cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Switchblade: An agile treaded rover

A versatile unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) should be able to traverse rough terrain while retaining a small form factor for navigating confined spaces. Such a (patent pending) vehicle, dubbed Switchblade, is developed in the present work via an effective combination of a novel transforming mechanical design, capable onboard electronics, and advanced feedback control algorithms. A single chassis holds the actuators, sensors, electronics, and battery. Shafts protruding from either side of this chassis connect to tread assemblies. Rotation of this shaft causes the treads to advance for translational movement; rotation about this shaft causes the entire tread assembly to rotate with respect to the chassis. Vehicle orientation is estimated via onboard filtering of optical encoders and MEMS accelerometers and gyros. In its horizontal configuration, Switchblade operates as a differential-drive treaded platform. In its various upright configurations, Switchblade operates as a mobile inverted pendulum, capable of surmounting obstacles, including stairs, that would otherwise be impassable by a vehicle of its size. Design-for-manufacturing (DFM) and design-for-assembly (DFA) techniques are employed to reduce cost, part count, complexity, and assembly time without sacrificing system capabilities. Results from a working prototype are discussed. The resulting platform is well suited for a variety of socially-relevant applications, including reconnaissance, mine exploration, and search & rescue.
Barbula satoi (Pottiaceae, Bryopsida), a New Combination from China and Notes on the Circumscription of Sinocalliergon

The taxonomic position of Sinocalliergon Sakurai (originally described in the Amblystegiaceae) is re-evaluated, based on examination of the type specimens. The monotypic genus is considered synonymous with Barbula Hedw. (Pottiaceae, Bryopsida), and the appropriate new combination, B. satoi (Sakurai) S. He, is made. The name S. satoi Sakurai is lectotypified.
Cadmium and peripheral arterial disease: gender differences in the 1999-2004 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Gender differences in the association of blood and urine cadmium concentrations with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) were evaluated by using data from 6,456 US adults aged ≥40 years who participated in the 1999–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. PAD was defined as an ankle-brachial blood pressure index of <0.9 in at least one leg. For men, the adjusted odds ratios for PAD comparing the highest with the lowest quintiles of blood and urine cadmium concentrations were 1.82 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.82, 4.05) and 4.90 (95% CI: 1.55, 15.54), respectively, with a progressive dose-response relation and no difference by smoking status. For women, the corresponding odds ratios were 1.19 (95% CI: 0.66, 2.16) and 0.56 (95% CI: 0.18, 1.71), but there was evidence of effect modification by smoking: among women ever smokers, there was a positive, progressive dose-response relation; among women never smokers, there was a U-shaped dose-response relation. Higher blood and urine cadmium levels were associated with increased prevalence of PAD, but women never smokers showed a U-shaped relation with increased prevalence of PAD at very low cadmium levels. These findings add to the concern of increased cadmium exposure as a cardiovascular risk factor in the general population.
Sample Frequency in Application of Dale-Chall Readability Formula.

Using 48 college texts, comparisons were made of Dale-Chall Readability Formula results based on samples taken from various page intervals. Results indicate that for the 48 textbooks examined, samp...
Endoscopic treatment of supraglottic and hypopharynx cancer.

Transoral excision of supraglottic and hypopharynx cancer as a single modality is effective when lesions are selected for small size and endoscopic accessibility. Excisional biopsy with clear margins of larger supraglottic tumors in combination with postoperative radiotherapy provides an excellent treatment alternative for selected lesions in patients who are not candidates for open surgery. In this preliminary report, 45 cases using this minimally invasive approach are reviewed outlining oncologic rationale and functional advantages. A large bore tubed laryngoscope or the adjustable bivalve supraglottiscope was used along with a carbon dioxide laser in all cases. In 22 of the 45 patients (mostly TI), local en bloc excision of the primary cancer was performed as sole treatment on selected lesions of the supraglottis and hypopharynx. There were no local recurrences, however, 1 patient developed a neck recurrence and was salvaged by neck dissection. Twenty-three of the 45 patients had more extensive primaries (mostly T2, T3) and N0 necks. Transoral excisional biopsy was followed by full-course radiation therapy to the primary site and both necks. All 23 were followed a minimum of 2 years, and the median follow-up period was 58 months. Clear margins were obtained in 16 of 23, and there were no recurrences in the larynx. Two of 16 did fail in the neck and died despite neck dissection. Seven of 23 patients had positive margins and, despite full-course radiotherapy to the primary site and both necks, 5 of 7 failed locally or regionally. Two of the 7 died of their disease despite open salvage surgery. Therefore, 4 of 23 patients who underwent transoral excision of larger lesions followed by full-course radiotherapy died of recurrent cancer.
Academic responding during instruction and reading outcomes for kindergarten students at-risk for reading difficulties

The purpose of this study was to investigate the academic responding of students at-risk for reading difficulties in beginning reading instruction. Opportunities for kindergarten students at-risk for reading difficulties to respond academically during teacher-facilitated reading instruction in the general education classroom were examined in relation to student reading achievement as well as social behaviors. Student academic responding during teacher-facilitated instruction significantly predicted end of year reading achievement. Teacher perceptions of students’ social skills (positive correlation) and problem behaviors (negative correlation) were significantly correlated with academic responding. When academic responding and teacher perceptions of social behaviors were examined together, only teacher perceptions of academic competence and problem behaviors predicted spring outcomes.
Implicit and explicit expectations of justice as a function of manager and subordinate race

This study took a unique approach to the study of anticipatory injustice by differentiating between implicit and explicit justice judgments when participants were faced with a manager of similar or dissimilar race. Automatic, implicit justice expectations were assessed using reaction time in addition to the more traditional paper and pencil measures of justice expectations. Results indicated that regardless of manager race, minority status significantly predicted implicit (but not explicit) injustice expectations such that minorities were more likely to expect unfair treatment. Implicit expectations of injustice, as assessed by reaction time, were significantly related to explicit expectations. Finally, explicit expectations of injustice significantly predicted subordinate reduced self-esteem, but not stress levels. The implications of the results and the usefulness of a new implicit measure of justice expectations are discussed.
MISO joint synchronization-pilot design for OFDM systems

In this paper we apply a new joint synchronization-pilot sequence (JSPS) optimization design technique to multiple transmitter OFDM systems. One objective in the design of the JSPS for MISO transmissions is to eliminate the requirement for the different preamble fields used for coarse and fine synchronization and channel training. In this work, independent JSPSs are designed for each transmitter in a multiple antenna system, but are transmitted simultaneously from each antenna. Consequently, JSPSs can potentially reduce the overhead of multiple antenna preamble transmissions (improving bandwidth efficiency). The objective of this paper is to determine the performance advantages of joint carrier frequency offset (CFO) and channel estimation using only the pilot portion of the JSPS. By jointly optimizing the position and power of each pilot across the transmitter antennas in Rayleigh fading channels with CFO, we show > 15 dB SNR improvement in the performance of the channel estimator.
DksA regulates RNA polymerase in Escherichia coli through a network of interactions in the secondary channel that includes Sequence Insertion 1

Sensing and responding to nutritional status is a major challenge for microbial life. In Escherichia coli, the global response to amino acid starvation is orchestrated by guanosine-3′,5′-bisdiphosphate and the transcription factor DksA. DksA alters transcription by binding to RNA polymerase and allosterically modulating its activity. Using genetic analysis, photo–cross-linking, and structural modeling, we show that DksA binds and acts upon RNA polymerase through prominent features of both the nucleotide-access secondary channel and the active-site region. This work is, to our knowledge, the first demonstration of a molecular function for Sequence Insertion 1 in the β subunit of RNA polymerase and significantly advances our understanding of how DksA binds to RNA polymerase and alters transcription.
A discussion of the groundwater monitoring requirements for RCRA permitted and interim status facilities

Abstract This article compares and contrasts the requirements presented in the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) as modified by the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments (HSWA) (U.S. House of Representatives, 1983) and found in Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Parts 264 (Permitted facilities) and 265 (RCRA Interim Status facilities), Subparts F (40 CFR 264F and 265F) (December, 1991), and to provide some insight into the rationale the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) used during the compilation and modification of those regulations. Activities associated with the direct exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas are excluded from groundwater monitoring requirements under RCRA. However, many activities associated with the refining and subsequent use of oil and natural gas are not exempt. Originally, EPA intended 40 CFR 264 Subpart F (264) to build on a foundation established by compliance with 40 CFR 265 Subpart F (265) (December, 1991). Part 265 is designed to detect potential impacts on groundwater quality from Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility (TSDF) operations and to characterize identified impacts to groundwater quality. Part 264 is designed to detect specific types of groundwater contamination, to monitor compliance with a set standard of concentration limits unique to each TSDF, and to monitor the effectiveness of implemented corrective actions. The major differences in groundwater monitoring between Parts 265 and 264 are the types of TSDFs impacted and the monitoring parameters prescribed. The exemptions allowed under Part 265 do not apply to Part 264. This creates the potential for a TSDF to perform Part 264 groundwater monitoring without ever having performed monitoring under Part 265. Because of the non-site specific nature of the Part 265 monitoring parameters, natural or seasonal variations in groundwater quality can cause true contamination to go undetected. Part 264 monitoring parameters have a much higher resistance to such influences. Sampling protocol, reporting requirements, concentration limits, and statistical analyses are generally similar for both Parts 264 and 265.
An automatic dosimetric and geometric tracking system for head and neck adaptive radiotherapy

The ability to track changes in tumors and organs at risk over a course of radiotherapy is essential for successful adaptive radiation therapy (ART). To that end, we have developed a software suite that helps with tracking geometric and dosimetric changes of organs and targets within the clinical setting. The core engine, denoted as ART engine, is fully autonomous and consists of several modules, including data import/export, dose calculation, deformable image registration (DIR), interactive review graphical user interfaces, and messaging. The system has been successfully used for various research projects and is currently being thoroughly tested as part of our institutional software validation and quality assurance process. We have crossvalidated our DIR algorithm against four commercially available DIR algorithms using images from H&N radiotherapy. The estimated accuracy of our system was equivalent or better.
Association of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D and body mass index in cancer

6625 Background: The association between vitamin D and obesity remains unsettled with studies reporting conflicting findings on the relationship between the two. This association assumes even great...
Cardiovascular Regulation by the Arcuate Nucleus of the Hypothalamus: Neurocircuitry and Signaling Systems.

The importance of the central nervous system in cardiovascular regulation is well established.1,2 The brain is able to sense changes that occur in the peripheral circulation through several mechanisms, including afferent neural reflexes and humoral signals. The brain in turn can adjust various components of the cardiovascular system to maintain homeostasis by modulating the release of critical hormonal factors, chemical messengers, and neurotransmitters in concert with changing the activity of the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system subserving different organs and tissues throughout the body. It has long been recognized that brain regulation of the cardiovascular system involves complex networks of neurons located in the brain stem, midbrain, and forebrain.1 Among the various brain structures involved in circulatory regulation, the hypothalamus plays a central role by integrating the information conveyed via various signal inputs with the neural networks involved to determine and coordinate the appropriate responses to maintain homeostasis.3 Much of the investigation of the cardiovascular regulation by the hypothalamus has focused on the paraventricular, dorsomedial, lateral, and posterior nuclei. Consequently, there is a wealth of information about the anatomic, cellular, and molecular processes underlying the control of autonomic and cardiovascular functions by these hypothalamic nuclei, particularly the paraventricular nucleus.3,4 The arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARC) is emerging as a major player in cardiovascular and sympathetic regulation.5 I will review the neuroanatomical and cellular characteristics of the ARC before discussing the evidence that implicates the ARC in the control of blood pressure and sympathetic outflow. The ARC, located at the bottom of the hypothalamus, surrounds the ventral part of the third ventricle extending from retrochiasmatic to premamillary regions.6 The ventral surface of the ARC is sited on the top of the endocrine median eminence (Figure 1 …
TXNIP regulates myocardial fatty acid oxidation via miR-33a signaling

Myocardial fatty acid β-oxidation is critical for the maintenance of energy homeostasis and contractile function in the heart, but its regulation is still not fully understood. While thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) has recently been implicated in cardiac metabolism and mitochondrial function, its effects on β-oxidation have remained unexplored. Using a new cardiomyocyte-specific TXNIP knockout mouse and working heart perfusion studies, as well as loss- and gain-of-function experiments in rat H9C2 and human AC16 cardiomyocytes, we discovered that TXNIP deficiency promotes myocardial β-oxidation via signaling through a specific microRNA, miR-33a. TXNIP deficiency leads to increased binding of nuclear factor Y (NFYA) to the sterol regulatory element binding protein 2 (SREBP2) promoter, resulting in transcriptional inhibition of SREBP2 and its intronic miR-33a. This allows for increased translation of the miR-33a target genes and β-oxidation-promoting enzymes, carnitine octanoyl transferase (CROT), carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 (CPT1), hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase/3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase/enoyl-CoA hydratase-β (HADHB), and AMPKα and is associated with an increase in phospho-AMPKα and phosphorylation/inactivation of acetyl-CoA-carboxylase. Thus, we have identified a novel TXNIP-NFYA-SREBP2/miR-33a-AMPKα/CROT/CPT1/HADHB pathway that is conserved in mouse, rat, and human cardiomyocytes and regulates myocardial β-oxidation.
Carrier frequency offset estimation for an acoustic-electric channel using 16 QAM modulation

Acoustic-electric channels can be used to send data through metallic barriers, enabling communications where electromagnetic signals are ineffective. This paper considers an acoustic-electric channel that is formed by mounting piezoelectric transducers on metallic barriers that are separated by a thin water layer. The transducers are coupled to the barriers using epoxy and the barriers are positioned to axially-align the PZTs, maximizing energy transfer efficiency. The electrical signals are converted by the transmitting transducers into acoustic waves, which propagate through the elastic walls and water medium to the receiving transducers. The reverberation of the acoustic signals in these channels can produce multipath distortion with a significant delay spread that introduces inter-symbol interference (ISI) into the received signal. While the multipath effects can be severe, the channel does not change rapidly which makes equalization easier. Here we implement a 16-QAM system on this channel, including a method for obtaining accurate carrier frequency offset (CFO) estimates in the presence of the quasi-static multipath propagation. A raised-power approach is considered but found to suffer from excessive data noise resulting from the ISI. An alternative approach that utilizes a pilot tone burst at the start of a data packet is used for CFO estimation and found to be effective. The autocorrelation method is used to estimate the frequency of the received burst. A real-time prototype of the 16 QAM system that uses a Texas Instruments MSP430 microcontroller-based transmitter and a personal computer-based receiver is presented along with performance results.
Characteristics of bovine spermatozoa after migration through a bovine serum albumin gradient.

Experiments were conducted to determine the efficiency with which viable, morphologically normal bovine spermatozoa could be isolated using a discontinuous bovine serum albumin (BSA) gradient. In the first experiment, extended semen was layered on top of a BSA gradient (4% BSA over 10% BSA) contained in a 500-ml separatory funnel. When comparing 1, 3, 5, 7, 14 or 21 X 10(9) spermatozoa applied to the gradient, the percentage of spermatozoa recovered from the lower third of the 10% BSA ranged from 2.9 to 18.5%. The greatest recovery was achieved when 1 X 10(9) sperm cells were applied. Increasing the number of spermatozoa applied to the gradient increased the percentage of spermatozoa remaining in the upper portions of the gradient. Motility of spermatozoa immediately after collection from the 10% BSA layer of the gradient was greater than 90%, regardless of the number of spermatozoa applied. In a second experiment with freeze-thawed separated or unseparated spermatozoa, post-thaw motility (greater than 60%) and acrosomal integrity (greater than 85%) of separated spermatozoa (4 or 10% BSA layer) was greater (P less than .05) than that of unseparated spermatozoa (38 and 66%, respectively). The discontinuous gradient excluded decapitated spermatozoa and spermatozoa with mid-piece and principal piece abnormalities from entering the lower layers. Sperm cells with head abnormalities were not separated. These data indicate that a population of spermatozoa with a high frequency of viable, motile, morphologically-normal bovine spermatozoa can be isolated using a discontinuous BSA gradient.
Modernity And Modernism: Preliminary Theoretical Considerations

Although in the last few decades numerous studies have attempted to come to grips with exile and utopia as independent concepts, such studies have largely failed to see the close correlation between them or to consider them in a general cultural-theoretical framework. In the present study, I shall argue that the two concepts are kindred forms of ludic liminality. Furthermore, I shall demonstrate that both of them are inextricably linked to the idea of modernity. But, before I can undertake this task, I need briefly to review the principal ways in which these concepts have so far been employed in contemporary cultural theory and clarify my own understanding of them. In Part I, therefore, I shall first consider modernity and modernism, then play and liminality, and finally exile and utopia, pointing out the complex conceptual and cultural-historical links between all of these terms.
Factorial analysis of error correction performance using simulated next-generation sequencing data

Error correction is a critical initial step in next-generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis. Although more than 60 tools have been developed, there is no systematic evidence-based comparison with regard to their strength and weakness, especially in terms of correction accuracy. Here we report a full factorial simulation study to examine how NGS dataset characteristics (genome size, coverage depth and read length in particular) affect error correction performance (precision and F-score), as well as to compare performance sensitivity/resistance of six k-mer spectrum-based methods to variations in dataset characteristics. Multi-way ANOVA tests indicate that choice of correction method and dataset characteristics had significant effects on performance metrics. Overall, BFC, Bless, Bloocoo and Musket performed better than Lighter and Trowel on 27 synthetic datasets. For each chosen method, read length and coverage depth showed more pronounced impact on performance than genome size. This study shed insights to the performance behavior of error correction methods in response to the common variables one would encounter in real-world NGS datasets. It also warrants further studies of wet lab-generated experimental NGS data to validate findings obtained from this simulation study.
An Assessment of Managerial Skill Based on Cross-Sectional Mutual Fund Performance

We examine manager performance across multiple contemporaneously-managed mutual funds and document significant cross-sectional performance persistence. While 80% of managers in our sample have at least one underperforming fund in each quarter, a small but statistically significant number of managers persistently outperform for up to 8 quarters across all their funds. We also find that 16.1% (7.2%) of managers in our sample contemporaneously manage a top-40% (20%) fund and a bottom-40% (20%) fund more than 50% of the time. We provide new evidence on managerial busyness by showing that managers’ performance drops significantly when the number of funds they manage increases.
Improvements in electron diffraction pattern automatic indexing algorithms

Accurate indexing of electron diffraction patterns (DPs) is a critical and enabling step in the nanostructure determination using electron diffraction. Here, we compare two automatic indexing algorithms for spot electron DPs from a known crystalline material, one is based on the normalized cross-correlation of simulated and experimental DPs and the other is based on Groth’s triangle algorithm. The Groth’s triangle algorithm offers better accuracy for indexing off zone axis DPs at the cost of significantly increased computer time. The comparison is made using electron DPs recorded from a nanostructured TiN thin-film sample.
Optimizing a genre analysis framework to investigate engineering literature reviews

This brief paper chronicles the development and validation of a genre analysis framework as part of an ongoing research study that investigates how graduate engineering students compose literature reviews in an effort to enter into their disciplinary communities. The literature review in particular proves troublesome for graduate students in technical fields, as most engineering students have not been taught nor required to write a literature review until their master's thesis or dissertation proposal. The present research is timely and relevant, offering technical communication faculty strategies to demystify and better train engineers to communicate in academic settings.
A pilot study to precisely quantify forces applied by sonographers while scanning: A step toward reducing ergonomic injury

Background There is a significantly high rate of work-related musculsokeletal injuries in sonography professionals. To date, assessment of risk factors for work- related injuries in sonographers has been based primarily on surveys, subjective reports, and observational methods. There is a need to develop quantitative techniques to better understand risk factors and develop preventive interventions. Objective We pilot tested a high-resolution force-measuring probe capable of precisely measuring forces applied through the transducer by sonographers and used this novel direct measurement technique to evaluate forces during abdominal imaging. Methods Twelve sonographers with varied experience, ranging from 1-33 years, performed routine abdominal scans on 10 healthy volunteers who had varied body mass indices (BMI). Imaging was conducted using the force-measuring probe, which provided real-time measurement of forces, and angles. Data were compared by sonographer years of experience and subject BMI. Results In total, 47 abdominal examinations were performed as part of this study, and all images met standards for clinical diagnostic quality. The mean contact force applied across all exams was 8.2±4.3 Newtons (N) (range: 1.2-36.5 N). For subjects in the high BMI group (BMI>25, n = 4) the mean force was 10.5 N (range: 8.9-13.2 N) compared to 7.9 N (range: 5.9-10.9 N) for subjects with normal BMI (BMI = 18.5-25, n = 6). Similarly, the mean maximum force applied for subjects with high BMI (25.3 N) was significantly higher than force applied for subjects with normal BMI (17.4 N). No significant difference was noted in the amount of force applied by sonographers with more than 5 years of experience (n = 6) at 8.2 N (Range: 5.1-10.0 N) compared to less experienced sonographers (n = 6), whose forces averaged 8.1 N (Range: 5.8-10.0 N). Conclusions It is feasible to directly measure forces applied by sonographers using a high-resolution force measurement system. Forces applied during abdominal imaging vary widely, are significantly higher when scanning subjects with high BMI, and are not related to sonographer years of experience. This force measurement system has the potential to provide an additional quantitative data point to explore the impact of applied forces on sonographer related musculoskeletal injury, particularly in conjunction with various body positions, exam types and force durations.
Evaluation of a Trainee-Led Project to Reduce Inappropriate Proton Pump Inhibitor Infusion in Patients With Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Skip the Drips.

This trainee-led quality improvement study evaluates the use of the Culture, Oversight, Systems Change, Training framework to reduce inappropriate proton pump inhibitor infusions in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
B-Cell Lymphoma, Unclassifiable, with Features Intermediate Between Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma and Burkitt Lymphoma

This is a provisional category in the 2008 World Health Organization classification that includes aggressive lymphomas with histologic, biologic, and genetic features intermediate between diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and Burkitt lymphoma (BL). Affected patients are mainly adults, presenting with nodal or extranodal disease, with frequent involvement of bone marrow, peripheral blood, and the central nervous system. The majority of cases are de novo, however some cases are the result of transformed follicular lymphoma. Most cases display a diffuse growth of intermediate- or occasional large-sized cells, high proliferation rate, admixed with few small reactive lymphocytes, and no stromal fibrosis. Frequent mitoses and a starry-sky pattern are common and reminiscent of BL. However, the cell variation is more distinct than usual BL and prominent nucleoli may occur. Rare cases composed of small cells with blastoid chromatin that mimics lymphoblastic lymphoma are also included in this category. In previous classifications, some cases that seemed like BL but with more nuclear variability were classified as atypical BL. However, gene profile studies of cases diagnosed with BL and atypical BL showed that they both share similar signatures, suggesting that they represent a spectrum of the same disease process. It became evident, therefore, that the category of atypical BL was unnecessary.
Experimental Investigations of the Gendered Political Ambition Gap

Political institutions around the world continue to be dominated by men. News media and scholarly accounts often focus on how external factors, like political parties and elite networks, and internal factors, like women’s self-confidence and political interest, combine to depress women’s political ambition. Yet, we know little about whether these popular narratives matter for effecting women’s political ambition. We demonstrate that blaming women’s underrepresentation on internal or external causes results in clear changes in women’s political ambition. Attributing women’s lack of parity in political offices to external factors is akin to blaming discrimination and allows group members to “discount” the possibility that failure rests on their own abilities. Alternatively, attributing women’s underrepresentation on internalized factors triggers stereotype threat, which depresses women’s political ambition. Our findings contribute to an understanding of women’s underrepresentation in political office and the importance of frames in encouraging civic engagement.
Interaction Effects of System-Generated Information and Consumer Skepticism: An Evaluation of Issue Support Behavior in CSR Twitter Campaigns

This study examines the impact of Twitter followers and consumer skepticism on issue support behavior advocated in Twitter-based corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication. A 2 × 2 experim...
Cryotherapy for the Treatment of Chronic Rhinitis: A Qualitative Systematic Review.

BackgroundChronic rhinitis impacts 60 million Americans and is associated with significant costs for patients. Although medical treatments are first line, some patients require surgical interventio...
Correlation of obesity and metabolic syndrome with higher tumor percentage involvement in high and intermediate prostate cancer patients.

e17048Background: Obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) have become prevalent in our society. We reported obesity and MetS associated with prostate cancer (PCa) of the higher risk category and incr...
Looking at Charles Bonnet Syndrome: Prevalence and Experiences of Patients Attending a Vision Rehabilitation Clinic:

IntroductionThe objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Charles Bonnet syndrome in a population of patients seen in a vision rehabilitation clinic and to gain deeper insight into...
Bioleaching of trace elements and rare earth elements from coal fly ash

Coal fly ash originated from coal combustion has high concentrations of metals. If suitable leaching techniques are identified, then coal fly ash could serve as a useful source of valuable minerals including rare earth elements (REEs). In this study, three microbial strains, Candida bombicola, Phanerochaete chrysosporium and Cryptococcus curvatus were tested on their performance of leaching trace elements and REEs from fly ash. Through comparing mineral loss and leaching efficiencies resulting from indirect leaching or use of the culture supernatant, C. bombicola was identified to be the best leading to the highest mineral loss and extracting efficiencies of trace elements and REEs among the three strains. The highest mineral loss observed from using the supernatant of this yeast strain was 59.7%. Among all trace elements, As and Mo had the highest leaching efficiency of 80.9% and 79.5%, respectively. The same leaching test led to 67.7% of Yb and 64.6% of Er dissolved from the ash. This study, thus, demonstrated that bioleaching is feasible for leaching metals out of fly ash. The C. bombicola strain deserves further investigation due to its robust actions on metal leaching.
Online Data Poisoning Attack.

We study data poisoning attacks in the online setting where training items arrive sequentially, and the attacker may perturb the current item to manipulate online learning. Importantly, the attacker has no knowledge of future training items nor the data generating distribution. We formulate online data poisoning attack as a stochastic optimal control problem, and solve it with model predictive control and deep reinforcement learning. We also upper bound the suboptimality suffered by the attacker for not knowing the data generating distribution. Experiments validate our control approach in generating near-optimal attacks on both supervised and unsupervised learning tasks.
Camptodactyly and Clinodactyly

Camptodactyly is a progressive non-traumatic flexion deformity of the digit. The definition, etiology, and treatment continue to be debated. This chapter discusses our current understanding of the condition as well as the controversies, treatments, and outcomes associated with this diagnosis. Nonsurgical treatment can be effective in young children as the deformity is often well tolerated. Surgical treatment can result in loss of flexion or recurrence and should only be considered in severe cases where the flexion deformity results in functional deficits.
Ataxia in childhood: a pragmatic approach

Abstract Ataxia is a term used to describe a clinical presentation of incoordinated or inaccurate movements which occur without an alteration of tone or weakness. It is not a diagnosis, but its presentation has a wide differential diagnosis depending upon its onset. These can be a challenging group due to its varied aetiology. Broadly causes can be divided into genetic and acquired. Investigations are invasive and expensive. It is extremely important to liaise with a paediatric neurologist early following presentation as some of the ataxia are treatable. A methodological approach with history taking, detailed clinical evaluation and appropriate investigations are essential in establishing a diagnosis although it is still not uncommon to not to find a diagnosis in some of these children. Next generation exome sequencing is likely to improve the diagnostic yield in this group.
Risk Assessment Issues in Implementing Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Legislation

In the aftermath of the Bhopal, India tragedy the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) initiated a program to address the risks posed by the accidental releases of hazardous chemicals. This program promoted voluntary hazard identification and contingency planning by local communities and industry, focusing on a list of extremely hazardous chemicals. In identifying these chemicals, EPA had to develop appropriate criteria for selecting chemicals that could cause serious human health effects on the basis of short term, accidental exposure. After considering a number of approaches, EPA used criteria based on measures of acute toxicity from short term, mammalian testing by the inhalation, oral, or dermal routes of exposure. Applying these criteria to the RTECS data base and EPA’s list of chemicals in commerce yielded the list of extremely hazardous chemicals. These chemicals subsequently became the basis for mandatory emergency response planning under Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986. In support of this requirement, EPA also developed threshold quantities for on-site storage which trigger notification and planning requirements. EPA’s priorities for further work in this area include developing criteria for listing chemicals on the basis of long term health effects that could result from accidental exposure and developing exposure levels of concern for emergency planning purposes.
Web-Based Accountability among United Way of Texas Chapters

The paper uses data from 68 United Way of Texas chapters with web presence to create three indicators for web-based accountability — (1) disclosure of performance information (2) responsiveness to stakeholders and (3) fiscal transparency— and to estimate their determinants using OLS regression. Among others, the study finds that web-based accountability determined by online disclosure of performance information is influenced by board size, whereas fiscal transparency is affected by paid staff. The study contributes to nonprofit accountability literature by showing the connectedness of web-based accountability indicators and the need for enhanced fiscal transparency in the nonprofit sector.
Fracture resistance of in-situ healed CFRP composite using thermoplastic healants

Abstract In this study, macro fiber composite (MFC) assisted in-situ healing of unidirectional fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite was investigated and characterized by the double cantilever beam (DCB) tests. Biomimetic healing of delamination damage in carbon fiber reinforced composite (CFRP) was achieved by using a blend of biphasic healant: polycaprolactone (PCL) and polyurethane shape memory polymer (SMP). When the damage initiated at the fiber matrix interface or through the matrix, the thermoplastic SMP/PCL blend closed the crack due to localized stimulus (heat) provided by MFC. Crack closure was followed by healing via PCL healant using the same stimulus. Protocol for characterizing the healing efficiency of CFRP composite was established. The experimental results demonstrated that the localized healing method not only enables the in situ healing but also outperforms conventional healing methods in terms of healing efficiency. The MFC actuated healing yielded up to ∼160 % recovery of virgin interlaminar fracture property and ∼70 % flexure property recovery for seven healing cycles. This novel healing system can thus provide efficient in-situ healing in aerospace structures using MFC sensors as self-healing actuators, and bridge the gap between the laboratory scale and large-scale industrial application of self-healing polymer composite.
High-performance As/P MOCVD platform for emerging photonics applications (Conference Presentation)

We’ve developed a next-generation MOCVD platform for high-performance, commercial VCSEL production. The tool is capable of achieving total population uniformity >95% yield in +/- 3nm bin on 6” GaAs. In addition, the tool is capable to go >300 runs between maintenance while maintaining very fast growth rate up to 4.2micron / hr and low [C] impurity 2 micron size have been demonstrated. Correlation of epi and VCSEL device parameters such as threshold current density (Jth) and power conversion efficiency will be discussed.
USE OF MOLECULAR CLONING IN THE GENETIC AND FUNCTIONAL ANALYSES OF THE PLASMID F

ABSTRACT A partial digest of F DNA was made with EcoR I endonuclease and the fragments mixed with a complete EcoR I digest of the plasmid vector pSC101 which carries genes which determine tetracycline resistance (TetR). Following ligation and transformation of a suitable host, TetR transformants were selected. Fifteen strains of the 2000 tested seemed to show F determined properties. Plasmid DNA from each of the fifteen strains was isolated and the EcoR I fragments of F carried on each were determined; two carried pSC101 alone. Overlapping contiguous sets of fragments were found and led to the following gene location assignments: the tra genes J , A, L , E, and B on fragment 6, the tra genes C, F , and H on fragment 1, traG partly on fragment 1 and partly on fragment 17 or 19, traD on fragments 17, 19 or 2, traS and tral on fragment 2, and the pif genes on fragment 7, 5 or both. Fragment 5, known to be sufficient for independent plasmid replication, has been separated from fragment 6, which is suspected to carry a transfer replication origin. Evidence supporting this suspicion is included.
Paradoxical Effects of Tumor Shrinkage on Long-Term Survival of Cancer Patients

In this article, we challenge the existing paradigm that greater tumor shrinkage at the end of treatment leads to longer patient survival. In particular, we identify biological conditions under which the exact opposite is true. A central role in our argument about the paradoxical effect of tumor shrinkage is played by the emergence and self-selection of subpopulations of increasingly faster proliferating cancer cells. This evolutionary factor is often at work during post-treatment tumor regrowth and has a decidedly negative impact on patient survival. We analyze various patterns of post-treatment tumor dynamics and show that if the clones generated by cancer cells present at the end of treatment or the start of a treatment break evolve independently then greater tumor shrinkage leads to progressive enrichment of the re-growing tumor with faster proliferating cells. Importantly, greater tumor shrinkage favors independent clonal expansion. Our findings explain numerous clinical cases where initial tumor shrinkage to undetectable levels was promptly followed by an aggressive tumor recurrence. They also suggest that indiscriminate use of tumor shrinkage as surrogate endpoint in clinical trials should be discouraged.
Children Who Kill Their Adoptive Parents: Case Characteristics and Illustrations

The killing of parents, frequently referred to as parricide, often generates extensive news coverage because of its taboo nature. Research on parricide has focused almost exclusively on biological offspring who kill mothers and fathers with a few studies on stepparents. To date, however, virtually no research exists on adopted sons and daughters who kill their adoptive parents because this type of victim-offender relationship has not been coded in existing US homicide databases. This article briefly reviews the scant literature available on adoptees who kill their adoptive parents. Thereafter, a content analysis of news reports of 39 juvenile and adult adoptees in the United States who killed their adoptive parents is presented. Analyses include the characteristics of offenders and victims (e.g., age, race, gender), incidents (e.g., number of victims and offenders), and case-related variables (e.g., weapons used, other charges). Attention focuses on the processing of offenders from the initial charge through conviction and sentencing. The article concludes with a comparison of adoptees and biological offspring who commit parricide, observations that emerged from these news accounts, acknowledgment of the limitations of this study, and a discussion of directions for future research.
Air Partners: community-driven air quality monitoring, mitigation, and collaborative governance.

A case study in community-driven air quality science, advocacy, and collaborative governance is presented. A framework of multi-stakeholder planning and execution was employed to identify needs and opportunities, propose work, secure funding, and communicate results to a variety of audiences. Research outputs were primarily designed to support community-based capacity building, advocacy and collaborative governance to promote air health in the near-airport environmental justice communities in Boston, MA.
When Does Status Transfer between People? A Crowdsourced Experiment on the Scope of Status by Association:

It is well known in social psychology that people are judged by the company they keep, but when and how does that company affect how individuals are evaluated? This article extends expectation stat...
Of Focal Meanings and Compensating Juries - New Property Erodes New Liberty

theory which more readily falls prey to contradiction. As in other areas, however, Professors Terrell and Butler part company on exactly how the necessary metaphysical observations are to be made. Professor Terrell's approach is to focus on the exercise of rational choice as it informs us with respect to distinct and meaningful alternatives pertaining to our individual "life plan."21 At first blush, one is struck not only by the similarity 19. See, e.g., R. POSNER, ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF LAW (2d ed. 1977); H. MANNE, THE ECONOMICS OF LEGAL RELATIONSHIPS (1975) and A. M. POLINSKY, AN INTRODUCTION TO LAW AND ECONOMICS (1983). 20. The concept of the Ordinary Observer in its most elaborate articulation can be found in B. ACKERMAN, PRIVATE PROPERTY AND THE CONSTITUTION (1977). In this regard, Ackerman suggests that judges and other legal participants can be broken down into roughly two groups: ordinary observers or scientific policymakers. The policymaker believes that the legal system is organized around the principles of a comprehensive view; the observer believes the legal system should vindicate the practices and expectations of dominant social institutions. "Scientific" and "ordinary" refer to the legal language: the scientist believes that legal language consists of technical concepts set in relation to one another; the ordinary analyst requires that legal language be perceived in relation to the talk of
Wetland Soils of the Prairie Potholes

Publisher Summary The chapter discusses the wetlands of the prairie pothole region (PPR). The two important hydrologic factors are climate and topography that explain the existence of wetlands in any landscape. PPR wetland soil development is based on hydrologic processes and conditions created by a climatic gradient as impacted by topography, sediment lithology, and stratigraphy. The most important systems used to classify wetlands in the PPR include the United States Fish and Wildlife system; the Stewart and Kantrud system; and an extension of the Stewart and Kantrud system that incorporates hydrology and landscape position. The dominant water quality considerations for wetlands in the PPR are increased sedimentation from cultivation; and salinity associated with hydric soils, groundwater, and surface water. Wetland soil properties that have the greatest influence on current land use include soil moisture dynamics, soil aeration, and salinity. Using principal components analysis (PCA), Richardson and Bigler found that principal component factors reflecting salinity, organic matter accumulation, calcium carbonate dynamics, and texture, respectively in order of importance, explained most of the observed variations in PPR wetlands. In the PPR, three soil types have been observed in nonfen wetland edges: the Calciaquoll without salinity and gypsum; the Calciaquoll with salinity and gypsum; and the Natraquoll.
Collecting heart rate using a high precision, non-contact, single-point infrared temperature sensor

Remotely detecting the physiological state of humans is becoming increasingly important for rehabilitative robotics (RR) and socially assistive robotics (SAR) because it makes robots better-suited to work more closely and more cooperatively with humans. This research delivers a new non-contact technique for detecting heart rate in real time using a high precision, single-point infrared sensor. The proposed approach is an important potential improvement over existing methods because it collects heart rate information unencumbered by biofeedback sensors, complex computational processing or high cost equipment. We use a thermal infrared sensor to capture subtle changes in the sub-nasal skin surface temperature to monitor cardiac pulse. This study extends our previous research in which breathing rate is automatically extracted using the same hardware. Experiments conducted to test the proposed system accuracy show that in 72.7% of typical cases heart rate was successfully detected within 0-9 beats per minute as measured by root-mean-square error.