cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mach 3 Hydrogen ExternaVBase Burning

Experimental studies of base pressure manipulation for an axisymmetric model at Mach 3 with cold gas injection and burning are described. Air, nitrogen, helium, and hydrogen are used for cold gas injection tests. Burning tests use hydrogen subsonically injected either radially upstream of the base plane or axially through a porous base plate. These modes of injection yielded base burning that is efficient for base drag reduction. Base burning is also combined with external compression, simulating external burning to show that the separate effects are additive.
Wide g/sub m/ adjustment range, highly linear OTA with linear programmable current mirrors

A highly linear OTA (operational transconductance amplifier) with very wide g/sub m/ (transconductance gain) adjustment range is presented. It uses linear electronically programmable current mirrors and is appropriate for its implementation in bipolar or CMOS technology. Its bandwidth and input range remain approximately constant with g/sub m/ adjustment and can be adjusted independently of g/sub m/. Experimental results using bipolar transistor arrays are presented which confirm the characteristics of the proposed structure. This structure is believed to overcome some of the practical limitations of the OTA, increasing its versatility as a building block in analog VLSI systems. >
Classification of pixels in a noisy grayscale image of polar ice

Often, in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images of polar ice, one encounters shadow-like features across the images. Such features make it difficult to classify pixels into ice and water. Accordingly, it becomes a challenge to determine the true size and boundaries of ice floes in an SAR image of polar ice. We develop a simple statistical procedure which classifies pixels of an image by eliminating the effects of shadow-like features. Methodology developed in this paper is illustrated using some noisy SAR images of ice floes in the Arctic sea.
Competing Ideals and the Public Agenda in Medicare Reform: The “Garbage Can” Model Revisited

This article analyzes the political and strategic reasons for the policy stalemate in Medicare reform in the United States. By using the specific case of the National Bipartisan Commission on the F...
Total-Internal-Reflection Platforms for Chemical and Biological Sensing Applications

Sensing platforms based on the principle of total internal reflection (TIR) represent a fairly mature yet still expanding and exciting field of research. Sensor development has mainly been driven by the need for rapid, stand-alone, automated devices for application in the fields of clinical diagnosis and screening, food and water safety, environmental monitoring, and chemical and biological warfare agent detection. The technologies highlighted in this chapter are continually evolving, taking advantage of emerging advances in microfabrication, lab-on-a-chip, excitation, and detection techniques. This chapter describes many of the underlying principles of TIR-based sensing platforms and additionally focusses on planar TIR fluorescence (TIRF)-based chemical and biological sensors.
The Ordovician acritarchs of the Pomeranian Caledonides and their foreland-similarities and differences

Ordovician acritarch assemblages of the West Porneranian Caledonides and their platformal foreland in the Peribaltic Syneclise immediately adjoining the T-T Zone were investigated. Material come from the Ordovician section of the Kościerzyna IG 1, Lebork IG 1 and Gdansk IG 1 boreholes drilled in the marginal part of the East European Craton, though acritarchs were found only in two samples from the Gdansk IG 1 borehole. In general, microflora was abundant and the investigations supported current ideas on the stratigraphical level of these rocks. The acritarch assemblages from the Gdansk IG I borehole, found at a depth of 3214.8 m, contain species of Baltisphaeridium, characteristic of the Llanvirn and described by Gorka from the eastern part of the Peribaltic Syneclise and the Podlasie Depression. The abundant microflora from West Pomerania contains index taxa of the uppermost Llanvirn (Llandeilo) and Caradoc. Numerous palynomorph associations from the Ordovician rocks of the Koszalin-Chojnice Zone can be divided into three local microflora zones, using quantitative data, and these may be useful for local stratigraphical correlations. Acritarch assemblages on either side of the T-T Zone show many similaritics and suggest that, in the late Llanvirn and Caradoc, there was little palaeogeographic separation between the sedimentary basins of Baltica and West Pomerania; at least, their palaeolatitudinal positions were similar. The thermal maturity of Ordovician organic matter (low and moderate) is also similar in both these areas. The highest heat flow values seem to be characteristic of the western part of the Peribaltic Syneclise, adjoining the T-T Zone. The degree of their thermal alterations in the West Pomeranian Caledonides is surprisingly low when the strong tectonic deformation and considerable depth of the Ordovician rocks are taken into account. The high morphological diversity of the acritarch assemblages, the presence of Baltisphaeridim and Ordovicidium, and especially of abundant Veryhachium, suggest that microflora from the Koszalin-Chojnice Zone represents an open-marine depositional palaeoenvironment, distant from the coast.
Control elements targeting Tgfb3 expression to the palatal epithelium are located intergenically and in introns of the upstream Ift43 gene

Tgfb3 is strongly and specifically expressed in the epithelial tips of pre-fusion palatal shelves where it plays a critical non-redundant role in palatal fusion in both medial edge epithelial (MEE) cells and in a thin layer of flattened peridermal cells that covers the MEE. It is not known how Tgfb3 expression is regulated in these specific cell types. Using comparative genomics and transgenic reporter assays, we have identified cis-regulatory elements that could control Tgfb3 expression during palatogenesis. Our results show that a 61-kb genomic fragment encompassing the Tgfb3 gene drives remarkably specific reporter expression in the MEE and adjacent periderm. Within this fragment, we identified two small, non-coding, evolutionarily conserved regions in intron 2 of the neighboring Ift43 gene, and a larger region in the intervening sequence between the Ift43 and Tgfb3 genes, each of which could target reporter activity to the tips of pre-fusion/fusing palatal shelves. Identification of the cis-regulatory sequences controlling spatio-temporal Tgfb3 expression in palatal shelves is a key step towards understanding upstream regulation of Tgfb3 expression during palatogenesis and should enable the development of improved tools to investigate palatal epithelial fusion.
Defining the TRiC/CCT interactome links chaperonin function to stabilization of newly made proteins with complex topologies

Folding within the crowded cellular milieu often requires assistance from molecular chaperones that prevent inappropriate interactions leading to aggregation and toxicity. The contribution of individual chaperones to folding the proteome remains elusive. Here we demonstrate that the eukaryotic chaperonin TRiC/CCT (TCP1-ring complex or chaperonin containing TCP1) has broad binding specificity in vitro, similar to the prokaryotic chaperonin GroEL. However, in vivo, TRiC substrate selection is not based solely on intrinsic determinants; instead, specificity is dictated by factors present during protein biogenesis. The identification of cellular substrates revealed that TRiC interacts with folding intermediates of a subset of structurally and functionally diverse polypeptides. Bioinformatics analysis revealed an enrichment in multidomain proteins and regions of beta-strand propensity that are predicted to be slow folding and aggregation prone. Thus, TRiC may have evolved to protect complex protein topologies within its central cavity during biosynthesis and folding.
Using LSSD to test modules at the board level

Integrated circuit testing makes extensive use of scan designs to achieve very high stuck fault coverage. It is feasible to use these same tests to test modules at the board level with some minor modifications. The result is a much higher confidence in the board test leading to less need for repairing good modules due to simple board manufacturing defects which are extremely hard to detect.
Cell loss analysis and design trade-offs of nonblocking ATM switches with nonuniform traffic

In practical ATM switch design, a proper dimensioning of buffer sizes and a cost effective selection of speed-up factor should be considered to guarantee a specified cell loss requirement for a given traffic. Although a larger speed-up factor provides better throughput for the switch, increasing the speed-up factor involves greater complexity and cost. Hence, it may not be cost effective to increase the speed-up factor for 100% throughput. Moreover, with a given buffer budget, an increase in the speed-up factor beyond a certain value only adds to the cell loss. The paper addresses design trade-offs existing between finite input/output buffer sizes and speed-up factor in a nonblocking ATM switch. Another important issue is the adverse effect on cell loss performance caused by nonuniform traffic (different traffic intensity and unevenly distributed routing). The paper analyzes cell loss performance of ATM switches with nonuniform traffic, and examines the effect of each nonuniform traffic parameter. The authors also provide an algorithm for effective buffer sharing that alleviates the performance degradation caused by traffic nonuniformity. >
METHODOLOGY FOR ASSESSING HIGH-OCCUPANCY TOLL-LANE USAGE AND NETWORK PERFORMANCE

A modeling framework for the evaluation of high-occupancy toll (HOT) facilities is discussed. It is based on a traffic simulation-assignment model interfaced with an unordered multinomial logit mode-choice model. The model allows for the prediction of high-occupancy, transit, and single-occupancy vehicle modal shares, based on prevailing traffic conditions and tolls. Also presented is an illustrative investigation of the sensitivity to various elements of the modal-choice function using the methodology and of the effect of different HOT facility features on HOT lane usage and associated system performance. These features include HOT lane configurations, pricing levels, carpooling attractiveness, changing departure times, and sensitivity to generalized cost. A representation of the south-central part of I-35W and the supporting roadways in the Fort Worth, Texas, area was used in the study. The results of the simulations were analyzed under each of the operating and behavior characteristics to evaluate the ...
On-wafer measurement of microstrip-based circuits with a broadband vialess transition

A broadband vialess coplanar waveguide (CPW)-to-microstrip transition for on-wafer measurements has been developed. The electrical connection between the top ground of the CPW and the bottom ground of the microstrip is realized by electromagnetic coupling, thus no substrate via holes are required. In this paper, simulation and measurement results of the transition are given, the optimal design rules are discussed, and the utilization of the transition for de-embedding microstrip benchmark structures is presented. The measured insertion loss of two transitions in a back-to-back configuration is less than 0.5 dB from 2.5 to 11.8 GHz, and the measured return loss is better than 20 dB from 3 to 11 GHz
From microarray to biology: an integrated experimental, statistical and in silico analysis of how the extracellular matrix modulates the phenotype of cancer cells

A statistically robust and biologically-based approach for analysis of microarray data is described that integrates independent biological knowledge and data with a global F-test for finding genes of interest that minimizes the need for replicates when used for hypothesis generation. First, each microarray is normalized to its noise level around zero. The microarray dataset is then globally adjusted by robust linear regression. Second, genes of interest that capture significant responses to experimental conditions are selected by finding those that express significantly higher variance than those expressing only technical variability. Clustering expression data and identifying expression-independent properties of genes of interest including upstream transcriptional regulatory elements (TREs), ontologies and networks or pathways organizes the data into a biologically meaningful system. We demonstrate that when the number of genes of interest is inconveniently large, identifying a subset of "beacon genes" representing the largest changes will identify pathways or networks altered by biological manipulation. The entire dataset is then used to complete the picture outlined by the "beacon genes." This allow construction of a structured model of a system that can generate biologically testable hypotheses. We illustrate this approach by comparing cells cultured on plastic or an extracellular matrix which organizes a dataset of over 2,000 genes of interest from a genome wide scan of transcription. The resulting model was confirmed by comparing the predicted pattern of TREs with experimental determination of active transcription factors.
When a Partner Has a Sexual Problem: Gendered Implications for Psychological Well-being in Later Life

Objectives. Guided by symbolic interactionism, we examined (a) whether the psychological well-being of older adults might be threatened if they feel bothered by an intimate partner’s sexual unresponsiveness and (b) whether such sexual unresponsiveness of a partner might be compensated by perceived supportiveness of significant others. We explored these questions separately by gender, anticipating that sexual unresponsiveness might affect men and women differently and that support from a partner might be more important for men and support from others more important for women. Method. Using data from 1,346 participants in the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project, we conducted multiple group regression analysis and estimated models separately but simultaneously for women and men. Results. Although feeling bothered by the sexual unresponsiveness of an intimate partner was significantly associated with both women’s and men’s depressive symptoms, the moderating effect of the partner’s supportiveness was significant only for women. Discussion. The results suggest that gender is a key dimension for understanding the relations among negative feelings about sexual relationships, socioemotional support from significant others, and psychological well-being in older age.
Thermodynamics, Kinetics, and Interface Morphology of Reactions Between Metals and GaAs

The chemical stability of interfaces between metals and GaAs was discussed in terms of reaction sequence and diffusion path concepts. The factors that determine interface morphology were also given. These general ideas can be applied to any interfacial reactions between two dissimilar materials.
Theoretical study of AlnNn, GanNn, and InnNn (n = 4, 5, 6) clusters

We report the results of a theoretical study of AlnNn, GanNn, and InnNn (with n = 4, 5, 6) clusters, focusing on their structural properties, stability, and electronic structure. For AlnNn clusters, the metal-nitrogen bond is found to dominate the lowest energy configurations, with a transition from planar to bulklike three-dimensional structures, as the cluster size increases from Al4N4 to Al6N6. However, for GanNn and InnNn clusters, the lowest energy configurations are mostly planar, and they are dominated either by N3- or N2 subunits. It strongly suggests that N-segregation may occur during quantum dot or thin film deposition processes, due to the low atomic coordination and abundance of dangling bonds.
Explore the mother-to-child blocking method on 9 cases of the pregnancy with HIV infection

Objective:To explore the mother-to-child blocking method on the pregnancy with HIV infection. Methods:Nine HIV antibody-positive patients were given the mother-to-child blocking method,such as anti-viral medicine therapy,Cesarean section,artificial feeding and so on. Results:Seven cases of infant were HIV antibody-negative at present. Conclusion:The prenatal HIV testing,the comprehensive mother-to-child blocking method were important measures to decrease the number of the AIDS children.
Diallyl disulfide induces apoptosis of human leukemia K562 cells through activation of JNK mediated by reactive oxygen

Aim To research the molecular mechanisms of DADS-induced apoptosis of human leukemia K562 cells.Methods Cell viability was measured by MTT;cell apoptosis was tested by flow cytometer;Levels of DADS-induced ROS were measured by 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate(DCFH-DA) fluorescence;DADS-induced phosphorylated JNK levels were measured by western blot.Results The DADS-treated K562 cells showed a dose-and time-dependent decrease in cell viability and proliferation.Levels of DADS-induced ROS also showed time-dependent increases in K562 cells.K562 cells exposed to 5.0 mg·L-1 DADS for 8 h showed maximum levels of phosphorylated JNK,which decreased when exposed for additional 4 hours.In contrast,Sp600125,a specific inhibitor of JNK,blocked apoptosis of K562 cells exposed to DADS.N-acetylcysteine(NAC),a known antioxidant,also decreased ROS generation,effectively blocked apoptosis,and decreased DADS-induced phosphorylated JNK levels.Conclusion JNK is involved in DADS-induced ROS-mediated apoptosis of K562 cells.
Winter Stem Cutting Propagation of Heller’s Japanese Holly with and without Use of a Conventional Auxin Treatment

Heller’s japanese holly [Ilex crenata ‘Helleri’ (synonym: Ilex crenata f. helleri)] is a popular landscape plant in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 5b to 8a because of its dwarf habit, slow growth rate, and dark green leaves. Plants can be propagated readily by stem cuttings and use of an auxin treatment is generally recommended to promote rooting. This study was conducted to determine if auxin treatment could be eliminated, thus reducing labor and chemical requirements in the cutting propagation process. In three experiments, terminal stem cuttings of Heller’s japanese holly were taken in winter, prepared both with and without use of a basal quick-dip in an auxin solution [2500 ppm indole-3butyric acid (IBA) D 1250 ppm 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA)], and rooted in a warm, high-humidity environment. Both nontreated cuttings and cuttings receiving a 1-second basal quick-dip in the auxin solution rooted at, or near, 100%. However, treatment of cuttings with auxin resulted in larger root systems on the rooted cuttings, which could allow earlier transplanting into larger nursery containers. No inhibition of new spring growth was exhibited by cuttings treated with auxin in comparison with nontreated cuttings.
Pathogenesis of IgA Immune Complex-Mediated Glomerulonephritis

In a period of less than ten years, complementary experimental and clinical observations have contributed greatly to our understanding of various aspects of IgA immune complexes and their pathogenetic potential in IgA nephropathy. The primary mechanism of glomerular IgA deposition has been discussed in the light of experimental data. These findings indicate that the molecular form of IgA is critical for the formation of large- and intermediate-sized complexes that result in glomerular deposition. Glomerular IgA deposits, however, appear to develop in a continuum of preformed polymeric IgA complexes and in situ formed monomeric IgA complexes. Removal of IgA immune complexes from the circulation is mediated by the liver, with no evidence of any removal dysfunction in IgA nephropathy patients. IgA macromolecules are unable to activate the complement pathway in vitro or as a glomerular deposit. Complement activation, however, is shown to be an antigen-mediated process. Participation of the complement system in induction of glomerular injury associated with IgA nephropathy needs further investigation. Experimental evidence supports the hypothesis that in IgA immune complex-mediated nephropathy, the repertoire of IgA immune complexes that induce mesangial proliferation and glomerular sclerosis consists of IgA-bound nephritogenic antigens which determine the extent and outcome of glomerular injury.
Amputation in Combat Trauma

Despite the advances of modern orthopedic trauma techniques, the amputation rate for injured victims of modern warfare is on the rise. Increased devastation from high-velocity missiles and the prevalence of high-energy explosives in combat are directly responsible for the rise in extremity injuries. The globalization of disaster response has placed military surgeons at the forefront of the acute care provided to those victims of natural disasters. The high volume of extremity injuries encountered in these extreme conditions proves the necessity for surgeons to understand and perform amputation.
Characterization of Monoclonal Antibodies Which Recognize the 33, 24, and 17 kDa Extrinsic Proteins of Photosystem II

At least seven proteins appear to be required for photosynthetic oxygen evolution. These proteins, the 47 kDa apoprotein of CPa1, the 45 kDa apoprotein of CPa2, the D1 and D2 proteins, the extrinsic 33 kDa manganese-stabilizing protein, and the 9 and 4.5 kDa subunits of cytochrome b559, form an isolatable oxygen-evolving core preparation which exhibits high rates of water oxidation [1], Additionally, in vivo, at least two other proteins with the molecular masses of 24 and 17 kDa are associated with the oxygen-evolving complex (2).
The Fall and Original Sin

Although Princeton sought to defend the human ability to know God this took on different forms. John Calvin and Francis Turretin emphasized an immediate knowledge of God possessed by all humans. The knowledge of God from general revelation was affirmed but minimized. Charles Hodge gave a greater place to general revelation but still minimized it in relation to special revelation and the final beatific vision. By way of contrast, the Westminster Confession that Princeton sought to defend affirms that God is known through the light of nature (reason), and his works of creation and providence. It is because humans have rejected these that special revelation is needed to teach the means of redemption. The Reformation teaching that God is only known through his works is in tension with the teaching of the beatific vision and this tension became evident at Princeton. The later Protestant debates about the inerrancy of the Bible can be traced to having minimized the role of general revelation.
Theory of sheaths near positively biased electrodes

Recent work [1] has shown that electron sheaths, such as those around Langmuir probes collecting the electron saturation current, can affect the bulk plasma through a presheath. Unlike typical ion presheaths, where ions are directly accelerated through an electric field, the electron presheath accelerates electrons to approximately an electron thermal speed through a force due to pressure gradients. Under typical low temperature plasma conditions, the electron presheath can be several times longer than an ion presheath under the same plasma conditions. This work shows that electron presheaths can contain a virtual cathode, which is a local minimum in the plasma potential in front of the sheath, when the electrode is adjacent to a dielectric surface. Physics associated with this layer, including ion pumping from the potential well, is revisited in view of the recent advances in understanding electron flow in electron presheaths [1].
Ashamed and Afraid: A Scoping Review of the Role of Shame in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Background: Despite considerable progress in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a large percentage of individuals remain symptomatic following gold-standard therapies. One route to improving care is examining affective disturbances that involve other emotions beyond fear and threat. A growing body of research has implicated shame in PTSD’s development and course, although to date no review of this specific literature exists. This scoping review investigated the link between shame and PTSD and sought to identify research gaps. Methods: A systematic database search of PubMed, PsycInfo, Embase, Cochrane, and CINAHL was conducted to find original quantitative research related to shame and PTSD. Results: Forty-seven studies met inclusion criteria. Review found substantial support for an association between shame and PTSD as well as preliminary evidence suggesting its utility as a treatment target. Several design limitations and under-investigated areas were recognized, including the need for a multimodal assessment of shame and more longitudinal and treatment-focused research. Conclusion: This review provides crucial synthesis of research to date, highlighting the prominence of shame in PTSD, and its likely relevance in successful treatment outcomes. The present review serves as a guide to future work into this critical area of study.
Progress and lessons learned from water-quality monitoring networks

Abstract Stream-quality monitoring networks in the United States were initiated and expanded after passage of successive federal water-pollution control laws from 1948 to 1972. The first networks addressed information gaps on the extent and severity of stream pollution and served as early warning systems for spills. From 1965 to 1972, monitoring networks expanded to evaluate compliance with stream standards, track emerging issues, and assess water-quality status and trends. After 1972, concerns arose regarding the ability of monitoring networks to determine if water quality was getting better or worse and why. As a result, monitoring networks adopted a hydrologic systems approach targeted to key water-quality issues, accounted for human and natural factors affecting water quality, innovated new statistical methods, and introduced geographic information systems and models that predict water quality at unmeasured locations. Despite improvements, national-scale monitoring networks have declined over time. Only about 1%, or 217, of more than 36,000 US Geological Survey monitoring sites sampled from 1975 to 2014 have been operated throughout the four decades since passage of the 1972 Clean Water Act. Efforts to sustain monitoring networks are important because these networks have collected information crucial to the description of water-quality trends over time and are providing information against which to evaluate future trends.
Participant-perceived understanding and perspectives on pharmacogenomics: the Mayo Clinic RIGHT protocol (Right Drug, Right Dose, Right Time)

To examine predictors of understanding preemptive CYP2D6 pharmacogenomics test results and to identify key features required to improve future educational efforts of preemptive pharmacogenomics testing. One thousand ten participants were surveyed after receiving preemptive CYP2D6 pharmacogenomics test results. Eighty-six percent (n = 869) of patients responded. Of the responders, 98% were white and 55% were female; 57% had 4 years or more of post-secondary education and an average age of 58.9 ± 5.5 years. Twenty-six percent said that they only somewhat understood their results and 7% reported they did not understand them at all. Only education predicted understanding. The most common suggestion for improvement was the use of layperson’s terms when reporting results. In addition, responders suggested that results should be personalized by referring to medications that they were currently using. Of those reporting imperfect drug adherence, most (91%) reported they would be more likely to use medication as prescribed if pharmacogenomic information was used to help select the drug or dose. Despite great efforts to simplify pharmacogenomic results (or because of them), approximately one-third of responders did not understand their results. Future efforts need to provide more examples and tailor results to the individual. Incorporation of pharmacogenomics is likely to improve medication adherence. Genet Med advance online publication 05 January 2017
Why Terminate? Exploring the End of Interlocal Contracts for Police Service in California Cities

With the recent growth in interlocal contracts for municipal service delivery, insufficient attention has been given to city governments that choose to terminate interlocal contracts. The termination of interlocal contracts deserves scrutiny because theory points to multiple possible explanations for service change. This research examines the termination of interlocal contracts for police service delivery by California cities between 2001 and 2010. Public documents from the nine cities that terminated interlocal contracts are analyzed to assess rationale for termination. The stated reasons for termination include problems related to community responsiveness, the contract relationship, local control, service cost, service levels, and staffing. Grounded theory is advanced through analysis of the nine cities. The research refines our understanding of how cities weigh the costs and benefits of in-house production versus production through interlocal contract. While contract failure is evident in some cities, ...
LC-MS-sMRM Method Development and Validation of Different Classes of Pain Panel Drugs and Analysis of Clinical Urine Samples

Urine Drug Testing (UDT) is an important analytical/bio-analytical technique that has inevitably become an integral and vital part of a testing program for diagnostic purposes. This manuscript presents a tailor-made LC-MS/MS quantitative assay method development and validation for a custom group of 33 pain panel drugs and their metabolites belonging to different classes (opiates, opioids, benzodiazepines, illicit, amphetamines, etc.) that are prescribed in pain management and depressant therapies. The LC-MS/MS method incorporates two experiments to enhance the sensitivity of the assay and has a run time of about 7 min. with no prior purification of the samples required and a flow rate of 0.7 mL/min. The method also includes the second stage metabolites for some drugs that belong to different classes but have first stage similar metabolic pathways that will enable to correctly identify the right drug or to flag the drug that might be due to specimen tampering. Some real case examples and difficulties in peak picking were provided with some of the analytes in subject samples. Finally, the method was deliberated with some randomly selected de-identified clinical subject samples, and the data evaluated from "direct dilute and shoot analysis" and after "glucuronide hydrolysis" were compared. This method is now used to run routinely more than 100 clinical subjects samples on a daily basis. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Risk factors for presence and severity of pulmonary embolism in patients with deep venous thrombosis.

Abstract Objective The Caprini model estimates patients' risk for venous thromboembolism by 30 different factors. Hemodynamically significant pulmonary embolism (PE), defined as high-risk (massive) or intermediate-risk (submassive) PE, has high morbidity and mortality rates. This study tests whether the Caprini model and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) characteristics correlate with the prevalence of PE and hemodynamically significant PE in patients with DVT. Methods A retrospective review of patients diagnosed with DVT between January 2013 and August 2014 in a tertiary care center was performed. Multivariable analysis was used to determine predictors of PE and hemodynamically significant PE. Results Of 838 consecutive patients with DVT, 217 (25.9%) had concomitant PE at presentation, of whom 135 had hemodynamically significant PE (101 submassive PE, 34 massive PE). The mean age was 65 years, and 51.0% were women. There was no significant relation between age or gender and the occurrence of PE or hemodynamically significant PE. Patients with PE were less likely to have undergone recent surgery (18.4% vs 30.3%; P = .001), to have sepsis (4.6% vs 11.8%; P = .002), and to have higher Caprini scores (6.1 vs 6.5; P = .047). Patients with DVT were less likely to have hemodynamically significant PE after recent surgery (13.3% vs 27.2%; P = .011) but more likely to have hemodynamically significant PE with proximal DVT (80.7% vs 64.2%). There was no association between Caprini score and hemodynamically significant PE (6.3 vs 5.7; P = .171). Conclusions The Caprini model has a poor association with PE or hemodynamically significant PE in patients with DVT. Among all patients with DVT, a concomitant diagnosis of PE or hemodynamically significant PE is less common in those with sepsis or undergoing recent surgery but more common in those with proximal DVT.
Empirical models of annual post-fire erosion on mulched and unmulched hillslopes

Abstract Erosion is one of the primary land management concerns following wildfire. This study examines controls on post-fire hillslope-scale erosion for the 2012 High Park Fire in northern Colorado, develops simple empirical models for predicting post-fire sediment yields, and evaluates model performance on several nearby fires. From 2013 to 2015 we collected ground cover, rainfall, topographic, and sediment yield measurements from 29 convergent hillslopes; eight of these hillslopes had varying amounts of mulch applied to reduce erosion. From these data we examined correlations between annual sediment yield and three categories of predictor variables (ground cover, precipitation, and topography). Percent bare soil was the single largest control on sediment yield, followed by rainfall variables. Sediment yield generally decreased with flow path length, but the correlation was weak. The empirical models each predicted sediment yield with three variables: percent bare soil, one precipitation variable, and one topographic variable. The models had similar accuracy for the High Park Fire using varying combinations of precipitation and topographic variables (Nash-Sutcliffe coefficients 0.70–0.84). An empirical model predicting annual sediment yields as a function of percent bare soil, June–October precipitation, and the maximum flow path length had variable performance when applied to other fires in the same region, with predictions ranging from poor to good for individual fires and Nash-Sutcliffe coefficients of 0.26–0.32 for all fires combined. These tests show some promise for applying the empirical model to fires in the study region, but further model testing is needed to determine the range of conditions under which the model can be applied.
Postoperative Crohn's Disease Recurrence and Role of Endoscopy

Abstract Many patients with Crohn's disease (CD) will require surgery for intestinal resection at some point in their disease course. Unfortunately such surgery is usually not curative with endoscopic recurrence rates as high as 70%–90% at 1 year. Endoscopic recurrence typically precedes clinical symptoms in the postoperative setting and thus endoscopic examination after surgery for CD has been shown to be useful for both diagnostic and risk stratification purposes. Endoscopy can also play a key role in managing anastomotic strictures that may develop after the surgery. Pooled analysis results demonstrate that endoscopic balloon dilation of strictures in CD has a technical success rate of 90% and leads to symptomatic improvement in 80% with a complication rate around 3%. Medical prophylaxis can be used to prevent CD recurrence after surgery with the largest effects seen with thiopurines and antitumor necrosis factor agents. The ideal timing to start medications after surgery varies based on patient risk factors and patient preference for medication use. A proposed algorithm stratified based on patient risk factors is provided.
Incidence and outcomes of cancer treatment-related cardiomyopathy among referrals for advanced heart failure

Approximately 2–3% of patients undergoing advanced heart failure therapies such as left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) and orthotropic heart transplantation (OHT) have chemotherapy-related cardiomyopathy, according to analyses of large databases such as United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) or Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) registries. While these studies have shown similar survival outcomes post-interventions, these databases by definition exclude patients referred for advanced therapies but do not receive them, and thus there is little data on overall outcomes of such patients. Given the lack of nuance in the diagnoses in large registries and the possibility that many cancer treatment-related cardiomyopathy (CCMP) patients might be misclassified by the generic “non-ischemic” or “dilated” cardiomyopathies, we investigated the incidence and clinical outcomes of CCMP patients among advanced heart failure (HF) referrals at a single high volume institution. All referrals from 2013 to 2016 were evaluated for type of cardiomyopathy, with careful chart review. Outcomes such as LVAD, OHT and death were compared between CCMP and other cardiomyopathies. Of 553 referrals for advanced HF, 19 (3.4%) were for CCMP. There was a higher percentage of patients receiving advanced therapies in the CCMP vs. non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICMP) and ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICMP) (42.1% vs 30.2% vs 33.6%, not significant). Of the CCMP patients, 3 had OHT directly, 2 had LVAD followed by OHT, and 3 had LVADs as bridge to candidacy or destination therapy. Fifty-eight percent of the CCMP did not receive LVAD or OHT compared to 69.8% and 66.3 of the NICMP and ICMP, respectively (p = 0.0388). Independent of type of advanced therapy, survival was significantly higher in the CCMP group compared to NICMP and ICMP (93.3% vs 84.8% vs 73.8%, respectively P = 0.0021 for 1 year, 93.3% vs 76.2% vs 58.3%, respectively, P = < 0.0001 for 3 year). In a single institution, CCMP accounts for more than 3% of all referrals for advanced HF therapies and almost 8% of NICMP. Contrary to concerns for previous cancer and sequelae of cancer treatment excluding patients for advanced therapies, a higher percentage of CCMP underwent advanced HF therapies and with similar outcomes. This is the first study to show that among patients referred for advanced therapies, CCMP patients do not have inferior outcomes compared to other cardiomyopathies regardless of the selected management strategy.
A Theoretical Study of Some Possible Fluxional Pathways for Alkyllithium Hexamers

We examined several possible fluxional pathways for hexameric alkyllithiums, performing ab initio SCF calculations on the model compounds octahedral Li6H6, Li6H4(CH3)2, and Li6(CH3)6. The lowest energy structures for these compounds had an approximately octahedral arrangement of the lithiums, with the H or CH3 ligands occupying six of the eight faces. The two empty faces were trans related. A concerted mechanism in which each of two ligands on opposite sides of the octahedron moves to an empty face was found to have a low energy barrier. The midpoint structures of this pathway for both Li6H6 and Li6H4(CH3)2 were symmetric or undistorted, whereas the midpoint structure for Li6(CH3)6 was quite distorted. These results are discussed in the light of similar findings on Li6 clusters. The adequacy of using 3-21G as a basis set for investigating alkyllithium geometries is also discussed.
Ultrasound Visualization of the Pancreatic Duct and Its Clinical Application

The use of ultrasound in the diagnosis of pancreatic disease is well established. Pancreatitis, pancreatic carcinoma and pseudocyst can be demonstrated clearly. However, the ability to visualize the pancreatic duct has not been clearly established.
Perspectives of Drugs obtained by Recombinant DNA Technology

Human hormones, vaccines and Interferons produced in micro-organisms by recombinant DNA methods illustrate development of new materials of potential clinical utility in which interactions with immune responses may occur. Both immune responses to recombinant DNA derived materials and their direct immunomodulatory effects have been investigated. Current problems include presentation of defined viral immunogens for eliciting protective antibody responses and determination of immune responses to recombinant DNA derived analogs of natural hormones. Recombinant DNA methods have led to production of purified interferons and allowed definition of their varied biological properties. The efficacy of such interferon preparations appears to depend on immunomodulatory effects and they show interactions with chemotherapeutic agents which are likely to be of clinical significance.
Entrepreneurship by design: the construction of meanings and markets for cultural craft goods

ABSTRACTThis paper posits that design is a crucial material manifestation of the storytelling by cultural entrepreneurs and that it enables cultural entrepreneurs to create new markets through mean...
Merits of FDG PET/CT and Functional Molecular Imaging Over Anatomic Imaging With Echocardiography and CT Angiography for the Diagnosis of Cardiac Device Infections

Abstract The diagnosis of cardiac device infections, particularly device-related endocarditis, is challenging. Fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) is based on in vivo FDG targeting of the pre-existing inflammatory cells at an infectious site. Hence, it is able to identify cardiac device infection early, before the development of morphological damages from the infectious process. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and electrocardiographically gated computed tomographic angiography (CTA) are currently the first-line imaging studies for device-related endocarditis, but their application to evaluate the extracardiac components or sources of primary infection and/or emboli is limited. Functional FDG PET/CT may have unique advantages over the anatomically based TEE and CT or CTA in the following settings: 1) diagnosing infection earlier than TEE and CTA, before morphological damage ensues; 2) identifying prosthetic endocarditis when findings on TEE and CTA are inconclusive; 3) evaluating infection in the extracardiac components of devices; 4) detecting unexpected source of the primary infection; and 5) discovering embolic consequences of endocarditis in the body. All of these findings may ultimately affect patient management. Although the nonspecific nature of FDG is a concern in differentiating infection from inflammation, accurate diagnosis of infection can be reasonably achieved on the basis of FDG distribution pattern and clinical history or by adding radiolabeled white blood cell scan to improve specificity. Recent publications support the judicious use of FDG PET/CT, particularly in patients with inconclusive or negative results on initial echocardiography and CT.
Preaching to Seneca: Christ as Stoic Sapiens in Divinae Institutiones IV*

Lactantius’s Divine Institutes is a conversation with many partners. His affinity for Stoic thought in general, and Seneca in particular, is especially pronounced. Throughout the Institutes we find a delicate back-and-forth between Lactantius’s claim of a novel philosophy centered on the Christian Gospel and his attraction to—and dependence on—the pagan philosophy he hoped to supplant. This interplay is distinctly relevant to Lactantius’s portrayal of the figure of Jesus in Institutes IV. In this paper, I argue that Lactantius shapes his story of the nature and work of Jesus in part to give an answer to a primary Stoic question: where is the sapiens? Indeed, the figure of the sapiens, the “Stoic sage,” had presented something of a problem for the Stoa: Stoic cosmology demanded he exist while Stoic history had failed to find him. By Seneca’s time, a resigned acceptance of the absence of such figures of incarnate wisdom was commonplace; the figure of the sapiens had begun to fade away into the realm of theory, separated from imperfect human practice. In redressing this concern, Lactantius portrays his Christ: the true sage and exemplum, wisdom and virtue incarnate. In short, to Seneca’s resignation, Lactantius offers a rebuke and a corrective by a clever re-shaping of both Christian and Stoic expectation.
Modeling Momentum Transfer from Kinetic Impacts: Implications for Redirecting Asteroids☆

Kinetic impactors are one way to deflect a potentially hazardous object headed for Earth. The Asteroid Impact and Deflection Assessment (AIDA) mission is designed to test the effectiveness of this approach and is a joint effort between NASA and ESA. The NASA-led portion is the Double Asteroid Redirect Test (DART) and is composed of a ~300-kg spacecraft designed to impact the moon of the binary system 65803 Didymos. The deflection of the moon will be measured by the ESA-led Asteroid Impact Mission (AIM) (which will characterize the moon) and from ground-based observations. Because the material properties and internal structure of the target are poorly constrained, however, analytical models and numerical simulations must be used to understand the range of potential outcomes. Here, we describe a modeling effort combining analytical models and CTH simulations to determine possible outcomes of the DART impact. We examine a wide parameter space and provide predictions for crater size, ejecta mass, and momentum transfer following the impact into the moon of the Didymos system. For impacts into “realistic” asteroid types, these models produce craters with diameters on the order of 10 m, an imparted Δv of 0.5–2 mm/s and a momentum enhancement of 1.07 to 5more » for a highly porous aggregate to a fully dense rock.« less
A Survey of Electric Drives for Solar Tracking Control of Concentrated Solar Power Heliostats

This paper aims at presenting a thorough literature survey on existing electric drives developed for solar tracking systems in concentrated solar power plants (CSP) plants. To start with, a brief background on CSP and its low-cost initiatives are presented, followed by introducing specific requirements for the electric motor-gearbox system. In addition, existing drives adopting different types of electric motors are systematically reviewed. Finally, a comparative study of different commercial drives reveals that the drive cost per unit area and its cost share of the entire heliostat will increase with heliostats going smaller, thereby indicating more potentials and opportunities to further optimize electric drives and cut down the cost for heliostats with a small mirror size and better exploit sunlight for the maximum energy yield for solar tracking control.
Herausforderungen und Lösungsansätze urbaner Logistikanforderungen

Die voranschreitende Urbanisierung und eine darauf zuruckzufuhrende Zunahme von Logistikaufgaben wird unsere Lebensweise in naher Zukunft substanziell verandern. Insbesondere in dicht besiedelten urbanen Raumen wird eine effiziente, okologische und nachhaltige Ver- und Entsorgung von Privathaushalten, aber auch Gewerbebetrieben in einem stadtvertraglichen Kontext in den Vordergrund rucken. Als Losungsanbieter zukunftiger Logistik- und Mobilitatsherausforderungen engagiert sich Volkswagen Nutzfahrzeuge im Rahmen der „Projektinitiative Urbane Logistik Hannover“ und entwickelt auch auf Basis daraus abgeleiteter Erkenntnisse masgeschneiderte Produkte fur diverse Kundengruppen. E-Mobilitat, autonomes Fahren und die Auseinandersetzung mit neuen Geschaftsmodellen stehen dabei im Vordergrund des operativen und strategischen Handelns und beeinflussen somit uneingeschrankt das zukunftige Angebotsportfolio von Volkswagen Nutzfahrzeuge.