cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of microstructure-dependent shock dissipation and hot-spot formation in granular metalized explosive

Variations in the microstructure of granular explosives (i.e., particle packing density, size, shape, and composition) can affect their shock sensitivity by altering thermomechanical fields at the particle-scale during pore collapse within shocks. If the deformation rate is fast, hot-spots can form, ignite, and interact, resulting in burn at the macro-scale. In this study, a two-dimensional finite and discrete element technique is used to simulate and examine shock-induced dissipation and hot-spot formation within low density explosives (68%–84% theoretical maximum density (TMD)) consisting of large ensembles of HMX (C4H8N8O8) and aluminum (Al) particles (size ∼ 60 –360 μm). Emphasis is placed on identifying how the inclusion of Al influences effective shock dissipation and hot-spot fields relative to equivalent ensembles of neat/pure HMX for shocks that are sufficiently strong to eliminate porosity. Spatially distributed hot-spot fields are characterized by their number density and area fraction enabling their dynamics to be described in terms of nucleation, growth, and agglomeration-dominated phases with increasing shock strength. For fixed shock particle speed, predictions indicate that decreasing packing density enhances shock dissipation and hot-spot formation, and that the inclusion of Al increases dissipation relative to neat HMX by pressure enhanced compaction resulting in fewer but larger HMX hot-spots. Ensembles having bimodal particle sizes are shown to significantly affect hot-spot dynamics by altering the spatial distribution of hot-spots behind shocks.
Morphology of U 3 O 8 materials following storage under controlled conditions of temperature and relative humidity

Changes in the visual characteristics of uranium oxide surfaces and morphology following storage under different conditions of temperature and relative humidity may provide insight into the history of an unknown sample. Sub-samples of three α-U3O8 materials—one that was phase-pure and two that were phase-impure—were stored under controlled conditions for two years. Scanning electron microscopy was used to image the oxides before and after storage, and a morphology lexicon was used to characterize the images. Temporal changes in morphology were observed in some sub-samples, and changes were greatest following exposure to high relative humidity.
Stem-cell Based Engineered Immunity Against HIV Infection in the Humanized Mouse Model

With the rapid development of stem cell-based gene therapies against HIV, there is pressing requirement for an animal model to study the hematopoietic differentiation and immune function of the genetically modified cells. The humanized Bone-marrow/Liver/Thymus (BLT) mouse model allows for full reconstitution of a human immune system in the periphery, which includes T cells, B cells, NK cells and monocytes. The human thymic implant also allows for thymic selection of T cells in autologous thymic tissue. In addition to the study of HIV infection, the model stands as a powerful tool to study differentiation, development and functionality of cells derived from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Here we outline the construction of humanized non-obese diabetic (NOD)-severe combined immunodeficient (SCID)-common gamma chain knockout (cγ(-/-))-Bone-marrow/Liver/Thymus (NSG-BLT) mice with HSCs transduced with CD4 chimeric antigen receptor (CD4CAR) lentivirus vector. We show that the CD4CAR HSCs can successfully differentiate into multiple lineages and have anti-HIV activity. The goal of the study is to demonstrate the use of NSG-BLT mouse model as an in vivo model for engineered immunity against HIV. It is worth noting that, because lentivirus and human tissue is used, experiments and surgeries should be performed in a Class II biosafety cabinet in a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL2) with special precautions (BSL2+) facility.
Bacterial Spore Injury — An Update1

Injury has long been recognized in bacterial spores, especially in evaluation of apparent survival after administration of treatments to control these resistant entities. Compared to vegetative cells, the complexity of the germination and outgrowth processes has retarded research activity on injury and resuscitation. Heat-injury has been observed and studied to the greatest extent, but irradiation and chemical treatments also damage spores from anaerobic or aerobic bacteria. Injury has been associated with germination or specific steps in outgrowth or both. Damage of enzymes, DNA, RNA, membranes or other systems may be implied by resuscitation studies. Injury has been manifested by increased sensitivity to selective or antimicrobial agents or by increased requirements for germination and growth. The need for extensive fundamental research on bacterial spore injury continues to exist, especially to aid in explaining unique spore resistance.
Two Waves of Mitochondrion Disruption in Apoptosis: Implications for the Design of Anti-Cancer Drugs.

Apoptosis plays an important role in preventing cancer development and promoting anti-cancer therapy. During mitochondria-mediated apoptosis, the disruption of mitochondria leads to the release of cytochrome c to form apoptosome with Apaf-1 and caspase-9, resulting in caspase-9 activation. However, the precise mechanisms controlling mitochondrion disruption remain elusive. Ablation of caspase-9 or other apoptosome components causes abnormal brain development and perinatal lethality in mice, making it difficult to assess the in vivo functions of caspase-9 signaling in many cell types and the role of caspase-9 in regulating mitochondria disruption. Through conditional knockout and inducible activation of caspase-9, we show that the loss of mitochondrion membrane potential (Δψm) during apoptosis proceeds in distinct caspase-9-dependent and independent steps. The initial loss of cells with high Δψm (Δψm h ) was independent of caspase-9, but required BH3-only proteins of the Bcl-2 family, such as Bim and BNIP3L. Caspase-9 deficiency arrested the B cells at a stage with intermediate levels of Δψm (Δψm int ). Apoptosis stimuli induced activation of effector caspases and cleavage of anti-apoptotic myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) in wild type but not caspase-9−/− B cells. Specific activation of caspase-9 by chemical-induced dimerization in human leukemia H9 cells also resulted in the loss of Δψm and cleavage of Mcl-1, but silencing of downstream effector caspases inhibited Mcl-1 cleavage and sequestered the cells at the Δψm int stage. Moreover, a cleavage-resistant Mcl-1 inhibited caspase-9-dependent mitochondrion disruption and apoptosis, indicating that caspase-9-mediated mitochondrion destruction involves Mcl-1 processing. Our data suggest that BH3-only proteins initiate the first wave of mitochondrion disruption during apoptosis with Δψm h to Δψm int transition, while caspase-9 signaling orchestrated the second wave of Δψm int to Δψm − transition through the cleavage of Mcl-1. Defects in mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathway are associated with the development and treatment failures of many hematological malignancies. Identification of stepwise mitochondrial disruption may allow specific targeting of apoptotic machineries in various therapeutic settings. Chemical-induced dimerization of caspase-9 may be particularly useful for the design of anti-cancer drugs to treat those malignancies involving Mcl-1 over-expression.
MICA/IL-12: A novel bifunctional protein for killer cell activation

Natural killer (NK) cells have the potential to be effective killers of tumor cells. They are governed by inhibitory and activating receptors such as NKG2D, whose ligands are normally upregulated in cells that are stressed, like cancer cells. Advanced cancer cells, however, have ways to reduce the expression of these ligands, leaving them less detectable by NK cells. Along with these receptors, NK cells also require activating cytokines, such as IL-12. A previous study in our laboratory showed that a fusion protein of the extracellular domain of mouse UL-16 binding protein-like transcript 1 (MULT1E) and mouse interleukin 12 (IL-12) can effectively activate mouse NK cells by in vitro assays and in vivo in animal tumor models. The aim of the present study was to expand the concept of developing a novel bifunctional fusion protein for enhanced NK cell activation to human killer cells. The proposed protein combines the extracellular domain of a human NKG2D ligand, MHC class I polypeptide-related sequence A (MICA) and IL-12. It is hypothesized that when expressed by tumor cells, the protein will activate human NK and other killer cells using the NKG2D receptor, and deliver IL-12 to the NK cells where it can interact with the IL-12R and enhance cytotoxicity. The fusion protein, when expressed by engineered tumor cells, indeed activated NK92 cells as measured by an increase in interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production and an increase in cytotoxicity of tumor cells. The fusion protein was also able to increase the proliferation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and augment their production of IFN-γ. This study along with the data from the previous mouse studies suggest that the MICA/IL-12 bifunctional fusion protein represents an effective activator of killer cells for cancer treatment.
Metastatic Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma and the Primary Thyroid Gross Examination: Institutional Review of Cases from 1990 to 2015.

The diagnosis of follicular-patterned carcinomas, including follicular thyroid carcinoma, oncocytic (Hurthle cell) carcinoma, and the encapsulated follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma, requires evidence of capsular and/or vascular invasion. With minimally invasive carcinomas classified often within less than a millimeter of tissue segregating them from adenomas and non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasms with papillary-like nuclear features, opinions vary internationally over how much of the capsule to submit in order to deem it well enough represented, considering that even if grossly entirely submitted in microcassettes, without leveling through each tissue block, the capsule is truly never entirely examined microscopically. Here, we retrospectively examine submission practices and outcomes at a single, high-volume institution over a 25-year period. Our results indicate that the vast majority of lesions with poor outcomes are those with wide invasion, and tumors lacking gross evidence of capsular perturbation rarely lead to recurrence or metastasis, an unsurprising result that should prompt re-evaluation of our grossing methods and approach to follicular-patterned tumors in a time of cost restraint, molecular diagnostics, and low biological potential of encapsulated, circumscribed neoplasia of the thyroid.
Neurochemical and Electrophysiological Events Underlying Stress-Induced Depression in an Animal Model

Exposing rats to uncontrollable shock produces behavioral and vegetative changes which bear considerable similarity to what is seen in human depression. This particular procedure represents the most widely-studied animal model of psychopathology. As a result of these studies, similarity of this model to human depression has been shown with respect to etiology, symptomatology, and responsiveness to treatment. These similarities will now be reviewed briefly.
Super-lncRNAs: identification of lncRNAs that target super-enhancers via RNA:DNA:DNA triplex formation

Super-enhancers are characterized by high levels of Mediator binding and are major contributors to the expression of their associated genes. They exhibit high levels of local chromatin interactions and a higher order of local chromatin organization. On the other hand, lncRNAs can localize to specific DNA sites by forming a RNA:DNA:DNA triplex, which in turn can contribute to local chromatin organization. In this paper, we characterize a new class of lncRNAs called super-lncRNAs that target super-enhancers and which can contribute to the local chromatin organization of the super-enhancers. Using a logistic regression model based on the number of RNA:DNA:DNA triplex sites a lncRNA forms within the super-enhancer, we identify 442 unique super-lncRNA transcripts in 27 different human cell and tissue types; 70% of these super-lncRNAs were tissue restricted. They primarily harbor a single triplex-forming repeat domain, which forms an RNA:DNA:DNA triplex with multiple anchor DNA sites (originating from transposable elements) within the super-enhancers. Super-lncRNAs can be grouped into 17 different clusters based on the tissue or cell lines they target. Super-lncRNAs in a particular cluster share common short structural motifs and their corresponding super-enhancer targets are associated with gene ontology terms pertaining to the tissue or cell line. Super-lncRNAs may use these structural motifs to recruit and transport necessary regulators (such as transcription factors and Mediator complexes) to super-enhancers, influence chromatin organization, and act as spatial amplifiers for key tissue-specific genes associated with super-enhancers.
Germline Mutations in DNA Repair Genes in Lung Adenocarcinoma.

Abstract Introduction Although lung cancer is generally thought to be environmentally provoked, anecdotal familial clustering has been reported, suggesting that there may be genetic susceptibility factors. We systematically tested whether germline mutations in eight candidate genes may be risk factors for lung adenocarcinoma. Methods We studied lung adenocarcinoma cases for which germline sequence data had been generated as part of The Cancer Genome Atlas project but had not been previously analyzed. We selected eight genes, ATM serine/threonine kinase gene ( ATM ), BRCA2, DNA repair associated gene ( BRCA2 ), checkpoint kinase 2 gene ( CHEK2 ), EGFR, parkin RBR E3 ubiquitin protein ligase gene ( PARK2 ), telomerase reverse transcriptase gene ( TERT ), tumor protein p53 gene ( TP53 ), and Yes associated protein 1 gene ( YAP1 ) , on the basis of prior anecdotal association with lung cancer or genome-wide association studies. Results Among 555 lung adenocarcinoma cases, we detected 14 pathogenic mutations in five genes; they occurred at a frequency of 2.5% and represented an OR of 66 (95% confidence interval: 33–125, p ATM (50%), followed by TP53 , BRCA2 , EGFR, and PARK2 . Most (86%) of these variants had been reported in other familial cancer syndromes. Another 12 cases (2%) carried ultrarare variants that were predicted to be deleterious by three protein prediction programs; these most frequently involved ATM and BRCA2 . Conclusions A subset of patients with lung adenocarcinoma, at least 2.5% to 4.5%, carry germline variants that have been linked to cancer risk in Mendelian syndromes. The genes fall most frequently in DNA repair pathways. Our data indicate that patients with lung adenocarcinoma, similar to other solid tumors, include a subset of patients with inherited susceptibility.
Age Effects on Drivers’ Physiological Response to Workload:

Driving a vehicle requires performing a combination of cognitive, visual, and manual tasks, which depend on the sensory and cognitive resources allocated to the task. Physiological measures, such a...
3-Substituted 1,5-Diaryl-1 H-1,2,4-triazoles as Prospective PET Radioligands for Imaging Brain COX-1 in Monkey. Part 1: Synthesis and Pharmacology.

Cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of proinflammatory thromboxanes and prostaglandins and is found in glial and neuronal cells within brain. COX-1 expression is implicated in numerous neuroinflammatory states. We aim to find a direct-acting positron emission tomography (PET) radioligand for imaging COX-1 in human brain as a potential biomarker of neuroinflammation and for serving as a tool in drug development. Seventeen 3-substituted 1,5-diaryl-1H-1,2,4-triazoles were prepared as prospective COX-1 PET radioligands. From this set, three 1,5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazoles, carrying a 3-methoxy (5), 3-(1,1,1-trifluoroethoxy) (20), or 3-fluoromethoxy substituent (6), were selected for radioligand development, based mainly on their high affinities and selectivities for inhibiting human COX-1, absence of carboxyl group, moderate computed lipophilicities, and scope for radiolabeling with carbon-11 (t1/2 = 20.4 min) or fluorine-18 (t1/2 = 109.8 min). Methods were developed for prod...
Numbers and Operations (Part I)

In this chapter, you will deal with content-practice, teaching, and learning issues relevant to the place value structure of whole numbers and decimal numbers up to the thousandths place in the Number and Operations in Base Ten (NBT) domain from kindergarten (K) through Grade 5 of the CCSSM. Table 4.1 lists the appropriate pages for your convenience.
Generation of composite load protection profiles for reliable system operation

Motor loads are equipped with protective mechanisms to prevent any damage to the loads in the event of a fault. Accurate representation of dynamic motor loads and their protection schemes is vital for power system planning and operation, especially in understanding system's response moments after a fault has occurred. Existing load models are inadequate to capture the behavior of protection mechanisms which can vary widely between different end-use appliances. This article proposes a methodology to generate composite protection profiles for commercial building motor loads. Combining knowledge of various protection schemes available in various end-use appliances, with the commercial buildings survey data (from U.S. Energy Information Administration) and typical end-use profiles generated using EnergyPlusTM), composite load protection profiles were generated at one-hour interval over a year, for different commercial buildings in representative cities from different climate zones.
Ventilatory responses of the burrowing Owl and Bobwhite to hypercarbia and hypoxia

The fractional concentration of CO2 within the occupied burrows of burrow-dwelling birds has been measured at 0.065 or higher while the fractional concentration of O2 can be 0.14 or lower. The ventilatory responses of the Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) and a non-burrowing bird, the Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), to the levels of hypercarbia, hypoxia and hypoxic hypercarbia likely encountered by this owl within its burrow were assessed. Ventilatory responses toFiCO2 of 0.01, 0.03, 0.05 and 0.07 at normoxia; toFiCO2 of 0.19, 0.17, 0.15 and 0.13 at normocarbia; and to combinedFiCO2 andFiO2 of 0.01:0.19, 0.03:0.17, 0.05:0.15 and 0.07:0.13 were measured by volumetric plethysmography. The Burrowing Owl exhibited a significantly attenuated ventilatory response to these levels of hypercarbia, hypoxia and hypoxic hypercarbia compared to the non-burrow-dwelling Bobwhite. A reduced ventilatory response to the hypoxic and hypercarbic stimuli has been previously observed in fossorial mammals, and is reported here for the first time in a burrow-dwelling bird. This reduced response is believed to represent an adaptation to burrow atmospheric conditions.
Enteroarticular Fistula Following Antibiotic Spacer Placement for a Periprosthetic Joint Infection in a Patient with Chronic Pelvic Discontinuity: A Case Report.

Case A 50-year-old man with a history of chronic refractory periprosthetic joint infection following total hip arthroplasty, which had been treated with multiple antibiotic spacers, developed an enteroarticular fistula. He was able to avoid hip disarticulation after undergoing a laparoscopic colectomy with a diverting colostomy and a functional hip resection arthroplasty. At the 1-year follow-up, he was walking independently with crutches and had minimal pain. Conclusion An enteroarticular fistula following total hip arthroplasty is a rare and serious complication. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case that occurred in the setting of an antibiotic spacer. A multidisciplinary team approach is essential for achieving clinical success.
A Case History of Industrial Design Success: The Dove Lamp

The dramatic events surrounding the Dove lamp litigation, as told by Mr. Lowy in the preceding paper, reveal a basic truth about industrial design. Good industrial design will make a product successful. It will make profits, add jobs, and benefit the economy.The Dove lamp is an excellent case study. It proves a basic business fact that is often ignored: industrial design protection helps the economy and creates jobs. Congress and others ask how better industrial design protection will help the economy or create jobs? The simple answer is that the goal of industrial design is to create better products and improve the appearances of products.This conference and Mr. Lowy's experience in using the present United States protection system verifies that the United States needs a simpler, cheaper, and more effective industrial design protection system for products that go on the market. Other countries recognized this business fact long ago, as Mr. Lowy's speech emphasizes.The included extract from the PAF S.r.l. v. Lisa Lighting Co. case reveals the history of the Dove lamp: the rewards, recognition, and tremendous economic benefits it created. This story demonstrates why improved United States industrial design protection is important.
Score at the Door: A Retrospective Data Analysis of Sepsis scorinG Criteria in the Emergency Department:

The goal of this study was to assess the availability of the criteria of eight sepsis scoring methods (SIRS, NEWS, PRESEP, SOFA, qSOFA, SPEED, MEDS, and PIRO) within six hours of triage in the emergency department (ED). Data was analyzed through a retrospective collection of adult (age >18 years) patients presenting to the MedStar Washington Hospital Center (MWHC) emergency department between June 1, 2017 and May 31, 2018 and admitted with a sepsis or sepsis-related diagnosis that progressed to sepsis before discharge. Vital signs are frequently available upon arrival to the ED, while laboratory values tend to be available within three hours and often are not repeated again within the first six hours after arrival. The availability of patient data at different time points in a patient's ED visit suggests that different scoring methods could be utilized to more effectively diagnose and accurately risk-stratify patients within the sepsis spectrum as more information about the patient becomes available.
Acute Upper-Limb Complications Following Radial Artery Catheterization for Coronary Angiography.

Purpose The radial artery is becoming the vessel of choice for performing cardiac catheterization. Transradial catheterization can impose risks on the upper extremity, and hand surgeons should be aware of the most frequent complications. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency, timing, and scope of upper-limb complications shortly after transradial catheterization. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of the medical records of patients who underwent catheterization between 2009 and 2016. Complications were assessed for up to 60 days. The Cox model was used to assess risk factors for complications. Results A total of 10,540 patients were included in the analysis (68.5% male), median age 67 years. There were 79 patients who experienced at least one complication within 60 days (0.84% of procedures; 95% confidence interval, 0.65% to 1.02%). The most common complications were hematoma (n = 39) and radial artery occlusion (n = 28). Other complications included pseudoaneurysm (n = 7), arteriovenous fistula (n = 3), carpal tunnel syndrome (n = 4), arterial perforation (n = 3), persistent vasospasm (n = 2), and compartment syndrome (n = 1). The complications were diagnosed a median of 1 day after catheterization. Female sex was at increased risk for developing a complication. Diabetes, age, body mass index, and catheter size were not associated with an increased risk for developing a complication. Ten patients underwent surgical management of a complication. Reasons for surgery included symptomatic radial artery occlusions, pseudoaneurysm formation, arteriovenous fistulas, and compartment syndrome. No identifiable risk factors were associated with patients who underwent surgical intervention. Conclusions The frequency of upper-limb complications after radial artery catheterization is small. They include arterial occlusion, bleeding, compartment syndrome, arteriovenous fistula, and pseudoaneurysm. Most complications presented within 1 week of the procedure and occurred more frequently in the female sex. Operative management of complications was infrequent. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
HPD: Chemical and Biophysical Studies

The use of the porphyrin product HPD (hematoporphyrin derivative) in the localization and therapy of neoplastic disease has been described in several recent reviews [1–3]. HPD is a complex mixture which can be separated by HPLC into a monomer and a dimer/oligomer fraction. The former contains starting material (HP1) and HP dehydration products (HVD and PP). The latter consists of HP units joined by ester linkages [4].
Unapologetic Blackness in Action: Embodied Resistance and Social Movement Scenes in Black Celebrity Activism:

American popular culture was established to appease a white audience and continues to operate in such a manner. This pervasive white gaze in the entertainment industry manifests in anti-Black depic...
Factors associated with time to targeted therapy for patients with metastatic lung cancer with driver mutations.

120Background: Targeted therapies are superior to chemotherapy in metastatic lung cancer with driver gene mutations. Delays in initiation of targeted therapies may result in faster symptom progress...
African American Activism: The Predictive Role of Race Related Stress, Racial Identity, and Social Justice Beliefs:

Historically, African American activism has played a pivotal role in advancing social change in the United States. As such, there is an interest in examining possible factors that may engender acti...
Preliminary Negotiations or Binding Obligations? A Framework for Determining the Intent of the Parties

This article addresses the challenges faced by courts in determining whether parties intended to be bound by informal preliminary oral or written agreements. It is a fundamental tenet of contract law that mere participation in negotiations does not result in a binding obligation. However, parties sometimes do intend to bind themselves to informal agreements at an early stage in negotiations. When the intent of the parties is not clear, disputes can arise and a judge or jury will be called upon after-the-fact to determine whether the contract is binding. Unfortunately, there are no bright-line rules for how to determine the parties’ intent to be bound. The complexity of this area of the law is compounded by the fact that the threshold question of who decides the issue – a judge or a jury – is often a murky one. The article begins by discussing the way that courts historically have analyzed disputes between parties over the intent to be bound by preliminary agreements, and addresses the various causes of action available to plaintiffs. Then, using a recent high-profile case out of the Georgia Court of Appeals – Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. v. McDavid – as a backdrop, the article explores some of the difficulties involved in interpreting parties’ intent on an ad hoc basis and the potential danger inherent in leaving such matters to a jury to decide. In the article, I propose an analytical framework with which to analyze parties’ intent, particularly in situations where there is a non-binding written preliminary agreement. In discussing the proposed analytical framework, I also address the question of who should decide the issue of intent – a judge or a jury. Finally, I present a number of sound policies that support adoption of the suggested framework.
Mind over body: Creating an external focus for sport skills.

In a recent study examining the efficacy of different external foci (Singh and Wulf [2020]. The distance effect and level of expertise: Is the optimal external focus different for low-skilled and high-skilled performers? Human Movement Science, 73. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.humov.2020.102663), an external focus instruction referred to parts of the body (arms). Specifically, the image of a "platform" was used to describe the area between the wrists and elbows when passing a volleyball. The present study followed up on that study by addressing the question whether a focus on an image that represents a body part (platform) would be more effective than a focus on the body parts (arms) themselves (i.e. internal focus). In a within-participant design, novice volleyball players continuously passed a volleyball to a target on the wall. Participants completed eight 45-s trials under each of the external ("focus on your platform") and internal focus ("focus on your arms") conditions, performed in a counterbalanced order. The results showed that the total score (i.e. sum of scores over 45 s) was significantly higher when participants focused on the platform rather than their arms. Thus, invoking an image of an external object that "replaces" a body part can serve to promote an external focus that results in immediate performance advantages compared with an internal focus on the same body part. The findings suggest that instructors within a range of applied settings can creatively use such images to facilitate the performance of motor skills.Highlights The image of an object ("platform") is used to promote an external focus in volleyball.Novice volleyball players pass a ball to a target with a focus on the platform versus arms.Passing accuracy is superior with an external (platform) relative to an internal focus (arms).Using the image of an object to "replace" a body part can promote an external focus of attention.
Thirty percent ethanol locks ineffective in preventing central line-associated bloodstream infection in pediatric intestinal rehabilitation patients.

BACKGROUND Intestinal failure patients dependent on parental nutrition are reliant on central venous catheters and are at increased risk for central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI). Seventy percent ethanol has been widely used for prophylaxis; however, it is known to have multiple adverse effects. This study demonstrates the implementation of a 30% ethanol lock protocol for CLABSI prevention in a community-based hospital intestinal rehabilitation program. METHODS This case series reports rates of CLABSI, compromised central venous catheter, and analysis of community bacterial pathogens. RESULTS A 42.1% increase in CLABSI and a 125% increase in compromised central venous catheters were noted after initiation of the 30% ethanol lock protocol. CONCLUSION It can be concluded that for the pediatric intestinal rehabilitation patient, 30% ethanol did not provide adequate CLABSI prophylaxis. This study indicates the need for larger sample sizes or the use of other concentrations of ethanol locks ranging between 30% and 70%.
Low-bandwidth recovery of linear functions of Reed-Solomon-encoded data.

We study the problem of efficiently computing on encoded data. More specifically, we study the question of low-bandwidth computation of functions $F:\mathbb{F}^k \to \mathbb{F}$ of some data $x \in \mathbb{F}^k$, given access to an encoding $c \in \mathbb{F}^n$ of $x$ under an error correcting code. In our model -- relevant in distributed storage, distributed computation and secret sharing -- each symbol of $c$ is held by a different party, and we aim to minimize the total amount of information downloaded from each party in order to compute $F(x)$. Special cases of this problem have arisen in several domains, and we believe that it is fruitful to study this problem in generality. Our main result is a low-bandwidth scheme to compute linear functions for Reed-Solomon codes, even in the presence of erasures. More precisely, let $\epsilon > 0$ and let $\mathcal{C}: \mathbb{F}^k \to \mathbb{F}^n$ be a full-length Reed-Solomon code of rate $1 - \epsilon$ over a field $\mathbb{F}$ with constant characteristic. For any $\gamma \in [0, \epsilon)$, our scheme can compute any linear function $F(x)$ given access to any $(1 - \gamma)$-fraction of the symbols of $\mathcal{C}(x)$, with download bandwidth $O(n/(\epsilon - \gamma))$ bits. In contrast, the naive scheme that involves reconstructing the data $x$ and then computing $F(x)$ uses $\Theta(n \log n)$ bits. Our scheme has applications in distributed storage, coded computation, and homomorphic secret sharing.
Assessment of Contemporary Virtual Reality Programs and 3D Atlases in Neuroanatomical and Neurosurgical Education

Statement of Significance The utilization of innovative technologies in medical education has received increasing attention in both undergraduate and graduate medical curricula. Understanding spatial, physiological, and pathological aspects of neuroanatomy are important for medical students and residents, alike. As virtual reality applications and platforms become more accessible to educators, learners, and the general public, such technology now represents a feasible modality of neuroanatomical education. This qualitative observational study compares and evaluates five programs based on the accessibility, breadth of content, and utility for various learner populations. Objective: Virtual reality (VR) is a growing technology of interest in medical education, particularly as the millennial generation has become the primary learners. We sought to compare the five available and affordable neuroanatomical programs with objective comparisons of the neuroanatomy, format, and target audience. Methods: The following programs were included: Sharecare VR, Organon VR, The Neurosurgical Atlas 3D Operative Neuroanatomy, BioDigital 3D Human Anatomy, 3D Brain. These programs were selected based on their price ($0-30) and platform (HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, iOS, Google Chrome). The following neuroanatomical categories were assessed: CNS, Cranial Nerves, PNS Skull, and Spine. Neuroanatomical level of detail was scored from 0 (absence of structure) to 3 (operative anatomy). Points were provided if programs included explanations of neuroanatomical relevance, models of pathology & physiology, references, and quiz features. These scores were tallied and compared. Results: The Neurosurgical Atlas and BioDigital scored highest (22 points each), followed by Organon VR (11), 3D Brain (9), and Sharecare VR (6). The Neurosurgical Atlas had the most detail with a score of 3 in each neuroanatomical category. BioDigital included more, but simpler, models. 3D Brain included simple CNS models, but useful explanations and references. Disappointingly, the VR-exclusive programs had entertainment-only models (Score = 1). Conclusions: The Neurosurgical Atlas is the most relevant and detailed model of neuroanatomy and is most appropriate for resident- or attending-level anatomic review. The remaining programs lacked detailed neuroanatomy limiting their potential for a neurosurgical audience.
Public Acceptance of New Mass Transit System

This paper presents attitudes of townspeople in the Morgantown, W.Va. area toward the Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) System just prior to its opening. The attitudes are derived from home interviews of a representative sample of 305 nonstudent household heads. Two aspects of community acceptance are identified and examined: (1) Whether the respondents think that the PRT will be an efficient means of transportation; and (2) whether the respondents believe that the PRT is an asset to the community. The data indicate that persons who perceive the new system as contributing to a progressive image for the community were generally favorable toward the PRT. In addition, respondents who now use buses or who anticipate using the PRT are especially favorable toward the system as an asset to the community's image.
The role of the diffusion of oxygen in the respiration of rat diaphragm at different temperatures

1. Data are presented to support the hypothesis that the respiration rate of hemidiaphragms and tissue slices is restrictedin vitro because oxygen fails to reach the innermost layers of the tissue. 2. Calculation of limiting thickness fromWarburg's formula (Equation 1) requires use of a value for QO2, but the true value is unknown since it is in turn dependent upon thickness. The dilemma is not avoided by making thinner slices because this damages tissues and reduces the QO2. 3. We found that for rat diaphragm a plot of log QO2 versus 1/T yields a straight line between -6° and 13.5° C, and a line of half that slope from 18° to 38° C. 4. Equations are presented for calculating QO2 at these temperatures, assuming that oxygenation is incomplete above about 18° C. The calculated values agree well with the observed values. Further, QO2 of diaphragm at 33° C was higher at an oxygen pressure of 2 atmospheres than 1 atmosphere in agreement with theoretical considerations.
The program-size complexity of self-assembled squares

Molecular self-assembly gives rise to a great diversity of complex forms, from crystals and DNA helices to microtubules and holoenzymes. We study a formal model of pseudocrystalline self-assembly, called the Tile Assembly Model, in which a tile may be added to the growing object when the total interaction strength with its neighbors exceeds a parameter Τ. This model has been shown to be Turing-universal. Thus, self-assembled objects can be studied from the point of view of computational complexity. Here, we define the program size complexity of an NxN square to be the minimum number of distinct tiles required to self-assemble the square and no other objects. We study this complexity under the Tile Assembly Model and find a dramatic decrease in complexity, from N^2 tiles to O(log N) tiles, as Τ is increased from 1 (where bonding is noncooperative) to 2 (allowing cooperative bonding). Further, we find that the size of the largest square uniquely produced by a set of n tiles grows faster than any computable function.
Phospholipid metabolism by phagocytic cells. VI. Observations on the fate of phospholipids of granulocytes and ingested Escherichia coli during phagocytosis.

Abstract We have examined the role of phospholipase A activity of intact rabbit granulocytes in the turnover of endogenous lecithin and in the degradation of ingested Escherichia coli . Granulocyte lecithin, labeled during preincubation of the cells with [ 32 P]lysolecithin, loses less than 20% of its radioactivity in 24 h at 37 °C. This slow rate of degradation is not altered during phagocytosis. Exogenous phosphatidylethanolamine, a major phospholipid of E. coli , is readily degraded by granulocyte homogenates. The granulocyte phospholipase activity hydrolyzes mainly the fatty acid in the 2-position (phospholipase A 2 ). Activity is maximal at pH 7.5, requires Ca 2+ , and is almost all sedimentable at 8200 × g . During phagocytosis by granulocytes phospholipids of E. coli (B leu − ) are broken down to alimited extent (± 25%), suggesting that large portions of the envelope of ingested E. coli remain intact. The hydrolyzed fatty acids are incorporated into granulocyte lipids.
The Vibrational Spectra and Normal Coordinate Analyses of VSO5, VPO5 and VMoO5 Phases

Abstract Infrared and Raman spectra were measured and analyzed for α-VSO5, α-VPO5 and α-VMoO5. Band assignments were made for these phases using normal coordinate analysis. Trends in related force constants from their modified valence force fields were interpreted on the basis of differences in their chemical parameters. Empirical band assignments were made for β-VSO5 on the basis of those for α-VSO5.
EPR study of the ageing process in epoxy resin

The authors describe a study in which epoxy resin specimens were stressed electrically and/or thermally and the evolution of the EPR spectra was measured. The electrical stresses used caused significant internal discharges in some samples prior to failure. Furthermore, electrical pulses at the terminals can be expected in concert with the channel development observed. For this reason, discharge detection measurements were conducted to provide a basis for correlating the EPR signal with the observed electricals behavior. In regimes where internal discharges are not observable, conduction properties become the only non-destructive means to characterize the samples electrically. On the basis that EPR centers are associated with bulk states in the material, it is important to try to examine the nature of the bound and free charge. To this end, DC absorption tests and thermally stimulated current measurements were also conducted. >
The Buck Starts Here: Managing Large Organizations with Honesty and Integrity

The core of public service is to always serve the public interest ethically. How can a large public sector organization be run with honesty and integrity? Among the dozen lessons considered: consummate public service professionals set standards, communicate a vision, choose staff based on competence and character, encourage teamwork, cultivate transparency, care about employees, and respond constructively to feedback. Effective and ethical public service leaders respect career civil servants, accept both political and institutional guidance, acknowledge and correct mistakes, avoid unfair favoritism, and refuse to subordinate policy to politics. These twelve lessons are guideposts to ensure that honesty and integrity are the driving force of public sector institutions.
Selective oxidation of ethanol to acetaldehyde on gold.

We present results from an investigation of the oxidative conversion of ethanol into acetaldehyde on Au(111) employing temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) and molecular beam reactive scattering (MBRS). Results from isotopic experiments show that ethanol initially undergoes O−H bond cleavage (producing ethoxide) followed by selective β−C-H bond (α to the oxygen) activation to form acetaldehyde and water on atomic oxygen precovered Au(111). Our study on bulk gold with atomic oxygen provides insight into the mechanistic details for high-surface-area gold-based catalysts and their application in the oxidation chemistry of alcohols employing molecular oxygen or air.
Performance analysis of Virtual Mobility Domain scheme vs. IPv6 mobility protocols

The population of mobile users seeking connectivity to the Internet has been growing over the years, spurred by the capabilities of handsets and the increasing rich Internet content and services. Mobility management to enable efficient Internet access for users on the move is thus gaining significance. IETF has standardized several protocols such as Mobile IPv6, Hierarchical Mobile IPv6, and Proxy Mobile IPv6 to provide mobility management on the IP network. With future Internet design initiatives gaining momentum, it is important that these initiatives consider mobility management as an integral part of the design. In this article, we introduce the concept of Virtual Mobility Domain and describe the main features and key strengths of Virtual Mobility Domain that are designed to provide mobility management in a newly proposed tiered Internet architecture. Instead of IP addressing, the proposed Virtual Mobility Domain uses a tiered-addressing scheme to identify a mobile node with a single address regardless of its location. The tiered addressing provides a dynamic address length which brings less signaling overhead and scalable management. We also propose a collaborative network-based mobility management mechanism to provide low-latency handoffs and less processing-overhead on the mobile node compared to the IPv6-based protocols. The proposed mobility scheme unifies inter and intra-domain mobility management by introducing common anchor cloud concept which provides a distributed management and seamless mobility experience. We present comparative qualitative and quantitative performance analysis of Virtual Mobility Domain and aforementioned IPv6-based mobility protocols for Intra-AS roaming support. We examine handoff latency and signaling overhead performance of each protocol based on numerical results retrieved from analytical models and OPNET modeler based simulations. The results from a comparative performance study show the potential for more efficient mobility management under the proposed Internet architecture.
Surgical Considerations in Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Off pump coronary artery bypass grafting remains an important technique particularly in the care of high-risk patients. Consistently successful adoption of this technique requires a cooperative team approach and standardization across all phases of patient care. This review describes our approach to off pump coronary surgery.
Computations of bubble formation and pulsations generated by impacting cylindrical water jets

The impact of a water jet onto a water surface can entrain air-bubbles whose pulsations provide acoustic sources. Such impacts can occur during the breaking of a wave, or on a smaller scale, when a raindrop strikes a puddle of water. A better understanding of this phenomenon can lead to improved characterizations of the ambient noise and acoustic detection algorithms. Liquid on liquid impacts correspond to a breakdown of classical hydrodynamic theory which assumes that the free surface remains smooth and topologically invariant. A computational model using a generalized theory of hydrodynamics designed to rigorously treat liquid collisions is described in this paper. Numerical simulations are compared to experiments of a liquid cylinder impacting a still-water surface The simulations provide details not only of the initial formation of the air-entrained bubble at the time of the cavity collapse, but also the subsequent pulsations of this bubble until it rises back to the free surface. Computed initial bubble sizes and natural frequencies are compared to the experimental results for different cylinder lengths.
Aquifer Hydraulics: A Comprehensive Guide to Hydrogeologic Data Analysis

The past several decades have produced a surge in numerical methods of aquifer analysis, including more complex and sophisticated analytical approaches. For example, many consulting firms and universities have released graphic-intensive software packages for aquifer test data analysis, including automated optimization, data filtering, and preprocessing. It is not uncommon to find users of these products who are not versed in basic theory of aquifer hydraulics. Vedat Batu's Aquifer Hydraulics: A Comprehensive Guide to Hydrogeologic Data Analysis provides a valuable service—it teaches readers the most fundamental theory with a comprehensive overview of basic methods.
Continuous Peripheral Nerve Block Compared With Single-Injection Peripheral Nerve Block A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background and Objectives Many practitioners consider continuous peripheral nerve blocks (cPNBs) to be superior to single-injection peripheral nerve blocks (siPNBs). Several randomized controlled trials have demonstrated improved pain control, patient satisfaction, and other outcomes for patients with cPNBs compared with patients with siPNBs, whereas other trials have not shown significant differences. We sought to clarify any potential advantages of cPNBs over siPNBs. Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of all prospective, randomized trials comparing cPNBs with siPNBs. We used a validated systematic search strategy to identify potentially eligible studies. For studies meeting inclusion criteria, methodologic quality was scored independently by 2 reviewers. Data from the studies were abstracted and pooled for meta-analysis. Results Compared with siPNBs, cPNBs were associated with a decreased rating of worst pain on postoperative day 0 (effect size [ES], −1.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], −2.19 to −0.40; P = 0.005), postoperative day 1 (ES, −1.87; 95% CI, −2.44 to −1.31; P Conclusions Compared with siPNBs, cPNBs were associated with improved pain control, decreased need for opioid analgesics, less nausea, and greater patient satisfaction. The effect of cPNBs on other clinically relevant outcomes, such as complications, long-term functional outcomes, or costs, remains unclear.