cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sequest: a sequential procedure for estimating steady-state quantiles

Sequest is a fully sequential procedure that delivers improved point and confidence-interval (CI) estimators for a designated steady-state quantile by exploiting a combination of ideas from batching and sectioning. Sequest incorporates effective methods to do the following: (a) eliminate bias in the sectioning-based point estimator that is caused by initialization of the simulation or an inadequate simulation run length (sample size); and (b) adjust the CI half-length for the effects of skewness or correlation in the batching-based point estimators of the designated quantile. Sequest delivers a CI designed to satisfy user-specified requirements concerning both the CI's coverage probability and its absolute or relative precision. We found that Sequest exhibited good small- and large-sample properties in a preliminary evaluation of the procedure's performance on a suite of test problems that includes some problems designed to "stress test" the procedure.
MACROSCOPIC BOUNDARIES AND THE WAVE FUNCTION OF THE UNIVERSE IN THE c=-2 MATRIX MODEL

Using a matrix model, we calculate sums over surfaces with macroscopic boundaries of fixed lengths in two-dimensional gravity coupled to a pair of anti-commuting scalar fields with c=-2. For n boundaries, the answer depends only on the sum of their lengths and is given explicitly in terms of Bessel functions to all orders of the genus expansion. For n=1, this defines the Hartle-Hawking ground state wave function of the universe, which is shown to satisfy the minisuperspace Wheeler–De Witt equation with a boundary condition imposed at small geometries.
A framework for electronic negotiations based on adjusted-winner mediation

The paper presents the design of a procedural framework for an electronic market mediation service based on the adjusted-winner procedure for fair division. The main benefit of applying this procedure is that mutually beneficial agreements can be reached with minimal effort by the negotiating agents. However, in an electronic market setting, the approach requires that certain conditions such as binding offers and mirroring utility functions be provided and additional adaptations be made. In addition to fulfilling these requirements, the proposed mediation service is integrated with a matchmaking facility which results in a platform for negotiation processes that supports the identification of agreements between market agents whose offers initially did not match.
Rapid Change in a Type I Song Dialect of Hermit Warblers (Setophaga occidentalis)

ABSTRACT. Although first-category (Type I) songs of some wood-warblers (Parulidae) are structurally stable over time and range, we document a rapid change in the song of a population of Hermit Warblers (Setophaga occidentalis) in northern Oregon. Type I songs on Mount Hood were recorded in 1990 and 1992. When the population was revisited in 2003, the birds in the area sang a different Type I song. The distinctive terminal syllable was absent, the introductory series of repeated syllables had differentiated into two parts, and the first phrase had increased in duration. In 2004, an area within a 20-km radius centered on the original population was systematically searched; from 2004 to 2006, selected areas were searched up to 65 km distant. Five scattered individuals in a limited area were found singing the earlier song 23–28 km to the east, at the periphery of the area dominated by the new song. The differences between the earlier and later songs, which are smaller than differences with neighboring dialect...
Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Physical Principles

Diffusion tensor MR imaging (DTI) is an advanced technique, born out of conventional diffusion-weighted imaging, that is able to characterize anisotropic diffusion in the central nervous system. This chapter will focus on the physical principles underlying DTI, including its foundation in probability theory and the use of a Gaussian model of diffusion in three dimensions. A review of conventional diffusion-weighted MR imaging and the determination of apparent diffusion coefficients is provided and then extended to the case of multidirectional DTI acquisition. The procedure for filling a diffusion tensor matrix and extracting its eigenvalues and eigenvectors is explained, and the role of these parameters in shaping a Gaussian “ellipsoid” into a visual representation of anisotropic diffusion is presented. The dominant forms of tensor ellipsoids (spherical, oblate, and prolate) are introduced along with an overview of how directional DTI information is rendered as an image. Scalar metrics derived from the diffusion tensor eigenvalues, including fractional anisotropy (FA), are discussed, followed by an introduction to white matter fiber tracking (“tractography”). Inherent limitations of the tensor model are highlighted throughout the discussion, including the nonspecific nature of anisotropy measurements, awareness of non-prolate tensors in the brain, and the inability of the tensor model to resolve crossing fibers within a voxel. We conclude with a brief look at several promising techniques that move beyond the Gaussian model of diffusion.
AC-impedance response of multi-walled carbon nanotube/cement composites

Abstract AC-impedance spectroscopy (AC-IS) was combined with time-domain reflectometry (TDR) to investigate the impedance response of fiber-reinforced cement (FRC) composites with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). In Nyquist plots (−imaginary impedance vs. +real impedance) three impedance arcs/features were observed, similar to Nyquist plots for macrofiber and microfiber FRCs. The intersection of the electrode arc and the intermediate frequency feature ( R DC (FRC)) corresponds to the DC resistance of the composite. The intersection of the two bulk features ( R cusp ) corresponds to the AC resistance of the composite. Reductions in ( R DC (FRC)) from the matrix resistance are indicative of a nanotube percolating network. Reductions in R cusp from the matrix resistance are indicative of a discontinuous fiber–fiber path. Both shifts increased with fiber loading. AC-IS measurements are therefore able to discriminate percolation vs. discontinuous fiber effects in CNT-FRCs, with the potential for characterizing dispersion issues (e.g., clumping/aggregation) in nanocomposites.
Future mechanisms of reversing kidney injury

The search for effective strategies to protect the stenotic kidney or to facilitate recovery of kidney function has been the holy grail of the field of renal vascular disease and renovascular hypertension. Over the past few years, a number of novel interventions have been applied in an attempt to blunt and reverse functional and structural kidney remodeling distal to renal artery stenosis. Many of these interventions were designed to target specific deleterious cascades that are activated in the post stenotic kidney, such as mitochondrial injury, inadequate intrinsic regeneration mechanisms, downregulation of angiogenic pathways, and processes that promote inflammation or fibrosis. Emerging strategies show promise to revitalize the renal parenchyma regardless of restoration of proximal renal arterial patency. Such developments could improve our success in treating this important cause of kidney injury and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Intracoronary ultrasound in cardiac transplant recipients. In vivo evidence of "angiographically silent" intimal thickening.

BACKGROUND Accelerated coronary atherosclerosis is a major factor limiting allograft longevity in cardiac transplant recipients. Histopathology studies have demonstrated the insensitivity of coronary angiography for detecting early atheromatous disease in this patient population. Intracoronary ultrasound is a new imaging technique that provides characterization of vessel wall morphology. The purpose of this study was to compare in vivo intracoronary ultrasound with angiography in cardiac transplant recipients. METHODS AND RESULTS The left anterior descending coronary artery was studied with intracoronary ultrasound in 80 cardiac transplant recipients at the time of routine screening coronary angiography 2 weeks to 13 years after transplantation. A mean and index of intimal thickening were obtained at four coronary sites. Intimal proliferation was classified as minimal, mild, moderate, or severe according to thickness and degree of vessel circumference involved. Twenty patients were studied within 1 month of transplantation and had no angiographic evidence of coronary disease. An intimal layer was visualized by ultrasound in only 13 of these 20 presumably normal hearts. The 60 patients studied 1 year or more after transplantation all had at least minimal intimal thickening. Twenty-one patients (35%) showed minimal or mild, 17 (28%) moderate, and 21 (35%) severe thickening. Forty-two of these 60 patients had angiographically normal coronary arteries, 21 (50%) of whom had either moderate or severe thickening. All 18 patients with angiographic evidence of coronary disease had moderate or severe intimal thickening, but there was no statistically significant difference in intimal thickness or index when compared with the patients with moderate or severe proliferation and normal angiograms (thickness, 0.53 +/- 0.35 mm versus 0.64 +/- 0.30 mm, p = NS; index, 0.28 +/- 0.10 versus 0.34 +/- 0.10, p = NS). CONCLUSIONS The majority of patients 1 or more years after cardiac transplantation have ultrasound evidence of intimal thickening not apparent by angiography. Intracoronary ultrasound offers early detection and quantitation of transplant coronary disease and provides characterization of vessel wall morphology, which may prove to be a prognostic marker of disease.
PS-264 Comparison Of Two Manual Ventilation Devices On The Paediatric Intensive Care: The Self-inflating Bag Versus The Flow-inflating Bag

Objective Different types of devices for manual (bag) ventilation are available. But which device is the best to use is still a matter of controversy. Most frequently used devices in Dutch PICU’s include the Self Inflating Bag (SIB) and the Flow Inflating Bag (FIB). The choice of the system seems to be subjective, and depend mostly on unit policy or personal preferences. Studies on manual ventilation in the paediatric population are scarce. We therefore conducted a prospective, observational study to compare both devices with regard to peak pressures generated and consequences on respiratory parameters during manual ventilation of intubated and mechanically ventilated children. Setting A paediatric intensive care unit of an university hospital. Patients Patients admitted to the PICU; intubated with tube size 3.0, 3.5 or 4 and mechanically ventilated were eligible for the study. Interventions Manual ventilation was performed with two devices, a Laerdal Silicone paediatric circuit and a Mapleson C cirucuit. After inclusion, a tap was placed at the end of the manual inflation bag tube allowing for continuous pressure measurements during manual ventilation. Subjects were blinded to pressure recording and no feedback was provided. From each measurement a maximum peak pressure, mean peak pressure (+SD), median peak pressure and a frequency was calculated. Main Results 412 measurements in 39 patients were performed (205/207). Both groups had significant higher peak pressures and median delivered pressure during manual ventilation (for both groups p = . 000) when compared to ventilator settings. Discussion This study demonstrates that in order to perform MH in a safe and effective manner the pressures and volumes generated have to be monitored.
A parallel program execution model supporting modular software construction

A watershed is near in the architecture of computer systems. There is overwhelming demand for systems that support a universal format for computer programs and software components so users may benefit from their use on a wide variety of computing platforms. At present this demand is being met by commodity microprocessors together with standard operating system interfaces. However current systems do not offer a standard API (application program interface) for parallel programming, and the popular interfaces for parallel computing violate essential principles of modular or component-based software construction. Moreover microprocessor architecture is reaching the limit of what can be done usefully within the framework of superscalar and VLIW processor models. The next step is to put several processors (or the equivalent) on a single chip. This paper presents a set of principles for modular software construction and describes a program execution model based on functional programming that satisfies the set of principles. The implications of the principles for computer system architecture are discussed together with a sketch of the architecture of a multithread processing chip which promises to provide efficient execution of parallel computations while providing a sound base for modular software construction.
Microtubules and neuronal nanobioelectronics

Aromatic amino acids in proteins, (tryptophan, tyrosine, histidine and phenylalanine) have electron resonant ring structures in which electrons are mobile and delocalizable. Electron transport is examined in these complexes with electrons hopping or tunneling between aromatics that have less than 2 nm separations. Microtubule cylindrical lattices form distinct helical pattern topologies that can perform information processing, information propagation, computing and memory storage within cells. The microtubule patterns correspond with binding patterns of microtubule-associated proteins. These proteins correspond to cytoskeletal and cellular structure and function. This paper reports a concept of information propagation and information processing in microtubules from an electronics viewpoint. Analysis and modeling are performed in this paper.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Optical Properties of a New Complex Uranium Oxychloride, KUO 3 Cl

Single crystals of KUO3Cl were grown out of a molten chloride flux and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. KUO3Cl crystallizes in the monoclinic space group, P21/m, with a = 7.0139(18) A, b = 4.0933(10) A, c = 8.542(2) A, and β = 104.194(6)°. The uranium atoms are located in a uranyl, UO2 2+, environment with two oxygen and three chlorine atoms in the equatorial plane. The optical properties were measured, and this compound exhibits strong luminescence. The synthesis, crystal structure, and luminescence of KUO3Cl, a new complex uranium oxychloride, are reported.
Comentarios sobre la eficacia y nefrotoxicidad de anfotericina B convencional e intralipidica en adultos con infección fúngica sistémica y compromiso inmune

En base a una revision bibliografica sobre el uso de anfotericina B liposomal y convencional, se determino la diferencia en la eficacia y en la nefrotoxicidad entre ellas. Todos los estudios incluyeron pacientes inmunodeprimidos, neutropenicos y/o portadores de cancer con diagnostico o alta sopecha de una infeccion fungica sistemica. Para esta busqueda se seleccionaron 9 estudios clinicos randomizados, doble ciego y un metaanalisis. Ademas se incluye un trabajo chileno en cohorte. Ocho estudios muestran menor nefrotoxicidad en los pacientes tratados con Anfotericina B liposomal y 7 de los 10 estudios randomizados no muestran diferencias en la eficacia de estas drogas.
Effects of the Dependent Coverage Mandate on Household Financial Portfolio: Evidence from the 2010 Affordable Care Act

This article examines the effects of the health insurance coverage mandate for dependents on household financial portfolio decisions by focusing on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010. The act allows young adults to remain on their parents’ health insurance plans until their 26th birthday. Using the Survey of Income and Program Participation data, the author finds that the ACA dependent coverage mandate significantly increased the share of stocks by 4.2 percentage points for households having both parental employer-sponsored health insurance and dependent children aged 19-25 years. The mediation analysis suggests that the ACA mandate had a positive effect on shares of stocks through reduction in medical expenditures. However, the mandate had no significant effect on reduction in shares of bonds or assets in interest-bearing accounts.
Thermo-mechanical Properties of Metals at Elevated Temperatures

Results from novel DIC-based experiments focused on quantifying the high temperature thermo-mechanical properties of steel alloys at elevated temperatures are presented. In these studies, the vision-based high temperature measurement system is comprised of (a) an induction coil heating system, (b) blue and white light illumination of the specimen, (c) optical band-pass notch filters for each camera centered on the blue light illumination wavelength and (d)~a stereo-camera configuration for acquisition of synchronized image pairs at the desired temperature. The entire system is portable and is sufficiently flexible such that it can be employed with a wide range of specimen geometries. Each pair of stereo images acquired at a specified temperature is analyzed using three-dimensional digital image correlation (stereo-DIC). Results from laboratory studies confirm that the blue light-illumination with optical notch filtering allows high contrast images to be obtained even when the specimen is glowing white hot. The effectiveness of the system is demonstrated by successfully performing experiments to obtain the coefficient of thermal expansion of a steel alloy as a function of temperature. Additionally, technical challenges (e.g., sensitivity, spatial resolution, and repeatability of the measurements) when performing high temperature experiments with the proposed methodology will be discussed.
Death caused by fire.

The forensic pathologist has a key role in the medicolegal investigation of death by fire. Guidelines in identifying fire victims, establishing the time of death, assessing injuries, and determining the cause of death and the origin of the fire are presented.
Worldwide 10-Year Systematic Review of Treatment Trends in Fibula Free Flap for Mandibular Reconstruction.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to describe the trends pertaining to the use of the fibula free flap for mandibular reconstruction during the past 10 years. Materials and Methods A systematic review for publications on the fibula free flap in mandibular reconstruction in the PubMed and Scopus databases was performed from January 1, 2005 until December 31, 2014. Publications were classified by topic, number of patients, and country of origin. The study period was split into 2 periods. The first 5-year period was compared with the second 5-year period. Results Eighty-five publications were identified. There was an increase in publications regarding restorative decision making (11 vs 9), surgical techniques (13 vs 6), outcomes (20 vs 10), and computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM; 8 vs 2) in the second 5-year period. The number of patients reported also increased in publications on surgical techniques (1,085 vs 59), outcomes (777 vs 254), bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw and osteoradionecrosis (165 vs 28), and CAD-CAM (65 vs 15) in the second 5-year period. The United States, India, China, and Europe produced most of the publications. Conclusions In the past 10 years, there was a surge in publications on the use of the fibula free flap for mandibular reconstruction. There was a 1.8-fold increase in the number of publications and a 3.4-fold increase in the number of patients undergoing this method of mandibular reconstruction in the second 5-year period. Publications from the United States, India, and China contributed to a large increase in the number of patients in the second 5-year period. More interest in CAD-CAM technology was seen in the second 5-year period that was not seen in the first 5-year period.
Frontier Orbital Interpretation of Gas Release Pathways in Lignin Thermolysis

An attempt was made to interpret the experimentally observed gas release pathways in lignin thermolysis by the frontier molecular orbital (FMO) theory. A set of 20 monoaromatic molecules that mimic the moieties in Freudenberg and Harkin’s model of spruce lignin were thermolyzed at 250–550 °C and fractional conversions from 0.0005 to near unity. Guaiacol substrate, a model of the prevalent coniferyl alcohol monomer residues in lignin, thermolyzed by two parallel paths, namely, (R1) demethanation to CH4 and catechol and (R2) decarbonylation to CO and phenol, with their relative rates in the ratio of ∼5:1. Thermolyses of three substituted guaiacols, namely, 2,6-dimethoxyphenol, isoeugenol, and vanillin, also resulted in demethanation and decarbonylation, analogous to R1 and R2 for guaiacol, but vanillin decarbonylation, to guaiacol and CO, was more akin to and roughly 1000 times faster than the single decarbonylation path (R3) of benzaldehyde to benzene and CO. Pathway R1 was mechanistically interpreted as a...
Ultraviolet Evidence for a Binary Nucleus of SH 2-71

Archival IUE spectra of Sh 2-71 show a variable Mg II lambda 2800 emission line superposed on a variable stellar continuum. The Mg II feature is thought to be excited in the chromosphere of the cooler component of a binary nucleus, although other causes are also plausible.
A Comparison of Indoor and Outdoor Spatial Correlation Measurements at 2.4 GHz

With the crowding of the ISM band at 2.4 GHz, further measurements are needed to better characterize and accurately model the wireless channel in a variety of user environments. This paper presents the results of indoor and outdoor experiments conducted to determine the spatial correlation between a pair of antennas. The measurements indicate that correlation drops to below 0.5 for in-room and room-hallway scenarios for interelement spacings larger than half a wavelength. Higher correlation values were observed in the outdoor transmission scenarios due to a lack of scattering in the environments explored.
Static and Dynamic Calibration of Pressure Transducers at Elevated Temperatures

The Air Force conducts tests requiring measurement of high dynamic pressures in high-temperature environments. Such tests require measurement of dynamic pressures created by jet engines, turbulent air-flow along hot areas of aircraft structures, and acoustic levels in Air Force test chambers such as acoustic chambers, wind tunnels, and engine test stands. Several commercial industries also have requirements for high-temperature dynamic measurements.To address these Air Force needs for dynamic pressure measurements at high temperatures, the Structures Division of the Flight Dynamics Directorate of the Wright Laboratory evaluated dynamic pressure transducers for use in extreme acoustic and thermal environments. Transducer manufacturers were surveyed and three off-the-shelf pressure transducers capable of measuring dynamic pressures at extreme environments were identified. The first model measures up to 194 dB(A) and operates up to 260°C (500°F). This model has an extended operating temperature up to 1649°C ...
Adjuvant therapy in stage II pancreatic cancer: A National Cancer Database analysis.

283Background: Oldfield et al (2015) showed the conflicting evidence regarding the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy vs. chemoradiation in pancreatic cancer. Using patients identified by the National Cancer Database (NCDB), we are the largest study to compare survival in stage II pancreatic cancer patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy, chemoradiation, radiation, or no adjuvant therapy. Methods: We identified 65,091 patients with stage II pancreatic cancer who received surgery only or surgery in combination with chemotherapy, radiation, or chemoradiation. Between-therapy survival differences were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and associated log-rank tests; Tukey-Kramer adjusted p < .05 indicated statistical significance. Results: Patient characteristics were similar between groups; although, patients receiving chemoradiation were younger, had fewer comorbidities, and were more likely to have private insurance compared to all other therapy groups. Statistically significant survival differences we...
Identificación de las causas asociadas a las fallas del flujo de información para el apoyo logístico aguas arriba de la perforación offshore en Colombia

The exchange of information has become a key collaboration across the supply chain factor. However, the lack of information systems to articulate and support procurement processes, causes delays in scheduled deliveries and cost overruns in the project plans. The identification of causes related to this issue, specifically in the case of operations on the Colombian Caribbean coast, constitutes an advance that will facilitate the development of a tool in future, studies aimed at optimizing the flow of information in logistics for offshore operations in Colombia.
Mammary tumors induce neuroinflammation, but not behavioral deficits in Balb/C mice

Women diagnosed with breast cancer are considerably more likely to develop a mood disorder and to report cognitive deficits than women in the general population. Previous studies suggest that peripheral tumors, such as mammary tumors, may create an immune response that can drive neuroinflammation, in turn leading to depression and cognitive deficits. In the present study, two cohorts of female Balb/C mice received bilateral orthotopic injections of syngeneic 67NR, 4T07, or 4T1cells (1 × 105 cells per injection) to induce mammary tumors. Approximately three weeks later, cognitive function (via fear conditioning) or depressive-like behavior (via tail suspension and forced swim test) was assessed. Tissues were collected following the completion of behavioral testing. Proinflammatory cytokine levels were increased in the serum (IL-1beta, TNFalpha, IFNgamma) and livers (IL-1beta, IL-6, TNFalpha) of mice injected with 4T07 or 4T1 cell lines compared to the 67NR cell line and vehicle control. IL-1beta was increased in both the hippocampus and cortex of mice injected with 4T07 or 4T1 cell lines relative to the vehicle and 67NR treatment groups. However, mammary tumors had no effect on hippocampal neurogenesis (doublecortin + cells) and did not alter depressive-like behavior or induce cognitive deficits. Collectively, these data demonstrate that similarly sized tumors can produce differential immune responses both peripherally and centrally and that tumor-induced neuroinflammation can exist without resulting in the development of depressive-like behavior or cognitive deficits.
Time and Critique: The Temporal Dimensions of the Dialectical Method

After discussing the method of ‘critique’ and its intellectual evolution, this chapter will examine its temporal dimensions, while continuing to emphasize the writings of Hegel and Marx. The issue of time is the grammatical code within which method is understood. Through the temporal dimensions the range and boundaries of the categories are framed. This is important in Marx’ critique of positivism because underlying both explanatory science and the critique of political economy are two entirely different understandings of the nature of time and history. The approach to the temporal dimension will form the framework within which history can be known; it will also form the methodological conditions and boundaries by which the external reality can be appropriated; it will structure the nature of our knowledge about the future, which can be anticipated; and, finally, it will determine the way in which social practice is ultimately understood. In explanatory science the elements of time are viewed as quantitative and discrete, separable moments capable of being adequately predicted by theoretical projections and manipulated by social intervention. This temporal dimension of positivism is built into its very categorial and logical structure.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of the Layered Lanthanide Oxychlorides Ba3Ln2O5Cl2.

Single crystals of a new family of layered lanthanide oxychlorides, Ba3Ln2O5Cl2 (Ln = Gd–Lu), have been synthesized from a molten barium flux. This family crystallizes in the space group I4/mmm (No. 139; Z = 2) with lattice parameters a = 4.3384(1)–4.4541(1) A and c = 24.5108(7)–24.8448(9) A. Ba3Ln2O5Cl2 phases are built up of two different blocks: a perovskite double layer of stoichiometry Ba2Ln2O5 formed by corner-connected LnO5 tetragonal bipyramids and a puckered rock-salt-like interlayer of composition BaCl2. A complete structural study along with bond-valence-sum calculations shows that, for lanthanides larger than gadolinium, the structure becomes unstable. Density functional theory calculations show that the valence-band edge is dominated by oxygen orbitals, whereas the conduction band forms from Ba 5d orbitals. The synthesis of this family suggests a route to other potential multianion phases.
Automated flow injection method for the high precision determination of drift tube ion mobility collision cross sections.

The field of ion mobility-based omics studies requires high-quality collision cross section (CCS) libraries to effectively utilize CCS as a molecular descriptor. Absolute CCS values with the highest precision are obtained on drift tube instruments by measuring the drift time of ions at multiple drift voltages, commonly referred to as a ‘stepped field’ experiment. However, generating large scale absolute CCS libraries from drift tube instruments is time consuming due to the current lack of high-throughput methods. This communication reports a fully automated stepped-field method to acquire absolute CCS on commercially available equipment. Using a drift tube ion mobility-mass spectrometer (DTIM-MS) coupled to a minimally modified liquid chromatography (LC) system, CCS values can be measured online with a carefully timed flow injection analysis (FIA) experiment. Results demonstrate that the FIA stepped-field method yields CCS values which are of high analytical precision (<0.4% relative standard deviation, RSD) and accuracy (≤0.4% difference) comparable to CCS values obtained using traditional direct-infusion stepped-field experiments. This high-throughput CCS method consumes very little sample volume (20 μL) and will expedite the generation of large-scale CCS libraries to support molecular identification within global untargeted studies.
Helical Blade Versus Screw Fixation in the Treatment of Hip Fractures With Cephalomedullary Devices: Incidence of Failure and Atypical "Medial Cutout".

Objective:To evaluate the rates and mechanisms of failure for cephalomedullary nail fixation using helical blade versus screw fixation and to identify the predictors of failure.Design:Retrospective study.Setting:Community teaching hospital.Patients/Participants:A total of 126 patients were treated w
Behavioral Health's Integration Within a Care Network and Health Care Utilization.

Objective Examine how behavioral health (BH) integration affects health care costs, emergency department (ED) visits, and inpatient admissions. Data sources/study setting Truven Health MarketScan Research Databases. Study design Social network analysis identified "care communities" (providers sharing a high number of patients) and measured BH integration in terms of how connected, or central, BH providers were to other providers in their community. Multivariable generalized linear models adjusting for age, sex, number of prescriptions, and Charlson comorbidity score were used to estimate the relationship between the centrality of BH providers and health care utilization of BH patients. Data collection/extraction methods Used outpatient, inpatient, and pharmacy claims data from six Medicaid plans from 2011 to 2013 to identify study outcomes, comorbidities, providers, and health care encounters. Principal findings Behavioral health centrality ranged from 0 (no BH providers) to 0.49. Relative to communities at the median BH centrality (0.06), in 2012, BH patients in communities at the 75th percentile of BH centrality (0.31) had 0.2 fewer admissions, 2.1 fewer all-cause ED visits, and accrued $1,947 fewer costs, on average. Conclusions Increased behavioral centrality was significantly associated with a reduced number of ED visits, less frequent inpatient admissions, and lower overall health care costs.
Spherical harmonics method for computing the image stress due to a spherical void

Abstract We develop an efficient numerical method for calculating the image stress field induced by spherical voids in materials, and applied the method to dislocation-void interactions. The method is constructed based on a complete set of basis functions for the displacement potential of the elastic boundary value problem for a spherical hole, as well as the corresponding displacement, stress, and traction fields, all in terms of linear combinations of spherical harmonics. Using the fast transformation between the real and spherical-harmonics spaces provided by the SHTOOLS package, the method is more efficient than other image stress solvers such as the finite-element method. This method can be readily extended for solving elasticity problems involving inclusions and inhomogeneities, as well as contact between spheres. The tools developed here can also be useful for fast solution of differential equations with spherical boundaries beyond elasticity.
Introduction to Cerebral Perfusion Pressure Management

This article offers a broad review of cerebral autoregulation to help understand the principles of cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) management. Discussed are cerebral autoregulation, Poiseuille's law, mannitol-induced hypertension and CPP, prognosis by CPP, management of CPP, and a summary of physiologic basis for CPP management.
Epilepsy, Psychiatric Comorbidities of

Psychiatric comorbidities are relatively frequent in patients with epilepsy (PWE), with lifetime prevalence rates ranging between 30% and 35%. Mood and anxiety disorders are the most frequently recognized conditions in adults whereas attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most frequently identified comorbidity in children.
Correlation of fatigue crack propagation in polyethylene pipe specimens of different geometries

Correlation in mechanisms and kinetics of step-wise fatigue crack propagation in polyethylene pipe specimens of different geometries is studied experimentally. It is shown that crack propagation in a non-standard specimen cut from a real pipe and conserving the pipe geometry can be effectively simulated using a standard compact tension specimen. Good correlation in both kinetics of step-wise crack propagation and fractography between the specimens is achieved if experimental conditions are chosen to assure equal values of (a) stress intensity factor and (b) stress intensity factor gradient at the initial notch tips. These results extend previous technique of fatigue accelerating slow crack growth used to predict lifetime of polyethylene pipes.
Ampicillin Resistance and Beta-Lactamase Activity in Clinical Isolates of Shigella Sonnei

There has been a marked increase in the resistance of Shigella sonnei to ampicillin in the past decade. This has been seen in England (Davies et al 1970) New Zealand (Smith et al 1974) and New York (Neu et al 1975). The precise mechanism of resistance has not been defined in each instance, but the studies in London (Davies et al 1970) and those of the strains from New Zealand (Smith et al 1974) suggested that these were two kinds of resistance: low level, nontransmissible; and high level, transmissible. The nontransmissible was due to a B-lactamase that hydrolyzed cephalospoxins rapidly. The transmissible resistance is due to an R-factor mediating a B-lactamase that does not confir cephalosporin resistance. We (Neu 1969) had described similar type of resistance in Escherichia coli and we wished to see if the increased resistance of Shigella to ampicillin that we (Neu et al 1975) had noted in 1972—73 was similar to that seen in England and New Zealand.
Development and sustainability of an inpatient-to-outpatient discharge handoff tool: a quality improvement project

Article-at-a-Glance Background After hospital discharge, patients are at risk for medication errors, missed test results, adverse events, and readmissions. Handoff communication between the inpatient and outpatient settings is primarily accomplished with the discharge summary. However, critical information can often be missing, such as the date of the first postdischarge follow-up visit, a complete and accurate list of discharge medications, and follow-up recommendations. There have been no studies focusing on identifying and implementing a parsimonious, clinically relevant, inpatient-to-outpatient discharge handoff tool within a fully integrated electronic medical record (EMR) system. A concise, written, electronic handoff communication tool was created to address this gap. Methods Using inpatient and outpatient provider stakeholder input, a standard, succinct, and clinically relevant handoff tool was designed and implemented within the Veterans Affairs EMR. Retrospective chart review at 3 and 15 months after the handoff tool rollout in December 2010 was conducted to monitor handoff uptake and outcomes. Results At 15 months after implementation, 86% (129/150) of patients had a completed handoff at the time of discharge. More handoff notes were available in the EMR within 24hours of discharge than discharge summaries (100% versus 77%, p Discussion A standardized clinically relevant discharge handoff tool had high user uptake and sustainability and improved timeliness of communication of information between the hospital and outpatient setting. Even within a fully integrated EMR system, simple and efficient handoffs between inpatient and outpatient providers may fulfill a communication gap at the time of discharge.
Role of Auditory Cortex in the Perception of Vocalizations by Japanese Macaques

Ever since the latter half of the 19th century when it was discovered that sensory and motor functions could be localized in the cerebral cortex, the role of the cortex in auditory processing has been studied by observing the effects of brain damage in both humans and animals. Initially, it was envisioned that the study of experimental lesions in animals would provide a basis for inferring cortical functioning in humans. This was based on the fact that lesions in animals could be precisely controlled thus avoiding the complications which arise when analyzing the effects of lesions which are either too small to result in distinct deficits or else are too large and result in multiple deficits which may be difficult to differentiate (e.g., Ferrier, 1876b). Indeed, the utility of animal research was soon demonstrated when ablation studies narrowed the search for auditory cortex in monkeys to the posterior two thirds of the superior temporal gyms (Ferrier 1876a).
Joining lightweight materials using reactive nanofoils

Abstract: In this chapter, we present the strength and failure modes of reactive NanoFoil® bonded joints for similar and dissimilar lightweight materials. First, solder and braze joints for similar and dissimilar material combinations of steel, aluminum and magnesium are fabricated. Static bond strength tests under tensile shear loading condition are then performed to quantify the bond strength for different material combinations. The through-thickness microstructure changes and modifications by the bonding process are quantified using SEM. Depending on the base material combinations, it is shown that the nanofoil bond strength is comparable to those of the conventional structural adhesive bonds.
Igneous and detrital zircon U-Pb and Lu-Hf geochronology of the late Meso- to Neoproterozoic northwest Botswana rift: Maximum depositional age and provenance of the Ghanzi Group, Kalahari Copperbelt, Botswana and Namibia

Abstract New igneous and detrital zircon laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) U-Pb geochronology and Lu-Hf isotopic data are presented for the Mesoproterozoic Kgwebe Formation and the unconformably overlying Ghanzi Group in northwestern Botswana. The Makgabana Hills porphyritic rhyolite flow from the Ghanzi area yielded a U-Pb concordia age of 1085.5 ± 4.5 Ma and provides a new maximum depositional age for the unconformably overlying Ghanzi Group. Detrital zircon (n = 448) from the Ghanzi Group yielded a 207Pb/206Pb age distribution with a dominant (70 to 90%) Mesoproterozoic population (∼1450 to ∼1050 Ma), a smaller (5 to 20%) Paleoproterozoic (∼2200 to ∼1700 Ma) population, and a few (n = 4) older (∼3000 Ma to ∼2450 Ma) grains. A maximum depositional age constraint of ∼1060 to ∼1050 Ma was obtained for middle and upper Ghanzi Group based on the weighted-mean 207Pb/206Pb age of the youngest clusters of overlapping zircon ages for each sample. Initial hafnium ratios (eHfi) and corresponding crustal residence model ages (TCDM) for the Paleoproterozoic zircon populations indicate either fractionation from a chondritic uniform reservoir (CHUR) or mixing between juvenile mantle and older crustal components. Mesoproterozoic zircon with eHfi values between −20 and +15 and TCDM model ages between 3000 and 1200 Ma suggest that the source terrane(s) contained magmatic rocks including both juvenile material and substantially reworked Paleoproterozoic and possibly Archean crust. Comparison with a compilation of published U-Pb, Lu-Hf, and Sm-Nd data from the Kalahari Craton suggests that the predominant Mesoproterozoic zircon population was derived from the Namaqua Sector, Rehoboth Basement Inlier, Kwando Complex, and Choma-Kalomo Block; some zircon may have had distal sources in adjacent Rodinia landmasses. Both Archean cratonic components and juvenile ∼1200 to ∼1000 Ma magmatic rocks of the Natal Sector and the Maud and Mozambique belts on the eastern margin of the craton are unlikely sources for the detrital zircon based on isotopic composition. Sediment transported from the western margin of the Kalahari Craton entered the northwest Botswana rift and mixed with sediments from the Rehoboth Basement Inlier and Paleo- to Mesoproterozoic terranes that bound the northwest Botswana rift.
Excess Dietary Zinc Intake in Neonatal Mice Causes Oxidative Stress and Alters Intestinal Host–Microbe Interactions

Scope Greater than 68% of young infants are exposed to dietary zinc (Zn) levels that are higher than the Tolerable Upper Intake Limit. However, the consequences of excess dietary Zn during early life on intestinal function and host-microbe interactions are unknown. Methods and results Neonatal mice are gavaged with 100 Zn µg d-1 from postnatal day (PN) 2 through PN10 and indices of intestinal function and host-microbe interactions are compared to unsupplemented mice. Excess dietary Zn causes oxidative stress, increases goblet cell number and mucus production, and are associated with increased intestinal permeability and systemic inflammation. Over 900 genes are differentially expressed; 413 genes display a fold-change >1.60. The Gene Ontology Biological processes most significantly affected include biological adhesion, the immune system, metabolic processes, and response to stimulus. Key genes most highly and significantly upregulated include ALDH2, MT1, TMEM6, CDK20, and COX62b, while CALU, ST3GAL4, CRTC2, SLC28A2, and COMMA1 are downregulated. These changes are associated with a microbiome enriched in pathogenic taxa including Pseudomonadales and Campylobacter, and greater expression of bacterial stress response genes. Conclusion Excess dietary Zn may have unforeseen influences on epithelial signaling pathways, barrier function, and luminal ecology in the intestine that may have long-term consequences on intestinal health.
Matrical carcinoma with melanocytic hyperplasia mimicking nodular melanoma in an elderly Mexican male.

Matrical carcinoma with melanocytic hyperplasia (MCMH), previously referred to as malignant melanocytic matricoma, is a rare variant of the uncommon pilomatrical carcinoma, occurring most often on the head/neck and upper backs of middle-aged men. Nodular lesions may resemble pigmented basal cell carcinoma or melanoma clinically. We present a case of MCMH in a Hispanic patient with history of melanoma. Histopathological clues to appropriate diagnosis include basaloid cells, numerous atypical mitotic figures, matrical differentiation, shadow cells, strong diffuse nuclear and cytoplasmic expression of s-catenin, and interspersed pigmented dendritic melanocytes.
Designed Nanoparticles Elicit Cross-Reactive Antibody Responses To Conserved Influenza Virus Hemagglutinin Stem Epitopes

Abstract Despite the availability of seasonal vaccines and antiviral medications, influenza virus continues to be a major health concern and pandemic threat due to the continually changing antigenic regions of the major surface glycoprotein, hemagglutinin (HA). One emerging strategy for the development of more efficacious seasonal and universal influenza vaccines is structure-guided design of nanoparticles that display conserved regions of HA, such as the stem. Using the H1 HA subtype to establish proof of concept, we found that an alpha-helical fragment (helix-A) from the conserved stem region can be displayed on nanoparticles. The stem region of HA on these nanoparticles is immunogenic and the nanoparticles are biochemically robust in that heat exposure did not destroy the particles and immunogenicity was retained. Furthermore, H1-nanoparticles protected mice from lethal challenge with H1N1 influenza virus. Importantly, antibodies elicited by these nanoparticles demonstrated homosubtypic and heterosubtypic cross-reactivity. The helix-A stem nanoparticle design represents a novel approach to display several hundred copies of non-trimeric conserved HA stem epitopes on vaccine nanoparticles. This design concept provides a new approach to universal influenza vaccine development strategies and opens up opportunities for the development of nanoparticles with broad coverage over many antigenically diverse influenza HA subtypes. Significance Influenza virus is a public health issue that affects millions of people globally each year. Commercial influenza vaccines are based on the hemagglutinin (HA) surface glycoprotein, which can change antigenically every year, demanding the manufacture of newly matched vaccines annually. HA stem epitopes have a higher degree of conservation than HA molecules contained in conventional vaccine formulations and we demonstrate that we are able to design nanoparticles that display hundreds of HA stem fragments on nanoparticles. These designed nanoparticles are heat-stable, elicit antibodies to the HA stem, confer protection in mouse challenge models, and show cross-reactivity between HA subtypes. This technology provides promising opportunities to improve seasonal vaccines, develop pandemic preparedness vaccines, and facilitate the development of a universal influenza vaccine.