cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gynecologic use of robotically assisted laparoscopy: Sacrocolpopexy for the treatment of high-grade vaginal vault prolapse

Abstract Transabdominal sacrocolpopexy is an excellent treatment option for patients with high-grade vaginal vault prolapse, with long-term success rates ranging from 93% to 99%. However, it is associated with increased morbidity compared with vaginal repairs. In this article, we describe a novel minimally invasive technique of vaginal vault prolapse repair and present our initial experience. The surgical technique involves placement of 4 laparoscopic ports, 3 for the surgical robot and 1 for the assistant. A prolene mesh is then attached to the sacral promontory and to the vaginal apex using nonabsorbable expanded polytetrafluoroethylene sutures. At the end of the case, the mesh material is covered by the peritoneum. A total of 20 patients underwent a robot-assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy at our institution in the past 18 months for severe symptomatic vaginal vault prolapse; 8 of the 20 (40%) underwent a concomitant anti-incontinence procedure. Mean follow-up was 5.1 (range, 1–12) months and mean age was 66 (range, 47–82) years. The mean total operative time was 3.2 (range, 2.25–4.75) hours. Of these patients, 1 was converted to an open procedure secondary to unfavorable anatomy. All but 1 patient, who left on postoperative day 2, were discharged from the hospital after an overnight stay. Complications were limited to mild port-site infections in 2 patients, which resolved with oral antibiotic therapy. Recurrent grade 3 rectocele developed in 1 patient, but there was no evidence of cystocele or enterocele. Significant incontinence (>1 pad/day) was present in 2 patients. All 18 patients reported being satisfied with the outcome of their surgery and all 10 would recommend it to a friend. This novel technique for vaginal vault prolapse repair combines the advantages of open sacrocolpopexy with the decreased morbidity and improved cosmesis of laparoscopic surgery. It is associated with decreased hospital stay, low complication and conversion rates, and high rates of patient satisfaction. Although our early experience is encouraging, long-term data are needed to confirm these findings and establish longevity of the repair.
Management of CMV retinal detachments in the new era of antiretroviral therapy

In the past, retinal detachment occurred at a rate of 38% after one year of cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVR). The current rate of detachment may be reduced by improved therapies for CMVR. In addition, the number of new patients acquiring CMVR has fallen, resulting in a lower incidence of these detachments. Another important effect of the new era of antiviral therapy on CMVR-related detachments includes longer patient survival with a need to select surgical strategies that will provide the best long-term visual outcome while still recognizing the unique difficulties posed by detachments in necrotic retinas. Vitrectomy with planned removal of silicone oil, scleral buckle, vitrectomy with gas tamponade, and laser demarcation are strategies that may provide excellent visual and anatomic results for retinal detachments with various characteristics. The final selection of the surgical approach depends on the mechanical factors of the detachment and patient factors such as immune status, expected survival, control of retinitis, and visual needs.
ExamNet asynchronous learning network: augmenting face-to-face courses with student-developed exam questions

Abstract This paper investigates how students’ attitude and performance are affected by using an asynchronous learning network (ALN) to augment exams in a traditional lecture/lab course. Students used the ExamNet ALN to create, critique, and revise a database of questions that subsequently was drawn upon for course exams. Overall, students considered ExamNet to be useful and important in understanding course material, reviewing for exams, and succeeding in the course. Most found the process of developing exam questions to be intrinsically motivating and an interesting part of the course.
Contemporary Art World Bias In Regard To Display Holography

An investigation of the opinions of art professionals in New York City about the exhibition of display holography in traditional art spaces.
In vitro cytotoxicity of 4'-OH-tamoxifen and estradiol in human endometrial adenocarcinoma cells HEC-1A and HEC-1B

Tamoxifen (TAM), used to treat estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer, is a well known estrogen antagonist in the breast, but a partial estrogen agonist in the endometrium. In addition, TAM metabolites, such as 4'-hydroxy-tamoxifen (4-OH-TAM), have been shown to be more potent than the parent compound. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of 4-OH-TAM and estradiol (E2) on two human endometrial adenocarcinoma cell lines, HEC-1B and HEC-1A. When HEC-1B cells were treated with lower concentrations (10-1,000 nM) of 4-OH-TAM or E2 for 1-3 days, no significant difference in the percentage of cell survival was observed among the varying concentrations. At higher 4-OH-TAM or E2 concentrations (1-100 µM), HEC-1B and HEC-1A cells responded similarly with an obvious decrease in cell growth noted at 10 and 100 µM 4-OH-TAM and 100 µM E2. In order to address the observed cell death, DNA laddering was performed at various time intervals with 4-OH-TAM (10 µM) or E2 (10 or 50 µM). DNA gel electrophoresis failed to show the typical laddering pattern (180-200 bp) observed in apoptosis. Furthermore, western blot analysis of caspase-8 and -3 failed to demonstrate caspase activity. These results suggest that apoptosis was not the underlying cellular mechanism of cell death. Due to the lack of apoptotic markers, a cytotoxic (cell death) effect was differentiated from a cytostatic (growth inhibition) effect confirming that cell death had occurred. In summary, micromolar concentrations of 4-OH-TAM induced a non-apoptotic cytotoxic effect in the endometrium; however further studies are needed to elucidate the cytotoxic pathway being utilized.
Solution to the next best view problem for automated CAD model acquisiton of free-form objects using range cameras

To acquire the complete surface description of a nontrivial object using range cameras several range images from different viewpoints are needed. We present a complete system to automatically acquire a surface model of an arbitrary part and outline the constraints this system places on a solution to the problem of where to position the range camera to take the next range image, i.e. the next best view (NBV) problem. We present a solution which uses no a-priori knowledge about the part and which addresses the most crucial of these constraints which is that each new range image must contain range data of part of the object's surface already scanned so that it can be registered with the previously taken range images. A novel representation, positional space, is presented which is capable of representing both those hypothetical sampling directions which could scan the unseen portions of the viewing volume and those which could rescan parts of the object. In addition, positional space makes explicit the actual sampling directions available given a particular range camera and the set of relative motions possible between it and the object. A solution of the NBV problem is achieved by aligning the positional space representation of the range camera with the positional space representations of the scanned portions of the object and the unseen portions of the viewing volume using simple translations. Since complex motions of the range camera in its workspace are represented by translations in positional space the search for the next best view is computationally inexpensive. No assumptions are made about the geometry or topology of the object being scanned. Occlusions and impossible sensing configurations are easily addressed within this framework. The algorithm is complete in the sense that all surfaces that can be scanned will be scanned. In addition, confidence values for range samples can be used to instruct the algorithm to position the range camera so that all surfaces of the object are scanned with at least a minimum confidence wherever possible. The algorithm can determined when all scannable surfaces have been sampled and can be used with any range camera provided a model of its exists. The algorithm can also accommodate nearly any set of relative motions possible between the range camera and the object.
Recent changes in driving among older adults

Driving statistics comparing drivers aged at least 65 years with all drivers are examined for the years 1980 and 1989. In that time older driver fatalities had increased substantially despite a decrease in total driver fatalities. Analyses of size of population, numbers of licensed drivers, estimates of miles driven, and crash rates for these two years imply that the rise in total older driver deaths is related to increasing numbers of older adults who are licensed to drive and an increase in likelihood of fatality following a motor vehicle crash. This latter effect may be associated with a very substantial rise in the numbers of licensed drivers age 70 and older.
The Influence of Channelization on Fish Communities in an Agricultural Coldwater Stream System

Abstract We characterized coldwater stream fish community response to habitat degradation and channelization for agriculture. Coldwater streams are not common in the lower midwestern United States, and these streams differ from warmwater streams with respect to their diversity and community response to degradation. Six sites were sampled on the coldwater Mac-o-chee Creek in Ohio. Three reaches were classified as geomorphically constrained (by a roadway) and three as recovering (unconstrained and not channelized or cleaned for more than 100 y). Within each reach 31 mesohabitat units were sampled and were delineated as riffles, runs, or pools. Our goals were: (1) to examine how habitat and geomorphic impairment influences the abundance and community structure of coldwater fishes; and (2) to test whether the constraints on recovery from channelization were more influential in structuring communities than mesohabitat types. Our hypothesis was that we would find lower species diversity overall in the recoverin...
Can switching fuels save water? A life cycle quantification of freshwater consumption for Texas coal-and natural gas-fired electricity

Thermal electricity generation is a major consumer of freshwater for cooling, fuel extraction and air emissions controls, but the life cycle water impacts of different fossil fuel cycles are not well understood. Much of the existing literature relies on decades-old estimates for water intensity, particularly regarding water consumed for fuel extraction. This work uses contemporary data from specific resource basins and power plants in Texas to evaluate water intensity at three major stages of coal and natural gas fuel cycles: fuel extraction, power plant cooling and power plant emissions controls. In particular, the water intensity of fuel extraction is quantified for Texas lignite, conventional natural gas and 11 unconventional natural gas basins in Texas, including major second-order impacts associated with multi-stage hydraulic fracturing. Despite the rise of this water-intensive natural gas extraction method, natural gas extraction appears to consume less freshwater than coal per unit of energy extracted in Texas because of the high water intensity of Texas lignite extraction. This work uses new resource basin and power plant level water intensity data to estimate the potential effects of coal to natural gas fuel switching in Texas’ power sector, a shift under consideration due to potential environmental benefits and very low natural gas prices. Replacing Texas’ coal-fired power plants with natural gas combined cycle plants (NGCCs) would reduce annual freshwater consumption in the state by an estimated 53 billion gallons per year, or 60% of Texas coal power’s water footprint, largely due to the higher efficiency of NGCCs.
Autophagy and Aging The Importance of Maintaining "Clean" Cells

A decrease in the turnover of cellular components and the intracellular accumulation of altered macromolecules and organelles are features common to all aged cells. Diminished autophagic activity plays a major role in these age-related manifestations. In this work we review the molecular defects responsible for the malfunctioning of two forms of autophagy, macroautophagy and chaperone-mediated autophagy, in old mammals, and highlight general and cell-type specific consequences of dysfunction of the autophagic system with age. Dietary caloric restriction and antilipolytic agents have been proven to efficiently stimulate autophagy in old rodents. These and other possible experimental restorative efforts are discussed.
Living with Multiple Sclerosis: A spiritual journey of loss

I have been living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for 20 years. For 20 years I have gone to sleep with MS, awakened with MS, worked with MS, fell in love with MS, got married with MS, went through five miscarriages with MS, gave birth to a beautiful son with MS, raised a son whose life would be marked by the MS of a parent, and most importantly, I will go on living with MS for as long as fate allows. My wife Rachel has MS.
An Introduction to Birdsong and the Avian Song System

INTRODUCTION Konishi, while a student with Marler, showed that birds must be able to hear themselves sing to develop song normally. Fernando Nottebohm, also This special issue of the Journal of Neurobiology while a student with Marler, showed that the peis devoted to a consideration of the avian song ripheral control of song production is lateralized. control system. In the 20 years that have passed Nottebohm and his colleagues subsequently idensince Nottebohm et al. (1976) first identified foretified neural circuits in the avian forebrain that brain circuits that control song in birds, the song control song behavior. This important discovery system has emerged as a leading model in behavpaved the way for many investigators who have ioral neuroscience. To mark the beginning of the subsequently contributed to our understanding of third decade of study of this model, we invited song behavior and its neural control. several leading investigators to contribute to this The birdsong system offers several advantages volume. We set two goals for the authors: to reas a model for identifying neural mechanisms that view progress in their area of study and, more underlie biologically relevant behavior: important, to identify critical directions for future research. 1. Song is a learned behavior that is controlled The modern study of birdsong began with the by discrete neural circuits. work of William Thorpe (1958, 1961) . He 2. There are distinct phases in the development showed that chaffinches (Fringilla coelebs ) colof song, with well-defined sensitive periods. lected as nestlings and reared in the laboratory in One can relate the ontogeny of song behavior isolation from conspecific adult males produced to the development of the underlying neural very abnormal songs. If these young birds were circuits. exposed to tape recordings of wild chaffinch 3. Song is the product of stereotyped motor prosongs, however, they eventually produced normal grams, with hierarchical organization of the songs that matched those heard on the recordings. premotor and motor nuclei. These studies demonstrated for the first time that 4. Song behavior and the associated neural ciryoung birds must learn the song of their species by cuits are sexually dimorphic in most species. listening to adult conspecifics. Thorpe’s student 5. Gonadal steroid hormones have pronounced Peter Marler greatly expanded upon this early effects on the development and adult function work. Marler and his colleagues demonstrated the of the song control circuits, as well as on song existence of local geographic song ‘‘dialects,’’ behavior. that song learning is characterized by early sensi6. There is extensive plasticity of the adult song tive periods, and that birds have innate predisposisystem, including ongoing neurogenesis and tions to learn the song of their species. Masakazu seasonal changes in morphology. 7. There is pronounced species diversity in different aspects of song behavior, including the Correspondence to: E. A. Brenowitz
Central lymph node dissection in patients with papillary thyroid cancer: a population level analysis of 14,257 cases.

Abstract Background This study analyzes the impact of demographics and tumor size on the use of central compartment lymph node dissection (CLND) for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) in the United States. Methods Adult patients with PTC and the follicular variant of PTC who underwent thyroidectomy with or without CLND and were reported in the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database from 2004 to 2008 were included. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the effects of demographic and clinical characteristics on the likelihood of a patient undergoing CLND. Results Of 14,257 patients included, 80.3% were women, 84.3% were white, average age was 50.1 years, and 37.1% had CLND. Over 5 years, there was an 18.3% increase in CLND, with the greatest increase seen in patients with T1 tumors (23.2%). Patients who were older, men, black, and from the South were less likely to undergo CLND; however, there were no differences in the total number of lymph nodes examined based on patient demographics or the year of their thyroid cancer diagnoses. Conclusions Being older, black, and from the South are negatively associated with CLND. This practice variation suggests potential disparity in access and quality of surgical care for PTC in the United States.
Economic injury levels for the red sunflower seed weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) infesting oilseed sunflower

The control of the red sunflower seed weevil, Smicronyx fulvus LeConte, relies on the use of insecticides. An economic injury level is essential to the judicious deployment of insecticidal control. Field studies were conducted in 1992 and 1993 to quantify the weight loss and oil content loss of damaged kernels as a result of larval infestation and the relationship between the adult weevil population and the subsequent number of damaged achenes. We found that for each weevil sampled in plant stages R5.0–5.3, 26.88 damaged achenes resulted. Damaged kernels lost an average of 9.86 ± 2.36 mg (mean ± SD ) per kernel, approximately equal to the amount consumed by a single larva. The oil content loss in damaged kernels was 3.34%. Economic injury levels were calculated as a function of the cost of controls, the market value, and the plant population density. Use of adult weevil counts when most plants in the fields are in plant stages R5.0–5.3 are recommended for calculating economic status.
Evaluating the Usefulness of a Prostitution Diversion Project

As social workers are increasingly collaborating with the criminal justice system through diversion programs to create and provide alternative approaches to working with legal offenders, practitioners and researchers must consider evaluating such projects. While there exist numerous prostitution diversion programs for both sex workers and clients of commercial sex workers, often referred to as ‘John Schools’, throughout the USA and Canada, there have been no published evaluations, until now, of any of the programs for commercial sex workers. This article presents the research methods and discussions concerning some of the study findings of a qualitative evaluation of Salt Lake City's Prostitution Diversion Project (PDP). This article explores the usefulness of the PDP by discussing the program's objectives, its strengths and limitations as perceived by the stakeholders. The author discusses how the various stakeholders perceived and experienced the PDP. Discussions in this article pay particular attention...
Sensitivity of mean annual primary production to precipitation

In many terrestrial ecosystems, variation in aboveground net primary production (ANPP) is positively correlated with variation in interannual precipitation. Global climate change will alter both the mean and the variance of annual precipitation, but the relative impact of these changes in precipitation on mean ANPP remains uncertain. At any given site, the slope of the precipitation-ANPP relationship determines the sensitivity of mean ANPP to changes in mean precipitation, whereas the curvature of the precipitation-ANPP relationship determines the sensitivity of ANPP to changes in precipitation variability. We used 58 existing long-term data sets to characterize precipitation-ANPP relationships in terrestrial ecosystems and to quantify the sensitivity of mean ANPP to the mean and variance of annual precipitation. We found that most study sites have a nonlinear, saturating relationship between precipitation and ANPP, but these nonlinearities were not strong. As a result of these weak nonlinearities, ANPP was nearly 40 times more sensitive to precipitation mean than variance. A 1% increase in mean precipitation caused a � 0.2% to 1.8% change in mean ANPP, with a 0.64% increase on average. Sensitivities to precipitation mean peaked at sites with a mean annual precipitation near 500 mm. Changes in species composition and increased intra-annual precipitation variability could lead to larger ANPP responses to altered precipitation regimes than predicted by our analysis.
Soft tissue preservation of the cranial crest of the pterosaur Germanodactylus from Solnhofen

Soft tissues associated with the cranial crest are described in a specimen of Germanodactylus rhamphastinus from the Solnhofen Limestone of southern Germany. The soft tissues covered, and extended upward from, the bony premaxillary crest, more than doubling the height of the crest, and were probably composed of cornified epidermis. Comparison of this specimen with other Solnhofen pterodactyloids with premaxillary crests suggests that all had soft tissues increasing the size of the crest in life.
Idiopathic hyponatremia in an infant with diffuse cerebral damage.

A female infant, 5 months of age, with evidence of diffuse cerebral damage was found to have hyponatremia in the course of ordinary investigation. Measurements of total body chloride by the thiocyanate-space method at widely different concentrations of chloride in the serum yielded results within the expected normal range. The infant was unable to excrete an acute water load as rapidly as normal infants. Serum from the patient during a hyponatremic phase showed significantly greater antidiuretic activity than that of a normal child. We concluded that the hyponatremia was due to dilution of body fluids secondary to water retention on the basis of disturbed renal function. The hyponatremia was resistant to correction by administration of salt or mineralo-corticoids. A relation between fluid intake and concentration of sodium in the serum was demonstrated which suggested that on normal fluid intakes the child was unable to excrete solute-free water in a normal manner. This may represent the result of damage to the cerebral osmoreceptors as part of generalized brain damage. The data do not support the concept that the hyponatremia resulted from true salt-wasting, either cerebral or renal in mediation. If correction of such a state is desirable, the most useful therapeutic measure would appear to be limitation of the intake of fluid to slightly more than the amount needed to cover water expenditure from insensible losses, obligatory urine volume and growth requirements.
Mild Zinc Deficiency and Undernutrition During the Prenatal and Postnatal Periods in Rats: Effects on Weight, Food Consumption, and Brain Catecholamine Concentrations

Rat dams were fed a 20% sprayed egg white diet, containing 10 ppm zinc, during gestation and lactation (ZD) and compared to zinc-adequate pair-fed (PF) and ad libitum fed (AL) control animals. AL dams consumed more food than the ZD group. Throughout gestation AL dams were heavier than PF and ZD dams. During lactation AL dams were heavier than the ZD dams which in turn were heavier than PF dams. Birth weights of ZD pups were less than the PF and AL pups. Postnatal daily weight gains of ZD pups were less than the PF pups which were less than AL pups. After weaning ZD pups fed commercial rat food gained less weight than PF and AL pups, and weight gain of PF and AL pups was similar. ZD dams had lower plasma zinc than control dams at parturition and at the end of lactation. Femur zinc of ZD, PF and AL dams was similar at parturition. ZD dams had lower femur zinc than PF and AL dams after lactation. Femur and liver zinc of ZD pups was lower than in PF and AL pups at birth. Regional brain catecholamine levels were not measured, but whole brain concentrations of catecholamines were not different among the groups. Thus, while mild zinc deficiency adversely affected growth of pups, effects on brain remain to be identified.
Explaining Patterns of Collective Goods Provision

This paper investigates patterns of collective goods provision in cities over the course of the 20th century. Using historical city finance records and qualitative evidence it explores the factors that lead some communities to invest in collective goods while others do not. The analysis focuses on racial and economic divisions in communities as the driving forces of failure or success.
The Perfect Stage of Cercospora Rubi

The writer undertook a study of Cercospora Rubi Sacc, the cause of a common leafspot disease of Rubus, because so little is known regarding this pathogen. As a result of this investigation it was found that this conidial stage, present upon the leaves during summer, is succeeded by a perithecial stage which is initiated during autumn, but does not mature until early in the following spring. The following account of this study is herewith presented, therefore, as a contribution to our knowledge of the morphology and development of this leafspot fungus on Rubus.
Das Magnet-Tonbandgerät als Hilfsmittel in der Mikropaläontologie

Ein schnelles Auszahlen von grosen und verschiedenen Populationen von Mikroorganismen wird durch den Gebrauch eines Magnet-Tonbandgerates ermoglicht. Das Diktieren der Namen von den im Blickfeld erscheinenden Arten erlaubt dem Beobachter, mit den Augen an den Okularen zu bleiben. Das Zuruckspielen des Bandes und das Aufzeichnen der Auszahlung beansprucht nur einen Bruchteil der Zeit, die fur die ursprungliche Registrierung benotigt wurde.
Molecular Binoculars: How to Spatially Resolve Environmental Fluctuations by Following Two or More Single-Molecule Spectral Trails at a Time

We propose a novel type of spectral diffusion experiment that enables one to decouple spatial characteristics of the environmental fluctuations, such as their concentration, from the interaction with the chromophore. Traditional hole broadening experiments do not allow for such decoupling in the common case when the chromophore-environment interaction is scale invariant. Here we propose to simultaneously follow the spectral trails of a small number of nearby chromophores--two or more--which thereby sense a highly overlapping set of the fluctuations. To this end, we estimate the combined probability distribution for the frequencies of a set of chromophores contained within the same sample. The present setup introduces a new length scale, i.e., the interchromophore distance, which breaks the aforementioned scale invariance and enables one to determine independently the concentration of the environmental fluctuations and their coupling to the chromophores, by monitoring the time after which spectral diffusion of distinct chromophores becomes uncorrelated. We illustrate these results with structural excitations in low temperature glasses.
Preferences in the Early Stages of Mate Choice

Romantic partnership is often considered an optimal barometer of intergroup relations. To date, however, it has been challenging to distinguish the characteristics people prefer in a partner from the types of partners that are locally available. Online dating presents a new opportunity to address this puzzle. In this paper, I use behavioral data from a popular online dating site to answer three questions regarding preferences in the early stages of mate choice: First, to what extent do people prefer similarity versus status in a partner—and do these preferences vary by gender? Second, what is the relative importance of different types of preferences—and to what extent are apparent preferences for one characteristic merely a “by-product” of preferences for another characteristic with which the first is correlated? Third, do preferences vary at different moments of selection—and if so, how? These analyses not only provide a nuanced portrait of how interpersonal dynamics shape broader social structures—here, a network of romantic ties—but they recommend a future approach to mate choice that prioritizes processes over outcomes and more deeply engages the literature on gender, social networks, and symbolic boundaries.
Ergodic Properties of Palm and Spacing Measures

We derive some simple relations between the distribution of a stationary random measure and its associated Palm or spacing measure. The results lead to various limit theorems involving Cesaro and other averages. We also show how the general notion of spacing measure can be used to obtain a probabilistic description of the stationary version of a regenerative set or process.
Investigating the Sources of Linguistic Alignment in Conversation

In conversation, speakers tend to “accommodate” or “align” to their partners, changing the style and substance of their communications to be more similar to their partners’ utterances. We focus here on “linguistic alignment,” changes in word choice based on others’ choices. Although linguistic alignment is observed across many different contexts and its degree correlates with important social factors such as power and likability, its sources are still uncertain. We build on a recent probabilistic model of alignment, using it to separate out alignment attributable to words versus word categories. We model alignment in two contexts: telephone conversations and microblog replies. Our results show evidence of alignment, but it is primarily lexical rather than categorical. Furthermore, we find that discourse acts modulate alignment substantially. This evidence supports the view that alignment is shaped by strategic communicative processes related to the ongoing discourse.
Prediction of setting for admixture modified mortars using the VCCTL

Abstract The time at which Portland cement concrete transitions from a viscous suspension of particles to a rigid interconnected matrix is commonly referred to as “time of set” and is a critical parameter when placing concrete structures. Use of chemical admixtures in concrete for water reduction or acceleration of hydration alters setting behavior; laboratory quality control testing is required to define the altered setting behavior. Use of the Virtual Cement and Concrete Testing Laboratory (VCCTL) for prediction of early age concrete behavior has been limited to plain portland cement concrete. Direct modeling of kinetic and thermodynamic behavior for admixture modified concrete remains challenging. An indirect method to simulate admixture alteration of set is proposed. Hydration simulations are time calibrated using heat of hydration curves obtained from admixture bearing pastes. Simulation results are compared to mortar setting tests, with agreement in certain cases falling within standard specified precision values.
Pd Enhanced WC Catalyst to Promote Heterogeneous Methane Combustion

Abstract The efficiency of combustion for low cost heat production could be greatly enhanced if an active and low cost catalyst would be used to facilitate the chemical reactions occurring during combustor operation. Within this work an experimental study of palladium (Pd) enhanced tungsten carbide (WC) catalyst, synthesized via high energy ball milling and deposited by dip coating onto a magnesia partially stabilized zirconia (MgO-ZrO2) porous matrix of 10 ppin was evaluated in heterogeneous methane combustion. The synthesized powder was characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) analysis, as well as by X-ray Fluorescence (XRF); and the morphology of the deposited WC-Pd coating was also characterized using SEM and EDS. Performance evaluation of the heterogeneous combustor with WC-Pd coated MgO-ZrO2 porous media was conducted at constant air flow rate and various equivalence ratios of methane/air gaseous mixtures, while monitoring axial temperature profiles within the combustion chamber using thermocouples, as well as thermal radiative and acoustic emissions from the combustor exhaust using an externally placed CCD camera and a microphone. It was found that there is a strong dependence of flame position and maximum temperature on equivalence ratio (φ) over the range of 0.47 ± 0.02 ⩽ φ ⩽ 0.75 ± 0.02. Additionally it was found that over the same equivalence ratio range, there is a characteristic 4 peak acoustic signature between 200 and 500 Hz. It was found that at higher equivalence ratios 0.51 ± 0.02 ⩽ φ ⩽ 0.75 ± 0.02 the performance of combustor was improved when the WC-Pd coating was present, however at the low equivalence ratio of φ = 0.47–49 ± 0.02 the WC-Pd coating did not promote the combustion reactions.
Poor Sleep Quality Predicts Hypogonadal Symptoms and Sexual Dysfunction in Male Nonstandard Shift Workers.

Objective To investigate the impact of sleep quality in hypogonadal symptoms and sexual function in men working nonstandard shifts. Materials and Methods Men treated at a single andrology clinic between July and October 2014 completed questionnaires assessing sleep quality, hypogonadal symptoms (Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male [ADAM/qADAM]), and sexual function (International Index of Erectile Function [IIEF]). Serum hormone levels were assessed at the time of survey completion. Results One hundred eighty-two men were identified as working nonstandard shifts (work that starts before 7 a.m. or after 2 p.m., rotates, or regularly includes hours outside of the standard 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. workday) with a mean ± SD age of 41.1 ± 10.8 years. Of men working nonstandard shifts, those with better sleep quality had fewer hypogonadal symptoms and better sexual function. Multivariate regression analysis revealed significant linear associations between sleep quality and qADAM score ( P = .008), positive ADAM responses ( P = .003), and IIEF score ( P = .0004). When comparing individual groups, men who were "very satisfied" (n = 60) with sleep quality had higher qADAM scores than men who were "somewhat dissatisfied" ( P = .02), and men who were "very dissatisfied" had significantly lower IIEF scores than men who were "very satisfied" ( P = .001) and "somewhat satisfied" ( P = .005). No associations between sleep quality and mean serum testosterone, free testosterone, estrogen, dehydroepiandrosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone levels were observed. Conclusion Men who work nonstandard shifts and have poor sleep quality are at increased risk for hypogonadal symptoms and sexual dysfunction.
Tubes, Lines, and Stomas

The purpose of this study was to review the nomenclature, indications for placement, and anatomic location of medical support devices. Specifically, this review of enteric tubes, central venous lines, tracheostomy, and intestinal stomas includes novel treatment options for common complications. For example, a review of recent data suggests that central venous line salvage, in the setting of infection, is best managed with antibiotic lock therapy in addition to systemic antibiotics. This update of typical tubes, lines, and stomas is supported by a discussion of common complications and effective strategies for management.
Energy-Based Metrics for Safety Analysis of General Aviation Operations

Energy management and energy state awareness are important concepts in aircraft safety analysis. Many loss-of-control accidents are correlated to poor energy management. Energy-based metrics provid...
Study on the separation process of non-metallic inclusions at the steel−slag interface using water modeling

The separation process of non-metallic inclusions at the steel–slag interface was simulated by physical modeling. Three different kinds of particles (octahedral, plate-like, and spherical) and three different oils (kerosene, bean oil, and pump oil) were used to model inclusions and slags, respectively. The effects of inclusion geometry (shape and size) and slag properties (viscosity and interfacial tension) on the separation process were investigated. The results revealed that the variation of surface free energy and the viscosity of the slag are two significant factors affecting the separation process of inclusions at the steel–slag interface. The variation of surface free energy helped inclusions enter the slag phase, whereas the decrease of slag viscosity shortened the separation time. The deformation of the steel–slag interface could give rise to the resistance force, which would resist inclusions passing through the interface. A liquid film formed on the inclusion as it passed through the steel–slag interface, which might be related to the inclusion’s shape.
To catch a terrorist: can ethnic profiling work?

In a world threatened by terrorists from a small number of countries, it is tempting to think that racial profiling for security purposes, even if morally objectionable, might save lives. But is it mathematically sound?William Press shows that even with unrealistically perfect data it is surprisingly difficult to gain any benefit from such profiling.
Independent impacts of aging on mitochondrial DNA quantity and quality in humans

The accumulation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations, and the reduction of mtDNA copy number, both disrupt mitochondrial energetics, and may contribute to aging and age-associated phenotypes. However, there are few genetic and epidemiological studies on the spectra of blood mtDNA heteroplasmies, and the distribution of mtDNA copy numbers in different age groups and their impact on age-related phenotypes. In this work, we used whole-genome sequencing data of isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from the UK10K project to investigate in parallel mtDNA heteroplasmy and copy number in 1511 women, between 17 and 85 years old, recruited in the TwinsUK cohorts. We report a high prevalence of pathogenic mtDNA heteroplasmies in this population. We also find an increase in mtDNA heteroplasmies with age (β = 0.011, P = 5.77e-6), and showed that, on average, individuals aged 70-years or older had 58.5% more mtDNA heteroplasmies than those under 40-years old. Conversely, mtDNA copy number decreased by an average of 0.4 copies per year (β = −0.395, P = 0.0097). Multiple regression analyses also showed that age had independent effects on mtDNA copy number decrease and heteroplasmy accumulation. Finally, mtDNA copy number was positively associated with serum bicarbonate level (P = 4.46e-5), and inversely correlated with white blood cell count (P = 0.0006). Moreover, the aggregated heteroplasmy load was associated with blood apolipoprotein B level (P = 1.33e-5), linking the accumulation of mtDNA mutations to age-related physiological markers. Our population-based study indicates that both mtDNA quality and quantity are influenced by age. An open question for the future is whether interventions that would contribute to maintain optimal mtDNA copy number and prevent the expansion of heteroplasmy could promote healthy aging.
L’anticipation de la vieillesse, le rôle du genre et le discours politique en France au dix-neuvième siècle

Cadre de la recherche : En 1881, la Troisieme Republique francaise allouait des pensions viageres a presque 25 000 vieux citoyens, comme reparation de l’oppression politique qu’ils avaient subie trente ans auparavant sous le regime precedent. Afin de recevoir une pension, chaque ancien proscrit, sa veuve ou ses enfants, devait decrire sa peine et les repercussions multigenerationnelles de ce châtiment dans une petition. Objectifs : Cet article decrit le consensus de l’administration republicaine et d’une partie de ses fideles partisans (artisans, paysans ouvriers et commercants des petites villes) sur la definition de la vieillesse, sur ce qu’on esperait du bon deroulement des dernieres annees de la vie, et sur la facon dont le genre affectait a la fois l’anticipation et l’experience de la vieillesse. Methodologie : L’analyse historique et qualitative des fonds aux Archives nationales de France et aux Archives departementales de l’Ain, de l’Allier, de la Drome, de l’Herault, du Rhone, de la Saone-et-Loire, du Vaucluse, et de l’Yonne. Resultats : L’analyse montre que les demandeurs de pension orientaient leur petition sur une idee precise des roles de genre et d’âge pour renforcer leur droit a une pension basee sur leur double statut de heros republicain et vieillard indigent digne de l’aide gouvernementale. Conclusions : L’analyse montre que les demandeurs de pension s’appuyaient sur une vision commune de la vieillesse, dont le point de depart etait lie au sexe de l’individu. Cette conception de la vieillesse comprenait l’attente que les vieillards devaient travailler sans relâche, jusqu’a epuisement physique total, alors que l’idee de vieilles femmes au travail etait genante et entachait les valeurs republicaines. Les demandeurs de pension estimaient que les pensions procureraient une vieillesse digne aux proscrits autant qu’a leur veuve, en annulant l’instabilite des roles de genre enclenchee par l’oppression politique trente ans auparavant. Contribution : Cet article contribue a l’avancement des recherches sur la perception de la vieillesse et des roles de genre a la fin de la vie en France a l’oree de legislations sociales sur le continent europeen.
DIRECT MONITORING OF A FERMENTATION IN A COMPUTER-MASS SPECTROMETER-FERMENTOR SYSTEM

ABSTRACT Measurement of chemical concentrations is generally regarded as a weak link in the monitoring of fermentations. The use of a computer controlled mass spectrometer (MS) offers the possibility of measuring one or more volatile compounds on an essentially continuous basis, both in the liquid (broth) and the gas phases. For this purpose the MS is not used as a spectrometer for chemical identification, but as a programmable detector for measuring concentrations of different compounds. In this paper we report on the use of a computer controlled mass spectrometer during the fermentation of Saccharomyces italicus to monitor N2, O2 and CO2 concentration in the gas phase, and N2, O2, CO2 and ethanol in the liquid phase.
Effect of inhaled corticosteroid use on weight (BMI) in pediatric patients with moderate-severe asthma.

Objectives: Assess the relationship between inhaled corticosteroid use (ICS) and weight (BMI) in pediatric patients with moderate-severe asthma. Assess if the number of emergency department (ED) vi...
Fiction ‘néo-réactionnaire’ avec Richard Millet

AbstractOmnipresent in the political and media landscapes, the neo-reactionary discourse has become a major discursive trend in contemporary France. Recent scholarship has started to theorise its m...
Enantioselective Synthesis of Thailanstatin A Methyl Ester and Evaluation of in Vitro Splicing Inhibition

Thailanstatin A has been isolated recently from the fermentation broth of B. thailandensis MSMB43. We describe here an enantioselective convergent synthesis of thailanstatin A methyl ester and evaluation of its splicing activity. Synthesis of both highly functionalized tetrahydropyran rings were carried out from commercially available tri-O-acetyl-d-glucal as the key starting material. Our convergent synthesis involved the synthesis of both tetrahydropyran fragments in a highly stereoselective manner. The fragments were then coupled using cross-metathesis as the key step. The synthesis of the diene subunit included a highly stereoselective Claisen rearrangement, a Cu(I)-mediated conjugate addition of MeLi to set the C-14 methyl stereochemistry, a reductive amination reaction to install the C16-amine functionality, and a Wittig olefination reaction to incorporate the diene unit. The epoxy alcohol subunit was synthesized by a highly selective anomeric allylation, a Peterson olefination, and a vanadium catal...
Easy as A-B-C: Data-Based Guidelines for Implementing a Multitiered System of Supports Into Rural Schools:

The challenges of working within rural schools can impact successful implementation of a multitiered system of supports (MTSS). Although special education and general education teachers’ responsibi...
Survival of salmonellae in pasteurized, refrigerated calcium-fortified orange juice.

Studies were done to determine the survival of salmonellae in orange juice as affected by fortification with calcium. Four brands of commercially pasteurized orange juice fortified with calcium (350 mg/240-ml serving) and nonfortified juice were inoculated separately with three types of inocula: strains of Salmonella Muenchen (inoculum 1), serotypes of human and animal origin (inoculum 2), and isolates from raw produce- and juice-associated outbreaks (inoculum 3). Juice inoculated with populations of 6.6 to 7.0 log 10 CFU of Salmonella per ml was held at 4°C for up to 32 days. The number of cells of inoculum 1 that survived in juice fortified with calcium lactate/tricalcium phosphate (CaL/TCP) was significantly lower (P ≤ 0.05) (2.80 log 10 CFU/ml) than in nonfortified juice (3.50 log 10 CFU/ml) after 32 days' storage. Death of salmonellae in inocula 1 and 2 was less in juice fortified with TCP (3.21 and 3.33 log 10 CFU/ml, respectively) than in the nonfortified juice (3.75 and 4.15 log 10 CFU/ml, respectively). During the 32-day storage period, populations in inocula I and 3 showed significantly less inactivation (2.62 and 3.12 log 10 CFU/ml, respectively) in juice fortified with calcium citrate (CC) than in nonfortified juice (3.14 and 3.60 log 10 CFU/ml, respectively). There were no significant differences in the survival of Salmonella in juice fortified with calcium citrate malate (CCM) and nonfortified juice. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) typing of randomly selected Salmonella colonies revealed that Salmonella Heidelberg in inoculum 2 and Salmonella Baildon and Salmonella Poona in inoculum 3 were the most prevalent at the end of the 32-day storage period at 4°C, suggesting that serotypes selected for use in inocula differed in tolerance to acidic environments. This study reveals that the form of calcium used to fortify orange juice may affect the survival of Salmonella. La consommation de jus d'orange non pasteurise peut ere associee a des cas de salmonelloses, notamment des cas d'intoxications alimentaires graves ont ete causes par S. Typhi. Ces manifestations indiquent que Salmonella peut survivre a des temperatures refrigerees et dans un environnement acide assez longtemps et dans des populations suffisamment grandes pour causer des intoxications. D'autre part, le jus de fruit enrichi en calcium est devenu tres populaire depuis quelques annees. Les objectifs de cette etude sont d'evaluer l'effet de la supplementation en differents sels de calcium sur la survie des salmonelles dans du jus d'orange entrepose a 4°C pendant 32 jours. Differentes souches de salmonelles sont testees. Les resultats montrent que la forme de calcium utilisee peut avoir une influence sur la survie des salmonelles.