cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dendrimer-Mediated Multivalent Binding for the Enhanced Capture of Tumor Cells

Multivalent binding, the simultaneous binding of multiple ligands to multiple receptors, has played a central role in a number of pathological processes, including the attachment of viral, parasitic, mycoplasmal, and bacterial pathogens.[1] These biological activities have been extensively investigated to promote targeting of specific cell types, [2] and biological multivalent inhibitors have yielded significant increases in binding avidities by 1–9 orders of magnitude.[3] In particular, nano-scale poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers have been reported to be an excellent mediator for facilitated multivalent effect due to their capability to pre-organize/orient ligands and easy deformability of the polymer chains.[2a]
Estimating topology preserving and smooth displacement fields

We propose a method for enforcing topology preservation and smoothness onto a given displacement field. We first analyze the conditions for topology preservation on two- and three-dimensional displacement fields over a discrete rectangular grid. We then pose the problem of finding the closest topology preserving displacement field in terms of its complete set of gradients, which we later solve using a cyclic projections framework. Adaptive smoothing of a displacement field is then formulated as an extension of topology preservation, via constraints imposed on the Jacobian of the displacement field. The simulation results indicate that this technique is a fast and reliable method to estimate a topology preserving displacement field from a noisy observation that does not necessarily preserve topology. They also show that the proposed smoothing method can render morphometric analysis methods that are based on displacement field of shape transformations more robust to noise without removing important morphologic characteristics.
Entropy based rule derivation from data with uncertainty

Due to its advantages, fuzzy data model has been widely used to model and represent data with uncertainty. More and more applications show the needs to explore the data with uncertainty and to perform tasks of knowledge discovery in fuzzy database. This paper presents an attribute-oriented and probabilistic entropy based approach to knowledge discovery from uncertain data. The probabilistic entropy with the weighted values of membership functions is used to measure the possibility from fuzzy data sets. Also, it is employed to derive the rules that characterize these data sets.
Impedance cardiac profile monitoring by a modified ensemble averaging technique

A real-time algorithm is developed to modify the ensemble averaging so that it averages nonperiodic signals, such as ECG (electrocardiogram), dz/dt, Delta z, etc., for impedance cardiac profile monitoring. A real-time algorithm is developed top detect R spikes adaptively from ECG signals. A signal preprocessor is developed to process signals digitally before any further work is done. This method reduces muscle noise, 60-Hz interference, and respiration effect. 144 sets of data from five healthy volunteers, four critically ill patients and three healthy exercising volunteers have been tested. Correlation studies between the authors' system and standard hand calculation of stroke volume, based on Kubiceks equations, show relatively high and stable correlation coefficients; r=0.93, p >
Abusive Abdominal Trauma—An Update for the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Physician

Abdominal injuries are uncommon but not rare in abused children and can be difficult to identify on clinical examination. Although occult abdominal injuries are likely to be self-limited, identifying an abdominal injury can dramatically affect the level of concern for abuse. Evidence supports routine screening with hepatic transaminases (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase) in children with concern for abuse, followed by intravenous contrast-enhanced computed tomography in those with an aspartate aminotransferase or alanine aminotransferase level higher than 80 IU/L. Because severe abdominal injuries are unlikely to result from minor or household trauma, young children who present with serious abdominal injuries in the absence of major trauma such as a motor vehicle crash should be carefully evaluated for the possibility of physical abuse.
Self-organizing traffic control via fuzzy logic

Presents an approach to self-organizing traffic signal control based on a fully distributed system of cooperative local controllers. The signal timing parameters at each intersection are adjusted by a local controller as functions of the local traffic condition and of the signal timing parameters at adjacent intersections. Each local controller uses a set of fuzzy decision rules to adjust the standard signal timing parameters: cycle time, phase split, and offset. This fully distributed architecture provides for a fault-tolerant, responsive traffic control system, while the underlying fuzzy rule-based algorithm provides for a flexible and easily extensible control law. The authors show the effectiveness of this method through simulation of the traffic flow in a network of controlled intersections. >
The aesthetics of absence: Rebuilding Ground Zero

In this article, I examine the narratives and meanings that have been projected onto the space of Ground Zero in New York City since September 11, 2001, how they have been deployed for various political agendas, and how they have informed the ways in which the site will be rebuilt and memorialized. I investigate the changing meanings attributed to the dust and the footprints of the World Trade Center buildings and the debates over architectural designs and the proposed memorial.
Oral Health in Older Adults

Systemic gastrointestinal disorders and oral manifestations are well elucidated in current literature. Many chronic disorders such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, lung disease, and diabetes are associated with oral manifestations. This bidirectional relationship may be a result of inflammatory response to periodontal pathogens. Inflammatory mediators pronounced in the oral cavity may gain access to the circulation resulting in systemic effects. Proper daily oral care, with prevention as the cornerstone, is the most crucial factor in improving oral health in older adults.
Contraction/Expansion Effects in 90° Miter Bends in Rectangular Xurographic Microchannels

Xurography is an inexpensive rapid prototyping technology for the development of microfluidic systems. Imprecision in the xurographic tape cutting process can result in undesired changes in channel dimensions near features that require a change in cutting direction, such as 90° miter bends. An experimental study of water flow in rectangular xurographic microchannels incorporating 90° miter bends with different channel widths in each leg is reported. A set of twelve microchannels, with channel depth approximately 105 micrometers and aspect ratio ranging from 0.071 to 0.435, were fabricated from double-sided adhesive Kapton® polyimide tape and two rectangular glass plates. The channels were reinforced with a mechanical clamping system, enabling high Reynolds number, Re, flows (up to Re = 3200) where Re was based upon hydraulic diameter and average velocity. Reported data include friction factor and critical Reynolds number for straight microchannels and loss coefficients for flow through 90° miter bends that contain either a contraction or expansion with cross-sectional area ratios of 0.5, 0.333 and 0.2. The critical Reynolds number, Recr , ranged from 1750 to 2300 and was found to be dependent on channel defects such as sidewall roughness, adhesive droplets, and corner imperfections. Loss coefficients through 90° miter bends with expansion decrease rapidly for Re Recr . For 90° miter bends with contractions, loss coefficients gradually decrease with increasing Re for 150 < Re < 1400. In addition, the loss coefficient decreases with decreasing area ratio through the contraction or expansion. The minor loss coefficient data were found to be dependent on Reynolds numbers and area ratio of contraction/expansion at the bend. The results suggest that the effect of the contraction/expansion was the dominant mechanism for minor losses in the 90° miter bend.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Reliability of retrospective self-reports of physical illness.

Using a test-retest method, the present study investigated the degree to which physical health problems occurring during the past year can be reported reliably on a retrospective questionnaire. 62 ...
A rare case of hepatic duct injury from blunt abdominal trauma

from the fourth floor. Case Report: Patient had a large abdominal laceration in the right upper quadrant (RUQ). CT scan showed a sub-scapular hematoma of the liver. Due to the repeated episodes of hypotension, a laporotomy was performed and the left hepatic artery was ligated while the ductal injury was managed with a Roux-en-Y left hepatic jejunostomy and stent. Bile leakage was resolved post-operatively by day 5 and the patient was discharged home on day 13 af- ter clearance from psychiatry. Conclusions: While non-iatrogenic extrahepatic biliary trauma is rare, a high degree of suspicion is essential, especially in cases like the one discussed in this report. Diagnosis can be difficult in patients undergoing observation.
A model-based multisensor data fusion knowledge management approach

A variety of approaches exist for combining data from multiple sensors. The model-based approach combines data based on its support for or refutation of elements of the model which in turn can be used to evaluate an experimental thesis. This paper presents a collection of algorithms for mapping various types of sensor data onto a thesis-based model and evaluating the truth or falsity of the thesis, based on the model. The use of this approach for autonomously arriving at findings and for prioritizing data are considered. Techniques for updating the model (instead of arriving at a true/false assertion) are also discussed.
From Separation to Displacement: The Problem of Women in Sefer Hasidim

A gender analysis of some of the representations of women in Sefer Hasidim and related texts finds that the German-Jewish pietiests of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries express a profound ambivalence toward women. While Sefer Hasidim places great importance on happy marital relations, its authors also see potential adulteries at every turn. Moreover, in their mystical yearning to transcend the physical pleasures of the material world, they go beyond rabbinic norms in their displacement of women in favor of devotion to the divine. This essay suggests that situating this ambivalence, and the frequent objectification of women which results from it, within the larger context of medieval social history can expand and enhance our knowledge of Jewish social norms, family life, and spirituality in medieval Ashkenaz.
Biobased epoxy resins for computer components and printed wiring boards

Lignin, a by-product of paper manufacturing, has been used to develop a new series of resins for various computer components, particularly printed wiring boards (PWB). PWBs are commonly fabricated from epoxy/fiberglass laminates onto which electrical components are mounted. Replacement of the current petroleum derived phenolic epoxy resins with bio-based materials would reduce the environmental concerns with the fabrication, assembly, and disposal of PWBs. Resins used in PWBs must have a high glass transition temperature, low moisture absorption, high thermal stability, flame retardancy and good dielectric properties. Lignin is the only common phenolic-based biopolymer, thus it is naturally hydrophobic and has good thermal stability. Resin formulations which are lignin/epoxy copolymers (containing at least 50% lignin) exhibit acceptable physical and electrical properties for a wide range of applications, including PWBs. Laminates formed from lignin based resins can be processed in a similar fashion to current laminates, minimizing the financial considerations of converting to this resin system.
Predictors of Morale in U.S. Peacekeepers1

In this prospective study, we examined pre- and postmission predictors of morale in U.S. military peacekeepers deployed to Kosovo. After controlling for demographic and military characteristics, current general life stressors, unit cohesion, and reports of patriotism and nationalism were predictive of predeployment morale. We also found that positive military experiences, general overseas military stressors, and postdeployment unit cohesion were significant predictors of postdeployment morale after controlling for demographic and military characteristics and predeployment morale, cohesion, and patriotism/nationalism. The results suggest the need to broaden our understanding of the factors that may assist and motivate soldiers during demanding peacekeeping operations and the factors that may mitigate the impact of stressful demands and associated mission-related strain.
Low temperature onset for thermionic emitters based on nitrogen incorporated UNCD films

article i nfo Available online 3 December 2008 Thermionic electron emission is a key phenomenon utilized in avarietyof applications, from communications, space propulsion to direct energy conversion. Doped diamond films with a negative electron affinity (NEA) surface characteristicpresentareducedeffectiveworkfunctionforelectronemission.Ourpriorresearchhasindicatedawork function of ∼1.5 eV for nitrogen doped diamond films prepared by microwave plasma CVD. The focus of this study is on the role of the interfacial or nucleation layer. A thermionic emitter was fabricated with a nitrogen incorporated ultra-nanocrystalline diamond (UNCD) nucleation layer and a nitrogen doped diamond surface layer with hydrogen termination. The film exhibited a resistance that decreased with temperature suggesting the role of the dopant, and thermionicelectronemissionwasobservedattemperaturesb250°C.AnanalysisbasedontheRichardson-Dushman equation indicated an emission barrier of b1.3 eV with a Richardson constant of ∼0.8 A/cm
Inorganic pyrophosphate-glucose phosphotransferase activity associated with alkaline phosphatase of Escherichia coli.

Abstract Highly purified commercial alkaline phosphatase preparations from Escherichia coli have been shown to catalyze the transfer of a phosphoryl group of inorganic pyrophosphate to the hydroxyl group attached to carbon atom 6 of glucose. Phosphotransferase activity also was detected with relatively crude chicken intestinal alkaline phosphatase preparations. The E. coli enzyme was further characterized relative to catalytic properties. Adenosine 5'-phosphate, diphosphate, and triphosphate, cytidine 5'-phosphate and diphosphate, guanosine triphosphate, and mannose 6-phosphate functioned as alternate phosphoryl donors. Activity with PPi as substrate was observed between pH 5 and 9, with a maximum at pH 7.9. Km (PPi), 0.83 mm, was independent of glucose concentration. Maximal activity was observed with 1.25 m glucose; higher concentrations of this hexose inhibited both phosphotransferase and phosphohydrolase activities of the enzyme. Maximally, in the presence of 1.25 m glucose, the phosphotransferase activity involved the participation of 9% of reacting inorganic pyrophosphate; the remaining 91% of the reacted phosphoanhydride substrate was hydrolyzed. The phosphotransferase activity resembled inorganic pyrophosphatase activity of the preparation with respect to effects of pH, pyrophosphate concentration requirement, and thermolability at 30° in the absence of substrates. Glucose 6-phosphatase and AMPase activities of the preparation also were progressively inactivated by mild heating in a manner similar to that of phosphotransferase and inorganic pyrophosphatase activities; however, β-glycerol phosphate hydrolysis was more stable, and p-nitrophenyl phosphate hydrolysis activity was considerably more labile to this treatment than were the other four activities studied. A number of alternative explanations for differences in stability of these hydrolytic activities attributed to alkaline phosphatase are presented. While the high glucose requirement and relatively low ratio of phosphotransferase to phosphohydrolase activity of the enzyme make a biologically significant role for the synthetic activity questionable, it is suggested that the phosphotransferase reaction may provide a tool for further studies relating to the reaction mechanism of alkaline phosphatase.
Synthesis of polyamide containing optically active thymine derivative as a grafted pendant

A new route to polyamides containing optically active thymine groups as pendants has been established. The method is based on the grafting of (–) and (±)-2-(thymin-1-yl)propionic acid [(–) and (±) TPA] onto a polyamide containing hydroxyl groups. The hydroxy polyamide was prepared by selective N-acylation of an active diester of N-hydroxy-5-norborene-2,3-dicarboxamide (HONB), N,N'-(isophthaloyl-dioxy)-bis(5-norbornene-2,3-dicarboximide) (IPBONB), with 1,3-diamino-2-hydroxypropane (AHP). Model compounds (−) and (±)-(1,3-dibenzoylamino-2-propyl)2-(thymin-1-yl)propionate[(−) and (±) (BAPTP)] were prepared by direct, low-temperature esterification before synthesizing the polymer.
DETERMIN: inferring likely deterministic specifications of multithreaded programs

The trend towards multicore processors and graphic processing units is increasing the need for software that can take advantage of parallelism. Writing correct parallel programs using threads, however, has proven to be quite challenging due to nondeterminism. The threads of a parallel application may be interleaved nondeterministically during execution, which can lead to nondeterministic results---some interleavings may produce the correct result while others may not. We have previously proposed an assertion framework for specifying that regions of a parallel program behave deterministically despite nondeterministic thread interleaving. The framework allows programmers to write assertions involving pairs of program states arising from different parallel schedules. We propose an algorithm to dynamically infer likely deterministic specifications for parallel programs given a set of inputs and schedules. We have implemented our specification inference algorithm for Java and have applied it to a number of previously examined Java benchmarks. We were able to automatically infer specifications largely equivalent to or stronger than our manual assertions from our previous work. We believe that the inference of deterministic specifications can aid in understanding and documenting the deterministic behavior of parallel programs. Moreover, an unexpected deterministic specification can indicate to a programmer the presence of erroneous or unintended behavior.
Surgical training and simulation laboratory at Baystate Medical Center.

The work hour restrictions imposed by the surgical residency review committee, without a curriculum change, essentially reduces training programs by 30%. The logical result of this is the risk that a higher percentage of surgeons beginning independent practice will fall below the competence level. We believe that simulation will play a vital role in the curriculum to enhance the clinical environment and make the learning environment better and more efficient. Baystate Medical Center (Springfield, Mass) is an affiliate of Tufts University School of Medicine and provides tertiary medical care for the western portion of the state. Our surgical residency program has developed and maintained a simulation center specifically to augment training of surgical knowledge and manual skills. We are also actively involved in education research and curriculum design locally and on a national level. Our center is rapidly becoming a multidisciplinary environment incorporating other residency and clinical programs within t...
Managerial personality and performance: A semi-idiographic approach.

Abstract Understanding the relationship between personality and behavior requires accounting for a broad set of traits within each person and the demands of a specific role or situation. To address these requirements, we assessed the relevance or ordering of traits within an individual (an idiographic approach) and compared these orderings across individuals occupying similar organizational situations (a nomothetic approach). We illustrate the utility of this semi-idiographic approach with a longitudinal study of Masters of Business Administration (MBA) students. The MBAs whose personalities were more similar to a template of the successful young manager received more job offers upon graduating and, subsequently, earned higher salaries, were more likely to be working full-time, and had changed jobs less often than did those who fit the managerial template less well.
Developmental changes in neuron size and density in the visual cortex and superior colliculus of the postnatal golden hamster

Postnatal changes in neuron cell body diameter and neuron density were observed in newborn, two-week old, and eight-week old golden hamsters. Quantitative data indicated that in both the visual cortex and superior colliculus, neuron cell body diameter increased nearly twofold during the first two-week period following birth and reached maximum size by approximately day 14, the stage at which eye opening usually occurs. Neuronal density was highest in the newborn and decreased with age in both visual centers. The decreased neuronal density and, thus, increased neuropil area may reflect a greater number of synaptic connections mediating visual function. Although the development in the visual cortex paralleled that in the superior colliculus, the superior colliculus seemed to mature earlier than the visual cortex, possibly related to its more primitive evolutionary role.
Characteristics of Bitterbrush Habitats that Influence Canopy Cover and Mule Deer Browsing

Abstract A step-wise multiple regression procedure was used to determine relationships of habitat characteristics to bitterbrush ( Purshia tridentata [Pursh] DC.) cover and browsing by mule deer ( Odocoileus hemionus hemionus ). Eighteen environmentally different bitterbrush stands were studied on the Mount Haggin Wildlife Management Area in south-western Montana. Live and dead bitterbrush canopy cover at the 18 sites averaged 35 and 10%, respectively. Five variables ( r 2 =0·79) and four variables ( r 2 =0·75) accounted for most of the variation in live and dead bitterbrush canopies. Bitterbrush comprised an average of 53% of mule deer winter diets while five variables ( r 2 =0·85) largely determined the level of browsing. The range of 57 to 96% utilization (80% average) was largely attributable ( r 2 =0·69) to elevation and diversity of forage sources. Density of deer pellets was closely related to utilization and largely explained ( r 2 =0·85) by three bitterbrush characteristics and elevation. The relationships found in this study should enhance management of bitterbrush habitats for mule deer production.
Change in Pain and Quality of Life Among Women Enrolled in a Trial Examining the Use of Narrow Band Imaging During Laparoscopic Surgery for Suspected Endometriosis.

Abstract Study Objective To examine whether the addition of narrow band imaging (NBI) to traditional white light imaging during laparoscopic surgery impacts pain and quality of life (QOL) at 3 and 6 months after surgery among women with suspected endometriosis and/or infertility. Design A randomized controlled trial (Canadian Task Force classification level I). Setting The trial was conducted in 2 medical centers. Patients From October 2011 to November 2013, 167 patients undergoing laparoscopic examination for suspected endometriosis and/or infertility were recruited. The analytic study sample includes 148 patients with pain and QOL outcome data. Interventions Patients were randomized in a 3:1 ratio to receive white light imaging followed by NBI (WL/NBI) or white light imaging only (WL/WL). Measurements and Main Results Questionnaires were administered at baseline and at 3- and 6-month follow-up time points. Average and most severe pain at each time point were assessed using a 10-cm visual analog scale. QOL was measured using the Endometriosis Health Profile-30. Baseline characteristics were similar for the study groups. The WL/NBI and WL/WL groups had similar reductions in pain at 3 and 6 months. In addition, QOL improved similarly for both the WL/NBI and WL/WL groups at 3 and 6 months. Conclusion Laparoscopic surgery for suspected endometriosis is associated with a reduction in pain and an improvement in QOL. The differences in pain reduction and QOL improvement, which are noted at 3 months and remain stable at 6 months after surgery, are similar for those undergoing surgery with WL/NBI compared with those undergoing surgery under traditional white light conditions.
Extremely Disadvantaged Neighborhoods and Urban Crime

Drawing on Wilson (1987), this article assesses two hypotheses concerning the relationship between neighborhood disadvantage and crime : (1) extremely disadvantaged neighborhoods have unusually high rates of crime; and (2) local structural disadvantage is equally important in influencing crime in black and white neighborhoods. Hence, racial differences in structural disadvantage account for black-white differences in crime across communities. To test these hypotheses, the authors examine 1990 census and crime data for local areas in the city of Columbus, Ohio. The analysis lends substantial support for both arguments, particularly for the influence of structural disadvantage on violent crime
Epidemiology of Cancer Recurrence, Second Primary Cancer, and Comorbidity Among Cancer Survivors

Several definitions of cancer survivor have been proposed [1]. This chapter uses the modified National Cancer Institute (NCI) definition of cancer survivor as any one who has a history of cancer diagnosis and has completed the primary treatment. The long-term cancer survivors refer to those who have survived for 5 or more years.
DTMS: a framework for system-level, dynamic simulations across multi-disciplinary boundaries

The US Navy has committed to development of an all-electric ship (AES) that will incorporate significant technical advancements in the areas of power management, advanced sensor equipment and weaponry, reconfigurability, and survivability systems while simultaneously increasing overall system efficiency and decreasing operational costs. Research efforts in support of this development have focused on physics-based, dynamic models of thermal components and subsystems that approximate, at the system-level, the notional architecture of an AES. This research has resulted in the development of a general purpose thermal management tool coded in C++ and known as the Dynamic Thermal Modeling and Simulation (DTMS) framework. Using numerical approximations of complex physical behaviors, the scope of the DTMS framework has been expanded beyond elements of thermal-fluid behavior to capture the dynamic nature of far broader, more complex architectures containing interconnected thermal-mechanical-electrical components. The summary presented here describes the modeling approach used in DTMS and provides several examples of its use in large, complex, system-level, dynamic simulations.
Feasibility of Virtual Research Visits in Fox Trial Finder.

Background: Fox Trial Finder is an online registry for individuals with and without Parkinson disease (PD) interested in participating in PD research. However, distance or disability could prevent such individuals from participating in traditional, clinic-based research at major centers. Objective: Use videoconferencing to connect participants to specialists to: (1) demonstrate feasibility of virtual research visits within this population (2) collect phenotypic data of the participants, (3) validate self-reported diagnosis, and (4) gauge interest in virtual research visits. Methods: We solicited volunteers throughout the United States through Fox Trial Finder. Interested individuals with PD provided consent, were given web cameras if needed, completed baseline surveys, and downloaded videoconferencing software remotely. Participants had a test connection and assessment appointment which included the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), then a virtual research visit with a neurologist who reviewed their history and assessed their PD using a modified Movement Disorders Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale. Neurologists assessed PD diagnosis and symptomatology. Physicians and participants were surveyed about their experience. Results: Of 204 individuals who consented, 166 (81% ) individuals from 39 states completed all visits. The mean age was 62 and mean disease duration was 8.0 years. Mean MoCA score was 26.5, and mean modified MDS-UPDRS motor score was 22.8 (out of a possible 124). Neurologists judged PD as the most likely diagnosis in 97% of cases. Overall satisfaction with the visits was 79% (satisfied or very satisfied) among neurologists and 93% among participants. Conclusions: Through virtual research visits, neurologists engaged, characterized, and validated self-reported diagnosis in individuals with PD over a broad geography. This model may facilitate future research participation.
Adventure Programs and Diverse Family Styles.

This study focused on the mediating effect of two adventure programs emphasizing relationship establishment between youth on the relationship between family styles and levels of intrinsic motivation. Family style is defined as the levels of caring and discipline family members give to their children. Because of its connection to interest, autonomy, competence, and relatedness, family style is considered as a variable impacting on levels of motivation participating in experiential-based programs. Findings indicated that during the overall adventure experiences, the high support and high challenge (HSHC) family group showed an enhanced level of relatedness than the low support and low challenge (LSLC) group. In addition, pairwise comparisons indicated differences in competence and relatedness between the HSHC and the LSLC groups in the pretest, but were no longer significant at the posttest. The paired t tests showed that the LSLC group improved on interest, competence, and relatedness throughout the advent...
Effects of Solid Rocket Fuel Exhaust on Honey Bee Colonies

All honey bee, Apis mellifera , colonies exposed to solid rocket fuel exhaust suffered depressed brood production. Two colonies were unable to recover. Honey production was depressed or absent in medium- and high-exposure colonies. Stress diseases were observed in all medium- and low-exposure colonies, aggression was considerably increased in low-exposure colonies, and high-exposure colonies were invaded by wax moths. The space shuttle flights may cause the stimulation of aggressive behavior of colonies near the launch site and increased susceptibility of repeatedly exposed colonies to stress-related diseases; however, repeated exposure of hives is not anticipated.
Combining Reliability and Pareto Optimality—An Approach Using Stochastic Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithms

Genetic Algorithms have been successfully applied to numerous water resources problems, including problems with multiple objectives or uncertainty (noise). GAs tackle multi-objective optimization by following three basic principles — advancing the non-dominated frontier; maintaining diversity in the population (through various techniques like sharing, niching, and crowding); and using an elitist. However finding Pareto-optimal solutions becomes complicated when we add uncertainty to the problem. It was found that the solutions obtained using existing multi-objective solvers, although Pareto optimal were not the most robust or reliable solutions. In single-objective problems noise has typically been dealt with using Monte-Carlo-type sampling and some form of aggregate statistics (e.g., the average of the sample fitness). With multiple objectives the noise can interfere in determining non-domination of individuals, diversity preservation, and elitism (the three basic steps in multi-objective optimization). This paper proposes and tests several approaches to tackling some of these problems. These approaches strike a balance between finding the most optimal and the most reliable solution to the problem, thus giving decision makers and designers a practical and robust optimization tool.
Studies toward Australifungin. A Synthesis Dilemma of Regioselective Keto–Enol Tautomerization

Studies have advanced a stereocontrolled pathway for the synthesis of australifungin. Elaboration of the trans-fused IMDA product 4 led to the cis-diol 15, which produced the α-hydroxyenone 19 upon oxidation. Computational studies on model systems indicate that the keto-enol tautomer shown for 19 is higher in energy than the keto-enol tautomer represented by the natural product 1. The reactivity of 19 does not permit mild isomerization and subsequent deprotection to yield 1. These findings raise new questions regarding the synthesis and bioactivity of australifungin and related natural products.
Evaluation and application of non-solid completion fluid

The non-solid completion fluid is composed of the clay stabilizer with the high cation polymer PTA and low cation polymer,Na_2SO_3 as inhibitor whose mass ratio is 0.01%~0.02%,tackifier HEC.The recovery rate of the completion fluid is 95%.The static swelling rate is less than 2.0%.The completion fluid has better anti-swelling performance.The corrosive rate is 0.077 5 g·m-2·h-1.For the different permeability core,the damage rate is less than 20%.The higher the core permeability,the less the core damage rate of completion.The field test showed that the single well injecting ability and index are improved by 98% and 175% respectively.
Investigation of the Hepatitis B Virus Carriage among the Middle School Students

[Objective] To investigate HBsAg carriage among the middle school students and explore the necessity of taking comprehensive intervention measures among the key population in the middle schools. [Methods] Students in a professional school were chosen; detection was made on their HBsAg and anti-HBs. [Results]The positive rates of HBsAg and anti-HBs were 1.70% and 32.78% respectively among the students; the hepatitis B vaccination rate of the HBsAg negative students was 71.6%; the anti-HBs positive reversion rate of the students who took whole course vaccination was 91.9%. [Conclusion] Intervention measures such as hepatitis B immunization is vital for the students; intensive hepatitis B vaccination should be conducted among the students in the middle and primary schools.
Congenital cytomegalovirus infection

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the most common congenital infection in humans, infecting 30,000 to 40,000 newborns each year in the United States and leaving more than 9,000 of these children with permanent neurological sequelae. Recognition of the importance of this public health problem has been growing, and recent advances in surveillance, early detection, treatment and even prevention are presented in this review.
Genome-Wide Analysis of the Mouse Deciduoma

Chapter Summary During pregnancy, differentiation of the endometrium results in formation of specialized tissue known as the decidua. This differentiation is a process called decidualization, and it begins after the onset of implantation in mice. Over 100 years ago, it was discovered that this process can be artificially induced in uteri of rodents. The resulting tissue is called the deciduoma in order to distinguish it from the corresponding tissue found in pregnant animals. Artificial induction has proven a very useful approach to model decidualization using rodents, and many different deciduogenic stimuli have been used over the years. Recently, many mouse studies have included genome-wide expression profiling of deciduoma tissue, which has provided a wealth of useful new data for researchers to mine. Other types of genome-wide analyses now possible are almost completely lacking in the current mouse decidualization literature and thus provide exciting avenues for future research. This chapter focuses on the mouse deciduoma model and its past and future potential uses in genome-wide assessment of molecular genetic changes that occur during decidualization.
Among 4 Diet Quality Indexes, Only the Alternate Mediterranean Diet Score Is Associated with Better Colorectal Cancer Survival and Only in African American Women in the Multiethnic Cohort

Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, with a 5-y survival rate of ∼65%. Therefore, the identification of modifiable health factors to improve CRC survival is crucial. Objective We investigated the association of 4 prediagnostic a priori diet quality indexes with CRC-specific and all-cause mortality in the Multiethnic Cohort (MEC). Methods The MEC included >215,000 African-American, Native Hawaiian, Japanese-American, Latino, and white adults living in Hawaii and California who completed a validated quantitative food-frequency questionnaire in 1993-1996. CRC cases and deaths were identified through linkages to cancer registries and to state and national vital registries. Sex-specific HRs and 95% CIs were estimated for the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2010, the Alternative HEI (AHEI) 2010, the alternate Mediterranean Diet (aMED) score, and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) index with CRC-specific and overall mortality as the primary outcomes. Ethnicity-specific analyses were the secondary outcomes. Results Among 4204 MEC participants diagnosed with invasive CRC through 2010, 1976 all-cause and 1095 CRC-specific deaths were identified. A higher aMED score was associated with lower CRC-specific mortality in women [HR continuous pattern score divided by its respective SD (HR1SD): 0.86; 95% CI: 0.77, 0.96] but not in men (HR1SD: 1.01; 95% CI: 0.92, 1.11). A higher aMED score was also associated with lower all-cause mortality in women (HR1SD: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.81, 0.96) but not in men (HR1SD: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.93, 1.07). The HEI-2010, AHEI-2010, and DASH index were not significantly associated with CRC-specific or with all-cause mortality. The inverse relation for the aMED score was limited to African Americans and to colon (compared with rectal) cancer. Conclusions The aMED score was related to lower mortality only in African-American women (1 of 5 ethnic groups studied). The results should be interpreted with caution due to the small numbers of cases within ethnic groups and the issue of multiple testing.
DS/SSMA amplitude and phase estimation with unknown bits using a correlation matrix

An algorithm is proposed for the estimation of amplitude and phase in a spread-spectrum multiple-access (SSMA) environment in additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) without prior knowledge of the data bits. The estimate is obtained from the autocorrelation of the matched filter outputs. Estimator complexity is O(K/sup 2/) for fixed delay. Convergence is discussed, and simulation results that show that the estimator compares favorably with a maximum likelihood estimator with known bits are presented. >
First imaging result with an ultrahigh resolution stationary MR compatible SPECT system

In this paper, we will present the design and preliminary performance of an ultrahigh resolution stationary MR compatible SPECT (MRC-SPECT) system that is developed in our lab. The MRC-SPECT system is based on the second-generation energy-resolved photon-counting (ERPC) CdTe detectors and there are several key features associated with this system. Firstly, up to a total of twenty ERPC detectors will be assembled as a very compact ring, which provides an adequate angular sampling capability and a relatively high detection efficiency. The detectors are supported on a gantry made of high strength polyamide structure constructed using 3-D printing. This compact system can be directly operated inside an MR scanner. The detector module used in this system offers an intrinsic resolution of 350μm and an excellent energy resolution of around 3-4kev. Each ERPC detector module consists of four pixelated CdTe detectors with a total dimension of 4.5cm×2.25cm. Secondly, a die-cast platinum pinhole inserts and cast lead apertures are developed for this stationary SPECT system. Four 300/500μm diameter pinholes are used for each detector and all pinholes are mounted around a casted cylinder lead aperture tube. The inner diameter of the lead aperture tube is 6cm and the lead tube thickness is 16mm. The opposite detectors are placed 15.6cm apart and the magnification factor of this SPECT system is about 1.2. Thirdly, a comprehensive charge collection model inside strong magnetic field has been developed to account for the magnetic field induced distortion in the SPECT image. This model can accurately predict the detector's energy and spatial response to gamma ray incident events and then help to compensate for the event position recording error due to the strong magnetic field. In this development, we have made an effort to minimize the amount of magnetic materials in the system to alleviate potential interference to magnetic field inhomogeneity.
Lipid-Dependence of the Membrane Interactions of the Tim23 Channel Subunit of the Mitochondrial Protein Import Machinery

The TIM23 complex of the mitochondrial inner membrane mediates the translocation and integration of most nuclear-encoded polypeptides that reside within the mitochondrion. The central subunit of this complex is Tim23, a voltage-gated channel-forming protein that constitutes part of the polypeptide-conducting channel. Tim23 has a bipartite domain organization with a carboxy-terminal integral membrane domain and an amino-terminal intrinsically disordered region that resides in the intermembrane space (IMS).
Insect Stings or Bites

Allergic or hypersensitive reactions to insect stings or bites are fairly common; just how common nobody knows. Individuals showing moderate to severe reactions to or developing secondary infections to stings or bites are among the more frequently seen patients in the doctor’s office or clinic.
Analysis of outcomes of patients (pts) with blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN).

6578 Background: BPDCN, formerly known as CD4 + CD56 + hematodermic tumor or blastic NK cell lymphoma, is a rare and aggressive hematologic malignancy. Little is known about outcomes of pts with BP...
Student Veterans in Higher Education: A Conversation Six Decades in the Making.

This chapter provides a historical overview of the relationship between the military and higher education.
A Photocatalyzed Synthesis of Naphthalenes by Using Aniline as a Traceless Directing Group in [4 + 2] Annulation of Amino-benzocyclobutenes with Alkynes

We report a visible-light-promoted synthesis of substituted naphthalenes via [4 + 2] annulation of amino-benzocyclobutenes with alkynes. Amino-benzocyclobutenes, which are conveniently synthesized by [2 + 2] cycloaddition of arynes with ketenes followed by reductive amination, undergo regioselective opening of the cyclobutenyl ring to reveal a presumably distonic radical cation upon photooxidation by an excited iridium complex. The distonic radical cation undergoes the annulation with terminal and internal alkynes as well as diynes to afford structurally diverse naphthalenes. The regiochemistry of the annulation follows the pattern displayed in the addition of nucleophilic carbon radicals to alkynes. The aniline group plays a dual role in which it not only directs the initial photooxidation to generate the amine radical cation but also serves as a leaving group to complete aromatization.
Occurrence and Identity of “White Spots” in Phylactolaemata

Localised epidermal gland complexes of unknown function have previously been recognised as “white spots” in Pectinatella magnifica and Lophopodella carteri, but not in other phylactolaemate species. In this study a similar glandular organ is described for Lophopus crystallinus. It is a complex epidermal gland that consists of two types of gland cells, one of which contains light-refracting, possibly lipidic, vesicles. This gland is situated at the anal side of the duplicature, distal to a pore, which most likely resembles the vestibular or statoblast pore. Such a pore had always been postulated, but histological evidence was lacking so far. The most likely functions of the glandular organs could either be connected to statoblast expulsion or to chemical defence.
Influence of soft contact lens material on corneal warpage: prevalence and time to resolution

Abstract Objective Corneal warpage represents a reversible distortion of the corneal surface induced by soft contact lens (SCL) wear. The aim of the study is to assess the influence of SCL materials, age, wearing duration, cylindrical refraction, and spherical equivalence on the prevalence and time to resolution of corneal warpage. Methods This is an interventional prospective study in which SCL wearers volunteered to remove their SCLs and underwent, on each visit, a corrected distance visual acuity and anterior and posterior segment evaluation, along with keratometry measurement and corneal topography. Visits were scheduled 30 minutes after SCL removal, on day 4, day 7, and then weekly after SCL removal until warpage resolution. Results A total of 17 volunteers (34 eyes) were included, with 9 (18 eyes) in the hydrogel SCL group and 8 (16 eyes) in the silicone hydrogel SCL group. The difference in warpage prevalence between the hydrogel group (28%, 5 eyes) and silicone hydrogel group (31%, 5 eyes) was not statistically significant (p > 0.90). Duration necessary for warpage resolution ranged from 7 to 21 days with no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups (p = 0.12). Conclusions Both types of SCL had similar corneal warpage prevalence and time to resolution, with slightly longer mean time to resolution with silicone hydrogel. All eyes had resolution of warpage by 3 weeks. It seems more cautious to wait longer than the usual 1-week interval before performing refractive surgery, especially in patients wearing SCL for long periods and regardless of the type of material.
Cyborg Gamers: Exploring the Effects of Digital Gaming on Multimodal Composition

Abstract As players partake in video games, they interact with what James Gee has defined as “a multimodal literacy par excellence” (2007, p. 18, emphasis in original). Playing video games allows players to simultaneously interact with multiple modes of communication while vanquishing foes and gaining levels and experience. This article examines the cyborgian relationship that gamers develop with technology as they increase their digital gaming proficiencies. Reflecting upon a recent research study I conducted, I explore how a player’s gaming literacy—i.e., one’s ability to play video games and his or her proficiency navigating and using video game-related information—not only reflects Donna Haraway’s (1991) concept of a cyborg but also creates a space for gamers to develop important multimodal composition skills. More importantly, I argue that by recognizing these kinds of transferrable technological skills, instructors of multimodal composition can better prepare students—many of whom have played video games—for the digital communication practices of the twenty-first century.
Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration

Begin the operation in the same manner as a standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy, with trocar insertion and dissection of the triangle of Calot to a “critical view of safety.” Then perform a cholangiogram to confirm the presence of choledocholithiasis. Attempt to flush the common duct stones using saline, aided by intravenous glucagon. If flushing is unsuccessful, determine the optimal approach method for LCBDE (transcystic versus transcholedochal). If a transcystic approach is possible, introduce a guide wire through the cholangiogram catheter and then perform a balloon dilation of the cystic duct. Advance the choledochoscope through the cystic ductotomy and capture the common duct stone using an endoscopic wire basket. If a transcholedochal approach is indicated, dissect the common bile duct clear and make a longitudinal choledochotomy to allow for direct introduction of the choledochoscope. After stone removal, determine the need for t-tube insertion and then close the choledochotomy using intracorporeal suturing.