cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Approximate Degrees of Similarity between a User's Knowledge and the Tutorial Systems' Knowledge Base

A typical tutorial system functions by means of interaction between four components: the expert knowledge base component, the inference engine component, the learner's knowledge component and the user interface component. In typical tutorial systems the interaction and the sequence of presentation as well as the mode of evaluation are predetermined and follow a somewhat linear sequence. This model was implemented in many of the early computer based trainings, computer assisted instruction systems and tutorial drill programs. However, by introducing artificial intelligence in the inference engine or by enhancing the expert system component (by means of including feedback), by improving the evaluation of the learners responses and facilitating interaction between these components one may provide a learning environment that more closely resembles a real teacher and student interaction. This approach is known as Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS). Various tutorial systems were developed based on this paradigm that proved useful in knowledge domain areas that are highly structured and relatively small (e.g. solving math problems or balancing chemical equations). The difficulty resides in the complexity involved in making the various components encompassing and complete in a knowledge area. For instance, understanding why learners commit a particular error and then assisting them is highly challenging since the cause of an error might be different for every learner. Variations on this ITS model have been employed with success in developing tutoring systems in less structured knowledge domains and more generic environments. Another element that improves ITS functionality is the ability to deliver the correct and necessary granule of material for effective coverage and completion of the knowledge area. The question of where to start a learner in the tutorial system and how to choose the next step is difficult to delineate. In this paper we propose an approach based on the fuzzy set theory to determine the entry knowledge level possessed by a learner in a specific area of learning. Two relations between the knowledge area and the skill levels of a user are established. The first relation is created between the given behavior or knowledge and the mastery of the foundation skills required for it. The second relation is between the given behavior or knowledge and the required exposure to the knowledge domain. The matrices are manipulated
Surgical left atrial appendage occlusion: evaluation of a novel device with magnetic resonance imaging.

Objective:Managementoftheleftatrialappendage(LAA)isconsideredanimportantadjuncttoablationincardiacsurgicalpatientswithatrial fibrillation (AF). However, current surgical techniques, both cut-and-sew and stapling, have been associated with incomplete LAA occlusion and complications. Using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we studied the safety and effectiveness of a new device for LAA occlusion in a primate model. Methods: Seven adult baboons underwent off-pump placement of an LAA clip (AtriCure Inc., Westchester, Ohio). LAA occlusion was confirmed intraoperatively by direct incision. All animals had MRI before and after clip placement to assess LAA perfusion, architecture, and overall cardiac function. Pathologic and histological studies were performed at 7, 30 and 180 days. Results: Clip placement was successful in all (n = 7) without any clip related complications. Complete LAA occlusion was demonstrated intraoperatively in all subjects. LAA occlusion was confirmed on pre-sacrifice MRI, and left and right ventricular function were unchanged from preoperative studies; however, clip placement caused small reductions in left ventricular end-diastolic, end-systolic, and stroke volumes. At sacrifice, direct inspection confirmed stable location, persistent LAA exclusion, tissue in-growth and homogenous epithelialization without damage to adjacent structures. Histological analysis revealed a regular in-growth pattern in all studied specimens. Conclusion: We demonstrated a safe, straightforward, persistent and effective method for LAA occlusion with this new LAA clip. MRI effectively demonstrated LAA occlusion and only minor changes in left ventricular volumes.
The Bactericidal Action of Triethylene Glycol on Air Filters of Various Types

It has been demonstrated that hair and glass filters impregnated with triethylene glycol reduced the number of bacteria put on the filters by over 99 per cent under laboratory conditions. Treatment of furnace filters with triethylene glycol produced reduction of 75 per cent in bacterial content of the air as measured by settling plates. The use of glycolized filters has not been demonstrated to effect the incidence of respiratory disease under the conditions of use, and the system is not recommended for general use in public meeting places until further work has been done.
Depositional processes on an ancient and modern muddy shelf, northern California

The modern Eel River shelf and analogous Pleistocene Rio Dell Formation in northern California provide an ideal opportunity to combine the advantages of studying a modern environment with those of studying an ancient sequence, and thereby enables further understanding of muddy-shelf processes. The modern shelf is the site of accumulation of a thick deposit of Holocene mud. Both large-scale sediment distribution patterns and small-scale stratigraphy on the shelf indicate that river floods play an important role in sediment accumulation, even on a high-energy, ‘storm-dominated’ coast. The major factors in preservation of this flood ‘signature’ are the cohesive behaviour of fine-grained sediments and episodically rapid rates of sediment input. The Rio Dell Formation includes approximately 400 m of mostly fine-grained shelf deposits that accumulated offshore from a palaeo-Eel River mouth. The shelf sediments comprise four depositional sequences. Sequence 1 records progradation from outer to inner shelf depths. Facies trends closely resemble across-shelf trends on the modern shelf, suggesting that processes were similar. Detailed examination of these deposits provides insight into the nature and role of various processes on both the ancient and modern shelf. Muddy facies of the Rio Dell sequence are characterized by bioturbated, clayey silts, interbedded with event layers of several types. Clay-rich silt layers are interpreted as flood deposits and physically stratified, coarse-silt layers are interpreted to record transport and deposition of coarse silt on the midshelf during storms. Sediment-transport calculations and consideration of grain-size distributions of bioturbated sediments, which form the bulk of the Rio Dell sequence, suggest that these sediments are the result of biological homogenization of the fine-grained flood deposits and of the coarser-grained storm deposits. The results of this study in general indicate that fine-grained shelf deposits do preserve a distinguishable, if subtle, record of depositional processes.
a posteriori Error estimation for triangular and tetrahedral quadratic elements using interior residuals

A reliable and accurate a posteriori error estimator for quadratic triangular and tetrahedral elements is presented. Its application in an automated, adaptive finite element modelling system for elasticity problems demonstrates its ability to accurately estimate the error in the energy norm. A local version of this error estimator is also used to determine the multiple level h-refinement necessary to improve the finite element mesh.
Paediatric HIV update

Less than half of the paediatric HIV infections recorded in Australia have resulted from perinatal transmission, but in recent years this has been the predominant mode of infection. There are 136 infants who are known to have been exposed perinatally to HIV in Australia: 49 of these are infected. Caesarean section is thought now not to reduce the risk of perinatal transmission (PNT); rather, the risk increases with duration of membrane rupture and rises rapidly after 4 h of membrane rupture. However, no data exist to show that interventions to expediate delivery after membrane rupture reduce the risk of PNT. Data such as these suggest that the majority of perinatal infections (probably about 60%) occur close to the time of delivery. While the overall risk of PNT for non-breast fed infants is approximately 20-25%, the risk of infection for the infant is considerably increased when there is evidence of increased maternal viral burden. Advanced maternal disease predicts that if the infant is infected there is more likely to be early progression of HIV than is the case for the less frequently infected infants of mothers who are asymptomatic. Bottle feeding may prevent infection of 10% of children exposed perinatally. Use of zidovudine by the mother in the third trimester and i.v. zidovudine during labour, followed by oral zidovudine for the infant for 6 weeks can reduce the PNT rate by two thirds, to about 8%. Approximately 3% of uninfected infants with perinatal HIV exposure may be found to be transiently virus positive but eventually become antibody negative and thus appear to have eliminated the virus. The risk of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonitis (PCP) cannot be predicted on the basis of CD4 count and it is recommended that all children of infected mothers commence PCP prophylaxis around the age of 6 weeks-2 months and continue that therapy until the age of 12 months or until it becomes clear that the infant is uninfected. The cumulative risk of AIDS increases rapidly during the first year of life to about 20%, then more slowly at a rate of about 2 or 3% a year. The shape of this curve reveals the bimodal progression of HIV disease in children. About 15-20% of children rapidly develop a severe immune deficiency, opportunistic infections and, in most cases, encephalopathy. There is a very high morbidity rate in this group of children, most of whom die before the age of 3 or 4 years. In contrast, 80-85% of children only become immunodeficient after a relatively long period, which is similar to or perhaps even longer than that in adults. Recent studies indicate that zidovudine antiviral monotherapy is no longer appropriate. While no clear alternative to monotherapy has emerged most would, wherever possible, commence antiretroviral therapy with a combination of two or three drugs including zidovudine plus didanosine or lamivudine. If a third drug is used it would probably be a protease inhibitor.
ORGANIZATIONAL DEMOGRAPHY IN JAPANESE FIRMS: GROUP HETEROGENEITY, INDIVIDUAL DISSIMILARITY, AND TOP MANAGEMENT TEAM TURNOVER

This study demonstrates how demography theory can be extended to non-U.S. settings by developing a comprehensive model of factors that vary across nations and that may moderate the link between dem...
Optical waveguides for microfluidic integration

A scalable polymer backplane for dense integration of photonics with lab-on-a-chip systems is presented. A high-throughput cell culture chip employing waveguides for monitoring and control of culture conditions is used to illustrate integration options.
Macro-System Model for Hydrogen Energy Systems Analysis in Transportation

The introduction of hydrogen as an energy carrier for light-duty vehicles involves concomitant technological development of an array of infrastructure elements, such as production, delivery, and dispensing, all associated with energy consumption and emission levels. To analyze these at a system level, the suite of corresponding models developed by the United States Department of Energy and involving several national laboratories is combined in one macro-system model (MSM). The MSM uses a federated simulation framework for consistent data transfer between the component models. The framework is built to suit cross-model as well as cross-platform data exchange and involves features of “over-the-net” computation. While the MSM can address numerous hydrogen systems analysis aspects, of particular interest is the optimal deployment scenario. Depending on user-defined geographic location and hydrogen demand curve parameters, the cost-optimal succession of production/delivery/dispensing pathways undergo significant changes (the most important of these being the transition between distributed and central H2 production with delivery). Some ‘tipping’ (break-even) points are identified.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Antebellum Planters: Communities of Kinship on the Cott on Frontier

company had copies; and. for George Keesee's children, see "Last Will and Te5tarnent of George F. Keesee," written July 5, 1825/proven November Term 1S25, Sumner County, Tenn.. Will Book 2, p. %. 11"Will of George F. Keesee." Additionally, GFK indicated he already had given each of his children unspecified property from his estate. When Agnes died a few years later, she distributed household furnishings and personal effects to her children and grandchildren, as well as livestock and her carriage to be sold to pay her deht,; see "Last Will and Testament of Agnes Keesee," written February II, Ig29/provcn May Term 1829, Sumner County, Tennessee. Will Book 2, p.
Co-treatment with conjugated linoleic acid and nitrite modulates mitochondrial respiration and electron transport chain activity in vivo and attenuates mitochondrial dysfunction during cardiac injury.

S: Van Hoose, P.M., Piell, K.M., Kelm, N.Q., Cole, M.P. (2015) “Combination Treatment with Conjugated Linoleic Acid and Nitrite Attenuates Mitochondrial Dysfunction Following Myocardial Infarction” Free Radical Biology and Medicine. Van Hoose, P. M., Piell, K.M., Kelm, N.Q., and Cole, M.P. (2014) “Conjugated Linoleic Acid and Nitrite Co-treatment alter Cardiac Mitochondrial Function and Complex Activity in Vivo”. Free Radical Biology and Medicine 76: S18. Van Hoose, P. M., Piell, K.M., Kelm, N.Q., and Cole, M.P. (2014) “Co-treatment of Conjugated Linoleic Acid and Nitrite alters Mitochondrial Function in vivo”. Research! Louisville. Van Hoose, P., Piell, K., and Cole, M. (2013) “PSS214-Co- Administration of Nitrite and Conjugated Linoleic Acid Promotes Changes in Cardiac Mitochondria in a Murine Model of Obesity.” Free Radical Biology and Medicine 65: S98-99. Van Hoose, P. M., Piell, K.M., and Cole, M.P. (2013) “Nitrite and Conjugated Linoleic Acid Treatment Promotes changes in Cardiac Mitochondrial Function and Activity in Murine Model of Obesity”. Research! Louisville.
On Hamilton–Jacobi equations in bounded domains

Initial-boundary value problems for nonlinear first order partial differential equations ∂tu + H(x, t, u, Dxu) = 0 and corresponding boundary value problems H(x, u, Dxu) = 0 are studied in bounded sets, using Crandal's and Lions' notion of viscosity solutions. We give pointwise conditions on the boundary data that guarantee the existence of such solutions and estimate their moduli of continuity in terms of continuity properties of the data. The results are applied to properties of the value function for certain differential games.
Characteristics of postgraduate year 1 pharmacy residency programs at academic medical centers.

Purpose The training components and other characteristics of postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) pharmacy residency programs at a sample of academic medical centers were evaluated. Summary A questionnaire was sent via e-mail to the directors of 98 PGY1 residency programs at academic medical centers in the University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) to elicit benchmarking data on issues such as recruitment, learning experiences, resident staffing requirements, resident research projects and professional presentations, opportunities for resident participation in teaching activities, and requirements for faculty service as preceptors; 72 program directors responded to the survey. The residency programs represented in the survey reported an average of approximately 14 applicants for each available position in 2010 and an average of about five candidate interviews per available position. The survey results indicated wide variation in the learning experiences offered by PGY1 programs (the most commonly reported rotations were in administration, critical care, internal medicine, ambulatory care, and drug information), with a high degree of individualization of elective rotations. Almost all programs had a mandatory staffing component, typically requiring 4–10 hours of service weekly. Conclusion Results of this survey indicate that there is a large amount of variation in the components of PGY1 pharmacy residency programs among UHC academic medical centers. The majority of respondents reported no change in the number of residency positions offered within the past two years, but they reported an increase in the number of applications from 2009 to 2010.
ELECTRONIC STATES OF IN3SB2, IN2SB3, AND THEIR POSITIVE IONS

Complete active-space multiconfiguration self-consistent field (CASSCF) followed by multireference singles + doubles configuration interaction (MRSDCI) calculations are carried out on the low-lying electronic states of In3Sb2, In2Sb3, In3Sb2, and In2Sb3. Among 8 electronic states of In3Sb2 considered here, 2 Jahn-Tellerdistorted electronic states, B1 and A1 (C2V), and the undistorted 2E′′ and 2E′ (D3h) electronic states with trigonal bipyramid geometry are close in energy. Among 5 electronic states of In2Sb3, a distorted edgecapped tetrahedral structure B1 (C2V) and an undistorted A2′′ (D3h) are nearly degenerate. The ground states of the In3Sb2 and In2Sb3 ions are undistorted A1′ (D3h) and A2′ (D3h) states with trigonal bipyramid geometries. The singlet (A1′)-triplet (A2′) and singlet (A1′)-singlet (A2′) energy separations of the In3Sb2 ion are computed as 0.15 and 1.02 eV, respectively. The atomization and adiabatic ionization potentials, together with dipole moments and other properties for the electronic states of In3Sb2 and In2Sb3, are calculated and discussed. On the basis of our computed results, we also predict the ground states of In3Sb2 and In2Sb3 anions and the electron affinities of these species.
Origin and Tunability of Unusually Large Surface Capacitance in Doped Cerium Oxide Studied by Ambient-Pressure X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy

The volumetric redox (chemical) capacitance of the surface of CeO2-δ films is quantified in situ to be 100-fold larger than the bulk values under catalytically relevant conditions. Sm addition slightly lowers the surface oxygen nonstoichiometry, but effects a 10-fold enhancement in surface chemical capacitance by mitigating defect interactions, highlighting the importance of differential nonstoichiometry for catalysis.
Aviation Demand Forecasts through Validation of an Agent- Based Multimodal Transportation Model

The air transportation system is undergoing significant changes in order to be able to face the future challenges such as environmental concerns and increase in demand. Forecasts are essential to plan and make decisions on what improvements are crucial. While there are various forecast methodologies available, this study adopts the agent-based modeling and simulation technique as a way to generate transportation demand forecasts. Since any transportation mode is subject to competition and interactions with other modes, a multimodal perspective is emphasized. The existing agent-based model was originally calibrated for a single year due to data availability. This limited model validity is extended by a rigorous calibration process using a set of diverse databases for multiple years. The validated model produces results that closely match the available data for past years between 1995 and 2010. Future demand predictions under a set of different scenarios demonstrate a noticeably different trend from the FAA forecast after year 2020. 1. Introduction and Motivation The air transportation system is a complex system, with a lot of uncertainty under the influence of many elements beyond the scope of engineering and technology. It is likely to change significantly in the future, with improvements in Air Traffic Management (NextGen), more aggressive policy on aircraft emissions and a new airline business landscape due to market competition and unstable energy prices. It is not simple to predict how these changes unfold and it is even more difficult to understand their impacts on air transportation demand. Tools and models need to be developed to forecast such demand with high accuracy and confidence. There have been many works in the aviation domain to that end but it should be noted that the air transportation system is not an independent entity when demand for air transportation is assessed: it should be considered in the context of the whole national transportation system. Therefore, a multimodal approach is needed as aviation always remains in competition and/or complimentary with other modes, even if this practice will dramatically increase the complexity of the problem. An agent-based model has been developed and validated against the available long-distance multimodal database: the American Travel Survey in 1995 (1995 ATS). 1 As to the model credibility, the agentbased approach has an inherent advantage over approaches relying on a simple extrapolation and/or a structure of econometric parameters. The limited confidence, however, in the validity of the model due to the single year calibration needs to be addressed, which is the primary focus of the present study. 2. Multimodal Transportation Model and Databases
Structure and Function of Membranes

Biological membranes carry out functions that are indispensable for life, including providing a barrier against the extracellular environment, giving shape to the cell, creating a matrix for insertion of proteins, storing and transmitting energy, receiving and amplifying signals, acting as a capacitor that is the basis of electrical excitability, and permitting cell-to-cell adhesion, recognition and antigenicity. Biological membranes are composed of three major classes of lipids: phospholipids, glycolipids and cholesterol. In the plasma membrane, these different types of lipids are found at dissimilar concentrations in the intracellular and extracellular leaflet and are further organized into structures such as nanodomains and caveola. An overview of the structure and function of membranes is presented here.
Protein C detection via fluorophore mediated immuno-optical biosensor.

Hemostasis is a physiological state where the concentration of coagulants in a human body is well balanced with that of anticoagulants. For oxygen to be properly transported to the entire body, hemostasis must be maintained at all times. Protein C (PC) is one of only a few anticoagulating factors in the bloodstream. As a potent anticoagulant and antithrombotic, PC plays a key role in regulating hemostasis, ensuring the proper transport of oxygen throughout the body. When anticoagulants are not maintained at sufficient levels, the resulting inhibition of oxygen flow produces massive clotting problems. If PC deficiency is not diagnosed and properly treated immediately, an individual may experience debilitating trauma, thrombo-embolic insults in major organs, or death (Bruley and Drohan, 1990). This paper presents a continuation of the research initiated by Kang, et al., concerning the development of a PC biosensor. Background information regarding to the activation of PC, as well as the frequency of occurrence of PC deficiency, has been presented at the 23rd Annual ISOTT Conference (Kang, et al., in press).
Pollution characteristics of atmospheric black carbon in Guiyang City,Southwest China

By using URG Model 2000-01J and Aethalometer,the atmospheric black carbon concentration in Guiyang City was continuously detected from September to November,2008.The 24 h atmospheric black carbon concentration during the detection period was 1.6-12 μg·m-3,with a mean value of 4.1 μg·m-3.The 12 h atmospheric black carbon concentration was mainly in the range of 2-5 μg·m-3,its daytime variation range was 1.9-9.2 μg·m-3,with a mean value of 3.9 μg·m-3,and its nighttime variation range was 0.48-15 μg·m-3,with a mean value of 4.3 μg·m-3.The atmospheric black carbon concentration had the same variation trend as atmospheric PM2.5 concentration,and there existed a positive correlation(r=0.84,P0.0001,n=178) between them.The variation trend of the atmospheric black carbon concentration was also affected by the relative humidity,temperature,and wind speed.
Nursing care experience of tethered cord syndrome in children treated by surgery

Objective:To discuss the appropriate nursing methods of tethered cord syndrome treated by surgery in order to improve the neural dysfunction and quality of life in children.Methods:From January 2006 to January 2007,76 children with tethered cord syndrome received preperative mental nursing,body posture and bladder function training,and postoperative vital signs monitoring,skin wound nursing and rehabilitation training.Results:After operation,leakage of cerebrospinal fluid occurred in 9 cases and 5 children had urinary retention.Timely appropriate nursing intervention improved the clinical symptoms,and no new complications appeared.Conclusion:Consummate preoperative preparation,intensive postoperative observation,well nursing of wound and skin,and early functional training can improve the neural dysfuncion and the quality of life at most in children.
An overview of CE in clinical analysis

The development and general applications of capillary electrophoresis (CE) in the field of clinical chemistry are discussed. It is shown how the early development of electrophoresis was closely linked to clinical testing. The rise of gel electrophoresis in clinical chemistry is described, as well as the eventual developments that lead to the creation and the use of modern CE. The general principles of CE are reviewed and the potential advantages of this method in clinical testing are examined. Finally, an overview is presented of several areas in which CE has been developed and is currently being explored for use with clinical samples.
Mechanistic Insights Into Ventricular Arrhythmias Associated With Sickle Cell Disease: Role Of Abnormal Repolarization

Introduction Sudden death, ventricular arrhythmias, prolonged QTc on ECG, and myocardial fibrosis have been documented independently in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). We hypothesized that these electrical abnormalities are associated with myocardial fibrosis, ventricular arrhythmias, and death in SCD. Methods & Results A retrospective chart review of 195 SCD patients seen at the University of Illinois at Chicago was performed evaluating the association of ECG intervals with documented mortality and/or ventricular tachycardia (VT). Only ECGs demonstrating normal sinus rhythm and heart rates -7 ) intervals were associated with a combined endpoint of all-cause mortality and VT (n=16 compared to n=179 SCD controls) with similar heart rates across both groups (78 + 14 vs. 77 + 11, p=0.72). To elucidate the mechanisms underlying this increased clinical risk in SCD patients, we investigated hearts from a mouse model of SCD. Cardiac electrical stimulation in vivo induced ventricular arrhythmias in 3/4 homozygous (-/-) SCD compared to only 1/5 wild-type (WT) hearts. Interestingly, Tp-Te– an established sudden cardiac death predictor- was significantly prolonged in -/- SCD vs. WT mice (5.6 + 0.29 vs. 4.1 + 0.37 msec ; p Conclusion In SCD patients, poor clinical outcomes are associated with abnormalities in depolarization and, prominently, repolarization. The SCD mouse exhibited arrhythmia vulnerability associated with repolarization abnormalities (Tp-Te, LV MAPs). The SCD mouse may represent a useful model for deciphering the mechanisms underlying the apparent increased arrhythmia burden in SCD patients. Disclosures: Hillery: Bayer: Consultancy; Biogen Idec: Consultancy.
Tissue Engineering of the Temporomandibular Joint

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) morbidities affect around a quarter of the US population, yet there are no consistently successful treatment solutions. The TMJ comprises the articulating tissues between the mandibular condyle and the temporal fossa. Its fibrocartilaginous components form the articulating surfaces, with the biconcave TMJ disc allowing for smooth movement between the condyle and fossa during normal mastication. Each tissue within the joint displays unique cellular, biochemical, and biomechanical characteristics. These characteristics are important for the tissue engineer to understand, given the joint's limited ability for self-repair following injury. The TMJ is susceptible to pathologies such as osteoarthritis and internal derangement of the disc, which are extremely painful and often require clinical intervention. Current therapies include anti-inflammatory measures, occlusal splints, and in extreme cases, total joint replacement. These therapies, however, are only semipermanent and fail to restore full functionality to the joint. Tissue engineering may provide functional biological replacements for TMJ tissues, resulting in a long-term solution to TMJ pathologies. Research using alternate cell sources, scaffolds, bioactive factors, and mechanical stimulation has shown promise, but more research must be done to determine optimal combinations of these factors.
Umbrales, remediaciones y cultura material en la poesía venezolana contemporánea

La llegada del siglo XXI ha coincidido con profundas transformaciones del campo de produccion cultural venezolano, aceleradas desde 2001 por el anuncio presidencial de una “revolucion cultural”, cuyas pugnas simbolicas han acompanado el progresivo enrarecimiento de la vida nacional. No solo el campo cultural se fracciona en dos circulos ―el oficial y el opositor―, sino que en ciertos autores se observa una radical experimentacion con nuevos lenguajes y tecnologias en los que se expresa un proyecto de intervencion social. El presente trabajo contextualiza y describe algunas variables de esa experimentacion en la lirica.
Investigation of the effect of gating window width on MPI results

2824 Objectives Gated myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) collects cardiac information over multiple cardiac cycles using a patient’s R wave on the EKG to accept or reject heart beats. In order to reject the irregular beats, a window or gate must be set. If the window is too narrow, good beats may be rejected, however, if the window is too wide, irregular beats may be accepted which can skew the results of the study. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect on the images and left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) results of a gated stress cardiac study acquired using an eighty percent versus a forty percent window. Methods Ten patients with irregular heart rates underwent a stress Tc-99m sestamibi (30 mCi) gated stress test on a SPECT/CT (Siemens Symbia T) system that utilized a smart zoom collimator and IQ- SPECT technology. Each patient was first imaged using an eighty percent gating window followed by an additional study employing a forty percent gating window. All of the studies were processed identically and evaluated using 4DMSPECT. The gated MPI images and LVEF results from each study were presented to two nuclear medicine physicians for review in a side by side blind read. Each physician’s preference was documented along with their reasoning. Results In 60% of the studies, the two physicians preferred the results obtained from using the narrower 40% versus the wider 80% gating window when evaluating the LVEF results of a patient with an irregular heart rate. On average, the majority of the patients demonstrated a 5% variation in their LVEF values when the acquisition gate window was decreased from 80% to 40%. Additionally, in eight of the ten patients, the physicians both preferred the images acquired with an 80% gating window over those with a 40% window. Conclusions Overall, there seems to be no definitive agreement between the two gating window widths when evaluating image quality and LVEF values. The physicians’ preference of the wider gating window when viewing the images was related to image clarity. When asked why the physicians preferred the narrower gating window for functional evaluation, they felt the computer software program tracked the motion of the chamber better, therefore, providing more realistic LVEF results.
Transverse relaxation of cerebrospinal fluid depends on glucose concentration.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the biophysical processes that generate specific T2 values and their relationship to specific cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) content. Materials and methods CSF T2s were measured ex vivo (14.1 T) from isolated CSF collected from human, rat and non-human primate. CSF T2s were also measured in vivo at different field strength in human (3 and 7 T) and rodent (1, 4.7, 9,4 and 11.7 T) using different pulse sequences. Then, relaxivities of CSF constituents were measured, in vitro, to determine the major molecule responsible for shortening CSF T2 (2 s) compared to saline T2 (3 s). The impact of this major molecule on CSF T2 was then validated in rodent, in vivo, by the simultaneous measurement of the major molecule concentration and CSF T2. Results Ex vivo CSF T2 was about 2.0 s at 14.1 T for all species. In vivo human CSF T2 approached ex vivo values at 3 T (2.0 s) but was significantly shorter at 7 T (0.9 s). In vivo rodent CSF T2 decreased with increasing magnetic field and T2 values similar to the in vitro ones were reached at 1 T (1.6 s). Glucose had the largest contribution of shortening CSF T2 in vitro. This result was validated in rodent in vivo, showing that an acute change in CSF glucose by infusion of glucose into the blood, can be monitored via changes in CSF T2 values. Conclusion This study opens the possibility of monitoring glucose regulation of CSF at the resolution of MRI by quantitating T2.
SAXS analysis of a soluble cytosolic NgBR construct including extracellular and transmembrane domains.

The Nogo-B receptor (NgBR) is involved in oncogenic Ras signaling through directly binding to farnesylated Ras. It recruits farnesylated Ras to the non-lipid-raft membrane for interaction with downstream effectors. However, the cytosolic domain of NgBR itself is only partially folded. The lack of several conserved secondary structural elements makes this domain unlikely to form a complete farnesyl binding pocket. We find that inclusion of the extracellular and transmembrane domains that contain additional conserved residues to the cytosolic region results in a well folded protein with a similar size and shape to the E.coli cis-isoprenyl transferase (UPPs). Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) analysis reveals the radius of gyration (Rg) of our NgBR construct to be 18.2 A with a maximum particle dimension (Dmax) of 61.0 A. Ab initio shape modeling returns a globular molecular envelope with an estimated molecular weight of 23.0 kD closely correlated with the calculated molecular weight. Both Kratky plot and pair distribution function of NgBR scattering reveal a bell shaped peak which is characteristic of a single globularly folded protein. In addition, circular dichroism (CD) analysis reveals that our construct has the secondary structure contents similar to the UPPs. However, this result does not agree with the currently accepted topological orientation of NgBR which might partition this construct into three separate domains. This discrepancy suggests another possible NgBR topology and lends insight into a potential molecular basis of how NgBR facilitates farnesylated Ras recruitment.
Natural history bycatch: a pipeline for identifying metagenomic sequences in RADseq data.

Background Reduced representation genomic datasets are increasingly becoming available from a variety of organisms. These datasets do not target specific genes, and so may contain sequences from parasites and other organisms present in the target tissue sample. In this paper, we demonstrate that (1) RADseq datasets can be used for exploratory analysis of tissue-specific metagenomes, and (2) tissue collections house complete metagenomic communities, which can be investigated and quantified by a variety of techniques. Methods We present an exploratory method for mining metagenomic "bycatch" sequences from a range of host tissue types. We use a combination of the pyRAD assembly pipeline, NCBI's blastn software, and custom R scripts to isolate metagenomic sequences from RADseq type datasets. Results When we focus on sequences that align with existing references in NCBI's GenBank, we find that between three and five percent of identifiable double-digest restriction site associated DNA (ddRAD) sequences from host tissue samples are from phyla to contain known blood parasites. In addition to tissue samples, we examine ddRAD sequences from metagenomic DNA extracted snake and lizard hind-gut samples. We find that the sequences recovered from these samples match with expected bacterial and eukaryotic gut microbiome phyla. Discussion Our results suggest that (1) museum tissue banks originally collected for host DNA archiving are also preserving valuable parasite and microbiome communities, (2) that publicly available RADseq datasets may include metagenomic sequences that could be explored, and (3) that restriction site approaches are a useful exploratory technique to identify microbiome lineages that could be missed by primer-based approaches.
The global mineral resource assessment project in the southeast Asia region

In response to the growing need for minerals information, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is conducting a cooperative international project to assess the world’s undiscovered nonfuel mineral resources. The Global Mineral Resource Assessment Project (GMRAP) has met with member countries of the Coordinating Committee for Geoscience Programs in East and Southeast Asia (CCOP) to assess undiscovered copper, PGE and potash resources of the region. Tracts permissive for undiscovered porphyry copper and sedimentary-hosted copper deposits have been delineated and probabilistic estimates of the amount of copper resources for each tract made. Preliminary data also have been collected for PGE and potash in Southeast Asia.
The prehospital course of patients with chest pain: Analysis of the prodromal, symptomatic, decision-making, transportation and emergency room periods☆

Abstract In order to determine whether prehospitalization characteristics of patients with chest pain are useful in predicting their subsequent course, we analyzed the precoronary care course in 211 consecutive patients admitted because of suspected myocardial infarction. On the basis of serial electrocardiograms and enzymes, 61 patients had a definite myocardial infarction on admission, 30 patients evolved criteria for an infarction during hospitallzation, 102 patients had cardiac pain without infarction, and 18 patients were judged to have noncardiac pain. The mean patient delay from onset of chest pain to arrival at the hospital was 456 ± 703 minutes (median 210 minutes). The decision to seek medical help consumed a mean 307 ± 575 minutes of this delay, whereas transportation to the hospital required only a mean of 17 ± 49 minutes. Known heart disease, known stable angina and progressive unstable angina tended to prolong the patient's decision to seek medical help. Of 140 patients who contacted a physician, 67 (48 per cent) were sent to the emergency room; whereas 71 had an additional mean 180 ± 436 minutes (median 38 minutes) of physician-advised delay consisting of office visits (59 patients), house call (five patients) and other attempted therapy (seven patients). The presence of prodromas or chest pain consistent with unstable angina was not significantly different in any patient group. We conclude that prodromas, although common, are not helpful in differentiating those with infarction from those without infarction among the patients hospitalized because of chest pain. Furthermore, the mean patient delay of over 6 hours and median delay of 3 12 hours indicates that this delay is the most immediate problem to be solved in order to decrease out of hospital mortality.
Polycystic Kidney Disease: Early Detection by Gray Scale Echography

Early detection of polycystic kidney disease, an autosomal dominant disorder, is important for genetic counseling, and early treatment of infection and hypertension may help preserve renal function. This study analyses the results of renal echograms performed on family members of patients with polycystic kidney disease.
Geographies, Genders and Geopolitics of James Bond

Lisa Funnell and Klaus Dodds. London, UK: Palgrave Macmillan, 2017. xii and 242 pp., photos, notes, bibliography, index. $109.99 cloth (ISBN 978-1-137-57023-9); $84.99 electronic (ISBN 978-1-137-57...
Nanorod morphology control of iron oxide nanoparticles induced by ionic surfactants and their solid – liquid interfacial adsorption

Abstract Morphology control is an important aspect of nanomaterials for their appropriate use in different applications. In this study, we report the morphology control of iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) by using a variety of crystal growth controlling agents in a simple hydrothermal method. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) ionic surfactants proved to be excellent shape directing agents to produce fine magnetic nanorods whereas non-ionic surfactants and other bioactive molecules were unable to do so. Different techniques were applied to understand the mechanism of nanorod formation. It was attributed to strong solid – liquid interfacial adsorption of ionic surfactant molecules on {1 0 0}/{1 1 0} crystal planes of cubic lattice of growing nucleating centres to produce nanorod morphologies. XRD analysis clearly identified the magnetite nature of nanorods while XPS analysis helped in evaluating the amount and chemical composition of surface adsorbed molecules that were further related to the magnetic behavior. A compact and larger surface adsorption impeded the magnetization of nanorods and an optimum concentration of about 12 mM of SDS and CTAB was considered to be the best option to achieve both shape controlled synthesis as well as retaining appropriate magnetism.
Breast Tumor Microenvironment Can Transform Naive Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Tumor-Forming Cells in Nude Mice.

How mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) interact with tumor cells and promote tumor growth is not well understood. In this study, we demonstrate that when naive MSCs and malignant breast cancer cells (MD...
2017 Compendium of recent test results of single event effects conducted by the jet propulsion laboratory's radiation effects group

This paper reports heavy ion induced single event effects (SEE) results for a variety of microelectronic devices targeted for possible use in JPL spacecraft. The compendium covers devices tested within the timeframe of August 2015 through July 2017. It is formatted as an update to the SEE compendia JPL has historically published.
Is the common teasel (Dipsacus fullonum) carnivorous or was Francis Darwin wrong

Francis Darwin first suggested that the common teasel (Dipsacus fullonum L.), a biennial species, might be a carnivorous plant. He suggested that this species acquires nutrients from insects that d...
Plasma biomarkers to predict pembrolizumab response in HCC patients.

e14043Background: Pembrolizumab (PEM) has been approved as second line therapy for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We conducted a single institution investigator-initiated clinical...
An analytical framework for locally resonant piezoelectric metamaterial plates

Abstract We present an analytical modeling framework and its analysis for thin piezoelectric metamaterial plates to enable and predict low-frequency bandgap formation in finite structural configurations with specified boundary conditions. Using Hamilton’s extended principle and the assumptions of classical (Kirchhoff) plate theory, the governing equations and boundary conditions for the fully coupled two-dimensional electromechanical system are obtained. The two surfaces of the piezoelectric bimorph are segmented into non-overlapping opposing pairs of electrodes of arbitrary shape, and each pair of electrodes is shunted to an external circuit. This formulation can be used to study the effect of electrode shape on plate response for topology optimization and other vibration control applications. Using modal analysis, we show that for a sufficient number of electrodes distributed across the surface of the plate, the effective dynamic stiffness of the plate is determined by the shunt circuit admittance applied to each pair of electrodes and the system-level electromechanical coupling. This enables the creation of locally resonant bandgaps and broadband attenuation, among other effects, in analogy with our previous work for one-dimensional piezoelectric structures with synthetic impedance shunt circuits. It is also demonstrated that piezoelectric bimorph plates display significantly improved performance (i.e. electromechanical coupling) over bimorph beams, but require additional electrode segmentation to achieve metamaterial-type performance. The governing equations are also used for dispersion analysis using the plane wave expansion method, enabling the analytical dispersion analysis of unit cells with arbitrary electrode shapes. The modeling framework and approximate closed-form bandgap expressions are numerically validated using finite element analysis.
Enhancing Store Experience for Small to Medium Enterprises through Virtual Reality

The purpose of the study is to develop a conceptual model that describes how virtual reality (VR) can enhance consumers' store awareness and store visit intention among small businesses. Based on Stimuli-Organism-Response (SOR) model and schema theory, the paper suggests that consumers' schema affects their ability to recall information about stores. Enjoyment through VR experience (O) is triggered in varying degrees by the level of store familiarity (S), so consumers' visit intention (R1) and store awareness (R2) can differ. By incorporation three moderators, factors influencing the effectiveness of VR use for retailers are identified. The conceptual model recommends that consumers' hedonic value and curiosity positively moderate the relationship between store familiarity and enjoyment, but VR discomfort negatively moderates the relationship. The study concludes with the discussion of theoretical and practical implications for the application of VR among less familiar retailers.
Dexmedetomidine: A Novel Strategy for Patients with Intractable Pain, Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia, or Delirium at the End of Life

Dexmedetomidine, a selective alpha2 agonist, is traditionally used briefly for perioperative anesthesia and sedation of mechanically ventilated patients. Reports of its use in patients with opioid-induced hyperalgesia1 and intractable pain and delirium2 suggested it for patients who otherwise may have required palliative sedation to relieve suffering. We present the protocol developed by the interdisciplinary team in our intensive palliative care unit that allows for safe titrated administration without required vital sign monitoring outside the intensive care unit (ICU) (Supplementary Appendix SA1). We describe its efficacy in eight patients who were receiving comfort-focused care.
FASTER PROGRESSION OF LEFT VENTRICULAR THICKNESS IN MEN COMPARED TO WOMEN IN WILD-TYPE TRANSTHYRETIN CARDIAC AMYLOIDOSIS

We determined the progression of LV thickness and its association with ECG, biomarkers and symptoms in untreated wild-type transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA wt). Measurements were made on 2 echocardiograms, at least 18 months apart, before and after the diagnostic Tc-99m pyrophosphate (PYP
Missed Abortion Presented with Worsening Hyperemesis Gravidarum.

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is the most common cause of in-patient hospitalizations during the first half of pregnancy. The etiology of HG has not yet been elucidated, and the treatment is mainly symptomatic. Untreated severe HG can lead to catastrophic maternal complications such as cardiac arrhythmia and death. In contrast, the impact of untreated severe HG on the fetuses remains contradictory. Evidence suggested that HG may increase the risk of a small for gestational age (GA) fetus. We here report a case of 32-year-old nulliparous woman, GA of 14 weeks, who presented with worsening HG and later had a diagnosis of missed abortion. More research is needed to clarify the possibility of HG as a contributory cause of abortion.