cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dissociating familiarity from recollection in human recognition memory: Different rates of forgetting over short retention intervals

Two functionally distinct forms of recognition memory have been identified in human and nonhuman species—the ability to recollect qualitative information about previous events, and the ability to differentiate between familiar and novel stimuli. Separate dual-process theories have been developed in the animal and human literatures to account for these findings. However, it is not clear whether these theories describe the same two underlying memory processes. On the basis of animal studies of medial temporal lobe function, familiarity is expected to exhibit disproportionately fast forgetting compared with recollection over short retention intervals. We tested this prediction in healthy human subjects by examining recognition forgetting rates across a range of 8–32 intervening items and found significant forgetting in the accuracy of familiarity-based discriminations and no evidence of forgetting in the accuracy of recollection-based discriminations. In agreement with the results from nonhuman species, the present results indicate that item familiarity decreases more rapidly than recollection over short retention intervals.
Corrosion Performance of Stainless Steel Clad Rebar Simulated Pore Water and Concrete

The corrosion performance of stainless steel clad reinforcing bar (SCR) was investigated. Corrosion potential of SCR in various alkaline media as a function of time was measured periodically and corrosion rates were estimated using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). At room temperature, SCR without cladding breaks was free of corrosion for up to one year in all the testing conditions: saturated Ca(OH)2 solutions (SCS, pH ~12.6), simulated pore solution (SPS, pH ~13.6), simulated carbonated concrete pore solution (CPS, pH <10) (each with 15 wt% chloride by the end of test), and concrete with chloride up to 8% chloride by weight of cement. SCR without cladding breaks also remained passive at 40 o C in SCS with 15% chloride and in concrete with 8% chloride. SCR with a 1 mm hole corroded actively in SCS with 15% chloride. The results suggest that carbon steel exposed by the small hole was corroding actively at a high local rate. A model for SCR with a single cladding break at one cut-end in concrete was modeled using a finite differences appr oach. Calculations indicated that the resistivity of concrete and size of cladding breaks were critical parameters in establishing the rate of corrosion, and that corrosion of SCR with sub-millime ter breaks in high qualit y concrete would cause concrete cracking only after long service times.
On the convergence of the optimal value function for singularly perturbed differential inclusions

We consider Mayer type optimization problems for nonlinear singularly perturbed differential inclusions. Especially we are interested in the behaviour of the optimal value function as the perturbation parameter tends to zero. For that purpose we construct a strong limiting system for the slow motion in form of an averaged differential inclusion. We give sufficient conditions under which the value function of the original singularly perturbed problem converges to the value function corresponding to the averaged differential inclusion. These conditions are of controllability respectively stability type and concern only the fast subsystems with fixed slow state.
Tyrosine Kinase Etk/BMX Is Up-regulated in Human Prostate Cancer and Its Overexpression Induces Prostate Intraepithelial Neoplasia in Mouse

The nonreceptor tyrosine kinase Etk/BMX was originally identified from the human prostate xenograft CWR22. Here, we report that Etk is up-regulated in human prostate tumor specimens surveyed. Knocking down Etk expression by a specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) in prostate cancer cells attenuates cell proliferation, suggesting an essential role of Etk for prostate cancer cell survival and growth. Targeted expression of Etk in mouse prostate epithelium results in pathologic changes resembling human prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, indicating that up-regulation of Etk may contribute to prostate cancer development. A marked increase of luminal epithelial cell proliferation was observed in the Etk transgenic prostate, which may be attributed in part to the elevated activity of Akt and signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3). More interestingly, the expression level of acetyltransferase cyclic AMP-responsive element binding protein-binding protein (CBP) is also increased in the Etk transgenic prostate as well as in a prostate cancer cell line overexpressing Etk, concomitant with elevated histone 3 acetylation at lysine 18 (H3K18Ac). Down-modulation of Etk expression by a specific siRNA leads to a decrease of H3 acetylation in prostate cancer cell lines. Our data suggest that Etk may also modulate chromatin remodeling by regulating the activity of acetyltransferases, such as CBP. Given that Etk may exert its effects in prostate through modulation of multiple signaling pathways altered in human prostate cancer, the Etk transgenic mouse model may be a useful tool for studying the functions of Etk and identification of new molecular markers and drug targets relevant to human diseases.
Separation Theorems And Partial Orderings For Sensor Network Problems

In the absence of complexity and delay constraints, the quality of a noisy communication channel can be characterized by a single number, called its capacity and usually measured in bits. Shannon (1948) showed that this number is universal in the sense that via the so-called source/channel separation theorem, it applies to all (stationary, ergodic) communication problems, making bits the universal currency of information in point-to- point communication.
Large-vessel involvement in giant cell arteritis: a population-based cohort study of the incidence-trends and prognosis.

Objectives To evaluate incidence-trends and timing of large-vessel (LV) manifestations in patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA), and to examine the influence of LV manifestations on survival. Methods A population-based incident cohort of patients diagnosed with GCA between 1950 and 2004 was used. LV involvement was defined as large-artery stenosis or aortic aneurysm/dissection that developed in the 1 year before GCA diagnosis or at any time thereafter. Patients were followed up until death or 31 December 2009. Results The study included 204 patients, 80% women, mean age at diagnosis of GCA 76.0 years (±8.2 years). Median length of follow-up was 8.8 years. The cumulative incidence of any LV manifestation at 10 years was 24.9% for patients diagnosed with GCA between 1980 and 2004 compared with 8.3% for patients diagnosed with GCA between 1950 and 1979. The incidence of any LV event was high within the first year of GCA diagnosis. The incidence of aortic aneurysm/dissection increased 5 years after GCA diagnosis. Compared with the general population, survival was decreased in patients with an aortic aneurysm/dissection (standardized mortality ratio (SMR) 2.63; 95% CI 1.78 to 3.73) but not in patients with large-artery stenosis (SMR 1.44; 95% CI 0.87 to 2.25). Patients with GCA and aortic manifestations had a higher than expected number of deaths from cardiovascular and pulmonary causes than the general population. Among patients with GCA, aortic manifestations were associated with increased mortality (HR=3.4; 95% CI 2.2 to 5.4). Conclusions Vigilance and screening for aortic aneurysms should be considered in all patients 5 years after the incidence of GCA. Aortic aneurysm/dissection is associated with increased mortality in GCA.
Localized perirenal retroperitoneal fibrosis

Perirenal retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is a rare disease. RPF typically presents as a proliferation of fibrous tissue around the infrarenal aorta and the common iliac arteries. Rarely, RPF will only involve the perirenal space. We present the case of a 62-year-old man who was incidentally discovered to have isolated perirenal RPF.
Energetic ion beam in the Earth’s magnetotail lobe

IMP-8 high time resolution measurement of energetic particles in the earth magnetotail indicated prominent peaks in the proton energy at 0.1-0.7 MeV. A drifting Kappa distribution was fitted to the spectra and a 15-45 keV, proton beam, with densities of 4/10 million to 5/10,000 cu cm jetting tailward at 3500-7000 km/sec, was modelled. It is noted that extension of the beam from 1-5 earth radii would require an energy flux of 1.7 x 10 to the 17th ergs/sec, close to observed values of magnetospheric substorms. However, acceleration of the plasma sheet population, which has a density of 0.1/cu cm, would result in only a small fraction of the protons being accelerated to the higher energies. Candidates for the acceleration mechanisms are discussed
URL decay in MEDLINE—a 4-year follow-up study

Motivation: Internet-based electronic resources, as given by Uniform Resource Locators (URLs), are being increasingly used in scientific publications but are also becoming inaccessible in a time-dependant manner, a phenomenon documented across disciplines. Initial reports brought attention to the problem, spawning methods of effectively preserving URL content while some journals adopted policies regarding URL publication and begun storing supplementary information on journal websites. Thus, a reexamination of URL growth and decay in the literature is merited to see if the problem has grown or been mitigated by any of these changes. Results: After the 2003 study, three follow-up studies were conducted in 2004, 2005 and 2007. Unfortunately, no significant change was found in the rate of URL decay among any of the studies. However, only 5% of URLs cited more than twice have decayed versus 20% of URLs cited once or twice. The most common types of lost content were computer programs (43%), followed by scholarly content (38%) and databases (19%). Compared to URLs still available, no lost content type was significantly over-or underrepresented. Searching for 30 of these websites using Google, 11 (37%) were found relocated to different URLs. Conclusions: URL decay continues unabated, but URLs published by organizations tend to be more stable. Repeated citation of URLs suggests calculation of an electronic impact factor (eIF) would be an objective, quantitative way to measure the impact of Internet-based resources on scientific research. Contact: Jonathan-Wren@OMRF.org
Multiple biliary papillomatosis.

A case of multiple biliary papillomata with nuclear atypical changes involving the entire biliary ductal system is presented. Initially the tumor was resected in the common bile duct. The only remaining tumor appeared to be in the left hepatic ductal system on cholangiogram. The patient then underwent left hepatic lobectomy. The tumor recurred, however, throughout the right hepatic ductal system as demonstrated on cholangiograms. Curettage was employed to remove tumor bulk, and drainage was accomplished with a choledochoduo-denostomy. The patient subsequently had several attacks of cholangitis with obstruction secondary to tumor involvement of the common bile duct, demonstrated on upper gastrointestinal series, and again was relieved for a period of time by curettage. The patient was finally treated with BCNU and a decrease in the tumor mass was noted. He progressed and eventually died with gram negative shock secondary to cholangitis.
CARBON BLACK FOR RACING AND MOTORCYCLE TIRE TREADS. PERFORMANCE MODEL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract Racing tires and motorcycle tires present individual segments of the tire market. For instance, while the average life of car and truck tires is 50 000 miles, the average life of race tires is 100 miles. Because tires play a critical role in a race, technical demands to assure safety and performance are growing. Similarly, tires have a large influence on safety, handling/grip, and performance of the rapidly growing world fleet of motorcycles, due to the fact of only two wheels being in contact with the ground. Thus, the common feature of both market segments is that the typical tire compromise of wear, rolling resistance, and traction is strongly weighted toward traction. Most of the recent efforts of rubber scientists have been directed toward lowering rolling resistance of the tread compounds, which left a certain void in the science of compounding for racing and motorcycle treads. Particularly, the industrial assortment of polymers and fillers used for motorcycle treads is commonly different f...
Immunohistochemical Characterization of the Estrogen-Stimulated Leukocyte Influx in the Immature Rat Uterus

Previous studies have shown that the injection of estrogen into immature rats leads to an influx of leukocytes into the uterus. Using immunoperoxidase staining and monoclonal antibodies, we have characterized the nature of the infiltrating leukocytes in frozen sections of immature rat uteri obtained following the injection of estrogen, estrogen plus pertussigen, and the antiestrogen LY117018. Estradiol treatment for 2 days resulted in a significant increase in the number of uterine eosinophils, CD4 (W3/ W25)-positive helper/inducer T lymphocytes, macrophages (MRC OX-42-positive cells), and Ia (MRC OX-6)-positive cells. In contrast, estradiol treatment failed to elicit a significant increase in the number of CD8 (MRC OX-8)-positive uterine cytotoxic/suppressor T lymphocytes and/or natural killer cells, as well as MAR 18.5- and/or MRC OX-12-positive B lymphocytes. The injection of LY117018 failed to elicit any changes in the number of cells expressing any of the phenotypes under investigation. The simultaneous injection of pertussigen, the major toxin responsible for the leukocytosis- and lymphocytosispromoting activity of Bordetella pertussis, inhibited the estrogen-induced influx of eosinophils, macrophages (MRC OX-42-positive cells), and Ia (MRC OX-6)-positive cells but failed to prevent the influx of CD4 (W3/25) positive helper/inducer T lymphocytes. These results indicate that, in the immature rat, significant differences may exist in the susceptibility of various cell populations to the effects of estrogen, particularly with regard to uterine influx following estrogen stimulation. In addition, our observations suggest that either 1) the CD4-positive cells infiltrating the uterus following estrogen treatment may use a nonpertussigen-sensitive mechanism for chemotactic factor-receptor signal transduction or 2) a subpopulation of resident uterine cells can be induced to express the CD4 antigen following estrogen and/or estrogen plus pertussigen treatment.
Twenty-Five Years of Intensive Forest Management with Southern Pines: Important Lessons Learned

A commitment to long-term forest research provides the basis and opportunity to understand developmental processes and stand dynamics over an entire rotation. The southeastern United States has undergone a significant evolution in forest management practices over the last 60 years, especially in regard to the intensification of pine plantation silviculture. However, few studies have examined production relationships for an entire rotation. This article reviews results from a rotation-length experiment that tested factorial combinations of understory competition control and sustained fertilizer additions on the productivity and stand dynamics of loblolly (Pinus taeda L.) and slash pine (Pinus elliottii var. elliottii) in north central Florida. After 25 years, fertilizer and competition control treatments increased site index (base age, 25 years) from 64 to 87 ft in loblolly pine and from 75 to 88 ft in slash pine. In addition, these cultural treatments increased total stand stem volume accumulation by 1.8‐2.2-fold compared with the control treatments for slash and loblolly pine, respectively; the proportion of volume in high-value product classes such as chip-n-saw (C/S) and sawtimber was also increased in both species (e.g., 39% in C/S and sawtimber in the loblolly pine control treatment versus 74‐87% in the fertilizer and/or weed control treatments). Overall, results from this study, as well as others in the region, highlight the overriding importance of soil nutrient supply on long-term productivity of southern pine stands.
Chapter 7 – Trigonometry

This chapter introduces units of angles, types of angles, and the right triangle. It explains trigonometric functions, reciprocal identities, complementary, supplementary, and inverse functions. The chapter explains unit circle and oblique triangles using the laws of sines and cosines.
Temperature Effects of Linear Amplitude Sweep Testing and Analysis

Fatigue cracking is a critical distress in asphalt pavements. The linear amplitude sweep (LAS) test has recently been proposed for accelerated fatigue characterization of asphalt binders (AASHTO TP 101). The fatigue resistance of asphalt pavements depends on temperature because of the inherent viscoelastic nature of the asphalt binder contained in the pavement. This study sought to develop recommendations for the selection of LAS test temperature based on climatic performance grades (PGs). Developing recommendations for selecting the test temperature involved two components: investigation of climatic data for a wide range of PGs and investigation of the effect of linear viscoelastic dynamic shear modulus on the observed failure mechanism in the LAS test. Results demonstrate that test temperatures should be selected such that linear dynamic shear moduli fall within the range of 12 to 60 MPa to avoid the confounding effects of flow or adhesion loss. On the basis of the aforementioned moduli range—coupled wi...
Nondisclosure of human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus coinfection in a patient with hemophilia: medical and ethical considerations.

Abstract:This article discusses a medical and ethical dilemma: whether to disclose a positive HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)/HCV (hepatitis C virus) coinfection to an adolescent boy without symptoms with hemophilia despite the objections of his parents. An actual case history is presented and th
Bacillus thuringiensis : Effects on the Survival of a Tobacco Budworm Parasitoid and Predator in the Laboratory

Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the effect of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner on Cardiochiles nigriceps Viereck, a tobacco budworm parasitoid. Ingestion of the active material in sugar water by this parasitoid resulted in a significant decrease in posttreatment longevity. Topical treatment with B. thuringiensis did not decrease posttreatment longevity, although there did seem to be an initial effect on survival. Wasps exposed to tobacco leaves treated with monocrotophos died within 24 h, but were not affected by exposure to Dipel®-treated leaves. Posttreatment longevity of a stilt bug, Jalysus spinosus (Say), was not decreased by exposure to tobacco leaves treated with B. thuringiensis .
Effects of temperature and high concentration on the absorbance of solutions investigated by WGD-3 multi-function grating spectrometer

Using WGD-3 combined type multi-function grating spectrometer,the absorbance atlas of different concentrations of NaCl,NaOH and sucrose solutions were measured at different temperatures with bromine tungsten lamp as the light source.The effects of constituents,temperature and concentration on the absorbance were analyzed.On the basis of Beer-Lambert law for weak solution,the strong and mixed solution were researched,the regular pattern of absorbance for different temperatures and concentrations was summarized,and the mechanism was analyzed.
149 NON-TRANSFERRIN MEDIATED CELLULAR IRON UPTAKE IN THE ABSENCE OF DIVALENT METAL TRANSPORTER 1

Transferrin-mediated endocytosis is the primary pathway by which cells obtain iron from plasma. When transferrin (Tf) is highly saturated, as in hemochromatosis, newly absorbed iron from the intestine is present in portal blood as non-Tf bound iron. Non-Tf bound iron is rapidly cleared by the liver and it is assumed that the divalent metal transporter 1 (Dmt1) is responsible for this clearance. Dmt1, along with a surface reductase, mediates cellular uptake of ferrous iron. The Dmt1-reductase system is also present on the luminal surface of enterocytes and mediates absorption of inorganic iron from the diet. Dmt1 plays a second central role in iron delivery to cells by exporting iron liberated from Tf in the acidified endosome into the cytosol. Mice with Dmt1 mutations malabsorb iron and display a microcytic anemia. Parenteral iron does not correct this phenotype because red cells cannot export endosome iron for heme synthesis. Dmt1 is pH-sensitive with optimal activity at pH 5.5. This is consistent with its role in the duodenum and endosome, but the pH of plasma is neutral and Dmt1-mediated iron uptake by the liver would not be efficient. Mice with a disrupted Dmt1 gene (Dmt1-/-) were utilized to determine if cells could import non-Tf iron from plasma in the absence of Dmt1. Tf saturation was elevated in Dmt1 -/-, Dmt1 +/- and Dmt1 +/+ mice by retroorbital injection of iron citrate (FeCit). Ten minutes later, 59Fe was injected into the opposite retroorbital sinus and after an additional 10 min the distribution of radiolabel analyzed. Control Dmt1 +/+ mice injected with PBS followed by 59Fe retained approximately 37% of the total 59Fe counts in blood as Tf(59Fe)2 and 10% of total counts were found in the liver. In contrast, Dmt1 +/+ mice injected with FeCit followed by 59Fe, retained only 3% of total 59Fe in blood and 56% localized to liver. 59Fe distribution in Dmt1 +/- and Dmt1 +/+ was similar. Dmt1-/- mice injected with FeCit followed by 59Fe, retained 16% in blood and 30% in liver. This indicates that Dmt1 -/- mice are able to take up non-Tf iron from the plasma suggesting the presence of an alternate iron transporter(s). Dmt1 +/+ and Dmt1 +/- mice injected with FeCit distributed relatively little 59Fe to the spleen or heart (≤1%). Dmt1 -/- mice had 2.4% and 1.8% respectively in spleen and heart, suggesting a higher level of expression of the putative second transporter in these organs. The findings in Dmt1 -/- mice under conditions of high Tf saturation indicate the presence of an alternate transporter of non-Tf iron that is functional at the neutral pH of plasma.
Animal plasma as substrate for synthetic fibrinolysis inducers.

SummaryDog and guinea pig plasmas are suitable substrates for the test tube investigation of the fibrinolysis-inducing activities of synthetic organic compounds. Four 3-substituted salicylic acids were used as synthetic fibrinolysis inducers. They produce a marked fibrinolytic activity in plasmas of both species at a concentration of a few millimols.
Does Infection During Pregnancy Outside of the Time of Delivery Increase the Risk of Cerebral Palsy

Objective We sought to evaluate whether maternal antepartum infection (excluding chorioamnionitis) is associated with cerebral palsy (CP). Study Design This is a secondary analysis from a multicenter trial in women at risk of preterm delivery who received antenatal magnesium sulfate versus placebo. We compared the risk of CP in the children of women who had evidence of antepartum infection over the course of pregnancy to those women who had no evidence of antepartum infection during pregnancy. Results Within a cohort of 2,251 women who met our inclusion criteria, 1,350 women had no history of infection in pregnancy and 801 women had a history of some type of antepartum infection during pregnancy. The incidence of CP was similar between the two groups (4.9 vs 5.0%; p = 0.917). After adjustment for maternal and obstetric confounders, we observed no significantly increased risk of CP among infants born to women with evidence of antepartum infection; (adjusted relative risk [aRR], 1.09 (0.72, 1.66); p = 0.68). Conclusion Compared with women with no evidence of antepartum infection during pregnancy, those women with infections excluding chorioamnionitis may not be at an increased risk of delivering an infant with CP.
Xenobiotic Receptors in the Crosstalk Between Drug Metabolism and Energy Metabolism

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), pregnane X receptor (PXR), and the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) are three liver-enriched xenobiotic receptors. These xenobiotic receptors transcriptionally regulate the expression of drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters, which are essential components of xenobiotic response in protecting the hosts from the accumulation of harmful chemicals. More recent research has uncovered interesting endobiotic functions of these xenobiotic receptors, including their regulation of the energy metabolism and energy homeostasis. Meanwhile, disruptions of energy homeostasis, such as type 2 diabetes and obesity, have an impact on drug metabolism. This chapter will focus on the recent progress on the integral role of AhR, PXR, and CAR in the crosstalk between drug metabolism and energy homeostasis.
Heart rate variability and psychometric responses to overload and tapering in collegiate sprint-swimmers.

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate cardiac-parasympathetic and psychometric responses to competition preparation in collegiate sprint-swimmers. Additionally, we aimed to determine the relationship between average vagal activity and its daily fluctuation during each training phase. Design Observational. Methods Ten Division-1 collegiate sprint-swimmers performed heart rate variability recordings (i.e., log transformed root mean square of successive RR intervals, lnRMSSD) and completed a brief wellness questionnaire with a smartphone application daily after waking. Mean values for psychometrics and lnRMSSD (lnRMSSD mean ) as well as the coefficient of variation (lnRMSSD cv ) were calculated from 1 week of baseline (BL) followed by 2 weeks of overload (OL) and 2 weeks of tapering (TP) leading up to a championship competition. Results Competition preparation resulted in improved race times ( p Moderate decreases in lnRMSSD mean , and Large to Very Large increases in lnRMSSD cv , perceived fatigue and soreness were observed during the OL and returned to BL levels or peaked during TP ( p mean and lnRMSSD cv were Very Large at BL and OL ( p Moderate at TP ( p >0.05). Conclusions OL training is associated with a reduction and greater daily fluctuation in vagal activity compared with BL, concurrent with decrements in perceived fatigue and muscle soreness. These effects are reversed during TP where these values returned to baseline or peaked leading into successful competition. The strong inverse relationship between average vagal activity and its daily fluctuation weakened during TP.
Liquid Phase Transition in the Postsynaptic Density

An assembly of scaffold proteins termed the postsynaptic density (PSD) is attached to the postsynaptic membrane of excitatory glutamatergic synapses [1]. The scaffold serves to immobilize glutamate receptors in the membrane directly across from the position where glutamate is released from the presynaptic terminal. It also houses and organizes biochemical machinery whose job is to respond to particular patterns of electrical activity by increasing the strength of the synapse [2]. Synaptic strengthening helps to form new circuits that represent our experience [3]. These circuits are our memories. Biochemical machinery in the PSD strengthens the synapse by increasing the size of the PSD scaffold, the number of anchored receptors, and the size of the presynaptic active zone. A larger scaffold, more release sites, and more receptors means a stronger synapse, and vice versa.
On the use of reverse Brownian motion to accelerate hybrid simulations

Multiscale and multiphysics simulations are two rapidly developing fields of scientific computing. Efficient coupling of continuum (deterministic or stochastic) constitutive solvers with their discrete (stochastic, particle-based) counterparts is a common challenge in both kinds of simulations. We focus on interfacial, tightly coupled simulations of diffusion that combine continuum and particle-based solvers. The latter employs the reverse Brownian motion (rBm), a Monte Carlo approach that allows one to enforce inhomogeneous Dirichlet, Neumann, or Robin boundary conditions and is trivially parallelizable. We discuss numerical approaches for improving the accuracy of rBm in the presence of inhomogeneous Neumann boundary conditions and alternative strategies for coupling the rBm solver with its continuum counterpart. Numerical experiments are used to investigate the convergence, stability, and computational efficiency of the proposed hybrid algorithm.
Numerical simulations to quantify the influence of phase change materials (PCMs) on the early- and later-age thermal response of concrete pavements

Abstract This paper employs a numerical simulation strategy to elucidate the influence of phase change materials (PCMs) on the thermal response of concrete pavements. Simulations of both the early- and late-age response of concrete pavements containing microencapsulated PCMs, with considerations of mixture proportions, PCM types, and structural and environmental boundary conditions, are carried out. The latent-heat response of PCMs is explicitly integrated into the model. The early-age simulations show significant reductions in peak hydration temperature and the heating/cooling rates when PCMs, either as a partial replacement of the cement paste or fine aggregates, are incorporated in concrete, resulting in reduced cracking probabilities. Simulations on mature pavements also indicate temperature and curling stress reductions when appropriate PCMs are used. PCM type(s) and dosage, depending on the imposed external temperature regimen, can be chosen based on the model to reduce the magnitude of critical stresses at both early- and late ages. The numerical model thus enables engineers and designers rationally design crack-resistant concrete pavements.
Measuring student attention in the second language classroom

The purpose of this study was to investigate student attention lapses in second language classrooms at the university level. In 17 classes, 274 undergraduate students reported the frequency and dur...
PTEN in Hematopoietic and Intestinal Stem Cells and Cancer

In this chapter, we discuss the roles of the tumor suppressor PTEN in regulating stem cells of the hematopoietic and intestinal systems as well as its contributions to carcinogenesis in these tissues. Stem cells in continually renewing tissues must balance the necessity to maintain their respective tissue with the requirement to preserve the stem cell pool throughout adult life. Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are tasked with sustaining the various cell types of the blood while intestinal stem cells must continually regenerate the gut epithelium. PTEN, a dual-specificity phosphatase able to target proteins and lipids, is the sole antagonist of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. PI3K/AKT signaling is often activated by growth factors and typically results in the stimulation of cellular outcomes such as proliferation, inhibition of apoptosis, and migration. Functional studies of PTEN loss in animal models have indicated a role for PTEN as a protective agent for stem cells that promote quiescence, as PTEN-deficient animals exhibit overproliferative stem and progenitor cells and are prone to proliferative disorders and cancer development. However, from these and other studies including accumulated clinical evidence, it is not likely that PTEN acts alone to stimulate malignant transformation. Indeed, HSCs in PTEN-deficient animals become exhausted and unable to sustain a healthy hematopoietic system. Rather, PTEN appears to function as a restrictive factor that prevents unregulated proliferation, which leaves stem and progenitor cells susceptible to additional mutations/deregulation, such as in Wnt/β-catenin signaling, that results in overt cancer. Additional study into PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling should provide further insight into self-renewal mechanisms of adult stem cells that may aid in distinguishing normal stem cells from their cancer-initiating counterparts.
Changes in Breast Density Reporting Patterns of Radiologists After Publication of the 5th Edition BI-RADS Guidelines: A Single Institution Experience

OBJECTIVE. The objective of our study was to determine the impact of 5th edition BI-RADS breast density assessment guidelines on density reporting patterns in our clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS. PenRad reporting system was used to collect mammographic breast density data reported by five radiologists: 16,907 density assignments using 5th edition BI-RADS guidelines were compared with 19,066 density assessments using 4th edition guidelines. Changes in the density assessment pattern were noted between the 4th and 5th edition guidelines, and agreement in density distribution was compared using the intraclass correlation coefficient. A chi-square analysis was conducted for each reader to examine the change in the proportion of dense versus nondense assignments and on each category type to examine specific changes in proportion of density assignments from the 4th to the 5th edition. All reported p values are two-sided, and statistical significance was considered at the p < 0.001 threshold. RESULTS. Us...
Pop-up tissue retraction mechanism for endoscopic surgery

Numerous therapeutic transendoscopic procedures exist to treat lesions in the GI tract. However, these procedures are limited by their difficulty and the amount of training required to successfully perform them. The surgeon is tasked with simultaneously steering the distal tip of the endoscope, applying tension to tissue to retract it, and manipulating electro-cautery tools with limited dexterity. We propose a device designed to assist with anchoring and tissue retraction during endoscopic surgical procedures. The designed solution decouples the tissue-grasping function from the movement of the endoscope tip, leaving the surgeon free to use the endoscope tip solely for positioning of electro-cautery or biopsy tools deployed through the endoscope working channel. The anchoring and retraction device uses pop-up book MEMS techniques, allowing for a “flat” structure to expand into a 3-D structure. The proposed device has three main integrated components: a rigid expandable geometric structure, inflatable pneumatic actuators, and a vacuum gripper. These inflatable actuators include internal rigid discs, allowing for resistance to buckling while maintaining the benefits of the established lightweight, low profile actuator design scheme. Proof-of-concept ex vivo testing demonstrates that the integrated device can be used to retract tissue to a height of 13.5 mm, providing access for endoscopy tools to contact a sample of porcine stomach tissue.
Ti:Pt:Au:Ni thin-film CVD diamond sensor ability for charged particle detection.

Abstract This work demonstrates the development of diamond sensors with reliable contacts using a new metallization formula, which can operate under high-pressure gas environment. The metallization was created using thin film layers of titanium, platinum, gold and nickel deposited on a single crystal electronic grade CVD diamond chip. The contacts were 2 mm in diameter with thickness of 50/5/20/150 nm of Ti:Pt:Au:Ni. The optimum operating voltage of the sensor was determined from the current-voltage measurements. The sensor was calibrated with 239Pu and 241Am alpha radiation sources at 300 V. The energy resolution of the Ti:Pt:Au:Ni diamond sensor was determined to be 7.6% at 5.2 MeV of 239Pu and 2.2% at 5.48 MeV of 241Am. The high-pressure gas loading environment under which this sensor was used is discussed. Specifically, experimental observations are described using hydrogen loading of nickel as a means of initiating low energy nuclear reactions. No neutrons, electrons, ions or other ionizing radiations were observed in these experiments.
Scaling ethnic segregation: causal processes and contingent outcomes in Chinese residential patterns

This paper advances a contingent perspective of residential segregation that recognizes it as a universal phenomenon of residential differentiation, yet one that results from different causal processes and which results in different spatial outcomes. The analytical separation of groups, contexts and scale is key to understanding the nature of segregation, i.e., what it signifies to the group and to the host society. We argue that segregation is created and maintained by different choices and constraints occurring across dimensions of production, reproduction and consumption. Spatial outcomes vary considerably, and may be arrayed in regard to the permanence of segregation, whether it facilitates identity maintenance, and whether segregation itself empowers or marginalizes the ethnic population. To demonstrate our approach, we analyze the segregation experiences of Chinese ethnics. Our argument is organized around the global, national and local scales at which causal processes shape the Chinese experience of segregation.
An attributional investigation of analyst-user interaction: perceiving the causes of user-system outcomes

This dissertation presents the exploratory application of Attribution Theory to the information systems research domain to provide additional insight into system analyst-end user interaction. Attribution Theory, a well-tested perceptual theory of human information processing, is well-suited to address information system research concern regarding the impact of distinctive analyst and user perspectives on mutual system development, implementation, and evaluation activities. Such differences have been posited as potential sources of confusion and conflict that can inhibit effective analyst-user interaction. This study specifically examined the impact of commonly divergent analyst-user personal and organizational perspectives on their perceptions of the causes of user-system outcomes. Eighty-six analysts, and one hundred twenty-two users, were asked to recall and attribute causes for both successful and unsuccessful end user attempts to use an organizational information system to complete a system-dependent, work-related task. Measures included causal attributions for both outcomes, and information-seeking strategies and action-responses following unsuccessful outcomes. Results showed no difference in the nature of analyst-user causal attributions when user-system outcomes were successful, but a significant difference following unsuccessful user-system outcomes. Interestingly, cross-functional team membership was found to substantially diminish this difference. Analyst attributions were significantly and positively correlated with their information-seeking strategies following unsuccessful outcome. Several significant correlations were found between both analyst and user attributions and the respective actions they advocated in response to unsuccessful user-system outcomes. The results have implications for understanding analyst-user interactions following user-system performance outcomes, and offer additional insight into the workings of cross-functional teams in diverse organizational settings.
ECOLOGICAL ARCHITECTURE: A Holistic, evolutionary paradigm of architectural design and aesthetics built upon energy and environmental concerns

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a holistic, evolutionary paradigm of architectural design and aesthetics built upon energy and environmental concerns. It also explores the causes of energy inefficiency of modern architecture. Energy conscious design, in spite of its apparent value and need, has not yet enjoyed the adequate reception among star designers today, nor do energy conscious designers generally demonstrate intellectual leadership in architecture. For energy concerns to become an integral part of architectural thought, a new general theory and aesthetic of architecture must be developed as an effective conceptual tool for designing energy-efficient buildings, because to effectively design energy-efficient buildings, it is necessary to conceptualize a building as an energy-processing system. The chapter further presents an ecological theory of architecture. The theory defines architecture as the art–science of design-building adaptive structure to maximize the economy and freedom of human activities in a human ecological context through a coevolutionary process. As a holistic paradigm, the ecological theory recognizes the indivisibility and complementarity between physical and cognitive—and spiritual—aspects of adaptation; between architecture and people; between architecture and place; and between economy and freedom. Architecture that satisfies the holistic and evolutionary outlook and purpose is an ecologic architecture.
Mononeuropathies of the Upper and Lower Extremity

Nerves of both the upper and lower extremities are frequently injured for a variety of reasons. In the arms, median neuropathy at the wrist is by far the most common disorder; ulnar neuropathy also occurs with a relatively high frequency. Other mononeuropathies affecting the upper extremities, including anterior and posterior interosseous neuropathies, and musculocutaneous neuropathies, are very infrequent. In the legs, peroneal neuropathy at the fibular neck and lateral femoral cutaneous neuropathy are the most common disorders, and other focal neuropathies, such as tibial neuropathy at the ankle (tarsal tunnel syndrome) are often sought but rarely identified. Although all mononeuropathies can be preliminarily diagnosed by history and clinical examination, neurophysiological testing provides a key component to confirming the diagnosis and assisting with treatment planning.
The Role of Surgical Resection for Stage IV Gastric Cancer With Synchronous Hepatic Metastasis.

Abstract Background With improved responses to chemotherapy and targeted treatments, the role of surgery in metastatic gastric cancer (MGC) to the liver needs to be revisited. We sought to examine whether surgical resection is associated with improvement of long-term survival. Methods The National Cancer Database was queried for MGC to the liver (2010-2014). Survival analysis was performed to compare the effect of gastrectomy and perioperative chemotherapy (G-CT) to palliative chemotherapy (PCT) alone. Results We identified 3175 patients with MGC to the liver. Most patients (94%, n = 2979) were treated with PCT, whereas 6% (n = 196 patients) underwent G-CT. Overall survival improved in patients treated with G-CT compared to PCT alone (16 versus 9.7 mo, P Conclusions G-CT is associated with improved survival in patients with gastric cancer and synchronous liver metastasis. Further experience with well-designed prospective trials may be warranted to confirm these findings.
No survival advantage exists for patients undergoing loop ileostomy for clostridium difficile colitis.

Abstract Background We aim to compare outcomes between loop ileostomy (LI) and total abdominal colectomy (TAC) for clostridium difficile infection (CDI) and hypothesize that LI is associated with fewer complications. Methods The 2011–2016 ACS-NSQIP database was queried for patients undergoing LI or TAC for CDI. Patients with high outlying age, LOS, and operative time were excluded. Statistics were performed using IBM-SPSS and NCSS PASS-11. Results Of 457 patients identified, 47 underwent LI. Predicted morbidity was higher in the TAC cohort (62% vs. 37%, p Conclusions No mortality difference was observed between LI and TAC. Prospective studies are required to determine the utility of LI. Summary An analysis of the ACS-NSQIP database was performed and demonstrates that no survival benefit exists for patients who undergo loop ileostomy for C difficile infection compared to those who undergo total colectomy; however, patients who undergo loop ileostomy are likely to retain their colon with low risk of requiring subsequent colectomy.
The rash that leads to eschar formation

When confronted with an existent or evolving eschar, the history is often the most important factor used to put the lesion into proper context. Determining whether the patient has a past medical history of significance, such as renal failure or diabetes mellitus, exposure to dead or live wildlife, or underwent a recent surgical procedure, can help differentiate between many etiologies of eschars. Similarly, the patient's overall clinical condition and the presence or absence of fever can allow infectious processes to be differentiated from other causes. This contribution is intended to help dermatologists identify and manage these various dermatologic conditions, as well as provide an algorithm that can be utilized when approaching a patient presenting with an eschar.
UPC++ Specification v1.0, Draft 10

Author(s): Bachan, J; Baden, Scott; Bonachea, Dan; Hargrove, Paul; Hofmeyr, S; Ibrahim, Khaled; Jacquelin, M; Kamil, Amir; Lelbach, B; van Straalen, B | Abstract: This document has been superseded by: UPC++ Specification v1.0, Draft 8 (LBNL-2001179) https://escholarship.org/uc/item/55f9x4wg UPC++ is a C++11 library providing classes and functions that support Partitioned Global Address Space (PGAS) programming. We are revising the library under the auspices of the DOE’s Exascale Computing Project, to meet the needs of applications requiring PGAS support. UPC++ is intended for implementing elaborate distributed data structures where communication is irregular or fine-grained. The UPC++ interfaces for moving non-contiguous data and handling memories with different optimal access methods are composable and similar to those used in conventional C++. The UPC++ programmer can expect communication to run at close to hardware speeds. The key facilities in UPC++ are global pointers, that enable the programmer to express ownership information for improving locality, one-sided communication, both put/get and RPC, futures and continuations. Futures capture data readiness state, which is useful in making scheduling decisions, and continuations provide for completion handling via callbacks. Together, these enable the programmer to chain together a DAG of operations to execute asynchronously as high-latency dependencies become satisfied.
Multimodal Analgesia for Spinal Surgery – What Is the Gold Standard?

Pain control for spine surgery has fundamentally changed in the last decade as new medications and pain techniques have been broadly adopted. Enhanced recovery protocols are the new standard of care, allowing for shorter hospital stays and more rapid patient recovery. Adequate analgesia in the perioperative setting is paramount in achieving these goals and the use of narcotics alone is inadequate. A multimodal approach to perioperative pain management in spinal surgery begins in the preoperative setting, with gabapentin or pregabalin, Celebrex, and acetaminophen. These medicines also play a large role in the multimodal approach for postoperative analgesia with suggested usage being continued while inpatient. Ketorolac remains a useful postoperative adjunctive medication with minimal downside for fusion. Local and intravenous (IV) steroid application also play an important role to decrease nerve irritation and pain related to local inflammation at the surgery site and should be utilized regularly. The use of local anesthetic must also be used at the surgery site in all cases with great improvement in immediate opiate needs and pain scores. Other techniques have had mixed results with both Ketamine and IV lidocaine showing some promise, but further research needs to be done to understand their exact role. To practice spine surgery requires the use of a multimodal approach including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, local and IV steroid, local anesthetic, and neuromodulatory agents beginning prior to an incision and continued through the recovery process.