cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Public as Partner? Technology Can Make Us Auxiliaries as Well as Vigilantes

Starting from police requests for help from citizens in the Boston Marathon bombing, this article examines some of the new opportunities and risks that computers and related communication tools bring to social control efforts. Issues of justice, liberty, privacy, community, and effectiveness are involved. Yet whatever is new here for national security, police and criminal justice grows out of and is encapsulated in settings that are in some ways old and shows enduring cultural continuities, trade-offs, and value conflicts. The more permeable the borders between citizens' information and the police, the greater the threat to liberty. If we become too comfortable with the idea of reporting on every imaginable violation or problem, we risk diluting cooperation for more serious problems, overwhelming police resources, and introducing other problems such as invading privacy and unwarranted damage to reputations. Yet paradoxically in a democracy for both legitimacy and effectiveness, appropriate forms of citizen involvement are of the utmost importance.
The fidelity of oxygen and strontium isotope values from shallow shelf settings: Implications for temperature and age reconstructions

Abstract The oxygen and strontium isotopic ratios of marine carbonates are widely employed to derive paleotemperature and age, respectively. While open ocean samples are the standard source for these measures, shelf settings can also provide detailed records. However, the implementation of shelf data for these purposes has been hindered by the perception that local environmental conditions (such as freshwater influx) confound regional and global signals. Here, we directly evaluate this concern by assessing the spatial variability in the isotopic composition of biogenic carbonate precipitated along the depositional strike of an inner shelf environment. Data are derived from mollusc shells collected from a stratigraphically restricted, transgressive unit in the early Eocene (~ 55 Ma) of the US Gulf Coastal Plain (GCP). Lithofacies and fossil assemblages suggest that an estuary was present in the westernmost study region, whereas more typically marine facies predominated elsewhere. Isotopic composition varies predictably with paleoenvironmental setting; shells from the estuary have δ18O values and 87Sr/86Sr ratios that reflect high freshwater input. Specimens in the eastern GCP, however, from within and between outcrops separated by up to 400 km, all yield similar results. Serial microsampling reveals congruence not only in mean δ18O values, but also in winter and summer extremes. Estimated paleotemperatures (mean annual temperature of 26 °C) agree well with proxy and model evidence for the early Eocene and the GCP, and 87Sr/86Sr ratios are consistent with the established early Eocene seawater ratio. The fidelity of isotopic values relative to environment indicates that shallow shelf records have much to contribute to studies of ancient climate and ocean chemistry.
Toward a life cycle theory of board evolution: Considering firm legitimacy

In this article, we build on recent attempts to theorize about the evolution of boards of directors by juxtaposing firms’ strategies to gain, maintain, and repair legitimacy onto their life cycle to examine how board characteristics change – both symbolically and substantively – to reflect their firm’s evolving legitimating strategy. In doing so, we develop insights contributing to our understanding of the mechanisms underpinning the evolving structure and composition of boards of directors. We suggest that boards fulfill an important role ingrained in the firm’s legitimacy in addition to, and intertwined with, their substantive contribution to the firm’s performance at each life cycle stage. We also address firms’ real ability to effect change in their board as a function of the factors that pertain to each stage of life cycle. We conclude by expounding the implications of this novel framework for future research and managerial practice.
Lactic Acid- and Carbonate-Based Crosslinked Polymeric Micelles for Drug Delivery

Our objective was to synthesize and evaluate lactic acid- and carbonate-based biodegradable core- and core-co- rona crosslinkable copolymers for anticancer drug delivery. Methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(carbonate-co-lactide-co- 5-methyl-5-allyloxycarbonyl-1,3-dioxane-2-one) (mPEG-b-P(CB- co-LA-co-MAC)) and methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(acry- loyl carbonate)-b-poly(carbonate-co-lactide) (mPEG-b-PMAC-b- P(CB-co-LA)) copolymers were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of LA, CB, and MAC using mPEG as an macroi- nitiator and 1,8-diazabicycloundec-7-ene as a catalyst. These amphiphilic copolymers which exhibited low polydispersity and critical micelle concentration values (0.8-1 mg/L) were used to prepare micelles with or without drug and stabilized by crosslinking via radical polymerization of double bonds introduced in the core and interface to improve stability. mPEG114-b-P(CB8-co-LA35-co-MAC2.5) had a higher drug encap- sulation efficiency (78.72% 6 0.15%) compared to mPEG114-b- PMAC2.5-b-P(CB9-co-LA39) (20.29% 6 0.11%). 1 H NMR and IR spectroscopy confirmed successful crosslinking (� 70%) while light scattering and transmission electron microscopy were used to determine micelle size and morphology. Crosslinked micelles demonstrated enhanced stability against extensive dilution with aqueous solvents and in the presence of physio- logical simulating serum concentration. Furthermore, bicaluta- mide-loaded crosslinked micelles were more potent compared to non-crosslinked micelles in inhibiting LNCaP cell prolifera- tion irrespective of polymer type. Finally, these results suggest crosslinked micelles to be promising drug delivery vehicles for chemotherapy. V C 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 000: 000-000, 2012
Extended forward implications and dual recurrence relations to identify sequentially untestable faults

In this paper, we make two major contributions: First, to enhance Boolean learning, we propose a new class of logic implications called extended forward implications. Using a novel concept called implication-frontier, extended forward implications efficiently capture those nontrivial relationships which previous techniques failed to identify. Secondly, we introduce the concept of dual recurrence relations in sequential circuits, and propose a new theorem which uses this concept to quickly identify sequentially untestable faults. Our tool based on the proposed extended forward implications and the new theorem was applied to identify untestable faults in benchmark circuits. Significantly more untestable faults than reported by earlier techniques, low memory overhead and low computational complexity are the noteworthy features of our tool.
Mesenchymal stem cells in tissue repair.

The advent of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) based therapies for clinical therapeutics has been an exciting and new innovation for the treatment of a variety of diseases associated with inflammation, tissue damage and subsequent regeneration and repair. Application-based ability to measure MSC potency and fate of the cells post-MSC therapy are the variables that confound the use of MSCs therapeutics in human diseases. An evaluation of MSC function and applications with attention to detail in the preparation as well as quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) are only as good as the assays that are developed. In vivo measures of efficacy and potency require an appreciation of the overall pathophysiology of the model and standardization of outcome measures. The new concepts of how MSC’s participate in the tissue regeneration and wound repair process and further, how this is impacted by estimates of efficacy and potency Are important new topics. In this regard,,, this chapter will review some of the in vitro and in vivo assays for MSC function and activity and their application to the clinical arena.
Consumer purchasing patterns in response to calorie labeling legislation in New York City

Obesity is a major public health threat and policies aimed at curbing this epidemic are emerging. National calorie labeling legislation is forthcoming and requires rigorous evaluation to examine its impact on consumers. The purpose of this study was to examine whether point-of-purchase calorie labels in New York City (NYC) chain restaurants affected food purchasing patterns in a sample of lower income adults in NYC and Newark, NJ. This study utilized a difference-in-difference design to survey 1,170 adult patrons of four popular chain restaurants in NYC and Newark, NJ (which did not introduce labeling) before and after calorie labeling was implemented in NYC. Receipt data were collected and analyzed to examine food and beverage purchases and frequency of fast food consumption. Descriptive statistics were generated, and linear and logistic regression, difference-in-difference analysis, and predicted probabilities were used to analyze the data. A difference-in-difference analysis revealed no significant favorable differences and some unfavorable differences in food purchasing patterns and frequency of fast food consumption between adult patrons of fast food restaurants in NYC and Newark, NJ. Adults in NYC who reported noticing and using the calorie labels consumed fast food less frequently compared to adults who did not notice the labels (4.9 vs. 6.6 meals per week, p <0.05). While no favorable differences in purchasing as a result of labeling were noted, self-reported use of calorie labels was associated with some favorable behavioral patterns in a subset of adults in NYC. However, overall impact of the legislation may be limited. More research is needed to understand the most effective way to deliver calorie information to consumers.
Leiomyosarcoma of the breast: A pathologic and comparative genomic hybridization study of two cases

Leiomyosarcoma is an extremely rare form of primary breast sarcoma. We present the pathologic and genetic findings of two cases of leiomyosarcoma of the breast. The patients were 44 and 52 years of age and they presented with circumscribed masses of 3.0 and 4.5 cm, (greatest dimension) respectively. Microscopically, the two tumors showed diffuse proliferation of spindle cells with oval and blunt-ended nuclei arranged in short fascicles or bundles. There was moderate cytologic atypia in both cases, and 6 and 12 mitotic figures per 10 high power fields, respectively. No epithelial component was identified. The tumor cells were strongly immunoreactive for markers of smooth-muscle differentiation, including desmin, muscle-specific actin, and smooth-muscle actin. Comparative genomic hybridization analysis showed losses of 10q (two of two cases), 13q (two of two cases), 17p (one of two cases), and gains of 1q (one of two cases) and 17p (one of two cases). The patterns of chromosomal imbalances identified in leiomyosarcoma of the breast are similar to those reported in leiomyosarcoma of soft tissue and uterus and are different from those reported for leiomyoma, indicating that these alterations may be important for development of malignant smooth-muscle tumors regardless of site or organ of origin.
AIDS-Related Behavior and Attitudes among IV Drug Users in Greece

Risk-taking behavior was investigated in 140 intravenous drug users to identify possible factors accounting for the low HTV* seroprevalence rate in Greek intravenous drug users (IVDUs). High-risk drug using and sexual practices were reported by the majority. Awareness of the risk of HIV infection was low. One-third claimed to have changed risk behaviors in both drug use and sexual practices after the appearance of ADDS. Several drug use, mental health, criminal behavior, and sociodemographic factors were correlated with high risk behavior and reported change. Low HIV
Treason and the Constitution

Although treason convictions have been quite rare in our history, the nature of our present national and world crisis is such that the concept of treason is likely to take on much greater importance in the future. As the London Economist says, "treason, far from being an antiquated concept, is a special danger of an age of international revolutionary ideologies; it cannot be doubted that in any armed struggle with Communist Russia treasonable activity would be more serious for this country than in the late war against Nazi Germany."I The remark concerned Great Britain, but it would apply with equal or greater force to the United States. I think it is not generally realized that our Constitution and laws are almost uniquely generous on this subject. Traditionally treason, which mlay be briefly and generally defined as a breach of allegiance, has been regarded as the most heinous crime which can be committed and until relatively recent times was punished with extreme brutality. Moreover, although British law on the subject is supposed to be based on a statute dating bak to the fourteenth century, which apparently restricted the concept of treason, that statute became so overlaid with interpretations, and the law enforcement authorities and courts were so dominated by the crown during the Tudor and Stuart periods, that many relatively mild offenses were branded as treason and punished accordingly. Our own colonial laws followed British precedents, and in some instances were disapproved by the Privy Council because they were considered not sufficiently inclusive. A Massachusetts law of 1692, for instance, was disallowed in 1695 because it failed to include counterfeiting the Great Seal of England as a form of treason.2 In many instances noble and high-minded persons were victims of these laws. Thomas Jefferson said that "Treason . . . when real, merits the highest punishment. But most codes extended their definition of treason
Space charge in polypropylene containing synthetic nano particles

Polypropylene is extensively used as a dielectric in power capacitors, electrical machines and transformers. It has excellent mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties and provides outstanding resistance to moisture, grease, and oils. It does not present stress-cracking problems and at high temperatures it offers better thermal and chemical resistance than polyethylene. A thermoplastic such as polypropylene can be reinforced with small quantities of nanoparticles to not only achieve better chemical and thermal properties but also improved dielectric performance, such as high electrical breakdown strength, low surface and volume conductivity and resistance to partial discharges. The space charge properties of a structural nanocomposite based on layered synthetic silicate embedded in polypropylene (PP) are described in this paper. Electroluminescence emission, dissipation current measurement and pulsed electro-acoustic technique are employed to compare the properties of PP with and without the nanoparticles.
The solubilities of calcite, aragonite and vaterite in CO2-H2O solutions between 0 and 90°C, and an evaluation of the aqueous model for the system CaCO3-CO2-H2O

Calculations based on approximately 350 new measurements (CaT-PCO2) of the solubilities of calcite, aragonite and vaterite in CO2-H2O solutions between 0 and 90°C indicate the following values for the log of the equilibrium constants KC, KA, and KV respectively, for the reaction CaCO3(s) = Ca2+ + CO2−3: Log KC = −171.9065 − 0.077993T + 2839.319T + 71.595 log TLog KA = −171.9773 − 0.077993T + 2903.293T +71.595 log TLog KV = −172.1295 − 0.077993T + 3074.688T + 71.595 log T where T is in oK. At 25°C the logarithms of the equilibrium constants are −8.480 ± 0.020, −8.336 ± 0.020 and −7.913 ± 0.020 for calcite, aragonite and vaterite, respectively. The equilibrium constants are internally consistent with an aqueous model that includes the CaHCO+3 and CaCO03 ion pairs, revised analytical expressions for CO2-H2O equilibria, and extended Debye-Huckel individual ion activity coefficients. Using this aqueous model, the equilibrium constant of aragonite shows no PCO2-dependence if the CaHCO+3 association constant is Log KCahco+3 = 1209.120 + 0.31294T — 34765.05T − 478.782 log T between 0 and 90°C, corresponding to the value logKCahco+3 = 1.11 ± 0.07 at 25°C. The CaCO03 association constant was measured potentiometrically to be log KCaCO03 = −1228.732 − 0.299444T + 35512.75T + 485.818 log T between 5 and 80°C, yielding logKCaCO03 = 3.22 ± 0.14 at 25°C. The CO2-H2O equilibria have been critically evaluated and new empirical expressions for the temperature dependence of KH, K1 and K2 are log KH = 108.3865 + 0.01985076T − 6919.53T − 40.45154 log T + 669365.T2, log K1 = −356.3094 − 0.06091964T + 21834.37T + 126.8339 log T — 1684915.T2 and logK2 = −107.8871 − 0.03252849T + 5151.79/T + 38.92561 logT − 563713.9/T2 which may be used to at least 250°C. These expressions hold for 1 atm. total pressure between 0 and 100°C and follow the vapor pressure curve of water at higher temperatures. Extensive measurements of the pH of Ca-HCO3 solutions at 25°C and 0.956 atm PCO2 using different compositions of the reference electrode filling solution show that measured differences in pH are closely approximated by differences in liquid-junction potential as calculated by the Henderson equation. Liquid-junction corrected pH measurements agree with the calculated pH within 0.003-0.011 pH. Earlier arguments suggesting that the CaHCO+3 ion pair should not be included in the CaCO3-CO2-H2O aqueous model were based on less accurate calcite solubility data. The CaHCO+3 ion pair must be included in the aqueous model to account for the observed PCO2-dependence of aragonite solubility between 317 ppm CO2 and 100% CO2. Previous literature on the solubility of CaCO3 polymorphs have been critically evaluated using the aqueous model and the results are compared.
Water relations of Betula cordifolia and Betula alleghaniensis on landslides in Franconia Notch, New Hampshire.

Abstract Heart-leaved birch (Betula cordifolia) and yellow birch (B. alleghaniensis) are commonly found growing during early and midsuccession after disturbance in northeastern forests. Betula cordifolia most often occurs at high elevations (above 600 m) and is considered less shade tolerant than B. alleghaniensis. Though shade-tolerance affects distribution of both birches, other physiological differences may also influence the success of each of these species in forest communities. In particular, on boulder-covered depositional zones of landslides common to steep slopes of the Appalachians, water relations may be important for birch survival. In Franconia Notch, NH, a suite of landslides occurred during this century; we investigated water relations of pairs of B. cordifolia and B. alleghaniensis trees rooted within two meters of one another on two of these landslides. Midday water potential of B. alleghaniensis was often significantly more positive (and never more negative) than that of B. cordifolia, w...
A bladder syringe both as a spigot and for joint drainage during ACL reconstruction

Once the tibial tunnel has been drilled for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, any further arthroscopic steps will lead to loss of irrigation fluid, both into the anteromedial soft tissues overlying the pes anserinus and onto the operating surgeon and theatre floor. One option would be to employ ‘dry arthroscopy’. However, this impairs the surgeon’ view, reduces bone cooling during drilling of the femoral tunnel and prevents the continual removal of bone swarf via joint irrigation.
A Pathologists’ Assistant Training Program: Past, Present, and Future

After 17 years in existence, a Pathologists’ Assistant Training Program continues to thrive. Because a recent survey of pathologists reflected new changes in anatomic pathology, the program curriculum was altered to adjust to current progress; however, the basic practical training was maintained. With the addition of more students, new clinical rotations have been added to ensure adequate exposure to surgical and autopsy pathology. Courses in computers and laboratory management reflect the attitudes of the pathologists surveyed toward the role of the assistant.
Traffic-related air pollution and childhood acute leukemia in Oklahoma.

Abstract Background While many studies have evaluated the association between acute childhood leukemia and environmental factors, knowledge is limited. Ambient air pollution has been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, but studies have not established whether traffic-related air pollution is associated with leukemia. The goal of our study was to determine if children with acute leukemia had higher odds of exposure to traffic-related air pollution at birth compared to controls. Methods We conducted a case-control study using the Oklahoma Central Cancer Registry to identify cases of acute leukemia in children diagnosed before 20 years of age between 1997 and 2012 (n=307). Controls were selected from birth certificates and matched to cases on week of birth (n=1013). Using a novel satellite-based land-use regression model of nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) and estimating road density based on the 2010 US Census, we evaluated the association between traffic-related air pollution and childhood leukemia using conditional logistic regression. Results The odds of exposure to the fourth quartile of NO 2 (11.19–19.89 ppb) were similar in cases compared to controls after adjustment for maternal education (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 0.75, 1.55). These estimates were stronger among children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) than acute lymphoid leukemia, with a positive association observed among urban children with AML (4th quartile odds ratio: 5.25, 95% confidence interval: 1.09, 25.26). While we observed no significant association with road density, male cases had an elevated odds of exposure to roads at 500 m from the birth residence compared to controls (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 0.93, 2.10), which was slightly attenuated at 750 m. Conclusions Although we observed no association overall between NO 2 or road density, this was the first study to observe an elevated odds of exposure to NO 2 among children with AML compared to controls suggesting further exploration of traffic-related air pollution and AML is warranted.
Scaliing in Three-Dimensional Foams

The coarsening and internal dynamics of a bulk foam are probed noninvasively by exploiting the strong multiple scattering of light that gives foams their familiar white color. By approximating the light propagation as a diffusion process, transmission measurements provide a direct probe of the average bubble size d. A second corroborating measure of d is obtained by analyzing temporal intensity fluctuations of the multiply scattered light within the framework of diffusing-wave spectroscopy. Both sets of measurements show the same behavior: At early times d is approximately a constant (20μm). After about twenty minutes the foam begins to coarsen and scaling behavior is observed such that the growth of d is a power-law in time, tz with z=0.45±0.05. This result is in near accord with the theoretical prediction, z=1/2, for foam in the limiting case of space-filling polyhedral bubbles. In addition, the change in packing conditions during coarsening gives rise to a nonequilibrium dynamical process which also exhibits temporal scaling: Neighboring bubbles undergo sudden structural rearrangements at a rate per unit volume which decays as t−y with y=2.0±0.2. This value of y cannot be explained by the presence of only a single time-dependent length scale in the foam structure. Since these bubble rearrangement events serve to relax local stress, they must also play a role in the relaxation of externally imposed stress. Therefore, elucidation of their origin and scaling behavior will lead to an increased understanding of the rheology and stability of foams.
Proton Conduction on Ionomer-Free Pt Surfaces

AC impedance was measured for PTFE-bound, unbound, and ionomer-bound Pt-black electrodes, as well as for a conventional Pt/Vulcan electrode. Adsorbed water contributes to the proton conduction on ionomer-free Pt black surfaces, which display a strong dependence on relative humidity. The conductivity was 1-2 orders of magnitude lower than that of ionomer-containing electrodes. While non-dimensional scaling of the impedance data indicates a single conduction mechanism occurring in each electrode type, activation energies suggest that the mechanisms were different between ionomer-free and ionomer-bound electrodes. Ionomer-bound electrodes show an activation energy that strongly depends upon RH, while that of ionomer-free Pt black does not. Remarkably, conductivity on Pt black is 2-3 orders of magnitude greater than that of bulk water, suggesting an enhanced conduction mechanism occurring at the Pt surface.
A simple technic for the preparation of bone marrow smears and sections.

A simple method for the preparation of aspirated bone-marrow particles for smears and histologic sections is described. The principle of the technic is to concentrate the bone-marrow particles by separating them from the peripheral blood. This is accomplished by ejecting the aspirate, before it clots, onto a slanted slide and into a formaldehyde solution. The latter is rapidly filtered and the residue is processed by routine histologic technics. No special equipment or anticoagulants are required. The resulting histologic preparations provide a greater concentration of particles than sections of clotted marrow and show more cytologic detail than slides from bone marrow obtained by needle biopsy. Smears are prepared from particles sticking to the slanted slide after the peripheral blood has run down.
23 VAGUS NERVE ACTIVITY AND CYTOKINE RESPONSIVENESS IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS.

Recent literature has shown that the central nervous system can modulate the innate immune response through a rapid, local, and integrated mechanism. This pathway, termed the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP), acts via the vagus nerve through the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (Tracey, 2002). Activation of this pathway results in decreased proinflammatory cytokine production in in vitro experiments and in vivo models of inflammatory disease (Borovikova et al, 2000; Bernick et al, 2002). It has been observed that autonomic dysfunction develops in patients with diseases associated with cytokine excess, such as sepsis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (Hakala M and RK Niemela, 2000; Louthrenoo et al, 1999). However, the relationship between autonomic dysfunction and cytokine synthesis has not been explored. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between vagus nerve activity and cytokine synthesis in patients with RA compared to healthy subjects. A prospective observational study was performed at the North Shore-LIJ GCRC in subjects with RA and age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers ( n = 12, 50 ± 10.9 years, n = 13, 42 ± 14.6, respectively). Vagus nerve activity was assessed by determining instantaneous heart rate variability (HRV) using parameters representing vagal nerve activity, including high-frequency power (HF), SDANN, and RMSSD. Blood was collected and stimulated with endotoxin and subsequently analyzed for the cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and high mobility box 1 protein (HMGB1). All measured components of HRV were attenuated in the RA subjects as compared to the healthy volunteers (HF power [msec 2 ] = 40 ± 8.8, 410 ± 122, p Supported by NIGMS and GCRC M01RR018535 of The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, North Shore-LIJ Health System.
Pulmonary Complications in Cancer Patients

The recent advances of cancer treatment allow patients with many types of cancer to survive longer. This prolonged survival may be affected by pulmonary complications caused by the primary malignancy or its treatments. The pulmonary system is very sensitive to injuries and complications of cancer therapy. Pulmonary complications in cancer patients are common and sometimes can be fatal. They may involve the pulmonary parenchyma, vessels, and the pleural space. Emergency department physicians are often at the front line in diagnosing and treating cancer patients with pulmonary complications. Early diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion, accurate history taking (including recent or old cancer therapy), and targeted initial testing. Early intervention and managing emergent situations are as important as seeking appropriate specialized consultation promptly.
6.608 – Implant Debris: Clinical Data and Relevance

Biological reactivity to implant debris determines long-term clinical performance. This chapter covers the physical aspects of implant debris, and the local and systemic biological responses to implant debris. Due to wear and corrosion, implants produce particles and ions. These particles are generally submicron ( 3 year −1 , respectively. Metal-on-metal total joint replacement components also lead to increases in circulating concentrations of metal in individuals (>10-fold that of individuals without implant, i.e., 2–5 ppb cobalt and 1–3 ppb chromium). Debris reactivity is both local and systemic. Local inflammation is primarily caused by the ingestion of debris by macrophages, which produce proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interluekin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and prostaglandin E 2 . Of the many systemic concerns associated with implant debris, to date, systemic reactivity has been limited to hypersensitivity reactions. Elevated amounts of implant debris in remote organs, such as the liver, spleen, etc. in patients with failed total joint arthroplasty have not (yet) been associated with remote toxicological or carcinogenic pathologies. Implant debris is differentially bioreactive, with greater numbers being proinflammatory. The smaller-sized debris is more bioreactive by virtue of its higher dose (greater numbers) for a given amount of loss in implant mass. Elongated particles are more proinflammatory than round particles (i.e., aspect ratio >4) and metal particles are more proinflammatory than polymers, ceteris paribus . However, debris-induced inflammation still depends on both the implant and the individual with the implant. The consequences of debris-induced inflammation necessitate continued vigilance by physicians to monitor these implants using physical exams, X-ray studies, and new biological assays such as the testing of metal content and hypersensitivity metal-lymphocyte transformation test.
Nanoparticle flow velocimetry with image phase correlation for confocal laser scanning microscopy

We present a new particle image correlation technique for resolving nanoparticle flow velocity using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The two primary issues that complicate nanoparticle scanning laser image correlation (SLIC)–based velocimetry are (1) the use of diffusion-dominated nanoparticles as flow tracers, which introduce a random decorrelating error into the velocity estimate, and (2) the effects of the scanning laser image acquisition, which introduces a bias error. To date, no study has quantified these errors or demonstrated a means to deal with them in SLIC velocimetry. In this work, we build upon the robust phase correlation (RPC) and existing methods of SLIC to quantify and mitigate these errors. First, we implement an ensemble RPC instead of using an ensemble standard cross-correlation, and develop a SLIC optimal filter that maximizes the correlation strength in order to reliably and accurately detect the correlation peak representing the most probable average displacement of the nanoparticles. Secondly, we developed an analytical model of the SLIC measurement bias error due to image scanning of diffusion-dominated tracer particles. We show that the bias error depends only on the ratio of the mean velocity of the tracer particles to that of the laser scanner and we use this model to correct the induced errors. We validated our technique using synthetic images and experimentally obtained SLIC images of nanoparticle flow through a micro-channel. Our technique reduced the error by up to a factor of ten compared to other SLIC algorithms for the images tested in this study. Moreover, our optimized RPC filter reduces the number of image pairs required for the convergence of the ensemble correlation by two orders of magnitude compared to the standard cross correlation. This feature has broader implications to ensemble correlation methods and should be further explored in depth in the future.
Research on control strategy of dynamic voltage restorer

The voltage sag is one of the most serious power quality problems, especially for the sensitive power user. At present, dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) is the effective solution to suppress the voltage sag. And the control strategy of DVR determines its dynamic performance. In this paper, a new control strategy, closed-loop control integrated with feed-forward adjustment based on interference voltage, is proposed to resolve current defects of DVR control system. The new control strategy not only improve steady margin but also speed up system dynamic response. The better performance of advanced control strategy is then validated by simulation studies.
Robotic laboratory for distance education

This project involves the construction of a remote-controlled laboratory experiment that can be accessed by online students. The project addresses a need to provide a laboratory experience for students who are taking online courses to be able to provide an in-class experience. The chosen task for the remote user is an optical engineering experiment, specifically aligning a spatial filter. We instrument the physical laboratory set up in Tucson, AZ at the University of Arizona. The hardware in the spatial filter experiment is augmented by motors and cameras to allow the user to remotely control the hardware. The user interacts with a software on their computer, which communicates with a server via Internet connection to the host computer in the Optics Laboratory at the University of Arizona. Our final overall system is comprised of several subsystems. These are the optical experiment set-up, which is a spatial filter experiment; the mechanical subsystem, which interfaces the motors with the micrometers to move the optical hardware; the electrical subsystem, which allows for the electrical communications from the remote computer to the host computer to the hardware; and finally the software subsystem, which is the means by which messages are communicated throughout the system. The goal of the project is to convey as much of an in-lab experience as possible by allowing the user to directly manipulate hardware and receive visual feedback in real-time. Thus, the remote user is able to learn important concepts from this particular experiment and is able to connect theory to the physical world by actually seeing the outcome of a procedure. The latter is a learning experience that is often lost with distance learning and is one that this project hopes to provide.
Generalized Wiener Filtering

In Chapter 1 it was stated that three applications of orthogonal transform would be studied. The application studied in this chapter concerns the classical signal processing technique known as Wiener filtering [1]. We will show that orthogonal transforms can be used to extend Wiener filtering to the processing of discrete signals with emphasis on reduction of computational requirements.
Nitrous Oxide in Neuroanesthesia: Does It Have a Place?

You had rather hoped that you would be assigned to the aneurysm clipping this morning. After all, operative aneurysms are becoming increasingly rare now that the interventionalists are getting so good at coiling. However, the case has been given to one of the older members of the department, who has more experience with craniotomies. And here you are with the short eye cases. So between cases you decide to wander into the neuro room, just to see how things are going. To your horror you realize that your colleague has dialed in nitrous oxide 60 % with the isoflurane!
The current state of clinical interpretation of sequence variants

Accurate and consistent variant classification is required for Precision Medicine. But clinical variant classification remains in its infancy. While recent guidelines put forth jointly by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) and Association of Molecular Pathology (AMP) for the classification of Mendelian variants has advanced the field, the degree of subjectivity allowed by these guidelines can still lead to inconsistent classification across clinical molecular genetic laboratories. In addition, there are currently no such guidelines for somatic cancer variants, only published institutional practices. Additional variant classification guidelines, including disease- or gene-specific criteria, along with inter-laboratory data sharing is critical for accurate and consistent variant interpretation.
Supervised exercise training versus usual care in ambulatory patients with left ventricular assist devices: A systematic review

Implantation of left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) has increased because of improved safety profile and limited availability of heart transplantation. Although supervised exercise training (ET) programs are known to improve exercise capacity and quality of life (QoL) in heart failure (HF) patients, similar data is inconclusive in LVAD patients. Thus, we performed a systematic review on studies that incorporated supervised ET and measured peak oxygen uptake in LVAD patients. A total of 150 patients in exercise and 55 patients in control groups were included from 8 studies selected from our predefined criteria. Our systematic review suggests supervised ET has an inconsistent effect on exercise capacity and QoL when compared to control groups undergoing usual care. A quantitative sub-analysis was performed with 4 studies that provided enough data to compare peak oxygen uptake and QoL at baseline and at follow-up. After at least 6 weeks of training, LVAD patients undergoing supervised ET demonstrated significant improvement in exercise capacity (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.735, 95% Confidence Interval-[CI], 0.31-1.15 units of the standard deviation, P = 0.001) and QoL scores (SMD = 1.58, 95% CI 0.97-2.20 units of the standard deviation, P <0.001) when compared to the usual care group, with no serious adverse events with exercise. These results suggest that supervised ET is safe and can improve patient outcomes in LVAD patients when compared to the usual care.
DETERMINATION OF PARAMETRES OF THE AIR-VOID SYSTEM IN AIRFIELD PAVEMENT CONCRETE USING COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

Immediately after completion airfield pavements begin a gradual deterioration that is attribute to severalfactors. One of the major elements contribute to airfield pavement deterioration is exposure to the environment (freezingthawingand de-icing salts). Air-voids microstructure in cement-based materials is an important feature related to thefreeze-thaw durability of these materials since all the adverse influences are result of potentially harmful ionic fluidsand aggressive gas transport through the concrete and the transport properties strongly depend on the morphology of thepores inside the concrete.For revealing the porous microstructure in airfield pavement concrete X-ray tomography method was used. New andadvance methodologies have been developed to determine the basic parameters of air entrainment in concrete (totalcontent of the air, specific surface area of the air-voids system, spacing factor and content of micropores) by summingthe distances traversed across a given component along a series of regularly spaced lines in one or more planesintersecting the sample. Using the method mentioned above, to meet requirements of PN-EN 480-11 specification(describes procedure for microscopical determination of air voids characteristics in hardened concrete), the originalsoftware was applied – AVCT (Air Void by Computed Tomography) computer programme.The specimens for CT testing were cylinders extracted by drilling out from the investigated concrete core or cubicspecimen. The CT method does not require any special processing of the surface of tested specimen as opposed thecommon method according to PN-EN 480-11, by which the properly polished section is a prerequisite for obtainingproper results of air voids characterization.The paper presents the results of the evaluation of air-voids microstructure in concrete conducted with the applicationof computed tomography method. Exemplary images of distribution and size of air-voids in concrete specimens havebeen presented. Special attention was paid to obtain effective image resolution. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3846/enviro.2017.108
Adolescent Health Crisis: What Sleep-Related Factors Contribute to a Decline in Mental Health and Safety?:

Sleep loss can disrupt neuron growth in the brain during adolescence, a critical period for cognitive development. Only 7.6% of teens get the recommended 9-10 hours of sleep. This study evaluates t...
Visualizing Deep Neural Networks with Interaction of Super-pixels

An effective way to visualize the prediction of deep neural networks on an image is to decompose the prediction into the contribution of units (pixels or patches). In the existing works, these units are largely considered independently, thus limiting the performance of visualization. In this paper, we propose a new predication visualization method that uses super-pixel as a contribution unit. Moreover, our method takes into consideration of the interaction of adjacent super-pixels. We implement our technique and evaluate its performance with various images. Our results show its excellent performance.
Subregional specificity in human striatal habit learning: a meta-analytic review of the fMRI literature

Research on the neural basis of human habit learning has made significant advances in recent years, creating a need for synthesis of disparate results. We conducted a meta-analytic review of fMRI studies on human habit learning to evaluate the hypothesis that the human putamen plays a similar role to the rodent dorsolateral striatum in habitual behavior. Results from studies using outcome devaluation, sequential decision-making, and motor sequence learning tasks were consistent with this hypothesis, whereas results from studies using probabilistic classification and maze navigation tasks were not. It is possible that the lack of consistent activation of the putamen during the performance of probabilistic classification and maze navigation tasks may indicate that these tasks are not as well-suited for the study of habit behavior in humans, and that activations observed using these tasks reflect activity of both the goal-directed and habit learning systems.
Communication-related affective, behavioral, and cognitive reactions in speakers with spasmodic dysphonia.

Objectives To investigate the self-perceived affective, behavioral, and cognitive reactions associated with communication of speakers with spasmodic dysphonia as a function of employment status. Study Design Prospective cross-sectional investigation. Methods 148 Participants with spasmodic dysphonia (SD) completed an adapted version of the Behavior Assessment Battery (BAB-Voice), a multidimensional assessment of self-perceived reactions to communication. The BAB-Voice consisted of four subtests: the Speech Situation Checklist for A) Emotional Reaction (SSC-ER) and B) Speech Disruption (SSC-SD), C) the Behavior Checklist (BCL), and D) the Communication Attitude Test for Adults (BigCAT). Participants were assigned to groups based on employment status (working versus retired). Results Descriptive comparison of the BAB-Voice in speakers with SD to previously published non-dysphonic speaker data revealed substantially higher scores associated with SD across all four subtests. Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) revealed no significantly different BAB-Voice subtest scores as a function of SD group status (working vs. retired). Conclusions BAB-Voice scores revealed that speakers with SD experienced substantial impact of their voice disorder on communication attitude, coping behaviors, and affective reactions in speaking situations as reflected in their high BAB scores. These impacts do not appear to be influenced by work status, as speakers with SD who were employed or retired experienced similar levels of affective and behavioral reactions in various speaking situations and cognitive responses. These findings are consistent with previously published pilot data. The specificity of items assessed by means of the BAB-Voice may inform the clinician of valid patient-centered treatment goals which target the impairment extended beyond the physiological dimension. Level of Evidence 2b.
Maria Antonia de Pravia versus Francisco Casco: El Divorcio, El Dote, y La Jurisdicción Eclesiástica En El Siglo XVIII en Nicaragua Y El Estatus de Mujeres de la Aristocracia del Siglo XVIII en Nicaragua

Como Gracias en Honduras, ubicado en un lugar muy remoto, el pueblo, la vieja villade Nueva Segovia, llamada hoy Ciudad Antigua, ha ido en el centro de la historia deNicaragua por siglos. La iglesia fue construida probablemente en la segunda mitad delsiglo XVII- las tejas sacadas del techo en 1991 tenian la fecha 1679. La iglesia fueatacada y quemada parcialmente por el pirata ingles Capitan Wright en Mayo de 1676.Fue robado otra vez por una banda grande de piratas; el cirujano de la pandilla, Ravenaude Lussan, describio la iglesia y pueblo en 1688. Por 200 anos fue la capital de norte deNicaragua y fue la ultima poblacion en el noreste de Nicaragua. Mas tarde, fue uncentro de rebeldes de Augusto Sandino. Y durante la Guerra Contra fue una zona defuego libre: un kilometro del pueblo los EPS mataron a cada persona encontrada y losContra mataban a cualquier EPS que encontraron en las afueras del pueblo. En 1987 enun pueblo de tal vez 1,000 almas hubo una guarnicion del EPS en la plaza en frente desu iglesia de 1,700 soldados. Y en 1993 la casa cural al lado de la iglesia fue el lugarde la reunion entre el Coronel (ahora General del Ejercito) Omar Haveslavens y elrebelde Recontra, ¨El Chacal¨, Jose Angel Talavera, su hermano ¨el Chacalin¨, AlexTalavera, y su hermano ¨Comandante Esteban¨, Salvador Talavera (ahora diputado en laAsamblea Nacional). En la reunion asistida por el Cardenal Ovando y Bravo y el curade la iglesia Padre Julio Cesar Lopez. Haveslavens ordeno que los ¨Chacales, ¨ se rindieran ya. Ellos respondieron en forma enfatica que no, y Haveslavens les dio 48 horas para retirarse y despues iba a ordenar a sus fuerzas especiales que cazaran a los hermanos y los mataran. Dos de los hermanos Talaveras decidieron rendirse y el tercero, Alex Talavera, hizo su ultimo ataque por Quilali enviando un misil RPG 7 por la parabrisas de un camion del ejercito. Quilali, ubicado a 60 km al este de Ciudad Antigua es donde la Guerra estallo en 1980. Peleo su ultima batalla en la montana famosa de El Chipote, en las afueras de Quilali, refugio de Augusto Sandino, y donde Alex Talavera termino su guerra en 1994.