cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Panel session - NSF panels: A reviewer’s perspective

Funding in general and NSF funding in particular are becoming more and more competitive. Proposals are often vying for limited funds. In this environment, competitive proposals must reflect careful attention to program guidelines. NSF program directors have consistently been active in promoting funding opportunities and in providing pointers for writing successful proposals. While this outreach is invaluable, experienced reviewer perspectives would be helpful to guide future proposal writers. This panel is intended to present such a perspective and provide insights from experienced reviewers. The panelists are PIs on NSF grants and have several years experience as NSF panel reviewers at both DUE and CISE. They will present their experiences, common mistakes, and provide pointers from a reviewer perspective. According to the National Science Foundation Grant Proposal Guide, a proposal should explicitly address “Intellectual Merit” and “Broader Impacts” criteria. Assessment is also considered to be a key component of a quality proposal. Three panelists will address these issues. In addition to being an experienced PI and reviewer, the fourth panelist is currently serving as a program director at NSF. He will reflect on other panelists’ presentations, address additional criteria, and present the perspective of a program director. It is also our goal to engage the audience and encourage participation by others who have experience in this area.
Use of Porous Tantalum for Acetabular Reconstruction in Revision Hip Arthroplasty

➤ Over the past decade, porous tantalum has emerged as a powerful tool for reconstruction of the failed acetabular component.➤ The increased porosity, high coefficient of friction, and favorable elastic modulus of porous tantalum compared with traditional titanium mesh or cobalt chromium acetabular components allow for greater bone ingrowth potential, implant stability, and host bone preservation, respectively, in porous tantalum shells.➤ Several studies have confirmed the excellent early and midterm results of porous tantalum reconstruction for revision hip arthroplasty.➤ Depending on the degree of bone loss, excellent results have been achieved with modular or revision porous tantalum shells, tantalum shells with tantalum augments, and cup-cage constructs.➤ These implants and techniques are greatly changing the approach to acetabular revision surgery and are providing constructs with greater stability and more physiologic biomechanical properties than those achieved through the use of traditional reconstructive methods.
Failures of Domesticity in Contemporary Russian-American Literature: Vapnyar, Krasikov, Ulinich, and Reyn

Hybrid literature has flourished in the Russian diaspora in the last decade and much of it is semi-autobiographical, concerned with the reconfiguration of identity in emigration. It dwells productively on the translation of the self and (more broadly) on the relationship between center and margin in the post-Soviet, transnational world. Gender roles are subject to contestation, as writers interrogate and reconsider expectations inherited from traditional Russian culture. This article situates Russian hybrid literature vis-a-vis Western feminism, taking into account Russian women’s particular experience of feminism. Four female writers of contemporary Russian-American literature – Lara Vapnyar, Sana Krasikov, Anya Ulinich, and Irina Reyn – inscribe failures of domesticity into their prose. Their female characters who cannot or do not cook or clean problematize woman’s role as nurturer. Home (geographic or imaginary) carries a semantic load of limitation and restriction, so failure as a homemaker may be paradoxically liberating. For female characters working in the West to support their families in Russia, domesticity is sometimes even more darkly cast as servitude. Rejection of traditional Russian definitions of women’s gender roles may signal successful renogotiation of identity in the diaspora. Although these writers may express nostalgia for the Russian culture of their early childhood, their critique of the tyranny of home is a powerful narrative gesture. Failures of domesticity represent successful steps in the redefinition of the self and they support these writers’ claim to transnational status.
Trypanosome spliced leader RNA genes contain the first identified RNA polymerase II gene promoter in these organisms

Typical general transcription factors, such as TATA binding protein and TFII B, have not yet been identified in any member of the Trypanosomatidae family of parasitic protozoa. Interestingly, mRNA coding genes do not appear to have discrete transcriptional start sites, although in most cases they require an RNA polymerase that has the biochemical properties of eukaryotic RNA polymerase II. A discrete transcription initiation site may not be necessary for mRNA synthesis since the sequences upstream of each transcribed coding region are trimmed from the nascent transcript when a short m(7)G-capped RNA is added during mRNA maturation. This short 39 nt m(7)G-capped RNA, the spliced leader (SL) sequence, is expressed as an approximately 100 nt long RNA from a set of reiterated, though independently transcribed, genes in the trypanosome genome. Punctuation of the 5' end of mRNAs by a m(7)G cap-containing spliced leader is a developing theme in the lower eukaryotic world; organisms as diverse as EUGLENA: and nematode worms, including Caenorhabditis elegans, utilize SL RNA in their mRNA maturation programs. Towards understanding the coordination of SL RNA and mRNA expression in trypanosomes, we have begun by characterizing SL RNA gene expression in the model trypanosome Leptomonas seymouri. Using a homologous in vitro transcription system, we demonstrate in this study that the SL RNA is transcribed by RNA polymerase II. During SL RNA transcription, accurate initiation is determined by an initiator element with a loose consensus of CYAC/AYR(+1). This element, as well as two additional basal promoter elements, is divergent in sequence from the basal transcription elements seen in other eukaryotic gene promoters. We show here that the in vitro transcription extract contains a binding activity that is specific for the initiator element and thus may participate in recruiting RNA polymerase II to the SL RNA gene promoter.
Carcinogenicity of 1,3-butadiene

1,3-Butadiene, a high-production volume chemical used largely in the manufacture of synthetic rubber, is a multiple organ carcinogen in rats and mice. In inhalation studies conducted in mice by the National Toxicology Program, high rates of early lethal lymphomas occurring at exposure levels of 625 ppm or higher reduced the development and expression of later developing tumors at other sites. Use of survival-adjusted tumor rates to account for competing risk foctors provided a clearer inctication ofthe dose responses for 1,3-butadiene-induced neoplasms. An increase in lung tumors in female mice was observed at exposure concentrations as low as 6.25 ppm, the lowest concentration ever used in a long-term carcinogenici? ty study of this gas. Human exposures to 1,3-butadiene by workers employed at facilities that produce this chemical and at facilities that produce styrene-butadiene rubber have been measured at levels higher than those that cause cancer in animals. Furthermore, epidemiology studies have consistently revealed associations between occupational exposure to 1,3-butadiene and excess mortality due to lymphatic and hematopoietic cancers. In response to the carcinogenicity find? ings for 1,3-butadiene in animals and in humans, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has proposed lowering the occupational exposure standard for this chemical from 1000 ppm to 2 ppm. Future work is needed to understand the mechanisms of tumor induction by 1,3-butadiene; however, the pursuit of this research should not delay the reduction of human exposure to this chemical.
A practical system for mutation testing: help for the common programmer

Mutation testing is a technique for unit testing software that, although powerful, is computationally expensive. Recent engineering advances have given us techniques and algorithms for significantly reducing the cost of mutation testing. These techniques include a new algorithmic execution technique called schema-based mutation, an approximation technique called weak mutation, a reduction technique called selective mutation, and algorithms for automatic test data generation. This paper outlines a design for a system that will approximate mutation, but in a way that will be accessible to everyday programmers. We envisage a system to which a programmer can submit a program unit, and get back a set of input/output pairs that are guaranteed to form an effective test of the unit by being close to mutation adequate.
Variability in monthly serum bicarbonate measures in hemodialysis patients: a cohort study

Some nephrologists have advocated an individualized approach to the prescription of bicarbonate hemodialysis. However, the utility of monthly serum bicarbonate levels for guiding and evaluating such treatment decisions has not been evaluated. We sought to define the variability of these measurements and to determine factors that are associated with month-to-month variability in pre-dialysis serum bicarbonate. We examined the monthly variability in serum bicarbonate measurements among 181 hemodialysis patients admitted to a free-standing dialysis unit in the Bronx, NY from 1/1/2008-6/30/2012. All patients were treated with a uniform bicarbonate dialysis prescription (bicarbonate 35 mEq/L, acetate 8 mEq/L). Pre-dialysis serum bicarbonate values were obtained from monthly laboratory reports. Month-to-month variability was defined using a rolling measurement for each time point. Only 34 % of high serum bicarbonate values (>26 mEq/L) remained high in the subsequent month, whereas 60 % converted to normal (22–26 mEq/L). Of all low values (<22 mEq/L), 41 % were normal the following month, while 58 % remained low. Using the mean 3-month bicarbonate, only 29 % of high values remained high in the next 3-month period. In multivariable-adjusted longitudinal models, both low and high serum bicarbonate values were associated with greater variability than were normal values (β = 0.12 (95 % CI 0.09–0.15) and 0.24 (0.18 to 0.29) respectively). Variability decreased with time, and was significantly associated with age, phosphate binder use, serum creatinine, potassium, and normalized protein catabolic rate. Monthly pre-dialysis serum bicarbonate levels are highly variable. Even if a clinician takes no action, approximately 50 % of bicarbonate values outside a normal range of 22–26 mEq/L will return to normal in the subsequent month. The decision to change the bicarbonate dialysis prescription should not be based on a single bicarbonate value, and even a 3-month mean may be insufficient.
Factors Impacting the Regrowth of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Dairy Manure Compost

The environmental variables affecting Escherichia coli O157:H7 regrowth in dairy manure compost were investigated. Factors evaluated were moisture content, strain variation, growth medium of inoculum, level of background microflora and inoculum, different days of composting, and acclimation at room temperature. A mathematical model was applied to describe E. coli O157 regrowth potential in compost. Repopulation occurred in autoclaved compost with a moisture content as low as 20% (water activity of 0.986) in the presence of background microflora of 2.3 to 3.9 log CFU/g. The population of all three E. coli O157 strains increased from ca. 1 to 4.85 log CFU/g in autoclaved compost, with the highest increase in the spinach-outbreak strain. However, E. coli O157 regrowth was suppressed by background microflora at ca. 6.5 log CFU/g. By eliminating acclimation at room temperature and increasing the inoculum level to ca. 3 log CFU/g, E. coli O157:H7 could regrow in the presence of high levels of background microfl...
Teaching with Middle Eastern Constitutions: Exploring Ideals, Assessing Realities

This teaching column offers suggestions for incorporating Middle Eastern constitutions into courses as assigned reading for class discussions and/or essay assignments.
Validity of Self-Reported Pedometer Steps per Day in College Students.

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this article was to examine the validity of self-reported pedometer steps/day. Forty-seven participants were provided a New Lifestyles NL-2000 (NL-2000; Lees Summit, MO, USA) pedometer and a physical activity (PA) diary for 3 weeks, but not informed of the data-storing capabilities. For weeks 2 and 3, each participant was given a step goal of 3,000 steps/day above week 1 average. A 2 × 3 repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to examine differences between reported steps/day. Bland–Altman plots assessed the mean bias and limits of agreement between reporting methods. Mean self-reported and NL-2000 steps/day were 9,264 ± 3,555 and 8,971 ± 3,590 steps/day (n = 26, p > .05). Mean biases were 216 ± 1,753 (week 1), –506 ± 1,355 (week 2), and –590 ± 1,360 (week 3) steps/day. Negative mean bias values indicate higher self-reported steps/day. Mean steps/day were similar between recording methods, but large differences were observed among individuals, suggesting self-reporte...
Comparison of high-frequency lung ventilation with conventional mechanical lung ventilation: prospective trial in patients who have undergone cardiac operations

High-frequency lung ventilation was compared with conventional mechanical lung ventilation following elective cardiac operation. The results indicate that this high-frequency ventilator works as well as conventional mechanical ventilators and that it accomplishes the desired gas exchange at lower peak airway pressures. We conclude that routine use of high-frequency ventilation in the postoperative period is possible and that it may be indicated if lower peak airway pressures are desired.
An information theoretic approach to use high-fidelity codes to calibrate low-fidelity codes

For many simulation models, it can be prohibitively expensive or physically infeasible to obtain a complete set of experimental data to calibrate model parameters. In such cases, one can alternatively employ validated higher-fidelity codes to generate simulated data, which can be used to calibrate the lower-fidelity code. In this paper, we employ an information-theoretic framework to determine the reduction in parameter uncertainty that is obtained by evaluating the high-fidelity code at a specific set of design conditions. These conditions are chosen sequentially, based on the amount of information that they contribute to the low-fidelity model parameters. The goal is to employ Bayesian experimental design techniques to minimize the number of high-fidelity code evaluations required to accurately calibrate the low-fidelity model. We illustrate the performance of this framework using heat and diffusion examples, a 1-D kinetic neutron diffusion equation, and a particle transport model, and include initial results from the integration of the high-fidelity thermal-hydraulics code Hydra-TH with a low-fidelity exponential model for the friction correlation factor.
Core Entrustable Professional Activities: a Survey of the Confidence of Fourth-Year Medical Students and Residency Program Directors

In 2014, the Association of American Medical Colleges published 13 Core Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) that all medical school graduates should be able to perform on the first day of residency without direct supervision. We undertook a study to determine the confidence level of graduating students at one US medical school in performing the core EPAs and to compare the students’ confidence levels with those of the same institution’s residency program directors (PDs). Understanding differences between intern confidence and PD expectation will allow PDs to be better informed about the educational needs of their early trainees. 168 of 323 graduating medical students (52 %) in the classes of 2014 and 2015 completed surveys indicating their confidence in accomplishing each EPA using a five-point Likert scale. Twelve residency PDs who train interns completed similar surveys. Students were generally confident in their abilities. They were most confident in their ability to take a history and perform a physical examination and least confident in performing procedures. There was general agreement in confidence levels between students and PDs across most EPAs. An important difference was in the ability to perform handoffs, with student ratings lower than those of PDs. Graduating medical students and residency PDs are generally confident that new interns can perform the 13 core EPAs without supervision, although levels of confidence vary by activity. These results can guide future studies on how to incorporate the EPAs into medical school and residency training, especially in areas with lower confidence.
Ecological Integrity and National Parks

Recently, concepts of ecological integrity have been proposed to facilitate enhanced protection of biological and ecological resources against the threat of human activities because ecosystems that encompass facets of integrity would be protected better against activities that cause ecological change or impairment (Johnson 1993, Westra 1994). Angermeier and Karr (1994) propose that ecological integrity refers most appropriately to ecosystems whose operations and evolution have been minimally influenced by human interventions. Consequently, they propose that the natural integrity of national parks, nature preserves, and other similar areas be protected. However, few case studies have been conducted on the theoretical and practical implications that might arise from the use of ecological integrity as the basis for management decisions about natural resources.
The Utility of Hip Aspiration in the Evaluation of Adverse Local Tissue Reaction in Patients With Dual-Taper Femoral Stems

Introduction: The addition of neck-stem modularity of femoral components allowed for increased versatility in controlling stability, head center, and limb length in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Recent reports of neck-stem corrosion, complicated by adverse local tissue reaction, have raised concern and prompted further patient evaluation for revision arthroplasty. Methods: This was a single center, retrospective case series of thirteen hips in twelve patients. The cohort included eight women and four men, with an average age of 69.5 years (range 50–82), who underwent primary THA with a dual-taper femoral component with a titanium alloy stem, cobalt-chromium (CoCr) alloy modular neck and CoCr alloy head. Patients were followed an average of 34.3 months postsurgical (range 24–38.5 months). Each patient underwent serologic studies including metal ion levels, and Metal Artifact Reduction Sequence (MARS) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or Ultrasound. All patients were then referred for fluoro-assisted hip aspiration. Four patients underwent revision surgery. Results: Ten of thirteen hips were symptomatic at the time of evaluation. ESR and CRP were normal in all patients. Serum Cobalt was elevated in 10/12 patients, with an average serum Cobalt level 4.16 mcg/L (range 1.7–9.4). Serum Chromium levels were normal in all patients. MRI was completed in eleven of twelve patients, with abnormal findings consistent with adverse local tissue reaction in nine hips. Three hips were normal by MRI. One patient had an abnormal ultrasound. Hip aspirations were positive in nine hips, negative in three, and indeterminate in one. Asymptomatic hips (3/13) all had elevated cobalt levels, and 2/3 had positive MRI and aspirates. One patient had a normal MRI and a negative aspirate. Of ten symptomatic hips, eight had elevated cobalt. 7/10 had an abnormal MRI, 2/10 a normal MRI, and 1 abnormal Ultrasound. 5/10 had aspirates that were consistent with the MRI. One aspirate was indeterminate. Four symptomatic patients had discrepancies between MRI findings and aspiration (negative MRI with positive aspirate, or vice versa); one patient had normal labs and MRI, but a positive aspirate, and was noted to have extensive adverse local tissue reaction at revision. Discussion: Patients with dual-taper femoral stems are at risk of neck-stem corrosion and adverse local tissue reactions. The workup of these patients should include serologic studies as well as advanced imaging with MRI or Ultrasound. Hip aspiration may be a useful adjunct in identifying underlying soft tissue destruction in patients with normal or indeterminate labs or advanced imaging.
Technological Emergence and Adaptation: The Case of Earth-Orbiting Satellites

It is only through experience with technology that users and developers discover its emergent consequences. This paper provides an interdisciplinary view of adaptation, surveys the evolution and emergent consequences of Earth-orbiting satellites, and examines how the space industry adapted to new information on its impacts. General conclusions regarding technological adaptation are that (1) adaptations are frequently driven by disruptive events, (2) the pace of adaptation is correlated with technology accessibility and the size of the installed user base, and (3) the integration of a technology with a society may be viewed as a process of stakeholder alignment.
Systems Chemical Biology: Integrating Medicinal Chemistry and Systems Biology for Drug Discovery

Chemical biology represents the interface of chemistry and biology and aims to answer questions in biology at the molecular level using chemical techniques. Systems biology integrates the massive amounts of high-throughput omics data and computational modeling to understand the systems-level mechanisms of biological processes. Since their emergence, these two disciplines have largely evolved in parallel in the past two decades. Recently, there is an increasing need to integrate them to obtain a more complete picture of how small molecules affect biological systems as a whole, which leads to the emergence of a new field—systems chemical biology. Systems chemical biology approaches not only offer new unique insights into biological systems but also have important applications in biomedicine. In the article, we review the methodologies of systems chemical biology and discuss their impact on drug discovery and development.
Implementation and System Identification of a Phosphorylation-Based Insulator in a Cell-Free Transcription-Translation System

An outstanding challenge in the design of synthetic biocircuits is the development of a robust and efficient strategy for interconnecting functional modules. Recent work demonstrated that a phosphorylation-based insulator (PBI) implementing a dual strategy of high gain and strong negative feedback can be used as a device to attenuate retroactivity. This paper describes the implementation of such a biological circuit in a cell-free transcription-translation system and the structural identifiability of the PBI in the system. We first show that the retroactivity also exists in the cell-free system by testing a simple negative regulation circuit. Then we demonstrate that the PBI circuit helps attenuate the retroactivity significantly compared to the control. We consider a complex model that provides an intricate description of all chemical reactions and leveraging specific physiologically plausible assumptions. We derive a rigorous simplified model that captures the output dynamics of the PBI. We performed standard system identification analysis and determined that the model is globally identifiable with respect to three critical parameters. These three parameters are identifiable under specific experimental conditions and we performed these experiments to estimate the parameters. Our experimental results suggest that the functional form of our simplified model is sufficient to describe the reporter dynamics and enable parameter estimation. In general, this research illustrates the utility of the cell-free expression system as an alternate platform for biocircuit implementation and system identification and it can provide interesting insights into future biological circuit designs.
Religious perceptions of alcohol consumption and drinking behaviours among religious and non-religious groups

ABSTRACTEvidence indicates that religious involvement is associated with lower levels of alcohol consumption. However, mechanisms underlying the specific effects of religion on alcohol behaviours are still not entirely clear. This study examined potential differences in religious perceptions of alcohol consumption (RePAC) among Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, and non-religious individuals, and between Catholic and Baptist Christian denominations. We also assessed whether these perceptions were associated with quantity and frequency of drinking. Participants (N = 495; 79% female) aged 18 and above completed self-report measures of alcohol consumption and religious perceptions of alcohol use. Findings indicated that non-religious individuals and Buddhists reported higher RePAC scores (i.e., more favourable attitudes toward alcohol use), followed by Christians and then Muslims. Drinking quantity was more strongly associated with RePAC for Buddhists and Christians than the same association for non-religious part...
Successful treatment of low-grade endometrial cancer in premenopausal women with an aromatase inhibitor after failure with oral or intrauterine progesterone.

Abstract Introduction: Young women with endometrial intraepithelial hyperplasia or low-grade endometrial carcinoma are potential candidates for conservative fertility sparing therapy utilizing progesterone rather than hysterectomy. High-dose progesterone treatment is associated with 55–80% initial response but high relapse rates. Using aromatase inhibitors in conjunction with high-dose progesterone has largely been unstudied. Case descriptions: Three obese premenopausal women with endometrial cancer failed to respond to oral or intrauterine progesterone as first line therapy. Due to their desire to continue to pursue fertility sparing treatment options, an aromatase inhibitor was added to their treatment regimen. This resulted in resolution of their malignancy in each case. Discussion: In obese premenopausal women, the mechanism of malignant transformation in endometrial carcinoma is considered to be an association with relatively high levels of serum estrogen from peripheral conversion of androgens to estrone in adipose tissue with a deficiency in progesterone exposure due to chronic anovulation. Using aromatase inhibitors seems reasonable as an adjunct to progesterone given the high likelihood that this population has a significant proportion of their estrogen production coming from peripheral conversion in adipose tissue. This case series is unique in that each woman initially failed to respond to progesterone but had resolution when an aromatase inhibitor was added to their treatment regimen. This would suggest that obese women with low grade malignancy or hyperplasia who have no radiographic evidence of deep myometrial invasion, ovarian or retroperitoneal metastases and who wish to retain their fertility may be treated with intrauterine progesterone and an aromatase inhibitor.
Hatching asynchrony impacts cognition in male zebra finches

Conditions experienced early in life can shape brain development and later cognition. Altricial songbirds are particularly vulnerable to early environmental perturbations. Research on "Developmental Stress" in songbirds has addressed how early-life conditions may impair song learning and has been extended to consider other components of adult phenotype. Early-life challenges ranging from ectoparasites to competition with siblings have been shown to compromise song learning and other measures of cognition, as well as behavioral strategy. Here, we examined both the effects of hatching asynchrony and early-life immune system challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on neophobia, song learning, motoric learning, and spatial cognition in male zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). We found that hatch order had a significant impact on motoric and spatial learning, such that later hatched males performed better than first and second hatched birds. In contrast, LPS treatment only impacted motoric learning and neither hatch order nor immune system challenge impacted song quality, song learning accuracy, or neophobia. These results are consistent with a growing body of evidence that conditions early in life can improve cognitive performance at adulthood. Moreover, these findings indicate that hatch order is an important factor to consider in developmental studies in asynchronously hatching birds.
A Novel Technique of Stenting of the Renal Artery In-Stent Restenosis with GuideLiner® through Radial Approach

In-stent restenosis of the renal arteries is relatively common and its management is not well studied. An 83-year-old female with bilateral renal artery stenosis and balloon angioplasty and stenting bilaterally one year ago was found to have recurrent severe elevations in the blood pressure despite medical management. Renal artery duplex showed 60–99% stenosis of the right renal artery and 20–59% stenosis of the left renal artery. A subsequent angiography of the right renal artery revealed 80% in-stent restenosis at the ostium. We describe a new approach of balloon angioplasty and stenting through radial access site with the assistance of a GuideLiner in a complex in-stent restenosis of the renal artery.
Anesthesia Options in Endoscopic Forehead Lifting

Endoscopic forehead elevation can be comfortably performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with monitored anesthesia care. Regardless of the method chosen, local anesthesia should be administered to the forehead region to aid with hemostasis during the procedure and postoperative analgesia. Two techniques are available for the administration of the local anesthesia. The first is to administer lidocaine with epinephrine along the superior orbital rims and over the sensory nerve bundles and incision sites. A more dilute lidocaine with epinephrine solution is then administered throughout the rest of the forehead site. Bupivacaine with epinephrine can also be used to provide postoperative analgesia. The second technique is the creation and administration of a dilute tumescent solution of lidocaine with epinephrine under the forehead flap and temporal regions. A straight liposuction punch and cannulas attached to a syringe are utilized to place the dilute solution under the flaps. This technique has the advantage of fewer needle sticks, and it aids dissection of the flap since fluid is placed in the correct plane. The orbital rims and incisions sites are injected with higher-strength lidocaine with epinephrine since these sites undergo the most vigorous dissection. Regardless of the technique chosen, one must be careful to avoid local anesthetic and epinephrine toxicity. Depending on the strength of the solution chosen, the lidocaine typically becomes toxic before the epinephrine with the local anesthetic technique. With the tumescent technique, the epinephrine typically becomes toxic before the lidocaine. However, with the solution strengths and techniques discussed in this chapter, the amounts used typically fall well below the maximum safe doses.
One-Year Visit

Taisha is an active 1-year-old brought to the pediatric clinic by her mother and father, Mr. and Mrs. Jones. Her birth weight was 2.6 kg (5.7 lb) (10th percentile), and is now 8 kg (17.6 lb) (10th percentile) which is three times her birth weight. Taisha’s length at birth was 46 cm (18.4 in.) and she is now 66 cm (26.8 in.); and her head circumference at birth was 32.4 cm (12.96 in.) and now it is 42.24 (16.89 in.), also on the 10th percentile. She is eating much less and less frequently and some days she wants more or less—while a month ago she was more consistent. The Jones’ are concerned about this. Taisha continues to be breastfed and eats a variety of table foods, enjoys finger foods, and has about three meals and two snacks a day. Mrs. Jones is trying to decide if she should continue breastfeeding and what Taisha should drink if she is not breastfeeding. Should she use a bottle or a cup. Taisha is walking holding on and enjoys it. She can hold a crayon crudely and makes marks on a paper, but still tries to put the crayon in her mouth. The apartment they live in often does not provide sufficient heat and the parents frequently resort to a space heater in the winter. The parents are concerned that Taisha will turn the heater over and get hurt. Taisha doesn’t like going to sleep in the evening and wakes up in the middle of the night crying. She naps for a long time in the morning and at about 2 p.m. She says dada and momma specific to her parents. Taisha understands “no” and “hot” but sometimes throws temper tantrums when something is denied to her. Her parents are used to disciplining older children as they each teach sixth grade. They ask about using time out at Taisha’s age. When her parents name something in the room, Taisha will look for it. She likes talking and singing games, and naming body parts. Are Taisha’s height and weight appropriate for her?
Process Control Improvements for Production of Depleted Uranium Hohlraums

Depleted uranium (DU) hohlraums consist of a sputter-deposited DU layer sandwiched between two sputter-deposited layers of gold and overcoated with a thick electrodeposited gold layer. Production o...
Aging in complex commercial Ni-Cr alloys hardened with titanium and aluminum

Four commercial Ni-Cr alloys hardened with titanium and aluminum, air melted Inconel X 550, Inco 700, and vacuum melted M-252 and Waspaloy, were studied in considerable detail for aging response. Identification of the γ′ phase, Ni3 (Al, Ti), was made in all but M-252. Quantitative determination of the various carbides was also made. Two solution treatments and two aging treatments were studied. The effect of such heat treatments on the rupture life and ductility was determined by means of creep rupture tests at 1500° and 1600°F. Metallographic studies were utilized to cross-check the findings.
The strategy of exclusion in American counterterrorism

ABSTRACTWhile garnering heightened attention following the Trump administration's travel restrictions, exclusionary tactics in counterterrorism have a much lengthier history. Given that some terror...
The Measurement of Dielectric Constant and Loss of Polymeric Solids and Melts Over a Wide Frequency Range

Dielectric measurements have been widely used to characterize the relaxation behavior of polymers, and a considerable literature of such work exists. The basic techniques for making measurements over a very wide frequency range, from considerably less than 1 Hz to greater than 10 GHz, have existed for some time. However, the bulk of the work on polymers has been done either on materials that behave as solids or on solutions and in the frequency region readily accessible to impedance-bridge techniques (∼20 Hz to ∼1 MHz). In the latter range, accurate data is readily obtainable (often using guarded cells) with commercial bridges. Above this frequency range, the techniques are less straightforward and the results subject to greater error. In the course of determining the effects of melting on dielectric relaxation in crystalline polymers (1), it was necessary to develop methods that would yield data as accurate as possible up to the microwave region and that would be as consistent as possible between differing measuring techniques. Further, the following capabilities were demanded: (a) the samples could be viscous melts (including some rather thermally unstable ones), as well as solids or solutions and could be very lossy; (b) a wide temperature range could be studied, up to at least 250°C.
Ventricular arrhythmias in the North American multidisciplinary study of ARVC: predictors, characteristics, and treatment.

Abstract Background Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is associated with sudden cardiac death. However, the selection of patients for implanted cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), as well as programming of the ICD, is unclear. Objectives The objective of this study was to identify predictors, characteristics, and treatment of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with ARVC. Methods The Multidisciplinary Study of Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy established the North American ARVC Registry and enrolled patients with a diagnosis of ARVC. Patients were followed prospectively. Results Of 137 patients enrolled, 108 received ICDs. Forty-eight patients had 502 sustained episodes of ventricular arrhythmias, including 489 that were monomorphic and 13 that were polymorphic. In the patients with ICDs, independent predictors of ventricular arrhythmias in follow-up included spontaneous sustained ventricular arrhythmias before ICD implantation and T-wave inversions inferiorly. The only independent predictor for life-threatening arrhythmias, defined as sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) ≥240 beats/min or ventricular fibrillation, was a younger age at enrollment. Anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP), independent of the cycle length of the VT, was successful in terminating 92% of VT episodes. Conclusions In the North American ARVC Registry, the majority of ventricular arrhythmias in follow-up are monomorphic. Risk factors for ventricular arrhythmias were spontaneous ventricular arrhythmias before enrollment and a younger age at ICD implantation. ATP is highly successful in terminating VT, and all ICDs should be programmed for ATP, even for rapid VT.
Aging and Alcohol Problems

The social dynamics and epidemiological factors of alcoholism among old people are among the most important areas for research as the population of the United States ages and the reported incidence of alcoholism among the elderly increases. Little research has been conducted, however, that would provide an empirical basis for the development of interventions, policies, or programs designed to deal with the growing problem. This chapter reviews the current state of knowledge regarding published research in the area of aging and alcoholism and proposes areas in which research is badly needed. In addition, the results of the 1981 White House Conference on Aging that deal with alcoholism are reviewed in support of the proposed research initiatives.
Improved Sensorless Direct Torque Control Using Space Vector Modulation and Fuzzy Logic Controllers

Fast response, robust and simple structure of direct torque control (DTC) make it attractive in electric drive systems. Nonetheless, in sensorless applications, precise estimation of rotor speed and also motor torque and flux estimation are of utmost importance. An adaptive flux observer is presented considering stator current and flux vector components as state variables and rotor speed as an unknown parameter that is estimated simultaneously via an adaptive routine. Stator resistance value plays an important role in stator flux estimation. Similarly, stator resistance that is varying in different temperatures of motor can be updated through the adaptive scheme that provides more accurate performance of the system. Conversely, torque, flux, and current pulsations during steady state performance are disadvantages of the classical DTC method. A combined direct torque control and space vector modulation (DTC-SVM) strategy is presented using fuzzy logic control. Fuzzy logic controllers (FLCs) are designed such that obtain high accuracy during steady state, while preserve fast response in transients.
State-Level Population Estimates of Individuals Subject to and Not Meeting Proposed Medicaid Work Requirements.

This cross-sectional analysis of 2014 Survey on Income and Program Participation data estimates the potential impact of work requirements on Medicaid eligibility on a state-by-state basis.
Exploring the Factors Affecting the Use of Kiasu Tactics

Kiasuism is an excessive form of competitiveness in which an individual tries to get the most out of every interaction. It manifests itself in the form of positive and negative tactics. This study explores the factors affecting the use of kiasu tactics. Maximization, conscientiousness, and perceptions of distributive justice are examined using multiple regression analysis. Maximizers are far more likely to engage in both kiasu positive and kiasu negative tactics than are satisficers. When people perceive that outputs are distributed fairly, they are more likely to engage in kiasu positive tactics. Conscientiousness did not have a significant effect.
“Piercing the Veil” and African Dreams and Visions: In Quest of the Pneumatological Imagination

Pentecostal scholarship is conscientiously examining gaps in Western theology in regard to pneumatology. This article describes the phenomena of pentecostal dreams and visions ( D/V s) in the African context as significant to that dialogue, pointing to their spiritual value in many African churches. I suggest that they can be seen as existential samples of the pneumatological imagination as put forth by Amos Yong and also as described by Nimi Wariboko. I use Yong’s theology to argue that the pneumatological imagination in African contexts readdresses the experience of D/V s, which are normative phenomena in indigenous religions, through the hermeneutical interplay of Spirit-Word-community. I also suggest that the experience of D/V s satisfies Wariboko’s definition of grace, that they are subject to his politics of spiritual warfare, and that their interpretation and application exemplify the transformation of “ontological and epistemological coordinates of existence” by “piercing the veil” of phenomenality for the experience of the noumenal.
Fluorescence microscopy of single lead bromide nanocrystals reveals sharp transitions during their transformation to methylammonium lead bromide

Control over the nucleation and growth of lead-halide perovskite crystals is critical to obtain semiconductor films with high quantum yields in optoelectronic devices. In this report, we use the change in fluorescence brightness to image the transformation of individual lead bromide (PbBr2) nanocrystals to methylammonium lead bromide (CH3NH3PbBr3) via intercalation of CH3NH3Br. Analyzing this reaction one nanocrystal at a time reveals information that is masked when the fluorescence intensity is averaged over many particles. Sharp rises in the intensity of single nanocrystals indicate they transform much faster than the time it takes for the ensemble average to transform. While the ensemble reaction rate increases with increasing CH3NH3Br concentration, the intensity rises for individual nanocrystals are insensitive to the CH3NH3Br concentration. To explain these observations, we propose a phase-transformation model in which the reconstructive transitions necessary to convert a PbBr2 nanocrystal into CH3NH3PbBr3 initially create a high energy barrier for ion intercalation. A critical point in the transformation occurs when the crystal adopts the perovskite phase, at which point the activation energy for further ion intercalation becomes progressively smaller. Monte Carlo simulations that incorporate this change in activation barrier into the likelihood of reaction events reproduce key experimental observations for the intensity trajectories of individual particles. The insights gained from this study may be used to further control the crystallization of CH3NH3PbBr3 and other solution-processed semiconductors.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Measurement of Metabolic Flux Using 13 C and 1 H Signals

Metabolic flux modeling is a complementary technique to standard metabolomics/metabonomics as routinely practiced in biological systems. Here we outline carbon-13-based isotopomer analysis using nuclear magnetic resonance as the primary analytical technique. Isotopomer analysis produces relative rates of tricarboxylic acid cycle turnover. If these measures are normalized to O2 consumption, absolute rates can be inferred. The primary biological system targeted in this review is cell culture.
Antihyperalgesia effect of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activators in a mouse model of postoperative pain

Background and objectives AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator drugs decrease hypersensitivity in mice with pain. This study examines if postsurgery treatment with the prototype AMPK activator metformin and a new mechanism-specific AMPK activator, O304, after plantar hindpaw incision in mice, would reduce mechanical hypersensitivity and produce changes in the AMPK pathway in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Methods To create postoperative pain, an incision was made in the left plantar hindpaw. Animals were randomized into four oral gavage drug treatment groups (n=8/group): (1) vehicle, (2) metformin 200 mg/kg, (3) O304 200 mg/kg and (4) O304 200 mg/kg plus metformin 200 mg/kg. Drug gavages were performed 4 hours postsurgery and were repeated for 3 days. Mechanical hypersensitivity was measured with von Frey filaments. Changes in phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase alpha subunit, phosphorylated mechanistic target of rapamycin and phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor 2 alpha in DRG neurons were examined by immunohistochemistry. Results O304 or metformin increased von Frey thresholds (reduced mechanical hypersensitivity) in plantar incision mice versus vehicle-treated incision mice between days 1 and 4 (difference of mean area under the curve, O304: 2.24 g*day; 95% CI of the difference 0.28 to 4.21, p=0.011; metformin: 2.56 g*day; 95% CI of the difference 1.71 to 3.41, p Conclusions Early treatment with the mechanism-specific AMPK activator O304 or the prototype AMPK activator metformin reduces mechanical hypersensitivity in a postoperative pain model in mice. These drugs also normalize the AMPK pathway in the DRG.
Physician Decision-making in Return to Play After Cervical Spine Injury: A Descriptive Analysis of Survey Data.

Of background data Cervical spine injuries commonly occur during athletic play, and such injuries carry significant risk for adverse sequelae if not properly managed. Although guidelines for managing return to play exist, adherence among spine surgeons has not been thoroughly examined. Study design Prospective analysis of survey data collected from surgeon members of the Cervical Spine Research Society (CSRS) and the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery (ISASS). Objective The objective of this study was to characterize consensus among spine surgeons regarding decision-making on return to competitive sports and level of impact following significant cervical spine injuries from real-life scenarios. Materials and methods Return to play decisions for 15 clinical cervical spine injury scenarios were compared with current guidelines. Surgeon demographic information such as orthopedic board certification status and years in practice were also analyzed. Weighted kappa analysis was utilized to determine interrater reliability in survey responses. Results Survey respondents had a poor agreement with both Watkins and Torg guidelines (average weighted κ of 0.027 and 0.066, respectively). Additional kappa analysis of surgeon agreement regarding the "Types of Play" and "Level of Play" for return was still remained poor (Kendall W of 0.312 and 0.200, respectively). Responses were also significantly influenced by surgeon demographics. Conclusions There is poor consensus among spine surgeons for return to play following cervical spine injury. These results support the concept that given the gravity of cervical spine injuries, a more standardized approach to decision-making regarding return to play after cervical spine injury is necessary.