cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimal technology mapping and cell merger for asynchronous threshold networks

A key challenge in using robust asynchronous circuit styles is the lack of powerful automated optimization techniques. In this paper, optimal technology mapping and cell merger algorithms for robust asynchronous threshold networks are introduced. The technology mapping algorithm is the first systematically to target either delay or area, without destroying the hazard-freedom properties of the initial unoptimized circuits. Both algorithms were implemented and experiments were performed on a near-complete industrial DES circuit provided by Theseus logic, using a particular asynchronous threshold circuit style called NCL (null convention logic), which had been already optimized in a commercial asynchronous synthesis flow based on constrained use of synchronous CAD tools. The average delay improvements for the three largest subcircuits (with over 400 inputs and outputs each) ranged from 20.0-26.7% for technology mapping and 12.6-16.4% for cell merger. When only the single longest path delay of the largest subcircuits is considered, the worst-case delay improvements ranged from 26.0-26.4% for technology mapping and 24.3-26.4% for cell merger. Though the proposed methods are applied in the NCL design flow, the contribution is general enough to be used for other robust asynchronous threshold circuit styles.
TXA in Combat Casualty Care—Does It Adversely Affect Extremity Reconstruction and Flap Thrombosis Rates?

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic that competitively inhibits the activation of plasminogen to plasmin. In recent years, the military has adapted TXA's use in combat casualties suffering severe hemorrhagic injuries. The purpose of this study is to examine the association between TXA on complications such as venous thromboembolic events (VTEs) and flap-related thrombosis in combat trauma patients undergoing tissue transfer for extremity reconstruction. Methods: A retrospective chart review of war wounded undergoing extremity reconstructions from 2003 to 2012 at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center was completed. Data collected included patient demographics and administration of TXA. Outcomes measured included VTE rates and flap complications in TXA and non-TXA cohorts. Results: From 2003 to 2012, 173 extremity flap procedures were performed (100 pedicle, 73 free flaps). TXA was used in 11% of all patients reviewed. The overall VTE rate was 23.7%; however, there were...
Nonlinear Cable and Frame Interaction

Methods of modifying a program written for the standard stiffness method to account for the nonlinearity introduced by cable action and axial compression, or both, are shown. For the case of axial compression, a member is divided into a number of divisions. Standard stiffness method is used but secondary effects due to axial compression on deflected geometry are taken into account. Two examples are shown. The method can be applied to members of variable cross section and with axial forces distributed along the member. For the case of cables, a modified modulus of elasticity method is used. The method differs from that introduced by Tung in that cable tension is solved directly from the nonlinear cable equation and unbalanced forces due to differences between the curved cable and the substituted straight member are taken into account. Comparison of the results by the proposed method with those by a more exact iteration method are given for two examples involving interaction of cable and compression members. Finally, solution of a transmission tower with cable members is illustrated.
Transmembrane domain length determines intracellular membrane compartment localization of syntaxins 3, 4, and 5.

Insulin recruits glucose transporter 4 (GLUT-4) vesicles from intracellular stores to the plasma membrane in muscle and adipose tissue by specific interactions between the vesicle membrane-solubleN...
Phase field approach with anisotropic interface energy and interface stresses: Large strain formulation

A thermodynamically consistent, large-strain, multi-phase field approach (with consequent interface stresses) is generalized for the case with anisotropic interface (gradient) energy (e.g. an energy density that depends both on the magnitude and direction of the gradients in the phase fields). Such a generalization, if done in the “usual” manner, yields a theory that can be shown to be manifestly unphysical. These theories consider the gradient energy as anisotropic in the deformed configuration, and, due to this supposition, several fundamental contradictions arise. First, the Cauchy stress tensor is non-symmetric and, consequently, violates the moment of momentum principle, in essence the Herring (thermodynamic) torque is imparting an unphysical angular momentum to the system. In addition, this non-symmetric stress implies a violation of the principle of material objectivity. These problems in the formulation can be resolved by insisting that the gradient energy is an isotropic function of the gradient of the order parameters in the deformed configuration, but depends on the direction of the gradient of the order parameters (is anisotropic) in the undeformed configuration. We find that for a propagating nonequilibrium interface, the structural part of the interfacial Cauchy stress is symmetric and reduces to a biaxial tension with the magnitude equal to the temperature- and orientation-dependent interface energy. Ginzburg–Landau equations for the evolution of the order parameters and temperature evolution equation, as well as the boundary conditions for the order parameters are derived. Small strain simplifications are presented. Remarkably, this anisotropy yields a first order correction in the Ginzburg–Landau equation for small strains, which has been neglected in prior works. The next strain-related term is third order. For concreteness, specific orientation dependencies of the gradient energy coefficients are examined, using published molecular dynamics studies of cubic crystals. In order to consider a fully specified system, a typical sixth order polynomial phase field model is considered. Analytical solutions for the propagating interface and critical nucleus are found, accounting for the influence of the anisotropic gradient energy and elucidating the distribution of components of interface stresses. The orientation-dependence of the nonequilibrium interface energy is first suitably defined and explicitly determined analytically, and the associated width is also found. The developed formalism is applicable to melting/solidification and crystal-amorphous transformation and can be generalized for martensitic and diffusive phase transformations, twinning, fracture, and grain growth, for which interface energy depends on interface orientation of crystals from either side.
Courts and Legislation 1

Let me begin with a quotation: “[There] is no doubt but that our law and the order thereof is over-confuse[d]. It is infinite and without order or end. There is no stable ground therein nor sure stay; but every one that can color reason maketh a stop to the best law that is before time devised. The subtlety of one serjeant shall [make] inert and destroy all the judgments of many wise men before time received. There is no stable ground in our common law to lean unto. The judgments of years be infinite and full of much controversy. .... The judges are not bound to follow them as a rule, but after their own liberty they have authority to judge, according as they are instructed by the serjeants, and as the circumstance of the case doth them move. And this maketh judgments and processes of our law to be without end and infinite; this causeth suits to be long in decision. Therefore, to remedy this matter groundly, it were necessary in our law to use the same remedy that Justinian did in the law of the Romans, to bring this infinite process to certain ends, to cut away these long laws, and by the wisdom of some politic and wise men institute a few and better laws and ordinances.”
Coalgebraic structure of genetic inheritance.

Although in the broadly defined genetic algebra, multiplication suggests a forward direction of from parents to progeny, when looking from the reverse direction, it also suggests to us a new algebraic structure --- coalgebraic structure, which we call genetic coalgebras. It is not the dual coalgebraic structure and can be used in the construction of phylogenetic trees. Mathematically, to construct phylogenetic trees means we need to solve equations x[n] =a , or x(n)=b. It is generally impossible to solve these equations in algebras. However, we can solve them in coalgebras in the sense of tracing back for their ancestors. A thorough exploration of coalgebraic structure in genetics is apparently necessary. Here, we develop a theoretical framework of the coalgebraic structure of genetics. From biological viewpoint, we defined various fundamental concepts and examined their elementary properties that contain genetic significance. Mathematically, by genetic coalgebra, we mean any coalgebra that occurs in genetics. They are generally noncoassociative and without counit; and in the case of non-sex-linked inheritance, they are cocommutative. Each coalgebra with genetic realization has a baric property. We have also discussed the methods to construct new genetic coalgebras, including cocommutative duplication, the tensor product, linear combinations and the skew linear map, which allow us to describe complex genetic traits. We also put forward certain theorems that state the relationship between gametic coalgebra and gametic algebra. By Brower's theorem in topology, we prove the existence of equilibrium state for the in-evolution operator.
General treatment of the thermal noises in optical fibers

A general framework based on the fluctuation-dissipation theorem has been outlined for the study of the spontaneous thermal fluctuations in optical fibers. The goal is to seek a unified scheme to analyze the two types of intrinsic noises found in fiber lasers and interferometric fiber-optic sensors, namely, the thermoconductive noise and the thermomechanical noise. Some outstanding questions in the current theories are addressed. These include: (a) the underlying relation between the thermoconductive and the thermomechanical noises, (b) the lack of a fully disclosed theory for the thermoconductive noise in passive fibers, and (c) the low-frequency restriction in the current theory of the thermomechanical noise. Specific analyses based on the proposed approach find excellent agreement with existing theories.
DECISIVE DATA ON THOMAS MATTHEW PROBLEMS

HE FOURTH CENTENNIAL OF the first licensed English Bible has passed almost unnoticed. Yet the Thomas Matthew Bible of 1537 exhibits three major points of distinction which entitle it to conspicuous consideration at the present time. It was the first English Bible to be specifically authorized by royal license. It became the primary English version of the Bible. It preserved the only rendition we have of William Tindale's translation of the historical books of the Old Testament.
Constrained Agency in Corporate Social Media Policy

Corporate social media policies construct what Herndl and Licona term “constrained agency,” an ambiguous, contradictory agent function. Drawing on an analysis of 31 corporate social media policies, this article argues that these policies create constrained agency in two ways: they establish contradictory expectations for a writer's voice by requesting both individual and corporate-friendly voices, and they create a seemingly paradoxical situation where employees both do and do not represent the company. These policies shed light on the complex constructions of agency within corporations and encapsulate the workplace tensions that accompany the affordances of social media tools.
Dosimetric Considerations in Respiratory-Gated Deep Inspiration Breath-Hold for Left Breast Irradiation.

Purpose:To present our clinical workflow of incorporating AlignRT for left breast deep inspiration breath-hold treatments and the dosimetric considerations with the deep inspiration breath-hold pro...
An Algorithm to Improve DES

The article gave a minute discussion on the DES code setting and the safety features,analysed the standard of DES Code setting,and improved the theoreticl DES algorithm so as to reflect the features of keeping secret.
Measuring binding constants of His-tagged proteins using affinity chromatography and Ni-NTA-immobilized enzymes

Affinity chromatography is one way to measure the binding constants of a protein-ligand interaction. Here, we describe a method of measuring a binding constant using Ni-NTA resin to immobilize a His-tagged enzyme and the method of frontal analysis. While other methods of immobilization are possible, using the strong affinity interaction between His-tagged proteins and Ni-NTA supports results in a fast, easy, and gentle method of immobilization. Once the affinity support is created, frontal analysis can be used to measure the binding constant between the protein and various analytes.
Angiotensin Ii receptor antagonist markedly reduces mortality in salt-loaded dahl S rats

We investigated the effect of blockade of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) on morbidity and hypertension in salt-loaded Dahl salt-sensitive (Dahl S) rats. Six-week-old male Dahl S rats (n = 198) were fed a high sodium diet (8% NaCl) for 10 weeks. One group of rats (n = 91) was treated with 30 mg/kg/day of the nonpeptide angiotensin II receptor antagonist, DuP 753, whereas the control group (n = 107) was left untreated. Blood pressure rose steeply in both groups, reaching levels above 200 mm Hg by week 6. DuP 753-treated animals were less hypertensive than controls between weeks 3 and 5 of the study, but had similar blood pressure before and after that time. Although the angiotensin II antagonist had only a transient effect on blood pressure it markedly prolonged survival. After 10 weeks, 68.3% of rats receiving DuP 753, but only 30.1% of controls, were still alive (P less than .0001). Higher morbidity in controls than in DuP 753-treated rats was also suggested by body weights. Following 6 weeks of high salt diet, untreated rats progressively lost weight while DuP 753-treated animals maintained a steady body weight. These results show that the angiotensin II receptor antagonist DuP 753 greatly enhanced survival in salt-loaded Dahl S rats although it reduced blood pressure only transiently. Our data are consistent with a contribution of the RAS to morbidity in this model of hypertension.
Conductivity and Microstructure of Combinatorially Sputter-Deposited Ta–Ti–Al Nitride Thin Films

Materials with long-term durability and electrical conductivity at low pH (<2) and high potentials (∼1.4 V vs RHE) are of great interest as catalyst supports in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. We have evaluated Ta–Ti–Al nitrides for this purpose. Combinatorial sputter-deposition of Ta–Ti–Al nitride thin films allowed the composition of these films to be varied spatially over a substrate at ∼1 atomic %/mm, enabling the investigation of the conductivity and microstructure of these materials over a wide range of compositions. Conductive probe atomic force microscopy (cp-AFM) is shown to facilitate high-throughput screening of electrical conductivity as a function of composition. Local, tip-induced oxidation of the film indicated that films annealed in the presence of oxygen were most resistant to oxidation-induced losses of conductivity. Ti-rich compositions exhibited conductivities similar to carbon black and best retained their conductivity after tip-induced oxidation. Small amounts of Ti (∼20 a...
Design and Synthesis of Inhibitors of Folate Dependent Enzymes as Antitumor Agents

Tetrahydrofolate coenzymes play critical roles in a host of cellular one-carbon transfer reactions. Among these are the de novo biosynthesis of both purine and pyrimidine nucleotides (and thus both ATP and DNA), the methylation of homocysteine to methionine, the interconversion of serine and glycine, and the catabolism of certain amino acids. Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) plays a central role in the majority of these metabolic reactions, for it is required for the regeneration of tetrahydrofolate from dihydrofolate, and thus is responsible for maintaining a constant cellular supply of this critical coenzyme. 1 Inhibitors of DHFR thus have the potential to be potent antiproliferative agents, since they interfere with many cellular processes critical for cell growth. The deleterious consequences with respect to normal cells are certainly responsible in part for the extreme toxicity of DHFR inhibitors such as methotrexate, and severely limit their clinical usefulness in cancer chemotherapy.2–6
Conversion of nuclear waste to molten glass: Formation of porous amorphous alumina in a high-Al melter feed

Abstract The transition of Al phases in a simulated high-Al high-level nuclear waste melter feed heated at 5 K min −1 to 700 °C was investigated with transmission electron microscopy, 27 Al nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method, and X-ray diffraction. At temperatures between 300 and 500 °C, porous amorphous alumina formed from the dehydration of gibbsite, resulting in increased specific surface area of the feed (∼8 m 2 g −1 ). The high-surface-area amorphous alumina formed in this manner could potentially stop salt migration in the cold cap during nuclear waste vitrification.
Workflow Lexicons in Healthcare: Validation of the SWIM Lexicon

For clinical departments seeking to successfully navigate the challenges of modern health reform, obtaining access to operational and clinical data to establish and sustain goals for improving quality is essential. More broadly, health delivery organizations are also seeking to understand performance across multiple facilities and often across multiple electronic medical record (EMR) systems. Interpreting operational data across multiple vendor systems can be challenging, as various manufacturers may describe different departmental workflow steps in different ways and sometimes even within a single vendor's installed customer base. In 2012, The Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine (SIIM) recognized the need for better quality and performance data standards and formed SIIM's Workflow Initiative for Medicine (SWIM), an initiative designed to consistently describe workflow steps in radiology departments as well as defining operational quality metrics. The SWIM lexicon was published as a working model to describe operational workflow steps and quality measures. We measured the prevalence of the SWIM lexicon workflow steps in both academic and community radiology environments using real-world patient observations and correlated that information with automatically captured workflow steps from our clinical information systems. Our goal was to measure frequency of occurrence of workflow steps identified by the SWIM lexicon in a real-world clinical setting, as well as to correlate how accurately departmental information systems captured patient flow through our health facility.
Assessment of the short‐term toxicity of TiO2 nanofiber in Sprague Dawley rats

Synthetic nanomaterials have many unique chemical and physical properties, mainly due to their high specific surface area and quantum confinement effect. Specifically, titanium dioxide (TiO2 ) nanomaterial has high stability, anticorrosive, and photocatalytic properties. However, there are concerns over adverse biological effects resulting from bioeffects. This study was to investigate adverse effects associated with acute ingestion of TiO2 nanofiber (TDNF). TDNF was fabricated via electrospinning method, followed by dissolution in water. Six- to seven-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to a total of 0, 40, and 60 ppm of TDNF for 2 weeks via oral gavage. Serum total protein and weight gain during the course of this study displayed marginal concentration-dependent alterations. These findings were followed by a global gene expression analysis to identify which transcripts might be responsive to TNDF toxicity. Differentially expressed mRNA levels were dose-dependently higher in animals exposed to TNDF. The majority of the affected genes were biochemically involved in immune response and inflammation. We believe this is due to the fact that TNDF is unable to penetrate the cell and forms phagocytosis sites that trigger inflammatory and immune response. All results taken together, short-term ingestion of TNDF produced marginal effects indicative of inflammation. Finally, the broad gene expression data were validated through quantification of immunoglobulin heavy chain alpha (Igha). Igha gene was upregulated in treated groups, showing similar expression patterns to the global gene expression data.
Crystal structure transformation and induction of shear banding in Polyamide 11 by surface modified Cellulose Nanocrystals

Abstract Polyamide 11 (PA11) nanocomposites reinforced with Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNC), dodecanoic acid surface modified CNC (CNC_d), and CNC with methyl laurate (CNC + ML) as plasticizer were fabricated. With the addition of CNC alone, tensile modulus and strength of the PA11 were improved, but the toughness decreased at high CNC concentration. Using CNCs that were surface modified, the tensile modulus and strength both increased while the toughness of PA11 was preserved. CNC_d also led to the formation of shear band like structures during uniaxial tensile testing. When PA11 and nanocomposites were annealed near their melting point, a higher T m peak indicated that smaller crystals were melted and recrystallized. The addition of CNC inhibited this transformation, while CNC_d promoted it at early stages of annealing. Overall, the combination of shear banding and crystal transformation inducing properties of surface modified CNC provides an intriguing option for future improvement of CNC polyamide nanocomposites.
Absorption of Transdermal Fluoxetine Compounded in a Lipoderm Base Compared to Oral Fluoxetine in Client-owned Cats

The objective of this study was to compare serum concentrations of transdermal fluoxetine compounded in Lipoderm base versus commercially available oral fluoxetine tablets. Sixteen clinically healthy, client-owned cats that were at least one year of age were enrolled. Cats weighed between three and seven kilograms, had no comorbidities, and were behavior medication naive. Cats were recruited from January 2016 through April 2016. Eight cats were assigned to each medication group based on owner preference. The cats received either oral (1 mg/kg) or transdermal (5 mg/kg; maximum 25 mg daily) fluoxetine compounded in a transdermal base (PCCA Lipoderm), administered daily for 60 days. Serum levels of fluoxetine and norfluoxetine were assessed as a surrogate for relative efficacy. Serum was collected and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry at baseline and days 5, 10, 30, 45, and 60 post-drug start. Adverse effects were monitored during physical exams, speaking with owners, and laboratory analysis of liver function tests at baseline and days 5, 30, and 60 post-drug start. Serum fluoxetine concentrations significantly differed between the treatment groups at days 45 and 60 post-drug start. Norfluoxetine concentrations significantly differed at days 30, 45, and 60 post-drug start. Blood concentrations of fluoxetine and norfluoxetine significantly differed between oral and transdermal routes after 30 days of treatment. Oral fluoxetine concentrations were consistently higher. Transdermal fluoxetine appeared to be well-tolerated, but a lack of knowledge regarding effective blood levels makes it unclear if a clinical effective response would be obtained at the blood concentrations achieved.
Effects of solvents on skin absorption of nonvolatile lipophilic and polar solutes under finite dose conditions

The effects of solvents upon the deposition of a moderately lipophilic solute on skin and skin permeation were investigated previously. The present study was a continuing effort to investigate the effects of solvents on finite dose skin absorption of nonvolatile lipophilic and polar solutes and examine the relationships between solute physicochemical properties, solvent effects, and skin absorption of these solutes after solvent deposition. Skin permeation experiments under the finite dose conditions were conducted with model solutes (corticosterone, urea, mannitol, glycerol, triamcinolone acetonide, and estradiol) and model solvents (ethanol, butanol, water, and propylene glycol) using Franz diffusion cells and human epidermal membrane. Urea showed unexpectedly high skin permeation under the finite dose conditions compared to the other solutes based on their skin permeability coefficients (obtained under infinite dose condition). The influences of the solvents on solute permeation suggest that these solvents did not act solely as a vehicle for spreading the solutes during solvent deposition. In the testing of skin permeation mechanisms, model analyses indicated a correlation between solute permeation and their molecular weights and solubilities, suggesting that the solute permeation mechanism with the volatile solvent was related to solute dissolution on the skin surface and its diffusion across the skin.
Microfluidic Flow Synthesis of Functional Mesoporous Silica Nanofibers with Tunable Aspect Ratios

Microfluidic techniques open new frontiers for the controllable synthesis of functional micro/nanomaterials with desired shapes for a variety of applications. In this study, miniaturized spiral-shaped microchannel with two inlets and one outlet was specially designed for the controllable flow synthesis of mesoporous silica nanofibers (MSNFs) using one inlet flow containing cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and diluted ammonia and the other inlet flow containing diluted tetraethyl orthosilicate. The aspect ratios and diameters of MSNFs can be easily tuned by changing the flow rates and/or the concentrations of reactants. In addition, fluorescent dyes, magnetic nanoparticles, therapeutic drugs, or silver nanoparticles can be simultaneously assembled into MSNFs to make them promising functional materials in bioimaging, theranostics, and catalysis fields.
Modern art challenges face detection

Abstract There is a widely held belief that computer vision, in general, and face authentication, in particular, are to a large extent solved problems. This paper challenges this belief regarding face authentication using examples from modern art that significantly confound face detection. The challenges are made concrete using a new MAFD-150 dataset (Modern Art Face Detection) composed mostly of modern art examples that cover much diversity in style and artists. MAFD-150 challenges the belief that singleton and crowd face detection is an almost solved problem, and provides baselines and preliminary results that highlight the inadequacy of current expertise and methods to address face detection. In particular, we show that well-known face detection algorithms are only able to achieve an F1 score of less than 35% overall across the new dataset. Additionally, we discuss the performance of the selected face detectors on varying art categories (such as Impressionism, Pop Art, et al.) to show how style and face representation may impact these algorithms. The paper concludes with suggestions on how to advance face processing by leveraging the complementarity between Show-and-Tell-like methods and a context and cooperative driven visual question answering framework using relevance-based triage. The very challenges detailed throughout are then shown to be helpful with developing novel, robust, and secure access protocols that combine text and modern art images using the visual question answering framework.
Predictive 1D and 2D guided-wave propagation in composite plates using the SAFE approach

In this paper, a semi-analytical finite element (SAFE) approach is presented to model the guided-wave propagations in composite plates. The theoretical framework is formulated using finite element method (FEM) to describe the material variation along the thickness direction and assuming analytical solutions in the wave propagation direction. As with any finite element approach, the convergence study is first performed to ensure the accuracy of the solution. Then, the dispersive curves are obtained in terms of phase velocity, group velocity, and steering angle. In general, a wave packet in composite plates with anisotropic characteristics does not travel in the same direction as the phase velocity, and the difference is defined as steering angle. Knowledge of these properties in composite plates is important in guided waves based SHM applications. Finally, it is experimentally validated using the scanning laser Doppler vibrometer (SLDV) measurements of guided wave packets generated by a piezoelectric wafer active sensor (PWAS) in a unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite plate. It will be shown that the SAFE approach achieves a good agreement with experimental results.
Inequalities, Innovation, and Patents

Over the last few decades, the United States has become more innovative, but also more unequal. As it does, the question of how two traditionally divergent topics – innovation and inequality – intersect has become increasingly relevant. To connect them, this paper considers three distinct inequalities with relevance to innovation: economic inequality, inequality of opportunity to innovate, and inequality of access to innovation – and overlooked tensions between and among egalitarian ideals about innovation. Turning to the role of the law, it examines how patents may both exacerbate the inequalities of innovation, by enhancing returns to “invention capital,” but also, alleviate them, by providing pathways to prosperity and supporting commercialization. Though the patent system cannot holistically address each of the inequalities of innovation, it has a distinct role to play in advancing a “many-winner” rather than “winner-take-all” innovation system. By centering and reporting on “invention equity metrics” like first time patenting, leveling the invention playing field, accelerating innovation to address underserved needs, and improving its intersections with public law, the patent system can promote equitable growth through invention.
Tracking Stopping Times

Let {(Xi, Yi)}i=1 be a sequence of pairs of random variables, and let S be a bounded stopping time with respect to {Xi}i=1. We propose the problem of finding a stopping time T with respect to {Yi}i=1 that optimally tracks S in the sense that T minimizes the average reaction time E(T − S) while keeping the false-alarm probability P(T < S) below a given threshold α. This problem has applications in many different areas. In this paper we present an application related to communication over a channel with noisy feedback.
ULTRAFAST CARDIAC MRI: PRESENT STATUS

Magnetic resonance imaging has made a spectacular appearance in clinical medicine within less than a decade. Although its major practical application is in imaging of the brain, it competes most favorably with CT scanning, it has already now found wider applications to other organ systems, including the heart.1
Cotton Production Improvement and Environmental Concerns from Poultry Litter Application in Southern and Southeastern USA Soils

Much of the poultry litter generated in the US is concentrated in six southern and southeastern states which also produce the majority of the nation’s cotton. The enormous amount of litter generated in the region can be an environmental burden if not managed properly. Research has been conducted in the region to encourage the utilization of poultry litter as a row crop fertilizer away from the traditional application to pastures around chicken houses. This chapter reviews results of the research on the effectiveness of poultry litter as cotton fertilizer and environmental concerns associated with its land application. The results which have been published in at least 55 refereed journal articles have shown that poultry litter is an excellent cotton fertilizer. Litter supplies all essential plant nutrients, builds soil organic matter, does not further acidify low pH soils unlike synthetic fertilizers, and may control or suppress harmful plant parasitic nematodes. Fertilizing cotton with poultry litter has been shown to increase lint yield above that possible with synthetic fertilizers in many soils in the region. Land-applying litter as cotton fertilizer should benefit cotton and other row crop farmers by increasing farm profits and poultry producers by generating new income if its use can be effectively and fully integrated into the cropping systems of the region. However, the potential of litter-derived P, Cu, and Zn to accumulate in the soil is a concern that future research should address.
N-butyl cyanoacrylate embolization of cerebral arteriovenous malformations: Results of a prospective, randomized, multi-center trial

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Liquid N-butyl cyanoacrylate (n-BCA) use for the treatment of arteriovenous malformations (AVM) in the brain has become part of medical practice. However, no study has led to the Food and Drug Administration's approval of n-BCA for intravascular use. The purpose of this study was to verify the effectiveness and safety of an n-BCA/Tantalum Powder/Ethiodized Oil mixture, compared with conventional treatment (Trufill polyvinyl alcohol [PVA]) for preoperative embolization of cerebral AVM. METHODS Between October 15, 1996, and March 24, 1999, 104 patients at 13 centers were prospectively randomized to undergo embolization using an n-BCA/Tantalum Powder/Ethiodol mixture or Trufill PVA. The pre-embolization therapy goals were determined in terms of the number of pedicles to be embolized and the percent of nidus reduction expected. Embolization results were evaluated by a central laboratory. Subsequent surgical resection data were recorded. Safety evaluation data included recording device complications, procedure complications, and intracranial events/overall neurologic outcomes, which could be either device-related, procedure-related, or both. RESULTS The reduction of AVM dimensions (79.4% in the n-BCA group and 86.9% in the PVA group) and the mean number of vessels embolized (2.2 in the n-BCA group and 2.1 in the PVA group) was similar in the two groups. Coils were used more commonly with PVA embolization (P<.0001). No differences were detected in surgical resection time, number of patients who required transfusion, volume and number of transfusion units, or type and volume of fluid replacement. Glasgow Outcome Scale scores were not significantly different between the two groups before treatment, after embolization, or after resection. Two of 42 patients who underwent resection and had been treated with n-BCA experienced post-resection hematoma, compared with eight of 45 patients who underwent resection and had been treated with PVA (P<.05). CONCLUSION This prospective, randomized trial showed that n-BCA is equivalent to PVA as a preoperative embolic agent for treatment of cerebral AVM as determined by percent of nidus reduction and number of feeding pedicles embolized.
Case Difficulty, Postgraduate Year, and Resident Surgeon Stress: Effects on Operative Times.

Objective We aimed to evaluate resident operative times in relation to postgraduate year (PGY), case difficulty and resident stress while performing a single surgical procedure. Design We prospectively examined operative times for 268 laparoscopic cholecystectomies, and analyzed relationships between PGY, case difficulty, and resident surgeon stress utilizing electrodermal activity. Each case operative times were divided into 3 separate time periods. Case Start and End times were recorded, as well as the time between the start of the operation and the time until the cystic structures were divided (Division). Case difficulty was determined by multiple trained observers with a high inter-rater concordance. Setting University of Missouri, a tertiary academic medical institution. Participants All categorical general surgery residents at our institution. Results For each operative time period examined during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, operative time increased, with each incremental increase in difficulty resulting in approximately 130% longer times. Minimal differences in operative times were seen between PGY levels, except during the easiest cases (Start-End times: 38.5 ± 10.4 minutes vs 34.2 ± 10.8 minutes vs 28.9 ± 10.9 minutes, p 0.002). Resident stress poorly correlated with operative times regardless of case difficulty (Pearson coefficient range 0.0-0.22). Conclusions Operative times are longer with increasing case difficulty. PGY level and resident surgeon stress appear to have minimal to no correlation with operative times, regardless of case difficulty.
Prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus and Use of Antistaphylococcal Therapy in Children Hospitalized with Pneumonia

Within a cohort of >2,000 children hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia, staphylococcal pneumonia was rare (1%) but associated with adverse in-hospital outcomes. Despite this low prevalence, use of antistaphylococcal antibiotics was common (24%). Efforts are needed to minimize overuse of antistaphylococcal antibiotics while also ensuring adequate treatment for pathogen-specific diseases.
Abstract 13: Risk of Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period: A Population Based Analysis using a Cohort-Cross Over Design

Introduction: While there is a documented increased risk of thrombotic events; little is known regarding the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) during pregnancy / postpartum period (PP). We exp...
14-nm FinFET 1.5 Mb Embedded High-K Charge Trap Transistor One Time Programmable Memory Using Differential Current Sensing

An 8Kx192b charge trap transistor one time programmable memory (OTPM) is designed and manufactured in GLOBALFOUNDRIES 14-nm bulk FinFET technology without process adders or additional masks. A write timer state machine issues multicycle 192b parallel programming with per bit overwrite protection to minimize stress conditions during a write. On-chip generated voltages are temperature dependent, enabling writes and reads at military grade temperatures. A differential current sense amplifier with self-biased margining circuitry enables programming the OTPM twin cell with known repeatable margin across process–voltage–temperature. Hardware qualification certifies the OTPM to a 10-year 105 °C data retention specification and <3 PPM end of life bit error rate pre-ECC.
Dispersal Activities of the Black-Tailed Prarie Dog of Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota

The increase in the size and number of black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys) ludovicianus) colonies in Wind Cave National Park has been a chronic problem since periodic poisoning programs were discontinued in the mid-1960s. In 1967, there were an estimated 254 hectares of prairie dog colonies in the park (Lovaas 1972). Aerial photographs in 1978 indicated an excess of 500 hectares (Dalsted et al. 1981). This worsening condition is alarming to park managers because 1) the native prairie component of the park is shrinking every year due to encroachment of forest and modification by prairie dogs, 2) prairie dogs are believed to be competing for forage with other grazing wildlife (e.g., buffalo and elk), and 3) the park is being accused by local landowners of being a reservoir for prairie dogs infesting adjacent rangeland.
Bone Marrow Findings in Patients With Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Treated With Arsenic Trioxide.

Objectives Increasingly, acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is treated with a combination of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO). This study characterizes bone marrow findings after ATRA/ATO therapy. Methods Bone marrow biopsies from 16 patients treated with ATRA/ATO and seven patients treated with ATRA/chemotherapy (CTX) for APL were evaluated. Results In ATRA/ATO cases, the marrow was likely to be hypercellular (79%) with a decreased myeloid:erythroid (M:E) ratio (88%), megaloblastoid maturation of erythroid precursors (100%), erythroid atypia (75%), and increased (88%) and atypical (75%) megakaryocytes. Significant myeloid atypia was only seen in extensive residual disease. The ATRA/CTX cases were less likely to be hypercellular (38%), have a M:E ratio of 1:1 or less (0%), exhibit significant erythroid atypia (0%), or have increased (0%) or atypical (38%) megakaryocytes. Conclusions Bone marrow biopsies from patients treated with ATO have unusual but characteristic features. Despite variability in marrow findings, clinical outcomes were uniformly favorable.
The Role of Teacher Framing in Producing Coherent NGSS-Aligned Teaching.

We report on one teachers’ efforts to re-design an entire instructional unit as a coherent storyline about forces and motion as a part of a multiyear professional development (PD) project around th...
Threatening uncertainty and psychological reactance: Are freedom threats always noxious?

Psychological reactance theory posits that when people are faced with threats to, or elimination of, behavioral freedom, they experience an aversive motivational state (i.e., psychological reactance). Recent research indicates that people’s state of mind affects reactance arousal processes. We hypothesized that being in a state of threatening uncertainty would cause people to experience less psychological reactance to a freedom-threatening communication than those in a state of certainty. We randomly assigned 114 students from a North American University to an uncertainty- or certainty-inducing recall task; they were then exposed to a reactance-arousing message. Compared to participants primed to feel certain, those primed with threatening uncertainty reported significantly less threat and more positive attitudes in response to a freedom threatening communication. Mediation analysis revealed an indirect effect of feelings of threatening uncertainty on people’s behavioral intentions, through perceptions of the controlling message. Results support our hypothesis: people in a state of uncertainty experience less psychological reactance than those in a state of certainty.
Fractures and Dislocations of the Talus and Calcaneus: A Case-Based Approach

Peritalar fracture dislocations are relatively uncommon. They usually occur as a result of high-energy trauma and are frequently associated with concomitant bony injuries. If not treated appropriately, these injuries can lead to significant morbidity. Appropriate management includes a meticulous physical examination focused on the condition of the skin and soft tissues, and a thorough understanding of fracture morphology utilizing plain X-ray and computed tomography. Dislocations must be diagnosed and reduced promptly. If closed reduction is unsuccessful, then open reduction is indicated. Peritalar fractures, especially those involving the subtalar joint, can cause residual instability and lead to post-traumatic arthrosis if not accurately reduced. Common complications following subtalar fracture dislocations include hindfoot stiffness, subtalar and/or tibiotalar arthrosis, and soft tissue injuries. Accurate diagnosis, expeditious reduction, and anatomic fixation are essential tenets to lessen long-term sequelae in the management of these complex fracture patterns.
Hodgkin lymphoma: A 2020 update on diagnosis, risk-stratification, and management.

Disease overview Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is an uncommon B-cell lymphoid malignancy affecting 8480 new patients annually and representing approximately 10% of all lymphomas in the United States. Diagnosis Hodgkin lymphoma is composed of two distinct disease entities: classical HL and nodular lymphocyte predominant HL. Nodular sclerosis, mixed cellularity, lymphocyte depletion, and lymphocyte-rich HL are subgroups of classical HL. Risk stratification An accurate assessment of the stage of disease in patients with HL is critical for the selection of the appropriate therapy. Prognostic models that identify patients at low or high risk for recurrence, as well as the response to therapy as determined by positron emission tomography (PET) scan, are used to optimize therapy. Risk-adapted therapy Initial therapy for HL patients is based on the histology of the disease, the anatomical stage and the presence of poor prognostic features. Patients with early stage disease are typically treated with combined modality strategies utilizing abbreviated courses of combination chemotherapy, followed by involved-field radiation therapy. Patients with advanced stage disease receive a longer course of chemotherapy, often without radiation therapy. However, newer agents including brentuximab vedotin and anti-PD-1 antibodies are now being incorporated into frontline therapy. Management of relapsed/refractory disease High-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) followed by an autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) is the standard of care for most patients who relapse following initial therapy. For patients who fail HDCT with ASCT, brentuximab vedotin, PD-1 blockade, non-myeloablative allogeneic transplant or participation in a clinical trial should be considered.
Resolution of cauda equina syndrome after surgical extraction of lumbar intrathecal bullet.

Background Gunshot wound (GSW) injuries to the spinal column are correlated with potentially severe neurological damage. Here, we describe a GSW to the thoracolumbar junction (e.g., T12/L1 level) which resulted in a cauda equina syndrome that resolved once the bullet was removed. Case Description A 29-year-old male presented with a T12-L1 GSW; the bullet traversed the right chest and liver, entered the spinal canal at T12, and then settled at L1. He experienced excruciating burning pain in the right lower extremity/perineum and had urinary retention. On neurological examination, he exhibited severe weakness of the right iliopsoas/quadriceps (2/5) and extensor hallucis longus (1/5) which had decreased sensation in the right lower extremity in all dermatomes and urinary retention. The myelogram showed the bullet lodged intrathecally at L1; it compressed the cauda equina. Immediately after, the bullet was extracted and at 8 weeks follow-up, the patient's right-sided motor function normalized, the sensory findings improved, and the sphincteric dysfunction resolved; the only residual deficit was minimal residual numbness in the L2-L5 distributions. Conclusion Twenty percent of penetrating spinal column injuries are attributed to GSW s. The location of these injuries best determines the neurological damage and degree of recovery. Since patients with incomplete cauda equina syndromes have favorable prognoses, removal of bullets involving the T12-S1 levels may prove beneficial.
An Information-Theoretic Approach to Persistent Environment Monitoring Through Low Rank Model Based Planning and Prediction.

Robots can be used to collect environmental data in regions that are difficult for humans to traverse. However, limitations remain in the size of region that a robot can directly observe per unit time. We introduce a method for selecting a limited number of observation points in a large region, from which we can predict the state of unobserved points in the region. We combine a low rank model of a target attribute with an information-maximizing path planner to predict the state of the attribute throughout a region. Our approach is agnostic to the choice of target attribute and robot monitoring platform. We evaluate our method in simulation on two real-world environment datasets, each containing observations from one to two million possible sampling locations. We compare against a random sampler and four variations of a baseline sampler from the ecology literature. Our method outperforms the baselines in terms of average Fisher information gain per samples taken and performs comparably for average reconstruction error in most trials.
The Experience of the Authentic Self: A Cooperative Inquiry:

This article presents the process and findings of a cooperative inquiry exploring the experience of the authentic self—a prominent theoretical construct in humanistic psychology and diverse spiritu...