cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Minimal-scan filtered backpropagation algorithms for diffraction tomography

The filtered backpropagation (FBPP) algorithm, originally developed by Devaney [Ultrason. Imaging 4, 336 (1982)], has been widely used for reconstructing images in diffraction tomography. It is generally known that the FBPP algorithm requires scattered data from a full angular range of 2 pi for exact reconstruction of a generally complex-valued object function. However, we reveal that one needs scattered data only over the angular range 0 < or = phi < or = 3 pi/2 for exact reconstruction of a generally complex-valued object function. Using this insight, we develop and analyze a family of minimal-scan filtered backpropagation (MS-FBPP) algorithms, which, unlike the FBPP algorithm, use scattered data acquired from view angles over the range 0 < or = phi < or = 3 pi/2. We show analytically that these MS-FBPP algorithms are mathematically identical to the FBPP algorithm. We also perform computer simulation studies for validation, demonstration, and comparison of these MS-FBPP algorithms. The numerical results in these simulation studies corroborate our theoretical assertions.
The 3a cell-to-cell movement gene is dispensable for cell-to-cell transmission of brome mosaic virus RNA replicons in yeast but retained over 1045-fold amplification.

In yeast expressing the RNA replication proteins encoded by brome mosaic virus (BMV), B3URA3, a BMV RNA3 derivative that harbours the 3a cell-to-cell movement protein gene and the yeast uracil biosynthesis gene URA3, was replicated and maintained in 85-95% of progeny at each cell division. Transmission of the B3URA3 RNA replicon from mother to daughter yeast did not require the 3a gene. Nevertheless, even after passaging for 165 cycles of RNA replication and yeast cell division, each of 40 independent Ura(+) colonies tested retained B3URA3 RNAs whose electrophoretic mobilities and accumulation levels were indistinguishable from those of the original B3URA3. These and other results suggest that unselected genes in many positive-strand RNA virus replicons can be stably retained if the presence of the gene does not confer a selective disadvantage in RNA replication.
Medical student involvement in website development.

Background: The digital management of educational resources and information is becoming an important part of medical education.Aims: At Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, two medical students sought to create a website for all medical students to act as each student's individual homepage.Method: Using widely available software and database technology, a highly customized Web portal, known as the VMS Portal, was created for medical students. Access to course material, evaluations, academic information, and community assets were customized for individual users. Modular features were added over the course of a year in response to student requests, monitoring of usage habits, and solicitation of direct student feedback.Results: During the first 742 days of the VMS Portal's release, there were 209,460 student login sessions (282 average daily). Of 348 medical students surveyed (71% response rate), 84% agreed or strongly agreed that ‘consolidated student resources made their lives easier’ and 82% agreed ...
RNA 5′-Triphosphatase, Nucleoside Triphosphatase, and Guanylyltransferase Activities of Baculovirus LEF-4 Protein

Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus late and very late mRNAs are transcribed by an RNA polymerase consisting of four virus-encoded polypeptides: LEF-8, LEF-9, LEF-4, and p47. The 464-amino-acid LEF-4 subunit contains the signature motifs of GTP:RNA guanylyltransferases (capping enzymes). Here, we show that the purified recombinant LEF-4 protein catalyzes two reactions involved in RNA cap formation. LEF-4 is an RNA 5′-triphosphatase that hydrolyzes the γ phosphate of triphosphate-terminated RNA and a guanylyltransferase that reacts with GTP to form a covalent protein-guanylate adduct. The RNA triphosphatase activity depends absolutely on a divalent cation; the cofactor requirement is satisfied by either magnesium or manganese. LEF-4 also hydrolyzes ATP to ADP and Pi (Km = 43 μM ATP; Vmax = 30 s−1) and GTP to GDP and Pi. The LEF-4 nucleoside triphosphatase (NTPase) is activated by manganese or cobalt but not by magnesium. The RNA triphosphatase and NTPase activities of baculovirus LEF-4 resemble those of the vaccinia virus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae mRNA capping enzymes. We suggest that these proteins comprise a novel family of metal-dependent triphosphatases.
Distributed Turbo Coding and Decoding for Wireless Sensor Networks

In this article a distributed turbo coding and iterative decoding scheme is introduced. The proposed scheme with low complexity is suitable for wireless sensor networks applications where many sensors sense similar sources resulting in correlated data sampling. Encoders reside in these sensor nodes which are close to the source, while decoders reside in another group of nodes acting as distributed decoder and relay. The decoder structure is presented using a simple suboptimal solution derived from the maximum a posteriori probability decision rule. Simulation results demonstrates a marked bit error performance at high signal to noise ratios.
Outcomes of Etomidate in Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock

Background The use of single-dose etomidate to facilitate intubation in critically ill patients has recently been debated given its suppression of steroidogenesis with possible resultant adverse outcomes. Our objective was to assess the effects of single-dose etomidate used during rapid-sequence intubation (RSI) on various measures of outcome, such as mortality, vasopressor use, corticosteroid use, ICU length of stay (ICU-LOS), and number of ventilator days. Methods A retrospective 18-month cohort study was performed in a multidisciplinary ICU of an academic tertiary care institution. Consecutive patients with severe sepsis or septic shock who were intubated and mechanically ventilated were identified and grouped as having received single-dose etomidate during intubation or not. Hospital mortality, ICU length of stay, number of ventilator days, corticosteroid use, vasopressor use, and demographic and clinical variables were recorded. Results Two hundred twenty-four patients were identified; 113 had received etomidate. The mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores in the etomidate and nonetomidate groups were 21.3 ± 8.1 and 21.9 ± 8.3, respectively ( P = .62). The relative risks for mortality and vasopressor use were 0.92 (CI, 0.74-1.14; P = 0.51) and 1.16 (CI, 0.9-1.51; P = .31), respectively, in the etomidate group. There were no significant differences in ICU-LOS (mean, 14 vs 12 days; P = .31) or number of ventilator days (mean, 11 vs 8 days; P = .13) between the etomidate and nonetomidate groups, respectively. The relative risk for corticosteroid use in the etomidate group was 1.34 (CI, 1.11-1.61; P = .003). Multivariate analysis using logistic regression demonstrated no significant association of etomidate with mortality (OR, 0.9; CI, 0.45-1.83; P = .78). Conclusion Single-dose etomidate used during RSI in critically ill patients with severe sepsis and septic shock was not associated with increased mortality, vasopressor use, ICU-LOS, or number of ventilator days. Patients intubated with etomidate had an increased incidence of subsequent corticosteroid use, with no difference in outcomes.
Using the Constructivist Tridimensional Design Model for Online Continuing Education for Health Care Clinical Faculty.

This article presents a new paradigm for continuing education of Clinical Instructors (CIs): the Constructivist Tridimensional (CTD) model for the design of an online curriculum. Based on problem-based learning, self-regulated learning, and adult learning theory, the CTD model was designed to facilitate interactive, collaborative, and authentic learning. The authors conducted experimental research with twenty-one physical therapy (PT) CIs to explore how the participants perceived the usefulness of the online curriculum structured around the CTD model in improving their knowledge in student mentoring. The CTD-inspired module was effective in that the participants perceived an improvement in the quality of their mentoring skills and they were able to maintain best practices.
A new mode of communication between man and his surroundings

The feasibility of establishing an alternative mode of communication between man and his surroundings was studied. The form of communication proposed uses only the subject's brain waves, with no overt physical action required. The subject's electroencephalograms (EEG) were recorded while various mental tasks designed to elicit hemispheric responses were performed. Features formed from the EEG recording were then used as inputs into a Bayes quadratic classifier to test classification accuracy between the various tasks. The results obtained indicate that it is possible to accurately distinguish between any two of the five tasks investigated. A comparison between three different methods for creating the feature sets is also presented. >
Acute stress to excised vocal fold epithelium from reactive oxygen species

Objectives/Hypothesis: Vocal fold epithelium is exposed to reactive oxygen species from the inhaled environment and from tissue inflammation. The objective of this study was to explore the functional and structural consequences of reactive oxygen species exposure on vocal fold epithelium. Study Design: In vitro, prospective study design. Methods: Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a common reactive oxygen species, was utilized in this study. Freshly excised, viable porcine vocal fold epithelia (N ¼ 32) were exposed to H2O2 or sham challenge for 2 hours. Electrophysiology, western blotting, and light microscopy were used to quantify the functional and structural effects of reactive oxygen species on vocal fold epithelia. Results: Exposure to reactive oxygen species did not significantly alter transepithelial resistance. There was a small, nonsignificant trend for decreased concentration of epithelial junctional complex protein with reactive oxygen species challenge. Minimal changes to the gross structural appearance of vocal fold epithelia were also noted. Conclusions: The stratified squamous epithelia of the vocal folds effectively defend against an acute reactive oxygen species challenge. The current study lays the groundwork for future investigations on the effects of reactive oxygen species on vocal fold epithelia that are compromised from phonotrauma.
Advanced Small Modular Reactor Probabilistic Risk Assessment Framework

A key area of the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) use is in the development of methodologies and tools that will be used to predict the safety, security, safeguards, performance, and deployment viability of SMR systems starting in the design process through the operation phase. Recently, the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) set out to develop quantitative methods and tools and the associated analysis framework for assessing a variety of SMR risks. Development and implementation of SMR-focused safety assessment methods may require new analytic methods or adaptation of traditional methods to the advanced design and operational features of SMRs. The development of SMR-specific safety models for margin determination will provide a safety case that describes potential accidents, design options (including postulated controls), and supports licensing activities by providing a technical basis for the safety envelope. INL has proposed an approach to expand and advance the state-of-the-practice in PRA. Specifically we will develop a framework for applying modern computational tools to create advanced risk-based methods for identifying design vulnerabilities in SMRs. This framework will require the fusion of state-of-the-art PRA methods, advanced 3D visualization methods, and highperformance optimization. The approach has several defining attributes focused within three general areas:1. Models – A single 3D representation of all key systems, structures, and components (SSCs) will be defined for a particular facility. We will be able to simulate — by understanding how each SSC interacts with other parts of the facility — the hazard-induced susceptibilities of each SSC.2. Phenomena – An approach to effectively representing hazards and their effect on physical behavior at a facility will need to be determined. In many cases, multiple models of a specific phenomenon may be available, but this ensemble of models will need to be intelligently managed.3. Integration – Any advanced risk-informed decision support approach will rely on a variety of probabilistic and mechanistic information. The safety, security, and economic drivers will need to be integrated in order to determine the effectiveness of proposed mitigation strategies. We will need to be able to manage all (important) hazards for all (important) scenarios all of the time the facility is in operation.The focus of the paper will be on discussing the features of the proposed advanced SMR PRA Framework and providing an status update of the development activities.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Mechanochemical model of microtubule structure and self-assembly kinetics.

Microtubule self-assembly is largely governed by the chemical kinetics and thermodynamics of tubulin-tubulin interactions. An important aspect of microtubule assembly is that hydrolysis of the β-tubulin-associated GTP promotes protofilament curling. Protofilament curling presumably drives the transition from tip structures associated with growth (sheetlike projections and blunt ends) to those associated with shortening (rams' horns and frayed ends), and transitions between these structures have been proposed to be important for growth-shortening transitions. However, previous models for microtubule dynamic instability have not considered such structures or mechanics explicitly. Here we present a three-dimensional model that explicitly incorporates mechanical stress and strain within the microtubule lattice. First, we found that the model recapitulates three-dimensional tip structures and rates of assembly and disassembly for microtubules grown under standard conditions, and we propose that taxol may stabilize microtubule growth by reducing flexural rigidity. Second, in contrast to recent suggestions, it was determined that sheetlike tips are more likely to undergo catastrophe than blunt tips. Third, partial uncapping of the tubulin-GTP cap provides a possible mechanism for microtubule pause events. Finally, simulations of the binding and structural effects of XMAP215 produced the experimentally observed growth and shortening rates, and tip structure.
Interactions of human mannose-binding protein with lipoteichoic acids

We explored the interaction of human recombinant mannose-binding protein and lipoteichoic acids (LTAs) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The best ligand was Micrococcus luteus lipomannan, followed by Enterococcus spp. LTA containing mono-, di-, and oligoglucosyl substituents. LTAs lacking terminal sugars (those of Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus) or containing galactosyl substituents (those of Listeria spp. and Lactococcus spp.) were poor ligands. These results are consistent with known structural requirements for binding through the mannose-binding protein carbohydrate recognition domain.
Improving Young Child Feeding with Processed Complementary Cereals and Behavioural Change in Urban Kenya

In urban Kenya the rates of exclusive breastfeeding are low and complementary feeding practices result in inadequate intake of energy and nutrients by young children. Although information on appropriate feeding of young children has been widely promoted through the health system for years and mothers are knowledgeable about recommendations inadequate feeding practices still result in high rates of malnutrition. Processed cereal blends are used by some urban mothers for infant feeding and their cost is similar to that of porridges enriched in the home by the addition of milk margarine or soya flour. However little has been done to ensure that these products are nutritionally adequate or to ensure that labelling instructions are appropriate and that they promote exclusive breastfeeding from four to six months of age. Social marketing to low-income families of fortified cereal blends that would address these concerns could be a sustainable means of improving infant-feeding practices. (authors)
Hemingway: Essays of Reassessment.: Edited by Frank Scafella. Oxford University Press 1991’ 288 pp. $29.95, Cloth

(1991). Hemingway: Essays of Reassessment. American Journalism: Vol. 8, No. 2-3, pp. 213-214.
A control-oriented jet ignition combustion model for an SI engine

A turbulent jet ignition system of a spark ignited (SI) engine consists of pre-combustion and main-combustion chambers, where the combustion in the main-combustion chamber is initiated by turbulent jets of reacting products from the pre-combustion chamber. If the gas exchange and combustion processes are accurately controlled, the highly distributed ignition will enable very fast combustion and improve combustion stability under lean operations, which leads to high thermal efficiency, knock limit extension, and near zero NOx emissions. For model-based control, a precise combustion model is a necessity. This paper presents a control-oriented jet ignition combustion model, which is developed based on simplified fluid dynamics and thermodynamics, and implemented into a dSPACE based real-time hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation environment. The two-zone combustion model is developed to simulate the combustion process in two combustion chambers. Correspondingly, the gas flowing through the orifices between two combustion chambers is divided into burned and unburned gases during the combustion process. The pressure traces measured from a rapid compression machine (RCM), equipped with a jet igniter, are used for initial model validation. The HIL simulation results show a good agreement with the experimental data.© 2015 ASME
Overcoming the Challenges of (Im)Mobility: A Discussion on the Past, Present, and Future of Higher Education in Senegal

In the current knowledge-based economy, a university system, which fosters innovative scholarship, through open and original intellectual inquiry, is crucially important for any country. However, if we analyze the current situation of Senegalese higher education through this lens, we get a pretty concerning picture. Senegalese universities have trained many people holding today important leadership positions in government, the private sector, and the academia. However, over the last decades, the system has gone into a deep crisis best shown in funding shortages, overcrowding, the cyclic faculty, staff, and student strikes, and the increasing politization of the academic space, among other things. One can argue that the Senegalese university has failed to serve many of the needs and aspirations of the Senegalese society. Although there have been attempts at reforming the system, none of these initiatives have seemed to overcome the problem completely. This roundtable will investigate the strategies that could help break this immobility and build the path toward a competitive Senegalese university in the current global world. The discussion will revolve around a number of points including the rationalization of admissions policies, the reshuffling of the curricula, and the development of innovative pedagogies. We will also see what we can learn from a careful look at the origin and trajectory of the system inherited from colonization but also the long history of West African Islamic institutions of higher learning.
Multipollutant measurement error in air pollution epidemiology studies arising from predicting exposures with penalized regression splines

Air pollution epidemiology studies are trending towards a multi-pollutant approach. In these studies, exposures at subject locations are unobserved and must be predicted using observed exposures at misaligned monitoring locations. This induces measurement error, which can bias the estimated health effects and affect standard error estimates. We characterize this measurement error and develop an analytic bias correction when using penalized regression splines to predict exposure. Our simulations show bias from multi-pollutant measurement error can be severe, and in opposite directions or simultaneously positive or negative. Our analytic bias correction combined with a non-parametric bootstrap yields accurate coverage of 95% confidence intervals. We apply our methodology to analyze the association of systolic blood pressure with PM2.5 and NO2 in the NIEHS Sister Study. We find that NO2 confounds the association of systolic blood pressure with PM2.5 and vice versa. Elevated systolic blood pressure was significantly associated with increased PM2.5 and decreased NO2. Correcting for measurement error bias strengthened these associations and widened 95% confidence intervals.
EVOLUTIONARY IMPLICATIONS OF ZAHNREIHEN.

It was not until the work of Edmund (1960) that we had a reasonable hypothesis to explain the organization of complete dentitions. His hypothesis depends on the idea that each tooth will develop in sequence from front to back as the embryological impulse causing them to begin to form travels posteriorly. These teeth will form a posteriorly sloping line called a Zahnreihe (Figs. 1 and 2). The replacement pattern (Edmund, 1960a, 1960b, 1969) is determined by the distance in tooth positions by which adjacent Zahnreiken are separated. Osborn (1970) has disputed this theory for mammal teeth because their eruption times are not consistent with it. His data led him to believe that the initiation of teeth is locally controlled. He extended this to say that reptilian Zahnreihen are apparent only and that the transition to mammals can be explained in terms of the evolution of heterodonty. He has derived an important equation (1970, p. 346) for examining dentitions in order to understand the wave phenomena observed. This equation, R/(T-R) + 1 = N, where T is the number of teeth between Zahnreiken (Z-spacing), R is the scheme for counting a replacement wave (i.e., R is 2 if every other tooth is counted and R is 3 if every third tooth is counted, etc.), and N is the number of teeth between the replacement waves, is equally possible with the Edmund model and with the Osborn model. This is stressed by the derivation of the Osborn equation using the Edmund model (see Fig. 3). Since the Osborn equation can be derived on an Edmund diagram, it can be concluded that the organization of adult dentitions would be identical regardless of whether Osborn or Edmund is correct on the causes of dentitions. This is especially important because a recent paper (Osborn, 1971) shows that it is very unlikely that Edmund's Zahnreiken have any biological meaning with regard to causality. However, dentitions of reptiles do have a definite, simple arrangement or organization, as will be discussed. Because this organization exists, one can write equations that can generate any particular arrangement. Thus, these equations can be used to describe all possible kinds of dentitions within the limits of the equations. Some of these dentitions will be ones that exist; others have never existed. The hypothetical states that have never existed can be examined for the reasons that they cannot function. This technique has never been applied to vertebrates, but it has been successfully utilized to study coiled shells (Raup, 1966, 1967; Raup and Michelson, 1965), and there have been similar applications in other areas. The important restriction is that there must be an organization such that equations can be written to describe it. Once that condition is met, this technique can be applied.
Multifacetted study of a Cretaceous coal with algal affinities: 3. Asphaltenes from liquefaction and a comparison with some hydrogen-rich Texas coals

Abstract A canneloid-boghead coal from southwest Utah, already extensively studied by other techniques, has now been compared in some detail with another perhydrous coal, from southwest Texas, with respect to structural aspects of the coals and the asphaltenes derived from them by liquefaction. Both sets of samples give high conversion to oils. The Texas samples have aromaticities (from 13C n.m.r.) of ≈ 0.53, while the Utah samples give lower values (0.40). An improved procedure for performing oxidations with trifluoroperoxyacetic acid is described. The products of applying this, and also dilute nitric acid oxidation, to the Utah coals and their asphaltenes include long chain mono- and dicarboxylic acids as major components. The Texas coals also showed product distributions similar to those of their asphaltenes, but here long chain products were minor components; acyclic dicarboxylic acids of low molecular weight were considerably more abundant than in products from the Utah coal; acids from aromatic structures were less abundant. Comparisons of F.T.-i.r. and 1H n.m.r. spectra of asphaltenes confirm the view that long aliphatic chains are important features of the structure of the Utah coals and asphaltenes. In contrast, the marked aliphatic character of the Texas coals (and their asphaltenes) appears to be due to the presence of numerous hydroaromatic rings and short aliphatic chains. It is suggested that these differences between the coals arise from differing source material as inferred from differences in petrographie composition. It is also suggested that asphaltenes may be closely related to the cross-linked macromolecular network in coals and in this case be useful as a probe for studying the nature of the network. The opportunity is taken to correct or modify some statements in the literature about the structures that give rise to malonic and oxirane polycarboxylic acids on oxidation with tri-fluoroperoxyacetic acid.
PRECIPITATION OF MENSTRUATION IN CASTRATED MONKEYS WITH PROGESTERONE IN THE PRESENCE OF ESTROGEN.

SummaryTwo adult castrated monkeys (Macaca mulatta) on a dosage of estradiol-17B (10 μg daily), which with rare exceptions maintains the endometrium without “break-through” bleeding, also were given concurrently small doses of progesterone (0.062 to 0.75 mg daily). A total of thirty experiments were performed over a period of about 4 years. “Break-through” bleeding occurred in a great majority of experiments within approximately 2 to 3 weeks when 0.125 to 0.5 mg progesterone was combined with 10 μg estradiol. Bleeding was not observed when 0.75 mg progesterone was given and occurred in one of 3 experiments with 0.062 mg, thus indicating a general upper and lower limit of dosage for the reaction. It is concluded that small doses of progesterone in some way decrease the effectiveness of a minimal maintenance dose of estradiol resulting in precipitation of “break-through” bleeding.
Preparation and Characterization of LPCVD TiB2 Thin Films

Titanium diboride is an interesting new candidate for VLSI interconnection applications due to its high electrical conductivity and its excellent chemical inertness at high temperatures. A thermodynamic analysis of the chemical vapor deposition of TiB2 from gaseous mixtures of TiCl4, B2H6 and H2 onto silicon or SiO2 substrates was performed using the SOLGASMIX computer program. Results indicate that at an input gas ratio corresponding to stoichiometry, TiB2 should form in the solid phase. For non-stoichiometric input gas mixtures, other solid phases, including oxides and silicides, are expected to result from the reaction with the Si or SiO2 substrate. Both the addition of hydrogen to the system and increased deposition temperature are expected to enhance the deposition efficiency of TiB2. Thin films of TiB2, 50–120 nm thick, were experimentally deposited on thermally grown SiO2 by low pressure CVD using various gas mixtures in the temperature range 400–700°C. Depth profiling of the deposited films, using XPS and RBS, indicated the successful growth of a uniform, stoichiometric TiB2 film. After deposition, the films were rapid thermal annealed at various temperatures in an effort to reduce their resistivity. Resistivity was reduced by 80 % after an 1150°C, 10 sec RTA in Ar to a value as low as 40μΩ-cm, only 4 times larger than that reported for hot pressed polycrystalline TiB2. X-ray diffraction of as-deposited samples showed no crystalline peaks; however, annealed films exhibited the expected TiB2 peaks as well as those of Ti3O5 and TiO2. The titanium oxide was most likely produced during annealing due to trace amounts of oxygen in the Ar atmosphere. The average grain size measured 0.1μm via TEM. More careful control of growth and annealing conditions is expected to result in even lower resistivity TiB2 films.
The Mechanical Behavior of a Grain Boundary-Rich (Nanocrystalline) Metal

Nanocrystalline copper has been produced by two different techniques -- gas phase condensation and mechanical wear. Both nanocrystalline coppers have hardnesses and strain rate sensitivities that are greater than those of conventional, large-grained copper. These properties differences are tentatively explained on the basis of the two routes by which grain boundaries traditionally influence plastic deformation: by acting as barriers to dislocation glide, and by providing the vacancy sources and sinks necessary to facilitate diffusional flow. Additionally, there are notable differences in the mechanical properties of the two nanocrystalline coppers. Although the materials appear quite similar microstructurally, nanoindentation experiments show that the wear debris is 50% harder and 3 times more strain rate sensitive than the gas phase condensation-produced copper. These differences indicate that the microstructures are probably not as similar as first perceived, and that a previously overlooked microstructural feature may be influencing deformation in one or both of the materials.
Magnetic levitation above the superconducting YBa2Cu3O7−x/polymer 0-3 and 2-2 composites

Superconducting YBa2Cu3O7−x/polyurethane 0-3 composites have been fabricated with several volume fraction fillers. Magnetic forces between a small permanent magnet and the composites have been measured at 77 K and show hysteretic behaviour as a function of their separation distances. Such behaviour indicates multiple equilibrium heights of the magnet levitating above the composites. It is shown that the levitation height increases with increasing volume fraction of superconductor filler. The parallel YBa2Cu3O7−x/polyurethane and series YBa2Cu3O7−x/polypropylene 2-2 composites were also prepared and only tested for magnetic levitation.
SNO glutathione reductase regulates NO fate, inflammation and lung function in bleomycin induced lung injury

Inducible nitric oxide synthesase (iNOS) plays an important role in inflammation partially via S-nitrosylation of proteins. iNOS−/− mice demonstrate reduced inflammation and injury in bleomycin induced lung injury. As S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) regulates the intracellular protein SNO pool we examined the role of GSNOR deficiency following intratracheal bleomycin instillation (ITB). Total BAL NOX were unchanged in bleomycin treated GSNOR+/− mice. NO 2 - increases in response to ITB were unaffected by GSNOR status. SNO levels were unaltered by ITB in GSNOR+/− mice 3 days post injury and only marginally raised at 8 days. GSNOR−/− mice had quantifiable SNO 8 days following saline instillation, with twofold increase in SNO following ITB. 3 days post ITB, BAL cell numbers in GSNOR+/− were increased twofold relative to wild type. RT-PCR of BAL cells showed similar upregulation of NOS2 with both treatments but greater expression of ARG1, FIZZ1 and NQO1 post-ITB. Lung histology demonstrated mononuclear and lymphocytic infiltrate 8 days following saline in GSNOR−/− but not GSNOR+/− mice, with ITB causing significant monocytic invasion, interstitial swelling and fibrous organization in both genotypes. Lung resistance and elastance increases in response to ITB were similar in WT and GSNOR+/− mice; however, ITB reduces both airway resistance and total lung elastance in GSNOR−/− mice, presumably through bronchodilatory and immune-modulating effects of increased intracellular protein SNOs. These studies highlight the importance of intracellular SNO in regulating pulmonary inflammation.
Metal seed layer thickness-induced transition from vertical to horizontal growth of MoS2 and WS2.

Two-dimensional (2D), layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) can grow in two different growth directions, that is, horizontal and vertical. In the horizontal growth, 2D TMDC layers grow in planar direction with their basal planes parallel to growth substrates. In the vertical growth, 2D TMDC layers grow standing upright on growth substrates exposing their edge sites rather than their basal planes. The two distinct morphologies present unique materials properties suitable for specific applications, such as horizontal TMDCs for optoelectronics and vertical TMDCs for electrochemical reactions. Precise control of the growth orientation is essential for realizing the true potential of these 2D materials for large-scale, practical applications. In this Letter, we investigate the transition of vertical-to-horizontal growth directions in 2D molybdenum (or tungsten) disulfide and study the underlying growth mechanisms and parameters that dictate such transition. We reveal that the thickness of metal seed...
Spin Physics at MIT-Bates

The electromagnetic interaction is a very important probe of nucleon and nuclear structure and dynamics. Present accelerators are using electron scattering to probe distances of less than 1 fm where quark degrees of freedom are expected to be important. A new generation of medium energy accelerators, 0.5 — 4 GeV with CW capability have been designed to expand our capabilities particularly those for coincidence studies. Some of these developments involve the use of storage rings which will make possible measurements with very thin polarized and unpolarized targets at high luminosity.
Disease modifying therapies for relapsing multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common, disabling, putatively autoimmune neurological disease with worldwide distribution. It typically begins as a relapsing disorder that later evolves to a secondary progressive phase. Inflammatory and neurodegenerative mechanisms seem to operate in both phases, but their relative contributions and interactions are incompletely understood. Disease modifying therapies (DMTs) approved for relapsing multiple sclerosis interfere with a variety of immunological mechanisms to reduce rates of relapse, accumulation of disease burden measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and decline in neurological function over the two to three year duration of typical randomized controlled trials. Benefits of longer duration of therapy on disability are less clear, as data beyond three years are largely limited to observational studies. However, current DMTs do not slow accrual of disability once progressive multiple sclerosis is established. This review summarizes the evidence about the use of approved DMTs and examines how to individualize treatment despite the absence of validated biomarkers to guide drug selection. Methods such as stratifying patients on the basis of estimated risk for future disability, weighing patient specific factors and preferences, and using objective outcomes to adjudicate treatment success are discussed. Emerging drug therapies and strategies are also reviewed.
Digital Literacy in the Karenni Families

This chapter presents how digital devices that have been widely used among these newcomers enable new learning and understanding in the recently arrived refugee community.
The Role of 18F-FDG-PET/CT in Pediatric Sarcoma

Considerable debate remains regarding how best to incorporate 18F-FDG-PET/CT into clinical practice for pediatric sarcomas. Although there is a clear role for 18F-FDG-PET/CT in staging pediatric sarcoma, the value of 18F-FDG-PET/CT in prognostication for pediatric sarcomas remains unclear. In osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma, 18F-FDG-PET/CT may be most useful in the identification of skeletal metastases, where the literature consistently suggests that it has improved sensitivity and specificity as compared to bone scintigraphy. The role of the imaging modality in the identification of pulmonary metastatic disease is less clear. Further controversy exists regarding the use of 18F-FDG-PET/CT in predicting outcome. Several studies, particularly in osteosarcoma, suggest changes in the maximal standardized uptake value (SUVmax) that can predict histologic response following neoadjuvant chemotherapy as well as overall outcome. Conversely, studies are conflicting regarding the use of 18F-FDG-PET/CT as a prognostic tool in Ewing sarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma. The role of 18F-FDG-PET/CT in pediatric nonrhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcomas is unknown at this time. Although most studies have been small and retrospective, in certain histologic subtypes, there is a clear role for the use of this imaging modality. Additional prospective and larger studies are needed to fully determine how best to incorporate 18F-FDG-PET/CT into treatment regimens for pediatric sarcomas in the future.
From Individual to Collective Restitution: Recasting Corporate Accountability for Korean Forced Labor in the Second World War

In a series of decisions issued between 1999 and 2009, Japanese and Korean courts alike ruled for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in denying restitution for the forced labor of Korean plaintiffs during World War II. Then on May 24, 2012, the Supreme Court of South Korea overturned a Korean appellate court’s decision that had honored successive rulings by the Hiroshima District Court, the Hiroshima High Court, and the Supreme Court of Japan — all of which cited the expiration of the statute of limitations, among other reasons, for rejecting the plaintiffs’ claims. In remanding the case to the Busan High Court, the Supreme Court of Korea directly challenged the stalemate over corporate accountability in the transitional justice process for Koreans victimized under imperial Japanese rule. The Court’s rationale has shifted the restitution paradigm from disparate individual claims to collective redress by asserting the illegality of Japan’s occupation of Korea, along with that of forced mobilization. It also has raised prospects for enduring bilateral progress via judicial, civil society, and corporate engagement in the push for a “grand settlement” less beholden to vacillating political interests.
Abdominal Imaging Surveillance in Adult Patients After Fontan Procedure: Risk of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Purpose To assess the prevalence of chronic liver disease (CLD) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in adult patients who had surveillance imaging after Fontan procedure. Methods Institutional review board–approved, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act–compliant retrospective study evaluated electronic medical records including radiology reports and clinical notes for adult patients after Fontan procedure between January 1993 and January 2016. Abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging reports were reviewed for changes of CLD and HCC. Existence of concomitant viral hepatitis was also recorded. Results A total of 145 patients (male: 78 and female: 67) had surveillance imaging after Fontan procedure. In all, 78% (113/145) had ongoing imaging surveillance (median follow-up 3.05 years, IQR: 0.75-5.3 years); 19% (21/113) had an initial normal study and remained normal throughout follow-up; 19% (21/113) had an initial normal study with subsequent imaging reporting changes of CLD; and 62% (71/113) had existing changes of CLD on initial study. HCC was identified in 5 patients (median 22 years post-Fontan, IQR: 10-29 years), 4 of which had a normal initial study. Only 1 patient with HCC had concomitant viral hepatitis C infection. Conclusion Radiologists should be aware that CLD is exceedingly common in post-Fontan cardiac physiology, and surveillance imaging is warranted given the risk of HCC.
Radiation necrosis with stereotactic radiosurgery combined with CTLA-4 blockade and PD-1 inhibition for treatment of intracranial disease in metastatic melanoma

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have demonstrated remarkable benefits in cancer patients. However, concern regarding toxicity in the setting of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is often raised. In this study, we characterize radiation necrosis (RN) following immunotherapy and SRS. Melanoma patients treated with SRS and anti-CTLA-4 and/or anti-PD-1 at our institution from January 2006 to December 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Overall survival (OS) and time to RN were assessed using Kaplan–Meier analysis. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards analyses were performed to identify predictors of radiation necrosis-free survival (RNFS) and RN risk. One-hundred thirty-seven patients with 1094 treated lesions over 296 SRS sessions were analyzed. Median follow-up was 9.8 months from SRS. Rate of RN was 27% of patients with median time to RN of 6 months. Median OS from SRS treatment was 16.9 months. RNFS at 6 months, 1 and 2 years was 92.7, 83.0, and 81.2%. Treatment with chemotherapy within 6 months of SRS was associated with worse RNFS at 1 year (78.4 vs. 87.5%, p = 0.017). On multivariate analysis, chemotherapy within 6 months and increased number of lesions treated were predictive of increased RN risk (HR 2.20, 95% CI 1.22–3.97, p = 0.009; HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.03–1.15, p = 0.002), whereas immunotherapy type and targeted therapy were not predictive. Median target volume of lesions that developed RN was greater than that of lesions that did not (p < 0.001). Concurrent treatment with chemotherapy, larger size and number of lesions treated were predictive of RN. Immunotherapy type and timing proximity to SRS were not associated with RN risk.
An Investigation Into the Structural Form of the O*NET–Interest Profiler–Short Form:

Since their introduction, interests have been important to the field of vocational psychology. Within career counseling, they often serve as a starting point to career exploration. The changing nat...
Transferring Social Justice Initiatives into Lasallian Schools

This article describes a research project that examined the impact of a Lasallian mission formation program on program participants and their institutions. The study found that the program had a powerful impact on the participants personally, and seventy-one percent (71%) became newly involved or recommitted to social justice initiatives upon returning from the program. Two factors, however, significantly predicted the participants’ level of transfer of learning into action: the availability of social support at their home institution and the applicability of their learning to their work. The article concludes with recommendations to help institutional leaders even more intentionally support participants to bring the lessons learned from mission-formation programs back to their institutions.
PGY-specific benchmarks improve resident performance on Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery tasks.

Abstract Background Although expert proficiency times for Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) tasks exist, these times are not always attainable for junior residents. We hypothesize that post-graduate year (PGY)-specific benchmarks will improve resident performance of FLS tasks. Methods In 2014, PGY-specific benchmarks were developed for FLS tasks for PGY1-PGY4 general surgery residents by averaging completion times for each task from 2007 to 2013. Resident performance on each FLS task and overall performance was compared for PGY1-PGY4 residents in the 2007–2013 group and the 2014–2016 group, before and after implementation of PGY-specific benchmarks. Results There was a significant improvement in FLS performance in the 2014–2016 group at the PGY1 (p = 0.01), PGY2 (p Conclusions PGY-specific benchmarks may improve efficacy of laparoscopic skills training for junior residents, increasing the efficiency of skill development.
Identification and Characterization of Fungal Pathogens Causing Fruit Rot of Deciduous Holly

Cut branches of deciduous holly (Ilex spp. L.) harboring colorful berries are traditionally used as ornaments in holiday decorations. Since 2012, a fruit rot of unspecified cause has resulted in significant yield reduction and economic losses across Midwestern and Eastern U.S. nurseries. In this study, symptomatic fruit samples collected from nine different locations over five years were analyzed, and several fungal species were isolated. A combination of morphological characterization, multilocus phylogenetic analyses, and pathogenicity assays revealed that Alternaria alternata and Diaporthe ilicicola sp. nov. were the primary pathogens associated with symptomatic fruit. Other fungi including A. arborescens, Colletotrichum fioriniae, C. nymphaeae, Epicoccum nigrum, and species in the D. eres species complex appeared to be minor pathogens in this disease complex. In detached fruit pathogenicity assays testing the role of wounding and inoculum concentration on disease development, disease incidence and severity increased when fruit was wounded and inoculated with a higher inoculum concentration. These findings indicate that management strategies that can protect fruit from injury or reduce inoculum may lower disease levels in the field. This research established the basis for further studies on this emerging disease and the design of research-based management strategies. To our knowledge, it also represents the first report of species of Alternaria, Colletotrichum, Diaporthe, and Epicoccum causing fruit rot of deciduous holly.
Matroid Secretary Problems

We define a generalization of the classical secretary problem called the matroid secretary problem. In this problem, the elements of a matroid are presented to an online algorithm in uniformly random order. When an element arrives, the algorithm observes its value and must make an irrevocable decision whether or not to accept it. The accepted elements must form an independent set, and the objective is to maximize the combined value of these elements. We present an O(log k)-competitive algorithm for general matroids (where k is the rank of the matroid), and constant-competitive algorithms for several special cases including graphic matroids, truncated partition matroids, and bounded degree transversal matroids. We leave as an open question the existence of constant-competitive algorithms for general matroids. Our results have applications in welfare-maximizing online mechanism design for domains in which the sets of simultaneously satisfiable agents form a matroid.