cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Persistence Factors Revealed: Students’ Reflections on Completing a Fully Online Program

AbstractDespite their rapid growth, online programs routinely face student attrition. How to retain students and help them successfully complete is usually a top priority for online programs. This study investigated persistence factors that contributed to students’ successful completion from one of the largest and most successful online programs in the United States of America. Results show that both personal and program attributes contributed to students’ successful completion of a fully online program. Main individual attributes include interest in or career goals related to technology, time and effort invested, and perceived utility of learning. Main program attributes include relevancy of courses to individual or professional needs, satisfaction with courses and program, and ties between coursework and job promotion. Results of this study have implications in terms of prioritizing different attributes and strategizing resources to improve completion and graduation rates for fully online programs.
Cystic Dysplasia of the Testis in an Intraabdominal Undescended Testicle

Cystic dysplasia of the testis is a rare, benign pathologic finding. We present two recent cases of cystic dysplasia of the testis to our practice. The first case involves an 11 month old male presenting with a non-palpable, intra-abdominal left testis. The second case involves a 7 year old male with left scrotal swelling and a history of left renal agenesis. After review of the literature, the first case represents the first report of cystic dysplasia of the testis in an undescended, intra-abdominal testicle.
Access to Trade Justice: Fixing NAFTA's Flawed State-to-State Dispute Settlement Process

Without a properly functioning dispute process, the obligations in a trade agreement may not be worth much. As part of the NAFTA renegotiation, the NAFTA parties should try to fix certain flaws in the NAFTA Chapter 20 dispute settlement process that emerged a few years after NAFTA came into force. Chapter 20 was used regularly in its early years, but usage dropped considerably after panel selection was blocked in a case involving US restrictions on Mexican sugar. In this paper, we examine recent innovations on panel selection in the TPP, CETA, and JEEPA dispute provisions, and draw from those to develop principles that can guide revisions to the NAFTA Chapter 20 panel selection process.
Structure and rheological behavior of polypropylene interphase at high carbon nanotube concentration

Abstract The structure of the interphase in polypropylene (PP)/multiwall carbon nanotube (MWNT) nanocomposite was characterized by thermal analysis and wide angle X-ray diffraction. The interphase was composed of non-covalently coated PP on acid functionalized MWNT (f-MWNT), where the volume of interphase increases with increased f-MWNT concentration from 1 wt% to 30 wt%. Larger lamella thickness, crystallinity, and smaller crystal size with respect to the bulk polymer were found at the interphase. Also, the thermal stability of the nanocomposite containing high volume fraction of interphase was demonstrated to be higher than that of the neat PP. Using designed thermal treatment, the interphase was successfully converted into a highly ordered crystalline structure with extended chain conformation. The understanding and control over the interphase formation at nanoscale afforded the observation of an unprecedented macroscopic rheological behavior where the viscosity and elastic modulus increased as temperature increased. A schematic showing polymer-CNT interaction at elevated temperature was proposed and verified. It is concluded that the constrained flow under high temperature originates from extended and immobile polymer chains at the interphase.
Challenges in using CellTracker Green on foraminifers that host algal endosymbionts

The uses of fluorescent microscopy and fluorescent probes, such as the metabolically activated probe CellTracker™ Green CMFDA (CTG), have become common in studies of living Foraminifera. This metabolic requirement, as well as the relatively quick production of the fluorescent reaction products, makes CTG a prime candidate for determining mortality in bioassay and other laboratory experiments. Previous work with the foraminifer Amphistegina gibbosa, which hosts diatom endosymbionts, has shown that the species is capable of surviving both acute chemical exposure and extended periods of total darkness by entering a low-activity dormant state. This paper explores the use of CTG and fluorescent microscopy to determine mortality in such experiments, as well as to explore the physiology of dormant foraminifers. The application of CTG was found to be complicated by the autofluorescence of the diatom symbionts, which masks the signal of the CTG, as well as by interactions between CTG and propylene glycol, a chemical of interest known to cause dormancy. These complications necessitated adapting methods from earlier studies using CTG. Here we present observations on CTG fluorescence and autofluorescence in A. gibbosa following both chemical exposure and periods of total darkness. While CTG can indicate vital activity in dormant foraminifers, complications include underestimates of total survival and recovery, and falsely indicating dead individuals as live due to rapid microbial colonization. Nonetheless, the brightness of the CTG signal in dormant individuals exposed to propylene glycol supports previously published results of survival patterns in A. gibbosa. Observations of CTG fluorescence in individuals kept for extended periods in aphotic conditions indicate uptake of CTG may begin within 30 min of exposure to light, suggesting darkness-induced dormancy and subsequent recovery can occur on short time scales. These results suggest that CTG accurately reflects changes associated with dormancy, and can be useful in laboratory experiments utilizing symbiont-bearing foraminifers.
Turnover is Coming: Strategies to Prepare for Impending Retirements

Libraries have long been concerned about aging library professionals. Libraries that have not experienced high rates of retirement and turnover may not be prepared to bring on new personnel using a...
Rapidly fatal pneumonitis from immunotherapy and concurrent SARS-CoV-2 infection in a patient with newly diagnosed lung cancer

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are used for the treatment of numerous cancers, but risks associated with ICI-therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic are poorly understood. We report a case of acute lung injury in a lung cancer patient initially treated for ICI-pneumonitis and later found to have concurrent SARS-CoV-2 infection. Post-mortem analyses revealed diffuse alveolar damage in both the acute and organizing phases, with a predominantly CD68+ inflammatory infiltrate. Serum was positive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG, suggesting that viral infection predated administration of ICI-therapy and may have contributed to a more fulminant clinical presentation. These data suggest the need for routine SARS-CoV-2 testing in cancer patients, where clinical and radiographic evaluations may be non-specific.
Constitutive high expression of NOXA sensitizes human embryonic stem cells for rapid cell death

Human embryonic stem (hES) cells are highly sensitive to apoptotic stimuli such as DNA damage, which allows for rapid elimination of mutated cells during development. However, the mechanisms that maintain hES cells in the primed apoptotic state are not completely known. Key activators of apoptosis, the BH3-only proteins, are present at low levels in most cell types. In contrast, hES cells have constitutive high levels of the BH3-only protein, NOXA. We examined the importance of NOXA for enabling apoptosis in hES cells. hES cells deleted for NOXA showed remarkable protection against multiple apoptotic stimuli. NOXA was constitutively localized to the mitochondria, where it interacted with MCL1. Strikingly, inhibition of MCL1 in NOXA knockout cells was sufficient to sensitize these cells to DNA damage, and subsequently, cell death. Our study demonstrates, an essential function of constitutive high levels of NOXA in hES cells is to effectively antagonize MCL1 to permit rapid apoptosis. Significance statementHuman embryonic stem (hES) cells give rise to the entire organism, hence understanding how these cells regulate their survival and death is important. These cells undergo rapid death in response to DNA damage thereby removing mutated cells from the developing embryo. We focused on identifying the mechanism underlying the sensitivity of these cells to DNA damage. We discovered that the protein NOXA is essential for cell death in hES cells. Further, the crucial function of NOXA is to neutralize high levels of antiapototic protein, MCL1, thus enabling hES cells to respond rapidly to DNA damage.
Awareness of quantity of ORS and Zinc among mothers of under five children with diarrhoea at a tertiary care Centre Lahore.

Abstract Objectives: To assess mothers’ knowledge about quantity of ORS and zinc in management of diarrhoea. Methods: Cross sectional study conducted over a period of 4 months from May 2019 to August 2019 among mothers accompanying under five children admitted in the diarrhoea ward of The Children’s hospital Lahore for rehydration and included 334 children age 2 months to 59 months. Data was collected regarding age, sex, residence, number of children in house hold, socioeconomic status, maternal literacy status, mother’s awareness of signs of dehydration in diarrhoea, familiarity with the term oral rehydration salt (ORS) as regards its correct preparation and administration and Zinc supplementation in diarrhoea. Conclusion: Majority mothers were aware of ORS and doctors were the main source of information. Many knew the correct role of ORS in diarrhoea and its method of preparation as sachet pack was the most commonly used type. Although ORS use rate was high, but most mothers were unaware of quantity of ORS to be given. Zinc use in diarrhoea was very low in our study. Keywords: Awareness, ORS, Zinc, Diarrhoea.
Bayesian estimation of cell type-specific gene expression with prior derived from single-cell data

When assessed over a large number of samples, bulk RNA sequencing provides reliable data for gene expression at the tissue level. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) deepens those analyses by evaluating gene expression at the cellular level. Both data types lend insights into disease etiology. With current technologies, however, scRNA-seq data are known to be noisy. Moreover, constrained by costs, scRNA-seq data are typically generated from a relatively small number of subjects, which limits their utility for some analyses, such as identification of gene expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs). To address these issues, while maintaining the unique advantages of each data type, we develop a Bayesian method (bMIND) to integrate bulk and scRNA-seq data. With a prior derived from scRNA-seq data, we propose to estimate sample-level cell type-specific (CTS) expression from bulk expression data. The CTS expression enables large-scale sample-level downstream analyses, such as detection of CTS differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and eQTLs. Through simulations, we demonstrate that bMIND improves the accuracy of sample-level CTS expression estimates and power to discover CTS-DEGs when compared to existing methods. To further our understanding of two complex phenotypes, autism spectrum disorder and Alzheimer's disease, we apply bMIND to gene expression data of relevant brain tissue to identify CTS-DEGs. Our results complement findings for CTS-DEGs obtained from snRNA-seq studies, replicating certain DEGs in specific cell types while nominating other novel genes for those cell types. Finally, we calculate CTS-eQTLs for eleven brain regions by analyzing Genotype-Tissue Expression Project data, creating a new resource for biological insights.
Probabilistic Modeling of Information Dynamics in Networked Cyber–Physical–Social Systems

Cyber–physical–social systems (CPSS) are physical devices with highly integrated functions of sensing, computing, communication, and control, and are seamlessly embedded in human society. The levels of intelligence and functions that CPSS can perform rely on their extensive collaboration and information sharing through networks. In this article, information diffusion within CPSS networks is studied. Information dynamic models are proposed to characterize the evolution of information processing and decision-making capabilities of individual CPSS nodes. The data-driven statistical models are based on a mesoscale probabilistic graph model, where the individual nodes’ sensing and computing functions are represented as the probabilities of correct predictions; whereas the communication functions are represented as the probabilities of mutual influences between nodes. A copula dynamics model is proposed to explicitly capture the information dependency among individuals with joint prediction probabilities and estimated from extremal probabilities. A topology-informed vector autoregression model is proposed to represent the mutual influence of prediction capabilities. A spatial–temporal hybrid Gaussian process regression model is also proposed to simultaneously capture correlations between nodes and temporal correlation in the time series.
Why the DNA self-depurination mechanism operates in HB-β but not in β-globin paralogs HB-δ, HB-ɛ1, HB-γ1 and HB-γ2.

Abstract The human β-globin, δ-globin and ɛ-globin genes contain almost identical coding strand sequences centered about codon 6 having potential to form a stem-loop with a 5′GAGG loop. Provided with a sufficiently stable stem, such a structure can self-catalyze depurination of the loop 5′G residue, leading to a potential mutation hotspot. Previously, we showed that such a hotspot exists about codon 6 of β-globin, with by far the highest incidence of mutations across the gene, including those responsible for 6 anemias (notably Sickle Cell Anemia) and β-thalassemias. In contrast, we show here that despite identical loop sequences, there is no mutational hotspot in the δ- or ɛ1-globin potential self-depurination sites, which differ by only one or two base pairs in the stem region from that of the β-globin gene. These differences result in either one or two additional mismatches in the potential 7-base pair-forming stem region, thereby weakening its stability, so that either DNA cruciform extrusion from the duplex is rendered ineffective or the lifetime of the stem-loop becomes too short to permit self-catalysis to occur. Having that same loop sequence, paralogs HB-γ1 and HB-γ2 totally lack stem-forming potential. Hence the absence in δ- and ɛ1-globin genes of a mutational hotspot in what must now be viewed as non-functional homologs of the self-depurination site in β-globin. Such stem-destabilizing variants appeared early among vertebrates and remained conserved among mammals and primates. Thus, this study has revealed conserved sequence determinants of self-catalytic DNA depurination associated with variability of mutation incidence among human β-globin paralogs.
A PRELIMINARY STUDY ON EXTERNAL COUNTERPULSATION SYSTEM: AN ALTERNATIVE THERAPEUTIC OPTION FOR FONTAN PATIENTS

A PRELIMINARY STUDY ON EXTERNAL COUNTERPULSATION SYSTEM: AN ALTERNATIVE THERAPEUTIC OPTION FOR FONTAN PATIENTS By Joseph J. Hernandez, B.S. A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2014 Director: Dr. Gerald E. Miller Professor and Chair, Department of Biomedical Engineering In order to address the long-term complications that arise from poor venous return, a hallmark of the Fontan physiology, we assessed the feasibility of a non-invasive, home therapy that will improve the health of the patient during the heart transplant waiting period and ameliorate the quality of life. In order to achieve this goal we tested a device that applies pressure to the lower extremities of the body (legs and abdomen) in a pulsating fashion with the goal of augmenting systemic blood flow to the pulmonary arteries. This treatment will enhance flow from the great veins and through the lungs and serve as adjunctive clinical treatment of single ventricle physiology. The specific aim of this study was to show improvements in cardiorespiratory measurements after applying external pressure as a proxy for improved health in the Fontan patient. Various studies have shown the impaired exercise capacity of post-operative Fontan patients, but very
Thompson Receives 2013 Ocean Sciences Early Career Award: Response

I would like to thank my nominator, Jess Adkins, as well as my supporters for their contributions to my nomination and the AGU Ocean Sciences section for its selection. It is an honor to join the past recipients of this award.
Relationships among Pre-service Elementary Education Teachers’ Mathematical Achievement, Science-Based Cognition and Attitude

This study examined 87 elementary pre-service education teachers’ attitudes towards mathematics and science-based cognition – ascertaining the predictive value of these factors on mathematical achievement. In utilizing hierarchical regression analysis, 54% of the variability on mathematical achievement was explained by line graphing, logical thinking and attitude towards mathematics. Attitudes towards mathematics were found to mediate 5-7% of the variability between the line graphing and logical thinking variables with mathematical achievement. Path analysis further substantiated these results, as evidenced by a number of statistically significant goodness-of-fit indices and parameter estimates. As such, 53% of the total variability on the mathematical achievement outcome was attributed to line graphing, logical thinking and attitude towards mathematics. Taken together, results indicate that pre-service teachers having more positive attitudes in mathematics, as well as increased aptitudes for science-based line graphing and logical thinking were more likely to have higher mathematics achievement. Implications for teaching elementary mathematics methods courses are discussed.
Developmental profiling of gene expression in soybean trifoliate leaves and cotyledons

Immediately following germination, the developing soybean seedling relies on the nutrient reserves stored in the cotyledons to sustain heterotrophic growth. During the seed filling period, developing seeds rely on the transport of nutrients from the trifoliate leaves. In soybean, both cotyledons and leaves develop the capacity for photosynthesis, and subsequently senesce and abscise once their function has ended. Before this occurs, the nutrients they contain are mobilized and transported to other parts of the plant. These processes are carefully orchestrated by genetic regulation throughout the development of the leaf or cotyledon. To identify genes involved in the processes of leaf or cotyledon development and senescence in soybean, we used RNA-seq to profile multiple stages of cotyledon and leaf tissues. Differentially expressed genes between stages of leaf or cotyledon development were determined, major patterns of gene expression were defined, and shared genes were identified. Over 38,000 transcripts were expressed during the course of leaf and cotyledon development. Of those transcripts, 5,000 were expressed in a tissue specific pattern. Of the genes that were differentially expressed between both later stage tissues, 90 % had the same direction of change, suggesting that the mechanisms of senescence are conserved between tissues. Analysis of the enrichment of biological functions within genes sharing common expression profiles highlights the main processes occurring within these defined temporal windows of leaf and cotyledon development. Over 1,000 genes were identified with predicted regulatory functions that may have a role in control of leaf or cotyledon senescence. The process of leaf and cotyledon development can be divided into distinct stages characterized by the expression of specific gene sets. The importance of the WRKY, NAC, and GRAS family transcription factors as major regulators of plant senescence is confirmed for both soybean leaf and cotyledon tissues. These results help validate functional annotation for soybean genes and promoters.
Needs and expectations in a tool for exploring slave narratives: a survey of prospective users

This paper focuses on the results of a two-part survey to investigate the needs of potential users of an interface for exploring historical narratives. First, the survey asked university faculty and K-12 instructors to elucidate expectations and desires for an interface facilitating textual exploration, particularly of historical narratives. Then, the survey showed participants an experimental interface and asked participants to comment on its features. The results suggest that there were distinct needs specific to each user population in addition to general desires common to both groups. Some areas to emphasize in future design improvements include: more support for collaboration; support for different modes of engagement; greater support for historic themes that are traditionally studied in relation to slave narratives; and greater customizability. The main contributions of this work are as follows. First, the needs, expectations and perspectives of university faculty and K-12 teachers may differ with regards to interfaces for textual exploration, and that it is important to tailor interfaces to support their specific needs. Second, this survey provides insight concerning how text exploration interfaces might be employed in classroom settings, and the features that would be needed to support such use.
The Role of Gravity Waves in Solar-Terrestrial Atmosphere Coupling and Severe Storm Detection

The role that gravity waves play in the coupling of the solar wind and the ionosphere, the coupling of high and low latitude ionospheres, and the coupling of the ionosphere and the neutral atmosphere are discussed. Examples are given of the detection of tornado touchdowns from locating the sources of the gravity waves.
On Unbiased Lp Regression Estimators

Abstract Consider the familiar linear model y = Xβ + e. In an ingenious article by Sielken and Hartley (1973) it was shown how one can construct a computational scheme that will generate unbiased L 1 or L ∞ estimators even when multiple solutions exist. In a recent paper, Harvey (1978) provides a simple proof of unbiasedness for Lp estimators, 1 < p < ∞, under the assumption that the linear model is of full column rank; this insures that the estimator is unique. In this note it is shown that Sielken and Hartley's computational scheme can be extended to include unbiased Lp estimators, p ≥ 1, without requiring a rank condition.
Human based genetic algorithm

A new class of genetic algorithms (GA) is presented. It is based on the idea of outsourcing, a popular trend in business. In a human based genetic algorithm (HBGA), all primary genetic operators are outsourced, i.e. delegated to external human agents. A totally outsourced genetic algorithm uses both human evaluation and the human ability of innovation. It is a multi-agent environment and the mediator of communication between multiple heterogenous agents. The advantage of this approach is its ability to address complex problems for which it is hard, not only to evaluate individuals, but to find a good representation for them. These qualities allow HBGA to process flows of information without knowledge of its particular structure and representation. The suggested conceptual approach can also be used as a general model and a way of thinking about different kinds of genetic algorithms.
Scalar control methods

This chapter introduces two-inductance, Γ and Γ’, per-phase equivalent circuits of the induction motor for explanation of the scalar control methods. The Γ and Γ’ two-inductance steady-state equivalent circuits of the induction motor facilitate explanation of scalar speed and torque control methods. The scalar control, consisting of adjusting the magnitude and frequency of stator voltages or currents, does not guarantee good dynamic performance of the drive, because transient states of the motor are not considered in control algorithms. The chapter presents the open-loop, constant volts hertz, and closed-loop speed control methods and explains field weakening, and compensation of slip and stator voltage drop. Finally, the chapter describes scalar torque control, based on decomposition of the stator current into the flux-producing and torque-producing components.
Phishing Attacks and Countermeasures

This chapter surveys phishing attacks and their countermeasures. We first examine the underlying ecosystem that facilitates these attacks. Then we go into some detail with regard to the techniques phishers use, the kind of brands they target, as well as variations on traditional attacks. Finally, we describe several proposed countermeasures to phishing attacks and their relative merits.
An Active Power Control System for Wind Turbines Capable of Primary and Secondary Frequency Control for Supporting Grid Reliability

Wind energy is producing a larger share of power on many utility grids as more wind turbines are installed, providing motivation for wind turbines to provide ancillary services that are necessary for power grid reliability. The ancillary services considered in this paper consist of actively controlling the power output of the wind turbines to track power set-point commands, participate in frequency regulation, and provide frequency response. This paper focuses on the development of a wind turbine control system that is capable of varying the turbine’s active power output upon receiving de-rating power set-point commands, manual power commands, and automatic frequency regulation commands to meet the system operators’ needs in below-rated and above-rated wind speeds. The turbine is de-rated by operating at a higher than optimal tip speed ratio, storing additional inertia in the rotor, which can be used to assist in frequency regulation by providing a primary response to fluctuations in the grid frequency.
A Desperate Solution: Individual Autonomy and the Double-Blind Controlled Experiment

The randomization ingredient in double-blind controlled experiments may be objectionable to patients who, in their desperation, come to such trials seeking a last chance of cure. Minogue et al., who view such a situation as inherently exploitive and undermining of patient autonomy, propose that such "desperate volunteers" instead be enrolled in the active arm, while other patients, less desperate and more committed to medical progress, continue to be randomized. Their view is critiqued as destructive of medical progress, inappropriate in its lack of clinical response to such patients, and fatally flawed by unrealistic notions of autonomy and voluntariness.
Pipelined IIR Filter Architecture Using Pole-Radius Minimization

An extension of a polynomial consists of the polynomial plus higher power terms. Given a polynomial with real coefficients and an integer larger than its degree, a method is given that produces a finite list of extensions of degree this larger integer such that this list necessarily contains the extension whose largest root is as small as possible. This extension is called the pole radius minimizer. The pole radius minimizer is then found by the finite check of comparing the polynomials in the list. The method is applied to obtain filter transformations that are optimal as regards throughput, but also have considerable savings in hardware overhead compared with standard methods such as Scattered Lookahead and Minimum Order Augmentation. The table in Section 5 gives an explicit comparison for various kinds of filters.
Nitric oxide production by lymphatic endothelial cells in vitro

The present study demonstrates that confluent monolayer cultures of lymphatic endothelial cells produce and secrete NO. Immunofluorescent studies showed that eNOS activity can be stimulated with Ca ionophore to enhance the production of NO. Cells exposed to LPS and various cytokines stimulated the production of iNOS which showed the greatest increase in activity at 4 hrs and declined at 18 and 24 hrs. These studies provide evidence that, within the lymphatic vascular lumen, nitric oxide may be produced by the lymphatic endothelium which interact with various vasoactive substances to regulate lymphatic vascular tone. In addition, the production of NO by LEC may be important in the regulation of lymphatic vascular tone in order to more readily accommodate sudden fluctuations in lymph flow and pressure that normally occur during the process of lymph formation and propulsion.
Lipoxygenase activity in the oomyceteSaprolegnia is dependent on environmental cues and reproductive competence

Abstract Saprolegnia ferax grows vegetatively when not nutrient limited; however, when starved, it switches to sexual reproduction. Saprolegnia parasitica does not show this reproductive competence in response to starvation. This study examined lipoxygenase activity in S. ferax and S. parasitica during starvation. Lipoxygenase activity in starved cultures of S. ferax decreased in a time-dependent manner, reaching less than 20% of initial levels by 72 h and decreasing to less than 10% by 192 h, the onset of reproductive structures. S. ferax showed no decline in peroxidase activity over 72 h of starvation. S. parasitica had initial lipoxygenase activity 50% greater than S. ferax and showed no decline in lipoxygenase activity during 72 h of starvation and only a small decline at 192 h. Starved S. ferax cultures resumed vegetative growth after transfer back to rich medium, and lipoxygenase activity returned to 70–80% of initial levels after 24 h in rich medium. S. ferax cultures transferred to full-strength medium maintained initial lipoxygenase activity levels for 48 h, then showed a sharp decrease between 48 and 72 h, the time at which nutrients become limiting. Cultures transferred to 40 and 20% strength media showed more rapid declines in lipoxygenase activity. These data demonstrate that starvation, an environmental cue that initiates sexual reproduction, depresses lipoxygenase activity in the reproductively competent S. ferax but not in the reproductively recalcitrant S. parasitica . These data are consistent with the hypothesis that lipoxygenase products are associated with vegetative growth but not sexual reproduction.
The political economy of American racism — Nonblack decision-making and black economic status

To detach oneself and treat others like so many objects is not to be value-free but to choose to devalue others.Charles Hampden-Turner Radical Man, The Process of Psycho-Social Development
Total Hip Replacement

Total hip replacement in the dog has proved to be a highly successful method of restoring normal, pain-free motion to the coxofemoral joint. In a prospective study done at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine and the Berwyn Veterinary Associates Hospital, the indications and contraindications, the most effective surgical technique, the complication rate, and the long-term functional evaluation have been established for canine total hip replacements. This study has established that a 95 per cent success rate for function of the hip joint can be achieved if the established guidelines are followed.
Current Understanding of Cu-Exchanged Chabazite Molecular Sieves for Use as Commercial Diesel Engine DeNOx Catalysts

Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx with ammonia using metal-exchanged molecular sieves with a chabazite structure has recently been commercialized on diesel vehicles. One of the commercialized catalysts, i.e., Cu-SSZ-13, has received much attention for both practical and fundamental studies. For the latter, the particularly well-defined structure of this zeolite is allowing long-standing issues of the catalytically active site for SCR in metal-exchanged zeolites to be addressed. In this review, recent progress is summarized with a focus on two areas. First, the technical significance of Cu-SSZ-13 as compared to other Cu ion-exchanged zeolites (e.g., Cu-ZSM-5 and Cu-beta) is highlighted. Specifically, the much enhanced hydrothermal stability for Cu-SSZ-13 compared to other zeolite catalysts is addressed via performance measurements and catalyst characterization using several techniques. The enhanced stability of Cu-SSZ-13 is rationalized in terms of the unique small pore structure of this zeolite catalyst. Second, the fundamentals of the catalytically active center; i.e., the chemical nature and locations within the SSZ-13 framework are presented with an emphasis on understanding structure–function relationships. For the SCR reaction, traditional kinetic studies are complicated by intra-crystalline diffusion limitations. However, a major side reaction, nonselective ammonia oxidation by oxygen, does not suffer from mass-transfer limitations at relatively low temperatures due to significantly lower reaction rates. This allows structure–function relationships that are rather well understood in terms of Cu ion locations and redox properties. Finally, some aspects of the SCR reaction mechanism are addressed on the basis of in situ spectroscopic studies.
Business ethics and doing what one ought to do

There are situations in human life where the failure to perform a certain act can be morally blameworthy and at the same time not constitute the failure of moral duty or obligation. While traditional approaches to ethics have not acknowledged the possibility of these acts, recent contributions to the literature have made a strong and convincing case for their existence. Here I explain the nature of these acts, present some examples of these acts as they might arise in one's business or professional life, and point out the importance of recognizing and performing these acts for those who wish to practice good ethics in their business or professional lives.
Noise, fitness distribution, and selection intensity in genetic algorithms

Many Genetic Algorithm (GA) problems have noisy fitness functions. In this paper, we describe a mathematical model of the noise distribution after selection and then show how this model of the noise distribution can be used to model the real, underlying selection intensity of the GA population, which promises to give us a better way to model GA convergence in the presence of noise.
Role of the EASL, RECIST, and WHO response guidelines alone or in combination for hepatocellular carcinoma: Radiologic–pathologic correlation

Background & Aims We sought to study receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL), Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST), and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for assessing response following locoregional therapies individually and in various combinations. Methods Eighty-one patients with hepatocellular carcinoma underwent liver explantation following locoregional therapies. Response was assessed using EASL, RECIST, and WHO. Kappa statistics were used to determine inter-method agreement. Uni/multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the variables predicting complete pathologic necrosis. Numerical values were assigned to the response classes: complete response=0, partial response=1, stable disease=2, and progressive disease=3. Various mathematical combinations of EASL and WHO were tested to calculate scores and their ROCs were studied using pathological examination of the explant as the gold standard. Results Median times (95% CI) to the WHO, RECIST, and EASL responses were 5.3 (4–11.5), 5.6 (4–11.5), and 1.3months (1.2–1.5), respectively. Kappa coefficients for WHO/RECIST, WHO/EASL, and RECIST/EASL were 0.78, 0.28, and 0.31, respectively. EASL response demonstrated significant odds ratios for predicting complete pathologic necrosis on uni/multivariate analyses. Calculated areas under the ROC curves were: RECIST: 0.63, WHO: 0.68, EASL: 0.82, EASL+WHO: 0.82, EASL×WHO: 0.85, EASL+(2×WHO): 0.79 and (2×EASL)+WHO: 0.85. An EASL×WHO Score of ⩽1 had 90.2% sensitivity for predicting complete pathologic necrosis. Conclusions The product of WHO and EASL demonstrated better ROC than the individual guidelines for assessment of tumor response. EASL×WHO scoring system provides a simple and clinically applicable method of response assessment following locoregional therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Transmission-Line Type Large Digital Spark Chambers

A transmission-line type digital spark chamber is described consisting of electrodes of etched wires on an "H" Film substrate, backed by a bonded metal foil. The foils are pulsed from one end and are terminated and connected to the wires at the other end. The chamber gives uniform response. The size of the spark was investigated for several HV pulse shapes and amplitudes. The efficiency is high even to multiple sparks because the spark impedance in gases with quenching vapors is high relative to the line impedance, and because of the strong coupling to the pulsed foils.
Transcendence of multi-indexed infinite series

We consider the transcendence of the multi-indexed series ∑n1,…,nk=1∞f(n1,…,nk)n1⋯nk and then extend our results to series of the form ∑n1,…,nk=0∞f(n1,…,nk)A1(n1)⋯Ak(nk)B1(n1)⋯Bk(nk) where f is a k-periodic function and each Ai(x),Bi(x) is a polynomial with algebraic coefficients. We relate these series to special values of the digamma function as well as polygamma functions. We also show some conditional implications on the transcendence of the series via Schanuel's Conjecture.
Recurrence of gestational diabetes: pregnancy outcome and birth weight diversity

Objective: Objective: We sought to evaluate birth weight diversity and pregnancy outcome in women with two consecutive pregnancies complicated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).Methods: A retrospective longitudinal study of 389 patients with two consecutive GDM pregnancies was assessed for pregnancy outcome and fetal weight diversity. Since there is a tendency towards repetition or moderate increase in fetal weight in subsequent non-diabetic pregnancies, consecutive GDM pregnancies were stratified into three categories. They consisted of: an increase in birth weight of more than 250 g between GDM pregnancies for the same gestational age at delivery, and considered significant; an increase in birth weight of more than 100 g but less than 250 g; and a decrease in birth weight in the second GDM pregnancy compared to the index pregnancy. Any change in birth weight of up to 100 g between the two pregnancies was considered comparable.Results: The mean interval between the two diabetic pregnancies was 3 y...
Leaky-mode resonance photonics: Principles and applications

The fundamentals of the guided-mode resonance effect occurring in periodic layers are presented. The chief features of the associated photonic leaky-mode band structure are explained. Photonic device applications including filters, polarizers, wideband reflectors, tunable elements, and biosensors are summarized.
Evidence of Tissue Growth Factor Beta TGF-β 1 - Induced Sclerosis in the Glomeruli of Children with Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)• 1843

Pathogenesis of childhood nephrotic syndrome, whether the lesion is minimal change (MCD) or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), remains elusive. Based on the presence of elevated cytokine levels in the peripheral blood, a T-cell induced injury could be postulated. To test the hypothesis that infiltrating T-cell actively contribute to the glomerular injury in children with nephrotic syndrome (NS), we have studied the intrarenal transcription of various T-cell related chemokines, cytokines and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) effector molecules in the renal biopsy tissue of 53 children with a variety of histologic lesions. These lesions included MCD (n=7), FSGS (n=20), IgM nephropathy (n=7), lupus nephropathy (n=10), and others (IgA, etc., (n=9)). The biopsies were performed for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Two core samples of tissue were obtained. One core was submitted to the pathology lab for morphological diagnosis; the other core was placed in a 1 ml NUNC® cryo tube, sealed, immediately snap frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at-70° Celsius, then shipped, on dry ice, to the molecular laboratory for gene transcript studies. Intrarenal gene expression was studied using reverse transcription assisted RT PCR.
The muscle stretch reflex throughout the menstrual cycle.

AB Introduction: The significant sex disparity in sports-related knee injuries may be due to underlying differences in motor control. Although the development of sex-specific movement patterns is likely multifactorial, this study specifically focuses on the potential modulatory role of sex hormones. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the muscle stretch reflex (MSR) across the menstrual cycle. We hypothesized that the MSR would fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle and that the lowest response would correspond with peak concentrations of estrogen. Methods: Nineteen healthy women age 18-35 yr participated in this study: 8 eumenorrheic women and 11 women taking oral contraceptives. Serum estradiol and progesterone concentrations, anterior knee laxity (AKL), and the MSR response of the quadriceps muscles were measured three times during the menstrual cycle. Results: The MSR response of the rectus femoris (RF) varied significantly across the menstrual cycle in both groups. Specifically, the RF MSR response was 2.4 times lower during the periovulatory phase when compared with the luteal phase (P = 0.007). The same trend was seen in the vastus medialis, but this did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.070). The MSR response of the vastus lateralis did not change significantly across the menstrual cycle (P = 0.494). A mixed model comparison did not show an association between endogenous concentrations of estradiol and progesterone, exposure to hormonal contraceptives or AKL, and the MSR response for any muscle. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that the RF MSR response varies throughout the menstrual cycle with the lowest response around the time of ovulation. Additional research is needed to clarify the exact relationship between sex hormones, AKL, and MSR response and to determine the specific origin of the change along the monosynaptic reflex arc.
Recent advances in vertical cavity surface emitting lasers and their applications

Summary form only given. There has been tremendous progress on vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSEL) in the past several years. Advances on device performance continue to proceed at an ever increasing rate. In addition, VCSEL-based transmitters are expected to play a key role in datacom market. In this tutorial, we will review some state-of-the-art results, both at device level as well as system results. We will discuss VCSEL designs for emission at wide range of wavelengths from 650 nm to 1.55 /spl mu/m. Progress on tunable VCSELs, multiwavelength laser arrays will be reviewed. Packaging, reliability, and thermal management will be discussed. Finally, an overview of future prospects and directions will be discussed.
Evaluation of fracture mechanics parameters in bimaterial systems using strain gages

Abstract An experimental study has been conducted in which strain fields were used to investigate and characterize the behavior of interfacial cracks in bimaterial systems under quasi-static load conditions. Strain field equations were derived from the available stress field equations. A parametric study was followed by experimentation, in which strain gage techniques were used to obtain values of the complex stress intensity factor,K, in the region of the crack tip. These values were then compared with the theoretical predictions. Furthermore, proven photoelastic techniques were also used to provide additional confirmation of the strain gage results. Experiments were conducted using a PSM-1/aluminum bimaterial system to determineK and mixity ψ. The results showed that values of K1 obtained using strain gages averaged approximately 11% deviation from theory, while K2 compared much better with an average of about 4% deviation from theory.
Biomarkers in Neonatal Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus

Posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) is a rare but serious outcome among premature babies in the NICU, with consequences including mortality and severe neurodevelopmental disabilities. The causes of PHH are still not entirely understood, and its prevention and treatment are controversial. Various cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers have been studied in infants with PHH in order to recognize the causes, diagnose brain injury, and predict neurodevelopmental outcomes. This systematic review summarizes studies on biomarkers of extracellular matrix activity, fibrinolysis/coagulation, hypoxia/cell death, and inflammation in the cerebrospinal fluid of infants with PHH.
Electrokinetic Clarification of Colloidal Suspensions

A novel apparatus has been developed for the electrophoretic clarification of concentrated colloidal suspensions. The laboratory equipment is capable of being scaled up to much larger capacity. The apparatus was designed to process suspensions in either batch or semicontinuous operation, and it has been used to demonstrate the removal of coal/clay colloidal matter from the effluent of a coal-washing facility. In addition, a parametric study of sodium−bentonite suspensions in batch operation was performed to elucidate the effects of initial colloid and electrolyte (NaCl) concentrations on the rate of clarification and the instantaneous power requirements. It was found that an increase in either the initial particle or electrolyte concentration (up to 50 mg of NaCl/L) caused a decrease in the instantaneous power levels but increased the time necessary to reach a given solution clarification. Typical electrophoretic clarification experiments resulted in 99.9% removal of the colloidal matter. In semicontinuou...
Skeletal system: Biomechanical concepts and relationships to normal and abnormal conditions

The human skeleton is a remarkable organ that is uniquely designed to provide structural support and to house the body's hematopoietic system and mineral resevoirs. Seven concepts that will assist the clinician in understanding skeletal function are (1) material properties of bone, (2) stress and strain, (3) bending moments and torsional loads, (4) area moments of inertia, (5) fatigue and catastrophic failure, (6) Wolff's law, and (7) stress risers and open section effect. For example, as the modulus of a bone, a measure of stiffness decreases as in Padget's disease or fibrous displasia and the same levels of stress will cause greater deformations. The sum of these principles also explains the torus fracture (ductility), fracture of the olecranon by contracting tricep muscle (tensile loading), osteoporotic compression fracture of the spine, and the other biomechanical lesions that are encountered. Understanding these basic biomechanical principles can help physicians comprehend neoplastic yprocsses and fractures that are the metabolic responses of the skeleton to stress and that appear on the radionuclide bone scan.
Mathematical modeling of annular reactors

Abstract A generalized mathematical model for describing the whole-cell hollow-fiber reactor and the annular bed reactor is presented. The annular reactor model consists of a mixed-type problem for which a novel numerical procedure is developed. The procedure is demonstrated for a number of examples.