cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nanostructured Photovoltaics Materials Fabrication and Characterization

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses nanostructured photovoltaics materials fabrication and characterization. The developmental efforts in regards to conventional Si- and GaAs-based cells have resulted in nearly eliminating the efficiency differences between actual devices and realistic theoretical estimates. A quantum dot (QD) is a granule of a semiconductor material whose size is on the nanometer scale. These nanocrystallites behave essentially as a 3-dimensional potential well for electrons. By introducing a single sized dot into an ordered array within the intrinsic region of a p–i–n solar cell. QDs have already been used successfully to improve the performance of devices such as lasers, light-emitting diodes, and photodetectors. The model present in the chapter explains that the electronic states in the potential “wells” are “quantized” and therefore, have discrete energy levels. The overlap of the quantum mechanical states from well-to-well results in mini-band levels that will depend on the width of the wells. Finally, it has been shown that the impurity photovoltaic effect can indeed improve efficiencies as was demonstrated with the doping of Si-based devices with indium.
Annular Coated Inclusion model and applications for polymer nanocomposites – Part II: Cylindrical inclusions

Abstract There is considerable interest in using various nanoparticles to create multifunctional polymer nanocomposite materials with enhanced properties. Due to the large amount of surface area available within the nanocomposite, the effects of non-bulk polymer in the vicinity of the nanoinclusion, with different properties than the bulk polymer, can complicate micromechanical predictions of effective properties. Several micromechanical approaches require one to calculate the dilute strain concentration tensor, for which elegant solutions are available for separate, physically distinct ellipsoidal inclusion geometries using the well-known Eshelby tensor. Here the general coated inclusion problem is formulated for the case of a spherical inclusion, such that the components of the dilute strain concentration tensors for both the inclusion and the interphase/coating region are analytically determined, from which they can then be directly implemented within standard micromechanical models. Model predictions indicate that the proposed approach is able to accurately capture the effects of the interphase coating. Moreover, several published experimental data sets for soft interphase systems have been examined to illustrate the utility of the proposed model. An advantage of the proposed method is that the solution of the auxiliary problems allows determination of the stress and strain fields which can be extended in a straightforward manner to enable a wide range of composite studies. It is anticipated that the proposed model will be particularly useful in evaluating the impact of chemical functionalization techniques and other strategies that seek to tailor the properties of the interphase region in these materials.
Increased Extra-Splenic Platelet Turnover Contributes to the Thrombocytopenia of Murine WAS.

The Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome (WAS) is an X-linked recessive condition manifesting as variable degrees of immunodeficiency and thrombocytopenia. The strong clinical improvement in platelet count seen in WAS patients after splenectomy suggests that increased platelet consumption is a major contributor to the thrombocytopenia. Here we show that splenectomy improves but does not normalize platelet count in a murine (C57Bl/6) model of WAS, suggesting (a) that murine WAS parallels clinical WAS in this regard, and (b) that either increased extrasplenic consumption or diminished platelet production (or both) contributes to the thrombocytopenia. We quantified platelet turnover by labeling WAS and WT platelets with CMFDA and following their disappearance after injection into WT recipients. Platelet loss rates in this model fit best to a simple exponential decay curve. We found that WAS platelets turn over significantly faster than WT (survival times: 56 hr (WT) vs 40 hr (WAS), p
Remote aircraft composite inspection using 3D imaging

The problem stated is there is no reliable in-service inspection method that quickly and easily detects the composite material damage. The aerospace industry needs to make efficient use of the inspections to turn the aircraft around in an efficient timeframe. This paper discusses the methodology for semi-automatic visualization of the process of inspecting composite materials for damage. The research is focused on the application of inspection of composite damage in aircrafts using Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR). Two configurations using the LIDAR is discussed in determining damage to an aircraft. The configurations are derived from several studies using smaller aircraft parts and a small autonomous RMax helicopter. This study helps provide a solution for a quick turnaround and an efficient scan of the possible composite damage in aircraft. The four primary objectives are: Objective 1: Determine whether semi-automated three-dimensional visualization composite inspection techniques are as effective as experienced human inspectors in locating potential composite damage. Objective 2: Determine whether data from several Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) cameras can be combined for use in conducting semi-automated three-dimensional visualization composite inspections. Objective 3: Determine whether LIDAR camera scans can be performed on a moving aircraft for use with semi-automated three-dimensional visualization composite inspections. Objective 4: Assess the important human factors contributors associated with interpreting the LIDAR camera scan data.
Return to Sport and Recreational Activity Following Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation in the Knee

Background:Osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation is an integral part of the cartilage repair paradigm, but insufficient data are available regarding return to sport or recreational activity...
Analysis of neutron induced defects in silver doped lithium tetraborate

Neutron-induced defects in silver doped lithium tetraborate (Li 2 B 4 O 7 :Ag) are identified and characterized using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and thermoluminescence (TL). Neutron irradiation induced two unique defects detectable by EPR. Both of these neutron-induced defects are substantially more thermally stable than as-grown crystal defects. Models for the neutron-induced defects are proposed.
Watertight and 2-manifold Surface Meshes Using Dual Contouring with Tetrahedral Decomposition of Grid Cubes

Abstract The Dual Contouring algorithm (DC) is a grid-based process used to generate surface meshes from volumetric data. The advantage of DC is that it can reproduce sharp features by inserting vertices anywhere inside the grid cube, as opposed to the Marching Cubes (MC) algorithm that can insert vertices only on the grid edges. However, DC is unable to guarantee 2-manifold and watertight meshes due to the fact that it produces only one vertex for each grid cube. We present a modified Dual Contouring algorithm that is capable of overcoming this limitation. Our method decomposes an ambiguous grid cube into a maximum of twelve tetrahedral cells; we introduce novel polygon generation rules that produce 2-manifold and watertight surface meshes. We have applied our proposed method on realistic data, and a comparison of the results of our proposed method with results from traditional DC shows the effectiveness of our method.
Mathematical Gesture Theory

What is a gesture? This is a concept which everyone knows, but no one is able to define. In that way, it is similar to its counterpart, time. The concept of gesture is very important in art, philosophy, and communication. Formally, a gesture is a system of continuous curves connecting points in space and time. A curve that connects a gesture to another one is a hypergesture. We explore the creativity of new music which uses the gesture as a starting point for composition.
Drug-resistant epilepsy in children with partial onset epilepsy treated with carbamazepine.

ABSTRACTObjective: To evaluate the outcome, including drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) in children with newly diagnosed partial onset epilepsy treated with carbamazepine (CBZ). Methods: A retrospective medical records review and telephone questionnaire were undertaken on a total of 100 subjects. Results: Long-term follow-up was obtained on 79 children with a mean duration of 7.1 years from CBZ initiation. A total of 66 (83.5%) subjects achieved 2-year seizure remission, 48 (72.7%) subjects did so with CBZ monotherapy. Seven (10.6%) had seizure recurrence after 2-year seizure remission. DRE was diagnosed in seven (8.9%) subjects and five subjects had epilepsy surgery. The mean duration from seizure onset to epilepsy surgery was 5.3 (±2.1) years. Contributing factors for the prolonged duration from seizure onset to epilepsy surgery were identified including: relapsing–remitting course of seizure, family reluctance for epilepsy surgery and uncontrolled psychological problems. Conclusions: Over 80% of children w...
100 – Endocrine Systems Interacting with Brain and Behavior: Laboratory and Clinical Studies of Heroin and Other Short-Acting Opiates versus Methadone and Other Long-Acting Opioids

Important possible relationships between endocrine function, substance abuse, and the addiction syndromes in general, including our early hypothesis that abnormalities in stress responsivity might contribute to the pathophysiology of these disorders, were first formally recognized in the 1960s. Research reports that focused on the impact of one of the most devastating illicit drugs of abuse, heroin, on various specific components of endocrine function during cycles of addiction, as well as the very early reports on normalization of the perturbations caused by this short-acting opiate on endocrine function during long-term pharmacotherapy with the long-acting opioid agonist, methadone, first appeared in the early 1970s. Studies of both heroin addicts and former addicts in methadone-maintenance treatment have been conducted in various therapeutic settings over the ensuing 45 years. Also, we and some others have conducted a number of rigorous, basic clinical research studies in controlled research settings, in both heroin addicts and former addicts receiving methadone maintenance, or treatment with 1-α-acetylmethadol (LAAM) or buprenorphine, as well as studies in healthy volunteer subjects, to probe the mechanisms of opiate and opioid action on neuroendocrine function. These studies have revealed that the endogenous opioid system plays a very important modulatory role on the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, as well as hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal function. Further, we have shown that both short-acting, direct opiate effects as well as opiate withdrawal are central to the persistence of opiate addiction, with studies conducted both in humans and animal models. Further, we have shown that relative endogenous opioid or endorphin deficiency has been developed and can be documented in many patients for drug-free, illict-heroin-free, former opiate addicts, and also in animal models. We have also shown that normalization of neuroendocrine function occurs during steady methadone-maintenance treatments for opiate addiction. Studies in appropriate animal models in our laboratory and in others have been conducted that have provided additional molecular, neurochemical, and behavioral insights into the impact of opiates on neuroendocrine function, and the possible relationship to the biological basis of addictions. Bidirectional translational research has had a very positive impact on many aspects of addictive diseases, including their treatment (Kreek, 2005). This chapter is an updated, partially rewritten revision of an earlier published chapter (Kreek et al., 2002).
Causas del retardo en el crecimiento fetal intrauterino.

Posiblemente esta ha sido la causa para que muchos medicos dejen de reconocer problemas muy especiales ligados a la dismaturidad presente en cualquier periodo del embarazo. La Organizacion Mundial de la Salud y la Academia Americana de Pediatria, han aprobado el termino "nino de peso bajo al nacer" refiriendose al juzgamiento clinico e historico de madurez fetal.
A historical summary of the design, development, and analysis of the disk-gap-band parachute

The Disk-Gap-Band (DGB) parachute was originally developed in the late 1960's by Clint Eckstrom for high-altitude meteorological rocket applications. It was designed as a balance between drag and stability with a relatively simplistic design and low packing volume. Due to its demonstrated high-altitude performance and design features, the DGB was selected as a candidate for Viking precursor test programs such as the Planetary Entry Parachute Program (PEPP) and the Supersonic Planetary Entry Decelerator (SPED), in which the parachute was tested at high altitude supersonic conditions similar to those that would be experienced during an entry at Mars. The DGB was eventually selected for the Viking mission and qualified using a series of low-altitude drop tests and high-altitude balloon-launched decelerator tests (BLDT). Based on the success of the DGB on the Viking I and II missions, as well as the wealth of data generated during the PEPP, SPED, and BLDT test programs, the DGB parachute has been used on all subsequent U.S. missions to the surface of Mars with great success. Recently, an effort was undertaken to further improve the structural capability of the DGB parachutes used at Mars. An early activity was undertaken to better understand the breadth of designs, design modifications, and general evolution of the DGB canopy to better inform future designs. This paper collates historical DGB designs and structural performance. A key design shift includes the switch from low-tenacity Dacron skeletal components used in the Viking era to high-tenacity Kevlar skeletal components used in the Pathfinder era, which fundamentally changes the load sharing and energy absorption characteristics of the parachute. The paper also scrutinizes the analysis methods and flight limit load policies used throughout history. Of note is that the analysis methods have become “smarter,” transitioning from hand calculations to finite element analyses, but the use of more advanced methods have likely been eroding design conservatism leading to more aggressively designed parachute systems. Reflection upon previous DGB design and flight practices has shown that modern design practices may be driving large DGB designs outside the traditionally successful margin limits.
Nuclear Reprogramming by Cell Fusion

The use of cell fusion to study exchange of information at the molecular level between the nucleus and the cytoplasm of cells during regulation of gene expression was pioneered by Harris and Ringertz more than three decades ago. The ability to make heterokaryons with cells from different species or genetic strains is especially useful because genetic differences in gene products allow the origin of trans-acting regulatory factors to be determined. Heterokaryons between adult nucleated erythroid cells of one species and embryonic/larval nucleated erythroid cells of another species, for example, show cross-induction between the two types of nuclei, resulting in reprogramming of the adult nucleus to embryonic/larval globin gene expression and/or reprogramming of the embryonic/larval cell nucleus to adult globin expression. These experiments provided definitive evidence that developmental program switching is mediated by trans-acting factors. Other possible uses of this cell fusion protocol in stem cell biology and transplantation of genetically engineered cells for tissue regeneration are briefly discussed.
Case 1: Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma with Upstream Textural Changes

54-year-old man with epigastric pain. Family history was pertinent for mother with pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
The Phylum Chordata

This chapter discusses Phylum Chordata. Humans and certain other familiar animals belong to the phylum Chordata. The phylum Chordata includes four subphyla: Hemichordata, the Cephalochordata, Urochordata, and the Vertebrata. The chapter also presents some general aspects of the chordates, strictly from the viewpoint of phylogeny and taxonomy, including the tunicates and vertebrates, and sketches of the cells and organs of their immune systems. This intriguing collection of information was selected in hopes that students might be moved to study the immunology of exotic animals. The animal kingdom is replete with exciting species. With such an abundance of models, researchers must never tire in the quest to further investigate problems in immunology.
The Drone and Aberrant Government: Normalization of the Unthinkable

This chapter analyzes the political-cultural phenomenon of habituation to indifference, particularly in regard to violence. This phenomenon has been achieved by groups of the unified impact which, together with structure, institutions, and culture, have an influence on the trend toward the commodification of the individual and his/her thinking and feeling, that which brings self-pacification to fruition.
Design and Analysis of Energy-Efficient and Reliable 3-D ReRAM Cross-Point Array System

In this paper, we study the energy, performance, and reliability of 3-D horizontal 1-selector-1-resistor (1S1R) cross-point resistive random access memory (ReRAM) systems. We present access schemes which activate multiple subarrays with multiple layers in a subarray to achieve high energy efficiency through activating fewer subarray and good reliability through innovative data organization. We propose two low-cost access schemes [namely, multilayer access scheme (MAS)-I and MAS-II] which enable multilayer programming but differ in the number of activated layers (NL) and hence differ in energy efficiency. To improve reliability, we propose to distribute data across subarrays as well as along the layers of a subarray such that the error characteristics of all accessed data lines are the same. At the system level, we use Bose–Chaudhuri–Hocquenghem (BCH) codes with different strengths so that all competing systems have the same reliability. We show that for a 1-GB 3-D horizontal 1S1R ReRAM system with an I/O width of 64 bits, the NB = 16, NL = 4 system based on MAS-I that utilizes BCH $t = 6$ code consumes the lowest energy with 33% lower energy consumption compared to the baseline system where only one layer is activated at a time.
Systematic Wavelet Codes: Designed and Decoded by DFT Vectors

A class of complex-valued convolutional codes, wavelet codes, that encode numbers into numbers, is constructed by assigning consecutively indexed discrete Fourier transform (DFT) vectors to the parity-checking requirements. For a rate $k/n$ code with constraint length $m$ , the parameters must satisfy (m + 1)(n-k) $m$ , the errors can be corrected by extracting from the convolutional code’s syndromes, new syndromes associated with a DFT block code inherent in the code’s algebraic structure. A modified Berlekamp–Massey algorithm computes the error locations and the correcting values are determined by an inverse DFT operation. Systematic forms of these codes are developed by manipulating the original generating transfer function. Each systematic form is a subcode of the original wavelet code from which it was determined. Moreover, this form may be decoded by DFT code methods too. Extensive simulation results verify the power and viability of both forms of the codes and their decoding techniques.
Immunizations in the Nursery

Immunizations are a critical feature of preventative care for term and preterm newborns. All infants, regardless of gestational age, should receive hepatitis B vaccine shortly after delivery. For preterm infants who remain in the neonatal intensive care unit, providers may be tasked with administering their 2-, 4-, 6-, or even 12-month vaccines. Ensuring that these immunizations are given promptly will prevent under-immunization at the time of nursery discharge. In addition, preterm infants may be eligible for one or both of influenza vaccination or palivizumab administration depending on risk factors and the time of year. The appropriate timing and indications for these immunizations for term and preterm infants are described in this chapter.
Privacy in Database Publishing: A Bayesian Perspective

We present a unifying perspective of privacy guarantees in view-based and generalization-based publishing. This perspective uses a generic Bayesian privacy model which generalizes both types of publishing scenarios and allows us to relate seemingly disparate privacy guarantees found in the literature.
Impact of Spatial Heterogeneity Within Spermosphere and Rhizosphere Environments on Performance of Bacterial Biological Control Agents

The spermosphere and rhizosphere environments are the critical interfaces where many plant–microbe and microbe–microbe interactions including those resulting in biological control of plant diseases occur. A number of factors that are capable of influencing resident microbes are present in the spermosphere and rhizosphere environments that are capable of influencing resident microbes; unique and diverse combinations of these factors sway conditions to favor either plant-beneficial or plant-detrimental interactions. Here, we discuss the spatial heterogeneity within the spermosphere and rhizosphere and the factors that lead to this spatial heterogeneity at the physical, chemical, and biological levels. We also discuss how this spatial heterogeneity influences biological control activity expressed by bacterial agents and the challenges that are faced in efforts directed at bringing improved consistency to biocontrol performance.
Decoupling Algorithms and Optimizations in Network Functions

Network function virtualization promises a path to rapid innovation in networks. However, due to the complexity of developing these functions, innovations have been slow. Designing a network function is a daunting task that requires combining packet processing optimizations with the network function logic. It is not possible to ignore packet processing optimizations either: an optimized pipeline can have 3 times better performance than an unoptimized pipeline. In this paper, we introduce NFMorph, a framework wherein the network function logic is decoupled from the packet processing optimizations. Developers would specify the packet processing algorithm in a high level language. The runtime then identifies the best set of optimizations on the packet processing algorithm based on the domain knowledge specified by operators and optimization templates for common NF primitives. NFMorph can also justin-time reoptimize based on the workload and environment constraints.
Adrenal function links to early postnatal growth and blood pressure at age 6 in children born extremely preterm.

Low birth weight in term-born individuals correlates with adverse cardiometabolic outcomes; excess glucocorticoid exposure has been linked to these relationships. We hypothesized that cortisol and adrenal androgens would correlate inversely with birthweight and directly with markers of cardiometabolic risk in school-aged children born extremely preterm; further, preterm-born would have increased cortisol and adrenal androgens compared to term-born children. Saliva samples were obtained at age 6 from 219 preterm-born children followed since birth and 40 term-born children and analyzed for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and cortisol. Cortisol was also measured at home (awakening, 30′ later, evening). For preterm-born children, cortisol and DHEA correlated inversely with weight and length Z-scores at 36 weeks PMA and positively with systolic BP. DHEA was higher in preterm-born than term-born children (boys p < 0.01; girls p = 0.04). Cortisol was similar between preterm-born and term-born at study visit; however, preterm-born children showed a blunted morning cortisol. In term-born children, DHEA correlated with BMI (p = 0.04), subscapular, and abdominal skinfold thicknesses (both p < 0.01). Cortisol and DHEA correlated inversely with early postnatal growth and directly with systolic BP in extremely preterm-born children, suggesting perinatal programming. Blunted morning cortisol may reflect NICU stress, as seen after other adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
Isolation of U(ii) compounds using strong donor ligands, C5Me4H and N(SiMe3)2, including a three-coordinate U(ii) complex.

New examples of uranium in the formal +2 oxidation state have been isolated by reduction of Cptet3U (Cptet = C5Me4H) and U(NR2)3 (R = SiMe3) in the presence of 2.2.2-cryptand (crypt) to produce [K(crypt)][Cptet3U] and [K(crypt)][U(NR2)3], respectively. Both complexes have properties consistent with 5f36d1 electron configurations and demonstrate that the U(II) ion can be isolated with electron donating ligands.
Jurisprudential Space Junk: Treaties and New Technologies

New technologies have fundamentally altered the ways in which international law develops, evolves, and sometimes inappropriately persists. This chapter discusses the problem of “jurisprudential space junk”: treaty laws that are theoretically in force but actually simply clutter the relevant legal regime. After reviewing problems associated with multilateral treaties regulating new technologies, this chapter suggests that other, more flexible forms of international lawmaking — namely, soft law and customary international law — will sometimes be far better suited to international technological governance.
Interventional Oncology in Immuno-Oncology Part 1: Thermal Ablation

Thermal ablation occupies a unique position among the various modalities available to treat malignancies. Initially utilized as a minimally invasive form of palliation, ablative techniques are increasingly being recognized for their role in activating an immune response. Locally destructive, but not thoroughly extirpative, thermal ablation function to generate an in situ tumor vaccine capable of stimulating and enhancing both innate and adaptive immune responses. As monotherapy, the response engendered remains therapeutically insufficient, but newer data suggests that when used as an adjuvant or neoadjuvant, ablation may synergistically boost the anticancer immune response produced by other, sequentially acting immunotherapies. The purpose of this review is to discuss the local and systemic immunological effects induced by thermal ablation. Radio frequency, microwave, and cryoablation will all be considered in addition to focused ultrasound ablation.
Tomato Seed-Associated Bacteria Confer Protection of Seedlings Against Foliar Disease Caused by Pseudomonas syringae

The plant microbiome is known to benefit host health in numerous ways, including providing protection against pathogens. Here, we provide evidence that tomato seed-associated microbiota play an important role in early seedling health. To test the importance of seed epiphytic communities for seedling susceptibility to the common bacterial pathogen, Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato, we transplanted naturally occurring seed epiphytic microbial communities back onto seeds prior to germination and compared disease susceptibility to those that were not reinoculated after surface sterilization. We found that the epiphytic microbiome can protect seedlings against Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato establishment and disease, and we further show that this protective effect is not due to a genotype by microbiome interaction. Using 16S amplicon sequencing, we found that these microbiomes were dominated by species of Pantoea, and we took a culturing approach to show that these isolates, including both Pantoea agglomerans and Pantoea dispersa, are sufficient to protect against Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato. By varying concentration of first the pathogen and then the protective symbiont, we then examined the dose response of protection and found that applying a higher concentration of protective inoculum to the seeds does not correlate to a lessened Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato load but does reduce disease burden. Instead, the most protective dose of Pantoea in terms of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato growth corresponds to the original density at which protective bacteria were found on seeds. Overall, our findings contribute to a broader understanding of the importance of vertically transmitted plant-associated microbes, with implications for the design and efficacy of biocontrol agents.
Doctoral Education in Athletic Training: Pursuit of the Degree and Its Influence on Career Aspirations

Context Athletic trainers pursue higher education to obtain positions in academia, which often include scholarship and/or teaching responsibilities. Previous research has investigated the preparati...
Investigation of Fe incorporation in (010) $\beta$ -Ga 2 O 3 films grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy

The incorporation of Fe into (010) $\beta$ -Ga 2 O 3 films grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy was investigated. Fe was found to incorporate heavily into films grown at 500 °C while growth temperatures of 650 °C and higher showed a significantly longer tail of Fe into the films. This Fe tail was determined to be a result of surface riding during growth rather than diffusion. The total surface riding concentration of Fe was found to be about $3\ \mathrm{x} 10^{12}\mathrm{cm}^{-2}$ from typical Fe doped (010) $\beta$ -Ga 2 0 3 substrates. Surface segregation coefficients of 0.9819 and 0.9901 were calculated for growth temperatures of 500 °C and 700 °C respectively.
Leadership coach effectiveness as fostering self-determined, sustained change

Abstract Drawing upon self-determination theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 2002a ; Ryan & Deci, Olafsen, & Ryan, 2017 ) and intentional change theory (ICT, Boyatzis, 2008 ), we offer an integrative conceptual model to define what constitutes an effective leadership coach. We propose an effective leadership coach enables sustained change on the part of the leader being coached. We apply SDT and ICT to explain the motivational dynamics, facilitated by the leadership coach, involved in effective leadership coaching. Specifically, we assert that leader sustained change is achieved when the leadership coach works to satisfy three inherent human needs in the leader (autonomy, relatedness, and competence) through facilitated self-discovery and purposeful action on the part on the leader. Satisfaction of these needs gives rise to the motivation and subsequent action to change. We present propositions to invite further coaching research and discuss how the proposed conceptual model applies to leadership coaching practice.
High energy X-ray Compton spectroscopy via iterative reconstruction

Abstract In this paper, we report on the design and implementation of a compact and robust Compton spectrometer capable of measuring x-rays in the energy range 1 to 20 MeV. An iterative reconstruction method was employed to reconstruct the x-ray spectrum without assuming an initial distribution function. Spectral resolution was further optimized by judicious choice of composition and thickness of the electron-convertor, as well as angular acceptance into the spectrometer. A particle transport code was used to account for all instrument-related factors. Performance of the spectrometer was demonstrated experimentally by characterizing x-rays generated by high-order multiphoton Thomson scattering.
Cost analysis of thin film tandem solar cells using real world energy yield modelling

Tandem photovoltaic (PV) cells with higher efficiency limits than current market dominated crystalline silicon PV devices are poised to be the next generation of solar cells. In this study we focus on analysis of perovskite/Cu(In x Ga 1-x )Se 2 tandem solar cells in the context of real-world conditions. Using material properties and the most recently updated atmospheric data we simulate the device energy yield for locations with different climate conditions. We use the resultant data in calculating module levelized cost and analyze the conditions under which using different forms of tracking become the cost-effective approach at each location.
The Moral Registers of Banqueting in Contemporary China

Chinese feasting encompasses everything from life-cycle celebrations to the indulgences of corrupt officials. Although woven into the commodity economy, banqueting also creates and solidifies socia...
Gender and Racial Disparities in Pediatric Heart Transplantation in the Current Era: A UNOS Registry Analysis

Purpose In adults, female (F) and African American (AA) heart transplant (HT) recipients have higher waitlist (WL) and post-transplant (PT) mortality. Our study aims to evaluate gender and racial disparities in pediatric recipients and its effect on survival in the WL and PT period in the current era. Methods Pediatric ( Results 1435 (44%) F were listed for HT during the study period. Compared to males (M), F recipients listed for HT were younger, more likely AA (19 vs. 22%), and cardiomyopathy [CMP] (41.3 vs. 51.4%) [p 0.05 for all]. 663 (20%) AA HT candidates were listed. Compared to Caucasian, AA recipients more likely had CMP (41.3 vs. 49.5%), listed Status 1A (68.7 vs. 72.9%), had renal dysfunction (47.4 s. 53.4%) and were on Medicaid (33.3 vs. 65%) [p Conclusion In the current era, pediatric heart transplant recipients who are F and AA continue to have higher waitlist mortality. Such disparities do not exist post-transplant.
Retrospective study of spine tumor surgery with intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring

Objective To summarize the application features of IONM in spine tumor surgery and evaluate its value. Methods From September 2012 to June 2015, a total of 119 patients who underwent spine tumor surgery with IONM at the Sun Yatsen Memorial Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. IONM includes somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP), transcranial-electrical stimulation motor evoked potentials (TcE-MEP) and spontaneous, triggered electromyography (EMG). There were 64 males and 55 females with an average age of 44.8 years (range 4-80 years). 59 cases were primary tumors (included 28 cases of neurogenic tumors) and 60 were spinal metastasis. We judged the IONM alarm of true, false positive and negative cases based on whether related to surgery and postoperative neurological function. The statistical indexes were calculated and analyzed. Results The operation time was 2-12 h with an average of 4.8 h and the blood loss was 50-7 000 ml with an average of 1 800 ml. All the patients were followed up for average of 12.6 months (range 4-36 months). IONM alarmed in 17 cases (included 11 cases of neurogenic tumors), in which 8 cases were true positive results including 3 cases directly related to revocable operative maneuvers and 5 cases with definitely spinal cord or peripheral nerve injury, 9 cases were false positive results without certain cause or nerve injury, other 102 cases were true negative results and there was no false negative case. The sensitivity was 100.0%, specificity was 91.9%, Youden index was 0.92, false positive rate was 9.1%, false negative rate was 0.0%, positive predictive value was 47.1%, and negative predictive value was 100.0%. Conclusion The application features of IONM in spine tumor surgery were many systematic changes resulted false positive cases and selectively nerve resection related several true positive cases. IONM can effectively monitor the spinal cord and peripheral nerves and predict the postoperative neurological function. It has high application value in spine tumor surgery. Key words: Spinal neoplasms; Evoked potentials, somatosensory; Evoked potentials, motor; Electromyography
Metformin Associated Lactic Acidosis in the Intensive Care Unit: A Rare Condition Mimicking Sepsis

Metformin-associated lactic acidosis (MALA) is a rare but serious complication of metformin use, associated with high mortality. MALA can occur any time a patient on metformin suffers disruption in renal function resulting in the accumulation of metformin. A 63-year-old man with a history of non-insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes mellitus, alcohol abuse, and hypothyroidism was brought to the emergency department with altered mental status, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. He was found to be in respiratory distress, was hypotensive and hypoglycemic (48 mg/dL), and required emergent intubation. Blood work was significant for pH 12 mmol/L, creatinine 15.95 mg/dL, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 112 mg/dL, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), 3 ml/min/1.73sqm, and potassium 7 mmol/L. He suffered cardiac arrest, underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) where he required multiple vasopressors, bicarbonate infusion, and bicarbonate pushes. He was started on continuous renal replacement therapy with a high flux membrane. A high dose of pre- and post- filter fluids was used to improve conductive clearance. His pH corrected to normal in less than 24 hours, and hemodialysis was initiated the following day for a total of four days. Head/chest/abdomen/pelvis CT, urine, and blood cultures did not reveal any pathology that would explain lactic acidosis. The patient's dose of metformin was 1 gr twice daily and sitagliptin, 100 mg daily. Blood metformin that had been tested on admission was 29 mcg/ml (therapeutic range, 1-2 mcg/ml). Methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and isopropanol levels were negative. He had been started on lisinopril 5 mg and amitriptyline 25 mg four weeks prior to admission and had normal creatinine at that time. He was discharged to an acute rehabilitation facility on day seven of hospitalization. MALA generally presents with nausea, vomiting, and fatigue-often mimicking sepsis. It is possible that our patient progressively developed alcoholic ketoacidosis and acute renal failure from dehydration and excessive drinking in the setting of newly started Angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Recommendations for the optimal treatment of MALA mostly depend on expert opinion and case reports. Treatment is restricted to supportive measures, although hemodialysis may offer a protective effect. Our case demonstrates that even in extreme cases of MALA, prompt and adequate supportive measures can produce a favorable outcome.
Long-Term Patient Experience with Tetracycline Injections for Festoons.

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term patient experience with tetracycline injections for treatment of festoons. Methods Charts of all patients undergoing tetracycline injection for treatment of lower eyelid festoons at the Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, between 2008 and 2018 were identified using billing records. Patients were invited to participate in a questionnaire based on the FACE-Q checklist, a previously validated questionnaire for studying cosmetic procedure outcomes. Data from the questionnaire were summarized with size, mean, and frequency. Results One hundred two patients who received tetracycline injection during the study period were identified and 61 responses were obtained. The average follow-up time after injection was 3.6 years. Of 61 respondents, 36 (59 percent) noted improvement in their festoons after treatment, and 27 of 33 (82 percent) noted that improvement occurred within 2 months of treatment. Overall, 40 of 60 respondents (67 percent) would consider repeating tetracycline treatment. The most common adverse effects included discomfort (18 percent), swelling (15 percent), and bruising (13 percent). There was no statistically significant difference in questionnaire responses between men and women, except that men were more likely to consider repeated injection (92 percent versus 58 percent; p = 0.005). Conclusion Tetracycline injection appears to improve festoons in a majority of patients, with an acceptable side-effect profile, although more data are needed to determine the optimal dose and frequency and to identify possible rare and/or significant side effects.
The type of leg lost affects habitat use but not survival in a non-regenerating arthropod

Finding shelter and surviving encounters with predators are pervasive challenges for animals. These challenges may be exacerbated after individuals experience bodily damage. Certain forms of damage arise voluntarily in animals; for instance, some taxa release appendages (tails, legs, or other body parts) as a defensive strategy ("autotomy"). This behavior, however, may pose long-term negative consequences for habitat use and survival. Additionally, these putative consequences are expected to vary according to the function of the lost body part. We tested the effects of losing different functional leg types (locomotor or sensory) on future habitat use and survival in a Neotropical species of Prionostemma harvestmen (Arachnida: Opiliones) that undergo frequent autotomy but do not regrow limbs. Daytime surveys revealed that both eight-legged harvestmen and harvestmen missing legs roosted in similar frequencies across habitats (tree bark, mossy tree, or fern), and perched at similar heights. Mark-recapture data showed that harvestmen that lost sensory legs roosted in tree bark less frequently, but on mossy trees more frequently. On the contrary, we did not observe changes in habitat use for eight-legged animals or animals that lost locomotor legs. This change might be related to sensory exploration and navigation. Lastly, we found that recapture rates across substrates were not affected by the type of legs lost, suggesting that leg loss does not impact survival. This potential lack of effect might play a role in why a defensive strategy like autotomy is so prevalent in harvestmen despite the lack of regeneration.
Leishmania tarentolae novel responses to Bi3+-doped strontium aluminum oxyfluorides.

Abstract Novel therapeutics for the treatment of leishmaniasis are of interest as the disease not only is becoming more prevalent, but drug resistance is increasing in certain regions of the world. Reported here is the use of Bi3+-doped strontium aluminum oxyfluoride phosphors and protease inhibitors to test in vitro inhibitory activity against cultured promastigote Leishmania tarentolae and effects on L. tarentolae secreted acid phosphatase (SAP) activity. Cell viability did not significantly decrease in the presence of 50 μM anti-perovskite compounds, implying limited cytotoxicity. Yet SAP activity did increase in the cell free preparations with time in the presence of strontium compounds. Of interest was the observation that cell free SAP activity did not increase in the presence of protease inhibitors with or without added strontium compounds. Since secreted proteases may play a role in the maturation of Leishmania SAP and thus be involved with parasite-host infection establishment, this is in further need of evaluation. Nitric oxide production on day 4 post-addition of the strontium compounds was evaluated and showed an approximately 50% decrease in NO production in the presence of two test compounds relative to DMSO control cells. This is the first report of anti-perovskite compound inhibition of NO production by Leishmania.
Translating Basic Research to Animal Agriculture

Procedures to maintain viability of mammalian gametes and embryos in vitro, including cryopreservation, have been exceedingly valuable for my research over the past 55 years. Keeping sperm viable in vitro enables artificial insemination, which, when combined with selective breeding, often is the most effective approach to making rapid genetic change in a population. Superovulation and embryo transfer constitute a parallel approach for amplifying reproduction of female mammals. More recent developments include sexing of semen, in vitro fertilization, cloning by nuclear transfer, and genetic modification of germline cells, tools that are enabled by artificial insemination and/or embryo transfer for implementation. I have been fortunate in being able to contribute to the development of many of the above techniques, and to use them for research and applications for improving animal agriculture. Others have built on this work to circumvent human infertility, assist reproduction of companion animals, and rescue endangered species. It also has been a privilege to teach, mentor, and be mentored in this area. Resulting worldwide friendships have enriched me personally and professionally. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Animal Biosciences, Volume 10 is February 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
Comparing an experimental agent to a standard agent: relative merits of a one-arm or randomized two-arm Phase II design

Background Phase II clinical trials in cancer are used to assess whether a new agent has sufficiently promising efficacy to proceed on to a larger definitive study comparing the new agent to a stan...
Diode laser spectra of CC12F2 near 10.8 microns; air-broadening effects

A tunable diode laser absorption spectrometer with resolution of about 0.0001/cm was used to record air-broadened spectra of CC12F2 in two regions near 922.8/cm and 921.7/cm. In the 922.8/cm region the structure shows good intensity contrast at pressures corresponding to upper atmospheric pressures. The absorption features have a spacing of 0.014/cm, which is sufficiently wide to retain spectral structure at pressures as high as 48 torr or altitudes as low as 19 km. The apparent broadening is 2 MHz/torr. The single-line broadening coefficient for CC12F2 can be estimated to be 8 + or - 2 MHz/torr FWHM. In the 921.7/cm region the high-resolution structure is discernible up to 24 torr, but the intensity contrast is not sufficiently strong to be of use in analysis of stratospheric spectra.
Accountability horizontal e novas poliarquias

The poliarchies developed in the western world have been shaped by three different political traditions: the liberal, the republican and the democratic. The liberal and republican traditions foster horizontal accountability, a crucial feature of those poliarchies wich is not to be found in the new democracies. After discussing what this absence implies ways of generating horizontal accountability in the latter are suggested.
Multi-Wavelength Based Optical Density Sensor for Autonomous Monitoring of Microalgae

A multi-wavelength based optical density sensor unit was designed, developed, and evaluated to monitor microalgae growth in real time. The system consisted of five main components including: (1) laser diode modules as light sources; (2) photodiodes as detectors; (3) driver circuit; (4) flow cell; and (5) sensor housing temperature controller. The sensor unit was designed to be integrated into any microalgae culture system for both real time and non-real time optical density measurements and algae growth monitoring applications. It was shown that the sensor unit was capable of monitoring the dynamics and physiological changes of the microalgae culture in real-time. Algae biomass concentration was accurately estimated with optical density measurements at 650, 685 and 780 nm wavelengths used by the sensor unit. The sensor unit was able to monitor cell concentration as high as 1.05 g·L(-1) (1.51 × 10⁸ cells·mL(-1)) during the culture growth without any sample preparation for the measurements. Since high cell concentrations do not need to be diluted using the sensor unit, the system has the potential to be used in industrial microalgae cultivation systems for real time monitoring and control applications that can lead to improved resource use efficiency.