cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Discontinuous Galerkin Surface Integral Equation Method for Electromagnetic Wave Scattering From Nonpenetrable Targets

We present a discontinuous Galerkin surface integral equation method, herein referred to as IEDG, for time harmonic electromagnetic wave scattering from nonpenetrable targets. The proposed IEDG algorithm allows the implementation of the combined field integral equation (CFIE) using square-integrable, , trial and test functions without any considerations of continuity requirements across element boundaries. Due to the local characteristics of basis functions, it is possible to employ nonconformal surface discretizations of the targets. Furthermore, it enables the possibility to mix different types of elements and employ different order of basis functions within the same discretization. Therefore, the proposed IEDG method is highly flexible to apply adaptation techniques. Numerical results are included to validate the accuracy and demonstrate the versatility of the proposed IEDG method. In addition, a complex large-scale simulation is conducted to illustrate the potential benefits offered by the proposed method for modeling multiscale electrically large targets.
Induced Expression of the Legionella pneumophila Gene Encoding a 20-Kilodalton Protein during Intracellular Infection

The eukaryotic protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximid has been used by many investigators to selectively radiolabel intracellular bacteria. Although cycloheximide has no direct effect on bacterial gene expression, there are concerns that long-term inhibition of the host cell protein synthesis may have secondary effects on bacterial gene expression. Therefore, prior to further identification and cloning of the macrophage-induced (MI) genes of Legionella pneumophila, the effects of cycloheximide on L. pneumophila-infected U937 cells were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy. Inhibition of protein synthesis of the host cell for 6 h had no major effect on the ultrastructure of the host cell, on the formation of rough endoplasmic reticulum-surrounded replicative phagosome, or on initiation of intracellular bacterial replication. In contrast, by 15 h of cycloheximide treatment, there was profound deterioration in the host cell as well as in the phagosome. To examine protein synthesis by L. pneumophila during the intracellular infection, U937 macrophage-like cells were infected with L. pneumophila, and intracellular bacteria were radiolabeled during a 2-h cycloheximide treatment or following 12 h of cycloheximide treatment. Comparison by two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the protein profile of radiolabeled in vitro-grown L. pneumophila to that of intracellularly radiolabeled bacteria showed that 23 proteins were induced in response to the intracellular environment during 2 h of inhibition of host cell protein biosynthesis. Twelve MI proteins of L. pneumophila were artifactually induced due to prolonged inhibition of the host cell protein synthesis. The gene encoding a 20-kDa MI protein was cloned by a reverse genetics technique. Sequence analysis showed that the cloned gene encoded a protein that was 80% similar to the enzyme inorganic pyrophosphatase. Studies of promoter fusion to a promoterless lacZ gene showed that compared to in vitro-grown bacteria, expression of the pyrophosphatase gene (ppa) was induced fourfold throughout the intracellular infection. There was no detectable induction in transcription of the ppa promoter during exposure to stress stimuli in vitro. The ppa gene of L. pneumophila is the first example of a regulated ppa gene which is selectively induced during intracellular infection and which may reflect enhanced capabilities of macromolecular biosynthesis by intracellular L. pneumophila. The data indicate caution in the long-term use of inhibition of host cell protein synthesis to selectively examine gene expression by intracellular bacteria.
Genetic Syndromes and Genes Involved in the Development of the Female Reproductive Tract: A Possible Role for Gene Therapy

Mullerian and vaginal anomalies are congenital malformations of the female reproductive tract resulting from alterations in the normal developmental pathway of the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and vagina. The most common of the Mullerian anomalies affect the uterus and may adversely impact reproductive outcomes highlighting the importance of gaining understanding of the genetic mechanisms that govern normal and abnormal development of the female reproductive tract. Modern molecular genetics with study of knock out animal models as well as several genetic syndromes featuring abnormalities of the female reproductive tract have identified candidate genes significant to this developmental pathway. Further emphasizing the importance of understanding female reproductive tract development, recent evidence has demonstrated expression of embryologically significant genes in the endometrium of adult mice and humans. This recent work suggests that these genes not only play a role in the proper structural development of the female reproductive tract but also may persist in adults to regulate proper function of the endometrium of the uterus. As endometrial function is critical for successful implantation and pregnancy maintenance, these recent data suggest a target for gene therapy. Future research will be needed to determine if gene therapy may improve reproductive outcomes for patients with demonstrated deficient endometrial expression related to abnormal gene expression.
Band Gap Engineering in a 2D Material for Solar-to-Chemical Energy Conversion.

The electronic structure of 2D semiconductors depends on their thickness, providing new opportunities to engineer semiconductors for energy conversion, electronics, and catalysis. Here we show how a 3D semiconductor, black phosphorus, becomes active for solar-to-chemical energy conversion when it is thinned to a 2D material. The increase in its band gap, from 0.3 eV (3D) to 2.1 eV (2D monolayer), is accompanied by a 40-fold enhancement in the formation of chemical products. Despite this enhancement, smaller flakes also have shorter excited state lifetimes. We deduce a mechanism in which recombination occurs at flake edges, while the “van der Waals” surface of black phosphorus bonds to chemical intermediates and facilitates electron transfer. The unique properties of black phosphorus highlight its potential as a customizable material for solar energy conversion and catalysis, while also allowing us to identify design rules for 2D photocatalysts that will enable further improvements in these materials.
CCT post-layout simulation process in mobile phone product design

In Server industry, simulation process is usually separated into pre-layout and post-layout phases. The pre-layout simulation focuses on finding the solution space or choosing a better topology. For post-layout simulation, Intel Channel Check Tool (CCT) [1][2][3] methodology has become popular and widely used for past two or three years. CCT is the board-level interconnect electrical performance characterization method. It simplifies and automates the electrical layout checking flow without losing confidence level, and provides indicators (SIG, ISI, XTK, P_Eye, P_Ratio) for a board designer to find the potential layout issues. Comparing with server product, CCT post-layout simulation method is even more suitable for modern mobile phone design due to its routings simplicity and small board size. It is also used in feasibility study of PCB cost reduction.
PET Scanning Systems

The detection and measurement of radiation is based on the interaction of radiations with matter discussed in Chap. 1. In gases, ionizing radiations, particulate or electromagnetic, interact with gas molecules to produce positive and negative ions, which are then collected as current or count by the application of a voltage. The amount of ionization is proportional to the amount of energy deposited by the radiation. At low voltages, the ionization is measured as current that is proportional to the amount of radiation. Dose calibrators, pocket dosimeters, and ionization chambers operate on this principle at low voltages (∼ 150 V). At high voltages (∼ 900 V), ions are multiplied in an avalanche of interactions producing a pulse that is independent of the energy and type of radiation. Each event of interaction is detected as a count, and this principle is applied in Geiger–Muller (GM) counters, which are used as radiation survey meters.
Diffuse non-aneurysmal SAH in spontaneous intracranial hypotension: Sequela of ventral CSF leak?:

BackgroundSpontaneous intracranial hypotension due to a spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak has become a well-recognized cause of headaches. Recently, various unusual neurological syndromes have been described in such patients with chronic ventral CSF leaks, including superficial siderosis and an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-like syndrome. The authors now report two patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension due to a chronic ventral CSF leak who suffered a diffuse non-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).Description of casesA 62-year-old woman underwent uneventful microsurgical repair of a ventral thoracic CSF leak that had been present for 13 years. Seventeen months after surgery, she was found unresponsive and CT showed a diffuse intracranial SAH. Cerebral angiography and spine and brain MRI did not reveal a source of the SAH. A 73-year-old woman was found unresponsive and CT showed a diffuse intracranial SAH. Cerebral angiography and brain MRI did not reveal a source of the SAH, although...
Redox and metabolic regulation of stem/progenitor cells and their niche

Stem cells are defined as cells that have the capacity to self-renew and exhibit multipotency or pluripotency, whereas progenitor cells are committed to selected lineages but retain their self-renewal capacity. The stem or progenitor cell niche refers to the microenvironment of the regenerative cells in the bone marrow (BM) or other tissues such as the heart. It can regulate self-renewal, differentiation, migration, and proliferation of regenerative stem/progenitor cells. The precise regulatory mechanisms by which the niche and the stem/progenitor cells interact are an active area of research. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are one such niche regulatory mechanism. Quiescent stem cells in a hypoxic niche exhibit low ROS levels due to well-organized antioxidant defense systems, which protect stem cells from extrinsic oxidative stress, whereas high levels of ROS promote the differentiation or migration of stem/progenitor cells. In pathophysiological conditions such as diabetes, BM niche dysfunction induced by oxidative stress contributes to the reduction of the angiogenic and vasculogenic potential of BM-derived regenerative cells, thereby leading to less efficient healing and revascularization. Cells have evolved mechanisms to fine-tune ROS levels by tightly regulated metabolic pathways such as glycolysis rather than oxidative phosphorylation to reduce oxidative stress. This Forum will summarize the recent progress regarding the redox and metabolic regulation of hematopoietic and cardiac stem/progenitor cells, as well as their niche interactions involved in tissue regeneration and repair under physiological and pathological conditions. Understanding such mechanisms will contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies to enhance regeneration and repair of diseased tissues.
Clinical characteristics of children with atypical and idiopathic slipped capital femoral epiphysis: description of the age-weight test and implications for further diagnostic investigation.

Slipped capital femoral epiphyses (SCFEs) can be idiopathic or atypical (associated with renal failure, radiation therapy, and endocrine disorders). The demographics of 433 children (285 idiopathic, 148 atypical) with 612 SCFEs were studied to define predictors of atypical SCFEs. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that age and weight were predictors. For two patients of equal weight, those younger than 10 or older than 16 years of age were 4.2 times more likely to have an atypical SCFE; for two patients of equal age, those <50th percentile weight were 8.4 times more likely. The age-weight test was defined as negative when age younger than 16 years and weight ≥50th percentile and positive when beyond these boundaries. The probability of a child with a negative test result having an idiopathic SCFE was 93%, and the probability of a child with a positive test result having an atypical SCFE was 52%. An evaluation of the child's age and weight is useful when considering the cause of an SCFE.
Current Stituation and Analysis of the Training Scale of Undergraduate Sports Major in Chinese University

Through analysis of the related data about the training scale of undergraduate sports science specialty,it is found that the speciality has entered into a sustainable development stage,with the characteristics of rapid expansion of specialities,wide range and diversity of regional and disciplinary layout.The changes of traning scale for prefessional personnel indicate the changes of disciplinary structure and the social damand for diversified talents.The restructuring of emerging and cross-disciplnes promotes the development and differenciation of undergraduate sports science specialty.It will be the devlopment direction of the structure of undergarduate sports science specialty to establish diversified disciplinary groups.The problems of quality and employment caused by the rapid development of training scale can only be solved by advanced prediction of market demand.Therefore the structure of academic disciplines should be adjusted to ennable the discipline to develop in a healthy and sustainable way.
Navajo Seasonal Migration Patterns

ABSTRACTNavajo seasonal migration patterns have often been mentioned but seldom described. Published information on the subject is reviewed herein. Despite variations and complexities, two major patterns are discerned: 1) in areas emphasizing farming over herding, lowland farms are the summer residences and intermediate elevations affording firewood and pasture are sought in winter; 2) in areas emphasizing sheep raising, well watered, grassy highlands are the summer homes, while warmer, less snowy lowlands are occupied in winter. In some dry areas, however, the importance of livestock water sources may overrule the usual migration patterns.
The Aztec Economic World: Merchants and Markets in Ancient Mesoamerica

This study explores the organization, scale, complexity, and integration of Aztec commerce across Mesoamerica at Spanish contact. The aims of the book are threefold. The first is to construct an in-depth understanding of the economic organization of precolumbian Aztec society and how it developed in the way that it did. The second is to explore the livelihoods of the individuals who bought, sold, and moved goods across a cultural landscape that lacked both navigable rivers and animal transport. Finally, this study models Aztec economy in a way that facilitates its comparison to other ancient and premodern societies around the world. What makes the Aztec economy unique is that it developed one of the most sophisticated market economies in the ancient world in a society with one of the worse transportation systems. This is the first book to provide an updated and comprehensive view of the Aztec economy in thirty years.
Multi-year and multi-location soil quality and crop biomass yield responses to hardwood fast pyrolysis biochar

Abstract Biochar can remediate degraded soils and maintain or improve soil health, but specific and predictable effects on soil properties and crop productivity are unknown because of complex interactions associated with climate patterns, inherent soil characteristics, site-specific crop and soil management practices, and the source, production characteristics, and amount of biochar applied. This multi-location field study was designed and conducted to determine if consistent response patterns could be elucidated by controlling the type and amount of biochar applied, depth of incorporation, and soil/crop management practices as much as possible for six U.S. locations. When averaged for five reporting locations, biochar or biochar plus manure (bio + man) treatments significantly ( P P P = 0.017) at one of the six locations. Overall, we conclude that hardwood biochar produced by fast pyrolysis can be an effective soil amendment for increasing SOC levels within a broad range of temperate soils, but crop yield responses should be anticipated only when specific soil quality problems limit productivity.
Effectiveness of cyanoacrylate microbial sealant in the reduction of surgical site infection in gynecologic oncology procedures: A phase III single institution prospective randomized trial

Abstract Objectives Surgery is a cornerstone for patients with gynecologic malignancies. Surgical site infections (SSI) remain a source of post-operative morbidity. Consequences range from escalated costs, delay in adjuvant therapy, and increased morbidity. Our primary objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of a cyanoacrylate microbial sealant (CMS) to reduce post-operative SSI following laparotomy for suspected gynecologic malignancy. Methods Patients were randomized using a 1:1 allocation to receive either standard skin preparation or standard preparation with CMS and stratified by BMI. Patients were followed for 6weeks for SSI. Demographic data was collected through the EMR. Associations between SSI, use of CMS, and clinicopathologic factors were explored using descriptive statistics, chi-square and multivariate analysis. Results 300 patients underwent randomization. Median age of the cohort was 58. Arms were matched and there was no difference in rate of medical comorbidities. Mean BMI was 38.8kg/m 2 in patients randomized to BMI≥30 and 26.3kg/m 2 randomized to BMI p =0.18). Multivariate model demonstrated that BMI≥30 ( p p =0.010), transfusion in the OR ( p p =0.0005) were associated with post-operative SSI. Conclusions Patients presenting to a gynecologic oncologist for surgery frequently present with multiple risk factors for SSI and laparotomy is complicated by surgical-site complications in up to 30% of cases. The addition of CMS alone does not appear to reduce risk of overall SSI. Additional risk-reducing strategies including use of antimicrobial agents and optimization of modifiable risk factors prior to surgery should be explored as pathways for reducing this significant post-operative morbidity.
Salivary proline rich peptide decreases cell growth in HCC38 triple negative breast cancer cell line

Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the effects of p1978 on the growth rate of a triple receptor negative breast cancer cell line. Methods: Three cell lines, 185B5 normal tissue, HCC38, and AU585, were seeded with peptide p1978. Corresponding plates were seeded with PBS to serve as controls. Baseline line cell counts were taken at 30% confluence prior to seeding. Counts were again made 48 hours later. Results: The HCC38 cell line showed decreased growth when exposed to the low and high dose of p1978 peptide. Conclusion: The results suggest that p1978 may have potential in treating triple receptor negative breast cancer.
Emoticons in informal text communication: a new window on bilingual alignment

The study of emoticon use in text communication is in its early stages (Aragon, Feldman, Chen & Kroll, 2014), with even less known about how emoticons function in multilingual environments. We describe a preliminary longitudinal analysis of text communication in an online bilingual scientific work environment and demonstrate how patterns of emoticon use constitute a novel yet systematic nonverbal aspect of communication. Specifically, coordination over bilingual speakers entails reductions in emoticon diversity over time that are greater for those who communicate in their L2 than in their L1. An analogous but weaker pattern is evident for lexical diversity in L2 but not L1. We hypothesize that reductions in emoticon diversity in the L2 are likely to reflect social contributions to alignment rather than purely proficiency.
Making touch analog: The prospects and perils of a haptic media studies:

In this article, we argue for the urgency of establishing a coherent tradition of haptic media studies, suggesting that the fields of visual culture studies and sound studies provide analogs, however imperfect, for modeling a new touch-oriented approach to media. This call to make touch like the senses of seeing and hearing echoes previous movements in touch’s discursive and institutional history, as investigators in prior generations similarly aspired to transform tactility through the development of new institutionally grounded research programs. Furthermore, we outline one possible genealogy of haptic media that attends specifically to the power relations expressed through the technoscientific harnessing of touch by haptics. We close with a programmatic set of suggestions for operationalizing haptic media studies.
Question and Answer: The Collective Wisdom of Mothers in Medicine

From its first post in 2008, the Mothers in Medicine (MiM) blog has provided a space for sharing anecdotes from the front lines of motherhood and the practice of medicine. It has served as a way for women to support one another and provide guidance, share experiences, and offer a variety of perspectives on navigating the challenges of this cross-section of callings. It has also served as an avenue for women who are interested in pursuing, or who are already in the throes of pursuing, medicine and motherhood. Though each woman’s experiences and opinions are unique, certain themes have emerged over the years. The advice offered by the writers of Mothers in Medicine in response to the most common questions and concerns is collected below and reflects the input of women practicing in a variety of specialties and settings, speaking from every point along the spectrum of training.
Neurotransplantation: a Clinical Update

The use of grafts to correct neurological disorders has great promise. The progress toward this goal, as it relates to Parkinson’s disease, is briefly reviewed. Although there are a number of questions that remain unanswered, recent reports of improvement in parkinsonian symptoms are very encouraging. In order to successfully evaluate the clinical trials, multicenter and/or standardized reporting techniques will be required. Future studies will need to concentrate on improving the graft survival and ability of the graft to reinnervate the host. Eventually alternative tissues may alleviate the need for fetal tissue. The use of neurotrophic factors should prove an important adjuvant to the repair and restoration of lost neurological function. As this technology is applied to other neurological diseases, it will be important to evaluate the appropriateness of grafting through extensive animal model studies and to balance the potential benefits of such therapy against the degree of risk from surgery and the severity of the disease.
Hayden White and/in France: receptions, translations, questions*

AbstractThe work of Hayden White has been discussed in France starting in the 1980s. The scholars most responsible for its introduction have been the philosopher Paul Ricoeur and the historian Roge...
Differentiation and Integration

This chapter develops numerical methods for computing derivatives and integrals. Numerical differentiation of polynomials can be performed by synthetic division, or through special properties of trigonometric polynomials or orthogonal polynomials. For derivatives of more general functions, finite differences lead to difficulties with rounding errors that can be largely overcome by clever post-processing, such as Richardson extrapolation. Integration is a more complicated topic. The Lebesgue integral is related to Monte Carlo methods, and Riemann sums are improved by trapezoidal and midpoint rules. Analysis of the errors leads to the Euler-MacLaurin formula. Various polynomial interpolation techniques lead to specialized numerical integration methods. The chapter ends with discussions of tricks for difficult integrals, adaptive quadrature, and integration in multiple dimensions.
Investigating the equilibrium melting temperature of linear polyethylene using the non-linear Hoffman-Weeks approach

Abstract The melting behavior of three linear polyethylene fractions with number average molecular weights of 11, 29, and 100.5 kg/mol was studied as a function of crystallization time with conventional and ultra-fast calorimetry. The initial melting temperatures of non-thickened lamellae formed under isothermal conditions over a range of crystallization temperatures were analyzed with the non-linear Hoffman-Weeks method to determine the equilibrium melting temperature. T m e q values of 138.4 ± 0.9 °C , 139.7.4 ± 0.9 °C , and 140.9 ± 0.8 °C were estimated for PE 11K, PE 29K, and PE 100K, respectively, in close agreement with those reported in the literature for the melting of extended-chain crystals or with the Gibbs-Thomson analysis. The Lauritzen-Hoffman theory and the non-linear Hoffman-Weeks treatment were modified to account for the effect of the tilt angle, θ , of the crystallized stems of linear polyethylene on the initial average lamellar thickness. Accuracy of the non-linear Hoffman-Weeks method was examined using initial lamellar thickness, l g ∗ , data reported for PE 29K in the literature at different crystallization temperatures. The equilibrium melting temperature obtained by the Gibbs-Thomson approach and the C 2 value extracted from the l g ∗ vs. 1 / Δ T plot were similar within the limits of experimental error to those obtained here through the non-linear Hoffman-Weeks method. Using the Huggins equation, the equilibrium melting temperature of an infinitely long linear polyethylene chain is found to be equal to 141.4 ± 0.8 °C , the same value proposed by Wunderlich.
Identification, Characterization, and Prediction of Traffic Flow Patterns in Multi-Airport Systems

Efficient planning of airport capacity is key for the successful accomplishment of traffic flow management. Yet, the dynamic and uncertain behavior of capacity-determining factors makes it difficult to estimate flow rates precisely, especially for strategic planning horizons. Metroplex systems impose additional challenges in this decision-making process because of relevant operational interdependencies between the closely located airports. This paper presents a data-driven framework to identify, characterize, and predict traffic flow patterns in the terminal area of multi-airport systems toward improved capacity planning decision support in complex airspace. Through the identification and characterization of patterns in the terminal area traffic flows, we learn recurrent utilization patterns of runways and airspace as well as relevant decision factors, and use that knowledge to develop descriptive models for metroplex configuration prediction and capacity estimation. The framework is based on the application of machine learning methods on historical flight tracks, weather forecasts, and airport operational data. A multi-layer clustering analysis is first performed to mine spatial and temporal trends in flight trajectory data for identification of traffic flow patterns. Based on this knowledge, a multi-way classification model is developed to generate probabilistic forecasts of the metroplex traffic flow structure for look-ahead times of up to eight hours. Finally, an empirical approach for arrival capacity estimation is proposed based on historical flow pattern behavior. The observed variability in throughput and terminal area delay performance emphasizes the importance of metroplex configuration predictability toward improved flow rate planning and ultimately better traffic regulation.
Hospitalization and Emergency Department Visits for Severe Hypoglycemia among U.S. Adults with Diabetes and Serious Comorbid Conditions

Diabetes care guidelines recommend more relaxed glycemic targets for patients with specific chronic conditions because they are thought to have an increased risk of hypoglycemia, limited life expectancy, and/or high clinical complexity. These include dementia, end stage renal disease (ESRD), stages 3-4 chronic kidney disease (CKD), myocardial infarction, heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer, arthritis, urinary incontinence, falls, depression, hypertension, cirrhosis, proliferative retinopathy, and peripheral neuropathy. The rates of severe hypoglycemia among patients with these conditions are unknown. We quantified rates of hospital and emergency department care for hypoglycemia among 216,839 adults (mean 65.5 years old) with diabetes in 2015 using the OptumLabs Data Warehouse (administrative database of >100 million commercially-insured and Medicare Advantage beneficiaries). Hypoglycemia rates varied widely: 10.6/1000 person-years (PY) in patients with hypertension, 26.9/1000 PY with CKD, 26.8/1000 PY with cirrhosis, 37.7/1000 PY with dementia, and 58.3/1000 PY with ESRD. Hypoglycemia was rare among patients with no conditions (2.0/1000 PY). After adjustment for all conditions, prior hypoglycemia, age, sex, race, HbA1c, and diabetes medications, the risk of severe hypoglycemia was significantly increased for all conditions except arthritis, incontinence, and cancer. Hypoglycemia risk increased rapidly with the number of comorbidities: OR 1.8 (95% CI 1.4, 2.2) for 2 conditions, 7.7 (6.2, 9.64) for 5, 16.6 (13.1, 21.1) for 7, and 25.6 (30.4, 32.2) for ?8 conditions compared with ?1 condition. Severe hypoglycemia is common among patients with chronic conditions. Rates vary between conditions but increase dramatically in patients with multiple comorbidities. These data can help inform decisions about glucose-lowering therapy for patients with comorbidities. Disclosure R.G. McCoy: None. H. Van Houten: None. K.J. Lipska: Other Relationship; Self; Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Research Support; Self; National Institutes of Health. N. Shah: None.
Electron Microscopy of Normal Kidney

For electron microscopy (EM) study of the kidney, the renal tissue must be fixed in 4% glutaraldehyde and postfixed in 1% osmium tetroxide (OsO4). The details of fixation, embedding, sectioning, and staining methodology are given in Chapter 2. For convenience of study and analysis, the anatomy of the renal parenchyma can be divided into four component parts: glomerulus, tubule, interstitium, and small arterial vessels (small artery, large arteriole, and small arteriole).
Use of Double Punch Test to Evaluate the Mechanical Performance of Fiber Reinforced Concrete

Mechanical properties of fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) determined by material test methods can be used to ensure that the FRC mixture is batched properly and to give indications of performance if used in structural members. An ideal material test method for FRC should give low variability in the measurement of properties such as peak and residual strengths. ACI 318-08 uses results from the third-point bending test [1] as the performance criteria for FRC. Experimental evidence, however, has indicated that this bending type test method has potential problems in the reliability of determining the peak and residual strengths. The coefficient of variation of residual strength is typically very high and generally greater than 20%. The considerable scatter results make it difficult for quality control, particularly when such properties are intended to be used to estimate the strength of structural members. In addition, the complex test setup and the requirement of using a closed-loop servo-controlled machine often prevent its use in small laboratories. Other test methods such as the direct tensile test experience similar problems. As a consequence, these test methods are generally time consuming and expensive as they require more specimens to obtain reliable test data.
Getting to transplant in Hodgkin lymphoma: BVB.

In this issue of Blood , LaCasce et al present data on the incorporation of brentuximab vedotin (BV) with bendamustine (BVB) in patients with recurrent/refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) that might be practice-changing. 1
Restylane Injection for the Lower Eyelid Tear Trough

Injecting Restylane into the lower eyelid (to correct a tear trough or orbitomalar groove) is fraught with potential complications, such as bruising, lumpiness, and contour irregularities. Nonetheless, it can be done and good results can be achieved.
Sexual Passion in Committed Relationships: Measurement and Conceptual Issues

The purpose of this study is to discuss the need for a new triadic model of sexual passion in relationships and to present the preliminary psychometric properties of a scale designed to measure these three approaches to passion (harmonious, obsessive, and inhibited) for use in clinical and scholarly work. Existing theory and measures of general passion are based on a dualistic model of passion that includes the harmonious and obsessive approaches to passion. We added the inhibited approach to passion from the sexuality research and develop measures for assessing sexual passion in relationships. We utilized an Amazon Mechanical Turk sample of 1,421 individuals in committed relationships to test this measure. Reliability analyses and confirmatory factory analyses evinced that these three approaches to sexual passion were unique constructs and distinct from sexual satisfaction. Sexual passion showed predictive validity above and beyond relationship length, sexual desire toward a partner, and a broader variable of sexual drive. Harmonious sexual passion robustly predicted higher sexual satisfaction and relationship satisfaction, and inhibited sexual passion moderately predicted lower sexual satisfaction and relationship satisfaction. Obsessive sexual passion had minimal associations with either outcome. These new constructs, especially harmonious and inhibited sexual passion, may help scholars and practitioners improve their understanding of sexual satisfaction and overall relationship satisfaction.
Photochemical degradation of halogenated estrogens under natural solar irradiance

Halogenated estrogens are thought to be moderately potent endocrine-disrupting compounds that are formed during chlorine-based wastewater disinfection processes and may represent a significant fraction of the total amount of estrogen delivered from wastewater treatment plants to receiving waters. Yet we lack key information about the photochemical degradation of halogenated estrogens, a process that has important implications for UV-based wastewater treatment and environmental fate modeling. To better understand halogenated estrogen degradation in aquatic environments, we studied the direct photolysis of 17β-estradiol (E2), 2-bromo-17β-estradiol (monoBrE2), 2,4-dibromo-17β-estradiol (diBrE2), and 2,4-dichloro-17β-estradiol (diClE2) as well as the indirect photolysis of diBrE2 under natural solar irradiance. We found that direct photolysis rate constants increased with halogenation as pKa values decreased and molar absorptivity spectra shifted toward higher wavelengths. Compared to E2, quantum yields were threefold larger for monoBrE2, but 15-32% smaller for the dihalogenated forms. The rate of diBrE2 (pKa ∼ 7.5) photolysis was strongly influenced by pH. At pH 7, diBrE2 degraded on minute time scales due to the large red-shifted molar absorptivity values and greater quantum yields of the phenolate form. Degradation rates were only slightly different in the presence of Suwannee River Humic Acid (5 mg L-1), and quenching experiments pointed to excited triplet state dissolved organic matter (3DOM*) as the dominant reactive intermediate responsible for the indirect photolysis of diBrE2. Overall, our data suggest that halogenated estrogens are particularly susceptible to photochemical degradation at environmentally relevant pH values.
Discriminating Ears: Critical Receptions of Blackness in the Music of George Gershwin and William Grant Still

At the apex of their careers, composers George Gershwin and William Grant Still produced what they believed were their finest works: respectively, Porgy and Bess (1935), an opera by a white American composer about African American subjects, and Troubled Island (1949), an opera by an African American composer about Haitian subjects. However, both works fared poorly upon their premiere, with critics decrying Porgy and Bess and Troubled Island as “unoperatic.” Besides providing historical context to both operas, this paper argues that the critical rhetoric surrounding them was tinged by racialized notions of what musical “blackness” sounded like, or should sound like, to white ears. This paper focuses on critics’ coinage of “the cheap” or “popular” as a euphemism for music inspired by African American musical traditions like jazz, the blues, and spirituals. The paper concludes that, while the art music canon can be responsive to social justice movements, critics’ scorn of works like Porgy and Bess and Troubled Island contributes to the entrenchment of an implicitly racialized high–low musical dichotomy.
Diagnosis and Outpatient Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Review

Importance There are 30 million adults (12%) in the United States who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease accounts for 3.2% of all physician office visits annually and is the fourth leading cause of death (126 000 deaths per year). Most patients are diagnosed by their primary care clinicians who must address the highly variable clinical features and responses to therapy. The diagnosis and treatment of COPD is rapidly changing, so understanding recent advances is important for the delivery of optimal patient care. Observations Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is characterized by incompletely reversible expiratory airflow limitation. Spirometry is the reference standard for diagnosing and assessing the severity of COPD. All patients should be counseled about and receive preventive measures such as smoking cessation and vaccination. Treatment should be guided by the severity of lung impairment, symptoms such as dyspnea, the amount of cough and sputum production, and how often a patient experiences an exacerbation. When dyspnea limits activity or quality of life, COPD should be treated with once- or twice-daily maintenance long-acting anticholinergic and β-agonist bronchodilators. Patients with acute exacerbations may benefit from the addition of inhaled corticosteroids, particularly those with elevated peripheral eosinophil levels. Pulmonary rehabilitation, which includes strength and endurance training and educational, nutritional, and psychosocial support, improves symptoms and exercise tolerance but is underutilized. Supplemental oxygen for patients with resting hypoxemia (defined as Spo2 Conclusions and Relevance Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a complicated disease requiring intensive treatment. Appropriate use of long-acting maintenance bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids, and pulmonary rehabilitation decreases symptoms, optimizes functional performance, and reduces exacerbation frequency. Supplemental oxygen in patients with resting hypoxemia prolongs life, and other advanced treatments are available based on specific patient characteristics.
Gait mechanics contribute to exercise induced pain flares in knee osteoarthritis

Exercise-induced pain flares represent a significant barrier for individuals with knee osteoarthritis to meet physical activity recommendations. There is a need to understand factors that contribute to pain flares and the potential for the motor system to adapt and reduce joint loading should a flare occur. The study aim was to examine the impact of a bout of exercise on self-reported pain, walking mechanics and muscle co-contraction for participants with knee osteoarthritis. Thirty-six adults (17 healthy older and 19 knee osteoarthritis) participated in this study. Self-reported pain, joint mechanics and muscle co-activation during gait at two self-selected speeds were collected before and after a 20-min preferred pace treadmill walk (20MTW). Eight of nineteen osteoarthritis participants had a clinically significant pain flare response to the 20MTW. At baseline the participants that did not experience a pain flare had smaller knee flexion and total reaction moments compared to both the participants with pain flares (p = 0.02; p = 0.05) and controls (p < 0.001; p < 0.001). In addition, the 2nd peak knee adduction (p = 0.01) and internal rotation (p = 0.001) moments were smaller in the no flares as compared to controls. The pain flare participants differed from controls with smaller knee internal rotation moments (p = 0.03), but greater relative hamstrings (vs. quadriceps) and medial (vs. lateral) muscle activation (p = 0.04, p = 0.04) compared to both controls and no flare participants (p = 0.04, p = 0.007). Following the 20MTW there were greater decreases in the 1st and 2nd peak knee adduction (p = 0.03; p = 0.02), and internal rotation (p = 0.002) moments for the pain flare as compared to the no flare group. In addition, for the pain flare as compared to controls, greater decreases in the knee flexion (p = 0.03) and internal rotation (p = 0.005) moments were found. Individuals who adapt their gait to reduce knee joint loads may be less susceptible to exercise-induced pain flares. This highlights a potential role of gait biomechanics in short-term osteoarthritis pain fluctuations. The results also suggest that despite the chronic nature of osteoarthritis pain, the motor system’s ability to respond to nociceptive stimuli remains intact.
Investigation of PLGA nanoparticles in conjunction with nuclear localization sequence for enhanced delivery of antimiR phosphorothioates in cancer cells in vitro

Numerous first generation phosphorothioates (PS) and their derivatives have shown promise targeting mRNA for therapeutic applications and also gained market approval for their use as a drug. However, PS have not been explored for targeting microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs). In particular, efficient delivery remains a critical cog in PS-based antimiR applications. In this study, we tested and characterized a series of poly-lactic-co-glycolic-acid (PLGA) polymers of different molecular weights that can encapsulate the optimum amount of antimiR-155 PS with uniform morphology and surface charge density. We found that nuclear localization sequence substantially increases loading of antimiR-155 PS in PLGA nanoparticles. Further, in a battery of cell culture studies, we confirmed that PLGA nanoparticles encapsulated nuclear localization sequence/antimiR-155 PS combination undergoes significant intracellular delivery and results in reduced expression of miR-155. In conclusion, we successfully demonstrate the feasibility and promise of optimized PLGA nanoparticles based PS delivery in combination with nuclear localization sequence for antimiRs based therapeutics.
Residency Interview Experiences in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Differ by Gender and Affect Residency Ranking

Purpose Resident interview experiences are crucial for applicants when ranking programs. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the interview experience among current oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) residents to determine the factors that influenced their selection and ranking of training programs and whether these experiences differed between women and men. Materials and Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of OMS residents in 2018. The 12-question survey included demographics, reasons for selecting an interview and ranking programs, and positive and negative experiences during the interviews. Logistic regression models were constructed to evaluate the predictors of unprofessional or negative experiences. Results A total of 1134 surveys were emailed, with 165 completed questionnaires (14.6%) returned by 35 women (21.2%) and 130 men (78.8%). Their average age was 30.8 years (range, 25 to 42). The racial/ethnic distribution was as follows: white, 75.8%; Asian, 15.8%; and other, 8.4%. Of the 165 respondents, 52% were in MD and 48% in non-MD programs. The top factors in selecting an institution at which to interview were clinical scope and volume, and the reason for ranking a program high was resident friendliness, which was similar among the female and male respondents. Unprofessional behavior or negative experiences were reported by 62 respondents (38%) and occurred by both faculty and residents and during both interviews and social events. Demeaning behavior toward the applicant, residents, and colleagues was the most common negative experience overall, with the women experiencing more gender-specific inappropriate behavior. Female respondents and those who were in dual-degree programs were 2.4 and 2.1 times more likely to experience unprofessional conduct than their peers, respectively (P = .03). Conclusions Female and male residents were influenced by the same factors when selecting interviews and ranking residency programs. Unprofessional and inappropriate conduct was reported by 38% of the respondents. Women and dual-degree respondents were 2.4 and 2.1 times more likely to experience unprofessionalism during interviews, respectively. This might have contributed to the low number of current female OMS residents.
Effects of electron–phonon coupling on damage accumulation in molecular dynamics simulations of irradiated nickel

ABSTRACTThe role of the electronic system in high energy displacement cascades is explored. The energy exchange between the electronic and the atomic subsystem is described by the electron–phonon c...
A Broadband Linearly Polarized Beam-splitter

A broadband electromagnetic beam-splitting metasurface is designed and presented in this paper. This metasurface is composed of two metallic E-shaped patches modeled on FR4 dielectric substrate. The electromagnetic wave when normally incident on the proposed metasurface, it is split into two waves; half of the energy is reflected and the other half is transmitted. Owing to asymmetric nature of the metasurface along x and y-axis, the beam splitting is achieved at 13 GHz for x and at 8 GHz for y polarized wave.
The Nbp35/ApbC homolog acts as a nonessential [4Fe-4S] transfer protein in methanogenic archaea.

The nucleotide binding protein 35 (Nbp35)/cytosolic Fe-S cluster deficient 1 (Cfd1)/alternative pyrimidine biosynthetic protein C (ApbC) protein homologs have been identified in all three domains of life. In eukaryotes, the Nbp35/Cfd1 heterocomplex is an essential Fe-S cluster assembly scaffold required for the maturation of Fe-S proteins in the cytosol and nucleus, whereas the bacterial ApbC is an Fe-S cluster transfer protein only involved in the maturation of a specific target protein. Here, we show that the Nbp35/ApbC homolog MMP0704 purified from its native archaeal host Methanococcus maripaludis contains a [4Fe-4S] cluster that can be transferred to a [4Fe-4S] apoprotein. Deletion of mmp0704 from M. maripaludis does not cause growth deficiency under our tested conditions. Our data indicate that Nbp35/ApbC is a nonessential [4Fe-4S] cluster transfer protein in methanogenic archaea.
Photogrammetric Measurement of Tidal Currents

Conventional methods of measuring tidal current velocities generally use current meters. A method of supplementing this data has been developed using aerial photography and photogrammetric measurement techniques. The application of photogrammetry to current surveys requires the absolute orientation of photographs on stereoscopic plotting equipment and the marking of the water surface to permit the identification of specific surface points stereoscopically. A synoptic view of the circulatory pattern over a large area is provided.
Reading Comprehension Strategies for Students With Learning Disabilities Who Are Emergent Bilingual

Teachers of students with learning disabilities (LD) who also are emergent bilingual (EB) are tasked with meeting students’ individual learning needs and developing academic language. Teachers requ...