cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Management of Relapsed and Refractory Hodgkin's Disease.

Hodgkin's disease remains highly curable after relapse or even after an ineffective initial therapy. The likelihood of attaining a lasting second remission is particularly high for patients who failed to respond to a primary program of radiation therapy (RT) alone. The preferred treatment for these patients is with a doxorubicin-containing chemotherapy and additional RT (if feasible). The prospect for a "second cure" after failure to respond to initial chemotherapy is smaller and for most cases a program of high-dose therapy followed by stem-cell transplantation is required. Advances in using this modality over the last 15 years have resulted inn a diseasefree survival of approximately 40% with a follow-up that extends up to 10 years. Most important, a recent dramatic decrease in treatment-related mortality of highdose therapy as well as a reduction in cost have been documented. Analysis of prognostic factors allows better selection of patients and a sounder choice of salvage options. Although it appears that further dose escalation of chemotherapy is limited by nonhematologic toxicity, the benefit from incorporation of RT into high-dose programs has only recently been recognized. Because of the availability of hematopoietic growth factors and easier mobilization and collection of peripheral blood stem cells, these have become the preferred source for hematopoietic support. The use of peripheral blood stem cells and growth factors was shown to correlate with more rapid recovery of granulocytes and platelets and a shorter hospitalization period. Still, many patients remain refractory to salvage despite intensive therapy. These patients can be identified by their response to re-induction chemotherapy before transplant and should be considered for alternative approaches such as allogeneic bone marrow transplantation, sequential bone marrow transplant, and other experimental programs. This article reviews standard-dose salvage as well as current development in high-dose therapy with particular attention to the role of RT.
Monolithic Mode-Locked Laser and Optical Amplifier for Regenerative Pulsed Optical Clock Recovery

We experimentally demonstrate optical clock recovery using a novel mode-locked laser (MLL) monolithically integrated with an output semiconductor optical amplifier. The laser's mirror placement is determined using lithography, allowing for mode locking and clock recovery at the exact frequency of the design (35.00 GHz), which is easily scalable to 40 GHz or higher. The design is compatible with other photonic integrated circuit components, enabling integrated signal processing with MLLs. The device generates pulses at 35.0-GHz repetition rate with 6-ps pulsewidth, over 12-dB extinction ratio (ER), and 8.3-dBm output power. Among other regenerative capabilities, the device performs optical clock recovery with 50% jitter reduction from a degraded input signal with low ER
Genome-wide linkage using the Social Responsiveness Scale in Utah autism pedigrees

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are phenotypically heterogeneous, characterized by impairments in the development of communication and social behaviour and the presence of repetitive behaviour and restricted interests. Dissecting the genetic complexity of ASD may require phenotypic data reflecting more detail than is offered by a categorical clinical diagnosis. Such data are available from the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) which is a continuous, quantitative measure of social ability giving scores that range from significant impairment to above average ability. We present genome-wide results for 64 multiplex and extended families ranging from two to nine generations. SRS scores were available from 518 genotyped pedigree subjects, including affected and unaffected relatives. Genotypes from the Illumina 6 k single nucleotide polymorphism panel were provided by the Center for Inherited Disease Research. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were done using MCLINK, a software package that uses Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods to perform multilocus linkage analysis on large extended pedigrees. When analysed as a qualitative trait, linkage occurred in the same locations as in our previous affected-only genome scan of these families, with findings on chromosomes 7q31.1-q32.3 [heterogeneity logarithm of the odds (HLOD) = 2.91], 15q13.3 (HLOD = 3.64), and 13q12.3 (HLOD = 2.23). Additional positive qualitative results were seen on chromosomes 6 and 10 in regions that may be of interest for other neuropsychiatric disorders. When analysed as a quantitative trait, results replicated a peak found in an independent sample using quantitative SRS scores on chromosome 11p15.1-p15.4 (HLOD = 2.77). Additional positive quantitative results were seen on chromosomes 7, 9, and 19. The SRS linkage peaks reported here substantially overlap with peaks found in our previous affected-only genome scan of clinical diagnosis. In addition, we replicated a previous SRS peak in an independent sample. These results suggest the SRS is a robust and useful phenotype measure for genetic linkage studies of ASD. Finally, analyses of SRS scores revealed linkage peaks overlapping with evidence from other studies of neuropsychiatric diseases. The information available from the SRS itself may, therefore, reveal locations for autism susceptibility genes that would not otherwise be detected.
Matrix effects in the infrared examination of methamphetamine salts

The infrared transmission spectra of some hydrogen halide salts of methamphetamine are observed to display significant variations dependent upon the alkali halide matrix in which the salt is dispersed for examination. These effects appear to arise from a chemical exchange of halide ions between the methamphetamine salt and the matrix material, which can complicate the interpretation of the spectra. A strong absorption in the hydrogen-stretching region of the infrared spectrum is found to be particularly sensitive to the anion present in the salt, and changes in the appearance of this absorption band can be revealing of any chemistry between the salt and the alkali halide matrix. The analyst should be aware of this phenomenon in the forensic identification of methamphetamine salts, as well as its possible occurrence with other amine drug substances.
Hunting the H

Abstract A bound, strangeness -2 dibaryon, called the H, has been predicted by the bag model confinement theories. This paper reviews several attempts to find evidence supporting the existence of the H as well as the indirect experimental data. Although no compelling evidence for the H exists, the data have limited sensitivity and the existence of the H cannot be ruled out. A proposed experiment designed to search for the H is also reviewed and calculations indicate this experiment will be a sensitive test of the dibaryon theories.
Effects on Nutrient Digestion of Wheat Processing and Method of Tallow Addition to the Diets of Lactating Dairy Cows

Five multiparous Holstein cows in midlactation that were fitted with ruminal and duodenal cannulas were used in a 3 x 5 incomplete Latin square. The objective of this study was to examine the effects on nutrient digestion of wheat processing and method of tallow addition to the diets of lactating dairy cows. Diets consisted of 45% forage and 55% concentrate, and each diet contained 20% wheat and 2% tallow (as-fed basis). Treatments were dry-rolled wheat with tallow added to the concentrate, steam-rolled wheat with tallow added to the concentrate, and steam-rolled wheat with tallow added first to the wheat. The dry matter intake; digestion of starch, fiber, and fatty acids; ammonia N concentration; and molar proportions of volatile fatty acids in ruminal fluid were not affected by treatments. The apparent digestibility in the total tract of organic matter and nitrogenous compounds was significantly higher for the steam-rolled treatment with tallow added first to the wheat. Mean ruminal fluid pH was similar across treatments; however, cows fed the diet containing steam-rolled wheat with tallow added first to the wheat had the smallest pH change from 0 to 2 h postfeeding. Milk yield did not differ, regardless of cow diet. Method of tallow addition had marked effects on the apparent digestibility of organic matter and N in the total tract of lactating dairy cows.
Outcomes and Durability of Hepatic Reduction after Combined Partial Hepatectomy and Cyst Fenestration for Massive Polycystic Liver Disease

Background Partial hepatectomy and cyst fenestration (PHCF) selectively provides clinical benefit in highly symptomatic patients with polycystic liver disease (PLD). This study aims to ascertain whether the reduction in liver volume (LV) achieved by PHCF is sustained long term. Study Design Clinical data were retrieved from the electronic records of all patients with PLD who underwent PHCF between 1985 and 2014. Preoperative LVs (LV1), postoperative LVs (LV2), and late follow-up LVs (LV3) were measured from magnetic resonance or CT images. Results Among 186 patients who underwent PHCF, 91% were Caucasian women with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease with a mean age of 49 years. Major perioperative complications (Clavien III/IV) occurred in 21% of the patients. Operative mortality ( Conclusions Sustained long-term reductions in LV after PHCF can be achieved in selected patients with severe, highly symptomatic PLD. In our experience, liver-related death and subsequent liver transplantation are infrequent after PHCF.
Muddling Through: The Continuing Importance of Employer-Provided Health Care

For the foreseeable future, employer-provided health care will remain the central means of financing medical coverage for working Americans and their families. There are, moreover, strong normative grounds for perpetuating the existing system of employer-sponsored medical coverage. Among these grounds, an employer-based system is our best means for constraining medical costs, given the inability of the political process to control health care outlays.
Anatomic description of a case of marginal placenta previa

Abstract An anatomic description of a case of marginal placenta previa is presented. Interesting findings were: marked scarcity of decidua beneath the placenta, relatively profuse decidual reaction in the cervix and lower uterus, and presence of a circular sinus at the level of the internal os. The implications of these findings regarding etiology, frequency, the cause of bleeding, and the lower uterine segment are discussed.
High Critical-Current Measurements in Liquid and Gaseous Helium

We compared variable-temperature critical-current, Ic(T), measurements up to 200 A on samples immersed in liquid helium to those on samples in flowing helium gas. Multifilamentary Nb-Ti and Nb3Sn samples were used in this study. Ic(T) measurements above 5 K are difficult because these measurements need to be done in helium gas and the heat generated during the measurement and conducted down high-current leads can raise the sample temperature significantly. This creates a large uncertainty and perhaps a sample dependent bias in the sample temperature that occurs even if the measurements are made meticulously. Ic(T) measurements at a constant magnetic field are needed to determine the temperature margin of magnet applications and performance data for cryogen-free applications. The comparison of Ic(T) data in liquid helium to data in gaseous helium, over the temperature range of 4 to 5 K, allows for the inference of sample temperature uncertainty and biases. Agreement to within 30 mK was obtained.
Three-Dimensional Simulation of Tidal Flow in Vegetated Marsh Area

Simulation of tidal flow in estuarine marsh area is challenging because of resistance from spatially and temporally varied vegetation. This study simulated the tidal flow in the Davis Pond Marsh area near New Orleans, Louisiana using the Delft3D-FLOW open source program. To quantify time varying roughness coefficients, five empirical equations for calculating Manning’s roughness coefficient (n) were incorporated in the Delft3D-FLOW program in addition to two options offered by this program to calculate the Chezy’s C coefficient. Water surface elevations (WSE) at several locations within the study area are calculated and compared with the corresponding observed data. Results showed that the equations accounting for the degree of submergence and the vegetation frontal area give the closet matches with the observed data. The vegetation frontal area for freshwater marsh grass dominated by Panicum hemitomon type ranges from 8.16 to 11.22 . Introduction The resistance to flow through vegetated areas is increased by an additional drag exerted by vegetation. Vegetation resistance in a channel reach is determined primarily by vegetation coverage, or the blockage factor (Green 2005a). This factor is defined as, the fraction of the channel cross-sectional or surface area blocked by vegetation, or the fraction of channel volume occupied by vegetation (Green 2005a). Recently Green (2005a), Nikora et al. (2008), and Luhar and Nepf (2013) used the cross-sectional blockage factor to calculate Manning’s n-value. Early researchers (such as Ree and Palmer 1949, Chow 1959, Petryk and Bosmaijan 1975) found the nvalue in vegetated channels varies with flow velocity, hydraulic radius, boundary roughness, vegetation type, density, and distribution. Field data showed the n-values in marsh areas varied from 0.26 to 0.55 for water hyacinth and from 0.16 to 0.43 for mixed vegetation with flow depth ranging from 40 to 65 cm (Shih and Rahi 1981). To avoid the dependence of roughness coefficient on experimental conditions, Klopstra et al. (1997) derived an analytical model to calculate the Chezy coefficient for submerged vegetation. Modifying n-value for vegetated areas is a typical engineering practice, for example, SED2D model developed by Engineering Research and Development Center (ERDC) of the Army Corps of Engineers adopted an empirical formula to calculate n-value for vegetated channels (SED2D WES Users Guide). This study evaluated the accuracy of several formulas for calculating n or C values through simulating flood flow in a marsh area using the Delft3D model. Graduate Student, Dept. of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, University of Arizona, 1209 E. 2nd Street, Tucson, AZ 85721; PH (520) 289-6662; email : kalasadi@email.arizona.edu Associate Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, University of Arizona, 1209 E. 2nd Street, Tucson, AZ 85721; PH (520) 626-5946; FAX (520) 621-2500; email: gduan@email.arizona.edu 1422 World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2014: Water without Borders © ASCE 2014
Cytologic Criteria for Mast Cell Tumor Grading in Dogs With Evaluation of Clinical Outcome

A 2-tiered histologic grading scheme for canine cutaneous mast cell tumors (MCTs) is based on morphologic characteristics of neoplastic cells, including karyomegaly, multinucleation, nuclear pleomorphism, and mitotic figures. Aspirates from MCTs may provide the same information more quickly, inexpensively, and less invasively. This study used these criteria to develop a cytologic grading scheme for canine MCTs to predict outcome. Three anatomic pathologists graded histologic samples from 152 canine MCTs. Three clinical pathologists evaluated aspirates from these masses using similar criteria. A cytologic grading scheme was created based on correlation with histologic grade and evaluated with a kappa statistic. Survival was evaluated with Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios for tumor grades and individual grading components. Simple logistic regression tested for relationships between risk factors and mortality. The cytologic grading scheme that best correlated with histology (kappa = 0.725 ± 0.085) classified a tumor as high grade if it was poorly granulated or had at least 2 of 4 findings: mitotic figures, binucleated or multinucleated cells, nuclear pleomorphism, or >50% anisokaryosis. The cytologic grading scheme had 88% sensitivity and 94% specificity relative to histologic grading. Dogs with histologic and cytologic high grade MCTs were 39 times and 25 times more likely to die within the 2-year follow-up period, respectively, than dogs with low grade MCTs. High tumor grade was associated with increased probability of additional tumors or tumor regrowth. This study concluded that cytologic grade is a useful predictor for treatment planning and prognostication.
Absent laws and missing women: can domestic violence legislation reduce female mortality ?

This study contributes to the literature on legal institutions and determinants of adult mortality. The paper explores the relationship between the presence of domestic violence legislation and women-to-men adult mortality rates. Using panel data for about 95 economies between 1990 and 2012, the analysis finds that having domestic violence legislation leads to lower women-to-men adult mortality rates. According to conservative estimations, domestic violence legislation would have saved about 33 million women between 1990 and 2012. The negative relationship between domestic violence legislation and women-to-men adult mortality rates is robust to several checks and also confirmed using the instrumental variables approach.
A 3D peridynamic simulation of hydraulic fracture process in a heterogeneous medium

Abstract A non-local state-based peridynamic method (PD) is employed to simulate the initiation and propagation of the hydraulic fracturing. This study presents a novel 3D simulation of the hydraulic fracturing initiation and propagation in a heterogeneous geological medium by a linear-viscoelastic PD model. The interaction between induced fractures and a pre-existing fracture, as well as the influence of the angle of approach and differential horizontal stress on the fracture propagation behavior was investigated through the simulation. In the lower approach angles and differential horizontal stress, the pre-exiting fracture was dilated by the hydraulic fracture; in higher approach angles with higher differential horizontal stress, the hydraulic fracture crossed the pre-existing fracture. The accuracy of the 3D model was validated by experimental hydraulic fracturing data published based on the laboratory tests. Finally, the influences of the three different injection rates on fracture initiation and propagation, induced fracture surface and shear dilation were investigated. The simulation showed that the maximum dilatation and fractured zone occurred at the injection rate of 0.61 m 3 /min. The 0.61 m 3 /min injection rate caused the highest complete damage (0.9–1) with 5.24% of the total number of atoms. As a result, the peridynamic approach presents promising results in predicting fracture propagation and damage area.
Introduction: The Industrial Policy Debate — Jefferson versus Hamilton

For nearly four centuries, Americans have debated the government’s proper role in developing the economy. Most Americans would agree in principle with Thomas Jefferson’s maxim that “the government that governs least, governs best.”1 Jeffersonians champion a radical individualism in which the government is restricted to guarding law, order, and, especially, private property. The government’s sole role in the economy is to leave it alone. Markets should be completely free. The “free market,” paradoxically, is not anarchical; the natural laws of supply and demand determine outcomes. Consumers desire something. Entrepreneurs supply it. “Greed is good” because in striving to serve one’s own needs through work, innovation, buying, and selling, one inadvertently serves others. Thus does the “invisible hand” of the market solve all of society’s problems and desires.
Evaluating the Advisory Flags and Machine Scoring Difficulty in the e‐rater® Automated Scoring Engine

Successful detection of unusual responses is critical for using machine scoring in the assessment context. This study evaluated the utility of approaches to detecting unusual responses in automated essay scoring. Two research questions were pursued. One question concerned the performance of various prescreening advisory flags, and the other related to the degree of machine scoring difficulty and whether the size of the human–machine discrepancy could be predicted. The results suggested that some advisory flags operated more consistently across measures and tasks in detecting responses that the machine was likely to score differently from human raters than did other flags, and relatively little scoring difficulty was found for three of the four tasks examined in this study, with the relationship between machine and human scores being reasonably strong. Limitations and future studies are also discussed.
Analyzing signal attenuation in PFG anomalous diffusion via a modified Gaussian phase distribution approximation based on fractal derivative model

Abstract Pulsed field gradient (PFG) technique is a noninvasive tool, and has been increasingly employed to study anomalous diffusions in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). However, the analysis of PFG anomalous diffusion is much more complicated than normal diffusion. In this paper, a fractal derivative model based modified Gaussian phase distribution method is proposed to describe PFG anomalous diffusion. By using the phase distribution obtained from the effective phase shift diffusion method based on fractal derivatives, and employing some of the traditional Gaussian phase distribution approximation techniques, a general signal attenuation expression for free fractional diffusion is derived. This expression describes a stretched exponential function based attenuation, which is distinct from both the exponential attenuation for normal diffusion obtained from conventional Gaussian phase distribution approximation, and the Mittag-Leffler function based attenuation for anomalous diffusion obtained from fractional derivative. The obtained signal attenuation expression can analyze the finite gradient pulse width (FGPW) effect. Additionally, it can generally be applied to all three types of PFG fractional diffusions classified based on time derivative order α and space derivative order β . These three types of fractional diffusions include time-fractional diffusion with { 0 α ≤ 2 , β = 2 } , space-fractional diffusion with { α = 1 , 0 β ≤ 2 } , and general fractional diffusion with { 0 α , β ≤ 2 } . The results in this paper are consistent with reported results based on effective phase shift diffusion equation method and instantaneous signal attenuation method. This method provides a new, convenient approximation formalism for analyzing PFG anomalous diffusion experiments. The expression that can simultaneously interpret general fractional diffusion and FGPW effect could be especially important in PFG MRI, where the narrow gradient pulse limit cannot be satisfied.
Multi-sensor modeling of teacher instructional segments in live classrooms

We investigate multi-sensor modeling of teachers’ instructional segments (e.g., lecture, group work) from audio recordings collected in 56 classes from eight teachers across five middle schools. Our approach fuses two sensors: a unidirectional microphone for teacher audio and a pressure zone microphone for general classroom audio. We segment and analyze the audio streams with respect to discourse timing, linguistic, and paralinguistic features. We train supervised classifiers to identify the five instructional segments that collectively comprised a majority of the data, achieving teacher-independent F1 scores ranging from 0.49 to 0.60. With respect to individual segments, the individual sensor models and the fused model were on par for Question & Answer and Procedures & Directions segments. For Supervised Seatwork, Small Group Work, and Lecture segments, the classroom model outperformed both the teacher and fusion models. Across all segments, a multi-sensor approach led to an average 8% improvement over the state of the art approach that only analyzed teacher audio. We discuss implications of our findings for the emerging field of multimodal learning analytics.
Multimodal multiplex Raman spectroscopy optimized for in vivo chemometrics

We have designed and constructed a multimodal multiplex Raman spectrometer which uses multi-wavelength excitation to better detect signals in the presence of fluorescence by taking advantage of the shift-variance of the Raman signal with respect to excitation frequency. Coupled with partial-least-squares (PLS) regression, the technique applied to ethanol estimation in a tissue phantom achieves root-mean-squared-cross-validation errors (RMSCVE) of 9.2 mmol/L with a model formed with 2 principal components, compared to a single wavelength data set with equivalent energy where 7 principal components were used to achieve an RMSCVE of 39.1 mmol/L.
Flux of methane release and carbon dioxide sequestration at Winterhouse Canyon, Gros Morne, Newfoundland, Canada: a site of continental serpentinization

We measured CO2, CH4, and N2O gas fluxes from a pool of ultra-basic water discharging from serpentinized rock in Winterhouse Canyon, Gros Morne, Newfoundland. The flux of CH4 released and CO2 sequestered were calculated to be 4.6 × 10−7 and 1.9 × 10−5 mol/(m2·min), respectively, whereas N2O concentrations showed little change. The net radiative forcing owing to the changing concentrations of CO2 and CH4 during the sampling period was –0.21, suggesting that the ultra-basic pool in Winterhouse Canyon has a net cooling effect on the atmosphere. Similarly, the net global warming potential over a time horizon of 100 years was –7, also suggesting a small cooling of the atmosphere. Overall this study was the first to consider the impact of CO2 sequestration and CH4 emissions from an ultra-basic pool above serpentinized rock and demonstrated the need for more research on the net global impacts of serpentinization.
Alternative payment models lead to strategic care coordination workforce investments

Abstract Background Care coordination is generally viewed as a key to success for health systems seeking to adapt to a range of new value-based payment policies. Purpose This study explores care coordination staffing in four health systems participating in new payment models, including Medicaid payment reform and Accountable Care Organizations. Methods Comparative case study design is used to describe models of care coordination. Analysis of 43 semi-structured interviews with leadership, clinicians, and care coordination staff at four health systems engaged in value-based contracts. Discussion Each of the sites engaged in significant task shifting of low-complexity care coordination activities to licensed practical nurses, medical assistants, and other unlicensed personnel freeing up registered nurses and social workers for more complex patients. Few have care coordination experience, requiring a significant investment in on-the-job training. Conclusion Payment reform is leading to a greater investment in the care coordination workforce. However, demonstrating the return on investment remains a challenge.
A Comparison of Three Daily River Flow Forecasting Models

Abstract The daily flows in a number of river reaches were modeled by using multi - inputlinear models. Three approaches to model construction were investigated. The results showed that a constrained linear system estimation method due to Natale and Todini gave better results than the ordinary least - squares method. The addition of an error model further improved the forecasting performance of the models
SPATIAL PATTERNS OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE SOVIET UNION

Analysis of spatial patterns of attained educational levels is helpful in understanding the cultural geography of an area, perhaps especially in the Soviet Union, with its many ethnic groups and stated aim of providing equality of education regardless of ethnicity or sex. The proportion of the population that had completed a higher education was mapped at oblast level from 1970 census data. High rates are found in certain urban areas, Estonia and Latvia, Georgia, and certain sparsely populated areas of the Far North, Siberia, and the Far East. There are regional patterns of disparity between male and female rates of completed higher education and between rural and urban rates, despite Soviet attempts to reduce these inequalities. The distribution of Soviet higher educational institutions conforms generally to the distribution of population, although access to higher education opportunities appears to be geographically limited in some regions. (Maps by Joann L. Krupa, George Mason University.)
Renaissance Linguistics: French Tradition

Grammatical work for French speakers during the 16th century included guides to grammar, pronunciation, orthography and the lexicon, as well as descriptive and subjective discussions of the history of the French language. Lively debates arose concerning orthographic reform, the origins of the French language and the limits on expansion of the lexicon.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: I. Bacterial Thickening

Summary The organism causing thickening in condensed milk is a coccus, which is capable of inverting and destroying sucrose, and producing considerable quantities of acid. It is able to grow in fairly high sucrose concentrations, though its growth is checked if the concentration is high enough. It is able to withstand a much higher concentration of sugar when it is in an invigorated condition, also, at temperatures above normal room temperatures it is particularly active. It has been isolated from factory equipment and probably it is at this point that the product is contaminated.
R-N direct reduction process

Republic Steel and National Lead have combined forces to produce a direct reduction process specifically adapted to U. S. ores, both high and low grade.
Association between different types of comorbidity and disease burden in patients with diabetes.

Background This study examined the association between different types of comorbidities and the quality of diabetes care, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and total health care expenditure. Methods Adult patients with diabetes were identified from the 2011 to 2013 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, a nationally representative survey of the civilian non-institutionalized US population. Twenty different chronic conditions were captured and categorized as: (i) diabetes only; (ii) diabetes plus concordant (diabetes-related) comorbidity only; and (iii) diabetes plus one or more discordant (non-diabetes-related) comorbidities. Disease burden outcomes included the process of diabetes care (eye and foot examinations, HbA1c and cholesterol tests, influenza vaccination), HRQoL, and total health care expenditure. Multivariable models were used to examine associations between the type of comorbidity and outcomes. Results A sample of 8292 patients with diabetes was identified, of which 11.4% had diabetes only, 40.5% had concordant comorbidity only, and 48.1% reported one or more discordant comorbidities. Patients with diabetes and either type of comorbidity received better quality of diabetes care than those without a comorbidity. However, patients with discordant comorbidity showed significantly lower HRQoL measures and higher health care expenditure than those with concordant comorbidity. Adjusted total mean annual expenditure was US$4891, $6326, and $9210 for those with diabetes only and those with diabetes with one concordant or one discordant comorbidity, respectively. Conclusions Higher disease burden in patients with diabetes was associated with discordant rather than concordant comorbidity. Future interventional studies evaluating patient-centered care models addressing different types of comorbidity are necessary to better manage these complex patients.
Compensating Differentials in Teacher Labor Markets

Compensating differentials monetize the advantages and disadvantages of one job or location over another in the labor market. Researchers and policymakers have explored various ways of measuring compensating differentials for teachers and other school personnel for the purpose of equalizing the purchasing power of the educational dollar across school districts. Unfortunately, to the policymaker, the models that have been used are a black box and often require a leap of faith. One practical value of the concept of compensating differentials is the recognition that factors exist that cause one job to be more appealing than another and that teachers do and will respond to these differences. District decision makers can use this knowledge to influence teacher decisions regarding employment. They can provide incentives for teachers to take on job assignments in more challenging schools or classrooms by providing additional compensation or better working conditions.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Bone Marrow Contrast Media for Bone Marrow Imaging

Non-enhanced MR scans provide information about the presence and extent of bone marrow pathologies. However, for specific indications, contrast agents can provide additional functional and metabolic information. Both gadolinium (Gd)-based low molecular weight contrast agents as well as ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) achieve MR signal enhancement by decreasing T1- and T2-relaxation times. However, both classes of contrast agents have very different properties and pharmacokinetics. Low molecular weight Gd-chelates have a relatively short blood half life and provide early, brief tissue enhancement, whereas USPIO have a long blood half life, provide delayed tissue enhancement, and are actively taken up by phagocytic myeloid cells. Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is a known side effect of Gd-based agents and occurs in patients with chronic kidney disease. USPIO are metabolized by cells of the reticuloendothelial system, that have been proven to be safe in patients with chronic kidney disease, and thus may be an alternative in this patient population. Contrast-enhanced MRI can also improve the detection and characterization of bone marrow pathologies, guide biopsies, and monitor treatment effects. This chapter will provide an overview over various Gd-chelates and USPIO compounds as well as their respective applications for bone marrow imaging.
Reinforced Plastics and Composites

A reinforced plastic, or composite, is a polymer resin matrix combined with a reinforcing agent or agents. The reinforcement improves strength and stiffness properties, compared to the neat resin. Almost every type of thermoplastic or thermosetting resin can be reinforced. “Hybrid” composites combine more than one type of reinforcement, such as carbon and glass fibers.
Energy next door: a meta-analysis of energy infrastructure impact on housing value

Abstract The decision to site energy facilities occurs largely at the local level, requiring community support for permitting and construction. Biomass and waste incineration have been broadly adopted in European and Asian countries. Yet, combustion and the placement of affiliated smokestacks are often contentious. Similarly, wind turbines, large photovoltaic arrays, and transmission lines are often criticized for disturbing viewsheds. As communities consider energy production, they often weigh benefits against concerns for how facilities may impinge on the local quality of life. This review of 54 studies spanning over forty years of statistical multi-variate housing price assessments in relation to energy supply infrastructure provides a comparative meta-analysis of both the negative and positive local impacts of siting energy infrastructure. The oldest studies in the 1960s investigated powerlines and waste-to-energy facilities, both with mixed results. A surge of studies in the 1990s assessed renewable energy infrastructure, including hydropower, wind, and rooftop solar, concluding that of all energy infrastructure only rooftop solar consistently positively impacts home value. Traditional electric substations, biomass boilers, solar farms, wave-power and geothermal have not yet been studied for their impact on nearby housing markets. Most of the studies focus on single-family homes, and few include race and income-levels, though such variables have been important in energy siting decisions and hedonic models. In conclusion, we chart a research agenda and conclude with recommendations for siting local energy infrastructure.
Fivefold annealing twin in nanocrystalline Au/Pd film

Abstract In this study, we report the experimental observation of five-fold annealing twin in the nanocrystalline Au/Pd thin film without external stress by annealing the film for 20 min at 473 K using atomic-resolution high angle annular dark field (HAADF) scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) imaging, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) employing Cs aberration-corrected electron microscopy. As per the knowledge of the authors, this is the first time that five-fold annealing twin has been observed for Au/Pd thin films. Furthermore, the spectroscopic elemental analysis shows the uniform distribution of palladium in the film, indicating no palladium grain boundary segregation. Strain analyses have been performed by geometric phase analysis (GPA) across the five-fold structures. GPA method shows the non-uniform strain distribution across the various segments of the five-fold structure.
Abrasive water jet machining of Titanium (Ti6Al4V)–CFRP stacks – A semi-analytical modeling approach in the prediction of kerf geometry

Abstract The use of stacked metal-fiber material system is limited by machining challenges due to micro and macro level distinction in material phases. This study explores the machinability of stacked Ti6Al4V and CFRP material system using Abrasive Waterjet technology (AWJ). AWJ controlled depth experiments were conducted for stacked Titanium and monolithic CFRP. A strong linear relationship was identified between jet power-to-speed ratio and penetration depth for CFRP and Titanium individually, which was further used to predict the penetration depth in stacked Ti-CFRP configuration. Issues such as kerf rounding at the interface, delamination in CFRP were addressed and optimal process conditions were identified. A simplified model to predict the penetration depth was proposed which was proven to be more effective than multivariate regression model.
Optical interconnection networks for high-performance systems

Abstract Large-scale high-performance computing (HPC) systems in the form of supercomputers and warehouse-scale data centers permeate nearly every corner of modern life from applications in scientific research, medical diagnostics and national security to film and fashion recommendations. Vast volumes of data are being processed at the same time that the relatively long term progress of Moore’s Law is slowing advances in transistor density. Data-intensive computations are putting more stress on the interconnection network, especially those feeding massive data sets into machine learning algorithms. High bandwidth interconnects, essential for maintaining computation performance, are representing an increasing portion of the total energy and cost budgets. Photonic interconnection networks are often cited as ways to break through the energy-bandwidth limitations of conventional electrical wires to solve bottlenecks and improve interconnect performance. In this chapter, we present an overview of the recent trends and potential solutions to this challenge.
Microbiological Factors of Peri-Implantitis: Methodologies for Biofilm Analysis

Studies have identified a large number of potential pathogens associated with peri-implantitis using different detection methods. Microbiological detection methods in peri-implantitis can be divided into conventual methods and molecular methods. This chapter presents an overview of the most common microbiological methods used to study pathogens associated with peri-implantitis, including advantages and drawbacks of each method. The first section (Detection Methods) focuses on the most prevalent methods used to study the microbiota of peri-implantitis. Conventional methods provided the earliest evidence of morphotypes of microorganisms associated with peri-implantitis. Molecular methods, by detecting microorganisms based on their nucleic acids, enabled the microbiology of peri-implantitis more discernible since they eliminated the need for culture. Molecular methods can be further divided into close-ended and open-ended methods, also known as genomic or metagenomic methods. The development of close-ended molecular methods allows to identify more pathogens involved with peri-implantitis that could not be detected by conventional methods. Open-ended methods, which include metagenomics, involve the process of extraction and sequencing the complete set of microbiota genome in a defined environment (Microbiome). The second section (Functional Methods) covers the most common techniques that could be used to complement the detection methods to study the microbiome, including the microbiota and its associated environment.
Chapter 2 Heat Transfer and Phase Transformations in Laser Melting and Recrystallization of Amorphous Thin Si Films

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the basic crystallization mechanisms, including the explosive crystallization and interface kinetics. A variety of recrystallization phenomena are developed during the pulsed laser annealing of amorphous silicon (a-Si) samples. The thermal history in excimer laser crystallization melting and recrystallization of thin a-Si films has been experimentally probed by an array of in situ diagnostics. The situ experiments combining time-resolved optical probes and electrical conductance measurements Are presented and data revealing the nucleation process are examined. The chapter introduces a new double-laser recrystallization experiment enhancing the lateral growth length. Motivated by the results of the previous study, the double-laser recrystallization technique is developed in order to improve grain size, uniformity, and hence device performance. The evolution of the resolidification process that leads to lateral grain growth is visualized using high-speed laser flash photography. Issues related to the possibility and role of explosive crystallization in thin films clearly remain open to investigation and new experimental probes have to be developed to unveil with precision the temporal sequence of nucleation at high quenching rates and accurately quantify the microscale temperature field across a rapidly advancing solid–liquid interface.
Photophysical characterization of new osmium (II) photocatalysts for hydrohalic acid splitting

Two osmium(II) photocatalysts bearing a dicationic 4,4'-bis-(trimethylaminomethyl)-2,2'-bipyridine (tmam) ligand and 2,2'-bipyridine {[Os(bpy)2(tmam)]4+} or 4,4'-(CF3)2-2,2'-bipyridine {[Os((CF3)2bpy)2(tmam)]4+} ancillary ligands were synthesized and characterized for application in HX splitting. Iodide titration studies in acetone solutions provided evidence for an in situ formed terionic complex with two iodide ions as evidenced by 1H NMR and UV-visible absorption spectroscopies, as well as by density functional theory calculations and natural bond order analysis. The photocatalyst [Os(bpy)2(tmam)]4+ was shown to be inefficient in iodide oxidation. In contrast, visible light excitation of [Os((CF3)2bpy)2(tmam)]4+ led to rapid iodide oxidation, kq = 2.8 × 1011 M-1 s-1. The data reveal that Os(II) photocatalysts can be fine-tuned for application in HX splitting.
LEADERSHIP VERSUS MANAGMENT: A KEY DISTINCTION—At LEAST IN THEORY

Organizations provide its managers with legitimate authority to lead, but there is no assurance that they will be able to lead effectively. Organizations need strong leadership and strong management for optimal effectiveness. In today’s dynamic workplace, we need leaders to challenge the status quo and to inspire and persuade organization members. We also need managers to assist in developing and maintaining a smoothly functioning workplace.
Enhancing transient protein expression in HEK-293 cells by briefly exposing the culture to DMSO.

Abstract Background Transient expression of proteins in mammalian cells is a key technique for many functional and structural studies of human and higher eukaryotic genes as well as for the production of recombinant protein therapeutics. Maximizing the expression efficiency to achieve a higher expression yield is desirable and may be even critical when, for instance, an expressed protein must be characterized at the single-cell level. New Methods Our goal was to develop a simple method by which protein expression yield in human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 cells could be enhanced with a brief treatment of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solution. Results By expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a reporter protein using the calcium phosphate transfection method and imaging a large population of cells, we found that a 5-min exposure of 10 % DMSO to HEK-293 cells, 4 h after transfection of the protein of interest, leads to ∼1.6-fold increase in the expression yield without causing any appreciable cytotoxicity. By expressing an α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) and separately a kainate receptor in HEK-293 cells and measuring glutamate-induced whole-cell current response, we also found that such a brief DMSO treatment did not affect channel activity. Conclusion This method is simple, efficient and inexpensive to use for enhancing transient transfection yield in HEK-293 cells.
A 30th Birthday Reveal… Diagnosis of Symptomatic Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Adulthood

Introduction: More commonly found in pediatrics, patent ductus arteriosus is rarely diagnosed in adulthood since most cases are identified and treated early in life. Often times, the patent ductus is small and not clinically significant. As such, it is unusual to find a symptomatic PDA in an adult and these patients are at increased risk for bacterial endocarditis, cardiomyopathy, pulmonary hypertension, and death. Case Report: We present the case of a 30-year-old Guatemalan man who presented to the emergency department with daily episodic dizziness for 1 week, described as a disequilibrium with darkened vision occurring …