cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extracellularly activatable nanocarriers for drug delivery to tumors.

Introduction: Nanoparticles (NPs) for drug delivery to tumors need to satisfy two seemingly conflicting requirements: they should maintain physical and chemical stability during circulation and be able to interact with target cells and release the drug at desired locations with no substantial delay. The unique microenvironment of tumors and externally applied stimuli provide a useful means to maintain a balance between the two requirements.Areas covered: We discuss nanoparticulate drug carriers that maintain stable structures in normal conditions but respond to stimuli for the spatiotemporal control of drug delivery. We first define the desired effects of extracellular activation of NPs and frequently used stimuli and then review the examples of extracellularly activated NPs.Expert opinion: Several challenges remain in developing extracellularly activatable NPs. First, some of the stimuli-responsive NPs undergo incremental changes in response to stimuli, losing circulation stability. Second, the applicabi...
An Implementation Technique for Walsh Functions

A technique is presented for the generation of any finite set of Walsh functions in both serial and parallel form. It uses a straightforward constructive definition of these functions. In order to simultaneously generate the first 2nfunctions, [(22n-1)/3] storage devices and (2n+2-5) logic gates are required.
A numerical implementation of MHD in divergence form

Shock computations are presently undertaken by a numerical implementation of fully relativistic MHD in divergence form, as illustrated by pseudospectral-method computations for the coplanar Riemann MHD problem. Compound waves are noted to persist in relativistic MHD. Attention is given to two limiting cases: (1) where the velocities become nonrelativistic, and (2) where the longitudinal magnetic field becomes zero. Comparisons are made with results for both the singular case of zero longitudinal magnetic field, and nonrelativistic MHD.
Inactivation of Phospholipase D Diminishes Acinetobacter baumannii Pathogenesis

Acinetobacter baumannii is an emerging bacterial pathogen of considerable health care concern. Nonetheless, relatively little is known about the organism's virulence factors or their regulatory networks. Septicemia and ventilator-associated pneumonia are two of the more severe forms of A. baumannii disease. To identify virulence factors that may contribute to these disease processes, genetically diverse A. baumannii clinical isolates were evaluated for the ability to proliferate in human serum. A transposon mutant library was created in a strain background that propagated well in serum and screened for members with decreased serum growth. The results revealed that disruption of A. baumannii phospholipase D (PLD) caused a reduction in the organism's ability to thrive in serum, a deficiency in epithelial cell invasion, and diminished pathogenesis in a murine model of pneumonia. Collectively, these results suggest that PLD is an A. baumannii virulence factor.
Design and implementation of a multifrequency near-infrared diffuse optical tomography system

The design and implementation of a multifrequency and multispectral diffuse optical tomography system is described. Four wavelengths are utilized: 665, 785, 808, and 830 nm. The system is based on a network analyzer, which provides rf modulation signals for the laser diodes, as well as measures the amplitude and the phase of the detected signals. Six different modulation frequencies ranging from 110 to 280 MHz are used. The details of instrumentation, calibration, data acquisition, and performance of the system are given. A finite element algorithm is used to solve the diffusion equation, and an inverse solver based on this forward solver is implemented to calculate the absorption and scattering maps from the acquired data. Data acquisition for one wavelength is completed in less than 2.5 min for a single modulation frequency. The measurement repeatability is 0.5% in ac intensity and 0.2 deg in phase. The performance of the system is evaluated with phantom studies. A multifrequency reconstruction algorithm is used, in which a single absorption and scattering image pair is obtained using the whole dataset obtained at different modulation frequencies. It is shown that the multifrequency reconstruction approach provides superior image quality compared to the single frequency counterpart.
Cell-Mediated Immune Responses of Preleukemic AKR Mice.

Splenic lymphocytes from preleukemic AKR mice are capable of participating in various cell-mediated immune responses. Spleen cells from AKR mice aged 1 to 10 months produced a significant graft-versus-host reaction when injected into 8-day-old AKR × C57Bl/6 F1 hybrids. Splenic lymphocytes from similarly aged mice were also capable of responding to allogenic stimulation in a mixed lymphocyte reaction. AKR mice aged 1 to 10 months developed a contact sensitivity response to picryl chloride. It was concluded that mice of this high-leukemic strain have a competent cell-mediated immune system and there is no depression of immunity during the preleukemic period.
Forced expression of AML1-AMP19, a fusion transcript generated from a radiation-associated t(19;21) leukemia, blocks myeloid differentiation.

Abstract We isolated and characterized a novel AML1 (also termed Runx1) fusion transcript from a radiation-associated acute myeloid leukemia with a t(19;21). This fusion transcript, termed AML1–AMPl9, was joined out of frame, resulting in a truncated AML1 protein that inhibits activation of AML1 target promoters. It is now becoming clear that truncations of AMLl are more common in leukemia than previously thought. To analyze the effect of truncated AML1 species on myeloid differentiation and proliferation, AML1–AMPl9 was retrovirally transduced into the IL-3-dependent 32D cells. 32D cells over-expressing AML1–AMPl9 failed to differentiate normally when stimulated with G-CSF, but continued to proliferate and maintained a primitive phenotype. However, AML1–AMPl9 did not transform the cells to cytokine independence, implying that for full transformation of a myeloid progenitor by truncated AML1 another genetic lesion is required.
Nonlinear Approximation in Finite-Dimensional Spaces

Nonlinear approximation is utilized in many numerical algorithms. In this paper, we shall consider certain problems of nonlinear approximation which arise in image processing. This includes approximation using m terms from a dictionary of functions and greedy algorithms for approximation from such a dictionary. Let X be a Banach space and let ⊂ X be a subset of X whose linear span is dense in X. We shall call such a set a dictionary. Let 6m( ) be the set of all functions g ∈ X such that g is a linear combination of at most m elements of . For f ∈ X, we introduce the error of m-term approximation,
Interleaved current doublers with parallel connected transformers' primary and secondary sides

Interleaving method for isolated topologies is presented in this paper, in which the secondary-side switches operate at lower switching frequency than the primary side switches to improve efficiency and transient response. Moreover, in the presented interleaving method, both primary and secondary sides of the isolation transformers are connected in parallel, allowing sharing of currents at both primary and secondary sides. Theoretical analysis, simulation and experimental results are presented to verify the proposed topology and control method. It is expected that this topology will be a good competitor for low-voltage high-current Point-Of-Load (POL) DC-DC converter applications in present and future generation of ICs for communication systems and microprocessors.
Predictive validity of the ASAM Patient Placement Criteria for hospital utilization.

We tested the validity of the ASAM Patient Placement Criteria (PPC) using the first complete and reliable computerized implementation of these criteria. Adult U.S. veterans (N = 95) seeking substance abuse treatment were blindly assessed for level of care need according to the PPC but were naturalistically assigned by counselors to residential rehabilitation (Level III) without knowledge of the PPC recommendation. Analyses compared subjects across three levels of recommended care, based on the algorithm, for utilization outcomes of VA hospital admissions and bed days of care. Subjects who were mismatched to lesser level of care than recommended utilized nearly twice as many hospital bed-days over the subsequent year (F (2;92) = 3.88; p < .05); this was unrelated to differential pre-assessment chronicity. The computerized algorithm is a promising new tool for facilitating field trials of the validity of the ASAM Criteria. A comprehensive implementation is an important methodologic requirement. These preliminary results support predictive validity for the ASAM Criteria, in that mismatching may be associated with excessive hospital utilization.
Microfabricated preconcentrator-focuser for a microscale gas chromatograph

The design, fabrication, and testing of a preconcentrator-focuser (PCF), consisting of a thick micromachined Si heater packed with a small quantity of a granular adsorbent material are described. The PCF is developed to capture and concentrate vapors for subsequent focused thermal desorption and analysis in a micro gas chromatograph. The microheater contains an array of high-aspect-ratio, etched-Si heating elements, 520 /spl mu/m (h)/spl times/50 /spl mu/m (w)/spl times/3000 /spl mu/m (l), bounded by an annulus of Si and thermally isolated from the remaining substrate by an air gap. This structure is sandwiched between Pyrex glass plates with inlet/outlet ports that accept capillary tubes for sample flow and is sealed by anodic bonding (bottom) and rapidly annealed glass/metal/Si solder bonding (top). The large microheater surface area allows for high adsorption capacity and efficient, uniform thermal desorption of vapors captured on the adsorbent within the structure. The adsorbent consists of roughly spherical granules, /spl sim/200 /spl mu/m in diameter, of a high-surface-area, graphitized carbon. Key design considerations, fabrication technologies, and results of performance tests are presented with an emphasis on the thermal desorption characteristics of several representative volatile organic compounds as a function of volumetric flow rates and heating rates. Preconcentration factors as high as 5600 and desorbed peak widths as narrow as 0.8 s are achieved from 0.25-L samples of benzene at modest heating rates. The effects of operating variables on sensitivity, chromatographic resolution, and detection limits are assessed. Testing of this PCF with a micromachined separation column and integrated sensor array is discussed briefly.
Invasive Aspergillosis: Epidemiology, Clinical Aspects, and Treatment.

Invasive aspergillosis remains an often fatal, difficult-to treat infection in immunocompromised patients. Patients not classically defined as immunocompromised, especially those in an intensive care unit setting, also develop invasive aspergillosis. Clinical clues suggesting angioinvasion and radiographic modalities, especially computed tomographic scans, combined with newer non–culture-based diagnostic techniques, have allowed earlier recognition of invasive aspergillosis. Although mortality remains high, it has greatly decreased over the past 15 years. Voriconazole has supplanted amphotericin B, with its various toxicities, as primary treatment for invasive aspergillosis. Combination therapy with voriconazole and an echinocandin for initial therapy, based on results from a recent controlled clinical trial, could become the standard of care in high-risk patients.
Lessons Learned From a Life With Type 1 Diabetes: Adult Perspectives.

Adults who have lived much of their life with type 1 diabetes have learned lessons that can benefit health care providers (HCPs), families, and young people who live with the condition. This study was undertaken to gain a better understanding of the challenges of growing up and living with type 1 diabetes from adults who have experienced those challenges and to recommend strategies for parents, caregivers, and HCPs who work with children or adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Thirty-five adults with type 1 diabetes participated in this qualitative study consisting of two in-depth interviews with each participant. Six themes emerged: 1) It’s not who you are. 2) Don’t let it limit you. 3) Get involved in diabetes support groups. 4) It’s going to be OK. 5) Teach them; don’t scare them. 6) Don’t single kids out. Through hindsight and the more mature perspective of adulthood, study participants were able to share valuable insights that could inform the efforts of those who work with or care for younger people with type 1 diabetes.
Aquatic food protein hydrolysates.

Publisher Summary The proper utilization of limited aquatic resources has been a topic of great interest for many decades. The application of proteases to fish processing waste leads to the hydrolysis of the proteins in the material, which can then be separated from the other constituents of the muscle. This process produces Fish Protein Hydrolysates (FPH). The key to the FPH success is their unique properties and the ability to produce FPH with very different properties from the same raw material. Many different processes have been reported for recovering and hydrolyzing proteins from aquatic food material with enzymes. This chapter outlines the main steps in the production of fish protein hydrolysates. Fish proteins have not only good functionality but also have a high nutritional value. One way to modify and improve the properties of fish proteins is to use proteases to produce a range of FPH. Fish protein hydrolysates have been extensively investigated for their food functionality and may be used in numerous applications in food products. However, one problem during the production of FPH is that bitterness can develop. This may greatly limit their food use. Furthermore, if FPH are produced from a raw material that is susceptible to oxidation, rancid flavors may be associated with the final product.
Enriching ODIN

In this paper, we describe the expansion of the ODIN resource, a database containing many thousands of instances of Interlinear Glossed Text (IGT) for over a thousand languages harvested from scholarly linguistic papers posted to the Web. A database containing a large number of instances of IGT, which are effectively richly annotated and heuristically aligned bitexts, provides a unique resource for bootstrapping NLP tools for resource-poor languages. To make the data in ODIN more readily consumable by tool developers and NLP researchers, we propose a new XML format for IGT, called Xigt. We call the updated release ODIN-II.
Engineered Interface Chemistry to Improve the Strength of Carbon Fiber Composites Cured by Electron Beam

A reactive sizing was designed to achieve high levels of interfacial adhesion and improved mechanical properties with a carbon fiber–acrylate system cured by electron beam (EB). The sizing was made of a partially cured epoxy sizing with a high density of pendant functional groups (acrylate functionality) to facilitate covalent bonding with the matrix. The interlaminar shear strength improved from 61 to 81 MPa (+33%) without postprocessing, reaching a shear strength similar to that of the same system cured by a thermal treatment. Observation of the fracture profiles clearly highlighted a change in the fracture mechanism from a purely adhesive failure to a cohesive failure. To the best of our knowledge, such improvements of the mechanical properties of carbon fiber composites cured by EB, without any postcure, have not been reported previously. This constitutes a breakthrough for the industrial development of EB curing of composites.
Study of squeezing deformation and support characteristics of tunnels

In light of the squeezing deformation problem,based on Muzhailing tunnel research and other relative data analysis,it is concluded that large value and long time deformation are the squeezing deformation characteristics,both sides are usually advantage location in the whole deformation of tunnel.Test data show that surrounding rock pressure,stress of steel arch centering,axial force of anchor have a larger value in rigid support,where stress of steel may exceed the yield strength of material;anchor is more effective on side walls than other position;surrounding rock pressure and deformation increment is inversely proportional.The results show that rock pressure can be reduced by control release of surrounding rock deformation,is beneficial to the long-term stability of the tunnel structure.Yielding support is proposed,and reserved deformation can be predicted preliminarily.Numerical calculation shows that large enough stiffness is required for rigid support to control displacement in a small range,Yielding support has advantages in control deformation and reduces stress of steel;it is a better control technology in squeezing deformation tunnels.
Review: anticoagulants are not more effective than antiplatelet agents in acute ischemic stroke.

Source Citation Berge E, Sandercock P. Anticoagulants versus antiplatelet agents for acute ischaemic stroke. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2002;(4):CD003242 (latest version 14 Dec 2002). 12519590
SU-G-BRA-11: Tumor Tracking in An Iterative Volume of Interest Based 4D CBCT Reconstruction

Purpose: 4D CBCT can allow evaluation of tumor motion immediately prior to radiation therapy, but suffers from heavy artifacts that limit its ability to track tumors. Various iterative and compressed sensing reconstructions have been proposed to reduce these artifacts, but are costly time-wise and can degrade the image quality of bony anatomy for alignment with regularization. We have previously proposed an iterative volume of interest (I4D VOI) method which minimizes reconstruction time and maintains image quality of bony anatomy by focusing a 4D reconstruction within a VOI. The purpose of this study is to test the tumor tracking accuracy of this method compared to existing methods. Methods: Long scan (8–10 mins) CBCT data with corresponding RPM data was collected for 12 lung cancer patients. The full data set was sorted into 8 phases and reconstructed using FDK cone beam reconstruction to serve as a gold standard. The data was reduced in way that maintains a normal breathing pattern and used to reconstruct 4D images using FDK, low and high regularization TV minimization (λ=2,10), and the proposed I4D VOI method with PTVs used for the VOI. Tumor trajectories were found using rigid registration within the VOI for each reconstruction and compared to the gold standard. Results: The root mean square error (RMSE) values were 2.70mm for FDK, 2.50mm for low regularization TV, 1.48mm for high regularization TV, and 2.34mm for I4D VOI. Streak artifacts in I4D VOI were reduced compared to FDK and images were less blurred than TV reconstructed images. Conclusion: I4D VOI performed at least as well as existing methods in tumor tracking, with the exception of high regularization TV minimization. These results along with the reconstruction time and outside VOI image quality advantages suggest I4D VOI to be an improvement over existing methods. Funding support provided by CPRIT grant RP110562-P2-01
Ruffled Native Feathers

In Reading Autobiography: A Guide for Interpreting Life Narratives, Sidonie Smith and Julia Watson provide a working definition of a memoir or life narrative as “a historically situated practice of...
Avian distribution patterns along a Sonoran Desert bajada

Avian population density, foraging behavior, nest site selection and other aspects of vegetation use were studied at four points along a vegetation gradient at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona, U.S. A., to elucidate causes of species distributions. The vegetation gradient, a result of edaphic change along a bajada (coalesced alluvial fans), ranged from a diverse subtree-large cacti-shrub community on gravelly soils at the top of the bajada to a simple low shrub community on fine sandy loam at the bottom of the bajada. Twenty-three species of birds bred in the diverse vegetation at the top of the bajada. Proceeding down the bajada, bird species dropped out of the community as vegetation architecture and composition became more simple, with only two species breeding all along the gradient. Most species distributions were determined by requirements for specific vegetation components for nesting and foraging. Competition and abiotic factors seem to have played only a minor role, if any, in determining distributions. Causes for species distributions along this bajada are similar to those affecting avian distribution along vegetation gradients on temperate mountain slopes but differ from those along tropical elevational gradients.
Testing for SL Validity

How are we to determine the validity of an argument from a most sophisticated SL argument consistency form that we have abstracted from it? The definition of validity suggests that the argument will be valid if and only if it is not the case that circumstances could be such that all of the SL forms in the. most sophisticated SL argument consistency form abstract true assertions. For if all of the SL forms could abstract true assertions, it would be possible for all of the premises of the original argument to be jointly true while its conclusion was false. Our method of attack in testing for validity will be to determine whether all of the SL forms in a most sophisticated SL argument consistency form for an argument can be regarded as abstracting jointly true assertions.
I am always ready to learn although I do not always like being taught1

In this issue, we are beginning a new section which we hope to feature each year. I have entitled it POINT-COUNTERPOINT. This is a feature which we hope will let all of us continue along the path o...
Alteridad, Infancia y Delincuencia: Análisis discursivo desde programas sociales hacia infancias en Chile

(analitico): El objetivo del presente estudio fue explorar los procesos de construccion de alteridad hacia las infancias a partir de los discursos de interventores sociales, considerando la multiplicidad de tensiones existentes entre las representaciones de las infancias y las practicas de intervencion. Se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas a cuatro profesionales que trabajan en programas de intervencion en libertad asistida, generandose un corpus textual que fue estudiado mediante Analisis de Discurso. Los resultados descriptivos muestran la emergencia de polaridades en tension: sujeto permeable v/s duro; y sujeto autoactualizable v/s carenciado; lo que deja en evidencia la complejidad del transito desde una vision minorista/garantista en el aspecto sociocultural y juridico, y la tension en el ejercicio deconstructivo que realizan los interventores, quienes finalmente desarrollan nuevos procesos de naturalizacion que replican la accion de esencializar al otro en la intervencion.
Functional Outcomes After Operative Management of Extra-Articular Glenoid Neck and Scapular Body Fractures

Background: This study’s purpose was to assess patient-based functional outcomes following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of displaced scapular body and glenoid neck fractures. This series represents a 9-year experience at a level-I trauma center and referral destination for this injury. Methods: A database was established to record surgical and functional outcomes of scapular fractures treated with ORIF. For this report, the cases of all patients who had a glenoid neck or scapular body fracture (AO/OTA 14-A3 or 14-C1) without intra-articular involvement were reviewed. Operative indications included medial/lateral displacement of ≥20 mm, angulation of ≥45°, medial/lateral displacement of ≥15 mm with angulation of ≥30°, double disruptions of the superior shoulder suspensory complex with both displaced ≥10 mm, a glenopolar angle of ≤22°, and an open fracture. The results of clinical testing, including measurements of range of motion and strength and scores on the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaires, were recorded at each follow-up appointment. Results: Between 2002 and 2011, 61 patients with an extra-articular scapular fracture were treated surgically within 20 days after the injury; 19 patients (31%) had ≥2 operative indications. Of the 61 patients, 49 (80%) were followed for ≥1 year (mean, 33 months; range, 12 to 138 months) following surgery. There was a 100% union rate at the time of final follow-up, with a mean DASH score of 12.1 points (range, 0 to 54 points). For all parameters, the mean SF-36 scores of the study patients were comparable with normative population scores. The range of motion of the operatively treated and contralateral shoulders averaged, respectively, 154° and 159° of forward flexion, 106° and 108° of abduction, and 66° and 70° of external rotation. The strength of the operatively treated and contralateral shoulders averaged, respectively, 20 and 23 lb (89.0 and 102.3 N) of force in forward flexion, 14 and 16 lb (62.3 and 71.2 N) in abduction, and 19 and 23 lb (84.5 and 102.3 N) in external rotation. Complications and/or secondary surgery were recorded for 8 patients (16%). Conclusions: Displaced scapular body and glenoid neck fractures that meet current published standards for ORIF can be treated operatively with predictably good functional outcomes. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Aftermath of Ankle Inversion Injuries: Spectrum of MR Imaging Findings

Acute and chronic ankle inversion injuries are a common source of pain and a diagnostic challenge. Several studies have shown a variety of injury patterns after inversion injury both in acute and chronic settings. Although traditional assessment with clinical examination and radiographs is generally accepted for inversion injuries, MR imaging is a useful tool to detect occult injuries and in patients with chronic symptoms. This article examines a range of MR imaging findings that may be present in patients with lateral ankle pain following an acute or chronic inversion injury.
A Disease or Not a Disease? Aging As a Pathology

The debate on the relationship between aging and disease is centered on whether aging is a normal/natural/physiological process or it represents a pathology. Considering this relationship from medical, molecular, social, and historical perspectives, we argue that aging is neither a disease, nor a non-disease. Instead, it combines all age-related diseases and their preclinical forms, in addition to other pathological changes.
Intelligent system design with fixed-base simulation validation for general aviation

This paper reviews research conducted in the Texas A&M University Flight Simulation Laboratory on intelligent systems for general aviation. Over the last eight years several intelligent cockpit systems and pilot decision-aiding tools have been created and developed for general aviation aircraft, using fix-based flight simulation validation and evaluation. This paper reviews these results, and also presents current research on advanced cockpit systems designed to satisfy the technological requirements posed by the general aviation Free Flight and Small Aircraft Transportation System concepts.
The Structural Bases of Resource Distribution

Jonathan Turner argues in this chapter that the number of resource types in most psychological and sociological theorizing has been rather limited. In an attempt to remedy this, Turner emphasizes the structural bases of resource distribution and the range of key resources in social interaction at different levels of analysis. The institutional domains in complex differentiated society are built from corporate units. Within each institutional domain, generalized symbolic media are used as the symbols of discourse, theme-building, and ideological formation. These symbolic media are also the valued resources unequally distributed by corporate units in a domain. This unequal distribution causes the formation of a stratification system of classes. Furthermore, the possession of high shares of these symbolic media resources also allows individuals to claim and possess other highly generalized resources, most notably prestige, dignity, and positive emotional energy. Yet, when a larger set of resources is seen as part of the stratification system, there is typically than less inequality when only money, power, and prestige are considered.
Bringing Together Nature and Culture: Integrating a Landscape Approach in Protected Areas Policy and Practice

Taking a landscape approach to conservation requires us to embrace the complex diversity inherent in these places: recognizing natural and cultural values, tangible and intangible heritage, and history and present-day uses. Such an approach is interdisciplinary and inclusive, linking nature and culture and engaging people in stewardship. This contribution explores emerging trends that support the landscape approach in protected areas policy and practice. Reflecting on various milestone events over the past decade, it briefly reviews key conceptual and policy developments that reinforce collaborative and community governance of protected areas and of the broader landscape/seascape. It discusses the recent review of the IUCN protected area management categories and emergence of the governance framework in protected areas. It notes the growing adoption at national and provincial levels of protected landscapes designations based on IUCN Category V and, in parallel, the use of the World Heritage cultural landscape designation.
Is Weight Loss Associated with Less Progression of Changes in Knee Articular Cartilage among Obese and Overweight Patients as Assessed with MR Imaging over 48 Months? Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative

Purpose To investigate the association of weight loss with progression of cartilage changes at magnetic resonance (MR) imaging over 48 months in overweight and obese participants compared with participants of stable weight. Materials and Methods The institutional review boards of the four participating centers approved this HIPAA-compliant study. Included were (a) 640 participants (mean age, 62.9 years ± 9.1 [standard deviation]; 398 women) who were overweight or obese (body mass index cutpoints of 25 and 30 kg/m2, respectively) from the Osteoarthritis Initiative, with risk factors for osteoarthritis or mild to moderate radiographic findings of osteoarthritis, categorized into groups with (a) weight loss of more than 10% (n = 82), (b) weight loss of 5%-10% (n = 238), or (c) stable weight (n = 320) over 48 months. Participants were frequency-matched for age, sex, baseline body mass index, and Kellgren-Lawrence score. Two radiologists assessed cartilage and meniscus defects on right knee 3-T MR images at baseline and 48 months by using the modified Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (WORMS). Progression of the subscores was compared between the weight loss groups by using multivariable logistic regression models. Results Over 48 months, adjusted mean increase of cartilage WORMS was significantly smaller in the 5%-10% weight loss group (1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3, 1.9; P = .002) and even smaller in the group with more than 10% weight loss (1.0; 95% CI: 0.6, 1.4; P = .001) when compared with the stable weight group (2.3; 95% CI: 2.0, 2.7). Moreover, percentage of weight change was significantly associated with increase in cartilage WORMS (β = 0.2; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.4; P = .007). Conclusion Participants who lost weight over 48 months showed significantly lower cartilage degeneration, as assessed with MR imaging; rates of progression were lower with greater weight loss. © RSNA, 2017.
Treatment of ventricular tachycardia: consider ablation sooner

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality for many patients, with a significant emotional and economic burden caused by implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) shocks and the requirement of medication with significant side effects. Additionally, 10% of VT occurs in patients with no structural heart disease. Until quite recently, ablation for VT has been reserved as the procedure of last hope for those who have ongoing recurrences despite maximal medical therapy and who are traumatized by multiple ICD shocks [1]. However, recent advances in imaging technology and three-dimensional intracardiac mapping systems have significantly improved the safety and efficacy of VT ablation procedures. Thus, ablation for VT should no longer be reserved as a last-resort bailout procedure and should move into the realm of routine electrophysiology treatment.
Mergers, Acquisitions, and Access: STM Publishing Today

Electronic publishing is changing the fundamentals of the entire printing/delivery/archive system that has served as the distribution mechanism for scientific research over the last century and a half. The merger-mania of the last 20 years, preprint pools, and publishers’ licensing and journals-bundling plans are among the phenomena impacting the scientific information field. Science-Technology-Medical (STM) publishing is experiencing a period of intense consolidation and reorganization. This paper gives an overview of the economic factors fueling these trends, the major STM publishers, and the government regulatory bodies that referee this industry in Europe, Canada, and the USA.
On-Farm Sulfur Fertilization of Alfalfa and Corn Demonstration Trials

In the recent past, sulfur (S) deficiency showed up more frequently in Iowa fields. Large yield response occurred in corn and alfalfa fields, especially in northeast Iowa. The increase in S response is thought to be partially due to Iowa receiving less S in rainfall because of more stringent air pollution regulations, less S fertilizer applications, higher crop yields, and less widespread use of manure. Sulfur fertilizer applications can offer yield increases where S deficiencies are present. The objective of these trials was to evaluate potential for S deficiency and yield response in corn and alfalfa to S applications.
Rhetoric and the writer's profile: Problematizing directed self-placement

Abstract Open enrollment and walk-in advising at two-year colleges make placement assessment a continual, year-round process, effectively prohibiting the use of placement processes like entrance portfolios. On the grounds of expediency, many two-year institutions have turned to computerized editing tests such as COMPASS for placing entering students into writing courses, even though such tests do not directly measure writing. Forgoing placement assessment entirely through directed student self-placement, such as that described by Royer and Gilles, has also become an attractive alternative for some institutions. Beginning with the premise that assessment is a rhetorical act, the authors describe their reasons for resisting computer editing tests and suggest possible problems with using only directed student self-placement in open access institutions. They then describe a placement process, the Writer's Profile, which they developed. A sample student profile is presented to illustrate the interaction and negotiation among writing teachers as they read profiles and reach an agreement about their placement recommendation. The authors argue that the form of assessment chosen is important because as a rhetorical act assessment affects curriculum, pedagogy, faculty development, and even the surrounding community's expectations and perceptions of college writing.
Crystal structure of meso-3,3'-(1,4-phenyl-ene)bis-(2-phenyl-2,3,5,6-tetra-hydro-4H-1,3-thia-zin-4-one).

The crystal structure of the title compound – meso-C26H24N2O2S2 with two stereocenters – has half the mol­ecule in the asymmetric unit with the other half generated by a crystallographic center of inversion. The thia­zine ring is in a conformation that is between half-chair and envelope [θ = 52.51 (17)°]. The phenyl ring on the 2-carbon atom of the thia­zine ring is pseudo-axial. The central phenyl ring of the mol­ecule is close to orthogonal to the phenyl rings on either side with an angle of 76.85 (11)° between those planes. In the crystal, pairwise, weak C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds between the central phenyl ring and the oxygen atoms of neighboring mol­ecules result in continuous strips propagating along the a-axis direction. Hydro­phobic inter­actions of the C—H⋯π type are also observed.
Ventricular electrical delay as a predictor of arrhythmias in patients with cardiac resynchronization implantable cardioverter defibrillator.

Background. Left ventricular (LV) remodeling and clinical response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is inversely related to electrical dyssynchrony, measured as LV lead electrical delay (...
Removal efficiency of commonly prescribed antibiotics via tertiary wastewater treatment.

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have been identified as “hot spots” of antibiotics release to the environment. Treatment operations at WWTPs may remove a significant proportion of antibiotics from influent wastewater; however, the effects of tertiary treatment processes on antibiotics removal are not well understood. The objective of this review is to summarize the current literature regarding antibiotics removal from common tertiary processes at full-scale municipal WWTPs and to reveal the research gaps and inform future research directions. Chlorination, ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, and sand filtration were reviewed due to their popularity of application in the USA. The majority of studies of antibiotics removal via tertiary wastewater treatment have been conducted in EU nations, the USA, Australia, and China. Chlorination significantly reduces antibiotics concentrations in wastewater effluents. In comparison, sand filtration and UV irradiation are less effective. However, a large discrepancy of removal efficiencies is apparent across different studies of these treatment processes. Increases in antibiotics concentration following tertiary treatment have also been observed. Possible reasons for the discrepancies, such as sorption to filtered particles, sampling strategies, specific operating parameters of wastewater treatment plants, and deconjugation, are discussed. It is concluded that the effects of tertiary treatment on antibiotic removal efficiency are still arguable, and caution must be taken when sampling wastewater in full-scale WWTPs for comparison of removal efficiencies of antibiotics.
Patient constructive learning behavior in cognitive therapy: A pathway for improving patient memory for treatment?

Abstract Patient memory for treatment is poor and associated with worse outcome. The Memory Support Intervention was designed to improve outcome by enhancing patient memory for treatment. Half of the strategies comprising the Memory Support Intervention (termed constructive memory support strategies) involve therapists inviting patients to construct new ideas, inferences, or connections related to treatment material that go beyond information already presented by therapists. This study investigated the relationship between patient responses to therapist use of constructive memory support strategies and patient recall of treatment contents. Therapist uses of constructive memory support strategies were coded from sessions recorded during a pilot trial of the Memory Support Intervention in the context of cognitive therapy for depression (n = 44 patients). Patients who successfully constructed new ideas, inferences, or connections (termed patient constructive learning behavior) in response to therapist use of constructive memory support strategies showed greater recall of treatment contents. Mediation analyses provided some evidence that patient constructive learning behavior may be a mechanism through which the Memory Support Intervention results in enhanced patient memory. Results highlight patient constructive learning behavior as a potential pathway for improving patient memory for treatment.
Isolated Colonic Metastasis From Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

Esophageal cancer is an aggressive and highly lethal malignancy that has a high death-to-incidence ratio approaching 0.90. We present a 60-year-old man with a history of Barrett's esophagus, presented with dysphagia. An upper endoscopy with biopsy confirmed invasive esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Workup, including positron emission tomography scan, showed no evidence of metastasis. A preoperative colonoscopy showed a nodule in the ascending colon that was proven later to be a metastatic lesion from the esophageal primary tumor. Esophageal adenocarcinoma with an isolated colonic metastasis is an extremely rare presentation of esophageal metastasis. These metastatic lesions may not be detected by the positron emission tomography scan.
Sulfur Assimilation Alters Flagellar Function and Modulates the Gene Expression Landscape of Serratia marcescens.

ABSTRACT Sulfur is an essential nutrient that contributes to cellular redox homeostasis, transcriptional regulation, and translation initiation when incorporated into different biomolecules. Transport and reduction of extracellular sulfate followed by cysteine biosynthesis is a major pathway of bacterial sulfur assimilation. For the opportunistic pathogen Serratia marcescens, function of the cysteine biosynthesis pathway is required for extracellular phospholipase activity and flagellum-mediated surface motility, but little else is known about the influence of sulfur assimilation on the physiology of this organism. In this work, it was determined that an S. marcescens cysteine auxotroph fails to differentiate into hyperflagellated and elongated swarmer cells and that cysteine, but not other organic sulfur molecules, restores swarming motility to these bacteria. The S. marcescens cysteine auxotroph further exhibits reduced transcription of phospholipase, hemolysin, and flagellin genes, each of which is subject to transcriptional control by the flagellar regulatory system. Based on these data and the central role of cysteine in sulfur assimilation, it was reasoned that environmental sulfur availability may contribute to the regulation of these functions in S. marcescens. Indeed, bacteria that are starved for sulfate exhibit substantially reduced transcription of the genes for hemolysin, phospholipase, and the FlhD flagellar master regulator. A global transcriptomic analysis further defined a large set of S. marcescens genes that are responsive to extracellular sulfate availability, including genes that encode membrane transport, nutrient utilization, and metabolism functions. Finally, sulfate availability was demonstrated to alter S. marcescens cytolytic activity, suggesting that sulfate assimilation may impact the virulence of this organism. IMPORTANCESerratia marcescens is a versatile bacterial species that inhabits diverse environmental niches and is capable of pathogenic interactions with host organisms ranging from insects to humans. This report demonstrates for the first time the extensive impacts that environmental sulfate availability and cysteine biosynthesis have on the transcriptome of S. marcescens. The finding that greater than 1,000 S. marcescens genes are differentially expressed depending on sulfate availability suggests that sulfur abundance is a crucial factor that controls the physiology of this organism. Furthermore, the high relative expression levels for the putative virulence factors flagella, phospholipase, and hemolysin in the presence of sulfate suggests that a sulfur-rich host environment could contribute to the transcription of these genes during infection.
O-Band Quantum Dot Semiconductor Optical Amplifier Directly Grown on CMOS Compatible Si Substrate

We report the first demonstration of the O-band quantum dot semiconductor optical amplifier (QD-SOA) that is directly grown on CMOS compatible on-axis silicon substrate. The QD-SOA has a length of 3600 μm, tapered from 4 μm to 5.5 μm, which can offer 29 dB on-chip gain and 22.8 dBm saturation output power with a minimum 7 dB fiber to fiber noise figure.
A High Frequency Signal Injection based Optimum Reference Flux Searching for Direct Torque Control of a Three-Level Traction Drive

Direct torque control (DTC) is widely used in both industries and academia due to its distinctive advantages, e.g., fast dynamic response and high robustness against motor parameters uncertainties and external disturbances. However, there are also some major drawbacks of conventional DTC, such as large torque ripples and poor efficiency caused due to the use of non-optimal flux references. This paper proposes a model-free extremum seeking control (ESC) algorithm for a three-level (3-L) inverter to reduce torque ripples and improve the drive efficiency. Firstly, the relationship between the stator flux linkage and the magnitude of stator current is analyzed. Then, based on this relationship, an effective high frequency signal injection (HFSI) based ESC algorithm is proposed to determine the optimal reference flux in real-time, leading to a maximum torque per ampere (MTPA) like approach for the 3-L DTC. This method can reduce the time-consuming tuning effort and is very robust to the motor parameters variations. The feasibility and effectiveness of proposed methods are verified by using both simulation and experimental studies.
Never Mind, It’s Too Cold: Thermal Stress and a Decrease in Self-control Self-efficacy:

One of the most common occupational stressors is thermal stress, or discomfort due to an environment being too hot or too cold. Although thermal stress is relatively harmless in most occupations, t...
Mechanoelectrical Transduction of Polymer Electrolyte Membranes: Effect of Branched Networks

The role of side-chain branching in flexoelectric properties of a flexible, ionic solid polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) has been investigated subjected to mechanical bending. These PEMs were synthesized via photopolymerization of the bifunctional poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) network attached with monofunctional poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate (PEGMEA) branches in their ternary mixtures with lithium bis(tri-fluoromethane sulfonyl) imide (LiTFSI) salt. Both the PEGDA polymer precursor and PEGDMA side branches are capable of ionizing the lithium salt, but the dissociated lithium cations can also form the complexation with ether oxygen of PEGDA. With increasing PEGMEA content, not only the glass transition temperature is lowered, but also the ionic conductivity increases with temperature, which may be attributed to plasticization by dangling PEGMEA side chains. The flexoelectric responses of PEMs were investigated under various intermittent and oscillatory cantilever bending modes as a function of PEM composition and frequency. Last but not the least, the mechanoelectrical energy conversion was evaluated for various PEGDA/PEGMEA compositions and discussed its potential applications in energy harvesting from natural resources such as wind and wave motions.
Science, Intentionality, Control, and the Strata of Experience

This chapter uses a comparison between Seebohm and the social scientist Felix Kaufmann as a way of introducing Kaufmann, a fascinating figure in his own right who was both of a member of the Vienna Circle and a phenomenologist to a wider philosophical audience, and to locate Seebohm’s positions within the broader framework of discussions in the philosophy of the sciences that were so central to both the analytical tradition and—at least in its inception—the phenomenological tradition as well.