Self-assessments are also found to be moderately correlated with self-efficacy, or the learners' confidence in performing the trained learning task. In this investigation, self assessments were found to be better predictors of the affective measures of reactions and motivations than of cognitive learning or self-efficacy. To many college professors, these results with respect to cognitive learning will be "intuitively obvious" (borrowing terminology from mathe matics). However, as the readers progress, they will learn that approximately one third of the authors of the reviewed articles treated self assessment as a measure of cognitive learning. I could not help but think to myself, "Yes, of course." Even as we agree with the conclusions (self-assessment is not a strong predictor of cog nitive learning), we can readily think of articles that argue the strength of their approach to im proving student learning, based solely on self report, and many of these articles have been peer reviewed and published. What is obvious in the classroom is not obvious in the research. Almost
Abstract IA26: Role of ARID1A in SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling and ovarian cancer.

ARID1A has emerged as the most frequently mutated chromatin remodeling protein in cancer and as a major tumor suppressor in endometriosis-associated cancers arising from the coelomic epithelium of the female reproductive tract. We have developed and characterized Arid1a conditional (floxed) and hypomorphic (valine-to-glycine substitution or V1068G) mutant mouse alleles. Mutant ARID1AV1068G is stably expressed and capable of assembling into a SWI/SNF complex with core catalytic properties, but nucleosome binding and promoter occupancy by ARID1A-containing SWI/SNF complexes (BAF-A) are reduced. Lowly penetrant hyperplastic outgrowths are observed within the oviducts of aged, hypomorphic Arid1aV1068G/+ females, but no tumors have been detected. Conversely, conditional inactivation of ARID1A in the ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) via intrabursal Adenovirus-CRE injection is not sufficient for tumor formation, but requires concurrent activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase catalytic subunit, PIK3CA. Remarkably, mouse ovarian tumor cells carrying the ARID1A-PIK3CA mutational pattern are genomically stable, chemoresistant and dependent on cell autonomous Interleukin 6 (IL-6) signaling pathway for continued growth and survival. We have further shown that concurrent ARID1A loss and PIK3CA activation leads to an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transformation phenotype in isolated OSE cells. Our data highlight potential gene dose-dependent differences in ARID1A tumor suppressor activity in coelomic epithelial cell derivatives and suggest that many key features of ovarian tumorigenesis are conferred by the ARID1A-PIK3CA mutational pattern. Hence, our efforts to parse the tumor suppressor roles of ARID1A-containing SWI/SNF complexes in endometriosis-associated gynecologic cancers should extend to the Mullerian-derived ductal epithelium and include activating phosphoinositide 3-kinase mutations. Citation Format: Ronald L. Chandler, Jesse Raab, Terry Magnuson. Role of ARID1A in SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling and ovarian cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research: Exploiting Vulnerabilities; Oct 17-20, 2015; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2016;22(2 Suppl):Abstract nr IA26.
Chromatin dysregulation by mutant p53

The TP53 gene, which encodes a DNA sequence-dependent transcriptional regulator, is arguably the most frequently mutated gene in human cancer. Whereas wild-type p53 is restricted to its cognate DNA binding sites, mutant p53 (via mutation in the DNA binding domain) is no longer constrained to specific genomic sites. Mutant p53 proteins therefore cannot effectively mediate wild-type p53 tumor suppressive transcriptional programs, thereby enabling permissive tumor growth. Nevertheless, missense mutant forms of p53 can promiscuously alter the transcriptome of the cells they inhabit through association with transcription factors and other chromatin regulators. A global mechanism that could explain mutant p53- dependent gene expression changes would be a useful step in elucidating mutant p53 gain of oncogenic function.
Specificity of carbohydrate transport in Trypanosoma equiperdum.

Trypanosoma equiperdum was found to take up glucose, mannose, fructose and glycerol but not galactose. Data with inhibitors suggested that the absorption of these compounds occurred by mediated processes. The inhibitory activity of various compounds indicated that three separate sites were involved in transport, two for glycerol and one for the hexoses.
High resolution Kelvin force microscopy

Kelvin Force Microscopy (KFM) is a very powerful tool for mapping of surface charges, surface potentials, and doping profiles. [1] This technique is implemented in amplitude modulation and frequency modulation Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) modes. [2] In many applications surface electric properties are measured with two-pass technique in which a “spill over” of topographic response to the probe motion is reduced by lifting the probe over a sample surface during detection of electric signals. Such approach has also severe limitations in sensitivity and lateral resolution due to a remote probe position during the lift scan. A separation of topographic and electrostatic responses is also possible by operating topography and electric-response servo loops at different frequencies that enable single-pass KFM with simultaneous studies of sample topography and surface potential. The latter is measured by voltage applied to the probe that nullifies its electrostatic interaction with a sample.
Referral Patterns as a Contextual Variable in Pediatric Brain Injury: A Retrospective Analysis

Purpose Access to speech-language pathology (SLP) services is a critical variable in the rehabilitation of pediatric brain injury. In this study, we examined patterns of SLP referral and factors af...
Wrist Hemiarthroplasty Combined with Proximal Row Carpectomy

Individuals with advanced lunate collapse due to Kienbock’s disease and associated arthritis who also have physically demanding lifestyles are often not considered appropriate for total wrist arthroplasty (TWA) due to a higher risk for implant loosening, particularly of the distal component. Wrist hemiarthroplasty combined with a proximal row carpectomy (PRC) has shown promising early clinical results in select patients with arthritis for whom there are very limited options. Based on these results, active patients with advanced arthritis of the wrist caused by Kienbock’s disease may be candidates for this procedure, particularly those with distal radius or capitate articular degeneration who are not appropriate for other motion preserving procedures.
Inhibitory antibodies against factor VIII C1 domain.

In this issue of Blood , [Batsuli et al][1] demonstrate that pathogenic antibodies against the factor VIII (fVIII) C1 domain are more common than previously appreciated and that they can cause bleeding through a novel mechanism.[1][2] ![Figure][3] Influence of anti-C1 domain antibodies on
Practical estimation of detectability maps for assessment of CT scanner performance

We propose an experimental methodology that facilitates practical assessment of low-contrast detectability maps in real CT images. Specifically, we explain how one may efficiently estimate the area under the ROC curve for a channelized Hotelling observer applied to signal-known-exactly/background-known-exactly lesion detection tasks at multiple points in the imaging field-of-view. Our approach builds on earlier work in which we demonstrated that accurate prior knowledge of channel means may be used to gain a large decrease in the statistical variability of estimated results. Our new procedure is illustrated with detectability maps computed from real CT images of a thorax phantom. These maps provide image quality information that may be regarded as more general than conventional NEQ evaluations.
A Methodology to Evaluate Ecological Resources and Risk Using Two Case Studies at the Department of Energy's Hanford Site.

An assessment of the potential risks to ecological resources from remediation activities or other perturbations should involve a quantitative evaluation of resources on the remediation site and in the surrounding environment. We developed a risk methodology to rapidly evaluate potential impact on ecological resources for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hanford Site in southcentral Washington State. We describe the application of the risk evaluation for two case studies to illustrate its applicability. The ecological assessment involves examining previous sources of information for the site, defining different resource levels from 0 to 5. We also developed a risk rating scale from non-discernable to very high. Field assessment is the critical step to determine resource levels or to determine if current conditions are the same as previously evaluated. We provide a rapid assessment method for current ecological conditions that can be compared to previous site-specific data, or that can be used to assess resource value on other sites where ecological information is not generally available. The method is applicable to other Department of Energy’s sites, where its development may involve a range of state regulators, resource trustees, Tribes and other stakeholders. Achieving consistency across Department of Energy’s sites for valuation of ecological resources on remediation sites will assure Congress and the public that funds and personnel are being deployed appropriately.
Impact thromboelastometry (ITEM) for point-of-injury detection of trauma-induced coagulopathy: a pilot study

Background Acute coagulopathy of trauma is associated with high mortality and extensive use of blood products. Hemostatic resuscitation, the early administration of blood products with higher ratios of procoagulant components, may improve trauma outcomes in select cases, but can also worsen outcome if inappropriately used. Evolving approaches to hemostatic resuscitation utilize viscoelastic tests to provide a more rational basis for choosing blood component therapy regimens, but these tests are logistically rigorous. We hypothesized that coagulopathy could be detected by the failure of blood clots to remain intact when subjected to a predefined impact force. Methods We aim to develop a point-of-injury test for coagulopathy. We created coagulopathic blood using an ex vivo normal saline (NS) dilution model and allowed blood of varying dilutions to clot, then examined the behavior of the clotted blood when subjected to a uniform gravitationally induced sheer force. Results Clots created from coagulopatic blood (diluted to ≤50% with NS) failed under gravitational challenge at a significantly higher rate than non-coagulopathic blood dilutions. Discussion Impact thromboelastometry (ITEM) represents a simple, logistically lean method for detecting dilutional coagulopathy that may facilitate detection of trauma-induced coagulopathy. ITEM may thus function as a point-of-injury or point-of-care screening test for the presence of coagulopathy. Level of evidence Diagnostic studies, Level IV.
Stabilization of ultrathin (hydroxy)oxide films on transition metal substrates for electrochemical energy conversion

Design of cost-effective electrocatalysts with enhanced stability and activity is of paramount importance for the next generation of energy conversion systems, including fuel cells and electrolysers. However, electrocatalytic materials generally improve one of these properties at the expense of the other. Here, using density functional theory calculations and electrochemical surface science measurements, we explore atomic-level features of ultrathin (hydroxy)oxide films on transition metal substrates and demonstrate that these films exhibit both excellent stability and activity for electrocatalytic applications. The films adopt structures with stabilities that significantly exceed bulk Pourbaix limits, including stoichiometries not found in bulk and properties that are tunable by controlling voltage, film composition, and substrate identity. Using nickel (hydroxy)oxide/Pt(111) as an example, we further show how the films enhance activity for hydrogen evolution through a bifunctional effect. The results suggest design principles for this class of electrocatalysts with simultaneously enhanced stability and activity for energy conversion. Development of electrocatalysts with high stability and activity is a critical challenge. Here, the authors combine simulations with in situ experiments to identify principles underlying simultaneously enhanced stability and activity of ultrathin (hydroxy)oxide films on transition metal substrates.
The Werk That Remains: Drag and the Mining of the Idealized Female Form

RuPaul’s Drag Race (RPDR) has been praised for bringing drag out of the shadows of underground gay subculture to mainstream reality TV audiences. The show is said to have challenged not only heteronormativity but gender normativity as well. It, however, has not escaped criticism. This essay examines RPDR and the many ways in which the show reinforces cultural norms associated not only with race and ethnicity but also with the body. Despite statements by RuPaul Charles, during the show, in many ways, cultural norms of body size remain largely unchallenged, although queering of gender and sexuality is celebrated. Using analysis that spans all seven seasons of the show, and certain episodes of its spin-off RuPaul’s Drag U, we highlight the heteronormativity implied in the sizism presented. We show that even in a space dedicated to queering gender norms, the idealized female form is still the aspirational goal for judges and contestants alike.
Assisted Reproductive Technology: Clinical Aspects

Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are all fertility treatments that include the handling of oocytes and sperm and/or embryos. Historically, ART has included procedures such as gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) and zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT), although these procedures are rarely performed today. In vitro fertilization (IVF), which involves harvesting oocytes and combining them with sperm in a laboratory setting, growing the embryos and transferring them directly into the uterus under ultrasound guidance, is the mainstay of current ART treatments. Far-reaching advances in clinical and laboratory techniques have been made since 1978, when the first IVF baby was born in England. Today, ART procedures are responsible for over 1% of all children born in the USA each year. The process of IVF is a highly coordinated, time-intensive process that involves weeks of preparation. The existing IVF protocols take advantage of preventing ovulation in the face of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. Special considerations include how to fertilize the oocytes (intracytoplasmic sperm injection or conventional insemination) and whether to perform preimplantation genetic testing on the embryos. Many controversies exist, as technological advances push the boundaries of current practice. IVF, which was originally designed to treat infertility, now offers the possibility to screen embryos for specific genetic mutations, hence allowing a family to have a child without a heritable genetic condition. In addition, screening for aneuploidy is becoming increasingly more common. In this way, IVF is raising new questions about human genetics, and it will continue to challenge our ethical frameworks.
AKI in Multiple Myeloma: Paraproteins, Metabolic Disturbances, and Drug Toxicity:

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication of multiple myeloma and is due predominantly to paraprotein-mediated nephrotoxicity. AKI occurs in myeloma patients due to a number of causes, i...
Collective Action Problem in Heterogeneous Groups with Punishment and Foresight

The collective action problem can easily undermine cooperation in groups. Recent work has shown that within-group heterogeneity can under some conditions promote voluntary provisioning of collective goods. Here we generalize this work for the case when individuals can not only contribute to the production of collective goods, but also punish free-riders. To do this, we extend the standard theory by allowing individuals to have limited foresight so they can anticipate actions of their group-mates. For humans, this is a realistic assumption because we possess a “theory of mind”. We use agent-based simulations to study collective actions that aim to overcome challenges from nature or win competition with neighboring groups. We contrast the dynamics of collective action in egalitarian and hierarchical groups. We show that foresight allows groups to overcome both the first- and second-order free-rider problems. While foresight increases cooperation, it does not necessarily result in higher payoffs. We show that while between-group conflicts promotes within-group cooperation, the effects of cultural group selection on cooperation are relatively small. Our models predict the emergence of a division of labor in which more powerful individuals specialize in punishment while less powerful individuals mostly contribute to the production of collective goods.
Utilization of intensity modulated radiation therapy for anal cancer in the United States.

Background: Chemoradiotherapy for anal cancer (AC) can incur substantial treatment-related toxicities. Whereas radiotherapy (RT) for AC has historically been delivered with two- or three-dimensional conformal RT (2D/3DCRT) techniques, intensity-modulated RT (IMRT) is associated with improved target conformality and lower doses to organs-at-risk (OARs). This is the first investigation to date evaluating trends of IMRT utilization in the United States. Methods: The National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) was queried [2004–2015] for AC patients receiving definitive chemoradiotherapy with a defined RT technique (3DCRT versus IMRT). Following analysis based on temporal trends, multivariate logistic regression determined factors associated with receipt of IMRT. Secondarily, Kaplan-Meier analysis compared OS between the 3DCRT and IMRT groups, and Cox proportional hazards modeling determined variables associated with OS. Results: Altogether, 11,396 patients met study criteria; 1,288 (11%) were treated with 3DCRT and 10,108 (89%) with IMRT. Temporally, utilization of IMRT rose significantly, from 28% in 2004 to 96% in 2015, corresponding with a progressive decrease in 3DCRT usage. IMRT was more likely delivered in node-positive disease, at academic centers, and in southern/western regions (P Conclusions: Based on findings from this large, contemporary dataset, IMRT is now the most widely utilized RT technique for AC, and 3DCRT is used in a very small minority of patients. IMRT utilization is impacted by multiple characteristics, such as disease- and regional-related factors. These observations have implications for payers and insurance coverage; improved survival at academic centers has ramifications for patient counseling.
Advances in radiation therapy for thoracic malignancies.

This special issue of Journal of Thoracic Disease ( JTD ) is a focused review of advances in radiation oncology for thoracic malignancies. The issue covers advances in technology relevant to the practice of radiation oncology in the modern era, as well as the most current treatment approaches for early-stage, advanced, recurrent and oligometastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), while recognizing the importance of tumor biology, radiation fractionation, immunotherapy, and functional imaging in the modern treatment of NSCLC. The issue ends with reviews of current data and treatment approaches for small cell lung cancer (SCLC), thymic malignancies, and malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Multi-location Influence Maximization in Location-Based Social Networks.

With the development of location-based social networks (LBSNs), location property has been gradually integrated into the influence maximization problem, the key point of which is to bring the users in social networks (online phase) to the product locations for consuming in the real world (offline phase). However, the existing studies considered that a company dependent on the viral marketing only has a product location in the real world and could not suit the situation that there is more than one product location. In this paper, first, we propose a new propagation model, called multiple factors propagation (MFP) model which can work in the situation that there are multiple product locations in the real world. Meanwhile, the definition of multi-location influence maximization (MLIM) problem is presented. Then, we design a hybrid index structure to improve the search efficiency of offline phase, called hybrid inverted R-tree (HIR-tree). Furthermore, we propose the enhanced greedy algorithm for solving MLIM problem. Finally, we conduct a set of experiments to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of enhanced greedy algorithm.
Review of diffuse cortical injury on diffusion-weighted imaging in acutely encephalopathic patients with an acronym: “CRUMPLED”

Abstract Purpose Acute encephalopathic syndromes can present a diagnostic challenge due to the wide range of possible etiologies, which also can have vastly different outcomes. The presence of diffuse cortical injury (DCI) on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) can help narrow the differential diagnosis. The aim of this review is to categorize the range of possible etiologies of DCI into a useful acronym, "CRUMPLED". Methods A review of the PACS system was completed to find a characteristic example of patients with DCI on DWI from different etiologies. The diagnosis was confirmed for each example via a subsequent review of the electronic medical record used to assess for data such as biopsy results, laboratory values, and clinical correlation. The electronic exhibit intends to demonstrate several sample cases of each letter within the acronym, and to demonstrate which types of DCI are potentially reversible or irreversible. Findings/Discussion The possible etiologies of DCI on DWI can be organized using the acronym "CRUMPLED": 'C' = Creutzfeldt-jakob disease, 'R' = reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome; 'U' = urea cycle disorders (hyperammonemia) and Uremia; 'M' = mitochondrial (cytopathy/encephalopathy); 'P' = prolonged seizure and posterior reversible encephalopathy (PRES); 'L' = laminar necrosis (hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy) and liver disease (acute hepatic encephalopathy); 'E' = encephalitis (infectious meningoencephalitis); 'D' = diabetes mellitus (hypoglycemia). Other secondary imaging findings (outside of DWI) can be used to help differentiate between the aforementioned etiologies, such as the use of ADC maps, FLAIR imaging, intravenous contrast. Conclusion "CRUMPLED" is proposed as a convenient acronym for the categorization of a diverse range of acute etiologies associated with DCI on DWI, arising from varying degrees of cytotoxic edema. These etiologies can range from being potentially reversible (e.g. hyperammonemia or prolonged seizures) to irreversible (e.g. hypoxic-ischemic injury).
Resection of Meningiomas Involving Major Dural Venous Sinuses: Classification, Technique, and Long-Term Results.

Objective Management of meningiomas with major dural venous sinus involvement is challenging. We present our case series and perspective on reconstruction of the sinuses. Methods Fifty-five patients underwent operations between 2005 and 2016 and the retrospective data were collected and analyzed. Results The cohort was younger with a mean of 51.3 years (range, 19–72 years) predominantly involving the superior sagittal sinus (44 patients). Sinus involvement was classified into group 1 ( Conclusions These meningiomas present in a younger population, are more likely to be World Health Organization grade II or III, necessitating a more aggressive tumor resection strategy. Aggressive resection coupled with sinus reconstruction results in good long-term surgical outcome and low recurrence rates.
Yttrium-90 Radioembolization Is Cost Effective in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: A SEER Medicare Population Study.

Abstract Purpose To analyze the cost-effectiveness of radioembolization in the treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Medicare cancer database. Materials and Methods Cost as measured by total treatment-related reimbursement in patients diagnosed with ICC who received chemotherapy alone or chemotherapy and yttrium-90 radioembolization was assessed in the SEER Medicare cancer database (1999–2012). Survival analysis was performed, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were generated. Results The study included 585 patients. Average age at diagnosis was 71 years (standard deviation: 9.9), and 52% of patients were male. Twelve percent of patients received chemotherapy with radioembolization (n = 72), and 88% of patients (n = 513) received only chemotherapy. Median survival was 1043 days (95% confidence interval [CI]: 894–1244) for chemotherapy plus radioembolization and 811 days (95% CI: 705–925) for chemotherapy alone (P = .02). Patients who received combination therapy were slightly younger (71 vs 69 years, P = .03). No significant differences were observed between treatment groups in age at treatment, sex, race, or city size. Multivariable analysis showed a hazard ratio for progression for combination therapy versus chemotherapy alone of 0.76 (95% CI: 0.59–0.97, P = .029). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, a measure of cost of each added year of life, was $50,058.65 per year (quartiles: $11,454.63, $52,763.28). Conclusions Combination therapy of ICC with chemotherapy and radioembolization is associated with higher median survival and can be a cost-effective treatment, with a median cost of $50,058.65 per additional year of survival.
On correlated measurements in the transient thermochromic liquid crystals technique with multiple indicators

Abstract This work demonstrates that it is possible, and with relative ease, to determine unique characteristic temperatures for the red & green light intensity signals of a narrowband thermochromic liquid crystal mixture. It is proposed to utilize additional indicators in future transient thermochromic liquid crystals measurements to increase data throughput, improve robustness, and reduce uncertainty in the calculated heat transfer coefficient. Potential algorithmic implementations for a multi-color technique are discussed. Optimum conditions for minimizing the uncertainty in the calculated heat transfer coefficient are discussed and compared to that of the traditional single-color technique. The multi-color technique is also extendable to multi-band techniques.