cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pancreatic stones as a cause of bile duct and ampullary obstruction: endoscopic treatment approaches

The opening of the common bile duct and the main pancreatic duct often share a common channel at the ampulla of Vater. Gallstones residing in the common bile duct frequently become impacted in the ampulla of Vater, inciting pancreatitis in the adjacent organ. The opposite situation, impaction of pancreatic stones in the ampulla of Vater leading to obstructive biliary tract disease, has rarely been reported. The existence of this disorder and its optimal treatment remains largely unexplored. We report two cases of biliary tract obstruction caused by pancreatic duct (PD) calculi, successfully treated with two different endoscopic management approaches.
Low-temperature water-gas shift reaction over Cu- and Ni-loaded cerium oxide catalysts

Abstract In this paper we report on the activity of Cu- and Ni-containing cerium oxide catalysts for low-temperature water-gas shift (WGS). Bulk catalysts were prepared in nanocrystalline form by the urea co-precipitation–gelation method. Lanthanum dopant (10 at.%) was used as a structural stabilizer of ceria, while the content of Cu or Ni was in the range of 5–15 at.% (2–8 wt.%). At low metal loadings, Cu or Ni were present in the form of highly dispersed oxide clusters, while at high loadings, clusters as well as particles of CuO or NiO (>10 nm in size) were present on ceria. Both Cu and Ni increased the reducibility of ceria, as evidenced by H2-TPR experiments. The WGS reaction activity of Ce(La)Ox was increased significantly by addition of a small amount (2 wt.%) of Cu or Ni. The catalysts were not activated prior to testing. Steady-state WGS kinetics were measured over the temperature range of 175–300 and 250–300°C, respectively, for Cu- and Ni–Ce(La)Ox. The activation energy of the reaction over Ce(La)Ox was 58.5 kJ/mol, while it was 38.2 and 30.4 kJ/mol, respectively, over the 5 at.% Ni–Ce(La)Ox and 5 at.% Cu–Ce(La)Ox catalysts in CO-rich conditions. A co-operative redox reaction mechanism, involving oxidation of CO adsorbed on the metal cluster by oxygen supplied to the metal interface by ceria, followed by H2O capping the oxygen vacancy on ceria, was used to fit the kinetics. Parametric studies were mainly performed with the 5 at.% Cu–(La)Ox catalyst. Notably, this material requires no activation and retains high WGS activity and stability at temperatures up to 600°C.
High-efficiency power amplifier integrated with antenna

Two class B GaAs field-effect transistor (FET) power amplifiers integrated with patch antennas have been designed and fabricated at 2.48 GHz. Both amplifiers are integrated with patch antennas, which serve as load and radiator. In one case, a standard patch design was used with random harmonic termination. In another case, a modified patch design was used, which allows the tuning of the second harmonic. In this case the antenna has an additional function of a filter. An increase of 7% in the power-added efficiency (PAE) and 0.5 dB in the output power was achieved through the second harmonic tuning.
Visualization Through Dynamic Geogebra Illustrations

The purpose of this chapter is to provide pedagogical strategies and discuss ideas about teaching mathematics using GeoGebra that promote effective use of visualization in a technology-integrated dynamic environment. The author describes his work with prospective secondary mathematics teachers enrolled in a methods course. The results of the study revealed that their perspectives on teaching and learning mathematics with technology were enriched as they worked individually and in small groups to develop and present lessons with GeoGebra, suggesting that creating a collaborative environment for our prospective teachers is as important as incorporating dynamic mathematics software into our teacher education courses.
MODEL POLYPEPTIDES FOR α‐HELIX COILED COIL PROTEINS:

A polyheptapeptide poly (Ala-Leu-Lys-Glu-Ala2-Glu) has been synthesized by polymerization of the blocked heptamer and by sequential synthesis. The former method yields molecular weights up to 40, 000, the latter a product of rather uniform D.P = 25, i.e. a molecular weight Mr= 18, 250. The polypeptide was designed to have a repeat sequence of hydrophobic residues of the type expected in α-keratin and in tropomyosin and was designed to optimize hydrophobic bonding between two chains. Preliminary characterization indicates that in aqueous solution the polypeptides are random at all pH, but high molecular weight material shows a small amount (up to 20%) of α-helix. However, crystallization of the material from certain solvents and solvent mixtures including chloroform I trifluoroacetic acid and hexafluoroisopropanol, produces α-helical material which in some cases is crystalline. Electron microscopy of the crystalline material shows lozenge-shaped crystals of about 1 μ in maximum side and ˜ 300 A thick. Diffuse electron diffraction has been obtained with d = 16.1 A. The hexafluoroisopropanol-precipitated material, which is α-helical by infrared spectroscopy and film circular dichroism, gives a diffuse X-ray diffraction pattern with d = 5.1 a and d = 2.5 a. Attempts to orient the material caused distortion toβ-sheet form. The diffraction studies are consistent with an α-helix coiled coil and a tentative cell packing arrangement is described.
Implementation strategies to improve non-HDL-cholesterol goal attainment: current evidence and a conceptual framework for future directions.

It is well established that non-high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) is a better marker of cardiovascular risk than is low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).1 A simple calculation is performed by subtracting HDL-C from total cholesterol, whether the sample is obtained from a fasting or a nonfasting patient. Non-HDL-C levels also correlate extremely well with measures of LDL particle concentration,1 but unlike these measures of LDL, non-HDL-C calculation does not incur any additional cost to the health-care system.
X-Band Monolithic Series Feedback LNA

An X-band monolithic three-stage low noise amplifier (LNA) employing series feedback has demonstrated 1.8 dB noise figure with 30.0 dB gain and an input VSWR less than 1.2:1 at 10 GHz. The key to this design is using monolithic technology to obtain an exactly repeatable series feedback inductance to achieve a simultaneous noise match and input VSWR match.
Psychosocial differences related to parenting infants among single and married mothers.

Background: This study compared the psychosocial factors, self-esteem, sense of mastery, life stress, and social support among first-time married and single mothers in early parenthood.Methods: A cross-sectional comparative design was used to study secondary data. A convenience sample of 80 first-time mothers completed self-report instruments on self-esteem, sense of mastery, social, and life stress at 6–8 weeks after birth. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and ANOVA. A statistically significant difference was found between married and single mothers on self esteem (F = 9.314, df = 1, p = .003) and sense of mastery (F = 4.919, df = 1, p = .030).Results: There were no statistical differences found between married and single mothers on social support and life stress. Findings support theoretical assertion that personal psychological resources are most indicative of successful parenting.Conclusion: Further, interventions directed toward enhancing single mothers' sense of ...
Some New Ways of Looking at Conflict: Recognizing and Dealing with It

What distinguishes real conflict, conflict that is worthy of the name, from what usually passes for it? What are the characteristics of difficult situations and people and how can we deal with them? And finally, how can we deal with and use conflict based on this new way of seeing it?
Defining the Role of Prior Knowledge and Vocabulary in Reading Comprehension: The Retiring of Number 41

Although both prior topic knowledge and vocabulary knowledge have been known to affect comprehension in general, less is known about the specifics of the interactions between these factors. Using a...
Preparation of acicular /spl alpha/-Fe nanoparticles in a lamellar liquid crystalline phase

Acicular /spl alpha/-Fe nanoparticles were prepared by sodium borohydride reduction of ferrous chloride in the presence of the liquid crystalline system, C/sub 12/EO/sub 4//water. The shape of the acicular particles was templated by the colloid and a magnetic field. The acicular particles obtained from the lamellar phase were 50/spl sim/150 nanometers long and 5 nanometers wide. The product also included some spherical particles of 10/spl sim/15 nanometers in diameter. The saturation magnetization was 94 emu/g and the coercivity was 420 Oe.
Aquinas, God, and Being

Reprenant la question heideggerienne de la signification de l'etre, l'A. etudie le bien-fonde de la notion d'etre chez Saint Thomas d'Aquin, qui designe a la fois celui qui subsiste et celui qui est la cause de l'etre des creatures. Mesurant la reception de cette conception de l'existence chez les thomistes comme E. Gilson, les thomistes analytiques comme A. Kenny et les ennemis de Saint Thomas comme Kant, l'A. defend la these selon laquelle l'affirmation de l'existence ne nous apprend rien sur l'individu et que l'existence de Dieu ne se dit pas a travers des categories de type aristotelicien
Reliability analysis for dependent failure processes and dependent failure threshold

This paper presents reliability models for items subject to Multiple Dependent Competing Failure Process (MDCFP). Two dependent failure processes are studied: soft failures and hard failures. Soft failures are caused by continuous wear degradation and additional abrupt degradation damage due to a shock process. Hard failures are the result of instantaneous stress from the same shock process. These two failure processes are correlated or dependent in two respects. The arrival of each shock impacts both failure processes, and also the shock process affects the hard failure threshold level. When sustaining shocks, the item becomes more susceptible to hard failures. The latter has been a critical issue for many evolving complex devices, such as MEMS and stents. Two cases of dependency between the shock process and the hard failure threshold level are investigated. The first case is that the hard failure threshold value reduces to a lower level right after a run of m shocks. The second case is that the hard failure threshold value decreases to a lower level when the first shock is recorded above a pivotal value. Based on degradation and random shock modeling, the reliability models are developed for these two dependent failure processes. A preventive maintenance policy can then be developed based on the reliability analysis. The proposed model can be applied to similar systems that experience multiple dependent competing failure processes.
Cornelia de Lange Syndrome A Second Case is Reported in the Negro

This represents only the second case of the de Lange syndrome among Negroes in the Pediatric literature. This is, in addi tion, the first report to stress laboratory in vestigation of the syndrome. To date, the diagnosis has been made merely on morpho logic features, but this author cites a Beta globulin deficiency and hyposthenuria as possible "obligatory" or "coincidental" fea tures of this syndrome.
RNA helicase DDX3: a novel therapeutic target in Ewing sarcoma

RNA helicase DDX3 has oncogenic activity in breast and lung cancers and is required for translation of complex mRNA transcripts, including those encoding key cell-cycle regulatory proteins. We sought to determine the expression and function of DDX3 in sarcoma cells, and to investigate the antitumor activity of a novel small molecule DDX3 inhibitor, RK-33. Utilizing various sarcoma cell lines, xenografts and human tissue microarrays, we measured DDX3 expression at the mRNA and protein levels, and evaluated cytotoxicity of RK-33 in sarcoma cell lines. To study the role of DDX3 in Ewing sarcoma, we generated stable DDX3-knockdown Ewing sarcoma cell lines using DDX3-specific small hairpin RNA (shRNA), and assessed oncogenic activity. DDX3-knockdown and RK-33-treated Ewing sarcoma cells were compared with wild-type cells using an isobaric mass-tag quantitative proteomics approach to identify target proteins impacted by DDX3 inhibition. Overall, we found high expression of DDX3 in numerous human sarcoma subtypes compared with non-malignant mesenchymal cells, and knockdown of DDX3 by RNA interference inhibited oncogenic activity in Ewing sarcoma cells. Treatment with RK-33 was preferentially cytotoxic to sarcoma cells, including chemotherapy-resistant Ewing sarcoma stem cells, while sparing non-malignant cells. Sensitivity to RK-33 correlated with DDX3 protein expression. Growth of human Ewing sarcoma xenografts expressing high DDX3 was inhibited by RK-33 treatment in mice, without overt toxicity. DDX3 inhibition altered the Ewing sarcoma cellular proteome, especially proteins involved in DNA replication, mRNA translation and proteasome function. These data support further investigation of the role of DDX3 in sarcomas, advancement of RK-33 to Ewing sarcoma clinical trials and development of RNA helicase inhibition as a novel anti-neoplastic strategy.
Modified Svensson’s Formula for More Accurate Burst Pressure Predictions of Thin Cylindrical Shells With Small Shell Length to Diameter Ratios

For process safety management purposes, it is often required in industries to perform burst pressure calculations for pressurized equipment subjected to internal deflagrations. In predictions of burst pressures of vessels with short cylindrical shell sections, the stiffening effects of heads are often overlooked, which may lead to underestimated results. In this paper, a new improved method is proposed for predictions of burst pressures of thin cylindrical shells with small shell length to diameter ratios (L/D) at ambient temperature. The idea is to use the Svensson’s formula, modified by a factor that accounts for the effects of small L/D ratios, head types, and materials for more accurate predictions. Tables of such factors are developed based on study results from a series of elastic-plastic Finite Element Analyses including large displacement effect for different L/D ratios, thicknesses, materials, and head types. Some example problems are presented to validate the method.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Certification and legislation: An Italian experience of Fiscal Software Certification

The paper introduces the Italian Fiscal Software Certification scenario. Some concepts about certification are illustrated. The cash registers, as specific kind of Fiscal Meter, are described and their adopted certification process based on Italian legislation requirements is presented as well. Finally, the new related technological challenges are discussed.
Effects of Temperature, Relative Humidity, and Air Velocities on Development of Heliothis zea

The main effects on, and interaction of, days to pupation, percentage pupation, pupal weight, percentage emergence, and days to emergence were studied when larvae of Heliothis zea (Boddie) were reared at 2 temperatures (25Â° and 29Â°C), 2 relative humidities (50 and 70%), and 5 air velocities (10, 75, 150, 200, and 300 cm/sec). Relative humidity influenced development more than temperature and air velocity. The higher temperature shortened pupation time. Air velocities did not affect development at the high humidity but did at the low humidity.
On the Rank of a Matrix

Let A = (aij) be an n X m matrix with entries in a field F. Each of the n rows -of A can be regarded as a vector in coordinate m-space, Fm, and each of the m columns of A can be regarded as a vector in Fn. The row space of A is the subspace of Fin spanned by the rows of A and column space of A is the subspace of F71 spanned by the columns of A. The row rank of A is the dimension of the row space of A and the column rank of A is the dimension of the column space of A. It is proved in most undergraduate courses in linear algebra that the row rank and column rank are equal. This can be done by resorting to the determinants of square minors of A [3, pp. 22-24], or by computing the dimension of the solution space of a certain system of linear equations [2, pp. 47-51]. Products of linear transformations and the matrices associated with them can also be employed [1, pp. 234-235; 5, pp. 35, 42, 48-50; and 6, pp. 100-108]. In [4] Liebeck gives a short proof valid only for complex scalars. The purpose of this note is to present two very simple proofs that row rank and column rank are equal without resorting to any of these notions. Undergraduates should easily follow our arguments which the authors have not seen in any of the standard texts on linear algebra.
A Fatal Eosinophilic Process in a Laotian Refugee

A 17-year-old Laotian refugee developed an ultimately fatal disease process characterized by formation of an abdominal eosinophilic mass, peripheral eosinophilia, and elevated serum IgE. No parasitic pathogens that could explain her disease were isolated during life or identified at autopsy. Furthermore, the disease was not consistent with previously described neoplastic, inflammatory, or idiopathic diseases. We believe this process represents a unique, aggressive variation of the hypereosinophilic syndrome, and that immunosuppressive therapy may be warranted.
A Meta-Analysis of Factors Influencing the Development of Trust in Automation: Implications for Understanding Autonomy in Future Systems

Objective:We used meta-analysis to assess research concerning human trust in automation to understand the foundation upon which future autonomous systems can be built.Background:Trust is increasingly important in the growing need for synergistic human–machine teaming. Thus, we expand on our previous meta-analytic foundation in the field of human–robot interaction to include all of automation interaction.Method:We used meta-analysis to assess trust in automation. Thirty studies provided 164 pairwise effect sizes, and 16 studies provided 63 correlational effect sizes.Results:The overall effect size of all factors on trust development was ḡ = +0.48, and the correlational effect was r¯ = +0.34, each of which represented medium effects. Moderator effects were observed for the human-related (ḡ = +0.49; r¯ = +0.16) and automation-related (ḡ = +0.53; r¯ = +0.41) factors. Moderator effects specific to environmental factors proved insufficient in number to calculate at this time.Conclusion:Findings provide a quan...
Current challenges in the surgical management of Crohn's disease: a systematic review.

Abstract Background Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder, and the broad variability in phenotypic presentations makes the treatment of this disease a true multidisciplinary approach. We sought to review the current recommendations regarding the surgical management of Crohn's disease. Data source A Systematic literature review of surgical techniques was performed from 1979 through 2015. We evaluated 30 articles focusing on findings over the past 5 years. Conclusions Crohn's is a complex disease with no surgical cure. Invasive techniques vary from strictureplasty to resection and percutaneous drainage of penetrating disease when indicated. There is a paucity of well-controlled randomized studies evaluating these surgical techniques, and therefore, we continue to rely on smaller studies and historical data. The surgical goals are to minimize postoperative complications while preserving intestinal length and slowing the progression to clinical recurrence. The evidence discussed is one strategy against this complex pathology.
A review of studies on Chinese borrowings in English

More than 1000 years have passed since Chinese borrowings first appeared in English,a history which can be divided into three phases by Opium War and the founding of PRC.Chinese words enter English directly through Sino-English contact or indirectly with the help of transmission languages by way of transliteration,translation or transliteration +affixation,and have been assimilated in pronunciation,word forms and meaning.That English borrows words from Chinese is caused by the lexical-semantic absence of English lexis and language contact.At present the relevant studies are far from systemic and theorized.
Exposure to free radicals alters ionic calcium transients in isolated adult rat cardiac myocytes.

Oxygen-derived free radical production has been documented to occur on reperfusion of the ischemic myocardium. Intracellular ionic calcium ([Ca ++ ] i ) levels in isolated adult rat cardiac myocytes exposed to free radicals were evaluated using fura-2. The effect of different time periods of free radical exposure on altering [Ca ++ ] i was examined. Myocytes were either exposed to the free radical generating system continuously or exposed for 5 or 10 minutes and then returned to the HEPES buffer. Myocytes maintained in HEPES buffer or the HEPES buffer containing purine and iron-loaded transferrin continued to stimulate, exhibited relatively uniform 340/380 nm ratios and maintained a rod shape. Continuous exposure to free radicals resulted in a significant increase in [Ca ++ ] i
Analysis of submicron double-gated polysilicon MOS thin film transistors

Double-gated poly-Si MOS thin film transistors (TFTs), having two gate electrodes (top and bottom) connected together, are analyzed by the numerical solution of the Poisson equation. It is found that for fully inverted films there is a strong coupling of the top and bottom channels, resulting in a more efficient channel charge modulation and substantial improvement of electrical characteristics: reduction of subthreshold swing, reduction of threshold voltage, enhancement of drive current, and suppression of punch-through degradation in submicron channel length TFTs. By applying the double-gated structure, submicron poly Si PMOS TFTs have been realized with 0.6 mu m channel length, OFF current of 0.4 pA/ mu m, and ON/OFF ratio >5*15/sup 5/, demonstrating the applicability of this device in ULSI SRAM cells. >
A systematic review of modifiable risk factors in the progression of multiple sclerosis

Background:The presenting symptoms and rate of progression of multiple sclerosis (MS) are very heterogeneous. The diverse clinical manifestations and the clinical course of the disease may vary with modifiable risk factors.Objective:To systematically review modifiable risk factors and exposures associated with MS progression.Methods:We searched six databases till March 2015, reference-mined reviews, and consulted with experts (PROSPERO 2015:CRD42015016461). Two reviewers screened and extracted data. We used random meta-analysis models and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) to assess the quality of evidence.Results:In total, 59 studies met inclusion criteria. Lower vitamin D levels were associated with higher Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores (r = −0.22; confidence interval (CI) = −0.32, −0.12; 11 studies; I2 = 66%), smokers had an increased risk of MS progression (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.55; CI = 1.10, 2.19; I2 = 72%; seven studies), and there was no asso...
INTERDISCIPLINARY DIALOG AND ITS MODELS IN PRACTICING PEDAGOGY

The manuscript addresses a highly significant problem of contemporary scientific research, namely their interdisciplinarity, known in the Polish language also as miedzydyscyplinarnośc – crossing traditional boundaries between academic disciplines, as well as analyzes similar categories of multidisciplinarity (referred to as multitude of disciplines) and trans-disciplinarity, with special emphasis put on practicing pedagogy and solving problems linked with upbringing. In order to avoid vagueness and to characterize the specificity of particular types of dialog in science, i.e. interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary or trans-disciplinary dialogs, the article focuses first on elucidation of particular terms and on depicting the main pathways of their understanding as well ad indicates the most common procedure of exploiting research results achieved in one discipline of science by another discipline, thus making the first inferior and ancillary to the other. Differences in the perception of events and phenomena and these in constructing our observations induce a need for dialog – being of importance also in the field of science. In addition, results obtained at a given moment in a given science can never be perceived as some absolute certainty, for they are always generated in a specified time, and with specified, historically established and determined theories or concepts of upbringing. However, there are certain prerequisites for the dialog to shift from the phase of ordinary communication to the phase of effective collaboration, including in particular generation of such products of researches, categories and concepts that would be applicable also in another discipline. This would, however, require the real reform of the knowledge system of particular disciplines, starting as early as from their studying under academic determinants.
Inhibition of Tetrahydrofuran Hydrate Formation in the Presence of Polyol-Modified Glass Surfaces

Glycerol was conjugated to glass test tube surfaces in four configurations by employing two different silane spacers, covalent attachment to glycerol at either the 1- or the 2-position, and with a succinic acid spacer. The resulting surfaces were tested for their ability to inhibit the nucleation of tetrahydrofuran hydrate (THF hydrate) in comparison with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), a known polymeric inhibitor of THF hydrate formation. Contact angle measurements were used as an indication of surface modification throughout the glass derivatization steps. Of the four final surfaces modified with glycerol, only the coating with (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) and glycerol coupled at the 1-position (leaving a free 1,2-diol) showed significant inhibition of the formation of THF hydrate. The corresponding N-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ethylenediamine (AEAPTMS) coating with glycerol coupled at the 1-position did not show a significant difference over the untreated test tubes. Attachment of glycerol at the...
Automated synthesis of compact multiplier circuits for in-memory computing using ROBDDs

With Moore's law approaching physical limitations of transistor size, researchers have started exploring unconventional ways for performing computing. This has led to the discovery of several emerging devices for computing. One such recently discovered device is memristor; it can be used both for storage and in-memory computing. It can also be easily mass produced in the form of compact crossbars. In this work, we are proposing a generalized approach for in-memory computing of boolean functions on memristor crossbars. Existing techniques for in-memory computing using memristors either stop short of utilizing full potential of crossbars, or they have huge space or time complexity. Our flow based approach uses reduced ordered binary decision diagrams to control sneak paths in crossbars. Moreover, we have also proposed a simple efficient algorithm for mapping reduced ordered binary decision diagrams based memristive circuits onto crossbars. Consequently, our approach is not only capable of benefiting from economy of scale of massively producible compact crossbars, it is also computationally less intensive. Thus, it can be used for synthesizing crossbars for far more complex functions than the existing approaches. Additionally, we have also derived upper bound on function size that can be computed on a given crossbar. We have demonstrated our approach by designing eight crossbars for in-memory computing of all eight output bits of four bit multiplier.
Smad4 plays an integral role in memory CD8 T cell differentiation (IRM14P.444)

Tissue resident memory CD8 T cells (TRM) are a unique subset of virus-specific CTLs which bolster local immune responses after becoming lodged in previously infected tissues. These cells provide enhanced protection by intercepting returning pathogens before a new infection gets established. In contrast, central memory CD8 T cells (TCM) circulate in the bloodstream and proliferate in secondary lymphoid organs before replenishing effector and memory CD8 T cell populations in remote parts of the body. Both populations of virus-specific memory CD8 T cells participate in immunity to influenza virus infection however the signaling pathways that instruct developing memory CD8 T cells to distribute to specific tissues are poorly defined. We show that TGFβ promotes the development of pulmonary TRM cells via a signaling pathway that does not require the downstream intermediate Smad4. In contrast, circulating memory CD8 T cells have no requirement for TGFβ but show signs of arrested development in the absence of Smad4 including aberrant CD103 expression. These signaling pathways alter the distribution of virus-specific CTLs in the lungs, but do not prevent robust cytokine responses. Our data show that Smad4 is required for normal differentiation of multiple subsets of virus-specific CTLs. In normal circumstances, Smad4 may be activated via a pathway that bypasses the TGFβ receptor. Improved understanding of these signaling pathways could be used to augment vaccine-induced immunity.
Introducing graph algorithms

Graphs are commonly introduced in a course on data structures. In this activity students model a directed graph that the professor has chosen in advance and keeps hidden from the students. By passing messages to their peers the students see how to propagate information through a graph.
Semaphorin3A induces nerve regeneration in the adult cornea-a switch from its repulsive role in development

The peripheral sensory nerves that innervate the cornea can be easily damaged by trauma, surgery, infection or diabetes. Several growth factors and axon guidance molecules, such as Semaphorin3A (Sema3A) are upregulated upon cornea injury. Nerves can regenerate after injury but do not recover their original density and patterning. Sema3A is a well known axon guidance and growth cone repellent protein during development, however its role in adult cornea nerve regeneration remains undetermined. Here we investigated the neuro-regenerative potential of Sema3A on adult peripheral nervous system neurons such as those that innervate the cornea. First, we examined the gene expression profile of the Semaphorin class 3 family members and found that all are expressed in the cornea. However, upon cornea injury there is a fast increase in Sema3A expression. We then corroborated that Sema3A totally abolished the growth promoting effect of nerve growth factor (NGF) on embryonic neurons and observed signs of growth cone collapse and axonal retraction after 30 min of Sema3A addition. However, in adult isolated trigeminal ganglia or dorsal root ganglia neurons, Sema3A did not inhibited the NGF-induced neuronal growth. Furthermore, adult neurons treated with Sema3A alone produced similar neuronal growth to cells treated with NGF and the length of the neurites and branching was comparable between both treatments. These effects were replicated in vivo, where thy1-YFP neurofluorescent mice subjected to cornea epithelium debridement and receiving intrastromal pellet implantation containing Sema3A showed increased corneal nerve regeneration than those receiving pellets with vehicle. In adult PNS neurons, Sema3A is a potent inducer of neuronal growth in vitro and cornea nerve regeneration in vivo. Our data indicates a functional switch for the role of Sema3A in PNS neurons where the well-described repulsive role during development changes to a growth promoting effect during adulthood. The high expression of Sema3A in the normal and injured adult corneas could be related to its role as a growth factor.
Disparities of Immunotherapy Utilization in Patients with Stage III Cutaneous Melanoma: A National Perspective.

BACKGROUND/AIM Immunotherapy combined with surgery is associated with better survival than surgery alone in patients with advanced melanoma. This study examined the utilization of immunotherapy in relation to population characteristics and the associated survival benefit. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study utilizing the US National Cancer Database. The study population included 6,165 adult patients (≥18 years) with stage III cutaneous melanoma (median follow-up=32 months). RESULTS A total of 1,854 patients underwent immunotherapy in addition to surgery, which was associated with a survival benefit over surgery alone (hazard ratio(HR)=0.66, 95% confidence interval(CI)=0.56-0.77, p<0.001). Older age, presence of comorbidities, Medicaid/Medicare insurance, and living in a community with lower average education level were associated with less immunotherapy utilization (all p<0.05). No statistically significant racial disparity in immunotherapy usage was found (p=0.07). CONCLUSION Compared to other demographic factors, insurance status was associated with the greatest disparities in immunotherapy utilization and mortality for patients who underwent surgery for advanced melanoma.
Time, space, and spectral multiplexing for radiation balanced operation of semiconductor lasers

Radiation balanced lasing (RBL) is an attractive pathway towards the development of high power and good beam quality lasers because heat removal via anti-Stokes luminescence (optical refrigeration) does not require additional connections and components and the heat is dissipated away from the active medium. Optical refrigeration had been demonstrated in the rare-earth doped laser medium but is far more difficult to achieve it in semiconductors laser medium. The main obstacle to achieve RBL in semiconductors is that the most efficient cooling occurs at relatively low carrier densities, while the gain required to sustain laser operation occurs at much higher densities. In this study, we explore the means of resolving this conundrum by separating the optical refrigeration and lasing in temporal, spatial, and/or spectral domains. Time multiplexing involves modulating the pump and operating the laser in pulse modes with lasing and cooling intervals. Space multiplexing involves having separate regions (quantum wells and dots) for lasing and cooling. The spectral multiplexing involves operating with two separate pumps - one for lasing and one for cooling. These methods will be compared in the study with the goal of selecting the optimal path RBL in semiconductor lasers.
Stimulation of the subparafascicular thalamic nucleus modulates dopamine release in the inferior colliculus of rats

Although dopamine is commonly studied for its role in incentive motivation, cognition, and various neuropsychiatric disorders, evidence from Parkinson's disease (PD) patients that present auditory deficits suggest that dopamine is also involved in central auditory processing. It has been recently discovered that the subparafascicular thalamic nucleus (SPF) sends dopaminergic projections to the inferior colliculus (IC), an important convergence hub for the ascending and descending auditory pathways. In the present study, our aim was to provide neurochemical evidence that activation of SPF neurons evokes dopamine release in the IC of anesthetized rats using fast-scan cyclic and paired pulse voltammetry in combination with carbon fiber microelectrodes. Electrical stimulation of the SPF (60 and 90 Hz) evoked dopamine release in the IC in a frequency-dependent manner, with higher frequencies evoking greater amplitude dopamine responses. Optogenetic-evoked dopamine responses were similar to the effects of electrical stimulation suggesting that electrical stimulation-evoked dopamine release was not due to nonspecific activation of fibers of passage, but rather to activation of SPF cells projecting to the IC. Selective dopamine reuptake blockade enhanced the evoked dopamine response, while selective blockade of serotonin did not, confirming the selectivity of the neurochemical recordings to dopamine. Therefore, the SPF neuronal pathway functionally mediates dopamine release in the IC and thus may be involved in auditory processing deficits associated with PD.
A fully automated high-throughput liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for measuring creatinine in urine

Abstract Reliable creatinine measurements are important to evaluate kidney function and for creatinine correction to reduce biological variability of other urinary analytes. A high-throughput, accurate liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for quantitation of human urinary creatinine has been developed and validated. Sample preparation was fully automated including cryovial decapping, sample ID scanning and two serial dilution steps. Quantitation was performed using a stable isotope-labeled internal standard. Multiplexed chromatographic separation of creatinine was achieved within a one-minute analysis and followed by tandem mass spectrometry in positive electrospray ionization mode. The precursor and product ions of creatinine and D3-creatinine were monitored in selected reaction monitoring mode. Method validation results showed reproducibility with within-run precision of 3.59, 3.49 and 2.84% and between-run precision of 4.01, 3.28 and 3.57% for low, medium and high quality control materials prepared from pooled donor urine, respectively. The method showed excellent accuracy with a bias of −1.94%, −0.78% and −1.07% for three levels of certified reference material. The calibration curve was linear throughout a 7.50–300 mg/dL (0.663–26.5 mmol/L) measurement range (R2 = 0.999), with the mean slope of 0.0115 (95%CI, 0.0108–0.0122) and intercept of 0.0027 (95%CI, 0.0003–0.0051). The limit of detection (LOD) of the method was 3.17 mg/dL (0.280 mmol/L). Analytical specificity was achieved by chromatographically separating creatinine from potentially interfering creatine within a one-minute run and monitoring the Quantitation Ion/Confirmation Ion (QI/CI) ratios in samples. A simple, accurate, high-throughput method was successfully developed for measuring creatinine in human urine samples.
Vapor–Liquid Equilibrium Simulations of Hydrocarbons Using Molecular Dynamics with Long-Range Lennard-Jones Interactions

Because of exposure of injected fuel to extreme temperatures and pressures in modern diesel and jet engines, there is much interest in understanding vapor–liquid equilibrium (VLE), interfacial beha...
Experimental and Computational Study of the Group 1 Metal Cation Chelates with Lysine: Bond Dissociation Energies, Structures, and Structural Trends.

The kinetic energy dependence of the collision-induced dissociation (CID) of Group 1 metal cations (M+ = Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, and Cs+) chelated to the amino acid lysine (Lys) was measured by threshol...
A phase 2 clinical trial of eltrombopag for treatment of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes after hypomethylating-agent failure.

Hypomethylating agents (HMA) are the standard of care for treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). HMA-failure MDS has extremely poor prognosis. This study was designed to explore the utility ...
Developing a novel oral vitamin D3 intake bioassay to re-evaluate the vitamin D3 requirement for modern broiler chickens.

ABSTRACT The present study was conducted to develop a non-traditional vitamin D3 (D3) intake bioassay with the objective of increasing the precision of D3 delivery to the chickens. For this purpose, newly hatched chickens (5 birds per cage) were allocated in battery brooders and randomly distributed into 8 treatments and 6 replicates per treatment. A basal corn-soy diet devoid of D3 containing calculated calcium and non-phytate phosphorus concentrations of 0.90 and 0.45%, respectively, was fed throughout a 21-D period. The first 9 D of the study served to deplete the maternal stores of D3 followed by a 12-h fasting period. From day 10 to the end of the trial, the birds were gavaged with graded levels of D3 obtained from a highly purified pharmaceutical grade D3 standard (99.8%) purchased from Sigma-Aldrich and dissolved in corn oil. Daily gavage treatments were based on estimated intake of 0, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1,600, and 3,200 IU D3/kg of feed consumed over the last 12 D of the study. Precise cholecalciferol intake per kg of diet was adjusted based on actual daily feed intake per pen of birds. Performance data were evaluated from day 10 to 21. Percent tibia bone ash (TBA), tibia breaking strength (TBS), total mineral content, and total bone mineral density were obtained at day 21. The D3 treatments improved (P
Misdemeanor Disenfranchisement? The Demobilizing Effects of Brief Jail Spells on Potential Voters

This paper presents new causal estimates of incarceration’s effect on voting, using administrative data on criminal sentencing and voter turnout. I use the random case assignment process of a major county court system as a source of exogenous variation in the sentencing of misdemeanor cases. Focusing on misdemeanor defendants allows for generalization to a large population, as such cases are very common. Among first-time misdemeanor defendants, I find evidence that receiving a short jail sentence decreases voting in the next election by several percentage points. Results differ starkly by race. White defendants show no demobilization, while Black defendants show substantial turnout decreases due to jail time. Evidence from pre-arrest voter histories suggest that this difference could be due to racial differences in exposure to arrest. These results paint a picture of large-scale, racially-disparate voter demobilization in the wake of incarceration.
Quantum Efficiency Enhancement of Mid Infrared Photodetectors with Photon Trapping Micro-Structures

The study proposes to use the photon trapping micro-structures to enhance quantum efficiency of the mid infrared photodetectors. The nanostructure that is consist of micro holes reduces reflection and bends the near normally incident light into the lateral modes in the absorbing layer.
Risk of pneumonia associated with atypical antipsychotic use in nursing home residents with Parkinson's disease.

Abstract According to the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Beers criteria, most atypical antipsychotic (AAPs) are inappropriate in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) due to the risk of worsening Parkinsonian symptoms. This study evaluated the risk of pneumonia associated with inappropriate AAP use in elderly nursing home residents with PD. The study population encompassed older adults aged 65 years or older with a diagnosis of PD and with comorbid depression who started the AAP medication. Appropriate AAPs were defined as aripiprazole, clozapine or quetiapine according to 2015 Beers criteria, and inappropriate AAPs included olanzapine, asenapine, brexpiprazole, iloperidone, lurasidone, paliperidone, risperidone, or ziprasidone. Cox regression analyses involved propensity score-matched users of inappropriate and appropriate AAPs to examine the association between AAP use and risk of pneumonia. The mean age of patients in propensity-matched cohort (n = 12,076) was 82.15 years (SD = 6.97). The pneumonia incidence rates were 37.19 and 45.92 per person-year in appropriate and inappropriate AAP groups, respectively. Multivariable Cox regression analyses revealed increased risk of pneumonia [Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.20 (1.08–1.34)] for nursing home residents who were taking inappropriate compared to those taking appropriate AAP. In sensitivity analyses, the pneumonia risk was 1.28 (1.12–1.47) for risperidone vs. quetiapine and 1.29 (1.06–1.57) for olanzapine vs. quetiapine. The risk of pneumonia was significantly higher for patients with PD who used inappropriate AAP in comparison to appropriate AAP group in all analyses. This investigation warrants further attention regarding safety of atypical antipsychotics in PD.
Synthesis and characterization of [Zn(acetate)2(amine)x] compounds (x=1 or 2) and their use as precursors to ZnO

Abstract As an obvious candidate for a p-type dopant in ZnO, nitrogen remains elusive in this role. Nitrogen containing precursors are a potential means to incorporate nitrogen during MOCVD growth. One class of nitrogen-containing precursors are zinc acetate amines, yet, they have received little attention. The synthesis and single crystal X-ray structure of [Zn(acetate)2(en)], and the synthesis of [Zn(acetate)2(en)2], [Zn(acetate)2(benzylamine)2], [Zn(acetate)2(butylamine)2], [Zn(acetate)2(NH3)2], and [Zn(acetate)2(tris)2], where en=ethylenediamine and tris=(tris[hydroxymethyl]aminomethane) are reported. The compounds were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and pyrolyzed in air and inert gas to yield ZnO. These compounds are useful single source precursors to ZnO bulk powders by alkali precipitation and ZnO thin films by spray pyrolysis. The amine bound to the zinc influences the ZnO crystal size and shape and acts as a nitrogen donor for preparing nitrogen-doped ZnO during alkali precipitation. Thin films of ZnO prepared by spray pyrolysis using the precursors had a (100) preferred orientation and measured n-type to intrinsic conductivity.
Testing of Prebond Through Silicon Vias

Testing of the interconnects in a 3-D stack is a complex and expensive process. The authors propose a method using prebond testing to reduce manufacturing cost and improve overall yield.-Vivek Chickermane, Cadence Design Systems.
Personality traits and the digital entrepreneur: Much of the same thing or a new breed?

The impact of young companies with purely digital products and services has raised interest in so-called digital entrepreneurs (DEs), all-digital business models, and ecosystems in which DEs thrive...
Spin excitation of nuclei by pions

The energy dependences of the spin-dependent and spin-independent free πN interaction are examined using updated πN phase shifts over a wide range of energies. PWIA and DWIA calculations for the purely spin-dependent transition to the 9/2+ state in 13C (9.5 MeV) are used to determine the modifications of this energy dependence by the π-nuclear distortions. It is concluded that the nature of the πN interaction in nuclei should be studied at energies where the absorption is smaller than at the (3,3) resonance. Calculations are also presented for cross sections and asymmetries of elastic scattering of pions from polarized 3He at incident energies T π between 100 and 500 MeV.
Quantifying Non-Classical Motivations and the Behavioral Impact of News Announcements on Stock Prices

We discuss research that quantifies the effects of changes in valuation, price trend, volatility and money supply on stock prices. A recent uptrend is shown to have a positive effect on daily return provided the uptrend is below a critical value. Above that value there is a negative effect. A unified understanding of underreaction (a possible reason for a positive trend coefficient) and overreaction (a cause of price reversal) is thereby possible. We present a new methodology for understanding the impact of news announcements on stock prices by utilizing our procedure for extracting the valuation and other variables such as trend. The set of twelve quantitative national news announcements includes durable goods orders, The Philadelphia Federal Survey, Retail Sales, Business Inventories, Consumer Sentiment and Non-Farm Payrolls. The set of general equity US closed-end funds exhibit a positive reaction (i.e., overreaction relative to the valuation) in terms of daily return for five of the major indicators: the Philadelphia Fed survey, durable goods orders, business inventories, retail sales, and new home sales. Subsequent days exhibit reversals.