cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Challenges of Integrating Large Amounts of Wind Power

Wind energy has experienced remarkable growth over the last decade, due in part to renewed public support and maturing turbine technologies. But often hidden from public view are the difficulties and challenges associated with introducing a new technology into an older electrical system of established infrastructure. Many early wind turbines utilized a squirrel-cage or wound-rotor induction generator to produce electricity. These generators allowed small variations in rotor speed thus improving energy capture and reducing torque shocks caused by wind gusts. However, they absorbed large amounts of reactive power and sometimes caused severe voltage stability problems on the grid. This paper explores some of the solutions that have resulted over the years, including the introduction of two new variable-speed generator types, doubly-fed induction and synchronous machines. It also considers the evolution of new grid codes and turbine improvements that make wind energy more grid-compatible to ensure further growth of this promising renewable source of energy.
On the development of a general force field for the molecular simulation of perfluoroethers

We report the development of a transferable force field for the accurate modelling of perfluoroethers. The potential model takes the general form in which separate bond bending and torsional terms describe the intramolecular interactions, with the addition of van der Waals and electrostatic terms to describe the non-bonded interactions. Ab initio quantum mechanical calculations were carried out to obtain the partial charges and intramolecular torsional and bending potentials. The van der Waals interactions are described by Lennard-Jones potentials, the parameters of which are optimized to reproduce the available experimental vapour-liquid equilibrium data. An extension of the Gibbs-Duhem method was used to speed up the optimization.
Gene flow in colonizing Hippodamia variegata ladybird beetle populations.

From the Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011. This is Journal paper no. J15929 of the Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station, Ames, Iowa; project no. 2949. Thanks to Deb Nelson and Julie Gould, USDA-APH1S Biological Control Laboratory, Niles, Michigan, for supplying laboratory-reared beetles, and Donna Ellis, University of Connecticut, and Lisa Tewkesbury, University of Rhode Island, for collecting wild beetles. This research was partly supported by USDA-APHIS grant no. 12-34-81-016&GR and CSRS USDA grant 94-373120673. Address reprint requests to Dr. E. S. Krafsur at the address above.
Nearfield investigation of subwavelength structured graded-index lens

Using a heterodyne nearfield scanning optical microscope (H-NSOM) we characterize the operation of a novel graded-index slab lens made of subwavelength features. Measured amplitude and phase distributions show light focusing and is used to learn about the device performance.
Management of interactions between endangered species using habitat restoration

Abstract Commonly used conservation strategies may be insufficient when deleterious interactions between co-habiting endemic species occur. The decline in the population size of the endangered Leon Springs pupfish, Cyprinodon bovinus, in Diamond Y Spring, Texas has been partially attributed to egg-predation by the endangered Pecos gambusia, Gambusia nobilis. This interaction is related to changes in habitat availability; therefore, we aim to manage the conflict via restoration of the breeding habitat. We hypothesized that altering the habitat to expand shallow breeding areas would result in a decrease in the number of gambusia preying on the eggs of spawning pupfish pairs and an increase in the number of males defending territories. In 2 years following the habitat modification, we observed resurgence in the pupfish breeding population and a decrease in egg-predation pressure around spawning pupfish pairs. Additionally, after altering the habitat, gambusia were more dispersed throughout the habitat, as the low numbers of gambusia in a territory were stable regardless of spawning or aggressive behaviors by pupfish. To our knowledge, this is the first empirical example of effective management of deleterious interactions between two endangered species by means of habitat restoration.
Proactive power-aware cache management for mobile computing systems

Recent work has shown that invalidation report (IR)-based cache management is an attractive approach for mobile environments. However, the IR-based cache invalidation solution has some limitations, such as long query delay, low bandwidth utilization, and it is not suitable for applications where data change frequently. In this paper, we propose a proactive cache management scheme to address these issues. Instead of passively waiting, the clients intelligently prefetch the data that are most likely used in the future. Based on a novel prefetch-access ratio concept, the proposed scheme can dynamically optimize performance or power based on the available resources and the performance requirements. To deal with frequently updated data, different techniques (indexing and caching) are applied to handle different components of the data based on their update frequency. Detailed simulation experiments are carried out to evaluate the proposed methodology. Compared to previous schemes, our solution not only improves the cache hit ratio, the throughput, and the bandwidth utilization, but also reduces the query delay and the power consumption.
A Review of the Evaluation and Management of Velopharyngeal Insufficiency in Children

This article highlights the most common causes of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), and discusses routine evaluation and treatment algorithms for the management of VPI in children. VPI is a multifactorial condition that occurs commonly in syndromic and non-syndromic children. The most common features of VPI are audible hypernasal speech, facial grimacing, decreased speech intelligibility, nasal regurgitation, and nasal emission from failure to produce oronasal separation. Work-up of VPI typically involves radiologic and endoscopic testing performed with the assistance of a speech-language pathologist. Management of VPI involves initial speech therapy followed by operative repair with sphincter or pharyngeal flap pharyngoplasty, if needed.
The pitfalls of doing the right thing for the wrong reason

In a previous model of the Wisconsin Card Sorting task, the correct sorting rule shifted several times from one sorting criterion (e.g., color matching) to another criterion (e.g., shape matching). Yet a few of the cards matched a template simultaneously on the old and the new criterion. It was found that correct answers on those cards slowed the change from the old to the new rule. An analogy can be drawn to real-life situations involving changes of prevailing rules, such as a change from a neurotic to an adaptive pattern in psychotherapy or a change from an incorrect to a correct method for solving algebra problems. Actions that fit both the old and the new rules can adventitiously prolong the survival of the maladaptive old rule.
Chemistry-Based Functional Proteomics Reveals Novel Members of the Deubiquitinating Enzyme Family

The ubiquitin (Ub)-proteasome system includes a large family of deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs). Many members are assigned to this enzyme class by sequence similarity but without evidence for biological activity. A panel of novel DUB-specific probes was generated by a chemical ligation method. These probes allowed identification of DUBs and associated components by tandem mass spectrometry, as well as rapid demonstration of enzymatic activity for gene products whose functions were inferred from primary structure. We identified 23 active DUBs in EL4 cells, including the tumor suppressor CYLD1. At least two DUBs tightly interact with the proteasome 19S regulatory complex. An OTU domain-containing protein, with no sequence homology to any known DUBs, was isolated. We show that this polypeptide reacts with the C terminus of Ub, thus demonstrating DUB-like enzymatic activity for this novel superfamily of proteases.
Driving behaviors in patients with head and neck cancer during and after cancer treatment: a preliminary report

Background. The purpose of this study was to ex- plore the driving behaviors of head and neck cancer patients during and after cancer therapy. Methods. Eighty-three patients completed a questionnaire related to driving behaviors. Results. The survey revealed that 67.5% of respondents reported that they drove less or stopped driving during cancer therapy, and 26.5% continued to drive less or stopped driving after the completion of cancer therapy. Respondents typically reported greater concern about driving and relied more on other people for transportation during and after cancer therapy than before their diagnosis. Results indicated that the odds for self- restricted driving after cancer therapy were higher for those who were more concerned about driving under challenging driving situations and perceived impaired cognitive function that af- fected their driving ability. Conclusions. These results suggest that perceived impair- ment resulting from cancer therapy has a significant impact on head and neck cancer patients' driving behaviors. V C 2007
Flow Breakdown, Travel Reliability and Real-time Information in Route Choice Behavior

The objective of this study is to provide travelers in a congested network with information on the relative reliability of alternative travel routes, in addition to the usual travel time information. Towards this end, we develop a travel reliability measure that captures the probability of flow breakdown along a given facility, along with the conditional expected delay associated with occurrence of breakdown. The paper develops a methodology for estimating the key elements of this measure, and provides an empirical realization using commonly available freeway sensor data. Both elements of the reliability measure, namely the probability of flow breakdown and the extra delay caused by breakdown are represented as functions of flow rate, and calibrated for each road section based on field data. The proposed travel reliability measure could therefore be obtained off-line by analyzing historical data and computed on-line when real-time measurements are available. The reliability measure is incorporated in the generalized cost function underlying drivers’ route choice behavior, as a basis for dynamic traffic assignment under reliability information provision to users. An analytical illustration using an idealized two route network is provided, confirming that reliability information could improve system performance and increase overall social welfare. Application of the approach to the Irvine, CA test network provides a real-network assessment of the value of travel reliability information in the context of real-time traveler information provision. The experimental results show that reliability information helps to relieve congestion on the freeway, increase system utilization and reduce travelers’ trip time.
Persuasive spaces: Translators’ prefaces to the Divine Comedy

This essay posits translators’ prefaces as democratic spaces of individuality. Among the usually limited opportunities for translators to present their work and discuss its nuances, challenges, methods, and solutions, a translator’s preface affords the rare luxury of displaying one’s array of tools and, by establishing one’s credentials, convincing readers of the legitimacy of specific translatorial choices. However, the possibilities and expectations of a translator’s preface are strongly influenced by factors that hinder the translator’s freedom of expression and are, to some extent, enslaved to a strictly persuasive function. These pre-packaged topics seem to weigh even more on the translators of so-called ‘classic’ texts, who, on top of other real or perceived duties, need to pay homage to past translations and justify the need for an additional one. A close examination of various translators’ prefaces to Dante’s Divine Comedy will highlight recurring themes and persuasive strategies along with deviat...
Survey of AIDS knowledge,attitude and behavior among 421 commercial sex workers in Lingshui county

Objective To understand the AIDS knowledge,attitude,behavior and the incidence of HIV,HCV and syphilis infection among the CSW in 2010.Methods All CSW in the entertainment establishments were asked to carry out the anonymous questionnaire survey by adopting the unified questionnaire.The data were processeded by Epidata3.1 and analyzed by using SPSS11.5 software.Results The youngest CSW was 19 years old and the oldest one was 48 years old,averagely 21.5years old.Among the CSWs,the unmarried accounted for 68.17%.The awareness rate of HIV transmission knowledge including sexual contact,the spread of blood products and through mother to child transmission were 51.3%,85.3% and 84.4%,respectively.The awareness rate of correct use of condoms accounted for 56.5%.The AIDS knowledge was significant associated with the education level and age of CSW(P 0.0001).with the increase of the education level,the awareness rate of the comprehensive knowledge increased(χ2=45.0,P 0.001).The syphilis infection rate was 3.5%.Conclusions The knowledge level of HIV/AIDS are generally low in CSW in Lingshui.Various AIDS health education should be conducted,so as to improve their comprehensive knowledge and promote the condom use for preventing transmission of AIDS in this county.
Electromagnetic Imaging of Subdermal Human Hair Follicles In Vivo

Background: Previously we used a method for imaging electromagnetic energy emitted human hairs removed from the skin. In the present report the same methodology was able to record images of sub-dermal hair follicles. Methods: A relatively flat area of the author’s forearms was covered by a strip of aluminum foil and taped to the area. A glass coverslip, placed so that a portion of the coverslip lay over the aluminum strip and a part positioned over the uncovered skin. A drop of a solution of iron nano-particles was put on the glass coverslip and a second coverslip placed on top to create a uniform liquid sandwich. A small strip of tape at each end of the coverslip was attached to the forearm so that the entire preparation could be maintained without movement for 4-6 hours (n=10). For comparison, hairs with attached follicles were plucked from the skin and placed in a glass slide sandwich (n=9). Images from both groups were viewed with an optical microscope and microphotographs made with a camera attachment. Quantitative comparisons of the follicle areas in each group was determined using the measurement tools of the Pro-plus software program. Results: Sub-dermal images showed characteristic follicle structures and were, for the most part, similar in size and shape to the ex vivo images. Quantitative comparisons showed a significant difference (p=0.02, Table 1) between area measurements of in vivo and ex vivo imaged follicles. By adjusting for differences by which images were obtained, no significant area differences were then found (p=0.9, Table 2). Conclusions: Using a simplified method consisting of a solution containing nano-sized iron particles and an iron stain, we were able to record images of follicles under the shaved and unshaved skin of the forearm. Comparison of these images and those of follicles removed from the skin were comparable in size (area) and shape. Journal of Nature and Science (JNSCI), 2(2):e174, 2016
Mitochondrial DNA Fragmentation to Monitor Safety and Quality in Roasted Peanuts

ABSTRACT Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) fragmentation has been proposed as a time-temperature integrator (TTI) for high-moisture thermal processes using low-acid, high-temperature and high-acid, low-temperature protocols. In this study, dry roasted peanuts were assayed using the same novel molecular TTI. Enterococcus faecium was evaluated as a Salmonella surrogate for process validation and compared to fragmentation of intrinsic peanut mtDNA and Hunter L color, a quality indicator, for dry roasting. Reduction curve data for E. faecium were highly repeatable as similar kinetics were observed when compared to another study which used a commercial, contract laboratory to validate this same surrogate for use with dry roasted peanuts processes (4-log reduction after 10 min at 167 C). Mitochondrial DNA fragmentation was not linear compared to time at a given temperature, but exhibited a long lag time. D and z-values were calculated using E. faecium, threshold cycle (Ct) and Hunter L color values. D values for E. fae...
History of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is one of the most complex autoimmune systemic diseases. SLE has been recognized as a defined clinical entity for more than 100 years. However, its cause remains unknown and its treatment options are still limited. The many faces of this disease make its history unique and fascinating. The history of SLE is the history of modern medicine. We describe the evolution from basic descriptive physical observations to a more in-depth understanding of disease pathophysiology and its implications for treatment and prognosis.
Comparative Dynamics of Models of Adaptive and Optimal Economic Growth

The dynamics of capital accumulation and economic growth introduced by Solow [32] is a theme that has inspired many subsequent variations. The optimizing properties of the time path of the capital/labor ratio of a single output economy are expounded by Phelps [31] for linear savings behavior. Optimal paths for similar models with population either endogenous or controlled may be found in work by Lane [20, 21], where optimal control theory is used to analyze policies of capital accumulation and population growth.
The Design, Construction and Testing of Floats for Use in Superfluid Helium

We employ a technique which uses superfluid 4He as a delicate, low noise suspension medium. The goal is to create a new type of torsion balance for earth based gravitational experiments requiring very high sensitivity. As a fluid bearing replacing the classical torsion fiber suspension, liquid helium II offers several unique advantages. Most notable are its extremely low viscosity, high thermal stability, inertness and small thermally driven fluctuations. We present the design and performance aspects of buoyant torsional oscillators and the cryogenic system used to maintain the superfluid medium.
Cavitation-enabled rapid and tunable evolution of high-χN micelles as templates for ordered mesoporous oxides

The kinetic-entrapment of block copolymer micelles enables size-persistence, however tuning micelle sizes under such conditions remains challenging. Agitation-induced chain exchange via vortexing is limited by the production of solution–air interfaces. Here, we use ultrasonic cavitation for rapid interface production that accelerates micelle growth by an order of magnitude over vortexing.
Male resource defence during intergroup aggression among tufted capuchin monkeys

In group-living species, conflicts between groups frequently involve multiple individuals participating in aggression towards the opposing group. Although defence is a collective action, individuals differ in their motivations. For males, the spatiotemporal distribution of resources should determine whether they defend food or mates. Although resource defence as a male mating strategy has been demonstrated primarily in unimale social systems, males in multimale groups generally directly defend access to females. I examined the factors affecting individual assessment of the costs and benefits of participation in aggressive intergroup encounters among tufted capuchin monkeys, Sapajus (Cebus apella) nigritus, at Iguazu National Park, Argentina. Through provisioning and playback experiments I show that male aggression during intergroup encounters in tufted capuchin monkeys is directly related to the presence of a high-quality food resource, whereas behaviours more consistent with direct mate defence were not apparent. Although males and females demonstrated concordant strategies, male responses were stronger than those of females, but no differences were observed between dominant and subordinate males in the presence of a defendable food resource. Resident females may be manipulating male–male competition within groups, using males as ‘hired guns’ to increase access to food resources, thereby increasing infant survivorship and decreasing interbirth intervals. In this population, intersexual conflict, which is often associated with infanticide and sexual coercion in nonhuman primates, has promoted cooperation between the sexes.
Detecting Patterns of Climate Change at Volcán Chimborazo, Ecuador, by Integrating Instrumental Data, Public Observations, and Glacier Change Analysis

The people of Andean Ecuador face considerable risks due to climate change; however, a fundamental obstacle for those seeking to understand these risks is the lack of detailed, long-term meteorological data for the region. This research describes recent patterns of climate change at Volcan Chimborazo, Ecuador, through an integration of climatological data, qualitative data provided by local residents, and information derived from a detailed analysis of recent glacier change on the mountain. Although instrumental records indicate a local warming of 0.11°C decade−1 between 1986 and 2011 (0.26°C total), these data suggest that precipitation has remained largely unchanged. Local residents (farmers and nonfarmers, irrigators and nonirrigators), however, report that there has been a noticeable reduction in rainfall and surface water availability in recent decades, and the near ubiquity of this observation suggests that the instrumental record has not captured these patterns of climate change. Between 1986 and 2...
Data-driven business process similarity

Although measuring the similarity of business processes based on activity labels, structural and behavioural factors can be effective, defining inexact and incomplete labels and the existence of multiple labels for similar activities cause challenges for determining similar processes. Recent attempts to consider data in business process management and the support of data modelling in business process standards have led to the creation of multiple business models with data access. In this study, a method considering data for measuring business process similarity is presented in which first the similarity of activities is measured according to their structures and behaviours in a process and also their data access. Then based on the similarity of activities, the similarity of processes is determined using the proposed algorithm.
Type II SLAP Tear in an 19-Year-Old Baseball Pitcher Treated with SLAP Repair

Superior Labral Anterior-Posterior (SLAP) tears are a common source of shoulder pain, especially in the overhead-throwing athlete. Etiology most commonly involves a repetitive overhead-throwing motion. Direct shoulder trauma such as a fall onto an outstretched hand can also result in tears involving the superior labrum (Keener and Brophy. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 17:627–37, 2009). The case presented describes a collegiate baseball pitcher who presented with shoulder pain in his throwing arm. History, clinical exam, and MRI were highly suggestive of a SLAP tear. After a 4-month course of non-operative management consisting of rest from throwing, a structured physical therapy program focusing on shoulder stretching and strengthening exercises followed by an interval throwing program, he continued to experience shoulder pain with loss of pitch velocity and command. Consequently, surgery was recommended. The patient successfully underwent arthroscopic repair of a type II SLAP lesion. Following surgery, he completed a postoperative rehabilitation program with eventual return to pitching at the collegiate level.
Monoclonal antibody-based therapeutics, targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor family: from herceptin to Pan HER.

OBJECTIVES Monoclonal antibody-based of cancer therapy has been considered as one of the most successful therapeutic strategies for both haematologic malignancies and solid tumours in the last two decades. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family signalling pathways play a key role in the regulation of cell proliferation, survival and differentiation. Hence, anti-EGFR family mAbs is one of the most promising approaches in cancer therapy. KEY FINDINGS Here, recent advances in anti-EGFR mAb including approved or successfully tested in preclinical and clinical studies have been reviewed. Although we focus on monoclonal antibodies against the EGF receptor, but the mechanisms underlying the effects of EGFR-specific mAb in cancer therapy, to some extend the resistance to existing anti-EGFR therapies and some therapeutic strategies to overcome resistance such as combination of mAbs on different pathways are briefly discussed as well. SUMMARY The EGFR family receptors, is considered as an attractive target for mAb development to inhibit their consecutive activities in tumour growth and resistance. However, due to resistance mechanisms, the combination therapies may become a good candidate for targeting EGFR family receptors.
Strategic Flux and Technical Failure

The years between Sir John Fisher’s departure from the Admiralty and the outbreak of war were ones of considerable strategic flux. The Royal Navy struggled to work out exactly how it intended to fight a war with Germany, and it explored a number of different mining strategies in order to facilitate this. Its eventual success in developing a strategy was undermined by the discovery that the mining materiel was largely defective, something that deprived the service of a mining strategy on the outbreak of war.
Case-based reasoning for general electric appliance customer support

A case-based reasoning system was created to support customers who purchased appliances from General Electric. When a customer calls General Electric for help, a call-taker uses the system to diagnose the problem and step the customer through its solution. The system has been in use by 300 call-takers since 1999. It has resulted in a 20 percent increase in the probability the customer's problem can be solved over the phone. This has greatly improved customer satisfaction and saved GE $44.5 million between 2000 and 2005 from reduced cost of visits of field service technician to customer's homes.
Prototype System and Performance Evaluation

In order to demonstrate the feasibility and evaluate the performance of the identification and control algorithms, we have developed a complete prototype system. This prototype arm signature system has been applied to identify and control seven Westinghouse/Unimation Puma 560 robots.8. The Puma 560 is a six degree of freedom robot with revolute joints. Evaluation of the arm signature-based control showed consistent improvement of accuracy in several standard tasks.
Reversal of sympathetic failure due to cervical myelopathy in a patient with Down's syndrome

We report a case of severe orthostatic hypotension in a 60-year-old patient with Down's syndrome presumably due to spinal cord compression secondary to atlantoaxial instability that resolved following surgical decompression; the mechanism of disease may be selective damage to the autonomic descending fibers.
Impact of manufacturer and retailer's market pricing power on customer satisfaction incentives in supply chains

Abstract Many manufacturers are offering some form of supply chain incentives to motivate their retailers to increase customer satisfaction (CS). In this paper, we focus on the manufacturer's two main CS incentives for the retailer: customer satisfaction index bonus (CSI bonus) and customer satisfaction assistance (CS assistance). When both manufacturer and retailer have strong market pricing power, prior research has shown that the manufacturer should offer both CSI bonus and CS assistance to the retailer. In contrast with prior research results, we find if the manufacturer has weak market pricing power, then she should only offer CS assistance but not CSI bonus to the retailer when the market wholesale price is relatively low. We also quantify the value of the CS incentive programs to the manufacturer's performance improvement in different supply chain settings. In general, we find the manufacturer's CS incentive program is more valuable when demand is more sensitive to the retailer's CS effort. Finally, we obtain additional insights from a few supply chain model extensions.
Exploring the emergence of influential users on social media during natural disasters

Abstract Public information and warning represent key components of society's disaster preparedness, as they complement planning and operational coordination. Social media has increasingly become a means by which users spread useful public safety and emergency information during these events. The emergence of influential users plays a critical role in the improvement of online social networks for widespread information diffusion. This study focuses on the emergence of influential individual users on Twitter and explores the reason why they achieved a significant number of followers during one of the most devastating disasters: Hurricane Harvey. The diverse patterns of increases in followers for the emerging influencers may be separated into several types. Among those types, Twitter users who posted objective disaster-related information in clear language and a consistent fashion tended to show an increase in followers and emerged as influential users. Additionally, professionals (from the media industry, public agencies and departments, and research organizations) made significant contributions to public information and warning during the hurricane. The findings highlight the common attributes of emerging influential social media users and the crucial role they play in the self-organized dissemination of disaster information.
Development and Dissemination of an Interprofessional Online Dementia Training Curriculum

Objectives Despite the growing number of individuals with dementia, clinicians skilled in caring for people with dementia, especially in rural areas, are lacking. The Program for Advancing Cognitive Disorders Education for Rural Staff (PACERS) was designed to improve clinician competency and comfort when caring for individuals with dementia. Based on an interprofessional needs assessment, six 1-hour training modules were created: (1) Dementia and Delirium, (2) Identifying and Assessing for Dementia, (3) Treating Dementia: Case Studies, (4) Normal Cognitive Aging and Dementia Caregiving, (5) Addressing Decision Making and Safety in Dementia, and (6) Dementia and Driving. Each module is available for free on the Department of Veterans Affairs Talent Management System (TMS) for employees and the free TrainingFinder Real-time Affiliate Integrated Network (TRAIN) platform for clinicians in the community. One continuing education unit is earned upon completion of each module. Design Posttest. Setting Online training at VA TMS and TRAIN. Participants To date, more than 3000 modules have been completed by interprofessional healthcare learners (eg, nurses, physicians, psychologists, and social workers). Measurements Satisfaction, perceived utility of training, knowledge, skills, and attitudes were assessed. Results The learners reported high satisfaction (mean [M] > 4) and ability to apply the knowledge and skills learned from the module to their job (M > 4) on a Likert scale (1 = Strongly disagree to 5 = Strongly agree). Conclusion Learners also reported perceived impact on both direct patient care (eg, ability to provide education and support to individuals with dementia and their caregivers) and system-level care (eg, more appropriate referrals). Given the number of users and their evaluation data, PACERS can serve as a model curriculum for online interprofessional dementia training. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:192-197, 2019.
Reaction-bond composite synthesis of SiC-TiB2 by spark plasma sintering/field-assisted sintering technology (SPS/FAST)

Abstract High-density SiC-TiB2 composites were fabricated using the displacement reaction spark plasma sintering/field-assisted sintering technology (SPS/FAST) and SiC, B4C, TiC, and Si powders. The reaction process was performed in a narrow time frame compared hot pressing. The SiC-TiB2 composites were sintered with precursor SiC at various pressures to determine the effects of processing with SPS/FAST. The composites completed synthesis during SPS/FAST processing, which occurs more quickly than hot pressing. SEM, STEM, and Raman spectroscopy are used to show the conversion and microstructure. The composite of 53.6 wt.% SiC and 46.4 wt.% TiB2 has 99 % theoretical density, hardness of 26.4 GPa, and fracture toughness of 5.12 MPa m1/2.
Management of recurrent ventricular pseudoaneurysm.

Abstract A 49-year-old man suffered multiple recurrences of pseudoaneurysm following ventricular aneurysmectomy in which Teflon felt strips had been used to reinforce the closure. The pseudoaneurysm was secondary to infection of the cardiac suture line, caused by a pathogen resident in the multifilamented Teflon strips. The patient was treated successfully by removal of all residual foreign material and reinforcement of the suture line with an omental pedicle graft. (Texas Heart Institute Journal 1991; 18:69-71)
The microbiome mediates subchondral bone loss and metabolomic changes after acute joint trauma

Objective: To compare the early responses to joint injury in conventional and germ-free mice. Design: Post traumatic osteoarthritis PTOA was induced using a non-invasive anterior cruciate ligament rupture model in 20-week old germ-free (GF) and conventional C57BL/6 mice. Injury was induced in the left knees of n=8 GF and n=10 conventional mice. To examine the effects of injury, n=5 GF and n=9 conventional control mice were used. Mice were euthanized seven days post-injury, followed by synovial fluid recovery for global metabolomic profiling and analysis of epiphyseal trabecular bone by micro-computed tomography (microCT). Global metabolomic profiling assessed metabolic differences in the joint response to injury between GF and conventional mice. Magnitude of trabecular bone volume loss measured using microCT assessed early OA progression in GF and conventional mice. Results: microCT found that GF mice had significantly less trabecular bone loss compared to conventional mice, indicating that the GF status was protective against early OA changes in bone structure. Global metabolomic profiling showed that conventional mice had greater variability in their metabolic response to injury, and a more distinct joint metabolome compared to their corresponding controls. Furthermore, differences in the response to injury in GF compared to conventional mice were linked to mouse metabolic pathways that regulate inflammation associated with the innate immune system. Conclusions: These results suggest that the gut microbiota promote the development of PTOA during the acute phase following joint trauma possibly through the regulation of the innate immune system.
Maternal Oral Health Influences Infant Salivary Microbiome

Oral microbiomes vary in cariogenic potential; these differences may be established early in life. A major concern is whether mothers transmit cariogenic bacteria to their children. Here we charact...
Alternatives to the global food regime: Steps toward system transformation

Abstract To reduce the negative impacts of the food system, small-scale ecological ways of producing food need to spread globally. This transformation has not happened because the food system is inextricably linked to a government-supported economic system that is biased against the small and local. Government policies support a global food economy where people everywhere eat similar foods, and industrial-scale monocultural production for export is the norm. This food system has been produced by globalization, driven by “free trade” agreements, subsidies, and tax policies biased toward the large scale and global. Globalization’s impacts include: loss of livelihoods; environmental and climate breakdown; increasing inequality; lack of resilience; loss of food security; and increasing conflict. Localization offers a systemic solution. It alleviates several environmental problems, e.g., through reducing energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste, and favoring diversified organic production methods. Local food systems also: enhance local economies; strengthen food security; and produce healthier food. Systemic change requires “bottom-up” efforts and “top-down” policy-level changes to reverse the structural forces that currently promote the large and global. At the grassroots, people are building prosperous local economies that provide more meaningful, productive work and renew place-based relationships that reflect the desire for love and connection.
Autologous blood patch pleurodesis for prolonged postoperative air leaks.

Background A prolonged air leak (PAL) is the most frequent complication after pulmonary resection. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of autologous blood patch pleurodesis (ABPP) to treat PAL. Methods A prospectively maintained database identified patients with a PAL after pulmonary resection for lung cancer between 2015-2019. In this observational cohort study, clinical data were collected to retrospectively compare patients undergoing ABPP to no ABPP in a propensity-matched analysis. Kaplan Meier estimates and Cox models accounting for inverse probability weighting (IPTW) were used to assess the association of ABPP with each outcome. Results Of the 740 patients undergoing lung resection, 110 (15%) were identified as having a PAL at postoperative day (POD) 5. There was no difference between baseline characteristics among those undergoing ABPP (n=34) versus no ABPP (n=76). Propensity-weighted analysis did not reveal a significant association of ABPP treatment with in-hospital complication (P=0.18), hospital length of stay (LOS) (P=0.13), or post-discharge complication (P=0.13). However, ABPP treatment was associated with a lower risk of hospital readmission [P=0.02, hazard ratio (HR) 0.16] and reoperation for air leak or empyema (P=0.05, HR 0.11). Although not statistically significant, the mean chest tube (CT) removal of 11 days for the ABPP group was less than the no ABPP group (16 days) (P=0.14, HR 1.5-2). Those treated with ABPP were less likely to be discharged with a CT (ABPP 7/34, 21% vs. no ABPP 40/76, 53%). There was no statistical difference in empyema development between groups (ABPP 0/34, 0% vs. no ABPP 4/76, 5%, P=0.39, HR 0.24). Conclusions ABPP administration is safe compared to traditional PAL management. In a retrospective propensity-matched analysis, postoperative patients treated with ABPP required less readmission and reoperation for PAL. Larger powered randomized trials may demonstrate the magnitude of benefit from treatment with ABPP.
Exploring Sleep Health in Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes.

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to describe the sleep health goals in 35 young adults age 18–30 years with type 1 diabetes (T1D). We reviewed clinician sleep reports generated...
Computing with Catalan Families

We study novel arithmetic algorithms on a canonical number representation based on the Catalan family of combinatorial objects. For numbers corresponding to Catalan objects of low structural complexity our algorithms provide super-exponential gains while their average case complexity is within constant factors of their traditional counterparts.
Robotic Technology and Ancillary Instruments in Renal Surgery

The da Vinci robotic platform has enabled surgeons to routinely perform complex robotic renal surgery. As surgeons continue to push the envelope with the limits of robotic surgery, robotic renal applications have continued to expand. Being familiar with the available robotic instrumentation and technologies will facilitate the safe and efficient completion of these procedures. It has taken several years since the introduction of the robot, but the development of new instrumentation and technology will allow surgeons to take further advantage of the capabilities of the robot in providing more precise surgery that will hopefully translate into improved patient outcomes.
Chapter 5 Ankyrins: A Family of Proteins that Link Diverse Membrane Proteins to the Spectrin Skeleton

Publisher Summary Spectrin is a flexible rod-shaped molecule, comprising two subunits, aligned side-to-side to form hetero-dimers and head-to-head into tetramers that are capable of cross-linking actin, with binding sites, for actin on both ends. Two classes of protein interactions have been identified as an essential for the assembly of spectrin tetramers into a membrane-associated network; linkage of spectrin to the membrane and association of multiple spectrin molecules with actin to form a two-dimensional meshwork. Principal that can be derived, from the erythrocyte membrane, is that spectrin alone does not polymerize or assemble into higher order structures without the aid of accessory proteins. This chapter discusses ankyrins that comprise an important class of spectrin-organizing proteins that are candidates to link a number of integral membrane proteins to the spectrin skeleton in specialized plasma membrane domains. The chapter discusses ankyrin structure of ankyrins being a multigene family, functional diversity of ankyrin, because of alternative splicing of messenger RNA (mRNA) and of mapping the binding sites of ankyrin. Ankyrins are a family of structural proteins, associated with the plasma membrane, that are candidates to link integral membrane proteins to the spectrin skeleton. Ankyrin-binding proteins include three different ion channels: the anion exchanger of erythrocytes and kidney collecting ducts, the Na + /K + - adenosine triphosphate (ATP)ase of kidney distal tubules, and the voltage-dependent sodium channel of the brain.
Do Bounded Signals Have Bounded Amplitudes

There are many possible amplitudes and phases, or amplitude-modulations and frequency-modulations (AM and FM), that can generate a given signal. Of the many methods available for determining the AM and FM of a signal, some yield an unbounded AM for some magnitude-bounded signals (including the analytic signal method). The consequences of requiring a bounded AM given a bounded signal on the method used to determine the AM and FM are examined.
Magnetocardiographic Localization of a Pacing Catheter

Magnetocardiographic mapping during cardiac endocardia1 pacing was initially attempted by us, in patients undergoing invasive electrophysiological study for clinical reasons, in order to ascertain the reliability of the biomagnetic method in localizing a dipolar source placed in the human heart (Fenici et a1 1985,1986a,b,c). Subsequently similar results have been reported, with measurements carried out in two patients with permanently implanted pacemakers (Schmitz 1988) and in animals (Costa Monteiro et a1 1987). Here we report present results of an ongoing systematic research, carried out in our catheterization laboratory to quantify the accuracy of MCG localization of a catheter pacing different sites of the heart.
The Histidine Operon of Salmonella typhimurium

Salmonella typhimurium uses ten enzymic steps to convert phosphoribosylpyrophophate and ATP to histidine. The biosynthetic steps are illustrated in Figure 1. Any mutant lacking one of the enzymic activities will grow normally when supplied with exogenous histidine; hence, the pathway has no branch points leading to other metabolites required for growth. About 1500 mutations leading to a requirement for histidine have been described in the cluster of genes specifying the enzymes of histidine biosynthesis (Hartman et al., 1971). These genes, then, are both necessary and sufficient to produce the enzymes to synthesize histidine. The enzymology of histidine biosynthesis has been recently reviewed in detail (Martin et al., 1971).
Broad oxygen tolerance in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans

This study examined the effects of oxygen tensions ranging from 0 to 90 kPa on the metabolic rate (rate of carbon dioxide production), movement and survivorship of the free-living soil nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. C. elegans requires oxygen to develop and survive. However, it can maintain a normal metabolic rate at oxygen levels of 3.6 kPa and has near-normal metabolic rates at oxygen levels as low as 2 kPa. The ability to withstand low ambient oxygen levels appears to be a consequence of the small body size of C. elegans, which allows diffusion to supply oxygen readily to the cells without requiring any specialized respiratory or metabolic adaptations. Thus, the small size of this organism pre-adapts C. elegans to living in soil environments that commonly become hypoxic. Movement in C. elegans appears to have a relatively minor metabolic cost. Several developmental stages of C. elegans were able to withstand up to 24 h of anoxia without major mortality. Longer periods of anoxia significantly increased mortality, particularly for eggs. Remarkably, long-term exposure to 100 % oxygen had no effect on the metabolic rate of C. elegans, and populations were able to survive for a least 50 generations in 100 % (90 kPa) oxygen. Such hyperoxic conditions are fatal to most organisms within a short period.
Weakly acidic reflux.

SUMMARY The advent of multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH (MII-pH) monitoring has generated interest in the role of weakly acidic reflux in persistent symptoms in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Emerging evidence suggests that MII-pH may be superior to conventional pH testing under certain circumstances in the detection of reflux and expert opinions have been put forth advocating a central role for pH impedance monitoring in the detection of GERD. However the clinical relevance of an impedance-based diagnosis of reflux and its impact on clinically relevant outcomes is less clear. This review appraises the role of weakly acidic reflux in health and in GERD patients and the clinical utility of detecting weakly acidic reflux in the management of GERD.
Impact of tobacco smoke on chronic rhinosinusitis: a review of the literature.

Background: Environmental factors such as inhaled pollutants like cigarette smoke may play a significant role in diseases of the upper airway including chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The objectives of this review are to summarize prior studies that describe the correlation between active smoking and secondhand smoke (SHS) on CRS. We also review the pathophysiologic effects of cigarette smoke on sinonasal mucosa and discuss its impact on surgical outcomes of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Methods: A literature search was conducted of the PubMed database using the terms “sinusitis” or “rhinosinusitis” and “smoking.” Additional search terms of “nasal epithelial” and “smoke” were used to find articles that discussed pathophysiologic effects of tobacco smoke, whereas “secondhand smoke” was added to identify articles analyzing the correlation of SHS and CRS. Finally “endoscopic sinus surgery” and “outcomes” were linked to “smoking” to find articles that analyzed the impact of smoking on surgical results. Results: We identified 204 articles in the initial search. An additional 72 articles were reviewed for their relevance to the pathophysiologic effects of tobacco smoke while 31 articles were analyzed to determine the correlation of SHS and CRS. Twenty-nine articles were reviewed to analyze the impact of smoking on surgical results. Conclusion: There is clear evidence in the literature that cigarette smoke, either through active smoking or passive exposure to SHS, contributes to CRS. Recent prospective studies suggest that active smoking is not a contraindication to ESS, whereas the impact of smoking volume and long-term smoking after ESS has not been sufficiently evaluated.