cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measles immunity in employees of a multihospital healthcare provider.

Objective: To assess the potential for nosocomial measles transmission by measuring seropositivity among healthcare workers in Utah. Design: Blood specimens were collected for measurement of measles IgG antibody by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Individuals with undetectable or equivocal antibody levels were considered at risk for infection. Employees were grouped according to the decade of their birth, and analyses of serological findings were done by the Mantel-Haenszel chi-square test for trend. Setting: The study was performed in a healthcare organization comprised of six urban and 10 rural hospitals. Participants: Employees (n = 5825) were tested regardless of age, history of disease, or immunization. Results: There were 599 employees (10.3%) who were nonimmune. A trend showing age-related differences in immunity was not noted among employees born prior to 1957 (4.7% nonimmune). However, for employees born after that time, there was a significant age-associated increase in the percentage of susceptible individuals ( P = 0.00001). The rate of susceptibility was 8.1% for individuals born between 1957 and 1959, 16.3% for individuals born during the 1960s, and 33.7% for those born in the 1970s. Conclusions: We concluded that employees born after 1960 represent a material risk for transmission of measles in the hospital setting. Despite the low percentage of susceptibility among those born before 1957, the 144 susceptible individuals in this group also are at risk for measles transmission. Thus, during periods of increased measles prevalence, we would recommend screening all healthcare workers regardless of age and vaccinating those who are susceptible.
Beta-receptor blockade and myocardial effects of cardiac glycosides.

Because of suggestions that norepinephrine release from cardiac sympathetic nerves contributes to the myocardial action of digitalis, the effect of betareceptor blockade on these actions was determined. 10-6M propranolol did not alter the basal contractility of isolated kitten papillary muscles or of atrial strips from kittens, guinea pigs, rabbits, dogs, and chickens but decreased by 85% their inotropic response to norepinephrine released by tyramine or highintensity electrical stimulation. The same concentration of propranolol had no effect on cumulative inotropic concentration-effect curves for ouabain, acetylstrophanthidin, and digoxin in these preparations. Presence of propranolol did not modify the actions of cardiac glycosides on the time course of isometric contraction. Beta-receptor blockade was without effect on decreases in active tension and increases in resting tension induced by toxic concentrations of cardioactive steroids. The frequency of digitalis-induced automaticity in guinea pig atrial strips and kitten papillary muscles was significantly decreased by propranolol, presumably because of its direct electrophysiologic actions. Exposure of cat hearts to digoxin in vivo and to ouabain in vitro had no effect on myocardial norepinephrine concentrations. It is concluded that release of myocardial norepinephrine plays no role in the actions of cardiac glycosides on the heart.
Neutron‐induced electronic failures around a high‐energy linear accelerator

Purpose: After a new in-vault CT-on-rails system repeatedly malfunctioned following use of a high-energy radiotherapy beam, we investigated the presence and impact of neutron radiation on this electronic system, as well as neutron shielding options. Methods: We first determined the CT scanner's failure rate as a function of the number of 18 MV monitor units (MUs) delivered. We then re-examined the failure rate with both 2.7-cm-thick and 7.6-cm-thick borated polyethylene (BPE) covering the linac head for neutron shielding. To further examine shielding options, as well as to explore which neutrons were relevant to the scanner failure, Monte Carlo simulations were used to calculate the neutron fluence and spectrum in the bore of the CT scanner. Simulations included BPE covering the CT scanner itself as well as covering the linac head. Results: We found that the CT scanner had a 57% chance of failure after the delivery of 200 MUs. While the addition of neutron shielding to the accelerator head reduced this risk of failure, the benefit was minimal and even 7.6 cm of BPE was still associated with a 29% chance of failure after the delivery of 200 MU. This shielding benefit was achieved regardless of whether the linac headmore » or CT scanner was shielded. Additionally, it was determined that fast neutrons were primarily responsible for the electronic failures. Conclusions: As illustrated by the CT-on-rails system in the current study, physicists should be aware that electronic systems may be highly sensitive to neutron radiation. Medical physicists should therefore monitor electronic systems that have not been evaluated for potential neutron sensitivity. This is particularly relevant as electronics are increasingly common in the therapy vault and newer electronic systems may exhibit increased sensitivity.« less
Data-Driven Feedforward Control for Electroporation Mediated Gene Delivery in Gene Therapy

This brief proposes a novel data-driven feedforward control mechanism to regulate micro/nanoscale systems subject to insufficient measurements. The theoretical framework integrates data-driven planning and formulates a feedforward controller, which is successfully applied to an electroporation mediated gene delivery problem in gene therapy. Nonlinear dynamics modeling and analysis of the biological cell electroporation process, especially hysteresis and nonlinear jump phenomenon, are discussed. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed control outperforms existing methods in the open literature.
Association between Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Regulatory Subunit p85α Met326Ile Genetic Polymorphism and Colon Cancer Risk

Purpose: The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling pathway is frequently activated in cancer. Emerging evidence supports the p85α regulatory subunit gene, PIK3R1 , as a novel oncogene. Experimental Design: We examined the association of a functional missense polymorphism ( Met326Ile ) of PIK3R1 with colon cancer risk in a population-based case-control study of 421 incident cases and 483 controls. Results: In our base unconditional logistic regression model controlling for age, gender, and race, we observed a 47% increase in risk among those carrying one or two copies of the 326 Ile variant ( P = 0.01). Further adjustment for family history of colorectal cancer, body mass index, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical activity strengthened the association [odds ratio (OR), 1.73; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.24-2.42, P = 0.001]. The association was more pronounced among those older than 64 years (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.19-3.70, P = 0.01). Evaluation of the genotypes assuming an additive mode of inheritance showed a significant trend for gene-dose response, where compared with Met/Met , the OR estimates for Ile/Met and Ile/Ile were 1.68 (95% CI, 1.19-2.37) and 2.27 (95% CI, 0.98-5.29), respectively ( P for trend = 0.001). Conclusions: This study is the first to describe a significant association between a germ line functional variant in PIK3R1 and cancer, providing new evidence supporting a role for PIK3R1 in the development of colon cancer.
The anatomy of a large mobile massively multiplayer online game

We describe a large-scale and long-term measurement study of a popular mobile Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game (MMORPG), called Parallel Kingdom, which has over 600,000 unique users distributed across more than 100 countries. Our study covers important aspects of the game including (i) characteristics of its population, (ii) players' game usage behavior, and (iii) correlation between players' interest and the money spent by them in the game. Our measurement study spans almost the entire life of the game staring from its inception on October 31, 2008 to November 10, 2011 (1104 days in total). To perform this study, we instrumented the game's client software (iOS and Android) to interact with our measurement server. The rich dataset gathered allowed us to analyze various characteristics of this highly popular mobile MMORPG.
Detecting Disease in Radiographs with Intuitive Confidence

This paper argues in favor of a specific type of confidence for use in computer-aided diagnosis and disease classification, namely, sine/cosine values of angles represented by points on the unit circle. The paper shows how this confidence is motivated by Chinese medicine and how sine/cosine values are directly related with the two forces Yin and Yang. The angle for which sine and cosine are equal (45°) represents the state of equilibrium between Yin and Yang, which is a state of nonduality that indicates neither normality nor abnormality in terms of disease classification. The paper claims that the proposed confidence is intuitive and can be readily understood by physicians. The paper underpins this thesis with theoretical results in neural signal processing, stating that a sine/cosine relationship between the actual input signal and the perceived (learned) input is key to neural learning processes. As a practical example, the paper shows how to use the proposed confidence values to highlight manifestations of tuberculosis in frontal chest X-rays.
Soil phosphorus pools and supply under the influence of Eucalyptus saligna and nitrogen-fixing Albizia facaltaria

Replicated plantations of Eucalyptus saligna (Sm.) and Albizia falcataria (L.) Fosberg were examined for patterns in soil phosphorus (P) fractions and soil P availability. The supply of P was assessed in the field with anion exchange resin bags, which indicated that P supply was about twice as high under Eucalyptus as under Albizia. In the laboratory, solution P extracted with iron oxide-impregnated paper strips was also 45% higher under Eucalyptus. The effects of mixtures of the two species were intermediate between the pure-species effects. Overall, P supply either increased with Eucalyptus or decreased under Albizia. Despite significantly lower soil P availability, the Albizia plots appeared to take up and cycle as much P as the Eucalyptus plots, indicating that P supply was not independent of P demand. High rates of P uptake by Albizia may depend on higher allocations of carbohydrate to belowground production.
Exact determination of the two-point cluster function for one-dimensional continuum percolation

The two-point cluster functionC2(r1,r2) provides a measure of clustering in continuum models of disordered many-particle systems and thus is a useful signature of the microstructure. For a two-phase disordered medium,C2(r1,r2) is defined to be the probability of finding two points at positionsr1 andr2 in thesame cluster of one of the phases. An exact analytical expression is found for the two-point cluster functionC2(r1,r2) of a one-dimensional continuumpercolation model of Poisson-distributed rods (for an arbitrary number density) using renewal theory. We also give asymptotic formulas for the tail probabilities. Along the way we find exact results for other cluster statistics of this continuum percolation model, such as the cluster size distribution, mean number of clusters, and two-point blocking function.
Histologic Effect of Fractionated Doses of Selectively Applied 60Co Irradiation on the Teeth of Albino Rats

This study compares the effects of fractionated 2400, 4800 and 7200 rad doses of Co-60 irradiation on the formed and developing teeth of the rats. The 7200 rad dosage was found to cause damage to both odontoblasts and ameloblasts of developing incisors but to spare previously formed molars.
Efficient use of Q-switched lasers in the treatment of cutaneous lesions

The use of Q-switched laser has been well documented in the treatment of pigmented lesions, particularly in the tattoo removal. To better understand the ablation process by Q-switched lasers, we carried out an analysis on the states and other physical properties of certain tissue/pigment under the action of a strong transient electric field associated with the high energy nanosecond laser pulses. The dependence of the ablation threshold of transient electric field on the chromophore absorption has been found to be weak. A plasma ablation model is used to interpret previous experimental results. The comparison of the plasma model with the conventional selective photothermolysis model has led to a new design concept of Q-switched lasers for dermatology surgery.
Autoaugmentation Gastrocystoplasty in a Sheep Model

Summary— Ten lambs had their bladders augmented with de-epithelialised stomach muscle added to an intact urothelium. They were assessed functionally and histologically up to 2 months postoperatively. The urothelium remained viable with minimal inflammation and a neo-bladder with good volume was formed.
Method for automated waveform analysis of transient responses in digital circuits

A simple but powerful computer-aided technique is presented for the waveform analysis of transient responses in digital circuits. The technique is targeted towards automatic simulation-based timing and signal integrity analysis and design of digital circuits and interconnects.
Impact of real-world ziprasidone dosing on treatment discontinuation rates in patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Abstract Background The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between maximum dose of ziprasidone and time to discontinuation in the treatment of schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder and bipolar disorder in clinical practice. Method The 2001–2006 MarketScan Commercial and Medicare Databases were analyzed for maximum ziprasidone doses achieved in patients with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder or bipolar disorder. Ziprasidone maximum-dose groups were defined as low (20–60 mg/d), medium (61–119 mg/d), or high (120–160 mg/d). Patients receiving >160 mg/d were excluded. Mean time to discontinuation was evaluated across propensity score-matched dosing groups. Cox proportional hazard models were used to adjust for confounding when comparing the high- and medium-dose groups with the low-dose group. Results Data were available for 33,340 patients with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder, of whom 16.6% received low dose of ziprasidone, 22.0% medium dose, and 61.4% high dose. Of those subjects with bipolar disorder ( n = 27,751), 26.1% were receiving a low dose of ziprasidone, 25.7% a medium dose, and 48.3% a high dose. Among the propensity score-matched dosing groups, the respective mean time to discontinuation for low, medium, and high doses was 90.5, 117.2, and 201.6 d within the schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder cohort and 84.6, 110.7, and 173.2 d within the bipolar cohort ( p Conclusions Patients with schizophrenia/schizoaffective or bipolar disorders receiving ziprasidone 120–160 mg/d experienced a statistically significant lower discontinuation rate compared with those receiving lower doses.
Finite state machine verification on MIMD machines

The authors present a parallel algorithm for finite state machine (FSM) verification on multiple instruction/multiple data (MIMD) machines. Given two FSMs, the verification process consists of dynamically constructing the product machine and investigating the reachability of the failure state (from the start state) of the product machine in a distributed fashion. The technique partitions one of the FSMs across a set of processors by distributing the states of the FSM among the processors. Experimental results on benchmark circuits demonstrate near linear speedup. >
An integrated precision clock generator for implanted electronics with superior long-term stability

This paper presents the design, simulation, bench measurement and long-term reliability test results of a drift-resistant clock generator. Designed for applications at a stable body temperature with a lifelong operating expectancy, this clock design uses multiple design techniques to minimize the long-term performance degradation and results in a clock circuit with superior frequency stability. This design has been implemented on a commercial CMOS process and bench test results show the PSRR of this circuit is 0.25%/V. Long-term frequency drift data indicates that this clock generator has a less than 0.5% frequency drift over 100-year operating time at body core temperature.
Impaired autoregulation of blood flow and glomerular filtration rate in the isolated dog kidney depleted of renin.

The effect of renin depletion on autoregulation of renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate was examined in an isolated perfused kidney preparation. Group 1 dogs received a normal-sodium diet, group 2 dogs received deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) and a high-sodium diet, group 3 dogs received DOCA and a sodium-deficient diet, group 4 dogs received a high-sodium diet without DOCA, and dogs in groups 5 and 6 were treated just like dogs in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Renin release was stimulated by decreasing renal arterial pressure to 50 mm Hg. An increase in renal arterial pressure from 100 to 160 mm Hg was associated with an impaired autoregulatory response in kidneys from group 2 dogs and in two kidneys from group 4 dogs; these kidneys exhibited suppressed or absent renin release in response to a decrease in renal arterial pressure. A separate group of experiments demonstrated that DOCA plus a high-sodium diet completely depleted the kidney of renin stores, indicating that decreased renin secretion reflected depletion of renal renin content. Infusing angiotensin II (0.22 ± 0.06 µg/min) into the renal artery of group 2 kidneys did not normalize the autoregulatory response. A decrease in renal arterial pressure from 150 to 50 mm Hg was associated with impaired autoregulation of glomerular filtration rate and renal blood flow in kidneys from group 6 dogs; renin secretion was undetectable in these kidneys. All kidneys from groups 1, 3, and 5 and the remaining six kidneys from group 4 exhibited a normal autoregulatory response and normal renin release. In groups 1-3, zonal blood flow was measured using the radiolabeled microsphere technique. Only in group 2 did a significant redistribution of fractional blood flow from the inner to the outer cortex occur. These experiments demonstrate that renin depletion impairs the capacity of the kidney to autoregulate blood flow and glomerular filtration rate; thus the data are consistent with the hypothesis that the renin-angiotensin system participates in the autoregulatory response.
Regression modeling and mapping of coniferous forest basal area and tree density from discrete-return lidar and multispectral satellite data

We compared the utility of discrete-return light detection and ranging (lidar) data and multispectral satellite imagery, and their integration, for modeling and mapping basal area and tree density across two diverse coniferous forest landscapes in north-central Idaho. We applied multiple linear regression models subset from a suite of 26 predictor variables derived from discrete-return lidar data (2 m post spacing), advanced land imager (ALI) multispectral (30 m) and panchromatic (10 m) data, or geographic X, Y, and Z location. In general, the lidar-derived variables had greater utility than the ALI variables for predicting the response variables, especially basal area. The variables most useful for predicting basal area were lidar height variables, followed by lidar intensity; those most useful for predicting tree density were lidar canopy cover variables, again followed by lidar intensity. The best integrated models selected via a best-subsets procedure explained ~90% of variance in both response variab...
Prediction of composite elastic modulus and polymerization shrinkage by computational micromechanics

Abstract Objectives . The objective of this study was to simulate the elastic modulus and polymerization shrinkage of a light activated polymer matrix composite using a generalized method of cells (GMC) micromechanics model. Two hypotheses were tested: (1) the micromechanics model provides estimates of elastic modulus vs filler fraction with greater accuracy than the rule of mixtures, Hashin-Shtrikman and phenomenological models; (2) Micromechanics Analysis Code/Generalized Method of Cells accurately simulates experimental benchmarks of polymerization shrinkage strain. Methods . The study applied mathematical algorithms to a representative volume element of a model polymer composite to yield value estimates of the elastic modulus and contraction strain. Mechanical properties of the composite constituents were derived from thermomechanical and dynamic mechanical analysis of BisGMA and TEGDMA filled and unfilled resins. Data from the micromechanics model were compared to results of other analytical methods as well as experimental benchmarks. Results . Predictions of elastic modulus vs filler fraction from the micromechanics model provided greater accuracy than the rule of mixtures and the Hashin-Shtrikman models. Predictions of polymerization shrinkage strain were within 13% of experimental values. Significance . The elastic micromechanics model presented accurately predicted elastic modulus and polymerization shrinkage strain as a function of filler fraction, superior to other analytical methods.
Elevated Aromatase Activity in Forebrain Synaptic Terminals During Song

The enzyme aromatase, which converts androgens into oestrogens, is expressed throughout the brain in zebra finches. Aromatase is enzymatically active in both cell bodies and synaptic terminals of neurones of the songbird brain, particularly within the forebrain motor and auditory networks. Aromatisation within synaptic terminals could thus provide localised and acute modulatory oestrogens within the forebrain during singing and/or audition. In male zebra finches, we tested the hypothesis that forebrain aromatase activity is elevated during singing behaviour and/or hearing male song. The present study reports that aromatase activity is elevated in males that were singing for 30 min compared to nonsinging males, and that this elevation occurs only within the cellular compartment that contains synaptic terminals. In a separate experiment, males that heard acoustic playback of song for 30 min exhibited no differences in aromatase activity or in aromatase mRNA levels, as revealed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. Therefore, these results indicate that activation of the motor pathway for song production is linked to local elevations in synaptic aromatase activity within the forebrain of male zebra finches. Future experiments could assess whether elevated synaptic aromatase activity during song is dependent on acute regulation of the aromatase protein.
Climatological circulation in Lake Michigan

[1] Maps of climatological circulation in Lake Michigan are presented for the first time. They are based on ten years continuous modeling of lake hydrodynamics from 1998–2007 using observed meteorological data as the forcing function. Model results show a remarkably stable large-scale cyclonic circulation pattern during both stratified and unstratified conditions. Lake-averaged mean current speed is about 2 cm/s, but currents can reach 10 cm/s in some locations. The model results are confirmed by long-term current observations.
Urodynamic findings and functional or anatomical obstructions in children who developed bladder diverticula after reimplantation of the ureter.

Objective To study the clinical and urodynamic parameters of children who developed bladder diverticula (BD) after ureteral reimplantation. Materials and methods We have reviewed records of 15 children who underwent ureteric reimplantation, possibly with diverticulectomy between January 1998 and October 2004, who postoperatively developed BD and compared the results with 25 patients, surgically treated for primary vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) without BD development after reimplantation. A total of 737 reimplantations was performed in 492 patients. Of the 15 patients and 25 controls we reviewed voiding history and free uroflowmetry, urodynamic parameters, findings on urethrocystoscopy, VCUG and signs of dysfunctional or anatomical obstruction. Results Of the fifteen patients with a postoperative diverticulum, one patient (7%) had an infravesical obstruction in combination with a normal voiding pattern, nine patients (60%) had severe dysfunctional voiding and two patients (13%) had both. Three patients had no infravesical obstruction nor dysfunctional voiding. Urodynamically the mean Pmax postoperatively was 96.8 (cm-H2O) in the obstructed patients (BD-group) (in controls 50.0 cm-H2O) and 95.6 (cm-H2O) for the dysfunctional voiders (in controls 61.8 cm-H2O). The difference between the Pmax values of BD-group and controls was significant on the 95% C.I. (P < 0.01). Conclusion Dysfunctional voiding and infravesical obstruction in children appear to be important risk factors for acquired BD. Voiding pressures are significantly higher in patients that developed BD. Cognitive bladder training to normalize voiding pressures should be done before surgery if feasible. Special attention should be paid to the persistence of an infravesical obstruction. Neurourol. Urodynam. 28:241–245, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Trophic Relationships of Small Nonnative Fishes in a Natural Creek and Several Agricultural Drains Flowing into the Salton Sea, and Their Potential Effects on the Endangered Desert Pupfish

Abstract This study was conducted to characterize trophic relationships of small nonnative fishes and to determine if predation by these fishes contributes to the decline of desert pupfish (Cyprinodon macularius), an endangered cyprinodont on the verge of extinction. We sampled 403 hybrid Mozambique tilapias (Oreochromis mossambica by O. urolepis), 107 redbelly tilapias (Tilapia zillii), 32 longjaw mudsuckers (Gillichthys mirabilis), 182 western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis), 222 sailfin mollies (Poecilia latipinna), 63 shortfin mollies (Poecilia mexicana), and 235 porthole livebearers (Poeciliopsis gracilis) from a natural creek and four agricultural drains during September 1999–December 2001. Evidence of piscivory was in gastrointestinal contents of 14 hybrid Mozambique tilapias, 3 redbelly tilapias, 10 longjaw mudsuckers, 8 western mosquitofish, 2 sailfin mollies, and 8 porthole livebearers. Although digestion often was too advanced for identification of fishes consumed by nonnative fishes, remains o...
Understanding and improving electroluminescence in mill-ground ZnS : Cu,Cl phosphors

We demonstrate that lightly milled ZnS : Cu,Cl phosphors produce AC electroluminescence (EL) emission in devices half as thick and produce up to 5 times the light output as the thinnest devices made with unground phosphors. We also establish minimum and maximum bounds on micro-milling conditions for producing powders that are still viable for AC EL. To understand the cause of the minimum size, we report extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) measurements on phosphors sorted by particle size. The EXAFS data show that grinding preferentially damages the initially embedded CuS nano-precipitate. This suggests that grinding cleaves the ZnS : Cu through the embedded CuS nano-precipitates, leaving the CuS nano-precipitates on the surface to be further broken apart by continued grinding, eventually reducing the effectiveness of the CuS-induced electric field enhancement. (Some figures in this article are in colour only in the electronic version)
Recent Advances in the Theory of Impurities and Defects in Semiconductors

Scientific advances often lead directly to technological innovations. On other occasions, new technologies emerge from experimentation and are based on processes and phenomena that are poorly understood. Scientific inquiry then attempts to probe these processes and phenomena in order to achieve better understanding and, in turn, point to new directions for technological advances. In this way, science and technology are intricately interconnected. Nevertheless, the connections are often hard to see as most of us usually focus on either scientific or technological research. This symposium has brought together technologists and scientists, and one of our aims is to understand each other and get a feeling for the work pursued in areas outside our own expertise. I have the honor of being one of the few scientists who have been asked to address this audience which consists mostly of highly talented technologists. In my talk, I shall review a number of recent advances in my field of expertise, with an attempt to place them in a perspective relating to technology in general and microelectronics in particular. Since time is limited, I will not attempt a broad review. Instead, I will focus primarily on theoretical work carried out by myself and a group of valuable collaborators in the last few years. Work by other groups will also be reviewed where appropriate in order to give a fairly comprehensive picture of the current state of the art.
Prediction of Lunar- and Martian-Based Intra- and Site-to-Site Task Performance

Background This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of determining the physiological parameters associated with the ability to complete simulated exploration type tasks at metabolic rates which might be expected for lunar and Martian ambulation. Methods Running VO2max and gas exchange threshold (GET) were measured in 21 volunteers. Two simulated extravehicular activity field tests were completed in 1 G in regular athletic apparel at two intensities designed to elicit metabolic rates of ∼20.0 and ∼30.0 ml · kg(-1) · min(-1), which are similar to those previously reported for ambulation in simulated lunar- and Martian-based environments, respectively. Results All subjects were able to complete the field test at the lunar intensity, but 28% were unable to complete the field test at the Martian intensity (non-Finishers). During the Martian field test there were no differences in VO2 between Finishers and non-Finishers, but the non-Finishers achieved a greater %VO2max compared to Finishers (78.4 ± 4.6% vs. 64.9 ± 9.6%). Logistic regression analysis revealed fitness thresholds for a predicted probability of 0.5, at which Finishing and non-Finishing are equally likely, and 0.75, at which an individual has a 75% chance of Finishing, to be a VO2max of 38.4 ml · kg(-1) · min(-1) and 40.0 ml · kg(-1) · min(-1) or a GET of 20.1 ml · kg(-1) · min(-1) and 25.1 ml · kg(-1) · min(-1), respectively (χ(2) = 10.2). Logistic regression analysis also revealed that the expected %VO2max required to complete a field test could be used to successfully predict performance (χ(2) = 19.3). Discussion The results of the present investigation highlight the potential utility of VO2max, particularly as it relates to the metabolic demands of a surface ambulation, in defining successful completion of planetary-based exploration field tests.
Histochemistry of the Cell Wall and Septum of Vegetative Cells of Selected Species of Dimargaritaceae and Kickxellaceae

The histochemistry of the cell wall and septum of four species of the Dimargaritaceae (Dimargaris bacillispora, D. cristalligena, Dispira cornuta, and Tieghemiomyces californicus) and three species of the Kickxellaceae (Coemansia mojavensis, Linderina pennispora, and Martensiomyces pterosporus) was examined. The cell wall consists of a thin, continuous, outer layer composed of a lipofuscin pigment, and a thicker, discontinuous, inner layer composed of chitin. The latter layer produces distinctive septa formed of the abutted end walls of adjacent cells. Each septum delimits a median cavity, open above and below, that encloses a subglobose or lenticular plug composed, like the outer wall layer, of a lipofuscin pigment.
The Effects of Body Awareness, Movement Direction, Visual Condition, and Movement Speed on Trunk Proprioception

Research on the proprioceptive mechanisms of the trunk typically involves trunk repositioning tasks. However, this body of research involves numerous differences in the test methods, results, and interpretations. This research tested the effects of two of the methodological differences, the visual condition and the speed of movement, along with the plane of motion, on the accuracy and precision of trunk repositioning ability in the three primary planes of trunk motion. The results showed significant main effects of plane of motion and visual condition on both repositioning accuracy and precision. Significant interactions between speed and plane of motion and between the visual condition and plane of motion were found for trunk repositioning accuracy. Finally, there was a strong correlation between the overall repositioning precision and the combined score of the Kinesthetic and Proprioceptive Assessment Questionnaire and the Body Awareness Questionnaire.
Effect of BMI on outcomes in proctectomy.

BACKGROUND The unique surgical challenges of proctectomy may be amplified in obese patients. We examined surgical outcomes of a large, diverse sample of obese patients undergoing proctectomy. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this work was to determine whether increased BMI is associated with increased complications in proctectomy. DESIGN This was a retrospective review. SETTINGS The study uses the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2010 and 2011). PATIENTS Patients included were those undergoing nonemergent proctectomy, excluding rectal prolapse cases. Patients were grouped by BMI using the World Health Organization classifications of underweight (BMI <18.5); normal (18.5-24.9); overweight (25.0-29.9); and class I (30.0-34.9), class II (35.0-39.9), and class III (≥40.0) obesity. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We analyzed the effect of preoperative and intraoperative factors on 30-day outcomes. Continuous variables were compared with Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and proportions with the Fisher exact or χ tests. Logistic regression controlled for the effects of multiple risk factors. RESULTS Among 5570 patients, class I, II, and III obesity were significantly associated with higher rates of overall complications (44.0%, 50.8%, and 46.6% vs 38.1% for normal-weight patients; p < 0.05). Superficial wound infection was significantly higher in classes I, II, and III (11.6%, 17.8%, and 13.0% vs 8.0% for normal-weight patients; p < 0.05). Operative times for patients in all obesity classes were significantly longer than for normal-weight patients. On multivariate analysis, an obese BMI independently predicted complications; ORs (95% CIs) were 1.36 (1.14-1.62) for class I obesity, 1.99 (1.54-2.54) for class II, and 1.42 (1.02-1.96) for class III. LIMITATIONS This study was a retrospective design with limited follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Class I, II, and III obese patients were at significantly increased risk for morbidity compared with normal BMI patients. Class II obese patients had the highest rate of complications, a finding that deserves further investigation.
A Nontraumatic Hip Fracture in a Young Woman: Cushing’s Disease—Consequences of a Late Diagnosis and Treatment Highlights

To describe the late diagnosis of hypercortisolemia and associated severe clinical complications. To review the multimodal approach in the management of Cushing’s disease after failed transsphenoidal surgery: surgical re-exploration and the role of medical treatment.
ON THE PHILOSOPHICAL ASPECT OF THE CREATIVE EDUCATION

Creative education is a new respect of educational thought and educational development .It is approached from the following different angles,which implicate some philosophical questions:the talent ideas of global economic integration ;the innate characters of education and creative education ;the knowledge education and the cultivation of people's creative thoughts and practical abilities .
Ischemia and reperfusion—from mechanism to translation

Ischemia and reperfusion-elicited tissue injury contributes to morbidity and mortality in a wide range of pathologies, including myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, acute kidney injury, trauma, circulatory arrest, sickle cell disease and sleep apnea. Ischemia-reperfusion injury is also a major challenge during organ transplantation and cardiothoracic, vascular and general surgery. An imbalance in metabolic supply and demand within the ischemic organ results in profound tissue hypoxia and microvascular dysfunction. Subsequent reperfusion further enhances the activation of innate and adaptive immune responses and cell death programs. Recent advances in understanding the molecular and immunological consequences of ischemia and reperfusion may lead to innovative therapeutic strategies for treating patients with ischemia and reperfusion-associated tissue inflammation and organ dysfunction.
Autonomous Soft Exosuit for Hip Extension Assistance

In this abstract, we describe a mono-articular soft exosuit to assist with hip extension during overground walking. The system is comprised of a mobile Bowden-cable-driven electrical actuation unit, soft textiles, and a load cell and an inertia measurement unit per leg. The exosuit applies forces with a peak of 300 N enabled by an IMU-based iterative control algorithm. This iterative controller detects the onset timing of the hip extension assistance based on an estimation of the maximum hip flexion angle. The timing and magnitude of the applied peak force is modulated by generating step-by-step actuator position profiles based on the previously measured assistive force. Results from a human subject during overground walking at self-selected speed indicate the robustness of the system to apply effectively forces with a high consistency in terms of magnitude and timing of the peak force profile.
Successful Restoration of Fecal Continence Using Sacral Nerve Stimulation Following Chemoradiation and Transanal Excision of an Anal Melanoma With Partial Internal Anal Sphincter Resection: A Case Report

Objective This case report provides evidence for our hypothesis that use of a sacral nerve stimulator may be considered in patients with fecal incontinence (FI) following chemoradiation and transanal operations in the setting of cancer including partial internal sphincter resections. Materials and Methods A 57-year-old female with a history of anal melanoma was treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by wide local, transanal tumor excision with partial internal anal sphincter resection that resulted in ≥2 full fecal incontinent episodes/week with gas, liquid, and solid stool leakage ≥10/day requiring pad changes. After seven years of progressive FI, a sacral nerve stimulator was implanted following pre-placement anorectal manometry. Pre and post implant validated Cleveland Cleveland Clinic/Wexner Fecal Incontinence questionnaires and daily stool diaries (Medtronic) were completed. Data was stored in and collected from the patient's electronic health record. Results The patient had a single episode of FI during the two week trial phase, but reports complete resolution of FI, urgency, and leakage since implantation through her 1-year post-implant follow-up visit. Additional improvements were noted in FI questionnaires: Cleveland Clinic/Wexner Fecal Incontinence Score of 17 at baseline to 3 post-implant and Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Score of 3.585 at baseline to 3.93 post-implant. Conclusions The application of sacral nerve stimulation may not be as limited as previously thought and should be considered for cancer survivors following chemoradiation and sphincter-sparing rectal and transanal resections. Though this single case report is suggestive, further research is necessary and would include a research protocol designed specifically for patients who have undergone chemoradiation and/or sphincter-sparing operations. We are currently working on such protocol at our institution.
WebHelix: another web engineering process

Today, there are many different software engineering processes that can be used to develop a Web application. Some processes are business oriented, while others are software-engineering oriented. Some processes are design-oriented, with many diagrams, while others are code oriented with almost no documentation, outside of comments in the code. In spite of the large number of Web application development processes available, project managers often report that projects developed in the real world are done with little or no design methodology.Teaching Web application development to computer and information science students is difficult. Students often arrive at class without the proper skills in database design, programming and Web page design. Once the prerequisite materials are covered, a project selected and students get started, the semester is often nearly over. As in industry, the process of developing a Web application as a class project runs on a tight schedule, and it is important that the development process be very efficient.In this paper we describe a new design methodology, WebHelix, which is small enough to really be used in the development of Web applications and yet strong enough to build robust and updatable sites. We also describe how WebHelix has been used to enhance the teaching of Web applications development in both computer and information science.
Low-lying vibronic level structure of the ground state of the methoxy radical: Slow electron velocity-map imaging (SEVI) spectra and Köppel-Domcke-Cederbaum (KDC) vibronic Hamiltonian calculations

A joint experimental and theoretical study is reported on the low-lying vibronic level structure of the ground state of the methoxy radical using slow photoelectron velocity-map imaging spectroscopy of cryogenically cooled, mass-selected anions (cryo-SEVI) and Koppel-Domcke-Cederbaum (KDC) vibronic Hamiltonian calculations. The KDC vibronic model Hamiltonian in the present study was parametrized using high-level quantum chemistry, allowing the assignment of the cryo-SEVI spectra for vibronic levels of CH3O up to 2000 cm-1 and of CD3O up to 1500 cm-1 above the vibrational origin, using calculated vibronic wave functions. The adiabatic electron affinities of CH3O and CD3O are determined from the cryo-SEVI spectra to be 1.5689 ± 0.0007 eV and 1.5548 ± 0.0007 eV, respectively, demonstrating improved precision compared to previous work. Experimental peak splittings of <10 cm-1 are resolved between the e1/2 and e3/2 components of the 61 and 51 vibronic levels. A pair of spin-vibronic levels at 1638 and 1677 cm-1 were predicted in the calculation as the e1/2 and e3/2 components of 62 levels and experimentally resolved for the first time. The strong variation of the spin-orbit splittings with a vibrational quantum number is in excellent agreement between theory and experiment. The observation of signals from nominally forbidden a1 vibronic levels in the cryo-SEVI spectra also provides direct evidence of vibronic coupling between ground and electronically excited states of methoxy.
Closed-Loop Sheet Metal Forming Processes

Abstract Manufacturing processes in general are subject to numerous process and parameters disturbances, necessitating the use of feedback to maintain product quality. In almost all cases, this feedback ismanual and is applied in terms of off-line process robustness studies or low bandwidth quality control methods. However, many processes could be greatly enhanced in terms of accuracy and flexibility by using real-time processoutput control, or in other words, by concentrating on control of the actual part characteristics at the time of production. This paper presents a framework for such process control problems, then explores one specific application, that of three-dimensional sheet metal forming. The actual control system applied to this process involves thedevelopment of a "deformation transfer function" or DTF. This function is defmed as the ratio of the spatial frequency content of the fonned part and the spatial frequency content of the die used to form the part. The DTF is calculated after each forming cycle and used in a dead-beat control algorithm to adjust the toolingforthe next cycle. Using this approach a range of different part shapes have been successfully formed requiring only two forming cycles. However, this convergence depends on having a frequency domain model of the discrete forming press to avoid unstable system behavior. The signal processing necessary for such stability is presented along with an analysis of the current forming limits of this system.
Value of Operational Changes During Recession

What type of changes in operations does the stock market value during a recession? We focus on three operational changes aimed to increase returns or manage risk in a recession-newness of operation...
What, I Shouldn’t Have Done That? : The Influence of Training and Just-in-Time Reminders on Secure Behavior

Organizations often implement Security Education, Training, and Awareness (SETA) programs to help improve secure behavior. SETA programs can be multifaceted; however, organizations often take a “one-size-fits-all” approach to improve security, without understanding how different SETA components influence behavior. In this research, we explain how two common SETA program components—online training and reminders—influence behavior through discrete theoretical mechanisms. First, we hypothesize that online training influences behavior through improving beliefs and intentions. However, because of dual-task interference, the relationship between beliefs and intentions may be hindered. We then explain how just-in-time reminders can help overcome dual-task interference and influence behavior directly. We test our hypotheses in a realistic experiment that operationalizes secure behavior as sensitive information disclosure. Our results confirm that training influences beliefs and intentions, and reminders influence behavior directly. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed regarding the use of multi-faceted SETA programs to improve actual secure behavior.
The Afterlife of Sai Baba: Competing Visions of a Global Saint, by Karline McLain: Seattle, University of Washington Press, 2016, 278 pp., US$45.00 (paperback), ISBN 9780295995519

Sometime in the 1850s, a dusty village in the Marathi-speaking part of the Bombay Presidency, a place with nothing special to recommend it, was visited by a wandering ascetic. The man was likewise ...
Nonequilibrium Phenomena at Incommensurate Phase Transitions

In addition to the large number of nonequi1ibrium analogs to phase transitions, such as lasers near threshold, there exists a class of true phase transitions in crystals which display qualitatively nonequi1ibrium phenomena: incommensurate structural phase transitions. In this paper we review the diverse data for incommensurate crystal structures, with special emphasis upon BaMnF4, and show that most experimental phenomena can be explained by the assumption — independently proved — that the dynamics of the material near the phase transition temperature are not those of a system in thermal equilibrium. This explains several qualitative features of the transition in BaMnF4: 1) Vi j ≠ V j i for transverse sound velocities, where ij subscript denotes propagation along i with polarization along j; 2) linear birefringence is proportional to the square of the order parameter, in agreement with theory, whereas both optical activity and monoclinic distortion angle (4’ of arc) are temperature independent, in qualitative disagreement with intrinsic theories; 3) large hysteresis effects are observed even if cycling is confined to the incommensurate phase; 4) the incommensurate a-axis lattice constant is temperature independent in the incommensurate phase, contrary to expectations and contrary to the temperature dependence of the b- and c-axes; 5) the temperature dependence of the incommensurate wave vector satisfies the predictions of the extended Ising model calculation of Yamada and Hamaya, 2a*/5 > qo > 5a*/13 for trajectories in phase space, although that model does not permit as T = 0 ground state either an incommensurate structure or a 2a*/5 phase, in contrast with observations.