cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the Generation of Infragravity Waves by Shoaling Multidirectional Waves

The generation of long period waves in shallow water by shoaling multidirectional waves is investigate using both numerical simulations and laboratory experiments. The numerical model is based on a new form of the Boussinesq equations that is applicable to non-breaking wave in both intermediate and shallow water depths. The model can simulate the nonlinear effects that occur in the propagation of irregular wave trains from `deep' to shallow water, including the amplification of the forced long period waves. It cannot, however, simulate free infragravity waves that are generated inside the surf zone. The results of numerical model are compared to experimental results for the shoaling of bichromatic waves and irregular multidirectional waves on a constant slope beach.
In Situ Polysulfide Detection in Lithium Sulfur Cells

Lithium sulfur batteries promise significant improvements in specific energy compared to Li-ion, but are limited by capacity fade upon cycling. Efforts to improve durability have focused on suppressing the solubility of intermediate polysulfides in the electrolyte. Here we describe an in situ electrochemical polysulfide detection method based on the cyclic volatmmetric response. The voltammetric peaks correlate with increased discharge, consistent with increased polysulfide species in the electrolyte as demonstrated by prior literature measurements using spectroscopic methods. We verified that adding metal sulfide species to the sulfur cathode and ceramic-coatings on the polyolefin separator result in reduced polysulfide concentration, consistent with improved cycle life reported earlier. Further, the use of highly concentrated electrolytes produces no detectable dissolved polysulfide species. Future advances in Li/S technology could utilize this method to determine the polysulfide contents in the electrolyte, and thus quantify the efficacy of the sulfur-sequestering strategies.
Vaccine-Based Immunotherapy and Targeting the Tumor Microenvironment in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Despite the recent emergence of pathway-targeted therapies, no curative treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) exists to date, thus fostering continued interest in developing new treatment strategies to eradicate renal malignancy. Active specific immunotherapy via cancer vaccines is one alternative approach that has shown clinical activity in several solid tumor systems, including RCC. However, critical questions regarding the optimal vaccine design, molecular effector mechanisms, vaccine delivery, and optimal vaccine–drug synergisms are, at present, only poorly understood. In addition, tumor-derived factors lead to profound immunosuppression in the cancer patient, thus mitigating the therapeutic effects of cancer vaccination. New insights suggest that effective stimulation of therapeutically useful antitumor responses requires the development of immunization protocols that fulfill two major criteria: (a) overcoming tumor-induced immunosuppression and (b) stimulating robust T-cell responses against tumor-associated antigens via an optimized vaccine approach. Such dual-pronged strategies represent important directions for the future advancements of anticancer vaccines toward clinical practice. In this chapter, the basic concepts and current approaches of RCC vaccination are discussed, and the molecular and cellular components in the tumor microenvironment that mediate immunosuppression are described. We further point out new insights suggesting synergies between active immunotherapy approaches, multikinase inhibitors, and other forms of targeted therapy.
[Study of the clinical and laboratory features of hand-foot-mouth disease]

Objective To study the clinical and laboratory features of the mild and severe hand-foot-mouth diseases (HFMD) in Shenzhen in 2008.Methods 145 cases were observed in East-Lake Hospital and Shenzhen Children's Hospital. Of the 145 cases,124 mild eases and 21 severe cases were involved. All the clinical data and Laboratory findings were collected and summarized. After collection of the acute and convalescent consecutive stools and peripheral bloods from the patients with HFMD,EV71 genes were amplified from these samples by RT-PCR. Enterovirus 71 were cultured and isolated using Veto cell line and R&D cell line. Results The WBC counts and blood glucose levels of the severe cases were significantly elevated,but the ages of the severe ones significantly decreased compared with those of the mild cases( P < 0.05). EV71 genes could be detected by RT-PCR with 35% positive rate in mild cases and 67% in severe eases.The EV71 gene detection rate of the severe cases was significantly increased in contrast to that of the mild ones. The EV71 were isolated and cultured from the stools of 9 patients,one specimens from the dead's stool. Two severe cases died of neurngenic pulmonary edema and brain-stem encephalitis. Conclusions EV71 mainly contributes to HFMD and is responsible for death of some severe cases. High fever,less rash,elevated white blood cell counts and blood glucose concentrations as well as age less than 4 years old should be used for prediction of severe cases. Key words: Hand,Food and Mouth disease; Enterovirus
Low cost fast frequency switching driver for Acousto-Optic Modulators used in laser cooling

Abstract In many laser atom cooling experiments, Acousto-Optic Modulators (AOM) are used to modulate a laser beam frequency close to an electronic resonance of the atoms. Commercially available RF drivers for the AOMs tend to be expensive ($2k and above) and can also require supplementary equipment such as power supplies and amplifiers. This article presents a low cost, compact, re-configurable, and portable modulator driver system. This system can switch between two frequencies within a period of few hundreds of ns, while giving the user complete control over the frequency range and output power up to about 2 W. This fast switching allows to toggle a laser beam between two optical fibers which could be used for cooling, imaging, or optical pumping of the laser-cooled atoms.
Spontaneous resolution of idiopathic aortitis and pitfalls in diagnosis.

Abstract Idiopathic aortitis is an inflammatory disease of the aorta that is diagnosed after the less frequent infectious and rheumatologic variants are excluded. The etiology and natural history of the disease are poorly understood, and its presentation is variable; the need for exclusion of infectious, malignant, and rheumatologic causes can make its evaluation and diagnosis challenging. Treatment is tailored to the diagnosis and may include observation, antimicrobial therapies, and immunosuppressive agents when appropriate. Operative therapy is rarely needed and reserved for symptomatic patients or instances in which infection cannot be excluded. We present a case of idiopathic aortitis that resolved spontaneously with expectant management and discuss the pitfalls in the diagnosis and care of the disease.
Association between mild hyperthyrotropinemia and hypercholesterolemia in children with severe obesity.

Background Severe obesity is associated with a number of cardiometabolic risk factors. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are often slightly increased in children with obesity. The clinical significance of the mild elevation in TSH in children with obesity is unclear. Objective To examine the association between TSH and lipids in children with severe obesity. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of records of children with severe obesity with simultaneous measurements of TSH and lipids. Children with TSH <0.3 mIU/L and ≥10 mIU/L were excluded. The relationship between TSH and lipids was evaluated using univariate/multiple variable linear and logistic regression. Results The study included 834 children (age 13.8 ± 4.1 years, males 46%, body mass index [BMI]: 36.9 ± 7.6 kg/m2; BMI z-score 2.6 ± 0.4). Seventy-four (8.9%) children had TSH between 5 and <10 mIU/L (high TSH [HTSH]). TSH was positively associated with non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (β: 1.74; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.29-3.20, p = 0.02). Total cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol were higher in males with HTSH compared to those with normal TSH (175.5 vs. 163.5 mg/dL, p = 0.02 and 133.7 vs. 121.4 mg/dL, p = 0.02, respectively). The odds of elevated non-HDL cholesterol (≥145 mg/dL) was higher in males with HTSH relative to those with normal TSH (odds ratio [OR]: 2.78; 95% CI 1.35-5.69, p = 0.005). Conclusions TSH levels were positively associated with non-HDL cholesterol in children with severe obesity. Males with mildly elevated TSH had higher total cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol compared to males with normal TSH. Further studies are warranted to determine if levothyroxine therapy would result in improvement in total cholesterol or non-HDL cholesterol in children with severe obesity with mildly elevated TSH.
11 – Multilayer technologies for piezo-ceramic materials

: Multilayer structures have been introduced in the piezoelectric actuator primarily to introduce the following advantages: much lower drive voltage, making them safer to use, and with a cheaper power supply, and higher capacitance/lower impedance – n2 times for the n-layer device. However, the following problems are also involved: more expensive manufacturing cost, both processing cost and the electrode material cost (typically rare-metal), and they are mechanically weak due to the electrode insertion.
Why discovery tools and information literacy are not enough: Reconnecting with reference sources

A student once said to me, “You’re like an information wizard” after I placed a just-right reference source in her hands. In truth, I hadn’t done anything extraordinary. I did only what thousands of reference librarians have been trained to do for decades.
“Mixed” Drinking Motivations: A Comparison of Majority, Multiracial, and Minority College Students:

Social exclusion is associated with substance use, but the specific link between majority and minority racial group membership and substance use is unknown. We examined how social exclusion among r...
Management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the elderly population with cardiovascular diseases

Addressing the glycemic control of the elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) requires creating an individualized plan for each patient due to the heterogeneity among this population. The personalized plan should address topics such as comorbidities, polypharmacy, and cost of medications. One of the major comorbidities that necessitate consideration is cardiovascular disease (CVD), which makes it essential for clinicians to stay updated with literature on cardiovascular safety of diabetes medications. Metformin, along with dietary changes and adequate exercise, should be the first line treatment for patients with T2DM. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors should be considered for add-on therapy for elderly patients with CVD whom do not reach their hemoglobin A1c goal on metformin alone. All drugs in these two categories have been shown to be safe in patients with CVD and most of them have shown to reduce adverse cardiovascular events. Sulfonylureas should be used cautiously in elderly due to their high risk of hypoglycemia. Thiazolidinediones, saxagliptin and alogliptin should be avoided in patients with heart failure. With the high rate of major adverse cardiovascular events in elderly population, it is imperative to consider cardiovascular safety and efficacy of non-insulin diabetes medications in formulating management plan for elderly patients with concurrent T2DM and CVD.
Utilization of Cryopreserved Stem Cell Re-Infusion without Conditioning Chemotherapy in Primary and Secondary Autologous Graft Failure Following an Autologous Stem Cell Transplant in Multiple Myeloma

Introduction Primary (1°) and secondary (2°) graft failure are a rare but serious complication in autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) for multiple myeloma (MM) for which reinfusion of cryopreserved autologous stem cells (i.e. stem cell boost) can be performed in the absence of conditioning chemotherapy. However, the efficacy of this approach and kinetics of engraftment without conditioning chemotherapy is unknown. Methods Retrospective analysis was performed of all patients (pts) with MM who experienced 1°graft failure (absence of initial donor cell engraftment with peripheral blood ANC Results Between 1/1/2003 and 9/30/2018, 21 pts received SC boosts; 18 patients met inclusion criteria. At time of ASCT, median age was 62 years (range: 44-74); 56% female, median neutrophil count was 3.96 × 109/L (IQR 2.5–4.6), median platelet count was 226 × 109/L (IQR 194-380) and bone marrow evaluations demonstrated no dysplasia or atypical genetics. 9 pts were mobilized with growth factor only (i.e. G-CSF); 8 received chemomobilization (G-CSF & cyclophosphamide), 2 pts required Plerixifor and median apheresis sessions was 2 (range 1-6). Most pts collected ≥3 × 106 SC in 1 apheresis. Median time from SC collection to ASCT was 8 days (IQR 6-18) for upfront ASCT pts (n=15) and in delayed ASCT pts (n=3), the range was 214 to 3205 days. 16 pts (90%) had high dose melphalan only conditioning, 1 pt had Ibritumomab tiuxetan and another had 153-Samarium-EDTMP added to high dose melphalan. The median ASCT dose was 4.63 × 106 cells/kg (IQR 3.7-6.51). SC boost details are described in table 1. There was no association between neutrophil or platelet count at mobilization or SC dose with engraftment failure by χ2 analysis. Conclusion This is the only report on the kinetics and outcomes for stem cell boost without conditioning chemotherapy in MM following 1° or 2° graft failure. All pts engrafted both platelets and/or neutrophils soon after SC boost providing evidence that this is an effective procedure in management of patients with either 1° or 2° autologous graft failure.
Ultrastable millimeter-wave kinetic inductance detectors

We demonstrate microwave kinetic inductance detectors (MKIDs) whose sensitivity is limited by photon noise at signal frequencies as low as 50 mHz. The subhertz part of the detection spectrum is important for contemporary millimeter-wave science, yet photon noise below 1 Hz in MKIDs has not previously been unambiguously demonstrated. These feedhorn-coupled detectors are sensitive over a 40% fractional bandwidth centered on λ = 2 mm, are dual-polarization-sensitive, and consist of lumped-element superconducting resonators fabricated from a hybrid of stoichiometric TiN and Al films together with an amorphous-Si passivation layer. When observing a 7 K, 3.8 pW thermal load and employing no signal modulation scheme, the measured noise spectrum is white down to 50 mHz and has an amplitude consistent with photon noise. These results have implications for the development of large-format, polarization-sensitive, millimeter-wave imagers.
Neuro-immune Interactions in the Tissues

The ability of the nervous system to sense environmental stimuli and to relay these signals to immune cells via neurotransmitters and neuropeptides is indispensable for effective immunity and tissue homeostasis. Depending on the tissue microenvironment and distinct drivers of a certain immune response, the same neuronal populations and neuro-mediators can exert opposing effects, promoting or inhibiting tissue immunity. Here, we review the current understanding of the mechanisms that underlie the complex interactions between the immune and the nervous systems in different tissues and contexts. We outline current gaps in knowledge and argue for the importance of considering infectious and inflammatory disease within a conceptual framework that integrates neuro-immune circuits both local and systemic, so as to better understand effective immunity to develop improved approaches to treat inflammation and disease.
Incidence of Major Vascular Injuries with Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF).

Background Extreme lateral interbody fusions (XLIF) and minimally invasive (MI) XLIF theoretically offer wide access to the lumbar disc space. The theoretical advantages of XLIF include; minimally disturbing surrounding structures (e.g. neural, vascular, soft-tissue), while offering stability. In addition to the well-known increased frequency of neurological deficits attributed to XLIF, here we explored how often major vascular injures occur with XLIF/MI XLIF procedures. Methods In 13 XLIF/MI XLIF studies, we evaluated the frequency of major vascular injuries. Results The studies citing the different frequencies of vascular injuries associated with XLIF/MI XLIF were broken down into three categories. Of the 5 small and larger case series, involving a total of 6,732 patients (e.g. range of 12 to 4,607 patients/study), the incidence of vascular injuries ranged from 0% (3 studies) up to 0.4%. Three case reports presented major vascular injuries attributed to XLIF/MI XLIF. Two involved the L4-L5 level. The three complications included: one fatal injury, one, a retroperitoneal hematoma with hemorrhagic shock, and one major vascular injury. For the 5 review articles, major vascular complications were just discussed in 2, one study cited 3 specific major vascular injuries (e.g. 1 fatal, 1 life threating, and 1 lumbar artery pseudoaneurysm requiring embolization), while 2 other studies stated the frequency of these injuries was 0.4% for XLIF, and 1.7 % for OLIF (Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion). Conclusions According to 5 small and larger case series, 3 case reports, and 5 review articles, the incidence of major vascular injuries occurring during XLIF/MI XLIF ranges from 0 to 0.03% to 0.4%.
Hemorrhage Risk Assessment on Admission: Utility for Prediction of Maternal Morbidity

Objective Hemorrhage is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality prompting creation of innovative risk assessment tools to identify patients at highest risk. We aimed to investigate the association of hemorrhage risk assessment with maternal morbidity and to evaluate maternal outcomes after implementation of the risk assessment across hospital sites. Study Design We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of a multicenter database including women admitted to labor and delivery from January 2015 to June 2018. The Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses risk assessment tool was used to categorize patients as low, medium, or high risk for hemorrhage. Multivariate logistic regression was used to describe the association between hemorrhage risk score and markers of maternal morbidity and evaluate maternal outcomes before and after standardized implementations of the risk assessment tool. Results In this study, 14,861 women were categorized as low risk (26%), 26,080 (46%) moderate risk, and 15,730 (28%) high risk (N = 56,671 births). For women with high-risk scores, the relative risk (RR) ratio compared with low-risk women was 4.9 (RR: 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.2–7.4) for blood transfusion and 5.2 (RR: 95% CI: 4.6–5.9) for estimated blood loss (EBL) ≥ 1,000 mL. For the second objective, 110,633 women were available for pre- and postimplementation analyses (39,027 and 71,606, respectively). A 20% reduction in rates of blood transfusion (0.5–0.4%, p = 0.02) and EBL ≥ 1,000 mL (6.3–5.9%, p = 0.014) was observed between pre- and postimplementations of the admission hemorrhage risk assessment tool. Conclusion Women who were deemed high risk for hemorrhage using a hemorrhage risk assessment tool had five times higher risk for blood transfusion and EBL ≥ 1,000 mL compared with low-risk women. Given the low incidence of the outcomes explored, the hemorrhage risk assessment works moderately well to identify patients at risk for peripartum morbidity. Key Points
Untangling stability and gain modulation in cortical circuits with multiple interneuron classes

Synaptic inhibition is the mechanistic backbone of a suite of cortical functions, not the least of which is maintaining overall network stability as well as modulating neuronal gain. Past cortical models have assumed simplified recurrent networks in which all inhibitory neurons are lumped into a single effective pool. In such models the mechanics of inhibitory stabilization and gain control are tightly linked in opposition to one another -- meaning high gain coincides with low stability and vice versa. This tethering of stability and response gain restricts the possible operative regimes of the network. However, it is now well known that cortical inhibition is very diverse, with molecularly distinguished cell classes having distinct positions within the cortical circuit. In this study, we analyze populations of spiking neuron models and associated mean-field theories capturing circuits with pyramidal neurons as well as parvalbumin (PV) and somatostatin (SOM) expressing interneurons. Our study outlines arguments for a division of labor within the full cortical circuit where PV interneurons are ideally positioned to stabilize network activity, whereas SOM interneurons serve to modulate pyramidal cell gain. This segregation of inhibitory function supports stable cortical dynamics over a large range of modulation states. Our study offers a blueprint for how to relate the circuit structure of cortical networks with diverse cell types to the underlying population dynamics and stimulus response. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest.
Priapism secondary to tamsulosin: A case report.

Abstract Background Tamsulosin is the most potent adrenergic alpha-1 antagonist used for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Priapism has been reported as a rare side effect through direct inhibition of the sympathetic input necessary for detumesence. Presentation of case We describe an otherwise healthy man with recurrent and then persistent unresolved priapism after the use of tamsulosin and concomitant use of ace inhibitor and beta blocker for hypertension. We then performed aspiration and intracavernosal irrigation of saline and vasoconstrictive agent. Discussion Health-care professionals should inform all patients taking such medications about this rare but possible serious adverse effect. Tamsulosin is a useful medication for the management of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) related to BPH and medical expulsion of distal ureteric calculi. However, its use may be associated on rare occasions with priapism, hence Health-care professionals should be aware in order to advice all patients taking such medications about this rare but serious adverse effect and to seek help as soon as possible. Conclusion With caution against the use of tamsulosin in hypertension treated patient, the possibility of the adverse effect can be more noticed and encourage practitioners to look for other alternatives that are safer and better for dealing with LUTS in the future and develop better treatment strategies.
Cardiac energy harvesting and sensing based on piezoelectric and triboelectric designs

Abstract Cardiac implantable devices are effective both as methods of controlling irregular heartbeats in people with heart rhythm disorders and as interventional therapy for cardiac diseases. However, early failures and battery limitations of cardiac medical devices lead to periodic battery replacement surgeries for patients that are both risky and costly. Self-sustainable energy generation could significantly extend the lifetime and effectiveness of cardiac implantable devices and other implantable biomedical devices (IMDs). The human heart is a compelling in vivo energy source and is a natural battery to power IMDs. In this review, we discuss current trends of developing self-powered cardiac medical devices harvesting the energy from the heart. Based on key challenges and limitations, we propose design principles for cardiac energy harvesters and sensors. We further discuss advanced energy materials, structural and fabrication considerations, biosafety and biocompatibility, and comfortability and flexibility. Moreover, recent advances in cardiac energy harvesting and sensing devices in both in vivo and in vitro studies are reviewed and discussed. Such sustainable energy strategies based on piezoelectric and triboelectric designs provide a promising means to reduce the reliance on batteries for powering cardiac medical devices and other IMDs.
Wading Through the Data for an Optimal Vascular Closure Device Strategy

There is a proverb, “a river cuts through rock not because of its power, but its persistence.” We might reframe this in the context of retrospective analyses to say that their power typically rests...
Ableist Rhetoric: How We Know, Value, and See Disability: by James L. Cherney, State College, Pennsylvania State University Press, 2019, 190 pp., $89.95 (hardcover)

When a child gawks at a disabled person, why do their parents yank them out of vision from such a body? And most importantly, how do we change the way the public knows, values, and sees the disable...
Community context and perceived risk: perceptions of active shooter risk in Pennsylvania

This study explored interconnections among perceived risk of an active shooter event occurring in the community, indicators of community vulnerability, and individual demographic traits. Individual-level data were obtained using an online survey of 668 adult Pennsylvania residents, selected to be representative of Pennsylvania demographics. Four subthemes of the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) were used as proxy indicators of community vulnerability. Results indicated that higher levels of perceived risk were associated with lower income. There was limited evidence that Blacks and females had higher perceived risk than Whites and males, respectively. Community vulnerability was positively associated with perceived risk, most notably higher levels of community vulnerability related to minority population. Those with higher education had lower perceived risk than those with lower levels of education. Results support the minority threat hypothesis but differ somewhat from studies examining fear of crime more generally.
Does Operability Status Influence Outcomes in Patients With T4 Larynx Cancer Undergoing Larynx Preservation

Purpose/Objective(s) Treatments offering anatomic and functional preservation of the larynx are offered to most patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (L-SCC). However, upfront laryngectomy (Lgx) with pathology-guided adjuvant therapy is generally preferred for patients with T4 disease. Analyses of national care patterns and outcomes among T4 patients have raised concern that inappropriate use of larynx preservation (LP) is contributing to reduced survival as compared to Lgx-based approaches. Little consideration has been given to confounding by indication, wherein patients ineligible for standard of care treatment (e.g., Lgx) receive non-standard therapy (e.g., LP). We assessed this potential source of bias by examining the impact of operability status in patients with T4 L-SCC. Materials/Methods We queried the National Cancer Database for cases of T4 M0 L-SCC newly diagnosed from 2004-2015. Patients were categorized according to treatment approach and operability: 1) Lgx patients, 2) LP patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) who were coded as being offered surgery but declining it (LP-op), and 3) LP patients undergoing CRT and lacking these codes (LP-other). Chi-square tests were used to compare baseline characteristics between treatment groups. Overall survival (OS) in months (m) was estimated by Kaplan-Meier. Cox multivariate analysis (MVA) was used to identify variables associated with OS, expressed as hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) with HR > 1 indicating worse OS. Analysis was repeated in a weighted sample created using inverse probability of treatment weights (IPTW) derived from propensity scores. Results We identified 1,405 Lgx patients, 164 LP-op patients, and 1,969 LP-other patients. LP-op patients were more likely to have glottic primary site, N0 status, and diagnosis before 2008. Median OS was 43.7 m for Lgx, 40.3 m for LP-op, and 31.4 m for LP-other (P Conclusion Patients with T4 L-SCC who are deemed operable but undergo LP do not appear to have worse OS compared to those undergoing Lgx. Our findings suggest that confounding by indication may have influenced earlier analyses that demonstrated inferior outcomes among LP patients. Additional research is needed to define which T4 patients may be eligible for LP.
Utilization of a 3-D tissue engineered model to investigate the effects of perfusion on gynecologic cancer biology.

Among gynecologic malignancies, ovarian cancer (OC) has the poorest survival rate, and its clinical management remains challenging due to the high rate of recurrence and chemoresistance. Improving survival for these patients is critical, although this requires the ability to translate preclinical studies to actual patient care: bench to bedside and back. Our objective was to develop a preclinical model that accurately represents tumor biology and its microenvironment. We utilized SKOV-3, OVCAR-8, and CS-99 cell lines to show that this model was suitable for in vitro assessment of cell proliferation. We tested OC cells independently and in co-culture with cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) or immune cells. Additionally, we used patient-derived ovarian carcinoma and carcinosarcoma samples to show that the system maintains the histologic morphology of the primary tissue after 7 days. Moreover, we tested the response to chemotherapy using both cell lines and patient-derived tumor specimens and confirmed that cell death was significantly higher in the treated group compared to the vehicle group. Finally, we immune profiled the 3-D model containing patient tissue after several days in the bioreactor system and revealed that the immune populations are still present. Our data suggest that this model is a suitable preclinical model to aid in research that will ultimately impact the treatment of patients with gynecologic cancer.
A simple system with a continuum of stable inhomoqeneous steady states

Publisher Summary A simple system with a continuum of stable inhomogeneous steady states The existence of a continuum of the discontinuous solutions of the system was proved by Mimura. This chapter proves that there are whole one parameter families of discontinuous solutions that are stable in a suitable topology. The chapter presents sufficient condition for stability, and a continuum of the discontinuous steady states satisfies this criterion. The evolutionary consequences of the existence of stable nonconstant steady states are also discussed.
Perioperative allogeneic nonleukoreduced blood transfusion and prostate cancer outcomes after radical prostatectomy

Background Allogeneic blood transfusion induces immunosuppression, and concern has been raised that it may increase propensity for cancer recurrence; however, these effects have not been confirmed. We examined the association of perioperative transfusion of allogeneic blood long-term oncologic outcomes in patients with prostate cancer who underwent prostatectomy. Study Design and Methods We reviewed medical records of patients who underwent radical prostatectomy between 1991 and 2005 and received allogeneic nonleukoreduced blood. Each transfused patient was matched to two controls who did not receive blood: matching included age, surgical year, prostate-specific antigen level, pathologic tumor stages, pathologic Gleason scores, and anesthetic type. Primary outcome was systemic tumor progression, with secondary outcomes of prostate cancer death and all-cause mortality. Stratified proportional hazards regression analysis was used to assess differences in outcomes between the transfused and nontransfused group. Results A total of 379 prostatectomy patients who were transfused and 758 nontransfused controls were followed for 9.4 and 10.2 years (median), respectively. In a multivariable analysis that took into account the matched study design and adjusted for positive surgical margins and adjuvant therapies, the use of allogeneic blood was not associated with systemic tumor progression (hazard ratio [HR], 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39-1.99; p = 0.76), prostate cancer–specific death (HR, 1.69; 95% CI, 0.44 to 6.48; p = 0.44), or all-cause death (HR, 1.20; 95% CI, 0.87 to 1.67; p = 0.27). Conclusions When adjusted for clinicopathologic and procedural variables transfusion of allogeneic blood was not associated with systemic tumor progression and survival outcomes.
High Strength Bolts Subject to Tension and Prying

The connections were loaded so that the bolts received tension. The effects of bolt load-deformation characteristics (ASTM A325 and A490), the tee geometry and the connection detailing were considered in the investigation. A two-dimensional finite element technique was used to model the flange of the connection and a typical nonlinear bolt load deformation curve accounted for the bolt behavior. The load distribution on the flange, the stresses in the flange, the bolt load, and the bolt deformation were computed at zero applied load in increments to ultimate. Failure was either by bolt rupture or formation of a plastic hinge in the flange. The prying forces which develop as a result of flange deformation are shown to cause substantial reduction in both the ultimate load capacity and the fatigue strength for certain connections. Empirical equations are presented for the prediction of the ultimate strength of tee connections.
How Master of Divinity Education Changes Students: A Research‐Based Model

To increase understanding of how Master of Divinity education actually functions and to respond to accreditors' emphasis on the outcomes of learning, this paper presents a research-based model that focuses on how M.Div. education transforms students. The students-in-seminary model is conceptually undergirded by life course theory. In the model, students attending seminary engage in a messy process in which they respond to competing demands of school, church, and family. The author compares the students-in-seminary model with the dominant message model for theological education articulated by Carroll et al. (1997) and argues that the students-in-seminary model more adequately describes the process of theological education. The author calls for further research to study how seminaries promote key messages to their students, the plasticity of students' sense of calling, the impact of church requirements on M.Div. students, and the complexity of life for multiple-role students.
Taming Eminent Domain

This short essay was published by Shelterforce, the journal of affordable of housing and community development published by the National Housing Institute. It is largely taken from my law review article entitled 'We Shall Not Be Moved': Eminent Domain, Urban Redevelopment and the Socioeconomics of Just Compensation published by St. John's Law Review. That article can be downloaded from SSRN at http://papers.ssrn.com/abstract=904224. This shorter piece focuses on the two proposals outlined in the second part of the law review article that are designed to curb abuses of eminent domain in the urban redevelopment context without destroying its effectiveness as a tool for community revitalization and, even, community empowerment. Specifically, homeowners should not be subject to eminent domain pursuant to a redevelopment plan until the majority of them have approved the plan. To further solidify resident ownership of redevelopment, the right to continued residency in the community should be protected by amending relocation laws to guarantee an alienable entitlement to be offered replacement housing in the redeveloped district area. Together, these two legislative reforms express a more nuanced balance of property and liability rules that will facilitate a more productive interface between community residents and redevelopment officials.
The compact patch

A compact patch antenna, suitable for low frequency use where size is important and dielectric loading is impractical because of weight restrictions, is presented. A double tuned design is used to optimize the bandwidth. The work is presented in three sections; the basic double tuned patch theory and design, a comparison of the compact patch size and bandwidth relative to that of the basic patch, and a computer analysis of a compact patch which is one half the length of a standard patch. The computed results are for a single patch over a ground plane, a linear array of patches, and a dual frequency linear array where half size patches are placed upon the linear array of full size patches.
Maternal folate status during extended lactation and the effect of supplemental folic acid

BACKGROUND Folate requirements during lactation are not well established. OBJECTIVE We assessed the effects of dietary and supplemental folate intakes during extended lactation. DESIGN Lactating women (n = 42) were enrolled in a double-blind, randomized, longitudinal supplementation trial and received either 0 or 1 mg folic acid/d. At 3 and 6 mo postpartum, maternal folate status was assessed by measuring erythrocyte, plasma, milk, and dietary folate concentrations; plasma homocysteine; and hematologic indexes. Infant anthropometric measures of growth, milk intake, and folate intake were also assessed. RESULTS In supplemented women, values at 6 mo for erythrocyte and milk folate concentrations and for plasma homocysteine were not significantly different from those at 3 mo. In supplemented women compared with unsupplemented women at 6 mo, values for erythrocyte folate (840 compared with 667 nmol/L; P < 0.05), hemoglobin (140 compared with 134 g/L; P < 0.02), and hematocrit (0.41 compared with 0.39; P < 0.02) were higher and values for reticulocytes were lower. In unsupplemented women, milk folate declined from 224 to 187 nmol/L (99 to 82 ng/mL), whereas plasma homocysteine increased from 6.7 to 7.4 micromol/L. Dietary folate intake was not significantly different between groups (380+/-19 microg/d) and at 6 mo was correlated with plasma homocysteine in unsupplemented women (r = -0.53, P < 0.01) and with plasma folate in supplemented women (r = 0.49, P < 0.02). CONCLUSIONS A dietary folate intake of approximately 380 microg/d may not be sufficient to prevent mobilization of maternal folate stores during lactation.
Traditional and emerging technologies and applications in the radio frequency identification (RFID) industry

The Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) industry is growing exponentially. Although RFID has been used for automatic data collection since World War II, its growth has been relatively slow through the 1990s. Recent technological developments have opened the door to many new applications of RFID technology that, combined with end-user education, should drive excellent growth through the end of this decade and beyond. Current and emerging uses for RFID technology include a variety of applications such as: toll road and parking area access, intermodal freight container identification, pallet tracking, railroad and truck (rolling stock) tracking, animal identification, work-in-progress tracking, and matching passengers with bags at airports. The strongest new trend in the industry is entry of large semiconductor companies into the marketplace.
More favorable tumor features and progression-free survival rates in a longitudinal prostate cancer screening study: PSA era and threshold-specific effects.

Abstract Objectives To describe the changes in pathologic outcomes and progression-free survival (PFS) rates after radical retropubic prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer in men whose cancers were detected in a 12-year longitudinal prostate cancer screening study. Methods Between 1989 and 2001, more than 36,000 men participated in a digital rectal examination-based and prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-based screening program. In 1995, the PSA cutoff for biopsy recommendation was lowered from 4.0 ng/mL to 2.6 ng/mL, and the biopsy protocol was changed from four to at least six-sector biopsies. From the screening study, 2952 men were diagnosed with cancer and 2241 of these men underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy. We analyzed the differences in clinical and pathologic stage and PFS after surgery, according to the greater PSA cutoff era (1989 to 1995) and lower PSA cutoff era (1996 to 2001). Results A significant downward clinical and pathological stage migration was found toward T1c and organ-confined disease, respectively, in men whose cancer was detected in the lower PSA cutoff era. Furthermore, men with cancer diagnosed in the lower PSA cutoff era had improved PFS rates 5 and 8 years after radical retropubic prostatectomy ( P = 0.007). These changes occurred without a significant increase in the proportion of unimportant tumors (organ confined, smaller than 0.5 cm 3 without a Gleason pattern of 4 or 5). Conclusions These findings support the enhanced detection of favorable cancer and improved PFS rates with lower PSA cutoffs and more intensive biopsy regimens, although the follow-up and lead-time and length-time biases, as well as improvements in surgical technique, might also have affected these results.
Plasmonic response of STM tips

We present theoretical studies of the plasmonic response of STM tips near substrates, with emphasis on the influence of tip shape and topology on its plasmonic resonances. The calculations employ comsol software. We find, for tips made of Ag, a plasmonic resonance in the 600--700 nm wavelength regime, which is well below the spectral range where one encounters surface and tip plasmons in electrostatic theory for Ag based structures. A similar low-energy resonance is found for Au tips. We present calculations of light emission spectra, wherein the light emission is stimulated by the noise necessarily present on a dc tunneling current. The calculated spectra are similar to those observed in recent experiments. We also discuss excitation of the low-frequency resonance by means of an external laser beam, and for both laser excitation and excitation by current noise we explore the relative strength of the low-frequency resonance and the ``classical'' tip/substrate plasmons in the 3.5 eV spectral range. The results suggest future experimental studies.
PRODUCTION AND DETECTION OF SOLITARY MACROSCOPIC QUANTIZED VORTICES IN HELIUM II.

Ultrasonic cavitation was induced in liquid helium using plane and cylindrical standing-wave systems resonant at 89 and 53 kc/sec, respectively. The threshold voltage for cavitation noise was measured at different rotation rates of a shaft, with and without an attached paddle, rotating in the vicinity of the sound field. Below the $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ point the threshold was found to be lowered sharply at a critical rotation rate ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{c}$. The experiments were repeated with five different shaft sizes, and ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{c}$ was found to be inversely proportional to ${r}^{2}$, where $r$ is the radius of the shaft. The constant of proportionality was found to be $\frac{\ensuremath{\hbar}}{m}$, where $m$ is the mass of one helium atom. Further, smaller threshold reductions were observed at rotation rates of $2{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{c}$, with the largest shaft sizes. These results are consistent with the theory of quantized vortex formation and appear to indicate that such vortices play a role in the cavitation nucleation process.
A retrospective study comparing tension-free vaginal tape and transobturator suburethral tape for surgical treatment of female stress urinary incontinence --- a preliminary report.

Background The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and complications of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) versus tension-free transobturator vaginal tape (TVT-O) from inside to outside for the surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women. Methods Retrospectively, 35 patients with SUI were recruited into this study; 18 patients were assigned to the TVT procedure and 17 patients to the TVT-O operation. Preoperative evaluation included subjective symptoms according to the SEAPI incontinence score (IC score), objective assessment by urodynamic study (including cystometry, electromyography, urethral pressure profile, uroflow), and bead chain voiding cystourethrogram. Patients with cystocele greater than grade II were excluded. The mean operative time, hospital stay, perioperative complications, and 1-year outcome including SEAPI IC score and late complications were compared. Results Patient characteristics and preoperative IC score were similar in the 2 groups. Mean operative time was significantly shorter in the TVT-O group (31.9 ± 10 minutes vs. 55 ± 12 minutes; p n = 1) in the TVT group ( p > 0.05). The rate of postoperative temporary dysuria was 28% ( n = 5) in the TVT group versus 24% ( n = 4) in the TVT-O group. The cure rate for SUI was 88%, similar for the TVT and TVT-O groups. As for late complications, no vaginal erosion was noted in the TVT-O group, but 1 bladder erosion with stone formation was found in the TVT group. In terms of bladder outlet obstruction, none developed in the TVT-O group, but 1 patient developed persistent dysuria in the TVT group. Conclusion There appears to be equal efficacy between TVT and TVT-O for the surgical treatment of female SUI, but operative time was significantly shorter in the TVT-O group because intraoperative cystoscopic check-up is not required.
Epitaxial TiO2 and VO2 films prepared by MOCVD

Abstract Titanium and vanadium oxide systems were selected to study the growth of thin film in a metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) process. Epitaxial TiO 2 and VO 2 films were obtained on sapphire (112¯0), (0001), and (11¯02) but not on Si(111). Eight distinct substrate-film epitaxial relationships have been determined by X-ray diffraction studies using a four-circle diffractometer. It was found that none of the eight epitaxial systems had a good lattice match between substrate and film. But further investigation revealed that substantial similarity existed in the local atomic patterns of the substrate and the film for all these systems. Nevertheless, it should be emphasized that mismatches of the local atomic patterns for these systems are, in general, substantially larger than those observed in the epitaxial systems containing semiconductor materials such as silicon and GaAs.
Vapor pressure and boiling point elevation of slash pine black liquors: Predictive models with statistical approach

Vapor−liquid equilibria and boiling point elevation of slash pine kraft black liquors over a wide range of solid concentrations (up to 85% solids) has been studied. The liquors are from a statistic...