cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oxidation and Volatilization of Silica-Formers in Water Vapor

At high temperatures SiC and Si3N4 react with water vapor to form a silica scale. Silica scales also react with water vapor to form a volatile Si(OH)4 species. These simultaneous reactions, one forming silica and the other removing silica, are described by paralinear kinetics. A steady state, in which these reactions occur at the same rate, is eventually achieved, After steady state is achieved, the oxide found on the surface is a constant thickness and recession of the underlying material occurs at a linear rate. The steady state oxide thickness, the time to achieve steady state, and the steady state recession rate can all be described in terms of the rate constants for the oxidation and volatilization reactions. In addition, the oxide thickness, the time to achieve steady state, and the recession rate can also be determined from parameters that describe a water vapor-containing environment. Accordingly, maps have been developed to show these steady state conditions as a function of reaction rate constants, pressure, and gas velocity. These maps can be used to predict the behavior of silica formers in water-vapor containing environments such as combustion environments. Finally, these maps are used to explore the limits of the paralinear oxidation model for SiC and Si3N4
The visible radio: process visualization of a software-defined radio

In this case study, a data-oriented approach is used to visualize a complex digital signal processing pipeline. The pipeline implements a frequency modulated (FM) software-defined radio (SDR). SDR is an emerging technology where portions of the radio hardware, such as filtering and modulation, are replaced by software components. We discuss how an SDR implementation is instrumented to illustrate the processes involved in FM transmission and reception. By using audio-encoded images, we illustrate the processes involved in radio, such as how filters are used to reduce noise, the nature of a carrier wave, and how frequency modulation acts on a signal. The visualization approach used in this work is very effective in demonstrating advanced topics in digital signal processing and is a useful tool for experimenting with the software radio design.
An immunocytochemical study of the routes of secretion of collagen and phosphophoryn from odontoblasts into dentin.

Polyclonal antibodies to rat incisor phosphophoryns and to the amino-telopeptide of the α (I)-chain of type I collagen were used to follow the pathways of movement of collagen 1 (COL 1) and phosphophoryns (PP) from synthesis in the odontoblast to secretion into the mineralized dentin. The antibodies were detected at the transmission electron microscopic level by their reaction with Protein A-colloidal gold conjugates. Special care was given in specimen preparation to retention of maximal antigenicity during fixation while maintaining cellular and extracellular ultrastructure at the mineralization front (MF) in nondemineralized sections. Intracellularly, COL1 and PP were detected within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), the Golgi (G) and secretory granules (SO). However, as determined by double-immunolabeling with different size gold particles the COL1 and PP were not found together within the same ER, G or SG compartments. PP was localized within the tubular ER, round-shaped transitional vesicles, the Golgi...
Reading Disabilities Can We Blame the Written Language

One factor in learning to read is the nature of the script that is used. In order to understand the particular nature of the English alphabetic script and the specific problems that might arise from it, the author asks the following questions: Is it any easier to learn to read through an ideographic, syllabic, or alphabetic writing system? Is there less incidence of reading failure with some “ideal” orthography? Has any particular written language shown itself to be less difficult for beginning reading instruction, especially for particular reading and learning disabled children? The linguistic nature of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean are examined in relation to differences in information processing and cultural factors related to reading disability.
On the efficient solution of the relativistic APW secular equation for both eigenvalues and eigenvectors

From international symposium on atomic, molecular, solidstate theory, and quantum statistics: Sanibel Island, Florida, USA (20 Jan 1974). The special problems introduced into the solution of the secular equation by the inclusion of relativistic effects are discussed. A method based on the use of linear combination of RAPW's is then described for solving the secular equation. This method greatly reduces the computer time and core space required to solve the secular problem and is particularly advantageous in large systems. (auth)
Real-time Depth of Field Rendering via Dynamic Light Field Generation and Filtering

We present a new algorithm for efficient rendering of high-quality depth-of-field (DoF) effects. We start with a single rasterized view (reference view) of the scene, and sample the light field by warping the reference view to nearby views. We implement the algorithm using NVIDIA's CUDA to achieve parallel processing, and exploit the atomic operations to resolve visibility when multiple pixels warp to the same image location. We then directly synthesize DoF effects from the sampled light field. To reduce aliasing artifacts, we propose an image-space filtering technique that compensates for spatial undersampling using MIP mapping. The main advantages of our algorithm are its simplicity and generality. We demonstrate interactive rendering of DoF effects in several complex scenes. Compared to existing methods, ours does not require ray tracing and hence scales well with scene complexity.
Systematic mapping of the state dependence of voltage- and Ca2+-dependent inactivation using simple open-channel measurements.

The state from which channel inactivation occurs is both biologically and mechanistically critical. For example, preferential closed-state inactivation is potentiated in certain Ca2+ channel splice variants, yielding an enhancement of inactivation during action potential trains, which has important consequences for short-term synaptic plasticity. Mechanistically, the structural substrates of inactivation are now being resolved, yielding a growing library of molecular snapshots, ripe for functional interpretation. For these reasons, there is an increasing need for experimentally direct and systematic means of determining the states from which inactivation proceeds. Although many approaches have been devised, most rely upon numerical models that require detailed knowledge of channel-state topology and gating parameters. Moreover, prior strategies have only addressed voltage-dependent forms of inactivation (VDI), and have not been readily applicable to Ca2+-dependent inactivation (CDI), a vital form of regulation in numerous contexts. Here, we devise a simple yet systematic approach, applicable to both VDI and CDI, for semiquantitative mapping of the states from which inactivation occurs, based only on open-channel measurements. The method is relatively insensitive to the specifics of channel gating and does not require detailed knowledge of state topology or gating parameters. Rather than numerical models, we derive analytic equations that permit determination of the states from which inactivation occurs, based on direct manipulation of data. We apply this methodology to both VDI and CDI of CaV1.3 Ca2+ channels. VDI is found to proceed almost exclusively from the open state. CDI proceeds equally from the open and nearby closed states, but is disfavored from deep closed states distant from the open conformation. In all, these outcomes substantiate and enrich conclusions of our companion paper in this issue (Tadross et al. 2010. J. Gen. Physiol. doi:10.1085/jgp.200910308) that deduces endpoint mechanisms of VDI and CDI in CaV1.3. More broadly, the methods introduced herein can be readily generalized for the analysis of other channel types.
Interfacing cores with on-chip packet-switched networks

With the emergence of the packet-switched networks as a possible system-on-chip (SoC) communication paradigm, the design of network-on-chips (NoC) has provided a challenge to the designers. Meeting latency requirements of communication among various cores is one of the crucial objectives for system designers. The core interface to the networking logic and the communication network are the key contributors to latency. With the goal of reducing this latency we examine the packetization strategies in the NoC communication. In this paper, three schemes of implementations are analyzed, and the costs in terms of latency, and area are projected through actual synthesis.
Testing the Delayed Gamma Capability in MCNP6

The mission of the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office is to quickly and reliably detect unauthorized attempts to import or transport special nuclear material for use against the United States. Devel...
A DNA vaccine targeting Flk1 and PDGFRβ prevents colon carcinoma growth

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 46, 2005 6176 Over the past several years, it has become evident that angiogenesis plays a central role in tumor progression. One treatment approach which attempts to block tumor growth through the disruption of the anigogenic process, is the use of DNA vaccines encoding proteins that are over-expressed during angiogenesis. Two such proteins are vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (Flk1) and platelet derived growth factor receptorβ (PDGFRβ). To assess the efficacy of inhibiting tumor growth by targeting cells expressing these proteins, BALB/c mice were immunized orally with attenuated salmonella thyphimurium carrying plasmid DNA encoding for empty vector, Flk1, PDGFRβ, or both Flk1 and PDGFRβ followed by i.v. tumor challenge with the colon carcinoma cell line CT26. Following challenge, disease severity was significantly reduced in all treatment groups except empty vector vaccinated control mice. Mice immunized with the PDGFRβ vaccine demonstrated a small, but statistically significant decrease in lung weight in comparison to controls, whereas both the Flk1 and the Flk1 plus PDGFRβ combination vaccination groups revealed a marked decrease in lung weight compared to controls. When mice were immunized with either the PDGFRβ or Flk1 vaccine alone, they displayed a significant decrease in the number of lung metastases in comparison to controls, whereas mice receiving a Flk1 plus PDGFRβ combination vaccine showed a more pronounced decrease in the number of lung metastases compared to all other treatment groups. Although PDGFRβ or Flk1 vaccinated groups demonstrated a decrease in overall metastasis score in comparison to controls, a vaccine including both Flk1 and PDGFRβ also proved superior in decreasing the metastasis score in comparison to all other treatment groups, suggesting that a combined Flk1 plus PDGFRβ vaccine regimen was more effective than a single vaccine application. To explain the protective effect of our DNA vaccines, we performed a CTL assay using splenocytes harvested from vaccinated/challenged animals and Hevc endothelial target cells (Hevc-Flk1), which endogenously expressed PDFGRβ and were stabley transfected with Flk1. Upon co-culture of the effector splenocytes with the Hevc-Flk1 target cells, we found that mice immunized with the Flk1 plus PDGFRβ combination vaccine induced the greatest cytolysis against Hevc-Flk1 target cells followed by mice immunized with either the Flk1 or PDGFRβ vaccine. Together, these results suggest that the use of a combined Flk1 plus PDGFRβ vaccine provides for superior protection from tumor progression than by immunizing mice against either target alone. These results further suggest a direct correlation between the level of the CTL response and level of protection conferred by the vaccine.
The multicomponent lineshape of the anharmonic A1(TO) phonon in PbTiO3

Abstract Detailed Raman studies of the optical phonons in single-crystal PbTiO3 indicate that the frequencies and symmetry assignments in the literature must be revised. In this study, all optical phonon modes are directly observed and are shown to rigorously obey Raman selection rules. The angular dependence of the phonon frequencies indicates that the energy of the lowest frequency A1(TO) mode, which exhibits an anomalous anharmonisity-induced lineshape, is higher than the energy of the lowest frequency E(LO) mode at 300°K.
Development and Evaluation of an Ammonia Bi-Directional Flux Model for Air Quality Models

Ammonia is an important contributor to particulate matter in the atmosphere and can significantly impact terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Surface exchange between the atmosphere and biosphere is a key part of the ammonia cycle. Agriculture, in particular, is a large source of ammonia emitted to the atmosphere, mostly from animal operations and fertilized crops, while dry and wet deposition are the primary sinks of atmospheric ammonia. Although, current air quality models consider all of these source and sink processes, algorithms for emissions from fertilized crops and dry deposition are too simplistic to provide accurate accounting of the net surface fluxes. New modeling techniques are being developed that replace current ammonia emission from fertilized crops and ammonia dry deposition with a bi-directional surface flux model. Comparisons of the ammonia bi-direction flux algorithm to field experiments involving both lightly fertilized soybeans and heavily fertilized corn are presented and discussed. Initial tests and evaluation of CMAQ modeling results for a full year (2002) at 12 km grid resolution including implementation of a soil nitrification model and the ammonia bi-directional flux algorithm result in improved NHxwet deposition.
Delivering a decision support intervention about PSA screening to patients outside of clinical encounters is ineffective in promoting informed decision-making

Commentary on : Lewis CL, Adams J, Tai-Seale M, et al. A Randomized Controlled Effectiveness Trial for PSA Screening Decision Support Interventions in Two Primary Care Settings. J Gen Intern Med 2015;30:810–16.[OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3] Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening is a commonly utilised but controversial intervention of uncertain clinical value. Major professional organisations have therefore recommended that patients be fully informed about the pros, cons, and uncertainties of PSA screening, and enabled to decide based on their own values—a process known as informed decision-making (IDM).1 The US Preventive Services Task Force and other influential groups have further highlighted the need for shared decision-making (SDM)—the collaborative engagement of clinicians in this process.2 Nevertheless, IDM and SDM have not been the norm in clinical practice. Well-known barriers to IDM and SDM include limited clinical time and resources for these efforts. Patient decision … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DJ%2BGen%2BIntern%2BMed%26rft.volume%253D30%26rft.spage%253D810%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1007%252Fs11606-015-3214-9%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F25666221%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1007/s11606-015-3214-9&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=25666221&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febmed%2F20%2F4%2F139.atom
An Experimental Test of the Hamilton-Orians Hypothesis for the Origin of Avian Brood Parasitism

Hamilton and Orians (1965) hypothesized that obligate interspecific brood parasitism might evolve when nest destruction during laying leads birds to lay subsequent eggs in their clutches in conspecific nests. It is unknown whether facultative parasitism after nest destruction is common in birds, but it is a reasonable expectation since many nesting species, especially colonial ones, commonly practice intraspecific parasitism. Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) nests were removed after females laid their first eggs and other nests in the same colonies were monitored to determine whether the affected females laid subsequent eggs parasitically. No parasitic eggs appeared in other nests and, in some cases, fresh eggs were found the next day at the sites of the removed nests. Thus the initial response in the Hamilton-Orians hypothesis is uncommon or absent in Red-winged Blackbirds. A literature review and new data indicate that Red-winged Blackbirds lack defenses likely to forestall brood parasitism so the failure to elicit parasitism experimentally and its rarity or absence in nonmanipulative studies of this species is enigmatic
Full validation and accreditation of a method to support human biomonitoring studies for trace and ultra-trace elements

Abstract This work describes the full validation of a method, in a context of quality assurance (QA), for human biomonitoring (HBM) of known and emerging trace and ultra-trace elements by high-resolution-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS) in human urine, serum and blood. The validation procedure included distinct operational steps: i) definition of the fitness-for-purpose; ii) demonstration of method performances and systematic quality control (QC) measures (including the use of control charts); iii) evidence of compliance in proficiency testing (PT) exercises and accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025. The method can be applied to monitoring single elements or mixture of elements in a broad category of human samples and in populations differently exposed, as a tool for public surveillances, hot spot programs and health risk assessments. Hopefully, the protocol can be used as a guidance towards a greater harmonization of HBM procedures and comparability of HBM results on a European-wide level.
A DETAILED UNCERTAINTY ASSESSMENT OF METHODS USED TO DETERMINE TURBINE EFFICIENCY

The efficiency of a turbine may be calculated from measured test variables by several different methods. Two methods commonly used for cold air flow testing of turbines, the thermodynamic and the mechanical methods, were evaluated both experimentally and using uncertainty analysis techniques. Enhanced uncertainty analysis tools were developed for the evaluation of efficiency uncertainty in the next-generation, compact, high turning angle turbine designs in which the flow contains significant high gradient regions. The efficiency uncertainty equations were written in a new form to properly account for conceptual bias and correlated bias terms. The results showed that using the form of the equations developed in this work was essential to obtaining the correct uncertainty estimates. Two major conclusions from this work concerning conceptual bias and correlated bias terms are applicable to many test situations—they are not limited to turbine testing.
Relation of Hemotoxin Production to Metabolic Activities of Staphylococci.

The question is unsettled as to whether certain so-called toxic properties of microorganisms, among which is their ability to produce hemotoxin, are associated with any demonstrable fundamental physical and chemical activities of the organisms. The following experimental survey of certain metabolic activities of staphylococci was undertaken with the purpose of determining whether there exists any association between these activities and the hemotoxic properties of the organisms. Activities representative of a number of fundamental types of metabolism have been studied, namely, oxidation-reduction (reducing power), proteolytic, lipolytic and carbohydrate utilizing properties. Tests used in the measurement of the various activities were:
Prediction of resonant response of blades having 3D nonlinear shroud constraint using multi-harmonic balance method

A 3D shroud contact model is employed for the prediction of the resonant response of blades having 3D shroud constraint. In this study, the bladed system is assumed to be tuned and the assumed blade motion has three components, namely axial, tangential, and radial components. When subjected to cyclic excitation, the constrained force at the shroud contact is often a periodic function and can be considered as a feedback force that influences the response of the shrouded blade. Based on the 3D shroud contact model, an impedance model is developed to evaluate the resulting constrained force. By using the Multi-Harmonic Balance Method along with Fast Fourier Transform, the constrained force can be integrated with the receptance of the tuned blade system so as to calculate the forced response of the system. It results in a set of nonlinear algebraic equations that can be solved iteratively to yield the relative motion at the shroud contact and the associated constrained force. This study shows that due to the variation of contact normal load, both even and odd harmonic components of the constrained force exist. In addition, the internal resonance and the jump phenomenon can be accurately predicted by using the Multi-Harmonic Balance Method.
Analyzing the Impact of Solar Power on Multi-hourly Thermal Generator Ramping

Solar power generation, unlike conventional forms of electricity generation, has higher variability and uncertainty in its output, because solar plant output is strongly impacted by weather. As the penetration rate of solar capacity increases, grid operators are increasingly concerned about accommodating the increased variability and uncertainty that solar power provides. This paper illustrates the impacts of increasing solar power penetration on ramping of conventional electricity generators by simulating the operation of the Independent System Operator -- New England (ISO-NE) power system. A production cost model was used to simulate the power system under five different scenarios, one without solar power and four with increasing solar power penetrations up to 18%, in terms of annual energy. The impact of solar power is analyzed on six different temporal intervals, including hourly and multi-hourly (2- to 6-hour) ramping. The results show how the integration of solar power increases the 1- to 6-hour ramping events of the net load (electric load minus solar power). The study also analyzes the impact of solar power on the distribution of multi-hourly ramping events of fossil fueled generators, and shows increasing 1- to 6-hour ramping events for all different generators. Especially generators with higher ramp rates like gas and oil turbine and internal combustion engine generators increased their ramping events by 200% - 280%. For other generator types, including gas combined cycle generators, coal steam turbine generators, and gas and oil steam turbine generators, more and higher ramping events occurred as well for higher solar power penetration levels.
Should we use antidepressant medications for children and adolescents with depressive disorders

Most of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the acute treatment of children and adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD) have shown about 50 percent response to both tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and placebo. In contrast, a recent RCT found fluoxetine superior to placebo for the treatment of depressed youth. Cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy has also been found efficacious for the treatment of youth with depression. Therefore, the use of medications in particular TCAs, as the first line of treatment for youth with mild to moderate MDD has been questioned. However, some subgroups of patients, especially those who are unable or unwilling to undergo psychotherapy and those with psychosis, bipolar depression, severe depressions, or recurrent episodes, may benefit from initial treatment with antidepressants. Further research on the continuation and maintenance treatment phases of depression as well as treatment for dysthymia, treatment-resistant depression, and other subtypes of depressions is warranted.
Biopsy Techniques in Non-palpable or Palpable Breast Lesions

Diagnostic breast biopsy is one of the most common medical procedures, and a variety of methods have been developed in the last 30 years to augment classic surgical incisional and excisional biopsies. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) has an important historical role and remains among the most cost-effective methods but is limited by the weakness of current breast cytology to adequately reproduce all information provided by traditional histopathology. FNA continues to play an important role in assessing risk. Core biopsies ranging from the use of simple needle cores to larger coring devices to remove spaghetti- to macaroni-sized pieces have become the mainstay of current biopsy techniques for most palpable and non-palpable lesions. Surgical incisional and excisional biopsies, which are the classic standards, are reserved for a few exceptional circumstances, including the removal of symptomatic benign lesions or when coring biopsy tools fail to provide adequate diagnostic information and material. Ductoscopy, which was initially developed as a tool to investigate pathological nipple discharge, is an evolving technology that may have an increasing role in research and prevention as tools and techniques become more refined. Failure of biopsy to accurately diagnose breast problem remains a small but persistent problem requiring the diligent methodical use of biopsy methods and the careful consideration of issues such as sample bias when the entire lesion is not removed and there is discordance between clinical expectations and biopsy pathology.
More's Earliest Views of Humanitas, Libertas, and Respublica, 1500–1506

[C]hoose which ye list, / Stately fortune or humble poverty: / … bondage or free liberty. Thomas More, “Fortune Verses” (c. 1504) The life of the ordinary private citizen [ priuatus ] is best, and most prudent. Thomas More's translation/emendation of Lucian, Menippus (1506) The law is very ready to hire a tyrannicide. … But when it says tyrannicide, judges of the jury, it seeks a resourceful person, … able in stratagem [ consilio ] rather than force; one who knows how to lay plots, hide his traps, make the most of his opportunities. … [But] the republic had fallen into the gravest danger, first because of this man's rashness, then by his cowardice. … [T]he gods wanted [this city] to be free [ liberam ]. Thomas More, Declamation in Reply to Lucian (1506) What is humanitas ? What is the fullest and best way of life? This issue is addressed repeatedly in More's earliest poems and in the humorous and subtle dialogues by Lucian that More translated and which became his first published and internationally acclaimed work. Elements of Thomas More's distinctive humanitas – elements such as love for liberty, hatred of tyranny, and care for rhetoric and declamation – Erasmus noted in his first description of More, pointing out that More worked for years to acquire the extraordinarily difficult and rare skills needed for rhetorical excellence (as also explained in Cicero's De Oratore ). The need for skill young More makes clear in his early poem “A Merry Jest,” which opens with these lines: Wise men alway, Affirm and say, That best is for a man: Diligently, For to apply, The business that he can, And in no wise, To enterprise Another faculty, For he that will, And can no skill, Is never like to the [i.e., thrive or prosper].
Solar Pulsations (Review)

Recent observational evidence on solar oscillations is reviewed; this evidence strongly favors the global interpretation for much of the observed spectrum. Implications of these observations for the study of the solar interior and atmosphere are discussed.
Therapeutic Hypothermia after In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest in Children

BackgroundTargeted temperature management is recommended for comatose adults and children after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest; however, data on temperature management after in-hospital cardiac arrest are limited. MethodsIn a trial conducted at 37 children’s hospitals, we compared two temperature interventions in children who had had in-hospital cardiac arrest. Within 6 hours after the return of circulation, comatose children older than 48 hours and younger than 18 years of age were randomly assigned to therapeutic hypothermia (target temperature, 33.0°C) or therapeutic normothermia (target temperature, 36.8°C). The primary efficacy outcome, survival at 12 months after cardiac arrest with a score of 70 or higher on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, second edition (VABS-II, on which scores range from 20 to 160, with higher scores indicating better function), was evaluated among patients who had had a VABS-II score of at least 70 before the cardiac arrest. ResultsThe trial was terminated because of fut...
Development and Validation of Clinical Whole-Exome and Whole-Genome Sequencing for Detection of Germline Variants in Inherited Disease.

Context.— With the decrease in the cost of sequencing, the clinical testing paradigm has shifted from single gene to gene panel and now whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing. Clinical laboratorie...
Association of Spontaneous Preterm Delivery and Future Maternal Cardiovascular Disease

Background: Although many atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk factors are well established, less is known about a woman’s cardiovascular response to pregnancy, which appears to be an early marker of future maternal CVD risk. Adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO) including spontaneous preterm delivery (sPTD) has been associated with up to a three-fold increased risk of maternal ASCVD later in life. However, little is known about the association between changes in vascular function associated with APOs and future maternal CVD risk.Methods: We completed a case controlled, matched study, “Is Spontaneous Preterm Delivery Associated with Clustering of Future Maternal Cardiovascular Risk MarkErs?” (SPACE) enrolled 20 women with sPTD (gestation ≤34 weeks) and 20 control women (gestation ≥39 weeks) matched for age (i?½5 years), parity, race/ethnicity and route of delivery collected between 24-72 hours postpartum. Vascular function was measured by augmentation index corrected for heart rate 75 bpm (AIx75), central pulse pressure (CPP), and pulse wave velocity (PWV). Linear regression models were used to analyze the data. Results: The mean age at enrollment for sPTD and controls was 33 i?½ 6 years and 32 i?½ 6 years respectively. Women with sPTD had significantly lower AIx75 compared to controls (24.10 i?½ 16.10 % vs 39.90 i?½ 15.2 %, p=0.001), respectively. In addition, CPP was significantly lower in sPTD compared to controls (29.1i?½5 mmHg vs. 34.6 i?½6 mmHg, respectively, p=0.004). Furthermore, women with sPTD and chorioamnionitis both clinically and/or on pathology report (n=8) had significantly lower AIx75 than matched controls (13.5 i?½13.7% vs 39.9 i?½ 15.2% vs, p=0.001) respectively, while women with sPTD and no signs or symptoms of chorioamnionitis had a trend toward lower AIx75 than matched controls (26.6i?½ 15.9 % vs. 39.9 i?½ 15.2 %, p=0.065). There was no difference between sPTD and controls in PWV (5.12 i?½ 1.62 m/s vs 5.58 i?½ 1.51m/s, p=0.1219), respectively.
Decay Modes of a ( θ + θ ¯ ) System

Relations among the different states of a system consisting of a $\ensuremath{\theta}$ meson, a $\overline{\ensuremath{\theta}}$ meson, and a certain number of pions are discussed. Theorems concerning certain correlations between the production probabilities for charged and uncharged $\ensuremath{\theta}$ mesons and the decay modes (${{\ensuremath{\theta}}_{1}}^{0}$ and ${{\ensuremath{\theta}}_{2}}^{0}$) are obtained.
What We Know and What We Don’t: The Influence of Psychological Factors on Medical Illness

Early psychoanalytic researchers attempted, with varying degrees of success, to prove that psychological conflicts are complicit in medical illness. Ironically, current medical research indicates that psychological issues do in fact, play a role in the development or exacerbation of illness. The relationship between psychology and illness exists not because of the nature or symbolism of neurotic conflicts per se, though it's certainly possible that someone with a number of unconscious conflicts might be more vulnerable to the psychological states that are linked with disease. Current research suggests that it is actual physiological consequences of psychological disorders that explains the findings that some emotional factors are associated with disease.
Early onset tobacco cigarette smokers exhibit deficits in response inhibition and sustained attention.

Abstract Background Initiation of cigarette smoking during adolescence coincides with structural and cognitive neuromaturation. Thus, early onset smokers (EOS; initiated 16 years old). This study quantified the effects of age of smoking onset on response impulsivity and inhibitory control using a novel smoking Go/NoGo task (Luijten et al., 2011). Methods Nicotine deprived adult EOS (n = 10) and LOS (n = 10) and adult healthy non-smokers (HNS; n = 10) were shown smoking-related and neutral images with either a blue (Go) or yellow (NoGo) frame. Participants were instructed to respond to blue-framed Go trials quickly and accurately, and withhold responding for yellow-framed NoGo trials. Results EOS made more Go response accuracy errors (p ≤ 0.02) and failed more frequently to inhibit responses to NoGo trials (p Conclusions EOS exhibited greater difficulty than LOS in responding accurately to Go stimuli and withholding responses to both smoking and neutral NoGo stimuli, indicating greater response impulsivity, poor attention, and deficits in response inhibition. These findings suggest that EO smoking, in particular, contributes to diminished task-related attention and inhibitory control behaviors in adulthood and provide support for the tobacco-induced neurotoxicity of adolescent cognitive development (TINACD) theory (DeBry and Tiffany, 2008).
3D Printed PLA/PCL/TiO2 Composite for Bone Replacement and Grafting

Polymer composites of Polylactic acid (PLA) and poly-e-caprolactone (PCL), containing small amounts of titanium oxide (TiO2) were developed for biomedical applications. These composite materials were prepared, and then printed using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). 3D printed structures were characterized to determine their mechanical properties and biocompatibility. DSC analysis yielded useful information regarding the immiscibility of the different polymers, and it was observed that the particles of TiO2 improved the stability of the polymers. The ultimate tensile strength and the fracture strain increased by adding TiO2 as a filler, resulting in values of approximately 45 MPa and 5.5 % elongation. The printed composites show excellent in vitro biocompatibility including cell proliferation and adhesion, and are therefore promising candidates to be used in the biomedical field for bone replacement procedures, due to their properties similar to those of cancellous bone.
Mastication of Nuts under Realistic Eating Conditions: Implications for Energy Balance

The low digestibility and high satiety effects of nuts have been partly attributed to mastication. This work examines chewing forces and the bolus particle size of nuts (walnuts, almonds, pistachios) varying in physical properties under different conditions (with and without water, juice, sweetened yogurt and plain yogurt) along with satiety sensations and gut hormone concentrations following walnut consumption (whole or butter). In a randomized, cross-over design with 50 adults (25 males, 25 females; Body Mass Index (BMI) 24.7 ± 3.4 kg/m2; age: 18–52 years old (y/o), the chewing forces and particle size distribution of chewed nuts were measured under different chewing conditions. Appetite sensations were measured at regular intervals for 3 h after nut intake, and plasma samples were collected for the measurement of glucose, insulin and Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). The three nuts displayed different particle sizes at swallowing though no differences in chewing forces were observed. Walnuts with yogurt yielded larger particle sizes than the other treatments. Particle size was not correlated with either food palatability or flavor. Fullness sensations were higher after whole nut than nut butter consumption though there were no significant changes in glucose, insulin, or GLP-1 concentrations under any condition. Changing the conditions at swallowing might influence the release of energy from nuts.
Pyrophosphate as a Possible Precursor of ATP

I am very pleased to participate in honoring Dr. Sidney Fox in this anniversary volume. I am ever so grateful that he invited me to the memorable 1965 conference on the Origins of Prebiological Systems. I proposed there the search for biochemical fossils in present-day organisms (Lipmann, 1965). As a rare example, I mentioned then the pyrophosphate (PPi) linked reaction of Siu and Wood (1962): $$oxaloacetate+P{{P}_{i}}\to \ phosphoenolpyruvate+C{{O}_{2}}+{{P}_{i}}$$ where PPi appears to replace the ATP. It was proposed that PPi may be considered the precursor of ATP in evolution. Such a possibility has recently been re-emphasized in various laboratories, particularly by Harland Wood et al. (1977) and by R. Reeves (1982). Reeves has worked predominantly with entamoeba histolytica, a parasitic anaerobe and emphasizes a PPi-linked phosphorylation in glycolysis in the case of 6-P fructophosphokinase. Included here are other interesting reactions such as phosphorylation of serine by PPi.
The fate of inhaled particles

In understanding the overall picture of the risk associated with exposure to airborne particles by the inhalation route, the arrival of particles at their initial site of deposition in the respiratory tract is only the first stage. The exposure stage, in a series of events which might, under a given set of circumstances unfavorable to the worker, can lead to ill-health. These events include redistribution, clearance, storage, and biological response. These may lead in turn to pathological changes and manifestations of ill-health, which can be identified clinically. This complex chain of processes is summarized in this chapter, for a type of aerosol consisting of insoluble particles capable of producing a fibrotic response or emphysema. The picture might look somewhat different for aerosols capable of producing other types of health outcome. Such a description is though far from being complete or general. But it does serve to give some sense of the complexity of the overall system of responses linking exposure with ill-health.
Transgender Intimate Partner Violence and Aging

Transgender intimate partner violence (T-IPV) – psychological, physical, or sexual abuse within the intimate relationships of transgender people – is similar in tactics to cisgender IPV but contains an added layer of transphobia that distinctly shapes survivors’ experiences. For older T-IPV survivors, their experiences may be further compounded by the complexities of aging. This chapter explores much of what is known and still needs to be known about T-IPV among aging populations, including methodological challenges in the literature, prevalence, unique abusive tactics, and outcomes. In addition, this chapter also addresses the unique barriers older T-IPV survivors experience in seeking help from informal systems (e.g., friends and family) and formal systems (e.g. social service agencies and criminal justice system). Recommendations are provided for future service provision and research.
How does aging affect recognition of spectrally degraded speech

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS Cochlear implants (CIs) restore auditory sensation to patients with moderate-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss. However, the benefits to speech recognition vary considerably among patients. Advancing age contributes to this variability in postlingual adult CI users. Similarly, older individuals with normal hearing (NH) perform more poorly on tasks of recognition of spectrally degraded speech. The overarching hypothesis of this study was that the detrimental effects of advancing age on speech recognition can be attributed both to declines in auditory spectral resolution as well as declines in cognitive functions. STUDY DESIGN Case-control study. METHODS Speech recognition was assessed in CI users (in the clear) and NH controls (spectrally degraded using noise-vocoding), along with auditory spectral resolution using the Spectral-Temporally Modulated Ripple Test. Cognitive skills were assessed using nonauditory visual measures of working memory, inhibitory control, speed of lexical/phonological access, nonverbal reasoning, and perceptual closure. Linear regression models were tested for mediation to explain aging effects on speech recognition performance. RESULTS For both groups, older age predicted poorer sentence and word recognition. The detrimental effects of advancing age on speech recognition were partially mediated by declines in spectral resolution and in some measures of cognitive function. CONCLUSIONS Advancing age contributes to poorer recognition of degraded speech for CI users and NH controls through declines in both auditory spectral resolution and cognitive functions. Findings suggest that improvements in spectral resolution as well as cognitive improvements may serve as therapeutic targets to optimize CI speech recognition outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3b Laryngoscope, 2018.
Teaching Beyond Empathy: The Classroom As Care Community

This essay argues for a pedagogy of care, which I frame against discourses surrounding both empathy in the classroom and civility in public discourse. Many scholars and critics have identified the ...
Substrate requirements to enable durability and accuracy in structured-light-based 3D sensing

Applications that require awareness of the structure, environment or objects are growing, and include augmented and virtual reality applications, gesture recognition and facial recognition for consumer, industrial and entertainment applications. This is creating a demand for 3D data capture and the use of depth sensors. Structured Light Illumination (SLI) is one of the leading depth sensor technologies. It is an indirect measurement of distance through observed distortion of a projected light pattern. To miniaturize these sensors for consumer applications, custom optics are required for the projector including diffractive optical elements (DOE). SLI is currently preferred due to its small form factor, high resolution and low power consumption. It can deliver high spatial resolution while working in low light conditions. To use SLI for high accuracy applications, the stability of the pattern under various environmental conditions and temperature ranges is required. We show simulations of the impact of the DOE substrate CTE on the generated dot patterns, and ultimately the depth accuracy and distortion of the 3D image. Measurements of commercially available consumer structured light sensors support the simulations.
Best Practices for Preclinical 18F-FDG PET Imaging

1155 Objectives: Preclinical PET imaging can present challenges to new users as quantitative imaging depends on proper study design and animal preparation. As patients are given a list of “do’s” and don’ts” for clinical PET scans, we aim to provide comprehensive guidance to small animal PET imaging. In this study we discuss the use of the most common PET radiotracer, 18F-FDG, to visualize glucose metabolism in healthy and tumor bearing mice. Several parameters were tested in a typical imaging workflow and the results compared to better elucidate the best practices for preclinical 18F-FDG imaging. In particular, this study illustrates several important preparation factors that have a great impact on tracer biodistribution and image quality. These parameters include (1) fasted versus non-fasted animals prior to radiotracer injection, (2) variation in ambient temperature during radiotracer uptake, (3) conscious versus unconscious tracer uptake, (4) tracer injection route, (5) injected activity and (6) anesthesia type. For optimal image quality, new users of this technology should be aware of these parameters when designing and performing PET imaging studies. Methods: 6-8 week old C57/BL6 or nu/nu female mice were used with and without flank subcutaneous inoculation of 2x106 4T1 RedFluc cells (10-14 days for tumor growth). Mice underwent various imaging conditions including 8-12 hours of fasting or non-fasting; subcutaneously (SQ), intraperitoneal (IP) or intravenously (IV) tracer injections; inhalation 1.5% isoflurane mixed with oxygen (ISO) or injectable ketamine/xylazine (KX) anesthesia; various radiotracer activity injections ranging between 24-800 uCi. The animals were all imaged using a 10 min static imaging protocol followed by a standard CT scan post-injection. All preclinical imaging and optimization was performed using a preclinical PET/CT scanner (G8 PET/CT, PerkinElmer Inc., Hopkinton, MA). All organ quantitative image analysis was performed using the VivoQuant software package (inviCRO, Boston, MA). Results: Optimization of the imaging conditions for 18F-FDG PET revealed a variety of ways to improve image quality. 18F-FDG uptake in the heart, brown fat and bowels was significantly (p
Anatomie de l’artère circonflexe latérale fémorale: L’abord antérieur direct de la hanche met-il en péril la vascularisation du fémur proximal?

Abstract Background Blood supply of the proximal metaphysis of the femur comes mainly from the lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA). Essentially, the anterior approach has gained popularity in hip surgery but routinely requires the ligation of the ascending branch of the LCFA. Until now, there is no study analysing the effect of previous hip surgery on the vascularization of the proximal femur. Notably, it might, however, have consequences on osteointegration of uncemented prosthesis as well as in the management of early complications. Therefore we conducted a retrospective study to address the following questions: (1) Is the blood supply of the trochanteric region impaired by previous hip surgery, (2) does the anterior approach alter it more than other ones? Hypothesis We hypothesised that the surgical approach to the hip influences blood supply of the proximal femur, as visualised by retrospective analysis of femoral digital subtraction arteriograms (FDSA). Patients and methods A retrospective review of 1280 FDSA, performed for vascular indications with a standard frame rate, between 07/2014 and 06/2016 in a single institution. Qualitatively sufficient FDSA were divided into 4 groups according to the history of previous hip surgery: hip replacement performed through an anterior approach (n = 10) or through a lateral approach (n = 31), cephalomedullary nailing for fractures of the proximal femur (n = 5), and a control group of 50 continuous patients without previous hip surgery. The number of frames was counted between contrast injection into the femoral bifurcation and filling of the ipsilateral vessels of the greater trochanter to measure a potential delay/impairment of its arterial perfusion. Anatomic variations of the LCFA were also recorded. Results The number of frames between contrast injection and visualisation of the blood supply of the greater trochanter was 3.6 ± 0.9 (mean ± SD) in the control group (p Discussion Arterial perfusion of the greater trochanter is impaired after hip surgery, particularly after an anterior approach. The clinical relevance of these findings still needs to be investigated. It might, however, explain some early aseptic failures of uncemented stems. Moreover, it should be considered in early revision surgery, because combining different approaches might critically impair femoral blood supply. Level of evidence III, retrospective case control study.