cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
External Beam Radiotherapy as Curative Treatment of Prostate Cancer

External beam radiotherapy (RT) has been used as a curative treatment of prostate cancer for more than 5 decades, with the "modern" era emerging more than 3 decades ago. Its history is marked by gradual improvements punctuated by several quantum leaps that are increasingly driven by advancements in the computer and imaging sciences and by its integration with complementary forms of treatment. Consequently, the contemporary use of external beam RT barely resembles its earliest form, and this must be appreciated in the context of current patient care. The influence of predictive factors on the use and outcomes of external beam RT is presented, as is a selected review of the methods and outcomes of external beam RT as a single therapeutic intervention, in association with androgen suppression, or as a postoperative adjunct. Thus, the "state of the (radiotherapeutic) art" is presented to enhance the understanding of this treatment approach with the hope that this information will serve as a useful resource to physicians as they care for patients with prostate cancer.
Pain, Culture, Assessment, and Management

there a significant difference in the nurses’ attribution of pain to each of the two ethnic groups? (3) Was there a significant difference in the patients’ and the nurses’ evaluations of patient pain? Using the McGill Pain Questionnaire, amount of analgesia and three physiologic measures, no differences were found between the two ethnic groups on any of the measures of pain. The nurses’ assessment of pain was measured using the Present Pain Intensity Scale; nurses assigned more pain to Anglo patients than to Mexican American patients. Comparing patients’ and nurses’ evaluation of pain, all nurses evaluated patients’ pain as less than the patients did. Examining other sample characteristics, for the nurses, pain was significantly related to patient education, place of birth, language, and religion (Calvillo & Flaskerud, 1993). This study highlighted the need for nurses to be more aware of their own values and perceptions, as these may affect how they evaluate patient’s pain and how that pain is treated or managed. The study also supported the frequently reported finding that health professionals underestimate or even discount patient pain. There have been many developments in the assessment of pain since this study was published 20 years ago. Criticism of health professionals’ disregard for patient pain has led to mandated assessments of pain. Patient pain is evaluated routinely now when a person comes for an outpatient clinical visit or when in the hospital. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) requires that accredited hospitals and clinics must routinely assess all patients for pain and the Veterans Administration has designated pain as the 5th vital sign (Krebs, Carey, & Weinberger, 2007; Mularski et al., 2006). The practice of universal pain screening has become widespread and a commonly used measure is the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) to screen for pain. All of us have been asked to rate our level of pain on a scale of 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain) and to mark on a front and back drawing of a person where our pain is occurring. Despite this assessment being better than nothing, its subjective, imprecise and repetitive nature makes it easy for healthcare workers to ignore or dismiss. It also can be difficult for patients to communicate their pain using the NRS, or conversely, it has been easy to abuse in emergency rooms for patients seeking narcotic prescriptions.
Inequalities for Stochastic Linear Programming Problems

Consider a linear-programming problem in which the “right-hand side” is a random vector whose expected value is known and where the expected value of the objective function is to be minimized. An approximate solution is often found by replacing the “right-hand side” by its expected value and solving the resulting linear programming problem. In this paper conditions are given for the equality of the expected value of the objective function for the optimal solution and the value of the objective function for the approximate solution; bounds on these values are also given. In addition, the relation between this problem and a related problem, where one makes an observation on the “right-hand side” and solves the nonstochastic linear programming problem based on this observation, is discussed.
Gold and Iridium in Sulphides from Submarine Basalt Glasses

Immiscible sulphide-oxide melts in submarine basalt magmas are preserved as globules in glasses. Their small size (typically < 30 μm) and even distribution within glass suggest that most had limited residence times in the host magmas and that the two melts did not equilibrate with respect to the chalcophile trace elements. Several MORB glasses from the FAMOUS area have been found for which the sulphides are of sufficient size for separation. For one, chemical and petrographic data also indicate that equilibrium between the two melts may have been approached.
Taskposé: exploring fluid boundaries in an associative window visualization

Window management research has aimed to leverage users' tasks to organize the growing number of open windows in a useful manner. This research has largely assumed task classifications to be binary -- either a window is in a task, or not -- and context-independent. We suggest that the continual evolution of tasks can invalidate this approach and instead propose a fuzzy association model in which windows are related to one another by varying degrees. Task groupings are an emergent property of our approach. To support the association model, we introduce the WindowRank algorithm and its use in determining window association. We then describe Taskpose, a prototype window switch visualization embodying these ideas, and report on a week-long user study of the system.
Correlation of Electrical and Mechanical Activity of Holothurian Muscle

1. Spontaneous contractions of segments of an isolated longitudinal muscle of Holothuna cinerascens are not propagated across a sucrose gap. Asynchronous spiking and spontaneous depolarizations leading to contraction can be recorded independently on each side of the gap. 2. Caffeine-induced contractures are not the result of depolarization. 3. Depolarization with KCl temporarily restores contractility lost in a series of caffeine-induced contractures. 4. Acetylcholine causes a depolarization which induces contraction. 5. Individual muscle units may spike quite independently as depolarization progresses in a spontaneous contraction.
Potentially Harmful Therapy and Multicultural Counseling Bridging Two Disciplinary Discourses

In recent years, psychologists have been increasingly concerned about potentially harmful therapy (PHT), yet this recent discourse has not addressed issues that have long been voiced by the multicultural counseling and psychotherapy movement. We aim to begin to bring these seemingly disparate discourses of harm into greater conversation with one another, in the service of placing the discipline on a firmer foothold in its considerations of PHT. After reviewing the two discourses and exploring reasons for their divergence, we argue that they operate according to differing assumptions pertaining to the sources, objects, and scope of harm. We then argue that these differences reveal the discipline’s need to better appreciate that harm is a social construct, that psychotherapy may be inherently ethnocentric, and that strategies for collecting evidence of harm should be integrated with a social justice agenda.
Ascorbic acid status in postmenopausal women with hormone replacement therapy.

Objectives: Hormone oral contraceptives affected ascorbic acid status adversely in young women. In vitro, estrogens and progesterone inhibited ascorbic acid accumulation in intestinal cells. This is a pilot study to examine the relation between hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and plasma ascorbic acid levels among a group of healthy non-smoking postmenopausal women. Methods: Healthy non-smoking postmenopausal women aged 48–72 years, 34 with HRT and 21 without HRT, were recruited in summer, 1997. Their fasting plasma ascorbic acid levels were measured and information on ascorbic acid intakes (diet and supplements) was collected through questionnaires. Results: Women taking HRT in this study did not have significantly lower plasma ascorbic acid levels compared with non-HRT users. When subjects were further divided into groups based on ascorbic acid supplementation, HRT users without supplement had a lower mean plasma ascorbic acid level (54±16 μM, n=10) compared with non-HRT users (66±14 μM, n=12) (P=0.08 for the effect of therapy). HRT users and non-users taking ascorbic acid supplement had similar plasma levels (66±10 μM, n=24; 66±12 μM, n=9, respectively). Conclusion: HRT does not affect ascorbic acid status of healthy well-nourished non-smoking postmenopausal women that are using ascorbic acid supplement. Future larger case-control or supplement intervention study is needed.
Modeling High Fidelity Tools for Rocket Propulsion Subsystem Design

Moving beyond the Conceptual Design phase requires the use of higher fidelity tools. Unfortunately, utilizing these tools requires more time and effort that push traditional methodologies towards a single point design, result ing in a large loss of design knowledge and freedom. Mitigating this loss can be achieved t hrough the use of advanced modeling techniques that capture the behavior of higher fide lity tools. These models can then be used to explore a vehicle design space to improve the kn owledge about the design as well as increase freedom throughout the design process. Through an example rocket propulsion subsystem, this paper presents a method to create s urrogate models of the industry standard tool, Numerical Propulsion System Simulation.
Weiquan: the Chinese Civil Disobedience in a New Perspective

This paper traces the development of the Chinese weiquan movement in the context of political and social changes in the late 20th and later 21st century China. I argue that thus far weiquan commentators have overemphasized it as a novel social phenomenon. I demonstrate that it is part of the political legacy of China’s past. Keywords: China, Rights Protection
T Cell Clones that Help IgA Responses

I The predominance of IgA in mucosal secretions contrasting with that I of IgG in serum, is commonly thought to reflect the unique life history I of lamina propria IgA plasma cell precursors in the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), especially the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). I GALT lymphoid nodules seem to provide a milieu in which commitment of B I cells to IgA production is especially favored. While many aspects of this I milieu could theoretically contribute to promoting IgA at the expense of I other isotypes, one of the more attractive hypotheses is that GALT lymphoid I nodules contain higher numbers, relative to other lymphoid organs, of T I cells capable of producing factors necessary for switching, proliferation, I or differentiation of IgA B cells.
Reform and Electoral Competition Convergence Toward Equity in Latin American Health Sectors

Scholars of Latin America disagree about the effects on equity of social policy reforms of the 1980s and 1990s. Those who see negative or no effects blame reforms, while those who believe welfare regimes have become more equitable attribute the change not to reform but to democracy and left governance. I resolve this disagreement by first developing a more holistic measure of equity. With this measure, I establish a convergence toward equity in the health sectors of Brazil, Colombia, and Chile. I then process-trace to determine the causal factors behind this convergence. Paradoxically, I find that the reform period was crucial because it gave rise to an alliance between technocrats and politicians facing electoral competition who together succeeded in overturning preexisting policy legacies, paving the way for equity. Left governance was not a significant factor behind this convergence, while democracy was important but has been underspecified.
Latchup Models and Analyses

The previous chapter showed us how the latchup sequence can be used to categorize triggering modes and reduce the apparent complexity of our investigation. Looking back at the territory already covered in our exploration supplies us with some additional perspective. Mindful of previous explorers, we also want to utilize their trail blazes wherever possible.
Service Levels and Tail Probabilities in Multistage Capacitated Production-Inventory Systems

In most models of inventory systems with uncertain demands, inventory serves as a hedge against demand variability during a re-order leadtime — if replenishment were instantaneous, there would be no need to hold inventory. But the leadtime itself is generally not modeled in detail; rather, it is commonly represented by a fixed interval or, when it is taken to be stochastic, independent of the rest of the model. In some settings — for example when the leadtime is primarily due to transportation delays — a simple such model may be a fair representation of reality. But leadtimes can arise not only from external factors like transportation, but also from congestion effects internal to the operation of a system. In particular, when limits on production capacity are significant, the primary delay in replenishing stock may be due to backlogs in production created by the replenishment orders themselves, rather than to any external mechanism. In the terminology of Svoronos and Zipkin [33], leadtimes are endogenous to the model in such settings.
Efficacy of Commercially Available Quaternary Ammonium Compounds for Controlling New Zealand Mudsnails Potamopyrgus antipodarum

AbstractThe New Zealand mudsnail Potamopyrgus antipodarum is an invasive species that can be transported to and established in new bodies of water on gear used by aquatic professionals, anglers, and aquatic recreationists. Sparquat 256, a standard disinfectant for controlling the spread of mudsnails, was recently discontinued by the manufacturer. Our objective was to find an industrial-strength, commercially available quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) that could replace Sparquat 256 for disinfection purposes. The efficacy of three products—Quat 4, Green Solutions High Dilutions Disinfectant 256 (GS 256), and Super HDQ Neutral (Super HDQ)—were tested using bath disinfection at multiple concentrations and exposure durations. For bath disinfection purposes, GS 256 and Super HDQ were the most effective. Super HDQ caused higher mortality rates at 48 h postexposure and was therefore tested and found to be highly effective for spray disinfection to prevent transporting mudsnails on field equipment. Regardless o...
Porcine dermal collagen in lower eyelid retraction repair.

Purpose To describe clinical outcomes of patients receiving porcine dermal matrix implants for lower eyelid retraction repair. Methods A retrospective review of all patients who underwent lower eyelid retraction repair with porcine dermal matrix implantation between June 2007 and July 2013 at a tertiary care center was conducted. Patient demographics, procedure(s) performed, preoperative and postoperative marginal reflex distance, inferior scleral show, and complications were reviewed. Patients with a prior history of lower eyelid surgery were excluded. The study is Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliant, institutional review board approved, and adherent to the Declaration of Helsinki. Results One hundred patients (160 eyelids) received porcine dermal collagen implants. Fifty-six patients had thyroid eye disease, 23 had midface descent, 10 had seventh nerve palsies, and 11 had other etiologies of retraction. The average preoperative marginal reflex distance was 7.64 mm in the OD and 7.17 mm in the OS, compared with 6.40 mm in the OD and 6.22 mm in the OS postoperatively. The average preoperative inferior scleral show was 2.04 in the OD and 1.70 in the OS compared with 0.81 mm in the OD and 0.65 mm in the OS postoperatively. Follow up ranged from 1.46 to 66.04 months, with an average of 14.06 months and median of 8.84 months. Nineteen eyelids had implant-related complications: 7 with cyst formation, 7 with exposure/rejection, 2 with long-term pain, 2 with transient inflammation, and 3 with irregular implant contour. Conclusions Porcine dermal matrix implants provide reliable support, integration, and function in lower eyelid retraction repair without significant resorption or complications in the majority of patients.
Investigation of the Layer-by-Layer Assembly of Colloid Crystals on a Templated Substrate

We investigated the fabrication of a 3D colloid crystal assembled in a layer-by-layer fashion on a template substrate. This method of assembling an ordered structure offers flexibility in the choice of crystal orientation, because of the template, and the capability to insert a “defect” layer to introduce defect modes in the stop bands of the crystal. The assembly of layers of 4.4 νm polystyrene microspheres on the patterned (100) substrates was studied using a combination of evaporation and chemical binding. It was observed that the ordering process depends on the physical parameters of the template such as well size and depth. A good adhesion of the beads to the template required chemical functionalization of the substrate.
Expert System of Fault Diagnosis Based on On-line Fusion in Hydroelectricity Digital Simulation

In order to solve the problem of on-line fault diagnosis in Fengman hydropower digital simulation system, a distributed integrated neural network m odeling method, a on-line fault diagnosis method of fuzzy neural network expert system(FNNES) are proposed based on information and method fusion. The fuzzy neu ral network(FNN) is embedded to expert system(ES), FNN takes charge knowledge ac quisition and logic inference, ES takes charge input/output of system informatio n and symbolic inference and explain conclusion of FNN. FNNES has been tested an d run, it shows that the proposed method is effective, validated its generality, advantage and practical application value. The beneficial methods and experienc es are provided to the development of locale fault diagnosis system.
Surface segregation and interaction of oxygen and nitrogen with zirconium in Nb-1% Zr alloy

Surface segregation and interaction of zirconium, oxygen and nitrogen were studied in a Nb-1 pct Zr alloy utilizing Auger electron spectroscopy. Segregation of oxygen to the surface occurs at temperatures as low as 500°C with the maximum occurring around 1300°C. Oxygen at the surface appears to be in two states, of which one corresponds to a strongly bound state with zirconium. Oxygen in this state, like zirconium, does not redistribute into the bulk at high temperatures. Segregation of nitrogen to surfaces is observed in samples cooled from temperatures above 1000°C. The segregation of Zr, O and N are all limited to a few monolayers near the surface. When heated above 1500°C, oxygen and zirconium are removed from the sample probably in the form oxides of Zr and Nb.
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: neoplasm of T cells with helper activity.

Abstract Neoplastic lymphocytes from 3 patients with aleukemic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma were studied to determine if their neoplastic T cells had helper activity, i.e., ability to promote immunoglobulin synthesis by normal human B cells. Homogeneous populations of neoplastic T cells were isolated from involved lymph nodes and in two of three instances were shown to be of monoclonal origin by karyotypic analysis. Mononuclear leukocytes from control peripheral blood were separated into T- and B-cell-enriched fractions by E-rosette formation and subsequent Ficoll-Hypaque flotation. Pokeweed-mitogen-stimulated normal and malignant T cells were co-cultured with normal B cells. Cytocentrifuged cell prepa rations were stained with fluorescein-conjugated goat antihuman immunoglobulin to quantitate immunoglobulin-producing B cells. Addition of control T-cell fractions to control B-cell fractions increased the number of labeled cells from 8 to 34. Neoplastic T cells increased the numbers of normal B cells containing cytoplasmic immunoglobulin to a mean of 125, demonstrating exceptional helper activity. These results support a relationship between the Sezary syndrome, previously demonstrated to be a leukemia of helper T cells, and aleukemic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and suggest that malignant helper T cells have a distinct affinity for the skin.
Do glycemic marker levels vary by race? Differing results from a cross-sectional analysis of individuals with and without diagnosed diabetes.

Objective It is well known that A1c varies by race. However, racial differences in other biomarkers of hyperglycemia are less well characterized. The objective of this study was to determine whether average levels of glycemic markers differ by race in adults with and without diagnosed diabetes, before and after accounting for postchallenge glucose. Research design and methods This cross-sectional study included 2692 middle-aged men and women (5.5% with diagnosed diabetes; 44% African-American; and 56% white) from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study (2005–2006) who had fasting glucose, 2-hour postchallenge glucose, A1c, glycated albumin, fructosamine, and 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) measured. Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate racial differences in mean levels of each glycemic marker stratified by the diabetes status and adjusted for sociodemographics, cardiovascular factors, and postchallenge glucose. Results Among those with diagnosed diabetes, racial differences were not observed for any of the glycemic markers. In contrast, among those without diagnosed diabetes, African-Americans had higher mean levels than whites of A1c (β=0.19% points; 95% CI 0.14 to 0.24), glycated albumin (β=0.82% points; 95% CI 0.68 to 0.97), fructosamine (β=8.68 μmol/L; 95% CI 6.68 to 10.68), and 2-hour glucose (β=3.50 mg/dL; 95% CI 0.10 to 6.90) after multivariable adjustment, whereas there were no statistically significant racial difference in 1,5-AG. The racial differences observed for A1c, glycated albumin, and fructosamine persisted after further adjustment for fasting and 2-hour glucose and were of similar magnitude (SD units). Conclusions Racial differences in glycemic marker levels were evident among middle-aged adults without diagnosed diabetes even after adjustment for postchallenge glucose. Whether these racial differences in biomarkers of hyperglycemia affect the risk of complications warrants additional study.
Theorien der kognitiven Entwicklung

Ein sieben Monate alter Junge sitzt auf dem Schos seines Vaters und ist von dessen Brille fasziniert, greift nach einem der Bugel und zieht daran. Der Vater sagt „Au!“, und der Junge lasst los, fasst dann aber erneut hin und zieht an der Brille. Das bringt den Vater dazu, sich zu fragen, wie er die Brillenglaser in Sicherheit bringen kann, ohne dass das Kind zu weinen anfangt. Glucklicherweise kommt der Vater, ein Entwicklungspsychologe, schnell auf die Idee, dass Jean Piagets Theorie der kognitiven Entwicklung eine einfache Losung vorschlagt: Verbirg die Brille hinter dem Rucken! Nach Piagets Theorie sollte das Entfernen der Brille aus dem Sichtfeld ein Baby diesen Alters dazu bringen, sich so zu verhalten, als ob die Brille nicht mehr existierte. Die Strategie funktioniert genau wie geplant; nachdem der Vater die Brille aus dem Sichtfeld entfernt hat, zeigt der Junge kein weiteres Interesse daran und richtet seine Aufmerksamkeit woanders hin. Der Vater dankt Piaget im Stillen.
Thermal and trapping effects in GaN-based MESFETs

RF power performances of GaN-MESFETs are reported using a physics-based model that incorporates dispersion in the output resistance and transconductance due to traps and thermal effects. Calculated I-V characteristics are in excellent agreement with the measured results. Taking thermal effects into account, the maximum output power of a 0.3 /spl mu/m/spl times/100 /spl mu/m GaN MESFET is 22 dBm at a power gain of 4.2 dB at 4 GHz. The corresponding quantities are 27 dBm and 6.4 dB, respectively if a constant channel temperature of 300 K is assumed. At elevated temperatures, compression in output power, gain and PAE is less in MESFETs with longer gate lengths.
Changing Intrametropolitan Location Patterns of Labor Force and Economic Activity

Central city decay in the major metropolitan areas of the country is a well-known phenomenon. One prominent explanation for the plight of central cities is that both workers and jobs have been involved in self-reinforcing movement to the suburbs. Moreover, by eroding the central city tax base and, thus, shifting the burden of local taxes to employers and to relatively high-income residents remaining behind, this movement is thought to have encouraged further flight from the central city. The chapter presents a comparison of the behavior of a number of important central city phenomena and their suburban counterparts. The chapter explains the relative growth of employment opportunities along with the relative growth of civilian labor force residents. It also discusses the intrametropolitan location patterns and the changes over time in family median income of central city and suburban residents.
Wearable Technologies in Collegiate Sports: The Ethics of Collecting Biometric Data From Student-Athletes

The wearable technology market is booming and more than 400 million wearable smart devices, worth about $34 billion, will be sold in 2020 (Lamkin 2016). Fitness, activity, and sports trackers repre...
Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) for M/NEMS

This section concentrates on the leading ferroelectric material used in thin-film piezoelectric MEMS: lead zirconate titanate (PbZr x Ti1−xO3) or PZT. PZT-based MEMS technology has been explored extensively for a variety of actuator applications [1] but has received less attention for RF MEMS resonator and filter applications. Despite the long and successful history of bulk PZT resonators [2], the process complexity/compatibility issues and high mechanical losses have discouraged the exploitation of this strong piezoelectric for these applications. However, for select MEMS resonator and filter applications, thin-film PZT offers many unique advantages due to the high electromechanical coupling factors, permittivity, piezoelectric stress constants, and the DC-bias electric field dependence of these properties. Significant progress has also been made in developing materials deposition and processing technologies that address the fabrication challenges with PZT thin films. The goals of this section include an analysis of the deposition of these materials, patterning techniques, identification of device design and processing concerns, and finally a detailed subsection covering examples of how PZT thin films have been incorporated into resonant-based devices.
An Adaptable, Probabilistic, Next-Best View Algorithm for Reconstruction of Unknown 3-D Objects

Autonomous mobile robots perform many tasks, such as grasping and inspection, that may require complete models of three-dimensional (3-D) objects in the environment. If little or no knowledge about an object is known a priori , the robot must take sensor measurements from strategically determined viewpoints in order to reconstruct a 3-D model of the object. We propose an autonomous object reconstruction approach for mobile robots that is very general, with no assumptions about object shape or size, such as a bounding box or predetermined set of candidate viewpoints. A probabilistic, volumetric method for determining the optimal next-best view is developed based on a partial model of a 3-D object of unknown shape and size. The proposed method integrates an object probability characteristic to determine sensor views that incrementally reconstruct a 3-D model of the object. Experiments in simulation and on a real-world robot validate the work and compare it to the state of the art.
Establishment of new design criteria for GlidCop® X-ray absorbers.

An engineering research program has been conducted at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) in order to determine the thermomechanical conditions that lead to crack formation in GlidCop®, a material commonly used to fabricate X-ray absorbers at X-ray synchrotron facilities. This dispersion-strengthened copper alloy is a proprietary material and detailed technical data of interest to the synchrotron community is limited. The results from the research program have allowed new design criteria to be established for GlidCop® X-ray absorbers based upon the thermomechanically induced fatigue behavior of the material. X-ray power from APS insertion devices was used to expose 30 GlidCop® samples to 10000 thermal loading cycles each under various beam power conditions, and all of the samples were metallurgically examined for crack presence/geometry. In addition, an independent testing facility was hired to measure temperature-dependent mechanical data and uniaxial mechanical fatigue data for numerous GlidCop® samples. Data from these studies support finite element analysis (FEA) simulation and parametric models, allowing the development of a thermal fatigue model and the establishment of new design criteria so that the thermomechanically induced fatigue life of X-ray absorbers may be predicted. It is also demonstrated how the thermal fatigue model can be used as a tool to geometrically optimize X-ray absorber designs.
Closed-Incision Negative-Pressure Therapy in Obese Patients Undergoing Cesarean Delivery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background Postcesarean wound morbidity is a costly complication of cesarean delivery for which preventative strategies remain understudied. Objective We compared surgical site occurrences (SSOs) in cesarean patients receiving closed-incision negative-pressure therapy (ciNPT) or standard-of-care (SOC) dressing. Study Design A single-center randomized controlled trial compared ciNPT (5–7 days) to SOC dressing (1–2 days) in obese women (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 35), undergoing cesarean delivery between 2012 and 2014. Participants were randomized 1:1 and monitored 42 ± 10 days postoperatively. The primary outcome SSOs included unanticipated local inflammation, wound infection, seroma, hematoma, dehiscence, and need for surgical or antibiotic intervention. Results Of the 92 randomized patients, 82 completed the study. ciNPT and SOC groups had similar baseline characteristics. Mean BMI was 46.5 ± 6.5 and no treatment-related serious adverse events. Compared with SOC, the ciNPT group had fewer SSOs (7/43 [16.3%] vs. 2/39 [5.1%], respectively; p = 0.16); significantly fewer participants with less incisional pain both at rest (39/46 [84.8%] vs. 20/46 [43.5%]; p Conclusion A trend in SSO reduction and a statistically significant reduction in postoperative pain and narcotic use was observed in women using ciNPT.
Growth arrest and a persister state enable resistance to osmotic shock and facilitate dissemination of Vibrio cholerae.

Vibrio cholerae is a water-borne bacterial pathogen and causative agent of cholera. Although V. cholerae is a halophile, it can survive in fresh water, and this has a major role in cholera epidemics through consumption of contaminated water and subsequent fecal–oral spread. After dissemination from humans back into fresh water, V. cholerae encounters limited nutrient availability and an abrupt drop in conductivity but little is known about how V. cholerae adapts to, and survives in this environment. In this work, by abolishing or altering the expression of V. cholerae genes in a high-throughput manner, we observed that many osmotic shock tolerant mutants exhibited slowed or arrested growth, and/or generated a higher proportion of persister cells. In addition, we show that growth-arrested V. cholerae, including a persister subpopulation, are generated during infection of the intestinal tract and together allow for the successful dissemination to fresh water. Our results suggest that growth-arrested and persister subpopulations enable survival of V. cholerae upon shedding to the aquatic environment.
Low spring index, large displacement Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) coil actuators for use in macro- and micro-systems

United States. National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Office of the Chief Technologist (Space Technology Research Fellowship Grant NNX11AM62H)
Hierarchical functional obfuscation of integratec circuits using a mode-based approach

Hardware obfuscation has been proposed as a hardware security measure against reverse engineering, intellectual property (IP) piracy and integrated circuits (IC) overbuilding. In this paper, we present a novel method of obfuscation using a hierarchical approach. In the design flow, IP vendors obfuscate their designs using a set of keys and provide these keys to the design house. The design house then integrates all the IPs and adds its own keys to create a complete obfuscated system. This prevents both misuse of IPs and illegal use of ICs since only secure parties have access to the correct keys. The obfuscation at each level is performed using a mode-based approach in which the design can operate in meaningful and non-meaningful modes. The design is functionally correct in only one mode. An attacker needs to work through different levels of the design to correctly decipher its operation and correct working mode. Since each of the IPs can work in multiple meaningful modes, the attack becomes more difficult as the number of IPs increases. These ideas are demonstrated using a convolution architecture with fast Fourier transform (FFT) blocks. With only about 13% area and 15% power overhead over an unobfuscated design, it is shown that the proposed design has the flexibility to be obfuscated with different key sizes and overheads depending on the level of security.
Neuron-specific alternative splicing of transcriptional machineries: Implications for neurodevelopmental disorders

The brain has long been known to display the most complex pattern of alternative splicing, thereby producing diverse protein isoforms compared to other tissues. Recent evidence indicates that many alternative exons are neuron-specific, evolutionarily conserved, and found in regulators of transcription including DNA-binding protein and histone modifying enzymes. This raises a possibility that neurons adopt unique mechanisms of transcription. Given that transcriptional machineries are frequently mutated in neurodevelopmental disorders with cognitive dysfunction, it is important to understand how neuron-specific alternative splicing contributes to proper transcriptional regulation in the brain. In this review, we summarize current knowledge regarding how neuron-specific splicing events alter the function of transcriptional regulators and shape unique gene expression patterns in the brain and the implications of neuronal splicing to the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Machinery for Protein Import into Chloroplasts and Mitochondria

Chloroplasts and mitochondria are unique among cellular organelles as they possess a separate genome and a complete system for replication, transcription and translation of their genetic information. However, the chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes have a limited capacity to encode their essential protein components (~10% in both cases). Most of the proteins in chloroplasts and mitochondria are nuclear-encoded and synthesized on cytoplasmic ribosomes. These proteins are subsequently imported into the organelles from the cytosol and must be assembled into the correct subcompartment in order to function properly. There are four subcompartments (outer membrane, intermembrane space, inner membrane and matrix) in mitochondria whereas there are six subcompartments (outer membrane, intermembrane space, inner membrane, stroma, thylakoid membrane and thylakoid lumen) in chloroplasts. Each of these subcompartments contains a unique set of proteins indicating that the translocation of proteins across one, two or (in chloroplasts) three membranes in succession is a highly selective process.
Hebbian computations in hippocampal dendrites and spines

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the Hebbian computation in hippocampal dendrites and spines by considering three abstract dimensions of differences, namely, space, time, and probability. It also focuses on the implications of spatial differences between neurons and processing elements (PEs). Determination of synaptic modifications can be done in part by the local dendritic potential, and the dendritic potential can be affected by the outcome of the modifications. Depending on the properties of the dendrites, this reciprocal relationship can easily be imagined to produce categories of adaptive computations. Preliminary simulations suggest that the electrotonic structure of neurons adds a computational complexity that is not present in PEs and the structure may be an important determinant of the manner in which synaptic strengths self-organize in response to a structured environment.
Preface to the Goodman Building Ethnography

The rent strike at the Goodman Building took place during the height of San Francisco’s redevelopment agency’s destruction of thousands of homes of minority citizens. It began as a protest against the seizure of the building from Mr. Goodman, the owner, and developed into a protest against a lack of housing affordability, discrimination in housing and preservation of neighborhoods and heritage housing.
Team-Based Learning in the Clinical Setting: Perspectives of Doctor of Nursing Practice Students.

Background Team-based learning is a teaching modality that meets at the intersection of active learning, teamwork, and assimilation of complex course concepts to prepare students for lifelong learning. Yet little is known about how principles of team-based learning could be employed outside of the classroom. Objective To provide direction as to how principles of team-based learning could be applied to the "real-world" clinical setting. Methods The synthesis is the result of a class discussion among practicing DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) students (n = 16) at an urban university. Results Students perceived that the application of team-based learning in the clinical setting could reduce isolationism and improve interprofessional communication, job satisfaction, respect, quality of care, cost effectiveness, coordination of care, efficiency, and patient safety. Projects that might benefit from this approach include those that involve difficult or complex cases in which the correct answer is challenging or debatable. Nevertheless, logistical, financial, and complicated power dynamics were perceived as potential barriers CONCLUSIONS: Team-based learning can be effectively applied to the clinical setting, although perceived barriers must be addressed. Implications for nursing When applied to an appropriate clinical problem or clinical setting, team-based learning may have the potential to advance lifelong learning by following a structured, yet provider-centric approach.
A data-handling mechanics of on-line text editing system with efficient secondary storage access

The data-handling algorithm in many current editors 2 uses a text which is a continuous string of characters. In this technique the characters are moved directly from their input source to the text string by expanding it in tue core buffer. The disadvantage of such existing systems is due to the core buffer constraint. The buffer can be extended to the auxiliary storage but will result in less efficient auxiliary storage accessing.
Abstract WP310: Inter-Provider Communication Using a Scheduled Provider Alert-Response Communication System (SPARCS) in 3 Inpatient Neurology Units

Background: Non-emergent communications between nursing staff and covering providers often occur randomly throughout the workday at teaching institutions, resulting in inefficiency and interruption...
Accretion of a large LL parent planetesimal from a recently formed chondrule population

Chondritic meteorites, derived from asteroidal parent bodies and composed of millimeter-sized chondrules, record the early stages of planetary assembly. Yet, the initial planetesimal size distribution and the duration of delay, if any, between chondrule formation and chondrite parent body accretion remain disputed. We use Pb-phosphate thermochronology with planetesimal-scale thermal models to constrain the minimum size of the LL ordinary chondrite parent body and its initial allotment of heat-producing 26Al. Bulk phosphate 207Pb/206Pb dates of LL chondrites record a total duration of cooling ≥75 Ma, with an isothermal interior that cools over ≥30 Ma. Since the duration of conductive cooling scales with parent body size, these data require a ≥150-km radius parent body and a range of bulk initial 26Al/27Al consistent with the initial 26Al/27Al ratios of constituent LL chondrules. The concordance suggests that rapid accretion of a large LL parent asteroid occurred shortly after a major chondrule-forming episode.
Sedimentology, diagenesis, and reservoir characterization of the Permian White Rim Sandstone, southern Utah: Implications for carbon capture and sequestration potential

Rising CO2 emissions have caused scientists and policy makers to explore potential solutions to reduce atmospheric CO2 levels, including carbon capture and sequestration. This project, funded through the Department of Energy CarbonSAFE initiative, aims to characterize the potential storage capacity and preferential fluid-flow pathways through the Permian White Rim Sandstone on and near the San Rafael Swell, Utah, to assess the formation’s viability as a possible CO2 sequestration reservoir. A diverse suite of sedimentological observations and diagenetic analyses was used to assess the White Rim Sandstone’s reservoir potential, including detailed outcrop observations, facies descriptions and ichnology, measured stratigraphic sections with associated correlations, permeability measurements, thin-section petrography, and visible and near-infrared spectroscopy. Stratigraphically, the White Rim Sandstone has two major units separated by a marine transgressive surface. The lower eolian unit is characterized by decimeter- to meter-scale trough cross-bedded grain-flow and wind-ripple facies. The upper reworked, shallow-marine unit has a consistent set of facies at all three field sites: (1) soft-sediment deformation facies (e.g., contorted bedding or clastic pipes), (2) symmetric ripple laminations, (3) bioturbated (dominantly horizontal), and (4) bioturbated (dominantly vertical). This set of four facies represents the transgression of the Permian Kaibab sea over the Permian White Rim coastal dune field. The outcrop samples and subsurface core samples (∼1561–2243 m deep and ∼33–50 km away from the outcrop localities) experienced different diagenetic fluid-flow histories that drastically impacted the reservoir properties. Outcrop samples have initial quartz overgrowth cements followed by rim-forming calcite cements, iron oxide cements, and occasional oil staining. In contrast, the core samples show significant compaction, followed by quartz overgrowth cementation and a later stage of patchy, large, pore-filling calcite cement that eliminated the porosity and permeability of the potential reservoir (<0.1 md). Outcrop permeability values tend to reflect textural differences in facies, particularly the presence and spacing of internal laminations and bounding surfaces. Facies with fewer internal laminations, such as the grain-flow facies, have higher permeability values than facies with closely spaced internal laminae, such as the wind-ripple facies. Disruption of original bedding (e.g., soft-sediment deformation or bioturbation) alters original depositional textures and creates preferential flow pathways with the potential to increase permeability. Overall, if the diagenesis and resulting low permeability values of the core samples are representative of the White Rim Sandstone at depth, then the White Rim Sandstone would not make a high-quality storage reservoir despite initial, promising outcrop results.
Beyond the research paper: First-generation students and the Framework in everyday contexts

Being first gen, it’s hard, like, the library information is not in us ’cause we are learning this by ourselves.” This sentiment, expressed by Vanessa, a first-year, first-generation student, is a common one. The unspoken norms, procedures, and genres that incoming students are expected to grasp—both in higher education generally and in information literacy and academic libraries specifically—often make college an unfamiliar, confusing, and unwelcoming new world for first-generation students (FGS). Yet in my work as a liaison librarian for TRIO and other support programs at the University of Northern Colorado, I constantly wonder at the highly developed and varied knowledge and skills FGS bring with them from their homes, workplaces, communities, and previous education.
Overcoming Barriers to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Insomnia

Apply evidence-based diagnostic guidelines for patients who have clinical features consistent with insomnia. Use evidence-based guidelines to develop comprehensive treatment plans that include cognitive-behavioral therapy, pharmacologic treatment, and combination therapies to achieve optimal outcomes Identify basic elements of cognitivebehavioral therapy for insomnia Differentiate among medications FDA-approved for treating insomnia by discussing mechanism of action, safety, efficacy, and use.
Partial TMR for Improving the Soft Error Reliability of SRAM-Based FPGA Designs

Triple modular redundancy (TMR) is a single-event upset (SEU)-mitigation technique that uses three circuit copies to mask a failure in any one copy. It improves the soft error reliability of designs implemented on SRAM-based field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) by masking the effects of upsets in the configuration memory. Although TMR is most effective when applied to an entire FPGA design, a reduction in the sensitive cross section of an FPGA design can be obtained by applying TMR selectively. This article explores several approaches for selecting components to triplicate. The benefit is a reduction in the neutron cross section for any output error as a percentage compared to that of a non-triplicated design. The cost is the percentage of components triplicated. The goal is to maximize the benefit–cost ratio. Twenty-five different selections are tested on a benchmark design. Some selections increase the cross section; others decrease the cross section significantly.
Multi-locus phylogenetic analyses of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides species complex causing crown rot on strawberry in Florida.

Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is the causal agent of Colletotrichum crown rot of strawberry in the southern United States. Recent multi-gene studies defined C. gloeosporioides as a complex species...