cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Translating relay ladder logic for CCM solving

Relay ladder logic (RLL) continues to be offered in more PLC systems than any other modeling language. Solving large RLL models with array scanning or instruction list interpreter techniques is not feasible in many applications where large amounts of inactive logic are necessary to insure quality control and safety. An improved translation algorithm is described for converting RLL models into model data for the clause counter map (CCM) solver, whose scan time depends on the current scan activity, rather than the size of the control logic.
Gate oxide breakdown location effect on power amplifier and mixed-signal circuits

Gate oxide breakdown location effect on the class AB power amplifier and mixed-signal sample-and-hold circuit have been studied. The soft breakdown has minor effect on the performance of power amplifier and sample-hold circuit, while the hard breakdown at the drain side reduces power efficiency of class AB power amplifier and degrades signal to noise ratio of sample-and-hold circuit significantly.
PAR: a PARallel and distributed job crusher

Summary: Bioinformaticians are tackling increasingly computationintensive tasks. In the meantime, workstations are shifting towards multi-core architectures and even massively multi-core may be the norm soon. Bag-of-Tasks (BoT) applications are commonly encountered in bioinformatics. They consist of a large number of independent computation-intensive tasks. This note introduces PAR, a scalable, dynamic, parallel and distributed execution engine for Bag-of-Tasks. PAR is aimed at multi-core architectures and small clusters. Accelerations obtained thanks to PAR on two different applications are shown. Availability: PAR is released under the GNU General Public License version three and can be freely downloaded (http://download. savannah.gnu.org/releases/par/par.tgz). Contact: berenger@riken.jp
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging as a prognostic tool in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy.

Technical advancements have enabled cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging to provide a noninvasive assessment of cardiomyopathy. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging acts as the reference standard...
Formulas Calculating Creatinine Clearance Are Inadequate for Determining Eligibility for Cisplatin-Based Chemotherapy in Bladder Cancer

Purpose Efficacy of formulas calculating creatinine clearance (CrCl) to determine renal function eligibility (CrCl > 60 mL/min) for cisplatin-based chemotherapy has not been examined adequately in the bladder cancer population. We hypothesize these formulas may underestimate measured CrCl, and therefore the eligibility for cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Patients and Methods A database of 208 patients with unresectable or metastatic bladder cancer treated on protocol at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (New York, NY) with cisplatin-based chemotherapy between 1983 and 1994 was examined retrospectively. The association between measured and calculated CrCl and the ability to complete three cycles (minimum therapeutic) of chemotherapy was examined. Results Baseline measured CrCl was less than 60 mL/min in 16% compared with 12% to 44% using various formulas. Concordance between calculated and measured CrCl less than 60 mL/min was poor (range of κ, 0.14 to 0.38). In patients older than age 65, 22% had a mea...
Electromagnetic scattering from dispersive dielectric bodies using the finite difference delay modeling method with augmented equations

A new method based on the FDDM scheme has been proposed to solve the scattering problems for dispersive dielectric bodies. This method uses the trapezoidal rule and the DFT to calculate the inverse z-transform numerically, and can be applied to any Green's function. A stabilization technique using augmented equations is employed to overcome low frequency instabilities.
Orthography Influences the Perception of Speech in Alexic Patients

Interactive models of reading propose that phonological representations directly activate and/or constrain orthographic representations through feedback. These models also predict that spoken words should activate their orthographic forms. The effect of word orthography on auditory lexical access was investigated in two patients with alexia without agraphia. Several theories of alexia suggest that letter-by-letter reading results from impaired access to orthographic representations. Although alexics can often correctly identify orally spelled words and spell to dictation, it is unknown whether they can access the whole orthographic "word-form" as a unit via auditory presentation. The nonobligatory activation of orthography was examined in an auditory lexical decision task, in which the orthographic and phonological similarity between prime and target was manipulated. In controls, the combined effect of phonological and orthographic relatedness (OP) produced greater facilitation than phonological relatedness alone, indicating that orthography can influence auditory lexical decisions. The alexics displayed patterns of facilitation comparable to controls, suggesting they can quickly access whole-word orthographic information via the auditory modality. An alternate account posits that the OP advantage does not require on-line access of orthography, but instead is a developmental by-product of learning to read an orthographically inconsistent language. The results have implications for cognitive theories of alexia and provide support for interactive models of word recognition.
Automobile Parking Requirements at Airports

Automobile parking requirements at airports will continue to increase in size and complexity. Concepts, criteria, and operating methods for airport garages must be different from business-area parking garages. Consideration must be given to automated passenger, baggage, and automobile handling. Although these may be expensive, the rate of traffic growth may require their use.
A Patient With Atypical Multiple Sulfatase Deficiency.

Abstract Background Multiple sulfatase deficiency is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder characterized by the absence of several sulfatases and resulting from mutations in the gene encoding the human C (alpha)-formylglycine-generating enzyme. There have been a variety of biochemical and clinical presentations reported in this disorder. Patient Description We present a 4-year-old girl with clinical findings of microcephaly, spondylolisthesis and neurological regression without ichthyosis, coarse facies, and organomegaly. Results The child's magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated confluent white matter abnormalities involving the periventricular and deep cerebral white matter with the U-fibers relatively spared. Biochemical testing showing low arylsulfatase A levels were initially thought to be consistent with a diagnosis of metachromatic leukodystrophy. The diagnosis of multiple sulfatase deficiency was pursued when genetic testing for metachromatic leukodystrophy was negative. Conclusion This child illustrates the clinical heterogeneity of multiple sulfatase deficiency and that this disorder can occur without the classic clinical features.
Abstract TMP61: The Impact of New Comprehensive Stroke Centers (CSCs) on Ischemic Stroke Treatment Rates

Introduction: We aimed to compare established and new CSCs with respect to treatment rates and safety over time. We also hypothesized that a ceiling effect would be observed prompting consideration of how additional patients could be brought to treatment. Methods: Data were assembled from consecutive ischemic stroke patients admitted to one established (Site 1 with a multisite telemedicine system) and two start-up academic CSCs (Sites 2 and 3 without telemedicine) with vascular neurology fellowship-trained leadership and the launch of 24/7/365 services. All centers met Brain Attack Coalition criteria for CSCs. Patient volume, IV tPA and sICH rates were compared over time. Results: In 2005-2011, 4017 ischemic strokes were admitted to Site 1. After the start of new leadership (2008-2011), Site 2 had 912 admissions and Site 3 had 1499 admissions. After very rapid initial growth (Figure), all three centers continued to increase stroke admission volumes by factors ranging from 1.8 to 3.6. However, IV tPA treatment rates increased at a steadier pace (1.05-1.6), diminishing at times but still ahead of published national average rates. No significant increase in sICH rates occurred (p=0.49, p=0.75). The established center treated more patients within the 3 hr time window (75% vs 61% vs 59%; p≤0.007). Conclusions: The launch of 24/7/365 vascular neurology driven CSCs resulted in rapid and safe increases in IV tPA treatment well above average rates reported nationally. Start-up CSCs will require telemedicine and continuing outreach to more spoke sites to achieve higher and earlier treatment rates. The reported growth in stroke admissions is not paralleled with equally proportionate increase in treatment rates across established and start-up centers suggesting a ceiling effect, and reasons for this effect including proliferation of PSCs with low treatment rates deserve further investigation. ![Graphic][1] [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif
Is managed care education for new nurses adequate

Nursing practices have been affected by managed care at all levels, from nursing administration to direct patient care, causing one to ask if new practicing nurses receive adequate managed care education. A search of the literature published between 1982 and February 2006 was conducted using ProQuest, Article First, ERIC, and PubMed. The literature primarily comprised anecdotal articles; only two qualitative research-based studies were published. The search revealed nurse employers and nurse educators believe that managed care competencies are very important for new practicing nurses, but even with curricula changes, managed care competencies are deficient for new practicing nurses. Further research is recommended to identify the specific managed health care education that would be effective in preparing new practicing nurses for today's health care arena at all levels of nursing.
β-Blockers for the prevention of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (βLOCK COPD): a randomised controlled study protocol.

Introduction A substantial majority of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-related morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs are due to acute exacerbations, but existing medications have only a modest effect on reducing their frequency, even when used in combination. Observational studies suggest β-blockers may reduce the risk of COPD exacerbations; thus, we will conduct a randomised, placebo-controlled trial to definitively assess the impact of metoprolol succinate on the rate of COPD exacerbations. Methods and analyses This is a multicentre, placebo-controlled, double-blind, prospective randomised trial that will enrol 1028 patients with at least moderately severe COPD over a 3-year period. Participants with at least moderate COPD will be randomised in a 1:1 fashion to receive metoprolol or placebo; the cohort will be enriched for patients at high risk for exacerbations. Patients will be screened and then randomised over a 2-week period and will then undergo a dose titration period for the following 6 weeks. Thereafter, patients will be followed for 42 additional weeks on their target dose of metoprolol or placebo followed by a 4-week washout period. The primary end point is time to first occurrence of an acute exacerbation during the treatment period. Secondary end points include rates and severity of COPD exacerbations; rate of major cardiovascular events; all-cause mortality; lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV 1 )); dyspnoea; quality of life; exercise capacity; markers of cardiac stretch (pro-NT brain natriuretic peptide) and systemic inflammation (high-sensitivity C reactive protein and fibrinogen). Analyses will be performed on an intent-to-treat basis. Ethics and dissemination The study protocol has been approved by the Department of Defense Human Protection Research Office and will be approved by the institutional review board of all participating centres. Study findings will be disseminated through presentations at national and international conferences and publications in peer-reviewed journals. Trial registration number NCT02587351; Pre-results.
Periprosthetic femoral bone loss in total hip arthroplasty: systematic analysis of the effect of stem design

IntroductionPeriprosthetic bone loss may lead to major complications in total hip arthroplasty (THA), including loosening, migration, and even fracture. This study analysed the influence of femoral...
Evaluation of rotating slant hole SPECT mammography with respect to planar scintimammography using Monte Carlo simulation methods

The purpose of this study is to evaluate mammoSPECT using a rotating 4-segment slant-hole (R4SSH) collimator compared to planar scintimammography (SM). Four pairs of R4SSH and parallel-hole collimators with the same spatial resolutions of 0.7 cm, 0.9 cm, 1.1 cm and 1.3 cm at 16.5 cm, 16.8 cm, 17.0 cm and 17.1 cm respectively, which are the distances to the centers of the common volume-of-view (CVOV) of the R4SSH collimators, were used. Monte Carlo simulated noise-free and noisy planar SM and R4SSH projection images of the left breast were obtained from the 4-D NCAT phantom. The breast was placed within the CVOV of the R4SSH collimator and 14 cm from the LEHR collimator. A 0.78 cm diameter lesion with a lesion/background activity ratio of 9:1 was placed in the lateral, central and medial region of the breast. The R4SSH projection data were reconstructed using a 3D iterative OSEM method. Image quality was evaluated in terms of lesion contrast and FWHM, background noise level and contrast-to-noisy ratio (CNR). The results indicated that, for each collimator pair, the lesion contrast increases and FWHM of lesion decreases in the R4SSH SPECT images while the noise level increases with iteration number. When compared to the planar SM images obtained with equal acquisition time, the R4SSH SPECT images have higher noise level and poorer spatial resolution but significantly higher lesion contrast especially for the medial lesions. Using appropriate iteration number, R4SSH SPECT images can provide higher CNR for medial and even central lesions, but lower CNR for lateral lesions. We conclude that RMSSH SPECT can potentially provide improved image quality as compared to planar SM
Cyber Security Awareness and Its Impact on Employee’s Behavior

This paper proposes a model that extends the Protection Motivation Theory to validate the relationships among peer behavior, cue to action, and employees’ action experience of cyber security, threat perception, response perception, and employee’s cyber security behavior. The findings of the study suggest that the influence from peer behavior and employees action experience of cyber security is an important factor for improving cyber security behavior in organizations. Peer behavior positively affects cue to action, which positively impacts employees’ action experience. Employees’ action experience then would have positive impacts on their threat perception and response perception. As a result, employees’ threat perception and response perception are positively related to their cyber security behavior. This process is a chain reaction.
Student Interest in Engineering Design-Based Science

Current reform efforts in science education around the world call on teachers to use integrated approaches to teach science. As a part of such reform efforts in the United States, engineering practices and engineering design have been identified in K–12 science education standards. However, there is relatively little is known about effective ways of teaching science through engineering design. The study explores the approaches or strategies used by a sixth grade science teacher to teach science and engineering in an integrative manner. Classroom observations, teacher interview, and student surveys were used to study the features of engineering integration implemented by the teacher and the changes in student interest in science and engineering by participating in an engineering design-based science unit. Findings suggest that the teacher explicitly included practices and core ideas from engineering and science; used an engaging, motivating engineering challenge; and provided students with opportunities to be autonomous. Students engaged in the activities in the engineering unit and their interest level slightly increased. The results suggest that the three strategies that the teacher used to teach engineering and science are important foundations of integrated science and engineering education.
Spinal Intradural Cerebellar Ectopia

This is a condition in which cerebellar tissue is found in the spinal canal intradurally. It is independent from the Chiari I malformation, where the cerebellar tonsils are found in the upper cervical canal and from Chiari II, where the vermis is herniated in the spinal canal.
Growth Induction (the Foker Procedure) and a Flexible Approach for the Repair of Long-Gap Esophageal Atresia

Long-gap esophageal atresia (LG-EA) has posed repair difficulties for surgeons in rough proportion to the gap length. The possibility of repair will also be affected by the size and condition of the patient and the experience of the surgeon, effectively making the gap longer or shorter. As discussed under The Long-Gap Esophageal Atresia Problem (in this chapter), a good working definition of a long gap is whatever distance makes it difficult and risky for the surgeon to try a true primary repair. It is also clear that a gap length declared by some writers to be favorable for a primary repair will not necessarily be satisfactory in other operating rooms. Consequently, a long gap will not be defined here by a given length but will be left as a conclusion to be made by the surgeon. Certainly, the decision to attempt a primary repair in a patient with LG-EA should be carefully made with a good understanding of the operative techniques which will make it possible.
Sir Malcolm Robertson and the British trade mission to South America in 1929

This article evaluates the British government’s attitude to the trade mission to Argentina led by Viscount D’Abernon in 1929 and analyses its impact on Anglo-Argentina commercial relations. It explores notions of informal empire in South America and the dynamics of Anglo-Argentine and US-Argentine relations. At the centre of the analysis is Sir Malcolm Robertson, the British ambassador to Buenos Aires, whose activities were negatively impacted by British prejudice towards the region. This is the first evaluation of the mission since the 1980s and is based on a wider reading of UK archives. It is the first analysis of Robertson’s diplomatic career.
Photosensitive or congenital porphyria with hemolytic anemia. I. Clinical and fundamental studies before and after splenectomy.

1. Porphyrin and hemoglobin metabolism have been studied in a case of photosensitive or congenital porphyria with the aid of glycine containing N15. The case was that of a 4 year old girl who also exhibited splenomegaly and hemolytic anemia. The reticulocytes and fecal urobilinogen were markedly increased and the bone marrow was hyperplastic-normoblastic. The urine contained large amounts of uroporphyrin I and lesser amounts of coproporphyrin I, while the reverse was true in the feces. Splenectomy resulted in disappearance of anemia, together with marked reduction of porphyrin excretion. 2. In two separate periods of study a rapid incorporation of glycine N15 was observed in the hemoglobin protoporphyrin, in both coproporphyrin isomers of the urine and in the type I isomer in the feces; also in the uroporphyrin I of the urine, and in the protoporphyrin and stercobilin of the feces. 3. The N15 data obtained for the urinary and fecal coproporphyrin and the urinary uroporphyrin, clearly reveal a synthesis similar in character to that of the hemoglobin protoporphyrin. The striking decline in formation of copro- and uroporphyrin after splenectomy is believed to be correlated directly with the reduced erythropoiesis incident to removal of the excessive hemolysis. 4. In both experiments the peak concentration of N15 was earlier and greater in the copro- than in the uroporphyrin. This, together with the closely similar slopes of decrease of the N15 curves for the two substances, does not appear to support a transition of uro- to coproporphyrin in the present case. The data are more consistent with the view that coproporphyrin I is a precursor of uroporphyrin I, or that both porphyrins are synthesized independently from common precursors. 5. The amount of coproporphyrin III in the excreta was too small to permit N15 analysis except in one period early in the first experiment; here the value was approximately the same as that of the copro- I for the same period, indicating a closely related synthesis.
A System for Automated Determination of Perioperative Patient Acuity

The widely used American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASA PS) classification is subjective, requires manual clinician review to score, and has limited granularity. Our objective was to develop a system that automatically generates an ASA PS with finer granularity by creating a continuous ASA PS score. Supervised machine learning methods were used to create a model that predicts a patient's ASA PS on a continuous scale using the patient's home medications and comorbidities. Three different types of predictive models were trained: regression models, ordinal models, and classification models. The performance and agreement of each model to anesthesiologists were compared by calculating the mean squared error (MSE), rounded MSE and Cohen's Kappa on a holdout set. To assess model performance on continuous ASA PS, model rankings were compared to two anesthesiologists on a subset of ASA PS 3 case pairs. The random forest regression model achieved the best MSE and rounded MSE. A model consisting of three random forest classifiers (split model) achieved the best Cohen's Kappa. The model's agreement with our anesthesiologists on the ASA PS 3 case pairs yielded fair to moderate Kappa values. The results suggest that the random forest split classification model can predict ASA PS with agreement similar to that of anesthesiologists reported in literature and produce a continuous score in which agreement in accurately judging granularity is fair to moderate.
Proposing a Single, Simpler Test for Cash Equivalency

Under the cash method of accounting, generally taxpayers include income items that are received in the form of cash, checks, and property, in the year in which they are received. Under the cash equivalency doctrine, a promise to pay an amount in the future, even though it is a property right, generally will be included upon receipt only if the promise to pay constitutes a cash equivalent. Whether an obligation is a cash equivalent is generally determined based on common law standards developed by the courts with some assistance from the Service. As a consequence, the current approach to cash equivalency suffers from the lack of a uniform standard. There is also uncertainty in applying the particular tests, given the fact-intensive, imprecise inquiry that is required. In addition, the current standards for cash equivalency may also present liquidity difficulties for taxpayers. To address these problems, this article proposes a single test for determining whether an obligation calling for future payments is a cash equivalent. The proposed test would generally define a cash equivalent as an obligation that is readily tradable in an established securities market. By avoiding the aforementioned problems, the proposed test would promote the simplicity and liquidity policies that underlie the cash method of accounting. The proposed test would also create consistency with the results under the installment method of reporting when a taxpayer receives a deferred-payment obligation on the sale of property. To prevent possible abuses, the article also considers the adoption of certain measures that apply in connection with the installment method.
PET neuroimaging: Plenty of studies still need to be performed☆ Comment on Cumming: "PET Neuroimaging: The White Elephant Packs His Trunk?"

Article history: Accepted 6 August 2013 Available online 15 August 2013 toolkit of methods employed to understand normal human brain functioning. We agree, but believe that Cumming didn't discuss thoroughly enough some crucial reasons to do the difficult and expensive task of using PET in certain normal subject studies. And as such, we feel that it is worth emphasizing that there are significant reasons to continue with brain PET, in spite of the expense and technical difficulties of
Carnegie Mellon’s (Second) CMU-DA System

This was the second of two Carnegie Mellon University pesign Automation (CMU-DA) systems. This CMU-DA system included scheduling, data path synthesis, controller design, module binding, and linking between the algorithmic level and Register Transfer level behavioral representations. See also Carnegie-Mellon’s (First) CMU-DA System and CarnegieMellon’s System Architect’s Workbench — the predecessor and successor to this system. See also AT&T’s Algorithms to Silicon Project — McFarland and Kowalski were later involved with that project.
Extreme Points of Spaces of Univalent Functions

This paper describes the recent venture of functional analysis into an unlikely field: the theory of univalent functions. Our discussion will focus upon the class S of functions $$f(z) = z + {a_2}{z^2} + {a_3}{z^{3 + }} \ldots ,\quad \quad \quad \quad \quad \quad \left| z \right| < 1,$$ analytic and univalent to the unit disk, normalized so that f(0) =0 and f′ (0) = 1. Univalent means that f (z1) ≠ f (z2) if z1 ≠ z2.
Grid-wide area protection settings analysis using protection settings evaluation tool

This study sets out requirements for a tool to automatically evaluate protection relay coordination and assess, track, and visualise protection coordination results for large grid areas. The tool requirements include the selection process for which fault types, fault locations, contingencies, and generation dispatch should be studied, how the relay performance could be assessed, and how the large datasets produced by such analysis could be stored and visualised. Using these requirements, add-on tools were developed for two popular commercial short-circuit analysis programmes and tested and validated using network models from a number of real transmission and distribution grids.
Innovations in Active Shooting Emergency Medical Response and Triage

The high impact and low frequency ‘black swan’ events such as terrorist attacks and active shooters are becoming the new normal. The terrorist events in Kenya (2013), Paris (2015, 2016), Belgium (2016), USA (2015 and 2016), UK (2017) highlight how ‘unexpected events often audit our resilience; everything that was left unprepared becomes a complex problem, and every weakness comes rushing to the forefront’ [20]. The recent mass casualty shooting events in the USA and around the world [6] have certainly highlighted national security issues globally and have had a profound effect on communities. The response to such an event crosses organizational and disciplinary boundaries such as law enforcement, fire/rescue, EMS and medical centers and as such contributes to potential erosion of efficiency and effectiveness in response stemming from matters pertaining to coordination, collaboration and cooperation. With the rise in prevalence of mass shootings, Emergency Medical providers may now find themselves responding to an active shooter event. Traditional triage and victim management techniques leveraged from military experiences are being re-examined. As noted by Smith et al. [14], ‘A recent analysis of mass shooting events noted a wounding pattern different from military experience with very few cases of life-threatening extremity hemorrhage; therefore, extrication and transfer to definitive care needs to be a priority in addition to any in-place care provided’. As noted in van Rein et al. [19] ‘prehospital trauma triage is essential in providing appropriate care for patients at risk from severe injury to improve their chance of survival’. This chapter will discuss the requirements for a more ‘tactically oriented’ medical response in an active shooter incident, and presents novel triage and scene management techniques to facilitate a more rapid and effective response to maximize victim survivability.
Preoperative chemoradiation followed by hysterectomy for cervical cancer: patterns of care and survival in a large, hospital database.

Objective Adjuvant hysterectomy following chemoradiation (CRT) is a treatment option used worldwide for early-stage cervical cancer but the benefit of hysterectomy in this setting is unclear. An analysis of the National Cancer Database (NCDB) was performed to identify patterns of care and determine the survival impact of adjuvant hysterectomy. Methods The NCDB was queried for patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IB2 to IIA2 cervical cancer diagnosed from 2010-2014 who underwent preoperative concurrent chemoradiation followed by hysterectomy (CRT+S) or definitive CRT. Overall survival (OS) curves were generated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared via the log-rank test. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression and Cox regression were used to determine covariables associated with utilization and OS. Results There were 1,546 patients who met the study criteria, of which 1,407 (91.0%) received concurrent CRT alone and 139 (9.0%) received CRT+S. Four-year OS for the CRT+S group was 82.2% and 74.9% for the CRT group (p=0.036). On subgroup analysis by lymph node status, the 4-year OS for patients without positive pelvic or para-aortic lymph nodes was 84.9% in the CRT+S group vs. 77.8% in the CRT group (p=0.072). On multivariable Cox regression, there was no difference in survival based on treatment group (hazard ratio=0.63; 95% confidence interval=0.06-1.04; p=0.069). Conclusion We found from this hospital database that completion hysterectomy is used infrequently and did not result in a significant survival difference when accounting for other factors.
Open image in new windowThe Life Cycle

The life cycle is the standardized, cyclic sequence of physiological, genetic, and morphological events that mark the passage of one generation to the next.
Management of Hypocalcemia

Hypocalcemia is a common finding in the surgical patient population. It may be associated with, or even caused by, other electrolyte abnormalities. Although acute management typically involves calcium replacement therapy, a systematic approach is vital to ensure the inciting etiology is identified and addressed.
Full Dissolution of the Whole Lithium Sulfide Family (Li 2 S 8 to Li 2 S) in a Safe Eutectic Solvent for Rechargeable Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

The lithium-sulfur battery is an attractive option for next-generation energy storage owing to its much higher theoretical energy density than state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries. However, the massive volume changes of the sulfur cathode and the uncontrollable deposition of Li2 S2 /Li2 S significantly deteriorate cycling life and increase voltage polarization. To address these challenges, we develop an ϵ-caprolactam/acetamide based eutectic-solvent electrolyte, which can dissolve all lithium polysulfides and lithium sulfide (Li2 S8 -Li2 S). With this new electrolyte, high specific capacity (1360 mAh g-1 ) and reasonable cycling stability are achieved. Moreover, in contrast to conventional ether electrolyte with a low flash point (ca. 2 °C), such low-cost eutectic-solvent-based electrolyte is difficult to ignite, and thus can dramatically enhance battery safety. This research provides a new approach to improving lithium-sulfur batteries in aspects of both safety and performance.
Dark sector equilibration during nucleosynthesis

Light, weakly coupled dark sectors may be naturally decoupled in the early Universe and enter equilibrium with the Standard Model bath during the epoch of primordial nucleosynthesis. The equilibration and eventual decoupling of dark sector states modifies the expansion rate of the Universe, which alters the predicted abundances of the light elements. This effect can be encompassed in a time-varying contribution to ${N}_{\mathrm{eff}}$, the effective number of neutrino species, such that ${N}_{\mathrm{eff}}$ during nucleosynthesis differs from its measured value at the time of recombination. We investigate the impact of such variations on the light element abundances with model-independent templates for the time dependence of ${N}_{\mathrm{eff}}$ as well as in specific models where a dark sector equilibrates with neutrinos or photons. We find that significant modifications of the expansion rate are consistent with the measured abundances of light nuclei, provided that they occur during specific periods of nucleosynthesis. In constraining concrete models, the relative importance of the cosmic microwave background and primordial nucleosynthesis is highly model dependent.
“I Don’t Do Sketches from Memory”: Bob Dylan and Autobiography

Emily O. Wittman and Paul R. Wright’s chapter negotiates the fact that “when we theorize Dylan’s relationship to autobiography—whether in his songs, in his interviews, or in his ostensibly real memoir, Chronicles (2004)—we must turn away from traditional categories.” Noting the frustrations in tracking “a linear narrative about Dylan’s past and revelations of soul-searching and private moments,” Wittman and Wright contend that it is in “alternative forms of life-writing”—such as songs/lyrics—that pieces of Dylan’s life can best be located. Via an analysis of Dylan’s various “autobiographical” works, Wittman and Wright conclude that even while working explicitly with autobiography as a genre (in Chronicles), Dylan turns “the logic of the Bildungsroman on its head” and establishes “The autobiography as song fragment. The life as lyric.”
Weak Linkage between HIV Epidemics in Homosexual Men and Intravenous Drug Users in New York City

The largest number of AIDS cases in the United States have occurred in homosexual men and intravenous drug users (IVDUs). The transmission mechanisms for HIV in these groups are needle-sharing between IVDUs and homosexual intercourse. Since homosexual men who are also IVDUs have both possible transmission mechanisms and interact with both homosexual men and IVDUs, they could be an important transmission link between these two groups. It is conceivable that a primary HIV epidemic in one of these groups could sustain a secondary HIV epidemic in the other group through the linkage provided by the homosexual IVDUs. The goal of this chapter is to evaluate the relative importance of HIV transmissions by homosexual IVDUs and to decide if they form an essential linkage between the HIV epidemics in homosexual men and IVDUs.
Myeloma Patient-Derived Bone Marrow Serum Negatively Regulates Natural Killer Cell Activity

Introduction Highly activated expanded NK cells (ENKs) can be generated in large numbers from the PBMCs of healthy donors or myeloma patients by coculture with K562 transfectants (cells expressing membrane-bound interleukin (IL)15 and 4-1BBL). These ENKs expand, persist, and retain their cytolytic ability further in vivo post adoptive transfer (Garg et al. 2012, Szmania et al. 2015). We have previously treated high-risk multiple myeloma (MM) patients in frank relapse with ENKs. These cells expanded in the patients after adoptive transfer, but rapidly lost their activation state. We hypothesized that the ENKs were adversely affected in the myeloma micro-environment, which contains a wide range of immunosuppressive soluble factors, such as shed NK ligands, cytokines and myeloma-derived exosomes. We therefore studied the effect of patient-derived bone marrow serum on activating ENK cell surface repertoire, immune synapse formation and cytolytic ability. Methods ENKs were generated from healthy donors (n=7) and incubated either with myeloma patients9 pooled serum (PT-P), fetal bovine serum (FBS) or normal human AB serum (AB). Subsequently, the ENKs were evaluated for their viability, immune synapse (IS) formation and cytolytic ability. Immunophenotypic expression of these cells was assessed by flow cytometry to evaluate the receptors/markers for activation (NKp46, NKp30, NKp44, NKG2D), costimulation (2B4, NTB-A, NKp80, DNAM-1, CD26, CD69), adhesion (LFA-1, CD54) as well as molecules related to cytotoxicity (perforin, granzyme B, TRAIL). Global gene expression profile (GEP) of ENKs (n=7 pairs) was performed using U133 Plus 2.0 microarrays. Results ENKs exposed to PT-P exhibited a significant drop in the viability compare to FBS or AB in a time- and dose-dependent manner in MTT assays (range 34%-53.8% reduction, p 1.6 to 3.6 fold compare to PT-P treated ENKs in myeloma cells (OPM2, JJN3 and U266). Microarray analysis revealed that ENK cells incubated with PT-P led to the expression of a unique set of 38 probes compare to AB+FBS (35 up and 3 down with FDR Conclusion Myeloma bone marrow serum derived soluble factors are immunosuppressive and induce apoptosis in ENKs. In surviving ENKs, there is adverse modulation of the cell surface receptor repertoire, and impaired immune synapse formation resulting in significantly reduced anti-myeloma cytolytic ability. Further characterization of patient serum by proteomics followed by functional analysis is in progress to pinpoint the individual immunosuppressive factors. Disclosures Davies:Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Abbvie: Consultancy, Honoraria; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria. Morgan:Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria.
A Staged Approach for Facilitating Joint End User, Vendor, and Multi-Disciplinary Subject Matter Expert Input to Health Information Technology Recommendations:

Design of health information technology (HIT) that improves patient outcomes is an ongoing process. We propose a methodology that takes a human factors engineering approach to develop systems-engin...
Primary pleural epithelioid sarcoma of the proximal type: A diagnostic and therapeutic challenge

Epithelioid sarcoma (ES) is an uncommon soft tissue neoplasm first described in 1970. It is a unique soft tissue neoplasm of adolescents and younger adults which usually presents as a subcutaneous and deep dermal mass in the distal portions of the extremities. The proximal-type variant of this rare soft tissue neoplasm was only recently reported. The proximal form typically arise in proximal extremities and in the deep parts of pelvis, perineum and genital tract. The proximal type variant has distinct histological characteristics and aggressive clinical course as compared to the distal ES. Inactivation of INI1 has been reported in both distal and proximal variants and can help to make the diagnosis. Furthermore, the proximal variant has a possible association with malignant rhabdoid neoplasm. We describe here a case of primary pleural ES of the proximal type and highlight its diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
Waste, Worry, and the Seven Sins of Medicine

Waste, Worry, and the Seven Sins of Medicine “Stupidity” and “mental laziness” are two of the seven sins of medicine enumerated by Richard Asher decades ago. In his time, these and other transgress...
High-throughput screening of clinically approved drugs that prime nonviral gene delivery to human Mesenchymal stem cells.

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are intensely researched for applications in cell therapeutics due to their unique properties, however, intrinsic therapeutic properties of hMSCs could be enhanced by genetic modification. Viral transduction is efficient, but suffers from safety issues. Conversely, nonviral gene delivery, while safer compared to viral, suffers from inefficiency and cytotoxicity, especially in hMSCs. To address the shortcomings of nonviral gene delivery to hMSCs, our lab has previously demonstrated that pharmacological ‘priming’ of hMSCs with the glucocorticoid dexamethasone can significantly increase transfection in hMSCs by modulating transfection-induced cytotoxicity. This work seeks to establish a library of transfection priming compounds for hMSCs by screening 707 FDA-approved drugs, belonging to diverse drug classes, from the NIH Clinical Collection at four concentrations for their ability to modulate nonviral gene delivery to adipose-derived hMSCs from two human donors. Microscope images of cells transfected with a fluorescent transgene were analyzed in order to identify compounds that significantly affected hMSC transfection without significant toxicity. Compound classes that increased transfection across both donors included glucocorticoids, antibiotics, and antihypertensives. Notably, clobetasol propionate, a glucocorticoid, increased transgene production 18-fold over unprimed transfection. Furthermore, compound classes that decreased transfection across both donors included flavonoids, antibiotics, and antihypertensives, with the flavonoid epigallocatechin gallate decreasing transgene production − 41-fold compared to unprimed transfection. Our screen of the NCC is the first high-throughput and drug-repurposing approach to identify nonviral gene delivery priming compounds in two donors of hMSCs. Priming compounds and classes identified in this screen suggest that modulation of proliferation, mitochondrial function, and apoptosis is vital for enhancing nonviral gene delivery to hMSCs.
Biomechanical comparison of anterior cruciate ligament repair with internal brace augmentation versus anterior cruciate ligament repair without augmentation

Abstract Background Newer repair techniques of anterior cruciate ligament tears, including augmentation with internal brace, have shown promising clinical results. Few biomechanical studies exist comparing anterior cruciate ligament repair only versus repair with internal brace. The purpose of this study was to compare the load to failure and stiffness of anterior cruciate ligament repair with internal brace augmentation versus repair-only. Methods Proximal femoral avulsion type anterior cruciate ligament injuries were created in 20 cadaver knees. Anterior cruciate ligament repair-only or repair with internal brace was performed using arthroscopic tools. Load to failure and failure modes were collected, with calculations of stiffness and energy to failure performed. Findings The average load to failure for the internal brace group was higher than the repair-only group: 693 N (SD 248) versus 279 N (SD 91), P = .002. The stiffness and energy to failure values were higher for the internal brace group than the repair-only group: 83 N/mm versus 58 N/mm, P = .02 and 16.88 J (SD 12.44) versus 6.91 J (SD 2.49), P = .04, respectively. Failure modes differed between groups (P = .00097) with 80% failure in the repair-only due to suture pull through the anterior cruciate ligament and 90% failure in the internal brace group due to suture button pull through the femur. Interpretation There was higher load to failure, stiffness, and energy to failure for the internal brace group compared to the repair-only group, and a high positive correlation between bone density and load to failure for the internal brace group. Clinical significance Anterior cruciate ligament repair with internal brace augmentation demonstrates significantly higher load to failure. It may be a useful adjunct to protect the anterior cruciate ligament repair from failure during the early stages of healing.
Tutorial: Open-Source EDA and Machine Learning for IC Design: A Live Update

Open-source EDA is rapidly enabling new waves of innovation on many fronts. For academic researchers, it speeds up the lifecycle of scientific progress and makes research results relevant to modern industry practice. For EDA professionals and the industry ecosystem, open-source EDA is a complement and booster to commercial EDA. For the IC design community, recent releases under permissive licenses make it possible for design engineers as well as hobbyists to take ideas to manufacturing-ready layout at essentially zero cost.This full-day tutorial will review the very latest progress in open-source EDA, focusing on the digital RTL-to-GDS flow. In particular, the tutorial will make a deep dive into The OpenROAD Project https://theopenroadproject.org/, which brings new open-source tools and machine learning into a “no human in the loop” RTL-to-GDS flow. OpenROAD’s key components will be reviewed, along with how the overall system is architected. Here, we will provide live / hands-on demos on using the OpenROAD flow and integrating it into existing design flows. We will then turn to industry-compatible open-source infrastructure, and then demonstrate how OpenROAD’s continuous integration (CI) system works in order to welcome new contributions and give a low-overhead start for design tool and methodology innovation. Importantly, open-source EDA and the goal of “self-driving”, no-humans IC design puts a spotlight on machine learning that reduces design effort and schedule. We will show examples of important machine learning use cases and proof points in the RTL-to-GDS flow, along with demos of an open-source, freely portable integrated metrics collection system.The target audience of this tutorial includes EDA researchers and developers, graduate students and professors, and IC design methodologists, physical design engineers, and managers. Whether you are a veteran in EDA / IC design or just starting a career, the tutorial will give a new perspective and a roadmap to use and contribute to open-source EDA.
Approach to Acute Kidney Injury

Acute kidney injury is common in inpatient and outpatient settings, and there is a wide differential diagnosis for the underlying etiology. This teaching script outlines a systematic approach to evaluate common causes and workup for acute kidney injury.
Declines over the last two decades of five intertidal invertebrate species in the western North Atlantic

Climate change has already altered the environmental conditions of the world's oceans. Here we report declines in gastropod abundances and recruitment of mussels (Mytilus edulis) and barnacles (Semibalanus balanoides) over the last two decades that are correlated with changes in temperature and ocean conditions. Mussel recruitment is declining by 15.7% per year, barnacle recruitment by 5.0% per year, and abundances of three common gastropods are declining by an average of 3.1% per year (Testudinalia testudinalis, Littorina littorea, and Nucella lapillus). The declines in mussels and the common periwinkle (L. littorea) are correlated with warming sea temperatures and the declines in T. testudinalis and N. lapillus are correlated with aragonite saturation state, which affects rates of shell calcification. These species are common on shores throughout the North Atlantic and their loss is likely to lead to simplification of an important food web on rocky shores.