cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chemical Sensors and Electronic Noses Based on 1-D Metal Oxide Nanostructures

The detection of chemicals such as industrial gases and chemical warfare agents is important to human health and safety. Thus, the development of chemical sensors with high sensitivity, high selectivity, and rapid detection is essential and could impact human beings in significant ways. 1-D metal oxide nanostructures with unique geometric and physical properties have been demonstrated to be important candidates as building blocks for chemical sensing applications. Chemical sensors composed of a wide range of pristine 1-D metal oxide nanostructures, such as In2O3, SnO2, ZnO, TiO2, and CuO, have been fabricated, and exhibited very good sensitivity in the detection of important industrial gases, chemical warfare agents, and human breath. In this review, we provide an overview of this chemical sensing field. Various key elements of the topics will be reviewed, including 1-D metal oxide nanostructure synthesis, electronic properties of nanowire-based FETs, and their chemical sensing behaviors. In addition, this paper provides a review of the recent development of electronic nose systems based on metal oxide nanowires, which indicate great potential for the improvement of sensing selectivity.
Evaluating case-based decision theory: Predicting empirical patterns of human classification learning

Abstract We introduce a computer program which calculates an agentʼs optimal behavior according to case-based decision theory ( Gilboa and Schmeidler, 1995 ) and use it to test CBDT against a benchmark set of problems from the psychological literature on human classification learning ( Shepard et al., 1961 ). This allows us to evaluate the efficacy of CBDT as an account of human decision-making on this set of problems. We find: (1) The choice behavior of this program (and therefore case-based decision theory) correctly predicts the empirically observed relative difficulty of problems and speed of learning in human data. (2) ‘Similarity’ (how CBDT decision makers extrapolate from memory) is decreasing in vector distance, consistent with evidence in psychology ( Shepard, 1987 ). (3) The best-fitting parameters suggest humans aspire to an 80 – 85 % success rate, and humans may increase their aspiration level during the experiment. (4) Average similarity is rejected in favor of additive similarity.
An Efficient Parallel Sampling Technique for Multivariate Poisson-Lognormal Model: Analysis with Two Crash Count Datasets

Abstract This study investigates the Multivariate Poisson-lognormal (MVPLN) model that jointly models crash frequency and severity accounting for correlations. The ordinary univariate count models analyze crashes of different severity level separately ignoring the correlations among severity levels. The MVPLN model is capable to incorporate the general correlation structure and also takes account of the overdispersion in the data that leads to a superior data fitting. However, the traditional estimation approach for MVPLN model is computationally expensive, which often limits the use of MVPLN model in practice. In this work, a parallel sampling scheme is introduced to improve the original Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) estimation approach of the MVPLN model, which significantly reduces the model estimation time. Two MVPLN models are developed using the pedestrian–vehicle crash data collected in New York City from 2002 to 2006, and the highway-injury data from Washington State (5-year data from 1990 to 1994) The Deviance Information Criteria (DIC) is used to evaluate the model fitting. The estimation results show that the MVPLN models provide a superior fit over univariate Poisson-lognormal (PLN), univariate Poisson, and Negative Binomial models. Further, the correlations among the latent effects of different severity levels are found significant in both datasets,that justifies the importance of jointly modeling crash frequency and severity accounting for correlations.
Microstructures and Properties of B4C-Based Composites with Laminar Structure

Three kinds of ceramic composites with laminar structure, B4C-B4C/Ti3SiC2, B4C-B4C/Ti2AlC and B4C-B4C/8%Si were synthesized by hot pressing sintering, respectively. The microstructures and properties of the composites were investigated in detail. The experimental results showed the two layers of each composite were in good combination and no spallation phenomenon was observed during the process of fracture. The fracture mechanism of three kinds of composites was similar with each other. The fracture mode of ceramic layers was mainly transgranular fracture. The ductile layers which showed good ductile fracture characteristic exhibited a mixed mode of intergranular and transgranular fracture. The results of mechanical properties showed the comprehensive performance of B4C-B4C/8%Si was the best, the flexural strength and fracture toughness of which were 524 MPa and 3.5 MPa∙m1/2 respectively.
Abstract 307: Fetal Deiodinase Increases in a Rodent Model of Myocardial Infarction

Rationale: Thyroid hormone (T 3 ) has been shown to play a critical role in myocardial vascular homeostasis. Importantly, patients with congestive heart failure frequently have reduced serum T 3 concentrations which may induce vascular rarefaction and/or limit angiogenesis during left ventricular remodeling. One possible mechanism for reducing T 3 concentration is the reactivation of Type III deiodinase. Type III deiodinase (D3) is a fetal enzyme that inactivates thyroxine as well as T 3 . Objective: Determine whether enzymes regulating myocardial thyroid hormone concentration are altered after a myocardial infarction. Hypothesis: Myocardial D3 protein levels will increase in a rodent model of myocardial infarction, and immediate T 3 supplementation will augment angiogenesis and adaptive left ventricular remodeling. Methods and Results: The left anterior descending coronary artery was ligated in adult male Sprague Dawley rats with controls undergoing identical procedures without ligation. Osmotic mini-pumps were immediately implanted subcutaneously to deliver saline or T 3 (10ug/kg/day). One week post-surgery, hearts were removed and subdivided into ischemic, border-zone, and non-infarcted/posterior wall. Results show that Type II deiodinase (D2) protein levels were increased in the ischemic zone of infarcted hearts (D2 is normally expressed in the heart and converts thyroxine into T 3 ). D3 protein levels were also increased in the ischemic zone of MI-hearts. Importantly, the D2 to D3 ratio was reduced by ~60% suggesting T 3 concentrations could be reduced in the ischemic regions of the heart. Additionally, D3 dimers were only present in the ischemic region of the MI heart. Because dimerization is thought to be required for enzymatic activity, ischemic areas of the heart may have regional hypothyroidism. Overall, these findings support the hypothesis that myocardial D3 protein levels are increased 7-days after a myocardial infarction. Conclusion: The increase in dimerized D3 protein levels in the ischemic region of the heart may reduce local T 3 concentrations and contribute to mal-adaptive left ventricular remodeling.
Interpreting avulsion process from ancient alluvial sequences: Guadalope-Matarranya system (northern Spain) and Wasatch Formation (western Colorado)

Alluvial deposits of the Guadalope-Matarranya system (Oligocene, Ebro basin, Spain) and the Wasatch Formation (Eocene, western Colorado), provide time-integrated records of the process of river-channel avulsion. These sequences consist of isolated channel-belt sandstones incised into, and abruptly overlain by, flood-plain siltstones, indicating deposition by avulsive river systems. The geometry and distribution of channel incisions suggest that avulsion was not controlled by tectonics, climate, or base-level changes, but formed by autocyclic processes. Measurements from 221 channel fills in the Guadalope-Matarranya system and 38 from the Wasatch Formation allow us to statistically characterize channel geometries we infer to be associated with establishment and abandonment of individual river avulsions. Paleoflow depths in both systems average 1.4 to 1.6 m. Aggradation height (superelevation) of channel margin levees are, on average, 0.6 and 1.1 times paleoflow depth in the Guadalope-Matarranya and Wasatch systems, respectively. These results are consistent with values from recently avulsed modern rivers and suggest that (1) flow depth is the appropriate parameter against which to scale the critical superelevation necessary for channel avulsion; and (2) the increase in potential energy due to channel perching drives the lateral instability that is needed for avulsion to be successful. Numerous stacked channel fills indicate repeated reoccupation of the same site by avulsing channels. These reoccupation channels indicate that inherited flood-plain topography, here abandoned channel forms, was an important control on the arrival site of newly avulsed channels. Comparison of our results to others suggests two end-member types of avulsion can take place. Incisional avulsion, seen here, is characterized by an early incision phase followed by infilling by migrating bar forms. Aggradational avulsion begins with aggradation followed in time by stream integration into a single downcutting channel. We suggest that the type of avulsion is strongly influenced by whether or not the adjacent flood plain is well or poorly drained. In both cases subsequent aggradation and channel perching increase the chances that some triggering event will lead to avulsion.
Modeling Parallel Anti-Symmetric Waveguide Bragg Gratings using modified Rouard’s method

Optical devices based on the anti-symmetric grating were already demonstrated for WDM and OCDMA. We present a simple modeling tool for the design of these gratings. Novel gratings structures and applications are proposed.
Results of clinical trials of transmyocardial laser revascularization versus medical management for end-stage coronary disease.

BACKGROUND DATA Over 5,000 patients worldwide have undergone transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMR) since 1990 for the treatment of myocardial ischemia due to end-stage coronary artery disease. Recently, four prospective randomized controlled clinical trials have reported their results in comparing TMR to maximal medical therapy. The purpose of this review is to provide an update and comparison of the results of these trials. METHODS Patients with severe angina were randomized to treatment by laser TMR (carbon dioxide or holmium YAG) or continuing on maximum medical therapy. All patients were followed for a year and had reassessment of angina class and quality of life at that time. RESULTS All of the trials demonstrated that TMR provided significant relief of angina when compared to medical management. Additional objective data in the form of exercise tolerance and myocardial perfusion scanning was used to support the symptomatic improvement. CONCLUSION Symptomatic improvement is seen for patients with severe diffuse coronary artery disease treated by TMR.
The accuracy of linear measurements of maxillary and mandibular edentulous sites in cone-beam computed tomography images with different fields of view and voxel sizes under simulated clinical conditions

PURPOSE The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of varying resolutions of cone-beam computed tomography images on the accuracy of linear measurements of edentulous areas in human cadaver heads. Intact cadaver heads were used to simulate a clinical situation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fiduciary markers were placed in the edentulous areas of 4 intact embalmed cadaver heads. The heads were scanned with two different CBCT units using a large field of view (13 cm×16 cm) and small field of view (5 cm×8 cm) at varying voxel sizes (0.3 mm, 0.2 mm, and 0.16 mm). The ground truth was established with digital caliper measurements. The imaging measurements were then compared with caliper measurements to determine accuracy. RESULTS The Wilcoxon signed rank test revealed no statistically significant difference between the medians of the physical measurements obtained with calipers and the medians of the CBCT measurements. A comparison of accuracy among the different imaging protocols revealed no significant differences as determined by the Friedman test. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.961, indicating excellent reproducibility. Inter-observer variability was determined graphically with a Bland-Altman plot and by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient. The Bland-Altman plot indicated very good reproducibility for smaller measurements but larger discrepancies with larger measurements. CONCLUSION The CBCT-based linear measurements in the edentulous sites using different voxel sizes and FOVs are accurate compared with the direct caliper measurements of these sites. Higher resolution CBCT images with smaller voxel size did not result in greater accuracy of the linear measurements.
FY2015 Annual Report for Alternative Fuels DISI Engine Research.

Climate change and the need to secure energy supplies are two reasons for a growing interest in engine efficiency and alternative fuels. This project contributes to the science-base needed by industry to develop highly efficient DISI engines that also beneficially exploit the different properties of alternative fuels. Our emphasis is on lean operation, which can provide higher efficiencies than traditional non-dilute stoichiometric operation. Since lean operation can lead to issues with ignition stability, slow flame propagation and low combustion efficiency, we focus on techniques that can overcome these challenges. Specifically, fuel stratification is used to ensure ignition and completeness of combustion but has soot- and NOx- emissions challenges. For ultralean well-mixed operation, turbulent deflagration can be combined with controlled end-gas auto-ignition to render mixed-mode combustion that facilitates high combustion efficiency. However, the response of both combustion and exhaust emissions to these techniques depends on the fuel properties. Therefore, to achieve optimal fuel-economy gains, the engine combustion-control strategies must be adapted to the fuel being utilized.
AN ATTEMPT TO UNDERSTAND AND ASSESS BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (MICROBIOLOGY) DEGREE PROGRAM IN UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

In 2009, the reports from American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and Scientific Foundation for Future Physicians (Howard Hughes Medical Institute and American Association of Medical Colleges) suggested changes in how biology should be taught in 21 st Century in a way students have a foundational understanding in Biology rather than factual knowledge. Introduction of subjects such as evolution, structure and function, pathways, information flow and systems was requested. In 2009, American Society for Microbiology acted upon the request by establishing a Curriculum task force to update ASM curriculum guidelines for Undergraduate Microbiology Education in United States. In 2011, this committee approved the focus of Microbiology Education with introduction of key concepts and skills which are central to Microbiology after revision of 25 undergraduate microbiology courses by the above task force. Finally in 2011, ASM General Meeting, and ASM conference for Undergraduate Educators the committee laid foundations for recommendation of these changes in microbiology curriculum from Spring, 2012 onwards.
The year of living supernaturally

AbstractThe author reflects on his ‘formative’ first grade experience in a Pittsburgh parochial school, 1962–1963.
Vβ Spectratype Analysis of Tissue-Infiltrating T Cells Responding to Minor Histocompatibility Antigens Involved in Graft-Versus-Host Disease.

Lethal graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) can be induced between MHC-matched murine strains expressing multiple minor histocompatibility antigen (miHA) differences. In the C57BL6 (B6)->BALB.B strain combination, both CD4 + and CD8 + donor T cells can mediate severe lethal GVHD, whereas in the B6->CXB-2 model, in which the CXB-2 strain expresses a subset of the BALB.B miHA, only the CD8 + T cells directly potentiate lethality. We have previously used TCR Vβ CDR3-size spectratype analysis to examine the alloreactive B6 CD4 + and CD8 + T cells, isolated from the lymphohematopoietic compartment after transplantation into both BALB.B and CXB-2 recipients. However, since tissue-specific expression of miHA can potentially elicit differential T cell responses, we have extended our T cell repertoire analysis to examine the responses involved in target tissue damage. Infiltrating host-presensitized B6 CD4 + and CD8 + T cells were isolated post-transplant from the intestines, livers and spleens of lethally irradiated (9 Gy; split-dose) BALB.B and CXB-2 recipients. The results indicated some overlapping Vβ CDR3-size skewing in both the CD4 + and CD8 + T cell repertoires between the BALB.B and CXB-2 recipients within the tissues of each recipient strain. Most notably, spectratype analysis demonstrated tissue specific responses unique to each of the BALB.B and CXB-2 infiltrates. In situ observations of the tissue infiltrating alloreactive T cells were performed by fluorescent microscopy of transplanted B6 T cells constitutively expressing eGFP into BALB.B and CXB-2 recipients, in conjunction with immunohistochemical staining of skewed Vβ families. TUNEL staining was also performed to confirm apoptosis of tissue epithelium. These analyses confirmed the increased infiltration of skewed CD4 + and CD8 + Vβ families within the target tissues.
First Report of Colletotrichum queenslandicum on Persian Lime Causing Leaf Anthracnose in the United States

Colletotrichum fungi cause anthracnose and post-harvest rots on a wide range of plant species resulting in serious economic losses. In April 2017, leaf samples showing typical anthracnose symptoms of circular to oval brown spots and shot hole appearance in mature leaves where center of leaf spot fell out were collected from a Persian lime tree (Citrus x latifolia). The tree is located in a residential property in Corpus Christi, TX. Four tiny pieces (1-2 mm) of infected tissue from the lesions were surface sterilized for 2 min in 70% ethanol followed by 1 min in 3% sodium hypochlorite, plated on potato dextrose agar (Sigma-Aldrich), and incubated at 24 ±1°C. The four isolates obtained showed grey mycelium, numerous acervuli with dark bases, and orange conidial ooze. The conidia were hyaline, cylindrical with rounded ends, occasionally slightly constricted near center and appressoria were globose. Perithecia were not seen on either leaves or in cultures. DNA sequences were generated from seven loci known t...
Ethanol Content Has Little Effect on the Sensory Orthonasal Detection Threshold of Hop Compounds in Beer

Many factors contribute to the complexity of beer flavor, including odor-active hop oil compounds. Best estimate thresholds of 10 hop compounds were reported in unhopped pale ale beer with ethanol ...
Lightning detection on Venus: a critical review

Claimed detections and nondetections of lightning and related electromagnetic emissions on Venus are qualitatively contradictory. Here, motivated by the commencement of observations by the Akatsuki spacecraft and by studies of future missions, we critically review spacecraft and ground-based observations of the past 40 years, in an attempt to reconcile the discordant reports with a minimal number of assumptions. These include invoking alternative interpretations of individual reports, guided by sensitivity thresholds, controls, and other objective benchmarks of observation integrity. The most compelling evidence is in fact the first, the very low frequency (VLF) radio emissions recorded beneath the clouds by all four of the Veneras 11–13 landers, and those data are re-examined closely, finding power-law amplitude characteristics and substantial differences between the different profiles. It is concluded that some kind of frequent electrical activity is supported by the preponderance of observations, but optical emissions are not consistent with terrestrial levels of activity. Venus’ activity may, like Earth’s, have strong temporal and/or spatial variability, which coupled with the relatively short accumulated observation time for optical measurements, can lead to qualitative discrepancies between observation reports. We note a number of previously unconsidered observations and outline some considerations for future observations.
RainMan: a workflow system for the internet

As individuals and enterprises get interconnected via global networks, workflows that scale beyond traditional organizational boundaries and execute seamlessly across these networks will become relevant. We address the problem of designing a scalable workflow infrastructure for the Internet that supports both flexibility in workflow participation and interoperability between heterogeneous workflow system components. RainMan is a distributed workflow system developed in Java that lives naturally on the Internet. RainMan is a loosely-coupled collection of independent services that cooperate with each other rather than a monolithic system. Some of the useful features of RainMan are browser-based workflow specification, participation, and management, and dynamic workflow modification. The RainMan system is based on RainMaker, our generic workflow framework that defines a core set of well-defined interfaces for workflow components.
Inhibition of the Epigenetic Regulator REST Ameliorates Ischemic Brain Injury

Cerebral ischemia is known to activate the repressor element-1 (RE1)-silencing transcription factor (REST) which silences neural genes via epigenetic remodeling and promotes neurodegeneration. We presently determined if REST inhibition derepresses target genes involved in synaptic plasticity and promotes functional outcome after experimental stroke. Following transient focal ischemia induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in adult rats, REST expression was upregulated significantly from 12 h to 1 day of reperfusion compared to sham control. At 1 day of reperfusion, REST protein levels were increased and observed in the nuclei of neurons in the peri-infarct cortex. REST knockdown by intracerebral REST siRNA injection significantly reduced the post-ischemic expression of REST and increased the expression of several REST target genes, compared to control siRNA group. REST inhibition also decreased post-ischemic markers of apoptosis, reduced cortical infarct volume, and improved post-ischemic functional recovery on days 5 and 7 of reperfusion compared to the control siRNA group. REST knockdown resulted in a global increase in synaptic plasticity gene expression at 1 day of reperfusion compared to the control siRNA group and significantly increased several synaptic plasticity genes containing RE-1 sequences in their regulatory regions. These results demonstrate that direct inhibition of the epigenetic remodeler REST prevents secondary brain damage in the cortex and improves functional outcome potentially via de-repression of plasticity-related genes after stroke.
The USPTO Patent Examination Research Dataset: A window on patent processing

This article describes the “USPTO Patent Examination Research Dataset” (PatEx) and explores possible selection issues and the representativeness of the nearly 9.2 million US patent application records it contains. We find that data are sparse for years before 1981, and that serious selection issues affect records on applications filed prior to 2001 due to nonpublication in the United States. Following implementation of a policy change in November 2000, both coverage and representativeness of the PatEx data improve substantially. We uncover specific areas that are prone to selectivity issues, by generating statistical evidence across application characteristics such as application type, age, ownership type, domestic or foreign origin, patent family status, and technology class among others. Although our exploration suggests to researchers several categories of specific concern, our findings overall show that the PatEx data are generally representative of the population of patent applications filed in the United States after November 2000 across observable characteristics.
Will Library E-Books Help Solve the Textbook Affordability Issue? Using Textbook Adoption Lists to Target Collection Development

In response to rising textbook costs, many have urged adoption of open educational resources (OER) for students. However, library-owned e-books also provide free access to students, without the pot...
Risk of Venous Thromboembolism with Use of Combined Oral Contraceptives

All combined oral contraceptives increase VTE risk. The risk is greater for those containing desogestrel, drospirenone, gestodene (not available in the United States), and cyproterone acetate (not available in the United States) when compared with levonorgestrel. All combined oral contraceptives are effective in preventing pregnancy.
Dynamic interplay between two copper-titrating components in the transcriptional regulation of cyt c6

The algal plastidic cytochrome c (cyt c6) is a biochemical equivalent of the copper-containing protein plastocyanin in photosynthetic electron transfer. But generally, cyt c6 accumulates and functions only under conditions (e.g. Cu-deficiency) where holoplastocyanin cannot be synthesized. In studying the regulation of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii cyt c6 expression by Cu we have determined that repression of cyt c6 accumulation occurs at the transcriptional level, and specifically in response to Cu as the metal ion regulator. Complete and sustained repression of cyt c6 transcription requires approximately 9 x 10(6) Cu ions in the medium/cell. Based on the estimated plastocyanin content of algal cells (8 x 10(6) molecules/cell) and the observation that lower ratios of Cu per cell result in only transient repression of cyt c6 transcription, we propose that Cu-dependent transcriptional repression of the gene encoding cyt c6 requires a Cu-binding factor which is titrated by Cu only after the alternate electron transfer catalyst, plastocyanin, has accumulated to the stoichiometry required for photosynthesis. The precise and highly metal-specific, autoregulatory control of cyt c6 levels--directly by Cu, and indirectly by holoplastocyanin--is in keeping with the functional role of cyt c6 as an alternate, although perhaps less preferred, electron transfer catalyst.
Sensorless Speed Control of PMSM Using Extended High-Gain Observers

In this paper, we regulate the speed of a surface mount Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) with only using current sensors. We use a back-Electromotive Force (back-EMF) based sensorless speed control technique. We reduce the α-β model of the PMSM using singular perturbation theory, which reveals two algebraic expressions for the estimation of the back-EMF signals. We use these expressions to drive a Quadrature Phase Locked Loop (Q-PLL) that estimates rotor position and speed and also estimates the disturbance. The rotor position estimate is used for Park transformation while the speed and disturbance estimates are used in a feedback linearization law to regulate the speed. Our development of the controller only assumes knowledge of the nominal parameters of the PMSM. In addition, we assume the external load to be time-varying and bounded but otherwise unknown. Finally, results from simulation and experiment are shown to confirm robustness, and high performance of the output feedback system.
Application of PCSK9 Inhibitors in Practice: Challenges and Opportunities.

Although the discovery of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) and development of therapeutic antagonists represent a major triumph of modern clinical medicine, efforts to implement PCSK9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) in patient care have been sobering. This practical guide examines the barriers and opportunities for the successful application of pharmacological inhibition of PCSK9 in clinical practice through introduction of a new model of care delivery—the PCSK9i clinic. Historically, the foundation of primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) has consisted of therapeutic lifestyle changes in combination with pharmacological therapy focused on lipid modulation, specifically low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering.1 In 2015, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new class of cholesterol-lowering medications, PCSK9i, to great anticipation. The seminal discovery in 2003 by Abifadel et al2 linked gain-of-function mutations in the PCSK9 gene with autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia. This finding uncovered PCSK9 as a key player in cholesterol homeostasis, a circulating protein with the strongest influence on plasma LDL-C concentration.3 PCSK9 directly interacts with the low-density lipoprotein receptor and enhances its degradation by targeting it for destruction by the lysosome and halting its efficient recycling. Because PCSK9 causes degradation of the low-density lipoprotein receptor, inhibiting its action prolongs the lifespan of the low-density lipoprotein receptor and leads to profound reductions in plasma LDL-C levels. The ultimate culmination of this work was the regulatory approval of 2 monoclonal antibody inhibitors of PCSK9 (alirocumab and evolocumab). More recently, the randomized, placebo-controlled trial, FOURIER (Further Cardiovascular Outcomes Research with PCSK9 Inhibition in Subjects with Elevated Risk), demonstrated improved ASCVD outcomes when evolocumab was added to background treatment with a statin. The combination of statin plus evolocumab resulted in a significant absolute and relative risk reduction in both the primary composite end point (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and hospitalization …
A potential diagnostic pitfall for hobnail variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma.

AIMS Hobnail variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is an aggressive PTC subtype characterised by a hobnail cytomorphology. However, some classic PTC have a 'hobnail-like' cytomorphology associated with thick, hyalinised, variably oedematous fibrovascular cores that appears to be a form of ischaemic/degenerative atypia. METHODS AND RESULTS We studied three cohorts to compare the histopathological characteristics and clinical outcome of 'hobnail-like' classic PTC and true hobnail variant of PTC: cohort 1, PTC consecutively resected between 2016 and 2017 (to assess frequency of 'hobnail-like' cytomorphology); cohort 2, 20 'hobnail-like' classic PTC resected between 2005 and 2007 (to assess clinical outcome); and cohort 3, seven true hobnail variant of PTC. A 'hobnail-like' cytomorphology was identified in 16% of consecutively resected PTC. Compared with true hobnail variant, 'hobnail-like' classic PTC occurred in younger patients (mean age 40 years versus 68 years, P < 0.001), were smaller tumours (mean tumour size 2.1 cm versus 4.4 cm, P < 0.001), had a lower rate of gross extrathyroidal extension (0% versus 71%, P < 0.001), had a lower proliferative rate (≥3 mitoses per 10 high-power fields seen in 0% versus 71%, P < 0.001; Ki67 index ≥5% in 0% versus 86%, P < 0.001), a lower rate of secondary pathogenic mutations (for cases with molecular data, 0% versus 100%, P = 0.0061) and improved survival (for cases with sufficient clinical outcome data, 10-year disease-free survival of 93% versus 0%, P = 0.0016). CONCLUSION Classic PTC can show ischaemic/degenerative atypia that mimics the hobnail cytomorphology of true hobnail variant; however, these tumours lack aggressive histopathological features and pursue an indolent clinical course.
Authorship growth in contemporary medical literature.

Objectives:The aims of this study were to investigate authorship trends among publications in high-impact, peer-reviewed specialty journals published within the last decade and to assess how public...
Early Weight Gain Forecasts Accelerated Eruption of Deciduous Teeth and Later Overweight Status during the First Year.

Objectives To determine whether early diet and weight gain velocity have independent or interactive effects on deciduous teeth emergence and overweight status during the first year. Study design Monthly measures of anthropometry and teeth eruption were collected during a 1-year trial (0.5-12.5 months) on formula-fed infants in which the type of randomized infant formula (cow milk or extensively hydrolyzed protein) diet significantly affected early (0.5-4.5 months) weight gain velocity. Generalized linear mixed models determined whether early diet and weight gain velocity had independent or interactive effects on timing and pattern of teeth eruption. Data from a trial on breastfed infants were used to explore effects of breast milk vs infant formula diets on teeth eruption and overweight status at 10.5 months. Results Independent of infant formula diet, velocities of weight gain had direct effects on the age of first deciduous tooth (P Conclusions Faster weight gain accretion forecasted accelerated primary teeth eruption and increased percentage of children who were overweight—risk factors for dental caries and obesity. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01700205 [2012-2015] and NCT01667549 [2012-2015].
Teaching During the Pandemic? An Opportunity to Enhance Curriculum

The rapid transition of courses to an emergency remote teaching and learning format at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 created challenges across the university landscape for facult...
Cross-Modal and Cognitive Processes in Sound Localization

To perceptually situate a sound source in the context of its surrounding environment, a listener must integrate two spatial estimates, (1), the location, relative to the listener’s head, of the auditory event associated with the sound-source and, (2), the location of the listener’s head relative to the environment. This chapter introduces the general background of auditory localization as a multi-sensory process and reviews studies of cross-modal interactions with auditory localization for stationary/moving sound sources and listeners. Included are relevant results from recent experiments at Arizona State University’s Spatial-Hearing and Auditory Computation and Neurophysiology Laboratories. Finally, a conceptual model of the integrated multisensory/multi-system processes is described.
Denoising atomic resolution 4D scanning transmission electron microscopy data with tensor singular value decomposition.

Abstract Tensor singular value decomposition (SVD) is a method to find a low-dimensional representation of data with meaningful structure in three or more dimensions. Tensor SVD has been applied to denoise atomic-resolution 4D scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D STEM) data. On data simulated from a SrTiO3 [100] perfect crystal and a Si [110] edge dislocation, tensor SVD achieved an average peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) of ~40 dB, which matches or exceeds the performance of other denoising methods, with processing times at least 100 times shorter. On experimental data from SrTiO3 [100] and LiZnSb [11 2 ¯ 0]/GaSb [110] samples, tensor SVD denoises multiple GB 4D STEM data sets in ten minutes on a typical personal computer. Denoising with tensor SVD improves both convergent beam electron diffraction patterns and virtual-aperture annular dark field images.
Antibiotics are not necessary during routine cystoscopic stent removal: A randomized controlled trial at UC San Diego.

Introduction: Current American Urological Association (AUA) Best Practice Statement recommends antibiotic prophylaxis for cystoscopy with manipulation, including stent removal; although no Level 1b trials explicitly address prophylaxis for stent removal. We sought to determine the efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infectious complications after stent removal. Materials and Methods: Following institutional review board approval, patients undergoing removal of ureteral stent placed during stone surgery were recruited from July 2016 to March 2019. Patients were recruited at the time of stent removal and randomized to treatment (single dose 500 mg oral ciprofloxacin) or control group (no antibiotics). Telephone contact was attempted within 14 days of stent removal to assess for urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms, antibiotic prescriptions, or Emergency Department visits. Primary outcome was UTI within 1 month of stent removal – defined by irritative voiding symptoms, fever or abdominal pain associated with positive urine culture (Ucx) (>100k colony-forming units/mL). Results: Seventy-seven patients were enrolled, with 58 meeting final inclusion criteria for the analysis (33 treatment, 25 controls). No differences were seen with clinical and demographic variables, except a higher body mass index in the treatment group (P = 0.007). Positive Ucx rate before stone surgery (16.7% vs. 11.8%, P = 0.819) and at the time of stent removal (16.0% vs. 11.1%, P = 0.648) was not significantly different in treatment versus control groups, respectively. Primary outcome: No patients in either cohort developed symptomatic culture-diagnosed UTI within 1 month of stent removal. Of patients with documented phone follow-up (treatment n = 29, control n = 22), only one patient (control) reported any positive response on phone survey. Conclusions: We found a low infectious complication rate regardless of antibiotic prophylaxis use during cystoscopic stent removal. The necessity of antibiotics during routine cystoscopic stent removal warrants possible reevaluation of the AUA best practice statement.
The Financial Performance of U.S. Commercial Banks 2001-2010

We examine the financial performance, risk, changing revenue and asset mix, prospects for future shareholder value creation and executive compensation of the 15 largest commercial banks in the US from 2001-2010. Aggregate revenue for large commercial banks in the US reached all-time highs in 2009 and 2010. Growth has slowed in traditional sources of revenue such as interest income from loans and investments, while revenue from trading activities, fees on credit cards, and service charges on deposits has grown in recent years. Charge-offs from non-performing loans and other assets continue to weigh on bank profits, however. Aggregate dividends declined by 80% from 2008-2010. The Tier 1 capital held by the banks in our sample has more than doubled in 2009-2010. Despite persistent quality problems with their loan portfolios, flagging profitability, a dramatic reduction in dividends and poor stock price performance, the total salaries and bonuses earned by executives at our sample of banks grew by 33% from 2008-2010. Executives have also been taking more of their compensation in the form of salaries (vs. bonuses) since 2005. We find that banks that received more TARP funds actually reduced their loan portfolios by greater amounts, which refutes the idea that the TARP program had a positive impact on bank lending. JEL Classification: G18, G21
System identification of large flexible structures by using simple continuum models

Simple continuum models for the representation of large truss beams and truss platforms are constructed and employed in the solution of system identification problems permitting the significant reduction of the number of structural parameters. Two simple and easily computer-implemented algorithms are presented for the estimation of a simple model's equivalent structural parameters, and analytical and numerical solutions are given for the truss beam and truss platform cases in order to illustrate the basic concepts. It is found that model simplicity, in conjunction with the principle of least square erors, yields a feasible integration of structural and identification problems.
Using student surveys in determining the difficulty of programming assignments

This paper deals with the subject of determining difficulty in programming assignments for introductory Computer Science courses. A pilot study was performed in an introductory Computer Science course as the University of Northern Colorado. In this study students were given surveys asking them to predict upcoming assignment difficulty and also to grade past assignment difficulty. These surveys were used in conjunction with several code metrics as well as the students' grades. While the sample size of students was small, some interesting findings were observed. Primarily, students are decent at predicting difficulty in assignment as a group. Second, the biggest impact on students' perception of difficulty is the length of their solution. Finally, the biggest impact on students' performance on an assignment is the number of flow of control constructs in their solution.
ONBOARD HYDROGEN GENERATION FOR AUTOMOBILES

Problems concerning the use of hydrogen as a fuel for motor vehicles are related to the storage of the hydrogen onboard a vehicle. The feasibility is investigated to use an approach based on onboard hydrogen generation as a means to avoid these storage difficulties. Two major chemical processes can be used to produce hydrogen from liquid hydrocarbons and methanol. In steam reforming, the fuel reacts with water on a catalytic surface to produce a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. In partial oxidation, the fuel reacts with air, either on a catalytic surface or in a flame front, to yield a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. There are many trade-offs in onboard hydrogen generation, both in the choice of fuels as well as in the choice of a chemical process. Attention is given to these alternatives, the results of some experimental work in this area, and the combustion of various hydrogen-rich gases in an internal combustion engine.
Fiber-optic endomicroscopy for label-free optical histology

We report on recently developed high-resolution, fiber-optic scanning endomicroscopy technology and its capability of performing label-free optical histologic imaging in vivo and in situ. Technological advances and examples of biological tissue imaging will be presented.
Evaluation of aerosol mixing state classes in the GISS modelE-MATRIX climate model using single-particle mass spectrometry measurements

Aerosol particles in the atmosphere are composed of multiple chemical species. The aerosol mixing state, which describes how chemical species are mixed at the single-particle level, provides critical information on microphysical characteristics that determine the interaction of aerosols with the climate system. The evaluation of mixing state has become the next challenge. This study uses aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ATOFMS) data and compares the results to those of the Goddard Institute for Space Studies modelE-MATRIX (Multiconfiguration Aerosol TRacker of mIXing state) model, a global climate model that includes a detailed aerosol microphysical scheme. We use data from field campaigns that examine a variety of air mass regimens (urban, rural, and maritime). At all locations, polluted areas in California (Riverside, La Jolla, and Long Beach), a remote location in the Sierra Nevada Mountains (Sugar Pine) and observations from Jeju (South Korea), the majority of aerosol species are internally mixed. Coarse aerosol particles, those above 1 micron, are typically aged, such as coated dust or reacted sea-salt particles. Particles below 1 micron contain large fractions of organic material, internally-mixed with sulfate and black carbon, and few external mixtures. We conclude that observations taken over multiple weeks characterize typical air mass types at a given location well; however, due to the instrumentation, we could not evaluate mass budgets. These results represent the first detailed comparison of single-particle mixing states in a global climate model with real-time single-particle mass spectrometry data, an important step in improving the representation of mixing state in global climate models.
Tribological studies of coated pistons sliding against cylinder liners under laboratory test conditions

The presence of coatings and surface topography play an important role in the tribological performance of sliding components. Depending on the coating used, it is possible to reduce friction and/or reduce wear. However, although there may be low friction and wear-resistant coatings suitable for use in pistons, some coatings may hinder the tribological performance by changing the lubrication regime or by preventing additives from their intended function through chemical mechanisms. In this work, piston skirt segments extracted from a commercial aluminium alloy piston were coated with a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating, a graphite–resin coating or a nickel–polytetrafluoroethylene (Ni–PTFE) coating and were tribologically tested using a reciprocating laboratory test rig against commercial grey cast iron liner segments. The tribological tests used commercial synthetic motor oil at a temperature of 120 °C with a 20 mm stroke length at a reciprocating frequency of 2 Hz. Results showed that the graphite–resin coating, although it may serve as a good break-in coating, wears rapidly. The Ni–PTFE coating showed friction reduction, whereas the DLC coating wore off quickly due to its small thickness. Furthermore, the higher hardness of the DLC coating relative to the cast iron liner surface led to pronounced changes on the liner counterface by polishing. In contrast with the uncoated piston skirt segments, all of the coatings prevented the formation of a visible tribochemical film on the cast iron surface. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cottus kanawhae, a new cottid fish from the New River System of Virginia and West Virginia

Cottus kanawhae, a member of the Cottus carolinae complex, is described from the New River System of Virginia and West Virginia.
An empirical refinement of the relationship between tourism and economic growth

Today many developing countries focus on economic policies in order to promote international tourism as a potential source of economic growth for the country; however, the understanding of the relationship between tourism and economic growth is ongoing. The objective of this paper was to assess if tourism has promoted economic growth. We use six regional classifications and four income level classification in our data-set. Using a panel data of 144 countries that span over the period 1975–2010, our results reveal that the relationship between international tourism and economic growth is consistent among all different types of regions and classification countries of the world.
An instrumented intramedullary implant to monitor strain in fracture healing

Tibia fractures are often treated by implanting an intramedullary nail, a thick-walled titanium metal tube that stabilizes the fracture during healing. We investigated instrumentation of an intramedullary nail with a wireless SAW strain sensor to follow the progress of bone healing by measuring strain. An insert was designed and instrumented with a LiNbO3 surface acoustic wave device. Testing of a prototype insert has been performed ex situ. Wireless measurements were used to observe changing strain on the insert as mounted into the nail. Monitoring fracture healing may facilitate early intervention when proper bone healing does not take place. The practicality of the design is assessed in view of the constraints imposed by the implantation procedure.