cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Radiopharmaceuticals for Nuclear Cardiology: Radiation Dosimetry, Uncertainties, and Risk

The technical basis for the dose estimates for several radiopharmaceuticals used in nuclear cardiology is reviewed, and cases in which uncertainty has been encountered in the dosimetry of an agent are discussed. Also discussed is the issue of uncertainties in radiation dose estimates and how to compare the relative risks of studies. Methods: Radiation dose estimates (organ absorbed doses and effective doses) from different literature sources were directly compared. Typical values for administered activity per study were used to compare doses that are to be expected in clinical applications. Results: The effective doses for all agents varied from 2 to 15 mSv per study, with the lowest values being seen for 13N-NH3 and 15O-H2O studies and the highest values being seen for 201Tl-chloride studies. The effective doses for 99mTc- and 201Tl-labeled agents differed by about a factor of 2, a factor that is comparable to the uncertainty in individual values. This uncertainty results from the application of standard anthropomorphic and biokinetic models, presumably representative of the exposed population, to individual patients. Conclusion: Considerations such as diagnostic accuracy, ease of use, image quality, and patient comfort and convenience should generally dictate the choice of a radiopharmaceutical, with radiation dose being only a secondary or even tertiary consideration. Counseling of nuclear medicine patients who may be concerned about exposure should include a reasonable estimate of the median dose for the type of examination and administered activity of the radiopharmaceutical; in addition, it should be explained that the theoretic risks of the procedure are orders of magnitude lower than the actual benefits of the examination. Providing numeric estimates of risks from studies to individual patients is inappropriate, given the uncertainties in the dose estimates and the limited predictive power of current dose–risk models in the low-dose (i.e., diagnostic) range.
Low power synthesis of dual threshold voltage CMOS VLSI circuits

The use of dual threshold voltages can significantly reduce the static power dissipated in CMOS VLSI circuits. With the supply voltage at 1 V and threshold voltage as low as 0.2 V the subthreshold leakage power of transistors starts dominating the dynamic power. Also, many times a large number of devices spend a long time in a standby mode where the leakage power is the only source of power consumption. We present a near-optimal approach to synthesize low static power CMOS VLSI circuits with two threshold voltages that reduces power consumption compared with a previous approach by up to 29.45%. Also, presented is a technique which finds static power optimal configurations for CMOS VLSI circuits when an arbitrary number of threshold voltages are allowed.
Cuba Between Empires 1878-1902

Exploring the history of Cuba from 1878 to 1902, the author explains the political dimensions both of Spain's loss of sovereignty and of the US hegemony which replaced it. He also looks at the emotional strengths, political ambivalences and organizational weaknesses of the independence movement.
A Linux Appliance Construction Setv

Open source UNIX-like operating systems offer unique opportunities for administrators to create appliance style operating system and application packages that meet their own specific needs. This paper provides examples of several commonly useful appliance configurations based on the Linux operating system and documents the motivations, principles, and techniques behind the development of a basic 'Linux Appliance Construction Set' known as LxA which was used to produce them. Experience with LxA so far suggests that its use may help system administrators significantly reduce the amount of time spent deploying, maintaining, upgrading, and documenting certain types of hosts under their control.
A heterojunction metal-semiconductor-metal photodetector

A novel metal-semiconductor-metal photodetector is demonstrated in which a heterojunction is formed of doped Al/sub 0.24/Ga/sub 0.76/As layer on GaAs. The new device shows improved rectifying characteristics since the Schottky metal contacts a two-dimensional electron gas. The triangular quantum well that is formed at the hetero-interface due to doping of Al/sub 0.24/Ga/sub 0.76/As improves collection of optically generated electrons. The AlGaAs window also reduces reflection of light from air and eliminates GaAs surface recombination centers. The fabricated devices show up to a factor of four higher photocurrent and an order of magnitude less dark current than a conventional MSM. They also show smaller reach-through voltages consistent with the expected metal to two-dimensional gas contact properties.
LAN interconnection: a transparent, shortest-path approach

A new intelligent MAC layer device, called a brouter, is presented. It combines the high performance and transparency advantage of bridges with the traffic control and management features of routers. The spanning-tree restriction is relaxed on interconnected LANs, and allowances are made for arbitrary topology so that all links can be effectively utilized and shortest paths are used to reduce delays. In addition, a learning mechanism is presented for station identification to LAN identification mapping, and it is shown that dynamic station relocation is supported. Feasible congestion control methods for brouters are also discussed. Brouter performance is compared to that of two previous bridge schemes. >
Sediment storage and evacuation in headwater valleys at the transition between debris-flow and fluvial processes

Sediment from landscape disturbance often enters temporary storage in valleys and evacuates over longer times, which in steeplands are poorly delimited. We hypothesize that, across process transitions (e.g., debris fl ow versus fl uvial transport), distributions of sediment transit times also change. We use fi eld surveys and extensive radiocarbon dating to assess the distribution of transit (residence) times through the proxy measurement of ages of bank deposits in two mainstem reaches of a 2.23 km 2 watershed in the Oregon Coast Range. In the downstream reach, debris fans impound fl uvial deposits; debris-fl ow, fi ne fl uvial, and coarse fl uvial deposits compose nearly equal parts of the valley fi ll; and fl uvial erosion evacuates deposits . Transit times have a sample mean of 1.22 ◊ 10 3 14 C yr and an exponential distribution, indicating uniform probability of evacuation from storage. In the upstream reach, valleyspanning debris jams impound debris-fl ow deposits composing >95% of the valley fi ll, which is routinely scoured by debris fl ows. Transit times have a sample mean of 4.43 ◊ 10 2 14 C yr and, if >100 14 C yr, a power-law distribution, indicating preferential evacuation of younger deposits and retention of older deposits. In both reaches, most sediment has short transit times (<600 14 C yr), but signifi cant volumes remain for millennia. Less than 20% of basin-wide denudation passes through these reservoirs, but the latter are still signifi cant buffers between hillslope disturbance and downstream aquatic habitat, especially for coarse sediment.
Increasing the Collision Rate of Particle Impact Electroanalysis with Magnetically Guided Pt-Decorated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles.

An integrated microfluidic/magnetophoretic methodology was developed for improving signal response time and detection limits for the chronoamperometric observation of discrete nanoparticle/electrode interactions by electrocatalytic amplification. The strategy relied on Pt-decorated iron oxide nanoparticles which exhibit both superparamagnetism and electrocatalytic activity for the oxidation of hydrazine. A wet chemical synthetic approach succeeded in the controlled growth of Pt on the surface of FeO/Fe3O4 core/shell nanocubes, resulting in highly uniform Pt-decorated iron oxide hybrid nanoparticles with good dispersibility in water. The unique mechanism of hybrid nanoparticle formation was investigated by electron microscopy and spectroscopic analysis of isolated nanoparticle intermediates and final products. Discrete hybrid nanoparticle collision events were detected in the presence of hydrazine, an electrochemical indicator probe, using a gold microband electrode integrated into a microfluidic channel. ...
Collection of dietary-supplement data and implications for analysis

The role of nutrient intake in disease outcome is often examined in epidemiologic studies. Most such studies conducted in the United States, however, have not included fortified foods or vitamin supplements. In the United States, these are important sources of vitamins C and E, but not of β-carotene. In addition, the importance of these nutrient sources varies by race, sex, and age. Failure to include these sources produces errors in nutrient estimates, notable misclassification of individuals with regard to their total intake, and rankings of intake that bear little or no relationship to blood concentrations of those nutrients. Implications for statistical analysis are also considered
Helium-Ion-Induced Radiation Damage in LiNbO3 Thin Film Electro-Optic Modulators

We study He+-induced radiation damage in 10-μm-thick LiNbO3-thin-film modulators. Results show induced-strain, scattering from interstitials, and the degree of overlap between guided modes with damaged region result in degradation of device extinction ratio and VπL.
Long-term esophageal and respiratory outcomes in children with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula.

Objectives: Few studies have evaluated the long-term complications and outcomes of esophageal atresia with or without tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) beyond childhood. The aim of our study was to characterize the esophageal and respiratory morbidity of EA/TEF through evaluation of clinical symptoms, diagnostic testing and therapeutic intervention at a tertiary care center. Methods: Patients with congenital EA/TEF evaluated from 2011 to 2014 were included. Demographic characteristics, type and mode of repair of EA/TEF, clinical symptoms, radiographic, endoscopic, bronchoscopic and medication use data were obtained. Results: A total of 43 patients were identified. The median age of this predominantly Caucasian population was 8 years (interquartile range: 3, 20). Twenty (62.5%) had type C (EA with distal TEF) abnormality. Twenty-one (48.8%) patients had heartburn, 19 (44.1%) had acid regurgitation, and 31 (72.1%) had dysphagia to solids. Barium swallow in 26 patients revealed strictures in 17 (65.4%), dysmotility in 20 (76.9%) and recurrent fistulas in four patients (15.4%). Thirty patients underwent upper endoscopy, of which 21 (70.0%) had a stricture, and six (20.0%) had recurrent fistula requiring surgical intervention. Eight (18.6%) patients underwent fundoplication. Pulmonary evaluation showed cough and choking in 31 (72.1%) patients and dyspnea and wheezing in 32 (53.4%) patients. Recurrent respiratory infections were reported in 19 (44.2%).patients. Other findings included tracheomalacia in 86.7% and restrictive lung disease in 54.5% of patients. Conclusion: There is a high burden of residual esophageal and pulmonary pathology in patients with EA/TEF. Ongoing follow-up is required to monitor both the clinical symptoms and treatment responses.
Observations of suspended material from spacecraft altitudes

The Earth Resources Technology Satellite (ERTS-1) carried a multispectral scanner, which recorded outgoing energy from the earth's surface in four spectral bands. The interpretation of data collected along the NW Coast of Africa indicated the usefullness of ERTS-1 data in oceanic application.
Sociomateriality of Corruption: Technology as a Lens onto Materialization of Power/Knowledge

Recent scholarship has inaugurated the social practices perspective on corruption. In particular, via power/knowledge dynamics the organizational embeddedness of situated work practices and the com...
Use of radioactive iodinated human serum albumin as tracer agent in study of cerebral disorders.

Summary1. The use of RIHSA in studies of cerebral disorders is presented. With a 200 μc dose of RIHSA wide individual variations in uptake at each position were observed. The patterns and the levels of uptake in normal individuals were similar to the patterns and levels of uptake observed in patients with general paresis. 2. The percentage differences in uptake at symmetrical positions in normal individuals and in patients with general paresis were similar. This percentage difference rarely exceeded 10%. In contrast with this patients with cerebral neoplasms, who showed an increased uptake at the site of the tumory showed differences in uptake from 12 to 50%.
Understanding the shape effect on the plasmonic response of small ligand coated nanoparticles

The plasmonic properties of metallic nanoparticles typically depend strongly on their shapes and local environment. However, not much is known about the shape effects on the plasmonic response in small metallic nanoparticles when quantum size effects become important. In this work, we use atomistic electrodynamics models incorporated with quantum size effects to study the optical properties of both bare and ligand coated Ag nanoparticles in different shapes. Using classical electrodynamics, we find that the plasmonic response of bare metallic nanoparticles depends strongly on the morphology of the nanoparticles due to the presence of higher-order plasmon modes. By including quantum size effects in the simulations, we find a significant blue-shift of the dipole plasmon as well as the smearing-out of the multipole plasmon modes, and both lead to a weak shape dependence. The ligand effects on the nanoparticles cause a significant red-shift of the plasmon resonance arising from the reduction of the conductivity of the Ag atoms where the ligands bind. In contrast to the bare nanoparticles, we find several higher-order plasmon modes in the ligand coated nanoparticles, that are likely caused by the weak electron spill-out effect and the symmetry breaking at the surface in the presence of the ligands. Furthermore, we show that the ligand layer strongly modify the near-field distribution due to the screening of the ligands. This work highlights the importance of quantum size and ligand effects on the optical properties of small metallic nanoparticles.
Kinetics of indium dissolution from marmatite with high indium content in pressure acid leaching

The kinetics of oxygen pressure acid leaching marmatite with high indium content was studied. The effects of particle size, agitation rate, temperature, H2SO4 concentration, and oxygen partial pressure on leaching rate of indium were investigated. The results show that when the agitation rate is above 600 r·min−1, its influence on indium leaching rate is insignificant. It is determined that the leaching rates increase with the increase in sulfuric acid concentration, temperature, partial oxygen pressure, and the decrease in particle size. Moreover, the results demonstrate that the process of indium leaching is controlled by interface chemical reaction, with apparent activation energy of 65.7 kJ·mol−1. The apparent reaction orders of sulfuric acid and oxygen partial pressure are determined to be 0.749 and 1.260, respectively. The leaching reaction process follows shrinking unreacted core model. And finally, the kinetics model equation is established for indium.
Bemerkungen zu den in Diesem Bande Vereinigten Arbeiten

Einleitend mus ich bemerken, das es mir nicht leicht geworden ist, der Aufgabe gerecht zu werden, mich zu den in diesem Bande enthaltenen Arbeiten zu ausern. Der Grund liegt darin, das die Arbeiten sich auf allzu-viele Gegenstande beziehen, die bei dem gegenwartigen Stand unserer Erkenntnis nur lose miteinander verbunden sind. Zuerst versuchte ich, die Arbeiten einzeln zu besprechen. Davon bin ich aber wieder abgekommen, weil nichts einigermasen Einheitliches dabei herauskam, so das die Lekture wohl fur niemand ersprieslich und erfreulich gewesen ware. Deshalb entschlos ich mich schlieslich, diese Bemerkungen soweit als moglich nach sachlichen Gesichtspunkten zu orientieren.
Cybernetics, or control and communication in the animal and the machine, 2nd ed.

It is the author belief that cybernetics should be considered not merely as a program to be carried out in the future, but as an existing science. In this book the author's intention is to express and to exemplify his ideas on cybernetics and to display some of his personal philosophical reflections
Late Pleistocene to Early Holocene Sedimentary History of the Lake Bonneville Pilot Valley Embayment, Utah-Nevada, USA

Abstract Multiple shallow-sediment cores were obtained from the Pilot Valley playa, the location of a Lake Bonneville sub-basin. Analyses of stratigraphy, ostracods, mineralogy, chemistry, total inorganic carbon, total organic carbon, and stable isotopes were performed to place these sediments into proper context with respect to the Lake Bonneville cycle. Results showed that the Pilot Valley playa contains a full sequence of Lake Bonneville deposits, in addition to sediments deposited before and after the Lake Bonneville cycle. Within the Bonneville marl is a sequence of algal-laminated mud. Five calibrated 14C ages, ranging from 25.5 to 17.0 cal ka BP, determined from algae filaments in the laminated marl, in addition to its stratigraphic position near the base of the sequence, place it the early transgressive phase of Lake Bonneville. Oolitic sand occurring below the Bonneville marl indicates the existence of a shallow (
Image of the Teacher in Educational Leadership

Is the early childhood teacher a babysitter and the banker of knowledge lling empty-headed children with meaningless information? Or, is the teacher of young children a facilitator, guide and co-learner at the round-table of learning with competent children and educational community participants? Examining teaching and learning, organizational leadership, politics and policy, and educational research, this paper explores the image of the teacher as a theoretical discussion in educational leadership with a fundamental question: How can teaching and learning, organizational leadership, politics and policy, and educational research inform and bolster the image of the early childhood teacher? Solutions are suggested to combat teacher image problems which include utilizing a constructivist paradigm; engaging parents, teachers, sta , and community to collaborate on the subject of teacher image and classroom learning practices; adopting the teacher, parent and child's voice in the political arena; and, supporting teachers as researchers through documentation, collaboration, re ection and narration. note: This manuscript has been peer-reviewed, accepted, and endorsed by the National Council of Professors of Educational Administration (NCPEA) as a signi cant contribution to the scholarship and practice of education administration. In addition to publication in the Connexions Content Commons, this manuscript is published in the International Journal of Educational Leadership Preparation, 1 Volume 5, Number 3 (July September, 2010). Formatted and edited in Connexions by Theodore Creighton, Virginia Tech and Janet Tareilo, Stephen F. Austin State University. This publication is also cataloged in the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC).
CHAPTER 41 – Dendritic cell therapies for HIV-1 infection

Dendritic cells (DCs) play two important roles in the setting of HIV infection—that of capturing and transporting HIV-1 to susceptible CD4 T lymphocytes in the lymph nodes, and that of initiating an HIV-specific cellular immune response. During HIV-1 transmission, immature DCs at mucosal sites are first targeted by HIV-1, and as DCs migrate to draining lymph nodes they undergo a maturation process, allowing them to become potent stimulators of resting T cells in the lymph nodes. Subsequent interactions between DCs and T lymphocytes lead to the spread of HIV-1 and replication within the lymphocyte population, resulting in a cytopathic effect on CD4 T cells. This chapter presents a number of DC-based strategies designed to promote or enhance HIV-specific immunity. One of the clinical approaches involves testing the hypothesis that in the setting of low-viral replication imposed by highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in HIV-infected patients, cultured DCs may be safely administered as a therapeutic vaccine in order to generate and/or maintain a broad and strong HIV-specific cell-mediated immune response.
Auditing sex- and gender-based medicine (SGBM) content in medical school curriculum: a student scholar model.

Background Sex- and gender-based medicine (SGBM) aims to (1) delineate and investigate sex- and gender-based differences in health, disease, and response to treatment and (2) apply that knowledge to clinical care to improve the health of both women and men. However, the integration of SGBM into medical school curricula is often haphazard and poorly defined; schools often do not know the current status of SGBM content in their curricula, even if they are committed to addressing gaps and improving SGBM delivery. Therefore, complete auditing and accounting of SGBM content in the existing medical school curriculum is necessary to determine the baseline status and prepare for successful integration of SGBM content into that curriculum.
A New Cell-Cycle Target in Cancer - Inhibiting Cyclin D-Dependent Kinases 4 and 6.

Unlike traditional cytotoxic drugs, CDK4–CDK6 inhibitors arrest progression through the G1 phase, promoting transient cell-cycle withdrawal into a quiescent state or, possibly, permanent proliferative arrest (senescence), either of which could avert tumor progression.
Measuring relative carrier concentrations at the nanoscale using scanning microwave impedance microscopy: The case of CdTe solar cells

We present scanning microwave impedance microscopy as an analysis technique that can be used to map the relative carrier concentrations at the nanoscale in the semiconductors used for device applications. The specific application presented here is the analysis of PV-device grade CdTe, grown using rf-sputtering and close-spaced sublimation (CSS). We demonstrate a direct observation of carrier depletion along the grain boundaries in CdTe caused due to the CdCl 2 annealing treatment, which is an important step in the device manufacture process.
The role of minimally invasive spine surgery in the management of pyogenic spinal discitis.

Background: Diagnostic yields for spondylodiscitis from CT guided biopsy is low. In the recent years, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has shown to have a low morbidity and faster recovery. For spinal infections, MIS surgery may offer an opportunity for early pain control while obtaining a higher diagnostic yield than CT-guided biopsies. The aim of this study was to review our patients who underwent MIS surgery for spinal infection and report outcomes. Methods: A retrospective review of seven patients who underwent MIS decompression and/or discectomy in the setting of discitis, osteomyelitis, spondylodiscitis, and/or an epidural abscess was identified. Patient data including symptoms, visual analog score (VAS), surgical approach, antibiotic regimen, and postoperative outcomes were obtained. Results: Of the 7 patients, 5 patients had lumbar infections and two had thoracic infections. All seven patients improved in VAS immediately after surgery and at discharge. The average VAS improved by 4.4 ± 1.9 points. An organism was obtained in 6 of the 7 (85%) patients by the operative cultures. All patients made an excellent clinical recovery without the need for further spine surgery. All patients who received postoperative imaging on follow-up showed complete resolution or dramatically improved magnetic resonance imaging changes. The follow-up ranged from 2 to 9 months. Conclusions: MIS surgery provides an opportunity for early pain relief in patients with discitis, osteomyelitis, spondylodiscitis, and/or epidural abscess by directly addressing the primary cause of pain. MIS surgery for discitis provides a higher diagnostic yield to direct antibiotic treatment. MIS surgery results in good long-term recovery.
Metalinguistic Knowledge of Salient vs. Unsalient Features: Evidence From the Arabic Construct State

This study examined to what extent English-speaking learners of Arabic demonstrated varied metalinguistic knowledge of a salient feature (head-direction) vs. an unsalient feature (definiteness) in the Arabic construct state. In addition, it examined whether this knowledge was utilized in form-focused task performance. In the target construction, the head is canonically positioned before the complement (left-headed) and the definite marker is prefixed to the complement. Salience of these two features was operationalized in terms of inherent prominence; head-direction was determined to be more salient than the monosyllabic proclitic definite article. Metalinguistic knowledge was conceptualized in terms of the learners' ability to selectively focus attention, provide explicit explanations, and use metalanguage. A beginner group (N = 20) and an intermediate-proficiency group (N =18) completed a multiple-choice task. A retrospective think-aloud interview with 10 participants from each group sought to capture the manifestations of their metalinguistic knowledge. The quantitative-qualitative analysis revealed that while both groups demonstrated complex metalinguistic knowledge of head-direction, they did not demonstrate the same knowledge of definiteness placement. A follow-up correlation showed strong connections between manifestations of metalinguistic knowledge and response type distribution in the task. The role of metalinguistic knowledge in language learning and relevant pedagogical focus-on-form implications are discussed.
Changing student attitudes through interaction: Findings from an interprofessional workshop

Healthcare professionals are increasingly expected to work in interprofessional teams. Students therefore need opportunities to learn and practise skills that will allow them to be effective team members when they enter the workforce. This article summarises an interprofessional learning experience for 289 undergraduate and graduate students representing 13 programmes in a College of Health Professions (CHP) at a US public university. The half-day workshop provided an opportunity for participants with no prior interprofessional education to collaborate in a problem-solving case study and to inform students of other professions about their professions. Faculty members from all CHP programmes collaborated in writing the case study and facilitating student discussions during the event. Attitudes related to interprofessional collaboration and professional roles were assessed prior to and after workshop participation. A paired t test showed a statistically significant difference in four attitude questions. Participants reported a significant increase in understanding the roles of other professionals in healthcare and community situations. They also reported an increased understanding of the benefits and challenges of working in interprofessional teams. This event successfully introduced participants to interprofessional collaboration and provided them the opportunity to share their professional expertise and understand the expertise of others.
A multivariate self-tuning controller for run-to-run process control under shift and trend disturbances

Many manufacturing systems are controlled with PID-type controllers. In some industries, such as semiconductor manufacturing, specifications or changing conditions impose a need for adjusting such controllers on a run-to-run basis. This need has originated a collection of techniques called run-to-run process control. Self-tuning control, where model estimation is done on-line, has been shown to be a feasible tool for run-to-run control in single input–single output systems. This paper presents a self-tuning multiple input-multiple output controller for run to run control. The controller compensates for a variety of disturbances frequently found in semiconductor manufacturing, such as offsets or shifts and trends. The controller also compensates for autocorrelated responses or noise terms, for coupled responses, and for non-square systems (i.e., the number of inputs may be greater than the number of outputs). A sensitivity analysis is presented to show the performance of the controller under various system...
The Distribution of Instructional Time to Mathematical Content: One Aspect of Opportunity to Learn

Publisher Summary This chapter examines the distribution of instructional time to mathematical content and opportunity to learn. Teachers were asked to indicate the number of periods of mathematics they allocated over the year to each of nine topic areas. They also recorded the total number of hours spent in mathematics instruction, and the length over the year in minutes of the typical mathematics period in their school. According to the teachers, the largest amount of time allocated in general to Population A mathematics occurs in the United States followed by British Columbia and Ontario in Canada. The systems where the least amount of time overall is allocated to mathematics instruction is Belgium, Japan, and France. The major anomalies from the general patterns occur primarily in Belgium and France in the area of geometry. The positive deviations are especially large, and indicate the importance of geometry in the curricula of these two systems.
Improved extraction of PCR-quality community DNA from digesta and fecal samples.

Several DNA extraction methods have been reported for use with digesta or fecal samples, but problems are often encountered in terms of relatively low DNA yields and/or recovering DNA free of inhibitory substances. Here we report a modified method to extract PCR-quality microbial community DNA from these types of samples, which employs bead beating in the presence of high concentrations of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), salt, and EDTA, and with subsequent DNA purification by QIA® columns [referred to as repeated bead beating plus column (RBB+C) method]. The RBB+C method resulted in a 1.5- to 6-fold increase in DNA yield when compared to three other widely used methods. The community DNA prepared with the RBB+C method was also free of inhibitory substances and resulted in improved denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) profiles, which is indicative of a more complete lysis and representation of microbial diversity present in such samples.
MINLP model and algorithm for superstructure optimization of algae processing network

Abstract This work sheds light on the economic viability of algal biorefinery for biological carbon sequestration and hydrocarbon biofuel production. We develop a new superstructure of the algal biorefinery and manage to incorporate a plethora of state-of- the-art technology pathways into seven stages of the process, which are cultivation, harvesting, primary dewatering, secondary dewatering, cell disruption, lipid extraction and upgrading. We include four types of bioreactors for algae cultivation: open pond, flat plate photobioreactor, bubble column photobioreactor, tubular photobioreactor; six types of flocculants for harvesting: polyelectrolyte, sodium hydroxide, polyaluminium chloride, aluminium sulfate, chitosan and poly γ-glutamic acid; two primary dewatering techniques: centrifugation and pressure filtration; two advanced dewatering methods: freeze-drying and thermal drying; five cell disruption methods: grinding, high pressure homogenization, bead beating, microwave and sonication; organic solvent extraction with different types of extractants and supercritical carbon dioxide extraction; several transesterification pathways to produce biodiesel and glycerol as well as two hydroprocessing pathways ending up with renewable diesel and propane in the final upgrading stage. We propose a mixed-integer nonlinear programming model to minimize the unit carbon sequestration and utilization cost. In order to enhance the computation efficiency, we apply a tailored branch-and-refine algorithm on the basis of successive piecewise linear approximation to solve the problem to global optimality. If the biorefinery selects open pond, polyelectrolyte, pressure filtration, butanol extraction and sodium-methoxide-catalysed transesterification under the current market conditions, we are able to sequester the CO2 at an economically competitive cost of $0.644/t CO2.
Measuring Up Before Birth: The New Normal.

See Article by Vigneswaran et al Fetal echocardiography for disease detection is challenging. Not only are there technical obstacles—maternal body habitus, variable and often unfavorable fetal position, to name a few—but in most obstetric and many cardiology practices, the vast majority of fetuses will be normal. Large numbers are referred for cardiac imaging either as part of routine screening because of risk factors or after an abnormal screen, such as nuchal translucency above 95th percentile; only a small subset will be abnormal. Add to this that nearly all fetal cardiac abnormalities are asymptomatic in fetal life because of the presence of the fetal shunts and the ability of the fetoplacental circulation to redirect flow while maintaining oxygen delivery in a normal range. Hence, a subtle abnormality becomes easy to overlook, a valve or vessel that is just barely subjectively abnormal may incorrectly pass muster in a busy clinic or be passed off as a poor image blamed on the operator or even the fetus. But as imaging platforms and operator expertise have been improving over the decades, so too has our understanding that even apparently minor deviations from normal in early to mid-gestation may have dire consequences for the newborn and the need to accurately and precisely assign a value of normal versus abnormal even for seemingly minor lesions is moving into mainstream.1 Here, though, the fetal echocardiographer encounters another issue, that of the constantly changing ruler by which to judge the fetal cardiac structure dimensions throughout gestation. Luckily, this issue is familiar to pediatric cardiologists: cardiac structures vary with patient size, and patient size varies with patient age in predictable, model-able ways. The most common method for expressing a given patient’s valve and vessel dimensions is to transform a measurement to a Z score or the number of …
A Block Streaming Model for Irregular Applications

Due to worsening machine balance, a lightweight irregular application can utilize only a small fraction of the peak computational capacity on modern processors. Performance of such an application is also unpredictable due to the scattered data accesses. Even though some architectural features are commonly found in most of the modern processors (such as a cache system, hardware prefetchers etc.), their design parameters differ widely from one processor to another. Therefore, a performance improving programming technique still needs extensive tuning to gain maximum benefit on a target processor. In this scenario, achieving portable performance becomes difficult. This work proposes a block streaming machine model and hypothesizes that an algorithm based on the model has predictable execution time. To enable adaptation of this model for irregular applications, we also provide algorithmic transformations that can be used to replace the scattered accesses with streaming accesses in a cost predictable way. Further, we experimentally demonstrate usefulness of the model and the transformations for static lightweight irregular computations such as those performed by a numerical partial differential equation solver.
An observational study of environmental exposures, airway cytology, and performance in racing thoroughbreds

Background Mild equine asthma is presumed to arise in response to environmental exposures but the relative impact of differing inflammatory phenotypes upon performance are largely unexplored. Hypotheses Airway inflammation negatively affects performance and cytological phenotype varies with environmental exposure. Animals Thoroughbred racehorses in active training and racing. Methods Thoroughbreds were recruited 24-48 hours before racing. Each horse was eligible for re-enrollment with each race entry. Within one hour of race completion, physical examination, respiratory endoscopy, and BAL were performed. Respirable and inhalable dust, respirable endotoxin, and respirable β-glucan exposures were measured at the breathing zone within one week after racing. Controlling for age, trainer, and pulmonary hemorrhage, the relationship between performance, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytology, and measures of exposure were modeled. Results Performance and BALF data were collected on 64 individual horses from 8 stables for a total of 98 race performances and 79 dust exposure assessments. Evidence of mild equine asthma was found in 80% (78/98) of BALF samples from 52/64 horses. For each percent increase in BALF mast cell and neutrophil proportions, speed figures were reduced by 2.9 (P = .012) and 1.4 (P = .046) points, respectively. Respirable dust concentration was associated with BALF neutrophil proportions (P = .015). Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid mast cell proportions were only associated with respirable β-glucan exposures (P = .030). Conclusions and clinical importance Mild equine asthma is common in racing horses and negatively impacts performance. The data support that respirable, rather than inhalable, dust exposure measures are pertinent to equine airway health.
NON-ISOTHERMAL EFFECTS IN PARTIALLY FILLED RUBBER MIXING SIMULATIONS OF MANUFACTURING PROCESSES

ABSTRACT A finite volume technique is used to analyze the isothermal and non-isothermal flow behavior for the rubber mixing process in a two-dimensional, partially filled (75%) internal mixer, whic...
Turnover behavior among US government employees

High employee turnover is a critical policy issue for public managers to solve. The US government is concerned about slowing turnover rates, which have accelerated from 14–15% to more than 18% sinc...
Synthesis of D-like and L-like 5'-fluoro-5'-deoxy-1',6'-isoneplanocins and their antiviral activity including Ebola.

In exploring the 1′,6′-isoneplanocin structural framework for antiviral compound development, both the D-like and L-like 5′-fluoro-5′-deoxy analogs have been synthesized from readily available cycl...
Association between long-term adherence to class-I recommended medications and risk for potentially preventable heart failure hospitalizations among younger adults.

Background Five guideline-recommended medication categories are available to treat patients who have heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction. However, adherence to these medications is often suboptimal, which places patients at increased risk for poor health outcomes, including hospitalization. We aimed to examine the association between adherence to these medications and potentially preventable HF hospitalizations among younger insured adults with newly diagnosed HF. Methods and results Using the 2008–2012 IBM MarketScan Commercial database, we followed 26,439 individuals aged 18–64 years with newly diagnosed HF and calculated their adherence (using the proportion of days covered (PDC) algorithm) to the five guideline-recommended medication categories: angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin-receptor blockers; beta blockers; aldosterone receptor antagonists; hydralazine; and isosorbide dinitrate. We determined the association between PDC and long-term preventable HF hospitalizations (observation years 3–5) as defined by the United States (U.S.) Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Overall, 49.0% of enrollees had good adherence (PDC≥80%), which was more common among enrollees who were older, male, residing in higher income counties, initially diagnosed with HF in an outpatient setting, and who filled prescriptions for fewer medication categories assessed. Adherence differed by medication category and was lowest for isosorbide dinitrate (PDC = 60.7%). In total, 7.6% of enrollees had preventable HF hospitalizations. Good adherers, compared to poor adherers (PDC<40%), were 15% less likely to have a preventable hospitalization (HR 0.85, 95% confidence interval, 0.75–0.96). Conclusion We found that approximately half of insured U.S. adults aged 18–64 years with newly diagnosed HF had good adherence to their HF medications. Patients with good adherence, compared to those with poor adherence, were less likely to have a potentially preventable HF hospitalization 3–5 years after their initial diagnosis. Because HF is a chronic condition that requires long-term management, future studies may want to assess the effectiveness of interventions in sustaining adherence.
The Hyperhemolysis Phenotype in Sickle Cell Anemia: Increased Risk of Leg Ulcers, Priapism, Pulmonary Hypertension and Death with Decreased Risk of Vasoocclusive Events.

Abstract Polymerization of hemoglobin in sickle cell anemia (HbSS) results in red blood cell damage, vasoocclusive disease and hemolytic anemia. Plasma hemoglobin and arginase released during hemolysis produce endothelial dysfunction and lead to vascular complications such as leg ulceration, priapism, pulmonary hypertension and increased risk of death. Examination of 2 independent patient groups from the NIH and CSSCD revealed considerable heterogeneity in the rates of hemolysis as estimated by LDH. We therefore hypothesized that inter-individual variation in hemolytic rate influences the phenotypic expression of HbSS. To test this hypothesis, we have defined a hemolysis phenotype as a clinical variable in our 2 HbSS groups. At NIH, LDH was analyzed as a quantitative trait in 166 adults to define a subgroup above the 75th percentile suggestive of exaggerated hemolysis (n= 42, mean LDH 645). When compared with 42 cases in the lowest LDH quartile (mean 230), the hyperhemolysis group had significantly lower hemoglobin and higher AST, bilirubin, and absolute reticulocyte levels supporting this phenotypic classification. HbF, arginine:ornithine ratios and arginase 1 activity were also significantly different. Clinically, the hyperhemolysis group had an increased prevalence of leg ulcers (OR 5.10; P=0.007), priapism (OR 3.67; P=0.16), and pulmonary hypertension (TRV > 3.0 m/s; OR 12.00; P
A CASE OF ACQUIRED GENERALIZED LIPODYSTROPHY ASSOCIATED WITH PEMBROLIZUMAB IN A PATIENT WITH METASTATIC MALIGNANT MELANOMA.

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe an unusual immune-related adverse event (irAE), acquired generalized lipodystrophy (AGL), from checkpoint inhibitor therapy in a patient treated with pembrolizumab. ...
Attracting Black High School Boys to Computer Science Through Tech Innovation and Entrepreneurship

This experience report describes a five-week tech innovation and entrepreneurship program for black high school boys. The program was designed to show young boys they can create and own technology relevant to their communities and experiences. The program’s interactive and engaging activities were planned, organized, and carried out by black male senior undergraduates and a graduate student from Howard University. This program, although still being evaluated, may help to attract boys to undergraduate computer science as a major. Initial results showed the program: 1. Improved perception of CS among black male high school students; 2. Increased the confidence of participants and; 3. Increased the number of students that want to major in CS in college.
Middle School Teachers’ Perceptions of Academic and Behavioral Support Testing Accommodations

Understanding educators’ perceptions about the validity and ease of providing various accommodated test administrations is critical for assisting them in promoting the accessibility of testing and ...
Infants of mothers with higher physiological stress show alterations in brain function

Chronic stress has been increasingly linked with aberrations in children's behavioral, cognitive, and social development, yet the effect of chronic physiological stress on neural development during the first year of life is largely unknown. The present study aims to link a physiological index of chronic stress (maternal hair cortisol concentration) to maturational differences in infant functional brain development during the first year of life. Participants were 94 mother-infant dyads. To index chronic physiological stress, maternal hair samples were assayed for the previous three months' cortisol output. To examine the development of brain function during the first year of life, six-to-twelve-month-old infants (N = 94) completed a resting electroencephalography (EEG) recording. Infants of mothers with evidence of higher physiological stress showed increased relative low-frequency (theta) power and reduced relative high-frequency (alpha, high-gamma) power, compared to infants of mothers with evidence of low physiological stress. This pattern of findings is consistent with other studies suggesting that early life stress may lead to alterations in patterns of infant brain development. These findings are important given that maturational lags in brain development can be long-lasting and are associated with deficits in cognitive and emotional development. The present research also suggests that reducing maternal physiological stress may be a useful target for future interventions aiming to foster neurodevelopment during the first year of life.
On the assortment optimization with endogenized market size

Abstract In this paper, we consider the joint effects of product substitution and market size endogenization. Under the substitution effects, a product’s demand may be cannibalized by other substitutable products; while the market size, measured by the number of customers who are interested in the products from the same category, may be largely influenced by the product offer set. We establish the computational complexity for the assortment problem under the joint effects, and develop a fully polynomial-time approximation scheme (FPTAS).
Two Examples of Transformations When There are Possible Outliers

Abstract : The Box and Cox (1964) power transformation family and robust alternatives developed by Bickel and Doksum (1981) and Carroll (1980) are applied to data sets given by John (1978). The robust methods perform quite well compared to normal theory likelihood methods. (Author)
Neck Circumference is Another Factor for Predicting the Success Rate of Extubation

Background: Intubated patients with stable vital sign, well weaning profile and spontaneous breathing test are the most important key points to be extubated. The aim of present study is to validate the influence factors of the successful extubation of patients in intensive care unit. Methods: Thirty-eight intubated patients in the intensive care unit of Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, a regional hospital, were enrolled in this retrospective study from November, 2019 to February, 2020. All of them used mechanical ventilator support for more than 3 days. The patients’ characteristics, including age, body height, body weight, neck circumference and the weaning profile parameters were collected, and the length of intubation days. In addition, cuff leak test value was measured before extubation, by calculating the volume of air leakage after the endotracheal tube cuff was deflated while the ventilator was set as the volume-assist-control mode. Successful extubation was defined as no re-intubation in the following 28 days. Statistic t test and independent sample test were applied to assess the correlation between these parameters and the success rate of extubation. Results: The influence factors of better success rate for extubation include the neck circumference (P=0.005, 95% CI 34.8 to 37.2), and the cuff leak test (P=0.015,95% CI 174.7 to 340.5). In addition, we found that the patients with neck circumference more than 37.5 centimeters may have higher risk of extubation failure (Fisher exact test P Conclusions: Patients with the smaller neck circumference, the higher cuff leak volume have a better extubation success rate.