cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Changes in the Force-Frequency Relationship of the Human Quadriceps Femoris Muscle Following Electrically and Voluntarily Induced Fatigue

The purpose of this study was to identify the changes in the force-frequency relationship (FFR) of the human quadriceps femoris muscle following electrically and voluntarily induced fatigue. Twenty nondisabled subjects each participated in one experimental session to test the effects of electrically induced fatigue on the FFR; 10 of these subjects participated in a second session in which voluntarily induced fatigue was produced. Fatigue was induced by having subjects perform repeated, 8-second, isometric contractions followed by 12-second rests until 50% of the initial force was produced. Markedly decreased forces were seen at all frequencies tested following fatigue. Low frequency fatigue was observed following both fatiguing protocols. The frequencies needed to produce near-maximum forces did not shift with fatigue. These results suggest that the most appropriate stimulation frequency to use when activating skeletal muscle depends on both the percentage of tetanic force desired and the fatigue state of the muscle. This study also provides the clinician with data on the FFR of healthy human quadriceps femoris muscle prior to fatigue. [Binder-Macleod SA, McDermond LR. Changes in the force-frequency relationship of the human quadriceps femoris muscle following electrically and voluntarily induced fatigue.
A New System for Understanding Nebulizer Performance

We have developed a conceptual and mathematical model for nebulizer performance that attempts to provide a unifying theoretical framework for subsequent in vitro studies. Specifically, we have created a lexicon and a way to describe the effects of a standardized breathing pattern for evaluating small-volume jet nebulizers. This model should help researchers communicate more clearly and study planners to design experiments whose data may be more comparable and thus amenable to meta-analysis.
A visco-poroelastic theory for polymeric gels

A polymeric gel can imbibe solvent and swell. Besides the dilatational mode of deformation, which involves long-range solvent migration, a gel may also undergo volume-conserved deformation. For a macroscopic gel with covalent cross-links, the volume-conserved deformation is usually much faster. However, these two modes are coupled for deformation at the microscopic level and for gels containing physical cross-links or large solvent molecules. In this paper, we seek to formulate a unified theoretical framework for the transient behaviour of polymeric gels to account for both solvent migration and viscoelastic deformation. Under this framework, we further develop a simple material model, and implement it into a finite-element code for numerical calculations. By simultaneously tracking the solvent migration and motion of polymer network, we evolve the inhomogeneous fields of stress and chemical potential. Several initial-boundary-value problems are solved as illustrative examples. For macroscopic gels with low viscosity, the time scales for viscoelasticity and poroelasticity are separated, and the long-term behaviour is just as that predicted by a poroelastic model. For structures or processes involving sizes comparable to the intrinsic length of a material, the viscoelasticity and poroelasticity must be considered simultaneously, especially when studying impact responses.
Enzalutamide: A Step Towards Pharmacokinetic-Based Dosing in Men with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men after skin cancer, and although usually curable when diagnosed and treated early, it remains the second most common cause of cancer-related death in the United States among men [1]. Treatment of low stage, limited disease with radiation or prostatectomy is associated with a high long term cure rate, and even “watchful waiting” monitoring or active surveillance of low stage, low grade prostate cancer is considered appropriate and delays the treatment-related side effects of incontinence and impotence. Progressive or advancing local cancer limited to the prostatic capsule may still be curable, but this is not the case when prostate cancer metastasizes outside the prostate. The most common sites of prostate cancer metastases are the spinal vertebra, liver, and lung.
Modeling the Acquisition of English: An Intelligent CALL Approach

In this paper, we present a methodology for the development of a user model for CALL which captures various levels of language acquisition using individualized overlays supported with stereotypes. Our current focus is the empirical analysis of the order of written English grammatical structure acquisition in our learner population used to develop stereotype layers in our model.
Health Information Exchange Reduces Repeated Diagnostic Imaging for Back Pain

Study objective This study seeks to determine whether health information exchange reduces repeated diagnostic imaging and related costs in emergency back pain evaluation. Methods This was a longitudinal data analysis of health information exchange patient-visit data. All repeated emergency department (ED) patient visits for back pain with previous ED diagnostic imaging to a Memphis metropolitan area ED between August 1, 2007, and July 31, 2009, were included. Use of a regional health information exchange by ED personnel to access the patient's record during the emergency visit was the primary independent variable. Main outcomes included repeated lumbar or thoracic diagnostic imaging (radiograph, computed tomography [CT], or magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) and total patient-visit estimated cost. Results One hundred seventy-nine (22.4%) of the 800 qualifying repeated back pain visits resulted in repeated diagnostic imaging (radiograph 84.9%, CT 6.1%, and MRI 9.5%). Health information exchange use in the study population was low, at 12.5%, and health care providers as opposed to administrative/nursing staff accounted for 80% of the total health information exchange use. Health information exchange use by any ED personnel was associated with reduced repeated diagnostic imaging (odds ratio 0.36; 95% confidence interval 0.18 to 0.71), as was physician or nurse practitioner health information exchange use (odds ratio 0.47; 95% confidence interval 0.23 to 0.96). No cost savings were associated with health information exchange use because of increased CT imaging when health care providers used health information exchange. Conclusion Health information exchange use is associated with 64% lower odds of repeated diagnostic imaging in the emergency evaluation of back pain. Health information exchange effect on estimated costs was negligible. More studies are needed to evaluate specific strategies to increase health information exchange use and further decrease potentially unnecessary diagnostic imaging and associated costs of care.
Charge equalization for series connected battery strings

A simple technique that provides charge equalization for a series string of battery cells is presented. The advantages of accurate charge equalization are very substantial and include reduced damage to battery cells in the stack, and a dramatic increase in battery life. The basic technique utilizes a simple isolated DC/DC converter with a capacitive output filter along with a multi-winding coaxial winding transformer (CWT). The coaxial winding transformer is known for its low and controlled leakage inductance. The transformer leakage inductance is used as the main driving impedance to control the total charging current for the individual cells. The use of one low-power converter to obtain charge equalization for the entire battery string is very attractive and leads to a low cost implementation. >
A comparison study of symmetric ultrathin-body double-gate devices with metal source/drain and doped source/drain

We have performed a simulation study of symmetric ultrathin-body double-gate (SUTBDG) devices with metal source/drain (S/D) structures designed for low-operating-power applications. A relatively high S/D Schottky barrier strongly influences the threshold voltages of the devices. The drive current (I/sub ON/) is dominated by barrier tunneling for nonnegative SBHs. Both electrons and holes may contribute to the off-state current (I/sub OFF/). Tunneling from the drain terminal limits the minimum obtainable I/sub OFF/. Germanium channel devices with metal S/D and a given I/sub OFF/ have smaller I/sub ON/ than similar silicon devices. With low nonnegative Schottky barrier heights (SBHs), metal S/D devices can outperform doped S/D devices, if the device performance degradation due to series resistances and parasitic capacitances is taken into account. Based on realistic device design rules, we have determined the upper bounds of S/D SBHs that allow metal S/D devices to offer improved performance over doped S/D devices with different body thicknesses.
The Winged Helix Transcription Factor Foxa3 Regulates Adipocyte Differentiation and Depot-Selective Fat Tissue Expansion

Conversion of mesenchymal stem cells into terminally differentiated adipocytes progresses sequentially through regulated transcriptional steps. While it is clear that the late phases of adipocyte maturation are governed by the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), less is known about the transcriptional control of the initial stages of differentiation. To identify early regulators, we performed a small interfering RNA (siRNA) screen of Forkhead-box genes in adipocytes and show here for the first time that the winged helix factor Foxa3 promotes adipocyte differentiation by cooperating with C/EBPβ and -δ to transcriptionally induce PPARγ expression. Furthermore, we demonstrate that mice with genetic ablation of Foxa3 have a selective decrease in epididymal fat depot and a cell-autonomous defect to induce PPARγ specifically in their visceral adipocytes. In obese subjects, FOXA3 is differentially expressed in visceral and subcutaneous adipose depots. Overall, our study implicates Foxa3 in the regulation of adipocyte differentiation and depot-selective adipose tissue expansion.
Radical retropubic prostatectomy after orthotopic liver transplantation

Radical prostatectomy is a standard treatment option for many patients with clinically localized prostate cancer; however, little information about its safety and efficacy is available to help guide patients who have undergone prior organ transplantation. We present 2 cases of patients with prior hepatic transplantation who each subsequently underwent radical prostatectomy. In each case, the prostate tumor was organ confined, and both patients were biochemically free of disease at last follow-up.
The Explanation of Minority School Failure, Again.

Most explanations of minority school failure incorporate native definitions of both failure and minority group membership. The power of such explanations is limited by their starting assumptions, and they function primarily as an apology for our present system. Minority school failure and its explanation by social scientists are two levels of the same process that we need to confront. ETHNOGRAPHY OF SCHOOLING, SCHOOL FAILURE, MINORITY EDUCATION
Laparoscopic Radical Cystectomy

The application of laparoscopic techniques to radical cystectomy has been a recent and natural evolution of successful laparoscopic applications in renal surgery and prostatectomy. The authors' ongoing international registry comprises over 700 cases from 14 countries. Most laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) operations are performed using standard laparoscopic technique, with a minority of hand-assisted or robotic-assisted procedures. This article attempts to provide an overview of the current status of LRC, with technical details, modifications, and results of various techniques as reported by the authors' group and other groups.
Real-Time Computer-Generated Hologram By Means Of Liquid-Crystal Television Spatial Light-Modulator

A novel use of liquid-crystal television (LCTV) is described. It is shown that, if the phase nonuniformity of the LCTV is corrected by a liquid gate, then a simple computer-generated hologram can be written and coherently reconstructed.
Numerical simulation of jet noise

Jet noise and jet-induced structural loads have become key issues in the design of commercial and military aircraft. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) can be of use in predicting the underlying jet shear-layer instabilities and, in conjunction with classical acoustic theory, jet noise. The computational issues involved in the resolution of high Reynolds number unsteady jet flows are addressed in this paper. Once these jet flows can be accurately resolved, it should be possible to use acoustic theory to extract, for example, the far-field jet noise. An assessment of future work and computational resources required for directly computing far-field jet noise is also presented.
Limitations to maximum running speed on flat curves

Why is maximal running speed reduced on curved paths? The leading explanation proposes that an increase in lateral ground reaction force necessitates a decrease in peak vertical ground reaction force, assuming that maximum leg extension force is the limiting factor. Yet, no studies have directly measured these forces or tested this critical assumption. We measured maximum sprint velocities and ground reaction forces for five male humans sprinting along a straight track and compared them to sprints along circular tracks of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 m radii. Circular track sprint trials were performed either with or without a tether that applied centripetal force to the center of mass. Sprinters generated significantly smaller peak resultant ground reaction forces during normal curve sprinting compared to straight sprinting. This provides direct evidence against the idea that maximum leg extension force is always achieved and is the limiting factor. Use of the tether increased sprint speed, but not to expected values. During curve sprinting, the inside leg consistently generated smaller peak forces compared to the outside leg. Several competing biomechanical constraints placed on the stance leg during curve sprinting likely make the inside leg particularly ineffective at generating the ground reaction forces necessary to attain maximum velocities comparable to straight path sprinting. The ability of quadrupeds to redistribute function across multiple stance legs and decouple these multiple constraints may provide a distinct advantage for turning performance.
Clinical investigations of the therapeutic potential of ayahuasca: rationale and regulatory challenges.

Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic beverage that is prominent in the ethnomedicine and shamanism of indigenous Amazonian tribes. Its unique pharmacology depends on the oral activity of the hallucinogen, N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), which results from inhibition of monoamine oxidase (MAO) by beta-carboline alkaloids. MAO is the enzyme that normally degrades DMT in the liver and gut. Ayahuasca has long been integrated into mestizo folk medicine in the northwest Amazon. In Brazil, it is used as a sacrament by several syncretic churches. Some of these organizations have incorporated in the United States. The recreational and religious use of ayahuasca in the United States, as well as "ayahuasca tourism" in the Amazon, is increasing. The current legal status of ayahuasca or its source plants in the United States is unclear, although DMT is a Schedule I controlled substance. One ayahuasca church has received favorable rulings in 2 federal courts in response to its petition to the Department of Justice for the right to use ayahuasca under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. A biomedical study of one of the churches, the Uniao do Vegetal (UDV), indicated that ayahuasca may have therapeutic applications for the treatment of alcoholism, substance abuse, and possibly other disorders. Clinical studies conducted in Spain have demonstrated that ayahuasca can be used safely in normal healthy adults, but have done little to clarify its potential therapeutic uses. Because of ayahuasca's ill-defined legal status and variable botanical and chemical composition, clinical investigations in the United States, ideally under an approved Investigational New Drug (IND) protocol, are complicated by both regulatory and methodological issues. This article provides an overview of ayahuasca and discusses some of the challenges that must be overcome before it can be clinically investigated in the United States.
Optimized PWM strategy based on genetic algorithms

A genetic algorithm is applied to optimize a pulsewidth modulation (PWM) inverter, which cannot only spread harmonic energy but also reduce harmonic distortion. Simulation and experimental results verify that the optimized PWM technique is superior to standard triangular PWM and random PWM techniques.
Blending games, multimedia and reality

Games, multimedia, and reality are on a converging path as motion capture, 3d video, and high performance networking and computing become more affordable and common place with consumers. Next generation video game systems are planning on including many aspects of motion capture and facial recognition algorithms. As such, we present an analysis of system issues surrounding the amalgamation of these technologies in the future and then propose a system architecture where augmented reality can become a part of our every day learning, computation, and gaming. We conclude with a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of our design.
The Boundaries of Abortion Law: Systems Theory from Parsons to Luhmann and Habermas

This article examines competing hypotheses on law derivedfrom the theories of Talcott Parsons, Niklas Luhmann, and Jiurgen Habermas in light of the recent history of U.S. abortion law, specifically the Supreme Court's rulings on abortion over the past two decades. The evidence I advance suggests that Luhmann's theory cannot explain how abortion law since 1973 has developed with the influence of certain nonlegal contexts. The perspectives of Parsons and Habermas, on the other hand, adequately grasp some of the outside influences on the legal abortion process. Parsons's theory particularly shows its strength in accounting for the political influences on abortion law and the individualistic nature of the American legal system. Habermas's theory rightly emphasizes the delicate force of lifeworld claims over the normativity of law as well as the relevance of a medical-technocratic reformulation of legal justifications. I conclude by arguing that sociological analyses of law should strive to conceptually elucidate the continuing struggles over and through law, and that they should recognize, particularly in light ofgrowing multiculturalism, the loss of integrativeforce modern law continues to ascribe to itself;
Complications of Prone Positioning During Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Respiratory Failure: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is often used in patients with severe respiratory failure to improve oxygenation and survival. ECMO gives the lungs an opportunity to rest and recover. The addition of prone positioning therapy used concurrently with ECMO can further aid in optimizing alveolar recruitment and reducing ventilator-induced lung injury, ultimately resulting in fewer ICU admission days and improved overall survival. The objective of this review is to perform a systematic analysis of the complications reported with prone positioning and ECMO in the adult population and to briefly report on the patient outcomes in the studies. METHODS: PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL were searched from January 1, 1960 to September 14, 2014. Studies were included if they examined both extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and prone positioning simultaneously for the treatment of respiratory failure in the adult population. RESULTS: Seven studies fit the study inclusion criteria (1 prospective cohort study, 3 retrospective cohort studies, and 3 case series). All of the studies in this review reported no occurrence of ECMO cannula dislodgment, and 2 studies reported cannula site bleeding. Chest tube dislodgment and airway dislodgment did not occur in any of the studies included. Bleeding from the chest tube site was reported in 13.5% of prone positioning maneuvers in 1 study, and the rest of the studies reported no evidence of chest tube site bleeding. Of the 2 studies that reported hemodynamic instability during the prone positioning maneuvers, very few adverse hemodynamic episodes were reported. The authors who reported adverse effects stated that the episodes were quickly and successfully reversible. CONCLUSIONS: This review highlights the limited complications documented during prone positioning and ECMO. More studies are needed to assess the clinical efficacy of the addition of prone positioning therapy to ECMO for patients in severe respiratory failure.
Florida Collaborative Family Law: The Good, the Bad, and the (Hopefully) Getting Better

In a perfect world, everyone, including married couples, would live happily ever after. There would be no fighting, no divorce, no battles over money, property, or worst of all, children. Even in a near-perfect world, there would be divorce, but it surely would not be accompanied by anger, bitterness, or lingering resentment over all of the above.Collaborative law has become a relatively common name in legal circles, recently entering the area of family law. While the name may be known, many laypersons have little understanding of what it really means and how it is used, let alone the benefits of it vis-a-vis litigated divorce. Lawyers as well, including many who advocate its goals, have little real comprehension of what it takes to make the move to a collaborative practice.This essay lays out some of the benefits as well as the concerns of collaborative law, and will hopefully convince the currently uninformed or reluctant, both attorney and client, to look at the positive aspects of collaborative family law and take a willing look at what may lead them both to better results.
Do Mutual Fund Investors Get What They Pay For? The Legal Consequences of Closet Index Funds

Actively managed mutual funds sell the potential to beat the market by picking stocks that are expected to outperform passive benchmarks like the S&P 500. Funds that are marketed as active vary substantially in the degree to which their portfolio holdings actually differ from the holdings of passive index funds. A purportedly active fund with a portfolio that substantially overlaps with the market is known as a closet index fund. Since closet index funds charge considerably higher fees than true index funds but provide a substantially similar portfolio, they tend to be poor investment choices. This article presents empirical evidence on closet index funds, showing that more than 10% of U.S. mutual fund assets are currently invested in closet index funds and that high cost closet index funds substantially underperform their benchmarks. We argue that persistent closet indexing implicates a number of legal issues, including possible liability for fund advisors under the Securities Act and the Investment Company Act. We conclude by discussing potential adjustments to mutual fund disclosures that could help investors identify closet index funds.
SYMMETRY, LOCOMOTION, AND THE EVOLUTION OF AN ANTERIOR END: A LESSON FROM SEA URCHINS.

Bilaterally symmetrical, "regular" sea urchins in the Family Echinometridae (Class Echinoidea; Phylum Echinodermata) were found to lack a locomotor anterior. Heterocentrotus mammillatus and Echinometra mathaei were observed while locomoting. Members of both ellip- soidal species were found to proceed with their short or long axis foremost with statistically equivalent frequencies. This finding demonstrates that the evolution of bilateral symmetry is not always accompanied by the evolution of a locomotor "anterior" end. The elliptical echinometrid sea urchins provide a particularly appropriate study group for investigating the relationship between the evolution of body form and locomotor behavior. Although the radially symmetrical regular sea urchins, from which the echinometrids sprang, lack a locomotor anterior, all "irregular" echi- noids, which are also derived from a regular ancestor but are bilaterally symmetrical, possess an "obligate" locomotor anterior. The symmetry and behavior exhibited by the elliptical echinometrid sea urchins therefore demonstrates that the first irregular echinoids (which exhibit bilateral sym- metry by definition) need not have possessed a locomotor anterior as they do today.
Comparative chlorophyll content and proline metabolism in wheat seedlings exposed to copper and iron stresses

In this study wheat seedlings cv Ningchun 4 is used to evaluate the changes of chlorophyll and osmotic regulator contents as well as the activities of proline metabolic enzymes in response to different CuCl2 and FeCl3 concentrations.The results show that chlorophyll a,chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll contents significantly increas in wheat treated with 100 μmol·L-1 copper,while these three parameters due to 300 μmol·L-1 and 500 μmol·L-1 Cu are obviously lower than those in untreated seedlings.By contrast,the 100 μmol·L-1 concentration of iron do not affect the amount of chlorophyll a,total chlorophyll,soluble sugar and soluble protein,but these parameters significantly elevate in the leaves of wheat under 300 μmol·L-1 and 500 μmol·L-1 Fe3+ treatments.In addition,Cu2+ and Fe3+ treatments induce an increase in proline content in wheat seedlings,but the enhanced degree under FeCl3 treatment is markedly higher than that in response to CuCl2.Further studies show that both copper and iron treatments result in the decrease of PDH activity,but a notable elevation in the activity of OAT is caused by 500 μmol·L-1 Cu2+ and different Fe3+ concentrations.In conclusion,these results suggest that 300 μmol·L-1 and 500 μmol·L-1 CuCl2 treatments lead to damage to chlorophyll in wheat seedlings,while 100 μmol·L-1 CuCl2,300 μmol·L-1 and 500 μmol·L-1 FeCl3 treatments have benefit to the synthesis of chlorophyll;both copper and iron induce the enhancements of soluble sugar,soluble protein and proline content,resulting in strong osmotic adjustment ability,which may improve wheat tolerance to Cu2+ and Fe3+ treatments.Additionally,proline accumulation may be associated with decreased PDH activity and elevated OAT activity in wheat seedlings under copper and iron stresses.
Interstitial strengthening of a f.c.c. FeNiMnAlCr high entropy alloy

Abstract The effects of adding boron or carbon on the microstructure and room-temperature mechanical properties of a new single-phase f.c.c. high entropy alloy Fe40.4Ni11.3Mn34.8Al7.5Cr6 are presented. Remarkably, 1.1 at% carbon in solution not only increases the yield strength (by a factor of 2), but also increases the elongation to failure (from ~41% to 50%) and the work-hardening rate. Surprisingly, the latter increases with increasing strain up to a strain of 35%. When fine-grained (4.7 µm), the C-doped HEA exhibits a yield strength of 557 MPa.
Autonomous suspended load operations via trajectory optimization and variational integrators

This paper presents a real-time implementable trajectory optimization framework for autonomous suspended load operations in outdoor environments. The framework solves the posed optimal control problem with the iteration-based differential dynamic programming algorithm. The algorithm uses a variational integrator to propagate the modeled system’s state configuration and linearize the resulting discrete dynamics. The variational integrator is an excellent candidate for real-time implementation because it remains accurate despite relatively large discretization time steps. Therefore, the computational effort of the differential dynamic programming algorithm can be mitigated through the reduction of discrete time points. The state of the slung load is estimated via an augmentation to the existing navigation system that only uses vision-based measurements of the load. Simulation studies and a flight test are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework.
After the new order: space, politics, and Jakarta

Anyone wishing to learn how to read the cityscape of Jakarta could do no better than begin with the work of Abidin Kusno. An architectural historian by title, Kusno is perhaps more properly underst...
The Framework of Decision for Major Technological Innovations

Our surprisingly limited understanding of the processes whereby technological progress is effected may be traced in part to the long prevailing belief that each major technological advance was essentially unique, being ascribable either to inexplicable genius or to an extraordinarily lucky accident. Oddly enough, however, growing realisation of the organised structure of science and increasing success in extending its boundaries have likewise failed to enrich our grasp of how technical advances take place— no longer because these are still regarded as incomprehensible, but because they are now assumed to be quite transparent. Thus, technological gains are widely regarded as the virtually inevitable product of organised research and development, with reasonably regularised yields roughly proportioned to the resources applied and effects centred around the guiding objectives of improved products and lowered costs.*
Interdisciplinary Studies of the Civil War Era: Recent Trends and Future Prospects

Interdisciplinary scholarship on the era of the American Civil War has invigorated a well-trodden field. This essay addresses recent scholarship on the history of emotions, medicine, and the environment in the Civil War era, analyzing key themes and suggesting areas for future research. Together, these fields have added nuance to the “dark turn” in Civil War studies, historicized concepts often treated ahistorically, and allowed Civil War historians to engage in meaningful conversations with scholars in other fields and disciplines.
The Amazing Life and Times of Oliva Espín

ABSTRACTOliva Espin is a prolific feminist and multicultural writer and psychologist who has significantly contributed to feminist therapy throughout her career. This biographical article highlights her many contributions to feminism, feminist psychology, and humankind.
Full-dimensional ground- and excited-state potential energy surfaces and state couplings for photodissociation of thioanisole.

Analytic potential energy surfaces (PESs) and state couplings of the ground and two lowest singlet excited states of thioanisole (C6H5SCH3) are constructed in a diabatic representation based on electronic structure calculations including dynamic correlation. They cover all 42 internal degrees of freedom and a wide range of geometries including the Franck-Condon region and the reaction valley along the breaking S–CH3 bond with the full ranges of the torsion angles. The parameters in the PESs and couplings are fitted to the results of smooth diabatic electronic structure calculations including dynamic electron correlation by the extended multi-configurational quasi-degenerate perturbation theory method for the adiabatic state energies followed by diabatization by the fourfold way. The fit is accomplished by the anchor points reactive potential method with two reactive coordinates and 40 nonreactive degrees of freedom, where the anchor-point force fields are obtained with a locally modified version of the Qu...
Energy Efficiency and Productivity Enhancement of Microbial Electrosynthesis of Acetate.

It was hypothesized that a lack of acetogenic biomass (biocatalyst) at the cathode of a microbial electrosynthesis system, due to electron and nutrient limitations, has prevented further improvement in acetate productivity and efficiency. In order to increase the biomass at the cathode and thereby performance, a bioelectrochemical system with this acetogenic community was operated under galvanostatic control and continuous media flow through a reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) foam cathode. The combination of galvanostatic control and the high surface area cathode reduced the electron limitation and the continuous flow overcame the nutrient limitation while avoiding the accumulation of products and potential inhibitors. These conditions were set with the intention of operating the biocathode through the production of H2. Biofilm growth occurred on and within the unmodified RVC foam regardless of vigorous H2 generation on the cathode surface. A maximum volumetric rate or space time yield for acetate production of 0.78 g/Lcatholyte/hour was achieved with 8 A/Lcatholyte (83.3 A/m2projected surface area of cathode) supplied to the continuous flow/culture bioelectrochemical reactors. The total Coulombic efficiency in H2 and acetate ranged from approximately 80% to 100%, with a maximum of 35% in acetate. The overall energy efficiency ranged from approximately 35% to 42% with a maximum to acetate of 12%.
Abstract P243: Potential Cost Savings With CMR-Guided Selective Invasive Strategy in Non-ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome

Background We have previously shown that rapid cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) to identify myocardium at risk predicts the need for subsequent coronary revascularization in low and moderate risk patients with NSTE-ACS. The current standard diagnostic approach routinely employs invasive coronary angiography with attendant costs and risks, even though large randomized trial suggest that 50% may not have coronary stenoses requiring revascularization. We describe the potential cost savings associated with a CMR-guided strategy that reserves invasive angiography for patients with myocardium at risk in NSTE-ACS. Methods Revascularization outcome was recorded in 712 patients admitted with NSTE-ACS referred for coronary angiography identified as part of an IRB-approved protocol. The study population included those who had a catheterization with no subsequent revascularization procedure, and those who had a catheterization with subsequent percutaneous or surgical coronary revascularization. Standard costs of $2,000 for CMR and $15,000 for coronary angiography were applied to both groups to project the cost savings of using CMR as the initial diagnostic modality. If no revascularization was required, a cost savings equal to the difference between the cost of CMR and angiography was computed. If revascularization was performed, a cost increase by adding CMR to the angiography cost was computed. Results 49.6% of study patients did not undergo revascularization after invasive angiography. Assuming that only patients with CMR-identified myocardium at risk would undergo angiography, the net cost reduction equated to a $3.9MM (36.2%) in this cohort. Initial analysis suggests similar rates of catheterization-related complications in both groups. Conclusion Using CMR to identify myocardium at risk in low-to-moderate risk NSTE-ACS patients may realize significant cost savings while insuring appropriate invasive care for patients most likely to benefit. A prospective, randomized study is warranted to better quantify the impact of a CMR-guided strategy on outcomes and cost in NSTE-ACS.
Machine Learning for Text: An Introduction

The extraction of useful insights from text with various types of statistical algorithms is referred to as text mining, text analytics, or machine learning from text. The choice of terminology largely depends on the base community of the practitioner. This book will use these terms interchangeably. Text analytics has become increasingly popular in recent years because of the ubiquity of text data on the Web, social networks, emails, digital libraries, and chat sites.
Influence of porosity on the high temperature oxidation of a SiC-reinforced Si3N4 ceramic composite

In this work the oxidation kinetics of a porous (21.5% porosity) nitride bonded silicon carbide containing 20% SiC was investigated in the temperature range of 1100–1400 °C. Two oxidation stages were found which corresponded to (i) a rapid parabolic oxidation rate during short term oxidation exposure (0–10 hours), and (ii) a parabolic scale growth after some exposure time. During short term oxidation a continuous oxide film developed, but it was unable to block internal oxidation at the pore channels. An experimental activation energy of 55 kJ/mol was obtained which was attributed to intially rapid external and internal oxidation through the open pore network. After 1–10 hours depending on the actual temperature, closure of the surface pores through oxidation lead to a transition where a continuous SiO2 scale grew on the outer sample surface through diffusion. An activation energy of 132 kJ/mol was associated with this parabolic growth suggesting that inward oxygen diffusion through the SiO2 scale was rate limiting. Metallographic observations indicated severe cracking of the scale developed. This was attributed to the relatively large shrinkage (≈1%) associated with the β–α cristobalite transformation occurring at temperatures below 250 °C. Moreover, X-ray diffraction indicated the presence of cristobalite and tridymite, but it was unable to identify a discontinuous phase developed beneath the SiO2 scale during oxidation.
The Church of the Poor and Civil Society in Southern Mexico: Oaxaca, 1960s–2010s:

The progressive movement of the Catholic Church that flourished after the Second Vatican Council (1962–5) continues to exert a strong influence on Latin American politics and society. Moreover, we ...
Statistical Primer for Athletic Trainers: Understanding the Role of Statistical Power in Comparative Athletic Training Research

Objective: To describe the concept of statistical power as related to comparative interventions and how various factors, including sample size, affect statistical power. Background: Having a suff...
Ex vivo induction of regulatory T cells from conventional CD4 + T cells is sensitive to substrate rigidity.

The immune system maintains a balance between protection and tolerance. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) function as a vital tolerance mechanism in the immune system to suppress effector immune cells. Additionally, Tregs can be utilized as a form of immunotherapy for autoimmune disorders. As T cells have previously been shown to exhibit sensitivity to the rigidity of an activating substrate upon activation via IL-2 secretion, we herein explore the previously unknown effect of substrate rigidity on the induction of Tregs from conventional naive mouse CD4+ T cells. Substrates with modulatable rigidities ranging from a hundred kilopascals to a few megapascals were fabricated via poly(dimethylsiloxane). We found that there was a significant increase in Treg induction at lower substrate rigidities (i.e., E ~ 100 kPa) compared to higher rigidity levels (i.e., E ~ 3 MPa). To confirm that this significant difference in induction rate was truly related to T-cell mechanosensing, we administered compound Y-27632 to inhibit myosin contractility. In the presence of Y-27632, the myosin-based contractility was disrupted and, as a result, the difference in Treg induction caused by the substrate rigidity was abrogated. This study demonstrates that mechanosensing is involved in Treg induction and raises questions about the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in this process. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 3001-3008, 2018.
Roughness-Induced Superliquiphilic/Phobic Surfaces: Wetting States and Lessons from Living Nature

A solid surface, or more exactly a solid-gas or solid-liquid interface, has a complex structure and properties dependent upon nature of solids, the method of preparation, and the interaction between the surface and the environment. Physical and chemical properties of surfaces affect their interaction with other surfaces.
Pre-Engraftment Gut Colonization with Enterococcus Casseliflavus Improves Survival after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Gut bacteria modulate the immune system and influence outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). We reported an unexpected association between pre-HCT gut colonization with intrinsically vancomycin-resistant enterococci (iVRE: E. gallinarum and E. casseliflavus) and better overall survival (OS). In an expanded cohort, now also including patients who were iVRE-colonized early post-HCT (before day +14), we demonstrate that the iVRE-OS association is specific to E. casseliflavus. We studied allo-HCT recipients who had ≥1 positive rectal swab or stool culture for iVRE (days -14 to +14). SpectraTM VRE chromogenic agar medium (ThermoFisher Scientific) was used for species-level identification. 66 (E. casseliflavus: 23, E. gallinarum: 43) of the 873 allograft recipients (2011-2017) met our inclusion criteria. As expected from the constitutive vancomycin resistance of iVRE, the groups did not differ in their prior exposure to different antibiotic classes. The groups were not different in patient, disease, or transplant characteristics, except a marginally higher frequency of sirolimus-based GVHD prophylaxis in the E. casseliflavus group (35% vs. 12%, P = 0.05). With a median follow up of 30 months, 3-year OS was better in patients with E. casseliflavus (91% vs. 62%, P = 0.04), due to lower 3-year non-relapse mortality (NRM: 0 vs. 18%, P = 0.05) (Fig. 1A-B). Only 2 patients with E. casseliflavus died within 3 years post-HCT, both due to relapse. In contrast, 14 patients with E. gallinarum died within 3 years: 7 (50%) due to relapse, and 7 (50%) from NRM (4 GVHD, 1 infection, 1 graft failure, 1 VOD). In multivariable analysis, E. casseliflavus gut colonization was associated with reduced all-cause mortality (HR 0.20, 95%CI 0.04-0.91, P = 0.04). There were no differences between the groups in 180-day acute grade II-IV GVHD (P = 0.19), 1-year chronic GVHD (P = 0.56), 100-day bacteremia (P = 0.59), or 100-day Clostridium difficile infection (P = 0.79). To probe the mechanism of this protection against mortality, first we mined 15 E. casseliflavus and 8 E. gallinarum genomes for 14 shikimate and tryptophan metabolism enzymes. This analysis predicted that E. casseliflavus encodes a larger number of enzymes in the tryptophan metabolism pathway (Fig. 1C). Several compounds in this pathway are ligands for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Signals downstream of AhR augment the gut barrier and modulate the immune system, potentially reducing injury and inducing protective responses. Next, we performed agar diffusion assays. We did not find significant bacteriocin production by E. casseliflavus, arguing against direct modulation of the gut microbiota (Fig. 2). Pre-engraftment gut colonization with E. casseliflavus, but not E. gallinarum, improves survival. Mechanistic studies of E. casseliflavus-host interactions can guide the development of novel microbiota therapeutics.
Mechanical and electronic properties of CeO 2 , ThO 2 , and ( Ce , Th ) O 2 alloys

A systematic first-principle study is conducted to calculate bulk modulus, elastic constants, phonon-dispersion curves, and electronic structures of ${\text{CeO}}_{2}$, ${\text{ThO}}_{2}$, and their ordered binary alloys ${\text{Ce}}_{x}{\text{Th}}_{8\ensuremath{-}x}{\text{O}}_{16}$ with $x=1$, 2, 4, 6, and 7 using local-density approximation (LDA), generalized gradient approximation (GGA), $\text{LDA}+U$, and $\text{GGA}+U$ approaches. In order to get accurate results for these type of systems including $f$ electrons [$\text{Ce}(4f)$ and $\text{Th}(5f)$] we optimized the $U$ parameter for use in $\text{LDA}+U$ and $\text{GGA}+U$ approaches. The computed structural, mechanical, and electronic properties of ${\text{CeO}}_{2}$ and ${\text{ThO}}_{2}$ are observed to display strong correlation with experimental data. In particular, the best agreement with experiment is obtained within the $\text{LDA}+U$ in which on-site Coulomb interaction parameter $({U}_{eff})$ for Ce and Th are taken as 6.0 and 5.0 eV. To check the stability of alloy forms, phonon-dispersion curves of ${\text{Ce}}_{x}{\text{Th}}_{8\ensuremath{-}x}{\text{O}}_{16}$ with $x=2$, 4, and 6 are computed. In all concentrations, mechanical stability conditions are satisfied for alloys. Furthermore, we observed no negative phonon branches in the phonon spectrum of alloys. Our calculations indicated a strong effect of concentration, $x$, on the electronic structure of ${\text{Ce}}_{x}{\text{Th}}_{8\ensuremath{-}x}{\text{O}}_{16}$.
Patient Preferences to Undergo Low-Value CT Coronary Angiography in the Emergency Department

Abstract Background Low-value diagnostic testing adds billions of dollars to the cost of health care in the US annually. Addressing patient preference for these tests is one possible strategy to limit overuse. In previous work, we showed that patient preference for testing can be influenced by test benefit, risk, and financial measures. Our objective was to examine the effect of these variables in another clinical scenario involving chest pain. Methods In this cross-sectional survey of patients at the University of Michigan Emergency Department (ED), participants were given a hypothetical scenario involving an ED visit for chest pain, along with information regarding potential benefit (detecting a life-threatening condition; 0.1 or 1%) and risk (developing cancer; 0.1 or 1%) of CTCA, as well as an incentive of $0 or $100 to forego testing. Values for risk, benefit, and financial incentive varied across participants. Our primary outcome was patient preference to undergo testing. We also obtained demographic and numeracy information. Then, we used logistic regression to estimate odds ratios, adjusting for multiple potential confounders. Our sample size was designed to find at least 300 events (test acceptance) to allow for up to 30 covariates in fully adjusted models. We had 85-90% power to detect a 10% absolute difference in testing rate across groups, assuming a 95% significance level. Results 913 patients were surveyed. A $100 financial incentive (adjusted OR [AOR] 0.57; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.42-0.78) and increased test risk (AOR 0.61; 95% CI 0.44-0.84) both significantly decreased test acceptance in fully adjusted models, whereas increased test benefit significantly increased test acceptance (AOR 2.45; 95% CI 1.79-3.36). Conclusions Offering a financial incentive deterred patients from accepting testing despite varying levels of risk and benefit. In the context of previous work, we provide preliminary evidence supporting that financial interventions may impact patient preference more than test risk and benefit.
Educating for Ecological Conversion: An Ecstatic Pedagogy for Christian Higher Education amid Climate Crisis

Christian universities are obligated by their mission to confront the climate crisis as the pressing existential issue of our time. In his encyclical Laudato Si', Pope Francis calls for the ecolog...
A defect determines strength

When you start tearing a piece of aluminium foil apart, you create dislocations in the material. Suhas Eswarappa Prameela and Tim Weihs recount the story of the Burgers vector that is now an indispensable tool for describing dislocations.
Complications in Craniofacial Surgery

Craniofacial procedures are those surgical endeavors that require an approach that traverses the cranium for the purposes of reconstructing the vault or gaining access to the face. Rarely, they may also involve gaining access to the intracranial space via the face. Complications associated with transcranial surgery can be grouped into those that are typical for many craniomaxillofacial operations and those that are unique to transcranial procedures. This chapter reviews the common and significant complications sometimes seen in craniofacial procedures.
KardiaMobile for ECG Monitoring and Arrhythmia Diagnosis.

KardiaMobile is a mobile single lead ECG device that is FDA approved for detection of atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, and tachycardia.