cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Technology and Structure: The Concrete, Abstract, and Activity Systems of Organizations

Attempts by organizational researchers to conceptualize and explicate the concepts of technology and structure have been subject to inconsistencies and misspecifications. These problems stem from the absence of an integrative framework that considers these concepts simultaneously. Such a framework is developed here, rooted both in the theoretical work on technology and structure and in systems theory. This framework specifies the qualitatively different components that constitute technology in organizations, the hierarchical arrangement of these components, and the nature of organizational structuring. The components considered are those associated with the concrete (living and nonliving), the abstract, and the activity systems that characterize organizations. These system components are integrated into a model of technology and structure. Implications of this model for the management of technological and structural change are discussed.
Brain Microbleeds and Cognitive Function

There has been increasing recognition of the role of cerebrovascular disease and its risk factors in the etiopathogenesis of dementia in older persons.1,2 Cerebral infarcts, white matter changes, hypertension, and diabetes have all been implicated as causal agents or risk factors for dementia.3 The public health impact of cerebrovascular disease on dementia is underscored by the observation that up to one third of older individuals have cerebral infarcts by neuroimaging4 or pathology,5 many without clinically recognized stroke.4–6 These infarcts, often subcortical in location,4–6 not only can result in dementia,7 but may also add to cognitive impairment,5 lower the threshold for dementia,8 and have a synergistic effect with Alzheimer disease pathology.9 Subcortical infarcts are most often secondary to small vessel disease, pathologically identified by lipohyalinosis of the straight penetrating arterioles. Hypertension and diabetes are both risk factors for this pathology and thereby risk factors for subcortical infarcts. Vessel wall changes can lead to hemorrhage as well as infarction. When the leakiness of blood vessels results in small amounts of extravasated blood and ultimately hemosiderin, this is known as microbleeds. Microbleeds are defined as …
Quasi-Static Behavior of Individual C-Block Piezoelectric Actuators

Most piezoelectric actuators used in smart structure applications are either stiff stacks which produce high forces and small deflections, or compliant benders which produce large deflections and small forces. This leaves a mid-range gap in actuator performance in which many applications operate. A new class of solid state actuators, known as C-blocks, has been developed as a mid-range actuator. A C-block is a semicircular composite bender actuated with piezoelectric layers. It can be combined in series and/or parallel to increase actuator deflection and/or force. A simple, linear analytical model for the quasi-static force-deflection behavior of a generic individual C-block is presented in this paper. This model can be used to determine the relationship between force and deflection, as well as the free deflection, blocking force, actuator stiffness, and maximum energy transferable to the actuated system. This model was experimentally verified with three case studies: PZT-8 and PZT-5H ceramic unimorphs; P...
Second-harmonic generation from a silver grating with surface plasmons

We have studied both experimentally and theoretically enhanced optical second-harmonic generation (SHG) from a silver grating due to surface-plasmon excitation with a Nd-glass laser. Reduced Rayleigh equations are employed to calculate the enhancement of the diffracted SHG over that reflected from a smooth surface. Using a grating of 1200 lines/mm with an effective groove depth of 220 A we observe diffracted SHG in the n = −1, 0, and +1 orders. For the n = −1 order we measure an enhancement factor of 7000, which is the largest reported. By assuming a grating profile function that is 97% sinusoidal with a 3% admixture of the third spatial harmonic, we obtain a calculated enhancement factor that agrees with experiment to within 25% for all three diffracted orders. The n = +1 diffracted intensity is particularly sensitive to the existence of a spatial third-harmonic Fourier component in the grating profile. These results demonstrate that the Rayleigh method may be used to predict accurately the enhancement of SHG due to diffractive coupling to surface plasmons.
Universal similarity at high grid Reynolds numbers

Kolmogorov's second hypothesis has been examined for the case of turbulence generated behind a very large grid. The turbulent Reynolds number RΛ = 280 was sufficient to obtain a short inertial subrange. The one-dimensional subrange constant a1 = 0·48 ± 0·06 is in agreement with recent determinations made in geophysical flows. Isotropy was tested by comparing the transverse velocity spectrum with the transverse spectrum predicted from the longitudinal spectrum using the isotropic relations. The comparison showed the flow to be isotropic everywhere except at the largest scales.It was observed that at high wavenumbers the spectra were attenuated by effects of finite wire length. The wire-length corrections suggested by Wyngaard (1968) were found to be inadequate. New corrections based on experimentally determined universal spectra are proposed.
Determinants of In-Group and Out-Group Perceptions of Heterogeneity An Investigation of Sino-American Stereotypes

Research indicates that increased familiarity with a social category leads to greater category differentiation. Consequently, in-groups are perceived as more heterogeneous than out-groups and intergroup contact enhances perceived out-group heterogeneity. In examining Sino-American stereotypes, this study considers two additional determinants of perceived heterogeneity. These are (a) perceptual responsiveness to the target group's objective level of heterogeneity, and (b) adjusting perceptions of heterogeneity to be evaluatively consistent with attitudes toward the target group. The results obtained from Chinese and American subjects indicate that responsiveness to objective differences between the in-group and out-group can override the tendency to perceive greater heterogeneity in the in-group. Furthermore, evaluative consistency mechanisms play an important and unique role in determining perceived out-group heterogeneity.
Risk factors for pseudogout in the general population

Objective. To evaluate the association between the purported risk factors for chondrocalcinosis and gout and the risk of pseudogout in the general population. Methods. We conducted a case-control study nested within a UK general practice database (The Health Improvement Network) by identifying incident cases of pseudogout between 1986 and 2007 and up to 10 control subjects matched to each case, based on age, sex and follow-up time. We evaluated the purported risk factors for chondrocalcinosis (i.e. OA, RA, hyperparathyroidism and diuretics) and established risk factors for gout (as comparison exposures) using conditional logistic regression analysis. Results. We identified 795 cases of pseudogout and 7770 matched control subjects. The risk of pseudogout was associated with hyperparathyroidism [odds ratio (OR) 4.87; 95% CI 2.10, 11.3], OA (OR 2.91; 95% CI 2.48, 3.43) and loop diuretic use (OR 1.35; 95% CI 1.09, 1.67). RA, thiazide diuretic use, BMI and other gout risk factors were not associated with the risk of pseudogout, except for chronic renal failure (OR 2.29; 95% CI 1.30, 4.01). Conclusion. This general population study based on physician-recorded pseudogout suggests that most of the previously observed associations with chondrocalcinosis are replicable with the risk of pseudogout, but there are notable differences, such as thiazide diuretics, RA and chronic renal failure, highlighting the need to study the clinical outcome, pseudogout. Avoiding loop diuretics may help individuals with recurrent pseudogout.
Thermodynamics of AChR Activation

Energy changes in muscle acetylcholine receptor (AChR) gating were estimated from single-channel currents by using a cyclic activation scheme. Mutations mainly cause local and independent free energy changes that can be mapped onto structures and used to engineer rate and equilibrium constants. Residue-by-residue maps of reaction progress (phi) show that two separated regions, the agonist binding sites and linkers in the membrane domain, are the first to reach the gating transition state, followed by the extracellular domain, most of the membrane domain and a gate that appears to unlock in three steps. Maps of ground state free energies show big changes at the agonist sites, domain and subunit interfaces, a transmembrane helix and the gate. The local character of side chain energy changes and the similar phi values of the agonist sites and distant linkers suggest that the gating allosteric transition is not a purely mechanical process. Each AChR has 2 agonist sites in the extracellular domain, at αδ and either αe (adult) or αγ (fetal) subunit interfaces. Here, an increase in affinity for the ligand increases Po much as the movement of S4 does in voltage-gated channels. We measured the effects of mutations at each site with regard to their contribution to the binding free energy, active vs. resting (ΔGB). In both adult and fetal AChRs the two agonist sites behave independently. For 4 different agonists ΔGB is more favorable at αγ compared to the others. Only 3 aromatics contribute to ΔGB at the adult sites but 5 do so at αγ. ΔGB values calculated from MD simulations are consistent with the experimental ones and suggest that the αγ site is more compact, better organized and less dynamic than the others.
Multilayer coated concave diffraction grating resolution and efficiency in the extreme ultraviolet

Recent advances in multilayer structures for the extreme ultraviolet now make it possible to construct diffraction gratings in the wavelength range below 350 A, which can be used for precision measurements using normal incidence spectrometers. We report results from two such gratings, one with conventionally ruled blazed facets and the other with a holographically ruled sinusoidal surface. Both gratings are 1 m in radius, 1200 lines/mm coated with a molybdenum-silicon multilayer for use in the 150 A wavelength region. A 1 m normal incidence spectrometer with a Garton flash tube source and a film detector was used to test the spectral resolution. Relative efficiency measurements were obtained by comparison to spectra produced by an osmium coated grating. Emission lines in the wavelength region of interest (characteristic of the source) are easily detected and well resolved with both multilayer coated gratings. Quantitative efficiency measurements were obtained using a Penning source coupled to a 1 m grazing incidence monochromator and an imaging photon counting detector.
Acute increase in blood pressure during inhalation of coarse particulate matter air pollution from an urban location.

Particulate matter (PM) air pollution is a leading global risk factor for cardiovascular mortality. Although exposure to fine PM <2.5 μm raises arterial blood pressure (BP), few studies have evaluated the impact of coarse PM which differs in size (2.5-10 μm), sources, and chemistry. Twenty-nine healthy adults (30.4 ± 8.2 years) underwent a randomized double-blind crossover study involving 2-hour exposures to concentrated ambient coarse PM (164.2 ± 80.4 μg/m(3)) at an urban location (Dearborn, Michigan) versus filtered air. Cardiovascular outcomes were measured during, immediately, and 2 hours after exposures. Both systolic (1.9 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval: 0.96, 2.8; P < .001) and diastolic (1.9 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval: 1.1, 2.7; P < .001) BP levels were higher throughout coarse PM compared with filtered air exposures by mixed-model analyses. Heart rate variability, endothelial function, and arterial compliance were not significantly affected. Brief exposure to coarse PM in an urban environment raises arterial BP. These findings add mechanistic support to the contention that coarse PM may be capable of promoting cardiovascular events.
Management of Adult Syphilis: Key Questions to Inform the 2015 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines

A panel of experts generated 8 "key questions" in the management of adult syphilis. A systematic literature review was conducted and tables of evidence were constructed to answer these important questions. Penicillin is the drug of choice to treat syphilis. Doxycycline to treat early and late latent syphilis is an acceptable alternate option if penicillin cannot be used. There is no added benefit to enhanced antimicrobial therapy when treating human immunodeficiency virus-infected persons with syphilis. If a patient misses a dose of penicillin in a course of weekly therapy for late syphilis, clinical experience suggests that an interval of 10-14 days between doses might be acceptable before restarting the sequence of injections. Pharmacologic considerations suggest that an interval of 7-9 days between doses, if feasible, may be more optimal. Missed doses are not acceptable for pregnant women. A cerebrospinal fluid examination to diagnose neurosyphilis is recommended in persons diagnosed with tertiary syphilis (eg, cardiovascular syphilis or late benign syphilis), persons with neurological signs or symptoms consistent with neurosyphilis, and asymptomatic persons whose serological titers do not decline appropriately following recommended therapy and in whom reinfection is ruled out. Infection and reinfection rates, particularly among men who have sex with men, are high. Frequent serological screening of this population appears to be the most cost-efficient intervention. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to recommend the use of the traditional rapid plasma reagin-based screening algorithm. The positive predictive value for syphilis associated with an isolated unconfirmed reactive treponemal chemiluminescence assay or enzyme immunoassay is low if the epidemiological risk and clinical probability for syphilis are low. Among pregnant women with serodiscordant serologies (positive treponemal tests and a negative nontreponemal test), the risk of vertical transmission from mother to infant is low. Several important questions regarding the management of syphilis remain unanswered and should be a priority for future research.
Dynamics of International Nuclear Safety: Post-Fukushima Developments in Regulatory Oversight and Filtered Vent Technology in Six Nuclear Countries

Nuclear safety has undergone intense scrutiny since the Fukushima Daiichi accident in 2011. Areas of particular consideration include the strength of regulatory entities and the use of filtered containment venting systems (FCVS). This assessment reviews the status of nuclear safety regulators with an emphasis on independence. The chapter also examines rules on FCVS and its utilization. Developments specific to China, France, India, Russia, South Korea, and the United States are the central focus. The chapter finds varying levels of autonomy exist among the nuclear safety regulatory entities. The assessment also shows that four of the six countries have not adopted filtering technology, despite its use for decades and related safety gains. Aspects for continued monitoring and study are discussed.
Anomalous Energetic Proton Emission during 170 keV Deuteron Bombardment of TiD2

TiH 2 and TiD 2 thick targets were bombarded with 170 keV protons and with 170 keV deuterons. Charged particles from nuclear reactions were observed by means of a surface barrier particle detector shielded by an energy absorbing foil. Deuteron irradiation of TiD 2 produced these observations: copious ∼2.5 MeV neutrons and ∼3 MeV protons from direct d–d reactions; gamma rays from p,γ and n,γ reactions; ∼14 MeV protons from the secondary d( 3 He,p)α reaction; and an anomalous, broad energy distribution proton signal between ∼5–11 MeV. Our observations confirm the anomalous proton emission at a rate ∼4×10 -5 of the d–d fusion rate.
Microstructure and surface morphology of Ag and Au films grown on hydrogen-terminated Si(111) substrates

Reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) studies on Ag and Au films grown on hydrogen terminated Si(111) substrates at room temperature indicate a oriented growth. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) data reveal a smooth surface morphology for both Ag and Au films after annealing at 275°C and 175°C for 1 hour, as compared to films without annealing. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HREM) was employed to examine the annealed samples. HREM studies show a highly uniform film with abrupt interface for Ag/Si(111). On the other hand, Au/Si(111) shows several twin formations both at the interface and in the bulk of the film.
What Are the Benefits of Unit Pricing

Does unit-price information alter purchase decisions of consumers in supermarkets? Will the change to a unit-pricing system create burdensome costs for retailers? The authors report the results of ...
Metabolic activities of sloughed cells from the jejunal mucosa of dogs with Thiry-Vella loops.

SummaryThree metabolic activities of sloughed epithelial cells of the dog jejunum were investigated. Sloughed epithelial cells as well as cells in the extrusion zone of the villus took up Nigrosin stain, while cells further down on the villus did not. Furthermore, sloughed cells did not incorporate acetate into non-saponinable lipid, whereas an equal number of cells in an intact intestinal slice did. Nonetheless, the particulate fraction of the succus entericus contained 95% of the total sucrase and alkaline phosphatase activity, and the sucrase activity was stable during incubation with the intestinal secretion. Based on this stability of sucrase and on the use of a simple flushing procedure, a dependable in vivo method of determining the sloughing rate is described.
Influence of pregnancy on body weight, ruminal characteristics, and visceral organ mass in beef heifers.

Crossbred heifers (initially 24 mo, approximate age and 378 +/- 32.1 kg BW) were used to evaluate the influence of pregnancy and advancing gestation on DMI, BW, carcass weight, ruminal characteristics, and visceral organ mass. Heifers (naturally serviced (n = 22; nonpregnant controls, n = 17), were grouped in common pens. Heifers were provided corn silage and hay-based diets formulated to provide 0.45 kg of ADG. Treatments were pregnancy and nonpregnancy; pregnant and nonpregnant heifers were slaughtered on d 40, 120, 200, and 270. Live weight at slaughter and BW change throughout the trial were not influenced by pregnancy (P > 0.1). Carcass weight per unit of BW was decreased due to pregnancy (P 0.1) at any of the slaughter periods. Heart mass responded differently when nonpregnant and pregnant were analyzed over time and an interaction was detected as slaughter period advanced (P 0.1). Data indicate that ruminal fill is altered by pregnancy but visceral organ mass is not greatly changed by treatment.
QUANTUM THEORY OF POLARIZATION CORRELATION IN TWO-PHOTON EMISSION

This chapter focuses on the quantum theory for the polarization correlations between two photons consecutively emitted by an atom cascading toward its ground state. These polarizations are related to the values of the quantum number j of the atom in the states among which the transitions take place. The normalized linear superpositions of wavefunctions ψ describing polarized one-photon states give rise to wave packet functions g which are similar linear superpositions of the wave-packet functions g corresponding to the original polarizations. Combining and decomposing different polarizations in classical optics finds its analog in similar operations on quantum-mechanical photon wave functions. Hidden-variables theories of the second kind are inventions that are to explain in deterministic language the existence of correlations of this general type.
Exploring undergraduate engineering students' conceptual learning of complex circuit concepts in an introductory course

Some researchers have discussed that despite the implementation of active and engaging learning strategies to the teaching process, students still experience difficulties learning complex circuit concepts. Propositions from the literature credit the difficulty students face when learning circuit concepts to the following factors: 1. pre-conceptions students bring to the classroom which most times lead to the development of misconceptions, 2. the lack of engaging learning environments within which students can interact with the new material being taught, and 3. the difficult and complex nature of electric circuits. This study was designed to investigate how complex circuit concepts such as complex forcing function, phasors and sinusoidal steady-state analysis are taught in an introductory course. The research questions that guided this work were “What are the instructional strategies used to teach complex circuit concepts in an introductory circuit course? What characteristics are emphasized as important in the learning of complex circuit concepts?” The results of this study are significant to the field of engineering in that this study contributes to the body of literature on complex circuits and students' conceptual understanding.
Introduction to PACS

Picture archiving and communications systems (PACS) represent the technological core of a modern, digital, radiology department. Although their core function is storage, distribution, and display of medical images, they have taken on an increasingly important role in the entire workflow of the radiology department.
Lead Extraction Through a Wide-Angle Lens.

See Article by Sood et al Implantation of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices has increased steadily since their debut some 60 years ago with estimates of 1.2 to 1.4 million devices implanted annually worldwide.1 Currently, the vast majority of these cardiovascular implantable electronic devices use leads that provide a direct electrical connection from the pulse generator to cardiac tissue. Inevitably, the incidence of lead extraction has increased concurrently and in recent years has even exceeded the increase in implants. The interaction between the leads and the body is best thought of as a dynamic substrate by virtue of the degree of tissue ingrowth (making removal more difficult over time), increasing likelihood of venous occlusion with increased dwell time (necessitating lead extraction to gain access for system upgrade or lead replacement), as well as the lead’s position as the electromechanical weak link in modern cardiovascular implantable electronic device systems. Current literature on lead extraction safety and outcomes is limited by a few factors. First, lead models change through time, and significant evidence exists that the likelihood of fracture and possibly even extraction-related morbidity and mortality is dependent on the lead model and architecture.1–4 Therefore, existing evidence may not apply to future (or even current) leads requiring extraction. Furthermore, although extraction, as defined as removal of a lead in place for >1 year or requiring specialized tools for removal, occurs at centers with various clinical volumes and by operators with various levels of experience, most published reports of lead extraction outcomes are from a few high-volume centers with highly experienced operators.2,4–8 When lead extraction has been studied at centers of various sizes, the incidence of major adverse events showed an inverse correlation with institutional volume, suggesting that real-world complication rates likely exceed published data. …
Conformal Mappings onto Nonoverlapping Regions

Let f(ζ) = a + dζ… be analytic and univalent in the unit disk |ζ| < 1, mapping it conformally onto some domain D. We shall call a = f(0) the center and |d| = |f′(0)| the inner radius of D with respect to a. Roughly speaking, our problem is to find n functions $$f_j(\zeta) = a_j+d_j \zeta + \ldots, \quad j=1,2,\ldots,n,$$ (1) which map the disk conformally onto nonoverlapping regions D j whose union has prescribed transfinite diameter R, with the centers a j as far apart as possible and the inner radii |d j | as large as possible. Here only n and R are specified in advance.
Contribution of polyphenols to the total antioxidant capacity of pomegranate and grape juices

Pomegranate juice (PJ) and grape juice (GJ) have comparable ORAC assay values, but PJ is more potent than GJ in other in vitro measures of Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC). We examined the basis fo...
Bile acids LIII: Application of reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography to the analysis of conjugated bile acids in bile samples

Abstract The common conjugated bile acids of deproteinated bile from the human or the rat can be separated by high-pressure liquid chromatography and quantitated within 30 min with a 4-mm × 30-cm “fatty-acid analysis” column (Waters Associates) in 2-propanol/8.8 m m potassium phosphate buffer (pH 2.5) 160:340, coupled to a uv flow detector set at 193-nm wavelength. Detection limits were at least 0.1 nmol for the tauro-conjugates and 0.2 nmol for the glyco-derivatives.
Condition Critical: Compliance and Persistence with Osteoporosis Medications

Abstract Despite multiple efforts at changing patient and provider behaviors to improve the use of pharmacologic medication for osteoporosis, the rates of compliance and persistence are still below desirable levels. This is a multifaceted problem that stems from a lack of knowledge, poor patient–provider communication, and powerful fears of the side effects of osteoporosis medications in general. This chapter covers issues of compliance and persistence as well as the ways in which osteoporosis causes or exacerbates psychosocial problems, including depression. Previous attempts to modify patient behavior in compliance and persistence have consistently failed, even though they have been well designed and based on the literature. I suggest here that cognitive reframing of osteoporosis in the minds of both patients and providers is essential to overcoming problems brought about by the media, the Internet, and websites that contain false information, and the poor educational efforts most patients receive.
Evaluating the effectiveness of and patterns of interactions with automated searching assistance: Research Articles

We report quantitative and qualitative results of an empirical evaluation to determine whether automated assistance improves searching performance and when searchers desire system intervention in the search process. Forty participants interacted with two fully functional information retrieval systems in a counterbalanced, within-participant study. The systems were identical in all respects except that one offered automated assistance and the other did not. The study used a client-side automated assistance application, an approximately 500,000-document Text REtrieval Conference content collection, and six topics. Results indicate that automated assistance can improve searching performance. However, the improvement is less dramatic than one might expect, with an approximately 20p performance increase, as measured by the number of user-selected relevant documents. Concerning patterns of interaction, we identified 1,879 occurrences of searcher– system interactions and classified them into 9 major categories and 27 subcategories or states. Results indicate that there are predictable patterns of times when searchers desire and implement searching assistance. The most common three-state pattern is Execute Query–View Results: With Scrolling–View Assistance. Searchers appear receptive to automated assistance; there is a 71p implementation rate. There does not seem to be a correlation between the use of assistance and previous searching performance. We discuss the implications for the design of information retrieval systems and future research directions. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Beer Uses and Attitudes in the Craft Era

This article aims to address the shifts in uses and attitudes in the era of craft beer’s growth in the United States, where brand loyalty has diminished in importance; whereas the need for explorat...
Low Switching Frequency Deadbeat-Direct Torque and Flux Control of Wound Field Synchronous Machines

Enhancements to the deadbeat-direct torque and flux control (DB-DTFC) of wound field synchronous machines (WFSMs) are proposed allowing for operation at low switching frequency to fundamental frequency ratios. Discrete time current and flux linkage observers which properly model WFSM d-q and d-f cross-coupling are formed using a Taylor series approximated sampled Laplace approach. The affect of the Taylor series order on the discretization error and model accuracy is examined. The torque curve to determine the inverter voltage commands is derived from the flux linkage model coefficients. Experimental comparison of the WFSM torque response is made between the classical DB-DTFC with current and flux observers formed using a z-transform approach and the torque line derived from a forward Euler method and the newly proposed observers and torque curve.
Memory Technology enabling the next Artificial Intelligence revolution

Artificial intelligence (AI), specifically Deep Learning (DL) techniques are used for real-time analytics, fraud detection, autonomous driving, and speech recognition etc. These power and data hungry DL applications on cloud and at edge has increased Deep Neural Network (DNN) complexity. Multi-tiered Compute, Memory and Storage arrangements can help push AI applications by providing faster access to high volume of data and optimizing cost. AI memory needs are quite different from traditional workloads, requiring faster access to data. DRAM manufacturers struggle with challenges like density growth, cost and bit errors. High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) and GDDR help achieve almost real time access to the memory. Each of these memories have range of system trade-offs such as density, power efficiency and bandwidth. Unlike traditional memory, Persistent memory like MRAM, Phase change memory (PCM), Resistive RAM (ReRAM), Carbon Nanotube RAM (NRAM) etc. provide non-volatility. Persistent memory has a potential to reduce the latency and cost gap between DRAM and Storage. Persistent Memory is a promising technology for driving AI but face challenges of cost, scaling and reliability. Bigger the training data set, better the inference drawn by DNN. This comes with a huge storage demand. With increase in layer count of 3D NAND and innovations in circuit design and process technology, flash enables multi-bit TLC and QLC densities. PCIe bus with SSD provides low latency and high throughput, making flash the most optimal solution for AI storage. High aspect ratio channel etch, staircase contacts, defect control etc. are some of the challenges with upcoming flash generations.
Development and characterization of acoustically responsive exosomes for simultaneous imaging and drug delivery applications

Exosomes are naturally secreted bilayer vesicles ranging in size from 40 to 200 nm that play a critical role in cell-to-cell communications and protein and RNA delivery. Researchers have explored exosomes as potential drug delivery vehicles due to their natural morphology and small size. Here, for the first time, bovine milk derived exosomes have been modified to be acoustically responsive as potential ultrasound contrast agents or a drug carrier. The echogenic exosomes were formed through a freeze-drying process in the presence of mannitol. The size and morphology of the particles were assessed with a qNano™ and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The ultrasound response of these particles was characterized through linear and non-linear scattering behaviors. The presence of the echogenic exosomes enhances the scattered signal by 11.4 ± 6.3 dB. The stability of these particles under constant ultrasound exposure were assessed to be similar to that of echogenic polymersomes. The variation of mannitol concentration was assessed. To assess the imaging improvement of ultrasound imaging, the exosomes were injected through a tail vein in mice. The modification of the echogenic exosomes shows to have great promise as potential ultrasound contrast agents or ultrasound responsive drug delivery system.
The Use of Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography–Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (GC×GC–TOF-MS) for Metabolomic Analysis of Polar Metabolites

Metabolites produced by an organism can be quite extensive, and one analytical technique alone is not capable of their comprehensive detection and identification. The majority of environmental metabolomic studies have implemented proton nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H-NMR) spectroscopy with little attention given to mass spectrometry (MS) techniques. In this chapter, an analytical technique is outlined that incorporates two-dimensional gas chromatography-time-of-flight MS (GC×GC-TOF-MS) for the identification and quantification of polar metabolites.
Optical coherence tomography through a rigid borescope applied to quantification of articular cartilage thickness in a porcine knee model

There exists an unmet need for an optical coherence tomography (OCT) delivery scheme that is simple, robust, and applicable to general surgical applications. To deliver the beam in a narrow form factor, optical borescopes present an attractive potential solution. We present a method for enabling endoscopic delivery of OCT using a handheld rigid borescope adapted to a low-cost OCT engine. The system reduces the distal profile of the scanner, enabling application of the system in otherwise hard-to-access regions. The clinical potential of this design is demonstrated through real-time quantification of articular cartilage thickness, a primary biomarker of joint health during osteoarthritis. This platform has the potential to enable use of OCT for real-time feedback during arthroscopic surgery.
Do you think some veterans are receiving a "get out of jail free" card? Examining support for Veterans Treatment Court as a function of mental health and offense type

To investigate if and how support for Veterans Treatment Court changed as a consequence of the veteran’s mental health label (PTSD, war injury, no mental illness) and offense type (DUI, DUI with injury, aggravated battery). Participants read one of nine fictitious news articles about a veteran recently arrested for a crime, and were then asked questions regarding whether that veteran’s case should be allowed in Veterans Court, stigma of the veteran, and perceptions of this specialty court. Those who believed the veteran had PTSD were the most supportive of his participation and the least likely to believe the program was a “get out of jail free” card. Additionally, despite including a violent crime, participants across each offense type were supportive of the veteran’s participation in the court. While some research notes veterans may experience shame because of their PTSD diagnosis, we found that this label resulted in more support for the program. The inclusion of some violent offenses was also supported; however, further research is needed to explore where that backing ends.
Epidemiology and regional variation in the mortality of patients admitted with prostate cancer in the United States.

69Background: Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men and one of the leading causes of death among men of all races worldwide. Prostate cancer prevalence and mortality vary substan...
A merit parameter to determine the stacking order of heterogeneous diphasic soft armor systems

Abstract The effects of stacking order on the ballistic performance may be detrimental if the order is improperly chosen. When the frontal material is constrained transversely by the rear material, it results in sub-optimal performance compared to the alternate configuration where both layers can freely deform. In this study, we examine the possibility of using the Cunniff velocity as a merit parameter in determining the optimal stacking order of heterogeneous diphasic soft armor systems by reviewing the results from previous studies. Experiments were performed on heterogeneous systems comprising ballistic-grade polyurea, Twaron® fabric, and Dyneema® UD laminate plies. Results show that the two constituent materials should be ordered such that the material with a higher Cunniff velocity is placed at the rear to minimize interference. The use of the merit parameter is then analyzed via existing models to examine the effects of changing various parameters. We further discuss the idea of “ballistically-thin” materials in relation to the concept of membrane strain energy dissipation efficiency of a soft armor target.
Evaluation of a hybrid direct-indirect active matrix flat-panel imager using Monte Carlo simulation.

Purpose: Monte Carlo simulations were used to evaluate the imaging properties of a composite direct–indirect active matrix flat-panel imager (AMFPI) with potentially more favorable tradeoffs between x-ray quantum efficiency and spatial resolution than direct or indirect AMFPIs alone. This configuration, referred to as a hybrid AMFPI, comprises a scintillator that is optically coupled to an a-Se direct AMFPI through a transparent electrode and hole blocking layer, such that a-Se acts as both a direct x-ray converter and an optical sensor. Approach: GEANT4 was used to simulate x-ray energy deposition, optical transport, and charge signal generation processes in various hybrid AMPFI configurations under RQA5 and RQA9 x-ray beam conditions. The Fujita–Lubberts–Swank method was used to quantify the impact of irradiation geometry, x-ray converter thicknesses, conversion gain of each layer, and x-ray cross talk between layers on detective quantum efficiency (DQE). Results: Each hybrid configuration had a greater DQE than its direct AMFPI layer alone. The DQE improvement was largest at low spatial frequencies in both front- and back-irradiation (BI) geometries due to increased x-ray quantum efficiency provided by the scintillator. DQE improvements persisted at higher frequencies in BI geometry due to preferential x-ray absorption in a-Se. Matching the x-ray-to-charge conversion gains of a hybrid AMFPI’s direct and indirect detection layers affects its Swank factor and, thus, DQE(0). X-ray cross talk has a negligible impact on the DQE ( f ) of hybrid AMFPIs with sufficiently high optical quantum efficiency. Conclusion: An optimized hybrid AMFPI can achieve greater DQE performance than current direct or indirect AMFPIs.
Dynamic Light Scattering Applied to Electrorotation: Measurement of Internal Particle Properties and Layer Capacitance

Dynamic light scattering (DLS) is widely used to characterize the properties of colloidal particles. We combine DLS with electrorotation spectroscopy [see GIMSA et. al. in this issue]. In electrorotation individual particle rotation is induced by a rotating radio-frequency field. Electrorotation is sensitive to the particle’s internal dielectric structures. Our measurements on human red blood cells give the same results as electrorotational spectra measured microscopically. From characteristic points of the spectrum, values for the cell’s membrane capacitance and internal conductivity can be obtained. We found the need of high field strength and low particle concentration to get a clear separation of the rotation from other field-induced particle motions.
Role of long non-coding RNA in DEET- and fipronil-mediated alteration of transcripts associated with Phase I and Phase II xenobiotic metabolism in human primary hepatocytes.

Abstract Human exposure to environmental chemicals both individually and in combination occurs frequently world-wide most often with unknown consequences. Use of molecular approaches to aide in the assessment of risk involved in chemical exposure is a growing field in toxicology. In this study, we examined the impact of two environmental chemicals used in and around homes, the insect repellent DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) and the phenylpyrazole insecticide fipronil (fluocyanobenpyrazole) on transcript levels of enzymes potentially involved in xenobiotic metabolism and on long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Primary human hepatocytes were treated with these two chemicals both individually and in combination. Using RNA-Seq, we found that 10 major enzyme categories involved in phase 1 and phase 2 xenobiotic metabolism were significantly (α = 0.05) up- and down-regulated (i.e., 100 μM DEET–19 transcripts, 89% up and 11% down; 10 μM fipronil–52 transcripts, 53% up and 47% down; and 100 μM DEET +10 μM fipronil–69 transcripts, 43% up and 57% down). The altered genes were then mapped to the human genome and their proximity (within 1,000,000 bp) to lncRNAs examined. Unique proximities were discovered between altered lncRNA and altered P450s (CYP) and other enzymes (DEET, 2 CYP; Fipronil, 6 CYP and 15 other; and DEET + fipronil, 7 CYP and 21 other). Many of the altered P450 transcripts were in multiple clusters in the genome with proximal altered lncRNAs, suggesting a regulator function for the lncRNA. At the gene level there was high percent identity for lncRNAs near P450 clusters, but this relationship was not found at the transcript level. The role of these altered lncRNAs associated with xenobiotic induction, human diseases and chemical mixtures is discussed.
Feasibility of a syndrome-informed micro-intervention for infants with Down syndrome.

Background Infants with Down syndrome (DS) are at risk for a range of phenotypic outcomes, including delays in the onset of reaching behaviour, a critical skill that facilitates early learning. This parallel-group feasibility and pilot study presents findings from a parent-mediated micro-intervention that aimed to support the development of reaching behaviour in a sample of infants with DS. Methods Participants were 73 infants with DS and their caregivers. Infants who qualified for the home-based intervention (based on manual skill performance on Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition items) were randomly assigned individually or by geographical region to a treatment or an alternative treatment condition that involved toy-based interactions with caregivers. Infants in the treatment condition experienced facilitated reaching during the toy-based interactions through the use of Velcro-affixed mittens and toys. Results Forty-two infants met criteria to participate in the intervention, and 37 participated in both baseline and post-treatment visits. At post-treatment, infants in the treatment condition demonstrated shorter latencies to make contact with objects and showed higher frequencies of reach attempts and swats at objects than infants in the alternative treatment group. These findings were more pronounced when examining a chronological age-restricted subgroup of infants 5 to 10 months. Conclusions Findings suggest that a syndrome-informed approach to targeted intervention may be a promising application of phenotyping science in DS and other neurogenetic conditions associated with intellectual disability.
Integrating familiar listeners and speech recognition technologies into augmentative and alternative communication intervention for adults with down syndrome: Descriptive exploration.

Many individuals with Down syndrome exhibit speech impairments that necessitate augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention. AAC intervention allows for access to communication th...
ROLE OF MONTELUKAST IN PREVENTING RELAPSE IN CHILDHOOD IDIOPATHIC NEPHROTIC SYNDROME: A QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

OBJECTIVE: To study the role of montelukast in preventing relapses in childhood idiopathic steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS). METHODS: This quasi-experimental, open label study was conducted at Department of Paediatric Nephrology, The Children’s Hospital and The Institute of Child Health, Multan, Pakistan. Total of 106 patients with first-episode of nephrotic syndrome, aged 1-10 years were enrolled from February-May 2019 and non-randomly assigned to Group-A & Group-B (53 patients in each group). All patients in both groups were started on prednisolone 2mg/kg single morning dose for 4-weeks as per institutional protocol. Group-A (Cases) also received montelukast 5mg daily at bedtime for at least 12 months while Group-B (control) was not given montelukast. All patients were followed up for one year till May 2020 to monitor the response to treatment and evidence of relapse. Ten patients were excluded from final analysis due to loss to follow-up (n=3; 2 in Group-A and 1 in Group-B) or showing steroids resistance (n=7; 3 in Group-A and 4 in Group-B). RESULTS: Out of 96 children (48 each in Group-A & B), 58 (60.4%) were males. Mean age was 4.7±1.9 years and most of children (n=64; 66.7%), were aged between 2-6 years. Overall relapse rate of 35.4% (n=34/98) was observed, with 9/48 (18.8%) patients in Group-A compared to 25/48 (52.1%) patients in Group-B (p<0.001). Out of 34 patients with relapse, 20 (58.8%) were males and 14 (41.2%) were females. CONCLUSION: Montelukast showed significant efficacy in preventing relapse rate in children with SSNS during one year of follow-up.
Design, Fabrication, and Validation of a New Family of 3D-Printable Structurally-Programmable Actuators for Soft Robotics

Soft robots have shown great potential for manufacturing exoskeletons, prostheses, and surgical robots. In this paper, we propose the concept of programmable soft robotics and will experimentally evaluate the performance in the context of continuum mechanisms. The proposed novel concept is motivated by the mechanical shape of RNA molecules which has a single-stranded polymeric molecule with a sugar-phosphate backbone and nitrogenous bases. The shape of the RNA and the type, location, and characteristics of the bases define the coded information. Due to the complexity of RNA, the proposed robot cannot be considered a “bio-inspired” design. Instead, we indirectly utilize the concept of encoding sequences and introduce a new family of soft continuum robots based on a novel design of 3D printable “mechanical library” and “embedded functions” to be implemented on the backbone structure for mechanical programming. Through structural coding of the bases, the paper proposed a wide range of continuum robots. The system has the potential to be scaled up for multiple degrees of freedom (DOF), while the dexterity and range can be structurally programmed. A set of three soft continuum systems are designed, simulated, manufactured. The performance is evaluated by comparing simulations and experiments. We observed that actuators have different hysteresis ranging from 7.50% to 38.36% (on average) with a standard deviation ranging from 5.56% to 40.72%. The results highlight the effect of inherent pneumatic delay causing the hysteresis loops, which should be considered for control.