cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Active suppression of finite-amplitude Rayleigh–Bénard convection

We study by a fully nonlinear three-dimensional pseudospectral time-splitting simulation, the feedback control of a layer of fluid heated from below. The initial condition corresponds to a steady large-amplitude preferred convection state obtained at Prandtl number of 7.0 and Rayleigh number of 104, which is about six times the Rayleigh critical value. A robust controller based on the LQG (linear–quadratic–Gaussian) synthesis method is used. Both sensors and actuator are thermal-based, planar, andassumed to be continuously distributed. The simulated results show that large-amplitude steady-state convection rolls can be suppressed by the linear LQG controller action. The Green's function of the controller gives the shape of the control action corresponding to a point measurement. In addition, for Rayleigh numbers below the proportional feedback control stability limit, this controller appeared to be effective in damping out steady-state convection rolls as well. However, in a region very near the proportional control stability limit, proportional control action induces subcritical g-type hexagonal convection, which is obtained here through direct simulations. Note that well above this proportional control limit, the LQG still damps out all convection. The nonlinear plant model is validated by comparing check cases with published results.
Probing the Effects of Nanoscale Architecture on the Mechanical Properties of Hexagonal Silica/Polymer Composite Thin Films

We examine the effects of controlling nanoscale architecture on the tensile properties of honeycomb-structured silica/polymer composite films. The hexagonal films are produced using evaporation-induced self-assembly and uniaxially strained using a home-built tensile testing apparatus. Significant differences in the yield strain, failure strain, and tensile moduli between the axes parallel and perpendicular to the film-deposition direction are observed for the thinnest films examined and are attributed to anisotropy in the film nanostructure that is further characterized with transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. For properly oriented composites, these films have tensile moduli comparable to the Young's modulus of bulk silica but exhibit failure strains that are about an order of magnitude larger than those seen in typical bulk-silica systems. The yielding and failure processes are explored using X-ray diffraction and optical microscopy and are characterized by irreversible changes in the nanoscale architecture. We show that tuning the nanoscale architecture can provide control over the tensile properties of composites, allowing for materials with combinations of stiffness and elasticity unachievable in the analogous bulk systems.
Interference-Aware Energy-Efficient Power Optimization

While the demand for battery capacity on mobile devices has grown with the increase in high-bandwidth multi-media rich applications, battery technology has not kept up with this demand. Therefore power optimization techniques are becoming increasingly important in wireless system design. Power optimization schemes are also important for interference management in wireless systems as interference resulting from aggressive spectral reuse and high power transmission severely limits system performance. Although power optimization plays a pivotal role in both interference management and energy utilization, little research addresses their joint interaction. In this paper, we develop energy-efficient power optimization schemes for interference-limited communications. Both circuit and transmit powers are considered and energy efficiency is emphasized over throughput. We note that the general power optimization problem in the presence of interference is intractable even when ideal user cooperation is assumed. We first study this problem for a simple two-user network with ideal user cooperation and then develop a practical non-cooperative power optimization scheme. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme improves not only energy efficiency but also spectral efficiency in an interference-limited cellular network.
Cellular distribution studies of the nitric oxide-generating antineoplastic prodrug O2-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)1-((4-ethoxycarbonyl)piperazin-1-yl)diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate formulated in Pluronic P123 micelles

Objective Nitric oxide (NO) possesses antitumour activity. It induces differentiation and apoptosis in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) cells. The NO prodrug O2-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)1-((4-ethoxycarbonyl)piperazin-1-yl)diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate, or JS-K, has potent antileukaemic activity. JS-K is also active in vitro and in vivo against multiple myeloma, prostate cancer, non-small-cell lung cancer, glioma and liver cancer. Using the Pluronic P123 polymer, we have developed a micelle formulation for JS-K to increase its solubility and stability. The goal of the current study was to investigate the cellular distribution of JS-K in AML cells. Methods We investigated the intracellular distribution of JS-K (free drug) and JS-K formulated in P123 micelles (P123/JS-K) using HL-60 AML cells. We also studied the S-glutathionylating effects of JS-K on proteins in the cytoplasmic and nuclear cellular fractions. Key findings Both free JS-K and P123/JS-K accumulate primarily in the nucleus. Both free JS-K and P123/JS-K induced S-glutathionylation of nuclear proteins, although the effect produced was more pronounced with P123/JS-K. Minimal S-glutathionylation of cytoplasmic proteins was observed. Conclusions We conclude that a micelle formulation of JS-K increases its accumulation in the nucleus. Post-translational protein modification through S-glutathionylation may contribute to JS-K's antileukaemic properties.
Toward a biomimetic, bidirectional, brain machine interface

The interest in Brain Machine Interface (BMI) systems has increased tremendously in recent times; many groups have become involved in this type of research, and progress has been quite encouraging. However, two fundamental limitations remain: 1) With a few notable exceptions, BMIs extract only kinematic information from the brain, ignoring the wealth of force or kinetic information also present in the primary motor cortex, and 2) most existing BMIs depend exclusively on natural vision to guide movement, lacking the rapid proprioceptive feedback that is critical for normal movement. The work reported here describes our efforts to address both of these limitations.
Annual carbon dioxide exchange in irrigated and rainfed maize-based agroecosystems

Carbon dioxide exchange was quantified in maize‐soybean agroecosystems employing year-round tower eddy covariance flux systems and measurements of soil C stocks, CO2 fluxes from the soil surface, plant biomass, and litter decomposition. Measurements were made in three cropping systems: (a) irrigated continuous maize, (b) irrigated maize‐soybean rotation, and (c) rainfed maize‐soybean rotation during 2001‐2004. Because of a variable cropping history, all three sites were uniformly tilled by disking prior to initiation of the study. Since then, all sites are under no-till, and crop and soil management follow best management practices prescribed for production-scale systems. Cumulative daily gain of C by the crops (from planting to physiological maturity), determined from the measured eddy covariance CO2 fluxes and estimated heterotrophic respiration, compared well with the measured total above and belowground biomass. Two contrasting features of maize and soybean CO2 exchange are notable. The value of integrated GPP (gross primary productivity) for both irrigated and rainfed maize over the growing season was substantially larger (ca. 2:1 ratio) than that for soybean. Also, soybean lost a larger portion (0.80‐0.85) of GPP as ecosystem respiration (due, in part, to the large amount of maize residue from the previous year), as compared to maize (0.55‐0.65). Therefore, the seasonally integrated NEP (net ecosystem production) in maize was larger by a 4:1 ratio (approximately), as compared to soybean. Enhanced soil moisture conditions in the irrigated maize and soybean fields caused an increase in ecosystem respiration, thus eliminating any advantage of increased GPP and giving about the same values for the growing season NEP as the rainfed fields. On an annual basis, the NEP of irrigated continuous maize was 517, 424, and 381 g C m � 2 year � 1 , respectively, during the 3 years of our study. In rainfed maize the annual NEP was 510 and 397 g C m � 2 year � 1 in years 1 and 3, respectively. The annual NEP in the irrigated and rainfed soybean fields were in the
High sensitivity silicon-based VIS/NIR photodetectors

We fabricate silicon-based photodiodes using a simple femtosecond-laser microstructuring technique. The detectors are ten times more sensitive than commercial silicon PlN photodiodes at visible wavelengths and can be used at wavelengths up to 1650 nm.
Social isolation delays the positive effects of running on adult neurogenesis

Social isolation can exacerbate the negative consequences of stress and increase the risk of developing psychopathology. However, the influence of living alone on experiences generally considered to be beneficial to the brain, such as physical exercise, remains unknown. We report here that individual housing precludes the positive influence of short-term running on adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus of rats and, in the presence of additional stress, suppresses the generation of new neurons. Individual housing also influenced corticosterone levels—runners in both housing conditions had elevated corticosterone during the active phase, but individually housed runners had higher levels of this hormone in response to stress. Moreover, lowering corticosterone levels converted the influence of short-term running on neurogenesis in individually housed rats from negative to positive. These results suggest that, in the absence of social interaction, a normally beneficial experience can exert a potentially deleterious influence on the brain.
Purification of an Extracellular Signaling Molecule Involved in Production of Aerial Mycelium by Streptomyces coelicolor

We have extensively purified a factor from conditioned medium that restores aerial mycelium formation to a mutant of Streptomyces coelicolor that is defective in morphological differentiation. Response to this factor is shown to depend on the presence of the BldK oligopeptide import system. We suggest that this substance acts at the first step in a putative cascade of developmental regulatory signals.
Spatial distribution and fixed-precision sampling plans for the ladybird Harmonia axyridis in sweet corn

To improve the utilization of the multicolored Asian lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas), as a natural enemy in integrated pest management (IPM) programs for sweet corn, Zea mays L., fixed-precision enumerative sequential sampling plans for this coccinellid were developed and validated. Data were collected from sweet corn plots during 2000 to 2004, with means ranging from 0.02 to 11.83 H. axyridis (larvae and adults combined) per plant. Taylor’s power law parameters from the regression of log variance versus log mean suggested an aggregated distribution for larvae and the combined count of larvae and adults in sweet corn. For IPM purposes, a plan was developed for H. axyridis larvae and adults to provide a desired precision level of 0.25 (SEM/mean), resulting in an average sample number of 65 whole plants. However, for the purposes of ecological or applied research (with desired precision = 0.10), an average sample number of 205 plants was necessary.
Prediction limit estimation for neural network models

A novel method for estimation of prediction limits for global and local approximating neural networks is presented. The method partitions the input space using self-organizing feature maps to introduce the concept of local neighborhoods, and calculates limits that indicate the extent to which one can rely on predictions for making future decisions.
The New University Library: Four Case Studies by Matthew Conner

In an era that is driven by technology, libraries constantly struggle with the need to stay relevant and current to users in the 21st century. While Conner acknowledges the many speculations about ...
Radioresistance of Phytohemagglutinin-Treated Normal and Leukemic Lymphocytes

The effects of phnohemagglutinin (PHA) and x rays on suspensions of lymphocytes from normal human blood incubated in small test tubes for 6 days at 37 deg C were studied. Viable cell counts of untreated control suspensions showed that 63 percent of the lymphocytes survived incubation. Incubation of purified suspensions of lymphocytes with PHA resulted in enlargement of many lymphocytes, formation of some lymphoblastoid cells, and a few mitotic divisfons. Irradiation of blood cell suspensions killed many lymphocytes, so that only 10 percent survived 6 days after a dose of 75 r 5 percent after 150 r. PHA-treated suspensions were irradiated with 75 to 2400 r. Many lymphocytes and transformed lymphocytes survived irradiation even with a dose of 1200 and 2406 r. It was concluded that addition of PHA protected lymphocytes against the cytotoxic effects of irradiation. Radioprotection of lymphocytes was observed whether the PHA was added at any time from 4 days before to 2 days after irradiation with 300 r. Blood lymphocytes from 3 of 6 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia showed little or no radioprotection with PHA. The morphologic reaction of lymphocytes from leukemic patients was usually less. than that observed with normal lymphocytes. One of themore » 6 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia had blood lymphocytes resistant to x irradiation with 2400 r even without PHA. (auth)« less
Decision Making Model for the Emerging Nanotechnologies

The difficulty in decision making for the emerging technologies is due to the evolving nature of the new technology, new materials, limited or unavailability of the historic and current data, private and protected nature of the data, product knowledge to monitor and control potential toxic exposure, and other untested or unavailable data on the environment and health effects. The demand for lighter material in healthcare for prosthetics, the automotive and aerospace industries search for Nano-materials. The pharmaceutical industries are challenged with the increase of systematic diseases to provide soluble drug delivery targeting affected tissue, organs, or cells. Investors are seeking opportunities to find the hidden niche in the nanotechnology markets. The ultimatum to meet these industry demands, provide opportunities to investors, newly created nanotechnology industries, and industries looking to expand in other markets. In such complex and ambiguous environment, with limited understanding or predicta...
Extracellular pH and suppression of electrical activity during anoxia in turtle and rat brain

To evaluate the contribution of extracellular H+ activity toward depression of brain electrical activity during anoxia, extracellular pH (pHe) and field potentials were measured in turtle and rat olfactory bulbs with ion-selective microelectrodes. This study tests the hypothesis that unique regulation of pHe contributes to the remarkable tolerance of turtle brain to prolonged anoxia. Hypercapnea (20% CO2 ventilation) depressed olfactory bulb evoked potentials 25-30% in both rat and turtle. During anoxia, evoked potentials were completely abolished within 1 min in rat olfactory bulb but decreased to only 40% of control after 4 h in the turtle despite similar changes in brain pHe. Anoxia-induced acidification of turtle brain was exacerbated by hypercapnea and was attenuated by hypocapnea or by hypocapnea plus intravenous infusion of sodium bicarbonate. However, these manipulations of pHe during anoxia in turtle brain had little effect on depression of evoked potentials. We conclude that energy failure, rather than extracellular acidification, is the major contributor toward suppression of electrical activity in mammalian brain and that preservation of energy balance, rather than unique pH regulation, is responsible for protection of turtle brain during anoxia.
Epidemiologic observations of adolescents with Neisseria gonorrhoeae genital infections treated at a children's hospital

Abstract Study Objective: To describe adolescents with Neisseria gonorrhoeae genital infections. Design and Participants: The charts of all adolescents (12–22 years old) with N. gonorrhoeae genital infections were reviewed from September 1, 1989 to February 28, 1990. Patients were followed for 8–14 months from initial infection to determine the number of repeat N. gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis infections. Setting: The outpatient clinics of a pediatric hospital. The log books of the bacteriology laboratory at Children's Hospital, Boston were reviewed to determine all adolescents with N. gonorrhoeae infection visiting any clinic or the Emergency Ward. Results and Conclusions: Ninety-six adolescents with 107 genital N. gonorrhoeae infections were seen in the initial 6-month interval. Compared with 29 males, the 67 females were less likely to be treated at the initial visit, were more likely to have counseling documented, to be rescreened at follow-up, to have more follow-up cultures in the 8 to 14-month interval, and to be followed for a longer duration. Twenty-three percent of patients had one or more additional gonococcal infections and 19% had further chlamydial genital infections over the short-term follow-up. Adolescents with N. gonorrhoeae infection should be considered at high risk for repeat infection and screened frequently for N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis , as well as counseled about risk reduction.
Improving User Search with Embedded Boolean Search Hints

Because of the extensive use of search engines on the Internet, even small improvements in usability can lead to huge benefits in productivity and effectiveness. Unfortunately, Internet users have consistently shown that they are unable or unwilling to use Boolean operators effectively. This paper presents an investigation of the use of embedded Boolean search hints to improve user search query construction. These hints consist of short, targeted in-line messages that present task-focused instruction on the use of Boolean operators. Three types of help content were studied: semantic, syntactic, and exemplar. The results indicate that inline help can significantly improve performance. However, the improvement was produced only when the content specifically matched the users' needs. Furthermore, some unexpected results suggest that users' experience with other Boolean interfaces can impair performance. Implications for search interface design are discussed.
RAPID EVOLUTION OF GASTRULATION MECHANISMS IN A SEA URCHIN WITH LECITHOTROPHIC LARVAE.

This study documents evolutionary modifications in mechanisms of gastrulation in Heliocidaris erythrogramma, an echinoid with lecithotrophic larvae. Radially symmetrical cell rearrangements and changes in cell shape drive elongation of the archenteron in the ancestral mode of echinoid gastrulation. Cell marking experiments indicate that in H. erythrogramma, however, prolonged movement of cells over the ventral lip of the blastopore accompanies extension of the archenteron. Evolutionary modifications to archenteron extension in H. erythrogramma thus include utilization of a different type of cellular movement as well as the imposition of dorsoventral asymmetry in cellular movements. The conservation of gastrulation mechanisms among phylogenetically divergent echinoids with planktotrophic development suggests that the plesiomorphic condition has persisted at least 250 million years and perhaps much longer. Yet H. erythrogramma diverged from an ancestor with planktotrophic development only about 10 mya, indicating that morphogenetic mechanisms of early development can undergo substantial evolutionary changes, even after long periods of stasis.
Outpatient diabetes clinical decision support: current status and future directions

Outpatient clinical decision support systems have had an inconsistent impact on key aspects of diabetes care. A principal barrier to success has been low use rates in many settings. Here, we identify key aspects of clinical decision support system design, content and implementation that are related to sustained high use rates and positive impacts on glucose, blood pressure and lipid management. Current diabetes clinical decision support systems may be improved by prioritizing care recommendations, improving communication of treatment-relevant information to patients, using such systems for care coordination and case management and integrating patient-reported information and data from remote devices into clinical decision algorithms and interfaces.
Colorimetric method for field-screening above-tolerance parathion residues on and in citrus fruits.

A colorimetric technique has been developed which is suitable for use as a field-screening method for detecting above-tolerance levels of parathion on and in citrus fruits. By using this method, a grower should be able to postpone harvesting a crop until parathion residues are below tolerance level, so that the crop is safe to market. The method depends on the reaction of parathion with 4-(p-nitrobenzyl)-pyridine. Parathion is extracted by mixing chopped citrus rind with acetone in a hand-operated homogenizer. The extract is partially cleaned by a partitioning step before final cleanup with a Sep-Pak Florisil cartridge. The colored reaction solution is read at 560 nm by using a portable, rechargeable spectrophotometer. A single test can be completed in about 75 min; the average time per test when several are conducted sequentially is considerably shorter. The analytical system responds readily to less than 5 ppm parathion on or in 1 g navel orange rind, which corresponds to less than 1 ppm in the whole fruit. The present U.S. tolerance for parathion on or in citrus is 1 ppm on a whole fruit basis. Preliminary work indicates that the method should also be suitable for apples.
Comparison of Low Back Pain Recovery and Persistence A Descriptive Study of Characteristics at Pain Onset

Background:Persistent low back pain is a significant problem worldwide. Early identification and treatment of individuals at high risk for persistent low back pain have been suggested as strategies to decrease the rate of disability associated with this condition.Purpose:To examine and compare demographic, pain-related, psychological, and somatosensory characteristics in a cohort of participants with acute low back pain who later went on to experience persistent low back pain or whose pain resolved within the first 6 weeks after initial onset.Methods:A descriptive study was conducted among men and women 18–50 years of age who had an acute episode of low back pain. Study questionnaires were administered to collect demographic information and measures of pain, coping, reactivity, mood, work history and satisfaction, and disability. A standardized protocol of quantitative sensory testing was performed on each participant at the painful area of their low back and at a remote site on their arm.Results:The samp...
Urodynamic assessment of children with cerebral palsy.

Abstract More than a third of the children with cerebral palsy present with dysfunctional voiding symptoms. Clinical evaluation and urodynamic study of cerebral palsy patients were performed to characterize the symptoms, to define the type of neurological deficit and to document its effect on voiding dynamics. We evaluated flow rate, and cystometrographic and external sphincter electromyographic findings in 57 children with cerebral palsy. Upper and lower motor neuron lesions were defined by standard criteria. Of the children 86 per cent had evidence of a pure upper motor neuron injury and 11 per cent manifested electromyographic findings suggestive of incomplete lower motor neuron sphincteric injury. The latter deficit could not be predicted on the basis of clinical neurological findings but it was suggested by a history of neonatal cyanosis. Treatment protocols achieved continence in more than 75 per cent of the children. The voiding dynamics in children with cerebral palsy have not been assessed previously. We have defined the lower urinary tract dysfunction in these patients, and provide a rational and effective plan of management.
Association Between Obesity/Overweight and Leukemia: A Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies,

Abstract Abstract 3588 Introduction: Leukemia is a common hematologic malignancy for which the etiology remains largely unclear. The epidemiological data regarding the link between overweight and obesity, as defined by body mass index (BMI), and the risk of developing leukemia has revealed conflicting results. The main objective of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the potential relationship that overweight and obesity may have in the development of leukemia in adults. A secondary objective was to evaluate the risk of separate leukemia subtypes such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Methods: A MEDLINE search from January 1950 to December 2010 was undertaken using: (obesity OR “body mass index” OR BMI OR overweight) AND (leukemia OR lymphoma OR myeloma). Only prospective cohort studies reporting on the incidence of leukemia were included. Retrospective case-control and cross-sectional studies were excluded. Meta-analyses were performed for leukemia in general and leukemia subtypes. The outcome was calculated as relative risk (RR). Overweight was defined as BMI 25–29.9 kg/m2 and obesity as BMI ≥30 kg/m2, according to the WHO criteria. The quality of the studies was determined by the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS). The random effects model (REM) was used to calculate the combined outcome. Heterogeneity was assessed by the I2 statistic. Publication bias was assessed by the trim-and-fill analysis. Meta-regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between BMI, as a continuous variable, and the incidence of leukemia in general as well as BMI and leukemia subtypes. Literature search, data gathering and quality assessment were performed independently by at least 2 of the investigators. All graphs and calculations were obtained using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 2 (Biostat, Englewood, NJ). Results: From 758 returns, 19 prospective cohort studies evaluating the association between incidence of leukemia and BMI were identified. All the studies were of high quality (NOS >7 points). When pooling all studies, the RR was 1.14 (95% CI 1.07–1.22; p Figure ). Meta-regression showed a statistically significant linear association between BMI and incidence of AML (p Download : Download high-res image (54KB) Download : Download full-size image Conclusions: Obesity, but not overweight, is associated with a mild-to-moderate increased risk of leukemia in general (19%) and for all leukemia subtypes (AML 38%, ALL 62%, CML 27% and CLL 17%). Additionally, meta-regression analyses showed a statistically significant linear association between increasing BMI and general incidence of leukemia in addition to incidence of AML. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Risk Factors for Cardiac Arrest or Mechanical Circulatory Support in Children with Fulminant Myocarditis.

In children with fulminant myocarditis (FM), we sought to describe presenting characteristics and clinical outcomes, and identify risk factors for cardiac arrest and mechanical circulatory support (MCS). A retrospective review of patients with FM admitted at our institution between January 1, 2004, and June 31, 2015, was performed. We compared characteristics and outcomes of FM patients who received cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and/or were placed on MCS (CPR/MCS group) to those who did not develop these outcomes (Control group). There were 28 patients who met criteria for FM. Median age was 1.2 years (1 day–17 years). Recovery of myocardial function occurred in 13 patients (46%); 6 (21%) had chronic ventricular dysfunction, 6 (21%) underwent heart transplantation, and 3 (11%) died prior to hospital discharge (including one death following heart transplant). Of the 28 FM patients, 13 (46%) developed cardiac arrest (n = 11) and/or received MCS (n = 8). When compared to controls, patients in the CPR/MCS group had a higher peak b-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels (p = 0.03) and peak inotropic scores (p = 0.02). No significant differences were found between groups in demographics; chest radiograph, electrocardiogram, or echocardiogram findings; or initial laboratory values including BNP, troponin, C-reactive protein, lactate, and creatinine (p > 0.05 for all). Children with FM are at high risk of cardiovascular collapse leading to the use of CPR or MCS. Aside from peak BNP levels and inotropic scores, the most presenting characteristics were not helpful for predicting these outcomes. FM patients should ideally receive care in centers that provide emergent MCS.
Notas sobre Cupressus en México

Las especies nativas de Cupressus en Mexico y America Central a las que variablemente se referian como C. lusitanica Miller, C. benthamii Endlicher, y C. lindleyi Klotzch, deben de ser referidas a una especie, C. benthamii. Dos variedades de C. benthamii estan actualmente reconocidas, var. benthamii y var. lindleyi (Klotzsch) Masters. La var. benthamii se encuentra en los estados de Veracruz, Puebla y Hidalgo, Mexico, y lavar. lindleyi es nativa de la region comprendida entre el norte de Mexico hasta Guatemala, Honduras y El Salvador. Ambas variedades estan siendo cultivadas en Mexico. Las identidades de Cupressus coulteri Forbes, C. ehrenbergii Kunze, C. excelsa Carriere, C. karwinskyana Regel, C. knightiana Knight & Perry, and C. uhdeana Gordon permanecen inciertas.
Postoperative Impact of Diabetes, Chronic Kidney Disease, Hemodialysis, and Renal Transplant After Total Hip Arthroplasty

Abstract Background The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic kidney disease (CKD), hemodialysis (HD), and renal transplantation (RT) is increasing. This study assessed postoperative complications among diabetic patients with CKD, HD, or post-RT after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods Four cohorts were created using a nationwide database: DM&THA, DM&CKD&THA, DM&HD&THA, and DM&RT&THA. Cohorts were matched to a control group by age and gender. Thirty-day medical complications and 90-day and 2-year surgical complications were evaluated. Results All 30-day complications were higher in each cohort. Ninety-day and 2-year surgical complications in the DM&HD&THA cohort were increased compared to the DM&RT&THA cohort. Remarkably, no increased risk of periprosthetic joint infection, periprosthetic fracture, or revision was noted post-THA in the DM&RT&THA cohort. Conclusion Diabetic patients with worsening kidney function are associated with increased post-THA complications. Postsurgical risks decline following RT. Diabetic patients with kidney failure may want to undergo RT prior to THA to optimize surgical outcomes.
Mentoring: An Evolving Relationship

The column concerns itself with mentoring as an evolving relationship between mentor and mentee. The collegiate mentoring model, the transformational transcendence model, and the humanbecoming mentoring model are considered in light of a dialogue with mentors at a Midwest university and conclusions are drawn.
Graphene-Al 2 O 3 -silicon heterojunction solar cells on flexible silicon substrates

The quest of obtaining sustainable, clean energy is an ongoing challenge. While silicon-based solar cells have widespread acceptance in practical commercialization, continuous research is important to expand applicability beyond fixed-point generation to other environments while also improving power conversion efficiency (PCE), stability, and cost. In this work, graphene-on-silicon Schottky junction and graphene-insulator-silicon (GIS) solar cells are demonstrated on flexible, thin foils, which utilize the electrical conductivity and optical transparency of graphene as the top transparent contact. Multi-layer graphene was grown by chemical vapor deposition on Cu-Ni foils, followed by p-type doping with Au nanoparticles and encapsulated in poly(methyl methacrylate), which showed high stability with minimal performance degradation over more than one month under ambient conditions. Bendable silicon film substrates were fabricated by a kerf-less exfoliation process based on spalling, where the silicon film th...
The uses of fiber optics to enhance and extend the capabilities of holographic interferometry

The advent of low-loss optical fibers in the early 1970s was a major event in the field of communications. Since then, material and fabrication technologies have progressed rapidly and, non-communications applications for fiber optics have become widespread. For example, optical-fiber components are routinely used in holography and holo-interferometry to realize significant improvements in stability, flexibility and accessibility. This paper reviews the history of the application of individual single- and multimode fiber-optic components to the manipulation of both object and reference beams, and the use of multimode fiber-optic image bundles for object-to-hologram wavefront transmission. The advantages and disadvantages of singlemode versus multimode fiber-optic components will be discussed, and techniques for improving the stability of multimode fiber-optic components will be presented. Tests conducted using singlemode fibers (SMF) as stable illuminators and a singlemode image transmitting (SIT) fiber-optic component for wavefront transmission between the object and the hologram will be described. Other techniques which rely on holographic/fiber optic recordings, such as radial metrology and real time moire interferometry, will also be discussed.
Significance of H3K27me3 loss in the diagnosis of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors

The diagnosis of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors can be challenging and other spindle cell sarcomas commonly enter in the differential diagnosis. Loss of trimethylation at lysine 27 of histone-H3 (H3K27me3) by immunohistochemistry was recently described in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. However, its specificity remains controversial. We therefore studied 82 synovial sarcomas, 39 malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, and 10 fibrosarcomatous dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans for H3K27me3 loss by immunohistochemistry. The diagnoses were based on morphology, immunophenotype, and genetics based on WHO classification. H3K27me3 immunohistochemistry was scored by two pathologists based on fraction of cells with nuclear staining (score 0 to 3+). Loss of H3K27me3 (score 0) was seen in 44% of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors and 9% of synovial sarcomas yielding positive and negative predictive values of 71% and 77%, respectively. Loss of H3K27me3 was seen in 10% of fibrosarcomatous dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, yielding positive and negative predictive values of 94 and 29% in the differential diagnosis of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor versus fibrosarcomatous dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. Partial loss (score 1-2) was common in all three tumor types. Among malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, there was no significant association between H3K27me3 loss and gender, tumor site, or size, and progression-free or overall survival. Patients with tumors with H3K27me3 loss were younger than those with tumors with retained H3K27me3 expression (P=0.011). H3K27me3 expression was lost in 50 and 31% of sporadic and Neurofibromatosis-associated malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, respectively (P=0.25).Complete H3K27me3 loss is a moderately sensitive and relatively specific marker for the diagnosis of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor when the differential diagnosis includes synovial sarcoma and fibrosarcomatous dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. Partial loss has limited diagnostic utility. H3K27me3 status does not show significant association with clinical outcome in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors.
Monitoring and Fostering Elementary School Students' Life Satisfaction: A Case Study

ABSTRACTResearch on the importance of complete mental health has led to increased focus on students' subjective well-being (i.e., happiness and life satisfaction) coupled with the traditional attention to psychopathology. Although screeners for psychopathology abound, the present project is novel in applying best practices in universal screening to grade level-wide assessment of children's life satisfaction, followed by implementation of a positive psychology intervention for students identified through the screener. In this case study of 375 third- to fifth-grade students in one elementary school, 93.6% participated in the screening, 11.2% qualified for supplemental services based on screening cutoff scores, and 4.8% took part in the targeted intervention to improve subjective well-being. Repeated measures analysis of mean scores revealed the intervention increased children's life satisfaction, lending support for the value of universal screeners in the process of service delivery. Implications for pract...
Defying the odds? Nigerien responses to foreign and domestic security challenges

The objective of this paper is to identify the manifold security threats confronting the Republic of Niger. It examines if and how various domestic and external actors may exploit Niger’s adverse structural conditions to their benefit and derives possible future scenarios and recommendations for policymakers. Foreign-based jihadist groups such as Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and Boko Haram will continue to threaten Niger’s domestic stability. However, these groups are unlikely to make further inroads into Nigerien territory. The Tuareg community and conservative Sunni groups are unlikely to rise up against the state as both are well integrated into the political and societal landscape. The most viable threat to Niger’s stability is the continued inability of the current administration to translate macroeconomic gains and donor support into pro-poor growth and social inclusion. The increasing use of authoritarian measures against citizens and journalists has the potential to escalate further and to undermine the legitimacy of the government in the long-term.
Melbourne, Australia, Renews Keolis Contract [Transportation Systems]

On 12 September 2017, Keolis's Australian subsidiary, Keolis Downer, was awarded a renewal of its contract to operate Yarra Trams on behalf of the Victorian government in Melbourne, Australia (see Figures 1-4). Yarra trams is the largest tram network in the world. The renewal took place on 30 November 2017 and will expire in 2024.
Reframing Recitation: The Dialogic Potential of Student Responses in IRE/F

Abstract Education research has long documented a pattern called recitation, in which the teacher initiates a question, a student responds, and the teacher evaluates or follows up on that response (also known as IRE/F). Based on negative associations with student engagement and achievement, researchers have identified interventions in the IRE/F cycle intended to disrupt this routine and promote dialogic discourse, in which speakers build on what others have already said to refine their ideas. These interventions include changing the types of questions asked (the first turn) or the nature of the evaluative follow-ups (the third turn). However, research remains to be done on the dialogic potential of student responses (the second turn). In this article, I draw on concepts from Bakhtin's dialogism and Goffman's frame analysis to examine two excerpts from American secondary classrooms. In both, student resistance to recitation led to a reframing of the nature of the classroom activity, as speakers repurposed others’ strategies for simultaneously accomplishing both social and academic work.
Psychiatric Disorders Associated with Epilepsy

Interictal psychiatric symptoms cluster around personality disturbances, affective problems, and psychosis. While dissociative states may occur in temporal lobe epilepsy, not all patients should be automatically regarded as prone to psychiatric or psychotic decompensation. If epileptics with mild or no psychiatric difficulties are compared with those whose symptoms present definite problems, those with more serious problems stand by themselves as a group and present findings that have little relation to seizure aspects or neurologic antecedents.
Developing a diagnostic for energetic laser-Compton produced photon beams

Author(s): Quiter, BJ; Zhang, Y; Barton, PJ; Geddes, CGR; Garcia-Sciveres, M; Janecek, M; Vetter, K | Abstract: This paper describes the design and simulation of a radiation detector system for diagnostic measurements of photon beams produced by Thomson or Compton Scattering. The photon beam is Compton scattered in a thin passive converter, and the resulting electrons are analyzed using a charge-coupled device-based tracker and classification algorithms. The flux of the scattered electrons is much lower than that of the photon beam and is additionally dispersed. This dispersal enables measurements while avoiding pileup, which is important in order to provide diagnostic information from intense 'shot’ based pulsed systems, such as those being built to leverage laser wakefield accelerators. Simulations indicate that the designed system is capable of resolving beam parameters from a single shot. The fidelity to which various beam parameters can be resolved is presented as are methods that could result in further improvement to diagnostic resolution.
In Vivo Quantitation of Induced Ultrasonic Contrast Effects in the Mouse

The ability of certain aqueous solutions to enhance ultrasonic echogenicity from the intact mouse in vivo was examined. Substances which in solution increase the velocity of sound as a function of increasing concentration were found to intensify the “contrast” of whole mice visualized sonographically. Increase in contrast was determined by photometric measurement of the average integrated screen luminance of the area of the screen representing the mouse. The ability to enhance screen luminance correlated with the ratio of the slope of the change in speed of sound vs. concentration to the maximum non-lethal drug dose attainable, as determined by acute LD50 studies. Neither body temperature nor osmolarity changes appeared to be significant contributing factors in the enhancement of “contrast” produced by the agents tested. These results indicate that compounds with a high slope of the change of speed of sound vs. concentration in solution and with low toxicity can act in vivo as ultrasonic “contrast” agents when given systemically.
When should a cheetah remind you of a bat? reminding in case-based teaching

Case-based teaching systems, like good human teachers, tell stories in order to help students learn. A case-based teaching system engages a student in a challenging task and monitors his actions looking for opportunities to tell stories that will assist the learning process. In order to produce stories at the appropriate moment, a casebased teaching system must have a library of stories that are indexed according to how they should be used and a set of reminding strategies to retrieve stories when they are relevant. In this paper, I discuss CreANIMate, a biology tutor that uses stories to help teach elementary school students about animal morphology. In particular, I discuss the reminding strategies and indexing schemes that enable the system to achieve its educational objectives. These reminding strategies are example remindings, similarity-based remindings, and expectation violation remindings.
Gene Therapeutic Enhancement of Animal Health and Performances

The last 10 years have seen substantial progress in the development of gene therapy. Gene therapy is a new modality with the potential for treating or preventing a variety of diseases, inherited or acquired. New viral and nonviral vectors, and applications are being developed at a rapid pace. The ability to reversibly turn genes on and off through gene therapy is a powerful tool in the control of gene expression. Until recently, gene therapy focused mainly on studying disease mechanisms, whereas recent research has put potential clinical and agricultural applications to the forefront of attention. Thus, significant progress has been made in the continued development of viral systems, including retro- and adenoviruses, as well as in the exploration of novel tools such as plasmid DNA, herpes virus-based systems or liposomes. New vaccines using DNA vectors are used to induce a long-lasting immune response. Gene therapeutic approaches were used to direct the ectopic production of growth factors for chronic periods. The success of these projects has broad ramifications: in addition to being potentially more physiological and economical that the traditional ones they could be adopted for the delivery of genes that encode a wide variety of peptides, such as other releasing hormones, neurotrophic factors or enzymes. The application therefore can be extended to enhance the economic efficiency of animal food production, and overall animal health and performances.
Insurance Issues in Genetic Testing for Cancer

Advances in genomic technology have given rise to new approaches in the gathering and use of genetic information. DNA-based testing may not only enable early detection of a genetically-determined condition, but can also assess an individual’s predisposition to develop disease. The power of disease-specific testing lies in its predictive nature, but genetic information can also be inferred from the medical history (not predictive, but useful in assessing genetic risk) or by observing the phenotype or clinical picture. Recently, developments in medical information sciences have spurred public concern over the control and use of genetic information, particularly that derived from genetic tests. At the same time, a growing awareness of the potential for conflict among private, governmental, and commercial interests has raised concern over maintaining the confidentiality of such information and preventing “genetic discrimination” while preserving access to these data for treatment, research, and reimbursement.
From Planar BLMs to Biomembranes to Self-Assembling Lipid Bilayers: Building Blocks of Future Biosensors and Molecular Devices

The planar bilayer lipid membranes (BLMs) introduced more than a quarter century ago have been widely investigated as a model for biomembranes. In this paper, after a brief description of the BLM system, certain experiments in relation to biomembranes will be summarized. These will be followed by a description of a new BLM system based on self-assembling process of amphipathic molecules. In recent years, advances in microelectronics coupled with sustained interest in organic thin films have prompted a number of investigators to exploit the conventional BLM system as a basis for molecular devices as well as for the development of electrochemical sensors. However, one problem with conventional BLMs is their poor stability; they rarely last longer than a few hours. In contrast, the new BLM system, besides possessing desired dynamic properties, has the requisite mechanical stability, which offers new vista for basic studies as well as for technological applications.