cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tunability of Gas-Expanded Liquids under Confinement: Phase Equilibrium and Transport Properties of Ethylene-Expanded Methanol in Mesoporous Silica

Using grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) and molecular dynamics simulation, we examine the phase equilibrium and transport of a gas-expanded liquid under confinement. The system chosen is ethylene-expanded methanol confined in model silica mesopores, but in equilibrium with the bulk mixture—a system that has received recent interest as a reaction medium, e.g., for epoxidation of ethylene. This system was studied at 20 °C and pressures ranging from 5 to 55 bar. In addition, two different pore surface chemistries were examined: a hydrophilic pore, in which the silica dangling bonds were terminated by −OH groups, and a model “hydrophobic” pore, in which the charges on the pore atoms (including the −OH groups) were turned off. The chemical potentials for the mixture necessary to perform the GCMC simulations were obtained using a novel Gibbs–Duhem integration method along a previously calculated binary vapor–liquid equilibrium curve. We find that the pressure significantly affects the ethylene mole fraction in...
Pathological Consequences of Aβ From Extracellular to Intraneuronal

Generally, three scenarios exist for a pathological role of Aβ in neuronal death leading to AD based on the information presented in this chapter. (1) Intraneuronal Aβ is secreted into the extracellular spaces where it accumulates over time as toxic aggregates becoming senile plaques, which in turn kill nearby neurons (the amyloid cascade hypothesis). (2) Intraneuronal Aβ accumulates either from within the neuron due to overproduction (FAD-dependent), or from uptake within the brain or from peripheral sources, which aggregate in synapse or terminal processes over time leading to the degeneration of neuronal processes and extracellular plaque formation leading to neuronal death. (3) Intraneuronal Aβ accumulates primarily from uptake within the brain or from peripheral sources that aggregate in the perikaryon of the neuron (ie, in lysosomes), which over time lead to neuronal death by lysis forming the amyloid plaque. Cell lysis then triggers additional neuronal death independent of amyloid.
Stage-IV Medial Femoral Condyle Osteochondritis Dissecans Treated with Unicompartmental Arthroplasty and Trabecular Metal Augmentation.

First described by Ahlback et al. in 1968, spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee (SPONK) occurs most commonly in elderly females with a sudden onset, but without a known precipitating event1. SPONK is described as a distinct entity, bearing no relation to the more common causes of osteonecrosis around the knee, including corticosteroid use, alcohol abuse, coagulopathy, and trauma. Its etiology is unknown but may be attributed to a local microcirculatory vascular disturbance or to subclinical microfractures that weaken the subchondral bone and eventually cause osteoarticular collapse2. Clinical onset of SPONK is often abrupt, characterized by medial condylar tenderness, synovitis, effusion, and pain. Localized intense radiotracer uptake on a three-phase bone scan is suggestive of an osteonecrotic lesion3. Koshino4 recommended nonoperative management for Ahlback stage-I and II lesions. For stage-III, IV, and V lesions, various treatment options exist. These include arthroscopy with debridement and microfracture, osteoarticular transfer system procedure, high tibial osteotomy, and prosthetic arthroplasty2. Nonarthroplasty options have had mixed results4-6. Both total and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) have had good results for focal osteonecrotic lesions, particularly of the medial femoral condyle7-12. However, there is scant information on the treatment of very large lesions, which are associated with a poorer prognosis. Reports do not specify the lesion volume or location for which a UKA is suitable and safe to perform. Invariably, residual defects may be filled with cement or bone graft. If appropriate fixation cannot be achieved, then total knee arthroplasty is required. For large lesions, bone cement may not provide adequate stability. Trabecular Metal (Zimmer, Warsaw, Indiana) augments are commonly used in revision total knee replacement13. Short and midterm follow-up show excellent clinical results with their use, including reliable …
Porosity Dependence of Mechanical Strength and Fracture Toughness in SiC-Al2O3-Y2O3 Ceramics

Influence of residual porosity on the flexural strength and fracture toughness of pressureless-sintered α-SiC ceramic with controlled microstructure, characterized by equiaxed-grain and a mixture of equiaxed/plate grains were investigated together with the trend of σ-KIC behavior. Both the flexural strength and the fracture toughness of the SiC ceramics showed an exponential decrease with porosity, but the extent of the porosity dependence was dependent on the microstructure; a higher porosity-dependent strength was seen for the equiaxed-grain microstructure, while the dependence became weak for the mixed one. The trend of flexural strength-toughness dependence appeared to be positive and became more pronounced for the SiC ceramics with mixed-grain morphology, suggesting a strengthening effect due to the presence of reinforced platelike phase. Crack deflection appeared to be the principal mechanism for toughness improvement in the SiC-Al2O3-Y2O3 ceramics.
Gfi1 as a Regulator of Hematopoietic Differentiation.

Growth Factor Independent-1 (Gfi1) is a transcriptional repressor originally identified as a target of Moloney leukemia virus insertion mutagenesis. Gfi1 potently collaborates with Myc and Pim oncogenes to mediate T cell transformation. Retroviral insertions which activate Gfi1 are among the most frequent events in MoMLV-induced T cell, but not myeloid, leukemias. Orthologous proteins in Drosophila (Senseless) and C.elegans (Pag-3) are key regulators of developmental decisions. Gfi1 −/− mice display lymphopenia, neutropenia, and abnormally proliferative HSC and progenitors which eventually lead to bone marrow failure. Humans with bone marrow failure syndromes, such as Severe Congenital Neutropenia or Non-Immune Chronic Idiopathic Neutropenia of Adults, display mutations in GFI1, which produce dominant negative acting GFI1 proteins. The SCN-associated GFI1N382S mutant proteins derepress a subset of GFI1 target genes, including CSF1 and CSF1R, to block granulopoeisis. Normally, Gfi1 antagonizes monopoiesis mediated by Pu.1, Egr1, Egr2, and Nab2. Thus, Gfi1 loss of function may impair granulopoiesis by failing to successfully repress monopoeitic differentiation. GFI1 dysfunction may also underlie Specific Granule Deficiency. GFI1 is able to synergize with C/EBP transcription factors to activate genes, such as neutrophil collagenase. Gfi1 may, therefore, enhance granulopoietic differentiation through C/EBP factors. Though great progress has been made in understanding Gfi1 biological and biochemical functions, we are only beginning to understand the role of Gfi1 in integrating hematopoietic transcriptional programming. We find that Gfi1 signaling controls both the differentiation and transformation of myeloid progenitors through an evolutionarily conserved transcriptional and post-transcriptional network.
Proinflammatory cytokines decrease the expression of genes critical for RPE function.

Purpose Proinflammatory cytokines interferon gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) secreted by infiltrating lymphocytes or macrophages may play a role in triggering RPE dysfunction associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Binding of these proinflammatory cytokines to their specific receptors residing on the RPE cell surface can activate signaling pathways that, in turn, may dysregulate cellular gene expression. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-1β have an adverse effect on the expression of genes essential for RPE function, employing the RPE cell line ARPE-19 as a model system.
An impressive choledochal cyst and its surgical resection.

Abstract Introduction Choledochal cysts are rare congenital dilations of the biliary tree that can present with non-specific symptoms such as abdominal pain, jaundice, cholelithiasis and pancreatitis. Although most commonly identified in children, they can be found in the adult population. However, because of the non-specific symptoms, this diagnosis may be difficult to make in the adult. A physician therefore must keep this diagnosis within their differential, as it may arise in an unexpected patient population who may present with a convoluted work up. Case presentation In this report, we present the case of a 50-year-old African American woman with recurrent cholelithiasis, cholangitis and eventually obstructive jaundice despite undergoing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy six years prior. Her only work up at that point was a right upper quadrant ultrasound revealing gallbladder sludge, which led to her cholecystectomy. It was the persistence of her symptoms—abdominal pain, cholangitis and obstructive jaundice—previously attributed to chronic cholecystitis and choledocholithiasis that warranted further work up. After multiple physician visits, she was referred to our academic center after an ERCP was performed and she was found to have a dilation of her common bile duct consistent with a choledochal cyst. Furthermore, the ERCP identified multiple bile duct stones within the cyst. This was not identified on her original ultrasound or prior ERCPs. The patient underwent a complete cyst excision with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy and did well post-operatively. Discussion This report illustrates how choledochal cysts can be an elusive diagnosis, but may present with repeated infections, recurrent biliary stones, and biliary obstruction despite a cholecystectomy. Had she an MRCP prior to her cholecystectomy, she would likely have avoided multiple surgeries, and years of persistent symptoms. Choledochal cysts are associated with an increased risk of biliary malignancy and therefore cyst excision is the standard of care. Conclusion Although rare, physicians need to keep this diagnosis in mind, and be aware of the clinical and imaging findings consistent with a choledochal cyst in order to facilitate appropriate work up, referral and treatment.
A Historian Focused on Democracy: Robert B. Westbrook

A Historian Focused on Democracy : Robert Westbrook steadfastly believes that Dewey’s thoughts and ideas can be readily viewed as a positive force in American education .
Relaxation, Electronic and Volume Expansion Contributions to the Elastic Constant Changes Induced by Hydrogen and Deuterium in Nb

The high frequency moduli and acoustic attenuation have been measured in Nb-H(D) alloys over a wide range of H/Nb and temperatures. An anelastic relaxation has been investigated, whose strength depends on T according to a Curie-Weiss type of relationship. This relaxation effect only partly accounts for the softening of the elastic constants C’ and C induced by hydrogen or deuterium. The moduli are also affected by a positive electronic contribution and a negative contribution due to the volume expansion.
Symbolism and the Interaction of the Real and the Ideal: Scenery in Early-Modern Netherlandish Graphic Art

Editors’ Note: The author of this chapter questions the orthodox thesis that emphasizes the predominance of realism in the early-modern landscape art of the Netherlands by articulating the symbolic/ideal aspects of various works of the period. This counter-thesis of interaction provides an opportunity to make the deeper case, on the basis of our epistemological position, that perception and imagination are interrelated poles along a continuum, that all works of art must be examined on the basis of the interrelation of actual/perceptual and imaginative elements, for the very selection of actual elements requires virtual embodiment, the choosing of alternatives, involving the imagination. And so the actual or “real” is already imbued with the imagination. Symbolic meanings cling to artistic realism as there can be no reduction to bare actuality. On the other hand, imagination depends on the perceptual/actual from which it draws. This discussion testifies to the interrelated geographies of imagination and perception—realist landscape art as an objectivation of what is seen, is hopelessly “tainted” with the imagination, as is the “actual” landscape.
Synthesis of Functional Polyolefin Diblock Copolymers

This chapter describes five methods of preparing polyolefin diblock copolymers containing polyolefin and functional polymer segments: living Ziegler-Natta polymerization, transformation reaction from Ziegler-Natta to living free radical polymerization, transformation from Ziegler-Natta to living anionic polymerization, transformation reaction from anionic to Ziegler-Natta polymerization, and coupling reaction between two polymers. Diblock copolymer is the most effective interfacial agent in polymer blends and composites. Only a small quantity of a suitable diblock copolymer is needed to change the incompatible binary blends to uniform microphase morphology with strong interfacial adhesion. Most methods of preparing polyolefin diblock copolymers result in products with an intimate mixture of homopolymers and perhaps some diblock copolymer. However, some methods offer simple reaction processes and produce polyolefin diblock copolymers with a broad range of copolymer composition and well-designed molecular structure. The chapter concludes that the living Ziegler-Natta polymerization is mostly useful for the preparation of polyethylene diblock copolymers because of the limitation of applicable catalyst systems and reaction conditions.
Kinematic and kinetic comparisons between American and Korean professional baseball pitchers

The purpose of this study was to quantify and compare kinematic, temporal, and kinetic characteristics of American and Korean professional pitchers in order to investigate differences in pitching mechanics, performance, and injury risks among two different cultures and populations of baseball pitchers. Eleven American and eight Korean healthy professional baseball pitchers threw multiple fastball pitches off an indoor throwing mound positioned at regulation distance from home plate. A Motion Analysis three-dimensional automatic digitizing system was used to collect 200 Hz video data from four electronically synchronized cameras. Twenty kinematic, six temporal, and 11 kinetic variables were analyzed at lead foot contact, during the arm cocking and arm acceleration phases, at ball release, and during the arm deceleration phase. A radar gun was used to quantify ball velocity. At lead foot contact, the American pitchers had significantly greater horizontal abduction of the throwing shoulder, while Korean pitchers exhibited significantly greater abduction and external rotation of the throwing shoulder. During arm cocking, the American pitchers displayed significantly greater maximum shoulder external rotation and maximum pelvis angular velocity. At the instant of ball release, the American pitchers had significantly greater forward trunk tilt and ball velocity and significantly less knee flexion, which help explain why the American pitchers had 10% greater ball velocity compared to the Korean pitchers. The American pitchers had significantly greater maximum shoulder internal rotation torque and maximum elbow varus torque during arm cocking, significantly greater elbow flexion torque during arm acceleration, and significantly greater shoulder and elbow proximal forces during arm deceleration. While greater shoulder and elbow forces and torques generated in the American pitchers helped generate greater ball velocity for the American group, these greater kinetics may predispose this group to a higher risk of shoulder and elbow injuries.
Experimental demonstration of CNOT gate for frequency-encoded qubits

We demonstrate the first two-photon gate for frequency-bin qubits, using optical pulse shaping and electro-optic phase modulation. Our coincidence-basis CNOT has a fidelity of 0.9947 ± 0.0008 and shows controlled qubit flips in the computational basis.
The Times They Are A-Changin’: What Do the Expanding Uses of Travel Time Portend for Policy, Planning, and Life?:

Personal travel is becoming increasingly “passengerized,” with new travel products and services being enabled by the same technology that is expanding the ways in which travel time can be used. Thi...
A systematic review of validated tools assessing functional and aesthetic outcomes following fibula free flap reconstruction of the mandible.

Background Segmental mandibulectomy impairs health-related quality of life (QoL), by altering speech, mastication, swallowing, and facial aesthetics. Fibula free flap (FFF) used for mandible reconstruction is known to improve outcomes; however, minimal information exists in the literature regarding patient-reported outcomes. We aim to assess how current studies evaluate patient perception following segmental mandibulectomy and FFF mandible reconstruction. Methods Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a search was conducted for publications involving FFF mandible reconstruction from 2005 to 2017 using PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PsychInfo. Results Of 2212 articles identified initially, only 7 studies were deemed suitable. Six studies used the University of Washington Quality of Life questionnaire, 3 Oral Health Impact Profile, and 1 used European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Head and Neck (EORTC-H&N35). Conclusions There is a paucity of information in published reports on QoL outcomes following mandible reconstruction with FFF. In the era of patient-centered health care, observations warrant attention from researchers for physician-assessed patient-reported measures to factor in QoL expectation during surgical decision-making about the choice of reconstruction.
Transformation optics design of a planar near field magnifier for sub-diffraction imaging

It is well established that, under certain conditions, imaging systems with either isotropic negative index, or hyperbolic (indefinite) media can achieve super-resolution. However, achieving sub-diffraction limited imaging along with uniform aberration-free magnification can be challenging. In this article, we design, simulate, and evaluate the performance of planar 2D near-field magnifying lenses, based on the transformation-optic design principle. Specifically, we investigate a grid-relaxed transformation, that results in material properties that are more amenable to implementation. We discuss possible design choices in terms of: material properties, achievable resolution enhancement, adverse effect of loss tangent, magnification factor, and other design constraints affecting the imaging performance. We also present imaging performance results for a planar, near-field, 3× magnifier operating on a standard resolution target, based on a rigorous, 3D, electromagnetic simulation. This computational intensive result was achieved using cylindrical harmonic decomposition and the 2.5D electromagnetic simulation technique. Further, we investigate and propose a path to achieve higher magnification factors using cascaded elements.
Toward a Hermeneutic Model of Cultural Globalization: Four Lessons from Translation Studies:

Many scholars study the global diffusion of culture, looking at how institutions spread culture around the world or at how intermediaries (or “cultural brokers”) adapt foreign culture in the local ...
Guided Drawing: Facilitating Trauma Narratives for Young Children

ABSTRACTYoung children who have experienced trauma need developmentally appropriate techniques when being counseled. Their verbal skills might not allow them to accurately describe their experience...
A synthetic heparin mimetic that allosterically inhibits factor XIa and reduces thrombosis in vivo without enhanced risk of bleeding

Background Human factor XIa (FXIa) is an actively pursued target for development of safer anticoagulants. Our long-standing hypothesis has been that allosterism originating from heparin-binding site(s) on coagulation enzymes is a promising approach to yield safer agents. Objectives To develop a synthetic heparin mimetic as an inhibitor of FXIa so as to reduce clot formation in vivo but not carry high bleeding risk. Methods We employed a gamut of methods involving synthetic chemistry, biophysical biochemistry, enzyme assays, blood and plasma coagulation assays, and in vivo thrombosis models in this work. Results Sulfated chiro-inositol (SCI), a non-saccharide mimetic of heparin, was synthesized in three steps in overall yields of >50%. SCI inhibited FXIa with potency of 280 nmol/L and preferentially engaged FXIa's heparin-binding site to conformationally alter its active site. SCI inhibition of FXIa could be rapidly reversed by common antidotes, such as protamine. SCI preferentially prolonged plasma clotting initiated with recalcification, rather than thromboplastin, alluding to its intrinsic pathway-based mechanism. Human blood thromboelastography indicated good ex vivo anticoagulation properties of SCI. Rat tail bleeding and maximum-dose-tolerated studies indicated that no major bleeding or toxicity concerns for SCI suggesting a potentially safer anticoagulation outcome. FeCl3 -induced arterial and thromboplastin-induced venous thrombosis model studies in the rat showed reduced thrombus formation by SCI at 250 μg/animal, which matched enoxaparin at 2500 μg/animal. Conclusions Overall, SCI is a highly promising, allosteric inhibitor of FXIa that induces potent anticoagulation in vivo. Further studies are necessary to assess SCI in animal models mimicking human clinical indications.
Can a Structured, Video-Based Cadaver Curriculum Demonstrating Proficiency Enhance Resident Operative Autonomy?

Introduction Autonomy is of foremost concern in the current era of surgical residency, and it is especially important to trainees when considering their surgical education. Factors impacting trainee independence include the restriction of clinical work hours and the development of advanced minimally invasive techniques such as robotics, which requires separate technical education outside of conventional surgical education. Moreover, when residents are left to learn fundamental exposures via their clinical experience alone, they run the risk of not being exposed to some fundamental skills based on case volume and type. The Department of Surgery at Emory University developed a cadaver-based simulation curriculum to standardize exposure to fundamental operative skills and enhance proficiency outside the operating room, with the larger aim of improving resident autonomy. Methods Residents were assigned to small groups led by a chief resident with an even distribution of postgraduate year (PGY) levels. Each group participated in core surgical exposures and fundamental maneuvers on a cadaver over a 6-hour session. Residents were tested on skills according to their PGY level about 1 month after the course. Testing included recitation of the skill in an oral boards format, highlighting major steps, followed by performance of the skill. All steps were video-recorded with no resident identifiers. These were reviewed by 2 independent, blinded faculty examiners who assigned proficiency grades to each resident video. Results Three hundred and thirty-three individual procedure evaluations were done over the 5-year period. Senior residents (PGY3-5) had 86% pass rate while junior residents (PGY1-2) had 70% pass rate. Overall, 21% of residents failed to achieve competence in their assigned skills. Junior residents were less likely to achieve competence compared to senior residents. Faculty graders had improved congruence in grading as the course progressed through the 5 years. The most recent 2 years had >80% congruence in faculty grading compared to less than 50% congruence in the first 2 years. 81% of attendings agreed this course positively influenced the granting of autonomy in the operating room. Conclusions A cadaveric skills course focused on fundamental maneuvers with objective confirmation of achieving competency is a viable adjunct to clinical operative experience. Video-recorded evaluation, of these fundamental skills improved both resident and attending confidence in trainee operative skill.
Differential functional patterns of memory CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells from volunteers immunized with Ty21a typhoid vaccine observed using a recombinant Escherichia coli system expressing S. Typhi proteins.

Abstract It is widely accepted that CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells play a significant role in protection against Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi), the causative agent of the typhoid fever. However, the antigen specificity of these T-cells remains largely unknown. Previously, we demonstrated the feasibility of using a recombinant Escherichia coli (E. coli) expression system to uncover the antigen specificity of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Here, we expanded these studies to include the evaluation of 12 additional S. Typhi proteins: 4 outer membrane proteins (OmpH, OmpL, OmpR, OmpX), 3 Vi-polysaccharide biosynthesis proteins (TviA, TviB, TviE), 3 cold shock proteins (CspA, CspB, CspC), and 2 conserved hypothetical proteins (Chp 1 and Chp2), all selected based on the bioinformatic analyses of the content of putative T-cell epitopes. CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from 15 adult volunteers, obtained before and 42 days after immunization with oral live attenuated Ty21a vaccine, were assessed for their functionality (i.e., production of cytokines and cytotoxic expression markers in response to stimulation with selected antigens) as measured by flow cytometry. Although volunteers differed on their T-cell antigen specificity, we observed T-cell immune responses against all S. Typhi proteins evaluated. These responses included 9 proteins, OmpH, OmpR, TviA, TviE, CspA, CspB, CspC, Chp 1 and Chp 2, which have not been previously reported to elicit T-cell responses. Interestingly, we also observed that, regardless of the protein, the functional patterns of the memory T-cells were different between CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. In sum, these studies demonstrated the feasibility of using bioinformatic analysis and the E. coli expressing system described here to uncover novel immunogenic T-cell proteins that could serve as potential targets for the production of protein-based vaccines.
Acute metronidazole-induced neurotoxicity: an update on MRI findings.

AIM To describe a series of 10 cases of metronidazole-induced neurotoxicity (MIN) and review the established literature to better define its clinical and imaging findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS The clinical presentations and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images of 10 patients with clinically diagnosed MIN were reviewed retrospectively. A review of an additional 31 cases from prior published case series was performed. RESULTS The median age of patients from the authors' institutions with MIN was 54 (range 8–84) years. The median cumulative dose of metronidazole received was 64.5 g (range 7.5–1,380 g). Common presenting neurological symptoms were ataxia (n=6) and altered mental status (n=3). All of the patients (n=10) had symmetric T2 hyperintense lesions in the dentate nuclei at presentation. Other involved structures included the midbrain, corpus callosum, pons, medulla, basal ganglia, and supratentorial white matter. True restricted diffusion was seen in the corpus callosum (n=6). Symptoms resolved in all patients except for one. For the patients with available follow up MRI (n=4), the observed lesions resolved. CONCLUSION MIN affects both adult and paediatric patients. Symptoms typically occur after prolonged exposure to the antibiotic, but can occur at low cumulative doses. Most frequently involved structures are the dentate nucleus, midbrain, and splenium corpus callosum. Restricted diffusion within the corpus callosum is likely due to cytotoxic oedema. Symptoms typically resolve after cessation of metronidazole, and lesions typically resolve on follow-up imaging.
Educational Expectations among Immigrant Youth: Links to Segmented Assimilation and School Context:

Although schools are important socialization venues for all children, they also serve as sites of acculturation for immigrant youth. According to segmented assimilation theory, first- and second-ge...
Smartphone Nano-Colorimetry for On-Demand Multiplex Lead and Mercury Detection and Quantitation in Drinking Water

Mobile low-cost analytical systems for the detection and quantitation of heavy metal contaminants such as lead (Pb 2+ ) and mercury (Hg 2+ ) in drinking water are critical in preventing the general population from exposure to the toxic metal ions. In this paper, we presented smartphone nano-colorimetry (SNC) as a new technique for multiplex-sensing of dissolved Pb 2+ and Hg 2+ . The sensing mechanism of SNC is based on the microscopic dark-field imaging of micro-or nanoscale sediments of yellow lead chromate (PbCrO4) and red mercury iodide (HgI2) on a glass-PDMS substrate, followed by intensity analysis to quantitatively measure the concentration of Pb 2+ and Hg 2+ in the water. We showed that SNC capable of detecting and quantitating Pb 2+ and Hg 2+ below the EPA action level for both metal ions at 15 ppb and 2 ppb, respectively. We envision that SNC will realize highly sensitive and rapid in-field quantitation of toxic heavy metal contaminants in drinking water, enable citizens to examine their water on-demand for better life-quality.
Prevalence of Inadequate Cervical Cancer Screening in Low-Income Older Women.

Objective: At age 65 years, cervical cancer screening is not recommended in women with an adequate history of negative screening tests in the previous 10 years if they do not have other high-risk factors for cervical cancer. The purpose of this study was to assess the proportion of older low-income women at a safety net urban hospital system without other risk factors for cervical cancer who should have cervical cancer screening because of an inadequate screening history, and to evaluate if they were triaged appropriately. Materials and Methods: Medical records from 200 women 65 years and older at the Gynecology clinic of John H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County were evaluated for adequate cervical cancer screening or hysterectomy to see if they could stop screening. Charts were reviewed to see if a screen was performed, and the results of that test and associated biopsies. Data using cytology alone and the cytology/human papillomavirus cotest were compared. Chi-square test was used. Results: Of 200 women included, the median age was 68.5 years, range 65-93 years. Of these women, 81 (40.5%) did not need testing because of adequate screening or hysterectomy for benign indications. There were 119 (59.5%) women who needed to continue testing because of inadequate screening. Of these women, 46 (38.7%) did not have appropriate testing carried out. Of 73 correctly screened women, 16 (21.9%) required biopsies, of which 11 demonstrated high-grade lesions or cancers. Conclusions: Many older women, especially low-income women, need to continue screening for cervical cancer because of inadequate screening histories. This is a group at increased risk for cervical cancer, and it is imperative that clinicians evaluate previous test results before exiting a woman from screening at age 65 years.
Intravenous Catheter Employed in Peritrochlear Injection of Triamcinolone in the Treatment of Trochleitis.

Purpose Injection of corticosteroid into the peritrochlear region is a widely practiced and highly successful treatment option for trochleitis, conventionally using a 25- or 27-gauge needle for the steroid injection. Injection into the vascular-rich peritrochlear region poses a risk, albeit rare, of central retinal artery occlusion or orbital hemorrhage. We describe a potentially safer method of delivering triamcinolone to the peritrochlear region using a 24-gauge intravenous catheter. Methods Interventional retrospective case series including all patients who received peritrochlear injections of triamcinolone via intravenous catheter for trochleitis by a single surgeon (BJW). Surgical technique After a subcutaneous wheel of local anesthetic was delivered to the medial upper eyelid skin nearest to the trochlea, a 24-gauge intravenous catheter was used to penetrate the skin and orbital septum. Once past the septum, the needle was removed and the blunt catheter was advanced into the peritrochlear region. A 1-ml syringe filled with 40 mg/ml triamcinolone was attached to the catheter. After pulling back to ensure that the catheter was not intravascular, triamcinolone was delivered to the orbit. The catheter was then removed. Results Ten catheter injections were performed on 3 patients over an 8-year period. There were no complications. Conclusion Injection of corticosteroid into the peritrochlear region using the commonly available 24-gauge intravenous catheter is an effective and theoretically safer alternative to typical injection using a 25-gauge needle for treatment of trochleitis. Use of nonparticulate steroid solutions may further decrease the risk of adverse events.
Large Scale Fabrication of Chiral Metamaterials

By combining nanosphere monolayer and glancing angle deposition, several strategies have been demonstrated to fabricate quasi-three dimensional or three-dimensional chiral metamaterials such as fan-structures, helically stacked plasmonic structures, Swiss-roll structures, and chiral-nanohole arrays.
Deep-Reinforcement-Learning-Based Capacity Scheduling for PV-Battery Storage System

Investor-owned photovoltaic-battery storage systems (PV-BSS) can gain revenue by providing stacked services, including PV charging and frequency regulation, and by performing energy arbitrage. Capacity scheduling (CS) is a crucial component of PV-BSS energy management, aiming to ensure the secure and economic operation of the PV-BSS. This article proposes a Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO)-based deep reinforcement learning (DRL) agent to perform the CS of PV-BSS. Unlike previous work that uses value-based methods with the discrete action space, PPO can readily handle continuous action space and determine the specific amount of charging/discharging. To enforce the safety constraints of BSS’s energy and power capacity, a safety control algorithm using a serial strategy is proposed to cooperate with the PPO agent. The PPO agent can exploit the capacity of BSS safely while maximizing the accumulated net revenue. After training, the PPO agent can adapt to the highly uncertain and volatile market signals and PV generation profiles. The efficacy of the proposed CS scheme is substantiated by using real market data. The comparative results demonstrate that the PPO agent outperforms the Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient agent, Advantage Actor-Critic agent, and Double Deep Q Network agent in terms of profitability and sample efficiency.
Bevacizumab as a surgery-sparing agent for spinal ependymoma in patients with neurofibromatosis type II: Systematic review and case.

Abstract Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a rare, hereditary tumor syndrome, often requiring repeated surgeries for multiple lesions with significant cumulative morbidity. As such, non-operative management should be considered when possible for this patient population. The aim of this study is to provide a systematic review of the literature regarding this treatment strategy. A descriptive case of a patient in whom bevacizumab treatments enabled over 15 years of surgical postponement for a symptomatic spinal cord ependymoma is also provided. Evidence suggests that bevacizumab is a reasonable surgery-deferring option for cystic lesions, and it may be especially useful in NF2 patients to reduce cumulative morbidity.
Case–control comparison of separation of component retrorectus urinary bladder extracellular surgical device hernia repair with acellular dermal matrix underlay and prosthetic mesh overlay hernia repair

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the complication rates and recurrence rates of two types of incisional hernia repairs by a single surgeon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of all patients undergoing incisional hernia repair by the senior author were reviewed. Patients who underwent the biologic mesh underlay/synthetic mesh overlay (BUSO) “sandwich” repair and separation of components with retrorectus mesh (SOCRM) repair were assessed. Only Grades I, II, and III incisional hernias were included. The two groups were matched for age, sex, hernia size, and body mass index. The groups were compared for any 30-day complication, any adverse event in the follow-up period, and any recurrence as determined by physical examination or imaging. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients were successfully matched. There were no differences in the type of suture used, skin closure, dressing, or drain use. There was no difference in 30-day postoperative complications or discharge status. The BUSO group had a 29% recurrence rate, compared to 4% in the SOCRM group (P = 0.0248). However, the follow-up was longer in the BUSO group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that for incisional hernias not amenable to primary closure, SOCRM repair may be superior to even a two-mesh layer bridging repair.
Cost and Quality of Life Outcomes of the STepped Exercise Program for Patients With Knee OsteoArthritis Trial

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the randomized clinical trial STEP-KOA (STepped Exercise Program for patients with Knee OsteoArthritis). Methods The trial included 230 intervention and 115 control participants from 2 Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers. A decision tree simulated outcomes for cohorts of patients receiving arthritis education (control) or STEP-KOA (intervention), which consisted of an internet-based exercise training program (step 1), phone counseling (step 2), and physical therapy (step 3) according to patient’s response. Intervention costs were assessed from the VA perspective. Quality of life (QOL) was measured using 5-level EQ-5D US utility weights. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated as the difference in costs divided by the difference in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) between arms at 9 months. A Monte Carlo probabilistic sensitivity analysis was used to generate a cost-effectiveness acceptability curve. Results The adjusted model found differential improvement in QOL utility weights of 0.042 (95% confidence interval 0.003-0.080; P=.03) for STEP-KOA versus control at 9 months. In the base case, STEP-KOA resulted in an incremental gain of 0.028 QALYs and an incremental cost of $279 per patient for an ICER of $10 076. One-way sensitivity analyses found the largest sources of variation in the ICER were the impact on QOL and the need for a VA-owned tablet. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis found a 98% probability of cost-effectiveness at $50 000 willingness-to-pay per QALY. Conclusions STEP-KOA improves QOL and has a high probability of cost-effectiveness. Resources needed to implement the program will decline as ownership of mobile health devices increases.
The Failures of Philosophy: A Historical Essay

After four massive scholarly volumes surveying the successes of modern science, Stephen Gaukroger turns here to an ambitious but slight volume on philosophy’s failures. It’s a curious book, in part...
A First Step in Learning Analytics: Pre-processing Low-Level Alice Logging Data of Middle School Students

Educational data mining can miss or misidentify key findings about student learning without a transparent process of analyzing the data. This paper describes the first steps in the process of using low-level logging data to understand how middle school students used Alice, an initial programming environment. We describe the steps that were required and the decisions that were made in building a tool to translate the low-level logging data into a form that can be used to investigate educational questions about problem solving strategies for a range of different programming tasks. This work contributes to efforts to analyze educational data, and is important for researchers and tool builders involved with the design of logging systems for other programming environments and software tools.
The role of cytotoxic CD4+ T cells in controlling Salmonella . (MPF6P.741)

Cytotoxic CD4+ T cells (ThCTLs) recognize and lyse cells that express cognate peptide:MHCII ligands. We hypothesized that ThCTLs contribute to the control of chronic Salmonella, which persists in mucosal phagocytic cells that express MHCII. Using an in vivo cytotoxicity assay, we determined that Salmonella-infected mice contain CD4+ T cells capable of killing target cells pulsed with an MHCII-binding Salmonella peptide. In addition, we found that ~15% of Salmonella peptide:MHCII-specific CD4+ T cells express granzyme B and the Eomes transcription factor, which are markers of ThCTLs in other systems. We also discovered that many of the Salmonella specific ThCTLs express α4β7, an integrin important for mucosal homing. We are now poised for future work aimed at understanding the role that these cells play in controlling mucosal infection.
Using Object-Oriented Constraint Satisfaction for Automated Configuration Generation

In this paper, we describe an approach for automatically generating configurations for complex applications. Automated generation of system configurations is required to allow large-scale deployment of custom applications within utility computing environments. Our approach models the configuration management problem as an Object-Oriented Constraint Satisfaction Problem (OOCSP) that can be solved efficiently using a resolution-based theorem-prover. We outline the approach and discuss both the benefits of the approach as well as its limitations, and highlight certain unresolved issues that require further work. We demonstrate the viability of this approach using an e-Commerce site as an example, and provide results on the complexity and time required to solve for the configuration of such an application.
US Counterpoint to Chapter 16

Chapter 16 on cochlear implants is well written and comprehensive. This commentary focuses on the primary mission of this textbook: the long-term care and follow-up of patients with implanted prosthetic devices.
Effects of CF3 groups and charged substituents on singlet carbene stabilities–a density functional theory study

B3LYP calculations indicate that substitution of a trifluoromethyl group for hydrogen stabilizes singlet versus triplet carbene states by a small, but systematic amount. Geometry and natural bond orbital analysis suggests that this energy lowering is due to rehybridization at the carbenic centers induced by the strong inductive electron-withdrawing effect of a CF3 group. The trifluoromethyl group also increases the electron affinity of the carbenes, consistent with the observed increased reactivity. Calculations also indicate that more strongly electron-withdrawing ammonium cationic ligands have an even more profound singlet stabilizing effect, suggesting a new type of ground-state singlet carbene. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vanderbilt Free-Electron Laser Center for Biomedical and Materials Research

Note: ISI Document Delivery No.: BV30TProceedings PaperCONF ON SHORT-WAVELENGTH RADIATION SOURCESJUL 21-26, 1991SAN DIEGO, CASOC PHOTO OPT INSTRUMENTAT ENGINEERS Reference LSE-CHAPTER-1991-001 Record created on 2006-10-03, modified on 2017-05-12
Antioxidant Enzymes and Physiological Responses of Safflower ( Carthamus tinctorius L.) to Iron Application, under Water Deficit Condition

The effect of soil and foliar iron (Fe) application on the activity of some antioxidant enzymes and plant metabolites of Carthamus tinctorius L. (IL111), under water stress conditions was tested. The results showed that under drought stress conditions, the activity of ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, polyphenol oxidase and catalase enzymes increased with soil application of Fe. In contrast, the activity of peroxidase enzyme under drought conditions increased with foliar application of Fe treatments. In general, leaf total soluble proteins, proline and malondialdehyde amounts were affected by interaction effects of drought stress and Fe. The results showed that leaf total soluble proteins had a positive reaction to soil and foliar applications of Fe. The result of this interaction effects showed that soil application of Fe is able to decrease malondialdehyde amount under water stress conditions. In addition, it was indicated that soil application of Fe in drought stress conditions lead to increasing proline. In conclusion, soil and foliar application of Fe during drought stress may counteract negative effects of such stress and enhance safflower tolerance to drought by increasing some antioxidant enzymes and plant metabolites (organic compounds such as proline and soluble proteins).
Policing Life and Thickening Delinquency at the New Frontier

RESUMEN Este articulo aborda lo que he llamado la “densificacion de la delincuencia” de un grupo de jovenes de la calle en Nogales, Sonora, Mexico quienes se han autodenominado “Barrio Libre.” La transformacion de este grupo de jovenes de molestia publica, a una amenazante pandilla transnacional, particularmente por sus cotidianos asaltos a los emigrantes indocumentados, esta inextricablemente relacionada con preguntas sobre soberania y practicas de vigilancia policial en la “nueva frontera” entre Estados Unidos y Mexico, con la ilegibilidad entre economias licitas e ilicitas, y con las entreveradas tecnologias de racializacion y criminalizacion.
Pharmacological Secondary Prevention of PTSD in Youth: Challenges and Opportunities for Advancement

Child and adolescent posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with an increased risk for a number of deleterious mental and physical health outcomes that if untreated may persist throughout the life course. Efficacious interventions applied soon after trauma exposure have the potential to reduce or prevent the development of PTSD symptoms and their associated impact on behavior and physical health. We review extant research related to treatment-modifiable peritraumatic predictors of pediatric PTSD, which have informed an emerging field of pharmacologic secondary prevention (i.e., occurring shortly following trauma exposure) of PTSD. Challenges and opportunities for early posttrauma PTSD prevention are described. Finally, we offer new models for biologically informed integration of pharmacologic and psychosocial secondary prevention intervention strategies for children and adolescents.
A comparison of results from state space forecasting with forecasts from the Makridakis Competition

Abstract State space models are fit to a subset of the time series modelled by the Box-Jenkins method in the Makridakis Competition. The state space approach to time series analysis is outlined, as is the use of a modelling package on a personal computer. Forecasts from one to 18 months beyond the fit set of each series are computed from the fitted models. Box-Jenkins forecasts and deseasonalized single exponential smoothing (final forecasts are reasonalized) forecasts for the same series are extracted from the M-Competition data tape. All three sets of forecasts are compared to the actual series values withheld in the check sets; forecasting accuracy is calculated on the basis of mean absolute percentage error and median absolute percentage error. The automatic procedure of single exponential smoothing and the semi-automatic procedure of the state space package produce forecasts which, in most cases, are as accurate or more accurate than those developed by an expert using the Box-Jenkins method.