cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Residual or Retained Gadolinium: Practical Implications for Radiologists and Our Patients

We now have clear evidence that the administration of various gadolinium-based contrast agents results in notably varied levels of accumulation of residual gadolinium in the brain and bones of patients, even those with normal renal function.
Validation of a non-linear mathematical model for predicting the shape of brake hoses in automotive applications

It is a challenge to depict the shape of flexible components in solid modeling software. This is because flexible components in an automobile are subject to large elastic deformations during the movement of the rigid components to which they are attached. The principles of computation of the orientation of entities in a simplified coordinate system, vector mathematics, the file I/O features and structured C++ programming were used to view the rubber hose in CAD after modeling the hose using simulation software. The deviations of the hose shape at 0Â°, 90Â°, and 180Â° twist position obtained from the non-linear mathematical model and the actual location of the real hose obtained by using ATOS II scanning equipment were reduced by modifying various parameters. At the end of the trials the mean deviation was below 1 mm at the 0Â° position and below 6 mm at the 90Â° and 180Â° twist positions. A regression analysis was performed for generalization of the force deformation values characterizing the non-linear behavior of off-axis elements. This analysis makes this modeling technique applicable for predicting the shape of hose lengths in the range of 227.8â 2474 mm between any two attachments in space. Subsequently, the regression model was used to predict the hose shape for a different length. The results show that non-linear model with off-axis elements predicts the hose shape much more accurately than the linear model with beams.
Consumer choice between hospital-based and freestanding facilities for arthroscopy; Impact on prices, spending, and surgical complications

Background: Hospital-based outpatient departments traditionally charge higher prices for ambulatory procedures, compared with freestanding surgery centers. Under emerging reference-based benefit designs, insurers establish a contribution limit that they will pay, requiring the patient to pay the difference between that contribution limit and the actual price charged by the facility. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of reference-based benefits on consumer choices, facility prices, employer spending, and surgical outcomes for orthopaedic procedures performed at ambulatory surgery centers. Methods: We obtained data on 3962 patients covered by the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) who underwent arthroscopy of the knee or shoulder in the three years prior to the implementation of reference-based benefits in January 2012 and on 2505 patients covered by CalPERS who underwent arthroscopy in the two years after implementation. Control group data were obtained on 57,791 patients who underwent arthroscopy and were not subject to reference-based benefits. The impact of reference-based benefits on consumer choices between hospital-based and freestanding facilities, facility prices, employer spending, and surgical complications was assessed with use of difference-in-differences multivariable regressions to adjust for patient demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and geographic location. Results: By the second year of the program, the shift to reference-based benefits was associated with an increase in the utilization of freestanding ambulatory surgery centers by 14.3 percentage points (95% confidence interval, 8.1 to 20.5 percentage points) for knee arthroscopy and by 9.9 percentage points (95% confidence interval, 3.2 to 16.7 percentage points) for shoulder arthroscopy and a corresponding decrease in the use of hospital-based facilities. The mean price paid by CalPERS fell by 17.6% (95% confidence interval, −24.9% to −9.6%) for knee procedures and by 17.0% (95% confidence interval, −29.3% to −2.5%) for shoulder procedures. The shift to reference-based benefits was not associated with a change in the rate of surgical complications. In the first two years after the implementation of reference-based benefits, CalPERS saved $2.3 million (13%) on these two orthopaedic procedures. Conclusions: Reference-based benefits increase consumer sensitivity to price differences between freestanding and hospital-based surgical facilities. Clinical Relevance: This study shows that the implementation of reference-based benefits does not result in a significant increase in measured complication rates for those subject to reference-based benefits.
DSHEA'S Failure: Why a Proactive Approach to Dietary Supplement Regulation is Needed to Effectively Protect Consumers

In 1994, Congress codified a distinct regulatory scheme for dietary supplements after years of inconsistency. The Dietary Supplement and Health Education Act was enacted with the goal of increasing consumer access to 'safe' dietary supplements while giving the FDA the ability to remove unsafe dietary supplements from the market. Fifteen years later, DSHEA remains the law despite the health problems surrounding dietary supplements such as Ephedra, L-Tryptophan, and the recent Hydroxycut products. The primary problem with DSHEA is that it severely limits the FDA's ability to ban unsafe dietary supplements because it forces the FDA to regulate dietary supplements reactively instead of proactively. This Note analyzes DSHEA's limitations and compares the U.S. regulatory scheme with the recently enacted Food Supplements Directive of the European Union. The Note then offers an innovative solution to the regulatory problem that strikes a balance between the overly-restrictive Food Supplements Directive and the overly-inclusive Dietary Supplement and Health Education Act. This solution would strike a balance between consumer access and safety in order to protect from harmful dietary supplements like Ephedra.
Abuse and Neglect: Specific Challenges For the Pediatrician

Gregory didn’t want to turn and look at Dr. Onegin. He liked her and didn’t want her to know that he was hurt again. His mother had made him swear before they left the house that he wouldn’t say anything about the way Bill hit him. She said that if Gregory told on Bill, Bill would hurt her again, and Gregory didn’t want to see his mother beaten.
Song and Society in Turn-of-the-Century France

French popular singers of the turn-of-the-century remain vividly familiar today, even though their music is not. Images such as those of Aristide Bruant and Yvette Guilbert on stage have become emblematic of an era and its public pleasures, a time when singing was a central attraction in most "places of pleasure." That era, dubbed euphemistically "the belle epoque," has also been called the "golden age" of French song.1 This article reassesses such characterizations, but is not primarily concerned with the era's musical and literary achievement. It focusses instead on the social experience of that age of song experience both reflected in songs and lived day-to-day by audiences and performers. At least until the end of the nineteenth century, when even the most basic phonographs were still a rare novelty to the great majority, "live" singing was the commonplace, almost ubiquitous entertainment. In streets and courtyards, the fin-de-siecle French regularly listened to itinerant singers, as their ancestors had through the centuries. And in unprecedented numbers they went to cabarets and cafes-coruzerts to hear songs sung one after another (tours de chant), practically without interruption all evening. In the last decades ofthe nineteenth century, these commercial places multiplied, their audiences grew dramatically, and their role in popular entertainment reached a zenith. Around 1900 in Paris alone there were over 260 such establishments,2 ranging from the squalid to the luxurious. A decade later, an era was obviously ending. CafeVconcerts were closing or being converted to movie theaters. Explanations for the decline abound or rather scattered parts of an explanation. The invention of the movies and their rapid spread perhaps most conspicuously played a role. The rise of showy spectacles large revues on musk>hall stages seems to have had a part. The growing numbers of tourists who did not understand French has also been blamed. So has the automobile.3 A historical account centering on changes in society and the economy can, I think, provide a clarifying framework into which diverse explanatory pieces can be fitted. This essay approaches the question by first attempting to identify the social conditions under which the cafes-concerts thrived. Then it takes up the problem of how those conditions changed how, in effect, parts of a life-support system weakened or ceased to function as before, and an entertainment declined.
Design of Nitrous Oxide-Referencing Fuel Pressure Regulator

Nitrous oxide can be used for internal combustion engines as a supplemental oxidizer. In a nitrous oxide system the nitrous is stored in a pressurized container or bottle. Under dynamic use, as the nitrous oxide is being spent the mass in the bottle decreases. This decrease in mass leads to a decrease in pressure. The pressure is the source of delivery of the nitrous oxide to the system. Typically nitrous oxide systems do not have a way to maintain a constant oxidizer deliver flow that can adjust to the pressure drop in the bottle as the nitrous oxide is spent. By not having a way to maintain the oxidizer deliver as the bottle pressure drops it becomes hard to stay consistent interms of the Air (Oxidizer) to Fuel ratio (A/F). The net effect of this pressure drop is that the A/F changes. When this happens the performance of the engine may be compromised as well as the health of the engine. One way to maintain the A/F by regulating the pressure the fuel pressure with respect to the nitrous oxide bottle pressure. This regulator is the focus of this project. A pressure regulator would insure that a constant pressure after the regulator could be maintained. The theory behind the regulator has been previously established but the want of a design of a regulator for a certain application has been brought to the design teams attention. A dynamometer test lab based in Milwaukee has offered testing support for the design of a pressure regulator that would maintain a constant A/F mixture delivery. Motorcycles, due to the need for small components, need to have small nitrous oxide bottles when they are set up with nitrous oxide systems. This small bottle empties faster than a large bottle so the need to maintain the A/F is even more applicable for use on a motorcycle.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
The Effects of Intramuscular Injections of 15(S)-15-Methyl Prostaglandin F2α in Failed Abortions

Intramuscular injections of 15(S)-15-methyl prostaglandin F 2 α (15-Me-PGF 2 α ) induced abortion in 38 patients who had failed to abort with other techniques, such as intra-amniotic instillation of saline or PGF 2 α and intravaginal insertion of prostaglandin-impregnated Silastic devices. The intramuscular injections of 15-Me-PGF 2 α were initiated when the original abortion techniques, even when augmented by intravenous oxytocin, failed to produce expulsion of the fetus. The dose schedule was 250 μg or 500 μg every 2 to 4 hours, and the concomitant intravenous oxytocin was continued at a rate of 167 mU/minute. Of the 38 patients, 26 aborted with two or fewer injections of 15-Me-PGF 2 α , and 30 patients required only 1mg of the drug to expel the fetus successfully. The mean time from the first injection of 15-Me-PGF 2 α to the expulsion of the fetus was 5.25 hours; one-half of the patients aborted in less than 4 hours. The placenta was expelled spontaneously in 15 patients, removed manually from the vagina in 18, and removed by sponge forceps in 3. Two abortions were incomplete and surgical intervention was required. Twenty-eight patients (74%) experienced gastrointestinal disturbances, chiefly vomiting and diarrhea. Intramuscular administration of 15-Me-PGF 2 α eliminates the need for repeated amniocentesis, and the dose may be adjusted to meet the precise requirements of the clinical situation.
Transvenous transseptal atrial pacing. A long-term study in ten dogs.

Atrial pacing has lain dormant during the last decade, in part because unattached transvenous electrodes disengage from the endocardium. Highly reliable atrial pacing may be achieved by attaching an electrode to the atrial septum by an extrathoracic maneuver. This report describes a technique to accomplish this objective. The procedure has been employed successfully over several months in 10 dogs.
Review of Deliberative Systems: Deliberative Democracy at the Large Scale edited by John Parkinson and Jane Mansbridge (New York: Cambridge University Press, 2012)

Review of Parkinson, John, and Jane Mansbridge, Deliberative systems: Deliberative democracy at the large scale (New York: Cambridge University Press, 2012).
Have Farm Custom Rates Kept Price with Machinery Costs

Average custom rates for eight common farming operations as reported in surveys done in Iowa and Kansas in 1995 were inflated to 2015 values (Iowa) and 2013 values (Kansas) using the Prices Paid indices gathered by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). The projected rates were generally higher than the average rates reported in surveys completed in the corresponding years, except for planting. Possible explanations for the lag in custom rates include uncertainty about fuel prices, improved fuel efficiency, improved field efficiency, adoption of larger equipment where economies of size exist, and extension of field hours per season.
A Flotation Apparatus for Archaeological Sites

ABSTRACTA polypropylene flotation tank suitable for retrieval of floral and faunal materials in the field is described. The operation of the tank is based on a fluid medium and on a bubbler unit which acts to separate small materials from their soil matrix with little damage. Once separated, materials are passed through graduated screens determining size variation of remains within samples, thereby facilitating identification.
The Consistent Path

The relationship between π and Q*, developed in the last chapter, is a crucial — and hitherto missing — ingredient in the full model of accumulation. We are now ready to sketch in the general shape of the accumulation path, laying the foundation for exploration of both cyclical and long-term crisis. To this end, we must now discuss four additional relationships, all of which have appeared in some form in the literature on economic growth.
Deformable Known Component Model-Based Reconstruction for Coronary CT Angiography.

Purpose: Atherosclerosis detection remains challenging in coronary CT angiography for patients with cardiac implants. Pacing electrodes of a pacemaker or lead components of a defibrillator can create substantial blooming and streak artifacts in the heart region, severely hindering the visualization of a plaque of interest. We present a novel reconstruction method that incorporates a deformable model for metal leads to eliminate metal artifacts and improve anatomy visualization even near the boundary of the component. Methods: The proposed reconstruction method, referred as STF-dKCR, includes a novel parameterization of the component that integrates deformation, a 3D-2D preregistration process that estimates component shape and position, and a polyenergetic forward model for x-ray propagation through the component where the spectral properties are jointly estimated. The methodology was tested on physical data of a cardiac phantom acquired on a CBCT testbench. The phantom included a simulated vessel, a metal wire emulating a pacing lead, and a small Teflon sphere attached to the vessel wall, mimicking a calcified plaque. The proposed method was also compared to the traditional FBP reconstruction and an interpolation-based metal correction method (FBP-MAR). Results: Metal artifacts presented in standard FBP reconstruction were significantly reduced in both FBP-MAR and STF- dKCR, yet only the STF-dKCR approach significantly improved the visibility of the small Teflon target (within 2 mm of the metal wire). The attenuation of the Teflon bead improved to 0.0481 mm -1 with STF-dKCR from 0.0166 mm -1 with FBP and from 0.0301 mm -1 with FBP-MAR – much closer to the expected 0.0414 mm -1 . Conclusion: The proposed method has the potential to improve plaque visualization in coronary CT angiography in the presence of wire-shaped metal components.
Barnacle borings in live and dead hosts from the Louisiana Limestone (Famennian) of Missouri

Acrothoracican barnacle borings are reported for the first time from the Louisiana Limestone (Upper Devonian-Famennian) of Missouri. Evidence of barnacle attachment to and excavation of a live host shell is provided by secretory "blisters" on one brachiopod specimen and by the preserved life orientation of a barnacle-bored brachiopod. Post-mortem attachment of barnacles is indicated by the location of borings on the shell interior, hinge, broken shell surface, and cardinal area of the "blistered" brachiopod and by borings on the cardinal area of the pedicle valve of the brachiopod Syringothyris.
Assessment of State Agencies’ Practices in Managing Geotechnical Risk in Design–Build Projects:

Policies and procedures of state highway agencies for articulating geotechnical information and requirements on design–build (DB) projects are the means to manage the geotechnical risk. Successful approaches and practices to managing geotechnical risk not only reduce the level of geotechnical uncertainty for both the owner and the competing design–builder but also distribute the remaining geotechnical risk between the parties. Discussed here are the differences with regard to geotechnical risk management, aspects of the DB procurement process, and contract aspects between state departments of transportation (DOTs) with experience delivering projects using the DB process versus those that are not as experienced. Results are presented from two independent sources of information: one was obtained through a literature review of aspects related to geotechnical requirements and management of DB projects and the other was obtained through an online survey of 38 state DOTs. Results of the study statistically demo...
Acute exacerbation of COPD: Diagnosis and management.

Mr. B, 64, has a 10-year history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). He arrives at the pulmonary clinic with a 2-day history of increasing shortness of breath and sputum changing to a green color. He has “usual cough and wheezing,” but no “real increase.” Mr. B denies chest pain, an inc
Infiltration formulas by curve number procedure.

The Soil Conservation Service (SCS) curve number procedure for estimating runoff volume is examined in terms of the validity and applicability of the derived infiltration equations. Two different sets of the runoff and infiltration equations can be formulated from the water balance equation and one of the two SCS hypotheses postulating the basic proportionality among the relevant variables. The infiltration rate formula derived based on the SCS hypothesis with the potential maximum retention or infiltration defined to include the initial abstraction proves to be as general as, if not more general than, the Holtan-Overton equation. If the initial abstraction results mainly from infiltration that occurs before runoff begins, the amount of initial abstraction can be reasonably estimated from the derived infiltration rate formula; therefore, the SCS curve number procedure can be generalized without sacrificing its simplicity. The proposed method, however, may not be valid for large watersheds, where the surface interception and depression storage dominate the initial abstraction.
Physical activity during video capsule endoscopy correlates with shorter bowel transit time

Background and study aim Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) is limited by reliance on bowel motility for propulsion, and lack of physical activity has been proposed as a cause of incomplete studies. Our aim was to prospectively investigate the association between physical activity and VCE bowel transit. Patients and methods Ambulatory outpatients receiving VCE were eligible for the study. A pedometer was attached at the time of VCE ingestion and step count was recorded at the end of the procedure. VCE completion was assessed by logistic regression models, which included step count (500 steps as one unit). Total transit time was analyzed by Cox proportional hazards models. The hazard ratios (HR) with 95 % confidence interval (CI) indicated the “hazard” of completion, such that HRs > 1 indicated a reduced transit time. Results A total of 100 patients were included. VCE was completed in 93 patients (93 %). The median step count was 2782 steps. Step count was not significantly associated with VCE completion (odds ratio 1.45, 95 %CI 0.84, 2.49). Pedometer step count was significantly associated with shorter total, gastric, and small-bowel transit times (HR 1.09, 95 %CI 1.03, 1.16; HR 1.05, 95 %CI 1.00, 1.11; HR 1.07, 95 %CI 1.01, 1.14, respectively). Higher body mass index (BMI) was significantly associated with VCE completion (HR 1.87, 95 %CI 1.18, 2.97) and shorter bowel transit times (HR 1.05, 95 %CI 1.02, 1.08). Conclusions Increased physical activity during outpatient VCE was associated with shorter bowel transit times but not with study completion. In addition, BMI was a previously unreported clinical characteristic associated with VCE completion and should be included as a variable of interest in future studies.
Predictive modeling of battery degradation and greenhouse gas emissions from U.S. state-level electric vehicle operation

Electric vehicles (EVs) are widely promoted as clean alternatives to conventional vehicles for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ground transportation. However, the battery undergoes a sophisticated degradation process during EV operations and its effects on EV energy consumption and GHG emissions are unknown. Here we show on a typical 24 kWh lithium-manganese-oxide–graphite battery pack that the degradation of EV battery can be mathematically modeled to predict battery life and to study its effects on energy consumption and GHG emissions from EV operations. We found that under US state-level average driving conditions, the battery life is ranging between 5.2 years in Florida and 13.3 years in Alaska under 30% battery degradation limit. The battery degradation will cause a 11.5–16.2% increase in energy consumption and GHG emissions per km driven at 30% capacity loss. This study provides a robust analytical approach and results for supporting policy making in prioritizing EV deployment in the U.S.
Energy Transport in Radio Galaxies and Quasars: A Workshop Theory Review

A workshop on the dynamics, emission and morphology associated with the highly collimated outflows seen in radio galaxies and quasars was held at The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa in September of 1995. Complete workshop proceedings will be published in the ASP Conference Series. This workshop review covers the theoretical developments and problems discussed at the workshop.
Leadership vs. Governorship

Genuine leadership has nothing to do with governorship, and the dissimilarities are significant. Most people, however, either don’t distinguish or don’t know the differences between true or intrinsic leadership and hierarchical position power. In this chapter, I’ll quickly review most of the “classical” and current leadership theories to give you a broad perspective of what is presently being taught in our business schools and concurrently applied in our business environments. I’ll also define and suggest the type of leadership that seems to fit best with the dynamics of a shared-access system – one that is founded on commitment rather than on compliance.
Environmental Features Important in Nonpoint Source Models — Microclimatology

Models designed to aid research in fields such as nonpoint source pollution must be designed with the ability to realistically simulate the effect of management changes on the soil physical, chemical, and biological environment. This and the next chapter describe features of some of the more complex models that have been developed to aid in analyzing nonpoint source pollution. These features are microclimatology, plant or crop growth, and soil properties as influenced by management and tillage. The discussion of microclimatology in this chapter covers the general heat budget of crop canopies and techniques for calculating energy mass fluxes, surface radiation balance and its components, soil heat flux, and the aerial and crop resistances affecting energy transport. The discussion of crop growth in Chapter 12 describes methods of calculating photosynthesis and light interception, respiration, translocation, root activity and nutrient uptake, plant development and morphogenesis, and some examples of crop growth models. Also in Chapter 12, I discuss how soil properties are influenced by management. It covers estimates of interception and depression storage, soil bulk density and hydraulic properties.
Methylphenidate for depressive disorders in cancer patients. An alternative to standard antidepressants.

The psychostimulant methylphenidate was used to treat 30 depressed cancer patients in whom rapid response and minimization of the usual side effects of tricyclic antidepressants were desirable. Ten showed marked improvement and 13 moderate improvement, achieved within days and with few side effects. Eleven of these patients were treated for a year without evidence of tolerance or abuse.
Cerebellum and cognition in multiple sclerosis

Kalron et al. (Kalron A, Allali G, Achiron A. J Neurol 265: 809–816, 2018.) report that people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) who fall show a decreased cerebellar volume along with decreased overal...
Development of drug-induced arthritis in a glioblastoma patient treated with pembrolizumab

Glioblastoma (GBM, WHO Grade IV) is the most aggressive form of primary brain cancer in adults, and as with other cancers, clinical investigations to use immunotherapy as a possible therapeutic option for GBM are underway. One form of immunotherapy is immune checkpoint inhibition that targets the programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) receptor on lymphocytes. While PD-1 receptor inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab, are often tolerable, there can be dose-limiting immune-related adverse effects, which have the potential to result in impaired health-related quality of life. This case report discusses one patient with recurrent GBM who received pembrolizumab and developed refractory drug-induced arthritis.
The Relationship between College Major Prestige/Status and Post-baccalaureate Outcomes:

Since Blau and Duncan’s seminal work on social mobility, researchers have used subjective measures of occupational prestige to understand either the change or stability in generational socioeconomi...
Asymptomatic, Nonmalignant Liver Masses: A Radiologist’s Approach

Asymptomatic liver mass lesions are incidental findings on imaging performed for non-hepatic indications. Advances in radiological imaging and easy availability have led to more frequent use of imaging, resulting in detection of asymptomatic liver lesions. In addition, screening protocols such as CT colonography and cardiac and lung cancer CT screening which include the upper abdomen have resulted in the detection of more incidental liver lesions. These incidental liver lesions have not only created unnecessary concern and apprehension for the patients but also management dilemmas for the clinician. In this chapter, we describe a case of a patient with an incidental liver mass. We briefly discuss the epidemiology and clinical features and focus on the radiologic characteristics of some of the more commonly seen liver benign lesions.
Sustento ético del cuidar: de la filosofía a la disciplina

El proposito de esta reflexion es analizar la importancia de la etica en el cuidar desde una mirada filosofica y disciplinar. El cuidado como acto humano, que permite la conservacion de la especie, el crecimiento, el desarrollo de las personas y la concrecion de los proyectos de vida de cada uno, se considera un bien moral, ya que otorga un bien al individuo y a la sociedad y, por lo tanto, en el deben estar presentes valores y actitudes que lo garanticen. Enfermeria ha definido el cuidado como su Ser, por lo tanto, el cuidado de calidad debe necesariamente estar sustentado en valores y actitudes que permitan proteger la vulnerabilidad del otro y potenciar su dignidad.
Eco-friendly rhamnolipid based fungicides for protection of soybeans from Phytophthora sojae.

Background Excessive use of chemical fungicides over the years for plant pathogen control has caused unwanted damage to non-target organisms and resistance buildup in the target organisms. These harmful effects have prompted the industry to look for more sustainable and eco-friendly solutions. Rhamnolipid is a naturally occurring surfactant that is biodegradable, relatively innocuous to non-target species and can effectively lyse zoospores, the life form responsible for the spread of Phytophthora. In this study, rhamnolipid based coatings were developed and evaluated for protection of soybeans from P. sojae zoospores. Results Pure (acidic) rhamnolipid, when coated on the soybeans, affects the germination negatively. However, sodium and calcium complexed rhamnolipids do not interfere with germination. Seeds coated with 15-20 mg of developed formulation were planted in soil pots and then subjected to P. sojae infection by simulating flooding conditions and zoospore inoculation. Statistical analysis showed that sodium rhamnolipid based coating significantly improved the germination in presence of P. sojae from 42% to 73% (P = 0.017) while the germination of stress-free control was 85% (statistically similar to coated seeds, P = 1). Conclusion Neutralized rhamnolipid can protect soybeans from P. sojae without any negative effect on germination. This work illustrates the strategy to use rhamnolipid as effective fungicide. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
Chapter 9 – Environmental Risks of Biotechnologies: Economic Sector Perspectives

This chapter considers the various venues for biotechnologies, addressing potential risks, especially environmental and public health risks, for each. The major sectors addressed are biomedical, food and agriculture, pharmaceutical, and industrial, especially enzymes and fermentation. Risk perception is compared to scientific risk assessment and risk management. Endogenous processes are explained.
Mapping RNA dependent RNA polymerase activity and immune gene expression using PRO-seq

Summary Positive strand, single strand RNA viruses ((+)ssRNA viruses) are viruses with an RNA genome that have broad impacts on a wide range of hosts, including SARS-CoV-2 human respiratory infections. Their replication and gene expression are driven by RNA dependent RNA polymerases (RdRp). Detecting active RNA synthesis by RdRp is critical for assessing the infectivity and pathogenicity of (+)ssRNA viruses. Current approaches rely on viral RNA detection, which cannot distinguish viral titer from RdRp activity. Precision Run-On sequencing (PRO-seq) is a nuclear run-on based nascent RNA sequencing method, widely used to map eukaryotic RNA polymerases by using labeled nucleotide analogues. Here we provide evidence that PRO-seq also detects RdRp activity and can serve as a highly sensitive RdRp mapping method. Coupled to PRO-seq in human blood samples, we propose to use PRO-seq as a single package method to detect (+)ssRNA virus RdRp activity and its interaction with host immune response through transcriptome-wide profiling of leukocyte gene expressions at once.
Current Situation and Application Prospect of Energy Storage Technology

The application of energy storage technology can improve the operational stability, safety and economy of the power grid, promote large-scale access to renewable energy, and increase the proportion of clean energy power generation. This paper reviews the various forms of energy storage technology, compares the characteristics of various energy storage technologies and their applications, analyzes the application status of energy storage technology, and prospects the application prospects of various energy storage technologies.
Four-Dimensional Dynamic Synchrotron Microcomputed Tomography Imaging of Gas-Water Interface at High Pressure and Low Temperature

It is challenging to separate water from gas phases in computed tomography images of three-phase granular materials because water and most gases have close attenuation coefficients for x-ray. This article presents two techniques for three-dimensional (3D) imaging using synchrotron microcomputed tomography (SMT). Monochromatic x-ray beam that can be tuned for a specific energy level was used for a dual energy SMT that takes advantage of a sudden change in attenuation at the absorption edge of iodine. A solution of 4 % by weight potassium iodide (KI) and distilled water was used as a doping agent to saturate a column of sand as a test sample. The article focuses on how the technique was employed to image a column of sand as the degree of saturation changes. Water and air were separated easily, and the degree of saturation was calculated for the sand column at different drainage conditions. The article also presents a description of a high-pressure, low-temperature flow cell suitable for SMT imaging for dynamic monitoring of gas hydrate formation and dissociation. High photon flux beam (pink beam) enabled fast 4D imaging (3D plus time) of xenon gas hydrate formation. Hydrate specific area increased initially with increasing hydrate saturation and began to decrease after a threshold, which is evidence of Ostwald Ripening. For hydrate saturation less than 10 %, the predominant pore-habit was surface coating. Cementing pore-habit was observed at 15 % hydrate saturation, and pore-filling hydrate pore-habit was observed with further increase in hydrate saturation.
Optical sum-frequency generation in a whispering-gallery-mode resonator

We demonstrate sum-frequency generation between a telecom wavelength and the Rb D2 line, achieved through natural phase matching in a nonlinear whispering gallery mode resonator. Due to the strong optical field confinement and ultra high Q of the cavity, the process saturates already at sub-mW pump peak power, at least two orders of magnitude lower than in existing waveguide-based devices. The experimental data are in agreement with the nonlinear dynamics and phase matching theory based on spherical geometry. Our experimental and theoretical results point toward a new platform for manipulating the color and quantum states of light waves for applications such as atomic memory based quantum networking and logic operations with optical signals.
Simulating Knoop hardness anisotropy of aluminum and β-HMX with a crystal plasticity finite element model

Abstract We report a crystal plasticity finite element model for simulating the variation of the Knoop hardness number with indenter orientation, i.e., the hardness anisotropy. We propose a modification to the Voce hardening law to include the effects of slip on multiple systems on the hardening rate. The model is validated using single crystal aluminum in a two-step procedure: (a) calibration of the material model with single crystal tension experiments, and (b) prediction of the hardness anisotropy of the {001}, {011} and {021} planes. The predicted hardness anisotropy follows experimental trends very well for the {001} and {021} planes, while for the {011} plane there is a deviation of the predictions from experiments at higher angles of the indenter. The model is then used to simulate the hardness anisotropy of the (010), (011) and (110) planes of β-HMX measured by Gallagher et al. (2015) . Due to the lack of single crystal data, we were unable to calibrate the model prior to simulating the hardness anisotropy. Hence, we assumed unknown variables to make predictions for comparison to experiments, including the set of active slip systems and the hardening and twinning behavior. From simulations of the indentation of the (010) plane with the set of slip systems from Barton et al (2009) we found that the hardness anisotropy is inversely proportional to the activity of the slip system ( 101 ) [ 0 1 ¯ 0 ] , and to a lesser extent the twin system. Suppressing the ( 101 ) [ 0 1 ¯ 0 ] slip system improved the predictions, suggesting that the viable set of slip systems for β-HMX need not include it. The predicted twinning activity did not match well with the observations from Gallagher et al. (2015) . Suppressing the twinning resulted in a better prediction of the hardness anisotropy. Due to the simplicity of the twinning part of the model we do not make definite conclusions related to twinning. We report predictions for the hardness anisotropy of the (011) and (110) planes of β-HMX using parameters that maximized agreement between simulations and experimental indentation of (010) plane. These predictions are in reasonable agreement with experiments. In addition, we report the predictions of the hardness anisotropy using the sets of slip systems proposed by Pal and Picu (2018) and Zhou et al. (2012), which both gave inferior agreement with experiments.
Manufacturing process monitoring using time-frequency representation and transfer learning of deep neural networks

Abstract On-line process monitoring increases product quality, improves process stability, and lowers costs in manufacturing. This paper presents a study of using time-frequency representation and deep neural networks to enable real-time, intelligent manufacturing process monitoring. Acoustic emission (AE) signals are obtained during machine turning operations, and transformed into a time-frequency (TF) representation (image) format. Deep neural networks are then applied to the images for process classification according to the operation's spindle speed, feed rate, and depth of cut. The signals are nonstationary with frequency content varying in time. Four commonly used time-frequency analysis methods are discussed and compared, such as the short-time Fourier transform (STFT), continuous wavelet transform (CWT), Hilbert-Huang transform (HHT), and Wigner–Ville distribution (WVD). The study finds that the multi-resolution capability of the CWT technique allows it to render more accurate and richer details of the signals. Classification of machine-turning-operation processes through conventional monitoring techniques is challenging. First, there are not theories directly relating the signal characteristics to the physical process. Also, important signal components associated with the physics of the process are masked by heavy noise from the lathe. These lead to difficulties in selecting features to be extracted, and obtaining reliable data of these features. These obstacles are overcome by deep neural networks that are capable of learning and extracting meaningful features in an automatous fashion. A transfer learning approach is adopted in this study by using high-performance, representative deep neural networks previously developed for image classification and recognition, including ShuffleNet, GoogLeNet, ResNet18, ResNet50, VGG16, and DenseNet201. They are applied to the TF images obtained during the machine turning operations for process classification. The VGG16 network yields the highest classification accuracy at 92.67% when applied to processes of 12 classes, which demonstrates the potential and feasibility of the proposed method for satisfactory monitoring performance. Lastly, it is shown that the classification accuracy can be improved by using shallower networks modified from the VGG-16 network to mitigate the overfitting issue. A classification accuracy of 95.58% is achieved by removing two convolutional layers.
Anh H. Nguyen, MD.

I want to thank my colleague Dr. Anh Nguyen for serving as guest editor of this edition of Seminars in Plastic Surgery and the talented group of authors he has invited to contribute to this issue on cosmetic Asian blepharoplasty and periorbital surgery. Dr. Nguyen is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. He earned his medical degree from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, and completed a plastic surgery residency at the University of Southern California Medical Center, Los Angeles, California. Dr. Nguyen continued his training with fellowships in microvascular surgery and craniofacial surgery at the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. He also completed a wound care/burn reconstruction fellowship at Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center, Downey, California. Dr. Nguyen's interests are broad. On the aesthetic side, he is developing a practice that encompasses cosmetic surgery of the face and body, with a particular focus on facial bone contouring and jaw surgery, fat transfer, blepharoplasty, and rhinoplasty, as well as Asian cosmetic surgery. For the reconstructive component, his focus includes complex microsurgical reconstruction of the trauma and oncological defects of the head and neck, breast, and lower extremity; facial reanimation; adult brachial plexus reconstruction; and the body contouring of the massive weight-loss patient. His research concentrates on clinical outcomes and the development of techniques for both reconstruction and aesthetics. He is committed to the education and training of future generations of plastic surgeons at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas.
Psychobiography Training in Psychology in North America: Mapping the Field and Charting a Course

Psychobiography holds an important position in the history of psychology, yet little is known about the status of psychobiographical training and dissertation research in psychology departments. This brief report identified psychobiography courses throughout North America and content analyzed a sample of 65 psychobiography dissertations to discern the theories and methods that have most commonly anchored this research. Results identified few psychology courses specifically in psychobiography, with a larger number of courses incorporating psychobiographical and/or narrative elements. With regard to psychobiography dissertations, the majority focused on artists, pioneering psychologists, and political leaders. Theories undergirding psychobiographical studies were most frequently psychoanalytic and psychodynamic. Methodologically, a majority of the dissertations were anchored in constructivist (discovery-oriented) qualitative procedures, with a minority incorporating mixed methods designs. The authors highlight the value of psychobiographical training to psychology students and present avenues and models for incorporating psychobiography into psychology curriculums.
Confirming Variants in Next-Generation Sequencing Panel Testing by Sanger Sequencing

Current clinical laboratory practice guidelines for next-generation sequencing (NGS) do not provide definitive guidance on confirming NGS variants. Sanger confirmation of NGS results can be inefficient, redundant, and expensive. We evaluated the accuracy of NGS-detected single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) and insertion/deletion variants (indels) and the necessity of NGS variant confirmation using four NGS target-capture gene panels covering 117 genes, 568 Kbp, and 77 patient DNA samples. Unique NGS-detected variants (1080 SNVs and 124 indels) underwent Sanger confirmation and/or were compared to data from the 1000 Genomes Project (1000G). Recurrent variants in unrelated samples resulted in 919 comparisons between NGS and Sanger, with 100% concordance. In a second comparison, 762 unique NGS results (736 SNVs, 26 indels) from seven 1000G samples were found to have 97.1% concordance with 1000G phase 1 data. Sanger sequencing and 1000G phase 3 data confirmed the accuracy of the NGS results for all 1000G phase 1 discrepancies. In all samples, the depth of coverage exceeded 100× in >99.7% of bases in the target regions. In conclusion, confirmatory analysis by Sanger sequencing of SNVs detected via capture-based NGS testing that meets appropriate quality thresholds is unnecessarily redundant. In contrast, Sanger sequencing for indels may be required for defining the correct genomic location, and Sanger may be used for quality-assurance purposes.
Code compaction of matching single-entry multiple-exit regions

With the proliferation of embedded devices and systems, there is renewed interest in the generation of compact binaries. Code compaction techniques identify code sequences that repeatedly appear in a program and replace them by a single copy of the recurring sequence. In existing techniques such sequences are typically restricted to single-entry single-exit regions in the control flow graph. We have observed that in many applications recurring code sequences form single-entry multipleexit (SEME) regions. In this paper we propose a generalized algorithm for code compaction that first decomposes a control flow graph into a hierarchy of SEME regions, computes signatures of SEME regions, and then uses the signatures to find pairs of matching SEME regions. Maximal sized matching SEME regions are found and transformed to achieve code compaction. Our transformation is able to compact matching SEME regions whose exits may lead to a combination of identical and differing targets. Our experiments show that this transformation can lead to substantial reduction in code size for many embedded applications.
Reliability and stability analysis of corrective topology control actions

In recent years, the penetration of renewable resources in electrical power systems has increased. These renewable resources add more complexities to power system operations, due to their intermittent nature. As a result, operators must acquire additional reserves in order to maintain reliability. However, one persistent challenge is to determine the optimal location and quantity of reserves; this challenge is exacerbated by the inability to predict key transmission bottlenecks due to this added uncertainty. This paper presents robust corrective topology control, as a congestion management tool, to reduce violations caused by contingencies and renewable uncertainties. The day-ahead topology control formulation is based on the direct current optimal power flow; therefore, switching solutions obtained from these algorithms are tested for AC feasibility and system stability. All numerical results are based on the IEEE-118 bus test case.
Influence of Methotrexate Consolidation Therapy for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on the Result of Treatment [Article in Serbian]

In this article we present the results of treatment for 24 children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) who were treated on the hematooncology ward of the Childrenâ€™s clinic, Clinical Center Banja Luka in the period from January 1st 1990 to the end of 2005. The chil dren were divided into two groups, according to the therapy protocol they received. In the first group were children treated with protocol Yu ALL 0187 in the period from January 1st 1990 until December 31 st 1995. In the second group were the children treated with protocol Yu 0195 (introduction of high doses of methotrexate). We compared results by the following criteria at the time of establishment of diagnosis: symptomatology, duration of symptoms, clinical and laboratory findings, and also the survival rate of the patients. The survival rate for the period of follow-up of the patients for the first group (protocol Yu ALL 0187) was 61.5%. For the second group (protocol Yu ALL 0195) the survival rate was 84% which is statistically significant, and it speaks in favour of the improvement of therapy by the introduction of methotrexate as consolidation therapy.