cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Increased melatonin and delayed offset in menopausal depression: Role of years past menopause, follicle-stimulating hormone, sleep end time, and body mass index

Context: The constellation of endocrine patterns accompanying menopausal depression remains incompletely characterized. Objective: Our objective was to test the hypothesis that the amplitude or phase (timing) of melatonin circadian rhythms differs in menopausal depressed patients (DP) vs. normal controls women (NC). Design: We measured plasma melatonin every 30 min from 1800–1000 h in dim light (<30 lux) or dark, serum gonadotropins and steroids (1800 and 0600 h), and mood (Hamilton and Beck depression ratings). Setting: The study was conducted at a university hospital. Participants and Setting: Twenty-nine (18 NC, 11 DP) peri- or postmenopausal women participated. Main Outcome Measures: We measured plasma melatonin (onset, offset, synthesis offset, duration, peak concentration, and area under the curve) and mood. Results: Multi- and univariate analyses of covariance showed that melatonin offset time was delayed (P = 0.045) and plasma melatonin was elevated in DP compared with NC (P = 0.044) across time i...
Early Adolescent Friendships and Academic Adjustment: Examining Selection and Influence Processes With Longitudinal Social Network Analysis

This study investigated early adolescent friendship selection and social influence with regard to academic motivation (self-efficacy and intrinsic value), engagement (effortful and disruptive behavior), and achievement (GPA calculated from report card grades) among 6th graders (N = 587, 50% girls at Wave 1; N = 576, 52% girls at Wave 2) followed from fall to spring within 1 academic year. A stochastic actor-based model of social network analysis was used to overcome methodological limitations of prior research on friends, peer groups, and academic adjustment. Evidence that early adolescents sought out friends who were similar to themselves (selection) was found in regard to academic self-efficacy, and a similar trend was found for achievement. Evidence that friends became more similar to their friends over time (influence) was found for all aspects of academic adjustment except academic self-efficacy. Collectively, results indicate that selection effects were not as pervasive as influence effects in explaining similarity among friends in academic adjustment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved).
Sympathetic adaptations to one-legged training

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of leg exercise training on sympathetic nerve responses at rest and during dynamic exercise. Six men were trained by using high-intensity interval and prolonged continuous one-legged cycling 4 day/wk, 40 min/day, for 6 wk. Heart rate, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA; peroneal nerve) were measured during 3 min of upright dynamic one-legged knee extensions at 40 W before and after training. After training, peak oxygen uptake in the trained leg increased 19 +/- 2% (P < 0.01). At rest, heart rate decreased from 77 +/- 3 to 71 +/- 6 beats/min (P < 0.01) with no significant changes in MAP (91 +/- 7 to 91 +/- 11 mmHg) and MSNA (29 +/- 3 to 28 +/- 1 bursts/min). During exercise, both heart rate and MAP were lower after training (108 +/- 5 to 96 +/- 5 beats/min and 132 +/- 8 to 119 +/- 4 mmHg, respectively, during the third minute of exercise; P < 0.01). MSNA decreased similarly from rest during the first 2 min of exercise both before and after training. However, MSNA was significantly less during the third minute of exercise after training (32 +/- 2 to 22 +/- 3 bursts/min; P < 0.01). This training effect on MSNA remained when MSNA was expressed as bursts per 100 heartbeats. Responses to exercise in five untrained control subjects were not different at 0 and 6 wk. These results demonstrate that exercise training prolongs the decrease in MSNA during upright leg exercise and indicates that attenuation of MSNA to exercise reported with forearm training also occurs with leg training.
NEW CLADID AND FLEXIBLE CRINOIDS FROM THE MISSISSIPPIAN (TOURNAISIAN, IVORIAN) OF ENGLAND and WALES

The modern study of fossil crinoids began with J. S. Miller who, in 1821, described specimens from southern England, nearby Wales and other regions, and named several common Early Carboniferous genera. Later, in 1950-60, James Wright monographed all known Early Carboniferous crinoids from the British Isles. In spite of such previous scru- tiny, we recognize here two new genera among species already described: Glamorganocrinus gen. nov. (type species: Ophiurocrinus gowerensis Wright, 1960) from South Wales and Mendipocrinus gen. nov. (type species: Poteriocrinus lati- frons Austin and Austin, 1847) from southern England. These new genera increase the number of advanced cladid genera in the Ivorian Substage of the Tournaisian in western Europe to 18, and the total number of crinoid genera to 36. A review of species assigned to Mespilocrinus has led to the recognition of M. granulifer De Koninck and LeHon, 1854 as a nomen dubium. A new species of Mespilocrinus, M. wrighti sp. nov., is described from the Ivorian of South Wales; this is the most highly derived species of the genus, as based on a phylogenetic analysis including ten species and 13 characters, with Pycnosaccus as the outgroup. A single, well-ordered tree resulted from this analysis. Interpretation of this tree suggests that the centre of evolution for Mespilocrinus was North America, where three species appeared during the Kinder- hookian (early Tournaisian), rapidly achieving morphological disparity within the genus. This radiation event was part of the overall explosive radiation of crinoids following the Late Devonian mass extinction event when crinoid diversity was at a global minimum during the Frasnian. Recovery began during the Famennian, followed by an explosive radiation in the Tournaisian.
Photodynamic therapy in unresectable cholangiocarcinoma: not for the uncommitted.

Background/aims Photodynamic therapy (PDT) in unresectable cholangiocarcinoma has been associated with improved survival. We report a single tertiary care center experience over the past 6 years. Methods Fifty-five patients with unresectable cholangiocarcinoma received PDT between 2004 and 2010. Plastic stents were placed after PDT to prevent cholangitis. Results Twenty-seven patients (49%) showed Bismuth type IV, 22 (41%) showed Bismuth type III, and six (10%) showed Bismuth type I and II. Twenty patients (37%) received chemotherapy and radiation therapy, five (9%) received chemotherapy only; and one (2%) received radiation therapy only. Mean number of PDT sessions was 1.9±1.5 sessions (range, 1 to 9). Mean survival duration was 293±266 days (median, 190; range, 25 to 1,332). PDT related complications included three (5%) facial burn, three (5%) photosensitivity, and two (3%) rash. Kaplan-Meier analysis comparing the survival means of patients who received PDT and chemotherapy/radiation therapy (median survival 257 days; 95% confidence interval [CI], 166 to 528) versus who received PDT only (median survival 183 days; 95% CI, 129 to 224) showed no significant difference (log-rank p=0.20). Conclusions PDT has a measurable impact on survival in unresectable cholangiocarcinoma but requires aggressive stenting posttherapy.
A new device for stereotactic CT-guided biopsy of the canine brain: design, construction, and needle placement accuracy

An inexpensive device was created for computed tomographic (CT)-guided stereotactic biopsy of the canine brain. The accuracy of the device was tested using 16, formalin-perfused, canine head specimens. For each dog, a 6-inch biopsy needle was guided into pituitary gland and caudate nucleus targets. Needle tracks were measured using the CT computer and infused with tissue staining solution. Hit success and actual needle track lengths were determined from sliced brain specimens. The device enabled accurate orientation and placement of the canine head in the slice plane, such that progressive penetration of the biopsy needle could be monitored. The caudate nucleus was hit 12/16 times (75% accuracy) and the pituitary gland 15.5/16 times (98.6% accuracy). Hit proportions for the two targets did not differ (P < 0.05). A significant difference was found between CT and actual track length for both targets (P < 0.01). This was attributed to incomplete staining of the bevel portion of the needle track.
Advanced Analysis of Bending Foil Bearings for Cryogenic Applications

A new analysis for bending foil bearings is presented. The analysis includes finite element modeling of the foil structure, and a bulk-flow fluid film model based on the Navier-Stokes equations and real fluid properties. For the first time, the finite element model accounts for foil-to-foil interaction forces, as well as the coupling of forces and displacements on each foil. The first comparisons of stiffness and damping predictions to the experimental results from tests of a liquid nitrogen bending foil bearing are presented, with good agreement.
Visualization of dust particle transport in DC glow discharge plasmas

The particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique is used to measure two-dimensional velocity profiles in DC glow discharge dusty plasma. By synchronizing the application of a known perturbation to the PIV measurement sequence, the characterization of perturbation-induced transport of the suspended dust particles can be reproducibly investigated. Images showing the temporal and spatial evolution of the velocity profile are presented.
Assessing Lakebed Hydraulic Conductivity and Seepage Flux by Potentiomanometer

Potentiomanometers (PMs) are commonly used to determine flux directions across interfaces between surface waters and aquifers. We describe a complementary function: estimating small-scale hydraulic conductivity (K) in a lakebed, using the constant-head injection test (CHIT) by Cardenas and Zlotnik (2003) with the PM designed by Winter et al. (1988). A piezometer with a small screen is inserted into the lakebed. Local head potential is obtained by measuring the head difference between the test point and the aquifer interface. The piezometer is then used for water injection. This technique is illustrated by measurements taken from Alkali Lake in the Sand Hills, Nebraska, United States. Lakebed K and seepage fluxes ranged from 0.037 to 0.090 m/d and Darcy velocities ranged from 0.004 to 0.027 m/d. Results were consistent with the supplementary data gathered using a modified CHIT and a cone penetrometer. The compact size of the device and the small volumes used for injection enable this method to estimate lakebed K values as low as 0.01 to 0.1 m/d, a range seldom explored in lake-aquifer interface systems.
Augustine's compatibilism

In analysing Augustine's views on freedom it is standard to draw two distinctions; one between an earlier emphasis on human freedom and a later insistence that God alone governs human destiny, and another between pre-lapsarian and post-lapsarian freedom. These distinctions are real and important, but underlying them is a more fundamental consistency. Augustine is a compatibilist from his earliest work on freedom through his final anti-Pelagian writings, and the freedom possessed by the un-fallen and the fallen will is a compatibilist freedom. This leaves Augustine open to the charge that he makes God the ultimate cause of sin.
On the torsion constant of multicell profiles and its maximization with respect to spar position

A closed form expression for the torsion constant of thin-walled multicell profiles is derived based on a simple algorithm to generate the coefficient matrix of the system of linear algebraic equations for the shear flows. New explicit results are given for the three-cell profiles with either two or three internal walls, and for the two-cell profiles. They are applied to derive the optimal location of the internal walls which maximizes the torsion constant of triangular, rectangular, elliptical and deltoidal thin-walled profiles. The condition is also derived for the inner wall to carry a prescribed portion of the shear flow in a two-cell profile, with the application to thin-walled trapezoidal and rectangular profiles.
Blood donation screening for Babesia microti: feasibility and results

Background and Objectives Babesia microti, an intraerythrocytic parasite, causes babesiosis; transfusion-transmitted babesiosis (TTB) is reported primarily in the United States where no licensed screening tests are available. Materials and Methods Babesia microti donor screening results using investigational antibody and DNA tests in six US states are reviewed from both repository testing and prospective screening. Testing results performed in endemic counties from June 2012 to April 2014 were combined to update prevalence and marker duration in infected donors and estimate testing efficacy (i.e. the reduction of reported TTB cases). Results A total of 84 209 donations were tested and 331 were reactive by either antibody and/or DNA for a total prevalence of 0·39%. Of those that were DNA positive, the retrieved red cell units from nearly one-third caused infection in hamsters. In addition, eight units were identified that were PCR positive but antibody negative (window-period donors). Conclusions Screening is feasible, removing likely infectious donations. Followed donors retained PCR positivity over several months but antibody reactivity for over 3 years.
Unconstrained and non-invasive respiration monitoring for obstructive sleep apnea prevention

This project demonstrates the usefulness of an unconstrained and completely non-invasive respiration monitoring system. With the system implemented in this project, patients that suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can sleep without any apnea monitoring devices connected to them, and by means of a pressure sensor attached to an air mattress, be under constant monitoring for apneas. This project extends the usefulness of the monitoring system by connecting the monitoring device with an advanced hospital bed. The two devices are communicating to one another through the use of the CANopen communication protocol. This protocol enables automated event based control. Some research has shown that apneas can be prevented, and the problems caused by apneas can be alleviated, by altering the patients sleeping position. With this project's respiration monitoring system, and the communication with the advanced hospital bed, a bed adjustment can be automatically triggered when respiration has been detected to have ceased for more than ten seconds. This project enables a patient suffering from obstructive sleep apnea to rest without any monitoring devices physically attached to their body, and can also alleviate apneas as well as help prevent other side effects caused by suffering from apneas.
Growth of epitaxial ZnO films on Si(111)

Epitaxial ZnO films have been grown on Si(111) substrates by employing a AlN buffer layer during a pulsed laser-deposition process. The epitaxial structure of AlN on Si(111) substrate provides a template for ZnO growth. The resultant films are evaluated by transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and electrical measurements. The results of x-ray diffraction and electron microscopy on these films clearly show the epitaxial growth of ZnO films with an orientational relationship of ZnO[0001]||Aln[0001]||Si[111] along the growth direction and ZnO[2 1 1 0]||AlN[21 1 0]||Si[01 1] along the in-plane direction. High electrical conductivity (103 S/m at 300 K) and a linear I-V characteristics make these epitaxial films ideal for microelectronic, optoelectronic, and transparent conducting oxide applications.
Potential of temperature, controlled atmospheres, and ozone fumigation to control thrips and mealybugs on ornamental plants for export

Ozone (O3) fumigation is a potential quarantine treatment alternative for controlling stored-product pests and surface insect pests on fresh agricultural commodities. We explored the effects of temperature, treatment time, controlled atmospheres, and vacuum in combination with O3 to control two important pests of ornamental crops: western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), and longtailed mealybug, Pseudococcus longispinus Targioni Tozzetti. Treatment parameters tested were O3 concentrations from 0 to 3,800 ppm, treatment durations were from 30 to 120 min, vacuums were from 0 to 0.41 bar below ambient, temperatures were from 32.2 to 40.6°C, and controlled atmospheres were composed primarily of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or breathing air [BA]. Treatment efficacy was enhanced by higher O3 concentration and temperature, lower oxygen, and longer treatment times. Reduced pressure was not an important factor. Mealybugs were more difficult to kill than thrips. A 30-min treatment of O3 at ≈200 ppm in 100% CO2 at 37.8°C killed 47.9 and 98.0% of mealybugs and adult female thrips, respectively. All of the ornamentals tested were damaged to some degree by O3 treatments. However, crops with thick leaves such as orchids exhibited little damage, and the waxy portions of certain flowers were not damaged. The results suggest that O3 has potential as a quarantine treatment to control thrips and mealybugs on selected commodities.
Ethical Issues Concerning Vaccination Requirements.

Vaccinations are one of public health’s greatest achievements. However, an ethical dilemma lies in the balance of personal autonomy and choice versus protection of the entire at risk population. Vaccines have become readily available in most parts of the world, yet debates continue as to the appropriateness of requirements for vaccinations, including legal mandates of vaccinations during public health emergencies and more routinely for school entry. This paper addresses ethical issues concerning vaccination requirements in the context of historical as well as current immunization program activities. Five important programmatic focus areas for immunization programs are identified for minimizing conflicts among the relevant ethical principles when developing and implementing vaccination requirements; namely: 1) reviewing and evaluating current vaccination mandates in the relevant health jurisdiction; 2) increasing the use of non-compulsory vaccination strategies; 3) addressing parent/guardian vaccine safety concerns; 4) enhancing public awareness of vaccine-preventable disease risks; and 5) promoting a better public understanding of herd immunity. We suggest that strengthening these programmatic focus areas can lead to a greater public acceptance of vaccination requirements.
Book Review: The Democracy Deficit by Alfred C. Aman

The study of globalization is burgeoning across the academy, and is increasingly a topic of legal scholarship. While critiques and defenses of globalization are myriad, the theme most commonly propounded in legal circles is that of a democratic deficit. As decisions previously taken at the national level are constrained by, or undertaken through, the acts of international organizations, policies are increasingly harmonized and, some argue, shifted in a free market direction. Traditional administrative law concepts and solutions appear increasingly feeble; the challenge is to update administrative law for the age of treaties. In this essay, which reviews Alfred Aman's The Democracy Deficit: Taming Globalization Through Law Reform (2004), I situate the book in the broader literatures on globalization and global governance and evaluate the alleged challenges to democracy and due process posed by these twin phenomena.
The Determinants of Offshore Financial Center Investment

An offshore financial center (OFC) is generally defined as a jurisdiction in which the financial sector is disproportionately larger than the domestic economy. OFC's offer significant tax and regulatory advantages as well as providing clients from unstable countries with international banking services. For a country with a large degree of outward OFC investment, tax collections are likely to be lower and accurate risk assessment becomes more difficult. What factors determine which countries have investors that more heavily utilize OFC's than others? I assess this question using a panel data set covering 63 source countries investing in over 200 foreign jurisdictions. I find that there tends to be less outward OFC investment from countries with more economic freedom and low levels of corruption. In particular, a one standard deviation increase in economic freedom is predicted to reduce the share of foreign investment that goes to OFC's by 8-12 percentage points, while a similar increase in the control of corruption is predicted to reduce OFC investment by nearly 6 percentage points. OFC investment tends to be higher in countries with strong enforcement of regulations, suggesting that investors in these countries turn to OFC's since they cannot bypass these regulations domestically. There is also some evidence that countries compete indirectly with OFC's, being forced to lower taxes or face a flight of capital to these jurisdictions.
The closo-Si12C12 molecule from cluster to crystal: A theoretical prediction.

The structure of closo-Si12C12 is unique among stable SinCm isomers (n, m > 4) because of its high symmetry, π–π stacking of C6 rings and unsaturated silicon atoms at symmetrical peripheral positions. Dimerization potential surfaces reveal various dimerization reactions that form between two closo-Si12C12 molecules through Si–Si bonds at unsaturated Si atoms. As a result the closo-Si12C12 molecule is capable of polymerization to form stable 1D polymer chains, 2D crystal layers, and 3D crystals. 2D crystal structures formed by side-side polymerization satisfy eight Si valences on each monomer without large distortion of the monomer structure. 3D crystals are formed by stacking 2D structures in the Z direction, preserving registry of C6 rings in monomer moiety.
The heat kernel for gravitational potential operators in one and two variables

In this article we flnd the close form formulas for the heat kernels of the operators 1 @ 2 + ‚ x2 and 1 2 (@ 2 x + @ 2) i ‚ 2 x2+y2. We are using a geometric method and the expansion over eigenvalues method.
Notes on the Inconsistency of Subcounty Scale Demographic Data: A Comparison of Five Data Vendors

Business geographers spend a large portion of their time developing new models to answer complex spatial questions. Although these models of economic systems are frequently innovative, they often fail to produce useful results (Colander et al. 2009). Inconsistent and inaccurate input data are a primary source of error in these models and the location analysis process as a whole (Rando 2014). The willingness of professional and academic geographers to take the accuracy of subcounty demographic data for granted exacerbates the problem of model inaccuracy. The sluggish update cycle of U.S. Census Bureau data forced professional geographers to rely on spatial demographic data provided by third-party vendors for model construction and application. Frequently these data are packaged with analytical software such as ESRI Business Analyst or Alteryx or accessed via an online subscription model. These vendors generate their small-area data by applying proprietary algorithms to base-year census data to extrapolate ...
SAT0471 Pediatric Rheumatology in Southeast Asia: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in Singapore

Background Dedicated and comprehensive Pediatric Rheumatology (PR) Clinical Programs were recently established in 4 out of 11 countries in Southeast Asia. Little is known about rheumatic diseases in the region, making research difficult. A dedicated REgistry for Childhood Onset Rheumatic Diseases (RECORD) was established in 2009, at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, the only freestanding children’s hospital in Singapore. Objectives To describe and compare the regional characteristics of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) from a PR cohort in Singapore. Methods All patients referred for PR evaluation and diagnosed with JIA were recruited from 01/2009 till 12/2012. Demographic and disease characteristic information were collected and median, interquartile range (IQR) & percentiles were used to describe the data. Results A total of 1,374 patients were referred over the past 48 months, of which 177(12.9%) were diagnosed with JIA according to International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) criteria. Previously, we noted 58% of referrals were for rheumatologic disease. JIA was the 2 nd most common diagnosis after systemic vasculitidies. The racial composition of patients seen were; Chinese 66.1%, Indian 10.7%, Malay 7.9% & Mixed Race 2.8%, reflecting the expected distribution in Singapore. 12.5% of those seen were non-residents from nearby countries. There were 39% females & 61% males. The median age at disease onset was 8.5 years (IQR 5.19-11.86) and median lag time to diagnosis was 2.7 months (IQR 9.5-16.0). Age by JIA subtype is defined in Table 1 . Across the entire JIA cohort, Oligoarticular Persistent (OpJIA) 35% and Enthesitis Related JIA (ERA) 33% were the most common subtypes ( Table 1 ). OpJIA patients had almost equal males as females affected while extended oligoarticular disease had 2 times more females. The majority of ERA patients were positive for HLA B27 (75.9%). ANA positivity ranged from 28.6–40% across subtypes excluding ERA 15.2% & PsA 75%. Uveitis was only observed in 8 cases (6.9%) of patients. Conclusions JIA patients in Singapore differ from other countries in that males were diagnosed with JIA almost 2 times more than in females. This is likely a reflection of the increased number of ERA patients and HLA B27 positivity seen in Asians. Additionally, we had a lower incidence of Systemic JIA and Polyarticular RF negative JIA, similar to other published data on Asian children. ANA positivity was seen in all subtypes at a similar rate other than ERA and PsA. Uveitis was rarely encountered. References Tan JHT, Hoh SF, Arkachaisri T et al. : Paediatrics Rheumatology Clinic Population in Singapore: The KKH Experience. Proceedings of Singapore Healthcare Volume 21 Number 4 2012 Shen CC, Yeh KW, Ou LS et al. : Clinical features of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis using the ILAR classification criteria. J Microbiol Immunol Infect. 2012 Jun 21. pii: S1684-1182(12)00044-8. Disclosure of Interest None Declared
A synthesis of environmental and recreational mitigation requirements at hydropower projects in the United States

Abstract Environmental mitigation plays an important role in the environmentally sustainable development of hydropower resources. However, comprehensive data on mitigation required by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) at United States (US) hydropower projects is lacking. Therefore, our objective was to create a comprehensive database of mitigation required at non-federal hydropower projects and provide a synthesis of available mitigation data. Mitigation data was collated for over 300 plants licensed or relicensed from 1998 through 2013. We observed that the majority of FERC mitigation requirements deal with either hydrologic flows or recreation and that hydropower plants in the Pacific Northwest had the highest number of requirements. Our data indicate opportunities exist to further explore hydropower mitigation in the areas of environmental flows, fish passage, and water quality. Connecting these data with ecological outcomes, actual flow data, and larger landscape level information will be necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation and ultimately inform regulators, managers, and planners.
Online Vibration Monitoring and Modal Analysis System of 500 kV Long-Span Power Transmission Tower

Taking actual long-span transmission tower for 500kV transmission line crossing-over Huai River at Benbu as technical background,an online vibration monitoring and modal analysis system for transmission tower is developed. The developed system can perform real-time and uninterrupted collection of tower vibration signals and weather environment data,and the collected data is remotely transmitted to operation department of power system via CDMA mobile communication network and Internet to implement such functions as real-time display of monitored data,signal analysis,online modal parameter identification and so on,thus the developed system can provide basis for design,operation and maintenance of transmission tower as well as for the research on countering disaster and disaster reduction. The developed system is available for reference to health status detection and safety assessment of transmission tower.
Context, Context, Context: New Gene Programs Linked to Bad Behavior in MLL-AF9-Initiated Leukemia

In this issue of Cancer Cell, Stavropoulou et al. report that expression of the MLL-AF9 fusion results in acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) with different behaviors depending on cell context, which leads them to identify a transcriptional signature surprisingly resembling that of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal (EMT) transition, correlating with aggressiveness of disease.
Preoperative Imaging in Hernia Surgery

Hernia diseases continue to be one of the main problems managed by General Surgeons with increasing incidence over time (Poulose et al., Hernia 16:179–83, 2012). Increasingly complex patients, combined with a multitude of different repair techniques make detection and characterization of new hernia defects challenging. Even small defects can cause significant pain and lead to incarceration, yet they can be very difficult to detect on physical exam alone. Likewise, large defects may be easily detectable, yet can represent extremely complex deviations from normal anatomy, especially in the setting of the multiply recurrent hernia. The time-honored evaluation of physical exam has a reported sensitivity of only 77 % in detecting incisional hernias; this further emphasizes that rapid, accurate, and cost-effective imaging is of critical importance to today’s hernia surgeon (Baucom et al., J Am Coll Surg 218:363–6, 2014).
La scienza nuova, 1725, 1730, 1744

Vico wrote three versions of his last work, La scienza nuova, all of which were published in Naples in 1725, in 1730 and in 1744, the year of his death.1 With very few exceptions, it has been the final version which has been considered the definitive edition, to the exclusion not only of the two previous editions but also of all of Vico’s other writings. Only in this century has this overemphasis been somewhat rectified in the Italian-speaking world by research on Vico’s early works, especially in their specific Neapolitan or Italian cultural contexts,2 and in addition, more recently, by the 1981 publication by Lessico Intellettuale Europeo of a concordance of the 1725 edition3 (with concordances of the rest of his works to follow shortly) and the release in 1987 by the Centro di Studi Vichiani of the orations as the first volume of the long-awaited scholarly edition of Vico.4
Self-organizing neuromorphic architecture for manipulator inverse kinematics

We describe an efficient neuromorphic formulation to accurately solve the inverse kinematics problem for redundant manipulators, thereby enabling development of enhanced anthropomorphic capability and dexterity. Our approach involves a dynamical learning procedure based on a novel formalism in neural network theory: the concept of “terminal” attractors, that are shown to correspond to solutions of the nonlinear neural dynamics with infinite local stability. Topographically mapped terminal attractors are then used to define a neural network whose synaptic elements can rapidly encapture the inverse kinematics transformations using a priori generated examples and, subsequently generalize to compute the joint-space coordinates required to achieve arbitrary end-effector configurations. Unlike prior neuromorphic implementations, this technique can also systematically exploit redundancy to optimize kinematic criteria, e.g. torque optimization, manipulability etc. and is scalable to configurations of practical interest. Simulations on 3-DOF and 7-DOF redundant manipulators, are used to validate our theoretical framework and illustrate its computational efficacy.
Heterogeneous Reactor Modeling of an Industrial Multitubular Packed-Bed Ethylene Oxide Reactor

The one-dimensional heterogeneous model of an industrial multitubular packed-bed ethylene oxide (EO) reactor was developed using the equation-oriented platform Aspen Custom Modeler. Reactor operation was optimized in terms of maximized EO production and selectivity and enhanced safety related to the presence of oxygen in the EO reactor. Good agreement was found between the model results during validation against the available information under identical operating conditions. The model predicts the behavior of the EO reaction and demonstrates the extent of catalyst utilization with product distribution, product yield, by-product formation, temperature and concentration profiles, over time and along the length of the reactor or catalyst bed. The model sensitivity studies compute the optimum feed flow, oxygen concentration, feed pressure, etc. and suggest the best operational philosophy.
Introduction: The Rebirth of a Nation

The idea of this book dawned on me by a photograph. It was early in the evening of 1 May 2012, and Mahmoud Dolatabadi, the preeminent Iranian novelist, was visiting New York. He and I had just come out of a reading of his most recent novel, The Colonel, from the City University of New York (CUNY) and were sitting at a nearby cafe and having tea—with his daughter Sara. Soon we called Amir Naderi, one of the most widely celebrated Iranian filmmakers who had left Iran years ago and lives in New York; though he was flying to Japan the following day, within minutes after he realized that Dolatabadi was in New York, he rushed to this cafe to join us. We sat there, Mahmoud Dolatabadi, Amir Naderi, Sara Dolatabadi, and me. Here were two seminal figures in the history of Iranian film and fiction, connected together in a moment of history. They had met before in Iran when Naderi was working on one of his masterpieces, “Tangsir” (1974), and had solicited Dolatabadi’s help on his script. But the fate had separated them—with Dolatabadi working and living mostly in Iran, and Naderi doing so mostly in New York. As Naderi, Dolatabadi, and I were chatting, Sara Dolatabadi took my iPad and took a few snapshots of us. Captured in those snapshots was a moment when the fictive frontiers of Iran meant nothing, exposed their forced political power, and revealed their porous disposition in understanding Iranian cultural history. The timing of that photograph marked the untiming of a history that had long since run along ahead of itself.
Negative Self-Referential Processing Predicts the Recurrence of Major Depressive Episodes:

Most individuals who develop Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) will experience a recurrent depressive episode; we know little, however, about cognitive mechanisms that increase the likelihood of recurrence. In the current study we examined whether negatively biased self-referential processing, negative life events, baseline depressive symptoms, and psychotropic medication use predicted the onset of a subsequent depressive episode in a longitudinal study of women with a history of recurrent MDD. Higher levels of depressive symptoms at baseline predicted experiencing a greater number of negative life events which, in turn, tended to predict recurrence of depression. Importantly, after accounting for other associations, negatively biased self-referential processing contributed unique variance to the likelihood of experiencing a depressive episode over the next three years. Thus, negatively biased self-referential processing appears to be a significant risk factor for the recurrence of depressive episodes and may be an important target for interventions aimed at preventing future episodes.
Developing predictive models for return to work using the Military Power, Performance and Prevention (MP3) musculoskeletal injury risk algorithm: a study protocol for an injury risk assessment programme.

Background Musculoskeletal injuries are a primary source of disability in the US Military, and low back pain and lower extremity injuries account for over 44% of limited work days annually. History of prior musculoskeletal injury increases the risk for future injury. This study aims to determine the risk of injury after returning to work from a previous injury. The objective is to identify criteria that can help predict likelihood for future injury or re-injury. Methods There will be 480 active duty soldiers recruited from across four medical centres. These will be patients who have sustained a musculoskeletal injury in the lower extremity or lumbar/thoracic spine, and have now been cleared to return back to work without any limitations. Subjects will undergo a battery of physical performance tests and fill out sociodemographic surveys. They will be followed for a year to identify any musculoskeletal injuries that occur. Prediction algorithms will be derived using regression analysis from performance and sociodemographic variables found to be significantly different between injured and non-injured subjects. Discussion Due to the high rates of injuries, injury prevention and prediction initiatives are growing. This is the first study looking at predicting re-injury rates after an initial musculoskeletal injury. In addition, multivariate prediction models appear to have move value than models based on only one variable. This approach aims to validate a multivariate model used in healthy non-injured individuals to help improve variables that best predict the ability to return to work with lower risk of injury, after a recent musculoskeletal injury. Trial registration number [NCT02776930][1]. [1]: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02776930
Determining Sequence Fidelity in Repeating Sequence Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)s

The synthesis and characterization of sequenced copolymers is a relatively underdeveloped field despite the fact that biological polymer properties are known to depend directly on sequence. The concept of sequence fidelity is introduced and defined for repeating sequence copolymers as the ratio of repeat units of the target sequence to the total number of repeat units. 1H NMR spectroscopy and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of- flight mass spectrometry (MALDI–ToF MS) are used to characterize the sequence fidelity of repeating sequenced copolymers comprising poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)s. Both characterization methods are found to have both advantages and weaknesses with regard to identifying and quantifying error in these copolymers. A method for using routine MALDI–ToF MS data to quantify sequence fidelity is proposed and applied to a series of copolymers with synthetically defined error rates. The MS-determined sequence fidelities are comparable to those obtained by NMR analysis.
Combined Whole Body and Multiparametric Prostate Magnetic Resonance Imaging as a 1-Step Approach to the Simultaneous Assessment of Local Recurrence and Metastatic Disease after Radical Prostatectomy

Purpose: We report our initial experience with whole body and dedicated prostate magnetic resonance imaging as a single examination to assess local recurrence and metastatic disease in patients with suspected recurrent prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy.Materials and Methods: In this institutional review board approved, retrospective, single center study 76 consecutive patients with clinically suspected recurrent prostate cancer following radical prostatectomy underwent combined whole body and dedicated prostate magnetic resonance imaging at a single session from October 2014 to January 2016. Scans were evaluated to detect disease in the prostate bed and regional nodes, and at distant sites. Comparison was made to other imaging tests, and prostate bed, node and bone biopsies performed within 90 days.Results: Whole body and dedicated prostate magnetic resonance imaging was completed successfully in all patients. Median prostate specific antigen was 0.36 ng/ml (range less than 0.05 to 56.12). Whole...
Resistance in leukemic cells to an adenine antagonist, 6-mercaptopurine.

Summary1. The adenine analog 6-mercaptopurine has been shown to inhibit leukemic-cell growth of the acute lymphocytic leukemia L 1210 in a definite, regular and reproducible manner. Lower dosage levels of this compound appear to be as effective as higher (near-MTD) levels as measured by the criterion of leukemic death. 2. A resistant subline of leukemia L 1210 has been developed by consecutive passage of leukemic cells in DBA/2 strain mice receiving daily injections of 6-mercaptopurine. Resistant leukemic cells grow optimally either in the presence or absence of the antagonist. 3. Resistance to 6-mercaptopurine is accompanied by resistance to all other purine analogs tested: 8-Azaguanine, 8-Azaxanthine, 2,6-Diaminopurine, and thioguanine, some of which are moderate anti-leukemic agents in the sensitive line of this transplantable leukemia. 4. An increased sensitivity to the folic acid antagonist, 4-amino-N10 methyl PGA (A-methopterin) is a characteristic of the resistant variant as well as of 2 other vari...
Automod ® : Performance, scalability and accuracy

Managers need state-of-the-art tools to help in planning, design, and operations. The AutoMod product suite from Applied Materials has been used on thousands of projects empowering engineers and managers to make the best decisions. AutoMod's capability to model large complex automation and material handling systems continues to lead the market. Hierarchical model construction allowing users to reuse model components, decreasing the time required to build models. Recent enhancements to AutoMod's material handling systems have increased modeling accuracy and ease-of-use. These advances have made AutoMod one of the most widely used simulation packages. AutoMod's power lies in its performance, scalability and accuracy in detailed modeling of large and complex manufacturing, distribution, automation and logistic operations, leaving the competition behind. Come see the latest release and exciting plans for AutoMod's future and why it has outlasted the competition.
Integer Factorization and Discrete Logarithms

The integer factorization problem (IFP) is to find a nontrivial factor f (not necessarily prime) of a composite integer n. That is, Open image in new window
Automatic generation of deductive logic proof problems

When developing intelligent tutoring systems, it is necessary to generate questions that reflect the scope of the material and adapt to a student's individual learning needs. Automatic generation of questions for learning tools can provide variation in the questions generated, while eliminating the time cost for the instructor. For courses teaching deductive logic, web-based tools such as Deep Thought allow students to solve deductive logic proofs set by the instructor and record their progress. Our goal is to automatically generate these proofs in such a way that fulfills the parameters set by the instructors, while using the progress recorded to generate further questions specific to the individual student.
Graphical Analysis: The Phase Plane

This chapter discusses the procedure and application of the phase plane. It is applicable to two coupled autonomous first-order ordinary differential equations or an autonomous second-order ordinary differential equation. It yields a graphical representation of the solution. The qualitative features of the solution of two coupled autonomous first-order ordinary differential equations may be ascertained from the phase plane. The set of two coupled autonomous first-order ordinary differential equations is assumed. There exist systems in which the arrows are pointing in the opposite direction than what has been illustrated. Each solution describes a single trajectory. Every trajectory must either go to infinity, or approach a limit cycle.
Review of Relevant Continuum Mechanics

In this chapter we review the basic continuum mechanics at the foundation of the technical material in this book. Readers interested in further information are referred to monographs on this subject including [65], [10], [27], [21], [22], [32], [61], and [59].
A Family of Scalable Non-Isolated Interleaved DC-DC Boost Converters with Voltage Multiplier Cells

In this paper, a family of non-isolated interleaved high-voltage-gain DC-DC converters is presented. This family can be used in a wide variety of applications, such as in a photovoltaic systems interface to a high voltage DC distribution bus in a microgrid and an X-ray system power supply. The general structure of this family is illustrated and consists of two stages: an interleaved boost stage and a voltage multiplier stage. The interleaved boost stage is a two-phase boost converter, and it converts the input DC voltage to an AC square waveform. Moreover, using the interleaved boost stage increases the frequency of the AC components so that it can be easily filtered with smaller capacitors and, therefore, makes the input current smoother than the one from the conventional boost converter. The voltage multiplier cell (VMC) can be a Dickson cell, Cockcroft-Walton (CW), or a combination of the two. The VMC stage rectifies the square-shaped voltage waveform coming from the interleaved boost stage and converts it to a high DC voltage. Several combinations of VMCs and how they can be extended are illustrated, and the difference between them is summarized so that designers can be able to select the appropriate topology for their applications. An example of this converter family is illustrated with detailed modes of operation, a steady-state analysis, and an efficiency analysis. The example converter was simulated to convert 20 V DC to 400 DC , and a 200 W hardware prototype was implemented to verify the analysis and simulation. The results show that the example has a peak efficiency of 97% of this family of converters and can be very suitable for interfacing renewable energy sources to a 400 V DC DC distribution system.
Coastal Dune Vegetation Resilience on South Padre Island, Texas: A Spatiotemporal Evaluation of the Landscape Structure

Ajedegba, J.O.; Perotto-Baldivieso, H.L., and Jones, K.D., 2019. Coastal dune vegetation resilience on South Padre Island, Texas: A spatiotemporal evaluation of the landscape structure. Journal of ...
100.07 Comparison of Stent Expansion Assessment by Three-Dimensional Quantitative Coronary Angiography Versus Optical Coherence Tomography

This study sought to determine whether stent expansion determined by Three-Dimensional Quantitative Coronary Angiography (3D QCA) is comparable to that of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). Stent expansion is the most important predictor of adverse outcomes after sent implantation. The high
A case report of double negative anti-GBM disease.

Goodpasture’s disease is a life-threatening autoimmune disease that can lead to end stage renal disease and death. We report a case of 61-year-old female who presented with deteriorating renal function. Initial laboratory investigations were negative for autoimmune antibodies including negative anti-neutrophilic cytoplasm antibodies and anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) antibodies using both enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and indirect immunofluorescence. However, renal biopsy was positive for linear IgG staining. Despite starting plasmapheresis and corticosteroids treatment, her renal functions continued to deteriorate and she was started on regular hemodialysis. This case highlights the challenging presentation and diagnosis of anti-GBM disease, which requires a high clinical suspicion necessarily for early diagnosis and treatment to improve survival rates.