cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A dual‐energy subtraction technique for microcalcification imaging in digital mammography—A signal‐to‐noise analysis

Breast cancer may manifest as microcalcifications (microCs) in x-ray mammography. However, the detection and visualization of microCs are often obscured by the overlapping tissue structures. The dual-energy subtraction imaging technique offers an alternative approach for imaging and visualizing microCs. With this technique, separate high- and low-energy images are acquired and their differences are used to "cancel" out the background tissue structures. However, the subtraction process could increase the statistical noise level relative to the calcification contrast. Therefore, a key issue with the dual-energy subtraction imaging technique is to weigh the benefit of removing the cluttered background tissue structure over the drawback of reduced signal-to-noise ratio in the subtracted microC images. In this report, a theoretical framework for calculating the (quantum) noise in the subtraction images is developed and the numerical computations are described. We estimate the noise levels in the dual-energy subtraction signals under various imaging conditions, including the x-ray spectra, microC size, tissue composition, and breast thickness. The selection of imaging parameters is optimized to evaluate the feasibility of using a dual-energy subtraction technique for the improved detection and visualization of microCs. We present the results and discuss its dependence on imaging parameters.
Enzymatic Tempering of a Mussel Adhesive Protein Film

An adhesive protein isolated from the marine mussel Mytilus edulis has been adsorbed to highly oriented pyrolytic graphite and enzymatically oxidized to yield a sclerotized film that is tightly bound to the substrate. Atomic force microscopy was used to image the surface and the adsorbed biopolymer, indicating uniform coverage of the substrate within 1 s of adsorption time from solution. Film thicknesses of the adsorbed protein films were estimated to be 25 and 73 A for the sclerotized films. Imaging forces ranging from ≤20 to ≥600 nN were used to determine the stability of adhesive protein films without and with added catechol oxidase, respectively. Results indicate that the resistance of adhesive protein films to displacement can be enhanced 10-fold by enzymatic oxidation. Oxidation presumably leads to formation of covalent cross-links between adsorbed protein chains.
SEARCHING FOR THE SECOND GENERATION OF AMERICAN WOMEN PSYCHOLOGISTS

As a consequence of the groundbreaking work of E. Scarborough and L. Furumoto (1987), the contributions of the pioneering first generation of American women psychologists are now well recognized within the history of psychology; however, the generation that followed the pioneers is less well known. The lack of recognition that most women psychologists of the interwar era experienced during the majority of their working lives resulted from sexism institutionalized through practices such as anti-nepotism rules that effectively excluded many married women from the academy, informal hiring practices operating in "old-boy network" fashion, and exclusion from certain key graduate training centers. Yet, many women were productive psychologists during this era and contributed to the growth and expansion of the discipline. Examination of published literature generated biographical information for 107 eminent women; C. A. Murchison's (1932b) Psychological Register provided a less detailed but more inclusive inventory to yield data on a total of 320 women. This article recounts our systematic search for this "lost generation" and emphasizes the extent and diversity of their contributions to psychology.
Simultaneous intersection representation of pairs of graphs

We characterize the pairs (G1, G2) of graphs on a shared vertex set that are intersection polysemic: those for which the vertices may be assigned subsets of a universal set such that G1 is the intersection graph of the subsets and G2 is the intersection graph of their complements. We also consider several special cases and explore bounds on the size of the universal set. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Graph Theory 32: 171–190, 1999
Extended 'Five-Stream' Model for Diffusion of Implanted Dopants in Silicon during Ultra-Shallow Junction Formation in VLSI Circuits

Ion implantation of different dopants (donors and acceptors) into crystalline silicon with subsequent thermal annealing is used for the formation of ultra-shallow p-n junctions in VLSI technology. The experimentally observed phenomenon of transient enhanced diffusion (TED) during annealing hinders further downscaling of advanced VLSI circuits. However, modern mathematical models of dopant diffusion, which are based on the so-called “five-stream” approach, and software packages such as SUPREM4 encounter difficulties in describing TED. In this work, an extended five-stream model for diffusion in silicon is developed, which takes into account all the possible charge states of point defects (vacancies and silicon self-interstitials) and diffusing pairs “dopant atom–vacancy” and “dopant atom–silicon self-interstitial”. The model includes diffusion and drift of differently charged point defects and pairs in the internal electric field and the kinetics of interaction between unlike species. The expressions for diffusion fluxes and sink/source terms that appear in the non-linear, non-steady-state reaction-diffusion equations are derived for both donor and acceptor dopants accounting for multiple charge states of the diffusing species.
Enhanced patient care through collaborative team play: An orthodontist and an OMF.Radiologist's collective perspective

The overarching theme of patient-centric care should serve as the fundamental basis for our treatment plans. Treatment plans that best utilize knowledge; training and technology must be developed on current evidence that rests on soundly researched principles. In orthodontics, the evolution of cone beam computed tomography as a new three-dimensional imaging modality has brought a paradigm shift in the radiographic evaluation of the maxillofacial structures. However, the coming of new technology does not warrant its use in routine practice and tight imaging protocols must be developed to include and promote the evidence-based patient-centric approach. This principle is best approached if the effort is a collaborative one. Collaboration between all the disciplines that contribute to patient care must act as a unified force to deliver superior care. In this editorial, we present a successful collaborative effort between orthodontics and oral and maxillofacial radiology that have engaged in collaborative efforts to deliver superior patient care, better predoctoral and postdoctoral training programs and how this effort has yielded excellent contribution to research.
Sartre and Spinoza on the nature of mind

What surfaces first when one examines the philosophy of mind of Sartre and Spinoza are the differences between them. For Spinoza a human mind is a mode of the divine mind. That view is a far cry from Sartre’s view of human consciousness as a desire never achieved: the desire to be god, to be the foundation of one’s own existence. How could two philosophers, one a determinist and the other who grounds human freedom in the nature of consciousness itself, be seen as having any commonalities worth exploring? How could the noted user of the deductive method and one of the most important phenomenologists of the twentieth century share any philosophical ground at all? I will argue in this paper that despite the very real differences between their two philosophies, there are striking similarities between Sartre’s view of consciousness and Spinoza’s view of the mind. They become apparent when one examines each one’s analysis of the nature of mind and its relationship to itself, the body, and the world. Both are heir to a kind of Aristotelian naturalism. This commonality between them derives from their mutual rejection of Descartes’ substance dualism. I first explore the consequences of that rejection on how each one conceives of the relationship between the mind and its objects. Next I examine their view of the mind’s relation to itself and finally I look at how each one understood the mind’s relationship to the body and the world. The examination of their two views reveals how much they anticipate and support theories of mind defended by contemporary analytic philosophers of mind.
Enhanced photopolymerization rate & conversion of 1-vinylimidazole in the presence of lithium bistriflimide

Abstract The high solubility of lithium bistriflimide (LiTf 2 N) in 1-vinylimidazole can be utilized to significantly improve overall monomer conversion and photopolymerization rate. We observed that LiTf 2 N was miscible with 1-vinylimidazole in stoichiometric equivalence corresponding to a final mixture that is >75% by mass LiTf 2 N. The rate and conversion of vinyl groups was dynamically monitored using ATR-FTIR. In comparison with the 1-vinylimidazole control, all samples containing LiTf 2 N exhibited increased monomer conversion and all except the 1:1 sample displayed a more rapid initial reaction rate. The specific effects of the rate and conversion vary with the molar ratio of 1-vinylimidazole to LiTf 2 N and may be a consequence of coordination complexes between 1-vinylimidazole and the Li + cation. These results may warrant further investigation into the utility of coordinated, polymerizable ionic liquids that are readily formed from polar organic monomers and LiTf 2 N.
Longitudinal momentum mining of antiprotons at the fermilab recycler: past, present and future

The technique of longitudinal momentum mining (LMM) in the Fermilab Recycler was adopted in early 2005 to extract thirty-six equal intensity and equal 6D- emittance antiproton bunches for proton-antiproton collider operation in the Tevatron. Since that time, several improvements have been made in the Recycler and the mining technique to handle higher intensity beams. Consequently, the Recycler has become a key contributor to the increased luminosity performance observed during Tevatron Run lib. In this paper, we present an overview of the improvements and the current status of the momentum mining technique.
Subpixel variability of remotely sensed soil moisture: an inter-comparison study of SAR and ESTAR

The representation of subpixel variability in soil moisture estimates from passive microwave data was investigated through sensitivity analysis and by comparison against the spatial structure of soil moisture fields derived from radar data. This work shows that the subpixel variability not represented in brightness temperature fields is directly associated with the spatial organization of soil hydraulic properties and the spatial distribution of vegetation. The significant implication of this result is that the physical connection between soil moisture estimates at the pixel scale and local values within the pixel weakens strongly as the sensor resolution decreases. Subsequently, the application of scaling and fractal interpolation principles to downscale passive microwave data to the spatial resolution of radar data was investigated as a means to recover spatial structure. In particular, ESTAR soil moisture data was successfully downscaled from 200 to 40 m using only one radar frequency (e.g., L-band). This application suggests that the combined use of active and passive single-band microwave remote-sensing of soil moisture is a viable approach to improve the spatial resolution of soil moisture remote-sensing.
The Atmospheric Hydrologic Cycle over the Arctic Basin from Reanalyses. Part II: Interannual Variability*

Previously, the atmospheric moisture budgets over the Arctic Basin as represented by reanalysis data from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction‐National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP‐NCAR) reanalysis and from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts reanalysis were evaluated for the overlap period of 1979‐93 and found to be very similar to each other and to the available observations. Here emphasis is on the 50 yr of the NCEP‐NCAR reanalysis (January 1949‐May 1999) to depict the interannual variability of the atmospheric moisture fluxes across 70 8N and their convergence farther north. Precipitation minus evaporation (P 2 E) calculated from moisture flux convergence is compared with three large-scale circulation patterns that strongly affect the interannual variability of P 2 E over the Arctic and its environs: the North Atlantic oscillation (NAO), the Arctic oscillation (AO), and the North Pacific oscillation (NPO). The impact of the NAO and the closely related AO on Arctic Basin P 2 E is found to be marked, with a P 2 E:NAO winter correlation of 0.49 (0.56 for the AO). On an annual basis, Arctic Basin P 2 E is much more closely correlated with the NAO (0.69) than with the AO (0.49), consistent with the Atlantic Ocean domination of the northward poleward moisture flux across 70 8N. Regional analysis confirms that the NAO impact on P 2 E is concentrated around the periphery of the North Atlantic Ocean and extends north into the Arctic Ocean during winter. The NAO and AO differ in their P 2 E modulation over the northern Eurasia sector with the AO being much more important for all seasons except summer (winter AO:P 2 E correlation 0.53, NAO:P 2 E correlation 0.16), consistent with its much stronger impact on the atmospheric circulation in that area. The NPO was associated with a much more modest modulation of Arctic Basin P 2 E (winter correlation of 0.33 and annual value of 0.10), with its regional signal being strongest over Alaska, northwestern Canada, and areas to the north. About 40% of the interwinter variance of P 2 E over the sector that includes northeastern Canada is linked with the combined influence of the NAO‐AO and NPO. A region of large poleward moisture transport variability during summer was previously identified over western Siberia, east of the Urals, associated with the development of the Urals trough. Here it is shown that this is due to an opposing circulation pattern, with high (low) poleward moisture transport over the west Siberian plain during low (high) poleward moisture transport over Scandinavia. A pronounced trough‐ridge pattern accompanies this circulation regime that is primarily confined to July. Because the summer moisture transport dominates the annual total for this region, these circulation patterns produce this area’s large interannual poleward moisture transport variability.
Nonequilibrium discharges in air and nitrogen plasmas at atmospheric pressure

Diffuse glow discharges were produced in low temperature (<2000 K) atmospheric pressure air and nitrogen plasmas with electron number densities in excess of 10 12 cm -3 , more than six orders of magnitude higher than in thermally heated air at 2000 K. The meas- ured discharge characteristics compare well with the predictions of a two-temperature kinetic model. Experimental and modeling results show that the steady-state electron number den- sity exhibits an S-shaped dependence on the electron temperature, a behavior resulting from competition between ionization and charge-transfer reactions. Non-Maxwellian effects are shown to be unimportant for the prediction of steady-state electron number densities. The power requirements of DC discharges at atmospheric pressure can be reduced by several orders of magnitude using short repetitive high-voltage pulses. Between consecutive pulses, the plasma is sustained by the finite rate of electron recombination. Repetitive discharges with a 100-kHz, 12-kV, 10-ns pulse generator were demonstrated to produce over 10 12 elec- trons/cm 3 with an average power of 12 W/cm 3 , 250 times smaller than a DC discharge at 10 12 cm -3 .
Ageing causes cytoplasmic retention of MaxiK channels in rat corporal smooth muscle cells

The MaxiK channel plays a critical role in the regulation of corporal smooth muscle tone and thereby erectile function. Given that ageing results in a decline in erectile function, we determined changes in the expression of MaxiK, which might impact erectile function. Quantitative-polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that although there is no significant change in transcription of the α- and β-subunits that comprise the MaxiK channel, there are significant changes in the expression of transcripts encoding different splice variants. One transcript, SV1, is 13-fold increased in expression in the ageing rat corpora. SV1 has previously been reported to trap other isoforms of the MaxiK channel in the cytoplasm. Correlating with increased expression of SV1, we observed in older rats there is approximately a 13-fold decrease in MaxiK protein in the corpora cell membrane and a greater proportion is retained in the cytoplasm (approximately threefold). These experiments demonstrate that ageing of the corpora is accompanied by changes in alternative splicing and cellular localization of the MaxiK channel.
A Web-based linear-systems iLab

This paper describes a Web-based laboratory for students in courses on feedback systems. This project uses the iLab architecture, which provides a framework for remote-lab development and deployment, using a three-tiered client/broker/server architecture. This three-tiered approach simplifies the development of remote labs by providing reusable components for laboratory-administration functions. In the specific lab described here, students use a Java-based Lab Client to configure system parameters of a state-variable filter and submit jobs to the Lab Server. The Lab Server computer uses a dynamic signal analyzer to take frequency-response measurements of the configured filter.
Evaluation of Methods for the Isolation of High Quality RNA from Bovine and Cervine Hide Biopsies

Abstract: Molecular investigations of the ruminant response to ectoparasites at the parasite–host interface are critically dependent upon the quality of RNA. The complexity of ruminant skin decreases the capacity to obtain high quality RNA from biopsy samples, which directly affects the reliability of data produced by gene expression experiments. Two methods for isolating total RNA from skin were compared and the use of 4M guanidinium isothiocyanate (GITC) during frozen storage of the specimens was evaluated. In addition, the best procedure for RNA isolation from bovine skin punch biopsies was also tested on white-tailed deer skin biopsies. Skin biopsy punches were collected and frozen prior to pulverization for RNA isolation. Total RNA quantity and integrity were determined by spectrophotometry and capillary electrophoresis technology, respectively. Significantly increased total RNA yield (P < 0.05) and higher integrity (P < 0.05) were obtained with a TRI Reagent® isolation method. Freezing and subseque...
Construction of Mobilizable Mini-Tn7 Vectors for Bioluminescent Detection of Gram-Negative Bacteria and Single-Copy Promoter lux Reporter Analysis

We describe the construction of mini-Tn7-based broad-host-range vectors encoding lux genes as bioluminescent reporters. These constructs can be mobilized into the desired host(s) by conjugation for chromosomal mini-Tn7-lux integration and are useful for localization of bacteria during infections or for characterizing regulation of promoters of interest in Gram-negative bacteria.
Can a virtual cat persuade you?: the role of gender and realism in speaker persuasiveness

This study examines the roles of gender and visual realism in the persuasiveness of speakers. Participants were presented with a persuasive passage delivered by a male or female person, virtual human, or virtual character. They were then assessed on attitude change and their ratings of the argument, message, and speaker. The results indicated that the virtual speakers were as effective at changing attitudes as real people. Male participants were more persuaded when the speaker was female than when the speaker was male, whereas female participants were more persuaded when the speaker was male than when the speaker was female. Cross gender interactions occurred across all conditions, suggesting that some of the gender stereotypes that occur with people may carry over to interaction with virtual characters. Ratings of the perceptions of the speaker were more favorable for virtual speakers than for human speakers. We discuss the application of these findings in the design of persuasive human computer interfaces.
Percutaneous tracheostomy: One center's experience with a new modality

Abstract Background A retrospective review of our experience with percutaneous tracheostomy was performed to determine our complication rate and pattern of use since this modality was introduced at our institution. Methods A retrospective chart review captured all patients in whom tracheostomy was performed or supervised by a trauma/critical care faculty member. Dates of hospital admission, ICU admission, intubation, discontinuation of mechanical ventilation, type and location of procedure, procedural complications, Injury Severity Score, charges, and patient demographics were collected. Percutaneous tracheostomy (PT) and open tracheostomy (OT) experiences were compared. Results Three hundred sixty-eight tracheostomies were performed (190 OT and 178 PT). The average time to tracheostomy (TTT) for PT patients decreased from 12.7 to 7.4 days. The average TTT for OT patients remained stable at 14.0 days. The complication rate was 3.5%, with 4 complications (1.5%) associated with OT and 9 complications (5.1%) associated with PT. All complications in the PT group occurred before using a single dilator system. The 9 complications in the PT group occurred among 5 surgeons, all before their 11th attempt. PT saves $444 in charges per procedure. Conclusion OT continues to be a safe method of performing tracheostomies. PT has a steep learning curve but can be mastered quickly. Benefits include a shorter time to tracheostomy, elimination of patient transport, and saving in charges. Initial PT attempts should be supervised by an experienced surgeon.
Hepatitis C virus infection and long-term survivors of childhood cancer: Issues for the pediatric oncology nurse

Infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) represents a major public health concern today because of its prevalence in the United States. Acute HCV is commonly asymptomatic and often results in chronic disease. However, symptoms related to chronic disease may not appear for decades. Patients with HCV have a broad spectrum of symptoms, which vary from elevated liver function test results to cirrhosis, liver cancer and end stage liver disease. Past treatment therapies have not been highly effective; however, a new treatment is currently available. Today, many high-risk activities are associated with HCV infection. Blood transfusions are no longer a risk factor. However, 20% of individuals who received transfused blood products contracted hepatitis C nearly two decades ago. Therefore, cancer survivors who received blood products to combat chemotherapy induced anemia and thrombocytopenia before 1980 represent a population at risk. It is important that nurses caring for these patients understand the pathophysiology, etiology, transmission, and course of HCV. This knowledge will enable nurses to encourage serological testing to identify infected individuals. Once identified, patients with hepatitis C can receive social support and appropriate referrals to help them deal with the psychosocial issues related to long-term effects and secondary illnesses.
Teaching Students with Learning Problems in Math to Acquire, Understand, and Apply Basic Math Facts:

Students with learning problems (i.e., students with learning disabilities or emotional disabilities and those considered at-risk for school failure) are not making acceptable math progress in the nation's schools. Fortunately, instructional practices exist that help these students achieve in math. Ten instructional components that have research support for promoting math achievement are presented. A math curriculum, the Strategic Math Series, which incorporates the research-based teaching practices, is described. Next, the results from field-testing the Strategic Math Series with 22 teachers are presented. The field-test results indicate that 109 students with learning problems were able to (a) acquire computational skills across facts, (b) solve word problems with and without extraneous information, (c) create word problems involving facts, (d) apply a mnemonic strategy to difficult problems, (e) increase their rate of computation, and (f) generalize math skills across examiners, settings, and tasks. Fi...
Using multiresolution learning for transfer in image classification

Our work explores the transfer of knowledge at multiple levels of abstraction to improve learning. By exploiting the similarities between objects at various levels of detail, multiresolution learning can facilitate transfer between image classification tasks. We extract features from images at multiple levels of resolution, then use these features to create models at different resolutions. Upon receiving a new task, the closest-matching stored model can be generalized (adapted to the appropriate resolution) and transferred to the new task.
Comments About the Relationships Between New Ideas and Geologic Terms in Stratigraphy and Sequence Stratigraphy with Suggested Modifications

Since the landmark volumes of the Exxon school (Vail et al., 1977; Posamentier and Vail, 1988), stratigraphy has been reshaped. Geologists now look at sedimentary successions quite differently and employ the term "sequence stratigraphy." The paradigm of sequence stratigraphy was based initially on observations made by the Exxon group from seismic data, but has since been applied to a wide variety of subsurface and field problems, including studies of surface outcrops, cores, and well-logs—even without marine deposits. Sequence stratigraphy encompasses "quite different conceptual models" (Miall, 1997) and "provides a new set of terminology for what was already being done" (Harper, 1999). Hence, stratigraphy is a discipline swamped in terminology in which students and even practicing geologists get bogged down. We must emphasize that the acceptance of terminology is not necessarily an exercise in logical thinking or rational debate, but commonly is part of a popularity contest. Terms evolve to meet a perceived descriptive need. Some catch on, others do not, depending in part on when and where the terms were published. History is replete with examples of how insightful work has gone unnoticed. Thus, the discipline of stratigraphy affords numerous examples of the interactions between the dilemmas posed by new ideas and the language used to express them. Because of the contrasting concepts involved in stratigraphy, the language of this subdiscipline is necessarily complex. To begin with, the strata themselves were deposited in particular environments (places) as a result of certain processes, during which they acquired particular characteristics. They also possessed certain attributes, displayed various relationships among themselves, and resulted from the elapsing of a certain amount of time. Ample opportunities exist for imprecise usage, as, for example, the widespread confusion between laminae (things, particular kinds of strata) and the attribute of lamination (attribute words, typified by "-ion" endings, …
γ-Glutamylcysteine synthetase: mRNA stabilization and independent subunit transcription by 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal

γ-Glutamylcysteine synthetase (GCS), the rate-limiting enzyme in de novo glutathione (GSH) synthesis, is composed of one catalytic (heavy) and one regulatory (light) subunit. Although both subunits...
Professional Goodwill in Marital Dissolution Cases

The adoption of principles of equitable distribution has substantially altered the law pertaining to the division of property at dissolution. These principles are based on the assumption that marriage should be treated as any other partnership and upon dissolution the assets should be divided between the partners. In most jurisdictions courts are authorized only to divide the marital property not the spouses' separate property. Because of this limitation, the classification of the property after marriage becomes the crucial issue. The focus of this article is whether the intangible asset of goodwill of a professional practice should be classified as marital property and therefore subject to division. Courts in virtually every jurisdiction have addressed the issue. On one extreme are those that refuse to acknowledge professional goodwill as a marital asset. On the other are those that recognize goodwill even if what is being valued appears to be reputation. In the middle are those cases that recognize goodwill as marital property, but only to the extent that it can be shown to exist independently of professional reputation; which means it must be marketable.
Prevalence and determinants of diabetes and prediabetes among Vietnamese adults.

Abstract Aims We estimated the prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes among Vietnamese adults, and quantitatively evaluated association with known risk factors. Methods Subjects were 5602 men and 10,680 women in North Vietnam aged 30–69 years participating in community diabetes screening programs during 2011–2013. We calculated standardized prevalence rates and demographic projections for 2035, and used multinomial regression analysis to examine the associations of multiple risk factors with diabetes and prediabetes. Results The age-, sex- and area of residence-standardized prevalence of diabetes was 6.0% and of prediabetes was 13.5%, with higher prevalence among men than women. Population aging is projected to raise the prevalence of diabetes to 7.0% and of prediabetes to 15.7% by 2035. Older age, obesity, large waist-to-hip ratio and hypertension were each associated with higher prevalence of diabetes, whereas the opposite direction of association was observed for underweight and minority ethnicity. In addition, diabetes was positively associated with family history of diabetes in women, but inversely related to physically heavy work among men. Conclusions One in 17 and one in 7 adults had diabetes and prediabetes, respectively, in Vietnam. Urbanization, population aging, increased adiposity, hypertension and sedentary work are associated with the increasing prevalence of diabetes.
Phase II study of erlotinib given daily for patients with metastatic melanoma (MM)

18002 Background: Erlotinib is a small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that targets epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr). The EGFr is a potential therapeutic target because it is expres...
Analysis of Natural Roughness Profiles

It would be most desirable to be able to predict the effect of the roughness from direct measurements of the surface itself by evaluating energy losses in the transition and fully developed turbulent ranges. Here the author describes a method of analysis as a means to classify natural-type roughnesses into definite categories of frictional properties. A parallel but less complete method, independently conceived, has been found to be useful in other fields.
A CRISPR Approach for Reactivating Latent HIV-1.

Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has significantly improved the clinical outcome for HIV-infected patients. Although the treatment is highly effective in driving the viremia to an undetectable level, it does not represent a cure, because a long-lived reservoir of latent virus remains. Persistent proviruses persist in latently infected resting memory CD4+ T cells and are found in many tissues, including blood, lymph nodes, central nervous system, and the gut. Eradication of the latent reservoir and the ability to truly cure an infected patient remain a significant challenge.1 Many options have been explored to reverse latency, and a pharmacological approach is the current favorite. In this issue, Saayman et al.,2 Limsirichai et al.3, and Ji et al.4 each report their early explorations of a different approach: the use of a modified CRISPR/Cas9 system to reactivate latent HIV-1. These reports provide strong evidence that application of CRISPR/Cas9 can induce specific and effective reactivation of a latent HIV-1 promoter.
Optical-to-RF Frequency Synthesis: Application Priorities for Ultra-low Phase Noise

We describe operational challenges and progress of optical frequency-comb dividers (OFDs) that synthesize RF signals from the optical domain. Our priorities include: (1) ultra-low phase-noise, (2) continuous operation, and (3) broadly low Allan deviation.
Creating Effective Mobile Phone Apps to Optimize Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence: Perspectives From Stimulant-Using HIV-Positive Men Who Have Sex With Men

Background: The use of stimulant drugs among men who have sex with men (MSM) with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is associated with decreased odds of antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and elevated risk of forward HIV transmission. Advancing tailored and innovative mobile phone–based ART adherence app interventions for stimulant-using HIV-positive MSM requires greater understanding of their needs and preferences in this emerging area. Objective: The purpose of this study is to (1) assess reasons that stimulant-using HIV-positive MSM download and sustain their use of mobile phone apps in general, and (2) obtain feedback on features and functions that these men prefer in a mobile phone app to optimize their ART adherence. Methods: Focus groups were conducted with stimulant-using HIV-positive MSM (24-57 years of age; mostly non-Hispanic white; 42% once a week or more frequent stimulant drug use) in San Francisco and Minneapolis. Our aim was to explore the mobile phone app features and functions that they considered when deciding to download and sustain their use of general apps over time, as well as specific features and functions that they would like to see incorporated into an ART adherence mobile app. Focus groups were audiorecorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was applied to transcripts using line-by-line open coding and organizing codes into meaningful themes. Results: Men reported that they currently had a variety of health and wellness, social media and networking, gaming and entertainment, and utility apps on their mobile phones. Downloading apps to their mobile phones was influenced by the cost of the app, recommendations by a trusted source, and the time it takes to download. In addition, downloading and sustained use of apps was more likely to occur when men had control over most features of the app and apps were perceived to be useful, engaging, secure, and credible. Participants suggested that ART adherence mobile phone apps include social networking features, connections to local resources and their medical chart, and breaking HIV news and updates. Although some men expressed concerns about daily self-monitoring of HIV medication doses, many appreciated receiving a summary of their medication adherence over time and suggested that feedback about missed doses be delivered in an encouraging and humorous manner. Conclusions: In this study, we were able to recruit a relatively high proportion (42%) of HIV-positive MSM reporting weekly or more stimulant use. These results suggest critical design elements that may need to be considered during development of ART adherence-related mobile phone apps for this, and possibly other, high-risk groups. In particular, finding the optimal balance of security, engagement, usefulness, control capabilities, and credibility will be critical to sustained used of HIV treatment apps. [JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2016;4(2):e48]
Vector Magnetization of a Distribution of Uniaxial Particles

A model for the vector magnetization of a distribution of uniaxial particles is presented. Recent work by the authors decomposed the magnetization into two components and modeled the total vector magnetization as their vector sum. Anisotropy could be ideally modeled as a constant field, but this leads to a model of unidirectional anisotropy. Considering uniaxial media, such approach will only be valid for small angles. Hence, in this paper, a model is proposed that calculates the total magnetization of a distribution of uniaxial particles as the vector sum of irreversible and reversible components. The magnitude of the irreversible component is modeled using a Preisach differential-equation approach; however, other valid models can be used. The direction of the reversible component is modeled using the minimum energy approach of the classical Stoner–Wohlfarth model. The final result of the model is an unsymmetrical lag-angle plot for intermediate applied field values, which is consistent with the measurements.
Are the Benefits of Stimulating Peripheral Nerve Block Catheters Worth the Risks

This case report describes a patient who is taken to the emergency room with a stuck stimulating interscalene catheter placed for a shoulder replacement surgery. As you assess the patient and build a differential diagnosis and treatment plan, you debate with your colleague the merits of these stimulating catheters. You will review the existing literature for these catheters, including their results, limitations, biases, and values to the field.
Impacts of Cattle, Deer, Small Mammals, and Drought on Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa Michx.) Seedling Survival in Remnant Savannas in Central Nebraska

Oak savanna remnants contribute substantially to the biodiversity of graminoid-dominated landscapes in the Great Plains Region. Most of these ecologically important ecosystems have either been altered or lost altogether since the arrival of Europeans in the early to mid-1800s. Changes in land use have been accompanied by reduced oak regeneration, which may be attributable to grazing and other management practices. At present, numbers of surviving oak seedlings are insufficient for sustaining the recruitment of oaks into savanna overstory strata. Herbivore exclosures were used to distinguish sources of mortality in first-year bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) seedlings to determine the impacts of large mammalian herbivores, small mammals, and drought on oak regeneration in savanna remnants in Custer County, Nebraska. Results suggested an uncertain future for extant oak savannas on private land in central Nebraska. Seedlings without exclosures exhibited 97% mortality over the first growing season, and 100% mortality was observed during the subsequent dormant season in seedlings without exclosures that had survived the growing season. Although drought and small mammals contributed to overall oak seedling mortality, cattle and deer impacts were the leading causes of mortality in seedlings without exclosures. Trampling, grazing, and browsing may compromise efforts to restore and sustain these ecologically valuable ecosystems. However, effects of these factors may be reduced through management involving exclosures and limiting grazing to seasons when young oaks are less susceptible to damage.
Safety and Efficacy of Large Volume Leukapheresis for Allogeneic Hematopoietic Progenitor Cell Transplantation- the University of Miami Experience.

Purpose: To report our experience with large volume leukapheresis (LVL) for allogeneic hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) transplantation, evaluating its safety and efficacy in 69 consecutive healthy donors. Methods: Donor medical records from 1995–2004 were reviewed. These consisted of 38 males, 31 females, age range 16–65 (median: 37). All were mobilized with G-CSF, based on a dose of 7.5 mcg/kg/day (median: 600 mcg, range 300–960 mcg) for four days prior to outpatient LVL (Cobe spectra). Vascular access was femoral vein in 59 and antecubital veins in 10 donors. Pre- and post-LVL determinations included: WBC count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet count, serum potassium, and calcium (Ca ++ ). Oral KCL and oral/intravenous Ca ++ were given as indicated by laboratory values and symptoms. Catheter-related complications and blood product requirements associated with collection were assessed. Final CD34/kg recipient body weight (rec. BW) and recipient engraftment data was evaluated. Results: LVL was well tolerated by all donors undergoing a total of 74 procedures. Adverse reactions were minor and occurred in 40% of the donors. Local parasthesias accounted for majority (86%) of the adverse events. Bone pain secondary to G-CSF accounted for the remainder of the cases and was well controlled with analgesics. Oral electrolyte supplements were administered in 61% of the donors. Eleven (15.9%) required intravenous Ca ++ during collection. There were no catheter-related complications and no requirement for blood products during or after collection. Target values of 2 x 10 6 CD34/kg rec. BW was obtained in 68 cases (98.6%). Engraftment was achieved in 92% of the cases (6 died prior to engraftment). There were no early or late graft failures. Median time to ANC recovery was 10 days (range 8–25 days). Self-sustained platelet count was achieved in a median of 13 days. Conclusion: LVL was a safe and efficacious method of allogeneic HPC collection. The use of a lower G-CSF dose for mobilization is more economical and well tolerated. This dose allows for adequate collection of CD34 positive cells. These cells support the sustained recovery from high-dose chemotherapy for allogeneic transplantation.
Semi-preparative asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation: A closer look at channel dimensions and separation performance.

Abstract The design and performance of a semi-preparative asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (SP-AF4) channel are investigated with the objective of better understanding and exploiting the relationship between channel dimensions, sample loading, and resolution. Most size-based separations of nanometer and submicrometer particles are currently limited to analytical scale quantities (
Comparative Quantitative Lymph Node Assessment in Localized Esophageal Cancer Patients After R0 Resection With and Without Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation Therapy

The effects of neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy on lymph node retrieval during esophagectomy for patients with esophageal cancer are unclear. The aim of this study was to quantify lymph node retrieval after R0 esophagectomy and to assess its impact on overall survival in induction therapy patients. One hundred seventy-four consecutive patients underwent esophagectomy with or without induction therapy from 2008 to 2015 for esophageal cancer. Total lymph nodes, positive lymph nodes, and lymph node ratios were compared between two groups of patients: those treated with either upfront surgery or those treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy followed by surgery. Comparisons were made using Student’s t test. Overall survival was obtained and compared using Kaplan Meier survival curves. Total lymph node counts were less in the induction therapy group (p = 0.027), while positive lymph node counts and lymph node ratios did not differ between groups (p = 0.262 and p = 0.310, respectively). In the neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by surgery group, overall survival was significantly shorter for patients who had any positive lymph nodes in the pathologic specimen (p = 0.0065). Total lymph node counts were significantly lower in the induction therapy group, while positive lymph node counts and lymph node ratios did not differ from the upfront surgery group. Although overall survival was not different between groups, it was decreased within the induction therapy cohort among those who had any positive lymph nodes retrieved at surgery. This study confirms that unstratified gross lymph node counts do not substantially relate to prognosis in the heterogeneous population of locally advanced esophageal cancer patients who may or may not have had neoadjuvant chemoradiation.
On-chip quantum optical networks comprising co-designed spectrally uniform single photon source array and dielectric light manipulating elements

We present an approach to quantum optical networks comprising spectrally uniform ordered array of single quantum dots as on-chip single photon sources integrated with dielectric light manipulating multifunctional units that guide, propagate and create interference of the emitted photons aimed at quantum information processing.
Neutral Theory and Beyond

This article summarizes the history, formulation, and results of neutral theory in ecology. The motivation for the development of neutral theory is outlined, including its foundations in the theories of molecular evolution and island biogeography. The authors provide an explicit mathematical formulation of Hubbell’s original neutral model, and outline the predictions of this model and subsequent refinements and extensions. Nonneutral models are discussed, and they summarize the prospects for future development.
Safety and efficacy of cryoablation of renal tumors in a high-risk patient population at a community hospital

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous cryoablation for the treatment of renal masses in a high surgical risk population stratified by Charlson Comorbidity Index treated at a community hospital and to determine parameters associated with higher complication rates. Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients with renal masses treated with image-guided percutaneous cryoablation between 2007 and 2013 was performed. Results: A total of 121 tumors were ablated in 105 patients. The mean patient age was 70 years old. Comorbidities included morbid obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, pulmonary disease, cigarette use, and renal insufficiency. Mean tumor size treated was 3.15 cm in largest diameter, ranging from 1.4 to 6.5 cm. Complications were observed in 16 cases. The most common complication was perinephric and/or pararenal hemorrhage. Procedures with >3.5 probes, hemoglobin >12.5 g/dl, tumor size >3.55 cm, and age >75 years were all associated with greater likelihood of complications. Conclusions: Our experience with percutaneous cryoablation of small renal masses offers similar results in efficacy to published data in patients with significant comorbidities. In addition, the results of our study show that percutaneous cryoablation is relatively safe in patients with renal cancer who are poor surgical candidates but warrants special consideration. Parameters associated with higher rates of complications have been established, which may be used by physicians as a guide.
Hepatic perihilar amphicrine cholangiocarcinoma: A case report

Abstract Mixed neuroendocrine nonneuroendocrine neoplasms (MiNEN) are tumors composed of adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine neoplasm and include collision, combined, and amphicrine. Within the hepatobiliary tree, tumors of this histologic type are extremely rare, particularly the amphicrine type. In this case study, we describe a 63-year-old man with a hepatic hilar amphicrine tumor. An initial diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumor was made based on biopsy (chromogranin and synaptophysin positivity). On resection, the tumor contained histologic features of both adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine carcinoma. Immunohistochemically, all tumor cells expressed both chromogranin and synaptophysin, keratin 7, and Cam5.2. Mucin production was evident in both components demonstrated by mucicarmine stain. Albumin RNA in situ hybridization (ISH) was positive, supporting hepatic source. The tumor is classified as an amphicrine carcinoma given the dual expression of both adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine markers in both components. This is the first amphicrine carcinoma of the hepatic hilum reported in the literature.