cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preparation of YBCO Films on CeO2-Buffered (001) YSZ Substrates by a Non-Fluorine MOD Method

YBa2Cu3O7 (YBCO) films were fabricated via a fluorinefree metal organic deposition (MOD) method followed by high-temperature, low oxygen partial pressure annealing. Trimethyl acetate salts of copper, yttrium, and barium hydroxide were used as the precursors, which were dissolved in proponic acid- and amine-based solvents. After spin-coating and burnout, samples were annealed at 740°C in 180 ppm oxygen partial pressure and exposed to humid atmosphere for different times. A critical transition temperature, Tc(R0) of 90.2 K and a transport critical current density (Jc) of 0.55 MA/cm 2 (77 K and self-field) were obtained for 0.2 m YBCO films on CeO2-buffered yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) substrates. X-ray studies shows that the YBCO films have sharp in-plane and out-of-plane texture for all samples; however, the porosity of the YBCO film varies with the time of exposure to the humid atmosphere. A reaction between YBCO and CeO2 during the high-temperature anneals and formation of the reaction product BaCeO3 was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. The XRD and transmission electron microscopy analysis indicated that the epitaxial relations in the film were YBCO (00l)//CeO2 (00l)//YSZ (00l) and YBCO [100]// CeO2 [110]//YSZ [110].
A layout compaction algorithm with multiple grid constraints

As the chip density grows, wiring circuits on a VLSI chip becomes hard. It is then important to leave feed-through channels in the layouts of cells and macros. One strategy to achieve this goal is to keep wires on their respective wiring grids. This requirement presents a new constraint to the compaction problem of cells and macros. A new efficient algorithm is proposed to solve such a compaction problem on multiple grids. The worst-case time complexity of the algorithm is O((M+1) ( mod V mod + mod E mod )). The algorithm has been implemented in a compactor and applied to the layout designs for both microprocessor chips and ASIC chips. >
Refining the Balance of Attenuation and Immunogenicity of Respiratory Syncytial Virus by Targeted Codon Deoptimization of Virulence Genes

ABSTRACT Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most important pathogen for lower respiratory tract illness in children for which there is no licensed vaccine. Live-attenuated RSV vaccines are the most clinically advanced in children, but achieving an optimal balance of attenuation and immunogenicity is challenging. One way to potentially retain or enhance immunogenicity of attenuated virus is to mutate virulence genes that suppress host immune responses. The NS1 and NS2 virulence genes of the RSV A2 strain were codon deoptimized according to either human or virus codon usage bias, and the resulting recombinant viruses (dNSh and dNSv, respectively) were rescued by reverse genetics. RSV dNSh exhibited the desired phenotype of reduced NS1 and NS2 expression. RSV dNSh was attenuated in BEAS-2B and primary differentiated airway epithelial cells but not in HEp-2 or Vero cells. In BALB/c mice, RSV dNSh exhibited a lower viral load than did A2, and yet it induced slightly higher levels of RSV-neutralizing antibodies than did A2. RSV A2 and RSV dNSh induced equivalent protection against challenge strains A/1997/12-35 and A2-line19F. RSV dNSh caused less STAT2 degradation and less NF-κB activation than did A2 in vitro . Serial passage of RSV dNSh in BEAS-2B cells did not result in mutations in the deoptimized sequences. Taken together, RSV dNSh was moderately attenuated, more immunogenic, and equally protective compared to wild-type RSV and genetically stable. IMPORTANCE Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of infant viral death in the United States and worldwide, and no vaccine is available. Live-attenuated RSV vaccines are the most studied in children but have suffered from genetic instability and low immunogenicity. In order to address both obstacles, we selectively changed the codon usage of the RSV nonstructural (NS) virulence genes NS1 and NS2 to the least-used codons in the human genome (deoptimization). Compared to parental RSV, the codon-deoptimized NS1/NS2 RSV was attenuated in vitro and in mice but induced higher levels of neutralizing antibodies and equivalent protection against challenge. We identified a new attenuating module that retains immunogenicity and is genetically stable, achieved through specific targeting of nonessential virulence genes by codon usage deoptimization.
Division of tongue tie: review of practice through a tertiary paediatric otorhinolaryngology service.

Abstract Objectives Recent NICE guidance declared that evidence regarding surgical division of tongue tie was adequate to support the use of the procedure, provided that normal arrangements are in place for consent, audit and clinical governance. This work aimed to carry out a retrospective review of those patients who have previously undergone tongue tie division through a tertiary paediatric otorhinolaryngology service. We further aimed to identify the referral patterns, indications for, and outcomes following, division. Methods A retrospective chart review of all patients attending for division of tongue-tie between January 2010 and June 2011, inclusive. Results A total of 48 patients underwent division of tongue-tie over the study period. The median age of patients at the time of operation was 16 months (range 3–192). Delayed speech or articulation problems (27%), and parental concern (23%) were the most common reasons for referral. Overt difficulty with feeding was responsible for referral in just 4 cases. All cases were performed under general anaesthetic as day-case procedures; 7 patients had a second procedure performed at the same time. No complications, either early or late, were recorded across this cohort. Conclusions Tongue-tie division is a safe procedure with minimal associated morbidity. Whilst the primary indication cited in the literature is that of feeding difficulty, it appears that the majority of division is performed for other reasons.
Surface-soil Properties of Alder Balds with Respect to Grassy and Rhododendron Balds on Roan Mountain, North Carolina—Tennessee

We analyzed soils in Alder Bald, Grassy Bald, and Rhododendron Bald communities on Roan Mountain to infer the influence of vegetation on soil and to help guide management strategies. In all vegetation types, soils were acid (pH = 4–5) sandy loams. We found vegetation-associated differences for organic content, cation exchange capacity, acidity, two plant macronutrients (K, Mg), and three cations (Fe, Na, Zn). We predicted that nitrogen compounds would be highest in the Alder Bald because Alnus viridis ssp. crispa (Green Alder) can harbor nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Organic content was highest at the alder-bald sites, ammonium was similar among vegetation types, and nitrate was high at only some sample sites. The unique soil properties of the Alder Bald community, its likely role in primary succession, and its documentation as a long-standing community type on Roan Mountain suggest that management should be directed towards its conservation.
ToP’s Greatest Hits: The Most Frequently Cited Teaching of Psychology Articles

The authors conducted citation analyses to identify the most influential articles published in Teaching of Psychology. Using the Web of Science and PsycINFO databases, we gathered citation counts f...
Cultural Trauma, Hawaiian Spirituality, and Contemporary Health Status

This article postulates a causative relationship between history and health status for the native people of the Hawaiian archipelago. In the last 225-years the native people of Hawai’i have undergone a series of striking changes in the expression of their culture and health status. The relationship of historical, social, and health status changes can now be studied to determine possible effects on health arising from cultural transformation. Changes the native culture experienced in the 18th and 19th centuries, especially highlighting modifications in local spirituality and gender roles, are recounted. Key incidents of dramatic and sudden cultural change reveal traumatological mechanisms sufficient in size that they may account for health disparities faced by Hawaiians today. For Hawaiians, these incidents of cultural trauma are postulated to have achieved a level of potency such that they may account for a significant factor effecting the health status of post-modern individuals and communities.
An Experiment to Measure Interplanetary and Solar Electrons

This experiment is designed to study interplanetary and solar electrons in the energy range between solar wind and galactic cosmic rays. Between these two particle populations the energy spectrum, anisotropy, and propagation characteristics of the particles change drastically from bulk plasma to single particle characteristics. These low energy particles are particularly sensitive to the amount of matter traversed in terms of energy loss. Thus they can be used as probes of electron acceleration, storage, and propagation processes in the solar corona and interplanetary medium. In addition, these particles generate both plasma waves and electromagnetic radiation as they pass through the ambient medium. The instrumentation is designed to identify and measure electron fluxes with high energy resolution and high sensitivity from ~2 keV to >1 MeV. The angular distributions of the electrons will also be obtained. In addition measurements of energetic ions above ~50 keV will be made.
Application of High Fidelity Simulation for Acquisitions of Nursing Skills: Nursing Students' Perspective

High fidelity simulation is known to improve problem solving and critical thinking skills as well as professional role acquisitions in nursing students. This descriptive study examined the perceptions of 186 culturally diverse baccalaureate nursing students enrolled in fundamentals of nursing and senior preceptorship courses about their experience in high fidelity simulation activities. Perceptions were examined in relation to the acquisition factors of nursing skills using the Simulation Evaluation Questionnaire and open-ended questions in two simulation labs at the end of each simulation session during academic years 2008-2011. The results indicated that the majority of students agreed or strongly agreed that the simulation experiences helped them prepare for clinical practice. Ninety five percent of the students reported that they were able to reflect on their own simulation experience; and 82% agreed or strongly agreed that they were able to problem solve and critically think while they participated in simulation activities. With the clearly defined scenario objectives, there were better ratings of problem solving and critical thinking of students during the simulation activity (r = 0.61, p < 0.002). Those who had the chance to problem solve and critically think were able to communicate more openly about simulation experiences during debriefing (r = 0.704, p = 000). The most important nursing techniques that they learned from simulation experiences included skills on how to assess patientsâ€™ baseline data, communicate with patients/families using interpersonal communications, mediate a personâ€™s frustration efficiently while sticking to the goals, and deal with social aspects of care. Students reported that they least liked about simulations as they felt they were pressed and put on the spot and having to act in front of the class. Suggestions included sufficient scenario activity time and hands-on experiences for the future. Findings suggest that the students valued the high fidelity simulation as an effective medium for improving their clinical skill acquisitions.
Treatment of acute nonlymphocytic leukemia: use of anthracycline- cytosine arabinoside induction therapy and comparison of two maintenance regimens

Patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia were given remission induction therapy consisting of cytosine arabinoside and an anthracycline. Those patients who experienced complete remission received two courses of consolidation therapy and were randomized to receive maintenance therapy consisting of either daily chemotherapy with reinforcements every 3 mo or reinforcement therapy only every 6 wk. The overall complete remission rate was 66%, with 80% complete remission for previously untreated patients less than 60 yr of age who did not have a prior history of malignancy. Remission durations were the same for patients treated with both maintenance regimens. The major determinant for successful remission induction therapy was patient age, with older patients frequently succumbing to intercurrent infection. Documented leukemic cell resistance to the therapy employed was only rarely encountered. Once remission was achieved, age was no longer a determinant of patient survival, since duration of remission was independent of age. Remission durations were directly related to leukemic cell retention of cytosine arabinoside triphosphate. Hence therapy for acute nonlymphocytic leukemia can be divided into two separate areas: remission induction and remission maintenance.
Classification of facial expressions of emotion and risk for suicidal ideation in children of depressed mothers: Evidence from cross-sectional and prospective analyses

BACKGROUND: Despite the increased risk for suicidal ideation (SI) in children of mothers with a history of major depressive disorder (MDD), little is known about specific risk factors for SI in these children. The present study is the first to our knowledge to examine the potential role of biases in the identification of facial expressions of emotion. METHODS: Participants were 202 children (aged 8-14 years) and their mothers (aged 24-55 years) that comprised three groups based on maternal history of MDD and children's history of SI: Mom MDD/Child SI (n=35); Mom MDD/No Child SI (n=76); and Controls (i.e., no mom MDD and no child SI; n=91). RESULTS: We found that children in the Mom MDD/Child SI group were more likely to misclassify full-intensity angry emotions as sad than children in the other groups. Among children in the two mother MDD groups, both the overall proportion of full-intensity angry emotions misclassified and the proportion of full-intensity angry emotions misclassified specifically as sad predicted the occurrence of SI over a 2-year follow-up, even after accounting for the impact of children's own diagnoses of MDD during the follow up. LIMITATIONS: Our findings might not generalize to other negative emotions, such as fear or disgust. CONCLUSION: This highlights specific emotion identification abnormalities that could be targeted in early suicide prevention efforts and suggests that these abnormalities are at least partially independent of children's risk for MDD.Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Language: en
Follicle formation in the embryonic chick thyroid. II. Reorganization after dissociation.

The events which occur after reaggregation of dissociated embryonic chick thyroid cells are described. Although the cells rearrange themselves into follicles within a few hours after being packed by centrifugation, their complex cytoarchitecture is not maintained. The first sign of an impending change is the accumulation of large numbers of dense bodies in the apical cytoplasm. Shortly thereafter other types of lytic bodies become numerous, and blebs containing cytoplasmic membranous components appear at the apical cell surfaces. A short time later the basal cytoplasm contains large residual bodies concomitant with a reduction in the extent of the canalicular endoplasmic reticulum and an increase in the number of free ribosomes. With the passage of time there is a progressive decrease in the size and number of residual bodies, and the channels of rough endoplasmic reticulum reappear until the normal thyroid pattern is restored. Lytic phenomena coupled with vesiculation of the endoplasmic reticulum have been linked with control of function in several organs. Therefore, the results are discussed in terms of a possible realtionship between lytic activity and the reestablishment of thyroid function after dissociation.
Differentiability and the Arc Chord Ratio

Consider a simple closed rectifiable curve, C, in the plane. For points p and q on C, l(p, q) denotes the smallest positive arc length along C from p to q and d(p, q) denotes the usual Euclidean distance from p to q. Since arc length is measured by a limiting process using inscribed polygonal approximations, we might assume that sufficiently small sides of such polygons closely approximate the length of the part of the curve they subtend. In other words, we might expect that the arc chord ratio, l(p, q)/d(p, q), will be close to 1 when p and q are close to one another. A provocative first example is provided by a square. Although for any fixed p
HISTAMINE-INDUCED INCREASE IN FIBRINOLYTIC ACTIVITY.

SummaryIntravenous injection of histamine phosphate in the dog in a dosage of 50-200 μg/kg body weight increased the fibrinolytic activity of the plasma and of the euglobulin fraction of the plasma. The plasma antiplasmin and protein content of the euglobulin fraction were not altered. The level of GOT in the plasma increased after injection of histamine but the rise appeared later than the rise in fibrinolytic activity.
Inactivation of feline calicivirus as a surrogate for norovirus on lettuce by electron beam irradiation.

Caliciviridae, including norovirus, are considered important sources of human gastroenteritis. As leafy green vegetables are commonly consumed without additional processing, it is important to evaluate interventions to reduce the presence of human pathogens in these products. Feline calicivirus was used as a model for small round structured viruses on lettuce. The lettuce was inoculated by immersion to simulate contamination from irrigation or wash water. The inoculated lettuce was then exposed to electron beam irradiation at various dose levels to determine survival. The D10-value of the calicivirus on lettuce was determined to be 2.95 kGy. Irradiation to reduce bacterial pathogens on cut lettuce could also reduce the risk associated with small round structured viruses on lettuce.
Arthroscopically-assisted rotator-cuff repair

We reviewed 44 patients with 44 full-thickness rotator-cuff tears at an average of 4.2 years after arthroscopically-assisted repair. There were 25 women and 19 men aged between 35 and 76 years (average 58); 35% of the shoulders had other intra-articular lesions. Most of the patients (85%) had been discharged from hospital immediately after the operation. The result was rated good or excellent in 84%, 88% of the patients were satisfied, and 64% of the athletes returned to their previous sports. The size of the tear was a determining factor in the outcome.
Multiamplifier l00-fs Cr:LiSAF laser system

The generation of ultra-intense pulses with pulse durations of ~100 fs has so far concentrated on Ti:sapphire systems. Typically, pulse energies of 50-200 mJ can be generated with these systems, mostly limited by the aperture size of available high quality crystals, which is currently ~1 cm.1 Recently, Cr:LiSAF has received attention as an alternative material for high-intensity7 femtosecond pulse amplification. This material has a large spectral bandwidth which enables the amplification of sub-100 fs pulses, and, moreover, is amenable to flashlamp pumping. Regenerative amplification of femtosecond pulses has been demonstrated using Cr:LiSAF-producing pulses in the mJ range.2,3 Recently, a 95 mm × 120 mm Cr:LiSAF amplifier was used to increase the output of a 120 fs Tr:sapphire system from 45 to 150 mJ.4 We are now able to fabricate Cr:LiSAF rods with diameters up to 25 mm offering the possibility to amplify femtosecond pulses to the joule range.
Neurologic manifestations of gastrointestinal disease.

The neurologic manifestations of gastrointestinal disease are infrequently recognized by either the neurologist or internist. These disorders are, however, important because many are nutritional and therefore preventable or treatable. Several can present with prominent neurologic symptoms and signs but without overt gastrointestinal manifestations, making the appropriate diagnostic evaluation unlikely, unless the potential associations are recognized. The non-nutritional neurologic associations are even more uncommon but equally important because of the potential response to treatment of the underlying disorder.
New understandings of post injury coagulation and resuscitation

Coagulopathy following injury is common and it predicts poor outcomes and increased mortality. For many decades, coagulopathy in trauma was considered as an iatrogenic phenomenon, and clinical practice focused on a resuscitation strategy using large volume crystalloid and packed red blood cells. The discovery of Acute Traumatic Coagulopathy as a distinct pathophysiologic state coupled with a transition towards balanced product resuscitation has fundamentally changed the paradigm of trauma care and represents one of the most active areas of current research in the field of trauma. In this review, we examine the development and current understanding of the mechanisms, implicated mediators, and physiology of Acute Traumatic Coagulopathy, with an emphasis on the role of the activated Protein C pathway. We will also review the state of resuscitation practice including the evidence for balanced product administration and the previously under-appreciated importance of platelet count and function. Importantly, we highlight ongoing knowledge deficits in traumatic coagulopathy and resuscitation as directions for future investigation in order to facilitate further insight into these rapidly evolving fields.
Overwatch: An Educational Testbed for Multi-Robot Experimentation.

Educators who wish to engage their students in multiagent experimentation and learning need an inexpensive multi-robot system that leverages existing equipment and open-source software. This paper proposes Overwatch as an inexpensive educational tool for teaching and experimenting in multi-robot systems. The interaction of multiple agents within a single environment is an important area of study. It is vital that agents within the environment perceive other agents as intelligent, acting within the environment as cooperative teammates or as competitive members of another team. To do so, the system must meet three goals: first, to allow multiple robots to communicate and coordinate; second, to localize within a shared global coordinate system; third, to recognize their teammates and other teams. The cost and scale of such experimental platforms places them outside the reach of many educational institutions or limits the number of agents that are interacting within the system (Liu and Winfield 2011). The goal of Overwatch is to create an experimental platform for multiagent systems that is comprised of much smaller, albeit less capable, robots, many of which are prevalent in academic institutions already. Making use of available open-source libraries and utilizing lower cost robots, such as Scribblers, allows for experiments with many agents. This enables Overwatch to fit into the budget limitations of an academic setting. The Overwatch platform provides the Scribblers with global localization capabilities. This paper presents the system in detail and includes experiments to show its ability to localize, interact with other agents, and coordinate behaviors with these other agents. Additionally, the details to setup this system are also included.
Adult T cell leukemia: a potential target for ricin A chain immunotoxins

Adult T cell leukemia (ATL) is an almost uniformly fatal malignancy of mature T cells associated with human T cell leukemia/lymphoma virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection. Cells from this leukemia are characterized by the expression of large numbers of receptors for interleukin 2 (IL-2). In an attempt to prepare an immunotoxin with selective cytotoxicity for ATL cells, we conjugated anti-Tac, a monoclonal anti-IL-2 receptor antibody, to purified ricin A chains. Although unmodified anti-Tac had no effect on the protein synthesis of these cells, anti-Tac-ricin A chain conjugates produced half-maximal inhibition of protein synthesis in HTLV-1-infected leukemic T cell lines at concentrations of 2 to 6 X 10(-10) mol/L (ID50). An essentially identical ID50 was obtained with leukemic peripheral blood T lymphocytes isolated from two patients with ATL. In contrast, half-maximal inhibition of protein synthesis in HTLV-uninfected, IL-2 receptor-negative T and B cell lines required 200- to 1,000-fold higher concentrations of anti-Tac-ricin A chain conjugates. Both unconjugated anti-Tac and immunoaffinity-purified IL-2 completely inhibited the toxic effects of anti-Tac-ricin A, confirming the specificity of the conjugate-IL-2 receptor interaction. Clonogenic assays demonstrated that anti-Tac-ricin A chain was able to eliminate greater than 99.9% of an HTLV-1-infected T cell population at concentrations only marginally affecting IL-2 receptor-negative cells. The data presented demonstrate that anti-Tac-ricin A is selectively cytotoxic for HTLV-1-infected leukemic T cells in vitro and raises the future possibility of specific therapeutic intervention with immunotoxins in this disease.
Recognition of craniomandibular disorders.

Patients frequently present to the otolaryngologist with complaints of pain in or around the ear, headache, facial pain, dizziness, and muffled ears. If no otologic basis of the complaint is found, consideration of a craniomandibular or tempomandibular joint disorder should be considered in the differential diagnosis. The cause, clinical presentation, and current therapy for these disorders are described in this article.
Liver Endothelial Cells: Hemostasis, Thrombosis, and Hepatic Vascular Diseases

The liver is the source of blood plasma coagulation proteins and hepatic vascular elements are unique from the inflow or outflow macrovessels to the hepatic sinusoidal endothelium. The hemostatic process may be considered a defense mechanism that maintains normal blood vessel homeostasis and thereby preserves the integrity of the circulation. This chapter will cover mechanisms of hemostasis, summarize regulation of coagulation pathways, and indicate how thrombosis may develop in the diseased hepatic vasculature. Patients with liver disease can exhibit coagulation factor synthetic dysfunction, thrombocytopenia, excessive fibrinolysis, and associated features of portal hypertension that might provoke massive bleeding. Procoagulative abnormalities in liver diseases also exacerbate disordered sinusoidal remodeling, provoke abnormal angiogenesis, and contribute to venous thrombosis and further vascular compromise. Clearly, dysregulation of hemostasis and coagulation may result in a hemorrhagic tendency and may also provoke thrombosis. However, coagulation and hemostatic disorders are difficult to monitor or treat effectively; these processes greatly contribute to the morbidity and mortality seen in progressive liver disease. Disordered hemostasis in acute and chronic liver diseases remains an important clinical problem that is still poorly understood and where ongoing research is critically needed.
Using Challenges Associated Meaningful-Use Criteria to Prioritize Needed Changes in Electronic Health Records

To date, more than 30 billion dollars has been spent on the meaningful use (MU) program. While high adoption has been realized, there has been little improvement in usability of Electronic Health Records (EHRs), prompting continuous discussion. Further, very little scientific data has been provided regarding the type of challenges present for physicians when using an EHR. This study evaluates and prioritizes 6 of the most common challenges associated with EHR use by physicians during a patient encounter using meaningful use criteria as a basis. Data represents 430 physicians from across the US. Findings show all EHRs have significant challenges with organization and structure of information and the amount or method of documenting information. Analysis of the 31 MU criteria show only 1 criterion did not have any significant challenges. Alternately, 75% of criteria had 3 or more significant challenges with 9 criteria being significantly impacted by all reported challenges. Finally, individual groupings of p...
PC based Design Tools for a UHF Demand Assignment Multiple Access SATCOM System

The design of a UHF demand assignment multiple access communications controller requires quantification of many performance and control parameters. This paper will summarize design tools developed for PC applications that: 1. Models the diverse traffic input to the system. 2. Provides analytical and simulation queuing models of the reservation channel and traffic channels for various statistical assumptions. These queuing models provide quantification of offered load vs delay and other performance parameters. 3. Provides a simulation model of the resource allocation controller that matches satellite resources to traffic input requests. This simulation tool develops, with the help of the user in an interactive mode, a heuristic model of "good" resource allocation protocols. This tool provides a simple "expert system" environment to evaluate performance and resource allocation protocol complexity. All of the tools can be used with a standard IBM/PC or equal. Numerical examples are given to show typical results and how system performance may be evaluated for a number of different conditions. These relatively simple tools provide the basis of a preliminary design before more complex and expensive simulation tools are employed.
Spillover Effects From Customer to Citizen Orientation: How Performance Management Reforms Can Foster Public Participation

Government reforms, even when inspired by competing schools of thought, might reinforce each other in unexpected ways. This study shows how performance management can bolster citizen participation,...
Extended dynamic range of Doppler OCT by application of a new method to high density B-scans using a MHz FDML swept laser source (Conference Presentation)

The limited dynamic range of optical coherence tomography (OCT) Doppler velocity measurements makes it difficult to conduct experiments on samples requiring a large dynamic range without phase wrapping at high velocities or loss of sensitivity at slow velocities. Hemodynamics and wall motion undergo significant increases in velocity as the embryonic heart develops. Experimental studies indicate that altered hemodynamics in early-stage embryonic hearts can lead to congenital heart diseases (CHDs), motivating close monitoring of blood flow over several stages of development. We have built a high-speed OCT system using an FDML laser (Optores GmbH, Germany) at a sweep rate of 1.68 MHz (axial resolution - 12 μm, sensitivity - 105 dB, phase stability - 17 mrad). The speed of this OCT system allows us to acquire high-density B-scans to obtain an extended velocity dynamic range without sacrificing the frame rate (100 Hz). The extended dynamic range within a frame is achieved by varying the A-scan interval at which the phase difference is found, enabling detection of velocities ranging from tens of microns per second to hundreds of millimeters per second. The extra lines in a frame can also be utilized to improve the structural and Doppler images via complex averaging. In structural images where the presence of blood causes additional scattering, complex averaging helps retrieve features located deeper in the tissue. Moreover, high-density frames can be registered to 4D volumes to determine the orthogonal direction of flow for calculating shear stress as well as estimating the cardiac output. In conclusion, high density B-scans acquired by our high-speed OCT system enable image enhancement and direct measurement of biological parameters in cohort studies.
Qigong Exercise and Arthritis

Background: Arthritis is a chronic condition resulting in considerable disability, particularly in later life. Aims: The first aim of this review was to summarize and synthesize the research base concerning the use of Qigong exercises as a possible adjunctive strategy for promoting well-being among adults with arthritis. A second was to provide related intervention directives for health professionals working or who are likely to work with this population in the future. Methods: Material specifically focusing on examining the nature of Qigong for minimizing arthritis disability, pain and dependence and for improving life quality was sought. Results: Collectively, despite almost no attention to this topic, available data reveal that while more research is indicated, Qigong exercises—practiced widely in China for many centuries as an exercise form, mind-body and relaxation technique—may be very useful as an intervention strategy for adults with different forms of painful disabling arthritis. Conclusion: Health professionals working with people who have chronic arthritis can safely recommend these exercises to most adults with this condition with the expectation they will heighten the life quality of the individual, while reducing pain and depression in adults with this condition.
Comparison of Baseline Characteristics and Outcomes in Men Versus Women With Aortic Stenosis Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Female gender has been linked to increased risk of adverse events after surgical aortic valve replacement; however, the evidence regarding the role of gender differences on clinical outcomes in patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is still debated. This retrospective study included 910 consecutive patients with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis who underwent TAVI in 2 institutions from January 2012 to July 2016. The primary end point was all-cause mortality at 1 year after TAVI in women versus men. Women had a higher incidence of in-hospital vascular complications (7.8% vs 4.1%) and major or life-threatening bleeding (4.0% vs 1.6%) than men. At 1 year, women showed a lower mortality rate than men (7.0% vs 12.7%, adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.23 to 0.76], p = 0.004). When stratifying by specific subgroups of interest, the survival benefit in women persisted in (1) patients with a Society of Thoracic Surgery risk score ≤ 8 (adjusted HR 0.35, 95% CI [0.14 to 0.88], p = 0.026); (2) patients treated with first-generation devices (adjusted HR 0.46, 95% CI [0.24 to 0.86], p = 0.016); and (3) patients treated with balloon-expandable valves (adjusted HR 0.40, 95% CI [0.19 to 0.86], p = 0.019). In conclusion, in this large patient cohort, women had lower 1-year mortality after TAVI than men, particularly with an STS score ≤ 8, or treated with first-generation and balloon-expandable devices.
Semicircular-Like Laws and the Semicircular Law Induced by Orthogonal Projections

The main purpose of this paper is to construct semicircular elements from orthogonal projections. The construction, itself, would be the main result of this paper. Free distributional data and operator-theoretic properties of certain semicircular-like elements, and semicircular elements will be considered.
Risk Factors for Utilization of Acute Care Services for Lithium Toxicity.

Objective:This study evaluated risk factors for utilization of acute care services (ACS) (hospitalization or emergency department or urgent care visit) for lithium toxicity and the prevalence of li...
Low-κ CMP Model Based on Surface Kinetics

The discussion of removal rate, surface topography, chemical composition, and structural analysis in the previous chapters has been used to develop a physically-based conceptual model for low-κ CMP. The model assumes an altered-layer surface mechanism approach to represent the CMP of BCB, SiLK, and OSG materials and provide a generic understanding of the CMP proce ss for other materials. The model also assumes a desirable low-κ CMP process where atomic-scale smoothness is achieved through an appropriate chemical-mechanical balance. The model does not account for deviations from an ideal CMP process, i.e. defect types such as scratching or peeling of the softer low-κ materials. Experimental results using SiLK polymer have been used to test and validate the basic approach and the model mechanism as an adequate representation of the complex CMP process.
Spectral Maxima In A Perturbed Stable Boundary Layer

Wind velocity data have been collected on Nansen Ice Sheet, Antarctica, close to the base of a steeply sloping glacier along which frequently flow katabatic winds. The aim of this study is to investigate how turbulent energy and momentum flux are perturbed by the flow interaction with topography and by the strong mechanical mixing produced by downslope flows. Spectral and cospectral analyses, performed on the wind velocity components, provide evidence that such a perturbation, at any stability, is restricted to frequencies lower than the inertial subrange. Longitudinal spectra display an energy increment, due to turbulence generated by topography and by mechanical forcing related to the katabatic wind structure. The energy, supplied by the topographic forcing, displaces the turbulent energy maximum toward lower frequencies. In near-neutral stratification the spectral maximum occurs at a reduced frequency, which seems to be consistent with the height of the steepest part of the slope, and seems to shift toward higher frequencies as a linear ,function of the local stability parameter,Ll. The parameterisation of the orographic perturbation by means of a similarity relationship allows us to scale u spectra in the same way as over uniform terrain. The scaled, perturbed spectra collapse onto a unique curve in the mid-frequency as well in the inertial subrange, while maxima are grouped in a cluster. Lateral and vertical velocity spectra exhibit shapes independent of stability, suggesting a topographic perturbation that is predominantly over stability effects.
Effects of Control-FET Gate Resistance on False Turn-on in GaN Based Point of Load Converter

This paper investigates the impact of an external control-FET gate resistance on the spuriously induced synchronous-FET gate voltage in a 1 MHz point-of-load buck converter. An analytical circuit model with intrinsic device components and external parasitic parameters has been considered to resemble test bench conditions. A relationship between control-FET gate resistance and synchronous-FET false turn-on induced voltage is presented in agreement with modeled and experimental results.
Relationship between health care charges and ambulatory central line associated blood stream infections (CLABSI) in pediatric hematology-oncology patients.

e17793 Background: CLABSI cause morbidity and mortality and increase costs of care. Inpatient CLABSI (IP-CLABSI) have an average attributable per patient cost ranging from $7,288-$29,156 (Scott, CD...
Investigating the Origins of Somatic Cell Populations in the Perinatal Mouse Ovaries Using Genetic Lineage Tracing and Immunohistochemistry

Genetic lineage tracing (or fate mapping) techniques are designed to permanently label progenitor cells of target tissues, thereby allowing delineation of the progenies of labeled cells during organogenesis. This technology has been widely used in the study of cell migration and lineage specification in various organs and organisms. Here, we describe how to apply the genetic lineage tracing model in combination with immunohistochemistry to identify the potential origins of somatic cell precursors in perinatal mouse ovaries.
Multiquark matrix elements in the proton and three gluon exchange for exclusive η c production in photon-proton diffractive scattering

Exclusive production of a ${\ensuremath{\eta}}_{c}$ pseudoscalar meson in ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}^{(*)}+p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\eta}}_{c}+p$ scattering at high energies involves a $\mathcal{C}$-odd exchange in the $t$-channel. We formulate the description of this process within the high-energy framework of eikonal dipole scattering. We obtain expressions for the light-cone wave function of the ${\ensuremath{\eta}}_{c}$ required in this framework as well as for the $\mathcal{C}$-odd amplitudes due to exchange of a single photon, of a photon plus two gluons, and of three gluons. We relate these amplitudes to correlators of the plus component of the quark current in the light-cone wave function of the proton. For high transverse momenta, these correlators correspond to (leading twist) generalized parton distributions given by diagrams where all exchanged gauge bosons attach to a single quark in the proton. Diagrams involving multiquark matrix elements potentially sensitive to correlations screen infrared singularities. Moreover, they are numerically important for configurations where the exchanged bosons nearly share the total momentum transfer. Using two simple models for the three-quark Fock state of the proton at $x\ensuremath{\simeq}0.1$, we find that single photon exchange dominates for $|t|l1.5\text{ }\text{ }{\mathrm{GeV}}^{2}$. Here, the quark generalized parton distribution could be measured cleanly in ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}^{(*)}+p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\eta}}_{c}+p$ via single photon exchange. For higher momentum transfer, three-gluon (``Odderon'') exchange is dominant.
Deciphering the mechanoreceptor network of human hands

Machine learning based on gloves with tactile sensor arrays helps scientists understand the complex patterns of hand grasping.
Reliability Considerations for the Qualification of Leading Edge CMOS Technologies

CMOS device reliability is a key ingredient for the market introduction of leading edge semiconductor technologies. Performance enhancement and reliability balance is critical for the optimization of competitive CMOS solutions for advanced technology nodes. To fully leverage performance enhancement elements the device reliability impact needs to fully characterized on the CMOS circuits like SRAM, ring-oscillators and RF Power Amplifiers.A critical review of the reliability methods used for RF device characterization as well as the development of guidelines and qualification methodologies necessary for the introduction of Silicon based RF technologies to market is presented here. The implications and requirements to the reliability of RF applications will be considered and validated at the discrete device as well as for typical circuit applications. The selection of suitable stress/test methodologies as well as the selection of meaningful targets will be discussed.
Mazzola’s Sonata Construction: A Technical Approach and Its Limits

This chapter gives a prototypical example of mathematical methods that should play a role in musical composition of the future. Mazzola’s sonata is an explicit experiment to understand the mechanisms of mathematically shaped sonata construction and its creative limitations, starting from the analysis of Beethoven’s Hammerklavier Sonata Op. 106 to compose a new sonata. This is an example of Boulez’s creative analysis. We then critically review the Boulezian idea and the new composition.
Evaluation of two simulation methods for teaching a disaster skill

Introduction With increasing use of virtual reality simulation (VRS) in nursing education, there is a paucity of research exploring learning outcomes following training with VRS as compared with traditional mannequin-based simulation. Given the resource intensive nature of mannequin-based simulation, especially for disaster education, understanding outcomes from newer technologies like VRS are needed. Methods A quasi-experimental design was used to examine the differences in learning outcomes for the disaster skill of decontamination, based on type of simulation. The study was framed by the National Leage for Nursing (NLN) Jeffries Simulation Theory, with participant outcomes identified by the framework (satisfaction, self-confidence and performance). Outcomes were measured using the NLN Student Satisfaction and Self­ Confidence in Learning scale and a Decontamination Checklist. Senior nursing students in the final semester of a baccalaureate nursing programme were recruited to participate during one of their scheduled laboratory days. Following a didactic presentation, students were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups (VRS or mannequin-based simulation training) to learn the skill of decontamination. Results A total of 121 participants took part in the study. No statistically significant results were noted for any of the study outcomes: performance (accuracy and time), satisfaction and self-efficacy. Results of the study demonstrate that VRS is as effective as mannequin-based simulation in training participants for the skill of decontamination. Conclusions Simulation-based education experiences must be matched to learning outcomes and evaluated for effectiveness. As evidence emerges regarding use of newer technologies, like VRS, educators will have more options for providing students with opportunities that best match available resources.
COVID-19 and Kawasaki Disease: Finding the Signal in the Noise.

On April 7, 2020, Hospital Pediatrics published a case report describing an infant who was diagnosed with and treated for Kawasaki disease (KD) and also happened to test positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the causative agent of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).1 Before this publication, we had been reading multiple reports of vascular and multisystem inflammatory involvement in adult patients with COVID-19. Although our journal does not traditionally publish case reports, we felt that this case could help spark awareness of a possible association and trigger further investigations in children. However, we were also cognizant that the COVID-19 positivity and the KD in the published case may have been “true, true and unrelated.” We also recognized (as did the article authors) that the association, if true, had few if any clinical implications for the case in question. Since then, attention over a possible association between COVID-19 and KD and other hyperinflammatory states has mounted. On April 26, an alert was sent to general practitioners in London advising them of rising numbers of cases of a multisystem inflammatory state in children with overlapping features of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) and atypical KD. These cases were subsequently described in a correspondence in the Lancet on May 7, 2020, in which researchers detailed 8 children with critical illness characterized by severe inflammation, although not all had confirmed COVID-19 infection or exposure.2 In Bergamo, Italy, KD was diagnosed in 20 children over a short period, roughly equivalent to the total number of cases that …
Space missions in comets

Recent advances in the techniques and instruments of cometary research are described. Consideration is given to the development of the first space-based platforms for cometary observations in the 1970s, including the OGO-5 and OAO-2 ultraviolet satellites, as well as IRAS. The expectations for the scientific return from space missions in the 1980s and 1990s are also discussed, with attention given to the Giotto flyby; the Soviet VEGA missions; and two Japanese spacecraft missions Sakigake and Suise. The imaging and spectroscopic experiments to be carried out during the Giotto mission are described in detail.
CDK2 activity determines the timing of cell-cycle commitment and sequential DNA replication

Abstract To enter the cell cycle, mammalian cells must cross a point of no return (the commitment point), after which they proceed through the cell cycle regardless of changes in external signaling. This process is tightly regulated by the cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and downstream molecules such as retinoblastoma (Rb). Here we show that CDK2 activity coordinates the timing of cell-cycle commitment and DNA replication. CDK4/6 activation initiates Rb phosphorylation and E2F activity, causing a gradual increase in CDK2 activity. Once CDK2 activity reaches a threshold level, CDK2 triggers the commitment point by maintaining Rb phosphorylation and subsequently initiates DNA replication. While the timing of the commitment point is tightly coupled with DNA replication, our experiments, which acutely increased CDK2 activity, suggest that the timing of the commitment point is before DNA replication. These findings highlight how cells utilize a safety mechanism to maintain genome stability by protecting against incomplete DNA replication.