cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Response of Steel Moment-Frame Structures with Hybrid Passive Control Systems

The concept of the hybrid passive control system is studied analytically by investigating the seismic response of steel moment-frame structures. A hybrid passive system combines a rate-dependent damping device with a rate-independent energy dissipation device. The innovative configuration exploits individual element strengths and offsets their weaknesses through multi-phased behavior. A 9-story, 5-bay steel moment-frame was used for the analysis. Six different seismic resisting systems were analyzed and compared. The conventional systems included a plain special momentresisting frame (SMRF) and a dual SMRF-buckling-restrained brace (BRB) system. The four hybrid configurations utilize a BRB and either a high-damping rubber damper or viscous fluid damper. The results demonstrate the capabilities of hybrid passive control systems to improve structural response compared to conventional lateral systems and to be effective in performance-based earthquake engineering. Each hybrid configuration improved some aspect of structural response with some providing benefits for multiple damage measures. The multi-phased nature of the device improves performance for small, moderate and severe seismic events.
“The root of all evil”? An exploratory study of money and delinquent involvement

Modern criminological theory makes contradictory predictions about the possible effects of money on misbehavior. Strain theory suggests that the possession of monetary resources facilitates goal achievement and therefore reduces the likelihood of offending. In contrast, an anomie perspective would view possession of money as a prelude to greater drug use and delinquency. In this study we examine the effect of adolescents' resources—namely, money earned from work and received from parental allowance—on delinquent involvement and drug use. The results tend to be consistent with anomie theory, showing that money and its pursuit are associated positively with misbehavior. The implications for criminological theory are discussed.
Recognition of the role of Natural Products as drugs to treat neglected tropical diseases by the 2015 Nobel prize in physiology or medicine

The 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine recognised the advances made in treating neglected tropical diseases, using drugs whose origins lie in natural products.
Flexibility effects on vortex formation of translating plates

Vortex structures made by impulsively translating low aspect-ratio plates are studied experimentally using defocusing digital particle image velocimetry. The investigation of translating plates with a 90° angle of attack is important since it is a fundamental model for a better understanding of drag-based propulsion systems. Rectangular flat rigid, flexible and curved-rigid thin plates with the same aspect ratio are studied in order to develop qualitative and quantitative understanding of their vortex structures and hydrodynamic forces. We find that the vortex formation processes of all three cases are drastically different from each other. The interaction of leading-edge vortices and tip flow near the tip region is an important mechanism to distinguish vortex patterns among these three cases. The drag trends of three cases are correlated closely with vortex structure and circulation. The initial peak of hydrodynamic force in the flexible plate case is not as large as the initial peak of the flat and curved rigid plate cases during the acceleration phase. However, after the initial peak, the flexible plate generates a large force comparable to that of the flat-rigid plate case in spite of its deformed shape, which results from the slow development of the vortex structure.
Family Mealtime Interactions and Overweight Children with Asthma: Potential for Compounded Risks?

The rate of overweight conditions for children in the United States has increased sharply in the past decade, with approximately 16% of children and adolescents being considered overweight (Centers for Disease Control, 2002). Children who are overweight frequently experience other chronic health conditions such as diabetes and asthma. There have been increasing concerns about the relatively high co-occurrence of being overweight and pediatric asthma leading to speculation about contributing factors such as the role of the physical environment (Brisbon, Plumb, Brawer, & Paxman, 2005), increased airway hyperresponsiveness (Shore & Fredberg, 2005), and tendency to overdiagnosis of asthma in overweight children (Bibi et al., 2004). The emotional climate of the family has long been identified as a moderator of symptom expression in children with asthma (Kaugers, Klinnert, & Bender, 2004). Furthermore, the management of daily routines, such as mealtime, has also been found to be related to overall quality of life in families with a child with asthma (Fiese, Wamboldt, & Anbar, 2005). In this exploratory study, we aimed to examine whether mealtime interaction patterns would differ in families who had a child with asthma who was of average weight or was overweight. The family is the primary socializing unit for children and responsible for establishing healthy eating habits and modeling beneficent food choices (Kinston, Loader, & Miller, 1987). Survey studies suggest that families with overweight children structure their eating times in different ways, allowing more television viewing and accordingly the child’s responsibility to make dietary decisions independent of parental guidance when compared to families with children of average weight (Gable & Lutz, 2000). Direct observations of mother–child interactions during mealtimes have found a relation between maternal prompts and child caloric intake (Drucker, Hammer, Agras, & Bryson, 1999), suggesting an association between family dynamics and food consumption. Although the literature is somewhat sparse, we were interested in examining the relation between family interaction patterns and the likelihood that a child with asthma would also be overweight. In this brief report, we set out to explore two primary questions. First, would families with an overweight child with asthma interact during mealtime in ways that differed from families whose child with asthma was of average weight? Second, would the structure of the meal (e.g., television on and presence of sugary drinks) distinguish families who had a child with asthma who was overweight?
Contingent productivity responses to more extreme rainfall regimes across a grassland biome.

Climate models predict, and empirical evidence confirms, that more extreme precipitation regimes are occurring in tandem with warmer atmospheric temperatures. These more extreme rainfall patterns are characterized by increased event size separated by longer within season drought periods and represent novel climatic conditions whose consequences for different ecosystem types are largely unknown. Here, we present results from an experiment in which more extreme rainfall patterns were imposed in three native grassland sites in the Central Plains Region of North America, USA. Along this 600km precipitation‐productivity gradient, there was strong sensitivity of temperate grasslands to more extreme growing season rainfall regimes, with responses of aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) contingent on mean soil water levels for different grassland types. At the mesic end of the gradient (tallgrass prairie), longer dry intervals between events led to extended periods of below-average soil water content, increased plant water stress and reduced ANPP by 18%. The opposite response occurred at the dry end (semiarid steppe), where a shift to fewer, but larger, events increased periods of above-average soil water content, reduced seasonal plant water stress and resulted in a 30% increase in ANPP. At an intermediate mixed grass prairie site with high plant species richness, ANPP was most sensitive to more extreme rainfall regimes (70% increase). These results highlight the inherent complexity in predicting how terrestrial ecosystems will respond to forecast novel climate conditions as well as the difficulties in extending inferences from single site experiments across biomes. Even with no change in annual precipitation amount, ANPP responses in a relatively uniform physiographic region differed in both magnitude and direction in response to within season changes in rainfall event size/frequency.
Capital stewardship in the United States: worker voice and the union role in the management of pension fund assets

This article describes US unions’ efforts at capital stewardship, that is, the investment and management of the assets accumulated in pension and other retirement plans (frequently termed ‘workers’ or ‘labour’s capital’) — on behalf of plan participants and in the interest of workers more generally. It focuses particularly on the opportunities for direct worker voice in the governance and management of those assets through workers serving as trustees of the plans. The article explores the challenges these trustees face in navigating that role in addition to their possibly conflicting role as a union member or official. It details unions’ visions for capital stewardship and their efforts to integrate trustees’ activities within the broader range of union activities. Finally, it describes ways in which unions have collaborated in support of their trustees and to develop a cross-union capital stewardship agenda.
In Vivo Dynamic Strains of the Mitral Valve Annulus

The mitral valve apparatus is a complex structure with multiple components that require seamless, integrated operation for normal valve function. One of these components is the annulus, a fibrous ring of tissue that defines the boundary between the mitral valve leaflets and the surrounding superstructure of the heart. During the cardiac cycle the annulus undergoes large deformations and dramatic shape changes. Moreover, the annulus motion represents a key boundary condition for mitral valve leaflet deformation. Yet, to date our knowledge of the subtle deformations this structure undergoes during the cardiac cycle remains very limited. In the present study, an array of 1 mm diameter piezoelectric sonocrystals was implanted in 5 sheep to quantify annular deformation over the complete cardiac cycle. These crystals act as fiducial markers for the mitral annulus with a temporal resolution of ∼1ms and a special resolution of .01mm in a calibrated three dimensional space. A quintic order generalized 3D spline was developed to reconstruct the annular geometry.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Overview of the Parenteral Nutrition Use Process

Parenteral nutrition (PN) is a high-alert medication that contains dozens of active pharmaceutical ingredients. This complex prescription drug preparation is used in a wide variety of clinical settings for patients across the age spectrum. Despite the existence of a number of guidance documents, the drug-use process for PN suffers from lack of standardization for order prescription, order verification and review, PN compounding, labeling, and dispensing. As a result, PN-associated medication errors would not be unexpected but are documented infrequently.
H.263 video transcoding for spatial resolution downscaling

In order to allow users to use handheld devices accessing video information, such as downloading and playing video files, there is a need to downscale the compressed video into lower spatial resolution and lower transmission bit rate. In this work, transcoding the compressed H.263 video into low spatial-resolution is discussed and realized. To reduce the computation cost, motion vectors from the incoming video stream are resampled and reused. We propose a novel approach to refine motion vectors adaptively according to the motion of every frame or every macroblock in a frame. The proposed approach can improve the video quality and reduce predictive residues of every frame, hence reduce the transmission bit rate. Implementation results suggest that the proposed approach produces better image quality and lower transmission bit rate than a number of previous approaches.
Design Techniques for Wideband Discrete-Time Delta-Sigma ADCs With Extra Loop Delay

Novel implementation techniques, such as the use of direct-charge-transfer stage, noise coupling, and dynamic element matching can improve the performance of wideband ΔΣ ADCs. However, they introduce extra loop delay, which compromises the low-distortion property and even the loop stability. This paper shows how the addition of independent feedback and feed-forward branches to the loop filter can compensate the extra loop delay, and restore the desired signal and noise transfer functions. The design methodology is then generalized for different kinds of ΔΣ ADCs, and the low-distortion property is analyzed. Two wideband delta-sigma ADCs have been designed and simulated to verify the theory.
"Back to the future": recruiting the best and brightest into cardiothoracic surgery.

Thoracic Surgery has witnessed a notable decrease in applicants over the past decade. In this context Kron and colleagues reported that the ‘‘United States will face a severe shortage of cardiothoracic surgeons within 10 years if entry into the profession keeps declining.’’ Although recent innovations, such as drug-eluting stents and percutaneous valves, are extraordinary, they do not make the unique skills and training of the cardiac and thoracic surgeon obsolete. Although we are rumored to be facing extinction and applicant interest is low, the potential to enhance thoracic surgery residency interest remains paramount to our discipline’s future. We must respond to the current crisis by being even more focused and committed to recruit the best and the brightest into the field of cardiothoracic surgery. In September 1992, the American Association for Thoracic Surgery, the American Board of Thoracic Surgery, the Coordinating Committee for Continuing Education in Thoracic Surgery, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS), and the Thoracic Surgery Directors Association convened the Joint Conference on Graduate Education in Thoracic Surgery. From this meeting emerged several articles that summarized the discipline’s thoughts on recruitment into the specialty, including the focus on attracting ‘‘high-caliber individuals.’’ It is interesting to note that at the time of the meeting, thoracic surgery training programs were enjoying a surplus of applicants relative to the positions offered. Times have since changed, and a multitude of issues have relegated thoracic surgical training to a much less popular status, leaving more positions available than applicants to fill them. The root cause of this ‘‘pipeline shortage in the face of need’’ is multifactorial. A recent survey of residents in general surgery demonstrated that the perceived poor job outlook and job security concerns were leading reasons for not pursuing a career in thoracic surgery. Additional concerns noted were about the critical importance of cardiothoracic faculty mentors, the excessive length of training,
Efficient software checking for fault tolerance

Dramatic increases in the number of transistors that can be integrated on a chip make processors more susceptible to radiation-induced transient errors. For commodity chips which are cost- and energy-constrained, software approaches can play a major role for fault detection because they can be tailored to fit different requirements of reliability and performance. However, software approaches add a significant performance overhead because they replicate the instructions and add checking instructions to compare the results. In order to make software checking approaches more attractive, we use compiler techniqes to identify the "unnecessary" replicas and checking instructions. In this paper, we present three techniques. The first technique uses boolean logic to identify code patterns that correspond to outcome tolerant branches. The second technique identifies address checks before loads and stores that can be removed with different degrees of fault coverage. The third technique identifies the checking instructions and shadow registers that are unnecessary when the register file is protected in hardware. By combining the three techniques, the overheads of software approaches can be reduced by an average 50%.
Analysis of Theophylline in Serum and Whole Blood Samples by High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography

A high-pressure liquid chromatographic procedure for theophylline, which can be applied to both ante-mortem and post-mortem samples, is described. The procedure routinely requires a 250p.I sample but as little as 50p.I of serum can be analyzed. Analytical results obtained using the described high-pressure liquid chromatographic procedure are compared with those obtained using a spectrophotometric method. In addition, whole-blood and sera specimens collected at the same time were analyzed and the results compared. Good correlation was observed between the high-pressure liquid chromatographic and spectrophotometric method. It was also found that the results obtained from the analysis of whole blood were comparable to the serum theophylline concentrations.
To the boundary and back—a numerical study

SUMMARY This study identifies the key parameters upon which energy absorption at artificial boundaries depends. A thorough numerical study is presented, of typical reflections from open computational boundaries, for problems governed by hyperbolic systems of equations. The emphasis is on systems, where it is often the combination of all boundary procedures that determine the quality of boundary treatment. We study dissipative numerical models which have so far not been analysed to the same extent as non-dissipative models and employ a Lax-Wendroff-type scheme as a prototype. While it is widely accepted that dissipative models tend to give fewer problems than non-dissipative ones, we show a variety of cases where substantial reflections do occur even in 1D and quasi-1D set-ups, where theory predicts best results. This can partly be explained by the vanishing of dissipation in the far field. Group velocity analysis, justifiable on the grounds of weak dissipation, predicts a pathological behaviour which is confirmed by numerical experiments. We demonstrate strong focusing of asymptotic errors generated at the artificial boundary. Internal reflections due to slowly expanding grids are shown for non-linear systems. The need for high-frequency boundary conditions naturally arises and combined low-high-frequency boundary recipes following Higdon, Vichnevetsky and Pariser are adapted to systems and tested. Partial cures are also discussed, mainly in terms of pointing out their theoretically limited potential.
Dense electrical map reconstruction from ECG/MCG measurements with known fiber structure and standard activation sequence

Reconstruction of the current density in the myocardium from electrocardiography and magnetocardiography (ECG/MCG) measurements is an ill-posed inverse problem (the solution is not unique, or is unstable, or both). The equivalent current dipole model requires reconstruction of 6 parameters per dipole (position and moment). Considering the small number of measurements it is not realistic to perform a reconstruction of a dense dipole field without any a priori information. Our goal is to reconstruct a dense dipole field within a voxelized image of the myocardium at any given instant of the cardiac cycle. Each voxel is assigned a dipole (therefore the position is known) and the dipole moment orientation is given by the local myocardial fiber direction. Only the dipole moment magnitude must be determined. This simplified inverse problem is constrained using the knowledge of a standard activation sequence of the myocardium, thereby encouraging non-zero magnitudes in regions where the muscle should be activated and discouraging non-zero magnitudes in other regions. This constraint is implemented using half-quadratic regularization. The minimization of the regularized criterion is performed using a conjugate gradient algorithm. The method has been tested using the NCAT torso phantom.
The Influence of Cu Nanoparticles on the Tribological Properties of Polydopamine/PTFE + Cu Films

Polydopamine (PDA) is effective in increasing the adhesion between polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and a stainless steel substrate, as a result reducing the wear in PTFE films by up to 500 times. By incorporating Cu nanoparticles in PTFE films, the wear resistance can be further enhanced. The present study examined the influence of Cu nanoparticles on the tribological properties of PDA/PTFE films. Tribological tests were carried out using a linear-reciprocating, ball-on-flat configuration. The surface morphology and film wear were characterized using atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, and contact profilometry. The results show that at a particularly low concentration of 0.01 wt%, Cu nanoparticles doubled the wear life of PDA/PTFE films. The increased wear resistance resulting from the incorporation of Cu nanoparticles is explained by four factors: increased spreading of the film resulting from a lower melting point, the formation of micro-cracks on the film surface reducing debris size, the formation of a transfer film on the counterface, and enhanced adhesion between the PTFE + Cu composite and PDA, as well as enhanced cohesion in the composite film.
Qualitative methods in program evaluation.

Abstract The choice of evaluation methodology is as important as any part of the assessment process. In the past, most selections have been made from among various quantitative strategies and techniques. Recently, program evaluation researchers have begun to discuss some of the limitations of quantitative techniques for addressing some evaluation questions. In response to these limitations — most of which characterize the evaluation of health promotion programs — some have turned to a set of techniques which can complement or, at times, replace quantitative evaluation methods. These methods are collectively called “qualitative” evaluation methods. In this article, we highlight some of the differences between quantitative and qualitative approaches and suggest ways in which both may be used in a given evaluation effort.
Influence of erythrocyte aggregation on leukocyte margination in postcapillary venules of rat mesentery

The role of erythrocyte (red blood cell; RBC) aggregation in affecting leukocyte (white blood cell; WBC) margination in postcapillary venules of the mesentery (rat) was explored by direct intravita...
Snake Venom Fibrinogenolytic and Fibrinolytic Enzymes: An Updated Inventory On behalf of the Registry of Exogenous Hemostatic Factors of the Scientific and Standardization Committee of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis

An inventory of purified fibrin(ogen)olytic enzymes from snake venoms is presented. This inventory covers the literature through early 1997 and focuses only on those snake venom enzymes possessing clearly defined fibrinogenolytic and/or fibrinolytic activity. Hemorrhagic metalloproteinases, which in many cases exhibit fibrinogenolytic activity, will in general not be described. This inventory illustrates the broad diversity in the distribution of the snake venom fibrin-( ogen)olytic enzymes....
Testing the Feasibility of Skype and FaceTime Updates With Parents in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Background Effective provider-parent relationships are essential during critical illness when treatment decisions are complex, the environment is crowded and unfamiliar, and outcomes are uncertain. Objectives To evaluate the feasibility of daily Skype or FaceTime updates with parents of patients in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and to assess the intervention's potential for improving parent-provider relationships. Methods A pre/post mixed-methods approach was used. NICU parent participants received daily Skype or FaceTime updates for 5 days and completed demographic and feasibility surveys. Parents also completed Penticuff's Parents' Understanding survey before and after the intervention. Nurses and physicians completed feasibility surveys after each update. Results Twenty-six parents were enrolled and 15 completed the study. More than 90% of providers and parents perceived the intervention to be reliable and easy to use, and about 80% of parents and providers rated video and audio quality as either excellent or good. Frozen screens and missed updates due to scheduling problems were challenges. Two of the 4 subscores on the Parents' Understanding survey improved significantly. Qualitative data favor the intervention as meaningful for parents. Conclusions Real-time videoconferencing via Skype or FaceTime is feasible for providing updates for parents when they cannot be present in the NICU and can be used to include parents in bedside rounds. Videoconferencing updates may improve relationships between parents and the health care team.
“Morning fog, spider webs, and escaping from Alcatraz”: Examining metaphors used by public safety employees and their families to help understand the relationship between work and family

ABSTRACTThis study examines public safety employees’ (PSEs) (police officers and fire fighters) experiences with work and family as well as the experiences of their family members. Past research concerning work–family has typically concentrated on white-collar professions, rather than the non-standard workforce, which includes PSEs. Moreover, research has not considered the perspective of family members who openly strive to share equally in managing the relationship between work and family. Using interviews and focus groups, this study focuses on metaphors that were employed by PSEs and their family members with regard to how they articulate the relationship between work and family. Previous research has relied upon constructs and metaphors that have been created by scholars and researchers (i.e., balance, conflict, segmentation). Rather than imposing these past constructs on participants, this study allows participants to craft their own way of describing work and family. Theoretical and practical implic...
The First QALB Shared Task on Automatic Text Correction for Arabic

We present a summary of the first shared task on automatic text correction for Arabic text. The shared task received 18 systems submissions from nine teams in six countries and represented a diversity of approaches. Our report includes an overview of the QALB corpus which was the source of the datasets used for training and evaluation, an overview of participating systems, results of the competition and an analysis of the results and systems.
Overland Flow on Pervious, Converging Surface

A desk-top method based on kinematic overland flow and Green-and-Ampt infiltration models is developed to determine the time of concentration of and the peak runoff rate from a converging basin. The governing equations of the rainfall-infiltration-overland flow process are written in terms of various dimensionless parameters. Common values of these parameters indicate hydrologic similarity of an infinite number of different converging basins, and therefore the results obtained in terms of these physically-based parameters can be generalized. Using this similarity concept, two charts have been developed to determine the time of concentration of a basin and the peak runoff rate. As illustrated by a sample application, these charts can be used for quick estimates of the design discharge for storm drainage facilities.
A Student-Directed Writing Workshop for Pre-clerkship Medical Students

Writing is an important skill for physicians, especially for those interested in academic medicine careers. Medical students need training in this important skill to assist with project proposals and for future career development. We designed, taught, and evaluated a writing workshop for pre-clerkship medical students.
Evaluation of marine microalga Nannochloropsis sp. as a potential dietary supplement, chemical, nutritional and short term toxicological evaluation in rats

Abstract The chemical composition, nutritional and toxicological evaluation of Nannochloropsis sp. were determined. The algal biomass was produced in a 63 L, 4 cm diameter fotobioreactor under outdoor conditions was enriched sea water medium. Its chemical composition was (g/100 g): proteins 40, lipids 25.5, crude fiber 5, N.N.E. 11.5, ash 10. The most abundant relative fatty acids were (g/100 g): palmitic 23, palmitoleic 24.5 and eicosapentaenoic 23. The aminoacid content of the algal protein was higher than the FAO/WHO 1981 standard. The mineral content revealed an absence of bioconcentration of toxic elements. The nutritional and toxicological effects of the intake of biomass were evaluated in growing rats. Animals were fed diets containing 0% (Control), 5% or 10% (w/w) Nannochloropsis sp. for 2, 3 or 4 weeks (n=6 per group). Its intake did not affect body growth, organs wieght or haematological parameters. Only serum cholesterol (total and HDL) were higher in rats fed supplemented diet. The results of this study indicate the lack of toxicity of the biomass.
The Egocentric Nature of Action-Sound Associations.

Actions that produce sounds infuse our daily lives. Some of these sounds are a natural consequence of physical interactions (such as a clang resulting from dropping a pan), but others are artificially designed (such as a beep resulting from a keypress). Although the relationship between actions and sounds has previously been examined, the frame of reference of these associations is still unknown, despite it being a fundamental property of a psychological representation. For example, when an association is created between a keypress and a tone, it is unclear whether the frame of reference is egocentric (gesture-sound association) or exocentric (key-sound association). This question is especially important for artificially created associations, which occur in technology that pairs sounds with actions, such as gestural interfaces, virtual or augmented reality, and simple buttons that produce tones. The frame of reference could directly influence the learnability, the ease of use, the extent of immersion, and many other factors of the interaction. To explore whether action-sound associations are egocentric or exocentric, an experiment was implemented using a computer keyboard’s number pad wherein moving a finger from one key to another produced a sound, thus creating an action-sound association. Half of the participants received egocentric instructions to move their finger with a particular gesture. The other half of the participants received exocentric instructions to move their finger to a particular number on the keypad. All participants were performing the same actions, and only the framing of the action varied between conditions by altering task instructions. Participants in the egocentric condition learned the gesture-sound association, as revealed by a priming paradigm. However, the exocentric condition showed no priming effects. This finding suggests that action-sound associations are egocentric in nature. A second part of the same session further confirmed the egocentric nature of these associations by showing no change in the priming effect after moving to a different starting location. Our findings are consistent with an egocentric representation of action-sound associations, which could have implications for applications that utilize these associations.
The Stochastics of the Positive Ion Penumbra

Statistical analysis of Monte Carlo simulations of positive ion track structure is presented for 1 MeV protons passing outside an absorbing region of interest. Energy deposition and production of ionization within the region occur only by delta-ray transport from the ion's path. Depositions in spherical absorber regions of 2 to 100 nm diameter in unit density tissue were scored. It is shown that production of delta rays sufficiently energetic to reach the region is infrequent and the delta rays are therefore relatively far apart along the ion path compared to their average range. The probability for any delta-ray energy deposition in a distant site is small and proportional to the solid angle intercepted by the site. The functional dependence of the frequency density distributions in energy imparted and in ionization number, conditional on there being some interaction, is approximately exponential, and the first and second moments of the distributions are largely independent of distance from the ion path. These findings confirm similar conclusions from experimental measurements on the track structure of germanium, iron and uranium ions.
Tissue-compliant neural implants from microfabricated carbon nanotube multilayer composite.

Current neural prosthetic devices (NPDs) induce chronic inflammation due to complex mechanical and biological reactions related, in part, to staggering discrepancies of mechanical properties with neural tissue. Relatively large size of the implants and traumas to blood-brain barrier contribute to inflammation reactions, as well. Mitigation of these problems and the realization of long-term brain interface require a new generation of NPDs fabricated from flexible materials compliant with the brain tissue. However, such materials will need to display hard-to-combine mechanical and electrical properties which are not available in the toolbox of classical neurotechnology. Moreover, these new materials will concomitantly demand different methods of (a) device micromanufacturing and (b) surgical implantation in brains because currently used processes take advantage of high stiffness of the devices. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) serve as a promising foundation for such materials because of their record mechanical and ...
Seed Losses to Feeding by Leptoglossus occidentalis (Heteroptera: Coreidae) During Two Periods of Second-Year Cone Development in Western White Pine

The effect of feeding by western conifer-seed bug, Leptoglossus oecidentalis Heidemann, on western white pine ( Pinus montieola Doug. ex D. Don) was evaluated at the USDA Forest Service Dorena Tree Improvement Center in western Oregon. We compared effects of feeding on cones caged to exclude seed bugs or to contain individual seed bugs for 3-wk periods during early (May) and late (July) stages of second-year cone expansion. Cone abortion was associated with early feeding. Total seed yield per cone was reduced 5-fold by early feeding compared with control levels. The numbers of partially filled seed and indistinct seed were increased by feeding late in the season. The number of filled seed was reduced 70-80% by seed bug feeding. Different effects of seed bug feeding at different times can be measured in controlled caging experiments, but further information is needed on L. oecidentalis activity in orchards.
An Outbreak of Foodborne Disease Caused by Fast Food

Objective To find out the cause and risk factors on a case of outbreak of foodborne disease.Methods Persons who took the fast food were investigated with uniform individual questionnaire.Patients and employees were sampled by anal swab.The foods and dishware were sampled for germ culture in order to detect pathogen bacteria.Results Total of 539 persons were investigated and 263 of them who had eaten the food showed gastrointestinal symptoms,with morbidity rate of 48.79 and confirmed cases were 82.The peak time of disease incidence was during 0～12:00 on November 1.Stomachache and diarrhea were the main symptoms.Pathogenic E.coli O127 or Bacillus cereus was detected in 9 patients with anal swab culture.Pathogenic bacteria were also found in one sample of spice and 4 pieces of dishware.Conclusion This outbreak of food poisoning was caused by mixed pathogenic bacteria.It is a complex and varied aspect of food contamination.
Analysis on the epidemiological characteristics of syphilis in Liuzhou from 2004 to 2013

Objective To investigate the epidemic trends and the epidemiological characteristics of syphilis in Liuzhou from 2004 to 2013, so as to provide the prevention and control strategy. Methods The descriptive epidemiologic method was adopted for the analysis and statistics of the prevalence status and epidemiologic characteristics of syphilis from 2004 to 2013. Results During the period from 2004 to 2013, the morbidity of syphilis was 75.91/100 000 in Liuzhou, in which from 2004 to 2011 has witnessed a raised trend, While after 2012, it showed an evident decline. The morbidity was a higher incidence in downtown than country, young and middle-aged individuals got a high morbidity outbreak, and the highest morbidity career was peasant. Conclusions High attention must be paid to the prevention and control of syphilis: strengthening the prevention and control of the focus groups and the high incidence areas, enhancing training and improving the detection ability of the medical institutions so as to reduce misdiagnose and misinformation.
Functional Equivalence of End and Loop Ileal Conduit Stomas

A total of 458 patients underwent ileal conduit urinary diversion between 1970 and 1984. An end stoma was constructed in 44% of the patients and a Turnbull loop stoma in 56%. The median interval between appliance changes for all patients was 5 days. Patients with an end stoma had a longer median interval between appliance changes than those with a loop stoma. A total of 51 patients had 66 complications. Operations for stomal revisions were required in 5.5% of the patients. There was no difference in interval until initial complication between the end and loop stoma groups, although the end stoma was more prone to ischemic complications than the loop stoma. We conclude that the ileal conduit stoma constructed in an end or loop fashion yielded clinically equivalent long-term function.
Isolated pulmonary rejection after combined heart-lung transplantation

Severe plumonary rejection without cardiac rejection in a patient after combined heart-lung transplantation is presented with the clinical and pathological findings. Acute lung rejection after heart-lung transplantation cannot be excluded by normal cardiac biopsy results.
Dietary fiber and gastrointestinal disease

Fiber is an important physiologic component of the diet. Dietary fiber contains soluble and insoluble substrates. Soluble fiber components are fermented by colonic microflora, with the resultant production of SCFAs and gas. SCFAs are important fuels, not only for colonic mucosa, but also for the small intestine through secondary metabolism to glutamine and ketone bodies. The clinical importance of dietary fiber and its metabolic products on gastrointestinal and nongastrointestinal functions have yet to be fully realized.
The Impact of an Integrated Electronic Health Record Adoption on Nursing Care Quality.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to measure the impact of an integrated electronic health record (EHR) innovation adoption on the quality of nursing care delivered, including hospital-acquired falls, hospital-acquired pressure ulcers, ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), and costs measured in nursing hours. The impact on quality, cost, and nurse satisfaction measured in turnover rates before, during, and after implementation of EHR tools was also investigated. Background Little is known about the adoption patterns of computerized documentation by nursing and the effects on the practice environment. Methods A quantitative, retrospective analysis using interrupted time series model of a large data set was conducted in a 431-bed urban hospital, with 10 medical surgical units and 2 critical care units. The research was constructed using the Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) theory. Results Incorporating electronic, evidenced-based practice (EBP) tools into bedside nurse's workflow promotes decision making at the point of care that may improve quality with no negative impact on direct cost. The data revealed that total falls, CAUTI, and CLABSI rates were positively impacted after the implementation of an integrated EHR. Hospital-acquired pressure ulcer and VAP rates were negatively impacted at the implementation period followed by a significant positive rate reduction that surpassed the preimplementation period. Cost indicators, measured in hours per patient day and overtime, were negatively impacted during the implementation period followed by a return to baseline. Nurse turnover had a significant increase from the preimplementation to postimplementation period and failed to return to baseline. Conclusions This study confirms that nurses have the ability to positively impact the quality of patient care through successful innovation adoption related to the use of EBP computerized documentation tools at the bedside. This study further clarified the practice environment of nurses during DOI.
Seminal Vesicles in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease

ABSTRACT Extra-renal manifestations of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) have been known to involve male reproductive organs, including cysts in testis, epididymis, seminal vesicles, and prostate. The reported prevalence of seminal vesicle cysts in patients with ADPKD varies widely, from 6% by computed tomography (CT) to 21%–60% by transrectal ultrasonography. However, seminal vesicles in ADPKD that are dilated, with a diameter greater than 10 mm by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are “megavesicles”. This is a separate entity from seminal vesicle cysts and has a prevalence of 23% in ADPKD patients, but is not known to occur in patients without ADPKD. The basis of these cystic changes and megavesicles has not been established, but may be explained by an imbalance between cell growth/proliferation inhibitors and stimulators analogous to mechanisms in renal tubular epithelial cells, hepatic ducts, and in the vasculature. Male infertility has been associated with ADPKD, although a causal role of seminal tract abnormalities has not been established. In this chapter, the anatomic abnormalities of seminal vesicles in ADPKD and their clinical significance will be discussed.
Spatially interleaved architecture for high-frequency data converters

A Traveling-Wave ADC based on spatially interleaved sampling on a synthetic transmission line is proposed. Signal propagation on the transmission line generates the interleaving delay. This architecture enables extremely small sampling periods which allow for high sampling frequencies. Furthermore, the loaded T-line provides a broadband input impedance to enable extended input frequencies. The design tradeoffs are presented and the main challenges and opportunities in spatial interleaving are discussed. The relationship between transmission line parameters and the ADC specifications is investigated through a design example.
Nonclassical radiation from a single quantum dot

We report the experimental observation of photon antibunching in the photoluminescence of a chemically synthesized CdSe/ZnS quantum dot (QD) at room temperature and from a single self-assembled InAs/GaAs QD at 4 K. These results prove that a single quantum dot acts like an artificial atom, with a discrete anharmonic spectrum. Using the quantum regression theorem, we find that the normalized second-order correlation function g (2) (τ) can be described by a single exponential function in the weak-laser excitation regime. From this model we derive that the time constant of the photon antibunching signal is determined by the effective incoherent pump and recombination rates of the nonresonant optically pumped QD.
Design for manufacturability: challenges and opportunities

Design for manufacturability (DFM) is one of the foremost concerns in the semiconductor industry today. This work describes a few of the key issues facing circuit designers and tool developers in the DFM space and points to future areas of research interest. In particular, we show that comprehending and exploiting systematic pattern dependencies can be a powerful knob to improve performance under variability. Furthermore, we describe a cost-driven approach to mask-level correction that points to new areas of research that would allow design rules to vary depending on context and/or instance criticality. This and other opportunities in DFM research are summarized
Implications of autophagy on arbovirus infection of mosquitoes

Arthropod-borne (arbo-) viruses, like all viruses, are obligate intracellular parasites that have evolved mechanisms to subvert cellular processes and evade anti-viral defenses to replicate and persist. An increasing body of research is beginning to recognize the intimate relationship between arboviruses and the cellular autophagy pathway. As a result, new therapeutic approaches that modify the autophagic response to viral infection have shown great promise. The preponderance of work thus far, however, has originated from vertebrate systems. Efforts to elucidate the role of autophagy during arbovirus infection of invertebrates have emerged, providing new insights into arbovirus-vector interactions; interactions that could be exploited for novel control strategies.
A small reduction in control tissue size yields a significant reduction in digital image storage cost

AbstractAs digital pathology is becoming more prevalent, the cost of image storage becomes factor to consider. The purpose of this study was to test the effect of reducing the tissue size of frequently scanned slides on digital whole slide image file size and file storage cost. We investigated the file sizes of our most commonly scanned slides – the daily special stain controls. The average file size of these stains ranges from 109 to 476 MB. All of the Masson trichrome slides, Movat pentachrome slides, and PAS slides were reviewed from 2015, and the tissue measurements and file sizes were recorded. New, smaller control tissue blocks were created. Once scanned, the tissue measurements and file sizes were also recorded. Overall, we reduced the size of the tissue on the slide by an average of 74%. We calculate that for these three control tissues alone, $3465 in storage costs could be saved every year by reducing the size of the tissue on the slide.
Response of Anurans to Wetland Restoration on a Midwestern Agricultural Landscape

Abstract Since the early 1990s, >5,000 ha of historic wetlands (and adjacent prairie) have been restored on the row-crop agricultural landscape of Winnebago County, Iowa, USA. From 2008–2011, we surveyed 22 of these sites for probabilities of occupancy and colonization by Boreal Chorus Frogs (BCF; Pseudacris maculata), Northern Leopard Frogs (NLF; Lithobates pipiens), and American Toads (AT; Anaxyrus americanus). We used radio telemetry to measure patterns of movement and habitat use by 22 NLF and 54 AT and deployed biophysical models in available habitats to estimate their physiological costs. The BCF occupied 100% of restored wetlands; NLF and AT occupied 59–91% and 71–89%, respectively, varying according to annual weather conditions. The BCF colonized new sites within a year; NLF and AT required 3 and 2 yr, respectively. These differences were related to distances from the nearest established population and costs of intervening cover types, and were statistically related to the size and orientation of ...
Intersections of disability justice, racial justice and environmental justice

This paper argues that environmental justice (EJ) scholarship, activism and policy that aims to ‘be intersectional’ by definition needs to include disability and ableism and, moreover, will benefit...
Extranodal Rosai-Dorfman Disease Presenting as a Mediastinal Mass with Pulmonary Artery Invasion.

Rosai–Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare, nonmalignant disorder of histiocyte proliferation typically involving the cervical lymph nodes. However, a subset of patients with RDD will display extranodal manifestations that are highly variable in presentation, more challenging to diagnose, and less likely to spontaneously regress compared to nodal disease. While case reports of extranodal involvement in nearly every organ system exist, documented instances of mediastinal and pulmonary artery involvement are particularly rare. This study describes the case of a middle-aged woman presenting with new onset right heart failure who was found to have extranodal RDD in the form of a large mediastinal mass with invasion and occlusion of the main pulmonary arteries.