cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efficient VLSI architecture for SAO decoding in 4K Ultra-HD HEVC video codec

Sample Adaptive Offset (SAO) is a new tool added in latest video coding standard (HEVC) to achieve better coding efficiency resulting in higher visual quality. In this paper, we propose efficient and high performance VLSI architecture as well as data transfer scheme for SAO decoder that can work in a pipelined manner achieving 4K (Ultra-HD) resolution at 60 fps in video codec engine. The proposed solution consists of multiple innovative techniques like block based processing, customized scanning order and generic region based transfer scheme to enable very high throughput at low silicon area. The proposed design is coded and simulated for low power 28nm process node. The overall solution achieves performance of 4K resolution at 60 fps at 266 MHz of clock and 0.103 mm2 of logic area after place and route and 127 Kbytes of memory. The proposed design is fully compliant to HEVC video standard handling all corner scenarios.
HICKS ON ACCOUNTING

Whenever income and capital maintenance concepts are discussed at the conceptual level, a reference to Hicks is likely to be found. These references are misleading since Hicks himself believed that the proper basis of valuation in the financial statements of a firm is historical cost. He also argued that accountants should not make price-level adjustments. Hicks' views on accounting, which are scattered in his writings over a period of 35 years, are reviewed in this paper.
Electric Vehicle Optimized Charge and Drive Management

Electric vehicles (EVs) have been considered as a solution to the environmental issues caused by transportation, such as air pollution and greenhouse gas emission. However, limited energy capacity, scarce EV supercharging stations, and long recharging time have brought anxiety to drivers who use EVs as their main mean of transportation. Furthermore, EV owners need to deal with a huge battery replacement cost when the battery capacity degrades. Yet in-house EV chargers affect the pattern of the power grid load, which is not favorable to the utilities. The driving route, departure/arrival time of daily trips, and electricity price influence the EV energy consumption, battery lifetime, electricity cost, and EV charger load on the power grid. The EV driving range and battery lifetime issues have been addressed by battery management systems and route optimization methodologies. However, in this article, we are proposing an optimized charge and drive management (OCDM) methodology that selects the optimal driving route, schedules daily trips, and optimizes the EV charging process while considering the driver’s timing preference. Our methodology will improve the EV driving range, extend the battery lifetime, reduce the recharging cost, and diminish the influence of EV chargers on the power grid. The performance of our methodology compared to the state of the art have been analyzed by experimenting on three benchmark EVs and three drivers. Our methodology has decreased EV energy consumption by 27%, improved the battery lifetime by 24.8%, reduced the electricity cost by 35%, and diminished the power grid peak load by 17% while increasing less than 20 minutes of daily driving time. Moreover, the scalability of our OCDM methodology for different parameters (e.g., time resolution and multiday cycles) in terms of execution time and memory usage has been analyzed.
Does a daily consultant ward round affect the outcomes of orthopaedic patients

Introduction: In the UK, more than 60 000 patients present with a fractured neck of femur each year. These patients represent a huge financial cost. This study looks at the 30-day readmissions and total length of hospital stay of patients presenting with a fractured neck of femur, as well as length of stay in non-hip fracture trauma patients, following the change to a daily consultant-led ward round. Methods: A total of 200 records of patients with fractured neck of femur were reviewed with data collected retrospectively and prospectively following the introduction of the daily consultant-led ward round. Readmissions were classed as patients who spent a period of time admitted to hospital. Those who only attended an emergency unit were not included. Reasons for readmission and length of readmission were reviewed as were the initial and total length of stay. The authors also evaluated the length of stay in trauma patients (non-hip fracture emergency admissions) for a period of 6 months before and 4 months ...
Methylene Blue Counteracts H2S-Induced Cardiac Ion Channel Dysfunction and ATP Reduction.

We have previously demonstrated that methylene blue (MB) counteracts the effects of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) cardiotoxicity by improving cardiomyocyte contractility and intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis disrupted by H2S poisoning. In vivo, MB restores cardiac contractility severely depressed by sulfide and protects against arrhythmias, ranging from bundle branch block to ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. To dissect the cellular mechanisms by which MB reduces arrhythmogenesis and improves bioenergetics in myocytes intoxicated with H2S, we evaluated the effects of H2S on resting membrane potential (Em), action potential (AP), Na+/Ca2+ exchange current (INaCa), depolarization-activated K+ currents and ATP levels in adult mouse cardiac myocytes and determined whether MB could counteract the toxic effects of H2S on myocyte electrophysiology and ATP. Exposure to toxic concentrations of H2S (100 µM) significantly depolarized Em, reduced AP amplitude, prolonged AP duration at 90% repolarization (APD90), suppressed INaCa and depolarization-activated K+ currents, and reduced ATP levels in adult mouse cardiac myocytes. Treating cardiomyocytes with MB (20 µg/ml) 3 min after H2S exposure restored Em, APD90, INaCa, depolarization-activated K+ currents, and ATP levels toward normal. MB improved mitochondrial membrane potential (∆ψm) and oxygen consumption rate in myocytes in which Complex I was blocked by rotenone. We conclude that MB ameliorated H2S-induced cardiomyocyte toxicity at multiple levels: (1) reversing excitation–contraction coupling defects (Ca2+ homeostasis and L-type Ca2+ channels); (2) reducing risks of arrhythmias (Em, APD, INaCa and depolarization-activated K+ currents); and (3) improving cellular bioenergetics (ATP, ∆ψm).
Ring closure of polynitroazoles via an N,N′-alkylene bridge: towards high thermally stable energetic compounds

High thermal stability is one of the important factors in the design of high-performance insensitive energetic compounds. A straightforward synthesis of tricyclic energetic molecules (2, 3, 5 and 6) has been developed through bridging ethylene-/propylene-moieties featuring two polynitroazoles. Remarkably, such ring closure reactions lead to higher thermal stability. In addition, the influence of 4,4′,5,5′-tetranitro-2H,2′H-3,3′-bipyrazole (1) and 5,5′-dinitro-2H,2′H-3,3′-bi-1,2,4-triazole (4) with or in the absence of an N,N′-alkylene bridge on the structural and electrostatic potentials (ESP) was established theoretically. The high thermal stability and good detonation properties may make these materials useful as replacements for trinitrotoluene (TNT).
Calcium Signalling in Vascular Endothelial Cells: Ca2+ Entry and Release

Endothelial cells serve both autocrine and paracrine functions within the cardiovascular system to modulate blood pressure and maintain tissue perfusion. Endothelial cells respond to a variety of humoral and physical stimuli to release endothelium-dependent vasodilators, such as prostacyclin (PGI2) and endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF), and vasoconstrictors such as endothelin (Furchgott and Vanhoutte, 1989). The synthesis and release of endothelium-derived vasodilators have been shown to be Ca2+-dependent whereby the production of PGI2 and EDRF is attenuated by the removal of extracellular Ca2+ (Singer and Peach, 1982; Long and Stone, 1985; Griffith et al., 1986; Luckhoff et al., 1988). It is now well established that an EDRF released from endothelial cells, both in situ and in culture, is nitric oxide (NO) or a nitroso compound that readily releases NO, and that NO is synthesized in endothelial cells by the oxidation of one of the two equivalent guanidino nitrogens of L-arginine via a cytoplasmic NADPH-and Ca2+-dependent enzyme, termed NO synthase (see Moncada et al., 1991). Changes in the extracellular Ca2+ concentration around the physiological range have been shown to modulate the synthesis/release of NO by the vascular endothelium and consequently, vascular tone (Lopez-Jaramillo et al., 1990).
Putting Rural Community Change in Perspective

Patterns of growth and decline in rural America represent a focus of social science investigation that has received considerable attention for many years. Among rural sociologists in particular, much of this attention has included an explicit recognition of the ways in which the social organization of rural life across space and time is linked to land use patterns and natural resource conditions. Rural economies, social structures, and life-ways have been and remain closely tied to nature. At the same time, the character of those relationships has shifted in a number of important ways over the years.
Intimal Hyperplasia is the Wrong Target: Restenosis as a Failure of Remodeling

Luminal narrowing in atherosclerosis and the loss of lumen caliber following angioplasty have commonly been attributed to lumen encroachment by intimai growth. This hypothesis has been called into question by the recent observation that lumen narrowing in both atherosclerosis (1,2) and after angioplasty (3) correlates poorly with intimal mass. In the case of restenosis a multitude of drugs that effectively inhibit intimai hyperplasia in animal models of arterial injury (4,5) have consistently failed to prevent restenosis in costly clinical trials (6–8). These failures could be due to: 1) species differences in the regulation of smooth muscle cell growth (9,10); 2) inadequate experimental modeling of advanced human atherosclerosis and as a consequence a poor understanding of the contribution of a pre-existing lesion to the injury response (11); or 3) the intimal hyperplasia hypothesis equating intimal growth with lumen narrowing may simply be wrong (3, 12, 13).
An Enterprise-Wide Intervention at IRS: A Longitudinal Analysis of Stakeholder Sentiments

The Internal Revenue Service Business Modernization Project undertaken by the Tax Agency of the US Government has been singled out as an example of a massive failure. As envisioned, the project was intended as an Enterprise-wide intervention that would provide modern services and effective data access to citizenry and several government agencies. After more than a decade and 3 billion dollars later, the results appear to be less than exemplary. This paper identifies different stakeholders who participated in the project, and analyzes the sentiments and confidence each expressed with a view to understanding what and how things may or may not have worked. We conclude with lessons learned from our investigation including recognizing the importance of multiple stakeholders for Enterprise-wide initiatives.
Flavin-Containing Monooxygenases: Substrate Specificity and Complex Metabolic Pathways

The flavin-containing monooxygenase (EC 1.14.13.8)(FMO) is located in the endoplasmic reticulum of mammalian cells and is involved in the monooxygenation of a wide variety of xenobiotics. The FMO has a similar distribution and function to many of the isozymes of cytochrome P450 (P450). Originally described as an amine oxidase (Ziegler and Mitchell, 1972), it is now known to catalyze the oxidation of many organic, and some inorganic, chemicals (Ziegler, 1990, 1991). The FAD prosthetic group first reacts with NADPH and then molecular oxygen to give rise to the enzyme-bound hydroperoxyflavin responsible for the oxidation of suitable substrates. These initial reactions occur in the absence of substrate and the enzyme exists primarily in the hydroperoxyflavin form (Poulsen and Ziegler, 1979, Beaty and Ballou, 1981a,b). A consequence of this is that substrates, with few exceptions, have the same Vmax, although Km may vary.
South Africa: Family Life as the Mirror of a Society

Collectively the people of South Africa represent a rich and diverse society. Family life education is not a formally recognized specialization and is predominantly addressed by social workers and related professionals. The government has published an extensive needs assessment with accompanying recommendations. Major challenges revolve around the HIV crisis, unemployment, and poverty. Strengthening family life at all levels of the system, from individuals and their family units, educational and societal systems to ultimately public policy, is on the agenda. The most viable models of intervention are generated from within the community, providing ownership and motivation for the support and implementation of family-focused endeavors.
Critical Incident Stress And Trauma In The Workplace: Recognition... Response... Recovery

This text was developed as a manual for those employed in the emergency services ESP, those who deal with victims of trauma in the workplace, work in school systems or acute psychiatric settings, provide assistance to ESP, or who are employed in other settings where persons may experience trauma. The book can also be used by mental health workers as they conduct workshops or provide debriefings where trauma has occured.Visit www.geraldlewis.com for more information.
Knockout of Raptor destabilizes ornithine decarboxylase mRNA and decreases binding of HuR to the ODC transcript in cells exposed to ultraviolet-B irradiation.

Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States. Ultraviolet-B (UVB) irradiation is the primary carcinogen responsible for stimulating NMSC development. Ornithine Decarboxylase (ODC), the first rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of polyamines, is upregulated in response to a variety of proliferation stimuli, including UVB exposure. Our previous studies have demonstrated regulation of ODC synthesis by the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) in cells transformed by oncogenic Ras. The goal of these studies was to better understand the link between mTORC1 and ODC in nontransformed cells treated with UVB. We show that the ablation of mTORC1 activity by conditional knockout of its essential component Raptor led to decreased levels of ODC protein both before and after exposure to 10 mJ/cm2 UVB. Moreover, ODC mRNA was destabilized in the absence of Raptor, suggesting post-transcriptional regulation. We have previously shown that the ODC transcript is stabilized by the RNA binding protein (RBP) human antigen R (HuR), and the intracellular localization of HuR responds to changes in mTORC1 activity. To expand these studies, we investigated whether HuR functions to regulate ODC mRNA stability after UVB exposure. Our results show an increased localization of HuR to the cytoplasm after UVB exposure in wild-type cells compared to Raptor knockout cells, and this is accompanied by greater association of HuR with the ODC transcript. These data suggest that the localization of HuR in response to UVB is influenced, at least in part, by mTORC1 and that HuR can bind to and stabilize ODC mRNA after UVB exposure in an mTORC1-dependent manner.
A questão do exílio em Theodor Adorno e Paulo Freire

The essay discusses the question of exile and totalitarian ideologies in the lives of two great critical intellectuals, Theodor Adorno and Paulo Freire, who, in expressing their positions of denunciation of explorations and injustices in the face of the rigidity of the thinking of the time, were forced into exile. Such conceptions, although distinct, converge on the enlightening path of the (in) success of formative experience through education, for it is understood with Adorno that education is an experience of reeducation of the managed society, while Freire is a possibility of political emancipation, autonomy of action towards the dialogical humanization and overcoming the state of oppression and alienation by the school.
Weekly cisplatin chemotherapy dosing versus triweekly chemotherapy with concurrent radiation for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND Triweekly high-dose cisplatin (100 mg/m2 ) with concurrent radiation therapy is the current standard of care in the definitive or appropriate postoperative setting in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We compared triweekly 100 mg/m2 with alternative weekly 40 mg/m2 and weekly <40 mg/m2 cisplatin regimens. METHODS From 2011 to 2016, 163 patients received concurrent cisplatin and intensity-modulated radiotherapy for locally advanced HNSCC. Primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival. RESULTS Cisplatin weekly <40 mg/m2 showed inferior OS outcomes when compared to weekly 40 mg/m2 (P = 0.084) and triweekly 100 mg/m2 (P = 0.04) regimens. CONCLUSION Our study displayed inferior outcomes with weekly cisplatin doses under 40 mg/m2 , suggesting the inferiority of low-dose weekly chemotherapy and the need for ongoing randomized trials to further explore 40 vs 100 mg/m2 chemotherapy regimens.
Fast Numerical Powertrain Optimization Strategy for Connected Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Connected vehicle (CV) technology allows traffic information sharing that can be utilized to improve fuel benefits of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). However, there are challenges from the powertrain optimization perspective. First, optimizing powertrain operations is computational heavy due to the nonlinearities, constraints, and high dimensionality of the problem, especially with long optimization time horizon. Secondly, a slow powertrain optimization means the solution may not be optimal anymore at current time if the traffic states change. In this paper, a fast, near global-optimal, and practical HEV powertrain optimization utilizing vehicle speed prediction in CV environment is systematically formulated and solved. First, the minimum fuel rate and battery state-of-charge rate are calculated for different engine and battery power-split ratios. Then, the nonlinear minimum fuel rate and battery state-of-charge rate are piecewise-linearized by introducing dimensionless variables. The engine operating range, engine dynamics, and battery charge-sustaining constraint are represented by the dimensionless variables and treated as linear constraints. This transformation exploits the problem's structure, known as Separable Programming, which is solved efficiently as a large-dimension constrained linear problem. Fast optimization allows utilization of repeated speed predictions to maintain prediction accuracy. Results show comparable fuel economy with Dynamic Programming with significantly less computation time. Average fuel savings of 4.0% and 10.4% over Pontryagin's Minimum Principle and Rule-Based optimization methods are observed. Experimental results show the feasibility of the optimized engine operating points with fuel benefits over the rule-based method. Simulations with vehicle speed prediction and limited Gaussian uncertainties to emulate CV settings also show satisfactory fuel benefits.
Effects of relaxin-induced collagen remodeling on electric field-mediated gene delivery

1394 Interstitial transport is a rate-limiting step in plasmid DNA (pDNA) delivery in solid tumors. To enhance the transport, investigators have used pulsed electric fields to push pDNA through tumor tissues in vivo. However, the extent of pDNA movement is still limited, presumably due to the collagen component in extracellular matrix, which has been observed to be a major barrier to macromolecular transport. Therefore, we investigated effects of collagen remodeling on interstitial electrophoresis by pre-treatment of tumor bearing mice with a recombinant human relaxin (rh-Rlx), a peptide hormone known to induce interstitial collagen remodeling in solid tumors. In this study, two tumor lines (4T1 and B16.F10) in two different murine tumor models -- dorsal skin-fold chamber (DSC) and hind leg -- were examined. Effects of rh-Rlx on pDNA electrophoresis were measured either directly in the DSC model, or indirectly in the hind leg model via reporter gene expression. It was observed that rh-Rlx treatment reduced collagen levels in the hind leg tumors but not in the DSC tumors. This finding correlated with the results from mobility experiments, where rh-Rlx treatment enhanced gene expression in 4T1 hind leg tumors but did not increase the mobility in the DSC model. In addition, it was observed that pDNA-collagen binding could significantly limit interstitial transport. Taken together, the study demonstrated that relaxin could reduce collagen content and enhance transgene expression in hind leg tumors but had minimal effects on collagen content and pDNA electromobility in DSC tumors, suggesting that relaxin-induced enhancement in gene delivery was correlated with reduction in collagen content in solid tumors.
Hepatoportal Venous Trauma: Analysis of Incidence, Morbidity, and Mortality.

Objectives:Although traumatic injuries to the superior mesenteric vein (SMV), portal vein (PV), and hepatic vein (HV) are rare, their impact is significant. Small single center reports estimate mor...
A feasibility study on achieving mode coalescence in acoustic waveguides

In a previous talk at ASA it was shown that the double root, commonly referred to as an exceptional point (EP), for modal frequencies in a 2-D or 3-D waveguide can exhibit almost perfect absorption over a relatively broad frequency range. The key to the phenomenon is that the wall impedance is such that modes coalesce at a complex-valued frequency. In this talk, we consider how to feasibly achieve the aforementioned wall impedance with the use of simple resonators. Within the frequency ranges supporting scale separation, it can be shown that a wall aligned with resonators can be modelled as an effective surface with a unique admittance. It is with this concept that we arrive at results showing distinct frequencies at which mode coalescence can occur. Strategies capable of deriving the necessary resonators parameters, and therefore, its dimensions are given. Numerical results are shown for reflection and transmission from a waveguide with the tuned effective surface composed of resonators in addition to the theoretical impedance boundary associated with constant EP behavior. Computer simulations and preliminary experimentation of the phenomena are referenced. Future attempts of utilizing more complicated metasurface designs are discussed for next iterations. [Work supported by NSF.]In a previous talk at ASA it was shown that the double root, commonly referred to as an exceptional point (EP), for modal frequencies in a 2-D or 3-D waveguide can exhibit almost perfect absorption over a relatively broad frequency range. The key to the phenomenon is that the wall impedance is such that modes coalesce at a complex-valued frequency. In this talk, we consider how to feasibly achieve the aforementioned wall impedance with the use of simple resonators. Within the frequency ranges supporting scale separation, it can be shown that a wall aligned with resonators can be modelled as an effective surface with a unique admittance. It is with this concept that we arrive at results showing distinct frequencies at which mode coalescence can occur. Strategies capable of deriving the necessary resonators parameters, and therefore, its dimensions are given. Numerical results are shown for reflection and transmission from a waveguide with the tuned effective surface composed of resonators in addition to th...
Development on a Cracked Foundation: How the Incomplete Nature of New Deal Labor Reform Presaged its Ultimate Decline

Mariano-Florentino Cuellar, Margaret Levi, and Barry R. Weingast’s excellent essay, Twentieth Century America as a Developing Country, Conflict, Institutional Change and the Evolution of Public Law, celebrates the period during which the National Labor Relations Act facilitated the peaceful resolution of labor disputes and improved the working conditions of American workers. These distinguished authors make a strong case for the essentiality of law in regulating labor relations and the importance of national culture in providing a solid context for the emergence of legal regimes facilitating economic growth and equality. This reply to their essay explores how the New Deal’s failure to eradicate ideological divisions, racial inequities, and anti-labor power structures rooted in our nation’s history compromised the ultimate success of the NLRA, the protection of labor in the international trading regime, the effectiveness and prevalence of American labor unions, and the overall leverage of American workers. The reply then addresses two related realities: 1) the New Deal idea that all workers deserve economic security, safe working conditions, and a fair say over the terms and conditions of their employment remains sound; and 2) but that idea cannot be realized unless it is backed by legal force in the institutions of law that govern a now global economy. Put simply, the original vision of FDR calling for a global New Deal must be implemented if American workers and their international brethren are to receive fair treatment.
Application of ASCO Value Framework to Treatment Advances in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND:Determination of the comparative efficacy of one therapy over another for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can be challenging. Application of a recognized value framework to published stud...
The plié by DNA-PK: dancing on DNA.

In this issue of Molecular Cell, Chen et al. (2020) report the structural transition during DNA-dependent activation of DNA-PK, shedding light on the mechanism by which kinase inhibitors and auto-phosphorylation-deficient DNA-PKcs compromise non-homologous end-joining (Chen et al., 2020).
Respiratory effects of prolonged prednisolone use in infants with evolving and established Bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Abstract Background Current literature focuses on systemic corticosteroids for prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants with limited data on use for pulmonary disease after the first month of life. Prednisolone may be a reasonable option for late treatment given its desirable pharmacologic properties and use in other pediatric disease states. Aims To characterize a premature population that received an extended prednisolone course and determine the effect on respiratory and anthropometric outcomes over time. Study design Single-center, retrospective study. Subjects Preterm infants who received ≥30 days of prednisolone or methylprednisolone for treatment of respiratory complications following preterm birth. Outcomes measures Assessment of pulmonary severity score (PSS), weight, length, and occipital frontal circumference weekly during the first 4 weeks of prednisolone and after discontinuation. Results Thirty-four infants with a mean gestational age of 26.5 ± 2.5 weeks and birth weight of 846 ± 353 g were identified. Nine patients were on invasive mechanical ventilation and 25 patients were on non-invasive respiratory support at prednisolone initiation. Prednisolone was initiated at a mean post-menstrual age of 41.7 ± 5 weeks and a mean dose of 1.7 ± 0.6 mg/kg/day. A significant decrease in PSS was seen over time (p Conclusion Prolonged prednisolone use was associated with a sustained decrease in PSS without adverse effects on growth measurements. These results suggest potential benefit of prednisolone on respiratory outcomes in a subset of preterm infants.
One perpetrator, two perpetrators: The effect of multiple perpetrators on eyewitness identification

Most eyewitness identification research simulates single perpetrator crimes, but real-world crimes often transpire at the hands of multiple perpetrators. It is unclear how multiple perpetrators might impact the ability of eyewitnesses to discriminate between the guilty and innocent. To address this issue, we conducted two experiments in which large nationwide samples of participants read a vignette about a crime being committed, and then viewed 1–2 target faces. If there were two targets, they were either similar or dissimilar, and presented either simultaneously or sequentially. Participants later viewed a target-present or -absent lineup for each target. As predicted, presenting one target enhanced discriminability compared to two targets presented simultaneously (Experiments 1 and 2), and two targets presented sequentially (Experiment 2). Results were mixed regarding the effect of similarity, with discriminability better for dissimilar compared to similar target pairs in just one experiment. Lastly, high confidence indicated high accuracy across all conditions.
Pregnancy in Liver Transplantation Recipients Is Associated With Increased Complications and Healthcare Utilization.

INTRODUCTION Given the increased rates of pregnancy in liver transplant recipients, evaluating the safety of pregnancy is crucial. We aim to evaluate pregnancy-related complications and outcomes in liver transplant recipients. METHODS A retrospective nationwide review comparing pregnancy outcomes in liver transplant recipients vs the general population was performed between 2005 and 2013. Propensity-matched and multivariable regression analyses were performed to study pregnancy- and delivery-related complications in addition to patient and hospital outcomes. RESULTS A total of 38,449,030 pregnancy-related admissions were evaluated in this study including 1,469 (0.004%) admissions in liver transplant recipients. Liver transplant recipients were more likely to undergo a caesarean delivery (60% vs 36%) and have a pregnancy-related complication (56% vs 27%) including miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, portpartum hemorrhage, hypertension, preeclampsia, and thromboembolism (P < 0.001) compared with the general population. Propensity-weighted analysis revealed higher rates of pregnancy complications (odds ratio 2.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.63-2.73), cost ($3,023, 95% CI $850-$5,197), and longer length of stay (1.52 days, 95% CI 0.62-2.41) in transplant recipients. Liver transplant recipients experienced zero inpatient mortalities compared with 0.01% of the general population. Transplant recipients with at least 1 complication had a longer length of stay (2.45 days, 95% CI 1.44-3.45) and higher cost of admission ($5,205, 95% CI $2,848-$7,561) compared with transplant recipients without a complication. DISCUSSION Pregnancy after liver transplant is associated with higher rates of complications and worse outcomes without an increased risk of mortality.
Challenge in acute care surgery: sudden cardiac arrest in the surgical intensive care unit.

A patient in their 20s presented to the emergency department after a motor vehicle collision. The patient was noted to be tachycardic, with systolic blood pressure in the 90s. The initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score was 7 (E1, V2, M4). The patient was intubated for low GCS and transfused two units of packed red blood cells with improved vital signs. Whole-body CT was obtained and found to have subarachnoid hemorrhage and subdural hematoma with multiple facial fractures. CT of the chest and abdomen demonstrated Chance fracture of the thoracic spine at T9–10 level and a small mesenteric hematoma. Additional X-rays noted bilateral radial fractures and right femur fracture. The patient was admitted to the surgical intensive care unit (ICU) for hemodynamic monitoring, serial laboratory evaluation with abdominal examination, and further management of multisystem injuries. After stable head CTs, pharmacologic venous thromboembolism prophylaxis was initiated on hospital day 3. Spinal fusion was performed on hospital day 5, followed by internal fixation of extremity fractures on hospital day 6. On hospital day 7, the patient was taken for MRI of the cervical spine for the evaluation of ligamentous injuries; …
Analysis of Reinforced Fibrous Concrete Beams

A method has been developed to predict the ultimate strength of concrete beams reinforced with a combination of steel bars and randomly distributed steel fibers. Strengths of three full-size beams were obtained experimentally to verify the analytical method. The method, which applies to beams using a cement-rich mortar mix with the steel fibers, shows good correlation with experimental results. A dynamic bond stress of 333 psi was assumed for the fibers. Fiber lengths were from 1-1/2 in. to 2-1/4 in. and the fiber amount was varied from 1.22% to 1.51% by volume. The test programs showed that: (1) Steel fibrous concrete increased the flexural load capacity of the reinforced beams by about 25%; (2) crack width and crack spacing were less than in a conventional reinforced beam; and (3) the post-cracking stiffness of the fibrous beams was greater than a conventional beam.
Coma and Impaired Consciousness

Various neurologic conditions result in impaired consciousness, which can often progress to death; thus, these are medical emergencies necessitating immediate evaluation along with treatment of reversible conditions
Stable isotopes of transition and post-transition metals as tracers in environmental studies

The transition and post-transition metals, which include the elements in Groups 3–12 of the Periodic Table, have a broad range of geological and biological roles as well as industrial applications and thus are widespread in the environment. Interdisciplinary research over the past decade has resulted in a broad understanding of the isotope systematics of this important group of elements and revealed largely unexpected variability in isotope composition for natural materials. Significant kinetic and equilibrium isotope fractionation has been observed for redox sensitive metals such as iron, chromium, copper, molybdenum and mercury, and for metals that are not redox sensitive in nature such as cadmium and zinc. In the environmental sciences, the isotopes are increasingly being used to understand important issues such as tracing of metal contaminant sources and fates, unraveling metal redox cycles, deciphering metal nutrient pathways and cycles, and developing isotope biosignatures that can indicate the role of biological activity in ancient and modern planetary systems.
Sex affects vascular responses to acute inflammation in older adults (852.2)

Aging results in increased arterial stiffness and blood pressure (BP) in both sexes and is associated with chronic, low-grade inflammation that appears to affect cardiovascular function to a greater extent in men versus women. Acute inflammation, found during co-morbidities common in aging, also disrupts cardiovascular homeostasis. Our purpose was to determine whether sex affects vascular responses to acute inflammation in older adults. Inflammation was induced in 25 healthy older adults (m=9, f=16) with an influenza vaccine. Central BP, augmentation index controlled for heart rate (AIx@75), serum C-reactive protein (CRP), and central pulse wave velocity (cPWV) were measured before and 24 and 48hr post-vaccination. Post-vaccination, the cohort increased CRP and reduced cMAP (from90±2 to 86±2 to 87±2 mmHg; p<0.05). Men maintained while women decreased AIx@75 (from 20±3 to 24±5 to 25±2% in men and from 32±2 to 31±1 28±2% in women; p<0.05 for interaction) and the interaction for cPWV controlled for MAP, (fro...
Class D and E tetracycline resistance determinants in gram-negative bacteria from catfish ponds

DNA probes were used to examine tetracycline-resistant. Gram-negative bacteria (281 strains representing eight species) from catfish ponds. The isolates, which did not previously hybridize with the Tet A, B and C determinants, were examined for the presence of tetracycline-resistance Tet D and Tet E determinants. The distribution of the Tet D determinant ranged from 0 to 83%, depending on the bacterial species. Tet E was found only in 69% of Aeromonas hydrophila isolates Eighteen per cent failed to hybridize with any of the five Tet determinants.
The role of the plasmalemmal dopamine and vesicular monoamine transporters in methamphetamine-induced dopaminergic deficits

Amphetamine (AMPH) and methamphetamine (METH) are members of a collection of phenethylamine psychostimulants that are commonly referred to collectively as "amphetamines." Amphetamines exert their effects, in part, by affecting neuronal dopamine transport. This review thus focuses on the effects of AMPH and METH on the plasmalemmal dopamine transporter and the vesicular monoamine transporter-2 in animal models with a particular emphasis on how these effects, which may vary for the different stereoisomers, contribute to persistent dopaminergic deficits.
Patterning process study for 30nm hole

In order to continue scaling down the feature sizes of the devices until extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) reaches to production capability, the alternative methods such as double patterning technology (DPT) and spacer patterning technology (SPT) are applied for half pitch (hp) 2x~3x nm line / space imaging. In the storage node of DRAM, both stable hole patterning and high dielectric constant (e) material development are key factors to secure the capacitance. In terms of hole patterning, we anticipate that hp 4x nm hole will be possible with combination of vertical and horizontal lines. However, the patterning process for hp 3x nm hole has to find a solution in trade-off relationship between process stability, complexity and cost of ownership (CoO) until EUVL is accomplished. In this paper, we will demonstrate 3x nm hole patterning process using double patterning technology combined with negative tone development (NTD). Contrary to general method (positive tone development with dark field mask) for hole patterning, intention to use NTD with bright field mask will first be discussed. Evaluation and analysis of the simulated and experimental results will be discussed for block CD uniformity improvement. In addition to patterning, overlay performance will be tested through NXT 1950i to confirm DPT process feasibility. Finally, process integrations including etch process will be demonstrated.
Modified material constitutive models for serrated chip formation simulations and experimental validation in machining of titanium alloy Ti–6Al–4V

Abstract Titanium alloys present superior properties such as high strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to corrosion but, possess poor machinability. In this study, influence of material constitutive models and elastic–viscoplastic finite element formulation on serrated chip formation for modeling of machining Ti–6Al–4V titanium alloy is investigated. Temperature-dependent flow softening based modified material models are proposed where flow softening phenomenon, strain hardening and thermal softening effects and their interactions are coupled. Orthogonal cutting experiments have been conducted with uncoated carbide (WC/Co) and TiAlN coated carbide cutting tools. Temperature-dependent flow softening parameters are validated on a set of experimental data by using measured cutting forces and chip morphology. Finite Element simulations are validated with experimental results at two different rake angles, three different undeformed chip thickness values and two different cutting speeds. The results reveal that material flow stress and finite element formulation greatly affects not only chip formation mechanism but also forces and temperatures predicted. Chip formation process for adiabatic shearing in machining Ti–6Al–4V alloy is successfully simulated using finite element models without implementing damage models.
Effect of short-range correlations on Coulomb matrix elements

The normalization correction introduced by McCarthy and Walker is examined. It is concluded that it should be absent.
Efficacy of Fungicide Treatments for Control of Common Rust and Northern Leaf Spot in Hybrid Corn Seed Production

Field experiments were conducted during the 1992 and 1993 growing seasons in 13 commercial fields in Iowa to assess the efficacy of foliar applications of fungicides to seed corn for control of common rust, Puccinia sorghi, and northern leaf spot, Bipolaris zeicola. Chlorothalonil, mancozeb, and/or propiconazole sprays were initiated at growth stage (GS) 2.5, GS 4.0, or approximately 2 weeks before detasseling, and applications were repeated up to five times at various growth stages. The majority of fungicide treatments resulted in an increase in salable seed units (1 unit = 80,000 seeds) compared to untreated control treatments. The greatest increase in salable seed occurred in the large and medium seed size units. Although disease severity on the final assessment date in both years and standardized area under the disease progress curve in 1993 were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) in untreated control plots than in fungicide-treated plots in all experiments, the best disease control was provided by 5 applications of chlorothalonil or 2 to 4 applications of chlorothalonil, mancozeb, or propiconazole initiated on the first spray date.
Heat transfer enhancement of a Poiseuille flow by means of electric conduction phenomenon

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) conduction phenomenon involves the interaction of electric field and flow field in a dielectric fluid medium via the process of dissociation and recombination of free charges. This paper numerically studies the effect of electric conduction phenomenon on the heat transfer characteristics of a Poiseuille flow. The numerical domain consists of six electrode pairs positioned along the tube wall. The flow is primarily generated by an external pressure-gradient imposed along the tube. The electric field and electric body force distributions and the resultant velocity fields are presented. The heat transfer enhancements are illustrated under various operating conditions.
The use of methyltestosterone to stimulate growth: relative influence on skeletal maturation and linear growth.

Testosterone is frequently used to promote growth in children of short stature (1). Although it often causes a marked increase in the rate of growth in height, it also tends to increase the rate of skeletal maturation (2). This is of importance, since adult stature is determined not only by the rate of growth but also by the duration of growth, which is a function of skeletal maturation. Growth of the long bones stops when epiphyseal fusion is completed at the skeletal age of 16 years in girls and 18 years in boys. Treatment with testosterone may cause a decrease in ultimate stature if it causes skeletal maturation to advance more rapidly than linear growth. Testosterone therapy may, however, be expected to result in greater ultimate stature if it causes statural growth to advance more rapidly than skeletal maturation. The present study was undertaken to find out whether, in suitable dosage, testosterone may be expected to exert a favorable influence upon the ultimate stature of short, but otherwise healt...
Patient-centredness, self-rated health, and patient empowerment: should providers spend more time communicating with their patients?

Objective Patient-centred communication is often employed as a strategy for empowering patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between a direct measure of patient empowerment, feeling that one is in control of one's own health and patient satisfaction with communication. Design A cross-sectional survey of family medicine patients was used to test the theory that, in primary care patients, empowerment is related to satisfaction with several aspects of communication after adjusting for health status, age and gender. Interviews were completed with 680 adult patients for whom complete data were available. Results Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that being highly satisfied with overall communication [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.08], explanations (AOR = 2.04), listening (AOR = 2.63), use of understandable words (AOR = 2.41) and involvement in decisions (2.34) were positively associated with empowerment. Self-rated health was more strongly related to empowerment than satisfaction with communication in every model tested (AORs ranged from 2.8 to 3.0). Conclusions Reliance solely on patient-centred communication to promote empowerment may be insufficient as well as costly. Instead, improved one-to-one communication between patients and providers should be reserved for clinically complex and urgent situations. For other health matters, referral of patients to community health promotion and education programmes should be considered because this may offer a lower-cost approach to empowerment.
Pigmentation of the marine isopod Idothea montereyensis

Abstract 1. 1. Body and chromatophore pigments were isolated from the three colour varieties of the marine isopod, Idothea montereyensis. 2. 2. The red, green and brown coloration of this species is primarily a result of cuticle pigmentation although general body colour as well as the red chromatophores can modify or enhance cuticle colour. 3. 3. The chromatophore pigment is a reduced ommochrome. 4. 4. The cuticles of all three colour varieties contain lutein, lutein epoxide and canthaxanthin, although the proportions of these differ in each case. 5. 5. Red cuticles primarily contain the reddish β-carotene derivative, canthaxanthin. 6. 6. Green cuticles contain a bluish canthaxanthin-protein complex and relatively large amounts of lutein which may be absorbed on the protein complex or may alternatively be a component of a separate lipo-protein. 7. 7. Brown animals are intermediate in that they contain a mixture of red and green pigments. 8. 8. A possible pathway has been suggested for the production of canthaxanthin from β-carotene.
Early Hydration of Tetracalcium Aluminoferrite in Gypsum and Lime‐Gypsum Solutions

Based on product compositions and on the compositional changes occurring in the aqueous phase, a mechanism for the early hydration of C4AF in solutions containing gypsum or lime and gypsum is suggested. According to this mechanism, early formation of AFt is preceded by the formation of alumina gel or C2AH8. Early AFt formation occurs through solution, and the early AFt product contains little or no iron. The solution chemistry also suggests that an amorphous, iron-rich gel forms and that calcium is associated with this gel.
Predicting blood lead concentrations from environmental concentrations.

A method is presented by which blood lead concentrations can be estimated from environmental concentrations using a multipathway analysis. For the ingestion and dermal uptake pathways the incremental increase in blood lead concentration is estimated as the product of the concentration in the relevant medium, a medium-specific contact rate, and an empirically determined ratio between intake and blood level. The inhalation pathway omits the contact rate and uses a ratio between the concentration in blood and the concentration in air. Model outputs corresponding to various input parameters are presented, and some of these are compared with outputs from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Lead Biokinetic/Uptake model, Lead 5.
Putrid Pulmonary Abscess and Empyema with Inappropriate Secretion of Antidiuretic Hormone

The syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone has been associated with many pulmonary inflammatory diseases. The origin of the hormone in these cases is the neurohypophysis, although the afferent stimulus has not been adequately characterized. A previously unreported association of this syndrome with putrid pulmonary abscess and empyema is documented.