cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
P.153L: Late-News Poster: An Interactive Application of Instant Haptic Feedback

Multiple sub-electrodes interlaced and driven with optimized waveform by lower than ±250V voltage to produce instant haptic feedback stimuli. Users can sense tactile stimuli by contacting with the screen instead of sliding on it. A guessing game was designed based on integration of touch panel and haptic feedback. It was proven that the users can recognize feedback signal at 87.6% accuracy.
Ranking of soybean cultivars for resistance to ozone using different ozone doses and response measures

Abstract The relative resistance (ranking) of soybean Glycine max (L.) Merr. cultivars Dare, Hood, Lee 68 and Scott to ozone (O 3 ) was affected by the O 3 concentration, duration of exposure and the response measure selected as the criterion for ranking. The ranking of cultivars obtained by exposure to chronic doses of O 3 was often different from that obtained by exposure to acute doses. Rankings based on growth effects were usually different from those based on foliar injury. Rankings based on primary leaf injury sometimes differed from those based on trifoliate leaf injury. The results show a need for further work in order to develop methods of screening cultivars for resistance to O 3 .
Impact of computerized physician order entry on clinical practice in a newborn intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVE: To study the impact of computerized physician order entry (CPOE) on selected neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) practices. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Nursing units in an academic health system where CPOE has been implemented in adult services since 2000 and in the NICU since 2002. STUDY POPULATION: Data from 111 very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants born consecutively within 6 months before and 100 VLBW infants born within 6 months after the implementation of CPOE were evaluated. The study is based on pre- and post-CPOE comparisons in medication error rates and on the initiation to completion time intervals for pharmacy orders and radiology procedures. The specific data subsets that were compared included caffeine and gentamicin. Radiology turn-around time (order to image display) for the first chest and abdominal X-ray taken following endotracheal intubation and/or umbilical catheter placement was studied. RESULTS: Statistically significant (p<0.01) reductions were seen in medication turn-around times for the loading dose of caffeine in pre-CPOE (n=41, mean 10.5±9.8 SD hours) and post-CPOE (n=48, mean 2.8±3.3 SD hours). After CPOE implementation, the percentage of cases during each period where caffeine was administered before 2 and 3 hours increased from 10 to 35% and 12 to 63%, respectively. Accuracy of gentamicin dose at the time of admission for 105 (pre-CPOE) and 92 (post-CPOE) VLBW infants was determined. In the pre-CPOE period, 5% overdosages, 8% underdosages, and 87% correct dosages were identified. In the post-CPOE, no medication errors occurred. Accuracy of gentamicin dosages during hospitalization at the time of suspected late-onset sepsis for 31 pre- and 28 post-CPOE VLBW infants was studied. Gentamicin dose was calculated incorrectly in two of 31 (6%) pre-CPOE infants. No such errors were noted in the post-CPOE period. Radiology response time decreased significantly from the pre-CPOE (n=107, mean 42±12 SD minutes) to post-CPOE (n=95, mean 32±16 SD minutes). CONCLUSION: The implementation of CPOE in our NICU resulted in a significant reduction in medication turn-around times and medication errors for selected drugs, and a decrease in ancillary service (radiology) response time. In spite of the complexities of medication orders in pediatric populations, commercially available software programs for CPOE can successfully be adjusted to accommodate NICU needs and to beneficially impact clinical practice.
Titanium oxide nanotubes with controlled morphology for enhanced bone growth

An array of vertically aligned titanium oxide nanotubes was grown on the surface of titanium substrate by anodization. A chemical treatment with NaOH solution to make them more bioactive with a formation of nanoscale sodium titanate structure. The presence of such treated TiO2 nanotubes significantly accelerated the kinetics of hydroxyapatite growth by a factor of as much as 7. The adhesion/growth of osteoblast cells is also significantly accelerated by the topography of the TiO2 nanotubes with the filopodia of the growing cells actually going into the nanotube pores, producing a locked-in cell structure. The number of the adhered cells on the TiO2 nanotubes increases by as much ∼400% as compared to the Ti metal, most likely caused by the pronounced topological feature, significantly increased surface area, as well as the in-between-nanotube pathways for fluid. Such an array of TiO2 nanotubes well adherent on Ti implant surface can be useful for accelerated bone growth in orthopaedic/dental applications.
Structure of a cellulose II‐hydrazine complex

The structure of a crystalline cellulose II-hydrazine complex has been determined by x-ray diffraction methods as part of an investigation of cellulose-solvent interaction. The complex studied was that formed when Fortisan fibers were swollen in hydrazine and then vacuumdried. The unit cell is monoclinic with dimensions a = 9.37 A, b = 19.88 A, c = 10.39 A, and γ = 120.0° and contains disaccharide segments of four chains, with one hydrazine per glucose residue. In view of the limited x-ray intensity data, the structure has been determined based on an approximate unit cell containing two chain segments, with a = 4.69 A, using the linked-atom least-squares refinement procedures. The refined model contains antiparallel cellulose chains that are linked by both intermolecular hydrogen bonds and hydrogen-bonded hydrazine molecules. The parallel chains in the 020 planes are packed in register, leading to stacks of chains analogous to those in chitin. All the hydroxyl groups are satisfactorily hydrogen-bonded, and each hydrazine forms four donor and two acceptor hydrogen bonds, including an NH…N bond between hydrazines. From this work it can be seen that the interaction of cellulose II with hydrazine involves scission of the intermolecular hydrogen bonds followed by disruption of the stacks of quarter-staggered chains. The latter effect is probably necessary for hydrazine to act as a cellulose solvent.
Recurrence rates after endoscopic sinus surgery for massive sinus polyposis.

Background and objectives: Most studies on outcome after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) include patients with varying degrees of disease severity. Recurrence rates cited by those studies may not apply to the subset of patients with severe polyposis. Our aim is to provide reference information for recurrence rates and need for revision surgery in patients with severe disease. Study design, patients, and methods: Review of patients with severe polyposis with a minimum Lund-McKay score of 16 and with a Kennedy computed tomography stage 3 or 4. Data collection included demographics, presence of asthma or documented allergy, history of previous surgery, extent of surgery, preoperative and postoperative management, recurrence rates, revision surgery rates, and follow-up. Results: One hundred and eighteen records were reviewed. Fifty-nine (50%) patients had asthma, and 93 (79%) had documented allergy. All patients required extensive bilateral nasal polypectomy, complete anterior and posterior ethmoidectomy, and maxillary sinusotomy. One hundred (85%) also had frontal or sphenoid sinusotomy. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 168 (median 40) months. Seventy-one (60%) developed recurrent polyposis. Fifty-five (47%) were advised to undergo revision surgery, and 32 (27%) underwent surgery. History of previous sinus surgery or asthma predicted higher recurrence (P <.005, P < .001) and revision surgery rates (P =.02, P <.001). History of allergy also predicted recurrence and need for revision (P <.001, P <.001). Conclusions: Recurrence rates after ESS for severe polyposis are significant. In our study, patients with asthma are at higher risk of recurrence.
Trait Judgments of Stay‐At‐Home and Employed Parents: A Function of Social Role and/or Shifting Standards?

Primarily middle-class, White college students (n = 484) read a brief description of a stay-at-home or employed mother or father, estimated how often the target performed several parenting behaviors, and rated her/him on communion and parenting effectiveness. Results showed that respondents estimated more parenting behaviors for mothers than fathers in both roles, gave stay-at-home mothers and fathers similar trait ratings, and viewed employed mothers as lower in communion and parenting effectiveness than fathers. The behavioral findings indicate that social role does not override the effect of gender on trait judgments. It is likely that the observed null and counterstereotypical effects of gender are due to the operation of shifting standards of judgment that reflect within-gender expectations.
Fetal effects of maternal streptozotocin-diabetes.

A chronic diabetic-like state was induced in nonpregnant rats by iv administration of streptozotocin (STZ) 40 mg/kg. The animals were bred and then killed on day 22 of pregnancy. Fetal and placental weights, plasma glucose and immunoreactive insulin (IRI) levels, and pancreatic IRI and histology were studied. Rats exhibiting minimal glucosuria during pregnancy produced fetuses which were slightly (but not significantly) larger than controls while rats with more marked glucosuria had fetuses significantly smaller, and placentas significantly larger, than controls. Maternal hyperglycemia with STZ treatment was associated with hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia in the fetus. While fetal pancreatic IRI was not significantly different in treated and control subjects, histologic evidence of hyperfunction of the fetal pancreatic islets, roughly proportional in degree to the severity of the maternal diabetic-like state, was found. These results are consistent with the hyperglycemia-hyperinsulinemia theory of feta...
Accelerated Electron Transfer between Metal Complexes Mediated by DNA

DNA-mediated long-range electron transfer from photoexcited 1,10-phenanthroline complexes of ruthenium, Ru(phen)2(3)+, to isostructural complexes of cobalt(III), rhodium(III), and chromium(III) bound along the helical strand. The efficiency of transfer depended upon binding mode and driving force. For a given donor-acceptor pair, surface-bound complexes showed greater rate enhancements than those that were intercalatively bound. Even in rigid glycerol at 253 K, the rates for donor-acceptor pairs bound to DNA remained enhanced. For the series of acceptors, the greatest enhancement in electron-transfer rate was found with chromium, the acceptor of intermediate driving force. The DNA polymer appears to provide an efficient intervening medium to couple donor and acceptor metal complexes for electron transfer.
The effect of particle size on the erosion of a ductile material at the low particle size limit

Abstract The intrinsic particle size dependence of erosion rate was investigated in the absence of aerodynamic effects. An apparatus was designed to impact small particles on metallic substrates at normal incidence in vacuum. Two types of target materials, Cu–30% Zn and pure Ti, were impacted with SiO 2 particles with average diameters of 2, 5 and 25 μm. The velocity of impact was 12 m/s. Damage processes induced by single particles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). This latter technique allowed for the measurement of impact profiles, both of the cut surfaces and the associated displaced material pile-ups. The impacts produced were in many cases asymmetrical, and the asymmetries appeared to be related to the orientation of the impacted surface. The appearance of the damage was essentially the same for all three sizes of the erodent, and for two different substrate materials having different crystal structures.
Talk it out: toward a narrative theory of community conferencing

AbstractI advance a narrative theory of restorative justice-practice – more specifically a narrative theory of community conferencing practice. I contend that positioning theory, a particular type of narrative theory, enhances the understanding of how community conferencing works. I argue that positioning theory offers a significant advancement of the current theories of community conferencing practice – affect theory and the theory of reintegrative shaming. In order to make this argument, I provide a brief history of the development of the practice of community conferencing, followed by a discussion of the current predominant theories of community conferencing practice. Then, I discuss the value of narrative theory, with a specific focus on the utility of positioning theory. Finally, I apply positioning theory to an understanding of community conferencing practice and suggest areas for future investigation of the utility of the theory.
Multiple pixel-scale soil water retention curves quantified by neutron radiography

The soil water retention function is needed for modeling multiphase flow in porous media. Traditional techniques for measuring the soil water retention function, such as the hanging water column or pressure cell methods, yield average water retention data which have to be modeled using inverse procedures to extract relevant point parameters. In this study, we have developed a technique for directly measuring multiple point (pixel-scale) water retention curves for a repacked sand material using 2-D neutron radiography. Neutron radiographic images were obtained under quasi-equilibrium conditions at nine imposed basal matric potentials during monotonic drying of Flint sand at the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) Cold Guide (CG) 1D beamline at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. All of the images were normalized with respect to an image of the oven dry sand column. Volumetric water contents were computed on a pixel by pixel basis using an empirical calibration equation after taking into account beam hardening and geometric corrections. Corresponding matric potentials were calculated from the imposed basal matric potential and pixel elevations. Volumetric water content and matric potential data pairs corresponding to 120 selected pixels were used to construct 120 point water retention curves. Each curve was fitted to the Brooks and Corey equation using segmented non-linear regression in SAS. A 98.5% convergence rate was achieved resulting in 115 estimates of the four Brooks and Corey parameters. A single Brooks and Corey point water retention function was constructed for Flint sand using the median values of these parameter estimates. This curve corresponded closely with the point Brooks and Corey function inversely extracted from the average water retention data using TrueCell. Forward numerical simulations performed using HYDRUS 1-D showed that the cumulative outflows predicted using the point Brooks and Corey functions from both the direct (neutron radiography) and inverse (TrueCell) methods were in good agreement with independent measurements of cumulative outflow determined with a transducer. Our results indicate that neutron radiography can be used to quantify the point water retention curve of homogeneous mineral particles. Further research will be needed to extend this approach to more heterogeneous porous media.
Strikes as Forest Fires: Chicago and Paris in the Late Nineteenth Century1

Historians have persistently likened strike waves to wildfires, avalanches, and epidemics. These phenomena are characterized by a power‐law distribution of event sizes. This kind of analysis is applied to outbreaks of class conflict in Chicago from 1881 to 1886. Events are defined as individual strikes or miniature strike waves; size is measured by the number of establishments or workers involved. In each case, events follow a power law spanning two or three orders of magnitude. A similar pattern is found for strikes in Paris from 1890 to 1899. The “forest fire” model serves to illustrate the kind of process that can generate this distribution.
Increased brain white matter diffusivity in normal adult aging: relationship to anisotropy and partial voluming.

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was used to examine 1) age-related changes in genu, splenium, and centrum semiovale white matter diffusivity in 64 healthy men and women (age 23–85 years); 2) the relationship between diffusivity (trace) and fractional anisotropy (FA) across and within individuals; and 3) the role of macrostructural and microstructural partial voluming effects on the DTI metrics. Regional differences were greater in FA (∼43%) than in trace (∼16%). Depending on the region of interest, trace increased with age (r = 0.24 to 0.58) and FA decreased with age (r = −0.29 to −0.79). FA was inversely correlated with trace, even when controlling for age. Histogram analysis of trace and FA following systematic expansion and dilation of the white matter regions demonstrated greater susceptibility of FA than trace to error arising from macrostructural partial voluming, i.e., erroneous inclusion of primarily nonwhite-matter voxels. Three-phase ellipsoid shape analysis revealed that after morphometric erosion the spherical component remained greater in older than younger subjects in the splenium and centrum, suggesting that age-related reduction in FA arises from intravoxel increased interstitial fluid. Reducing the size of the white matter samples to control for macrostructural partial voluming attenuated but did not negate effects, indicating that observed changes in white matter with aging can reflect real microstructural alterations rather than sampling artifact. Morphological dilation of white matter regions of interest resulting in purposeful inclusion of non-white matter pixels significantly reduced mean FA, suggesting that reports of FA values below 0.25 in healthy adults may reflect partial voluming rather than actual changes in white matter coherence. Magn Reson Med 49:953–961, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Autonomous, but Shackled: A Community Model of Slave Life and its Archaeological Testing

Kowal's dissertation, entitled The Affinities and Disparities within: Community and Status of the African American Slave Population at Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina (Department of Anthropology, Florida State University) investigates how patterns of consumption reflect internal patterns of social hierarchy among the enslaved plantation community and what were the degrees of resistance and accommodation of those enslaved and their structure in relation to white plantation owners. Family, community, customs and practices, religion, and settlement patterns are the factors used to interpret the African American presence at Charles Pinckney's Snee Farm in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina and to perform a regional comparison with similar plantations of the period. This study utilizes ethnological, archaeological, historical, and physical resources to determine status differences within this slave community. Its strength is the use of a holistic and interdisciplinary approach along with the integration of anthropological and archaeological theories of agency and consumption. To determine how enslaved Africans defined their community and daily lives utilizing a comprehensive, multidisciplinary method is necessary. Analysis of consumption patterns through archaeological evidence reveals interactions between slaves and other peoples defining the ranges and boundaries of the enslaved community and its elements of resistance. Agency and consumer theories provide an explanation of how individuals possess the ownership of choice and the ability of anthropologists to characterize populations in terms of their own community through the factors deemed most important by the members' own standards in the face of outside pressures. This research provides the ability to compare this community with others in the United States aiding in the development of a theory of modern African American ethnicity formation. Ultimately, this study will contribute to African Diaspora research as more investigations are undertaken with Atlantic populations and large cultural patterns of the African Diaspora are described.
Upslope Walking With a Powered Knee and Ankle Prosthesis: Initial Results With an Amputee Subject

This paper extends a previously developed level- ground walking control methodology to enable an above knee amputee to walk up slopes using a powered knee and ankle prosthesis. Experimental results corresponding to walking on level ground and two different slope angles (5° and 10°) with the powered prosthesis using the control method are compared to walking under the same conditions with a passive prosthesis. The data indicate that the powered prosthesis with the upslope walking controller is able to reproduce several kinematic characteristics of healthy upslope walking that the passive prosthesis does not (such as knee flexion after heel strike and a powered ankle plantarflexion during push-off). Finally, results are shown that demonstrate the ability of the prosthesis to generate a slope estimate, which is in turn utilized to adapt the underlying control parameters to the corresponding slope.
Circular mRNA can direct translation of extremely long repeating-sequence proteins in vivo

Many proteins with unusual structural properties are comprised of multiple repeating amino acid sequences and are often fractious to expression in recombinant systems. To facilitate recombinant production of such proteins for structural and engineering studies, we have produced circular messenger RNAs with infinite open reading frames. We show that a circular mRNA containing a simple green fluorescent protein (GFP) open reading frame can direct GFP expression in Escherichia coli. A circular mRNA with an infinite GFP open reading frame produces extremely long protein chains, proving that bacterial ribosomes can internally initiate and repeatedly transit a circular mRNA. Only the monomeric forms of GFP produced from circular mRNA are fluorescent. Analysis of the translation initiation region shows that multiple sequences contribute to maximal translation from circular mRNA. This technology provides a unique means of producing a very long repeating-sequence protein, and may open the way for development of proteinaceous materials with novel properties.
The Management of Pediatric Cervical Spine Injuries

Trauma remains the leading cause of paralysis in children. Until roughly eight years of age, significant differences in injury and instability patterns are seen in children versus those seen in adults. In this paper, the authors review the recent literature regarding the assessment and management of cervical spine trauma in the pediatric population. The most common injuries are described in detail.
Rheology of Aqueous Magnetorheological Fluid Using Dual Oxide-Coated Carbonyl Iron Particles

A rheological study is performed for a new, aqueous magnetorheological (MR) fluid based on dual oxide-coated carbonyl iron (CI), which has the potential of increasing the MR fluid lifetime due to its strong corrosion resistance to water. The paper describes the preparation and characterization of a pumpable MR fluid based on this corrosion-resistant CI with a high solids concentration for polishing of optical materials. The viscosity is studied as a function of pH of initial liquids, dispersant type, combination of two dispersants and concentration. The dual oxide-coated CI particles exhibit hydrophilic properties, resulting in a high MR fluid viscosity. The addition of glycerol significantly reduces the viscosity. The combination of diammonium citrate (DAC) polyelectrolyte with glycerol produces the lowest viscosity, which can be explained by the electrosteric effect of the surfactants and the short-chain molecular structure of DAC. There is an optimum concentration of surfactants where a maximum concentration of CI particles can be reached while maintaining a low fluid viscosity.
Ceramide decreases surfactant protein B gene expression via downregulation of TTF-1 DNA binding activity

Ceramide, a sphingolipid, is an important signaling molecule in the inflammatory response. Mediators of acute lung injury such as TNF-α, platelet-activating factor, and Fas/Apo ligand stimulate sph...
RADIATIVE MODELS OF SGR A* FROM GRMHD SIMULATIONS

Using flow models based on axisymmetric general relativistic magnetohydrodynamics simulations, we construct radiative models for Sgr A*. Spectral energy distributions (SEDs) that include the effects of thermal synchrotron emission and absorption, and Compton scattering, are calculated using a Monte Carlo technique. Images are calculated using a ray-tracing scheme. All models are scaled so that the 230 GHz flux density is 3.4 Jy. The key model parameters are the dimensionless black hole spin a *, the inclination i, and the ion-to-electron temperature ratio T i/T e. We find that (1) models with T i/T e = 1 are inconsistent with the observed submillimeter spectral slope; (2) the X-ray flux is a strongly increasing function of a *; (3) the X-ray flux is a strongly increasing function of i; (4) 230 GHz image size is a complicated function of i, a *, and T i/T e, but the T i/T e = 10 models are generally large and at most marginally consistent with the 230 GHz very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) data; (5) for models with T i/T e = 10 and i = 85° the event horizon is cloaked behind a synchrotron photosphere at 230 GHz and will not be seen by VLBI, but these models overproduce near-infrared and X-ray flux; (6) in all models whose SEDs are consistent with observations, the event horizon is uncloaked at 230 GHz; (7) the models that are most consistent with the observations have a * ~ 0.9. We finish with a discussion of the limitations of our model and prospects for future improvements.
Sex differences in skin carotenoid deposition and acute UVB‐induced skin damage in SKH‐1 hairless mice after consumption of tangerine tomatoes

Scope UVB exposure, a major factor in the development of skin cancer, has differential sex effects. Tomato product consumption reduces the intensity of UVB-induced erythema in humans, but the mechanisms are unknown. Methods and results Four-week-old SKH-1 hairless mice (40 females, 40 males) were divided into two feeding groups (control or with 10% tangerine tomatoes naturally rich in UV-absorbing phytoene and phytofluene) and two UV exposure groups (with or without UV). After 10 weeks of feeding, the UV group was exposed to a single UV dose and sacrificed 48 h later. Blood and dorsal skin samples were taken for carotenoid analysis. Dorsal skin was harvested to assess sex and UV effects on carotenoid deposition, inflammation (skinfold thickness, myeloperoxidase levels), and DNA damage (cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers, p53). Females had significantly higher levels of both skin and blood carotenoids relative to males. UV exposure significantly reduced skin carotenoid levels in females but not males. Tomato consumption attenuated acute UV-induced increases in CPD in both sexes, and reduced myeloperoxidase activity and percent p53 positive epidermal cells in males. Conclusion Tangerine tomatoes mediate acute UV-induced skin damage in SKH-1 mice via reduced DNA damage in both sexes, and through reduced inflammation in males.
Private monetary transfers in rural china: Are families altruistic?

Monetary transfers between relatives may be motivated by altruism, or they may represent payments for services rendered. Data from a large 1988 household survey are used to test these hypotheses and to study the size and direction of transfers in rural China. The analysis suggests that altruism alone cannot explain the observed transfers and that exchange may be involved. Most of the money flows appear to be transfers from adult children to elderly parents and remittances from migrants. Child care is likely to be one of the main services that parents render to adult children in exchange for money.
Facial phenotypes in subgroups of prepubertal boys with autism spectrum disorders are correlated with clinical phenotypes

The brain develops in concert and in coordination with the developing facial tissues, with each influencing the development of the other and sharing genetic signaling pathways. Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) result from alterations in the embryological brain, suggesting that the development of the faces of children with ASD may result in subtle facial differences compared to typically developing children. In this study, we tested two hypotheses. First, we asked whether children with ASD display a subtle but distinct facial phenotype compared to typically developing children. Second, we sought to determine whether there are subgroups of facial phenotypes within the population of children with ASD that denote biologically discrete subgroups. The 3dMD cranial System was used to acquire three-dimensional stereophotogrammetric images for our study sample of 8- to 12-year-old boys diagnosed with essential ASD (n = 65) and typically developing boys (n = 41) following approved Institutional Review Board protocols. Three-dimensional coordinates were recorded for 17 facial anthropometric landmarks using the 3dMD Patient software. Statistical comparisons of facial phenotypes were completed using Euclidean Distance Matrix Analysis and Principal Coordinates Analysis. Data representing clinical and behavioral traits were statistically compared among groups by using χ2 tests, Fisher's exact tests, Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests and Student's t-tests where appropriate. First, we found that there are significant differences in facial morphology in boys with ASD compared to typically developing boys. Second, we also found two subgroups of boys with ASD with facial morphology that differed from the majority of the boys with ASD and the typically developing boys. Furthermore, membership in each of these distinct subgroups was correlated with particular clinical and behavioral traits. Boys with ASD display a facial phenotype distinct from that of typically developing boys, which may reflect alterations in the prenatal development of the brain. Subgroups of boys with ASD defined by distinct facial morphologies correlated with clinical and behavioral traits, suggesting potentially different etiologies and genetic differences compared to the larger group of boys with ASD. Further investigations into genes involved in neurodevelopment and craniofacial development of these subgroups will help to elucidate the causes and significance of these subtle facial differences.
Methods for the Elimination of Weighing Troubles Due to Convection in a Microbalance

The paper deals with an investigation into the fluctuations encountered in thermogravimetric measurements using a microbalance with suspended pans, in a temperature range up to 1200 C. The convection resulting at gas pressures above 200 torr, which is responsible for these fluctuations, depends on the pressure, the type of gas used, the temperature gradient, and the geometry of the arrangement. The difficulties have been overcome by using long, thin suspension wires; shielding samples and balance beam with horizontally suspended foils attached to the suspension wire or to the balance tube; using heaters with a homogeneous temperature zone and a helium gas stream protecting the measuring system.
Inclusion of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Stage 3 Meaningful Use Guidelines: A Huge Step Forward for LGBT Health

Final rules issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology in October 2015 require electronic health record software certified for Meaningful Use to include sexual orientation and gender identity (SO/GI) fields. This is a critical step toward making SO/GI data collection a standard practice in clinical settings. Sexual orientation identity-whether one identifies as gay, lesbian, or bisexual-correlates with behavioral health burden, and it is important to collect these data. Providers should also collect sex assigned at birth data as well as current gender identity data. Training of clinical staff in collection and use of SO/GI data, education of LGBT patients, and SO/GI nondiscrimination policies are critical for successful implementation.
An Unexpected Route to an Essential Cofactor: Escherichia coli Relies on Threonine for Thiamine Biosynthesis

ABSTRACT Metabolism consists of biochemical reactions that are combined to generate a robust metabolic network that can respond to perturbations and also adapt to changing environmental conditions. Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica are closely related enterobacteria that share metabolic components, pathway structures, and regulatory strategies. The synthesis of thiamine in S. enterica has been used to define a node of the metabolic network by analyzing alternative inputs to thiamine synthesis from diverse metabolic pathways. To assess the conservation of metabolic networks in organisms with highly conserved components, metabolic contributions to thiamine synthesis in E. coli were investigated. Unexpectedly, we found that, unlike S. enterica, E. coli does not use the phosphoribosylpyrophosphate (PRPP) amidotransferase (PurF) as the primary enzyme for synthesis of phosphoribosylamine (PRA) . In fact, our data showed that up to 50% of the PRA used by E. coli to make thiamine requires the activities of threonine dehydratase (IlvA) and anthranilate synthase component II (TrpD). Significantly, the IlvA- and TrpD-dependent pathway to PRA functions in S. enterica only in the absence of a functional reactive intermediate deaminase (RidA) enzyme, bringing into focus how these closely related bacteria have distinct metabolic networks. IMPORTANCE In most bacteria, including Salmonella strains and Escherichia coli, synthesis of the pyrimidine moiety of the essential coenzyme, thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), shares enzymes with the purine biosynthetic pathway. Phosphoribosylpyrophosphate amidotransferase, encoded by the purF gene, generates phosphoribosylamine (PRA) and is considered the first enzyme in the biosynthesis of purines and the pyrimidine moiety of TPP. We show here that, unlike Salmonella , E. coli synthesizes significant thiamine from PRA derived from threonine using enzymes from the isoleucine and tryptophan biosynthetic pathways. These data show that two closely related organisms can have distinct metabolic network structures despite having similar enzyme components, thus emphasizing caveats associated with predicting metabolic potential from genome content.
Infrared-transmitting fiber optics for biomedical applications

The availability of low loss and high strengtb chalcogenide fibers is enabling many applications, including biomedical. We report the fabrication and use of chalcogenide fibers for biomedical spectroscopy, scanning near field IR microscopy (SNIM) and laser power delivery. For example, lateral resolution of 20 nm and optical resolution of about 100 nm have been demonstrated for SNIM. The preliminary results are very encouraging and more work is being performed in lowering the losses and improving the performance of the fibers in the appropriate applications.
Complete genome sequences of Geobacillus sp. WCH70, a thermophilic strain isolated from wood compost

Geobacillus sp. WCH70 was one of several thermophilic organisms isolated from hot composts in the Middleton, WI area. Comparison of 16 S rRNA sequences showed the strain may be a new species, and is most closely related to G. galactosidasius and G. toebii. The genome was sequenced, assembled, and annotated by the DOE Joint Genome Institute and deposited at the NCBI in December 2009 (CP001638). The genome of Geobacillus species WCH70 consists of one circular chromosome of 3,893,306 bp with an average G + C content of 43 %, and two circular plasmids of 33,899 and 10,287 bp with an average G + C content of 40 %. Among sequenced organisms, Geobacillus sp. WCH70 shares highest Average Nucleotide Identity (86 %) with G. thermoglucosidasius strains, as well as similar genome organization. Geobacillus sp. WCH70 appears to be a highly adaptable organism, with an exceptionally high 125 annotated transposons in the genome. The organism also possesses four predicted restriction-modification systems not found in other Geobacillus species.
Clinical features in various age-related subgroups of atopic dermatitis in children

Objective:To study the clinical features in the children with atopic dermatitis(AD)in different age.Meth ods:One hundred and fifty-six children with AD were enrolled for this10-month investigation.The types,distribution of skin le-sions,asso ciated clin ical man ifesta tions,and laborato ry findings were studied and compared.Results:The lesions of AD ap-peared dur ing the first year of life in75%children.In both groups of under1year of age and1to2years of age,the a-cute and subacute eczematous lesions were predominant,which mostly distributed on the face,scalp and the extensive surface of extremi ties.In3to6years group and elder than7years of age,the chronic flexural lichenoid lesions were more pre sent,which com monly affected an tecubital and popliteal areas.The incidence of ichthyosis vulgaris,keratosis pilaris and pityriasis alba in AD patients was not significantly high er(P0.05)than these in control group,whereas the incidence of xero sis,fa-cial pallor,chronic scalp scaling and infra-auricular fissures was sig nificantly higher than these in control group(P0.01).Con clu sions:The types and distribution of skin le sions in children AD varied with age.Xerosis,fa cial pallor,chronic scalp scaling,infra-auric ular fis sures might be specific for the diagnosis of AD.
A finite population likelihood ratio test of the sharp null hypothesis for compliers

In a randomized experiment with noncompliance, scientific interest is often in testing whether the treatment exposure X has an effect on the final outcome Y. We propose a finite-population significance test of the sharp null hypothesis that X has no effect on Y, within the principal stratum of Compliers, using a generalized likelihood ratio test. We present a new algorithm that solves the corresponding integer programs.
Shadow People: A Counter Visual of Those Who Use Methamphetamine

ABSTRACTThis photo essay offers a counter visual to the common images of people who use methamphetamine (meth). Images of meth users found in the media and in anti-meth campaigns typically paint them as one-dimensional actors who have sacrificed their health, families, and lives for their drug of choice. Such depictions contribute to the stigmatization and demonization of users, which can ultimately impede their recovery. Here, we provide photographs of men who previously cooked methamphetamine but who were in treatment at the time the photographs were taken. The photographs are captioned with quotes from the men to show some of the range of attractions for using, the hazards of chronic use, and the struggles to live free from meth. Our hope is that these images and brief quotes will help to show the complexity of these peoples’ lives.
Pearls and pitfalls of hepatobiliary and splenic trauma: what every trauma radiologist needs to know

With the universal acceptance of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) as the imaging modality of first resort in the assessment of blunt abdominal injury, the trauma radiologist must be able to accurately and rapidly identify the range of CT manifestations of the traumatized abdomen. In this article, we lay out the fundamental principles in CT interpretation of blunt trauma to the hepatobiliary system and spleen, including vascular injury, with a focus on technical and interpretive pearls and pitfalls. This review will help radiologists and trainees become more familiar with key aspects of abdominal CT trauma protocol selection, CT-based solid organ injury grading, and the various appearances and mimics of hepatobiliary and splenic injury.
Postoperative outcomes and management strategies for coronary artery disease in patients in need of a lung transplantation.

BACKGROUND Patients requiring lung transplantation (LTx) may also have coronary artery disease (CAD). The peri-operative management and long-term outcomes of these patients are not well established. METHODS Patients referred for LTx from 2008 to 2014 were included in this study. CAD was defined by angiography as no CAD (stenosis <20%), moderate CAD (20%-69%), and significant CAD (stenosis ≥70%). Revascularization was per recommendations of local heart team. Postoperative cardiovascular outcomes and long-term survival are reported. RESULTS A total of 1493 patients were screened for LTx during this period and 656 received a transplant. Of the patients that underwent LTx, 51% had no CAD, 33% had moderate non-obstructive CAD, and 16% had obstructive CAD. Forty-three patients underwent revascularization. There was a no increased risk of peri-operative cardiovascular events or for adjusted mortality for patients with obstructive CAD (HR=1.24, 95% CI: 0.83-1.86, P=.290) including those requiring revascularization. CONCLUSIONS There is a high prevalence of coronary disease in the population of patients with advanced lung disease requiring lung transplantation. Careful evaluation and treatment can allow for patients with all severities of CAD including those requiring revascularization to successfully undergo LTx.
Analysis and accommodation of communication failures in event-triggered networked distributed control systems

This work presents an approach for the analysis and accommodation of sensor-controller communication failures in spatially-distributed processes controlled over a resource-constrained communication medium. We focus on distributed processes whose dominant dynamics are finite-dimensional, but uncertain, with a finite number of spatially-distributed networked control actuators and measurement sensors. Initially, a model-based networked output-feedback controller is designed based on an approximate low-order model that captures the slow dynamics of the infinite-dimensional system. The controller is implemented using an event-triggered sensor-controller communication policy, which determines the times when the sensor data need to be transmitted to the controller to update the model state based on a suitably-designed stability threshold. An assessment of the networked control systems robustness to failures in the communication medium is carried out using an online forecasting approach that tracks the growth of the estimation errors during times of communication outages. An explicit characterization of the allowable down time that communication losses can be tolerated without compromising closed-loop stability is obtained in terms of the various control system design parameters, and used to devise various accommodation measures that enhance the networked closed-loop systems robustness against communication losses. A simulated diffusion-reaction process example is used to illustrate the developed approach.
Metabolism of arachidonic acid in vitro by porcine blastocysts and endometrium

Metabolism of radiolabeled arachidonic acid (∗AA) by blastocysts and endometrial slices recovered from five gilts 16 days after detection of estrus was studies in vitro. Blastocysts from each gilt were divided into four 216 ± 18 mg, and each portion was placed into a separate petri dish containing 15 ml modified minimum essential medium (MEM)_. The incubates from each gilt received either 25, 50, 100 or 200 μg radioinert arachidonic acid (AA). Endometrium was dissected from each uterin horn, sliced and duplicate 509 ± 3 mg portions from each gilt were placed into petri dishes containing 15 ml MEM and 200 μm AA. All incubates received 5 νCi of ∗AA (either [14C]-arichidonic acid or [3H]-arichidonic acid). The incubates were rocked at 37°C for 24 h in an atmosphere of 50% n2:45% O2:5% CO2. After incubation, tissues and MEM were separated by centrifugation. Metabolism of ∗AA was assessed in extracts of MEM and tissue homogenates by separating ∗AA and its metabolites on columns of Sephades LH-20. Blastocysts produced compounds that migrated with [3H]-13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2α (∗PGFM), [3H]-PGE2 (∗PGE2) and [3H]-PGF2α (∗PGF2α). The greatest (P<.05) proportion (35.7 ± 1.8%) of the radioactivity in blastocyst MEM was recovered as PGE2. In blastocyst homogenates, most (66.2 ± 3.3%; P<0.05) of the radioactivity was in a nonporal peak assumed to be arachidonate esters. The concentration of AA ni MEM did not alter metabolism of ∗AA by blastocysts. Endometrial slices produced ∗PGFM and ∗PGE2 but only in small amounts, and they were capable of producing nonpolar, probably esterified, forms of ∗AA. It was concluded that porcine blastocysts produced and metabolized prostaglandins in vitro and that they make a contribution to the uterine milieu during early pregnancy.
Geographic variation in hybridization across a reinforcement contact zone of chorus frogs (Pseudacris).

Reinforcement contact zones, which are secondary contact zones where species are diverging in reproductive behaviors due to selection against hybridization, represent natural laboratories for studying speciation-in-action. Here, we examined replicate localities across the entire reinforcement contact zone between North American chorus frogs Pseudacris feriarum and P. nigrita to investigate geographic variation in hybridization frequencies and to assess whether reinforcement may have contributed to increased genetic divergence within species. Previous work indicated these species have undergone reproductive character displacement (RCD) in male acoustic signals and female preferences due to reinforcement. We also examined acoustic signal variation across the contact zone to assess whether signal characteristics reliably predict hybrid index and to elucidate whether the degree of RCD predicts hybridization rate. Using microsatellites, mitochondrial sequences, and acoustic signal information from >1,000 individuals across >50 localities and ten sympatric focal regions, we demonstrate: (1) hybridization occurs and (2) varies substantially across the geographic range of the contact zone, (3) hybridization is asymmetric and in the direction predicted from observed patterns of asymmetric RCD, (4) in one species, genetic distance is higher between conspecific localities where one or both have been reinforced than between nonreinforced localities, after controlling for geographic distance, (5) acoustic signal characters strongly predict hybrid index, and (6) the degree of RCD does not strongly predict admixture levels. By showing that hybridization occurs in all sympatric localities, this study provides the fifth and final line of evidence that reproductive character displacement is due to reinforcement in the chorus frog contact zone. Furthermore, this work suggests that the dual action of cascade reinforcement and partial geographic isolation is promoting genetic diversification within one of the reinforced species.
David Oliver: An argument against more NHS funding? I don’t buy it

The NHS faces an unprecedented financial crisis. A Nuffield Trust report has shown a deficit of £3.7bn in acute trusts, compared with a target of £580m set by NHS England.1 The King’s Fund found in June that 43% of NHS finance directors planned to overspend their budget this financial year.2 It also found that 50% of clinical commissioning group finance leads would have to delay or cancel spending to achieve the set financial “control totals.”2 NHS performance is stalling or falling in several key areas.23 Independent analyses of sustainability and transformation partnerships (STPs) have questioned their ability to deliver anything like the scale of savings they promise.456 The Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts that NHS spending per person will fall …
THE RICH CHEMISTRY OF VINYLIC ORGANOBORANES

Vinylic organoboranes, many of which are readily available via the hydroboration of acetylenes with appropriate hydroborating agents, exhibit an exceptionally rich chemistry with great potential for synthetic organic chemistry.