cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of a focal articular defect on cartilage deformation during patello‐femoral articulation

The objective of this study was to determine cartilage strains near, and in apposition to, a focal defect during patello-femoral articulation. Bovine osteochondral blocks from the trochlea (TRO) and patella (PAT) were apposed, compressed 12%, and subjected to sliding under video microscopy. Samples, lubricated with synovial fluid, were tested intact and then with a full-thickness defect in PAT cartilage. Shear (Exz), axial (Ezz), and lateral (Exx) strains were determined locally for TRO and PAT cartilage. For articulation with a focal defect, the strain amplitudes of PAT cartilage near the surface were ∼2–8× lower in Exz and ∼1.4× higher in −Ezz than intact PAT cartilage. At 20% depth, Exz and Exx for PAT cartilage with a focal defect were ∼2× and ∼10–25× higher than intact PAT, respectively. For TRO articulating against a focal defect, Exz and −Ezz near the surface and at 20% depth were ∼2–4× lower than that for articulation against intact cartilage. The results elucidate dramatic region-specific changes in strain due to lateral motion. In these regions, such altered cartilage mechanics during knee movement may cause focal defects to extend by induction of damaging levels of strain to bordering regions of cartilage. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:1554–1561, 2010
Lattice coverings with four-dimensional spheres

1. Let J n be a sphere with volume V ( J n ) in the n -dimensional Euclidean space R n . Let Λ be a lattice of determinant d (Λ) such that every point in R n lies in one at least of the bodies obtained from J n by applying to it all possible lattice translations. Then Λ is called a covering lattice for J n and V ( J n )/ d (Λ) is called the density of the lattice covering by J n provided by Λ. The lower bound θ n of V ( J n )/ d (Λ) taken over all covering lattices Λ for J n is called the density of the thinnest lattice covering by J n .
Three putative oxylipin biosynthetic genes integrate sexual and asexual development in Aspergillus nidulans.

Oxylipins called psi factors have been shown to alter the ratio of asexual to sexual sporulation in the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans. Analysis of the A. nidulans genome has led to the identification of three fatty acid oxygenases (PpoA, PpoB and PpoC) predicted to produce psi factors. Here, it is reported that deletion of ppoB (ΔppoB) reduced production of the oleic-acid-derived oxylipin psiBβ and increased the ratio of asexual to sexual spore development. Generation of the triple mutant ΔppoAΔppoBΔppoC resulted in a strain deficient in producing oleic- and linoleic-acid-derived 8′-hydroxy psi factor and caused increased and mis-scheduled activation of sexual development. Changes in asexual to sexual spore development were positively correlated to alterations in the expression of brlA and veA, respectively. PpoB and/or its products antagonistically mediate the expression levels of ppoA and ppoC, thus revealing regulatory feedback loops among these three genes. Phylogenetic analyses showed that ppo genes are present in both saprophytic and pathogenic Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes, suggesting a conserved role for Ppo enzymes in the life cycle of fungi.
Supersymmetric nonlinear sigma model in AdS5

Abstract We construct the supersymmetric nonlinear sigma model in a fixed AdS5 background. We use component fields and find that the complex bosons must be the coordinates of a hyper-Kahler manifold that admits a Killing vector satisfying an inhomogeneous tri-holomorphic condition. We propose boundary conditions that map the on-shell bulk hypermultiplets into off-shell chiral multiplets on 3-branes that foliate the bulk. The supersymmetric AdS5 isometries reduce to superconformal transformations on the brane fields.
Low Profile Miniaturized Planar Antenna With Omnidirectional Vertically Polarized Radiation

A novel miniaturized cavity-backed composite slot loop antenna (CBCSLA) with low profile and omnidirectional radiation similar to a short dipole is presented. The antenna displays vertical polarization while having less than lambda/100 dimension in height. The geometry of the antenna is inspired from a small magnetic loop which is realized using a slot configuration on metallic ground. Since a small slot loop antenna cannot be impedance matched, a composite geometry is devised that acts like as a small slot loop and can easily be impedance matched using this configuration. The diameter of the CBCSLA can be made as small as lambda/10 or smaller. The feeding mechanism is designed in a manner to create a circumferentially-constant current distribution around the composite loop while effectively matching to a 50 Omega coaxial feed from the antenna center. Additional methods are discussed to further enhance the bandwidth and achieve a dual-band response. The antennas are designed, fabricated, and measured. It is shown that despite their small lateral dimension and extremely small height, the miniaturized cavity-backed slot loop features extremely well input impedance match, uniform radiation pattern, low cross-polarization levels and expected gain.
LABORATORY TESTS OF RENAL FUNCTION

There are several tests available to evaluate renal function. Because the kidney has such complex and varied functions, no one test can adequately measure them. A rough measure of renal function can be obtained by examining the constituents of the urine. More specific aspects of tubular and glomerular function require more complex tests. Proper interpretation of these tests, however, requires knowledge of the patient's status and clinical course.
Advanced head and neck malignancy

A computerized Ovid search of MEDLINE 1966-January 2006 was performed. The terms “postoperative therapy,” “adjuvant therapy,” and “head and neck cancer” were exploded and the resulting articles were cross-referenced, yielding 7643 articles limited to “human” and “English language.” These articles or abstracts were then reviewed to identify those that met the following inclusion criteria: 1) patient population with operable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) with highrisk features, 2) intervention with a postoperative experimental arm (postoperative cisplatin with radiotherapy) versus a standard therapy arm (postoperative radiotherapy alone), 3) primary outcome measured in terms of progression- or disease-free survival, overall survival (OS), or locoregional (LR) control. The references of these articles were reviewed and manually cross-checked to ensure all applicable literature was included. This process yielded three randomized controlled trials (RCTs), a detailed analysis of which is presented below.
Phase II study of troxacitabine, a novel dioxolane nucleoside analog, in patients with untreated or imatinib mesylate-resistant chronic myelogenous leukemia in blastic phase.

Abstract A phase II study of troxacitabine, a non-natural dioxolane nucleoside l -enantiomer, was conducted in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia in blastic phase (CML-BP). Patients were untreated for BP, or treated with imatinib mesylate (IM) as sole prior therapy for BP. Troxacitabine was given as an intravenous infusion over 30 min daily for 5 days at a dose of 8.0 mg/m 2 per day. Thirty-one patients, 29 (93%) of whom had failed prior IM therapy, received 51 courses of therapy. Grade 3 or 4 toxicities included stomatitis (4%), hand-foot syndrome (18%), and skin rash (12%). Four patients (13%) responded. Troxacitabine-based combinations merit study in IM-resistant CML.
Dry gas operation of proton exchange membrane fuel cells with parallel channels: Non-porous versus porous plates

We present a study of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells with parallel channel flow fields for the cathode, dry inlet gases, and ambient pressure at the outlets. The study compares the performance of two designs: a standard, non-porous graphite cathode plate design and a porous hydrophilic carbon plate version. The experimental study of the non-porous plate is a control case and highlights the significant challenges of operation with dry gases and non-porous, parallel channel cathodes. These challenges include significant transients in power density and severe performance loss due to flooding and electrolyte dry-out. Our experimental study shows that the porous plate yields significant improvements in performance and robustness of operation. We hypothesize that the porous plate distributes water throughout the cell area by capillary action; including pumping water upstream to normally dry inlet regions. The porous plate reduces membrane resistance and air pressure drop. Further, IR-free polarization curves confirm operation free of flooding. With an air stoichiometric ratio of 1.3, we obtain a maximum power density of 0.40 W cm−2, which is 3.5 times greater than that achieved with the non-porous plate at the
Fatal massive cerebral infarctions in a young patient with diabetic ketoacidosis--a rare case of atherosclerotic moyamoya disease.

Moyamoya is characterized by bilateral stenosis or occlusion of the distal internal carotid artery (ICA) and associated abnormal collateral vascularization. Lumen narrowing due to smooth muscle cell hyperplasia of the distal ICA is the characteristic histopathology. Only two cases of presumed atherosclerotic moyamoya have been reported before. We report here the first case of confirmed atherosclerotic moyamoya (of bilateral ICA) in a 29-year-old African–American male with diabetes. Our patient was a 29-year-old African–American male who presented to the emergency department with polyuria, polydipsia and generalized weakness. The patient was recently diagnosed with diabetes and was non-compliant with his medication (methformin). On examination, he appeared dehydrated but was alert and communicative with no focal neurologic deficit. His blood pressure was 120/70 mmHg, pulse 110 beats/min and the remainder of his systemic examination was essentially normal. Pertinent laboratory results were serum glucose of 860 mg/dl (74–106 mg/dl), trace ketones and an anion gap of 18 mmol/l (7–16 mmol/l). The remaining laboratory parameters were essentially normal. For diabetic ketoacidosis, the patient received normal saline, insulin bolus, followed by continuous insulin drip. Five hours into the treatment, he developed altered mental status. The patient was responsive only to pain but with no focal weakness, pupils were equal and reactive and there …
Myelosuppression associated with co-trimoxazole as a prophylactic antibiotic in the maintenance phase of childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia

Thirty-seven children with acute lymphocytic leukemia in clinical remission for at least 6 months completed a 1-year trial in which they were randomly assigned in a double-blind fashion to receive co-trimoxazole twice daily for 6 months followed by placebo for 6 months (18 patients) or placebo followed by co-trimoxazole (19 patients). Total amounts of maintenance chemotherapy administered during both periods were similar. During administration of co-trimoxazole significant reductions were documented in the patients' average total white blood count (P
Meta-scripts as a mechanism for complex web services

The World-Wide Web is the 'killer application' of the mid-1990's, and as a result it serves as the market place for various services. This position document discusses the problem of creating complex Web services from simpler ones, under client control. For example, one might want an annotated forecast of a company's stock price from three simple services, viz., stock price data, forecasting and annotation. We propose meta-scripts as a solution. A client accesses a meta-script, which contains procedures for accessing and composing simpler services. Meta-identifiers are used in the meta-script instead of static links. Developments in type-consistency mechanisms and various enabling services of the Web help in realization of the meta-script based approach. This model of service composition separates control from data manipulation, and gives this control to a client. As clients are empowered with the selection and coordination of service providers, this can lead to a free market for services.
AIDS, FRAIDS, and Quarantine: Student Responses to Pro‐Quarantine Initiatives in California

In the literature on AIDS, only a few empirical social reactivist studies of heterosexuals have been done, probably due to the preoccupation with explaining the incidence of AIDS among high-risk groups. The following study of 563 students enrolled in a large Southern California university adds to the heterosexual student literature by operationalizing an important research variable, FRAIDS, and by embarking on explanatory analysis of attitude and self-reported behavior. FRAIDS, which we will define as the fear of getting AIDS from casual contact sources, may be helpful in explaining both high-risk sexual behavior among heterosexuals and pro-quarantine sentiment. However, only the subsets of the FRAIDS variable (FRAIDS-dry and FRAIDS-wet) proved explanatory. FRAIDS-dry (fear of HIV infection from dry sources) proved significant in explaining sexual activity, while FRAIDS-wet (fear of HIV infection from wet casual contact sources) was found significant in explaining pro-quarantine sentiment. The converse was not true. Using homophobia as a control variable, homophobia was found to overshadow FRAIDS-wet for males but FRAIDS-wet rivaled homophobia in predicting pro-quarantine sentiment for females. Growing quarantine sentiment was noted among the students, as the survey took place during two different time periods (Fall of 1986 (N= 375) and Spring of 1988 (N= 188)), essentially before and after the actual vote in November 1986 on a pro-quarantine initiative (Proposition 64) that appeared on the California ballot. This apparent increase in pro-quarantine sentiment among students (and voters) highlights the need for attention to homophobia as well as detailed discussion of the fear of wet casual contact in AIDS education.
Rational function representation of flap noise spectra including correction for reflection effects

A rational function is presented for the acoustic spectra generated by deflection of engine exhaust jets for under-the-wing and over-the-wing versions of externally blown flaps. The functional representation is intended to provide a means for compact storage of data and for data analysis. The expressions are based on Fourier transform functions for the Strouhal normalized pressure spectral density, and on a correction for reflection effects based on the TV-independent-source model of P. Thomas extended by use of a reflected ray transfer function. Curve fit comparisons are presented for blown flap data taken from turbofan engine tests and from largescale cold-flow model tests. Application of the rational function to scrubbing noise theory is also indicated.
Embolización arterial de cemento durante cirugía raquídea

La embolia de cemento ortopedico en las arterias pulmonares es una complicacion bien conocida de la vertebroplastia percutanea, al igual que durante otros procedimientos de cirugia abierta de raquis. Tambien se han descrito unos pocos casos de embolia paradojica por cemento. En el presente estudio describimos un caso de embolia de las arterias infrageniculares durante el proceso de manipulacion para relleno de hueso cortical durante la revision de un procedimiento de cirugia raquidea. El cemento habia penetrado en la aorta a traves de la arteria lumbar L3 izquierda. Hasta lo que conocen los autores, este es el primer caso descrito de embolia debida a migracion arterial directa del cemento durante un procedimiento ortopedico.
Three-dimensional millimeter-wave imaging for concealed threat detection in shoes

This paper describes a study performed at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory which investigated the use of active millimeter-wave radar imaging to perform threat detection in non-divested shoes. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal imaging system configuration for performing this type of task. While active millimeter-wave imaging systems have proven to be effective for personnel screening, the phenomenology associated with imaging within a heterogeneous medium, such as a shoe, dictates limits for imaging system parameters. Scattering, defocusing, and multipath artifacts are significantly exaggerated due to the high contrast index of refraction associated with the boundary at the air and shoe interface. Where higher center-frequency and bandwidth result in much improved lateral and range resolution in the body scanning application, smaller wavelengths are significantly defocused after penetrating the sole of the shoe. Increased bandwidth, however, is essential for the shoe scanning application as well. Obtaining fine enough depth resolution is critical in separating the scattering contribution of each layer of the shoes in range to isolate possible threats embedded within the sole. In this paper, the results of a study to optimize the following imaging system parameters are presented: antenna illumination beamwidth, antenna polarization, transceiver bandwidth, and physical scanning geometry.
The Geometry of Flecnodal Pairs

We generalize the definition of a flecnode on a surface in ℝ3 to a definition for a general immersed manifold in Euclidean space. Instead of considering a flecnode as a point on the manifold, we consider it as a pair of a normal vector and a tangent vector, called the flecnodal pair. The structure of this set is considered, as well as its connection to binormals and A 3 singularities in the set of height functions. The specific case of a surface immersed in ℝ4 is studied in more detail, with the generic singularities of the flecnodal normals and the flecnodal tangents classified. Finally, the connection between the flecnodals and bitangencies are studied, especially in the case where the dimension of the manifold equals the codimension.
Measurement of the Scorch and Cure Rate of Vulcanizable Mixtures, Using the Mooney Plastometer

Abstract The Mooney plastometer may be used to measure the scorching rate and the curing rate of vulcanizable mixtures through a range of temperatures, including the usual processing and curing temperatures. From the data obtained the temperature coefficients of the two processes can be readily calculated. The values for the latter, for the particular mixtures tested, were as follows: The combined cure-rate coefficients should correspond to those determined from stress-strain data. These were found to be: This agreement confirms the accuracy of the corrections applied to the Mooney data as well as the Mooney method for these measurements. When the scorch and cure-rate coefficients are known, both rates may be measured at one temperature, and the results obtained extrapolated with some confidence to higher or lower temperatures.
Comparison of Heat Exchanger and Thermal Energy Storage Designs for Aircraft Thermal Management Systems

Thermal management is evolving as a major challenge in the design of current and future more and all electric aircraft (M/AEA). These aircraft have ever increasing numbers of onboard heat sources, higher heat loads from integration of advanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) sensors and directed energy weapons, limited and even decreasing numbers of heat sinks, the use of composite materials, etc. The associated challenges have pushed the conventional thermal management systems and their components to the limit. More efficient methods of thermal management must be implemented to ensure that the M/AEA aircraft do not overheat and prematurely abort their missions. Crucial to this effort is the need to consider advanced heat exchanger concepts, comparing their designs and performance with those of the conventional compact exchangers currently used for onboard aircraft thermal management systems. The present work identifies two promising advanced concepts, namely, microchannel heat exchangers and phase change thermal energy storage systems. Detailed conceptual design and performance models are developed for these as well as a conventional plate-fin compact heat exchanger, and their design and performance optimized for minimum dry weight. In this paper, results of these studies are presented along with comparisons with current systems, conclusions, and recommendations for future research. The results show that microchannel heat exchangers and phase change energy storage systems offer potentially significant performance benefits for aircraft thermal management.
Catecholamines, stress, and disease: a psychobiological perspective.

OBJECTIVE Research on the relationship between physiological responses to stressful stimulation and the onset of psychosomatic illnesses has been an area of intense interest for many years. Studies using animal models have contributed significantly to this field of inquiry by taking several complementary approaches. METHOD Three specific research strategies taken in our laboratory will be highlighted here. Each involves studies in conscious, freely behaving animals. RESULTS Genetically selected animals have been exposed to acute stressors to unmask neuroendocrine and autonomic abnormalities related to disease susceptibility. In addition, studies of aged animals suggest that exaggerated physiological responses to acute stress may underlie some age-related pathologies. Finally, a series of studies has revealed that exposure of laboratory animals to stressful stimulation may exert long-lasting influences on the ways in which these subjects respond in the future to the same or novel stressors. CONCLUSIONS These findings illustrate how studies with laboratory animals have the potential for refining the questions that are posed in research with clinical populations and for providing insight into the underlying physiological mechanisms of individual variability in disease susceptibility and the development of appropriate therapeutic interventions.
Preparation of Zicao film and content assay of shikonin

OBJECTIVE To optimize the formulation and preparing process of Zicao film.To establish stable and reliable method for content assay of shikonin so that to control the quality of Zicao film.METHODS By using the extract of Arnebiae Radix as the raw material drug and polyvinyl alcohol(PVA) as the film forming material,Zicao film was prepared with the addition of glycerin and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose(CMC-Na).The formulation and process were optimized through single factor experiment and orthogonal test.And the mechanical properties of the films were used for result evaluation.HPLC method was used to assay the content of main active ingredient shikonin in films.RESULTS The sort and amount of PVA,the amount of plasticizer glycerin and the drug loading rate obviously affected the formation and the mechanical properties of film.In the optimized formulation,the ratio of PVA 205S to 540S was 1∶3,glycerin accounted for 7.6%,and the ratio of PVA to Arnebiae Radix extract was 9∶1.The intra-day and inter-day precision of the HPLC method for shikonin content assay was 0.77 and 0.74 respectively.The recovery rate was 99.67%(n= 9),and the method showed a good repeatability.CONCLUSION The Zicao film showed uniform content,good mechanical properties,and matched the quality requirements of films.
Geogenic metal mobility in a coastal inlet impacted by cannery discharge, Magdalena Bay, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Magdalena Bay is an important habitat for marine organisms, some of which have been the subject of metal bioaccumulation studies. Cannery waste is discharged into the bay providing a plausible source of contamination but this study finds that some metals occur geogenically. Bay sediments and rocks (n=59) were analyzed for total metals and clustered (HCA) into two distinct groups with PCA indicating concentrations of Cr, Cu, Mn, and Ni influenced samples near ophiolite outcrops, which reported some metal concentrations exceeding averages in the crust by an order of magnitude (up to 4450ppm Cr and 1269ppm Ni). Metals at the cannery are rarely elevated above crustal averages except Zn (max. 160ppm), however, acid-extracted Zn was below recommended sediment quality guidelines in contrast to 80% of ophiolitic samples reporting Ni extractability exceeding such guidelines. This study raises awareness of geogenic metals when considering sources of contamination in marine environments.
Subcutaneous artificial penile nodules.

Abstract We present a case of subcutaneous artificial penile nodules. This practice has achieved some popularity in the Far East but may cause a confusing x-ray and clinical picture because of its rarity in this country.
Suggested Notes and Syllabus for Teaching Politics and Development in Africa

The primary objective of this study is to suggest reading materials and a teaching methodology for the study of politics and development in Africa. The aim of the article stems from the author's co...
The Graduate Dysphagia Course: Opening the Door to New Frontiers

A graduate-level course in dysphagia is an integral part of the graduate curriculum in speech-language pathology. There are many challenges to meeting the needs of current graduate student clinicia...
DisORIENT: Money, Technological Development and the Rise of the West

An extensive and important literature has shown that the Rise of the West occurred considerably later than often thought, only in the 19th century, and that the main advantages of the West prior to...
Abstract IA03: Anti-tumor T cells: You are what you eat

Activated T cells engage aerobic glycolysis and anabolic metabolism for growth, proliferation, and effector functions. In contrast, resting memory CD8 T cells depend less on high rates of glycolysis and more on fatty acid oxidation to persist, self-renew and respond to secondary infection. This talk will discuss the concept of metabolic checkpoints for immune cells in tumors, referring to the idea that the nutrients utilized by different types of T cells can affect both their energetic demands and their functionality. In particular, the metabolic state of exhausted T cells found in tumors is only recently starting to be studied. Our data in mouse models of cancer suggest that a glucose-poor, fatty acid-rich tumor microenvironment limits aerobic glycolysis, but promotes fatty acid uptake in tumor-infiltrating T cells, which suppresses tumoricidal effector functions and increases PD-1 expression. This talk will discuss recent analyses of the signaling pathways that respond to these nutrient alterations in T cells in tumors and how this may relate to new modalities of treatment in combination with checkpoint blockade. Citation Format: Guoliang Cui, Ping-Chih Ho, Robert Amezquita, Susan M. Kaech. Anti-tumor T cells: You are what you eat. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2016 Oct 20-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2017;5(3 Suppl):Abstract nr IA03.
The Effect of Knowledge of Research on Rehearsal Skills and Teaching Values of Experienced Teachers

The following article, although a bit unusual is pertinent to this journal. It is not a review of research literature, nor is it a study about a single aspect of teaching music. It is, rather, a study about the application of research knowledge to teaching skills and values by experienced teachers.Update is based on the idea that if teachers are informed about the results of research, they will apply these results to their teaching. We all hope that this is true, and the results of this study seem to support the notion. Indeed, in this study, the researchers systematically examined how teachers' attitudes and skills changed as a result of being informed about research in a specific area: sequential patterns of instruction. The teachers chose to change without any contingencies operating to encourage or discourage this change.Work in understanding the sequential patterns of instruction in musk: is based on an ongoing line of research It is apparent that many music teachers and ensemble directors believe th...
Vascularization of the Selaginella rhizophore: anatomical fingerprints of polar auxin transport with implications for the deep fossil record.

Summary The Selaginella rhizophore is a unique and enigmatic organ whose homology with roots, shoots, or neither of the two remains unresolved. Nevertheless, rhizophore-like organs have been documented in several fossil lycophytes. Here we test the homology of these organs through comparisons with the architecture of rhizophore vascularization in Selaginella. We document rhizophore vascularization in nine Selaginella species using cleared whole-mounts and histological sectioning combined with three-dimensional reconstruction. Three patterns of rhizophore vascularization are present in Selaginella and each is comparable to those observed in rhizophore-like organs of fossil lycophytes. More compellingly, we found that all Selaginella species sampled exhibit tracheids that arc backward from the stem and side branch into the rhizophore base. This tracheid curvature is consistent with acropetal auxin transport previously documented in the rhizophore and is indicative of the redirection of basipetal auxin from the shoot into the rhizophore during development. The tracheid curvature observed in Selaginella rhizophores provides an anatomical fingerprint for the patterns of auxin flow that underpin rhizophore development. Similar tracheid geometry may be present and should be searched for in fossils to address rhizophore homology and the conservation of auxin-related developmental mechanisms from early stages of lycophyte evolution.
Transmit waveform design using Multi-Tone Sinusoidal Frequency Modulation

This paper presents a waveform design method using Multi-Tone Sinusoidal Frequency Modulation (MTSFM). The MTSFM waveform's modulation function is represented using a Fourier series expansion. The Fourier coefficients are generated using independent identically distributed (i.i.d) Gaussian random variables which generate a family of constant amplitude FM waveforms possessing continuous pseudo-random modulation functions. The MTSFM waveforms possess a thumbtack-like Ambiguity Function (AF) and low cross-correlation properties with one another while occupying the same band of frequencies. The MTSFM waveforms additionally possesses a lower Peak-to-Average Power Ratio (PAPR) and better Spectral Containment (SC) than other known thumbtack-like waveforms making them well-suited for transmission on radar transmitters which utilize high power amplifiers.
Value of Tracking Biopsy in Men Undergoing Active Surveillance of Prostate Cancer

Purpose: We compared the upgrading rate obtained by resampling precise spots of prostate cancer (tracking biopsy) vs conventional systematic resampling during followup of men on active surveillance.Materials and Methods: From 2009 to 2017 in 352 men prostate cancer was Gleason 3 + 3 in 268 and Gleason 3 + 4 in 84 at initial magnetic resonance imaging-ultrasound fusion biopsy. These men subsequently underwent a second fusion biopsy. At the first biopsy session all men underwent 12-core systematic biopsies and, when magnetic resonance imaging visible lesions were present, targeted biopsies. All cancerous sites were recorded electronically. During active surveillance at a second fusion biopsy session 6 to 18 months later tracking and systematic nontracking samples were obtained. The primary outcome measure was an increase in Gleason score (upgrading) at followup sampling, which was stratified by biopsy method.Results: Overall 91 of the 352 men (25.9%) experienced upgrading at the second biopsy during a media...
Spontaneous synaptic activity at developing neuromuscular junctions.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the spontaneous synaptic activity at developing neuromuscular junctions. Spontaneous synaptic activity occurs early in development. In Xenopus embryo, spontaneous synaptic potential can be detected in the muscle cell within hours after the motor axon leaves the spinal cord. This early synaptic activity is responsible for the early embryonic motility. which characterizes many vertebrate embryos. It is suggested that early synaptic activity plays an important role in the maturation of synaptic connections and the differentiation of muscle fibers. Elimination of poly-neuronal innervation is delayed by blocking synaptic activity. Muscle-fiber-type transformation is strongly influenced by the pattern of neuronal activity impinging upon it. Metabolism of muscle cell and the expression of synaptic components, including acetylcholine (ACh) receptors and acetylcholinesterases, are regulated by the electrical activity of the muscle cell. The chapter also summarizes the results of physiological and morphological basis of the early synaptic activity, with a focus on the spontaneous transmitter secretion, which is the predominant activity during the first few days of nerve–muscle contact.
Assessing the clinical applicability of prior head imaging in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND Patients often have received some modality of head imaging prior to being evaluated for chronic sinonasal complaints, and the clinical significance of these scans on current sinonasal symptomatology is unknown. METHODS We performed a retrospective, cohort study of 578 patients with chronic sinonasal indications for maxillofacial computed tomography scans (CTs) in 2016. Patients were included if previous head cross-sectional imaging had been performed. Lund-McKay (LM) scores were calculated on the prior CT scan for each patient and compared to LM scores of the most recent scan. Scans with LM scores ≤3 were deemed normal, scores >3 were deemed positive, and Δ >3 was deemed a significant change. RESULTS Of 578 patients, 153 (26.5%) patients had previous imaging. Overall, a strong correlation was noted between scans (r = 0.791, p < 0.001). Significant correlations remained with the subset of positive prior scans (r = 0.743, p < 0.001). The 3 most common prior imaging modalities were maxillofacial CT, head CT, and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Correlations between these modalities and subsequent maxillofacial CTs range from strong to moderately strong. Women were significantly more likely to have negative prior imaging (p = 0.048). Patients with negative prior imaging (80/153) were significantly more likely to remain unchanged (71/80) compared to patients with positive prior scans (56/73) (p = 0.023). CONCLUSION Prior head imaging highly correlates to future maxillofacial CT in patients with chronic sinonasal complaints, and patients with prior negative scans are likely to remain negative on future imaging. If prior head scans exist, practitioners may want to avoid ordering additional scans in the absence of changing symptoms.
Metastasectomy following incomplete response to high-dose interleukin-2.

Objective To evaluate our experience with metastasectomy following partial response or stable disease after treatment with high-dose interleukin-2 (HD IL-2). Methods A total of 305 patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma or melanoma treated with HD IL-2 over a 12-year period were reviewed. Age, objective response, and overall survival data were evaluated using standard RECIST criteria and Kaplan-Meier estimates. Results The average age was 55.3 years (range, 15-85) and 245 (80.3%) patients had melanoma and 60 (19.7%) had renal cell carcinoma. The objective response rate to IL-2 for all patients was 13.6% and median survival was 16.8 months. Complete follow-up data were available for 236 patients with 147 (62.3%) progressing after treatment and 8 (3.3%) with a complete response. Incomplete responses were seen in 81 (34.3%) patients, including 57 (24.2%) patients with stable disease and 24 (10.1%) with partial responses. Of these 81 incomplete responders, 15 (18.5%) underwent subsequent metastasectomy. Patients without surgery had overall survival of 38.2 months and median survival has not yet been reached in those who underwent metastasectomy (P = 0.026). Conclusion The data support prospective evaluation of metastasectomy following incomplete therapeutic responses to immunotherapy and defines a new role for surgical resection following IL-2 and perhaps other immunotherapy regimens.
A Solution for an Electronically-Controlled Variable Delivery External Gear Pump

This paper describes an innovative design concept to enable electronic control of the flow delivered by external spur gear pumps. The basic principle used to obtain flow variation relies on a variable timing concept previously demonstrated by the author’s research team. This principle permits to vary the flow within a certain range, without introducing additional sources of power loss. Previous work proved the applicability of the proposed concept in a pressure compensated design of an external gear pump for high pressure applications. This concept took advantage of the pressure differential acting on the “slider”, which is an internal element performing the flow regulation.In this paper, a solution that permits to achieve balance of the pressure forces acting on the slider is proposed. This solution reduces the actuation forces, thus enabling direct flow control actuation through an electronic control system. The proposed solution is cost effective, it consists of a limited number of parts, and it is suitable for pumps without pressure compensation, i.e. for low or intermediate pressures.The paper details the aspects of the pump design, which was performed by using a multi-objective algorithm that maximizes the flow operating range and at the same time the pump. The optimum design could achieve a flow variation of about 32% in simulation and this was also demonstrated in actual experiments on a prototype realized at the author’s Research Center.The proposed design can impact several of the current applications of external gear pumps, introducing the additional “flow on demand” capability.Copyright © 2017 by ASME
Dysregulated Bile Transporters and Impaired Tight Junctions During Chronic Liver Injury in Mice.

Background & Aims Liver fibrosis, hepatocellular necrosis, inflammation, and proliferation of liver progenitor cells are features of chronic liver injury. Mouse models have been used to study the end-stage pathophysiology of chronic liver injury. However, little is known about differences in the mechanisms of liver injury among different mouse models because of our inability to visualize the progression of liver injury in vivo in mice. We developed a method to visualize bile transport and blood-bile barrier (BBlB) integrity in live mice. Methods C57BL/6 mice were fed a choline-deficient, ethionine-supplemented (CDE) diet or a diet containing 0.1% 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1, 4-dihydrocollidine (DDC) for up to 4 weeks to induce chronic liver injury. We used quantitative liver intravital microscopy (qLIM) for real-time assessment of bile transport and BBlB integrity in the intact livers of the live mice fed the CDE, DDC, or chow (control) diets. Liver tissues were collected from mice and analyzed by histology, immunohistochemistry, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and immunoblots. Results Mice with liver injury induced by a CDE or a DDC diet had breaches in the BBlB and impaired bile secretion, observed by qLIM compared with control mice. Impaired bile secretion was associated with reduced expression of several tight-junction proteins (claudins 3, 5, and 7) and bile transporters (NTCP, OATP1, BSEP, ABCG5, and ABCG8). A prolonged (2-week) CDE, but not DDC, diet led to re-expression of tight junction proteins and bile transporters, concomitant with the reestablishment of BBlB integrity and bile secretion. Conclusions We used qLIM to study chronic liver injury, induced by a choline-deficient or DDC diet, in mice. Progression of chronic liver injury was accompanied by loss of bile transporters and tight junction proteins.
Imaging of HIV/host protein interactions.

HIV-1 relies on a myriad of interactions with host cell proteins to carry out its life cycle. Traditional biochemical approaches to probe protein–protein interactions are limited in their ability to study the spatial and dynamic interactions that take place in the context of an intact cell. However, issues such as localization and dynamics of interactions between viral and host proteins can be well addressed utilizing fluorescent imaging methods. The past decade has brought about the development of many novel fluorescent imaging techniques which have proved useful to describe the interaction of HIV-1 proteins with the host cell.
Impact of patient symptoms and caregiving tasks on psychological distress in caregivers for head and neck cancer (HNC).

Objective To determine the association of caregiving task burden and patient symptom burden with psychological distress among caregivers of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. Methods Adults with HNC and their primary caregivers were included. Patient symptom burden was assessed with the Vanderbilt Head and Neck Symptom Survey-2.0. Caregiving task burden was quantified as task number and task difficulty/distress using the HNC Caregiving Task Inventory. Psychological distress was measured with the Profile of Mood States-Short Form. Two-step clustering analysis was conducted for patient symptom burden, caregiving task burden, and psychological distress. Associations of the resultant clusters of task burden and patient symptoms with caregiver distress were tested using logistic regressions. Results Eighty-nine HNC caregivers and 84 patients were included. Among patients, two clusters of symptom burden were found (51% mod-high, 49% low). Among caregivers, two clusters of caregiving task burden (40% mod-high, 60% low) and caregiver psychological distress (40% mod-high, 60% low) were found. Caregivers with mod-high task numbers and task difficulty/distress reported higher levels of psychological distress. After controlling for caregiver number of tasks, respective difficulty/distress, and patient symptom burden, caregiver perceived task difficulty/distress had the strongest association with caregiver psychological distress (adjusted OR = 3.83; 95% CI, 1.0-14.64; P = 0.049). Conclusions Psychological distress in HNC caregivers is associated with caregiving task burden, with caregivers experiencing high task difficulty/distress at greatest risk. Further study of the caregiver and task characteristics leading to psychological distress should inform supportive interventions for HNC patients and caregivers.
Irradiation-induced Nb redistribution of ZrNb alloy: An APT study

Abstract We have investigated proton irradiation induced Nb redistribution in Zr-xNb alloy (x = 0.4, 0.5, 1.0) by using Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) and Atom Probe Tomography (APT). Initially without an irradiation effect, the Zr matrix only contains βNb and native Laves phase native precipitates. However, after 2 MeV proton irradiation at 350 °C, STEM/EDS showed irradiation induced precipitation of Nb-rich needle-like particles (up to ∼100 nm in length) in the Zr matrix. APT also revealed that Fe- and Nb -enriched nano-clusters (less than 20 nm diameter) are present in the Zr matrix for Zr-0.5Nb and Zr-1.0Nb. Irradiation was found to reduce the matrix Nb concentration in the Zr solid solution, This reduction may contribute to the improved corrosion resistance of ZrNb alloys in the reactor environment at high burnup.
CALIBRATING THE SELF: BUILDING SELF-AWARENESS AND ENCOURAGING SELF-REFLECTION IN UNDERSTANDING CONSUMER BEHAVIOR

One of the key challenges marketers face today is to build awareness against the tendency of overconfidence that can hamper gaining and leveraging customer insights. This article presents a pedagog...
Finite-Element Crystal Plasticity on Phase-Field Microstructures: Predicting Mechanical Response Variations in Ni-Based Single-Crystal Superalloys

The mechanical response of Ni-based single-crystal superalloys is known to be sensitive to the microstructural state, i.e., the shape and size of the γ′ precipitates when exposed to high-temperature conditions. The magnitude and sign of the natural lattice misfit between the γ and γ′ phases play the most crucial role in establishing a controlled size, shape, and distribution of γ′ precipitates during heat treatments as well as in defining the direction of rafting, viz. the directional coalescence of the γ′ precipitates. In this study, a bottom-up scale bridging strategy of using phase-field informed finite-element (FE) crystal plasticity on realistic microstructures is followed to better understand the effect of the microstructural state on the macro-scale performance of a $$ \left\langle {001} \right\rangle $$ -oriented Ni-based single-crystal superalloy. Strain-controlled tensile tests using FE crystal plasticity were performed on a set of different microstructural states: cuboidal, rafted, and topologically inverted imported from 3D phase-field simulations. The study revealed that a cuboidal microstructure with a natural lattice misfit of − 0.004 is the most ductile. As observed experimentally, the microstructure with rafts perpendicular to the loading axis (N-type) is more ductile than the cuboidal one. The P-type microstructure, i.e., with rafts parallel to the loading axis, is found to have the lowest ductility, which was attributed to lesser dislocation mobility.
Pharmacologic Treatment of Meningitis and Encephalitis in Adult Patients

Meningitis and encephalitis are two inflammatory, often infectious, disorders of the meninges and the central nervous system. Both are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and require early and aggressive targeted treatment. This article reviews pharmacologic treatment strategies for infectious meningitis and encephalitis, using the latest available research and guidelines. It provides an overview of empiric antimicrobial treatment approaches for a variety of organisms, including a discussion of trends in antibiotic resistance where applicable. Key steps in diagnosis and general management are briefly reviewed.
Inverse finite element characterization of the human thigh soft tissue in the seated position.

Pressure ulcers are localized damage to the skin and underlying tissues caused by sitting or lying in one position for a long time. Stresses within the soft tissue of the thigh and buttocks area play a crucial role in the initiating mechanism of these wounds. Therefore, it is crucial to develop reliable finite element models to evaluate the stresses caused by physiological loadings. In this study, we compared how the choice of material model and modeling area dimension affect prediction accuracy of a model of the thigh. We showed that the first-order Ogden and Fung orthotropic material models could approximate the mechanical behavior of soft tissue significantly better than neo-Hookean and Mooney–Rivlin. We also showed that, significant error results from using a semi-3D model versus a 3D model. We then developed full 3D models for 20 participants employing Ogden and Fung material models and compared the estimated material parameters between different sexes and locations along the thigh. We showed that males tissues are less deformable overall when compared to females and the material parameters are highly dependent on location, with tissues getting softer moving distally for both men and women.
Reducing overuse by recognising the unintended harms of good intentions

Overdiagnosis and overtreatment—overuse—is gaining wide acceptance as a leading nosocomial intervention in medicine. Not only does overuse create anxiety and diminish patients’ quality of life, in some cases it causes harm to both patients and others not directly involved in clinical care. Reducing overuse begins with the recognition and acceptance of the potential for unintended harm of our best intentions. In this paper, we introduce five cases to illustrate where harm can occur as the result of well-intended healthcare interventions. With this insight, clinicians can learn to appreciate the critical role of probability-based, evidence-informed decision-making in medicine and the need to consider the outcomes for all who may be affected by their actions. Likewise, educators need to evolve medical education and medical decision-making so that it focuses on the hierarchy of evidence and that what ‘ought to work’, based on traditional pathophysiological, disease-focused reasoning, should be subordinate to what ‘does work’.