cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design of PAMAM-COO dendron-grafted surfaces to promote Pb(II) ion adsorption

An expanding area of green technology is the wastewater treatment of heavy metal ions. As the adsorption of cations onto solid surfaces has been proven to be successful, recent research has demonstrated enhanced adsorption profiles by grafting dendron brushes onto a solid support. Via the molecular dynamics technique, we examine the adsorption of Pb(II) ions onto polyamidoamine (PAMAM) with carboxylate terminal groups through a coarse-grained implicit solvent model. We identify dendron generations and grafting densities, or surface coverage levels, which demonstrate optimal adsorption of Pb(II) ions. Our results can be potentially used to design functionalized surfaces for metal ion adsorption in application entailing environmental remediation or protective surface coating.
All-printed RFID tags: materials, devices, and circuit implications

Printed electronics holds promise for realizing ultra-low-cost RFID tags for item-level tracking of consumer goods. We report on our progress in developing all-printed RFID tags. We review the development of printable materials for these applications, summarize the characteristics of printed devices, and discuss the implications of these on circuit performance limits and needs. Based on this assessment, we discuss the outlook for all-printed RFID tags and identify the problems remaining to be solved and the efforts taking place in this regard.
A Comparison of Relational and Trust Training Techniques for Virtual Team Communication: How Much Training is Enough?

As virtual teams become common place in organizations as well as educational institutions concern over preparing members to work more effectively in a virtual environment raises. There are many factors that can affect how well team members communicate and how well they work together. Two of these factors are relational links and trust. Both of these factors are summarized from the current literature and we report on a study that compared training techniques based on both of these factors. Forty eight teams interacted over a semester to work on a series of tasks. Two different training programs were established based on the relational links and trust literature and administered to subsets of teams. A comparison was made on the effectiveness of each of the training techniques as well as compared to no training.
Dynamic Effects on the Tropical Cloud Radiative Forcing and Radiation Budget

Vertical velocity is used to isolate the effect of large-scale dynamics on the observed radiation budget and cloud properties in the tropics, using the methodology suggested by Bony et al. Cloud and radiation budget quantities in the tropics show well-defined responses to the large-scale vertical motion at 500 hPa. For the tropics as a whole, the ratio of shortwave to longwave cloud forcing (hereafter N ) is about 1.2 in regions of upward motion, and increases to about 1.9 in regions of strong subsidence. If the analysis is restricted to oceanic regions with SST 28°C, N does not increase as much for subsiding motions, because the stratocumulus regions are eliminated, and the net cloud forcing decreases linearly from about near zero for zero vertical velocity to about 15 Wm 2 for strongly subsiding motion. Increasingly negative cloud forcing with increasing upward motion is mostly related to an increasing abundance of high, thick clouds. Although a consistent dynamical effect on the annual cycle of abou t1Wm 2 can be identified, the effect of the probability density function (PDF) of the large-scale vertical velocity on long-term trends in the tropical mean radiation budget is very small compared to the observed variations. Observed tropical mean changes can be as large as 3Wm 2 , while the dynamical components are generally smaller than 0.5 W m 2 . For relatively small regions in the east and west Pacific, changes in the relative magnitude of longwave and shortwave cloud forcing can be related to the PDF of vertical velocity. The east Pacific in 1987 and 1998 showed large reductions of N in association with an increase in the fraction of the area in the domain with upward motion, and concomitant increases in high cloud. For the west Pacific in 1998, a large increase in N was caused not so much by a change in the mean vertical motion, but rather by a shift from top- to bottom-heavy upward motion.
Anterior temporal lobectomy

Anterior temporal lobectomy is the most established neurosurgical procedure for temporal lobe epilepsy. Here we describe this technique. A temporal craniotomy is performed flush with the middle fossa and exposing the Sylvian fissure. The posterior extent of resection is determined as 4.5 cm in the dominant temporal lobe and 5.5 cm in the nondominant one. The first stage consists of removing the lateral neocortex and part of the fusiform gyrus, parallel to the Sylvian fissure, while keeping the temporal horn as the medial limit in the coronal plane. Then, the amygdala, uncus, fimbriae, hippocampus and collateral eminence are identified, transected and resected with the parahippocampal gyrus to complete the procedure. Knowledge of the temporomesial anatomy, including neurovascular structures around the brainstem, is essential to keep this procedure safe and effective.
Case presentation of a substance-abusing borderline patient : Illustrating use of the immediate transactional experience

This paper presents a severely disturbed self-mutilating person with a chronic substance abuse history. It demonstrates how use of the immediate transactional experience is an analytic model, facilitated treatment. The authentic use of the therapist's self is endorsed as mutative in facilitating personality change in the patient. Fellow professionals are encouraged to respond to this paper in the service of fruitful analytic dialogue, in the service of promoting more effective treatment of this difficult population in equally difficult times.
Work site, physician's office, or medical university clinic: the effect of setting on success in a multidisciplinary weight-loss program.

Abstract The effect of treatment setting on success in a 16-week multidisciplinary cognitive–behavioral weight-management program was examined. Twenty-seven women and six men with an average initial weight of 198.13 lb (±39.10) participated in the program at a medical university (MU), their primary care physician's office (PCP), or their work site (WS). The average amount of weight lost, body mass index (BMI) decrement, and number of sessions attended were compared as measures of success between programs. Results supported the hypothesis that treatment setting affects program success [F(6,40)=0.54, P
Designing Motivating ICT

A motivational perspective to user technology interaction research can reveal both the intensity and the directions of user behaviors toward technology. This paper reviews primary human motivation sources and then proposes design principles that can guide the design of technologies that satisfy users’ motivational needs.
Evaluation of German Cockroach (Orthoptera: Blattellidae) Allergen and Seasonal Variation in Low-Income Housing

Six apartments in a low-income housing project were evaluated for German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.), infestation and concentration of an allergen derived from these cockroaches (Bla g II). Kitchen and living room samples were collected monthly for 1 yr. In addition, airborne sampling was carried out in 5 kitchens. The kitchen had the highest allergen concentration in 65% of visits and the highest number of cockroaches trapped in 69% of visits. In the kitchen, the highest cockroach levels were seen in June, whereas the values for Bla g II peaked in August. In keeping with this, the closest correlation was between Bla g II (μg/g dust) and the number of cockroaches found 2 mo earlier. Airborne samples were assayed for 2 separate allergens, Bla g II and Bla g I. No allergen was detectable in the absence of disturbance. By contrast, during disturbance with a vacuum cleaner both Bla g II and Bla g I were detectable in the air of each apartment. Results suggest that immunochemical assay of a major allergen in dust samples from the kitchen floor may be used to monitor exposure to German cockroaches, also that cockroach levels may be used as an indicator or predictor of allergen in dust.
Normal Heart-Weight, Body-Weight (HW/BW) Ratio in the Guinea Pig:

In the course of experimental work upon cardiac hypertrophy it was found necessary to obtain data upon the normal heart weight-body weight ratio in a large number of guinea pigs. Joseph1 reported ratios of 4.22 gm. per kilo in 14 males and 3.91 gm. per kilo in 33 females. However, these animals had been used for other purposes in the laboratory, so there may be some question as to whether they were actually normal.The animals reported in this paper were kept upon an adequate diet until a constant weight was reached. They were finally weighed, then killed by a blow upon the head. The thorax was opened and the heart removed from the pericardium. The great vessels were cut flush with the surface of the heart, and all 4 chambers were opened and washed free of blood. The excess moisture was removed by blotting the organ with filter paper, and the heart was then carefully weighed. The ratio was determined by dividing the heart weight, in grams, by the body weight, in kilograms.The figures obtained are summarize...
Abstract 04: Validation of the Instant Blood Pressure Smartphone Application (App)

Introduction: Mobile health (‘mHealth’) technologies include unregulated smartphone apps. Instant Blood Pressure (IBP; AuraLife, Newport Beach, CA) estimates blood pressure (BP) using the integrate...
Detection of pathogens in hospitalized cases with severe acute respiratory tract infection in Lanzhou,Gansu

Objective To detect pathogens in hospitalized cases with severe acute respiratory infection(SARI) in Lanzhou.Methods We collected throat swab samples from 248 SARI patients in the First Hospital of Lanzhou University from December 2009 to March 2011.The method of real-time PCR was used to detect influenza virus in all 248 patients.Multiplex PCR was applied to detect 12 respiratory viruses and 6 species of bacteria in 184 patients,respectively.MDCK cells or embryonated eggs were used to isolate influenza virus if the result of nucleic acid testing was positive.Results The positive rate of pathogens was 69.02%(127/184) for SARI suspect specimens.The positive rate of viral pathogens was 42.93%(79/184),including 19.56%(36/184) influenza virus(Flu),11.96%(22/184) respiratory syncytial virus(RSV),5.98%(11/184) parainfluenza virus,4.35%(8/184) rhinovirus(hRV),3.80%(7/184) adenovirus(Adv),2.17%(4/184) human metapneumovirus(hMPV) and 1.63%(3/184) coronavirus 229E/NL63(CoV).Influenza viruses were strain typed as H1N1(23),H3N2(14),subtype A(5) and subtype B(4).Bacterial nucleic acid was detected in 53.26%(98/184) of the swab specimens,including Streptococcus pneumoniae(52.17%,96/184),Haemophilus influenzae(5.98%,11/184) and Mycoplasma pneumoniae(MPP)(4.89%,9/184).The co-infection of pathogens was confirmed in 29.35%(54/184)of specimens.Most co-infection occurred with Streptococcus pneumoniae(56.25%,54/96).Conclusions SARI cases were caused by the varieties of viral and bacterial pathogens in Lanzhou.The most important viral and bacterial pathogens were FLU,RSV and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Hormone Replacement Therapy in Women with a History of Breast Carcinoma

Hormone replacement therapy in women with a history of successfully treated breast cancer is felt to be contraindicated. Very little direct information is available regarding the effect of such therapy in this patient population. This article reviews the evidence both supporting and refuting a causative role for estrogen and progesterone in breast cancer. The majority of evidence supports such a role. The use of tamoxifen as an alternative treatment modality is examined.
Surveillance in a surgical intensive care unit: patient and environment.

Microbiologic surveillance of both the patients and the ambient environment of a surgical intensive care unit allowed us to relate the incidence of nosocomial respiratory tract infection to levels of airborne bacteria. Over the study period respiratory tract nosocomial infection rates varied from 0.7% to 17.0%, and nonrespiratory infection rates varied from 1.0% to 25.0%. Airborne bacteria counts during that time varied from 1.0 +/- 0.8 S.E. CFU/ft3 to 96.0 +/- 6.8 S.E. CFU/ft3. There was a reasonably close correlation between airborne bacteria levels and the incidence of nosocomial pneumonia (r = 0.81, p less than 0.05). Furthermore, there was a close correlation between a specific organism nosocomial infection rate and the number of colonies of that organism present in the air (r = 0.88, p less than 0.05). In contrast, there was no significant relationship between airborne bacteria counts and nonrespiratory attack rates (r = 0.60, p less than 0.05). If the bacteria traveled from the air to the patients, there appear to be at least three possible explanations for this significant relationship: (1) direct inoculation of the airway by the airborne bacteria; (2) inoculation of the airway by direct contact, which is related to the degree of "cleanliness" of the environment; and (3) an increased incidence of contaminated respiratory equipment and airway inoculation because of high counts of airborne bacteria. It is also possible that high bacterial air counts represent contamination of the air from patients with respiratory infections. Regardless of the pathway(s), surveillance of the ambient environment may prove to be a useful epidemiologic tool in the study and control of nosocomial respiratory tract infections in certain high-risk patient care areas.
Being and Becoming a Good Person: The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Moral Development and Behavior

Publisher Summary This chapter explores the role of emotional intelligence in moral development and behavior, which describes being and becoming a good person. Emotions play an enormous role in the moral development, moral judgment, and moral behavior of individuals, and have often been ignored by researchers in moral psychology. The emotional intelligence framework provides a useful background to organize the various ways emotions work in moral processes. The ability of being effective in dealing with emotions—accurately perceiving them, using them to guide thinking, being knowledgeable about complex emotional states, and being effective regulators of emotions—comprises skills that come into play in being a moral individual. Cognitive abilities, emotional abilities, and various other skills and talents are important in making us complete individuals. Being good at knowing how others feel, regulating the emotions of others, and controlling one's display of emotions are all skills that are prerequisites for any great leader, whether the individual chooses to lead people to do good things or evil things. Emotional intelligence is therefore, not a cure-all for the ills of society. The chapter discusses that by understanding the role of various emotional processes in the development of morality and in everyday moral behavior, individual are much closer to being effective moral agents and effective moral educators.
Advanced topographic laser altimeter system (ATLAS) receiver telescope assembly (RTA) and transmitter alignment and test

The sole instrument on NASA’s ICESat-2 spacecraft shown in Figure 1 will be the Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System (ATLAS)1. The ATLAS is a Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) instrument; it measures the time of flight of the six transmitted laser beams to the Earth and back to determine altitude for geospatial mapping of global ice. The ATLAS laser beam is split into 6 main beams by a Diffractive Optical Element (DOE) that are reflected off of the earth and imaged by an 800 mm diameter Receiver Telescope Assembly (RTA). The RTA is composed of a 2-mirror telescope and Aft Optics Assembly (AOA) that collects and focuses the light from the 6 probe beams into 6 science fibers. Each fiber optic has a field of view on the earth that subtends 83 micro Radians. The light collected by each fiber is detected by a photomultiplier and timing related to a master clock to determine time of flight and therefore distance. The collection of the light from the 6 laser spots projected to the ground allows for dense cross track sampling to provide for slope measurements of ice fields. NASA LIDAR instruments typically utilize telescopes that are not diffraction limited since they function as a light collector rather than imaging function. The more challenging requirements of the ATLAS instrument require better performance of the telescope at the ¼ wave level to provide for improved sampling and signal to noise. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) contracted the build of the telescope to General Dynamics (GD). GD fabricated and tested the flight and flight spare telescope and then integrated the government supplied AOA for testing of the RTA before and after vibration qualification. The RTA was then delivered to GSFC for independent verification and testing over expected thermal vacuum conditions. The testing at GSFC included a measurement of the RTA wavefront error and encircled energy in several orientations to determine the expected zero gravity figure, encircled energy, back focal length and plate scale. In addition, the science fibers had to be aligned to within 10 micro Radians of the projected laser spots to provide adequate margin for operations on-orbit. This paper summarizes the independent testing and alignment of the fibers performed at the GSFC.
Realism and individualism: Charles S. Peirce and the threat of modern nominalism

In 1885 C. S. Peirce’s former classmate Francis Ellingwood Abbott wrote: [S]o far was the old battle of Nominalism and Realism from being fought out by the end of the fifteenth century that it is t...
A high-efficiency low-noise signal amplification mechanism for photodetectors

Recently we discovered a signal amplification mechanism to amplify photocurrent with high efficiency and low noise. Unlike conventional impact ionization used in avalanche photodetectors, the new amplification mechanism can produce high (>1000) gain with very low excess noise factor (<2 for Si) under very low bias voltage (3V). The new amplification mechanism offers a promising solution for light detection for Si-photonics, imaging, and sensing. Physics of this mechanism lies in two subsequent processes i) Auger excitation between mobile and highly localized electrons and ii) electron-phonon coupling. In this paper, experimental results are supported by the proposed physical model using simulations within density functional theory (DFT) framework.
A Japanese group decision support system

Nearly all research on group decision support systems has been conducted using English–speaking groups as subjects. This paper reports on how a group of native Japanese students used a group decision support system to brainstorm, first using Japanese and then using English. The group was less satisfied when communicating in Japanese because of the difficulty of typing through an English QWERTY keyboard. Further advances in interface design and more experience typing in Japanese may increase satisfaction with the system.
Taming the wild ant-lion; a counterexample to a conjecture of Böhm

In Barendregt ( 1984 ), Corrado Bohm conjectured that every adequate (Barendregt 1984 , 6.4.2 (ii)) numeral system of normal combinators has normal successor, predecessor and zero test. In this note, we give a counterexample to this conjecture. Our example is shown to have no normal zero test. Bohm has informed us that Intrigila ( 1994 ) has given an example with no normal successor. Our strategy, in terms of the ant-lion paradigm , is to pry open the trap so wide that it enters its active state before its jaws are shut.
Role of Adjuvant Treatment in Esophageal Cancer With Incidental Pathologic Node Positivity

Background The optimal adjuvant treatment for cT1-2 N0 esophageal cancer patients found to have pathologic nodal involvement after an upfront operation is unclear. This study investigated the effects of postoperative chemotherapy and chemoradiation therapy on overall survival in cT1-2 N0 patients with incidental pN + disease stratified by margin status. Methods We identified cT1-2 N0 M0 esophageal carcinoma patients from 2004 to 2012 from the National Cancer Data Base. Patients were categorized as having received surgical resection alone, surgical resection followed by chemotherapy (S+CT), and surgical resection followed by concurrent chemoradiation therapy (S+CRT). Subset analyses were conducted on margin-negative and margin-positive patients. Overall survival was compared by Kaplan-Meier estimation, the log-rank test, and multivariable Cox regression analysis. Results Among 443 patients, 52.6% received surgical resection alone, 18.7% received S+CT, and 28.6% received S+CRT. Significantly more adenocarcinoma patients received adjuvant treatment (50.8%) than squamous cell carcinoma patients (27.7%, p = 0.001). On multivariable analysis, S+CT (hazard ratio, 0.64; 95% confidence interval, 0.45 to 0.91; p = 0.014) and S+CRT (hazard ratio, 0.73; 95% confidence interval,. 0.55 to 0.98; p = 0.038) both were associated with significantly increased overall survival. These findings persisted among margin-negative patients. However, in margin-positive patients, S+CRT (hazard ratio, 0.29; p = 0.002) was the only treatment arm that was associated with significantly improved survival compared with surgical resection alone. Conclusions Among cT1-2 N0 pN + esophageal cancer patients, adjuvant chemotherapy may be sufficient for margin-negative patients, whereas adjuvant chemoradiation therapy appears necessary for margin-positive patients. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm the results.
Lower Gastrointestinal Tract

By conventional definition, the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract includes the appendix, entire colon and anus. Diseases involving these organs are traditionally classified into nonneoplastic and neoplastic categories. Clinical application of immunohistochemistry (IHC) is most useful in the diagnosis of neoplastic lesions, with a few exceptions such as to identify of viral pathogens in infectious colitis and to facilitate diagnosis of Hirschsprung’s disease. For diagnosis of neoplasm, IHC is particularly useful in several aspects: (1) to help confirm glandular dysplasia associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and to differentiate it from sporadic adenoma in challenging cases; (2) to confirm diagnosis and grade of neuroendocrine tumors; (3) to confirm diagnosis of a poorly differentiated or undifferentiated colonic adenocarcinoma variant, such as medullary carcinoma; (4) to help differentiate commonly encountered benign and malignant primary mesenchymal tumors; and, (5) most importantly, to differentiate primary carcinomas from various morphological mimickers from other organ systems, such as carcinomas of the gynecological and genitourinary systems.
Chapter 4 – One-Dimensional Nanostructured Catalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Since the earliest reports in the late 2000s, the development of one-dimensional (1D) electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) has undergone profound growth, both in terms of the breadth of structures developed, and in terms of the achievable activity and durability. In this chapter, we review the recent developments that have taken place over the last 5 years in this rapidly growing field. Specifically, we focus on exploring the fundamental structure–function relationships, including the effect of catalyst dimensions, composition, and surface structure on the corresponding catalytic activity and durability. We also examine the recent and growing implementation of combinatorial methods that merge catalyst design with in situ spectroscopic techniques and computational methods to develop new approaches to understanding the correlation between catalyst structure and activity. Starting with Pt-based systems, we discuss the recent insights into the size- and structure-dependent catalytic properties of 1D structures and explore the mechanism of degradation of 1D nanostructures under the operating conditions of fuel cell devices. Subsequently, we consider the emergent ability to precisely tune the three-dimensional structure and composition of Pt-based alloy and hierarchical structures, which has allowed for an unprecedented ability to engineer the electronic and structural properties of the catalysts. Finally, we explore how the advances in the development of Pt-based systems have enabled a transition toward catalysts composed of transition metals that are considerably less expensive and more abundant than Pt, yet maintain similar or even better activities than Pt.
College Athletics Whistle-Blower Protection

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) bases its intercollegiate athletics governance principles on the concept of institutional control. The NCAA utilizes Form 16–2 to enable member institutions to comply with its rules and maintain institutional control. NCAA rules require intercollegiate athletics employees to report any NCAA violations and verify compliance with this mandate by signing Form 16–2 on an annual basis. Therefore, Form 16–2 is used as a tool to help maintain institutional control. However, neither the NCAA rules nor current legal remedies adequately protect athletic department personnel or university employees from the negative repercussions of whistle-blowing, which include termination, death threats, and other severe penalties. Given the severity of whistle-blower repercussions, additional protections are needed. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to review the history of college athletics whistle-blower legal disputes and make recommendations that improve college athle...
Restrictions on Asset-Price Movements Under Rational Expectations: Theory and Evidence

How restrictive is the assumption of rational expectations in asset markets? We provide two contributions to address this question. First, we derive restrictions on the admissible variation in asset prices in a general class of rational-expectations equilibria. The challenge in this task is that asset prices reflect both beliefs and preferences. We gain traction by considering market-implied, or risk-neutral, probabilities of future outcomes, and we provide a mapping between the variation in these probabilities and the minimum curvature of utility — or, more generally, the slope of the stochastic discount factor — required to rationalize the marginal investor’s beliefs. Second, we implement these bounds empirically using S&P 500 index options. We find that very high utility curvature is required to rationalize the behavior of risk-neutral beliefs, and in some cases, no stochastic discount factor in the class we consider is capable of rationalizing these beliefs. This provides evidence of overreaction to new information relative to the rational benchmark. We show further that this overreaction is strongest for beliefs over prices at distant horizons, and that our findings cannot be explained by factors specific to the option market.
Liver Transplantation for Severe Alcoholic Hepatitis, Updated Lessons from the World's Largest Series.

Background Six-month sobriety before transplantation for alcoholic liver disease is typically required but poorly supported by data. We initiated a pilot program after a report of liver transplantation for severe alcoholic hepatitis (SAH) in which the 6-month rule was waived. We previously reported early outcomes; we now provide longer follow-up in the largest cohort of early liver transplantation for SAH in the literature to date. Study Design Forty-six carefully selected patients with SAH underwent liver transplantation from October 2012 through July 2017; none had been abstinent for 6 months. We also examined 34 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis who received liver transplants under standard protocols with at least 6 months sobriety. We identified patient characteristics and primary outcomes of patient and graft survival, as well as alcohol recidivism. Secondary outcomes included post-transplantation infection, malignancy, and rejection. Results Compared with patients with alcoholic cirrhosis, SAH patients were younger and with shorter drinking history and higher Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores at listing and at transplantation. Of these patients, 46% received preoperative steroids; all were nonresponders by Lille score. At a median follow-up time of 532 days (interquartile range 281 to 998 days), there were no significant differences between groups by log-rank testing of Kaplan-Meier estimates for patient and graft survival or alcohol recidivism. Conclusions In the largest cohort of patients reported, outcomes after liver transplantation for SAH had excellent 1-year outcomes, similar to those seen in patients who received transplants with 6 months of sobriety. Recidivism was similar in the 2 groups. Early liver transplantation for SAH represents life-saving therapy for patients with otherwise high mortality, calling into question the utility of the 6-month rule in predicting outcomes in patients receiving transplants for alcoholic liver disease.
Nation, State, School, Textbook

Formally, a medium for the transmission of educational content, the school textbook is also an instrument of the state, a national project, as it were. This is particularly so of textbooks of history and social studies—civics, geography, and the like. This volume considers the school textbook in the (re)defining of the nation in 14 national contexts.
Technological Innovations to Counter CBRNE Threat Vectors and Ecotage

The ubiquitous presence of sensors for enhanced situational awareness necessitates an innovative, articulate, and focused review of their design, architecture, functionality, and interoperability. A comprehensive overview of the latest and state-of-the art technological innovations in point and stand-off sensing/detection platforms with the objective of countering threats arising from chemical-biological-nuclear-high yield explosives (CBRNE) is the focus of this investigation. Ongoing research efforts and future research directions based on advanced approaches, including nanomaterials to develop materials, devices, and systems for potential use in sensing and detection of such threat vectors are articulated. The concept of advanced sciences convergences is introduced to examine the feasibility of potentially new and innovative research directions for persistent surveillance of CBRNE agents and infectious diseases. The intentional release of such agents in the environment constitutes ecological sabotage. Advanced sensing/detection platforms for CBRNE are used to detect threats to the environment. Issues associated with the use of nanomaterials regarding societal implications and dual-use concerns are addressed by studying fate and transport and the development of guidelines for a risk-assessment model. A roadmap of the future of nanomaterials, in terms of complexity, a nexus of disciplines, and its emerging potential to provide advanced, futuristic, and a paradigm-shifting platform is presented.
Mapping Capital's Life Forms: Marx, McMurtry, and the Money Sequence

Cet article est consacre aux theses de J. McMurtry et a leur impact. L'A. met en lumiere toute la rigueur de l'analyse du systeme cpitaliste par McMurtry, qui en revisitant la doctrine marxiste se pose en penseur et theoricien social du XXIeme siecle
Rotation effect and anatomic landmark accuracy for midline placement of lumbar artificial disc under fluoroscopy

Total disc arthroplasty can be a viable alternative to fusion for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The correct placement of the prosthesis within 3 mm from midline is critical for optimal function. Intra-operative radiographic error could lead to malposition of the prosthesis. The objective of this study was first to measure the effect of fluoroscopy angle on the placement of prosthesis under fluoroscopy. Secondly, determine the visual accuracy of the placement of artificial discs using different anatomical landmarks (pedicle, waist, endplate, spinous process) under fluoroscopy. Artificial discs were implanted into three cadaver specimens at L2-3, L3-4, and L4-L5. Fluoroscopic images were obtained at 0°, 2.5°, 5°, 7.5°, 10°, and 15° from the mid axis. Computerized tomography (CT) scans were obtained after the procedure. Distances were measured from each of the anatomic landmarks to the center of the implant on both fluoroscopy and CT. The difference between fluoroscopy and CT scans was compared to evaluate the position of prosthesis to each anatomic landmark at different angles. The differences between the fluoroscopy to CT measurements from the implant to pedicle was 1.31 mm, p < 0.01; implant to waist was 1.72 mm, p < 0.01; implant to endplate was 1.99 mm, p < 0.01; implant to spinous process was 3.14 mm, p < 0.01. When the fluoroscopy angle was greater than 7.5°, the difference between fluoroscopy and CT measurements was greater than 3 mm for all landmarks. A fluoroscopy angle of 7.5° or more can lead to implant malposition greater than 3 mm. The pedicle is the most accurate of the anatomic landmarks studied for placement of total artificial discs in the lumbar spine.
CXCL1 regulates neutrophil homeostasis in pneumonia-derived sepsis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 3.

Neutrophil migration to the site of bacterial infection is a critical step in host defense. Exclusively produced in the bone marrow, neutrophil release into the blood is tightly controlled. Although the chemokine CXCL1 induces neutrophil influx during bacterial infections, its role in regulating neutrophil recruitment, granulopoiesis, and neutrophil mobilization in response to lung infection-induced sepsis is unclear. Here, we used a murine model of intrapulmonary Streptococcus pneumoniae infection to investigate the role of CXCL1 in host defense, granulopoiesis, and neutrophil mobilization. Our results demonstrate that CXCL1 augments neutrophil influx to control bacterial growth in the lungs, as well as bacterial dissemination, resulting in improved host survival. This was shown in Cxcl1−/− mice, which exhibited defective amplification of early neutrophil precursors in granulocytic compartments, and CD62L- and CD49d-dependent neutrophil release from the marrow. Administration of recombinant CXCL2 and CXCL5 after infection rescues the impairments in neutrophil-dependent host defense in Cxcl1−/− mice. Taken together, these findings identify CXCL1 as a central player in host defense, granulopoiesis, and mobilization of neutrophils during Gram-positive bacterial pneumonia-induced sepsis.
EyeSAM: graph-based localization and mapping of retinal vasculature during intraocular microsurgery.

Robot-assisted intraocular microsurgery can improve performance by aiding the surgeon in operating on delicate micron-scale anatomical structures of the eye. In order to account for the eyeball motion that is typical in intraocular surgery, there is a need for fast and accurate algorithms that map the retinal vasculature and localize the retina with respect to the microscope. This work extends our previous work by a graph-based SLAM formulation using a sparse incremental smoothing and mapping (iSAM) algorithm. The resulting technique, “EyeSAM,” performs SLAM for intraoperative vitreoretinal surgical use while avoiding spurious duplication of structures as with the previous simpler technique. The technique also yields reduction in average pixel error in the camera motion estimation. This work provides techniques to improve intraoperative tracking of retinal vasculature by handling loop closures and achieving increased robustness to quick shaky motions and drift due to uncertainties in the motion estimation.
Determination of Transient Radial-Azimuthal Temperature Distributions in Fuel Bundles Under Loss-of-Coolant-Accident Conditions

A methodology is presented to determine the transient temperature distributions in fuel bundles under loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA) conditions using a recently developed variational technique for the solution of radial-azimuthal heat conduction in the fuel rods and the modified view factor concept proposed by Uchida and Nakamure to model the radiative heat transfer between the rods. The variational technique is based on the Lebron-Labermont restricted variational principle and represents the temperature distribution in the rods at a given time during the LOCA via parabolic and circular trial functions in the radial and azimuthal directions, respectively. The methodology is implemented to a 4 x 4 boiling water reactor fuel bundle under typical LOCA conditions to investigate the effects of changes in rod heat transfer characteristics and simplifying modeling assumptions on predicted rod temperature distributions. The results show that these effects depend on the rod location in the assembly and LOCA phase under consideration and indicate that same degree of modelling detail may not be necessary for all the rods in the bundle at all times during the LOCA.
Single-Row Repair

Decreasing the re-tear rate associated with rotator cuff repair has been a major focus of the orthopedic literature for the last two decades. While some of the literature has focused on improving the biologic milieu, much of the literature has been on improving the mechanics of the construct attaching the tendon to the bone. Much of this literature has focused on the time-zero strength of the attached tendon. More recently, the biologic response to these constructs, clinical outcomes, and re-tear rates for rotator cuff repair using these differing techniques has become available. This chapter highlights the results of this voluminous literature.
LANGUAGE AND AUTHORITY: SHIFTING THE PRIVILEGE

Although most basic writing faculty select varied and representa- tive reading and writing topics that draw on the richness of their students ' linguistic diversity , they usually conduct classes in which collaboration moves but one way . Most class texts merely nod pleasantly at linguistic diversity rather than embrace it , tolerating rather than engaging difference . The authors de- scribe an assignment that uses Spanish, Chinese , and French texts in addition to the customary English texts , which allows class members to share students' languages , embrace diversity , and shift privilege. They propose that this move foregrounds oppositional discourse for both students and faculty, creating class- rooms in which " right thinking is not the possession of one and merely the aspiration of others. " Immersed in postmodern literary and cultural theory and committed to educational openness and equity, most basic writ- ing faculty are far less elitist than some of their colleagues in other literature and composition fields. These basic writing faculty members tend to select more varied, representative, and relevant reading and writing topics, to incorporate the richness of their students' experiences, and to be quite open to linguistic
Use of Robotics in Oncology Surgery

Abstract Robotic surgery is an exciting technology that allows the surgeon to sit at a computer console near the operating table, using mechanical arms with surgical instruments attached to them. This type of surgery is minimally invasive, and the procedure is performed through tiny incisions. This technology is widely used in the United States and is expected to evolve over time with an increase in the number and types of procedures.
Molecular typing of clinical and environmental isolates of Cryptococcus gattii species complex from southern California, United States.

BACKGROUND Two species complexes (SC) cause the majority of human Cryptococcus infections: Cryptococcus neoformans SC and Cryptococcus gattii SC. Infection is typically thought to be acquired following environmental exposure. In an urban setting, parks and other public spaces are a likely source of contact with C. gattii SC. OBJECTIVES The goals of this study were to describe the genetic diversity of C. gattii SC in the California environment, to determine the extent of environmental exposure in publicly accessed areas and to correlate the genotypes of environmental C. gattii SC isolates with those from patients in southern California. METHODS Specimens from trees and soil from 13 parks and public areas of seven California counties were examined for C. gattii SC isolates. Isolates were sequence typed and compared to sequence types from human clinical isolates from the same area. RESULTS Multilocus sequence typing identified C. gattii sensu stricto (VGI molecular type) as well as Cryptococcus bacillisporus (VGIII molecular type). Several C. bacillisporus but none of the C. gattii sensu stricto isolates shared sequence types with human clinical isolates from southern California. CONCLUSIONS C. gattii SC colonies exist in some California public parks. The presence of identical STs in environmental and human isolates of C. bacillisporus is suggestive of an arboreal origin of human infections. Two new tree species were documented as hosts for C. gattii SC in California, adding to the four species previously identified.
Future of HIV/AIDS Care in Low- and Middle- Income Countries

Subsequent chapters in this book describe the great successes in bringing HIV care to hundreds of thousands in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) rollout has brought new hope and transformed lives in all of these regions. These accomplishments have required overcoming considerable challenges and skepticism, both of which persist. Thus continued success of ART rollout and its long-term contribution to improving health and longevity is not assured, but depends on our ability to address significant ongoing and new challenges, which include maintaining and strengthening political will, expanding international financing, improving integration of HIV care services into national health care programs, training and retaining health care workers, improving prevention efforts and diagnostic programs, and refining ART monitoring and regimen selection. Some of these issues are addressed in other chapters. In this chapter we focus on clinical challenges in expanding HIV care in low and middle-income countries.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Challenges in Clinical Applications

Stem cell therapy has garnered much attention and application in the past decades for the treatment of diseases and injuries. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are studied most extensively for their therapeutic roles, which appear to be derived from their paracrine activity. Recent studies suggest a critical therapeutic role for extracellular vesicles (EV) secreted by MSCs. EV are nano-sized membrane-bound vesicles that shuttle important biomolecules between cells to maintain physiological homeostasis. Studies show that EV from MSCs (MSC-EV) have regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties. The use of MSC-EV, as an alternative to MSCs, confers several advantages, such as higher safety profile, lower immunogenicity, and the ability to cross biological barriers, and avoids complications that arise from stem cell-induced ectopic tumor formation, entrapment in lung microvasculature, and immune rejection. These advantages and the growing body of evidence suggesting that MSC-EV display therapeutic roles contribute to the strong rationale for developing EV as an alternative therapeutic option. Despite the success in preclinical studies, use of MSC-EV in clinical settings will require careful consideration; specifically, several critical issues such as (i) production methods, (ii) quantification and characterization, (iii) pharmacokinetics, targeting and transfer to the target sites, and (iv) safety profile assessments need to be resolved. Keeping these issues in mind, the aim of this mini-review is to shed light on the challenges faced in MSC-EV research in translating successful preclinical studies to clinical platforms.
[Analysis of factors affecting health-related behaviors for schistosomiasis prevention and control among primary and secondary school students in Sichuan Province].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the influencing factors of health-related behaviors for schistosomiasis prevention and control among primary and secondary school students in Sichuan Province using a multilevel and multivariate logistic model, so as to provide the theoretical evidence for developing the schistosomiasis prevention and control strategy among primary and secondary school students in Sichuan Province. METHODS: A multi-stage sampling was conducted among 63 schistosomiasis-endemic counties (districts) in Sichuan Province. Five endemic townships were sampled from each county (district), and 100 Grade 4 to 6 students in each primary school and 100 Grade 1 to 3 students in each secondary school were sampled from each township as the study subjects. The health-related behaviors for schistosomiasis prevention and control were investigated using a questionnaire survey, and factors affecting infested water contact behaviors were identified using univariate and multilevel logistic analyses. RESULTS: Among the 62 200 questionnaires distributed, there were 59 134 recovered, and 56 510 were qualified. The qualified 56 510 respondents included 22 955 secondary school students and 33 555 primary school students, and 28 297 male students and 28 213 females. A higher proportion of infested water contacts was seen in male students than in females (P 0.05). Multilevel and multivariate logistic analyses revealed a lower proportion of infested water contacts with the increase of knowledge, belief and self-efficacy levels (P < 0.001), and there was a cluster of infested water contacts among students at a county scale (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There is a cluster of infested-water contact behaviors among primary and secondary school students at a county scale in Sichuan Province. Individual and environmental factors should be considered during the formulation of health education strategy and interventions for schistosomiasis among primary and secondary school students.