cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ion recombination and polarity corrections for small-volume ionization chambers in high-dose-rate, flattening-filter-free pulsed photon beams.

Purpose To investigate ion recombination and polarity effects in scanning and microionization chambers when used with digital electrometers and high-dose-rate linac beams such as flattening-filter-free (FFF) fields, and to compare results against conventional pulsed and continuous photon beams. Methods Saturation curves were obtained for one Farmer-type ionization chamber and eight small-volume chamber models with volumes ranging from 0.01 to 0.13 cm3 using a Varian TrueBeam™ STx with FFF capability. Three beam modes (6 MV, 6 MV FFF, and 10 MV FFF) were investigated, with nominal dose-per-pulse values of 0.0278, 0.0648, and 0.111 cGy/pulse, respectively, at dmax. Saturation curves obtained using the Theratronics T1000 60Co unit at the UWADCL and a conventional linear accelerator (Varian Clinac iX) were used to establish baseline behavior. Jaffe plots were fitted to obtain Pion, accounting for exponential effects such as charge multiplication. These values were compared with the two-voltage technique recommended in TG-51, and were plotted as a function of dose-per-pulse to assess the ability of small-volume chambers to meet reference-class criteria in FFF beams. Results Jaffe- and two-voltage-determined Pion values measured for high-dose-rate beams agreed within 0.1% for the Farmer-type chamber and 1% for scanning and microionization chambers, with the exception of the CC01 which agreed within 2%. With respect to ion recombination and polarity effects, the Farmer-type chamber, scanning chambers and the Exradin A26 microchamber exhibited reference-class behavior in all beams investigated, with the exception of the IBA CC04 scanning chamber, which had an initial recombination correction that varied by 0.2% with polarity. All microchambers investigated, with the exception of the A26, exhibited anomalous polarity and ion recombination behaviors that make them unsuitable for reference dosimetry in conventional and high-dose-rate photon beams. Conclusions The results of this work demonstrate that recombination and polarity behaviors seen in conventional pulsed and continuous photon beams trend accordingly in high-dose-rate FFF linac beams. Several models of small-volume ionization chambers used with a digital electrometer have been shown to meet reference-class requirements with respect to ion recombination and polarity, even in the high-dose-rate environment. For such chambers, a two-voltage technique agreed well with more rigorous methods of determining Pion. However, the results emphasize the need for careful reference detector selection, and indicate that ionization chambers ought to be extensively tested in each beam of interest prior to their use for reference dosimetry. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Degradation of sulfadimethoxine catalyzed by laccase with soybean meal extract as natural mediator: Mechanism and reaction pathway.

Abstract Natural laccase-mediator systems have been well recognized as an eco-friendly and energy-saving approach in environmental remediation, whose further application is however limited by the high cost of natural mediators and relatively long treatment time span. This study evaluated the water extract of soybean meal, a low-cost compound system, in mediating the laccase catalyzed degradation of a model contaminant of emerging concern, sulfadimethoxine (SDM), and demonstrated it as a promising alternative mediator for soil and water remediation. Removal of 73.3% and 65.6% was achieved in 9 h using soybean meal extract (SBE) as the mediating system for laccase-catalyzed degradation of sulfadimethoxine at the concentration of 1 ppm and 10 ppm, respectively. Further degradation of sulfadimethoxine was observed with multiple SBE additions. Using SBE as mediator increased the 9-h removal of SDM at 1 ppm initial concentration by 52.9%, 49.4%, and 36.3% in comparison to the system mediated by 1-Hydroxybenzotriazole (HBT), p-Coumaric acid (COU) and 2,2ʹ-azinobis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS), respectively. With the detection of stable coupling products formed with radical scavenger (5,5-Dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide, DMPO), three phenolic compounds (vanillin, apocynin, and daidzein) in SBE were confirmed to serve as mediators for Trametes versicolor laccase. Reaction pathways were proposed based on the results of High Resolution Mass Spectrometry. SO2 excursion happened during SDM transformation, leading to elimination of antimicrobial activity. Therefore, as a natural, phenol rich, and affordable compound system, the future application of SBE in wastewater and soil remediation is worth exploring.
A New Look at Precipitants of Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy in Cirrhosis.

Overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a major cause of significant morbidity and mortality in patients with liver cirrhosis. We examined the frequency and profile of the precipitating factors resulting in hospitalizations for overt HE. We conducted both retrospective and prospective studies to identify clinical precipitants of overt HE in patients with cirrhosis. The retrospective study patients were hospitalized at a large urban safety-net hospital, and the prospective study included the patients admitted at a liver transplant center. There were a total of 149 patients with cirrhosis and overt HE (91 males, mean age 55.3 ± 8.6 years) in the retrospective group and 45 patients (27 males, mean age 58.3 ± 8.2 years) in the prospective group of the study. The average MELD score was 16 ± 6.8 in the retrospective group and 22.7 ± 7.2 in the prospective group. Dehydration (46–76%), acute kidney injury (32–76%), lactulose nonadherence (about 50%), constipation (about 40%), and infections (20–42%) were the most frequently identified precipitants for hospitalization in retrospective and prospective groups. Multiple precipitants were identified in 60 (40.3%) patients in the retrospective group and 34 (76%) patients in the prospective group. Multiple concurrent precipitating factors were identified in the majority of patients with overt HE requiring hospitalization. Dehydration due to various causes was the most common precipitant of overt HE, followed by acute kidney injury (AKI), constipation, and infections. Prevention of dehydration, AKI, and constipation by close outpatient monitoring may be an effective measure to prevent hospitalization for overt HE in patients with cirrhosis.
Rich Friends, Poor Friends: Inter–Socioeconomic Status Friendships in Secondary School:

The author examines friendships between students from different socioeconomic groups, investigating the factors that make these relationships more likely and comparing these relationships with thos...
Future directions in endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition

Abstract Endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition (EUS-TA) is safe and has a high diagnostic yield. Multiple factors affect the outcome of EUS-TA such as operator experience, procedure technique, needle-type, and cytopathologist training and experience. There have been numerous advances aiming to increase the diagnostic yield of EUS-TA. These include novel devices, modified tissue acquisition techniques, enhancements in EUS imaging, improved tissue processing methods, and increasingly frequent molecular and genetic testing of acquired tissue. Importantly, recent advances in personalized medicine may require greater amounts of tissue to be acquired to guide subsequent oncotherapy. As a result of all these new developments, several additional questions have arisen including defining the precise role of EUS-guided fine-needle biopsy, the optimal technique for EUS-TA, and standardization of tissue processing protocols. This review discusses recent advances and future directions regarding EUS-TA.
986 Feasibility and acceptability of a work-based colorectal cancer screening initiative in florida firefighters

Introduction Colorectal cancer (CRC) has been identified as one of the top diagnosed cancers among firefighters in Florida, United States. Firefighters are routinely exposed to highly toxic materials, many of which have been linked to an increased risk for colorectal cancer. Despite the elevated risk, cancer screening behaviours of active firefighters are unknown. We assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and implementation of a worksite-based cancer screening program using faecal immunochemical testing (FIT) among unscreened and under-screened Florida firefighters. Methods In collaboration with Florida fire departments, participants were recruited through their fire department. All participants completed an eligibility screener, informed consent and demographic questionnaire. Firefighters subsequently received a FIT kit in-person or via mail and returned specimens to the lab for testing. Screening results were reported to participants via telephone and those who screened positive were referred for colonoscopy. Result Collectively, 1611 firefighters were screened for eligibility of whom 525 (32.6%) were eligible. Ineligible firefighters were mainly excluded due to age (n=635, 58.5%) or were already current with CRC screening recommendations (154 [14.2%] completed FIT in the previous year, and 132 [12.2%] received a colonoscopy in the previous 10 years). FIT kits were sent to 496 of the eligible subjects; 310 (62.5%) participants returned the kits, and 6 (2.0%) received a positive FIT result. All FIT positive participants completed clinical follow-up with colonoscopy screening. Discussion Firefighters in this study report that using FIT was easy or somewhat easy to perform and would prefer to use this test for screening in the future. Based on these preliminary findings, this workplace screening initiative was both feasible and acceptable in the sample of firefighters. A workplace cancer screening program has potential to increase screening rates in the firefighter population. Additional epidemiologic surveillance for annual screening follow-up is warranted.
1108 Vibration emission information for users of hand-tools in the eu and north america – an international comparison

Introduction The European Union (EU) Machinery Directive mandates that manufacturers inform the EU user of hand-held tools about the vibration values emitting acceleration exceeding 2.5 m/s2.(1) Emission assessment and declaration guidelines exist (ISO 20643 and EN 60745).(2) The goal of this study was to review and compare published manufacturer information for users of hand-tool used in the construction and rail-maintenance industries in the North American (NA) and EU market. Methods A product information search of hand-operated tools was performed utilising online resources in the specific EU and NA market. Vibration data from independent or governmental sources was compared with manufacturer information. Results A comparison of leading EU and NA manufacturers’ (n=18) web sites, sales catalogues, product manuals, and expert interviews showed vibration emissions should by listed i.e. breakers, grinders, tamping guns, spiking guns, rail drills, grinders, spike pullers/drivers, tampers and saws. Only one international manufacturer listed in the EU and NA markets vibration emission information following the ISO standard. The majority of manufacturers in both markets (n=17) did not list any or only partial information about the vibration levels (ah,) uncertainty factor (K), and the utilised measurement standard. In the EU one third of the listings showed the required emission information and the measurement standard was mentioned in 40%. In the NA market 20% of the hand-tools showed any vibration information and more than half had no emission listing at all. Variation of the measurement standards utilised by the manufacturer limit a comparison of tools from different manufacturer. Conclusion This study showed that compared to the EU only very limited information and specific data is provided by international manufacturer in the NA market about HAV emissions of hand tools used in construction and rail industry. A user is often left required to make decisions with insufficient or conflicting information. ‘DIRECTIVE 2006/42/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 17 May 2006 on machinery, and amending Directive 95/16/EC (recast).’ Official Journal of the European Union: EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, 2006. ISO 20643: Mechanical vibration—Hand–held and hand–guided machinery—Principles for evaluation of vibration emission. CH–Geneva ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation), 2005.
Active Tuning of Reflectance at Long Infrared Wavelengths using Strongly Coupled Metasurface-Semiconductor Hybrid Structures

We experimentally demonstrate spectral tuning and amplitude modulation of reflectance at long infrared wavelengths using a complementary metasurface strongly coupled to an epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) mode in an ultrathin InGaAs layer with a reflecting backplane.
The Yin and Yang of SagS: Distinct Residues in the HmsP Domain of SagS Independently Regulate Biofilm Formation and Biofilm Drug Tolerance

ABSTRACT The formation of inherently drug-tolerant biofilms by the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa requires the sensor-regulator hybrid SagS, with Δ sagS biofilms being unstructured and exhibiting increased antimicrobial susceptibility. Recent findings indicated SagS to function as a switch to control biofilm formation and drug tolerance independently. Moreover, findings suggested the periplasmic sensory HmsP domain of SagS is likely to be the control point in the regulation of biofilm formation and biofilm cells transitioning to a drug-tolerant state. We thus asked whether specific amino acid residues present in the HmsP domain contribute to the switch function of SagS. HmsP domain residues were therefore subjected to alanine replacement mutagenesis to identify substitutions that block the sensory function(s) of SagS, which is apparent by attached cells being unable to develop mature biofilms and/or prevent transition to an antimicrobial-resistant state. Mutant analyses revealed 32 residues that only contribute to blocking one sensory function. Moreover, amino acid residues affecting attachment and subsequent biofilm formation but not biofilm tolerance also impaired histidine kinase signaling via BfiS. In contrast, residues affecting biofilm drug tolerance but not attachment and subsequent biofilm formation negatively impacted BrlR transcription factor levels. Structure prediction suggested the two sets of residues affecting sensory functions are located in distinct areas that were previously described as being involved in ligand binding interactions. Taken together, these studies identify the molecular basis for the dual regulatory function of SagS. IMPORTANCE The membrane-bound sensory protein SagS plays a pivotal role in P. aeruginosa biofilm formation and biofilm cells gaining their heightened resistance to antimicrobial agents, with SagS being the control point at which both pathways diverge. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that the two distinct pathways leading to biofilm formation and biofilm drug tolerance are under the control of two sets of amino acid residues located within the HmsP sensory domain of SagS. The respective amino acids are likely part of ligand binding interaction sites. Thus, our findings have the potential not only to enable the manipulation of SagS function but also to enable research of biofilm drug tolerance in a manner independent of biofilm formation (and vice versa). Moreover, the manipulation of SagS function represents a promising target/avenue open for biofilm control.
A Trajectory of K-8 Teacher Development in Early and Mid-Career

Scholars in recent years have studied the professional development of teachers, identifying stages or phases that teachers characteristically experience during their careers. Little research, howev...
From Self-Study to Collaborative Self-Study to Collaborative Self- Study of Collaboration

This is not one teacher educator’s study of her teaching, nor is this a report of a working collaboration among a professor and research assistants in which her self analysis and interpretations are triangulated with their analysis and interpretations. Although elements of both are present in the chapter, the specific focus is on the evolution of the research team that was an unanticipated result of a professor’s original self-study and the larger, ongoing research project of which it was a part. For us, self-study has begun to incorporate our reflections on our selves as part of a research team. This work was supported, in part, by the United States Department of Education (Grant No.P336990042-00A). The government has certain rights in this material. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Education.
Carbon dioxide transfer in biochemical reactors

Carbon dioxide is a major product of the oxidation of carbohydrates during cell metabolism. In essence, the oxidation of substrates, such as carbohydrates to CO2 and H2O, is the basis for aerobic forms of life. As such, carbon dioxide is a key component in life processes.
HUMORAL FACTORS IN MOLLUSCAN PARASITE IMMUNITY

ABSTRACT While internal defenses of molluscs are predominantly cell-mediated, it is evident that humoral factors with quasi-immune functions are important; agglutinins with opsonic activity, lysosomal proteases, protease inhibitor activity and lysins are examples. Cell-mediated killing of parasites by snail hemocytes has been shown to be influenced by the nature of the snail plasma source. In order to investigate functional roles for individual humoral factors in molluscan immunology, the Biomphalarla glabrata-Schistosoma mansoni host-parasite model was selected. Using multivalent antisera against snail ( B. glabrata ) plasma antigens (PAs), a crossed immunoelectrophoretic methodology has been developed which reveals with great sensitivity the relative concentration of 22 PAs. Resistant and susceptible snail strains differ in their PAs. Furthermore, exposure of snails to infective miracidial larvae of S. mansoni is associated with changes in the titers of specific PAs. The functional significance of these molecules are the subjects of continuing research.
Bleeding, Blood Transfusion, and Increased Mortality After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Implications for Contemporary Practice

Advances in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) during the past decade have led to more widespread use of these procedures in older and sicker patients. Refinement of periprocedural antithrombotic therapy has played a particularly important role in reducing ischemic complications to very low levels in routine practice. Although the use of more powerful antiplatelet agents has been associated with increased risk of bleeding (especially among the elderly and patients with serious comorbidities), such complications have traditionally been viewed as benign in nature. Recent studies, however, have identified major bleeding after PCI as an important predictor of increased mortality. Whether this relationship between bleeding and risk of death is cause-and-effect, or merely an association based on shared risk factors, remains unclear. In this review, we examine the basis for a possible causal link between post-PCI bleeding and subsequent mortality. Possible mechanisms underpinning such a link are discussed, including a potential adverse role for blood transfusion in this setting. A framework for further clinical evaluation of this issue is presented.
Comparative Genomics of Wolbachia–Cardinium Dual Endosymbiosis in a Plant-Parasitic Nematode

Wolbachia and Cardinium are among the most important and widespread of all endosymbionts, occurring in nematodes and more than half of insect and arachnid species, sometimes as coinfections. These symbionts are of significant interest as potential biocontrol agents due to their abilities to cause major effects on host biology and reproduction through cytoplasmic incompatibility, sex ratio distortion, or obligate mutualism. The ecological and metabolic effects of coinfections are not well understood. This study examined a Wolbachia-Cardinium coinfection in the plant-parasitic nematode, Pratylenchus penetrans, producing the first detailed study of such a coinfection using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), PCR, and comparative genomic analysis. Results from FISH and single-nematode PCR showed 123/127 individuals in a focal population carried Cardinium (denoted strain cPpe), and 48% were coinfected with Wolbachia strain wPpe. Both endosymbionts showed dispersed tissue distribution with highest densities in the anterior intestinal walls and gonads. Phylogenomic analyses confirmed an early place of cPpe and long distance from a sister strain in another plant-parasitic nematode, Heterodera glycines, supporting a long history of both Cardinium and Wolbachia in plant-parasitic nematodes. The genome of cPpe was 1.36 Mbp with 35.8% GC content, 1,131 predicted genes, 41% having no known function, and missing biotin and lipoate synthetic capacity and a plasmid present in other strains, despite having a slightly larger genome compared to other sequenced Cardinium. The larger genome revealed expansions of gene families likely involved in host-cellular interactions. More than 2% of the genes of cPpe and wPpe were identified as candidate horizontally transferred genes, with some of these from eukaryotes, including nematodes. A model of the possible Wolbachia-Cardinium interaction is proposed with possible complementation in function for pathways such as methionine and fatty acid biosynthesis and biotin transport.
Renal disease and the parturient on dialysis

Historically, pregnancy in women on dialysis was rare and carried significant risks to mother and fetus. Despite this, pregnancy in these patients has become more common and presents specific challenges, especially with anticipation of worsening kidney function with pregnancy. Optimal management includes more frequent dialysis sessions and planned delivery at around 37 weeks’ gestation.
The global stocktake: design lessons for a new review and ambition mechanism in the international climate regime

The pledge-and-review architecture of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change has been praised as a new model of global environmental governance. Instead of internationally agreed-upon emission reduction targets, the agreement relies on countries’ repeated, voluntary pledges and actions. A key mechanism for monitoring progress toward shared global goals, putting pressure on countries to live up to their promises, and increasing ambition over time is the global stocktake. The stocktake’s twin-purposes to act simultaneously as a review and ambition mechanism render it a global governance innovation. Absent a clear institutional precedent, the global stocktake presents a design challenge for the climate negotiation community. This paper develops a number of lessons for designing the stocktaking process based on a review of relevant scholarship and an analysis of the 2013–2015 Periodic Review as a limited precedent within the climate regime. While we cannot predict what will make the stocktake successful, these design principles could increase the chances for its effectiveness. These lessons offer potential guidance for decision-makers with implications for the future effectiveness of the Paris Agreement.
Automated three-dimensional measurements of version, inclination, and subluxation.

BackgroundPreoperative planning software has been developed to measure glenoid version, glenoid inclination, and humeral head subluxation on computed tomography (CT) for shoulder arthroplasty. Howe...
Hamiltonicity of 2-connected quasi-claw-free graphs

A graph G is called quasi-claw-free if it satisfies the property: d(x,y)=2 ⇒ there exists u∈N(x)∩N(y) such that N[u]⊆N[x]∪N[y]. Let G be a 2-connected quasi-claw-free graph of order n. If δ(G)⩾n/4, then G is hamiltonian or G∈F, where F is a family of nonhamiltonian graphs of connectivity 2.
Cervical Rib Resection

The first published description of a cervical rib can be found in the texts of Greek anatomist Galen from the second century A.D. Since then, numerous studies have linked the presence of a cervical rib to the neurovascular symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). The purpose of this chapter is to describe the preoperative planning, intraoperative patient positioning, and surgical techniques and complications associated with scalenectomy and first rib and cervical rib resection for TOS from both the supraclavicular approach and the trans-axillary approach.
The Effects of Using Facebook As a Discussion Forum in an Online Principles of Economics Course: Results of a Randomized Trial

This paper makes a comparison between the use of social media and traditional Course Management System (CMS) discussion groups in fully online Microeconomic Principles courses. Students within the same sections of the classes were randomly assigned to a discussion forum in either Facebook or in the CMS (Blackboard) to discern a difference in the level of engagement (as measured by frequency and length of posts as well as rated post content) and learning outcomes (measured by overall course average). The popular hypothesis is that students using social media (Facebook discussion group here) have greater engagement with the class and higher learning outcomes relative to students not using that platform for coursework (the CMS control group here) because of the ease of use and student familiarity with social media, which allows them to make more connections and gain a deeper understanding of the course material through discussions with others. The results of this study suggest that membership in the treatment group (Facebook) is associated with declining student engagement and a reduction in the semester course average of 3 to 4 points on a 100-point scale.
Temporal and tissue-specific activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor in discrete mouse models of kidney disease

Emerging evidence in animal models of chronic kidney disease (CKD) implicates Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR) signaling as a mediator of uremic toxicity. However, details about its tissue-specific and time-dependent activation in response to various renal pathologies remain poorly defined. Here, a comprehensive analysis of AHR induction was conducted in response to discrete models of kidney diseases using a transgenic mouse line expressing the AHR responsive-promoter tethered to a β-galactosidase reporter gene. Following validation using a canonical AHR ligand (a dioxin derivative), the transgenic mice were subjected to adenine-induced and ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury models representing CKD and acute kidney injury (AKI), respectively, in humans. Indoxyl sulfate was artificially increased in mice through the drinking water and by inhibiting its excretion into the urine. Adenine-fed mice showed a distinct and significant increase in β-galactosidase in the proximal and distal renal tubules, cardiac myocytes, hepatocytes, and microvasculature in the cerebral cortex. The pattern of β-galactosidase increase coincided with the changes in serum indoxyl sulfate levels. Machine-learning–based image quantification revealed positive correlations between indoxyl sulfate levels and β-galactosidase expression in various tissues. This pattern of β-galactosidase expression was recapitulated in the indoxyl sulfate–specific model. The ischemia/reperfusion injury model showed increase in β-galactosidase in renal tubules that persisted despite reduction in serum indoxyl sulfate and blood urea nitrogen levels. Thus, our results demonstrate a relationship between AHR activation in various tissues of mice with CKD or AKI and the levels of indoxyl sulfate. This study demonstrates the use of a reporter gene mouse to probe tissue-specific manifestations of uremia in translationally relevant animal models and provide hypothesis-generating insights into the mechanism of uremic toxicity that warrant further investigation.
Hydrothermal reactivity of neutron absorber composites

Abstract The stability of neutron absorber composite materials at hydrothermal conditions was tested in a series of two-week experiments to mimic spent nuclear fuel disposal. Coupons, composed of boron carbide (B4C) sintered with and encased in aluminum, were increasingly altered in experiments at 150, 230, and 300 °C and pressures of 150 bar. Alteration of aluminum to boehmite (γ-AlO(OH)) and hydrogen gas generation occurred over the range of investigated temperatures, but is most significant at 300 °C. The formation of boron-bearing mineral phases was not detected; however, aqueous boron was present in the reaction fluids.
Strategies for Implementing In-Class, Active, Programming Assessments: A Multi-Level Model

As the enrollment in computer science courses increases, faculty face the challenge of maintaining a standard of academic integrity in out of class programming assignments. One strategy to combat academic misconduct, is to incorporate more frequent in-class assessment. Traditional in-class assessment is often perceived as passive and taking away from valuable class time. Also, more in-class assessment could mean increasing the amount of test anxiety. Therefore, this paper presents results from a study that investigated the effectiveness of active, in-class programming assessment. The study was conducted in an introductory programming course with 93 undergraduate students at a mid-size, public university in the western United States. Three different assessment types were tested: collaborative, cooperative, and individual type assessments. A collaborative assessment is equivalent to pair programming. Cooperative assessments are partner quizzes where students must write their own code and are assessed individually, but may collaborative as much or as little as they like with their partner. Student performance was measured under multiple conditions including type of assessment and partner's active learning preference and factors like GPA, time in the semester, and section were controlled for. The results show that students perform better on both collaborative and cooperative type assessment than they do on individual type assessments. Also, the results show that students perform similarly on collaborative and cooperative assessments, which provides a nice alternative to pair programming for educators. Lastly, results show that most students prefer collaborative assessments over cooperative or individual. The majority of students prefer partner assessment to individual assessment.
ACOUSTIC: accelerating convolutional neural networks through or-unipolar skipped stochastic computing

As privacy and latency requirements force a move towards edge Machine Learning inference, resource constrained devices are struggling to cope with large and computationally complex models. For Convolutional Neural Networks, those limitations can be overcome by taking advantage of enormous data reuse opportunities and amenability to reduced precision. To do that however, a level of compute density unattainable for conventional binary arithmetic is required. Stochastic Computing can deliver such density, but it has not lived up to its full potential because of multiple underlying precision issues. We present ACOUSTIC: Accelerating Convolutions through Or-Unipolar Skipped sTochastIc Computing, an accelerator framework that enables fully stochastic, high-density CNN inference. Leveraging split-unipolar representation, OR-based accumulation and novel computation-skipping approach, ACOUSTIC delivers server-class parallelism within a mobile area and power budget - a 12mm2 accelerator can be as much as 38.7x more energy efficient and 72.5x faster than conventional fixed-point accelerators. It can also be up to 79.6x more energy efficient than state-of-the-art stochastic accelerators. At the lower-end ACOUSTIC achieves 8x-120X inference throughput improvement with similar energy and area when compared to recent mixed-signal/neuromorphic accelerators.
Non-staged bilateral Globus Pallidus Internus deep brain stimulation lead revision using intraoperative MRI: a case report and literature review.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) lead revision due to suboptimal therapy is common but there is no standardised protocol. We describe a novel technique using iMRI to perform concurrent new Globus Palli...
Epilepsy: Clinical Applications of Diffusion Tensor Imaging

Diffusion MRI has many potential advantages over conventional anatomic imaging for detecting and characterizing both acute seizures and epilepsy. This chapter reviews how diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and tractography have provided many novel insights into epilepsy-induced changes to the functional and structural organization of the hippocampus, cortex, and underlying white matter for patients with various epilepsy disorders. In temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients, DTI has demonstrated that (1) there are extensive, often bilateral white matter and extrahippocampal changes; (2) significant white matter structural differences between right and left temporal lobe epilepsy; (3) seizure propagation and white matter reorganization may be more widespread when seizures are generated in the dominant cerebral hemisphere due to greater pre-existing connectivity; and (4) the extent of white matter and hippocampal diffusion changes can correlate with the duration or age of onset of seizures, supporting the hypothesis that seizures may damage the brain in a dose-dependent fashion. Furthermore, white matter assessment in TLE patients prior to surgical resection can predict visual field defects based on the extent of resection and also provide objective surrogate markers for language lateralization, verbal, and memory function. In malformations of cortical development or tuberous sclerosis, DTI also demonstrates clinically relevant abnormalities of structural organization both in focal lesions and in nearby or remote normal-appearing white matter. At present, DTI is rapidly expanding our knowledge of functional and structural changes associated with various seizure disorders and is likely to have a growing positive impact on the clinical management of epilepsy patients. Several potential future directions for research are discussed.
Atrial Dysfunction in Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction and Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract Background Paroxysmal and permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) are common in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Objectives This study sought to determine the implications of left atrial (LA) myopathy and dysrhythmia across the spectrum of AF burden in HFpEF. Methods Consecutive patients with HFpEF (n = 285) and control subjects (n = 146) underwent invasive exercise testing and echocardiographic assessment of cardiac structure, function, and pericardial restraint. Results Patients with HFpEF were categorized into stages of AF progression: 181 (65%) had no history of AF, 49 (18%) had paroxysmal AF, and 48 (17%) had permanent AF. Patients with permanent AF were more congested with greater pulmonary vascular disease and lower cardiac output. LA volumes increased, while LA compliance, LA reservoir strain, and right ventricular function decreased with increasing AF burden. The presence of permanent AF was characterized by a distinct pathophysiology, with greater total heart volume caused by atrial dilatation, leading to elevated filling pressures through heightened pericardial restraint. Survival decreased with increasing AF burden. Ten-year progression to permanent AF was common, particularly in paroxysmal AF (52%), and the likelihood of AF progression increased with higher AF stage, poorer LA compliance, and lower LA strain. Conclusions LA compliance and mechanics progressively decline with increasing AF burden in HFpEF, increasing risk for new onset AF and progressive AF. These changes promote development of a unique phenotype of HFpEF characterized by heightened ventricular interaction, right heart failure, and worsening pulmonary vascular disease. Further study is required to identify therapeutic interventions targeting LA myopathy to improve outcomes in HFpEF.
D-Transposition of the Great Arteries: Management, Complications, and Basic Imaging Findings

Abstract Transposition of the great arteries (TGAs) is a condition with ventriculo-arterial discordance where the aorta arises from the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery from the left ventricle. Broadly speaking, two forms exist: (1) a dextro type (referred as D-TGA) and (2) a levo type (referred to as L-TGA). Traditionally, diagnosis is made by echocardiography. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), cardiac computed tomography (CCT), and heart catheterization and angiography are supplemental tools in further characterization of the anatomy. The frequency of routine imaging testing, including echocardiography, CMR, and CCT, depends on severity of heart failure, cyanosis, valvular disease, arrhythmia, pulmonary hypertension, and end-organ damage. The aim of this review is to explore important imaging findings for different types of D-TGA: (1) uncorrected D-TGA, (2) D-TGA after the Mustard/Senning atrial switch surgery; (3) D-TGA after the arterial switch operation; and (4) D-TGA after the Rastelli repair.
Medical Malpractice and Trigeminal Neuralgia: An Analysis of 49 Cases

Purpose Our study fills the vacancy of litigation research related to trigeminal neuralgia management, giving health care providers the information needed to understand the potential litigious outcomes that follow treatment methods. Methods We queried the Westlaw database to identify litigation cases related to trigeminal neuralgia management. Key variables extracted included medical complaints, trial outcomes, and demographics. Continuous variables were compared between cases in favor of defendant and cases in favor of plaintiff using t-test or Wilcoxon rank sum test. Categorial variables were compared using χ2 or Fisher exact test. Results About 49 cases met the inclusion criteria—for those cases surgical complications (42.9%) were cited as the most common reasons for malpractice claims. Cranial nerve deficits (34.7%) were the most frequent postoperative complaints. Verdicts ruled in favor of the plaintiff in 26.5% of cases with a mean payout of $1,982,428.46. Dentists were included in the most cases, 63.3%, and the average payout was $415,908, whereas neurosurgeons were involved in 20.4% of cases with an average payout of $618,775. Cases with verdicts in favor of the plaintiff were more likely to be older than cases with verdicts in favor of the defendant (P = .03). Conclusions Over one-half of cases resulted in verdicts in favor of the defendant with surgical complications cited as the most common reason for litigation. Dentistry was the most common individual clinical specialty for defendants, whereas neurosurgery contributed to the largest average payout based on specialty (for n > 1). Cranial nerve deficits were the most common plaintiff postoperative complaints. These analyses may help doctor teams involved in management of trigeminal neuralgia to have a more informed discussion with the patient at every visit so that such litigations may be avoided.
What’s Wrong and What’s Right With Microfinance: Missing an Angle on Responsible Finance?

Microfinance as the best way of tackling poverty is under attack. It has been accused of failing to help the poor, of treating its clients badly, of charging high interest rates and of encouraging poor people to take on excessive debt burdens. The authors examine these issues, and find that microfinance institutions (MFIs) can have significant positive impacts, including democratisation of banking services, provision of secure savings facilities for poor people, and social benefits, particularly for women. The paper looks at the way forward for microfinance, suggesting some changes that need to be implemented by MFIs, banking authorities and governments.
Comparison of the photocatalytic efficacy and environmental impact of CdS, ZnFe2O4, and NiFe2O4 under visible light irradiation

Three photocatalysts (CdS, ZnFe2O4, and NiFe2O4) were synthesized and their ability to photodegrade methylene blue (MB) was evaluated. MB was degraded by both spinel photocatalysts under visible light at room temperature, although their efficacy was less than that for CdS. The photocatalytic efficacies of NiFe2O4 were observed to be much greater than that for ZnFe2O4. All the synthesized nanoparticles absorbed visible light, while CdS had a larger absorption range within the visible light spectra and the most porous surface. Photo-deactivation was observed during the study, which could be due to the chemical adsorption of the degraded products on the catalyst surface. The factors that affected MB removal efficacy include the absorption range of photocatalysts, initial MB concentrations, amount of photocatalysts added, and photoreactor conditions. Life cycle analysis was used to compare the preparation methods of the photocatalysts in terms of energy consumption and environmental impact. The results showed that the hydrothermal method for NiFe2O4 preparation was less energy-intensive than the sol-gel method for CdS and ZnFe2O4 as the hydrothermal method is effective over a wider range of temperatures in aqueous media. Also, as ZnFe2O4, and NiFe2O4 have lower environmental impacts than CdS both show promise as photocatalysts.
Interventional Cardiovascular MRI

Cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the Western world and the incidence is projected to increase in the future (1). Traditionally, X-ray techniques have been the mainstay in terms of imaging modality for diagnostic and therapeutic cardiovascular procedures. However, there are inherent limitations to this technology including inability to perform three-dimensional imaging, poor soft tissue contrast, and exposure to ionizing radiation and nephrotoxic contrast, agents, which has prompted the exploration for new image-guided modalities. These techniques include ultrasound (transesophageal, intracardiac, and intravascular), laser spectroscopy, computed tomography (CT), optical coherence tomography (OCT), angioscopy, and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Of these, in recent years, ultrasound-based techniques have played an important role in diagnostic imaging as well as guiding both cardiac and vascular interventions (2). However, ultrasound is limited by low spatial resolution, inability to easily prescribe multiple imaging planes, and inability to provide detailed functional information related to the physiologic response of catheter or pharmacologic intervention.
Dependence of diffusive permeation rates on upstream and downstream pressures : III. Membrane selectivity and implications for separation processes

Abstract In previous papers we have shown that a semi-empirical thermodynamic-diffusive model appears to duplicate the behavior of the hexane/heptane/polyethylene system with regard to the effect of upstream and downstream pressure on rate and separation. In the present paper, we generalize this model, and discuss its implications for the use of membranes in separation processes. In particular, we show that increasing the downstream pressure can either increase or decrease the concentration of the more volatile component in the permeate depending upon the membrane selectivity. In addition, it is suggested that for systems in which pervaporation is superior to partial vaporization, including azeotropic mixtures, the best separations will be achieved with high vacuum downstream. Finally, the processes of reverse osmosis and pervaporation are compared.
Particulate β-glucan induces TNF-α production in wound macrophages via a redox-sensitive NF-κβ-dependent pathway

Glucans are known to promote wound repair. Noncellulosic β-glucans are recognized as potent immunological activators. β-Glucans are generally safe and are known to attenuate the rate of postoperative infection. Glyc101 is a particulate β-glucan isolated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In this study, the hypothesis that Glyc101 regulates wound macrophage function was tested. Glyc101 induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α transcription in macrophages isolated from murine wound site. Multiplex assay identified interleukin (IL)-10 and TNFα as two cytokines that are induced by Glyc101 in human blood monocyte-derived macrophages. Glyc101-induced TNFα production was observed to be mediated via the TLR-2 and dectin-1 receptors, receptor tyrosine kinases and NFκB activation. In murine wound macrophages, Glyc101 potentiated phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced respiratory burst. In vivo, implantation of Glyc101-enriched polyvinyl alcohol-sponges at the wound-site induced TNFα expression in macrophages. Consistently, Glyc101 induced TNFα expression in wound-site macrophages isolated from two patients with chronic wounds. These observations establish the translational significance of the net findings of this study. Activation of wound macrophages by Glyc101 represents one of the potential mechanisms by which this β-glucan may benefit chronic wounds where inefficient inflammatory response is one of the underlying causes of impaired healing.
Analytical Inverse Methods for Aerosol Retrieval

The lively interest in studies of atmospheric aerosol has quickened in the past years, resulting in the development of many methods and devices. Our intent is not to describe all of them shortly, but providing a clear and concise account of existing methods, highlight their advantages and drawbacks, outline the prospects for their development, and indicate literature where the reader can find details.
An agent-based vulnerability assessment system intended for tactical digitized networks

(U) Preliminary results, progress to date, and plans to develop CyberSleuth for tactical digitized communications and information networks are reported in this paper. CyberSleuth is a conceptual prototype of an autonomously adaptive agent-based vulnerability assessment system, developed by the USA Army Research Laboratory and its partners, capable of providing continuous protection of resource-constrained tactical-network computing equipment using genetic algorithms, dynamic object mechanisms, and agent technologies. The system has been successfully demonstrated on nonmilitary networks consisting of heterogeneous hardware platforms running disparate operating systems. Technical features of CyberSleuth and procedural issues for its eventual deployment in a tactical network are described and discussed in this paper with special emphasis on its mobility, functionality and integrity.