cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Wood dust exposure and the risk of upper aero-digestive and respiratory cancers in males

Background: Wood dust (WD) has been designated a human carcinogen that can cause sino-nasal cancers. However, evidence of its association with other upper aero-digestive tract and respiratory (UADR) cancers is inconsistent. Objective: To examine the relationship between WD exposure and the risk of different histological subtypes of UADR cancers. Methods: In a hospital-based case-control study conducted at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA, an examination was carried out to determine the effect of self-reported WD exposure on 1522 male UADR cancer cases (241 oral and oropharyngeal, 90 nasal cavity, nasopharyngeal and hypopharyngeal, 124 laryngeal, 809 lung and tracheal and 258 oesophagus and gastric cardia) and 1522 male controls, frequency matched on age and smoking history. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated after adjusting for relevant risk factors including tobacco smoking. Results: The results show that regular WD exposure was associated with a statistically significant increased risk of 32% for all UADR cancers (OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.77; p-trend = 0.05) and 69% for lung cancer alone (OR 1.69; 95% CI 1.20 to 2.36; p-trend = 0.007). WD was associated with an 82–93% increased risk of squamous cell, small cell and adenocarcinoma of the lung and more than twice the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity, nasopharynx and hypopharynx, with a significant dose–response relationship. Oral and oropharyngeal cancers showed a non-significant increase in risk. A significant increase in risk of laryngeal and lung cancers was noted for subjects regularly exposed to WD for >20 years. Cancers of the oesophagus and gastric cardia did not show any risk associated with WD. WD was associated with a significantly greater risk of UADR cancers among people who had ever smoked than never smokers. Conclusion: WD exposure is a potential risk factor for UADR cancers, especially for cancers of the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, larynx and lung.
Study on morphology and growth of water–ice grains spontaneously generated in a laboratory plasma

An apparatus has been developed to study the nucleation, growth, and morphology of water–ice grains spontaneously generated in a weakly ionized plasma having very cold neutral particles. Nucleation of water–ice grains in the laboratory experiment occurs only when plasma exists but the plasma density is not too high. Nonspherical, fast growth occurs when the mean free path of water molecules exceeds the screening length for the ice grain in which case molecules incident on the ice grain can be considered to have collisionless trajectories. High water vapor pressure enhances this nonspherical, fast growth provided the collisionless condition is satisfied. Magnetic field impedes nonspherical growth by reducing the charge residing on water–ice grains if the field is sufficiently strong to make the electron gyro radius smaller than the ice grain screening length.
Purinergic Modulation of Carotid Body Glomus Cell Hypoxia Response During Postnatal Maturation in Rats

Carotid body (CB) glomus cells respond to hypoxia by releasing neurotransmitters, such as ATP, which are believed to stimulate excitatory receptors on apposed nerve endings of the carotid sinus nerves as well as bind to autoreceptors on the glomus cell membrane to modulate response magnitude. The CB response to hypoxia is small at birth and increases during postnatal maturation in mammals. As ATP has been shown to inhibit the glomus cell response to hypoxia via an autoreceptor mechanism, we hypothesized that ATP-mediated inhibition may vary with age and play a role in postnatal development of the hypoxia response magnitude. The effects of ATP on CB glomus cell intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) responses to hypoxia were studied at two ages, P0-1 and P14-18. The inhibitory effect of ATP or a stable ATP analog on the glomus cell response to hypoxia was greater in newborn rats compared to the more mature age group. Use of selective P2Y receptor agonists and antagonists suggests that the inhibitory effect of ATP on the glomus cell [Ca2+]i response to hypoxia may be mediated by a P2Y12 receptor. Thus, developmental changes in ATP-mediated glomus cell inhibition may play a role in carotid chemoreceptor postnatal maturation.
Self-sustained shock oscillations on airfoils at transonic speeds

Abstract Self-sustained shock wave oscillations on airfoils at transonic flow conditions are associated with the phenomenon of buffeting. The physical mechanisms of the periodic shock motion are not yet fully understood even though experiments performed over fifty years ago have demonstrated the presence of oscillatory shock waves on the airfoil surfaces at high subsonic speeds. The unsteady pressure fluctuations generated by the low-frequency large-amplitude shock motions are highly undesirable from the structural integrity and aircraft maneuverability point of view. For modern supercritical wing design with thick profiles, the shock-induced fluctuations are particularly severe and methods to reduce the shock wave amplitudes to lower values or even to delay the oscillations to higher Mach numbers or incidence angles will result in expanding the buffet boundary of the airfoil. This review begins with a recapitulation of the classical work on shock-induced bubble separation and trailing edge separation of a turbulent boundary layer. The characteristics of the unsteady pressure fluctuations are used to classify the types of shock-boundary layer interaction. The various modes of shock wave motion for different flow conditions and airfoil configurations are described. The buffet boundaries obtained using the standard trailing edge pressure divergence technique and an alternative approach of measuring the divergence of normal fluctuating forces are compared to show the equivalence. The mechanisms of self-sustained shock oscillations are discussed for symmetrical circular-arc airfoils at zero incidence and for supercritical airfoils at high incidence angles with fully separated flows. The properties of disturbances in the wake are examined from linear stability analysis of two-dimensional compressible flows. The advances in high-speed computing make predictions of buffeting flows possible. Navier–Stokes solvers and approximate boundary layer-inviscid flow interaction methods are shown to give good correlation of frequencies and other unsteady flow characteristics with experiments. Finally, passive and active methods of shock oscillation control show promising results in delaying buffet onset to higher Mach numbers or incidence angles, thus enhancing the transonic performance of airfoils.
Viscoelastic Modeling and Field Validation of Flexible Pavements

The objective of this study was to characterize hot-mix asphalt (HMA) viscoelastic properties at intermediate and high temperatures and to incorporate laboratory-determined parameters into a three-dimensional finite element (FE) model to accurately simulate pavement responses to vehicular loading at different temperatures and speeds. Results of the developed FE model were compared against field-measured pavement responses from the Virginia Smart Road. Results of this analysis indicated that the elastic theory grossly underpredicts pavement responses to vehicular loading at intermediate and high temperatures. In addition, the elastic FE model could not simulate permanent deformation or delayed recovery, a known characteristic of HMA materials. In contrast, results of the FE viscoelastic model were in better agreement with field measurements. In this case, the average error in the prediction was less than 15%. The FE model successfully simulated retardation of the response in the transverse direction and rapid relaxation of HMA in the longitudinal direction. Moreover, the developed model allowed predicting primary rutting damage at the surface and its partial recovery after load application.
Safety of Surfactant Administration before Transport of Premature Infants

Abstract Objective To assess the safety of surfactant administration prior to transport of premature infants. Design/Methods We performed a retrospective review of 24- to 34-weeks premature infants admitted to the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) between July 1, 1999 and September 30, 2004. Outcome measures were the presence of hyperventilation (PCO2 Results 955 infants born at 24 to 34 weeks' gestation were admitted to the NICU during the study period. 217 (22.7%) received surfactant prior to transport within 48 hours of birth. The incidence of hyperventilation was 18.9%. Hyperventilated infants had longer transport times, lower birth weights, and lower PCO2 on blood gases obtained prior to transport. Pneumothorax occurred in six subjects (2.9%). Neonates with pneumothorax had lower APGAR scores. Conclusions We found the administration of surfactant prior to transport to be safe as evidenced by a low incidence of pneumothorax. Pneumothorax was more likely to occur in infants who needed significant resuscitation at birth. The incidence of hyperventilation appeared to be high and was inversely associated with birth weight.
Current and spin torque in double tunnel barrier ferromagnet-superconductor-ferromagnet systems

We calculate the current and spin torque in small symmetric double tunnel barrier ferromagnet-superconductor-ferromagnet (F-S-F) systems. Spin accumulation in the superconductor governs the transport properties when the spin-flip relaxation time is longer than the transport dwell time. In the elastic transport regime, it is demonstrated that the relative change in the current (spin torque) for F-S-F systems equals the relative change in the current (spin torque) for F-N-F systems upon changing the relative magnetization direction of the two ferromagnets. This differs from the results in the inelastic transport regime where spin accumulation suppresses the superconducting gap and dramatically changes the magnetoresistance [S. Takahashi, H. Imamura, and S. Maekawa, Phys. Rev. Lett. 82, 3911 (1999)]. The experimental relevance of the elastic and inelastic transport regimes, respectively, as well as the reasons for the change in the transport properties are discussed.
Path planning in 1000+ dimensions using a task-space Voronoi bias

The reduction of the kinematics and/or dynamics of a high-DOF robotic manipulator to a low-dimension “task space” has proven to be an invaluable tool for designing feedback controllers. When obstacles or other kinodynamic constraints complicate the feedback design process, motion planning techniques can often still find feasible paths, but these techniques are typically implemented in the high-dimensional configuration (or state) space. Here we argue that providing a Voronoi bias in the task space can dramatically improve the performance of randomized motion planners, while still avoiding non-trivial constraints in the configuration (or state) space. We demonstrate the potential of task-space search by planning collision-free trajectories for a 1500 link arm through obstacles to reach a desired end-effector position.
Voltammetric Microelectrodes for Biocorrosion Studies

Abstract Understanding various biocorrosion mechanisms requires direct measurement of chemical concentrations and profiles within thin biofilms or discrete biodeposits. A gold-based mercury microelectrode was developed for simultaneous measurement of dissolved O2, Mn, Fe, S(-II), and low pH using square wave voltammetry. It was constructed by electroreducing Hg(II) on a gold wire of 25-μm diameter encased in glass. By mounting the electrode on a computerized micromanipulator, vertical microprofiles of the key redox species were measured with 10-μm depth resolution across marine biofilms formed on metal coupons. Various interfering factors and experimental parameters of the voltammetric measurements were reviewed. Results revealed the heterogeneous nature of the biofilm and complex microbially mediated heavy metal (Mn and Fe) cycles within the film system. Data interpretation provided further insight into the mechanism of microbiologically influenced metal corrosion.
Dynamic prediction and control of heat exchangers using artificial neural networks

We extend the artificial neural network (ANN) technique to the simulation of the time-dependent behavior of a heat exchanger (HX) and use it to control the temperature of air passing over it. The experiments are carried out in a open loop test facility. First a methodology is proposed for the training and prediction of the dynamic behavior of thermal systems with heat exchangers. Then an internal model scheme is developed for the control of the over-tube air temperature with two artificial neural networks, one to simulate the heat exchanger and another as controller. An integral control is implemented in parallel with the filter of the neural network controller to eliminate a steady-state offset. The results are compared with those of standard PI and PID controller. There is less oscillatory behavior with the neural network controller, which allows the system to reach steady-state operating conditions in regions where the PI and PID controllers are not able to perform as well.
Sensitivity analysis of important parameters affecting contact pressure between a respirator and a headform

Abstract Respirator comfort and fit are two important parameters for respirator design, usage, and standard development. The contact pressure (as measured between a respirator and the wearer) plays an important role in comfort and fit. This work attempts to investigate the contact mechanism and factors that affect the contact pressure. This paper focuses on mechanical factors such as strap tension, strap orientation, strap location, friction, and seal material. A finite element (FE) model-based method was developed to assess the contact pressure. The FE models for both the headform and the respirator have multiple layers. The headform is a medium size headform developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the respirator is an MSA Affinity Ultra respirator. The results show that the positive Z directional force of strap tension that forces the respirator to move towards the headform is the most important parameter for measuring pressure distribution. Other factors such as strap orientation, friction, strap location, and softness of the seal material were found to affect the contact pressure distribution in this study. Strap orientation and friction coefficient have no significant effect on maximum pressure and maximum shear stress. The dispersive strap location increased the contact pressure on the nose-bridge area of the wearer, while concentrated location had no considerable effect on contact pressure. A softer seal material causes larger deformations and transfers the location of the maximum pressure from the nose-bridge to the tip of the nose. Relevance to industry This study investigates the effect of important parameters on contact pressure between a respirator and a headform. The sensitivity analysis can provide insights of the interaction between a respirator and a headform. The findings are critical to respirator designers, users, and standard developers to ensure maximal respirator fit and comfort.
Enhanced Factor H Binding to Sialylated Gonococci Is Restricted to the Sialylated Lacto-N-Neotetraose Lipooligosaccharide Species: Implications for Serum Resistance and Evidence for a Bifunctional Lipooligosaccharide Sialyltransferase in Gonococci

We isolated serologically identical (by serovar determination and porin variable region [VR] typing) strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae from an infected male and two of his monogamous female sex partners. One strain (termed 398078) expressed the L1 (Galalpha1 --> 4 [corrected] Galbeta1 --> 4Glcbeta1 --> 4HepI) lipooligosaccharide (LOS) structure exclusively; the other (termed 398079) expressed the lacto-N-neotetraose (LNT; Galbeta1 --> 4GlcNAcbeta1 --> 3Galbeta1 --> 4Glcbeta1 --> 4HepI) LOS structure. The strain from the male index case expressed both glycoforms and exhibited both immunotypes. Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis revealed that sialic acid linked to the terminal Gal of L1 LOS via an alpha2 --> 6 linkage and, as expected, to the terminal Gal of LNT LOS via an alpha2--> 3 linkage. Insertional inactivation of the sialyltransferase gene (known to sialylate LNT LOS) abrogated both L1 LOS sialylation and LNT LOS sialylation, suggesting a bifunctional nature of this enzyme in gonococci. Akin to our previous observations, sialylation of the LNT LOS of strain 398079 enhanced the binding of the complement regulatory molecule, factor H. Rather surprisingly, factor H did not bind to sialylated strain 398078. LOS sialylation conferred the LNT LOS-bearing strain complete (100%) resistance to killing by even 50% nonimmune normal human serum (NHS), whereas sialylation of L1 LOS conferred resistance only to 10% NHS. The ability of gonococcal sialylated LNT to bind factor H confers high-level serum resistance, which is not seen with sialylated L1 LOS. Thus, serum resistance mediated by sialylation of gonococcal L1 and LNT LOS occurs by different mechanisms, and specificity of factor H binding to sialylated gonococci is restricted to the LNT LOS species.
Ticlopidine versus aspirin for the prevention of recurrent stroke. Analysis of patients with minor stroke from the Ticlopidine Aspirin Stroke Study.

Ticlopidine has not been formally compared with aspirin in patients with a completed stroke. We therefore performed an analysis on a subgroup of patients from the Ticlopidine Aspirin Stroke Study (TASS) with a recent minor completed stroke as the qualifying ischemic event.This was a multicenter, double-blind, randomized trial of patients with a recent history of cerebral ischemia. Eligible patients had a qualifying minor stroke within 3 months of study entry. All patients received either 650 mg aspirin twice daily or 250 mg ticlopidine twice daily for up to 5.8 years. The primary study end point was the first occurrence of nonfatal stroke or death from any cause. A secondary end point was the first occurrence of a fatal or nonfatal stroke.Minor stroke was the qualifying ischemic event in 927 patients (463 received ticlopidine and 464 received aspirin). The cumulative event rate at 1 year for nonfatal stroke or death was 6.3% for patients receiving ticlopidine and 10.8% for patients receiving aspirin, a 42...
All Possible Regressions with Less Computation

Two methods are given for computing all possible regressions for a set of independent variables. One produces all the usual regression statistics; the other gives only the sums of squares of residuals. Both require less computation than other methods of computing all possible regressions and the second may compare favorably with the procedure suggested by Hocking and Leslie for finding the best subset without evaluating all possible subsets.
Alteration of hydroxylapatite coatings exposed to chemicals used in histological fixation

Histological evaluation of retrieved devices allows for assessment of the biological response to the implants. Interaction between the biomaterial and the fluids used in the processing may alter the appearance or composition of the device. This may result in artifacts due to processing which are misinterpreted as being caused by the biological response. Alteration by the fluids used in fixation may be particularly important with materials that have a propensity to interact with aqueous environments, as in the case of calcium phosphate ceramics. Therefore, we examined the effects of various standard histological fixation techniques on hydroxylapatite coated metal implants. Of the techniques examined, fixation with ethanol appeared to affect the surface morphology the least, whereas fixation in unbuffered formalin appeared to affect the bulk composition of these samples the least. Fixation in buffered formalin resulted in marked changes in both surface morphology and bulk composition.
Kidney function, albuminuria and age-related macular degeneration in NHANES III

Background. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and kidney disease may have shared risk factors, including cardiovascular disease risk factors; additionally AMD and dense deposit disease share a common causal link, with both associated with polymorphisms in the complement pathway. Accordingly, we explored a population-based cohort of US adults to examine if markers of kidney disease identify a higher risk population for prevalent AMD. Methods. A cross-sectional nested case–control study matching on age, sex and race was performed using data on adult participants in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Predictor variables included urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Study outcomes included late AMD, defined as neovascular disease or geographic atrophy (5:1 matching), and a composite of both early AMD, defined as soft drusen or pigment irregularities with or without any drusen, and late AMD (1:1 matching). Results. There were 51 participants with late AMD and 865 with any AMD. In conditional logistic regression adjusting for diabetes, hypertension and total cholesterol, lower eGFR was independently associated with late AMD [odds ratio (OR) = 3.05, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.51–6.13], while albuminuria was not significant. For any AMD, neither albuminuria nor eGFR were significant in adjusted models. In sensitivity analyses excluding diabetics, albuminuria was associated with any AMD (OR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.11–1.29 and 1.57, 95% CI: 0.61–3.69 for micro- and macroalbuminuria, respectively, P = 0.03). Conclusions. Late AMD is more common among individuals with reduced kidney function. Whether this association reflects a common causal pathway or shared risk factors such as hypertension requires additional investigation.
Impact of heat stress on germinal vesicle breakdown and lipolytic changes during in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes.

Two studies were conducted with the overarching goal of determining the extent to which lipolytic changes relate to germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) in bovine oocytes matured under thermoneutral or hyperthermic conditions. To this end, cumulus-oocyte complexes underwent in vitro maturation for 0, 2, 4, 6 or 24 h at 38.5 (first study) or 38.5 and 41.0 C (second study; heat stress applied up through first 12 h only, then shifted to 38.5 C). Independent of maturation temperature, triglyceride and phospholipid content decreased markedly by 2 h of in vitro maturation (hIVM; P < 0.0005). Content was lowest at 24 hIVM with no detectable impact of heat stress when exposure occurred during first 12 hIVM. Germinal vesicle breakdown occurred earlier in oocytes experiencing heat stress with effects observed as soon as 4 hIVM (P < 0.0001). Germinal vesicle breakdown was associated with lipolytic changes (R2 = 0.2123 and P = 0.0030 for triglyceride content; R2 = 0.2243 and P = 0.0026 for phospholipid content). ATP content at 24 hIVM was higher in oocytes experiencing heat stress (P = 0.0082). In summary, GVBD occurs sooner in heat-stressed oocytes. Although marked decreases in triglyceride and phospholipid content were noted as early as 2 hIVM and preceded GVBD, lipolytic changes such as these are not likely serving as an initial driver of GVBD in heat-stressed oocytes because changes occurred similarly in oocytes matured at thermoneutral conditions.
Assessing organizational readiness for implementing concurrent engineering practices and collaborative technologies

The barriers to concurrent engineering (CE) are cultural, organizational, and technological in nature. A successful implementation of CE requires that these barriers be identified up-front. The Concurrent Engineering Research Center (CERC) has developed a model, a measurement tool, and a methodology-the Readiness Assessment for Concurrent Engineering (RACE)-to assist CE implementors in identifying the barriers and prioritizing implementation actions. The authors discuss the readiness model, the process, and the questionnaire associated with RACE. They also identify some open issues concerned with conducting a readiness assessment and interpreting the results. Finally, the concept for a computer-based tool for readiness assessment is described. >
ARRAYS AND NOMOGRAMS FOR ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY EXPLORATION

A number of electrical resistivity arrays are available to the exploration geophysicist in the conduct of vertical or horizontal profiling. The advantage of using central-type arrays which produce large potential drops, such as the Wenner or the Schlumberger, must be weighed against the ease of acentral arrays such as the polar and equatorial arrays. A series of nomograms has been designed to provide a means of rapid calculation of the potential drop to be obtained by any of the various central and acentral arrays, as a function of apparent resistivity, electrode spacings and available transmitter power. The same nomograms may also be used for approximate computation of the apparent resistivities in routine surveys. However, the accuracy of resistivity calculation is directly related to the accuracy of drawing lines between the scales and hence is rather limited in reduced-size nomograms in this paper.
Evolving Treatment Strategies for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are idiopathic inflammatory bowel diseases characterized by dysregulated intestinal immune responses in genetically susceptible hosts. Conventional approaches to the medical therapy of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease can now be directed at either induction or maintenance of remission to improve therapeutic efficacy while minimizing complications. Newer approaches have expanded the utility of conventional therapies by improving both safety and efficacy and highlight the importance of specific targets along the immunoinflammatory pathways. The combination of conventional and novel approaches now offers the potential of modifying the natural history of these diseases.
Robust speech recognition technology program summary

The major objective of this program is to develop and demonstrate robust, high-performance continuous speech recognizer (CSR) techniques and systems focused on application in spoken language systems (SLS). A key supporting objective is to develop techniques for integration of CSR and natural language processing (NLP) systems in SLS applications. The CSR techniques are based on a continuous-observation Hidden Markov Model (HMM) approach, which has previously demonstrated high performance for normal speech and robustness for stressed speech. The motivation is that current state-of-the-art CSR systems must be improved in performance and robustness for advanced SLS environments, with variabilities including those due to spontaneous speech, noise, and task-induced stress. The effort in CSR/NLP integration is focused on development of a structured CSR/NLP interface, which will allow effective collaboration with and between other groups developing NLP and/or CSR systems.
Neuropathogenesis of Chikungunya Infection: Astrogliosis and Innate Immune Activation

Chikungunya, "that which bends up" in the Makonde dialect, is an emerging global health threat, with increasing incidence of neurological complications. Until 2013, Chikungunya infection had been largely restricted to East Africa and the Indian Ocean, with cases within the USA reported to be from foreign travel. However, in 2014, over 1 million suspected cases were reported in the Americas, and a recently infected human could serve as an unwitting reservoir for the virus resulting in an epidemic in the continental USA. Chikungunya infection is increasingly being associated with neurological sequelae. In this study, we sought to understand the role of astrocytes in the neuropathogenesis of Chikungunya infection. Even after virus has been cleared form the circulation, astrocytes were activated with regard to TLR2 expression. In addition, white matter astrocytes were hypertrophic, with increased arbor volume in gray matter astrocytes. Combined, these would alter the number and distribution of synapses that each astrocyte would be capable of forming. These results provide the first evidence that Chikungunya infection induces morphometric and innate immune activation of astrocytes in vivo. Perturbed glia-neuron signaling could be a major driving factor in the development of Chikungunya-associated neuropathology.
Liquid scintillation counting of 45Ca in geochemical studies

Abstract A simplified method for the use of radioactive calcium in experimental geochemistry is described. The technique accomodates aqueous samples from 1.0 to 3.5 ml with high and constant efficiency (50%). Solutions containing sea water, HCl, and organic complexing agent have been assayed for 45Ca with a precision of ±3% for one standard deviation. The use of Triton X-100 in the two-phase emulsion liquid-scintillation method noted here reduced self absorption and sample-preparation problems usually associated with the counting of aqueous samples of beta emitters such as 45Ca. With this technique the application of radioisotope methodology to the study of calcium is facilitated.
Further Developments of the Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope in Biomedical Research

AbstractThe laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM) is a valuable research tool for imaging fluorescently labeled biological specimens. Rather than cutting sections of the tissue with a knife, it is now possible to produce relatively noninvasive “optical sections” using the LSCM as an imaging tool. This has made the imaging of living cells in situ more of a practical option. This minireview briefly describes some of the improvements made to the LSCM over the past 5 years and, in more detail, outlines many of the current biomedical applications of the LSCM, including single and multiple labeling of fixed and living specimens, physiological imaging, 3-dimensional imaging, and the use of the LSCM for lineage tracing and in correlative microscopy.
High-performance flexible hydrogen sensor made of WS₂ nanosheet-Pd nanoparticle composite film.

We report a flexible hydrogen sensor, composed of WS2 nanosheet–Pd nanoparticle composite film, fabricated on a flexible polyimide substrate. The sensor offers the advantages of light-weight, mechanical durability, room temperature operation, and high sensitivity. The WS2–Pd composite film exhibits sensitivity (R 1/R 2, the ratio of the initial resistance to final resistance of the sensor) of 7.8 to 50 000 ppm hydrogen. Moreover, the WS2–Pd composite film distinctly outperforms the graphene–Pd composite, whose sensitivity is only 1.14. Furthermore, the ease of fabrication holds great potential for scalable and low-cost manufacturing of hydrogen sensors.
Quantum dots as fluorescent labels for detection of Shigella flexneri

A quantitative detection model was established to detect Shigella flexneri using magnetic nanobeads to concentrate the target bacteria and quantum dots as fluorescent markers,basing on antigen-antibody reaction and biotin-streptavidin conjugation with a laptop-controlled portable device.A liner relationship between S.flexneri cell number(lgN) and the fluorescence intensity(FI) was found for the cell numbers ranging from 102-105CFU/mL.The regression model can be expressed as FI=12.78lgN+15.941 with R2=0.9761.The accuracy and precision of the model was verified,the results showed that the difference between predicted value and true value of the bacterial concentration was very little.The relative standard deviation was 1.8%,which indicated that the model had good accuracy and high precision.This method was simple,fast(2h),efficient and can be a better way to detect S.flexneri.
Criminal Family Networks: Criminal Capital and Cost Avoidance among Urban Drug Sellers

ABSTRACTThis study explores: (1) how criminal family networks facilitate cost avoidance strategies by urban drug sellers and (2) transmission of criminal capital by these networks. Twenty interviews with drug sellers in Philadelphia found that family networks provided unique access to cost avoidance techniques that appeared to reduce offenders’ risk of arrest and violent victimization. Transfer of family criminal capital was not limited to mentoring and tutelage; these networks also allowed sellers to access the organizational structure at higher levels, inherit existing businesses, and make errors with few consequences. Extant theory could be advanced by considering social sources of criminal capital.
Management of Malignant Head and Neck Tumors in Children

This article describes the symptomatology of the most commonly encountered malignancies of the head and neck in children. Information is being made available on practically a daily basis from the areas of cytogenetics, tumor markers, and oncogenes. The role of surgery and radiation in the management of these malignancies is also considered and reevaluated.
Repurposing existing agents as adjunct therapies for glioblastoma

Numerous non-oncologic medications have been found in the last decade to have anti-cancer properties. While the focus in oncology research should clearly remain on deriving new therapeutic strategies, repurposing these existing medications may offer the potential to rapidly enhance the effectiveness of treatment for resistant cancers. Glioblastoma, the most common and lethal brain cancer, is highly resistant to standard therapies and would benefit from even minor improvements in treatment. Numerous agents already in the clinic for non-cancer applications have been found to also possess potential against cancer or specifically against glioblastoma. These include agents with activities affecting oxidative stress, the immune reponse, epigenetic modifiers, cancer cell metabolism, and angiogenesis and invasiveness. This review serves as a guide for potential ways to repurpose individual drugs alongside standard glioblastoma therapies.
Recognising factitious and induced illness in children

Abstract Whilst it is unusual for carers to deliberately make a child ill, misrepresenting symptoms and even falsifying signs of disease is more common. The recognition that fabricated or induced illness (FII) is occurring usually emerges over time. It is rarely if ever a single event but rather an evolving pattern. Children of both sexes and all ages can be harmed in this way however, younger children and those who have had previous significant medical conditions appear to be more vulnerable. Whilst carers might have emotional and mental health needs seeking to understand their psychopathology may detract from addressing the impact on the child. In order to protect children from harm it is important for paediatricians to be aware of this condition and be alert to warning signs seen in clinical practice. This article aims to give an overview of FII and describes some clinical cases and the red flags that can prevent cycles of over investigation and potential harm to children.
From “Sharp, Wittgenstein, is” to “Wittgenstein is Sharp”

Recension del libro de John Collins, The Unity of Linguistic Meaning , Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2015.
Japanese Interlude 1895–1945

Known as Ilha Formosa by Portuguese mariners, later settled by the Dutch, and then used as a Ming loyalist stronghold after collapse of China’s most brilliant Dynasty, ruled by Japan as a colony, and later the refuge of the Nationalist forces after WWII, Taiwan has been in the epicenter of tumultuous historical and political events until the present.
“Don’t Want to See No More… Like That!”: Climate Change As a Factor in the Collapse of Lowcountry Rice Culture, 1893–1920

This piece of historical analysis examines the role that climate events, especially hurricanes, played in hastening the failure of the Atlantic Coast rice industry more seriously than has earlier scholarship. In addition to problems with labor and market competition, a period of greater intensity and frequency of hurricanes, droughts and freshets exerted a financial, physical and psychological toll on the Lowcountry from 1893 to 1920 that convinced rice planters to abandon the industry.
No catheter angiography is needed in patients with an obscure acute gastrointestinal bleed and negative CTA.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the negative predictive power of computed tomography angiography (CTA) for the identification of obscure acute gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding (GI bleeding not visualized/treated by endoscopy) on subsequent mesenteric angiography (MA) with the intention to treat. Materials and methods A retrospective chart review of patients was performed who underwent mesenteric angiography for the evaluation/treatment of acute GI bleeding between November 2012 and July 2016. Patients with negative CTA examinations that proceeded to MA were identified. Negative predictive value (NPV) was calculated. Results 20 patients (14 male, 6 female; average age: 73.1 ± 12.8 years) underwent 20 negative CTA examinations for the evaluation and treatment of GI bleeding followed by mesenteric angiography. Eighteen of 20 patients had negative subsequent MA (negative predictive value, NPV = 90%). Both false negative cases were upper GI bleed (vs 0 lower GI bleed); this difference was significant (p Conclusions The high NPV of CTA for the evaluation of GI bleeding suggests utility for excluding patients that are unlikely to benefit from MA and subsequent endovascular therapy. CTA may be considered for the first line diagnostic study for the evaluation of obscure GI bleeding.
Integrals Don’t Have Anything to Do with Discrete Math, Do They?

To students just beginning their study of mathematics, the discipline appears to come in two distinct flavours: continuous and discrete. This article attempts to bridge the apparent divide by descr...
Examining the Role of Income Inequality and Neighborhood Walkability on Obesity and Physical Activity among Low-Income Hispanic Adults

Obesity is a major public health issue affecting rising medical costs and contributing to morbidity and premature mortality. We aimed to identify factors that may play a role in obesity and physical activity at the individual and environmental/neighborhood levels. We analyzed data from an adult sample who were parents of students enrolled in a school-based health and wellness program. The sample was restricted to those who were Hispanic and whose children were on free/reduced lunch (n = 377). Dependent variables: body mass index (BMI); neighborhood walkability. Walk Score® was used to assess neighborhood walkability. Overall, 46% of participants were obese and 31% were overweight. The median age of respondents was 34 years, and the majority were female (88%) and married (59%). Participants who resided in a census tract with a higher relative income inequality (high, OR 2.54, 90% CI 1.154–5.601; moderate-high OR 2.527, 90% CI 1.324–4.821) and those who were unmarried (OR 1.807, 90% CI 1.119–2.917) were more likely to be obese versus normal weight. Overweight individuals that resided in areas that were walkable versus car-dependent averaged more days engaging in walking for at least 30-min (p <.05). Identifying individual and neighborhood factors associated with obesity can inform more targeted approaches to combat obesity at multiple ecological levels. The importance of understanding how neighborhood characteristics influence health-related and behavioral outcomes is further reinforced with the current findings. Identifying effective strategies to engage communities and organizations in creating, implementing, adopting, evaluating, and sustaining policy and/or environmental interventions will be needed to combat the obesity epidemic.
Early outcomes using hepatitis C-positive donors for cardiac transplantation in the era of effective direct-acting anti-viral therapies.

Background Given the shortage of suitable donor hearts for cardiac transplantation, and the favorable safety and efficacy of current agents used to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV), our institution recently piloted transplantation of select patients using HCV-positive donors. Methods Between September 2016 and March 2017, 12 HCV-naive patients and 1 patient with a history of treated HCV underwent heart transplantation (HT) using hearts from HCV-positive donors after informed consent. Patients who acquired HCV were referred to hepatology and treated with direct-acting anti-viral therapies (DAAs). Data collection and analysis were performed with institutional review board approval. Results At the time of HT, mean age of recipients was 53 ± 10 years, and 8 patients (61.5%) were on left ventricular assist device support. After consent to consider an HCV-positive heart, mean time to HT was 11 ± 12 days. Nine of 13 patients (69%) developed HCV viremia after transplant, including 8 who completed DAA treatment and demonstrated cure, as defined by a sustained virologic response 12 weeks after treatment. One patient died during Week 7 of his treatment due to pulmonary embolism. DAAs were well tolerated in all treated patients. Conclusions In the era of highly effective DAAs, the use of HCV-positive donors represents a potential approach to safely expand the donor pool. Additional follow-up is needed to elucidate long-term outcomes.
Synthesis of protective coatings on steel by surface spontaneous polymerization: 2. Studies of the chain propagation mechanism

Abstract We have previously reported a new method for applying protective coatings on metal surfaces, the surface spontaneous polymerization process. Polymerization occurs spontaneously on the substrate upon immersion into a monomer solution, forming a layer of uniform coating in situ. A redox mechanism was proposed to explain the spontaneous initiation [1] . In this paper, we report studies of the propagation mechanism involving several monomer systems. It was found that propagation via both a charge transfer complex and addition of free monomers is possible, and also that both mechanisms can be operating at the same time. This is the case for the 4-carboxyphenyl maleimide (4CPMI)/styrene/acrylonitrile system, in which the donor monomer, styrene, forms a charge transfer complex with the strong acceptor monomer, 4CPMI, and copolymerizes alternatingly while the other acceptor monomer, acrylonitrile, is incorporated randomly. The surface spontaneous polymerization process can therefore be used to copolymerize a wide variety of monomers to yield coatings with desired properties.
Interferons: Several Questions and Few Answers

A number of clinical trials are presently ongoing to test the utility of interferons (IFNs) as antiviral and antitumor agents; several tabulations of these have appeared and, in sum, these show that more trials are warranted (Reviewed in Ref. 1). Rather than reiterate these spotty pilot studies, I should like to consider the few key questions which should focus on the status of IFN trials.
Adaptive inverse control using a gradient-projection optimization technique

As an application of an optimization technique, a gradient-projection method is employed to derive an adaptive algorithm for updating the parameters of an inverse which is designed to cancel the effects of actuator uncertainties in a control system. The actuator uncertainty is parametrized by a set of unknown parameters which belong to a parameter region. A desirable inverse is implemented with adaptive estimates of the actuator parameters. Minimizing an estimation error, a gradient algorithm is used to update such parameter estimates. To ensure that the parameter estimates also belong to the parameter region, the adaptive update law is designed with parameter projection. With such an adaptive inverse, desired control system performance can be achieved despite the presence of the actuator uncertainties.
P112 Clearance of pre-formed donor specific antibodies after liver transplantation is specific for DSA and cross-reactive antigens

Aim Liver transplant recipients with pre-formed HLA DSA are reported to “clear” antibodies post-transplant. We sought to determine if the reduction in HLA antibodies was specific for donor antigens or represented a global decline in alloantibodies. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the post-transplant DSA course for 27 liver allograft recipients transplanted with pre-formed HLA DSA, measured by single antigen assay. Results In 16 patients, DSA was persistently seen at last follow-up (although weaker than pre-transplant in all patients); another 2 patients also developed de novo DSA to other donor HLA. In the remaining 9 patients, DSA declined dramatically post-transplant and was not detected at last follow-up. We asked whether third party antibodies also declined (i.e. global immunosuppression) or whether the patterns were specific for DSA and cross-reactive antigens. In 6 of 9 patients whose DSA declined, some non-DSA remained strong while the third party antibodies that reduced were clearly in cross-reactive groups with the donor specific antibodies. In one of the remaining patients, all of their antibodies disappeared post-transplant, in another the DSA did not fit into a CREG, and in the last patient DSA was to HLA-C locus. One example is given in the figure below, where strong antibodies persisted to third party A1 CREG; but DSA to A32 and antibodies to other A10/A19 CREG antigens declined post-transplant. In the same patient DSA to DQ6 disappeared during follow-up, as did non-DSA DQ5 antibodies; but antibodies to DQ2 persisted. Conclusions Overall, liver allograft recipients experienced a global reduction in HLA antibodies, but the most profound effect was on DSA and CREG-related antigens. These cases suggest that liver clearance of HLA antibodies is specific for donor reactive antibodies and cross-reactive clones.
Timing Characterization for Static Timing Analysis of Single Flux Quantum Circuits

Single flux quantum (SFQ) logic families require the development of electronic design automation tools to generate large-scale circuits. The available methodologies or tools for performing timing analysis of SFQ circuits do not have a load-dependent timing characterization method for calculating the context-dependent delay of cells, such as the nonlinear delay model for complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) circuits. A new timing characterization method is presented here for SFQ logic cells, which relies on low-dimensional lookup tables (LUTs) to store the clock-to-output delay, setup, and hold times of clocked cells and input-to-output delay of nonclocked cells in an SFQ standard cell library. Although the delay of Josephson junction based logic cells depends on many parameters, this paper shows that it is possible to reduce this dependency to only a small number of well-chosen parameters. All LUTs are obtained from JSIM simulations for a given target process technology. The accuracy of the proposed LUT-based timing characterization method is compared against JSIM simulations, which shows a maximum error of only 2.1% of the tested clocked cells with different loads.
Management of Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide, although its incidence in the USA is lower compared to Southeast Asia. Its presentation can be incidental, with nonspecific abdominal pain as the most common presenting symptom. For the work-up of gastric cancer, novel diagnostic modalities have emerged. Endoscopic ultrasound and positron emission tomography with the combination of computed tomography, together with diagnostic laparoscopy and peritoneal cytology, make the clinical staging and preoperative planning very accurate. However, surgery, in combination with chemotherapy or chemoradiation, is still the only modality that can offer a chance for a cure. Currently, multidisciplinary approach is essential for improved outcomes.