cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Toward IMRT 2D dose modeling using artificial neural networks: a feasibility study.

Purpose: To investigate the feasibility of artificial neural networks (ANN) to reconstruct dose maps for intensity modulated radiation treatment (IMRT) fields compared with those of the treatment planning system (TPS). Methods: An artificial feed forward neural network and the back-propagation learning algorithm have been used to replicate dose calculations of IMRT fields obtained from PINNACLE{sup 3} v9.0. The ANN was trained with fluence and dose maps of IMRT fields for 6 MV x-rays, which were obtained from the amorphous silicon (a-Si) electronic portal imaging device of Novalis TX. Those fluence distributions were imported to the TPS and the dose maps were calculated on the horizontal midpoint plane of a water equivalent homogeneous cylindrical virtual phantom. Each exported 2D dose distribution from the TPS was classified into two clusters of high and low dose regions, respectively, based on the K-means algorithm and the Euclidian metric in the fluence-dose domain. The data of each cluster were divided into two sets for the training and validation phase of the ANN, respectively. After the completion of the ANN training phase, 2D dose maps were reconstructed by the ANN and isodose distributions were created. The dose maps reconstructed by ANN were evaluated and compared withmore » the TPS, where the mean absolute deviation of the dose and the {gamma}-index were used. Results: A good agreement between the doses calculated from the TPS and the trained ANN was achieved. In particular, an average relative dosimetric difference of 4.6% and an average {gamma}-index passing rate of 93% were obtained for low dose regions, and a dosimetric difference of 2.3% and an average {gamma}-index passing rate of 97% for high dose region. Conclusions: An artificial neural network has been developed to convert fluence maps to corresponding dose maps. The feasibility and potential of an artificial neural network to replicate complex convolution kernels in the TPS for IMRT dose calculations have been demonstrated.« less
Recruiting African American smokers into intervention research: Relationships between recruitment strategies and participant characteristics

The purposes of this study were to (a) to describe an 8-month recruitment campaign to enroll African American smokers (N = 249) into a randomized controlled trial and (b) examine characteristics of participants recruited through proactive (face-to-face), reactive (television, radio, or newspaper ads inviting participants), and combination (both reactive and proactive) approaches. Reactive recruitment was most successful (43%), followed by proactive (31%), and combination (26%) recruitment. Compared to proactive recruitment, reactive recruitment was associated with lower nicotine dependence, and greater readiness to quit, processes of change engagement, and acculturation. Combination recruitment was associated with lower nicotine dependence and greater readiness to quit. The differences according to recruitment strategy could be used to tailor recruitment strategies for African American smokers. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 32:86–95, 2009
Designing a Mobile Application for Conceptual Understanding: Integrating Learning Theory with Organic Chemistry Learning Needs

This paper describes the development of a mobile application app created as a learning tool to help organic chemistry students increase their conceptual understanding of a given topic. The learning needs of organic chemistry students studying the unit "functional groups" were first identified, appropriate learning theories were chosen, and then a working prototype of the mobile application "TsoiChemi¾©" was designed and created using Apple's iOS Software Development Kit. An iterative development process incorporated several learning theories along with the chemistry students' feedback into the app's design so as to best leverage the multi-touch feature of the device. This paper also discusses the preliminary data on the effectiveness of the design elements on student perceptions of the app and students' conceptual understanding. Future directions for the app and this study are also presented.
Studies on the source of cyclic AMP in canine gastric juice

The possibility that cyclic AMP in gastric juice is derived from plasma by simple clearance was evaluated. The effect of exogenous cyclic AMP administration (1 mg/min) on radioimmunoassayable cyclic AMP in plasma and gastric juice was studied in dog stomach during histamine (8–16 μg/kg/hr) infusion. Experiments were performed in vagally denervated fundic (Heidenhain) and in innervated gastric pouches. During infusion of cyclic AMP with histamine, plasma cyclic AMP concentration rapidly increased 500-fold. Simultaneously, gastric juice cyclic AMP levels decreased almost 50%. In contrast, dibutyryl cyclic AMP infusion increased gastric juice cAMP concentration 5-fold, suggesting that the gastric mucosa is more permeable to dibutyryl cyclic AMP. In Heidenhain pouch experiments the clearance of dibutyryl cyclic AMP into gastric juice was only 1.5% of the clearance of aminopyrine. It appears that plasma clearance of cyclic AMP fails to account for most of the cyclic AMP present in gastric juice.
Discovery of potent transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 antagonists: design and synthesis of phenoxyacetamide derivatives.

Abstract We aimed to discover a novel type of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) antagonist because such antagonists are possible drug candidates for treating various disorders. We modified the structure of hit compound 7 (human TRPV1 IC50 = 411 nM) and converted its pyrrolidino group to a (hydroxyethyl)methylamino group, which substantially improved inhibitory activity (15d; human TRPV1 IC50 = 33 nM). In addition, 15d ameliorated bladder overactivity in rats in vivo.
Negotiating Collaboration Across Differences

Through auto-ethnographic approach, this article extends contemporary debates on the need to further conceptualize and practice collaborative approaches to research. By exploring the complex dimensions of collaboration, this discussion traces the challenges of researching communities one affiliates with, particularly in relation to ethnic, cultural, and “unusual” researcher-researched positional differences. Also, by describing the dilemmas faced in translating languages spoken by respondents, the authors explain how the issues of language and representation complicate the collaborative relationships of research. This discussion proposes that investigators reexamine how they have interacted with participants in everyday contexts and aims to help researchers redefine the meaning of collaborative research across differences.
Cold shock and heat shock : a comparison of the protection generated by brief pretreatment at less severe temperatures

Brief exposure to low (0oC) or high (40oC) temperature elicits a protective response that prevents injury when the flesh fly, Sarcophaga crassipalpis Macquart, is subjected to more severe cold (-10oC) or heat (45oC). Both the low and high temperature responses were found in all developmental stages of the fly, but were most pronounced in the pupal and pharate adult stages. The protective responses generated by brief exposure to 0 or 40oC appear similar in that both result in a rapid acquisition of cold or heat tolerance and a loss of protection after the flies are returned to 25oC. The protection generated by chilling is obvious within 10 min of exposure to 0oC while a 30 min exposure to 40oC is required to induce the high temperature protection. High temperature protects against cold shock injury within a narrow range (around 36oC) but we have no evidence that low temperature can protect against heat injury. We previously demonstrated that the rapid increase in cold tolerance correlates with concomitant increases in glycerol concentration, but in this study we found no significant elevation in glycerol in heat-shocked flies. Thus the physiological and biochemical bases for the rapid responses to cold and heat appear to be different.
Molecularly Imprinted Polymers

Molecular imprinting is a process for synthesizing materials that contain highly specific recognition sites for small molecules. The imprinting process consists of a template molecule that preorganizes functional, polymerizable monomers. This template assembly is copolymerized with a large excess of cross-linking monomers to produce an insoluble network material. Extraction of the template molecule leaves behind a region that is complementary in size, shape, and functional group orientation to the template molecule. The resulting polymeric materials are referred to as molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). Intermolecular forces between the template, functional monomers and polymer matrix determines MIP structure. Pre-organization of the functional monomers has been achieved with covalent, electrostatic, and hydrogen bonding interactions. The most common method of polymer formation employs free radical initiation. These materials are tough, easy to handle, and have been shown to retain their recognition properties for over five years without loss of selectivity or capacity. As a result, they have advantages over more fragile biological systems for molecular recognition and have been referred to as “plastic antibodies”. Under the proper conditions, MIPs have shown the ability to function as selective binding materials, microreactors, facilitated transport membranes, and catalysts. Their utility, coupled with their longevity and robustness, make MIPs candidates for applications in separation science, as industrial catalysis, and for medical diagnostics. Keywords: Molecular imprinting; Polymer chemistry; Organic materials; Covalent imprinting; Noncovalent imprinting; Polymer networks; Applications; Separation technology; Catalysis; Antibody; Receptor site mimics; Sensors
Steady-State and dynamic study of one-cycle-controlled three-phase power-factor correction

One-cycle control power-factor correction (OCC-PFC) with vector operation is a promising rectification method that eliminates harmonics and improves the power factor. It features great simplicity, high performance, and excellent stability. This paper performs analysis and design of OCC-PFC in both the steady-state and dynamic transients. The sufficient stability condition for three-phase OCC-PFC is derived. Some typical large-signal perturbations in practice are then used to verify the theoretical predictions. The paper also provides some guidelines for the selection of the circuit parameters in practical application. All analysis results were verified by simulation or experiments based on a three-phase 1-kW pre-industrial OCC-PFC prototype.
The narrative construction of intimacy and affect in relationship stories: Implications for relationship quality, stability, and mental health

This study examined how the narrative construction of intimacy and affect in relationship stories predicted individuals’ relationship quality, stability, and mental health. A purposive national sample of 150 individuals in long-term relationships wrote stories about four key relationship events and completed measures of relationship quality and mental health. Stories were analyzed for narrative and linguistic indicators of intimacy-related and affective content. Intimacy-related content was positively associated with relationship quality and mental health. Linguistically-coded affect was not associated with any outcomes. The most robust predictor of relationship quality and mental health was the narratively constructed affective tone of relationship story endings. The narrative construction of positive story endings significantly increased the likelihood of participants remaining together with their partners over time.
Lessons from Kepler and the theory of everything

Johannes Kepler's successes and failures provide lessons for reductionists seeking the theory of everything as well as for those who have proclaimed the end of reductionism.
Influence of Nonviscous Damping on Seismic Inelastic Displacements

Viscous damping, which assumes a resisting force proportional to the instantaneous velocity, results in energy dissipation that increases linearly with frequency. Such energy dissipation, however, is not strongly supported by experiments. The energy dissipative characteristics of damping can be improved by nonviscous hereditary model, where the damping force is treated as dependent on the response history. A weighting function with built-in exponential decay can be used to represent the fading memory of damping where the recent history is given a greater influence over its distant past. This paper investigates the seismic response of structures using exponentially decaying nonviscous damping and compares the response with that of classical viscous damping. Preliminary results show an increase in inelastic displacements in the exponential damping model for both normal and near-fault ground motions. As part of the study, system characteristics of the exponential damping model are investigated.
RORC2: The master of human Th17 cell programming

It is now recognized that Th17 cells constitute the third effector arm of Th cells, complementing the Th1 and Th2 lineages. Although secretion of IL-17 is a primary defining characteristic of Th17 cells, the expression profile of specific chemokine receptors, cell surface molecules and cytokines are also part of the Th17 cell differentiation program. The orphan nuclear receptor RORγt/RORC2 (mice/humans) is the master transcription factor that can drive Th17 cell differentiation in both mice and humans; however, it is not completely clear how much of the human Th17 lineage function and phenotype can be recapitulated by only RORC2 expression. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, a study reports that ectopic expression of RORC2 in primary human T cells induces, in addition to IL-17 production, a cytokine and chemokine receptor profile consistent with bona fide human Th17 cells. In addition, programming of human Th17 cells by RORC2 results in partial resistance of these T cells to suppression by Tregs. These findings support the notion that RORC2 is a master switch that initiates a wide range of phenotypic and functional programming during Th17 cell differentiation.
Sexual Spanking, the Self, and the Construction of Deviance

Abstract Using interview and observation data from a group of consensual, heterosexual adults interested in sexual spanking, I describe members' sexual stories and stigma neutralization techniques. Sexual stories are situated within broader cultural contexts that help individuals construct meaning and identities. I describe group members' stories about their initial interest in sexualized spankings. Focusing on a specific event at one party, I show how these stories help to create scene-specific stigma neutralization techniques. Participants strive to differentiate themselves from sadomasochistic activities and to create normative behavioral expectations within their scenes. I conclude that all of this can ultimately be viewed as part of the complex sexual adaptations that people make.
A Ubiquitous β-tubulin Disrupts Microtubule Assembly and Inhibits Cell Proliferation

Vertebrate tubulin is encoded by a multigene family that produces distinct gene products, or isotypes, of both the α- and β-tubulin subunits. The isotype sequences are conserved across species supp...
The sociology of physical disability: A review of literature and some conceptual perspectives

In this paper some of the most significant literature on the sociology of physical disability is examined. Special attention is paid to the labeling perspective because it has dominated thinking about the social and emotional adjustment of disabled individuals during recent years. Much of the empirical research, however, indicates that a key problem in the labeling theory is explaining why many disabled individuals do not passively accept the labels that are applied to them. Hence, two alternative conceptual perspectives, the negotiated outcome perspective and the compensatory perspective, are offered to account for the behavior and emotional adjustment of some physically disabled individuals. In addition, some possible conditioning variables are discussed in terms of their theoretical significance and implications for future research.
The Role of Attention During Encoding in Implicit and Explicit Memory

In 5 experiments, participants read study words under conditions of divided or full attention. Dividing attention reduced performance on the general knowledge test, a conceptual implicit test of memory. Likewise, dividing attention reduced conceptual priming on the wordassociation task, as well as on a matched explicit test, associate-cued recall. In contrast, even very strong division of attention did not reduce perceptual priming on word-fragment completion, although it did reduce recall on the matched explicit test of word-fragment -cued recall. Finally, dividing attention reduced recall on the perceptual explicit tests of graphemiccued recall and graphemic recognition. The results indicate that perceptual implicit tests rely minimally on attention-demanding encoding proceses relative to other types of memory tests. The obtained pattern of dissociations is not readily accommodated by the transfer-appropriateprocessing (TAP) account of implicit and explicit memory. Potential extensions of the TAP view are discussed.
The Interaction of Human Estrogen Receptor with DNA Is Modulated by Receptor-Associated Proteins

To better define the role of accessory protein as mediators of estrogen receptor (ER) function, we have used immuno-, steroid-, and site-specific DNA-affinity chromatography to identify and characterize proteins that associate with ER in extracts from ER-expressing Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-ER) cells. Two associated proteins [70 and 55 kilodaltons (kDa)] were observed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis silver stain analysis of all three column eluates. Two additional proteins (45 and 48 kDa) were preferentially retained by the ER-specific DNA affinity column. The 70-kDa protein was subsequently identified by Western blot analysis as a heat shock protein (hsp70). The 55-kDa protein was identified by N-terminal microsequencing as a member of the protein disulfide isomerase family. The 48- and 45-kDa proteins remain unidentified. To determine the possible differential effects of estrogen agonists and antagonists on human (h) ER interaction with these proteins, CHO-ER cells were lab...
Mining needle in a haystack: classifying rare classes via two-phase rule induction

Learning models to classify rarely occurring target classes is an important problem with applications in network intrusion detection, fraud detection, or deviation detection in general. In this paper, we analyze our previously proposed two-phase rule induction method in the context of learning complete and precise signatures of rare classes. The key feature of our method is that it separately conquers the objectives of achieving high recall and high precision for the given target class. The first phase of the method aims for high recall by inducing rules with high support and a reasonable level of accuracy. The second phase then tries to improve the precision by learning rules to remove false positives in the collection of the records covered by the first phase rules. Existing sequential covering techniques try to achieve high precision for each individual disjunct learned. In this paper, we claim that such approach is inadequate for rare classes, because of two problems: splintered false positives and error-prone small disjuncts. Motivated by the strengths of our two-phase design, we design various synthetic data models to identify and analyze the situations in which two state-of-the-art methods, RIPPER and C4.5 rules, either fail to learn a model or learn a very poor model. In all these situations, our two-phase approach learns a model with significantly better recall and precision levels. We also present a comparison of the three methods on a challenging real-life network intrusion detection dataset. Our method is significantly better or comparable to the best competitor in terms of achieving better balance between recall and precision.
Effect of chronic resistive loading on hypoxic ventilatory responsiveness

Greenberg, Harly E., Rammohan S. Rao, Anthony L. Sica, and Steven M. Scharf. Effect of chronic resistive loading on hypoxic ventilatory responsiveness. J. Appl. Physiol. 82(2): 500–507, 1997.—Depression of ventilation mediated by endogenous opioids has been observed acutely after resistive airway loading. We evaluated the effects of chronically increased airway resistance on hypoxic ventilatory responsiveness shortly after load imposition and 6 wk later. A circumferential tracheal band was placed in 200-g rats, tripling tracheal resistance. Sham surgery was performed in controls. Ventilation and the ventilatory response to hypoxia were measured by using barometric plethysmography at 2 days and 6 wk postsurgery in unanesthetized rats during exposure to room air and to 12% O2-5% CO2-balance N2. Trials were performed with and without naloxone (1 mg/kg ip). Room air arterial blood gases demonstrated hypercapnia with normoxia in obstructed rats at 2 days and 6 wk postsurgery. During hypoxia, a 30-Torr fall in P O 2 occurred with no change in P CO 2 . Hypoxic ventilatory responsiveness was suppressed in obstructed rats at 2 days postloading. Naloxone partially reversed this suppression. However, hypoxic responsiveness at 6 wk was not different from control levels. Naloxone had a small effect on ventilatory pattern at this time with no overall effect on hypoxic responsiveness. This was in contrast to previously demonstrated long-term suppression of CO2 sensitivity in this model, which was partially reversible by naloxone only during the immediate period after load imposition. Endogenous opioids apparently modulate ventilatory control acutely after load imposition. Their effect wanes with time despite persistence of depressed CO2 sensitivity.
Mitochondrial division inhibitor 1 protects against mutant huntingtin-induced abnormal mitochondrial dynamics and neuronal damage in Huntington's disease

The objective of this study was to determine the protective effects of the mitochondrial division inhibitor 1 (Mdivi1) in striatal neurons that stably express mutant Htt (STHDhQ111/Q111) and wild-type (WT) Htt (STHDhQ7/Q7). Using gene expression analysis, biochemical methods, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and confocal microscopy methods, we studied (i) mitochondrial and synaptic activities by measuring mRNA and the protein levels of mitochondrial and synaptic genes, (ii) mitochondrial function and (iii) ultra-structural changes in mutant Htt neurons relative to WT Htt neurons. We also studied these parameters in Mdivil-treated and untreated WT and mutant Htt neurons. Increased expressions of mitochondrial fission genes, decreased expression of fusion genes and synaptic genes were found in the mutant Htt neurons relative to the WT Htt neurons. Electron microscopy of the mutant Htt neurons revealed a significantly increased number of mitochondria, indicating that mutant Htt fragments mitochondria. Biochemical analysis revealed defective mitochondrial functioning. In the Mdivil-treated mutant Htt neurons, fission genes were down-regulated, and fusion genes were up-regulated, suggesting that Mdivil decreases fission activity. Synaptic genes were up-regulated, and mitochondrial function was normal in the Mdivi1-treated mutant Htt neurons. Immunoblotting findings of mitochondrial and synaptic proteins agreed with mRNA findings. The TEM studies revealed that increased numbers of structurally intact mitochondria were present in Mdivi1-treated mutant Htt neurons. Increased synaptic and mitochondrial fusion genes and decreased fission genes were found in the Mdivi1-treated WT Htt neurons, indicating that Mdivi1 beneficially affects healthy neurons. Taken together, these findings suggest that Mdivi1 is protective against mutant Htt-induced mitochondrial and synaptic damage in HD neurons and that Mdivi1 may be a promising molecule for the treatment of HD patients.
Virtual reality technology for the clinician

Virtual reality technology has progressed substantially in recent years, with system costs diminishing. Adoption has been mixed, and sometimes without a strong body of research, which certainly poses safety risks for the patient and professional challenges for the clinician. While building a strong body of data that would lead to “best practices” will take time, this Workshop can assist by giving a broad and unbiased coverage of the technology and predicting trends for the future. Practical issues with adoption will also be discussed, as well as cost considerations.
Do muscles function as adaptable locomotor springs

During normal animal movements, the forces produced by the locomotor muscles may be greater than, equal to or less than the forces acting on those muscles, the consequences of which significantly affect both the maximum force produced and the energy consumed by the muscles. Lengthening (eccentric) contractions result in the greatest muscle forces at the lowest relative energetic costs. Eccentric contractions play a key role in storing elastic strain energy which, when recovered in subsequent contractions, has been shown to result in enhanced force, work or power outputs. We present data that support the concept that this ability of muscle to store and recover elastic strain energy is an adaptable property of skeletal muscle. Further, we speculate that a crucial element in that muscle spring may be the protein titin. It too seems to adapt to muscle use, and its stiffness seems to be 'tuned' to the frequency of normal muscle use.
Global Emissivity Distribution and Change from 2003 to 2007

Land surface emissivity is known to be affected by land cover, surface roughness, and soil moisture. In this study we used land surface emissivity data from National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for Earth Observing Systems for 2003 to 2007 to detect areas of significant emissivity change and identify its potential causes. Data distribution of annual emissivity averages on a global scale revealed that the western coastlines of the continents, deserts, and the polar areas showed the lowest emissivity values, whereas the higher emissivity values were concentrated in large cities, heavily forested areas, and large mountain ranges. A two-tailed Z test was then used to identify regions that showed statistically significant changes at the 99 percent confidence interval. At the regional scale, three regions that showed statistically significant annual change values at the 99 percent confidence interval—the Iranian Plateau, the La Plata basin, and the Indus basin—we...
Current crowding in two-dimensional black-phosphorus field-effect transistors

By combining electrical measurements, scanning Kelvin probe microscopy, and numerical electrical simulations, we find significant current crowding in two-dimensional (2D) black phosphorus field-effect transistors. This current crowding can lead to localized Joule heating close to the metal contacts, and it is consistent with the features of the device failure observed in this study. Importantly, by considering both Schottky and resistive Ohmic contact models, we find that the commonly used transmission-line model, in general, significantly underestimates the extent of the current crowding. These findings, which are likely to be relevant in other 2D materials, suggest the need to take into account the current crowding effect in designing 2D devices.
Exploiting big data for customer and retailer benefits: A study of emerging mobile checkout scenarios

Purpose – Mobile checkout in the retail store has the promise to be a rich source of big data. It is also a means to increase the rate at which big data flows into an organization as well as the potential to integrate product recommendations and promotions in real time. However, despite efforts by retailers to implement this retail innovation, adoption by customers has been slow. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Based on interviews and focus groups with leading retailers, technology providers, and service providers, the authors identified several emerging in-store mobile scenarios; and based on customer focus groups, the authors identified potential drivers and inhibitors of use. Findings – A first departure from the traditional customer checkout process flow is that a mobile checkout involves two processes: scanning and payment, and that checkout scenarios with respect to each of these processes varied across two dimensions: first, location – whether they were fixed b...
Effects of buoyancy on EHD-enhanced forced convection in a horizontal channel

Buoyancy effects on heat transfer enhancement using electrohydrodynamic (EHD) technique is numerically examined for laminar forced convection in a horizontal channel. Attention is also focused on the effect of added buoyancy on the flow stability. The electrical field is generated by positive corona from a wire electrode charged with a high dc voltage (10 < V0 <, 17.5 kV). The flow Reynolds numbers and thermal buoyancy strength considered are in the range of 600 < Re < 1800 and 10" <, Gr < 10, respectively. It is found that heat transfer enhancement increases with the applied voltage. For a given electric field, oscillation in the flow and temperature fields has been observed for flows at small Reynolds numbers. In addition, the flow and temperature fields become more unstable with an increase in the thermal buoyancy strength. Due to the existence of secondary flows, there is an improvement in heat transfer. However, it is observed that thermal buoyancy has a negligible effect on the heat transfer enhancement for Gr < 10. b d Dh E E. Nomenclature ion mobility of the fluid, [nrrVV-s] distance between wire and plate, [m] hydraulic diameter, [m] electric field, [V/m] electric field strength in x-direction, [V/m] 1 Assistant Professor, Member AIAA 2 Graduate Research Assistant, currently at Governair Corp., OKC, OK 73118 3 Graduate Research Assistant, currently at CMI Corp., OKC, OK 73128 9 Gr h h J k L L Nu Nu Nu,
Synthesis and Characterization of PZT Coatings on Glass Microspheres

Synthesis of Pb(Ti,Zr)O3 (PZT) coatings onto glass microspheres was demonstrated using solgel techniques. Characterization of the coatings was performed using XRD and SEM to demonstrate that piezoelectric PZT coating are possible. This study represents an initial feasibility study into the manufacture of so-called “smart” material fabrication utilizing different geometries.
Synthesis of Crystalline-Phase Silica-Based Calcium Phosphonate Nanomaterials and Their Transport in Carbonate and Sandstone Porous Media

Phosphonates are widely used scale inhibitors in oilfields for scale control. In this study, crystalline-phase calcium phosphonate nanomaterials were prepared from amorphous silica-templated calcium phosphonate precipitates that were matured into crystalline phases by a simple diafiltration process. The crystalline solids were further dispersed into a surfactant solution to form a nanomaterial suspension (nanofluid) by ultrasonic treatment to expand their use in the delivery of phosphonate inhibitors into formation core materials for scale control. The physical and chemical properties of the synthesized crystalline nanomaterials were characterized by chemical analysis, electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, infrared microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The transport of the synthesized nanofluids through calcite and sandstone media was investigated using laboratory column breakthrough experiments. The nanofluids were transported through these media at different breakthrough levels. The experimental...
Wireless Vital Sign Monitoring in Pregnant Women: A Functionality and Acceptability Study.

Abstract Objective: To test the functionality and acceptability of a wireless vital sign monitor in an inpatient obstetric unit. Materials and Methods: Pregnant women at a U.S. tertiary-care hospital wore a wireless vital sign sensor that captures heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature. Measurements were compared with vital signs obtained by standard devices. We defined continuous capture of vital signs for 30 min with wireless data transfer to a central monitor as functional success. Acceptability was assessed per the pregnant women and nurses observing the device. Bland–Altman plots were constructed to assess agreement between the wireless sensor and standard measurements. Results: Thirty of 32 enrolled pregnant women had successful monitoring; 2 cases were stopped early for non–study-related reasons. Comparing wireless sensor and standard measurements, the mean difference (limits of agreement) values at the 25th and 75th percentiles were 1.6 (±13.2) and 4.2 (±18.6) heartbeats/min, 4.2 (±6.1) and...
Mechanical stimulation of organogenic cardiomyocyte growth in vitro.

Adherent cultures of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were subjected to progressive, unidirectional lengthening for 2-4 days in serum-containing medium. This mechanical stretch (25% increase in initial ...
Preservation of viable leucocytes in glycerol at -80 degrees C.

SINCE the demonstration by Polge et al.1 of the protective effect of glycerol on fowl spermatozoa stored at low temperatures, a number of mammalian tissues, including erythrocytes and bone marrow cells of man, have been successfully preserved in this manner2–4. With the recent interest in the culture of leucocytes from peripheral blood in determining human karyotypes, it would be desirable to be able to preserve leucocytes at low temperatures for later study or to permit shipment over long distances.
Three questions for minimalism

In this paper, I raise some interconnected concerns for Paul Horwich’s minimal theory of truth, framed by these three questions: How should the minimal theory be formulated? How does the minimal theory address the liar paradox? What is the explanatory role of the concept of truth? I conclude that we cannot be linguistic or conceptual deflationists about truth.
Microfabricated Optically-Pumped Magnetometers for Biomagnetic Applications

We report on the progress in developing microfabricated optically-pumped magnetometer arrays for imaging applications. We have improved our sensitivities by several orders of magnitude in the last ten years. Now, our zero-field magnetometers reach noise values below 15 fT/Hz1/2. Recently, we have also developed gradiometers to reject ambient magnetic field noise. We have built several imaging arrays and validated them for biomedical measurements of brain and heart activity.
The Narrative Impulse in Stevens’s Poetry: ‘Anecdote of the Prince of Peacocks’ and ‘Mrs. Alfred Uruguay’

Narrative is both the representation of external events and the telling of those events. My interest in narrative derives from my belief that we make sense of our life by ordering it and giving it shape. The stories we tell ourselves provide continuity among the concatenation of diverse episodes in our lives, even if our stories inevitably distort and falsify. Each of us is continually writing and rewriting the text of our life, revising our memories and hopes, proposing plans, filtering disappointments through our defences and rationalizations, making adjustments in the way we present ourselves to ourselves and others. To the degree that we are self-conscious, we live in our narratives – our discourse – about our actions, thoughts and feelings.
Continuous quality improvement in nephrology: a systematic review

Continuous quality improvement (CQI) has been successfully applied in business and engineering for over 60 years. While using CQI techniques within nephrology has received increased attention, little is known about where, and with what measure of success, CQI can be attributed to improving outcomes within nephrology care. This is particularly important as payors’ focus on value-based healthcare and reimbursement is tied to achieving quality improvement thresholds. We conducted a systematic review of CQI applications in nephrology. Studies were identified from PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Google Scholar, ProQuest Dissertation Abstracts and sources of grey literature (i.e., available in print/electronic format but not controlled by commercial publishers) between January 1, 2004 and October 13, 2014. We developed a systematic evaluation protocol and pre-defined criteria for review. All citations were reviewed by two reviewers with disagreements resolved by consensus. We initially identified 468 publications; 40 were excluded as duplicates or not available/not in English. An additional 352 did not meet criteria for full review due to: 1. Not meeting criteria for inclusion = 196 (e.g., reviews, news articles, editorials) 2. Not nephrology-specific = 153, 3. Only available as abstracts = 3. Of 76 publications meeting criteria for full review, the majority [45 (61%)] focused on ESRD care. 74% explicitly stated use of specific CQI tools in their methods. The highest number of publications in a given year occurred in 2011 with 12 (16%) articles. 89% of studies were found in biomedical and allied health journals and most studies were performed in North America (52%). Only one was randomized and controlled although not blinded. Despite calls for healthcare reform and funding to inspire innovative research, we found few high quality studies either rigorously evaluating the use of CQI in nephrology or reporting best practices. More rigorous research is needed to assess the mechanisms and attributes by which CQI impacts outcomes before there is further promotion of its use for improvement and reimbursement purposes.
Transient Cervical Myeloneurapraxia

Neurapraxia is a condition of temporary paralysis as a result of some kind of injury, which ends by rapid and complete recovery without degenerative changes.
A general algorithm for computing simultaneous prediction intervals for the (log)-location-scale family of distributions

ABSTRACTMaking predictions of future realized values of random variables based on currently available data is a frequent task in statistical applications. In some applications, the interest is to obtain a two-sided simultaneous prediction interval (SPI) to contain at least k out of m future observations with a certain confidence level based on n previous observations from the same distribution. A closely related problem is to obtain a one-sided upper (or lower) simultaneous prediction bound (SPB) to exceed (or be exceeded) by at least k out of m future observations. In this paper, we provide a general approach for computing SPIs and SPBs based on data from a particular member of the (log)-location-scale family of distributions with complete or right censored data. The proposed simulation-based procedure can provide exact coverage probability for complete and Type II censored data. For Type I censored data, our simulation results show that our procedure provides satisfactory results in small samples. We us...
Impact of Early Head Start in North Carolina on Dental Care Use Among Children Younger Than 3 Years.

Objectives. To examine the effects of North Carolina Early Head Start (EHS), an early education program for low-income children younger than 3 years and their families, on dental care use among children.Methods. We performed a quasi-experimental study in which we interviewed 479 EHS and 699 non-EHS parent–child dyads at baseline (2010–2012) and at a 24-month follow-up (2012–2014). We estimated the effects of EHS participation on the probability of having a dental care visit after controlling for baseline dental care need and use and a propensity score covariate; we included random effects to account for EHS program clustering.Results. The odds of having a dental care visit of any type (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 2.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.74, 3.48) and having a preventive dental visit (adjusted OR = 2.6; 95% CI = 1.84, 3.63) were higher among EHS children than among non-EHS children. In addition, the adjusted mean number of dental care visits among EHS children was 1.3 times (95% CI = 1.17, 1.5...
Using Online Active-Learning Techniques to Convey Time Compensated Sun Compass Orientation in the Eastern North American Monarch

A common tool that animals use to navigate in a constant direction is known as "time compensated sun compass orientation." This is a process by which animals use the position of the sun along with information from their internal circadian clocks to determine and maintain a directional heading. Many circadian scientists and educators use this process as an example of how the internal circadian clock can directly influence animal behavior. However, many students have difficulty grasping this biological process due to its multivariable nature. We have created an online module that uses the principles of active learning to facilitate student comprehension of this process. Our module contains instructional videos, practice problems and an interactive diagram. We implemented the module in an undergraduate biological clocks class at Vanderbilt University, where its use significantly improved students' understanding of time compensated sun compass orientation as well as their ability to solve complex problems involving principles associated with this process.
Information Source Reliance and Alternative Energy Tradeoffs

10 percent of Americans take a “dismissive” attitude toward climate science and think climate change isn’t happening. Why the gap? Misleading representations of climate science in the media have a lot to do with it. (Aaron Huertas, Press Secretary, Union of Concerned Scientists; Huertas 2012) Some mainstream media around the world have a tendency to publish misinformed or, worse, systematically and falsely negative stories about renewable energy. Some of those stories’ misinformation looks innocent, due to careless reporting, sloppy fact checking, and perpetuation of old myths. But other coverage walks, or crosses, the dangerous line of a disinformation campaign—a persistent pattern of coverage meant to undermine renewables’ strong market reality. (Armory B. Lovins, Chief Scientist, Rocky Mountain Institute; Lovins 2013)
A universal genetic testing initiative for patients with high-grade, non-mucinous epithelial ovarian cancer and the implications for cancer treatment.

Abstract Objective Genetic counseling (GC) and germline genetic testing (GT) for BRCA1 and BRCA2 are considered standard of care for patients with high-grade, non-mucinous epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancers (HGOC). We describe a universal genetic testing initiative to increase the rates of recommendation and acceptance of GC and GT to >80% for patients with HGOC at our institution. Methods Data from a consecutive cohort of patients seen in our gynecologic oncology clinics between 9/1/2012 and 8/31/2015 for evaluation of HGOC were retrospectively analyzed. Data were abstracted from the tumor registry, medical records, and research databases. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate patient characteristics and GC, GT, and PARP inhibitor use. Various clinic interventions were developed, influenced by the Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle method, which included physician-coordinated GT, integrated GC, and assisted GC referrals. Results A cohort of 1636 patients presented to the gynecologic oncology clinics for evaluation of HGOC during our study period, and 1423 (87.0%) were recommended to have GC and GT. Of these, 1214 (85.3%) completed GT and 217 (17.9%) were found to have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. Among BRCA-positive patients, 167 had recurrent or progressive disease, and 56 of those received PARP inhibitor therapy. Conclusions The rates of GC and GT recommendation and completion among patients with HGOC at our institution exceeded 80% following the implementation of a universal genetic testing initiative. Universal genetic testing of patients with HGOC is one strategy to identify those who may benefit from PARP inhibitor therapy.
Does Nationality Matter? A Comparative Assessment of Perceptions Related to Litigiousness among Americans and Germans

Prior research has examined the salience of civil rights and freedom, core tenets of American life, and their impact on court accessibility and litigiousness. We extend this research by using a nationally representative sample of US and German residents to examine the impact of reported civic involvement and the perceived effectiveness of these activities on three outcomes related to litigiousness – use of a lawyer, seriously considering suing, and actually suing. The findings indicate that, with the exception of boycotting, civic involvement is not a significant predictor of litigiousness. Those who believe litigating is an effective way to participate in public life are more likely to litigate. Notably, Americans also are less likely than Germans to see litigation as effective and are substantially less likely to sue.
Sensorial Youths: Gender, Eroticism and Agency in Lucrecia Martel’s Rey muerto

Lucrecia Martel’s direct and latent privileging of children and adolescent protagonists in her feature-length films indeed most potently begins in Rey muerto. This chapter studies Rey muerto’s focus on the sensorial youth as a latent catalyst of the protagonist’s rebelliousness toward patriarchal structures of power. The analysis, moreover, underscores the ways in which this two-decade-old short film still continues to be robustly relevant to broader gender issues in the Argentine contemporary context.
The Multidisciplinary Approach to Localized Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma 2030 (PCa) is predicted to be the second leading cause of cancer death in USA by 2030. To date, attempts at early detection have been unsuccessful. Therapies for resectable PCa include surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy. Unfortunately, most patients with PCa present with advanced disease and thus only 20% of patients are potentially resectable upon presentation. Improved surgical techniques along with adjuvant combination chemotherapy have improved outcomes for patients with resectable disease. The optimal treatment approach for borderline resectable and locally advanced unresectable PCa has not yet been defined. Despite significant advances in the palliative treatment of PCa, long-term survival of early stage disease continues to be sobering. The key to improving outcomes for this largely fatal disease is to identify multidisciplinary therapeutic interventions including surgical, medical, and radiation techniques tailored to the patient and their disease characteristics. The neoadjuvant approach provides an in vivo platform to test novel treatment options to help us understand tumor biology and surrounding microenvironment, which may ultimately help us achieve the goal of improvement in long-term survival. While the neoadjuvant approach remains popular as a way to optimally select patients that might benefit most from surgery, randomized trials utilizing adjuvant and neoadjuvant novel therapies hold the key to truly personalizing the ideal treatment strategy for localized PCa.