cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Boron Nitride Coating on Carbon Nanotubes

A method to synthesize boron nitride coating on the surface of carbon nanotubes (nanofibers) without damaging the tube walls has been developed. A reaction between boric acid and ammonia was performed at moderate temperatures on the surface of carbon nanotubes to form boron nitride (BN) coatings. The surface structure of the carbon nanotubes significantly influences the morphology of the boron nitride coating. If the surface of the tubes is free of defects, highly crystallized insulating BN nanotubes can encapsulate carbon nanotubes. On the surface of carbon nanotubes with disordered wall structure, a polycrystalline BN sheath was produced.
Human mesenchymal stem cells make cardiac connexins and form functional gap junctions.

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are a multipotent cell population with the potential to be a cellular repair or delivery system provided that they communicate with target cells such as cardiac myocytes via gap junctions. Immunostaining revealed typical punctate staining for Cx43 and Cx40 along regions of intimate cell-to-cell contact between hMSCs. The staining patterns for Cx45 rather were typified by granular cytoplasmic staining. hMSCs exhibited cell-to-cell coupling to each other, to HeLa cells transfected with Cx40, Cx43 and Cx45 and to acutely isolated canine ventricular myocytes. The junctional currents (Ij) recorded between hMSC pairs exhibited quasi-symmetrical and asymmetrical voltage (Vj) dependence. Ij records from hMSC–HeLaCx43 and hMSC–HeLaCx40 cell pairs also showed symmetrical and asymmetrical Vj dependence, while hMSC–HeLaCx45 pairs always produced asymmetrical Ij with pronounced Vj gating when the Cx45 side was negative. Symmetrical Ij suggests that the dominant functional channel is homotypic, while the asymmetrical Ij suggests the activity of another channel type (heterotypic, heteromeric or both). The hMSCs exhibited a spectrum of single channels with transition conductances (γj) of 30–80pS. The macroscopic Ij obtained from hMSC–cardiac myocyte cell pairs exhibited asymmetrical Vj dependence, while single channel events revealed γj of the size range 40–100pS. hMSC coupling via gap junctions to other cell types provides the basis for considering them as a therapeutic repair or cellular delivery system to syncytia such as the myocardium.
A model system for evaluating shear in the design of stirred fermentors

A model system, utilizing shear-sensitive protozoa, has been developed for characterizing the disruptive forces in agitated systems. The model system gives a measure of the maximum shear stresses in the apparatus being tested, and is particularly useful when tissue fragility is a factor in fermentor design. The time dependency of protozoan disruption is shown and discussed. Breakdown data in conventional stirred vessels and a laminar shear device are presented and discussed.
Sporadic Aberrant Crypt Foci Are Not a Surrogate Endpoint for Colorectal Adenoma Prevention

Although colorectal cancer (CRC) remains the second most frequent cause of cancer-related death in industrialized countries, reductions in the numbers of deaths from this cancer are responsible for reductions in the total numbers of U.S. cancer deaths for the past 2 years ([1][1]). To understand the
Static and dynamic lateral loads for a low aspect ratio wing at low Reynolds numbers

The longitudinal aerodynamics of Micro Aerial Vehicles (MAVs) are not fully understood but have been experimentally investigated in recent years; little work has been done to study the lateral loads experienced by these vehicles. In this study, flat plate wings are used as a canonical case capable of isolating the effects of three dimensional flow phenomena on low aspect ratio wings. Rectangular planforms of aspect ratios AR = 0:75;1;1:5 and 3and tapered planforms of = 0:75;0:5 and 0:25were placed in the wind tunnel at a Reynolds numbers of 7:5 10 4 and tested at a variety of angles of attack and sideslip to measure the static values of side force, yaw moment and roll moment. The first two were typically negligible; however, the roll moment coefficient Cl was found to increase linearly with angle of attack to values over 1.5 before stalling in a manner qualitatively similar to a lift curve. The ‘roll stall’ even has not previously been discussed in literature and is attributed to the asymmetric distribution of tip vortices experienced by a low aspect ratio wing in sideslip. Dynamic tests were conducted by yawing the AR=1 wing through the same sideslip angles at increasing angular rates; it was found that the dynamic results lagged the static results as the formation of the tip vortices was affected by the motion of the model; furthermore the maximum value of Cl was reduced by up to 10% of the static value.
A study of fracture callus material properties: Relationship to the torsional strength of bone

This study was designed to quantitate the local material properties of fracture callus during gap healing and to relate these local properties to the torsional strength of bone in a canine model under external fixation. Bilateral tibial transverse osteotomies were performed in 32 dogs and stabilized using unilateral external skeletal fixators with a 2-mm gap. Dogs were divided into four equal groups and euthanized at either 2, 4, 8, or 12 weeks. The torsional properties of one bone of each pair were determined. In both bones of each pair, the indentation stiffness, calcium content, and histomorphometric properties of six sites of periosteal callus, six sites of endosteal callus, four sites of cortical bone, and two sites of gap tissue were determined. Each of the four types of tissue had a specific structural or material property change during the study period. The indentation stiffness of periosteal callus increased up to 8 weeks and then plateaued. Endosteal callus stiffness peaked at 8 weeks and then decreased by 12 weeks. Gap tissue stiffness increased linearly over time. Cortical bone stiffness decreased over time. Indentation stiffness was significantly associated with the calcium content of periosteal callus (R2 = 0.50, p < 0.0001) and gap tissue (R2 = 0.66, p < 0.0001). The local stiffnesses of gap tissue and periosteal callus were significantly associated with the maximum torque (gap, R2 = 0.50, p < 0.0001; periosteal, R2 = 0.34, p < 0.05) and the torsional stiffness (gap, R2 = 0.44, p < 0.0001; periosteal, R2 = 0.65, p < 0.0001) of the bone. Changes in local material properties corresponded to histologic changes in new bone formation and porosity of the four tissues.
Four-user 10-Gb/s spectrally phase-coded O-CDMA system operating at /spl sim/30 fJ/bit

We demonstrate a four-user 10-Gb/s spectrally phase-coded optical code-division multiple-access system via nonlinear processing with ultralow power (/spl sim/30 fJ/bit). Full interference suppression is achieved in a time-slotted scheme without the need for chip-level coordination and synchronous detection. Performance degradation caused by pulse overlap between users is investigated.
Ruptures of the pectoralis major muscle An anatomic and clinical analysis

We evaluated 12 patients with 14 ruptures of the pectoralis major muscle to compare surgical and conservative management of this injury. Because 9 of the injuries occurred while weight lifting, we performed an anatomic study on human hemithorax specimens during a simulated bench press to determine the mechanism of this rare occurrence. Excursion of individual pectoralis muscle fibers was measured at seven points along the broad muscle origin by the use of fine wires connected to the humeral insertion and to dial gauges on the study apparatus. Excursions in the concentric and eccentric phases of the lift were expressed as a percentage of resting fiber length. The short, inferior fibers of the muscle lengthened disproportionately during the final 30 degrees of humeral extension. We concluded that the inferior fibers have a mechanical disadvantage in the final portion of the eccentric phase of the lift, and application of high loads to these maximally stretched fibers produces rupture. We repaired five acute and two chronic ruptures, and measured peak torque and work production against the contralateral side using Cybex isokinetic testing. Surgically treated patients showed comparable torque and work measurements, while conservatively treated individuals demonstrated and marked deficit in both peak torque and work/repetition. We recommend repair of complete pectoralis muscle ruptures in active patients who require maximum strength in vocational or avocational activities.
Liver position is best prenatal predictor of need for ECMO and survival in left congenital diaphragmatic hernia

SURVIVAL IN LEFT CONGENITAL DIAPHRAGMATIC HERNIA HOLLY HEDRICK, ENRICO DANZER, HUAQING ZHAO, AZIZ MERCHANT, ALAN FLAKE, KENNETH LIECHTY, LORI HOWELL, MARK JOHNSON, DOUGLAS WILSON, MICHAEL BEBBINGTON, SCOTT ADZICK, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Biostatistics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania OBJECTIVE: To compare the ability of liver position (LP) and lung-to-head circumference ratio (LHR) to predict the need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and survival in fetuses with isolated left congenital diaphragmatic hernia (LCDH). STUDY DESIGN: We reviewed prenatal studies, hospital course, and postnatal outcomes of LCDH presenting to a single institution between January 1996 and January 2006. Logistic regression models were used to explain the need for ECMO using LP, LHR and gestational age (GA). Survival was determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Cox regression models were used to explore associations between LHR, LP, GA and survival. RESULTS: Eighty-nine cases with LCDH received prenatal and postnatal care at our institution. Overall 10-year survival was 66.3% at median follow up of survivors 57.8 months (range, 8-120 months). LP was intrathoracic in 49/89 (55%). In fetuses with liver-up, 39/49 (80%) required ECMO compared to 10/ 40 (25%) for those with liver-down (p!0.0001). Ten-year survival rate was 45% compared to 93% for those with liver-down (p!0.0001). Severe LHR (!1.0) predicted increased incidence of ECMO (75%, p=0.036) and lower 10year survival rate (34%, p=0.0003). Median GA at LHR measurement was 24.3 weeks. A lower LHR correlated with an increased need for ECMO and shorter time to survival independent of GA at time of measurement (ECMO, p=0.008; survival, p=0.007). When GA and LP were jointly fit into models, LHR (ECMO p=0.19, survival p=0.067) was no longer predictive of outcome at less than 24 weeks while LP (ECMO p!0.0005, survival p=0.001) remained highly predictive. CONCLUSION: LP is the best prenatal predictor of need for ECMO and survival in LCDH. LHR alone should not be used to counsel families regarding midgestational management choices.
Sustainable dual-level DVFS-enabled NoC with on-chip wireless links

Wireless Network-on-Chip (WiNoC) has emerged as an enabling technology to design low power and high bandwidth massive multi-core chips. The performance advantages mainly stem from using the wireless links as long-range shortcuts between far apart cores. This performance gain can be enhanced further if the characteristics of the wireline links and the processing cores of the WiNoC are optimized according to the traffic patterns and workloads. In this work, we demonstrate that by incorporating both processor- and network-level dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) in a WiNoC, the power and thermal profiles can be enhanced without a significant impact on the overall execution time. We also show that depending on the benchmark applications, temperature hotspots can be formed either in the processing core or in the network infrastructure. The proposed dual-level DVFS is capable of addressing both.
Abstract 201: Direct but not Indirect Activation of Sympathetic Ganglia Leads to Higher Neuronal Activation in Normotensive Than Deoxycorticosterone-salt Hypertensive Rats

Sympathetic activity is chronically elevated in hypertensive human patients and in many animal models of hypertension, including the deoxycorticosterone (DOCA)-salt rat model. Sympathetic ganglia receive signals from the central nervous system and relay them to blood vessels and peripheral organs. How sympathetic ganglia respond to activation signals differently in hypertension is not fully understood. We examined how direct and indirect activators of sympathetic ganglia would influence neuronal activation. 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) is a glucose analog that causes hypoglycemia leading to centrally-mediated, indirect activation of celiac ganglia, a prevertebral sympathetic ganglion. Nicotine directly activates sympathetic ganglia by acting on cholinergic receptors found on most sympathetic neurons. Acute neuronal activation was examined by measuring c-fos immunoreactivity (ir). We hypothesized that since there is higher chronic sympathetic activity in DOCA-salt hypertensive than normotensive rats, both direct and indirect acute activators will induce higher c-fos expression in sympathetic ganglia of normotensive than hypertensive rats. Maximal c-fos expression for 2-DG (800mg/kg i.p.) and nicotine (2mg/kg s.c.) treatments was observed 2hrs post-treatment and for all following experiments, celiac ganglia were dissected and fixed 2hrs post-treatment. Following nicotine treatment, c-fos expression was significantly higher in celiac ganglia of normotensive (25.5 ± 9.7 c-fos ir neurons/m^2) than hypertensive (12.0 ± 4.8 c-fos ir neurons/m^2) rats. However, following 2-DG treatment, c-fos expression was similar in celiac ganglia of normotensive (49.1 ± 17.6 c-fos ir neurons/m^2) and hypertensive (49.4 ± 16.0 c-fos ir neurons/m^2). In contrast with our hypothesis, only the direct but not the indirect activation of sympathetic ganglia induced higher sympathetic neuronal activation in normotensive than hypertensive rats. Thus, a centrally-mediated metabolic stimulus does not activate pathways to sympathetic ganglia differentially in normotension versus hypertension. However, direct ganglionic stimulation leads to greater neuronal activation in normotensive than hypertensive ganglia.
Transformation-Range Viscosity and Thermal Property of Sodium Silicate Glasses

The viscosity and thermal properties of glasses in the system Na2O-SiO2 were measured near the transformation temperature. The parameters of fragility, ΔCp and Eη/Tg, increased with an increase in Na2O content. Results of these measurements showed a good correlation between ΔCp and Eη/Tg.
Evaluation of Linear, Inviscid, Viscous, and Reduced-Order Modeling Aeroelastic Solutions of the AGARD 445.6 Wing Using Root Locus Analysis

Reduced-order modeling (ROM) methods are applied to the CFD-based aeroelastic analysis of the AGARD 445.6 wing in order to gain insight regarding well-known discrepancies between the aeroelastic analyses and the experimental results. The results presented include aeroelastic solutions using the inviscid CAP-TSD code and the FUN3D code (Euler and Navier-Stokes). Full CFD aeroelastic solutions and ROM aeroelastic solutions, computed at several Mach numbers, are presented in the form of root locus plots in order to better reveal the aeroelastic root migrations with increasing dynamic pressure. Important conclusions are drawn from these results including the ability of the linear CAP-TSD code to accurately predict the entire experimental flutter boundary (repeat of analyses performed in the 1980's), that the Euler solutions at supersonic conditions indicate that the third mode is always unstable, and that the FUN3D Navier-Stokes solutions stabilize the unstable third mode seen in the Euler solutions.
Images in clinical medicine: A smooth patch on the tongue.

A smooth, well-demarcated patch without papillae on the posterior portion of the tongue was discovered incidentally while the oropharynx of a 65-year-old woman was being examined. On inquiry, she said that she had been aware of the unusual appearance of her tongue since childhood and that the lesion's size and shape had been stable since that time. She reported no tongue pain, dysphagia, dysarthria, or bleeding. There was no evidence of candidiasis on the tongue or adjacent structures. There was no regional lymphadenopathy, and the patient reported no constitutional symptoms such as fever or weight loss. There was no history . . .
Syntheses of Diphenylaminodiazidophosphane and Diphenylaminofluoroazidophosphane.

Diphenylaminodiazidophosphane (C6H5)2NP(N3)2 was synthesized from the corresponding dihalides (C6H5)2NPX2 (X = F, Cl) and (CH3)3SiN3. The new compound was characterized by vibrational as well as multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, and some of its physical properties are reported. The intermediate compound (C6H5)2NPF(N3) was observed by NMR spectroscopy. Vibrational and NMR data of (C6H5)2NPX2 (X = F,Cl) are also reported.
Analysis of PARSEC workload scalability

PARSEC is a popular benchmark suite designed to facilitate the study of CMPs. It is composed of 13 parallel applications, each with an input set intended for native execution, as well as three reduced-size simulation input sets. Each benchmark also demarcates a Region of Interest (ROI) that indicates the parallel code in the application. The PARSEC developers state that users should model only the ROI when using simulation inputs; in other cases the native input set should be used to obtain results representative of full program execution. We analyzed the runtime scalability of PARSEC using real multiprocessor systems and present our results in this paper. For each benchmark we analyzed the runtime scalability of both the ROI and full execution for all the input sets. We found that for 6 of the benchmarks the ROI scalability matches that of the full program regardless of the input set used. For the remaining 7 benchmarks, for at least some of the input sets there is significant divergence between the scalability of the ROI and the full program. Three of these benchmarks have much lower scalability for the full program than the ROI, even when run with the native input set. We found that for most of the benchmarks the runtime scalability of the simulation inputs differs significantly from that of the native input set, both for the ROI and the full program.
Micropropagation of Phalaenopsis amabilis var. ‘Manila’ by Leaves Obtained from in Vitro Culturing the Nodes of Flower Stalks

Orchids are one of the most popular plants in the world and among them the species of Phalaenopsis have the most sales on the global market. Because of its difficult propagation, micropropagation has been suggested recently. In the current study, the leaves obtained from in vitro culture of flower stalk nodes were used as explants and were cultured on MS medium with different concentrations of NAA, BA and TDZ. Protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) were produced and transferred to medium without growth regulators. Finally, the adaptation of plants was evaluated in a medium of cocopeat + coal (3:1 v/v) and another medium of cocopeat + charcoal + LECA (2:1:2 v/v). Results showed that the highest percentage of active samples was 100% which could regenerate the PLBs by being treated with 4 mg/l TDZ. The lowest active samples (60%) were those treated in the medium with 4 mg/l BAP + 0.5 mg/l NAA. The highest PLBs per explant (50.65) were obtained in the medium supplemented with 15 mg/l BAP + 3 mg/l NAA. Best acclimation (90%) of plants was obtained when medium of cocopeat + charcoal + LECA (2:1:2 v/v) was used. According to the results of the current experiment, the MS culture medium containing 15 mg/l BAP + 3 mg/l NAA was thereby considered as the best medium for Phalaenopsis micropropagation.
Quality Improvement Project: Improving the Follow Up of Patients at the Neurology Resident’s Clinic after Hospital Discharge (S25.006)

Objective: To increase the number of follow-up appointments made at the resident’s clinic after hospital discharge. Background: Our hospital serves a community that often does not possess all the resources to seek outpatient care in a timely fashion. There is a need to be proactive and help patients have a proper follow up. Design/Methods: We designed a quality improvement project in two phases. The first phase was a six-month prospective review of patients referred to the neurology clinic from the hospital in the usual fashion, by providing the patients the clinic number upon discharge to schedule an appointment. The second phase was a five-month prospective review after a new referal system was implemented to aid the patients with the appointment making process. A form was designed in which the patient information was filled in by the resident and faxed to the clinic. The clinic staff was instructed to call the patient within five days of receiving the form to schedule an appointment. The form was given to the patient. It had detailed instructions in three languages including the location of the clinic, phone number and a map. The number of patients that made an appointment was compared between both groups using chi square, a p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: 95 patients were referred to the neurology clinic during the first phase. Twenty-six (27.3[percnt]) scheduled an appointment. During the second phase, 34 were refered to the clinic. Twenty-eight made an appointment (82.3[percnt]), when compared to the preintervention group there was a significant difference (p<0.0001). Conclusion: A significant increase in the appointment rate was obtained after the intervention. Aiding our patients in the appointment making process will improve patient care, continuity of care and hopefully reduce emergency room visits and readmissions. Disclosure: Dr. Garcia Santibanez has nothing to disclose. Dr. Liang has nothing to disclose. Dr. Shwe has nothing to disclose. Dr. Wesley has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mazuera has nothing to disclose. Dr. Matos-Diaz has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lauritsen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Tovar has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sharon has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kashouty has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lai has nothing to disclose. Dr. Navis has nothing to disclose. Dr. Park has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kahkeshani has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gao has nothing to disclose.
Number Narratives: Abundance, Scarcity, and Sustainability in a California Water World

Within California’s envirotechnical system, there is a normative practice of thinking water problems through “number narratives”: numerical stories about how water works in a particular place and t...
Tratamento da Insônia em Atenção Primária à Saúde

Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders and one of the main complaints of patients that search for medical care. Insomnia disorder is associated with increased morbidity and mortality from accidents, cardiovascular and psychiatric diseases and it is associated with increased absenteeism and higher healthcare costs. We conducted a survey of clinical guidelines, systematic reviews, meta-analyzes and original studies published between 2010 and May 15 2015, concerning insomnia treatment. Treatment of insomnia can begin by cognitive behavioral therapy, pharmacologic treatment or a combination of both. Cognitive behavioral therapy is considered by several medical societies as the standard treatment of insomnia, and studies prove its effectiveness in treating insomnia with or without comorbidities and long-term maintenance of its effects. This comprises multiple strategies such as stimulus control, sleep restriction, relaxation, cognitive therapy and paradoxical intention. Pharmacologic therapy should be considered in acute situations requiring immediate reduction of symptoms. Hypnotic drugs are indicated when insomnia symptoms assume pathological nature. Sedative antidepressants, although generally used, lack evidence of effectiveness, with the exception of insomnia associated with depressive symptoms or anxiety or substance abuse users. Thus, given the prevalence of insomnia symptoms in primary health care, the family physician must know the best approach to its treatment, either pharmacologic or non-pharmacologic, and referral criteria.
Touch based active user authentication using Deep Belief Networks and Random Forests

While mobile devices traditionally use authentication methods such as passwords that define a single point of entry, active authentication can provide greater security by continuously authenticating users while they use the device. By extracting features based on users' interaction with the touchscreen, we can distinguish between different users. In this research, we investigate the performances of Deep Belief Networks (DBN) and Random Forest (RF), a more traditional classification algorithm, to classify users using a dataset extracted from the touch patterns of 41 users. The dataset is separated into strokes, which are then grouped into sessions. The preliminary results show that DBNs are outperformed by the RF.
Lesion-Related Delusional Misidentification Syndromes: A Review of All Reported Cases (P6.200)

Objective: To determine the clinical course, neuroanatomical localization, neuropsychological abnormalities, and delusional content in patients with delusional misidentification syndromes (DMS) occurring after focal neurological injuries. Background: Delusional Misidentification Syndromes (DMS) describe persistent beliefs of hyper- or hypo-familiarity for meaningful objects in one9s environment. On the one hand, familiar persons or places can seem unfamiliar, perhaps even replaced by imposters; conversely, unfamiliar persons or places may seem familiar and in disguise. Despite growing recognition of DMS in the setting of focal neurological disease, a systematic evaluation of the clinical presentation, localization, and clinical outcomes in this disorder has been incomplete. Methods: We searched PubMed for all reported cases of DMS occurring in the setting of acute neurological injury through 2014. Results: Out of 507 papers identified, 61 cases with clinical and neuro-anatomical data met inclusion criteria. Delusions were recognized as hypo-familiar in 28 patients, hyper-familiar in 27 patients, and both hypo- and hyper-familiar in 6 patients. Recognition of the delusion after the time of injury was often delayed, typically up to 2 months. In most cases, the delusions spontaneously resolved or substantially improved over several months. Premorbid psychiatric disease, dementia, and advanced age were uncommon. Lesions were most frequently right-sided (90[percnt]) and frontal (63[percnt]). Cognitive impairments were common, including impaired memory (73[percnt]), executive dysfunction (52[percnt]), and visuospatial dysfunction (38[percnt]). Delusions were often not restricted to a particular category of objects, such as persons or places; 19 patients (29[percnt]) reported delusions across 2 or more categories. Conclusions: These findings provide a comprehensive analysis of the clinical course, localization, and delusional features of DMS, providing insights into the potential mechanisms of these interesting disorders. Disclosure: Dr. Darby has nothing to disclose. Dr. Prasad has nothing to disclose.
Rates of parasitism, but not allocation of egg resources, vary among and within hosts of a generalist avian brood parasite

Brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater) deposit their eggs into the nests of other birds, which then raise the cowbird chick. Female cowbirds thus have limited options for impacting their offspring's development via maternal effects compared to most other passerines. Cowbirds can impact their offspring's phenotype by choosing among potential host nests, and by adjusting egg resources based on host characteristics. To examine whether cowbirds exhibit either or both of these strategies, we investigated rates of cowbird parasitism and egg investment (egg size, yolk-to-albumen ratio, and yolk testosterone and androstenedione) among and within host species in a shrubland bird community. We found that the probability of being parasitized by cowbirds, controlling for host status as a cowbird egg accepter or rejecter and ordinal date, varied significantly among host species, indicating an apparent preference for some hosts. Parasitism rates did not differ with host size, however, and despite variation in cowbird egg size among host species, this variation was not related to host size or cowbird preference. Among host species with eggs that are larger than those of the cowbird, cowbirds were significantly more likely to parasitize nests with relatively smaller eggs, whereas parasitism rates did not vary with relative egg size in host species with smaller eggs. There was no evidence for variation in cowbird egg components among or within host species. Our data indicate that cowbirds discriminate among host nests, but do not appear to adjust the composition of their eggs based on inter- or intraspecific host variation.
Does a Risk Aversion Calculator Facilitate Multiple Sclerosis Immunomodulator Selection within a Patient-Centered Approach (P2.130)

OBJECTIVE: We seek to determine if the use of a Risk Aversion Calculator helps patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) more comfortably and rapidly identify the disease modifying drug (DMD) that is best suited for them. BACKGROUND: Fourteen FDA-approved MS disease modifiers currently exist with several others in the pipeline. Making the choice between these options can be overwhelming, leaving the patient feeling both disempowered and depersonalized in the decision making process. In order to allow a better, more personalized, decision making process we introduce a risk aversion calculator, which takes into consideration a patient’s individual side effect aversion profile when recommending a DMD. Coupled with the patient’s satisfaction score, the MS DMD calculator will assist in designing a treatment plan that is individualized to the patient. DESIGN/METHODS: Patients at Duke Medical Center’s outpatient clinic will rate 13 potential side effects of medication on a 5 point Likert scale in the Risk Aversion Calculator. These side effects range from fatigue to needle aversion. Using Bayesian decision theory, the recommended DMD for that individual patient is calculated based on the ratings provided by the patient and the likelihood of side effects from a particular medication. Patient satisfaction with their DMD and with the decision making process will be measured by a survey given at the time of initial discussion as well as four months after the patient has started their selected medication. The time from initial discussion to submission of prescription will also be measured. RESULTS: We demonstrate the efficacy of this calculator on patients at the Duke Clinics Neuroscience Center. We look at changes in patient reported confidence in their drug selection and time to starting therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Providing a tool such as a personalized risk aversion calculator can have substantial benefits in the confusing decision making process surrounding disease modifiers. Disclosure: Dr. Hartsell has nothing to disclose. Dr. Heller has nothing to disclose. Dr. Walker has nothing to disclose.
Outcomes Following Colorectal Resection in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

Kidney transplant recipients (KTR) are at increased risk of requiring colorectal resection compared to the general population. Given the need for lifelong immunosuppression and the physiologic impact of years of renal replacement, we hypothesized that colorectal resection may be riskier for this unique population. We investigated the differences in mortality, morbidity, length of stay (LOS), and cost between 2410 KTR and 1,433,437 non-KTR undergoing colorectal resection at both transplant and non-transplant centers using the National Inpatient Sample between 2000 and 2013, adjusting for patient and hospital level factors. In hospital, mortality was higher for KTR in comparison to non-KTR (11.1 vs 4.3%, p < 0.001; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.683.594.81) as were overall complications (38.5 vs 31.5%, p = 0.001; aOR 1.081.301.56). LOS was significantly longer (10 vs 7 days, p < 0.001; ratio 1.421.531.65) and cost was significantly greater ($23,056 vs $14,139, p < 0.001; ratio 1.421.541.63) for KTR compared to non-KTR. While LOS was longer for KTR undergoing resection at transplant centers compared to non-transplant centers (aOR 1.68 vs 1.53, p = 0.03), there were no statistically significant differences in mortality, overall morbidity, or cost by center type. KTR have higher mortality, higher incidence of overall complications, longer LOS, and higher cost than non-KTR following colorectal resection, regardless of center type. Physicians should consider these elevated risks when planning for surgery in the KTR population and counsel patients accordingly.
Treating infertility: Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation using human menopausal gonadotropin in combination with intrauterine insemination

Objective To determine the effectiveness of human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) with intrauterine insemination (IUI) for the treatment of various causes of infertility and to identify prognostic factors for the success of this treatment. Study design Retrospective chart analysis. Results Of the 271 cycles initiated, 247 were completed in 104 couples, and analysis of these cycles showed that the overall cycle fecundity rate was 10% and the pregnancy rate 22%. The miscarriage rate was 8% and the ectopic pregnancy rate 4%. The multiple pregnancy rate was 29%. For the various causes of infertility, we found that the cycle fecundity rate was 7% for male factor, 11% for oligoovulation, 8% for tubal/pelvic factor, 13% for minimal endometriosis, 18% for mild endometriosis, 17% for moderate endometriosis, 3% for women aged > or = 40 years, 75% for myoma, and 7% for idiopathic infertility. We also found that one IUI timed at 36-48 hours was as effective as two IUIs timed at 18-24 and 36-48 hours after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration. Poor prognostic factors that were elicited from this study were: (1) failure of pregnancy in three cycles of treatment, (2) female age > or = 40 years, (3) requirement of > 300 IU of hMG daily, and (4) presence of more than eight mature follicles at the time of hCG administration. Conclusion HMC and IUI are effective treatment of some causes of infertility.
Challenges and Rewards of Implementing and Benchmarking Post-Quantum Cryptography in Hardware

Practical quantum computers have been recently selected as one of 10 breakthrough technologies of 2017 by the MIT Technology Review. Although various fields of human activity, such as chemistry, medicine, and materials science, are likely to be dramatically affected by practical quantum computers, the most likely immediate impact will take place in the area of cryptography and cyber security. As a result of this potential threat, a new field of science has emerged, called Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC). PQC is devoted to the design and analysis of cryptographic algorithms that are resistant against any known attacks using quantum computers, but by themselves can be implemented using classical computing platforms, based on traditional modern semiconductor technologies. In this paper, we provide an overview and motivation for the PQC, NIST Standardization Effort, cryptographic competitions, and hardware benchmarking of candidates in cryptographic contests. Five major families of PQC schemes, code-, hash-, isogeny-, lattice-, and multivariate-based, are shortly introduced. The challenges of fair and comprehensive hardware benchmarking of PQC submissions are highlighted, together with the possible ways of overcoming these difficulties, such as the use of a common API, development packages, specialized libraries, and high-level synthesis.
Climate change and geographic shifts in rice production in China

Climate change can affect crop yield in a given location, and it can also affect where crops are grown. Most assessments of the effect of historical climate change on crop yield has been at the national level, ignoring possibly important subnational variation and climate change adaptation through changes in crop distribution. We analyzed the relationship between growing season temperature, rice yield, and the spatial distribution of rice production in China between 1949 and 2015. Since 1949, rice production in China has moved northwards. Because of this, country level average temperature for rice areas during the growing season was relatively stable, and colder than it would have been without the movement. Temperature has had a very small effect on rice yield at the country level of −0.05 t ha−1 °C−1. However, this masks important subnational variation. Increased temperatures were associated with an increase in rice yield (0–1.0 t ha−1 °C−1) in northern provinces and a decrease (−0.6–0 t ha−1 °C−1) in southern provinces of China. While the estimated overall effect of the northward movement on average rice yield in China was only 162 kg ha−1, it does illustrate how crop movements can modify climate change effects and can be an emergent adaptation strategy.
Extending Pine Bark Supplies with Wholetree and Clean Chip Residual Substrates

Abstract A limited supply of pine bark (PB) over the past several years has caused concern among many nursery producers. In continuing the search for alternative substrates and working to quantify ...
A role for keratins in supporting mitochondrial organization and function in skin keratinocytes

Abstract Mitochondria fulfill essential roles in ATP production, metabolic regulation, calcium signaling, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and additional determinants of cellular health. Recent studies have highlighted a role for mitochondria during cell differentiation, including in skin epidermis. Furthermore, the observation of oxidative stress in keratinocytes from Krt16 null mouse skin, a model for pachyonychia congenita (PC) -associated palmoplantar keratoderma, prompted us to examine the role of K16 protein and its partner K6 in regulating the structure and function of mitochondria. Electron microscopy revealed major anomalies in mitochondrial ultrastructure in late stage, E18.5, Krt6 null embryonic mouse skin. Follow-up studies utilizing biochemical, metabolic, and live imaging readouts showed that, relative to controls, skin keratinocytes null for Krt6 or Krt16 exhibit elevated ROS, reduced mitochondrial respiration along with significant alterations in the length, intracellular distribution and movement of mitochondria within the cell. These findings highlight a novel role for K6 and K16 in regulating mitochondrial morphology, dynamics and function and shed new light on the causes of oxidative stress observed in PC and related keratin-based skin disorders.
What You Say, and How You Say It: Preschoolers’ Growth in Vocabulary and Communication Skills Differentially Predict Kindergarten Academic Achievement and Self‐Regulation

The idea that language skills support school readiness, predicting later self-regulation and academic success, is widely accepted. Although vocabulary is often emphasized in the developmental literature, the ability to use language appropriately in the classroom, or social communication skills, may also be critical. This paper examined longitudinal contributions of children's vocabulary and social communication skills, from preschool to kindergarten, to kindergarten academic achievement (reading and math) and self-regulation (executive functions and learning behaviors). Participants were 164 children (14% Latinx, 30% Black, 56% White; 57% girls) enrolled in Head Start programs. Results revealed that initial levels and growth in vocabulary and communication skills predicted better academic achievement. Social communication skills uniquely predicted self-regulation, after accounting for vocabulary. We discuss potential mechanisms for these links and recommend that strategies to build social communication skills be incorporated in preschool interventions promoting school readiness.
Principles and Approaches in Surgical Resection of Esophageal Cancer

Surgical techniques for esophagectomy have evolved greatly since the first esophagectomy was described in 1913. The following chapter outlines the principles of esophageal resection and reconstruction and details the techniques of the various approaches to esophagectomy including transhiatal esophagectomy, Ivor Lewis esophagectomy, Hole McKeown esophagectomy, and minimally invasive esophagectomy. This chapter also discusses common complications after esophagectomy and management strategies.
Changes in ozone photochemical regime in Fresno, California from 1994 to 2018 deduced from changes in the weekend effect.

Abstract Significant progress has been made in reducing emissions of air pollutants in the San Joaquin Valley in California. Nevertheless, from May to October, the valley still experiences numerous exceedances of the ozone health standard. As the standards are tightened, it is becoming harder to design policies to attain them. To better understand historical emissions reductions in the context of necessary future control efforts, we analyze 25 years of hourly measurements of ozone and nitrogen oxides concentrations for the hottest one third of days in Fresno using multiple linear regression analysis. We then analyze the changing dynamics of the weekend effect over the years in order to evaluate the growing importance of day-to-day carryover on ozone concentrations. A simplified model of the day-of-week pattern of ozone concentrations is used to explore the impact of same-day and previous-day concentrations. In addition to ozone, Ox (O3 + NO2) is used to distinguish reductions of atmospheric oxidants from short-duration exchanges between O3 and NO2. The analysis shows that there has been a significant increase in the importance of day-to-day carryover on ozone levels, and that consequently the ozone weekend effect in Fresno has changed over the last 25 years. In the 1990s, lower NOx on the weekend led to increased ozone on Saturdays and Sundays but levels of Ox remained constant. In the 2010s, lower weekend NOx led to reduced ozone on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays showing that reductions in primary pollutants are sufficient to yield immediate decreases in secondary pollutants. Overall, the photochemical regime in the atmosphere has evolved such that carryover and regional pollution will be increasingly important in determining local ozone concentrations. Policies will therefore need to pay greater attention to regional emissions as local reductions may not be sufficient to meet the health standard.
An introductory course on automotive lighting

A course has been developed for students interested to learn practical design procedures for automotive lighting applications. The course covers topics such as imaging and non-imaging optics, LED lighting, plastic optics, plastic part design, optical manufacturing, injection molding, optical tolerancing, computer aided lighting and computer aided design, and economical aspects of product development. The students work through several projects on rear lighting and forward lighting. The present paper summarizes the pedagogy in optics education in the second offering of the course, inspired by the experiences from the first offering, the feedback from students, and the feedback from industry. Challenges faced during teaching the course, both technical and pedagogical, are discussed.
Predictors and Consequences of Hematoma After Thyroidectomy: An American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database Analysis.

Abstract Background Hematoma after thyroid surgery is a serious complication. The purpose of this study was to determine the predictors and consequences of hematoma after thyroid surgery. Materials and methods A retrospective analysis of 11,552 open thyroidectomies was conducted using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program 2016-2017 main and thyroidectomy-targeted procedure databases. Predictors of hematoma and the effect of hematoma on outcomes were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression, resulting in risk-adjusted odds ratios of hematoma and morbidity/mortality, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using R version 3.5.1. Results We found that male gender (odds ratio 1.71, 95% confidence interval 1.25-2.32; P value 0.0007), Black race (1.89, 1.27-2.77; 0.0014), other race (1.76, 1.23-2.50; 0.0017), hypertension (1.68, 1.20-2.35; 0.0026), diabetes (1.45, 1.00-2.06; 0.0460), and bleeding disorders (3.63, 1.61-7.28; 0.0007) were independent risk factors for postoperative hematoma. The use of an energy device for hemostasis (0.63, 0.46-0.87; 0.0041) was independently associated with decreased hematoma rate. Postoperative hematoma was an independent risk factor for overall morbidity (3.04, 2.21-4.15; Conclusions Identified by this study are the predictors of postthyroidectomy hematoma and the consequences thereof. Notably, the use of energy devices for hemostasis was shown to be protective of postoperative hematoma. The results of this study may guide pre- and intra-operative decision-making for thyroidectomy to reduce rates of postoperative hematoma.
Recalibrating Best Practices, Challenges, and Limitations of Estimating Tree Transpiration Via Sap Flow

Transpiration dominates hydrologic fluxes from terrestrial ecosystems to the atmosphere. Sap flow is the most widely used method to quantify transpiration, and calibrations can improve the accuracy of these estimates. Despite numerous suggestions to perform and apply sap flow calibrations, seemingly few reports apply these recommendations. Here, we sought to determine the prevalence of calibration across sap flow methodology. We reviewed tree sap flow literature over the past 9 years and determined that only 5.3% of these publications documented the performance of calibrations, the application of coefficients from previous calibrations, or the application of correction factors using calibration data to ensure or improve accuracy of transpiration estimates. These data indicate that calibration has not been adopted as a best practice. However, these data may also reflect challenges to the performance and application of calibration indicating fundamental limitations of sap flow methods. We highlight the need for testing critical assumptions regarding calibration; specifically, that coefficients derived from calibrations on small stems are suitable for application to large stems and that different calibration approaches yield similar transpiration estimates. We encourage researchers to adopt calibration as a best practice for sap flow data and to explain how calibration was performed, how calibration data were applied, and to acknowledge and justify circumstances that preclude or do not necessitate calibration. Without the adoption of calibration and an improved understanding of its limitations, our understanding of transpiration and ability to quantify it using this technology will remain inadequate.
Comparison of two methods for thawing colostrum before supplemental feeding to newborn calves

This study compared 2 methods of thawing and warming frozen cow colostrum. Pooled colostrum was divided into 1-quart portions and frozen (-20°F). The frozen colostrum was thawed and warmed, 2 quarts at a time, to 104°F either by immersion in a stainless steel pail containing boiling water or in a microwave oven set at a power level of 60%. Two-quart portions of thawed and warmed colostrum were fed to newborn calves by 2 h after birth and at 8 h of age. The time required to thaw and warm the colostrum by immersion in boiling water was approx. 20 min. while the time required for treatment in a microwave oven was approx. 45 min. The concn. of immunoglobulin (Ig) G2 (IgG2) was significantly lower (P?0.05) in colostrum thawed and warmed in boiling water compared with IgG2 concn. in colostrum treated in a microwave oven. Treatment caused no significant differences in concn. of IgM, IgG1 or IgA in the thawed and warmed colostrum. The IgG1 and IgG2 concn. in the sera of calves of 24 h of age given colostrum treated in boiling water were nearly significantly lower (P = 0.06) than the respective Ig concn. in calves given colostrum treated in a microwave oven.