cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sternal osteomyelitis: treatment with rectus abdominis muscle

Sternal osteomyelitis complicates recovery in a small number of patients following median sternotomy. Techniques for operative treatment have in common the wide debridement of devitalised tissue and administration of culture-specific antibiotics. The resultant wound can be managed by delayed primary closure or transposition of well-vascularised adjacent tissue. Omentum, pectoralis major muscle and rectus abdominis muscle are suitable for transposition either alone or in combination. Our series is composed of ten patients who underwent rectus abdominis muscle transfer for the treatment of sternal osteomyelitis. The rectus abdominis obliterates dead space in the lower third of the wound, a difficult area to reach with the pectoralis major muscle. Five patients had one rectus abdominis muscle alone transposed, avoiding the aesthetic and functional deficits of pectoralis major transposition and the risks of omental transfer. Wound healing occurred in every case with a minimum of postoperative complications.
Inherently robust micromachined gyroscopes with 2-DOF sense-mode oscillator

Commercialization of reliable vibratory micromachined gyroscopes for high-volume applications has proven to be extremely challenging, primarily due to the high sensitivity of the dynamical system response to fabrication and environmental variations. This paper reports a novel micromachined gyroscope with two degrees-of-freedom (DOF) sense-mode oscillator that provides inherent robustness against structural parameter variations. The 2-DOF sense-mode oscillator provides a frequency response with two resonant peaks and a flat region between the peaks, instead of a single resonance peak as in conventional gyroscopes. The device is nominally operated in the flat region of the sense-mode response curve, where the amplitude and phase of the response are insensitive to parameter fluctuations. Furthermore, the sensitivity is improved by utilizing dynamical amplification of oscillations in the 2-DOF sense-mode oscillator. Thus, improved robustness to variations in temperature, damping, and structural parameters is achieved, solely by the mechanical system design. Prototype gyroscopes were fabricated using a bulk-micromachining process, and the performance and robustness of the devices have been experimentally evaluated. With a 25 V dc bias and 3 V ac drive signal resulting in 5.8 /spl mu/m drive-mode amplitude, the gyroscope exhibited a measured noise-floor of 0.64/spl deg//s//spl radic/Hz over 50 Hz bandwidth in atmospheric pressure. The sense-mode response in the flat operating region was also experimentally demonstrated to be inherently insensitive to pressure, temperature, and dc bias variations.
Intraoperative Femur Fracture is Associated with Stem and Instrument Design in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty

Background Intraoperative proximal femoral fracture is a risk in total hip arthroplasty (THA) with cementless stems with reported rates of 1.5–27.8%. Certain designs or designs associated with certain types of instrumentation may have higher rates.
Finite-state modeling in software design: some fundamental techniques

Although finite-state models have been used in software modeling for some time, a general method for building and manipulating such models which directly relates to a program's structure is not readily available. We fill this gap by constructing a canonical finite-state model M(P) from the flowchart of a program P. We then present several methods for simplifying M(P) which correspond to creating higher level models for P and to improving P by eliminating its design flaws. Finally, we show that states based on data-values and their abstractions give us greater flexibility in creating finite-state models that can be used in practice to build the models from requirements.
Total Synthesis of (+/-)-Aplykurodinone-1: Traceless Stereochemical Guidance

The total synthesis of the highly degraded steroidal natural product, aplykurodinone-1 (1), has been accomplished. Key features include a one-flask hydrolysis/retro-aldol/iodolactonization sequence to excise the C8 hydroxymethylene functionality with retention of stereochemistry and the stereoselective installation of the C13 methyl group through hydrogenation with homogeneous catalyst.
The ability of recombinant murine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor to protect neonatal rats from septic death due to Staphylococcus aureus.

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) potentiates in vitro and in vivo production of granulocytes. Also, recombinant human GM-CSF in vitro enhances functional capabilities of human granulocytes. Recombinant murine (rm) GM-CSF was administered to neonatal rats in vivo to test its ability to protect from septic death due to Staphylococcus aureus. When rmGM-CSF was given intraperitoneally 6 h before a 90% lethal dose challenge of S. aureus, peak survival was observed at a dose of 30 pg/g (54% vs. 10% in animals administered saline; P less than .001). Blood cultures were positive for S. aureus in 26 of 32 saline-treated and in 5 of 31 rmGM-CSF-treated animals (P less than .001). Numbers of blood granulocytes were significantly increased 9 h after administration of rmGM-CSF (30 pg/g) but returned to control levels by 12 h. Neither neutrophil storage nor proliferative pools were affected. Thus, rmGM-CSF significantly improved survival when given prophylactically in a neonatal rat model of infection.
Neutral stability, rate propagation, and critical branching in feedforward networks

Recent experimental and computational evidence suggests that several dynamical properties may characterize the operating point of functioning neural networks: critical branching, neutral stability, and production of a wide range of firing patterns. We seek the simplest setting in which these properties emerge, clarifying their origin and relationship in random, feedforward networks of McCullochs-Pitts neurons. Two key parameters are the thresholds at which neurons fire spikes and the overall level of feedforward connectivity. When neurons have low thresholds, we show that there is always a connectivity for which the properties in question all occur, that is, these networks preserve overall firing rates from layer to layer and produce broad distributions of activity in each layer. This fails to occur, however, when neurons have high thresholds. A key tool in explaining this difference is the eigenstructure of the resulting mean-field Markov chain, as this reveals which activity modes will be preserved from layer to layer. We extend our analysis from purely excitatory networks to more complex models that include inhibition and local noise, and find that both of these features extend the parameter ranges over which networks produce the properties of interest.
Offshore Platforms and Pipelines in Mississippi River Delta

Platforms and pipelines installed in the soil movement prone areas of the Mississippi River Delta have developed an instructive history of survivals and failures. More often than not, attention has been given to the failures, rather than focusing on the paradoxes of the survivals. Notable survivals and failures associated with platforms and pipelines installed in the Delta and subjected to soil movements are examined. Geologic, geotechnical, and oceanographic explanations for observed performance are advanced to provide a basis for analyses of performance. History indicates that careful siting of platforms and pipelines in the Delta can go a long way in providing acceptable performance. Strategies for such siting are suggested. Analyses indicate that it is possible to explain the failures that have been experienced, given that the locations and characteristics of the soil movements are understood. Thus, it should be possible to develop engineering strategies to design structures that can resist such movements, given that one can determine the locations and characteristics of the soil movements that will confront the structure.
Quantitative imaging of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease—moving towards clinical application

COPD is characterized by progressive, non-reversible airflow limitation, associated with an enhanced chronic inflammatory pulmonary response. It is comprised by a mixture of small airways disease (obstructive bronchiolitis) and parenchymal destruction (emphysema). In addition, large airways inflammation (chronic bronchitis) is also part of the spectrum of COPD. The relative contributions of these components vary substantially, and may affect clinical presentation, frequency of exacerbations, prognosis, and therapeutic response. COPD is strongly related to smoking. It has emerged as the third leading cause of death in the United States, the only one that has been steadily rising in the past decades. The diagnosis of COPD is based on clinical grounds and spirometric [pulmonary function testing (PFT)] evidence of non-reversible obstruction. Classification of severity relies on spirometric parameters, and worsening obstruction correlates with increasing morbidity and mortality (1,2). According to the GOLD practice guideline, imaging does not play a substantial role in the diagnosis of COPD (1,2).
A Note on the Nerlove Estimate of Supply Elasticity

72 equals 1 P, xT1 equals ai, and 7:0 equals ao,. All variables of (4) are observable. 72 and xri can be statistically estimated, and they lead to an estimate of a,. Using this approach, Nerlove computed supply elasticities for cotton, wheat and corn over the period 1909-32. The approach assumes that acreage in any year represents the influence of past market prices, a smooth trend, and random factors. Intuitively, one
Wolves and the Wilderness in the Middle Ages

The wolf, a common metaphor for vice in medieval Christian literature, is today an iconic symbol of the intense fear and insecurity that some associate with the middle ages. In reality, responses to wolves varied across medieval Europe. Although not dependent on the wilderness, wolves were conceptually linked to this environment - which although on the fringes of medieval society, became increasingly exploited from the eighth to fourteenth centuries, so bringing people and livestock closer to the wolf. This book compares responses to wolves, focusing on two regions, Britain and southern Scandinavia. It looks at the distribution of wolves in the landscape, their potential impact as predators on both animals and people, and their use as commodities, in literature, art, cosmology and identity. It also investigates the reasons (both practical and cultural) for the eradication of wolves in England, but their survival on the Scandinavian peninsula. ALEKSANDER PLUSKOWSKI is Junior Research Fellow in Medieval Archaeology, Clare College, Cambridge
Effect of Lipoprotein Lability on Immunological Properties of Human Low Density Lipoproteins.

SummaryHuman low density Sf 3-9 lipoproteins can be frozen and thawed, stored at —20°C, and heated to 56°C for 45 minutes without altering their immunological characteristics in precipitin ring and agar diffusion tests. Lipoprotein fractions stored at 4°C are decomposed by bacterial action. Aqueous merthiolate added to final dilution of 1:10,000 prevents bacterial contamination in lipoprotein fractions stored at 4°C without altering immunological characteristics of the lipoproteins. Freezing and thawing increases turbidity of lipoprotein solutions but does not alter lipid and protein patterns obtained with paper electrophoresis.
Laparoscopic duodenectomy for benign nonampullary duodenal neoplasms.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to review our experience with laparoscopic duodenectomy for benign duodenal neoplasms and compare with a contemporary cohort of open duodenectomy. METHODS Twelve cases of laparoscopic duodenectomy for benign duodenal tumors not amenable to endoscopic resection and away from the ampulla performed from 2009 to 2011 at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic information, patient comorbidities, procedural data, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. These data were compared with the data derived from 6 patients who underwent open duodenectomy for benign duodenal tumors. RESULTS Comparison of the laparoscopic to open duodenectomy data demonstrated that the length of stay was similar between the 2 groups (6.1 ± 0.72 vs. 7 ± 2.1, respectively, P>0.05), but the laparoscopic group was associated with a lower combined short-term and long-term complication rate. Statistically significant difference in patients' body mass index (31 ± 10 for the laparoscopic group vs. 22 ± 4 for the open group, P<0.05) was yielded. The remainder of the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were similar or not statistically different. The mean follow-up for the laparoscopic group was 12 ± 3 months. There were no recurrences in either group. CONCLUSIONS Laparoscopic partial duodenal resection is a safe and effective alternative approach to managing patients with benign nonampullary duodenal neoplasms that are not amenable to endoscopic resection and had similar outcomes compared with the traditional open resection with the added benefit of less postoperative incisional hernias, also suited for patients with higher body mass index.
Diagnostic Value of Pediatric Color Doppler Ultrasound in Testicular Yolk Sac Tumor

Objective To study the diagnostic value of color doppler high-frequency ultrasound in children with testicle yolk sac tumors.Methods Fifteen cases suspected with testicle yolk sac tumors received the preoperative examination of color Doppler high-frequency ultrasound,and were conformed with the disease by pathology finally.Results All 15 cases were diagnosed by color doppler high-frequency ultrasound,with rich blood flow within the tumor and mainly low-resistance blood flow frequency spectrum,including diffuse type 23 cases and local type 13 cases.Conclusion The ultrasonographic features of the testicle yolk sac tumors are characteristic.The color doppler high-frequency ultrasound combined with clinic feature and serum examination have important value for the diagnosis of yolk sac tumors in testicle,and it is the first choice method.
Achieving Fast Operational Intelligence in NASA's Deep Space Network Through Complex Event Processing

NASA’s Deep Space Network (DSN) is a complex, global project, in which the expertise of human operators remain crucial for its successful operation. To find ways to save costs in operations and to improve its services, a number of modernization efforts are underway in the DSN. One such effort is a research and technology development task at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory that is investigating the use of complex event processing (CEP) for intelligent assessment of situations, trend analysis, and advanced automation. The technology leverages the significant business intelligence (BI) and data science advancements made in the enterprise industries over the last several years. The open source big data processing engine Apache SparkTM and the high-throughput, distributed messaging system Apache Kafka form the core of the DSN Complex Event Processing (DCEP) framework. This paper discusses the system engineering perspective of why achieving efficient, lower-cost operations in the DSN is a challenging problem, how the DCEP system handles the use cases that help realize intelligent operations, and how this solution fits into the overall model of the planned DSN Follow-the- Sun Operations (FtSO).
Consideration on the exclusion criteria of subjects in clinical trial of drugs for acute ischemic stroke

Based on three studies,Albumin in acute ischemic stroke trial,fralyse trial: Comparison of the classical rt-PA procedure with a longer procedure in acute ischemic stroke and Induced hypertension for acute ischemic stroke,this article gives a brief introduction about how to make the exclusion criteria of subjects in clinical trial of drugs for acute ischemic stroke.Wish it is helpful to the design of related clinical trials.
The cardiovascular physiology of the critically ill patient.

An understanding of cardiac function and the factors that affect it, such as the Frank-Starling mechanism, preload, afterload, and contractility are essential in treating critically ill patients. Equally important is an understanding of the manner in which the two main components of the cardiovascular system, the heart and vascular beds, interact with one another.
ECMO to Artificial Lungs: Advances in Long-Term Pulmonary Support

Lung disease is the fourth leading cause of death (one in seven deaths) in the United States. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) affects approx 150,000 patients a year in the US; an estimated 16 million Americans are afflicted with chronic lung disease, accounting for 100,000 deaths per year. Medical management is the standard of care for initial therapy, but is limited by progression of the disease. Chronic mechanical ventilation is readily available, but it is cumber-some, expensive, and often requires tracheotomy with loss of upper airway defense mechanisms and normal speech. Lung transplantation is an option for fewer than 1,000 patients per year because demand has steadily outgrown supply.
Does Fidelity of Implementation Account for Changes in Teacher-Child Interactions in a Randomized Controlled Trial of Banking Time?.

ABSTRACTThis study examined fidelity of implementation in a randomized trial of Banking Time, a classroom-based intervention intended to improve children's behavior, specifically for those at risk for developing externalizing behavior problems, through improving the quality of teacher–child interactions. The study sample comes from a randomized controlled trial that took place over three years and included 183 teachers and 470 preschool children recruited across three sites. Results exploring fidelity of implementation indicated that Banking Time practices were present across treatment and nontreatment groups. In addition, the presence of more Positive Banking Time Practices accounted for improvements in teacher–child interactions while Restricted Banking Time Practices showed inconsistent patterns, relating both to positive and negative teacher–child interactions. Further, random assignment to Banking Time resulted in the presence of more Positive Banking Time Practices and fewer Restricted Banking Time ...
Position paper: Block-based programming should offer intelligent support for learners

Block-based programming environments make learning to program easier by allowing learners to focus on concepts rather than syntax. However, these environments offer little support when learners encounter difficulty with programming concepts themselves, especially in the absence of instructors. Textual programming environments increasingly use AI and data mining to provide intelligent, adaptive support for students, similar to human tutoring, which has been shown to improve performance and learning outcomes. In this position paper, we argue that block-based programming environments should also include these features. This paper gives an overview of promising research in intelligent support for programming and highlights the challenges and opportunities for applying this work to block-based programming.
Analog Signalling with 'Digital' Molecular Switches

Molecular switches, such as the protein kinase CaMKII, play a fundamental role in cell signalling by decoding inputs into either high or low states of activity; because the high activation state can be turned on and persist after the input ceases, these switches have earned a reputation as digital. Although this binary perspective has been valuable for understanding synaptic plasticity over long timescales, accumulating experimental evidence suggests that molecular switches also control cellular processing on short timescales. To investigate this idea further, a non-autonomous, nonlinear ordinary differential equation, representative of a bistable molecular switch, is analyzed. The existence and uniqueness of model solutions to arbitrary input is proved for both the high and low states of activity. These results suggest that sub-state switch activity is an analog signal that tracks instantaneous input frequency, thereby increasing the capacity for information transfer to downstream cellular targets. Using simple dynamics based on the ubiquitous Hill equation, the model and theory make intriguing predictions about synaptic plasticity and suggest a multiplexed encoding of instantaneous frequency information over short timescales, with integration of total activity over long timescales, helping to reconcile contrasting perspectives presented in the literature.
Continent-wide estimates of Antarctic strain rates from Landsat 8-derived velocity grids

Strain rates are fundamental measures of ice flow and are used in a wide variety of glaciological applications including investigations of bed properties, calculations of basal mass balance on ice shelves, and constraints on ice rheological models. However, despite their extensive application, strain rates are calculated using a variety of methods and length scales and the details are often not specified. In this study, we compare the results of nominal and logarithmic strain-rate calculations based on a satellite-derived velocity field of the Antarctic ice sheet generated from Landsat 8 satellite data. Our comparison highlights the differences between the two common approaches in the glaciological literature. We evaluate the errors introduced by each approach and their impacts on the results. We also demonstrate the importance of choosing and specifying a length scale over which strain-rate calculations are made, which can strongly influence other derived quantities such as basal mass balance on ice shelves. Finally, we present strain-rate data products calculated using an approximate viscous length-scale with satellite observations of ice velocity for the Antarctic continent.
Biologically-inspired self-assembly of two-dimensional shapes using global-to-local compilation

In this paper, we present a programming language approach for the assembly of arbitrary two-dimensional shapes by decentralized, identically-programmed agents. Our system compiles a predetermined global shape into a program that instructs these agents to grow the shape via replication and location-based control mechanisms. In the global-to-local compilation phase, an input shape is decomposed into a network of covering-discs. The disc network parameterizes the agent program, a biologically-inspired framework allowing agents to amorphously produce the shape using replication and local interaction. Our system is robust to random agent failure, and regenerates in the event of region death.
Endogenous Electrical Fields and Embryonic Development

There is now a long list of cells that respond when exposed to modest d.c. electrical fields in culture (for a recent review, see1). Among the best-characterized of these are cells cultured from Xenopus embryos, including spinal neurites, neural crest cells, muscle cells, and epithelial cells. Spinal neurites grow preferentially toward the cathode, muscle cells align their long axes perpendicular to the field, and epithelial and neural crest cells migrate toward the cathode. Plant cells are also sensitive to applied fields; for example, tomato and tobacco pollen tubes grow toward the anode2. Not only eukaryotic cells respond to applied fields; it has been shown recently that a number of bacteria exhibit galvanotropism. Escherichia con, Enterobacter cloacae, and Bacillus subtilis all respond by curving toward the anode as they elongate3.
in Vitro Effect of Deoxynivalenol on the Differentiation of Human Colonic Cell Lines Caco-2 and t84

The effects of low concentrations of deoxynivalenol (DON) on structural and functional characteristics of human colonic adenocarcinoma cell lines Caco-2 and T84 were examined. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis of the apical surfaces of Caco-2 cells revealed reduction or abnormal formation of brush borders in the presence of 50, 100 and 200 ng/ml of DON. Monolayer integrity of Caco-2 and T84 cells was studied using cells which were cultured on permeable membranes. The transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) of Caco-2 cells was significantly reduced at 50, 100 and 200 ng/ml of DON, significant increase in lucifer yellow (LY) permeability was also observed in these cells at 100 ng/ml of DON. The TEER of T84 cells was significantly reduced at 100 and 200 ng/ml of DON. LY permeability significantly increased at 200 ng/ml of DON in T84 cells. Enzyme activities in Caco-2 cells were also examined. Alkaline phosphatase activity was reduced from the 6th to 15th day of culture in the presense of 100 or 200 ng/ml of DON, whereas sucrase- isomaltase activity was significantly decreased by adding 50 or 100 ng/ml of DON for 15 or 20 days. Protein content was attenuated only by treatment with 200 ng/ml of DON thoughout the experimental period. The results indicate that DON interferes with structural and functional characteristics of differentiation in enterocytes at low doses.
Non-existence of partial difference sets in Abelian groups of order $$8p^3$$

In this paper we prove non-existence of nontrivial partial difference sets in Abelian groups of order $$8p^3$$ , where $$p\ge 3$$ is a prime number. These groups seemed to have the potential of admitting at least two infinite families of PDSs, and even the smallest case, $$p=3$$ , had been open for twenty years until settled recently by the authors and E. Neubert. Here, using the integrality and divisibility conditions for PDSs, we first describe all hypothetical parameter sets of nontrivial partial difference sets in these groups. Then we prove the non-existence of a PDS for each of these hypothetical parameter sets by combining a recent local multiplier result with some geometry and elementary number theory.
The Role of Preschool as a Point of Intervention and Prevention for Trauma-Exposed Children: Recommendations for Practice, Policy, and Research.

Schools are increasingly being leveraged as intervention points to address childhood trauma due to the well-established links between childhood trauma exposure and poor child well-being outcomes. H...
Statistical modeling of the effect of rainfall flushing on dengue transmission in Singapore.

Background Rainfall patterns are one of the main drivers of dengue transmission as mosquitoes require standing water to reproduce. However, excess rainfall can be disruptive to the Aedes reproductive cycle by “flushing out” aquatic stages from breeding sites. We developed models to predict the occurrence of such “flushing” events from rainfall data and to evaluate the effect of flushing on dengue outbreak risk in Singapore between 2000 and 2016. Methods We used machine learning and regression models to predict days with “flushing” in the dataset based on entomological and corresponding rainfall observations collected in Singapore. We used a distributed lag nonlinear logistic regression model to estimate the association between the number of flushing events per week and the risk of a dengue outbreak. Results Days with flushing were identified through the developed logistic regression model based on entomological data (test set accuracy = 92%). Predictions were based upon the aggregate number of thresholds indicating unusually rainy conditions over multiple weeks. We observed a statistically significant reduction in dengue outbreak risk one to six weeks after flushing events occurred. For weeks with five or more flushing events, compared with weeks with no flushing events, the risk of a dengue outbreak in the subsequent weeks was reduced by 16% to 70%. Conclusions We have developed a high accuracy predictive model associating temporal rainfall patterns with flushing conditions. Using predicted flushing events, we have demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in dengue outbreak risk following flushing, with the time lag well aligned with time of mosquito development from larvae and infection transmission. Vector control programs should consider the effects of hydrological conditions in endemic areas on dengue transmission.
Cells to Surgery Quiz: March 2016.

Editorial note: Welcome to the Journal of Investigative Dermatology (JID) Cells to Surgery Quiz. In this monthly online-only quiz, the first question (“What is your diagnosis?”) relates to the clinical image above, while additional questions concern the findings reported in a JID article that provides new information about that disease entity. The quiz questions may be found in the menu bar on the right-hand side of this page. A list of references relevant to the quiz appears below. Questions 2 & 3 refer to the article by Neel et al. (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jid. 2015.12.023) Detailed answers are available as Supplementary Material linked to this article.
The Effect of Electricity Shortages on Firm Investment: Evidence from Ghana

Access to electricity has been widely acknowledged as playing an important role in economic growth. However, there has been relatively little research on how access to electricity affects the decisions of firms. Electrification rates in developing countries have increased but electricity access remains plagued by outages. This paper examines the impact of electricity shortages on firm investment. I identify this impact by studying an electricity rationing programme in Ghana, which placed significant constraints on electricity supply to firms. Using data on Ghanaian manufacturing firms, I find a decline in investment in plant and machinery during the electricity rationing period, with a more pronounced decline for firms in electricity-intensive sectors. This result suggests that at least part of the reduction in investment during the electricity rationing period was due to the constraints on the availability of electricity. These findings highlight the potentially negative impact of the inadequate provision of electricity that frequently plagues developing countries. These electricity constraints can hinder growth in these countries by curbing investment by firms.
Influence of Exam Blueprint Distribution on Student Perceptions and Performance in an Inorganic Chemistry Course

Creating instructional activities and assessments that align with expected learning outcomes can improve student learning. Communicating learning expectations to students may lead to better student performance and an increase in student perceptions of the fairness of the assessment tools. One tool for communicating learning outcomes is the distribution of an exam “blueprint”, a document that correlates student learning outcomes with the expected level of performance and the relative weight on the exam. In this study, exam blueprints were prepared and distributed to students in an inorganic chemistry course. Students were surveyed about their use of the blueprints after each exam and interviewed about their perceptions of the congruence between assessments and instruction as well as their use of the blueprints. Students report using the blueprints as both organizational and metacognitive tools by emphasizing heavily weighted objectives. Overall, the blueprints were an effective tool for facilitating instructor–student communication as well as generating positive student attitudes toward exams, even though exam scores did not increase.
Influence of TiN Additions on the Microstructure of a Lightweight Fe–Mn–Al Steel

The potential of different inclusions to act as heterogeneous nucleation sites for primary austenite during solidification of a lightweight Fe–30Mn–5.5Al–1.5C–1.2Si steel was analyzed by thermodynamic calculations and experimental heats. Thermodynamic simulations and lattice disregistry calculations were utilized to predict the stability and nucleation potential of different inclusions. TiN was considered as the grain-refining addition because of the success of this inoculant in other austenitic steel castings. Addition of TiN was performed through the use of a pre-made master alloy containing a large volume fraction of fine TiN inclusions. Experimental castings were produced from cylindrical phenolic resin-bonded sand molds with a bottom chill to introduce directional solidification. Additions of 0.5 and 1.5% of the TiN containing master alloy, up to 0.29 wt% Ti addition to the melt, did not yield detectable grain refinement of the as-cast grain structure when compared to the steel castings without additions. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the inclusions present in the resulting castings consisted mainly of Ti(C,N) with up to a 0.4% area fraction, and this suggests that the original TiN inclusions were at least partially dissolved. Thermodynamic modeling predicted the equilibrium stability of Ti4C2S2 at temperatures above 1440 °C. Although this phase was not observed experimentally, a nanoscale interface layer of Ti4C2S2 or sulfur adsorption on the surface of the Ti(C,N) inclusions may be responsible for poisoning of the nuclei.
Monitoring Shorebird Habitat using Photogrammetry: The case of Western Snowy Plover at Coal Oil Point Reserve, Santa Barbara, California

The goal of this study was to determine how digital photogrammetry can be used to describe and monitor shorebird habitat. Methods previously used for monitoring beach erosion were applied to shorebird habitat, concentrating on the requirements of Western Snowy Plovers. How the physical habitat of Western Snowy Plovers has changed over time was investigated at Sand Beach, which is part of Coal Oil Point Reserve in Santa Barbara, California, from 1928 to 2004, using width, area, and elevation data gathered from a series of aerial photographs. Single georeferenced photographs were used to measure width at regular intervals and area for each year a photo was available. Georeferenced aerial photographs can be used to obtain accurate measurements of beach area and width. Orthorectification is not necessary if photos can be georeferenced with minimal error. Sands Beach was found to be increasing in area. This was due mainly to the retreat of the vegetation line as the mouth of Devereux Slough shifted in 1992 rat...
Dermatologic manifestations of granulomatosis with polyangiitis: A case report and literature review

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is an ANCA-associated, systemic vasculitis of small and medium-sized blood vessels. GPA causes inflammation and destruction to the vessel wall and eventual tissue and organ damage. It classically affects the tissues and vasculature of the sinuses, lungs, and kidneys. The organ damage results in epistaxis, cough, hemoptysis, shortness of breath and/or even kidney failure. Cutaneous manifestations are rare, but have been reported. We discuss the case of a 27-year-old African American female who presented with skin lesions on her bilateral forearms and hands, several years after diagnosis and treatment for GPA. The lesions were isolated papules, located on bilateral elbows, palms, and the lateral edge of the 3rd digit on her left hand. The lesions were intensely pruritic and non-painful. A skin biopsy of the lesions showed neutrophilic and granulomatous inflammation with nuclear debris, a largely non-specific histopathologic finding. An extensive autoimmune work up revealed elevated c-ANCA/PR3-ANCA levels supporting a diagnosis of cutaneous GPA. GPA is diagnosed by a combination of clinical signs and symptoms, serologic testing, and histology from biopsy of affected organs. Patient’s who meet the criteria should be tested for anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA), specifically c-ANCA/PR3-ANCA. A positive ANCA is supportive for GPA diagnosis. However, a negative ANCA does not rule out disease. Patients with cutaneous findings suggestive of GPA and positive c-ANCA/PR3-ANCA serologic testing should be closely followed up, which will lead to overall better prognosis, improved health outcomes and reduced patient and health care expenses.
Preliminary Efficacy of a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Text Messaging Intervention Targeting Alcohol Use and Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

To date, no studies have reported the use of text messaging to deliver cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to alcohol users with HIV. We developed and evaluated a text messaging-based program to deliver CBT targeting both alcohol use and adherence to antiretroviral (ART) medications for adults with alcohol use disorders and comorbid HIV. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a 12-week CBT-based text messaging intervention (ALC-TXT-CBT) targeting ART adherence and alcohol use (n = 18); or an informational pamphlet (INFO) comprising educational content focused on alcohol use and medication adherence (n = 17). ART adherence and alcohol use were compared for those in ALC-TXT-CBT to INFO across baseline and 12-week (i.e., treatment-end) assessments using mixed model regression analyses and paired t-tests. Relative to those in INFO, ALC-TXT-CBT participants evidenced increases in ART adherence, measured by phone-based unannounced pill counts (β = .16, p = .04), and biochemically by viral load (t = -2.0, p = .04) at treatment-end. ALC-TXT-CBT participation was also associated with reductions in heavy drinking at treatment-end (t = 2.7, p = 0.02), while overall alcohol use frequency did not differ significantly between groups (t = 1.5, p = 0.07). Findings demonstrated promising preliminary evidence for the efficacy of ALC-TXT-CBT in improving medication adherence and reducing heavy alcohol use among individuals with alcohol use disorders and comorbid HIV infection. Trial registration This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02603471.
A Deep Neural Network for Counting Vessels in Sonar Signals

Monitoring the oceanographic activity of ships in restricted areas is an important task that can be done using sonar signals. To this end, a human expert may regularly analyze passive sonar signals to count the number of vessels in the region. To automate this process, we propose a deep neural network for counting the number of vessels using sonar signals. Our model is different from common approaches for acoustic signal processing in the sense that it has a rectangular receptive field and utilizes temporal feature integration to perform this task. Moreover, we create a dataset including 117K samples where each sample resembles a scenario with at most 3 vessels. Our results show that the proposed network outperforms traditional methods substantially and classifies \(96\%\) of test samples correctly. Also, we extensively analyze the behavior of our network through various experiments. Our codes and the database are available at https://gitlab.com/haghdam/deep_vessel_counting.
In Vitro Design Investigation of a Rotating Helical Magnetic Swimmer for Combined 3-D Navigation and Blood Clot Removal

This article presents a miniature magnetic swimmer and a control apparatus able to perform both 3-D path following and blood clot removal. The robots are 2.5 mm in diameter, 6 mm in length, contain an internal permanent magnet, and have cutting tips coated in diamond powder. The robots are magnetically propelled by an external magnetic system using three coil pairs arranged orthogonally. A range of robot tip designs were tested for abrading human blood clots in vitro . The best design removed a blood clot at a maximum rate of 20.13 mm $^3$ /min. A controller for 3-D navigation is presented and tested. The best prototype was used in an experiment that combined both 3-D path following and blood clot removal.
Current-phase relationship, thermal and quantum phase slips in superconducting nanowires made on a scaffold created using adhesive tape.

Quantum phase slippage (QPS) in a superconducting nanowire is a new candidate for developing a quantum bit [Mooij et al. New J. Phys. 2005, 7, 219; Mooij et al. Nat. Phys. 2006, 2, 169; Khlebnikov ...
Reduction in multiple pregnancy rate in donor oocyte-recipient gestational carrier (GC) in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles in the USA with single-embryo transfer and preimplantation genetic testing.

To evaluate the utilization of single-embryo transfer (SET) and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) in gestational carrier IVF cycles in the USA with donor oocyte and examine the impact on live birth and multiple gestation. Retrospective cohort study using the Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) clinic database of 4776 donor oocyte–recipient IVF cycles in which a GC was used. The cycles were separated into 4 groups by use of PGT and number of embryos transferred as follows: (1) PGT and single-embryo transfer (PGT-SET); (2) PGT and multiple embryo transfer (PGT-MET); (3) no PGT and SET (NoPGT-SET); (4) no PGT and MET (NoPGT-MET). Primary outcomes were live birth rate (LBR) and multiple pregnancy rate (MPR). More than one blastocyst was transferred in 48.7% (2323/4774) of the cycles. When ≥1 blastocyst was transferred, with or without the use of PGT, the MPR was 45.5% and 42.0%, respectively. In comparison, in the PGT-SET and NoPGT-SET groups, the MPR was 1.4% (8/579) and 3.3% (29/883), respectively. Live birth rates increased with the use of PGT-A and with MET. This study shows that SET, with or without PGT, is associated with a significantly reduced MPR in donor oocyte–recipient GC IVF cycles while maintaining high LBR. It also demonstrates that many infertility centers in the USA are not adhering to ASRM embryo transfer guidelines. Our findings highlight an opportunity to increase GC safety, which ultimately may lead to widened access to this increasingly restricted service outside the USA.
Abstract LB023: Drug loaded nanoparticle targeting of pancreatic cancer using tumor treating fields (TTFields)

Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) have been clinically proven as safe, effective, and non-invasive approach for cancer treatment. Specifically, TTFields in conjunction with Gemcitabine/nab-Paclitaxel have shown promising results in Phase II pancreatic cancer (PC) PANOVA study. It is imperative to understand here that while TTFields are very safe, concurrent use of anticancer drugs will continue to elicit non-site-specific adverse effects resulting in overall low patient compliance. To overcome this drawback, we have developed an innovative strategy called ‘Tumor Treating Fields Triggered Targeting of Nanoparticles in Cancer (TTFields-TTONIC)9. For this, self-assembling cationic-anionic polymer nanoparticles (S-CAP NPs) encapsulating Gemcitabine as a model anticancer drug were developed. The hypothesis involves combination of NPs and TTFields wherein the developed NPs will be preferentially taken up by the tumor owing to leaky vasculature. Further, only under the applied TTFields, the NPs will be destabilized due to high charge density of cationic and anionic polymers leading to targeted release of encapsulated drug at the tumor site (reduction in non-site-specific side effects). For this, multiple batches of two types of S-CAP NPs [chitosan- bovine serum albumin (Chitosan-BSA) and polyethylenimine- bovine serum albumin (PEI-BSA)] were developed. The formulations were optimized using mathematical modelling and Design Expert® software to achieve low particle size and optimum encapsulation efficiency. Based on the results, 2 formulations from each type i.e., chitosan- BSA S-CAP NPs [Batch C4 - particle size: 210.54 ± 38.96 nm, PDI: 0.194, encapsulation efficiency: 61.26 ± 5.11%, zeta potential: (+) 7.38 ± 3.11; Batch C7 - particle size: 215.67 ± 32.55 nm, PDI: 0.201, encapsulation efficiency: 65.31 ± 5.84 %, zeta potential: (+) 3.22 ± 1.28] and PEI-BSA S-CAP NPs [Batch P5 - particle size: 198.29 ± 41.05 nm, PDI: 0.227, encapsulation efficiency: 58.83 ± 3.33%, zeta potential: (+) 8.17 ± 2.63; Batch P8 - particle size: 209.92 ± 31.33 nm, PDI: 0.196, encapsulation efficiency: 64.31 ± 5.13%, zeta potential: (+) 11.49 ± 2.99] were shortlisted that exhibited particle size ~ 200 nm and encapsulation efficiency in range of 55-65 %. All the formulations exhibited sustained drug release profile over a period of 60 h wherein chitosan- BSA S-CAP NPs showed slower drug release compared to PEI-BSA S-CAP NPs (P Citation Format: Preshita Prafulla Desai, Sunil Prabhu. Drug loaded nanoparticle targeting of pancreatic cancer using tumor treating fields (TTFields) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr LB023.
Use of Proximity Labeling in Cardiovascular Research.

Protein-protein interactions are of paramount importance in regulating normal cardiac physiology. Methodologies to elucidate these interactions in vivo have been limited. Recently, proximity-dependent biotinylation, with the use of BioID, TurboID, and ascorbate peroxidase, has been developed to uncover cellular neighborhoods and novel protein-protein interactions. These cutting-edge techniques have enabled the identification of subcellular localizations of specific proteins and the neighbors or interacting proteins within these subcellular regions. In contrast to classic methods such as affinity purification and subcellular fractionation, these techniques add covalently bound tags in living cells, such that spatial relationships and interaction networks are not disrupted. Recently, these methodologies have been used to identify novel protein-protein interactions relevant to the cardiovascular system. In this review, we discuss the development and current use of proximity biotin-labeling for cardiovascular research.
Gender Comparison of Scholarly Production in the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Using the Hirsch Index.

Objective Despite an increase in the proportion of female medical school graduates, the number of women in orthopedic surgery remains low. To examine the presence of gender disparities in scholarly production, the authors used the Hirsch index ( h-index ) to assess members of the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS), a well-defined subspecialty of orthopedic surgery. Design Using the MSTS Membership Directory, the authors assessed those practicing at an academic institution in the United States. Members׳ sex and rank was obtained from their department’s website, and their h-index and years since initial publication was collected from the Scopus database. Setting Research was performed at New Jersey Medical School, an institution, using online databases. Participants A total of 247 members of the MSTS were eligible, of whom 125 practiced at a US academic medical center and were included in the study. Results The MSTS is composed of 247 members, 28 (11%) of whom are women. Within US academic medical centers, there are 125 members, including 17 (14%) women. Mean h-indices increased with rising academic rank from 5.42 for assistant professors to 19.28 for professors. Publication ranges showed an increase from 11.03 years for assistant professors to 29.52 years for professors. The h-index and publication years of chairpersons were nearly equal to those of professors. Using the h-index , it was found that men outproduce women—13.4:7.9. Men outnumber women at every rank, increasingly so at higher ranks. The authors found that there was a significant difference in productivity between ranks (p Conclusions The h-index shows differing production among the sexes and ranks in the MSTS. No significant difference exists between the sexes when members are organized by academic title.
Thermodynamic Systems and Cyclic Processes

The first law of thermodynamics, as stated in the previous chapter, relates heat and work. In addition, it makes possible the definition of stored energy. According to this law, as long as the energy is conserved, any process is possible; there are no restrictions as to which way a process will go. Up to this point, it has been tacitly assumed that any process could go in any direction. Thus, if restricted only by the first law, a power plant could be operated by taking energy out of the air, and a ship could cross the ocean by extracting energy from the water. However, experience suggests that this is not the way the world is. Although it is not impossible to get energy from these sources, it requires an energy input. In general, nature is such that you cannot get something for nothing. (In fact, you do not break even.)
Thymoma of Lymphosarcoma Type

Excerpt Thymic tumors are of considerable interest pathologically because of their comparative rarity and difficulty in classification and clinically they are of equal interest because of the diagn...