cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Monte Carlo simulations of electrical percolation in multicomponent thin films with nanofillers.

We developed a 2D disk–stick percolation model to investigate the electrical percolation behavior of an insulating thin film reinforced with 1D and 2D conductive nanofillers via Monte Carlo simulation. Numerical predictions of the percolation threshold in single component thin films showed good agreement with the previous published work, validating our model for investigating the characteristics of the percolation phenomena. Parametric studies of size effect, i.e., length of 1D nanofiller and diameter of 2D nanofiller, were carried out to predict the electrical percolation threshold for hybrid systems. The relationships between the nanofillers in two hybrid systems was established, which showed differences from previous linear assumption. The effective electrical conductance was evaluated through Kirchhoff's current law by transforming it into a resistor network. The equivalent resistance was obtained from the distribution of nodal voltages by solving a system of linear equations with a Gaussian elimination method. We examined the effects of stick length, relative concentration, and contact patterns of 1D/2D inclusions on electrical performance. One novel aspect of our study is its ability to investigate the effective conductance of nanocomposites as a function of relative concentrations, which shows there is a synergistic effect when nanofillers with different dimensionalities combine properly. Our work provides an important theoretical basis for designing the conductive networks and predicting the percolation properties of multicomponent nanocomposites.
Nanofiller-conjugated percolating conductive network modified polymerization reaction characteristics of aromatic thermosetting copolyester resin

Deliberately controlled interfacial interactions between incorporated nanofiller particles and host polymer backbone chains constitute a critical element in the realm of polymer nanocomposites with tailorable multifunctional properties. We demonstrate the physicochemical effects induced by graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) of different sizes on the condensation polymerization reaction of aromatic thermosetting copolyester (ATSP) through the formation of electrically conductive percolating networks as enabled by interfacial interactions. Carboxylic acid and acetoxy-capped precursor oligomers of ATSP are solid-state mixed with chemically pristine GNP particles at various loading levels. Upon in situ endothermic condensation polymerization reaction, crosslinked backbone of the ATSP foam matrix is formed while the carbonaceous nanofillers are incorporated into the polymer network via covalent conjugation with functional end-groups of the oligomers. The controlled GNP size promotes different electrical percolation thresholds and ultimate electrical conductivities. Microstructural analysis demonstrates GNP distributions in the matrix as well as morphological modifications induced by the formation of conductive percolating GNP networks. Cure characteristics reveal the thermochemical changes prompted in the polymerization processes for GNP content above the requirement for percolation formation. Chemical spectroscopy of the ATSP nanocomposite morphology exhibits the formation of a robust interfacial coupling mechanism between the GNPs and ATSP backbone. The findings here may guide the developmental efforts of nanocomposites through better identifying roles of the morphology and content of nanofillers in polymerization processes.
Outpatient Transarterial Chemoembolization of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Review of a Same-Day Discharge Strategy

Abstract Purpose To test the hypothesis that same-day discharge of selected transarterial chemoembolization patients would not increase 30-day readmission rate compared with overnight observation. Materials and Methods With institutional review board approval, 193 hepatocellular carcinoma patients who underwent transarterial chemoembolization from July 2013 to June 2016 were reviewed. Treatment was conventional/lipiodol transarterial chemoembolization with 50 mg doxorubicin/10 mg mitomycin-c/particles or drug-eluting embolics transarterial chemoembolization with 50–75 mg doxorubicin/vial. At 3 hours, patients tolerating oral intake and not requiring intravenous analgesics were considered for discharge. The primary outcome measure was 30-day readmission for observation versus discharge using chi-squared (χ 2 ) analysis. The secondary aim was to identify baseline or treatment variables independently associated with readmission, including Child-Pugh class, medically managed encephalopathy or ascites, patient age ( 1), and level of embolization (segmental vs lobar). Results Patients underwent 261 transarterial chemoembolization procedures. The 30-day readmission rate was not significantly different between observed patients (n = 179, 9.0%) and discharged patients (n = 82, 13.8%; P = .33). Readmission was not related to the selected agent (conventional/lipiodol-transarterial chemoembolization, 11.0% vs drug-eluting embolics transarterial chemoembolization, 7.5%; P = .36). Baseline variables associated with readmission were Child-Pugh B/C (χ2 = 7.9, P P P 1), and level of embolization (segmental vs lobar) were not predictive of readmission (all P > .05). Conclusions Same-day discharge after transarterial chemoembolization does not increase the risk of 30-day readmission. Child-Pugh B/C patients, as well as those with ascites or encephalopathy, have the highest risk of readmission.
Materials challenges for repeatable RF wireless device reconfiguration with microfluidic channels

Recently, adaptive wireless devices have utilized displacement of EGaIn within microchannels as an electrical switching mechanism to enable reconfigurable electronics. Device reconfiguration using EGaIn in microchannels overcomes many challenges encountered by more traditional reconfiguration mechanisms such as diodes and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Reconfiguration using EGaIn is severely limited by undesired permanent shorting due to retention of the liquid in microchannels caused by wetting and rapid oxide skin formation. Here, we investigate the conditions which prevent repeatable electrical switching using EGaIn in microchannels. Initial contact angle tests of EGaIn on epoxy surfaces demonstrate the wettability of EGaIn on flat surfaces. SEM cross-sections of microchannels reveal adhesion of EGaIn residue to channel walls. Micro-computed tomography (microCT) scans of provide volumetric measurements of EGaIn remaining inside channels after flow cycling. Non-wetting coatings are proposed as materials based strategy to overcome these issues in future work.
Three-dimensional Printing and Augmented Reality: Enhanced Precision for Robotic Assisted Partial Nephrectomy.

Objective To describe novel 3-dimensional (3D) printing and augmented reality (AR) methods of image data visualization to facilitate anatomic understanding and to assist with surgical planning and decision-making during robotic partial nephrectomy. Materials and Methods We created a video of the workflow for creating 3D printed and AR kidney models along with their application to robotic partial nephrectomy. Key steps in their development are (1) radiology examination (magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography), (2) image segmentation, (3) preparing for 3D printing or AR, and (4) printing the model or deploying the model to the AR device. Results We demonstrate the workflow and utility of 3D printing and AR kidney models applied to a case of a 70-year-old woman with a 3.4 cm renal mass on her left pelvic kidney. A 3D printed kidney model was created using multicolor PolyJet technology (Stratasys J750), allowing a transparent kidney with coloring of the renal tumor, artery, vein, and ureter. An AR kidney model was created using Unity 3D software and deployed to a Microsoft HoloLens. The 3D printed and AR models were used preoperatively and intraoperatively to assist in robotic partial nephrectomy. To date, we have created 15 3D printed and AR kidney models to use for robotic partial nephrectomy planning and intraoperative guidance. The application of 3D printed and AR models is safe and feasible and can influence surgical decisions. Conclusion Our video highlights the workflow and novel application of 3D printed and AR kidney models to provide preoperative guidance for robotic partial nephrectomy. The insights gained from advanced visualization can influence surgical planning decisions.
Young Adult and Parent Perceptions of Facilitation: Associations with Overparenting, Family Functioning, and Student Adjustment

Overparenting occurs when parents engage in developmentally inappropriate involvement in their children’s lives. This topic is salient in the context of young adults attending college, as this deve...
Electromagnetic and Thermomechanical Analysis of Near-Field Heat Transfer in Heat-Assisted Magnetic Recording Heads

Heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) is a relatively new data storage technology that promises to satisfy the increasing demands for higher storage densities. Heat transfer across the nanometer-size head-disk gap does not follow classical heat transfer principles during the operation of an HAMR hard-disk drive. The HAMR technology relies on laser heating of a sub-diffraction-limit region of the magnetic medium to lower its coercivity and allow the magnetic head to write data in the form of tightly packed bits. Near-field heat transfer strongly affects the thermal protrusion produced by laser heating. A typical HAMR head model with all key components was used in a coupled electromagnetic-thermomechanical analysis to investigate the effect of near-field heat transfer on the thermal characteristics of the magnetic head. The effects of various heat sources and read/write conditions on the development of the thermal protrusion and the surface temperature distribution at the trailing edge of the slider body are examined in the context of simulation results.
Continuing E-book Use: Role of Environmental Consciousness, Personality and Past Usage

Although recent studies shed light on design features preferred by users of e-books, little effort has been made to examine the impact of e-book design and characteristics of the individual user on usage or continued usage of ebooks in one conceptual framework. This study examines (1) the role of environmental consciousness and personality (Big-5) on e-book usage, and also, (2) the influence of preference for traditional books and the perceived e-book design on e-book usage intentions. One of the significant findings is that environmental consciousness lowers preference for traditional books, thereby increasing acceptance of e-books, and increasing perceived design evaluation of the e-book. Personality factors impact the preference for traditional books and perceived design evaluation of the e-book in different ways. This study is one of the first to establish the role of environmental consciousness on continuing usage intentions related to e-books.
Solid waste disposal and recycling

Safe disposal of solid wastes is a serious problem and with our culture, which generates ever larger amounts of disposable materials and an increasing population density, we can no longer simply throw things away. This chapter highlights the problems associated with solid waste materials such as plastic, rubber, glass, and metals, and several methods of solid waste disposal. Some waste materials can be disposed of by burning but combustion of many substances can generate toxic products that are released into the atmosphere; special incinerators and scrubbers may be necessary. Recycling is an alternative to the waste disposal methods and will reduce the amount of material to be disposed of. Some solid wastes can be recycled in a variety of ways to make useful object also. However, recycling has its own problems of collection, sorting, and cost. Composting of degradable organic materials also reduces disposal while producing a useful product, while anaerobic digestion is a possible source of methane fuel. A mix of these processes will be needed in future solid-waste handling techniques.
A Terror Management Perspective on the Creation and Defense of Meaning

There are at least two forms of meaning that people seek: everyday meaning, which involves structuring the environment into a series of recursive patterns and expectancies, and ultimate meaning, which involves imbuing one’s life with a sense of cosmic purpose. Terror management theory, rooted in the ideas of Ernest Becker, is better suited than other motivational accounts to explain why humans pursue ultimate meaning. According to the theory, people’s awareness of their impending death compels them to attain ultimate meaning, because only if the self is seen as having a transcendent purpose can it be seen as in some sense immortal. The authors review a variety of experimental findings derived from TMT suggesting that the potential for death-related anxiety causes people to create and defend sources of both everyday and ultimate meaning.
A Practice-Based Process Theory of Social Inequality and the Disruptive Role of Entrepreneurship

Although inequality is at historic levels, with an ever smaller portion of society gleaning an increasingly larger portion of social rewards, a not insignificant level of mobility persists that has enabled groups to move up and down the social hierarchy within a few generations. Additionally, although social theorists have long called for the demise of the petit bourgeoisie, or entrepreneur class, it, too, is on the rise. In this paper, we integrate practice theory with entrepreneurship research to develop a process theory of inequality. Instead of focusing on wealth and income disparities, we examine the role of routinized social behaviors, or practices, and we describe how groups within society capture valuable practices, which leads to inequality and social stratification. At the same time, entrepreneurs introduce new practices and reapply or recombine existing practices to facilitate mobility and disrupt social stratification.
Transcultural Aspects in Treating Hispanic Patients

The Hispanic population in the United States constitutes tlie country’s second largest minority group. If the present level of growth were to continue, Hispanics would become the largest minority group in the United States within the next decade.
Patient and Surgeon Expectations Prior to Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

BackgroundWhen discussing potential treatment with patients choosing to undergo surgery for disruption of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and their families, surgeons spend considerable time d...
A patchy continuum? Stream processes show varied responses to patch- and continuum-based analyses

Many conceptual syntheses in ecology and evolution are undergirded by either a patch- or continuum-based model. Examples include gradualism and punctuated equilibrium in evolution, and edge effects and the theory of island biogeography in ecology. In this study, we sought to determine how patch- or continuum-based analyses could explain variation in concentrations of stream macronutrients and system metabolism, represented by measures of productivity and respiration rates, at the watershed scale across the Kanawha River Basin, USA. Using Strahler stream order (SSO; continuum) and functional process zone (FPZ; patch) as factors, we produced statistical models for each variable and compared model performance using likelihood ratio tests. Only one nutrient (i.e., PO43- ) responded better to patch-based analysis. Both models were significantly better than a null model for ecosystem respiration; however, neither outperformed the other. Importantly, in most cases, a combination model, including both SSO and FPZ, best described observed variation in the system. Our findings suggest that several patch- and continuum-based processes may simultaneously influence the concentration of macronutrients and system metabolism. Nutrient spiral- ing along a continuum and the patch mosaic of land cover may both alter macronutrients, for example. Similarly, increases in temperature and discharge associated with increasing SSO, as well as the differences in light availability and channel morphology associated with different FPZs, may influence system metabolism. For these reasons, we recommend a combination of patch- and continuum-based analyses when modeling, analyzing, and interpreting patterns in stream ecosystem parameters.
Neuronal calcium sensor 1 (NCS1) promotes motility and metastatic spread of breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo

Increased levels of the calcium-binding protein neuronal calcium sensor 1 (NCS1) predict an unfavorable patient outcome in several aggressive cancers, including breast and liver tumors. Previous studies suggest that NCS1 overexpression facilitates metastatic spread of these cancers. To investigate this hypothesis, we explored the effects of NCS1 overexpression on cell proliferation, survival, and migration patterns in vitro in 2- and 3-dimensional (2/3-D). Furthermore, we translated our results into an in vivo mouse xenograft model. Cell-based proliferation assays were used to demonstrate the effects of overexpression of NCS1 on growth rates. In vitro colony formation and wound healing experiments were performed and 3-D migration dynamics were studied using collagen gels. Nude mice were injected with breast cancer cells to monitor NCS1-dependent metastasis formation over time. We observed that increased NCS1 levels do not change cellular growth rates, but do significantly increase 2- and 3-D migration dynamics in vitro. Likewise, NCS1-overexpressing cells have an increased capacity to form distant metastases and demonstrate better survival and less necrosis in vivo. We found that NCS1 preferentially localizes to the leading edge of cells and overexpression increases the motility of cancer cells. Furthermore, this phenotype is correlated with an increased number of metastases in a xenograft model. These results lay the foundation for exploring the relevance of an NCS1-mediated pathway as a metastatic biomarker and as a target for pharmacologic interventions.-Apasu, J. E., Schuette, D., LaRanger, R., Steinle, J. A., Nguyen, L. D., Grosshans, H. K., Zhang, M., Cai, W. L., Yan, Q., Robert, M. E., Mak, M., Ehrlich, B. E. Neuronal calcium sensor 1 (NCS1) promotes motility and metastatic spread of breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.
Abstract 347: Mechanistic Basis of Neonatal Heart Regeneration Revealed by Transcriptome and Histone Modification Profiling

The adult mammalian heart has very limited capacity to regenerate upon injury. Following myocardial infarction, cardiomyocytes are extensively lost and fibroblasts are activated to form a scar, res...
105) The Effect of Acute and Chronic Pain on the Accuracy of Temporal Perception

Pain has been shown to interfere with executive functions that require a high cognitive load, including attentional processes. According to Scalar Expectancy Theory, perception of time can be influenced by the same attentional processes that are impacted by pain. The present, ongoing study aims to extend previous work by examining the effects of both acute experimental and chronic pain on temporal perception. We hypothesized that (1) both acute and chronic pain would result in less accurate and more variable temporal perception, (2) both acute and chronic pain would increase the perceived duration of timed event, and that (3) acute and chronic pain would have a summative effect on temporal perception. Participants (n=55), patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and healthy, pain-free controls (HC), completed two computerized temporal perception tasks, threshold and bisection. Each task was completed both with and without cuff algometry-induced pressure pain. Due to the small CLBP sample, the following results are only for the HC group though recruitment for CLBP patients is ongoing. Results of an independent samples t-test indicate that, in the threshold task, participants require a greater time difference to accurately distinguish between two visual stimuli of differing lengths when pain was induced (M=244ms) compared to when it was not (M=202ms; p=.02). Results of a repeated measures ANOVA indicated a trend that, in the bisection task, participants perceived the timed windows as longer when acute pain was induced compared to when it was not (p=.13). Taken together, these results suggest that acute pain impacts the accuracy of temporal perception. Inaccurate perception of time may lead to overestimates of delays in analgesic onset or magnification of the perceived duration of unpleasant events leading to avoidance behavior. Likewise, it may serve as a mechanism by which patients have difficultly managing schedules, particularly for complex treatment regimens.
A Surprising Link Between Integer Partitions and Euler’s Number e

AbstractAt first glance, the multisets of positive integers that add to n, known as integer partitions, and Euler’s number e do not have much in common. However, if you take the reciprocal product ...
Racial Disparities in Mortality Among American Film Celebrities: A Wikipedia-Based Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: In the United States, well-documented racial disparities in health outcomes are frequently attributed to racial bias and socioeconomic inequalities. However, it remains unknown whether racial disparities in mortality persist among those with higher socioeconomic status (SES) and occupational prestige. Objective: As the celebrity population is generally characterized by high levels of SES and occupational prestige, this study aimed to examine survival differences between black and white film celebrities. Methods: Using a Web-based, open-source encyclopedia (ie, Wikipedia), data for 5829 entries of randomly selected American film actors and actresses born between 1900 and 2000 were extracted. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was conducted using 4356 entries to compare the difference in survival by race. A Cox semiparametric regression analysis examined whether adjusting for year of birth, gender, and cause of death influenced differences in survival by race. Results: Most celebrities were non-Hispanic white (3847/4352, 88.4%), male (3565/4352, 81.9%), and born in the United States (4187/4352, 96.2%). Mean age at death for black celebrities (64.1; 95% CI 60.6-67.5 years) was 6.4 years shorter than that for white celebrities (70.5; 95% CI 69.6-71.4 years; P<.001). Black celebrities had a faster all-cause mortality rate using Kaplan-Meier survival function estimates and a log-rank test. However, in a Cox semiparametric regression, there was no longer a significant difference in survival times between black and white celebrities (hazard ratio 1.07; 95% CI 0.87-1.31). Conclusions: There is some evidence that racial disparities in all-cause mortality may persist at higher levels of SES, but this association was no longer significant in adjusted analyses. Further research is needed to examine if racial disparities in mortality are diminished at higher levels of SES among more representative populations.
LabelAR: A Spatial Guidance Interface for Fast Computer Vision Image Collection

Computer vision is applied in an ever expanding range of applications, many of which require custom training data to perform well. We present a novel interface for rapid collection of labeled training images to improve CV-based object detectors. LabelAR leverages the spatial tracking capabilities of an AR-enabled camera, allowing users to place persistent bounding volumes that stay centered on real-world objects. The interface then guides the user to move the camera to cover a wide variety of viewpoints. We eliminate the need for post hoc labeling of images by automatically projecting 2D bounding boxes around objects in the images as they are captured from AR-marked viewpoints. In a user study with 12 participants, LabelAR significantly outperforms existing approaches in terms of the trade-off between detection performance and collection time.
Bilingualism and Second Language Learning

Contrary to the most widely held beliefs in some monolingual societies, bilingualism is not a rare or unnatural phenomenon. This article presents a state-of-the art treatment of the various facets of bilingualism and second language learning. In addition to comparing and contrasting the key concepts of monolingual and bilingual language acquisition, salient features of bilingual verbal behavior are accounted for both on descriptive and explanatory grounds. Current trends and approaches in bilingual education and second language learning are also presented. Fundamentally, this article reveals that the task of defining and measuring bilinguals is so challenging that no single theory can account for the bilinguals, on one hand, and the mechanism of verbal language acquisition, on the other.
Technical nomenclature, everyday language, and consumer inference

The use of technical language in marketing communications has more complex effects than what the previous research suggests. Three studies show that the effect of technical information on consumers’ evaluations of a product depends on whether their reactions to this information are based on (a) their difficulty of comprehending it or (b) their perceptions of its scientific and technical implications. These reactions, in turn, depend on both the relative accessibility of these criteria in memory and the expertise of the individuals who are likely to use the product being described.
Paradise Lost or Fantasy Island? The Payment of British Authors in 19th Century America

The payments to British authors by American publishers during the mid-19th century, when the works of British authors lacked American copyright protection, has been presented as evidence that copyright might have little benefit to authors. This paper reexamines the evidence that has been used to support this claim and then presents previously unexamined information on payments to British authors by leading American publishers of the period. The main finding is that payments to British authors were minimal or non-existent prior to the establishment of a no-compete agreement among leading American publishers. Even after implementation of this agreement, many British authors were not paid, and those who were paid received considerably less than they would have received under copyright. Because antitrust disallows such agreements, this 19th natural experiment indicates that the removal of copyright in modern economies would likely eviscerate payments to authors.
Instrumental texture analysis of chicken patties prepared with broiler breast fillets exhibiting woody breast characteristics.

Potential applications of chicken meat with the woody breast (WB) condition in further processed products could provide processors with alternatives to deal with this meat quality problem. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the use of broiler breast fillets at varying degrees of WB severity and proportions on instrumental texture characteristics of chicken patties. A total of 54 breast fillets were collected from broilers processed as per commercial practices, previously classified based on tactile evaluation in 3 WB categories (normal [NOR]; mild [MIL], and severe [SEV]). Instrumental compression analysis was performed to validate subjective scores. Nine treatments with 6 replicates of chicken patties were prepared: 100% NOR (T1), 67% NOR + 33% MIL (T2), 67% NOR + 33% SEV (T3), 33% NOR + 67% MIL (T4), 33% NOR + 67% SEV (T5), 100% MIL (T6), 67% MIL + 33% SEV (T7), 33% MIL + 67% SEV (T8), and 100% SEV (T9). Instrumental texture profile analysis along with cook loss, color, and dimensional changes was evaluated in cooked patties. Compared with normal samples and excluding treatments T2 and T4, hardness, springiness, and chewiness values of chicken patties decreased (P 26%, P 16%, P 2) than normal patties. These data suggest that the potential use of WB meat in chicken patties is associated with the degree of WB severity and the incorporation rate. The inclusion of WB fillets at high levels into this product is not recommended owing to their poor functionality. However, feasible mixtures of normal breast fillets with those affected by WB myopathy at relatively low proportions could be considered by processors as an alternative in commercial chicken patty formulations.
A Republican for Our Times

This essay is a review of Machiavelli's Politics, by Catherine H. Zuckert (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2017). I briefly summarize Professor Zuckert's study, assessing its significance for scholars in political science, political philosophy, and intellectual history, as well as for a general readership in an era when "Machiavellianism" seems a prevailing force in public life. Through a synoptic reading of Machiavelli's writings (historical, theoretical, and literary), Zuckert, following a course charted by Leo Strauss, argues that Machiavelli was no "Machiavellian," as is commonly thought, but rather a proponent of a distinctively modern form of civic republicanism. Although an overreliance on Strauss's work leaves Zuckert's interpretation open to scholarly criticism, the book merits the attention not only of professional political theorists, but of readers seeking an overview of Machiavelli's corpus as a whole, and (especially) those seeking to assess whether and how Straussianism influences American conservatism as a political movement.
Commuter Students’ Readiness to Help in Incidents of Campus Sexual Violence:

The present study examines commuter students’ readiness to help in incidents of sexual violence. Participants included 1,366 students, the majority of whom (79%) were commuters. Structural equation...
Carbon Quantum Dots for Treatment of Amyloid Disorders

Prion-like amyloids self-template and form toxic oligomers, protofibrils, and fibrils from their soluble monomers; a phenomenon that has been implicated in the onset and progress of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's (AD), Parkinson's (PD), Huntington's, and systemic lysozyme amyloidosis. Carbon quantum dots (CQDs), sourced from Na-citrate as a carbon precursor were synthesized and characterized before being tested for their ability to intervene in amyloidogenic (fibril-forming) trajectories. Hen-egg white lysozyme (HEWL) served as a model amyloidogenic protein. A pulse-chase lysozyme fibril-forming assay developed to examine the impact of CQDs on the HEWL amyloid-fibril-forming trajectory used ThT fluorescence as a reporter of mature fibril presence. The results revealed that the Na-citrate-derived CQDs were able to intervene at multiple points along the fibril-forming trajectory by preventing the conversion of both monomeric and oligomeric HEWL intermediates into mature fibrils. In addition, and importantly, the carbon nano material (CNM) was able to dissolve oligomeric HEWL into monomeric HEWL and provoke the disaggregation of mature HEWL fibrils. These results suggest that Na-citrate CQD's intervene in amyloidogenesis by multiple mechanisms. The gathered data, coupled with cell-line results demonstrating the relatively low cytotoxicity of Na-citrate CQDs, suggest that this emerging CNM has the potential to intervene both prophylactically and therapeutically in protein misfolding diseases. The aforementioned findings are likely to enable Na-citrate CQDs to eventually transition to both cell-line and preclinical models of protein-misfolding-related disorders. Importantly, the study outcomes positions Na-citrate CQDs as an important class of chemical, nanotechnological, and biobased interventional tools in neuroscience.
Early radiotherapy preserves vision in sporadic optic pathway glioma.

BACKGROUND Sporadic optic pathway/hypothalamic gliomas represent a unique entity within pediatric low-grade glioma. Despite favorable survival, location makes treatment difficult and local progression debilitating. This study is a longitudinal assessment of visual acuity (VA) among children treated within the last 2 decades. METHODS Clinical characteristics were abstracted for patients treated from 2000 to 2018 at Texas Children's Cancer Center in Houston. Ophthalmologic data taken at 3- to 6-month intervals were examined with age-appropriate VA metrics converted to the LogMAR (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) scale. Kaplan-Meier blindness-free survival (BFS) curves, calculated as time-to-bilateral functional blindness (LogMAR ≥0.8 in both eyes), were calculated for patients receiving early radiation therapy (RT; upfront or as first-line salvage treatment) or chemotherapy (CT) and evaluated using the log-rank test. RESULTS Thirty-eight patients with a median follow-up of 8.5 years (range, 2-17 years) were identified. Median age at diagnosis was 3 years (interquartile range, <1-6 years). Early RT was administered in 11 patients (29%). Twenty-seven patients (71%) were treated primarily with CT, initiated at a median age of 3.5 years (range, <1-11 years). Eight patients in the CT group did eventually require RT secondary to VA loss and following multiple lines of CT. Median age at RT for all patients was 11 years (range, 3-17 years). BFS rates were 81% at 5 years and 60% at 8 years for CT and 100% at 5 and 8 years for early RT (P = .017). CONCLUSIONS In a contemporary cohort, early RT, defined as initial or first-line salvage therapy, was found to have superior BFS for appropriately selected patients with sporadic optic pathway/hypothalamic gliomas. LAY SUMMARY Children with low-grade brain tumors of the optic pathway generally have excellent long-term survival; however, given the location of these tumors, there can commonly be threatened vision if the tumor grows. Although radiation is generally deferred in children on the basis of legitimate concerns regarding the effects on the developing brain, it may represent a vision-preserving therapy for well-selected older patients.
Effect of shockwave therapy on kinematic gait parameters in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy

Background/aims Extracorporeal shockwave therapy might be a considerable substitute to present treatment alternatives to reduce spasticity and improve range of motion in patients with cerebral pals...
An ergodic approach to Laplace transforms on time scales

Abstract We examine the region of convergence (ROC) of the Laplace transform on time scales. An ergodic approach is employed to both calculate the ROC and the inversion of the transform. It turns out that the problem of computing the ROC is intimately tied with the problem of computing regions of stability for the time scale exponential function e z ( t , t 0 ) . The latter is a problem for which the current authors have used ergodic techniques to arrive at a solution, and so in the current paper we will expound upon these notions and show how they can be used to think about the Laplace transform in an effective and efficient manner.
Establishing and Maintaining a Health Program Under Intensive Feedlot Conditions

A feedlot health program serves as a very positive attempt by the veterinarian to provide specialized service to a highly specialized area of livestock production. The use of veterinary expertise in preventive medicine is far more productive to the modern feedlot where technicians are utlized to do the routine procedures.Many different health programs are available to the feedlot owners, and the challenge to establish successful plans lies clearly with the veterinarian who is willing to commit the time necessary to develop the program and then work to see that it is carried out properly.This paper will present the following eight main points of a feedlot health program and discuss their significance:1. Long-term goals and immediate objectives2. Procedures3. Health Record system4. Receiving schedules5. Guidelines for detection of sick animals6. Treatment schedules7. Recovery
Evaluation of hair and nail cortisol concentrations and associations with behavioral, physical, and environmental indicators of chronic stress in cats.

BACKGROUND Chronic stress is implicated in behavioral and health issues in cats, but methods for recognition, evaluation, and measurement of stress are lacking. Cortisol concentration is typically used as an indicator of stress. OBJECTIVES To evaluate use of an enzyme immunoassay to quantitate hair and nail cortisol concentrations (HCC and NCC) in cats and evaluate associations between HCC and NCC and behavioral, physical, and environmental correlates of chronic stress in cats. ANIMALS Forty-eight adult, owned or community cats. METHODS Cross-sectional study. Nail clippings and hair were collected from cats. Medical history and cat daily lifestyle questionnaires were completed by owners or caretakers. A commercial laboratory performed cortisol extraction and quantification using a validated enzyme immunoassay kit. Correlational and regression analyses were used to evaluate associations between HCC and NCC and behavioral, environmental, and medical factors. RESULTS Hair and nail cortisol concentrations were significantly associated (rs = 0.70; P < .001), but HCCs varied widely within and among cats. Cats with litterbox issues had significantly increased HCC (P = .02) and NCC (P = .001) as compared to cats without litterbox issues. Cats with groomed coats had lower HCCs (P = .02) as compared to cats without groomed coats, whereas cats with dander and mats had higher NCCs (P = .01) as compared to cats without dander and mats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE The quantification of NCCs might improve identification and evaluation of chronic stress in cats. The variability of HCCs in individual cats warrants caution using this measurement in chronic stress studies.
RASopathy Mutations Demonstrate the Critical Function of the Cysteine-rich Domain in Maintaining BRAF in an Autoinhibited State to Prevent Aberrant Signaling

The RAF kinases are essential effectors of the RAS-GTPases, and germline mutations in BRAF or CRAF are disease drivers in the RASopathy developmental syndromes, with mutations in the cysteine-rich domain (CRD) often observed in BRAF but not CRAF. Although the CRD is known for roles in phosphatidylserine (PS) binding, the RAS-RAF interaction, and RAF autoinhibition, the interplay of these activities and their impact on BRAF function in normal and disease states is unclear. Here, we analyze a panel of BRAF-CRD RASopathy mutations and show that they all increase the biological activity of BRAF by relieving autoinhibition and/or enhancing PS/membrane binding. Strikingly, we find that relief of autoinhibition is the predominant factor determining the severity of the mutations. Comparison of the BRAF and CRAF CRDs further indicates that the BRAF-CRD is a stronger mediator of both autoinhibition and PS binding, and we identify residues contributing to these differences. Moreover, given the increased catalytic activity of BRAF versus CRAF, our studies reveal a more critical role for the CRD and autoinhibition in BRAF regulation and demonstrate that CRD-mediated autoinhibition is required to prevent aberrant BRAF signaling, a finding consistent with the high frequency of mutations that disrupt this function in the RASopathies.
Carotid mycotic pseudoaneurysm masquerading as a peritonsillar abscess in a pediatric patient: A case report

Abstract This case report describes a mycotic pseudoaneurysm in an 18-year-old male with no past medical history that presented with progressive sore throat and neck pain. He was initially suspected of having a simple deep neck space infection. However, computed tomography scan and angiography showed a 7-millimeter mycotic pseudoaneurysm in the distal right internal carotid artery. Given the risk for acute progression, an endovascular covered stent was placed emergently. Mycotic pseudoaneurysms are uncommon in the pediatric population and can complicate abscess management. A team-based approach is essential for successful treatment.
Platelet-Activating Factor Mediates MMP-2 expression and Activation via Phosphorylation of CREB and Contributes to Melanoma Metastasis

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 47, 2006 4377 Overexpression of cAMP-responsive element (CRE)-binding protein (CREB) and activating transcription factor 1 (ATF-1) contributes to melanoma progression and metastasis at least in part by promoting tumor cell survival and stimulating matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) expression. However, little is known about the regulation of CREB and ATF-1 activities and their phosphorylation within the tumor microenvironment. We analyzed the effect of platelet-activating factor (PAF), a potent phospholipid mediator of inflammation, for its ability to activate CREB and ATF-1 in eight cultured human melanoma cell lines and found that PAF receptor (PAFR) was expressed in all eight lines. In metastatic melanoma cell lines, PAF induced CREB and ATF-1 phosphorylation via a PAFR-mediated signal transduction mechanism that required Pertussis toxin-insensitive Gαq protein and adenylate cyclase activity and was antagonized by a protein kinase A and p38 MAP kinase inhibitors. Addition of PAF to metastatic A375SM cells stimulated CRE-dependent transcription, as observed in a luciferase reporter assay, without increasing the CRE DNA-binding capacity of CREB. Furthermore, PAF stimulated the gelatinase activity of MMP-2 by activating transcription and MMP-2 expression. MMP-2 activation correlated with the PAF-induced increase in the expression of an MMP-2 activator, membrane type 1 MMP. PAF-induced expression of pro-MMP-2 was causally related to PAF-induced CREB and ATF-1 phosphorylation: it was prevented by PAFR antagonist and inhibitors of p38 MAPK and PKA and was abrogated upon quenching of CREB and ATF-1 activities by forced overexpression of a dominant-negative form of CREB. PAF-induced MMP-2 activation was also downregulated by p38 MAPK and PKA inhibitors. Finally, PAFR antagonist PCA4248 inhibited the development of A375SM lung metastasis in nude mice. This result indicated that PAF acts as a promoter of melanoma metastasis in vivo . We propose that metastatic melanoma cells overexpressing CREB/ATF-1 are better equipped than non-metastatic cells to respond to PAF within the tumor microenvironment.
Application of computerized exercise ECG digitization: Interpretation in large clinical trials

The authors report on a semiautomated program that incorporates both visual identification of fiducial points and digital determination of the ST-segment at 60 ms and 80 ms from the J point, ST slope, changes in R wave, and baseline drift. The off-line program can enhance the accuracy of detecting electrocardiographic (ECG) changes, as well as reproducibility of the exercise and postexercise ECG, as a marker of myocardial ischemia. The analysis program is written in Microsoft QuickBASIC 2.0 for an IBM personal computer interfaced to a Summagraphics mm1201 microgrid II digitizer. The program consists of the following components: (1) alphanumeric data entry, (2) ECG wave form digitization, (2) calculation of test results, (4) physician overread, and (5) editor function for remeasurements. This computerized exercise ECG digitization-interpretation program is accurate and reproducible for the quantitative assessment of ST changes and requires minimal time allotment for physician overread. The program is suitable for analysis and interpretation of large volumes of exercise tests in multicenter clinical trials and is currently utilized in the TIMI II, TIMI III, and BARI studies sponsored by the National Institutes of Health.
Fuzzy Logic Control Systems

This article explains fuzzy controllers and general fuzzy systems. It emphasizes the basic idea of fuzzy control and the mathematics behind the concept. The article is divided into two sections. In the first part, the mathematics of fuzzy systems is discussed, which includes the definitions and basics of fuzzy expert systems, general fuzzy systems, and their properties. In the second part, the concept of fuzzy control are detailed which include the selection of inputs and outputs, enhancing control knowledge as a rule base, determining which rules to use, determining conclusions, converting decisions into actions, and graphical visual representation of fuzzy control operation. Then, various fuzzy control techniques and the essence of how fuzzy systems can be used for a wide range of control architectures are explained. The article concludes with the summary and future prospects of fuzzy logic systems. Keywords: fuzzy logic; fuzzy control; fuzzy logic control; control systems; intelligent control; fuzzy systems; fuzzy sets
The tail end of hummingbird evolution: parallel flight system development in living and ancient birds

Evolutionary innovations are central to debates about biological uniformitarianism because their very novelty implies a distinct evolutionary dynamic. Traditional scenarios for innovations in the development of avian powered flight exemplify the kinds of distinctions considered to occur at different times during the history of innovations. Thus, the progressive change of the wing stroke mechanism early in its evolution is considered to have imposed strong functional and historical constraints on tail shape diversity, whereas attainment of the modern flight stroke mechanism is considered to have liberated the tail to radiate into a wide variety of other functions and forms. Detailed analyses of living hummingbirds revealed that these highly aerial birds actually expressed many parallel functional constraints and historically progressive patterns observed earlier in avian history: (1) more basal lineages had relatively weak wing muscles (patagial muscles and tendons, TPB), convex to square tails, and more linear flight employed in nonterritorial foraging; (2) more derived lineages had a stronger TPB, forked tails, accentuated growth of tail fork, and more manoeuvrable and agile flight employed in territorial foraging; and (3) the most derived lineage had the strongest TPB, greatly reduced tails, and mainly bee-like flight. These associations make functional sense because convex tails increase stability and efficiency in linear flight, concave tails augment lift for turning flight in territorial defence, and tails become aerodynamically disadvantageous if the wings provide sufficient lift. Derived hummingbird lineages also demonstrated the same expansion of tail shape and taxonomic diversity associated with perfection of the modern wing stroke mechanism earlier in avian history. Thus, living hummingbirds are a microcosm of overall avian flight evolution. Other living avian (‘aerial courser') and extinct reptilian (Pterosaur) clades with extraordinary flight abilities provide evidence for similar patterns, suggesting a broadly defined uniformitarianism (early constraint followed by later radiation) at the limits of the flight performance envelope throughout vertebrate history. Correlated evolution of TPB and tail form suggests that natural selection on an integrated flight system was the principal mechanism fostering the avian patterns, although strengthening of wing muscles in derived lineages may have facilitated expansion of caudal morphological diversity through a balance between natural and sexual selection on males. These findings suggest that wing muscles, locomotor integration, and phylogenetic patterns are essential for understanding function and adaptation of tails in living as well as ancient birds. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 97, 467–493.
Towards the convergence of web 2.0 and semantic web for e-inclusion

The paper discusses a research approach to achieve the "wider inclusion objectives" reported in the second part of the Riga declaration. The approach is based on the convergence of two forms of intelligence on the web, given by Web 2.0 and the Semantic Web. While Web 2.0 encompasses social phenomena, often undervalued in the field of e-Inclusion (exchange and collection of large amount of information), Semantic Web is designed for interlinking and reusing structured information. The paper outlines a software architecture for the exploitation of the above concepts and gives an example of a possible application built on top of the architecture, in the domain of inclusive e-Tourism, enlightening benefits that come by the adoption of the approach, with respect to current trip planning systems.