cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection: Update on Management Strategies

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections are underrecognized as a cause of serious morbidity in newborn infants. The era of therapeutic nihilism regarding these infections has come to an end, however, as useful therapies are now available that may modify the outcome. The infected fetus can be treated in utero, or the newborn infant can be treated when CMV is recognized in the neonatal period. Expanded screening of newborns for congenital CMV infection will make it even more important for clinicians to be aware of current therapeutic options. The most effective option for the treatment of life-threatening or sight-threatening CMV disease at any age is the nucleoside analog ganciclovir. For the newborn with congenital CMV infection, the value of ganciclovir appears to relate to its ability to preserve hearing; other improvements in overall neurodevelopmental status are inferred but remain to be proven. In the pregnant woman with primary CMV infection, the use of CMV-specific immune globulin, though still investigational, is garnering attention and may prove to be a valuable therapy.
The analysis of persistence in a chain of multiple events

This paper presents new methods for (i) estimating the magnitude of the persistence of events in a chain of multiple events, and (ii) testing hypotheses about this persistence, when the observed chain is of long duration and is of the kind considered earlier by Barton, David & Fix (1962). It also compares these methods with those suggested in the earlier literature. We find, for example, that the estimator of persistence suggested earlier by Barton, David & Fix is less accurate asymptotically (and tests based upon this estimator are less powerful asymptotically) than are the comparable estimators (and tests) introduced herein. We also note that some of the methods introduced herein require less prior information for their application than do the earlier methods. We shall assume, as did Barton, David & Fix, that the chain of events can be described by a stationary Markoff chain having a finite number of states {E1, E2, ..., E,}, where the transition probability pj that the chain will be in state Ej at time t (t= 1, 2, ...), given that it was in Ei at time t- 1, is of the form
Pseudo dissolution of marine calcite

Abstract An enigma exists regarding observations aimed at determining the extent of calcite dissolution on the Ceara Rise in the western equatorial Atlantic. Based on pore-water gradients for Ca, alkalinity, pH, 13 C and 14 C, a strong case can be constructed that at a depth of 3.3 km about 30% of the calcite rain dissolves [Martin and Sayles, Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 60 (1996) 243–263; Hales and Emerson, Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 61 (1997) 501–514; Martin et al., Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 61 (2000) 1391–1404]. However, benthic chambers deployed at this site record no Ca or alkalinity flux [Jahnke and Jahnke, Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta (2002) in press]. Further, there is no evidence for shell weight loss or shell breakup between 2.8 and 4.1 km water depth on the Ceara Rise [Broecker and Clark, Global Geochem. Cycles (2002) in press]. A possible scenario which accounts for all but the 14 C observations [Martin et al., Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 61 (2000) 1391–1404] is that coatings formed on the calcite are stirred downward into the respiration-CO 2 -rich core-top mixed layer and there redissolve. We term this phenomenon pseudo dissolution.
Mathematics Anxiety and Test Anxiety: Separate Constructs?

The authors used correlational and confirmatory factor analytic techniques to examine the relationship between measures of the constructs of mathematics anxiety and test anxiety. The correlations found between measures of the 2 constructs were nearly as high as those found within measures of the 2 constructs, bringing into question the separateness of the constructs. Results of the confirmatory factor analysis provided some support for a distinction between the constructs; the correlation between the 2 factors, however, was relatively high. Those findings suggest that mathematics anxiety and test anxiety may be separate phenomena; the conceptual uniqueness of mathematics anxiety, however, needs to be further delineated and its measurement improved.
Demo abstract: Closed-loop testing for implantable cardiac pacemakers

The increasing complexity of software in implantable medical devices such as cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators accounts for over 40% of device recalls. Testing remains the principal means of verification in the medical device certification regime. Traditional software test generation techniques, where the tests are generated independently of the operational environment, are not effective as the device must be tested within the context of the patient's condition and the current state of the heart. It is necessary for the testing system to observe the system state and adaptively generate the next input to advance the purpose of the test. To this effect, a set of general and patient condition-specific temporal requirements is specified for the closed-loop heart and pacemaker system. Based on these requirements, we implemented a closed-loop testing platform between a timed automata based heart model on a FPGA board and a pacemaker on a micro-controller. This allows for interactive and physiologically relevant model-based test generation for basic pacemaker device operations such as maintaining the heart rate and atrial-ventricle synchrony. We also demonstrate the flexibility and efficacy of the testing platform for more complex common timing anomalies such as reentry circuits, pacemaker mode switch operation and pacemaker-mediated tachycardia. This system is a step toward a testing approach for medical cyber-physical systems with the patient-in-the-loop.
Anatomy of protein pockets and cavities: Measurement of binding site geometry and implications for ligand design

Identification and size characterization of surface pockets and occluded cavities are initial steps in protein structure-based ligand design. A new program, CAST, for automatically locating and measuring protein pockets and cavities, is based on precise computational geometry methods, including alpha shape and discrete flow theory. CAST identifies and measures pockets and pocket mouth openings, as well as cavities. The program specifies the atoms lining pockets, pocket openings, and buried cavities; the volume and area of pockets and cavities; and the area and circumference of mouth openings. CAST analysis of over 100 proteins has been carried out; proteins examined include a set of 51 monomeric enzyme-ligand structures, several elastase-inhibitor complexes, the FK506 binding protein, 30 HIV-1 protease-inhibitor complexes, and a number of small and large protein inhibitors. Medium-sized globular proteins typically have 10-20 pockets/cavities. Most often, binding sites are pockets with 1-2 mouth openings; much less frequently they are cavities. Ligand binding pockets vary widely in size, most within the range 10(2)-10(3)A3. Statistical analysis reveals that the number of pockets and cavities is correlated with protein size, but there is no correlation between the size of the protein and the size of binding sites. Most frequently, the largest pocket/cavity is the active site, but there are a number of instructive exceptions. Ligand volume and binding site volume are somewhat correlated when binding site volume is < or =700 A3, but the ligand seldom occupies the entire site. Auxiliary pockets near the active site have been suggested as additional binding surface for designed ligands (Mattos C et al., 1994, Nat Struct Biol 1:55-58). Analysis of elastase-inhibitor complexes suggests that CAST can identify ancillary pockets suitable for recruitment in ligand design strategies. Analysis of the FK506 binding protein, and of compounds developed in SAR by NMR (Shuker SB et al., 1996, Science 274:1531-1534), indicates that CAST pocket computation may provide a priori identification of target proteins for linked-fragment design. CAST analysis of 30 HIV-1 protease-inhibitor complexes shows that the flexible active site pocket can vary over a range of 853-1,566 A3, and that there are two pockets near or adjoining the active site that may be recruited for ligand design.
As easy as flipping a switch

Proteins that behave as switches help to establish the complex molecular logic that is central to biological systems. Aspiring to be nature's equal, researchers have successfully created protein switches of their own design; in particular, numerous and varied zinc-triggered switches have been made. Recent studies in which such switches have been readily identified from combinatorial protein libraries support the notion that proteins are primed to show allosteric behavior and that newly created ligand-binding sites will often be functionally coupled to the original activity of the protein. If true, this notion suggests that switch engineering might be more tractable than previously thought, boding well for the basic science, sensing and biomedical applications for which protein switches hold much promise.
UWB MicroDoppler Radar for human Gait analysis, tracking more than one person, and vital sign detection of moving persons

Pulse Doppler radars using UWB technology are becoming very popular for their wide range of capabilities and applications. UWB waveforms are used for imaging in indoor environments, target localization and classification behind walls, and evaluating micro-Doppler signatures. UWB pulse Doppler radars provide range-time-frequency representation that provides both highly accurate range and micro-Doppler information. This representation is used for detailed human gait analysis, tracking more than one subject even behind walls, and respiration rate detection even for moving subjects. That can be very useful for remotely health monitoring. In this study we experimentally investigate applying UWB to tracking more than one human subject as well as detection of respiration rate of a moving person.
Fast k-nearest neighbor classification using cluster-based trees

Most fast k-nearest neighbor (k-NN) algorithms exploit metric properties of distance measures for reducing computation cost and a few can work effectively on both metric and nonmetric measures. We propose a cluster-based tree algorithm to accelerate k-NN classification without any presuppositions about the metric form and properties of a dissimilarity measure. A mechanism of early decision making and minimal side-operations for choosing searching paths largely contribute to the efficiency of the algorithm. The algorithm is evaluated through extensive experiments over standard NIST and MNIST databases.
Implementation of scalable interconnect networks for data reordering used in Discrete Trigonometric Transforms (DTT)

The number of processing elements (PE) can be reduces significantly using partial column structure to perform Discrete Trigonometric Transform (DTT) computation. Data reordering is required between stages (columns). A scalable interconnect network for both global and local for data reordering is presented in this paper. The network scalability is based on the transform size and the number of processing elements (PE). The structure will reorder data on the fly and eliminate the need of memory. This will help evaluating throughput vs. complexity (cost and area.). Detail analysis of hardware cost will be presented
Contests with interdependent preferences

Relaxing the common assumption of purely self-interested preferences in contests, it is shown that altruism (bilateral or unilateral) reduces equilibrium rent-seeking effort. The effects on net payoffs are more complex. Strategic interdependence is possible, but the symmetric equilibrium is pure self-interest.
Antagonist Properties of a Phosphono Isoxazole Amino Acid at Glutamate R1–4 (R,S)-2-Amino-3-(3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolyl)propionic Acid Receptor Subtypes

The activity of the (R,S)-2-amino-3-(3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolyl)propionic acid (AMPA) receptor antagonist, (R,S)-2-amino-3-[5-tert-butyl-3-(phosphonomethoxy)-4-isoxazolyl]propionic acid (ATPO), at recombinant ionotropic glutamate receptors (GluRs) was evaluated using electrophysiological techniques. Responses at homo- or heterooligomeric AMPA-preferring GluRs expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells (GluR1-flip) or Xenopus laevisoocytes (GluR1–4-flop or GluR1-flop + GluR2) were potently inhibited by ATPO with apparent dissociation constants (Kb values) ranging from 3.9 to 26 μm. A Schild analysis for kainate (KA)-activated GluR1 receptors showed ATPO to have aKB of 8.2 μmand a slope of unity, indicating competitive inhibition. The antagonism by ATPO at GluR1 was of similar magnitude at holding potentials between −100 mV and +20 mV. In contrast, ATPO (
An energy-efficient voting-based clustering algorithm for sensor networks

Clustering provides an effective way for extending the lifetime of a sensor network. In this paper, we propose a novel voting-based clustering algorithm (VCA) for energy-efficient data dissemination in quasi-stationary sensor networks. This new approach lets sensors vote for their neighbors to elect suitable cluster heads. Unlike traditional distributed clustering algorithms, VCA combines load balancing, energy and topology information together by using very simple voting mechanisms. This new approach is completely distributed, location-unaware and independent of network size and topology. Simulation results show that our VCA can reduce the number of clusters by 5-25% and prolong the lifetime of a sensor network by 25-30% over that of existing energy-efficient clustering protocols.
Characterization of Bactericidal Immune Responses following Vaccination with Acellular Pertussis Vaccines in Adults

Sera from six adults, collected before and after acellular pertussis vaccination, and from a placebo control were examined for the ability to elicit two bactericidal immune defenses, (i) antibody-dependent complement-mediated bacterial lysis and (ii) opsonization and phagocytosis by human neutrophils. The samples were chosen based on low preimmunization titers and strong postimmunization responses to various combinations of vaccine antigens. All but two prevaccination samples demonstrated activity indicative of complement-mediated lysis. Preimmunization activity could have been due to prior infection or childhood immunization. Immunization did not result in improved bactericidal activity for any of the individuals, and in two cases immunization caused a statistically significant decrease in complement-mediated lysis. Similarly, opsonization with the postimmunization sera failed to enhance attachment or phagocytosis of bacteria by neutrophils, and one postimmunization sample with a strong response to filamentous hemagglutinin caused an inhibition of phagocytosis that was statistically significant compared to that observed for the no-serum control. In summary, booster immunization of adults with acellular pertussis vaccines was not found to increase bactericidal activity over preimmunization levels. Identifying ways to promote bactericidal immune responses might improve the efficacy of acellular pertussis vaccines.
Synthesis of PEGylated single wall carbon nanotubes by a photoinitiated graft from polymerization

A considerable amount of research has been devoted to carbon nanotubes because of their unique electrical, mechanical, optical, and chemical properties. Here, in this report, we introduce a novel, simple ultraviolet initiated “graft from” polymerization method to synthesize PEGylated carbon nanotubes. This grafting procedure significantly enhanced nanotube aqueous dispersibility and long term stability in solution. Mass of grafted polymer chains was easily modulated by adjusting polymerization reaction time, and nanomaterials containing up to 80% polymer by weight were synthesized. Nanotube morphology was characterized by SEM, TEM before and after the functionalization. In addition, the covalent bonding of polymer chains to the nanotubes structure was elucidated by Raman, ATR-FTIR, and XPS spectroscopy. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010
Association Between Race and Age in Survival After Trauma

Importance Racial disparities in survival after trauma are well described for patients younger than 65 years. Similar information among older patients is lacking because existing trauma databases do not include important patient comorbidity information. Objective To determine whether racial disparities in trauma survival persist in patients 65 years or older. Design, Setting, and Participants Trauma patients were identified from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (January 1, 2003, through December 30, 2010) using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis codes. Injury severity was ascertained by applying the Trauma Mortality Prediction Model, and patient comorbidities were quantified using the Charlson Comorbidity Index. Main Outcomes and Measures In-hospital mortality after trauma for blacks vs whites for younger (16-64 years of age) and older (≥65 years of age) patients was compared using 3 different statistical methods: univariable logistic regression, multivariable logistic regression with and without clustering for hospital effects, and coarsened exact matching. Model covariates included age, sex, insurance status, type and intent of injury, injury severity, head injury severity, and Charlson Comorbidity Index. Results A total of 1 073 195 patients were included (502 167 patients 16-64 years of age and 571 028 patients ≥65 years of age). Most older patients were white (547 325 [95.8%]), female (406 158 [71.1%]), and insured (567 361 [99.4%]) and had Charlson Comorbidity Index scores of 1 or higher (323 741 [56.7%]). The unadjusted odds ratios (ORs) for death in blacks vs whites were 1.35 (95% CI, 1.28-1.42) for patients 16 to 64 years of age and 1.00 (95% CI, 0.93-1.08) for patients 65 years or older. After risk adjustment, racial disparities in survival persisted in the younger black group (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.13-1.30) but were reversed in the older group (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.76-0.90). This finding was consistent across all 3 statistical methods. Conclusions and Relevance Different racial disparities in survival after trauma exist between white and black patients depending on their age group. Although younger white patients have better outcomes after trauma than younger black patients, older black patients have better outcomes than older white patients. Exploration of this paradoxical finding may lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms that cause disparities in trauma outcomes.
Effect of Insecticides on Trichogramma exiguum (Trichogrammatidae: Hymenoptera) Preimaginal Development and Adult Survival

The effect of insecticides on Trichogramma exiguum Pinto & Platner emergence, adult survival, and fitness parameters was investigated. Insecticides tested were lambda cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, thiodicarb, profenophos, spinosad, methoxyfenozide, and tebufenozide. All insecticides, with the exception of methoxyfenozide and tebufenozide, adversely affected Trichogramma emergence from Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) host eggs when exposed at different preimaginal stages of development (larval, prepupal, or pupal). Regardless of the developmental stage treated, none of the insecticides tested had a significant effect on the sex ratio or frequency of brachyptery of emerged females. However, the mean life span of emerged T. exiguum females significantly varied among insecticide treatments, and was significantly affected by the developmental stage of parasitoid when treated. Based on LC50 values, spinosad and prophenofos were the most toxic compounds to female T. exiguum adults, followed by lambda cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, and thiodicarb. Insecticides field-weathered for four to 6 d on cotton leaves showed no activity against female T. exiguum adults.
Bio-optical model to describe remote sensing signals from a stratified ocean

We use a bio-optical model of the optical properties of natural seawater to investigate the effects of subsurface chlorophyll layers on passive and active remote sensors. A thin layer of enhanced chlorophyll concentration reduces the remote sensing reflectance in the blue, while having little effect in the green. As a result, the chlorophyll concentration inferred from ocean color instruments will fall between the background concentration and the concentration in the layer, depending on the concentrations and the depth of the layer. For lidar, an iterative inversion algorithm is described that can reproduce the chlorophyll profile within the limits of the model. The model is extended to estimate column-integrated primary productivity, demonstrating that layers can contribute significantly to overall productivity. This contribution also depends on the chlorophyll concentrations and the depth of the layer. Using passive remote sensing alone to estimate primary productivity can lead to significant underestimation in the presence of subsurface plankton layers. Active remote sensing is not affected by this bias.
Applying a Structured Innovation Process to Interventional Radiology: A Single-Center Experience

Abstract Purpose To determine the feasibility and efficacy of applying an established innovation process to an active academic interventional radiology (IR) practice. Materials and Methods The Stanford Biodesign Medical Technology Innovation Process was used as the innovation template. Over a 4-month period, seven IR faculty and four IR fellow physicians recorded observations. These observations were converted into need statements. One particular need relating to gastrostomy tubes was diligently screened and was the subject of a single formal brainstorming session. Results Investigators collected 82 observations, 34 by faculty and 48 by fellows. The categories that generated the most observations were enteral feeding (n = 9, 11%), biopsy (n = 8, 10%), chest tubes (n = 6, 7%), chemoembolization and radioembolization (n = 6, 7%), and biliary interventions (n = 5, 6%). The output from the screening on the gastrostomy tube need was a specification sheet that served as a guidance document for the subsequent brainstorming session. The brainstorming session produced 10 concepts under three separate categories. Conclusions This formalized innovation process generated numerous observations and ultimately 10 concepts to potentially to solve a significant clinical need, suggesting that a structured process can help guide an IR practice interested in medical innovation.
Students' programming behavior in a pascal course

Students' (n = 23) actual programming behaviors were observed in two high school Pascal programming classes. Observation was performed with a computerized low inference instrument that collected both frequency and time data. Behaviors coded included students' production of code as well as their debugging strategies. Results revealed that students spend little time in planning their programs or writing their code before they start to key in their code. Their debugging behavior was best characterized as a trial and error strategy. Results are discussed in terms of the classroom context for programming and implications for research on the effects of programming instruction.
Efficient Galerkin techniques for multipole-accelerated capacitance extraction of 3-D structures with multiple dielectrics

This paper describes an efficient implementation of a Galerkin based multipole-accelerated boundary element method for 3-D capacitance extraction of conductors in an arbitrary piecewise-constant dielectric medium. Results are presented to demonstrate that the Galerkin method is substantially more accurate than the commonly used collocation scheme for problems with dielectric interfaces. In addition, it is shown experimentally that for a given discretization, a careful implementation of the Galerkin method in a multipole-accelerated program is only slightly more computationally expensive than the collocation method.
Fe L-Edge X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy Determination of Differential Orbital Covalency of Siderophore Model Compounds: Electronic Structure Contributions to High Stability Constants

Most bacteria and fungi produce low-molecular-weight iron chelators called siderophores. Although different siderophore structures have been characterized, the iron-binding moieties often contain catecholate or hydroxamate groups. Siderophores function because of their extraordinarily high stability constants (K(STAB) = 10(30)-10(49)) and selectivity for Fe(III), yet the origin of these high stability constants has been difficult to quantify experimentally. Herein, we utilize Fe L-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy to determine the differential orbital covalency (i.e., the differences in the mixing of the metal d-orbitals with ligand valence orbitals) of a series of siderophore model compounds. The results enable evaluation of the electronic structure contributions to their high stability constants in terms of sigma- and pi-donor covalent bonding, ionic bonding, and solvent effects. The results indicate substantial differences in the covalent contributions to stability constants of hydroxamate and catecholate complexes and show that increased sigma as well as pi bonding contributes to the high stability constants of catecholate complexes.
Supporting Battered Women Involved with the Court System An Evaluation of a Law School-Based Advocacy Intervention

In recent years, courts and battered women's advocates have collaborated to develop court-based advocacy programs to improve domestic violence victims' experiences within the justice system and to foster safety in their lives more generally. This pilot study evaluated the effectiveness of an innovative variation of these legal advocacy programs in which law students work intensively with battered women to obtain protective orders. Compared to women who received standard court services, women working with law student advocates reported significantly less physical and psychological reabuse and marginally better emotional support after 6 weeks. Policy implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Neutron-diffraction studies of the manganese¿magnesium ferrite system

Several compositions of mixed manganese?magnesium ferrite, Mg y Mn 1-y Fe 2 O 4 have been examined by neutron diffraction in order to determine the distribution of the manganese cations and the position of the oxygen anions in the spinel lattice. The compounds chosen, with y = 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 0.90, were quenched from both 1400° and 1000°C. For all the samples dealt with the results indicate that the distribution of the manganese cations is appreciably unaltered, i.e. approximately 90% of the manganese present remains fixed in the tetrahedral sites. The average bond length in the tetrahedral site for the various compositions, as determined from the oxygen position and the unit cell size, has been found to decrease, relative to the sum of the bonding ions, with increasing concentration of manganese. This change may be interpreted as a measure of the covalent bonding of the cations occupying these sites. On this basis, continued substitution of manganese for magnesium results in a greater covalent bonding on the tetrahedral sites, and an estimate has been made of the relative covalent bonding strengths of Mn 2+ and Fe 3+ .
Indian Casinos and the Morality of Gambling

The recent development and success of Indian casinos has generated substantial public policy debate on gambling. Those who oppose casino gambling often base their opposition on the claim that gambling is, in some often not clearly specified sense, immoral. The purpose of the present essay is to make a start toward understanding and assessing this claim.
Protecting Computer Software: After Apple Computer, Inc. V. Franklin Computer Corp., 714 F.2d 1240 (3d Cir. 1983), Does Copyright Provide the Best Protection?

During the last two decades, the foundation of the United States economy has shifted from primary dependence on labor-intensive, manufacturing industries to dependence on the development of advanced technology. This shift has been especially apparent in the field of computers. The development of computer technology has required, and continues to require, tremendous capital expenditures. As part of the efforts to protect these investments, there has been a resurgence of interest in the field of intellectual property law. Traditionally, patent law has been invoked to protect technological innovations. While the electronic devices and circuits that comprise the hardware of a computer are proper subject matter for patent protection, the software that is utilized to operate a computer represents subject matter at the periphery of patent law. The increasing importance of software as a basis for advances in computer technology has necessitated the exploration of other areas of the law as possible sources of protection. Although trade secret law has been the traditional means of protecting software, the wide dissemination of many types of software has greatly hampered the practicability of trade secret protection. As a result, the use of trade secret law is being increasingly displaced by the use of copyright law to protect software. Moreover, in light of the decision by the Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in Apple Computer, Inc. v. Franklin Computer Corp., which extended copyright protection to all forms of software, copyright law may provide the best protection currently available. This article will discuss the existing state of patent and trade secret law with regard to computer software, analyze the Apple Computer decision, and assess the 'copyrightability' of software.
Rational representations of finite groups: the story of g

Mathematics is full of examples that illustrate the principle of "extend and conquer." Put simply, mathematical results become clearer and more complete when the framework of the discussion is enlarged. The fundamental theorem of algebra is a good example. For it is usually difficult, if not impossible, to describe the number of integers or rational numbers that are solutions to a polynomial equation; but by enlarging the scope of the discussion to include complex numbers and by agreeing to count multiple solutions separately, we obtain the simple and elegant statement that every polynomial equation of positive degree n has exactly n complex solutions. This article discusses an example of the "extend and conquer" principle that arises in the representation theory of finite groupsthe Artin induction theorem. This theorem shows that every linear representation of a finite group over the field of rational numbers extends to a permutation representation of the group and, as such, provides a link between representing the elements of a finite group as linear transformations of a vector space and representing them as permutations of a set. But more importantly, when the Artin theorem is stated in terms of group characters, it provides a precise way to measure, numerically, how close the rational representations of the group are to being permutation representations. We denote this numerical measure by the symbol y. The purpose of this article is to discuss the history of y, its existence and known values, and to indicate briefly the local algebraic methods for determining this invariant.
Research status of Sn-Ag-Cu lead-free solders

In this paper,the investigation status of Sn-Ag-Cu lead-free solders was reviewed comprehensively. The effect of Bi,In,Zn,Al,Mg,Ni,Ge,Sb,rare earths and nanoparticles on the wetting,melting temperature,mechanical properties,microstructure was discussed. Moreover,the problems and difficulty in the research procedure of lead-free solder were analyzed,some suggestions have been proposed,which maybe used to solve those issues as mentioned above,which may provide a theoretical basis for future research of lead-free solders.
Mouse Label-Retaining Cells Are Molecularly and Functionally Distinct From Reserve Intestinal Stem Cells.

Background & Aims Intestinal homeostasis and regeneration after injury are controlled by 2 different types of cells: slow cycling, injury-resistant reserve intestinal stem cells (ISCs) and actively proliferative ISCs. Putative reserve ISCs have been identified using a variety of methods, including CreER insertions at Hopx or Bmi1 loci in mice and DNA label retention. Label-retaining cells (LRCs) include dormant stem cells in several tissues; in the intestine, LRCs appear to share some properties with reserve ISCs, which can be marked by reporter alleles. We investigated the relationships between these populations. Methods Studies were performed in Lgr5−EGFP-IRESCreERT2 , Bmi1-CreERT2 , Hopx-CreERT2 , and TRE-H2BGFP::Hopx-CreERT2::lox-stop-lox-tdTomato mice . Intestinal epithelial cell populations were purified; we compared reporter allele-marked reserve ISCs and several LRC populations (marked by H2B-GFP retention) using histologic flow cytometry and functional and single-cell gene expression assays. Results LRCs were dynamic and their cellular composition changed with time. Short-term LRCs had properties of secretory progenitor cells undergoing commitment to the Paneth or enteroendocrine lineages, while retaining some stem cell activity. Long-term LRCs lost stem cell activity and were a homogenous population of terminally differentiated Paneth cells. Reserve ISCs marked with HopxCreER were primarily quiescent (in G0), with inactive Wnt signaling and robust stem cell activity. In contrast, most LRCs were in G1 arrest and expressed genes that are regulated by the Wnt pathway or are in the secretory lineage. Conclusions LRCs are molecularly and functionally distinct from reporter-marked reserve ISCs. This information provides an important basis for future studies of relationships among ISC populations.
Chemistry and Physiology of the Transferrins

Iron in aqueous solution, near neutral pH and atmospheric oxygen tension, seeks the ferric state as its thermodynamically stable form. Because of the insolubility of ferric hydroxide, however, organisms at all levels of biological development have been obliged to elaborate specific iron-binding molecules to maintain this essential metal in soluble, bioavailable form. In the vertebrate world, the function of iron transport is given to the transferrins, a class of two-sited iron-binding proteins distinguished by a specific interdependence of anion and metalion binding. The mechanisms of iron-binding and release by the transferrins, and whether the two-sited nature of the protein serves a biologic function, are still unsettled questions in the biochemistry of iron metabolism.
Clinical Monitoring of Chronic Hepatitis C Based on its Natural History and Therapy.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health problem and a leading cause of chronic liver disease. Chronic HCV infection often follows a progressive course over years and can result in cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and need for liver transplantation. In the United States alone, the estimated prevalence of HCV infection is up to 5.1 million persons. The optimal approach to detecting HCV infection is to screen persons for possible history of risks of exposure to virus and to test those selected individuals with risk factors. Both host and viral factors may be important contributors to the natural history of HCV. Currently, effective pharmacologic therapy are available to induce sustained virologic response (SVR) or virologic “cure,” which results in improved morbidity and mortality. Patient education before treatment is essential and should include a full discussion of potential side effects. It is important to work collaboratively and closely with patients to ensure early recognition of adverse events and to effectively manage them in order to ensure treatment compliance. This paper provides a thorough overview on screening for the diagnosis, clinical management, and treatment indications and contraindications for chronic hepatitis C.
Literature and Results

Since the early 90s hybrid therapies have been used to treat pulmonary artery stenosis. Overtime expertise has grown and now hybrid pulmonary artery interventions are relatively common in pediatric cardiology, as they offer particular advantages over standard either catheter or surgical techniques alone. A literature review demonstrates that most reports include a relatively small number of patients, in whom procedures are performed either under direct vision and cardiopulmonary bypass or via open chest with direct puncture into the pulmonary artery or right ventricular outflow tract. Feasibly and safety is demonstrated, with a relatively low incidence of serious complication rates. The published experience enhances the importance of hybrid therapies as a therapeutic alternative for pulmonary artery stenosis.
Improved Hemocompatibility of Multilumen Catheters via Nitric Oxide (NO) Release from S-Nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) Composite Filled Lumen

Blood-contacting devices, such as intravascular catheters, suffer from challenges related to thrombus formation and infection. Nitric oxide (NO) is an endogenous antiplatelet and antimicrobial agent. Exogenous release of NO from various polymer matrices has been shown to reduce thrombosis and infection of/on implantable medical devices. However, the clinical applications of such materials have been hindered due to factors such as NO donor leaching and thermal instability. In this study, a novel approach is demonstrated in which one lumen of commercial dual lumen catheters is dedicated to the NO release chemistry, allowing the other lumen to be available for clinical vascular access. A composite consisting of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) is used to fill the NO-releasing lumen of commercial 7 French silicone catheters. Physiological levels of NO are released from the SNAP-PEG catheters for up to 14 d, as measured by chemiluminescence NO analyzer (in PBS buffer at 37...
Honokiol Overcomes Conventional Drug Resistance in Human Multiple Myeloma.

Honokiol is an active component isolated and purified from Magnolia, a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is an anti-oxidant, and inhibits both xanthine oxidase and angiogenesis. In this study, we first examined the direct toxicity of honokiol against human multiple myeloma (MM) cell lines in vitro. Honokiol significantly inhibited growth of MM cell lines (RPMI8226, U266 and MM.1S) via induction of G1 growth arrest, followed by apoptosis, with IC50 values at 48h of 5 to 10 μg/ml. Moreover, honokiol similarly inhibited growth of doxorubicin (Dox)-resistant (RPMI-Dox40), melphalan resistant (RPMI-LR5), and dexamethasone (Dex)-resistant (MM.1R) cell lines. Furthermore, flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that honokiol (6–10 μg/ml, 48h) induced death of CD38+CD138+ tumor cells isolated from 5 patients with relapsed refractory MM. In contrast, no toxicity was observed in normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells or long term-cultured bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) treated with honokiol (≤20 mg/ml). Neither culture of MM cells with BMSCs nor interleukin-6 (IL-6) and insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) protected against honokiol-induced cytotoxicity in MM.1S cells. We next delineated the mechanism of honokiol-triggered cytotoxicity. Honokiol triggered increased expression of Bax and Bad; down regulated Mcl-1 protein expression, followed by caspase-8/9/3 cleavage. Importantly, the pan-caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk only partially inhibited honokiol-induced apoptosis in MM.1S cells. Furthermore, honokiol induced apoptosis even in SU-DHL4 cells, which express low level of caspase-8 and -3 and are resistant to both conventional (doxorubicin, melphalan, dexamethason) and novel (bortezomib, revimid) drugs. These results suggest that honokiol may induce apoptosis via both caspase-dependent and -independent pathways. Finally, honokiol inhibited IL-6-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2, STAT3, and Akt, known to mediate growth, survival, and drug resistance, respectively. Taken together, our results suggest that providing the rationale for clinical evaluation of honokiol to improve patient outcome in MM.
Fabrication of CdS nanorods and nanoparticles with PANI for (DSSCs) dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract A thin film and core–shell dye-sensitized solar cell containing cadmium sulfide (CdS) are fabricated by using low cost solution processes. CdS nanoparticles (NPs) and nanorods (NRs) are embedded within the dye-sensitized solar cells structures and investigated. The morphology of CdSNPs and CdSNRs were controlled and characterized with multiple techniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman scattering, and optical absorption. The inclusion of CdS thin film in zinc oxide/polyaniline (ZnO/PANI) hybrid solar cells increases the energy conversion efficiency from 0.125% to 1.35%. The energy conversion efficiency of the core–shell devices was found higher than that of the corresponding planar structures fabricated under similar conditions. By increasing the crystallinity and absorption, the energy conversion efficiency of the CdSNRs device was increased to 2.44%.
Open Relationships, Nonconsensual Nonmonogamy, and Monogamy Among U.S. Adults: Findings from the 2012 National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior

People in open and other consensually nonmonogamous partnerships have been historically underserved by researchers and providers. Many studies group such partnerships together with nonconsensual nonmonogamy (NCNM) under the banner of “concurrent sexual partnerships.” Discrimination from service providers poses a substantial barrier to care. Responding to such concerns, this investigation explored sociodemographic correlates with open relationships and associations between relationship structure and sexual risk, HIV/STI testing, and relationship satisfaction in a nationally representative probability sample. Data were drawn from the 2012 National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior (n = 2270). We used multinomial logistic regression to identify correlates with relationship structure, and linear and logistic regression to investigate associations between relationship structure and testing, condom use, and relationship satisfaction. Eighty-nine percent of participants reported monogamy, 4% reported open relationships, and 8% reported NCNM. Males, gay/lesbian individuals, bisexual individuals, and those who identified as “Other, Non-Hispanic” were more likely to report open relationships. Bisexual individuals and Black, Non-Hispanic participants were more likely to report NCNM; older participants were less likely to do so. Participants in open relationships reported more frequent condom use for anal intercourse and lower relationship satisfaction than monogamous participants. NCNM participants reported more HIV testing and lower satisfaction. Identities, experiences, and behaviors within open and other consensually nonmonogamous populations should be regarded as unique and diverse, rather than conflated with those common to other relationship structures. There is a need for greater awareness of diverse relationship structures among researchers and providers, and incorporation of related content into educational programming.
Commercial quality “awards” are not a strong indicator of quality surgical care

Abstract Background This study aimed to determine whether publicized hospital rankings can be used to predict surgical outcomes. Methods Patients undergoing one of nine surgical procedures were identified, using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Database for Florida and New York 2011–2013 and merged with hospital data from the American Hospital Association Annual Survey. Nine quality designations were analyzed as possible predictors of inpatient mortality and postoperative complications, using logistic regression, decision trees, and support vector machines. Results We identified 229,657 patients within 177 hospitals. Decision trees were the highest performing machine learning algorithm for predicting inpatient mortality and postoperative complications (accuracy 0.83, P Conclusion Hospital quality rankings are not a reliable indicator of quality for all surgical procedures. Hospital and provider quality must be evaluated with an emphasis on creating consistent, reliable, and accurate measures of quality that translate to improved patient outcomes.
When the Gut Gets Tough, the Enterocytes Get Going.

It is assumed that collateral damage from the immune system drives intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) expulsion during enteric infections. In this issue of Immunity, Zhai et al. (2018) describe how Drosophila's canonical immune deficiency (Imd) pathway programs IEC delamination in the gut.
First in the World: Open Campus™ at BPCC.

ABSTRACTThis case study focused on the Open Campus™ initiative at Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC). Open Campus™ is the nation’s first free, online, non-credit, developmental, cross-curricular course portal. The courses are self-directed and can be utilized by anyone with an internet connection, regardless of the Bossier Parish affiliation. In the process of implementing this initiative, the BPCC underwent an extraordinary amount of change with little resources. For a program with a small fiscal footprint, Open Campus™ went on to provide a unique approach to the developmental education problem facing many open-access institutions. This innovation has not gone unnoticed. In 2015, Open Campus™ was recognized with a $1.8M U.S. Department of Education grant to expand, mobilize, and gamify the open-source course design. In addition, the team leading the Open Campus™ concept openly welcome other institutions to learn from and utilize their platform to battle the under-preparedness many community college ...
A design and implementation of a resource-constrained computer science program in a combined CS/CIS department

Many Colleges and Universities offer both Computer Science (CS) and Computer Information Systems (CIS) degrees. Typically, CS is housed with Mathematics, Engineering or technology while CIS is housed with Business. At the University of Southern Indiana (USI), CS and CIS are housed together in the College of Business in the Department of Management and Information Sciences. This placement has led to synergies which have helped faculty deal with strained resources, and helped students participate in a better, more diverse curriculum. In light of other universities sharing a similar resource constraint, we feel the information presented here may be used as a guideline for curriculum development where similar sharing of resources might be an option.
Finite Determination of Class Number

We first note that the material in the chapter on the Geometry of Numbers immediately implies the existence of independent units in any field k. For instance, by Lemma 12.27, we can construct an infinite sequence of elements ξmeO whose i0-conjugate is “favored”, i.e., $$ \left| {\xi _{{\text{m + 1}}}^{\left( {\text{j}} \right)}} \right| < \left| {\xi _{\text{m}}^{\left( {\text{j}} \right)}} \right|{\text{ 1}} \leqslant {\text{j}} \leqslant {{\text{r}}_1} + {{\text{r}}_2},{\text{ j}} \ne {{\text{i}}_0}. $$ (13.1a)
Environmentally Friendly Boron-Based Pyrotechnic Delays: An Additive Manufacturing Approach

Pyrotechnic time delays are reactive systems that burn for a desired period of time at a specified rate and are commonly used in military applications such as grenades and hand-held signals. Typically, they are manufactured by pressing the reactive powder into a metal housing. This rigid design inherently limits configurability, and they have had reliability issues. Additionally, there has been advocacy for environmentally friendly pyrotechnic ignition delays, by removal of barium chromate (BaCrO4). This study has two distinct objectives. First, determine the viability of two possible replacements, strontium molybdate (SrMoO4) and barium molybdate (BaMoO4), for the harmful component, BaCrO4, in the traditional T-10 delay. This includes combustion characteristics such as burning rate, combustion temperature, and gas generation. Furthermore, thermal characteristics are determined through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and combustion products are analyzed with X-ray diffraction (XRD). Second, by us...