cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of the microstructure on the dye diffusion and mechanical properties of polyamide‐6 fibers

The morphology, mechanical properties, and dye diffusion of drawn and heat-set polyamide-6 (PA6) yarns were examined. Correlations between the microstructure of PA6 yarns and the dye diffusion coefficients and mechanical properties were established. The crystallinity of PA6 yarns was estimated with density and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements. A decrease in the γ crystallinity and an increase in the γ-crystallite size with the draw ratio were observed and attributed to the disappearance of small crystallites and an increase in the average γ-crystallite size population during the deformation process. The scouring treatment increased the total crystallinity, almost entirely as a result of an increase in the α fraction. Thermally induced crystallization involved increases in both crystalline phases (α and γ) and did not involve crystal-to-crystal transformation, whereas drawing PA6 yarns involved both crystallization of the amorphous phase in the α form and γ→α transformation. A sharp decrease in the diffusion coefficient with an increasing draw ratio of PA6 yarns was correlated with an increasing amorphous orientation. The influence of thermally induced crystallinity on the diffusion coefficient seemed exceptionally strong. The mechanical properties of PA6 yarns were examined and correlated with structural changes. It was demonstrated that the crystallinity had a direct correlation with the terminal modulus and extension at break, whereas there was no correlation with the initial modulus. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 349–357, 2007
Galen : On blood, the pulse, and the arteries

This essay examines several important issues regarding Galen's depiction of the physiology of the arteries. In the process some of Galen's supporting doctrines on the blood and pulse will also be discussed in the context of a coherent scientific explanation. It will be the contention of this essay that though Galen may often have a polemical goal in mind, he correctly identifies the important and complex role of the arteries in human biological systems.
Optimizing real-time equational rule-based systems

Analyzing and reducing the execution-time upper bound of real-time rule-based expert systems is a very important task because of the stringent timing constraints imposed on this class of systems. We present a new runtime optimization to reduce the execution-time upper bound of real-time rule-based expert systems. In order to determine rules to be evaluated at runtime, a predicate dependency list, which consists of a predicate, its active rule set and corresponding inactive rule set, is created for each predicate in a real-time rule-based program. Based on the predicate dependency list and the current value of each variable, the new runtime optimization dynamically selects rules to be evaluated at runtime. For the timing analysis of the proposed algorithm, we introduce a predicate-based rule dependency graph, a predicate-based enable-rule graph, and their construction algorithm. We also discuss the bounded time of the equational logic rule-based program using the predicate-based rule dependency graph as well as the predicate-based enable-rule graph. The implementation and performance evaluation of the proposed algorithm using both synthetic and practical real-time rule-base programs are also presented. The performance evaluation shows that the runtime optimizer reduces the number of rule evaluations and predicate evaluations as well as the response time upper bound significantly, and the new algorithm yields better execution-time upper bound compared to other optimization methods.
Progression of challenging behaviors in children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders as measured by the Autism Spectrum Disorders-Problem Behaviors for Children (ASD-PBC)

Abstract This study examined the effect of age on challenging behaviors among 167 children, ages 3–14 years, with Autistic Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, or Asperger's syndrome. Results of a MANOVA indicated that there were no significant differences between young children, children, and young adolescents on any of the 18 items comprising the Autism Spectrum Disorder-Problem Behavior for Children (ASD-PBC). A curve estimation further supported that challenging behaviors were chronic among children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Effect of serum on the growth of balb 3t3 a31 mouse fibroblasts and an sv40-transformed derivative.

The effect of serum on the growth properties of non-transformed Balb 3T3 A31 and SV40-transformed Balb 3T3 A31 was studied. The concentration of serum in the growth medium of non-transformed cells had little effect on the initial population doubling time, but did regulate the cell density at which the population became quiescent in G/sub 1/. The doubling time of transformed cells, however, was increased significantly as the concentration of serum was decreased below 4 percent. This effect on the growth of transformed cells was seen at serum concentrations so low that non-transformed cells did not complete one population doubling. Flow microfluorometric analysis of these populations indicated that the primary effect of different serum concentrations on the non-transformed cells was to modulate the average residence time in G/sub 1/, whereas, all the cell cycle phases of the transformed cells were affected by serum. At saturation densities, the non-transformed cells became quiescent in G/sub 1/, but the transformed cells still traversed the cell cycle and their saturation density appeared to be a balance between cell production and cell death occurring primarily in the G/sub 1/ phase of the cell cycle.
Evolutionary neural network-based sensor self-calibration scheme using IEEE 1451 and wireless sensor networks

Plug-and-play sensor self-calibrating technology is presented in this paper. The solution involves the evolution and tuning of a neural network (NN), through a genetic algorithm (GA). The former is utilized to interface to a sensor, on-board a robotic sensor agent. Multiple NN interfaces can be utilized for multiple sensors, hence providing for a parallel and scalable system. The system introduces the "sense remotely, actuate immediately" concept, along with an analysis of a completely pervasive and sentient environment, in which sensors provide the user with real-time and wireless sensory information, while actuators provision for the user's response to the filtered data, streaming from the plethora of intelligent sensors.
Efficient neuro-fuzzy control systems for autonomous underwater vehicle control

Examines several clustering methods for structure learning in constructing efficient neuro-fuzzy systems. The structure learning establishes the internal structure (i.e., the number of term sets and fuzzy-rule base generation) of a given neuro-fuzzy architecture. The fundamental ideas of existing rule generation algorithms are addressed and discussed. Performance of the neuro-fuzzy systems established from these clustering methods is validated through computer simulations of the classification problem of IRIS and the control example of an autonomous underwater vehicle.
Chronic Pain and Adherence

Chronic pain of non-malignant etiology is a significant problem. Chronic non-malignant pain is typically defined as pain that persists for 3 months or longer and that is non-life threatening [1, 2]. Among the most common chronic pain conditions are chronic back pain, migraine headaches, and tension headaches. Chronic pain is very common. In the United States, 17% of patients seen in primary care report chronic pain [3], and chronic pain accounts for almost 80% of all physician visits [4]. A review of 15 epidemiologic studies found that the prevalence of chronic pain ranges from 2 to 40% in the adult population, with a median point prevalence of 15% [5]. The personal and economic costs of chronic pain are substantial. A study of primary care patients found that 13% of headache patients and 18% of back pain patients were unable to maintain full-time work over a 3-year period due to pain [6]. Chronic pain is often accompanied by substantial decreases in physical functioning, disruption of social and family roles, and psychological distress [4].
The Convergence Implications of Biased Technological Diffusion

This paper presents a model of a developing economy that endogenizes both technological biases and demographic trends. As knowledge diffuses from foreign RD others grow into societies of highly skilled individuals and expanding outputs per capita. I find that if developing countries wish to achieve good prospects for income convergence, they should promote the flow of knowledge from the most developed regions, even if this results initially in a technology-skill mismatch. Such knowledge flows are more likely to promote the twin growths in human capital and technologies characteristic of the biggest economic success stories.
What's Right and Wrong with the 'No Endorsement of Religion' Test

This paper, from a symposium at Washington University (St. Louis) Law School on the Rehnquist Court and the First Amendment, responds to a paper by Professor Jay Wexler on the Court's endorsement test for the Establishment Clause. The central section of my paper defends a limited version of the endorsement test. I argue that unless the endorsement test is properly understood and limited, it has the critical flaw of putting the Establishment Clause at war with the other religion guarantee of the First Amendment, the Free Exercise Clause. If the Establishment Clause forbade government endorsement of religion in all contexts, it would undermine the government's ability to give special accommodation to religious practice and thus would severely impair free exercise values. "No endorsement of religion" thus must operate, not as the general requirement of the Establishment Clause, but only as a rule for the particular class of establishment cases involving government-sponsored religious symbols and expression. The no-endorsement test is legitimate for that category of cases, I argue, but only because in those cases it serves the more fundamental goal of protecting a voluntary religious sector independent of government.
Structural Investigation into Calmodulin's Role in Activating Bordetella Pertussis Adenylyl Cyclase Toxin CyaA

Whooping cough is a respiratory disease resulting from Bordetella pertussis infection that remains a globally significant cause of vaccine-preventable deaths. As a major virulence factor, the adenylyl cyclase toxin (ACT) of Bordetella pertussis (CyaA) has evolved a unique mode of activation by host cell calmodulin (CaM), thereby making it a potential target for the design of novel therapeutics. Currently, no high-resolution structure of intact CaM bound to CyaA exists, so the molecular pathways controlling enzymatic activation remain unclear. Previously, we have identified unique sites of intermolecular association between CyaA and CaM that directly impact CaM's structure, metal-binding properties, and conformational stability. In this study, we utilized site-directed mutagenesis, biophysical, and biochemical techniques to investigate the roles of metal-binding and CaM-dependent interactions in regulating CyaA structure and function. Site-specific mutations mapping to metal-binding site I or II of CaM reduced CyaA binding affinity and cAMP production without significantly altering CaM conformation. Moreover, inactivation of sites I or II in CaM modulated the global conformation of the CaM/CyaA complex in a metal-dependent manner. In the absence of CaM, CyaA exhibited multiple thermal transitions during unfolding experiments, but domain-specific interactions with wild-type or mutant CaM increased the thermal stability of the complex. Together, these data support that CaM-dependent CyaA activation occurs by novel structural mechanisms. This study sheds light on the molecular details of CaM-regulated ACTs, knowledge which may be exploited in the rationale design of inhibitory compounds.
More Catalyst than Cause

When I was awakened, on September 11, 2001, with the report of the assault on the World Trade Towers, I had two spontaneous reactions. First, I was concerned about my brother, who worked in the New York financial district, and second, I said, “I hope the government doesn’t react in a misguided and foolhardy way.” While it is true that things have changed considerably since then, it makes sense to view the events of that day more as a catalyst than as a primary cause.
Rapid Establishment of Laboratory Testing for a Highly Infectious Disease Containment Unit

Our medical center was faced with the potential of receiving patients who may have contracted the Ebola virus. Although the CDC had issued Ebola-related bulletins, it was not an emergent issue until there was a case in the …
Signal and background considerations for the MRSt on the National Ignition Facility (NIF)

A Magnetic Recoil Spectrometer (MRSt) has been conceptually designed for time-resolved measurements of the neutron spectrum at the National Ignition Facility. Using the MRSt, the goals are to measure the time-evolution of the spectrum with a time resolution of ∼20-ps and absolute accuracy better than 5%. To meet these goals, a detailed understanding and optimization of the signal and background characteristics are required. Through ion-optics, MCNP simulations, and detector-response calculations, it is demonstrated that the goals and a signal-to background >5–10 for the down-scattered neutron measurement are met if the background, consisting of ambient neutrons and gammas, at the MRSt is reduced 50–100 times.
Multi-Color Single Particle Tracking for Determining Protein Interaction Lifetimes

The lifetime of interactions between membrane proteins can be measured using two-color or multi-color single particle tracking. The spectral separation of the labels allows closely spaced proteins to be localized with the same precision of isolated fluorophores, typically ∼ 20 nm. Proteins that move together can then be identified as dimers and the lifetime of their interaction measured. I will discuss the important practical aspects of collecting and analyzing data from multi-color tracking experiments including channel registration, tracking, and the statistical analysis of the noisy trajectories to infer interaction lifetimes.
Occupational therapist’s perceptions of STEPS–K: A response to intervention (RtI) program

ABSTRACTThis study used in-depth interviews to explore the experiences of occupational therapists that previously implemented the Specialized Teaching and Enhancement of Performance Skills for Kindergarteners (STEPS-K) program. Qualitative analyses of interview transcripts revealed the primary theme of knowledge exchange as illustrated through three sub-themes: (1) conversation, (2) camaraderie, and (3) creating the best fit. Results suggest the STEPS-K program enhanced collaboration between teachers and occupational therapists, and could be tailored to meet the needs of the classroom.
Enhancing Aromatic Production from Reductive Lignin Disassembly: in Situ O-Methylation of Phenolic Intermediates

The selective conversion of lignin into aromatic compounds has the potential to serve as a “green” alternative to the production of petrochemical aromatics. Herein, we evaluate the addition of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) to a biomass conversion system that uses a Cu-doped porous metal oxide (Cu20PMO) catalyst in supercritical methanol (sc-MeOH) to disassemble lignin with little to no char formation. While Cu20PMO catalyzes C–O hydrogenolysis of aryl–ether bonds linking lignin monomers, it also catalyzes arene methylation and hydrogenation, leading to product proliferation. The MeOH/DMC co-solvent system significantly suppresses arene hydrogenation of the phenolic intermediates responsible for much of the undesirable product diversity via O-methylation of phenolic −OH groups to form more stable aryl-OCH3 species. Consequently, product proliferation was greatly reduced and aromatic yields greatly enhanced with lignin models, 2-methoxy-4-propylphenol, benzyl phenyl ether, and 2-phenoxy-1-phenylethan-1-ol. In ad...
Solvent-Driven Reductive Activation of CO2 by Bismuth: Switching from Metalloformate Complexes to Oxalate Products.

In this work, we investigated how the reductive activation of CO2 with an atomic bismuth model catalyst changes under aprotic solvation. IR photodissociation spectroscopy of mass-selected [Bi(CO2)n]− cluster ions was used to follow the structural evolution of the core ion with increasing cluster size. We interpreted the IR spectra by comparison with density-functional-theory calculations. The results show that CO2 binds to a bismuth atom in the presence of an excess electron to form a metalloformate ion, BiCOO−. Solvation with additional CO2 molecules leads to the stabilization of a bismuth(I) oxalate complex and results in a core ion switch.
Abstract A14: Engineering pancreatic cancer through molecular and cellular reconstruction

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most deadly human malignancies characterized by the accumulation of a series of genetic mutations during disease progression. Despite significant amount of studies using genetically engineered mouse PDAC models, human PDAC still has a dismal prognosis, and there are few models for human PDAC tumorigenesis. To establish a genetic modification system for human pancreatic tissue, we made lentiviral CRISPR to target CDKN2A/p16, p53 and SMAD4. We have confirmed the efficiency of the p16 CRISPR, p53 CRISPR and SMAD4 CRISPR constructs in editing the genome to delete the respective gene loci. We then generated a lentiviral vector to express KRASG12D-mCherry and transduced normal human primary pancreatic exocrine cells with single or multiple viral vector combinations. After one week of culture, two million of the cells were transplanted into the renal sub-capsular space of NOD-SCID mice. The engraftments were harvested 4 months after transplantation. We observed two PanIN lesions in kidneys where KRASG12D mutant cells were transplanted. Human cells were detected using anti-human nuclear antigen antibody (anti-HuNu). Anti-Pan cytokeratin staining proved that the lesions were made up of epithelial cells. The histologic appearance of the lesion from the cells with all four mutations, KRASG12D p16-/- p53-/- SMAD4-/-, differed from that of the two PanIN lesions in that has a single, much larger cyst with mucin rich cytoplasm reminiscent of mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN). To further define the cellular origin of PDAC initiation, we also developed a flow cytometry-based method to sort viable ductal cells and acinar cells from primary normal human pancreatic cells for genetic modifications. In summary, we have successfully generated PDAC-associated-precancerous lesions from primary normal human pancreatic tissues. The system established in this study could be a valuable platform to address the fundamental mechanisms for the human PDAC tumorigenesis process. Citation Format: Naoki Akanuma, Jun Liu, Pei Wang.{Authors}. Engineering pancreatic cancer through molecular and cellular reconstruction. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer: Advances in Science and Clinical Care; 2016 May 12-15; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(24 Suppl):Abstract nr A14.
Obesity and pregnancy: mechanisms of short term and long term adverse consequences for mother and child

Obesity is the most common medical condition in women of reproductive age. Obesity during pregnancy has short term and long term adverse consequences for both mother and child. Obesity causes problems with infertility, and in early gestation it causes spontaneous pregnancy loss and congenital anomalies. Metabolically, obese women have increased insulin resistance in early pregnancy, which becomes manifest clinically in late gestation as glucose intolerance and fetal overgrowth. At term, the risk of cesarean delivery and wound complications is increased. Postpartum, obese women have an increased risk of venous thromboembolism, depression, and difficulty with breast feeding. Because 50-60% of overweight or obese women gain more than recommended by Institute of Medicine gestational weight guidelines, postpartum weight retention increases future cardiometabolic risks and prepregnancy obesity in subsequent pregnancies. Neonates of obese women have increased body fat at birth, which increases the risk of childhood obesity. Although there is no unifying mechanism responsible for the adverse perinatal outcomes associated with maternal obesity, on the basis of the available data, increased prepregnancy maternal insulin resistance and accompanying hyperinsulinemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress seem to contribute to early placental and fetal dysfunction. We will review the pathophysiology underlying these data and try to shed light on the specific underlying mechanisms.
Prenatal detection of megacystis: not always an adverse prognostic factor. Experience in 25 consecutive cases in a tertiary referral center, with complete neonatal outcome and follow-up.

Summary Introduction Megacystis is a condition of abnormal enlarged fetal bladder for gestational age, which is usually associated with urological malformations that may constitute a life-threatening condition for the baby. Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the prognostic and etiological criteria of fetal megacystis and to describe the neonatal outcome in a large series collected in a single tertiary center. Study design A retrospective observational study was conducted between 2008 and 2012. We reviewed all consecutive cases of fetal megacystis diagnosed during routine ultrasound (US) screening. The following data were collected and analyzed: maternal age, gestational age at diagnosis, prenatal ultrasonographic details of the urinary system, extra-urinary ultrasonographic anomalies, fetal karyotype, pregnancy outcome, postnatal diagnosis, and medical/surgical follow-up. Results Of the 25 fetuses included in this study, 76% were males. The mean gestational age (GA) at diagnosis was 23.1 ± 7.5 weeks (range 12–34), among them only four (16%) were diagnosed during the first trimester. Associated urological malformations were detected in 92% (n = 23) of the cases, while other malformations were detected in 36% (n = 9). Oligohydramnios or anyhydramnios were observed in 52% (n = 13) of the cases. Twelve (48%) fetuses were considered as having poor prognosis for renal function. Vesicocentesis with or without vesico-amniotic infusion were performed in 28% (n = 7) of the cases. Pregnancy outcome was surprisingly good, with only one case of prenatal death and survival rate of 96% (n = 24) of liveborn babies. Posterior urethral valve (PUV) (n = 9, 36%) was the most common etiology of the fetal megacystis, followed by persistent urogenital sinus (n = 2, 8%), Prune belly syndrome (n = 2, 8%) and bilateral vescico-ureteral reflux (VUR) (n = 2, 8%). Surgical or endoscopic procedures were performed in 75% (n = 18) of the cases. Six (24%) newborns presented with moderate/severe respiratory distress that requested invasive assisted ventilation. Three cases (n = 3, 12%) of perinatal death were observed due to severe impaired renal function. After a median follow-up of 29 months renal function was good in 79% (n = 19) of the cases. Conclusions Fetal megacystis may underline a wide range of associated pathologies with the highest prevalence of urinary malformation. Optimal counseling of the involved parents requires a multidisciplinary approach to allow the best management during the pregnancy and the perinatal period. Despite the high risk of renal failure, lung hypoplasia, and severe associated anomalies, the outcome of fetuses with megacystis could be improved thanks to an appropriate perinatal diagnosis and neonatal management.
SEM/EDS and optical microscopy analyses of microplastics in ocean trawl and fish guts

Microplastic particles from Atlantic and Pacific Ocean trawls, lab-fed fish guts and ocean fish guts have been characterized using optical microscopy and SEM/EDS in terms of size, morphology, and chemistry. We assessed whether these measurements could serve as a rapid screening process for subsequent identification of the likely microplastic candidates by micro-spectroscopy. Optical microscopy enabled morphological classification of the types of particles or fibers present in the sample, as well as the quantification of particle size ranges and fiber lengths. SEM/EDS analysis was used to rule out non-plastic particles and screen the prepared samples for potential microplastic, based on their element signatures and surface characteristics. Chlorinated plastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) could be easily identified with SEM/EDS due to their unique elemental signatures including chlorine, as could mineral species that are falsely identified as plastics by optical microscopy. Particle morphology determined by optical microscopy and SEM suggests the fish ingested particles contained both degradation fragments from larger plastic pieces and also manufactured microplastics. SEM images of microplastic particle surfaces revealed characteristic cracks consistent with environmental exposure, as well as pigment particles consistent with manufactured materials. Most of the microplastic surfaces in the fish guts and ocean trawls were covered with biofilms, radiolarians, and crustaceans. Many of the fish stomachs contained micro-shell pieces which visually resembled microplastics.
Frailty and skeletal muscle in older adults with cancer.

Abstract Objective Computerized tomography (CT) imaging is routine in oncologic care and can be used to measure muscle quantity and composition that may improve prognostic assessment of older patients. This study examines the association of single-slice CT-assessed muscle measurements with a frailty index in older adults with cancer. Materials and Methods Using the Carolina Senior Registry, we identified patients with CT imaging within 60days ± of geriatric assessment (GA). A 36-item Carolina Frailty Index was calculated. Cross-sectional skeletal muscle area (SMA) and Skeletal Muscle Density (SMD) were analyzed from CT scan L3 lumbar segments. SMA and patient height (m 2 ) were used to calculate skeletal muscle index (SMI). Skeletal Muscle Gauge (SMG) was calculated by multiplying SMI×SMD. Results Of the 162 patients, mean age 73, 53% were robust, 27% pre-frail, and 21% frail. Significant differences were found between robust and frail patients for SMD (29.4 vs 24.1 HU, p p =0.003), but not SMI (41.9 vs 39.5cm 2 /m 2 , p =0.29). After controlling for age and gender, for every 5 unit decrease in SMD, the prevalence ratio of frailty increased by 20% (PR=1.20 [1.09, 1.32]) while the prevalence of frailty did not differ based on SMI. Conclusions Muscle mass (measured as SMI) was poorly associated with a GA-based frailty index. Muscle density, which reflects muscle lipid content, was more associated with frailty. Although frailty and loss of muscle mass are both age-related conditions that are predictive of adverse outcomes, our results suggest they are separate entities.
Metabolic Roles of the Orexigenic and Anorexigenic Neuropeptides

Energy intake, energy expenditure, and the amount of body fuel stored as fat are regulated by a complex neuroendocrine system termed as ‘energy homeostasis’. This system involves hormonal, cellular, and behavioral responses that trigger adaptive changes of food intake in response to changes in body fat stores. Here, we describe the role of key hormones and the neuronal circuits upon which they act to control energy balance.
Addressing Correctional Staff Stress through Interaction with Nature: A New Role for Occupational Therapy

Correctional staff are at risk for high levels of stress, and interaction with nature may buffer this stress. This descriptive study explored a relationship between interaction with nature and self...
Sign-creation in the Seattle DeafBlind community: A triumphant story about the regeneration of obviousness

This article examines the social and interactional foundations of sign-creation among DeafBlind people in Seattle, Washington. Linguists studying signed languages have proposed models of sign-creation that involve the selection of an iconic gestural representation of the referent which is subjected to grammatical constraints and is thereby incorporated into the linguistic system. Drawing on 18 months of ethnographic fieldwork and more than 190 hours of video recordings of interaction and language use, I argue that a key interactional mechanism driving processes of sign-creation among DeafBlind people in Seattle is deictic integration. Deictic integration restricts the range of contextual values that the grammar can retrieve by coordinating systems of reference with patterns in activity. This process brings language into alignment with the world as it is perceived by the users of that language, making a range of potentially iconic relations available for selection in the creation of new signs.
“Scientific Pacifism” in Alfred Hermann Fried’s Mein Kriegstagebuch

The Nobel Prize recipient Alfred Hermann Fried a significant yet less celebrated pacifist at the turn of the twentieth century in both Austria and Germany, developed his "scientific pacifism" in his theoretical writings, Handbuch der Friedensbewegung (1905, 1911, 1913) and Die Grundlagen des revolutionaren Pacifismus (1908). Less studied is his Kriegs-Tagebuch, which he kept during the war and published in four volumes in 1918–1920. This essay examines how the constitutent parts of "scientific pacifism" held up during the war, which Fried experienced from his forced emigration in Switzerland. It considers his views on internationalism, leadership, militarism, rearmament, economics, democracy, and the treaties ending the war. The essay argues that Fried remained steadfast in his passionate and rigorous convictions against war even if he came less sanguine, but not ultimately despondent, about the establishment of a stable peace.
Medicine based evidence and personalized care of patients.

Background For the past 70- years patient care has been dominated by Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) with its emphasis on Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and clinical guidelines to standardize medical decision-making. Methods Critical assessment of the literature and analyses of the arguments that favor patient care based primarily on individual variability in disease risk or treatment response versus emphasis on group standardization. Results Medicine Based Evidence (MBE) is used to guide decision making for an individual patient at hand by profiling the clinical features (biology) and life experience (biography) of the patient and then finding approximate matches to the patient in a clinical library of patients assembled from diverse sources (RCTs, cohorts, registries, electronic health records and more). Conclusion Medicine is transitioning from population based model of clinical care that relies on average results from RCTs to an individual-based model of "personalized" medicine. For individualized care of the patient at hand, MBE is the preferred scientific strategy to generate evidence for patient care.
Cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins at the river-estuarine transition

Abstract We examined seasonal and longitudinal patterns in the occurrence of toxic cyanobacteria in the James River Estuary (Virginia). Highest chlorophyll and cyanobacteria levels were observed in the tidal freshwater segment, particularly during dry summers when freshwater replacement time was long. Cyanobacteria accounted for a small proportion of phytoplankton biomass (7–15%), and Microcystis comprised a small proportion of the cyanobacteria ( 85% of samples in July, August and September), fish tissues (87% of planktivorous fishes) and shellfish (83% of individuals). Generic indicators of algal blooms (chlorophyll and algal biomass) had limited utility for predicting microcystin concentrations. However, chlorophyll was found to be a useful predictor for the probability of exceeding specific toxin thresholds. Tissue microcystin concentrations were highest in fish and shellfish collected from the tidal fresh segment, but were detectable in biota collected from the oligohaline at distances 50 km seaward.
THEORETICAL ISSUES IN SUPERIONIC CONDUCTORS

Superionic conductors1 have been defined as solids with ion conductances exceeding 0.01 ohm−l cm−1. Invariably this occurs because an ion species in the solid begins diffusing away from its normal lattice position. Usually this ion species is one of the major constituents of the solid. Thus in AgI, all of the Ag+ ions are believed to diffuse at high temperature, while the I− stay in position to define a lattice. In CaF2, it is the F− which move. In usual ionic solids, the very small ionic conductivity is provided by impurities or occasional defects. We are interested in a quite different situation—where large scale disorder appears to be an intrinsic process. Thus the ionic conductivity is large, in part, because it is proportional to the density of diffusing ions. This can be very large—of the order of 1022 cm−3
Geospatial Applications in Archaeology

Archaeology is an inherently spatial discipline and archaeologists have long created and used maps to help them make sense of the past. Among field scientists, archaeologists were also some of the earliest adopters of geospatial technology like geographic information systems, spectral imaging, and laser scanning, all of which have enabled significant discoveries in recent years. As those technologies have become more widespread and sophisticated, so has their use within the field. This article provides an overview of core concepts, technologies, and analytical methods.
A comparison of survival between radiosurgery and stereotactic implants for malignant astrocytomas.

The purpose of this paper is to compare the survial of three groups of patients with high grade supratentorial gliomas who were treated on three sequential protocols with surgical resection, external beam fractionated radiotherapy and a boost to the residual contrasting enhancing mass by either interstitial brachytherapy (IB, n = 33), by interstitial thermoradiotherapy (IT, n = 25) or by stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS, n = 19). The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the role of different boosting techniques in the inital management of primary brain tumors. External beam radiotherapy doses were escalated from one study to the next so that the median doses given to the IB, the IT, and the SRS groups were 41.4Gy, 48.4Gy, and 59.4 Gy, respectively. The median dose of interstitial irradiation or stereotactic radiosurgery, were 40 Gy, 32.2 Gy and 10 Gy, respectively, for the same groups.
The Construction of the Social Sciences in Late Eighteenth and Early Nineteenth Century Germany

In 1980, a group of historians of science published a book evaluating the history of eighteenth-century science.2 The authors lamented the fact that despite the virtual revolution taking place in the history of science, its impact upon the history of 18th century science had been negligible. They ascribed this result to two factors. The first was the problematic nature of the 18th century. “Historians of science hasve tended to regard it as a tiresome trough to be negotiated between the peaks of the seventeenth and those of the nineteenth century; or as a mystery, a twilight zone in which all is on the verge of yielding.”3 The second retarding factor was the persistent tendency of historians of science to write “tunnel histories” of specific disciplines, a practice that privileged internalist accounts, assumed a model based upon continuous development and by implication postulated the existence of a scientific discipline even before it was defined as such.4
Ground Control for Shallow Tunnels by Soil Grouting

A design method is developed for determining the size and strength of stabilized soil zones around tunnels for effective ground control during construction. The method is based on results of a multiphased research program that included laboratory tests of grouted soils, development of a comprehensive finite-element program for the analysis of shallow tunnels, conducting over a hundred finite-element parametric studies of stabilized tunnel problems, and collecting available case history data. Analyses show that where the stabilized zone surrounds the tunnel, it absorbs stress changes by acting as a compression ring and minimizes stress in the ungrouted soil. Where ungroutable soft layers disrupt the continuity of the stabilized zone, the structural action of the stabilized zone cannot be mobilized, but grouting still serves to prevent ground runs. Ungroutable layers have less detrimental effects if located below the springline.
Identifying students' inquiry planning using machine learning

This research investigates the detection of student meta-cognitive planning processes in real-time using log tracing techniques. We use fine and coarse-grained data distillation, in combination with coarse-grained text replay coding, in order to develop detectors for students’ planning of experiments in Science Assistments, an assessment and tutoring system for scientific inquiry. The goal is to recognize student inquiry planning behavior in real-time as the student conducts inquiry in a micro-world; the eventual goal is to provide realtime scaffolding of scientific inquiry.
PHS Guideline for Reducing Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis B Virus, and Hepatitis C Virus Transmission through Organ Transplantation:

AND FULL-TEXT SCREENING To identify studies that were (1) relevant to one or more key questions; (2 ) primary research, systematic review, or meta-analysis; (3 ) written in English; and (4 ) inclusive of question-specific criteria DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Data abstracted into evidence tables; individual study quality assessed DRAFT RECOMMENDATIONS GRADE of evidence base evaluated, narrative summaries drafted, recommendations drafted from summaries, and recommendation strength assigned FINALIZE RECOMMENDATIONS Recommendations finalized; guideline published Figure 8. Evidence-based process used to develop guideline recommendations for reducing HIV, HBV, and HCV transmission through organ transplantation HIV 5 human immunodeficiency virus HBV 5 hepatitis B virus HCV 5 hepatitis C virus GRADE 5 Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation
Circular and Countercircular Images of Plane Curves

The Gaussian notion of circular image of a plane curve C is here extended, and the notion of countercircular image of C from a point of the plane is introduced. Relationships between circular images and their corresponding countercircular images are discussed, and applications to the global theory of plane curves are given.
OPEN REDUCTION AND STABILIZATION OF A LUXATED COXOFEMORAL JOINT IN A DOMESTIC RABBIT (ORYCTOLAGUS CUNICULUS) USING A TOGGLE-PIN FIXATION

ABSTRACT A 4-year-old intact female Holland lop rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was referred for evaluation of a luxated right coxofemoral joint. Cranioventral luxation of the right femoral head was confirmed with pelvic radiographs at the referring veterinarian 3 days prior. On presentation, a nonweight bearing right pelvic limb lameness was appreciated. A closed hip reduction under anesthesia was attempted but not successful. The rabbit underwent an open coxofemoral reduction and the reduction was protected using a toggle rod stabilization method. A toggle pin was placed on the medial aspect of the acetabulum and fastened with suture to a second toggle pin on the lateral aspect of the femur, via a bone tunnel through the fovea capitus. Postoperative radiographs confirmed reduction of the coxofemoral joint and appropriate implant placement. Immediately following surgery, the rabbit began weight bearing on the right pelvic limb. Repeat evaluations showed a complete resolution to the rabbit's lameness, with no recurrence of the coxofemoral luxation. At rest, the right pelvic limb was intermittently mildly abducted; however, gait was not affected. This is the first case report to document a toggle pin fixation for successful repair of a coxofemoral luxation in a rabbit.
Online Competitive Control of Power-Down Systems with Adaptation

Power-down mechanisms are well known and are widely used to save energy; these mechanisms are encountered on an everyday basis. We consider a device which has a set of states defined by a continuous function. The state of the device can be switched at any time. In any state the device consumes energy and a power up cost to switch the machine to full capacity. This project gives experimental results regarding power consumption to satisfy service request based on online competitive analysis. Competitive ratios, which show the effectiveness of the algorithms compare to the optimal solution.
In Vitro Evaluation of the Influence of Substrate Mechanics on Matrix-Assisted Human Chondrocyte Transplantation

Matrix-assisted chondrocyte transplantation (MACT) is of great interest for the treatment of patients with cartilage lesions. However, the roles of the matrix properties in modulating cartilage tissue integration during MACT recovery have not been fully understood. The objective of this study was to uncover the effects of substrate mechanics on the integration of implanted chondrocyte-laden hydrogels with native cartilage tissues. To this end, agarose hydrogels with Young's moduli ranging from 0.49 kPa (0.5%, w/v) to 23.08 kPa (10%) were prepared and incorporated into an in vitro human cartilage explant model. The hydrogel-cartilage composites were cultivated for up to 12 weeks and harvested for evaluation via scanning electron microscopy, histology, and a push-through test. Our results demonstrated that integration strength at the hydrogel-cartilage interface in the 1.0% (0.93 kPa) and 2.5% (3.30 kPa) agarose groups significantly increased over time, whereas hydrogels with higher stiffness (>8.78 kPa) led to poor integration with articular cartilage. Extensive sprouting of extracellular matrix in the interfacial regions was only observed in the 0.5% to 2.5% agarose groups. Collectively, our findings suggest that while neocartilage development and its integration with native cartilage are modulated by substrate elasticity, an optimal Young's modulus (3.30 kPa) possessed by agarose hydrogels is identified such that superior quality of tissue integration is achieved without compromising tissue properties of implanted constructs.
Management and interpretation of capillary chromatography-mass spectrometry data

Abstract The challenges of data management and interpretation for purveyors of capillary chromatography instrumentation with mass spectrometric detection are reviewed. Techniques to succeed are detailed within the context of standard analytical targeted, nontargeted, and hybrid targeted/nontargeted work flows. The processes are divided into the common elements of preprocessing, comparative analysis, deconvolution (i.e., mathematical resolution), result analysis, and statistical presentation. Time-honored techniques are discussed throughout with a focus on the added complications created by the data size and density in modern experiments where the samples are analyzed by chromatographic instruments with mass spectrometric detection. Multidimensional and multivariate options are included throughout and the focus constantly returns to harvesting useful information from the windfall of data created by these technologies.
Conservation and Management Strategies Create Opportunities for Integrative Organismal Research.

Conservation and management activities are geared toward the achievement of particular goals for a specific species, or groups of species, at the population level or higher. Conversely, organismal or functional research is typically organized by hypothesis tests or descriptive work that examines a broader theory studying individual organismal traits. Here, we outline how integrative organismal biologists might conduct mutually beneficial, and meaningful research to inform or assist conservation and management biologists. We argue that studies of non-target species are very useful to both groups because non-target species can meet the goals of managers and organismal biologists alike, while also informing the other. We highlight our work on a threatened lizard species' thermal physiology, behavior, and color pattern - all of which are impacted by species management plans for sympatric, threatened, bird species. We show that management practices affect activity time, thermal adaptation, and substrate use, while also altering predation rates, crypsis, ectoparasite load, and sexual coloration in the study species. These case studies exemplify the challenges of conservation and management efforts for threatened or endangered species in that non-target species can be both positively and negatively affected by those efforts. Yet, the collaboration of organismal biologists with conservation and management efforts provides a productive system for mutually informative research.
System identification techniques for detection of teleconnections within climate models

Abstract. Quantifying teleconnections and discovering new ones is a complex, difficult process. Using transfer functions, we introduce a new method of identifying teleconnections in climate models on arbitrary timescales. We validate this method by perturbing temperature in the Nino3.4 region in a climate model. Temperature and precipitation responses in the model match known El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-like teleconnection features, consistent with modes of tropical variability. Perturbing the Nino3.4 region results in temperature responses consistent with the Pacific Meridional Mode, the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, and the Indian Ocean Dipole, all of which have strong ties to ENSO. Some precipitation features are also consistent with these modes of variability, although because precipitation is noisier than temperature, obtaining robust responses is more difficult. While much work remains to develop this method further, transfer functions show promise in quantifying teleconnections or, perhaps, identifying new ones.