cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stabilization of High Ionic Strength Slurries Using Surfactant Mixtures: Molecular Factors That Determine Optimal Stability

The successful formulation of particulate dispersions is often hindered by the presence of charged species dissolved in solution. If present at high enough concentrations, these species can reduce the screening length between particles to near zero, allowing rapid coagulation and destabilization. The addition of a mixture of ionic and nonionic surfactants has been shown in a previous publication (B. J. Palla and D. O. Shah, 2000, J. Colloid Interface Sci. 223, 102) to stabilize alumina particles in the presence of high concentrations of charged species. The mechanism has been explained as enhanced adsorption of a nonionic surfactant using a strongly adsorbing ionic surfactant as a binding agent. In this work, the various factors that influence this stabilization mechanism are examined in detail. The factors are then verified by showing the same results for two different chemical environments, both of which are model slurries for chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of metal surfaces. The stabilizing ability of the surfactant system is found to increase with increasing hydrophobicity of the nonionic surfactant and increasing hydrophobicity of the ionic surfactant. The effect of surfactant concentration on stabilizing ability is shown to have an optimum concentration range for a number of surfactants. The effect of the ratio of ionic to nonionic surfactant is also investigated for both chemical environments and is shown to have significant effects on stabilizing ability. All of the results are then compiled to present a concise picture of the factors that influence the stabilizing ability of mixed surfactant systems for high-ionic-strength slurries. C � 2002 Elsevier Science (USA)
Graphene Terahertz Plasmon Laser: A Laser in a Circuit

We show that as a result of strong field confinement plasmons in population inverted graphene can experience extremely large gain through the process of stimulated emission at terahertz frequencies. The large gain values and the small plasmon wavelengths can lead to compact terahertz plasmon lasers that are only a few microns in size. We present designs for practical terahertz plasmon lasers and discuss schemes for achieving population inversion.
Hydrostatic grounding line parameterization in ice sheet models

Modeling of grounding line migration is essential to accurately simulate the behavior of marine ice sheets and investigate their stability. Here, we assess the sensitivity of numerical models to the parameterization of the grounding line position. We run the MISMIP3D benchmark experiments using the Ice Sheet System Model (ISSM) and a two-dimensional shelfy-stream approximation (SSA) model with different mesh resolutions and different sub-element parameterizations of grounding line position. Results show that different grounding line parameterizations lead to different steady state grounding line positions as well as different retreat/advance rates. Our simulations explain why some vertically depth-averaged model simulations deviate significantly from the vast majority of simulations based on SSA in the MISMIP3D benchmark. The results reveal that differences between simulations performed with and without sub-element parameterization are as large as those performed with different approximations of the stress balance equations in this configuration. They also demonstrate that the reversibility test is passed at relatively coarse resolution while much finer resolutions are needed to accurately capture the steady-state grounding line position. We conclude that fixed grid SSA models that do not employ such a parameterization should be avoided, as they do not provide accurate estimates of grounding line dynamics, even at high spatial resolution. For models that include sub-element grounding line parameterization, in the MISMIP3D configuration, a mesh resolution finer than 2 km should be employed.
Somali immigrant women's health care experiences and beliefs regarding pregnancy and birth in the United States.

Purpose: To describe Somali immigrant women’s health care experiences and beliefs regarding pregnancy and birth. Design: Four focus group interviews were conducted using a convenience sample of Som...
Different classes of diagnosable systems: relationship and common diagnosis algorithm

In the literature on diagnosable systems it has been shown that several subclasses of systems that can be diagnosed more efficiently than the general case exist. Some of these subclasses are D(n.t,X) systems introduced by K.Y. Chwa et al. (1981), self-implicating systems (A.T. Dahbura et al., 1985), and systems with connection assignment digraph of node connectivity t (G.F. Sullivan, 1978, S.L. Hakimi et al., 1974). The relationship between these classes is investigated and a diagnosis algorithm that is applicable to systems belonging to any of these classes is formulated. >
Impacts of urbanization on future climate in China

Urbanization plays an important role in human-induced climate change at the regional scale through altered land-atmosphere interactions over urban areas. In this study, the impacts of future urbanization in China on climate are investigated. The Weather Research and Forecasting model is used to downscale future projections using Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) 4.5 simulations from the Community Earth System Model. Results for 2050 show decreased latent and increased sensible heat fluxes over the urban area, therefore leading to higher surface temperatures and less humidity. Future climate projections reveal that urbanization produces strong warming effects, up to 1.9 °C at regional and local/urban scales, which is comparable to the magnitude of greenhouse gas forcing under the RCP 4.5 scenario. Greater urban warming effects are projected during night and summer, which can be attributed to the high heat capacity of built-up areas. The impacts of urbanization on precipitation show varying effects primarily in summer—both increases and decreases depending on spatial scale—related to both local moisture deficits and large-scale circulation changes. Urbanization could strengthen the East Asian summer monsoon in southern China in summer, and slightly weaken it in eastern China in winter. Due to these significant impacts, we suggest that urbanization should be included in model projections to provide a more realistic and complete depiction of future climate.
Conjugate heat transfer of jet impingement on short fins with different shapes

This study examines numerically details of the flow and temperature fields of heat sinks with short plate fins cooled by impinging jet. The main focus is on the effect of fin shapes on the heat sink performance. Conjugate heat transfer between airflow convection and conduction inside the fin and base is considered. Three different shapes under study are rectangular, round-headed and elliptic, while the fin height keeps relatively short. Reynolds number or jet velocity is spanned to cover both laminar and turbulent flows. Distributed heat transfer coefficient is presented and compared. It is observed that the fin shapes affect largely both the heat transfer and pressure drop, especially of the short fin cases. Based on the same fin height, the total heat transfer with rectangular fins is 1.4 times that with elliptic fins in one of the cases studied, while the surface area ratio is 1.1. For longer fins, the shape effect on heat transfer becomes relatively less important than that on pressure drop. The results of this paper can help in design of heat sinks with jet impingement, which are commonly used in electronic cooling.
Sea Level During the 1972 El Niño

Abstract Sea level records at many island and coastal stations in the equatorial Pacific Ocean have been used to study its response and that of the associated equatorial circulation to the 1972 El Nino. The response can be divided into five phases. Preceding El Nino, stronger than normal equatorial trade winds cause a buildup of sea level in the western Pacific in 1970 and 1971. After the wind strength peaks, sea level begins to drop slowly in the western Pacific. The first collapse of the wind field is followed by high sea level along the eastern border of the ocean, actually initiating El Nino off Peru. The initial oceanic response seems to consist of an equatorial Kelvin wave, which has been successfully modeled by others, and a strong reduction of the South Equatorial Current. During the third phase sea level drops very rapidly in the western Pacific, the equatorial trough is being filled, the South Equatorial Current retreats to the south of the equator, and the Countercurrent intensifies. Then follo...
Development of Genic Male-sterile Watermelon Lines with Juvenile Albino Seedling Marker

This research was conducted to develop genic male-sterile lines of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Matsum & Nakai) homozygous for the juvenile albino (ja) seedling marker. Male-sterile plants (msms) of the genic male-sterile line G17AB were crossed with a Dixielee plant that was heterozygous for the ja locus. Male-fertile, juvenile albino recombinants of the F 2 progeny were self-pollinated, resulting in F 3 progeny. The male-sterile normal green recombinants of the F 2 progeny were crossed with an F 1 hybrid plant with genotype Msms Jaja, and three populations (93JMSB-1, -2, and -3) were obtained from these crosses. Juvenile albino recombinants were confined to 93JMSB-1. Of the juvenile albino plants of 93JMSB-1, male-sterile plants were sib-crossed with male-fertile plants, resulting in 93JMSB-1-1. Progeny of 93JMSB-1-1 was homozygous for ja and segregated forms in a 127 male-sterile : 128 male-fertile ratio, fitting a 1 :1 ratio. The male-sterile juvenile albino plants of F 3 were crossed with male-fertile juvenile albino plants of 93JMSB-1, resulting in 93JMSF3-1 and -2. Plants 93JMSF3-1 and -2 were homozygous for ja but segregated for ms at 10 male-sterile : 13 male-fertile and 15 male-sterile : 19 male-fertile for 93JMSF3-1 and 93JMSF3-2, respectively, fitting the 1 :1 ratio. These three genic male-sterile lines with theja seedling marker provide valuable germplasm for introducing ms and ja genes into diverse genetic backgrounds and for studying cross-pollination and gene flow in watermelon populations.
A Cross Sectional Assessment of Serum Vitamin O ANO Trigl Ycerioe Concentrations in a CAPO Population

A cross sectional analysis of 41 patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) for six to 54 months (mean, 21.7) showed that 58.5% and 19.5% had low levels of 1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D an...
Low vitamin D level in pediatric patients with new onset type 1 diabetes is common, especially if in ketoacidosis.

Background Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) adversely affects bone health. US data on prevalence of VDD or vitamin D insufficiency (VDI) at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (T1D) is lacking. Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) is speculated to increase the risk of developing T1D. Objectives Assess the prevalence of pediatric VDD and VDI at diagnosis of T1D, and investigate correlations with demographic and clinical parameters. Methods We performed a retrospective Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved chart review of all T1D cases diagnosed from January 2011 to August 2012, all having the same 25OHD assay performed at Quest Diagnostics. Definitions for VDD, VDI, and vitamin D sufficiency (VDS) were 25OHD levels (ng/mL) ≤ 20, 21–29, and ≥ 30, respectively. We termed 25OHD <30 ng/mL as Low-D. Results We identified 185 autoantibody positive T1D subjects (51% female) with 25OHD measured, 51% Caucasian, 25% Hispanic, 4% mixed-Hispanic, 4% African American, and 16% other/mixed race. Mean age 9.8 yr (0.9–18.6). Most had Low-D (58%), 40% VDI, 18% VDD, and 42% VDS. No gender or age differences among the 25OHD groups. Low-D was more common (p < 0.0001) in Hispanics (81%) vs Caucasians (44%), but VDD rates were similar. Low-D subjects were heavier than VDS (p = 0.018). All four with elevated celiac titers were VDS. Diabetic ketoacidosis was present in 33%, but more common (44%) in Low-D vs. VDS (18%) (p < 0.0001), and trended higher in VDD (61%) vs. VDI (36%). Seventy-seven percentage with DKA had Low-D. Conclusion VDD and insufficiency are common, even in Caucasians, at onset of T1D in pediatrics, worse in those with DKA.
Unilateral absence of the pulmonary artery and cavernous transformation of portal vein: a rare combination

A 32-year-old woman was referred to the liver transplant centre, for pretransplant evaluation. Her medical history revealed portal hypertension diagnosed at the age of 6 years, oesophageal varices with history of banding and sclerotherapy by the age of 12 years, as well as multiple episodes of pneumonia. Contrast-enhanced CT of the thorax was performed as part of the routine preoperative workup for liver transplant, which demonstrated unilateral absence of the right pulmonary artery (UAPA) associated with a small right lung and rightward mediastinal shift (figure 1). Additionally, numerous right subpleural cysts were present with diffuse pleural thickening (figure 1). Collateral vessels were noted along the right hemidiaphragm supplied by a single branch coming off the aorta at the level of the coeliac trunk, …
Nutrient intakes of women in NHANES II, emphasizing trace minerals, fiber, and phytate.

Nutrient intakes of 1,066 young women 18 to 24 years of age were estimated using a shortened nutrient data base (the University of California, Berkeley Minilist) containing 235 food items. The dietary data consisted of 24-hour recalls collected during the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES II). A cross-reference index, recipe file, and concentration factors were developed to substitute foods on the data base for the 1,267 foods reported by the young women. Estimates of energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, and iron intakes using the NHANES II nutrient data base and the UCB Minilist were within 3% of one another, and had correlation coefficients above 0.97. Mean±S.E. daily intakes of copper, zinc, dietary fiber, and phytate, which are not included in the NHANES II data base, were estimated to be 1.16 ± 0.02 mg, 8.11 ±0.14 mg, 13.2 ±0.3 gm, 395 ±14 mg, respectively. The values agree closely with other published values for young women's intakes. A shortened nutrient data base can be a valid tool for estimating intakes of populations.
The role of computed tomography and ultrasound imaging in biliary tract disease.

In 1981, the precision of ultrasound in detection of cholelithiasis and dilated bile ducts is approximately 95 per cent. With the advent of newer generation computerized axial tomography (CT) machines, the resolution of the bile ducts, gallbladder, liver parenchyma, and peribiliary structures has improved to such a degree that the precision of CT is 90 to 95 per cent. Presently, ultrasound remains the preferred first examination of choice of the biliary tree over CT because of the ease of performance of the examination in multiple planes, availability, and cost.
Manual of Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplantation

Fully revised throughout, the second edition of Manual of Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplantation is based on the in-house handbook used at the world-renowned Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. It is a practical pocket manual for all members of the stem cell and bone marrow transplant team. Written by experts at Dana-Farber, the contents are handily arranged in outline format for maximum usefulness and convenience. This essential and user-friendly manual covers all aspects of the transplantation process, from stem cell processing through management of transplant-related complications. Topics discussed thoroughly include evaluation and counselling of patients and donors, preventative care, graft-versus-host disease and conditioning regimens. A new extensive chapter on oral health in stem cell transplantation has been added. These features make the Manual of Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplantation an ideal resource for the entire transplant team.
Basic Statistics, Sets, Sorting, and Indexing

This chapter starts with some of the built-in functions in MATLAB that perform statistical analyses, such as mean, standard deviation, variance, mode, and median. The concept of outliers is introduced, as well as methods for dealing with data sets that may have outliers. Functions that perform set operations, such as union, intersection, and set exclusive-or, are covered. Since some of these functions require a sorted data set, a method of sorting, the selection sort, is described. The concept of indexing into a vector rather than sorting is introduced, and applications involving vectors of structures are shown. Some searching algorithms, such as sequential and binary searches, are also explained.
The Role of Chronic Stress in Anxious Depression

Depression is a heterogeneous disease with many different subtypes. Patients with the anxious depression-a common subtype of major depression-are at an increased risk for treatment-resistance to standard antidepressants, with resultant increases in morbidity. However, the underlying pathophysiology of anxious depression remains unknown. Without such knowledge, the development of targeted treatments towards this specific depression subtype will likely remain elusive. One method by which research into the neurobiology of anxious depression may prove fruitful is with the research domain criteria (RDoC). RDoC provides a framework for investigation into the underlying pathophysiology of mental illness. By studying disorders in terms of RDoC constructs-such as the sustained threat construct of the negative valence system-new insights may be gained into neurobiological mechanisms of disease. These mechanisms may be useful for the development of novel antidepressants that are based on specific brain targets. Specifically, we review the impact that sustained threat-or chronic stress-has on the eventual development of depression (especially anxious depression) through pathological changes to molecules, cells, neurocircuitry, physiology, and behavior.
Pathways into Professional Needlearts (PiPN) Studio and Internships: Lessons Learned

The needle arts are seldom taught as stand-alone subjects in the United States. Consequently, related businesses rely on hobbyists for "new talent." As this population ages, there is a need to cultivate an interest among younger individuals. Meanwhile, educators recognized a need to expand career opportunities in these creative arts. They, and the trade group, The National NeedleArts Association (TNNA), collaborated to develop an innovative program. Pathways into Professional NeedleArts (PiPN), a three-week immersive course, began in summer 2005. The course included intensive instruction, guest speakers, and a trade show tour where students met successful professionals. This culminated in internships with TNNA host companies in North and South America. Several "graduates" of the program were offered full-time positions and became contributing members of the industry. The program gained significant traction over time, yet pressure from both academic and association leadership led to an emphasis on quantity as a measure of success, placing the program in jeopardy. In order for a university/industry program to succeed, mutual goals must be clearly identified. Although PiPN focused on textile arts, examination of this program as a case study can serve as a model for developing learning experiences directly connecting students with employment opportunities.
LookNN: Neural network with no multiplication

Neural networks are machine learning models that have been successfully used in many applications. Due to the high computational complexity of neural networks, deploying such models on embedded devices with severe power/resource constraints is troublesome. Neural networks are inherently approximate and can be simplified. We propose LookNN, a methodology to replace floating-point multiplications with lookup table search. First, we devise an algorithmic solution to adapt conventional neural networks to LookNN such that the model's accuracy is minimally affected. We provide experimental results and theoretical analysis demonstrating the applicability of the method. Next, we design enhanced general purpose processors for searching look-up tables: each processing element of our GPU has access to a small associative memory, enabling it to bypass redundant computations. Our evaluations on AMD Southern Island GPU architecture shows that LookNN results in 2.2x energy saving and 2.5x speedup running four different neural network applications with zero additive error. For the same four applications, if we tolerate an additive error of less than 0.2%, LookNN can achieve an average of 3x energy improvement and 2.6x speedup compared to the traditional GPU architecture.
The effect of sediment layering on ocean bottom reflection loss

Various sets of bottom loss data from areas with turbidity currents indicate high acoustic reflectivity at a certain frequency band. The centre frequency of the band varies with geographical location. Different sedimentation processes affect the average speed of the sediments at a particular site and the vertical distribution of the layers. Turbidity currents, contour currents and ice-rafting all can create an alternation of layers of different impedances by the sediment-water interface. It was shown that core samples could potentially be used to estimate the centre frequency of the low bottom loss frequency band. Statistics of core properties of different areas with known sedimentation could improve the knowledge of bottom losses for remote areas
The effects of climate on annual variation in reproductive output in Snapping Turtles (Chelydra serpentina)

Reptiles are highly dependent on climatic patterns to regulate their behavior and physiology, and studies of the effects of climate on the biology of organisms are increasingly important given expe...
Revisiting Violence in New Destinations: Exploring the Drop in Latino Homicide Victimization in Emerging Immigrant Communities, 2000 to 2010

ABSTRACTThe turn of the twentieth century brought important demographic shifts among Latinos, including increasing settlement of both foreign-born and domestic Latinos into “new destination” regions and communities with little previous exposure to such populations. In turn, some scholars find higher rates of Latino victimization in these new destination communities, but there is little empirical research exploring whether and how these same locales fare today. Our goal is to address this gap in the literature by examining how lethal violence against Latinos in new immigrant destination communities has changed over the 2000 to 2010 decade. Using data from the National Vital Statistics System, we construct hybrid fixed- and random-effects models to examine the predictors of changes in Latino homicide victimization over time. Results suggest that (1) despite the turmoil of the Great Recession, new destinations experienced a sizable drop in Latino victimization, (2) this drop has resulted in new destinations ...
Comparison of three crop water stress index models with sap flow measurements in maize.

Abstract Both empirical and theoretical models have been widely used to calculate a crop water stress index (CWSI) − a metric often used to describe crop water status. The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy, limitation, and uncertainty of an empirical (CWSI-E) and two theoretical models compared with sap flow measurement in maize. One theoretical model used a calculated aerodynamic resistance (CWSI-T1), and the other theoretical model used seasonal average aerodynamic resistance (CWSI-T2). Considering the uncertainty of crop coefficient and sap flow measurement, CWSI-T2 and CWSI-E models gave reasonable overall estimates of water stress. The average root mean square deviation at each growth stage from each model ranged from 0.16 to 0.33. CWSI-T2 and the CWSI-E provided relatively accurate prediction of crop stress, both between growth stages and irrigation events. However, CWSI-T1 did not accurately predict water stress between growth stages or between irrigation events. By including climate factors, crop water stress estimated by CWSI-T2 showed less variation and uncertainty than CWSI-E. The uncertainty of both CWSI-T2 and CWSI-E decreased with increasing vapor pressure deficit (VPD), and CWSI-E show larger crop water stress prediction uncertainty. The intercept of non-water stress baseline was the main source of the uncertainty for CWSI-E and CWSI-T2. Considering both uncertainty and stability, we recommend CWSI-T2 model (i.e., seasonal average aerodynamic resistance) for maize water stress assessment.
Reducing Recidivism through Correctional Education: The Roles of Neoclassical and Behavioral Economics

The correctional system in the United States is expensive and often punitive rather than rehabilitative. One potential way to reduce both recidivism rates and criminal justice spending is through correctional education. This paper explores the value of correctional education through both neoclassical and behavioral economic perspectives and considers potential tradeoffs and implementation challenges to expanding correctional education. Policymakers and the public at large may hesitate to provide such a service, but it is important to consider cost-effective ways to reduce recidivism. Ultimately, evidence suggests that correctional education is an effective way to reduce recidivism rates and potentially save money.
Friction at the bed does not control fast glacier flow

The largest uncertainty in the ice sheet models used to predict future sea level rise originates from our limited understanding of processes at the ice/bed interface. Near glacier termini, where basal sliding controls ice flow, most predictive ice sheet models use a parameterization of sliding that has been theoretically derived for glacier flow over a hard bed. We find that this sliding relation does not apply to the 140 Greenland glaciers that we analyzed. There is no relationship between basal sliding and frictional stress at the glacier bed, contrary to theoretical predictions. There is a strong relationship between sliding speed and net pressure at the glacier bed. This latter finding is in agreement with earlier observations of mountain glaciers that have been largely overlooked by the glaciological community.
Dissemination of Tumor Cells During Laparoscopic Surgery

The current evidence suggests that the incidence of port-site metastases after laparoscopic surgery for colon and rectal cancer does not seem to be different from that seen after open procedures, a concept brought forward both in the previous chapter as well as this one. The levels of clinical evidence are primarily levels 2 and 3, with many animal studies supporting these clinical studies. These data also suggest that tumor cell dissemination after laparoscopic and open procedures may occur by a similar underlying mechanism, and that there are few data to support the early concerns that some type of unique tumor-disseminating mechanism exists for laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery compared with conventional or open techniques. The pathogenesis behind this phenomenon of tumor dissemination during surgery has been studied in a number of clinical and experimental models, although its etiology still remains uncertain.
Mechanical, Electrical, and Thermal Characterization of G-10Cr and G-11Cr Glass-Cloth/Epoxy Laminates Between Room Temperature and 4 K

The United States magnetic fusion energy program will require large-scale use of industrial high-pressure glass-reinforced epoxy laminates for structural supports and for electrical and thermal insulation in superconducting magnets. This choice is based on such factors as availability, cost, machinability, high strength-to-weight ratio, and low electrical and thermal conductivities. There is an immediate need for a commercial supply of these materials having predictable cryogenic performance. Therefore, the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) has cooperated with the laminating industry and the National Electrical Manufacturers’ Association (NEMA) to establish specifications for cryogenic grades of NEMA G-10 and G-11 glass-cloth-reinforced epoxy laminates. These materials, designated G-10CR and G-11CR, meet existing NEMA, as well as federal and military specifications for G-10 and G-11 products. The component and manufacturing specifications have been distributed to all U. S. manufacturers through the NEMA organization. The products are currently available from one manufacturer, and others have shown an interest in their production.
Plasma Met-enkephalin and Cardiovascular Responses to Stress

Met-enkephalin (ME) and a number of other proenkephalin A-derived peptides are localized in chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla, in sympathetic ganglia, and in sympathetic nerve terminals distributed widely in the periphery (Schultzberg et al. 1978). Cosecretion of enkephalin-related peptides and catecholamines has been demonstrated from chromaffin cells in culture, from isolated perfused adrenal glands, and from dog adrenals in vivo (Livett et al. 1981; Wilson et al. 1982; Hanbauer et al. 1982; Asada et al. 1983; Chaminade et al. 1983). Although circulating ME has been quantitated by a number of laboratories (see Van Loon et al. 1987 for review), considerable variability ( 200 pg/ml) in basal plasma concentration has been described and responses to stimuli have been documented in very few studies. Furthermore, the function of circulating enkephalins remains poorly understood.
Rapid LC–MS Method for Accurate Molecular Weight Determination of Membrane and Hydrophobic Proteins

Therapeutic target characterization involves many components, including accurate molecular weight (MW) determination. Knowledge of the accurate MW allows one to detect the presence of post-translational modifications, proteolytic cleavages, and importantly, if the correct construct has been generated and purified. Denaturing liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) can be an attractive method for obtaining this information. However, membrane protein LC–MS methodology has remained relatively under-explored and under-incorporated in comparison to methods for soluble proteins. Here, systematic investigation of multiple gradients and column chemistries has led to the development of a 5 min denaturing LC–MS method for acquiring membrane protein accurate MW measurements. Conditions were interrogated with membrane proteins, such as GPCRs and ion channels, as well as bispecific antibody constructs of variable sizes with the aim to provide the community with rapid LC–MS methods necessary to obtain chromatog...
Fall Prevalence and Contributors to the Likelihood of Falling in Persons With Upper Limb Loss

Background Arms are important for locomotor stability and preventing falls by controlling whole-body angular momentum, redirecting the body's center of mass, and providing support to arrest descent. Hence, upper limb loss (ULL) can increase fall risk. However, the prevalence of falls and factors that influence fall risk have not previously been reported for people with ULL. Objective This study quantified fall prevalence in persons with ULL at or proximal to the wrist and identified clinical factors that contributed to the likelihood of falling. Design This was a cross-sectional study. Methods Factors including body and health characteristics, activity level, fall history, prosthesis use, and balance confidence were determined for persons with ULL proximal to the wrist using an online survey. Logistic regression analyses assessed the contribution of these factors to the classification of fallers (≥2 falls in previous year) and nonfallers. Results A percentage (28.6%) of participants (n = 105) reported experiencing 2 or more falls in the past year. The regression model (R2 = 0.473) correctly classified 84.5% of cases and indicated that increased likelihood of falling was significantly influenced by reduced balance confidence, use of upper limb prostheses, and reduced physical capabilities. Limitations Data were collected online from a convenience sample, and fall classification was based on retrospective data. Conclusions Falls in persons with ULL are prevalent, suggesting that clinicians should use screening methods to identify at-risk individuals. Balance confidence, use of upper limb prostheses, and perceived physical capabilities could be useful screening metrics. Research is warranted to better understand the factors that underlie fall risk in persons with ULL and the efficacy of therapeutic interventions capable of mitigating fall risk.
The true risk of living kidney donation.

Purpose of reviewThe safety of living donor nephrectomy is essential to the continued success, growth, and sustainability of the clinical practice of living donor kidney transplantation. This review summarizes recent advances in our understanding of the perioperative and long-term risks faced by liv
Investigation of shear rates of rolling adhesion on leukocytes with bending of microvilli

A leukocyte model is used to show how different flow shear rates affect bending deformation of the microvilli and adhesive bond forces.
Dronology: an incubator for cyber-physical systems research

Research in the area of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) is hampered by the lack of available project environments in which to explore open challenges and to propose and rigorously evaluate solutions. In this "New Ideas and Emerging Results" paper we introduce a CPS research incubator - based upon a system, and its associated project environment, for managing and coordinating the flight of small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS). The research incubator provides a new community resource, making available diverse, high-quality project artifacts produced across multiple releases of a safety-critical CPS. It enables researchers to experiment with their own novel solutions within a fully-executable runtime environment that supports both high-fidelity sUAS simulations as well as physical sUAS. Early collaborators from the software engineering community have shown broad and enthusiastic support for the project and its role as a research incubator, and have indicated their intention to leverage the environment to address their own research areas of goal modeling, runtime adaptation, safety-assurance, and software evolution.
HEARING LOSS AND HEALTH CARE SATISFACTION

Hearing loss (HL) impacts two-thirds of adults over 70 years and affects patient-provider communication which could limit satisfaction. We used two cross-sectional cohorts, The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study (ARIC, n=250) and the Medicare Current Beneficiaries Survey (MCBS, n=12,311) to examine the relationship between HL (subjective and objective measures) and self-report satisfaction with quality of health care using multivariable-adjusted logistic regression. In ARIC, there was an interaction between HL and age such that HL had a greater impact on odds of dissatisfaction as age increased. In an 85-year-old, for every 10 dB increase in HL, the odds of being dissatisfied increased 1.33 (95% Confidence Interval [CI]:0.96-1.83). In MCBS, compared to participants with no trouble hearing, those with a lot of trouble hearing had 1.7 times the odds ( 95% CI = 1.150-2.623) of being dissatisfied. This has implications for patient-centered care planning given that Medicare ties reimbursement to patient-reported satisfaction.
Robotic Life in the Deep Sea

Drawing on in-depth interviews with marine biologists and engineers, this chapter explores the relationship between human scientists, nonhuman animals (crown-of-thorns starfish and deep sea and tropical corals), and robotic entities (COTSbots, ROVs, AUVs, and OceanOne humanoids). The chapter considers how the drive to ecological management is articulated through, and confined by, national and international law. It asks whether it matters—physically, socially, and legally—if the acts of making live and making die are carried out by machines rather than by humans and whether it matters that these acts target nonhuman animals. Throughout, the chapter examines how the mechanization of knowledge and management in the deep sea has displaced humans, thereby creating the conditions for a kind of biopolitical gaze that extends not only beyond the human but also beyond specific management sites to encompass the entire ocean. At the same time, technology also enables the virtual reinsertion of the human into a scene that was once considered inaccessible to us. Technological developments thus both enable and reinforce a very particular vision of planetary management. The oceans are at the forefront of this planetary vision, and their transition toward management by robots signals a much broader transition toward robotic management in planetary government writ large.
Adherence to the SEP-1 Sepsis Bundle in Hospital-Onset v. Community-Onset Sepsis: a Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study

Sepsis is the leading cause of in-hospital death. The SEP-1 sepsis bundle is a protocol for early sepsis care that requires providers to diagnose and treat sepsis quickly. Limited evidence suggests that adherence to the sepsis bundle is lower in cases of hospital-onset sepsis. To compare sepsis bundle adherence in hospital-onset vs. community-onset sepsis. Retrospective cohort study using multivariable analysis of clinical data. A total of 4658 inpatients age 18 or older were identified by diagnosis codes consistent with sepsis or disseminated infection. Four university hospitals in California between 2014 and 2016. The primary outcome was adherence to key components of the sepsis bundle defined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in their core measure, SEP-1. Covariates included clinical characteristics related to the patient, infection, and pathogen. Compared with community-onset, cases of hospital-onset sepsis were less likely to receive SEP-1 adherent care (relative risk 0.33, 95% confidence interval 0.29–0.38, p < 0.001). With the exception of vasopressors (RR 1.11, p = 0.002), each component of SEP-1 evaluated—blood cultures (RR 0.76, p < 0.001), serum lactate (RR 0.51, p < 0001), broad-spectrum antibiotics (RR 0.62, p < 0.001), intravenous fluids (0.47, p < 0.001), and follow-up lactate (RR 0.71, p < 0.001)—was less likely to be performed within the recommended time frame in hospital-onset sepsis. Within the hospital, cases of hospital-onset sepsis arising on the ward were less likely to receive SEP-1-adherent care than were cases arising in the intensive care unit (RR 0.68, p = 0.004). Inpatients with hospital-onset sepsis receive different management than individuals with community-onset sepsis. It remains to be determined whether system-level factors, provider-level factors, or factors related to measurement explain the observed variation in care or whether variation in care affects outcomes.
Division closed ℓ-rings and power positive L∗-rings

A commutative non-associative division closed lattice-ordered ring with identity that is not an f -ring is presented. More conditions are provided to ensure that an associative division closed latt...
Radiation and immunotherapy combinations in non-small cell lung cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a common and lethal malignancy. The recent development of immune checkpoint inhibitors has afforded a durable, dramatic treatment response for a subset of patients, but strategies to expand these benefits to a broader swath of patients are needed. Preliminary evidence suggests radiotherapy may modulate a patient's immune system, particularly when delivered in high doses over few fractions with conformal techniques, as with stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR). Radiotherapy for advanced stage NSCLC has traditionally been administered with palliative intent. However, an emergence of data from retrospective studies and, more recently, prospective trials has indicated the potential of using stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR), in combination with systemic immunotherapy agents have synergistic effect and may enhance survival. We review current evidence for synergy between radiation and immunotherapy in metastatic, locally advanced, and localized NSCLC and discuss ongoing studies.
A Method for Measuring Total Protium and Total Deuterium in a Gas Mixture Containing Protium, Deuterium, and Protium-Deuterium Mixture Using Gas Chromatography

An analytical technique for measuring both total protium (H) and total deuterium (D) in a gas mixture containing protium (H2), deuterium (D2), and hydrogen-deuterium (HD) has been developed. This technique uses a micro-gas chromatograph (uGC) with two molecular sieve columns each with thermal conductivity detectors. The carrier gas for one column is deuterium and the second column uses protium as the carrier gas. Laboratory tests have shown that, when used in this configuration, the micro-gas chromatograph can measure both total protium and total deuterium each with a detection and quantification limit of less than 20 ppm. This is a low-cost technology that can be used to provide rapid results (less than 1 min), that are comparable with analytical results from very expensive, high resolution low mass, magnetic sector mass spectrometers.
3D reconstruction identifies loci linked to variation in angle of individual sorghum leaves

Selection for yield at high planting density has reshaped the leaf canopy of maize, improving photosynthetic productivity in high density settings. Further optimization of canopy architecture may be possible. However, measuring leaf angles, the widely studied component trait of leaf canopy architecture, by hand is a labor and time intensive process. Here, we use multiple calibrated 2D images to reconstruct the 3D geometry of individual sorghum plants using a voxel carving based algorithm. Automatic skeletonization and segmentation of these 3D geometries enable quantification of the angle of each leaf for each plant. The resulting measurements are both heritable and correlated with manually collected leaf angles. This automated and scaleable reconstruction approach was employed to measure leaf-by-leaf angles for a population of 366 sorghum plants at multiple time points, resulting in 971 successful reconstructions and 3,376 leaf angle measurements from individual leaves. A genome wide association study conducted using aggregated leaf angle data identified a known large effect leaf angle gene, several previously identified leaf angle QTL from a sorghum NAM population, and novel signals. Genome wide association studies conducted separately for three individual sorghum leaves identified a number of the same signals, a previously unreported signal shared across multiple leaves, and signals near the sorghum orthologs of two maize genes known to influence leaf angle. Automated measurement of individual leaves and mapping variants associated with leaf angle reduce the barriers to engineering ideal canopy architectures in sorghum and other grain crops.
Hepatic cysts

Treatment of hepatic cysts should be considered only for those patients who are symptomatic. For simple cysts, percutaneous aspiration invariably leads to recurrence; laparoscopic deroofing is usually curative. Open deroofing (fenestration) should be reserved for cysts inaccessible by laparoscopy. Percutaneous instillation of sclerosing agents (ethanol, iophendylate, minocycline) into nonbiliary and nonparasitic cysts is an alternative therapeutic option in certain cases. Due to increased morbidity, hepatic resection should be reserved for polycystic liver disease, diffuse hepatic involvement, or recurrence after a deroofing procedure. Patients with congenital fibropolycystic disorders (eg, congenital hepatic fibrosis) with evidence of hepatic decompensation, should be considered for liver transplantation. For hepatic hydatid cysts, simple cystectomy or the PAIR (puncture, aspirate, inject, and reaspirate) technique with albendazole treatment have been shown to be equally successful. In the case of alveolar echinococcosis, hepatic resection and liver transplantation are the only effective modalities for localized and extensive hepatic disease, respectively.
Design and Analysis of a Small-Scale Magnetorheological Brake

This article presents the design and performance of a small-scale magnetorheological (MR) brake, with the fastest time constant and highest torque-to-mass ratio among small-scale MR brakes (i.e., those with a diameter less than 40 mm and a thickness less than 30 mm), which are typically designed for use in small haptic or robotic devices. By combining disk- and drum-type designs and incorporating the current-carrying coils into the rotor, this brake uses all three shear surfaces of the rotor to generate large braking torque. Additionally, a serpentine magnetic flux path that crosses the MR fluid shear surfaces a total of six times is used to achieve this torque in a small form factor. An FEM model is used to inform the dimensions of the brake components to increase the magnetic flux density within the MR fluid gap. This enables us to increase the shear force of the MR fluid, and thus, increase braking torque. To characterize brake performance and dynamic response, we measure the relationship between current and braking torque. We then compare the brake’s performance to various types of similarly sized commercial brakes and other small-scale MR brakes found in the literature.
Which Countries’ Citizens Are Better Off With Trade?

Summary We attempt to reconcile competing arguments regarding international trade’s implications for citizen well-being: that trade either erodes citizen welfare by decreasing the incentives and resources for welfare improvements or leads to higher welfare by increasing those incentives and resources. We find that which of these two dynamics a country experiences depends on its level of human capital. In countries already well-endowed with human capital, greater international trade reinforces further improvements in welfare. But in most countries, the workforce has not yet developed such capacities, and in these countries trade is associated with slower improvements in welfare.
MO-F-CAMPUS-T-02: Dosimetric Accuracy of the CrystalBallâ„¢: New Reusable Radiochromic Polymer Gel Dosimeter for Patient QA in Proton Therapy

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy of monoexponential normalization in a new class of commercial, reusable, human-soft-tissue-equivalent, radiochromic polymer gel dosimeters for patient-specific QA in proton therapy. Methods: Eight formulations of the dosimeter (sealed in glass spheres of 166 mm OD), were exposed to a 150 MeV proton beam (5 cm x 5 cm square field, range 15 cm, modulation10 cm), with max dose ranging from 2.5 Gy to 20 Gy, depending on formulation. Exposed dosimeters were promptly placed in the commercial OCTOPUS™ laser CT scanner which was programmed to scan the central slice every 5 minutes for 20 hours (15 seconds per slice scan). This procedure was repeated several times. Reconstructed data were analyzed using the log-lin scale to determine the time range over which a monoexponential relaxation model could be applied. Next, a simple test plan was devised and delivered to each dosimeter. The OCTOPUS™ was programmed to rescan the central slice at the end of each volume scan, for signal relaxation reference. Monoexponential normalization was applied to sinograms before FBP reconstruction. Dose calibration was based on a volume-lookup table built within the central spherical volume of 12 cm diameter. 3D gamma and sigma passing rates were measured at 3%/3mm criteria down to 50% isodose. Results: Approximately monoexponential signal relaxation time ranges from 25 minutes to 3.5 hours, depending on formulation, followed by a slower-relaxation component. Noise in reconstructed OD/cm images is less than 0.5%. Dose calibration accuracy is better than 99%. Measured proton PDDs demonstrate absence of Bragg-peak quenching. Estimated number of useful cycles is at least 20, with a theoretical limit above 100. 3D gamma and sigma passing rates exceed 95%. Conclusion: Monoexponential normalization was found to yield adequate dosimetric accuracy in the new class of commercial radiochromic polymer gel dosimeters for patient QA in proton therapy.