cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Newborn Thyroid Screening:Hidden Burden of Screening by Primary Thyroxine Test † 430

Newborn screening to identify congenital hypothyroidism (CH) may employ primary thyrotropin (TSH), or primary thyroxine (T4) measurement with added TSH for the lowest 10% of T4 cases. Primary T4 screening, used in most USA programs, balances a risk of missing cases of compensated hypothyroidism with the benefit of identifying tertiary hypothyroidism, but includes other causes of low T4 which do not require treatment (Rx). A recent report (NEJM 1997;336:21-6) suggested there should be less concern for untreated low T4 in premature infants. In addition, an increase in concern for spiraling medical costs prompted our re-examination of the heterogeneous group identified by low T4 screening. We also examined the follow-up work necessary to achieve resolution (demonstrate normality or treat hypothyroidism). An 8 year retrospective survey of infants referred to one center for endocrine evaluation of abnormal thyroid screening tests included 112 cases from 43,054 births plus 793 transports to this hospital.
Application of spin-wave theory to the ground state of XY quantum Hamiltonians

Spin-wave theory is successfully applied to study the ground state of the quantum XY Hamiltonian. It is found that a judicious choice of the quantized spin axis removes difficulties of previous applications. Results for the simplest one-, two-, and three-dimensional lattices are shown to compare favorably with either exact or other approximate calculations.
Application of PML to electromagnetics, acoustics, elasticity, and quantum mechanics

We have summarized our work on well-posed PML for electromagnetic waves, scalar acoustic waves, and elastic waves. We have also applied the PML to more complex systems including poroelastic waves (Biot waves) and acoustoelasticity, as well as quantum transport. Numerical results of these PMLs in various wave phenomena will be demonstrated with finite-difference time-domain, pseudospectral time-domain (PSTD), spectral element time-domain (SETD) and frequency-domain methods.
Discovering Contexts and Contextual Outliers Using Random Walks in Graphs

The identifying of contextual outliers allows the discovery of anomalous behavior that other forms of outlier detection cannot find. What may appear to be normal behavior with respect to the entire data set can be shown to be anomalous by subsetting the data according to specific spatial or temporal context. However, in many real-world applications, we may not have sufficient a priori contextual information to discover these contextual outliers. This paper addresses the problem by proposing a probabilistic approach based on random walks, which can simultaneously explore meaningful contexts and score contextual outliers therein. Our approach has several advantages including producing outlier scores which can be interpreted as stationary expectations and their calculation in closed form in polynomial time. In addition, we show that point outlier detection using the stationary distribution is a special case of our approach. It allows us to find both global and contextual outliers simultaneously and to create a meaningful ranked list consisting of both types of outliers. This is a major departure from existing work where an algorithm typically identifies one type of outlier. The effectiveness of our method is justified by empirical results on real data sets, with comparison to related work.
Quantitative and neurogenic analysis of the total population and subpopulations of neurons defined by axon projection in the superficial dorsal horn of the rat lumbar spinal cord.

The total neuron population of the superficial dorsal horn (SDH), i.e., laminae I and II, was quantitated in Nissl preparations of spinal segment L1 in the rat. Subpopulations of the SDH, defined by axon projection, were quantitated following strategic intraspinal injections of dual retrograde tracers (Fluoro-Gold and true blue). These methods were used in conjunction with [3H]thymidine (delivered in utero) autoradiography for neurogenic pattern analysis. Following stereological correction, each dorsal horn in spinal segment L1 contained 11 neurons in lamina I and 42.6 neurons in lamina II per 10-microm transverse section. Neurons with long projections, i.e., neurons with projections rostral to spinal segment T5, were only slightly more numerous in lamina I than in lamina II. These neurons made up 34% of the total neuron population in lamina I and 7.0% in lamina II. Most of these neurons did not demonstrate descending connections, and many (presumed supraspinal projection neurons) did not demonstrate short, ascending, intersegmental connections. Neurons with short propriospinal projections, i.e., neurons with connections caudal to spinal segment T5, made up approximately half of the total neuron population in both lamina I and lamina II: 55% and 52%, respectively. Of these, 79% had both short ascending and descending projections; the remaining 21% had only descending projections. Neurons that were not labeled with retrograde tracers (presumed local circuit cells) represented 11% of the neurons in lamina I and 41% in lamina II. Neurogenesis in the SDH proceeded along an axon-length gradient, whereby neurons with the longest axons completed neurogenesis first, and those with the shortest completed neurogenesis last. The generation of both propriospinal and supraspinal projection neurons began on embryonic day 13 (E13). Nearly equal numbers of neurons in this group were generated in laminae I and II through E14. On E15, neuron production slowed in lamina I and accelerated in lamina II as local circuit neurons and the remaining propriospinal neurons were generated. Neuron production ceased simultaneously in both lamina I and lamina II on E16.
Equilibrium Cation Distribution in NiAl2O4, CuAl2O4, and ZnAl2O4 Spinels

Stoichiometric NiAl2O4, CuAl2O4, and ZnAl2O4 spinels were prepared and equilibrated at temperatures from 600° to 1400°C. The parameters u and x, denoting the oxygen position and fraction of divalent cations on tetrahedral sites, respectively, were determined from a detailed X-ray diffraction analysis. In NiAl2O4, x increased from 0.07 at 595° to 0.26 at 1391°C; in CuAl2O4, x decreased from 0.68 at 613° to 0.64 at 1195°C; and in ZnAl2O4, x decreased from 0.96 at 905° to 0.94 at 1197°C. The form of the temperature dependence of x could not be described using theoretically based equations advanced in the literature. A more general equation which allows for a non-distributional contribution to the configurational entropy was derived and observed to properly describe the temperature dependence; the results indicate that short-range order is of definite significance in these intermediate aluminate spinels.
Safety and efficacy of ERCP in pregnancy.

Background Choledocholithiasis during pregnancy in-creases the risk of morbidity and mortality for both fetus and mother because of cholangitis and pancreatitis. ERCP has been advocated as safe and effective in pre-gnant women, but fetal radiation exposure is not rou-tinely monitored. The aim of this study was to record fetal exposure to ionizing radiation during ERCP and to assess outcome. Methods Seventeen ERCPs were performed in preg-nant women between January 1995 and August 2003. Techniques to minimize fluoroscopy were used, and fluoroscopy times were recorded. Thermoluminescent dosimeters affixed to the skin of the mother were used to estimate fetal radiation exposure. Observations Mean gestational age was 18.6 (8.9) weeks (range 5–33 weeks). Mean fluoroscopy time was 14 (13) seconds (range 1–48 seconds). Estimated fetal radiation exposure was 40 (46) mrad (range 1–180 mrad). There was a correlation between fluoroscopy time and radiation exposure, but there was a wide range of radiation exposure for individual fluoroscopy times. Complications included post-sphincterotomy bleeding in one patient (controlled by hemoclip placement) and post-ERCP pancreatitis in one patient that necessitated 3 days of hospitalization. Two women developed third-trimester preeclampsia, and labor was induced in both. Thirteen of the 15 patients who delivered were contacted and they confirmed that their child was in good health. Conclusions ERCP with modified techniques is safe during pregnancy. Dosimetry should be routinely recorded. Gallstones occur in 8% of pregnant women 1 , 2 ; they tend to be uncomplicated, and therapy typically is deferred to the postpartum period. Choledocholithiasis may be associated with cholangitis and/or gallstone pancreatitis, both of which increase morbidity for the mother and/or the fetus. 3 ERCP has been advocated as a safe and effective alternative to surgery for management of choledocholithiasis complicating pregnancy. 4 , 5 Data on ERCP during pregnancy are derived from multiple small series and several case reports; these focus on endoscopic techniques, whereas data regarding radiation exposure are limited.
Methods of measuring the size and complexity of PLC programs in different logic control design methodologies

Currently there is a wide variety of logic control design methodologies used in industrial logic design. These methodologies include ladder diagrams, function block dia- grams, sequential function charts, and flow charts, but driven by a desire for verifiability, academics are developing additional logic control design methodologies, such as modular finite state machines and Petri nets. Using these, important properties of programs can be verified and some logic can be generated auto- matically from a part plan. The main contribution of this paper is to define methods for measuring programs written in different methodologies, so that the performance of the methodologies can be compared. We demonstrate these methods of measurement using four program samples that perform similar functions on the same ma- chine, written in four logic control design methodologies: ladder diagrams, Petri nets, signal interpreted Petri nets and modular finite state machines.
Wave propagation in anisotropic layered media

The determination of the natural modes of wave propagation in an anisotropic layered medium requires the solution of a transcendental eigenvalue problem that is usually approached numerically with the aid of search techniques. Such computations require great effort. The method presented in this paper provides an alternate solution to this problem in terms of a quadratic eigenvalue problem involving tridiagonal matrices, for which the eigenvalues can be found with great speed and accuracy. The technique is then illustrated by means of an example involving a cross-anisotropic Gibson solid.
Heterogeneity in myocardial iron content in pediatric and young adult patients.

Ten patients had repeated measurements of the their midventricular T2* imaging, and an additional 8 patients had measurements at three slice locations (9/18 males, median age 19.3 years, range 11.2-23.6 years). For the initial 10 patients, the median T2* value was 21.3 ms (range 6.336.0), with a median standard deviation of 1.5 ms (range 0.1-4.4) at the mid-ventricular level. Two of ten patients had values that spanned the clinically accepted cut-point of 20 ms, indicating they could have been classified as either normal or mildly abnormal depending on which image was selected for analysis. For the 8 patients with multiple slice locations analyzed, the median T2* values were 29.5 ms (9.5-47.2), 25.9 (12.5-37.3), and 22.7 (9.933.7) for the apex, mid, and basilar levels respectively. While the median standard deviations for each slice location were low (0.6, 0.9, and 0.5 respectively), the differences between the slice locations resulted in 1 patient having values both above and below 20 ms, and 2 additional patients with values above and below the “severely abnormal” cut-point of 10 ms. Conclusions
A Psychometric Investigation of Identification of Children with Academic Difficulties

Restrictions must be placed on generalizing from the findings of this study. The reader should be cautious in interpreting the results of the factor analysis owing to the limited number of subjects and the lack of independence of the ITPA Language Age score. Still, based on the findings of this study, the following conclusions are suggested.Each measurement instrument seems to be measuring a different ability of LD children.The major portion of the variance within this group of subjects was accounted for by the intelligence measure.The other abilities seem to be grouped into visual and auditory areas, but their interrelation with intelligence is unclear.Multivariate assessment may best describe an individual child, but at the time of this study it had limited value in classifying individuals into groups.
The use of Second Life for distance education

This paper explores the feasibility of utilizing the vaunted Second Life environment for distance education in the area of computer science. Two sets of user groups were enlisted to determine whether the virtual environment was suitable for conveying concepts ranging from the simplistic to the complex. Due to the overwhelmingly positive responses provided via the anonymous surveying of the participants, it can be determined that the Second Life platform is indeed a viable solution for distance education in the area of computer science.
Global Mean Sea Level Variations from TOPEX/POSEIDON Altimeter Data

The TOPEX/POSEIDON satellite altimeter mission has measured global mean sea level every 10 days over the last 2 years with a precision of 4 millimeters, which approaches the requirements for climate change research. The estimated rate of sea level change is +3.9 ± 0.8 millimeters per year. A substantial portion of this trend may represent a short-term variation unrelated to the long-term signal expected from global warming. For this reason, and because the long-term measurement accuracy requires additional monitoring, a longer time series is necessary before climate change signals can be unequivocally detected.
A COMPUTATIONAL INVESTIGATION OF SYMMETRIC AND ASYMMETRIC TURBULENT WAKES

The near wake of a flat plate with a circular trailing edge is investigated via direct numerical simulations (DNS). The computations are performed with a high-order accurate finite difference method. Many earlier experimental investigations have used thin plates with turbulent boundary layers to create the wake. This results in large θ/D values (θ is the boundary layer momentum thickness towards the end of the plate and D is the thickness of the plate). Here the emphasis is on relatively thick plates with blunt trailing edges resulting in θ/D values less than one. The Reynolds numbers based on the plate length and D are 1.275 x 10 6 and 10,000, respectively. Two cases are computed; one with turbulent boundary layers on both the upper and lower surfaces of the plate (statistically the same, symmetric wake) and, a second with turbulent and laminar boundary layers on the upper and lower surfaces, respectively (asymmetric case). The value of θ/D based on the turbulent boundary layer is about 0.24 in both cases. The data and understanding obtained is of considerable engineering interest, particularly in turbomachinery where the pressure side of an airfoil can remain laminar or transitional because of a favorable pressure gradient. Results including wake velocity statistics, streamwise variations of wake thickness and maximum defect velocity, and velocity spectra and flow visualization in the wake for both cases are provided and compared. Unlike the far wake where the wake thickness varies as the inverse of the maximum defect velocity (u d ) in the streamwise direction, here it varies as C - u d / u ∞ , where C is a constant, from x/D ≈ 6.5 onwards until the end of resolved region of the grid (x/D = 10.0) in both cases. It was found that for streamwise and cross-stream normal intensities (total), the rate of decay obtained on the turbulent side for the asymmetric case was consistent with that obtained in the symmetric case; a generally lower decay rate was obtained on the laminar side for the asymmetric case. These and other similarities/differences in the two cases and, the potential for near wake profile-similarity of velocity statistics are discussed here.
A branch-line coupler with two arbitrary operating frequencies using left-handed transmission lines

A branch-line coupler (BLC) working at two arbitrary frequencies using left-handed (LH) transmission lines (TLs) is presented. The analysis of the structure is based on the even-odd mode analysis of the conventional BLC as well as a recently developed model for the LH-TL. We demonstrate that the two operating frequencies can be obtained by tuning the phase slope of the different line sections. A prototype is demonstrated by both simulation and measurement results. The operating frequencies of the two pass-bands are 920 MHz and 1740 MHz, respectively.
Self-phase modulation in optical fiber communications: good or bad?

Self-phase modulation is often regarded as being harmful for optical communication systems. In this overview, I first discuss its impact on such systems and then focus on its useful applications related to all-optical signal processing, soliton formation, and optical regeneration.
User goals in social virtual worlds: A means-end chain approach

The purpose of this study is twofold: first, to investigate user goals in social virtual worlds; second, to introduce a methodological alternative (i.e., a means-end chain approach) for analyzing user goals in cyberspaces. The data were acquired from a web survey, and were analyzed by means-end chain analysis (MECA), which produces users' goal structure in reference to a hierarchical system of interrelated goals (Olson & Reynolds, 1983). The results show that people come to social virtual worlds to satisfy their social and hedonic needs, and to escape from real world constraints, as do virtual community members and virtual gamers; they also pursue unique activities, such as creating virtual objects and selling them. On the other hand, by clarifying relations among users' goals, MECA provides a richer explanation for user goals than prior research which only offers separate user goals for cyberspace users without explanation of relationship among goals.
Plasma catecholamine and hemodynamic responses during isoproterenol infusions in humans

We infused isoproterenol (ISO) intravenously into 23 subjects (3.5, 7, 14, and 35 ng/kg/min for 20 minutes at each dose) and measured venous plasma concentrations of ISO and the circulatory and plasma norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) responses. At the lowest dose, venous plasma ISO averaged 48 pg/ml and was associated with increased heart rate (9%; P < 0.001), cardiac index (20%; P < 0.001), and stroke volume (9%; P < 0.02) and decreased total peripheral resistance index (−21%; P < 0.001). Linear concentration-response relationships were observed between plasma ISO and cardiac index and between plasma ISO and heart rate. Plasma NE increased as a function of plasma ISO (mean increase 81% at 35 ng/kg/min), whereas plasma E was unchanged or decreased. The results indicate that circulatory effects of ISO are detectable in humans at plasma concentrations in the range of physiologic levels of E. Since ISO increases plasma NE, ISO may act presynaptically to enhance NE release from sympathetic nerve terminals and thereby stimulate a-adrenoceptors indirectly. ISO does not appear to stimulate secretion from the adrenal medulla or corelease of E with NE from sympathetic nerve endings. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1986) 40, 233–238; doi:10.1038/clpt.1986.168
Homoepitaxial graphene tunnel barriers for spin transport (Presentation Recording)

Tunnel barriers are key elements for both charge-and spin-based electronics, offering devices with reduced power consumption and new paradigms for information processing. Such devices require mating dissimilar materials, raising issues of heteroepitaxy, interface stability, and electronic states that severely complicate fabrication and compromise performance. Graphene is the perfect tunnel barrier. It is an insulator out-of-plane, possesses a defect-free, linear habit, and is impervious to interdiffusion. Nonetheless, true tunneling between two stacked graphene layers is not possible in environmental conditions (magnetic field, temperature, etc.) usable for electronics applications. However, two stacked graphene layers can be decoupled using chemical functionalization. Here, we demonstrate homoepitaxial tunnel barrier devices in which graphene serves as both the tunnel barrier and the high mobility transport channel. Beginning with multilayer graphene, we fluorinate or hydrogenate the top layer to decouple it from the bottom layer, so that it serves as a single monolayer tunnel barrier for both charge and spin injection into the lower graphene transport channel. We demonstrate successful tunneling by measuring non-linear IV curves, and a weakly temperature dependent zero bias resistance. We perform lateral transport of spin currents in non-local spin-valve structures and determine spin lifetimes with the non-local Hanle effect to be commensurate with previous studies (~200 ps). However, we also demonstrate the highest spin polarization efficiencies (~45%) yet measured in graphene-based spin devices [1]. [1] A.L. Friedman, et al., Homoepitaxial tunnel barriers with functionalized graphene-on-graphene for charge and spin transport, Nat. Comm. 5, 3161 (2014).
Extraordinary Rendition, Torture and Other Nightmares from the War on Terror

This article examines the U.S. practice of extraordinary rendition, a method of transferring detainees abroad for detention and interrogation either from the United States, on behalf of the United States, or from occupied Iraq. It concludes that rendition does not comply with either international human rights norms or the laws of war. The article examines the Nuremberg consensus arrived at following the Second World War, which provided for individual criminal responsibility for the commission of crimes under international law, and suggests that following the Nuremberg principles would be more effective than extralegal government activity. The article disputes the propositions of conservative government lawyers and their academic surrogates that Geneva law is now either quaint or obsolete; instead, it argues that the government has made what is, at best, a tenuous case that Geneva law and international human rights norms are inconvenient. If the administration is sincere in its claim that new international legal paradigms must be adopted in order to successfully combat the scourge of international terrorism, the appropriate vehicle to do so would be the establishment of new multilateral regimes that attract broad international support, not creative are interpretations of the law that are patently inconsistent with prior U.S. and international understandings.
Parent Work Conditions and Adolescent Core Self-Evaluations: Examining the Effects of Work Resource Drain and Parent Gender

Using resource drain and social cognitive theory frameworks, this study investigates the process through which parent time and energy resource drain relates to adolescent core self-evaluation. Parent–child interactive and routine activities and parental social support are tested as mediators. Data are reported by mothers, fathers, and adolescent children in 151 middle-class, dual-earner families from the 500 Family Study. Hypotheses are tested using path analysis and moderated mediation. Parent work hours negatively relate to adolescent reports of received social support, partially due to decreased time spent engaged in parent–child interactive activities. Fathers’ work hours indirectly relate to adolescent core self-evaluations through parent–child interactive activities and social support from fathers; this indirect relationship was not found for mothers. Exploratory analyses examined differences by parent and child gender. Fathers’ work hours are more likely to detract from parent–child routine activities relative to mothers’ work hours. The relationship between father work hours and parent–child interactive activities is buffered for sons compared to daughters. Results help to explain why parent work-related resource drain relates to adolescent core self-evaluations. Parent gender, type of resource drain, and type of activity are identified as potential boundary conditions. Interactive activities and social support are key mediators warranting attention. Social cognitive theory is used as a framework for linking parent work-related resource drain and child outcomes. Mechanisms are identified that explain adolescent core self-evaluations development. Use of multisource data helps to mitigate problems with single-source data used in previous studies.
Pharmacological priming of adipose-derived stem cells promotes myocardial repair

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have myocardial regeneration potential, and transplantation of these cells following myocardial infarction (MI) in animal models leads to modest improvements in cardiac function. We hypothesized that pharmacological priming of pre-transplanted ADSCs would further improve left ventricular functional recovery after MI. We previously identified a compound from a family of 3,5-disubstituted isoxazoles, ISX1, capable of activating an Nkx2-5-driven promoter construct. Here, using ADSCs, we found that ISX1 (20 mM, 4 days) triggered a robust, dose-dependent, fourfold increase in Nkx2-5 expression, an early marker of cardiac myocyte differentiation and increased ADSC viability in vitro. Co-culturing neonatal cardiomyocytes with ISX1-treated ADSCs increased early and late cardiac gene expression. Whereas ISX1 promoted ADSC differentiation toward a cardiogenic lineage, it did not elicit their complete differentiation or their differentiation into mature adipocytes, osteoblasts, or chondrocytes, suggesting that re-programming is cardiomyocyte specific. Cardiac transplantation of ADSCs improved left ventricular functional recovery following MI, a response which was significantly augmented by transplantation of ISX1- pretreated cells. Moreover, ISX1-treated and transplanted ADSCs engrafted and were detectable in the myocardium 3 weeks following MI, albeit at relatively small numbers. ISX1 treatment increased histone acetyltransferase (HAT) activity in ADSCs, which was associated with histone 3 and histone 4 acetylation. Finally, hearts transplanted with ISX1-treated ADSCs manifested significant increases in neovascularization, which may account for the improved cardiac function. These findings suggest that a strategy of drug-facilitated initiation of myocyte differentiation enhances exogenously transplanted ADSC persistence in vivo, and consequent tissue neovascularization, to improve cardiac function.
Microstructure-Sensitive Fatigue Modeling of Friction Stir Welded Aluminum Alloy 6061

In this work, experiments were conducted to quantify the mechanical properties and microstructure of friction stir welded (FSW) 6061 aluminum alloy butt joints. In particular, strain-control experiments were carried out to characterize the low-cycle fatigue (LCF) performance of the FSW joint and a microstructure-sensitive fatigue model was used to elucidate structure-property relationships. Under fatigue testing, two distinct modes of failure were observed. In the first case, the fatigue cracks initiated and propagated though the heat affected zone, which is due to material softening as a result of the frictional heat generated by the FSW process. The second mode of failure observed was when the fatigue crack initiated and propagated through the stir zone, as a result of inappropriate material mixing. Additionally, results of this study show a strong dependence on the tool rotational rate, where the monotonic tensile and cyclic mechanical properties increased as the tool rate increased. However, experimental results showed that the increase in the mechanical properties were observed to level off or in some case decline as the tool rotational rate continued to increase. This behavior is due to several factors including welding defects and higher frictional heat. In order to further understand the effect of microstructure and welding defects on fatigue behavior, a multi-stage fatigue (MSF) model that incorporates incubation and crack growth regimes was implemented to capture the effect of variation in tool rotational speeds. The MSF model exhibited good correlation to the experimental results, suggesting that the multi-stage approach for modeling fatigue damage in FSW joints is a reasonable approach. Furthermore, the model appears to capture the underlining mechanisms associated with damage in this type of welded joint.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Characterization of sheared colloidal aggregation using Langevin dynamics simulation.

Aggregation of colloidal particles under shear is studied in model systems using a Langevin dynamics model with an improved interparticle interaction potential. In the absence of shear, aggregates that form are characterized by compact structure at small scales and ramified structure at larger scales. This confirms the structural crossover mechanism previously suggested by Sorensen and coworkers, that colloidal aggregation occurs due to monomer addition at small scales and due to cluster-cluster aggregation at large scales. The fractal dimension of nonsheared aggregates is scale-dependent. Smaller aggregates have a higher fractal dimension than larger ones, but the radius of gyration where this crossover occurs is independent of potential well depth for sufficiently deep wells. When these aggregates are subjected to shear they become anisotropic and form extended cigar-like structures. The size of sheared anisotropic aggregates in the direction perpendicular to the shear flow is limited by shear-induced breakage because the shear force dominates interparticle attraction for sufficiently large aggregates. Anisotropic aggregates are not completely characterized by a single radius of gyration, but rather by an inertia ellipsoid. Consequently the fractal dimension is no longer an adequate metric to properly characterize them, and to identify changes in their structure from their nonsheared isotropic counterparts. We introduce a new compactness-anisotropy analysis that characterizes the structure of anisotropic aggregates and allows us to distinguish between aggregates from sheared and nonsheared systems. Finally, using the ratio of interparticle force to the shear force ${f}_{\mathrm{pot},\mathrm{sh}}$ we are able to characterize different outcomes of sheared aggregation as a function of dimensionless well depth and P\'eclet number.
Annealing Effects on Properties of High Tc YBa2Cu3O7−x Ceramics

High Tc superconducting YBa2Cu3O7−x ceramics were prepared from the appropriate oxide constituents and heat treated under various conditions to determine the effects of annealing on superconducting properties. Sintered samples (900–920°C) were air cooled at 5°/min followed by annealing in oxygen or air at 500°C/12 hr. Resistance measurements, SQUID, SEM, and x-ray analysis were used to characterize the samples, which were of 38% porosity. Results showed all samples to be superconducting with TC(O) 84K. Superconducting properties of the air and oxygen annealed samples were equivalent but showed lower overall resistance and 30% higher superconducting phase (30 to 70 K) compared to the air cooled samples.
Nuclear receptors for 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 in thymus reticular cells studied by autoradiography

After injection of 3H 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 to rats fed a vitamin D-deficient diet, nuclear concentration and retention of radioactivity exists in reticular cells of the thymus medulla and cortex, as well as outer cells of developing Hassal's corpuscles. Lymphocytes do not show nuclear concentration of radioactivity. Nuclear concentration in reticular cells is prevented by prior injection of excess 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3. The results indicate that reticular-endothelial cells contain nuclear receptors for 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 and suggest that effects of 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 on immune response and lymphocyte differentiation are indirect and mediated through genomic modulation of reticular cell functions such as messenger secretion.
Paravalvular aortic regurgitation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a rapidly evolving technology that has been accepted as a treatment option in patients with severe aortic stenosis who are not suitable for or are at high risk for conventional surgery. Randomized trials have shown that TAVR decreases mortality and improves quality of life in patients who are not suitable for conventional surgery and that TAVR is not inferior to standard surgery in operable but high- risk patients. However, TAVR has several important limitations, the most prominent of which is residual paravalvular aortic regurgitation (PAR). The purpose of this review is to present the mechanism, incidence, assessment, and treatment of PAR after TAVR.
Fort Fisher, NC Past and Present: A Geospatial Analysis using LiDAR and GIS

Fort Fisher was constructed in 1861–1863 by the Confederacy at the mouth of the Cape Fear River in North Carolina to protect the vital trading routes of the seaport at Wilmington. The largest Confederate fort, Ft. Fisher was constructed as an L-shaped fortification consisting of 30 ft (9 m) thick earthen mounds capable of absorbing the shock of a heavy bombardment. In its prime, this fortification consisted of an approximately 1800 ft (550 m) long land face and a mile-long (1.6 km) sea face bounded by two larger 45 ft (14 m) and 60 ft (18 m) high mounds on the southern end. Today, Ft. Fisher is a mere remnant of its former self, with only about one-tenth of the original structure remaining. The region where the fort was constructed is a highly dynamic section of coastline that has undergone extensive shoreline retreat over the past century, resulting in the loss of the majority of the original fortification. Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) survey data and historical maps were used to generate past and present 3-D digital elevation models (DEMs) for both the terrain and fort. The historical shorelines, aerial imagery, bathymetric data and fort models were then integrated and compared within a geographic information system (GIS) to analyze and to model the evolution of the coastline from past to present. Results provide insight into the geographic advantages behind Ft. Fisher’s original layout for defense of the inlet compared to the present day geomorphology of the region.
Role ambiguity, role conflict, and job satisfaction of dietitians

The purpose of this research was to study the relationship between role ambiguity and conflict and job satisfaction as perceived by dietitians in the United States. Role ambiguity scores for all dietitians were consistently low. Generalist dietitians, however, scored significantly higher in role ambiguity than dietitians who were heads of departments and dietitians who were in the other/private practice group. Role conflict scores were considerably higher for all dietitian groups than scores for role ambiguity. Yet, for most groups, role conflict scores were only slightly higher than mid-point. Generalist dietitians scored significantly higher in role conflict than did six other groups of dietitians. There were no significant correlations between role ambiguity or conflict and job satisfaction.
CHAPTER V – SUGARS AND SUGAR DERIVATIVES

Publisher Summary This chapter describes sugars and sugar derivatives. It discusses reactions of simple glycosides and sugar phosphates. The sugars offer several hydroxyl groups as potential sites for condensation, but the primary hydroxyl groups seem to be favored. Therefore, little lactose is formed through a reversal of lactase action and the major condensation product formed under conditions that might give lactose is 6-glucose-β-galactoside. The formation of this compound occurs during the hydrolysis of lactose, but more is formed when extra glucose is present. It is obvious that, if an increase in reducing sugar is used to follow lactose hydrolysis, exchange reactions, such as lactose + glucose → 6-glucose-β-galactoside + glucose will show no net change. The hydrolysis of β-glucosides is catalyzed by a group of enzymes typified by the β-glucosidase of the sweet almond. Substrate specificity studies with β-glucosidase are not perfectly satisfactory in many cases because of the strong probability of the presence of additional, interfering enzymes. Other sugars and sugar derivatives including pentoses, galactose, uronic acids, and hexose amines also occur in polysaccharides, some of which contain more than one type of monomer. The degradation of polysaccharides may be the reversal of synthesis, but it also may occur through the activity of hydrolytic enzymes that do not catalyze measureable synthesis.
Chalcogenides and Nonoxides

This chapter on porous nonoxides focuses on four main classes of materials: porous ceramics, open-framework materials, mesoporous nonoxides, and aerogels. Porous ceramic materials can offer the advantages of high thermal and chemical stabilities as well as low dielectric constants. These porous open frameworks, mesostructured materials, and aerogels, mostly comprised of chalcogenides, offer advantages over porous oxides, such as polarizable surfaces in addition to tunable optical and electronic properties. For each class of materials, emphasis is given to the synthetic variables that influence structure, in particular porosity and pore structure, which in effect influence the physical properties of the resulting materials. Catalytic, optical, and thermal properties of these materials are frequently investigated, among others. Applications in ion exchange, gas filtration, heterogeneous catalysis, and those requiring unique optical properties such as photoluminescence and tunable bandgap are envisioned.
Expression and prognostic impact of immune modulatory molecule PD-L1 in meningioma

While immunotherapy may offer promising new approaches for high grade meningiomas, little is currently known of the immune landscape in meningiomas. We sought to characterize the immune microenvironment and a potentially targetable antigen mesothelin across WHO grade I-III cases of meningiomas, and how infiltrating immune populations relate to patient outcomes. Immunohistochemistry was performed on tissue microarrays constructed from 96 meningioma cases. The cohort included 16 WHO grade I, 62 WHO grade II, and 18 WHO grade III tumors. Immunohistochemistry was performed using antibodies against CD3, CD8, CD20, CD68, PD-L1, and mesothelin. Dual staining using anti-PD-L1 and anti-CD68 antibodies was performed, and automated cell detection and positive staining detection algorithms were utilized. Greater degree of PD-L1 expression was found in higher grade tumors. More specifically, higher grade tumors contained increased numbers of intratumoral CD68−, PD-L1+ cells (p = 0.022), but did not contain higher numbers of infiltrating CD68+, PD-L1+ cells (p = 0.30). Higher PD-L1+/CD68− expression was independently predictive of worse overall survival in our cohort when accounting for grade, performance status, extent of resection, and recurrence history (p = 0.014). Higher expression of PD-L1+/CD68− was also present in tumors that had undergone prior radiotherapy (p = 0.024). Approximately quarter of meningiomas overexpressed mesothelin to levels equivalent to those found in pancreatic carcinomas and malignant mesotheliomas. The association with poor survival outcomes in our study suggests that PD-L1 may play a significant biologic role in the aggressive phenotype of higher grade meningiomas. Thus, immunotherapeutic strategies such as checkpoint inhibition may have clinical utility in PD-L1 overexpressing meningiomas.
RIG-I activation by a protein-deamidating complex consisting a viral pseudoenzyme and a cellular amidotransferase

H is one of the most ubiquitous pathogens in nature. A remarkable propensity of all herpesviruses is their ability to establish life-long persistent infection, known as latency. Not surprisingly, herpesviruses have evolved diverse strategies to evade and harness cellular signaling, e.g., innate immune response. We have previously reported that gamma herpesviruses utilize the mitochondrion antiviral signaling (MAVS) adaptor and IKKβ kinase to promote viral lytic replication. Specifically, activated IKK phosphorylates viral key transcription factor (RTA) to enable viral gene expression. Additionally, IKKβ was hijacked to induce the degradation of RelA, thereby terminating NF-κB activation and preventing antiviral cytokine production. These findings highlight an intricate immune evasion strategy and suggest that gamma herpesviruses have dedicated mechanism(s) to activate the MAVS-dependent signaling cascade.
The effect of limited (tertiary) Gleason pattern 5 on the new prostate cancer grade groups

The risk of recurrence for prostatic adenocarcinoma after prostatectomy, as detected by prostate-specific antigen or other modalities, is based primarily on Gleason score along with pathologic tumor stage and surgical margin status. Recent large multi-institutional data spanning the last decade have supported modification of risk of recurrence stratification based on grade groups: grade group 1 (3+3=6), grade group 2 (3+4=7), grade group 3 (4+3=7), grade group 4 (4+4=8), and grade group 5 (Gleason scores 9 and 10). Using currently accepted grading definitions of grade patterns and grading rules, this study examines how the introduction of a limited, less than 5%, Gleason pattern 5 component at prostatectomy affects prognosis and fits into the grade group schema and reporting. The aggregate data from 2 independent major academic medical centers comprising 7606 patient records were analyzed with respect to biochemical recurrence-free survival. The presence of a limited (tertiary) Gleason pattern 5 component in the context of Gleason scores 3+4=7 (grade group 2) and 4+3=7 (grade group 3) imparts an intermediate prognosis relative to the next highest grade group. As such, we suggest that an additional comment and designation to the grade groups be provided reflecting the increased risk of recurrence in such cases (such as grade group 2+ or 3+). In contrast, the presence of limited (<5%) Gleason pattern 5 in the context of Gleason score 4+4=8 imparts a poor prognosis equivalent to grade group 5 and therefore should be reported as grade group 5.
The Role of Business with Regard to Asian Living and Working Conditions

Living and working conditions are becoming increasingly relevant for business and management. Globalisation in the world economy, characterised by the liberalisation of world trade and investment, may create wealth and prosperity for some, but is accompanied by serious social and environmental problems. Capital investment is on a constant worldwide quest for lower labour and living costs; and in Asia, debate has arisen over whether this quest contributes to a decline in social factors.
The Neuropsychology of Emotion: Developmental Patterns and Implications for Psychopathology

The investigative approaches to the study of human emotion have emphasized both cognitive (Lazarus, 1982, 1984) and biological factors (Kelley & Stinus, 1984). Despite the insights produced by these studies, there have been few attempts to integrate the cognitive and biological aspects of emotional function. In most of the influential theories of emotion, physiological correlates of emotional experience are acknowledged to be crucial (James, 1890; Mandler, 1984; Schacter & Singer, 1962), but these formulations have focused on functions of the autonomic nervous system, ignoring higher order control mechanisms in the brain. Biological models of emotion, on the other hand, have concentrated primarily on neurological mechanisms and have failed to translate these processes into a coherent theory of emotional behavior (Panksepp, 1985; Swerdlow & Koob, 1987).
Domestic Banking Fragility and Sovereign Debt Capacity

I propose a unified model of domestic bank runs, sovereign debt issuance and international reserve accumulation. Banking fragility gives rise to endogenous costs of default that support sovereign debt capacity. It additionally brings about a financial stabilization role for international reserves, which allows reserves to complement debt capacity. The model generates realistic levels of debt and reserves in equilibrium, ties the likelihood of domestic banking crises to the government’s debt and reserve policies, and generates endogenous disaster risk in the process.
Chemistry of Ozone in the Upper Troposphere and Lower Stratosphere: Perspectives from Laboratory Studies

A brief summary of the current status of chemistry involved in the production of tropospheric ozone and depletion of stratospheric ozone is presented. The lower stratosphere/upper troposphere region is the primary focus of the discussion. The role of organic nitrates, in particular peroxy acetyl nitrate (PAN), as suppliers of NOx needed for ozone generation is highlighted. The role of heterogeneous chemistry in/on sulfate aerosols and the incorporation of these processes into models in a parameterized form are described. A short summary of studies needed to better quantify Upper tropospheric/lower stratospheric ozone changes is included.
Correlation between Grades Earned and Time in Online Courses

Online education is rapidly becoming a significant method of course delivery in higher education. Consequently instructors are analyzing student performance in an attempt to better scaffold student learning. Learning analytics can provide insight into online students’ course behaviors. Archival data from 167 graduate level education students enrolled in 4 different programs and 9 different online courses was analyzed in an attempt to determine if there was a correlation between their grades and the time spent in specific areas within the course: the total time within the course, the course modules, document repository, and synchronous online sessions. Data was analyzed by total time in course, time in modules, time in document repository, and time in the online synchronous discussions as well as by program. Time spent in each component did not correlate with the specific letter grade, but did correlate with earning an A or not earning an A. The sample was composed of students from four different graduate education programs: Educational Leadership, Reading, Instructional Design, and Special Education. Variations were found between programs, but the differences did not significantly correlate with the grade earned in the course. A logical progression revealed that of all the predictor variables, only time spent in synchronous online sessions showed as a significant predictor of receiving an A in the course. This is important information for instructor when providing scaffolding for students.