cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reduced-Order Modeling of Flutter and Limit-Cycle Oscillations Using the Sparse Volterra Series

For the past two decades, the Volterra series reduced-order modeling approach has been successfully used for the purpose of flutter prediction, aeroelastic control design, and aeroelastic design optimization. The approach has been less successful, however, when applied to other important aeroelastic phenomena, such as aerodynamically induced limit-cycle oscillations. Similar to the Taylor series, the Volterra series is a polynomial-based approach capable of progressively approximating nonlinear behavior using quadratic, cubic, and higher-order functional expansions. Unlike the Taylor series, however, kernels of the Volterra series are multidimensional convolution integrals that are computationally expensive to identify. Thus, even though it is well known that aerodynamic nonlinearities are poorly approximated by quadratic Volterra series models, cubic and higher-order Volterra series truncations cannot be identified because their identification costs are too high. In this paper, a novel, sparse representation of the Volterra series is explored for which the identification costs are significantly lower than the identification costs of the full Volterra series. It is demonstrated that sparse Volterra reduced-order models are capable of efficiently modeling aerodynamically induced limit-cycle oscillations of the prototypical NACA 0012 benchmark model. These results demonstrate for the first time that Volterra series models are capable of modeling aerodynamically induced limitcycle oscillations.
Wetting Phenomena at Domain Boundaries

Interfaces between the three physically distinct, but equivalent domains in the (3 × 1) phase of lattice gas models for the adsorbate systems O/Pd(110) and H/Fe(110) are studied. At the wetting transition, the interface or wall between two domains decomposes into two walls of a different type separated by a macroscopically thick region of the third domain. Using mainly Monte Carlo techniques, the characteristic walls are identified and wetting transition lines are determined for phase diagrams in the coverage-temperature plane.
A minimally actuated hopping rover for exploration of celestial bodies

This paper describes a minimalist hopping robot that can perform basic exploration tasks on Mars or other moderate gravity bodies. We show that a single actuator can control the vehicle's jumping and steering operations, as well as the panning of an on-board camera. Our novel thrusting linkage also leads to good system efficiency. The inherent minimalism of our hopping paradigm offers interesting advantages over wheeled and legged mobility concepts for some types of planetary exploration. The paper summarizes the evolutionary development of the system, issues relevant to the design of such jumping systems, and experimental results obtained with system prototypes.
Disproportionality and Learning Disabilities: Parsing Apart Race, Socioeconomic Status, and Language

The disproportionate identification of learning disabilities among certain sociodemographic subgroups, typically groups that are already disadvantaged, is perceived as a persistent problem within the education system. The academic and social experiences of students who are misidentified with a learning disability may be severely restricted, whereas students with a learning disability who are never identified are less likely to receive the accommodations and modifications necessary to learn at their maximum potential. The authors use the Education Longitudinal Study of 2002 to describe national patterns in learning disability identification. Results indicate that sociodemographic characteristics are predictive of identification with a learning disability. Although some conventional areas of disproportionality are confirmed (males and language minorities), differences in socioeconomic status entirely account for African American and Hispanic disproportionality. The discrepancy between the results of bivariate and multivariate analyses confirms the importance of employing multivariate multilevel models in the investigation of disproportionality.
ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION CHARTS FOR AASHTO PAVEMENT DESIGN GUIDE

Simplified charts are presented to solve the AASHTO Pavement Guide equations for flexible and rigid pavement design. The charts incorporate all the variables included in the flexible equation. Some variables in the rigid equation have fixed values in the charts.
Modular, Fabric-Specific Synthesis for Programmable Architectures

Traditionally, programmable fabrics consist of look up table (LUT) based programmable logicb locks (PLBs). Typically, the PLBs are either homogeneous (consisting of LUTs of the same size), or heterogeneous (consisting of LUTs of varying sizes). To bridge the cost-performance gap between ASICs and FPGAs, several new programmable logic fabrics are employing highly heterogeneous PLB architectures, consisting of a combination of LUTs of varying sizes, MUXes, logic gates, and versatile local routing architectures. Currently, there are two possible approaches to Synthesis for such fabrics. In the generic Synthesis approach, the first step of technology mapping generates a netlist of functions that can be implemented by individual logic elements of a PLB, like LUTs, MUXes and logic gates. The second step of packing clusters these functions into groups of logic that can fit in a single PLB. The second approach constructs a library of certain PLB configurations (like a standard cell library) and performs library based technology mapping, followed by packing. In this paper, we show that both these approaches result in sub-optimal and uneven fabricu tilization for two reasons: (a) a lack of fabric-specific knowledge; (b) a lack of integration between mapping and packing. We present a new, modular, Synthesis approach, consisting of a fabric-specific technology mapping algorithm which maps directly to the entire PLB, rather than individual logic elements. In this manner, the new approach integrates the steps of mapping and packing, resulting in higher fabricu tilization. Using the highly heterogeneous eASIC PLB as an example, we demonstrate that our approach requires 22% and 24% fewer PLBs than the generican d library based Synthesis approaches, across a standard benchmark set. We also demonstrate the modularity of our approach, by comparing three PLB architectures. Our results show that highly heterogeneous PLBs are much more area efficient than homogeneous PLBs.
Conceptual framework to enable early warning of relevant phenomena “Emerging phenomena and big data”

Graphs are commonly used to represent natural and man-made dynamic systems such as food webs, economic and social networks, gene regulation, and the internet. We describe a conceptual framework to enable early warning of relevant phenomena that is based on an artificial time-based, evolving network graph that can give rise to one or more recognizable structures. We propose to quantify the dynamics using the method of delays through Takens' Theorem to produce another graph we call the Phase Graph. The Phase Graph enables us to quantify changes of the system that form a topology in phase space. Our proposed method is unique because it is based on dynamic system analysis that incorporates Takens' Theorem, Graph Theory, and Franzosi-Pettini (F-P) theorem about topology and phase transitions. The F-P Theorem states that the necessary condition for phase transition is a change in the topology. By detecting a change in the topology that we represent as a set of M-order Phase Graphs, we conclude a corresponding change in the phase of the system. The onset of this phase change enables early warning of emerging relevant phenomena.
Radiographically occult congenital lobar emphysema presenting as unexplained neonatal tachypnea

Congenital lobar emphysema (CLE) is usually diagnosed in the newborn period in an infant with respiratory difficulties and classic X-ray film findings. We describe a neonate with tachypnea of unclear etiology who was diagnosed with CLE by chest computed tomography scan, despite a plain chest radiograph that did not suggest the diagnosis.
CD2 engagement induces dendritic cell activation: implications for immune surveillance and T-cell activation.

We have shown previously that primary dendritic cells and monocytes express equal levels of CD14 but are distinguishable by the presence of CD2 on dendritic cells. CD2 is known to mediate the activation of T and natural killer (NK) cells through its interaction with CD58. CD2 epitopes recognized by anti-T11 1 , -T11 2 , and -T11 3 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are present on dendritic cells. Here we show that CD2 engagement significantly increases class II, costimulatory (CD40, CD80, CD86), adhesion (CD54, CD58), and CCR7 molecule expression on primary dendritic cells. Conversely, minimal or no change in the expression of the above antigens occurs on monocyte-derived dendritic cells, because these molecules are already maximally expressed. However, both kinds of dendritic cells release interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-12 after CD2 engagement. Lastly, interference with dendritic cell CD2–T-cell CD58 engagement decreases naive CD4 + CD45RA + T-cell proliferation. Collectively, our results suggest another role of the CD2-CD58 pathway that allows nonimmune and immune cells to interact directly with dendritic cells and initiate innate and adaptive immune responses.
Quantum radiation of oscillons

Many classical scalar field theories possess remarkable solutions: coherently oscillating, localized clumps, known as oscillons. In many cases, the decay rate of classical small amplitude oscillons is known to be exponentially suppressed and so they are extremely long lived. In this work we compute the decay rate of quantized oscillons. We find it to be a power law in the amplitude and couplings of the theory. Therefore, the quantum decay rate is very different to the classical decay rate and is often dominant. We show that essentially all oscillons eventually decay by producing outgoing radiation. In single field theories the outgoing radiation has typically linear growth, while if the oscillon is coupled to other bosons the outgoing radiation can have exponential growth. The latter is a form of parametric resonance: explosive energy transfer from a localized clump into daughter fields. This may lead to interesting phenomenology in the early universe. Our results are obtained from a perturbative analysis, a nonperturbative Floquet analysis, and numerics.
A tiling approach to Fibonacci product identities

In 1998 Filipponi and Hart introduced a number of Fibonacci product identities. This paper provides a combinatorial proof for such identities via tilings. The methods used in the proof are then further used to produce some new Zeckendorf representations and a known Fibonacci identity.
Effects of donepezil on neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with dementia and severe behavioral disorders

Objective: The objective of this study was to conduct exploratory analyses of data pertaining to the efficacy of donepezil treatment of patients with severe behavioral disturbances. Preliminary studies suggest that cholinesterase inhibitors, including donepezil, may reduce behavioral disturbances in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD). Most patients included in clinical trials have had low levels of psychopathology at baseline, and the effect of cholinesterase inhibitors on patients with more severe behavioral disturbances is unknown. The authors report the effects of donepezil on behavioral disturbances in patients with relatively severe psychopathology at baseline. Methods: This is a hypothesis-driven secondary analysis of a three-phase study involving donepezil and sertraline. In phase 1, psychotropic agents were withdrawn; in phase 2, patients were treated in an open-label fashion with donepezil for 8 weeks; and in phase 3, patients on donepezil were randomized to receive placebo or sertraline for an additional 12 weeks. The data set analyzed is comprised of the patient population treated with donepezil (without sertraline) for 20 weeks. One hundred twenty patients were included in the analyses. Mean age was 76 years, average Mini-Mental State Examination Score was 18, and mean Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) total score was 30. Primary efficacy assessments were the NPI, the Clinical Global Impression–Improvement, and the Clinical Global Impression–Severity scales. Secondary measures included the Behavioral Pathology in Alzheimer’s Disease Rating Scale, The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and the Alzheimer’s Disease Functional Assessment and Change Scale. Results: Excellent concurrent validity was noted between the NPI and the Behavioral Pathology in Alzheimer’s Disease Rating Scale. The total score of the NPI was significantly reduced over the 20 weeks of therapy with donepezil. Sixty-two percent of patients had at least a 30% reduction in the total NPI score (significantly greater than the number with no meaningful response). Likewise, more patients had total or partial resolution of depression and delusions than those who had no meaningful change. Factor analysis of baseline NPI data revealed five factors, including a psychosis factor, an agitation factor, mood factor, frontal lobe function factor, and appetite and eating disorders factor. Clinically meaningful treatment effect sizes were notable for the delusion factor (0.340) and the mood factor (0.39). There were significant correlations between the Clinical Global Impression– Improvement and reductions in mood and agitation scores. Conclusion: The results of these analyses suggest that donepezil reduces behavioral symptoms, particularly mood disturbances and delusions, in patients with AD with relatively severe psychopathology. (Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2006; 14:605–612)
Toward free-living walking speed estimation using Gaussian Process-based Regression with on-body accelerometers and gyroscopes

Walking speed is an important determinant of energy expenditure. We present the use of Gaussian Process-based Regression (GPR), a non-linear, non-parametric regression framework to estimate walking speed using data obtained from a single on-body sensor worn on the right hip. We compare the performance of GPR with Bayesian Linear Regression (BLR) and Least Squares Regression (LSR) in estimating treadmill walking speeds. We also examine whether using gyroscopes to augment accelerometry data can improve prediction accuracy. GPR shows a lower average RMS prediction error when compared to BLR and LSR across all subjects. Per subject, GPR has significantly lower RMS prediction error than LSR and BLR (p≪0.05) with increasing training data. The addition of tri-axial gyroscopes as inputs reduces RMS prediction error (p≪0.05 per subject) when compared to using only acclerometers. We also study the effect of using treadmill walking data to predict overground walking speeds and that of combining data from more than one person to predict overground walking speed. A strong linear correlation exists (r X,Y = .8861) between overground walking speeds predicted from treadmill data and ground truth walking speed measured. Combining treadmill data from multiple subjects with similar height characteristics improved the prediction capability of GPR for overground walking speeds as measured by correllation between ground truth and GP-predicted values (r X,Y = .8204 with combined data).
HSP27 phosphorylation and interaction with actin-myosin in smooth muscle contraction.

We have investigated the role of heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) phosphorylation and the association of HSP27 with contractile proteins actin, myosin, and tropomyosin. Smooth muscle cells were labele...
Genetic polymorphism of MUC7 in individuals with aggressive or chronic periodontitis.

Individuals with periodontitis exhibit differential expression of mucin-glycoprotein-2 (MG2), a protein encoded by the MUC7 gene. It is well known that MG2 exerts bactericidal activity as well as exhibiting genetic polymorphism involving a variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR). In the present study, we assessed the distribution of allelic variants of the MUC7 gene in 22 individuals with aggressive periodonitis, 68 with chronic periodonitis, and 87 without periodonitis. Oral mucosal cells were collected, the DNA was extracted, and specific primers were used to amplify the region encoding the MUC7 tandem repeats (TRs). Polymerase chain reaction products were subjected to electrophoresis and analyzed on polyacrylamide gels stained with silver nitrate. Although the percentage distribution of homozygosity (6-6TR) and heterozygosity (5-6TR) showed variation among the groups, the observed differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05; Fisher’s Exact Test). The present results indicate that the expression of different numbers of TRs in this salivary mucin in the oral environment does not interfere with the etiopathogenesis of aggressive or chronic periodontitis. (J Oral Sci 53, 445-449, 2011)
Performance modeling using Monte Carlo simulation

Cycle accurate simulation has long been the primary tool for micro-architecture design and evaluation. Though accurate, the slow speed often imposes constraints on the extent of design exploration. In this work, we propose a fast, accurate Monte-Carlo based model for predicting processor performance. We apply this technique to predict the CPI of in-order architectures and validate it against the Itanium-2. The Monte Carlo model uses micro-architecture independent application characteristics, and cache, branch predictor statistics to predict CPI with an average error of less than 7%. Since prediction is achieved in a few seconds, the model can be used for fast design space exploration that can efficiently cull the space for cycle-accurate simulations. Besides accurately predicting CPI, the model also breaks down CPI into various components, where each component quantifies the effect of a particular stall condition (branch misprediction, cache miss, etc.) on overall CPI. Such a CPI decomposition can help processor designers quickly identify and resolve critical performance bottlenecks
Observation and Theory of the Diurnal Continental Thermal Tide

Abstract Harmonic analysis of summer Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) data over North America shows sun-following diurnal temperature and pressure oscillations with amplitudes increasing in the western United States (i.e., 5–8 K and 60–120 hPa, respectively) due to larger sensible heating in the dryer western terrains. The phases of temperature and pressure (i.e., 220° and 110°) are constant with longitude after an interfering eastward propagating wave is subtracted. Tidal amplitudes and phases shift significantly with season. A linear Boussinesq model with thermal forcing can reproduce these observed oscillations with properly selected parameters. The model neglects global effects to focus on a single transect across a single ideal continent. A damping parameter α ranging from 5 × 10−5 to 9 × 10−5 s−1, comparable to the inertia and Coriolis parameters, is needed to explain the temperature phase lag relative to local solar noon (40°–50°C). The phase lag between surface pressure minimum and temper...
Phase I and pharmacologic studies of pyrazoloacridine, a novel DNA intercalating agent, on single-dosing and multiple-dosing schedules.

PURPOSETo determine the maximum-tolerated doses (MTDs), principal toxicities, and pharmacologic behavior of pyrazoloacridine (PZA), a novel DNA intercalator with a unique mechanism of action, on single- and multiple-dosing schedules.PATIENTS AND METHODSPZA was administered on a single-dosing schedule as a 1- to 3-hour infusion and on a multiple-dosing schedule as a 1-hour infusion daily for 5 days to cancer patients at doses ranging from 400 to 935 mg/m2 and 40 to 180 mg/m2/d every 3 weeks, respectively.RESULTSOn the single-dosing 1-hour schedule, CNS toxicity, characterized by neuropsychiatric and neuromotor effects, prompted prolongation of the infusion duration to 3 hours and led to a study of PZA on a multiple-dosing schedule. Both measures resulted in lower incidence of CNS toxicity. Neutropenia was the principal toxicity and precluded dose escalation to levels greater than 750 mg/m2 on the single-dosing (3-hour) schedule and 150 mg/m2/d x 5 (total dose, 750 mg/m2) on the multiple-dosing schedule. Th...
Evolutionary Trends and Specialization in the Euglossine Bee–pollinated Orchid Genus Gongora1,2

Abstract The family Orchidaceae exhibits some of the most diverse and intricate modes of animal pollination across angiosperms. Highly specialized pollination by male euglossine bees (Apidae, Euglossini) occurs in more than 600 species of Neotropical orchids. Male euglossine bees acquire volatile compounds from both floral and nonfloral sources, which they store in their specialized hind tibiae and later expose during courtship display. Euglossine-pollinated Orchidaceae produce large quantities of floral scent, which serves as both the attractant and reward for male euglossine bees. Upon collecting floral volatiles and aided by the intricate orchid floral morphology, male bees remove and subsequently deposit orchid pollinaria, resulting in pollination. Among euglossine-pollinated Orchidaceae is the species-rich genus Gongora Ruiz & Pav., which provides exceptional opportunities to investigate the evolution of scent-mediated pollinator specialization. Here we review the taxonomy, systematics, and pollinati...
Transvenous Lead Extraction for Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices

This article illustrates the important role that lead extraction plays in the management of patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices. Individualized care of the patient is paramount when considering lead management strategies. The critical care nurse must have a comprehensive understanding of the indications, procedural considerations, and preprocedural and postprocedural care for patients undergoing lead extraction procedures, thereby improving patient safety and maximizing patient outcomes.
Bellow, Styron, Roth: Representation of Anti-Semitism and its Relationship to German Cultural History in Jewish and Non-Jewish American Novels

Bellow, Styron, and Roth give representative accounts of how German anti-Semitism and the Holocaust are viewed by the US public during the late 20th century.
Damage and shock sensitivity change of NEPE propellant under temperature changing conditions

In order to study the damage and shock sensitivity change of NEPE propellant under temperature changing conditions,propellant specimens were treated under temperature cycling,temperature impact and liquid nitrogen impact environments.The change of damage structure was characterized by mechanical property test,ultrasonic test and CT photography.The shock sensitivity of NEPE propellant before and after liquid nitrogen impact treatment was measured in gap test.The results show that NEPE propellant is damaged to some extent after temperature changing treatment.The damage degree increases with the strictness of environments.But the thermal damage of NEPE propellant has little effect on its shock sensitivity.
Pragmatic Analysis of the Strategies of Conventional Indirect Request

The request act in our daily life is inevitable,while at the same time,request behavior is a kind of language behavior,which has been a hot topic of research in the field of pragmatics.In request behavior study," Cross-Cultural Speech Act Realization Research(CCSARP)" serves as the leader in the field,this paper will analyze the pragmatic strategies of conventional indirect request in the framework of CCSARP.
Reform plan of wind farm low voltage ride-through technology

The increase of wind turbine installation has posed great challenges to power system operation in recent years.The low voltage ride-through(LVRT) capability is required for wind farms in many nations.Since wind power manufacturing in China is still an emerging industry,it is common that wind turbines do not have LVRT capability.Compared to redesign wind turbines,upgrading wind farm is the more economic effective solution.The main technical solutions of wind farms LVRT are analyzed.It is concluded that the parallel connection of dynamic reactive compensation device and series connection of dynamic voltage regulator are feasible solutions in current stage.
Gender and Racial Disparities in Pain Management—A Differentiation Diagnosis

Given that incoming physicians are required to uphold the Hippocratic Oath as they embark on their medical journey, it is expected that they should treat patients to the best of their abilities. Recent biomedical and social science research; however, has demonstrated that gender and racial bias may be playing a subtle yet critical role in the medical decision making process that is affecting the care that many patients deserve. While much of the biological differences among various diseases have been delineated, further research is needed to evaluate how these biological differences are being translated into gender and racial stereotypes in the minds of physicians and how resources that promote the health of all genders and races could be better distributed in order to improve the quality of life of all patients possible. 1
Trademarks and Patents

The development and application of science and technology need an enabling regulatory environment that protects intellectual property rights (IPR) to encourage research and inventions. Patents and trademarks are examples of approaches to protecting inventions. Sub-Saharan African countries operate under both international, regional, and domestic IPR regimes. For example, the International Treaty on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (“Plant Treaty”) approved in 2001 announced an important principle under the Plant Treaty, the Farmers’ Rights under which farmers are recognized as the guardians and holders of traditional knowledge and stewards of agricultural biodiversity. The Plant Treaty allows farmers to share benefits arising from the utilization of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. There are only a few court cases involving IPR violation. Most of the cases deal with the situation where an importer attempts to register a product in the domestic market as their own trademark.
Purification and Culture of Oval Cells from Rat Liver

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the purification and culture of oval cells from rat liver. Oval cells are liver epithelial cells that proliferate during the early stages of hepatocarcinogenesis induced by many chemicals. The biological importance of oval cells derives from two observations: (1) in azo dye carcinogenesis, oval cells give rise to hepatocytes and to transitional cells, which combine morphological features of these two cell types, and at the early stages of hepatocarcinogenesis induced not only by azo dyes but also by other carcinogens, oval or transitional cells contain many of the markers associated with hepatic neoplasia. An important step in the assessment of the biological properties of oval cells was the identification of AFP in oval and/or transitional cells at the early stages of carcinogenesis and the conclusion that the rapid increase in serum AFP detected a few days or weeks after the administration of many carcinogens is due to the proliferation of oval cells. In the early stages of carcinogenesis, the proliferation of duct cells, transitional cells, or small hepatocytes takes place and these cell types form a conspicuous but heterogeneous oval cell compartment where duct cells most likely predominate. Transitional cells may mature into new diploid hepatocytes, which have been detected in hepatocarcinogenesis induced by ethionine and other chemicals. Such diploid hepatocytes or the transitional cells might be the populations from which liver tumors may develop several months later. Most aspects of this working hypothesis are testable experimentally and some of the work on the isolation and characterization of oval cells and the growth of oval cells in cultures leading to the formulation of the hypothesis.
Burden-Sharing and Loosened Conditionality, 1974–75: ‘The Nature of What Constitutes a Sustainable Balance of Payments has been Radically Changed’

Benjamin Cohen (1983: 315–17) has argued that the major transformations that occurred in the international monetary system during the 1970s — floating exchange rates, the suspension of gold convertibility, the expansion of the role of private banking institutions for payments financing — were ‘norm-governed changes.’ With respect to the provision of official balance of payments financing, he identifies an international regime encompassing ‘the set of implicit or explicit principles, norms, rules, and decision-making procedures governing access to external credit for balance of payments purposes’ and argues that ‘no matter how profound the [balance of payments financing] regime’s recent change may appear, it does not in fact add up to a transformation in kind… At the level of principles and norms, the regime remains very much as it was’ (Cohen 1983: 317, 333). The penultimate principle of the regime — that countries should enjoy ‘adequate but not unlimited’ access to financing — remains intact, Cohen argues (1983: 323).
Assessment of mental workload by EEG+FNIRS

We investigated the use of a multimodal functional neuroimaging system in quantifying mental workload of healthy human volunteers. We recorded behavioral performance measures as well as electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) simultaneously from subjects performing n-back tasks. The EEG and fNIRS signals were used in feature generation and classification offline using support vector machines. We examined the classification accuracy of three distinct systems: EEG based; fNIRS based; and Hybrid, which contained features from the first two systems as based on their interactions. The classification accuracy of the Hybrid system was observed to be greater than that of either system, indicating the synergistic role played by multimodal signals and by neurovascular coupling in quantifying mental workload.
FDG-PET parameters as predictors of pathologic response and nodal clearance in patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiation and surgery

Abstract Objective Pathologic complete response (pCR) following neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) is associated with improved outcomes in stage III non-small cell lung cancer. Conflicting results exist regarding the value of 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) in predicting pCR. This study evaluated the association between post-CRT FDG-PET and pCR using novel FDG-PET parameters. Methods and materials This retrospective study included patients treated with CRT and resection. All underwent pre- and post-CRT FDG-PET imaging. Maximum standard uptake value (SUV max ), standard uptake ratio (SUR), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) were measured. Results In total, 44 patients were included for review. The majority had cT2 disease (59.0%). Median radiation dose was 60 Gy (45-70.2 Gy). Rate of pCR and near-pCR within the primary lesion was 29.5% and 45.5%, respectively. Average reduction in SUV max was 9.2, whereas SUR normalized to mediastinum and liver showed mean reductions of 4.7 and 3.5, respectively. No association was found between pCR and either MTV or TLG. Reduction in SUV max and SUR were significantly associated with increased rate of pCR ( P ≤ .02). A threshold of >75% decrease in SUR-liver showed significant association with near-pCR (diagnostic odds ratio [DOR]: 8.3; P = .007). No correlation was found between nodal FDG-PET parameters and nodal pCR. Conclusions Our results indicate SUV and SUR have utility in predicting pCR after neoadjuvant CRT. SUR parameters trended toward higher DORs, suggesting improved predictive utility compared with SUV max . Notably, no association was found with nodal pCR. Furthermore, MTV and TLG changes were not predictive, potentially resulting from inflammation after full-dose radiation, but this warrants further investigation.
Interactions of lattice distortion fields in nano polycrystalline materials revealed by molecular dynamics and X-ray powder diffraction

Abstract Interacting distortion fields from local and diffuse structural defects in metal nanomaterials were investigated via atomistic simulations supported by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) analysis. Numerical models of several large nano polycrystalline Pd microstructures embedding a wide range of defect types and densities were equilibrated via molecular dynamics (MD) to evaluate the interaction effects of various structural defects on the deformation-field components. Microstrain contributions from crystallite grain boundaries (GBs), line dislocations, and vacancies were determined from analysis of line broadening in Debye-simulated XRPD profiles. Dynamic disorder was investigated across the crystallites, revealing anisotropic vibrational components of atoms at the GBs. Although the estimated structural and microstructural properties agreed globally with the ideally expected parameters directly calculated from numerical models, widely dispersed values were observed among the assemblage of crystallites. Estimated dynamic and static Debye-Waller parameters used to account, respectively, for atomic thermal vibration and disorder across the GBs were in excellent agreement with experimental values observed by Inagaki et al. ( J. Mater. Sci, 18 (1983) 1803) for Pd metal powders. However, the static component decreased with environmental temperature and increasing interaction between defects in different crystallites, approaching zero in the limit.
Primary Pyomyositis as Unusual Cause of Limp: Three Cases in Immunocompetent Children and Literature Review

Pyomyositis (PM) is an uncommon primary skeletal muscle infection caused mainly by Staphylococcus aureus that is characterized by single or multiple intramuscular abscess formation. In our ward, between 2013 and 2015, three children (two females and one male) aged from 2 to 12 years were diagnosed and treated for PM. Patients' medical records and imaging studies were examined retrospectively. All patients, otherwise healthy, complained of limp, fever, and severe lower limb pain. Skin scratch lesions were detected in two cases; one of them showed an edematous appearance of the affected area. Multifocal bilateral abscesses of gemini and gastrocnemius were detected in the youngest patient; right obturator and iliac muscles were affected in the second patient; and right gluteus and pyriform muscles were involved in the third patient. All patients showed elevated acute phase reactants and had normal serum creatinine kinase levels. Blood cultures and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) investigations were negative in all cases. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings included muscle enlargement, deep fascia, high signal in subcutaneous tissues, and postgadolinium abscess formation. No patient required surgical or percutaneous drainage. All three were treated conservatively with intravenous oxacillin, associated with ceftriaxone in the first patient and ceftazidime in the other two, followed by oral antibiotic therapy for a period ranging from 5 to 6 weeks. Pyomyositis must be considered as an unusual cause of limp in children of all ages. When promptly diagnosed and adequately treated, it has a favorable outcome without relapses or sequelae as occurred in all our patients.
Free-electron laser emission architecture impact on extreme ultraviolet lithography

Laser-produced plasma (LPP) EUV sources have demonstrated ∼125 W at customer sites, establishing confidence in EUV lithography (EUVL) as a viable manufacturing technology. However, for extension to the 3-nm technology node and beyond, existing scanner/source technology must enable higher-NA imaging systems (requiring increased resist dose and providing half-field exposures) and/or EUV multipatterning (requiring increased wafer throughput proportional to the number of exposure passes). Both development paths will require a substantial increase in EUV source power to maintain the economic viability of the technology, creating an opportunity for free-electron laser (FEL) EUV sources. FEL-based EUV sources offer an economic, high-power/single-source alternative to LPP EUV sources. Should FELs become the preferred next-generation EUV source, the choice of FEL emission architecture will greatly affect its operational stability and overall capability. A near-term industrialized FEL is expected to utilize one of the following three existing emission architectures: (1) self-amplified spontaneous emission, (2) regenerative amplifier, or (3) self-seeding. Model accelerator parameters are put forward to evaluate the impact of emission architecture on FEL output. Then, variations in the parameter space are applied to assess the potential impact to lithography operations, thereby establishing component sensitivity. The operating range of various accelerator components is discussed based on current accelerator performance demonstrated at various scientific user facilities. Finally, comparison of the performance between the model accelerator parameters and the variation in parameter space provides a means to evaluate the potential emission architectures. A scorecard is presented to facilitate this evaluation and provides a framework for future FEL design and enablement for EUVL applications.
Improving mental health through social support: building positive and empowering relationships.

Meaningful relationships add richness to daily living and are valuable sources of support during hardship. They include professional acquaintances, close friendships, and intimate partnerships and ...
A comprehensive analysis of fracture initiation and propagation in sandstones based on micro-level observation and digital imaging correlation

Abstract Along with the development of the oil & gas industry, the word "fracture" is now a quite familiar subject to well stability and integrity over the drilling process. However, the fracturing mechanisms are still less convincing though a large amount of literature have addressed the subject matter. In this paper, a new comprehensive experimental method is proposed herein to analyze the fracturing mechanisms through a micro-level observation to a macro explanation. To assess the tensile resistance of rock, Brazilian Test was applied to disc-shaped specimens of isotropic sandstones. Meanwhile, a high-speed photography system was keeping snapping images for the digital imaging correlation (DIC) to get a dynamic fracturing process. After the specimen failed and was split, the cuttings were analyzed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and electron-dispersive system (EDS) for a micro-level observation. Two kinds of fracturing mechanisms were identified as: (1) grain fracturing, and (2) pore-fillings fracturing. Three basic fracture modes (Mode I/II/III) can also be distinguished through (1) the grain size, and (2) the grain shape and uniformity using a new parameter named angularity factor. The DIC technique proved to be a powerful analysis tool, especially showing the sequence of fracture initiation, propagation and termination. Though the cracks can be initiated from the center or near the loading points, the main direction of fracturing propagation was still along the diametric loading plane. In addition, a displacement along the thickness was also identified through a 3-D investigation, which should be of interest due to the scarcity of relevant literature in 3-D effect on standard 2-D Brazilian Test.
Canaries in the Anthropocene: storytelling as degentrification in urban community sustainability

This article examines contrasting stories—or cautionary tales—about the environmental crises facing the planet and how these stories enable different theories of “sustainability” and responses to these crises. The story of the Anthropocene is one of the contemporary narratives guiding modern sustainability initiatives, and it assumes a pan-human responsibility for the climate crisis calling for the adoption of technocratic fixes to address the problem. This is not enough, argue many environmental justice critics, who assert that the story itself is fatally flawed. Rather, they insist that the goal should be to “change the story” to imagine and create alternative pathways toward more just, interdependent, and sustainable futures. Instead, many environmental justice activists and scholars deploy the story of the “miner’s canary,” a cautionary tale used as a metaphor for how the awareness of the suffering of those who are most vulnerable may provide early warning signals of imminent environmental collapse in the broader society. The miner’s canary story argues that by noticing and caring for those most at risk, all communities and environments are protected. The final section of the article discusses my own story of working with community groups who see themselves as “canaries” in the current global crisis fueled by climate change. I describe how I engage community building across differences with the hopes of co-producing a model for a more just sustainability—or a story of a “degentrified” model of sustainability that insists we address in tandem the social and environmental crises of our times.
Efficacy of Sports Club Activities on Exercise Tolerance Among Japanese Middle and High School Children and Adolescents After Fontan Procedure

The exercise tolerance of Fontan patients is poorer than that of healthy people. Some previous studies reported that exercise tolerance can be improved in this population by cardiac rehabilitation. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with peak oxygen uptake (VO2) and to subsequently clarify the correlation between participation in sports club activities and variables related to exercise tolerance. Cardiopulmonary exercise tests were performed by 115 Fontan patients aged between 6 and 20 years. The patients completed questionnaires on their daily physical activities including participation in extracurricular sports clubs in middle (junior high school) and high school. Peak VO2 had a significant negative correlation with age and a positive correlation with hemoglobin, stroke volume, and resting tidal volume in the entire study group. Additionally, the sports club participants who were middle and high school students had significantly higher peak VO2 and resting tidal volume. Exercise habits including participation in sports club activities may promote exercise tolerance by improving respiratory function in Fontan adolescents.
Basic Statistical Principles

In a randomized controlled clinical trial for the prevention of the recurrence of depression, it is reported that imipramine is more effective than lithium or placebo in delaying the recurrence of a depressive episode. In another study, a randomized controlled clinical trial of the comparative efficacy of interpersonal therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, imipramine, and placebo for the treatment of depression, it is found that the psychotherapies and the drug are almost equally effective. In a nonrandomized comparative study, it is reported that depressed patients have a decrease in rapid-eye movement latency relative to healthy subjects. As consumers of statistics there are many questions we should ask about these studies, including: How were these conclusions reached? What do these conclusions mean? and How should we evaluate the merits of these studies and their results?
Astronomical Polarimeters and Features of Polarimetric Observations

We present a general description of ground-based astronomical polarimeters, and provide a detailed description of the spectropolarimeter of the Main astronomical observatory (MAO) of a National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (NASU). Using a polarization modulator of a rotating quarter-wave phase plate (FP) allows us to measure the parameters of linear and circular polarization simultaneously. In 1983 O. I. Bugaenko with the colleagues from MAO of NASU produced an automatic astronomical spectropolarimeter (ASP), which used a continuous rotation of polarizer with frequency of 61 Hz. Observations in two beam modes allowed it to accommodate changes of transparency of the Earth’s atmosphere, air mass the of observational object, inexactness of guiding and displacement from an optical axis because of atmospheric turbulence. In 1995 the spectropolarimeter was upgraded and its spectral interval expanded to 1 micron. Sources of errors and methods of their elimination are described.
Intestinal mucus is capable of stabilizing supersaturation of poorly water-soluble drugs.

Abstract The utilization of polymers to stabilize drug supersaturation and enhance oral drug absorption has recently garnered considerable interest. The potential role of intestinal mucus in stabilizing drug supersaturation, however, has not been previously explored. The ability for intestinal mucus to stabilize drug supersaturation and delay drug precipitation is potentially useful in enhancing the absorption of orally dosed compounds from drug delivery systems that generate supersaturation within the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., solid dispersions, lipid-based drug delivery systems). This work aims to evaluate the precipitation-delaying abilities of intestinal mucus using carvedilol (CVDL) and piroxicam (PXM) as model drugs. In supersaturation-precipitation (S-P) experiments, CVDL and PXM supersaturation were induced in test media (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4%w/v mucin and 8%w/v native pig intestinal mucus (PIM)) via the solvent-shift method at supersaturation ratios (SSR) of 5 and 6, respectively. Time to drug precipitation was assessed using ion-selective electrodes and HPLC. The S-P experiments showed that increasing mucin concentration led to increasingly delayed CVDL precipitation, while PXM precipitation was prevented at all mucin concentrations studied. The ability of mucus-stabilized CVDL supersaturation to translate into enhanced CVDL absorption was evaluated in transport experiments using mucus-producing (90% Caco-2:10% HT29-MTX-E12 co-cultures) vs. non-mucus-producing intestinal monolayers (100% Caco-2 cultures). The absorption enhancement of CVDL (SSR = 5 relative to SSR = 1) was higher across mucus-producing than non-mucus-producing intestinal monolayers. This work demonstrates the potential for intestinal mucus to delay the precipitation and enhance the absorption of poorly water-soluble compounds, suggesting that drug supersaturation can be stabilized in close proximity to the absorptive site, thereby presenting a possible novel approach for targeted supersaturating drug delivery systems.
Reporting on the Performance and Usability of Planning Support Systems—Towards a Common Understanding

To assess the implementation of Planning Support Systems (PSSs) and scenario planning strategies, a common understanding of model goals, performance, and usability are among several issues that need to be addressed. Without a common understanding, resulting policies that are drawn from model outcomes could be compromised. Reporting methods of PSS results should be objective, reasonable, understandable, and useful. We describe a process including several methods of reporting PSS results that allows for minor variation and understandably communicating the results to PSS users. This approach includes finding meaningful resolution and probability matching of PSS model results. We show that our approach is a theoretically reasonable and objective method for reporting PSS results in planning practice. We test our approach using the LEAM PSS in an application in northern Illinois. In this case, our model results inform planners using an easily comprehensible spatial resolution over which the simulation provides useful information for future land-use scenarios. We also apply our reporting methods to compare a preferred scenario to a business-as-usual scenario. The result prompts local planners and stakeholders to rethink their plan implementation strategy for preferred scenario implementation. We conclude that next steps for PSS model development will require both technical and practical focuses in the model reporting and implementation arena.