cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the warmup of Li-ion cells from sub-zero temperatures

Lithium (Li) ion cells suffer from significant performance degradation at sub-zero temperatures. This paper presents a Predictive Control based technique that exploits the increased internal resistance of Li-ion cells to improve the power capability of Li-ion cells operating at sub-zero temperatures. The current is shaped as bi-directional pulses to minimize total energy discharge and adverse side reactions. The magnitude of current is determined by solving an optimization problem that penalizes energy loss. The penalty in energy loss is found to be influence the size external storage elements. When compared with the case when no penalty is imposed, gains of up to 20% are noted through simulations.
SU-FF-T-51: Robotically-Assisted Minimally Invasive Brachytherapy: Dosimetric Aspects

Purpose: To investigate the dosimetric aspects of robotically‐assisted minimally invasive brachytherapy.Materials and Methods: Using the Intuitive Surgical DaVinci S System, the following were inserted into a porcine abdominopelvic cavity through a 12 mm auxiliary port and sutured directly to the pelvic sidewall: three 6‐French catheters; the Xoft Axxent delivery system; a prototype minimally invasive applicator (MIA). Plans were generated in Nucletron's treatment planning software for an Ir‐192 source and the Xoft 50 kV source. The ability of the prototype MIA to reproducibly position catheters was tested using filmdosimetry. Other applicators were designed to allow an en face application of the source, and various catheter arrangements were investigated. For the en face application, the sensitivity of the delivered dose to random deviations from normal incidence of the catheters (⩽ 5 degrees) and regular catheter spacing were tested. Results: All three trials for introducing the catheters were performed with ease by the surgeon. After the apparatus was sutured into place, it maintained a fixed geometry. The dosimetric measurements using GafChromic EBT film showed a uniform distribution of dose. The treatment plan for the en‐face arrangement using the Xoft source with 16 catheters at random angles showed a deviation from the planned dose of ⩽ 0.39%. Conclusions: The feasibility of performing robotically‐assisted minimally invasive brachytherapy was demonstrated for techniques utilizing both parallel and en face geometries. A customized applicator was designed to deliver a uniform dose to the target. The reproducibility of the device was confirmed with filmdosimetry. For the geometries tested, the en face application was found to be insensitive to random deviations of the catheters of up to 5 degrees from normal incidence. These techniques may be used for minimally invasive intra‐operative or post‐operative brachytherapy procedures using real‐time or atlas‐based planning.
Pernicious Anemia Revisited

Objective We discuss the pathophysiologic mechanisms, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of pernicious anemia (PA). Design A review of the clinical applications of the diagnostic and therapeutic progress of PA is presented. Material and Methods A patient with PA may have a wide range of initial complaints that affect various organ systems or may be entirely asymptomatic. Hematologic variables may be normal in patients with cobalamin (Cbl) deficiency. Because of the difficulties in diagnosing Cbl deficiency, alternatives to measuring Cbl have been sought. Determining the urinary methylmalonic acid level is a less invasive, more practical, and, possibly, more sensitive method. The Schilling test is performed for assessment of the absorption of orally ingested radiolabeled crystalline cyano-Cbl; results should be interpreted cautiously. Results Vitamin B12 therapy should be lifelong. It is customarily administered intramuscularly. Other routes of administration have been studied. Conclusion PA is one of the most treatable hematologic disorders.
Role of the α2-Integrin in Osteoblast-specific Gene Expression and Activation of the Osf2 Transcription Factor

Extracellular matrix molecules such as type I collagen are required for the adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation of a number of cell types including osteoblasts. Matrix components often affect cell function by interacting with members of the integrin family of cell surface receptors. Previous work showed that collagen matrix synthesis, induced by addition of ascorbic acid to cells, precedes and is essential for the expression of osteoblast markers and induction of the osteocalcin promoter in murine MC3T3-E1 cells. This later response requires OSE2, the promoter element recognized by Osf2 (also called Cbfa1/AML3/PEBP2alphaA), a recently identified osteoblast-specific transcription factor. Osteoblasts express several integrins including alpha2beta1 which is a major receptor for type I collagen. This paper examines the role of the alpha2-integrin subunit in osteocalcin promoter activation and osteoblast differentiation. Disruption of alpha2-integrin-ECM interactions with a blocking antibody or DGEA peptide containing the cell-binding domain of type I collagen blocked activation of the mouse osteocalcin gene 2 promoter by ascorbic acid as well as induction of endogenous osteocalcin mRNA and mineralization. Furthermore, anti-alpha2-integrin blocking antibody or peptide reduced ascorbic acid-dependent binding of Osf2 to OSE2 without affecting levels of transcription factor mRNA. Time course studies revealed that ascorbic acid-dependent binding of Osf2 to OSE2 preceded increases in osteocalcin and bone sialoprotein expression and this increase in Osf2 binding was not accompanied by comparable changes in levels of transcription factor mRNA or protein. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that an alpha2-integrin-collagen interaction is required for activation of Osf2 and induction of osteoblast-specific gene expression. Furthermore, matrix signals may regulate Osf2 through a post-translational pathway or via an accessory factor.
Role of the σ resonance in determining the convergence of chiral perturbation theory

The dimensionless parameter {xi}=M{sub {pi}}{sup 2}/(16{pi}{sup 2}F{sub {pi}}{sup 2}), where F{sub {pi}} is the pion decay constant and M{sub {pi}} is the pion mass, is expected to control the convergence of chiral perturbation theory applicable to QCD. Here we demonstrate that a strongly coupled lattice gauge theory model with the same symmetries as two-flavor QCD but with a much lighter {sigma}-resonance is different. We first confirm that the leading low-energy constants appearing in the chiral Lagrangian are the same when calculated from the p-regime and the {epsilon}-regime as expected. However, {xi} 0.0035 the data begin to deviate dramatically from 1-loop chiral perturbation theory predictions. We argue that this qualitative change is due to the presence of a light {sigma}-resonance in our model. Our findings may be useful for lattice QCD studies.
A Legendre expansion and some exact solutions basic to the McCormack model for binary gas mixtures

A Legendre expansion of the scattering kernel, a conservation condition and some exact solutions are reported for the McCormack kinetic model that is used to describe a binary mixture of rarefied gases.
Stratification of Highest-Risk Patients with Chronic Skin Ulcers in a Stanford Retrospective Cohort Includes Diabetes, Need for Systemic Antibiotics, and Albumin Levels

Chronic nonsurgical skin wounds such as venous stasis and diabetic ulcers have been associated with a number of comorbid conditions; however, the strength of these associations has not been compared. We utilized the Stanford Translational Research Integrated Database Environment (STRIDE) system to identify a cohort of 637 patients with chronic skin ulcers. Preliminary analysis () showed that 49.7% of the patients had a poor prognosis such as amputation or a nonhealing ulcer for at least a year. Factors significantly associated () with these outcomes included diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, and need for systemic antibiotics. Patients with poor outcomes also tended to have lower hemoglobin levels (), higher WBC levels (), and lower albumin levels (). On multivariate analysis, however, only diabetes mellitus (OR 5.87, 1.36–25.3), need for systemic antibiotics (OR 3.88, 1.06–14.2), and albumin levels (0.20 per unit, 0.07–0.60) remained significant independent predictors of poor wound-healing outcomes. These data identify patients at the highest risk for poor wound-healing and who may benefit the most from more aggressive wound care and treatment.
Architecture and adhesive activity of the Haemophilus influenzae Hsf adhesin

Haemophilus influenzae type b is an important cause of meningitis and other serious invasive diseases and initiates infection by colonizing the upper respiratory tract. Among the major adhesins in H. influenzae type b is a nonpilus protein called Hsf, a large protein that forms fiber-like structures on the bacterial surface and shares significant sequence similarity with the nontypeable H. influenzae Hia autotransporter. In the present study, we characterized the structure and adhesive activity of Hsf. Analysis of the predicted amino acid sequence of Hsf revealed three regions with high-level homology to the HiaBD1 and HiaBD2 binding domains in Hia. Based on examination of glutathione S-transferase fusion proteins corresponding to these regions, two of the three had adhesive activity and one was nonadhesive in assays with cultured epithelial cells. Structural modeling demonstrated that only the two regions with adhesive activity harbored an acidic binding pocket like the binding pocket identified in the crystal structure of HiaBD1. Consistent with these results, disruption of the acidic binding pockets in the adhesive regions eliminated adhesive activity. These studies advance our understanding of the architecture of Hsf and the family of trimeric autotransporters and provide insight into the structural determinants of H. influenzae type b adherence.
Temporal resolution of hearing probed by bandwidth restriction

This work investigates the temporal resolution of human hearing through its discrimination of the time constant of low-pass filtering applied to a periodic signal. While restricting the bandwidth affects both the amplitude spectrum and temporal definition of the signal, the direct amplitude changes in this experiment fall below their just noticeable differences. The discrimination therefore seems to be sensitive to phase in addition to spectral amplitude differences. An upperbound of T ≈ 5 μs was obtained for the threshold time constant, showing that human temporal resolution extends down to time scales shorter than found in the past.
Endoscopic ultrasound in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

Introduction: Cross sectional imaging is important for initial evaluation of pancreatic cancer, whereas endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) will often help better visualize, differentiate and make final tissue diagnosis. It plays an important role in the multi-disciplinary evaluation and staging of pancreatic cancer as accurate staging has significant impact on treatment decisions. Areas covered: This review will cover the yield and utility of EUS and EUS FNA for diagnosis of pancreas cancer. In addition, this article reviews the utility and diagnostic yield of the non-invasive imaging modalities, including surface ultrasound, CT scan, PET CT scan and MRI. Tumor size, histology and disease processes that mimic pancreatic cancers will also be reviewed. Expert opinion: The accurate diagnosis and staging of pancreatic neoplasms is essential for optimal patient management. Abdominal imaging with multidetector CT or MRI is the most important initial step in the evaluation of pancreatic cancer because they are widely a...
Theoretical limitations of molecular phylogenetics and the evolution of relaxins

Abstract A theory lives by the quality of its predictions. In this paper the philosophical basis and the predictions emanating from the “new synthesis” are held against the information obtained from comparative studies of homologous proteins from different species and from synthetic insulin and relaxin derivatives. The results are compared with propositions and predictions based on the genetic potential hypothesis of evolution which relegates the origin of species to the eon of primordial chemistry.
Coronary endothelial function and vascular smooth muscle proliferation are programmed by early-gestation dexamethasone exposure in sheep

Exposure of the early-gestation ovine fetus to exogenous glucocorticoids induces changes in postnatal cardiovascular physiology. We sought to characterize coronary artery vascular function in this ...
Reflections on the face of Japan: A multivariate craniofacial and odontometric perspective

Craniofacial variables for modern and prehistoric Japanese were subjected to multivariate analysis to test the relationships of the people of Japan with mainland Asian and Oceanic samples. The modern Japanese are tied to Koreans, Chinese, Southeast Asians, and the Yayoi rice agriculturalists who entered Japan in 300 B.C. Together they make up a Mainland-Asia cluster of related populations. The prehistoric J6mon foragers, the original inhabit- ants of the Japanese archipelago, are the direct ancestors of the modern Ainu, who made a recognizable contribution to the warrior class-the Samurai-of feudal Japan. Together, they are associated with Polynesians and Micronesians in a Jomon-Pacific cluster of related populations. Jomon-to-Ainu tooth size reduction proceeded at the same rate as that observable in the post-Pleistocene elsewhere in the Old World.
Graph-Based Domain Mapping for Transfer Learning in General Games

A general game player is an agent capable of taking as input a description of a game's rules in a formal language and proceeding to play without any subsequent human input. To do well, an agent should learn from experience with past games and transfer the learned knowledge to new problems. We introduce a graph-based method for identifying previously encountered games and prove its robustness formally. We then describe how the same basic approach can be used to identify similar but non-identical games. We apply this technique to automate domain mapping for value function transfer and speed up reinforcement learning on variants of previously played games. Our approach is fully implemented with empirical results in the general game playing system.
Dyskerin Is a Component of the Arabidopsis Telomerase RNP Required for Telomere Maintenance

Dyskerin binds the H/ACA box of human telomerase RNA and is a core telomerase subunit required for RNP biogenesis and enzyme function in vivo. Missense mutations in dyskerin result in dyskeratosis congenita, a complex syndrome characterized by bone marrow failure, telomerase enzyme deficiency, and progressive telomere shortening. Here we demonstrate that dyskerin also contributes to telomere maintenance in Arabidopsis thaliana. We report that both AtNAP57, the Arabidopsis dyskerin homolog, and AtTERT, the telomerase catalytic subunit, accumulate in the plant nucleolus, and AtNAP57 associates with active telomerase RNP particles in an RNA-dependent manner. Furthermore, AtNAP57 interacts in vitro with AtPOT1a, a novel component of Arabidopsis telomerase. Although a null mutation in AtNAP57 is lethal, AtNAP57, like AtTERT, is not haploinsufficient for telomere maintenance in Arabidopsis. However, introduction of an AtNAP57 allele containing a T66A mutation decreased telomerase activity in vitro, disrupted telomere length regulation on individual chromosome ends in vivo, and established a new, shorter telomere length set point. These results imply that T66A NAP57 behaves as a dominant-negative inhibitor of telomerase. We conclude that dyskerin is a conserved component of the telomerase RNP complex in higher eukaryotes that is required for maximal enzyme activity in vivo.
Deterrence and Digital Piracy

Digital piracy has been shown to be an emerging societal problem. However, research has demonstrated limited techniques that effectively combat digital piracy. The purpose of the present study is to examine the utility of computer viruses in deterring digital piracy. The findings from responses to a survey of college students revealed that fear of computer viruses may influence respondents' intentions to engage in digital piracy. The policy implications of this finding are discussed.
A COMPARATIVE TEST OF ADAPTIVE HYPOTHESES FOR SEXUAL SIZE DIMORPHISM IN LIZARDS

It is commonly argued that sexual size dimorphism (SSD) in lizards has evolved in response to two primary, nonexclusive processes: (1) sexual selection for large male size, which confers an advantage in intrasexual mate competition (intrasexual selection hypothesis), and (2) natural selection for large female size, which confers a fecundity advantage (fecundity advantage hypothesis). However, outside of several well-studied lizard genera, the empirical support for these hypotheses has not been examined with appropriate phylogenetic control. We conducted a comparative phylogenetic analysis to test these hypotheses using literature data from 497 lizard populations representing 302 species and 18 families. As predicted by the intrasexual selection hypothesis, male aggression and territoriality are correlated with SSD, but evolutionary shifts in these categorical variables each explain less than 2% of the inferred evolutionary change in SSD. We found stronger correlations between SSD and continuous estimates of intrasexual selection such as male to female home range ratio and female home range size. These results are consistent with the criticism that categorical variables may obscure much of the actual variation in intrasexual selection intensity needed to explain patterns in SSD. In accordance with the fecundity advantage hypothesis, SSD is correlated with clutch size, reproductive frequency, and reproductive mode (but not fecundity slope, reduced major axis estimator of fecundity slope, length of reproductive season, or latitude). However, evolutionary shifts in clutch size explain less than 8% of the associated change in SSD, which also varies significantly in the absence of evolutionary shifts in reproductive frequency and mode. A multiple regression model retained territoriality and clutch size as significant predictors of SSD, but only 16% of the variation in SSD is explained using these variables. Intrasexual selection for large male size and fecundity selection for large female size have undoubtedly helped to shape patterns of SSD across lizards, but the comparative data at present provide only weak support for these hypotheses as general explanations for SSD in this group. Future work would benefit from the consideration of alternatives to these traditional evolutionary hypotheses, and the elucidation of proximate mechanisms influencing growth and SSD within populations.
Low complexity equalizers for US Digital Cellular System

Three low-complexity equalizer algorithms which meet all the US digital cellular (USDC) system performance specifications (IS-54) with a margin are presented. For the proposed equalizers, the BER performance results, under IS-54 stipulated multipath and fading conditions, including the effect of AWGN and cochannel interference, are provided. The effect of sample timing estimation, frequency offsets corrections, and practical IF filter distortion are included in the simulations. The results show that mobile radio equalizers, of fairly low complexity ( >
Clinical Outcomes After Chronic Distal Biceps Reconstruction With Allografts

Background:Chronic ruptures of the distal biceps are often complicated by tendon retraction and fibrosis, precluding primary repair. Reconstruction with allograft augmentation has been proposed as an alternative for cases not amenable to primary repair.Purpose:To investigate the clinical outcomes of late distal biceps reconstruction using allograft tissue.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:A total of 20 patients who underwent distal biceps reconstruction with allograft tissue between May 2007 and May 2012 were identified. Charts were retrospectively reviewed for postoperative complications, gross flexion and supination strength, and range of motion. Subjective functional outcomes were assessed prospectively with the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire.Results:Eighteen patients with adequate follow-up were included in the study. All had undergone late distal biceps reconstruction with allografts (Achilles [n = 15], semi...
Ryodoraku Therapy for Migraine Headache

The authors discuss Ryodoraku electric acupuncture therapy in detail in Part I. The results of the treatment of migraine headache (20 cases) by Ryodoraku therapy were investigated in part II. In present study of 15 out of 20 patients achieved good to excellent responses to this type of therapy.
Detecting a Higgs pseudoscalar with a Z boson produced in bottom quark fusion

Abstract We investigate the prospects of detecting a Higgs pseudoscalar ( A 0 ) in association with a Z gauge boson produced from bottom quark fusion ( b b ¯ → Z A 0 ) at the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC). A general two Higgs doublet model and the minimal supersymmetric standard model are adopted to study the discovery potential of p p → Z A 0 → l l ¯ b b ¯ + X , l = e or μ , via b b ¯ → Z A 0 with physics backgrounds and realistic cuts. Promising results are found for m A ≲ 400 GeV in a general two Higgs doublet model when the heavier Higgs scalar ( H 0 ) can decay into a Z boson and a Higgs pseudoscalar ( H 0 → Z A 0 ). We compare the production rates from bottom quark fusion ( b b ¯ → Z A 0 ) and gluon fusion ( g g → Z A 0 ), and find that they are complementary processes to produce Z A 0 in hadron collisions. While gluon fusion is the major source for producing a Higgs pseudoscalar associated with a Z boson at the LHC for tan β ≲ 10 , bottom quark fusion can make dominant contributions for tan β ≳ 10 .
What's a Teacher to Do? Navigating the Worksheet Curriculum

Most published reading programs include teacher's manuals, lessons, workbooks, and other materials that accompany literature anthologies. If teachers were to use all of these materials, the time left for reading actual texts and engaging children in writing and discussion would be seriously compromised. The article suggests that strong lessons help children develop phonemic awareness and phonics skills, fluency, vocabulary knowledge, and text comprehension strategies. It provides guiding questions that will help teachers determine whether a worksheet lesson develops a reading goal effectively and efficiently, and whether to use a worksheet for modeling a strategy, guided practice, or as a pre- or posttest. The article illustrates the use of the questions by analyzing two worksheet lessons. The author suggests that teachers use the questions to decide which worksheets are truly valuable for their students. Teachers are encouraged to view this type of decision making as their professional responsibility.
Imaging neural spiking in brain tissue using FRET-opsin protein voltage sensors.

Genetically encoded optical voltage sensors measure the electrical activity of various tissues with limited effectiveness, due to the sensors’ suboptimal performance metrics. Gong et al. create a sensor with increased brightness, fast kinetics and improved dynamic ranges when compared with previous sensors.
Work readiness tools for young adults with chronic conditions.

BACKGROUND Young adults with chronic health conditions can experience barriers to work performance, ability, and their present and future worker roles. OBJECTIVE Work readiness resources can expand individuals' work skills, abilities, and interests. METHODS Five work readiness tools are presented (1) building an occupational profile, (2) generating environmental strategies, (3) on-the-job strategy use, and exploration of online tools (4) O*NET® and (5) O*NET® Interest Profiler, along with two theories (Knowles's Andragogy and Lawton's Ecological Model) to guide tool use. RESULTS Use of these tools can assist young adults to better manage their health and expand their vocational identities for success at work. CONCLUSIONS These approaches and tools support health professionals, community partners, and vocational organizations in their efforts to help young adults with chronic conditions.
Is Google’s Ranking System Legal?

I first used an electronic database search engine in 1982. I was a law student and our school had just installed a Lexis terminal (about the size of a desk). I learned about Boolean search commands and selecting search terms to find relevant items that had those terms. For students and those of us in the information industry this is a typical first exposure to search engines.For the broad spectrum of the population, however, their first exposure to a search engine is trying to find information on the Internet. Internet search engines are designed to be a bit easier than commercial database search engines. Simply enter in a few key terms - no Boolean connectors necessary - and up come the most relevant results. But a recent lawsuit against Google over search results points out that relevance may not be the only factor defining your results.
Spermatozoal Antibodies in Human Seminal Plasma as a Cause of Failed Artificial Donor Insemination

Seven couples who were in a program of artificial donor insemination (AID) which had not resulted in a pregnancy were advised to abstain from sexual intercourse for 2 days prior to AID. Six of the wives became pregnant following this advice. Seminal plasmas from the seven husbands showed evidence of spermatozoal antibodies. They agglutinated or immobilized healthy spermatozoa and contained immunoglobulin A and complements C-3 and C-4. Immunoglubulin G levels in these seminal plasmas were slightly elevated. Blood sera from the same husbands also agglutinated normal spermatozoa or decreased their motility. A comparison of 33 women who were not advised concerning sexual intercourse prior to AID and 17 women who were advised revealed that 46% of the former group became pregnant, whereas in the advised group 88% achieved pregnancy. The conclusion is that abnormal semen may contain spermatozoal antibodies which adversely affect normal spermatozoa. In order to avoid the presence of spermatozoal antibodies on the wife's cervix, couples are advised to abstain from sexual intercourse, or to use a condom, for 2 days prior to AID.
Physicochemical Factors Influencing the Absorption of Erythromycin and its Esters

It has been reported that within a series of esters of erythromycin prepared with low molecular weight aliphatic acids, the propionyl ester gave considerably higher blood levels after oral administration than others in the series as well as higher levels than erythromycin itself. On the basis of findings from past work dealing with dissolution rates of drugs, it seemed reasonable to believe that their absorption under eqivalent conditions of administration was related to their dissolution rate in both gastric fluid and intestinal fluids, particularly since erythromycin and its esters are rapidly destroyed in solution in acidic mediums. The work to be described now consisted of making dissolution rate determinations on erythromycin and some of its esters in fluids simulating gastric and intestinal fluids with respect to hydrogen ion concentration and on examining the relationship between these rates and the results of the clinical work.
Predicate Verb Transformation in C-E Translation of Scientific Writings

It is a common necessity that verb sentences be transferred to copula or delexical verb construction in C-E translation of scientific writings,with predicate verb transformed or changed to subject complement,subject or object.These transformations normally lead to formal and heightened register,in addition to serving different pragmatic purposes: subject complement transformation serves for a general statement in perspective of language rather than parole,subject transformation for an appropriate theme statement or for sentence cohesion/reference,and object noun transformation for delexical verb construction,which provides free syntactic structure for modifiers.
Stem-Succulent Trees from the Old and New World Tropics

Stem-succulent trees are common in tropical drylands. Besides their ability to store water, these trees also possess photosynthetic bark, which can re-assimilate internally respired CO2 at virtually no water cost. Both of these traits are advantageous in seasonally dry ecosystems, where plants are exposed to periods of limited water availability and, consequently, carbon gain. In most species, plants do not use the stored water in stems to buffer daily water deficits; they use this water to flush new leaves before the onset of rains. This gives an extra advantage to stem-succulent trees over other functional groups because leaves are already present when the first rain falls. Having succulent stems does not pose a mechanical constraint in these plants, rather the succulence of the tree stem can act as hydrostatic pressure against the bark, contributing to the biomechanical support of tall trees. Stem-succulent trees are also able to maintain physiological processes and growth during drought, making them good candidates to be used in reforestation of degraded arid lands.
Infections in Nursing Homes: Epidemiology and Prevention Programs

This review summarizes current literature pertaining to infection prevention in nursing home population including post-acute care patients and long-term care residents. Approximately 2 million infections occur each year and more than one-third of older adults harbor multidrug-resistant organisms in this setting. Surveillance, hand hygiene, isolation precautions, resident and employee health programs, education, and antibiotic stewardship are essential elements of infection prevention and control programs in nursing homes. This article discusses emerging evidence suggesting the usefulness of interactive multimodal bundles in reducing infections and antimicrobial resistance, thereby enhancing safety and quality of care for older adults in nursing homes.
Development of High-Tc Superconducting Magnet Using Ag-Sheathed Bi2223 Tapes

We have succeeded in developing two types of the refrigerator cooled High-Tc superconducting magnets; 4-Tesla and 7-Tesla types. They have the same inner diameter of 80 mm and outer diameter of 292 mm, but the coil height was increased to 200 mm of 7-Tesla type from 68 mm of 4-Tesla type. The 4-Tesla type successfiilly produced the central magnetic field of 4.0 Tesla over 30 minutes and 3.5 Tesla for 48 hours. High ramp rate excitation up to 0.35 Tesla per second was achieved, which was a hundred times faster than that of the refrigerator-cooled magnets using the metallic superconductors. The 7-Tesla type magnet stably generated 7.1 Tesla over 24 hours and was excited at a rate of 2 Tesla per minute.
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm from Chronic Antiestrogen Therapy

Aortic aneurysms are a common but often undetected pathology prevalent in the population. They are often detected as incidental findings on imaging studies performed for unrelated pathologies. Estrogens have been shown to exert a protective influence on aortic tissue. Pharmacological agents blocking the actions of estrogens may thus be implicated in causing aortic pathologies. We present the case of an elderly woman with breast carcinoma treated for 18 years with antiestrogen therapy who subsequently developed acute thoracic aortic deterioration (enlargement and wall disruption).
Thermal Analysis on Directional Freezing of Nano Aqueous Suspensions in Graphene Aerogel 3D Printing Process

This paper presented a novel 3D printing technique to fabricate graphene aerogel based on directional freezing. Thermal property of the graphene ink is one of key factors in this process which affects the material integrity and morphology as well as process efficiency and reliability. The major objective of this paper is to develop a heat transfer model to efficiently and reliably predict the temperature evolution of the printed materials and the waiting time between the layers for any input geometry. The simulation results show that the input geometry significantly affects the temperature evolution and waiting time. The proposed technique can not only improve the process efficiency and reliability, it can also serve as a flexible tool to predict and control the microstructure of the printed graphene aerogels.© 2016 ASME
Affiliative Interpersonal Behaviors During Stress Are Associated with Sleep Quality and Presleep Arousal in Young, Healthy Adults

Abstract Objectives This study examined the association between stress-related interpersonal behaviors, presleep arousal (PSA), and sleep quality. Methods Sixty-four participants (53% female) described a recent stressful interpersonal event that was coded for overall degree of affiliation (warmth vs hostility) and autonomy (independence vs interdependence). Cognitive and somatic PSA and sleep quality were examined using regression with affiliation and autonomy scores as predictors. Specific interpersonal behaviors that comprise overall affiliation were also examined. Results More affiliation (warmth) was associated with lower cognitive PSA ( β =−.32) and better sleep quality ( β =−.28). Autonomy was not associated with sleep quality or PSA. The specific behavior trust in others was associated with better sleep quality ( r s =−.25). Conclusions Behaviors during stress reflect underlying dimensions of interpersonal security. Findings underscore importance of interpersonal frameworks for understanding associations between stress and sleep, and provide support for the anthropological theory that interpersonal security is necessary for healthy sleep.
The Role of Distance and Quality on Facility Selection for Maternal and Child Health Services in Urban Kenya

Universal access to health care requires service availability and accessibility for those most in need of maternal and child health services. Women often bypass facilities closest to home due to poor quality. Few studies have directly linked individuals to facilities where they sought maternal and child health services and examined the role of distance and quality on this facility choice. Using endline data from a longitudinal survey from a sample of women in five cities in Kenya, we examine the role of distance and quality on facility selection for women using delivery, facility-based contraceptives, and child health services. A survey of public and private facilities offering reproductive health services was also conducted. Distances were measured between household cluster location and both the nearest facility and facility where women sought care. A quality index score representing facility infrastructure, staff, and supply characteristics was assigned to each facility. We use descriptive statistics to compare distance and quality between the nearest available facility and visited facility among women who bypassed the nearest facility. Facility distance and quality comparisons were also stratified by poverty status. Logistic regression models were used to measure associations between the quality and distance to the nearest facility and bypassing for each outcome. The majority of women bypassed the nearest facility regardless of service sought. Women bypassing for delivery traveled the furthest and had the fewest facility options near their residential cluster. Poor women bypassing for delivery traveled 4.5 km further than non-poor women. Among women who bypassed, two thirds seeking delivery and approximately 46% seeking facility-based contraception or child health services bypassed to a public hospital. Both poor and non-poor women bypassed to higher quality facilities. Our findings suggest that women in five cities in Kenya prefer public hospitals and are willing to travel further to obtain services at public hospitals, possibly related to free service availability. Over time, it will be important to examine service quality and availability in public sector facilities with reduced or eliminated user fees, and whether it lends itself to a continuum of care where women can visit one facility for multiple services reducing travel burden.
Improving Emergency Department-Based Care of Sickle Cell Pain

Pain is the leading cause of emergency department (ED) visits for individuals living with sickle cell disease (SCD). The care that is delivered in the ED is often cited by patients with SCD as the area of health care in greatest need of improvement. In 2014, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute released guidelines for the care of SCD, including recommendations for the management of acute sickle cell pain in the ED. These guidelines provide a framework to understand the elements of ideal emergency sickle cell pain care; however, they do not provide guidance on barriers and facilitators to achieving these ideals in the complex system of the ED. Presented in this article are 4 tenets of implementing guideline-adherent emergency sickle cell care gleaned from the available literature and continuous quality improvement efforts at our institution. These include: (1) strategies to reduce negative provider attitudes toward patients with SCD; (2) strategies to reduce time-to-first-dose of analgesic medication; (3) strategies to improve ED pain care beyond the first dose of medication; and (4) strategies to improve ED patient safety. Application of the principles discussed within can improve patient and provider satisfaction, quality, and safety.
A novel method for the synergistic remediation of oil-water mixtures using nanoparticles and oil-degrading bacteria

Abstract Releases of crude oil and other types of oil from numerous sources can impose catastrophic physical, chemical, and biological effects on aquatic ecosystems. While currently-used oil removal techniques possess many advantages, they have inherent limitations, including low removal efficiencies and waste disposal challenges. The present study quantified the synergistic interactions of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) coated magnetite nanoparticles (NP) and oil-degrading bacteria for enhanced oil removal at the laboratory scale. The results showed that at relatively high oil concentrations (375 mg L−1), NP alone could remove approximately 70% of lower-chain alkanes (C9–C22) and 65% of higher-chain (C23–C26), after only 1 h, when magnetic separation of NP was used. Removal efficiency did not increase significantly after that, which was likely due to saturation of the NP with oil. Microbial bioremediation, using strains of oil-degrading bacteria, removed almost zero oil immediately but 80–90% removal after 24–48 h. The combination of NPs and oil-degrading bacterial strains worked effectively to remove essentially 100% of oil within 48 h or less. This was likely due to the sorption of oil components to NPs and their subsequent utilization by bacteria as a joint Fe and C source, although the mechanisms of removal require further testing. Furthermore, results showed that the emission of selected volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) were reduced after addition of NPs and bacteria separately. When combined, VOC and SVOC emissions were reduced by up to 80%.
An enzymatic derivative double isotope assay for L -methionine.

Abstract A highly sensitive and specific enzymatic derivative method for the measurement of l-methionine is described. The procedure depends upon the addition of tracer quantities of l-[methyl-3H]methionine and its conversion to [3H, 14C]-S-adenosyl-l-methionine in the presence of [8-14C]ATP and of purified Escherichia coli ATP:l-methionine S-adenosyltransferase (EC 2.4.2.13). The S-adenosyl-l-methionine is separated from the radioactive reactants and its 14C:3H ratio is a linear function of the quantity of l-methionine originally present. The method has been applied to the measurement of l-methionine in various tissues.
Development of automated electrical heat grid for pavement snowmelt

Abstract Snow and ice on airfield pavement threatens aircraft ground operation safety. Plowing and chemical treatment are used for snow removal, but yield long-term detrimental impacts to the airfield infrastructure and environment. In this paper, a “near-surface embedded electrical heating grid prototype” is investigated through laboratory and field testing for concrete pavement heating, providing an airfield pavement anti-icing alternative. The prototype grid, installed on small-scale concrete test mats, was studied in a laboratory controlled below-freezing temperature environment. Testing evaluated pavement surface heating performance under two energy supply methods: (1) an alternating heating sequence and (2) an automated thermostat heating sequence, assessing their ability to (1) raise the pavement surface temperature to an anti-icing temperature threshold, 2 °C, and (2) sustain an anti-icing surface temperature. The alternating heating sequence required a low power input, but an increased heating time. Under the automated thermostat heating sequence, with a 152.4 mm parallel heat wire spacing and 667 W/m2 power input, surface temperature rose from an initial −12 °C to 2 °C in 4 h, then maintained in the anti-icing range, 2 °C to 5 °C. Laboratory, preliminary study results directed the construction, instrumentation, and operation of a large-scale prototype slab for field testing. The prototype was built in Fayetteville, AR and subjected to ambient outdoor climate conditions. The full-scale testing used a photovoltaic energy system as the power source. Field testing assessed heating/anti-icing performance and energy consumption. During tests in below freezing air temperatures and snow events, the photovoltaic energy system supplied enough energy to maintain the large-scale prototype slab surface above 0 °C.
Functional connectivity changes with rapid remission from severe major depressive disorder

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is prevalent and debilitating, and development of improved treatments is limited by insufficient understanding of the neurological changes associated with disease remission. In turn, efforts to elucidate these changes have been challenging due to disease heterogeneity as well as limited effectiveness, delayed onset, and significant off-target effects of treatments. We recently developed a form of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (lDLPFC) that induces remission from MDD in 90% of individuals in 1-5 days (Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy, SAINT). This provides a new tool to begin exploring the functional connectivity (FC) changes associated with MDD remission. Herein, we report our investigation of the FC changes that occur following SAINT. Resting-state fMRI scans were performed before and after SAINT in 18 participants with severe, treatment-resistant MDD. FC was determined between regions of interest defined a priori by well-described roles in emotion regulation. Following SAINT, FC was significantly decreased between subgenual cingulate cortex (sgACC) and 3 of 4 default mode network (DMN) nodes. Significant reductions in FC were also observed between the following: DLPFC-striatum, DLPFC-amygdala, DMN-amygdala, DMN-striatum, and amygdala-striatum. Greater clinical improvements were correlated with larger decreases in FC between DLPFC-amygdala and DLPFC-insula, as well as smaller decreases in FC between sgACC-DMN. Greater clinical improvements were correlated with lower baseline FC between DMN-DLPFC, DMN-striatum, and DMN-ventrolateral prefrontal cortex. The multiple, significant reductions in FC we observed following SAINT and remission from depression support the hypothesis that MDD is a state of hyper-connectivity within these networks, and rapid decoupling of network nodes may lead to rapid remission from depression.
Hemodialysis Vascular Access in Children

Vascular access has been heralded as the backbone to the provision of dialysis, and in children poses unique challenges to the pediatric dialysis care provider due to smaller vessel diameters and vascular hyperreactivity. Whether in the face of acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) or as a result of chronic ­kidney disease (CKD), children should not be considered “little adults.” Further, a critical issue for these patients is to provide adequate vascular access for current RRT requirements without compromising future potential access sites. Because this requires a different surgical philosophy, it is important to develop a team composed of surgeons, pediatric nephrologists, and dialysis nurses interested in these unique challenges. This chapter will provide a basic overview of pediatric vascular access creation and maintenance including surgical and medical nuances.
Developing Civic Responsibilities in a Large Lecture through Debates

How do political scientists encourage students in a large lecture to develop civic responsibilities? One way to foster political responsibilities is to promote debate in the classroom (e.g., Campbell 2008; Oros 2007). It can be a challenge to encourage students to strengthen their civic skills through debate in a large classroom setting with nearly 400 students. I examine three key areas to assess the effectiveness of debates in the classroom as a tool to increase student exposure to and engagement in political discussion, including: 1) the importance of discussing debate topics in the lectures and recitations, 2) the use of technology to encourage debate participation, and 3) the development of proper assessments to gauge whether students have critically analyzed the debate topics. Given the recent high levels of partisan animosity (Pew Research Center 2014), it is imperative that college students learn to respectfully debate important political issues.
Stress-strain behavior and liquefaction strength characteristics of Ottawa F65 sand

Abstract The stress-strain-strength response of soils is of significant interest to development and calibration of realistic constitutive models that can be used in numerical simulation of geotechnical engineering problems. An extensive characterization of Ottawa F65 sand along with various monotonic and cyclic tests conducted during the course of the Liquefaction Experiments and Analysis Projects (LEAP) are presented here. The specimens in these tests were prepared using a meticulous sample preparation technique to facilitate their consistency and repeatability. Monotonic drained and undrained triaxial tests shed light on the steady-state (critical state) of Ottawa sand, while stress-controlled and strain-controlled cyclic triaxial and direct simple shear tests provide key information on the cyclic stress-strain behavior and liquefaction strength of this soil. The triaxial tests identify the liquefaction strength of the soil at different densities, while the direct simple shear tests evaluate the effect of overburden pressure on the cyclic response. The results of these experiments are also compared to the experimental results available in the literature. The data obtained from the cyclic triaxial and direct simple shear tests were further analyzed by plotting the computed shear modulus degradation and damping curves. The results show how the soil stiffness degrades as cyclic shear stress is applied for soil at different densities and confining stresses. It can be seen that the rate of shear modulus degradation increases with the increase of confining stress and decreases with the increase of soil density. The damping curves consistently show an increasing in damping ratio until a shear strain of about 0.05%, followed by a plateau at about 20–25% damping ratio for shear strain between 0.05 and 0.5%, and ending with a decrease in damping until reaching a final damping ratio of about 10%.