cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Smart Cement Compressive Piezoresistive, Stress-Strain, and Strength Behavior with Nanosilica Modification

In this study, smart cement with a water-to-cement ratio of 0.38 was modified with up to 1 % silica nanoparticles (NanoSiO2) to evaluate the effect not only on the sensing properties but also on the compressive stress-strain relationship and strength. The oil well cement (class H) and cement modified with NanoSiO2 were characterized using X-ray diffraction analysis and thermal gravimetric analysis. The smart cement was prepared by adding 0.1 % of the conductive filler based on the percolation theory concept to make the cement piezoresistive yet remain a nonconductive material. Testing evaluated the smart cement behavior with and without NanoSiO2 to verify the sensitivity of electrical resistivity changes with time and compressive loading. The addition of 0.5 and 1 % NanoSiO2 increased the initial electrical resistivity of the smart cement by 17 and 35 %, respectively. In one day, the maximum change in the electrical resistivity (RI24hr) for the smart cement without NanoSiO2 was 364 %. The RI24hr for the smart cement with NanoSiO2 decreased with the amount of NanoSiO2. The addition of 1 % NanoSiO2 increased the compressive strength of the smart cement by 14 and 42 % after 1 and 28 days of curing, respectively. The nonlinear Vipulanandan p-q curing model was used to predict the changes in electrical resistivity with curing time. The piezoresistivity of smart cement with NanoSiO2 was over 500 times higher than the regular cement, depending on the curing time and NanoSiO2 content. The Vipulanandan p-q stress strain and stress change in resistivity models also predicted the experimental results very well. For smart cement modified with NanoSiO2, the resistivity change at peak stress was over 1,250 times higher than the change in the compressive strain. A linear correlation was obtained between the RI24hr and the compressive strength of the modified smart cement based on the curing time.
Bioavailable Iron and Vitamin A in Newly Formulated, Extruded Corn, Soybean, Sorghum, and Cowpea Fortified-Blended Foods in the In Vitro Digestion/Caco-2 Cell Model.

Background Fortified-blended foods (FBFs), particularly corn-soybean blend (CSB), are food aid products distributed in developing countries. The US Agency for International Development food aid quality review recommended developing extruded FBFs with the use of alternative commodities such as sorghum. Objective The objective of the study was to determine bioavailable iron and vitamin A content from newly developed extruded corn, soybean, sorghum, and cowpea FBFs compared with the nonextruded traditional food aid FBFs, corn-soy blend 13 (CSB13) and corn-soy blend plus (CSB+). Methods Eleven extruded FBFs-sorghum-cowpea (n = 7), sorghum-soy (n = 3), and corn-soy (n = 1)-along with 2 nonextruded FBFs-CSB13 and CSB+, and Cerelac (Nestle), a commercially available fortified infant food, were prepared. Bioavailable iron and vitamin A contents were assessed by using the in vitro digestion/Caco-2 cell model. Dry FBFs, aqueous fractions, and Caco-2 cell pellet vitamin A contents were analyzed by HPLC. Dry FBF and aqueous fraction iron contents were measured by atomic absorptiometry, and bioavailable iron was assessed by measuring Caco-2 ferritin contents via ELISA. Results Iron and vitamin A concentrations in Cerelac and dry FBFs ranged from 8.0 to 31.8 mg/100 g and 0.3 to 1.67 mg/100 g, respectively. All of the extruded FBFs contained 4- to 7-fold significantly higher (P < 0.05) aqueous fraction iron concentrations compared with CSB13 and CSB+. However, there were no significant differences in Caco-2 cell ferritin and vitamin A concentrations between extruded FBFs, nonextruded FBFs, and or the basal salt solution negative control. Conclusion Results support the theory that the consumption of newly developed extruded sorghum-cowpea, sorghum-soy, and corn-soy FBFs would result in iron and vitamin A concentrations comparable to traditional nonextruded CSB13 and CSB+ FBFs.
The Centrality of Social Justice for an Academic Intellectual Property Institute

This Article discusses the importance of grounding a law school intellectual property institute on social justice. This is not to say that all IP institutes at all law schools either are or should be so grounded. We assert the more limited proposition that such grounding is valuable and, in the case of the IP institute at Howard University, central. As we show, building an IP institute around a social justice perspective can facilitate proper emphasis on exploring intellectual property law as a mechanism for social justice in the Information Age. The advent of digital technology and related advances provide a means by which to utilize intellectual property regimes to bridge the societal goals of social justice and equality with those of cultural progress and global competition and hegemony. Indeed, a principal justification for protecting intellectual property is to encourage the creation and dissemination of information and knowledge, and the ultimate efficacy of this civic agenda is dependent upon the pervasiveness of its reach: every citizen should have effective access to both. Thus, in fulfilling its function in the training of the legal profession to implement this agenda, a law school intellectual property institute can illuminate and fulfill the constitutional mandate of intellectual property social utility by embracing a social justice mission in its pedagogy, scholarship, and public activism.
Controlled feature selection and compressive big data analytics: Applications to biomedical and health studies

The theoretical foundations of Big Data Science are not fully developed, yet. This study proposes a new scalable framework for Big Data representation, high-throughput analytics (variable selection and noise reduction), and model-free inference. Specifically, we explore the core principles of distribution-free and model-agnostic methods for scientific inference based on Big Data sets. Compressive Big Data analytics (CBDA) iteratively generates random (sub)samples from a big and complex dataset. This subsampling with replacement is conducted on the feature and case levels and results in samples that are not necessarily consistent or congruent across iterations. The approach relies on an ensemble predictor where established model-based or model-free inference techniques are iteratively applied to preprocessed and harmonized samples. Repeating the subsampling and prediction steps many times, yields derived likelihoods, probabilities, or parameter estimates, which can be used to assess the algorithm reliability and accuracy of findings via bootstrapping methods, or to extract important features via controlled variable selection. CBDA provides a scalable algorithm for addressing some of the challenges associated with handling complex, incongruent, incomplete and multi-source data and analytics challenges. Albeit not fully developed yet, a CBDA mathematical framework will enable the study of the ergodic properties and the asymptotics of the specific statistical inference approaches via CBDA. We implemented the high-throughput CBDA method using pure R as well as via the graphical pipeline environment. To validate the technique, we used several simulated datasets as well as a real neuroimaging-genetics of Alzheimer's disease case-study. The CBDA approach may be customized to provide generic representation of complex multimodal datasets and to provide stable scientific inference for large, incomplete, and multisource datasets.
Dramatic enhancement in pH sensitivity and signal intensity through ligand modification of a dicobalt PARACEST probe

The employment of an ancillary amine-substituted bisphosphonate ligand affords a dicobalt complex able to quantitate pH with a remarkably high sensitivity of 8.8(5) pH unit−1 at 37 °C through a ratiometric paramagnetic chemical exchange saturation transfer (PARACEST) approach, where the different pH dependences of amine and amide CEST peak intensities are utilized.
Challenges in the Medical Care of Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Role of the Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist.

Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects one in 40 children. Individuals with ASD have high rates of medical comorbidity, excess mortality, high health care expenditures, and difficulty accessing coordinated medical care. As the prevalence of ASD rises, consultation-liaison (C-L) psychiatrists will be increasingly called upon to assist patients with ASD both in inpatient and outpatient medical settings. Methods In this article, we review the patient, provider, and systems factors that converge to create challenges for delivering high-quality, patient-centered medical care for patients with ASD. Conclusion Strategies to optimize the care of patients with ASD in medical settings include previsit planning, anticipating and reducing sources of distress, facilitating a patient- and family-centered multidisciplinary approach, employing environmental interventions, and using psychopharmacologic treatments.
Ethics and Justice – What Penalty Should Volkswagen Be Compelled to Pay for its Unethical and Unlawful Conduct, and on What Basis?

In September 2015 Volkswagen disclosed that nearly 11 million diesel VW automobiles were intentionally equipped with “defeat device” software that allowed the company to cheat emission testing. VW engineers were concerned that the only way to pass U.S. emission standards was to use a system normally utilized in much larger diesel engines. The larger diesel system would involve an increase in cost which VW was unwilling to accept due to the competitive U.S. cost market. This led VW to seek an alternative, and the software emissions cheat system became the favored option. What should VW’s penalty be for unethical and unlawful conduct?
Surface Mechanical Characterization of Carbon Nanofiber Reinforced Low-Density Polyethylene by Nanoindentation and Comparison with Bulk Properties

Surface mechanical properties of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) reinforced by carbon nanofibers (CNFs) up to 3% weight load were investigated using nanoindentation (NI). Surface preparation of the nanocomposite was thoroughly investigated and atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to analyze the surface roughness of the polished surfaces. The dispersion of nanofillers in the LDPE matrix was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effect of various penetration loads on the results and scattering of the data points was discussed. It was found by NI results that the addition of 3% weight CNF increased the elastic modulus of LDPE by 59% and its hardness up to 12%. The nano/micro-scale results were compared with macro-scale results obtained by the conventional tensile test as well as the theoretical results calculated by the Halpin-Tsai (HT) model. It was found that the modulus calculated by nanoindentation was twice that obtained by the conventional tensile test which was shown to be in excellent agreement with the HT model. Experimental results indicated that the addition of CNF to LDPE reduced its wear resistance property by reducing the hardness to modulus ratio. SEM micrographs of the semicrystalline microstructure of the CNF/LDPE nanocomposite along with the calculated NI imprints volume were examined to elaborate on how increasing the penetration depth resulted in a reduction of the coefficient of variation of the NI data/more statistically reliable data.
Magnetically Geared Rotary Generators for Marine Hydrokinetic Power Take-Off – A Status Update

This paper provides an updated review of the different power take-off (PTO) approaches being considered for rotary based marine hydrokinetic (MHK) power generation. A discussion on the potential advantages of using magnetically geared generator typologies is presented.
Learning Decentralized Control Policies for Multi-Robot Formation

Decentralized formation control has been extensively studied using model-based methods, which rely on model accuracy and communication reliability. Motivated by recent advances in deep learning techniques whereby an intelligent agent is trained to compute its actions directly from highdimensional raw sensory inputs using end-to-end decisionmaking policies, we consider the problem of learning decentralized control policies for multi-robot formation. A deep neural network is designed to model the control policy that maps the robot’s local observations to control commands. We propose to use a centralized training framework based on supervised learning for control policy learning. The learned policy is then deployed on each robot in a decentralized manner for online formation control. Our proposed approach is verified and evaluated in experiments using a robotic simulator. Simulation results demonstrate satisfactory performance of formation control. Compared with existing methods for formation control, the proposed approach does not need inter-robot communication, and avoids hand-engineering the components of perception and control separately.
Certification or Advanced Degrees.

The value of training for a data sciences professional is in the eye of the beholder. And dependent on the scope and breadth of that training and the cost and time frame of that training. Value for...
Massive Splenomegaly from Disseminated Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare Infection.

Massive Splenomegaly from Disseminated Mycobacterium avium–intracellulare Infection A 29-year-old man with HIV infection presented with abdominal pain and drenching nights sweats. Computed tomograp...
P750 A comparison of treponema pallidum molecular typing systems: mlst vs. ecdct

Background Several syphilis typing systems have been proposed. Recent work suggests that multilocus sequence typing (MLST) may be superior to enhanced CDC typing (ECDCT), particularly because ECDCT type may differ among organisms amplified from different anatomical sites in the same person. The goal of this study was to compare the two systems. Methods DNA was extracted from 20 Treponema pallidum isolates propagated in rabbits, 10 oral and 10 genital or non-genital lesion swabs, and 10 blood samples from patients with syphilis. MLST type for tp0136, tp0548 and tp0705 and ECDCT type were determined according to published methods. Samples were chosen because they were completely typeable by ECDCT. ECDCT types were also determined for samples from different anatomical sites in 7 patients, and from blood and blood isolates (rabbit propagated) in 8 patients. Results MLST type could be fully determined for 19 (95%) of 20 bacterial isolates, 8 (80%) of 10 bloods, 7 (70%) of 10 lesion swabs, and 5 (50%) of 10 oral swabs. 13 subtypes were identified by ECDCT, and 12 by MLST. While MLST was able to subdivide two common ECDCT types (1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.9, and 1.37.1 within 14d/f; and 1.3.1, 1.38.1, and 6.3.1 within 14d/g), it failed to distinguish among less common ECDCT types. ECDCT type was identical in 5 paired lesion and oral swabs, 1 paired blood and oral swab, and 1 paired blood, lesion and oral swabs. In addition, ECDCT type was identical in 8 paired blood and blood isolates. Conclusion Compared to ECDCT, determination of MLST was less often successful from isolates and from clinical samples, and it was not uniformly more discriminating. ECDCT was stable among anatomical sites and between direct patient-derived samples compared to rabbit propagated organisms. Disclosure No significant relationships.
Case Series: Novel Utilization of Rho-Kinase Inhibitor for the Treatment of Corneal Edema.

Purpose:To describe 3 cases of corneal clearance after the use of topical rho-kinase inhibitor, netarsudil, in the setting of endothelial cell dysfunction in comparison to one case without corneal clearance after the use of netarsudil.Methods:Four patients presenting to a busy academic clinical corn
Thigh Circumference and Risk of All-Cause, Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Mortality: A Cohort Study.

Purpose The relationship between thigh circumference and all-cause and cause-specific mortality has not been consistent. We aimed to examine how thigh circumference associates with all-cause, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular mortality among US adults. Patients and Methods This cohort study included 19,885 US adults who participated in the 1999-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) with thigh circumference being measured at baseline, and survival status was ascertained until 31 December 2015. We used Cox proportional hazards models to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for mortality according to thigh circumference in quartiles. Kaplan-Meier survival curve and restricted cubic spline regression were performed to evaluate the prospective association. Finally, subgroup analyses by age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and medical history at baseline were conducted. Results During a median follow-up of 11.9 years, 3513 cases of death, 432 death cases due to cardiovascular disease, and 143 death cases due to cerebrovascular disease have occurred. Multivariate Cox regression indicated that every 1cm increase in thigh circumference was related to 4% and 6% decreased risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality, respectively. Compared to the reference group, the highest quartile of thigh circumference significantly decreased all-cause mortality by 21% (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.62-1.00, P<0.05). However, the association of thigh circumference with cerebrovascular mortality was not significant. BMI was a significant effect modifier among individuals with a BMI of less than 25 kg/m2 (P<0.0001). Conclusion A low thigh circumference appears to be associated with increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, but not cerebrovascular mortality.
Personalized Low-Energy Defibrillation Through Feedback Based Resynchronization Therapy

Aims: Defibrillation shocks may cause AV node burnout, scar formation, and pain. In this study, we present a realtime feedback-based control of ventricular fibrillation (VF) with a series of low-energy shocks using ventricular electrical activity as the feedback input. Methods: Isolated rabbit hearts were Langendorff perfused and stained with a fluorescent V m dye. The ventricular activity was measured with a pair of photodiodes, and processed with a feedback controller to calculate defibrillation shock parameters in real-time. Shock timing was based on desynchronized activation of the left and right ventricles during VF, and the strength was proportional to the amplitude difference of the photodiode signals. Shocks were delivered with a custom-developed arbitrary wave-form trans-conductance amplifier. Results: Feedback based resynchronization therapy converts VT to MT before sinus rhythm is restored with a reduction of defibrillation energy, compared to a single biphasic shock. Conclusions: Feedback based resynchronization therapy is based on real-time sensing of ventricular activity, while a series of low-energy shocks are delivered, reducing the risk of associated side effects.
Sensing everyday activity: Parent perceptions and feasibility.

Abstract Mobile and wearable sensors provide a unique opportunity to capture the daily activities and interactions that shape developmental trajectories, with potential to revolutionize the study of development ( de Barbaro, 2019 ). However, developmental research employing sensors is still in its infancy, and parents’ comfort using these devices is uncertain. This exploratory report assesses parent willingness to participate in sensor studies via a nationally representative survey (N = 210) and live recruitment of a low-income, minority population for an ongoing study (N = 359). The survey allowed us to assess how protocol design influences acceptability, including various options for devices and datastream resolution, conditions of data sharing, and feedback. By contrast, our recruitment data provided insight into parents’ true willingness to participate in a sensor study, with a protocol including 72 h of continuous audio, motion, and physiological data. Our results indicate that parents are relatively conservative when considering participation in sensing studies. However, nearly 41 % of surveyed parents reported that they would be at least somewhat willing to participate in studies with audio or video recordings, 26 % were willing or extremely willing, and 14 % reported being extremely willing. These results roughly paralleled our recruitment results, where 58 % of parents indicated interest, 29 % of parents scheduled to participate, and 10 % ultimately participated. Additionally, 70 % of caregivers stated their reason for not participating in the study was due to barriers unrelated to sensing while about 25 % noted barriers due to either privacy concerns or the physical sensors themselves. Parents’ willingness to collect sensitive datastreams increased if data stayed within the household for individual use only, are shared anonymously with researchers, or if parents receive feedback from devices. Overall, our findings suggest that given the correct circumstances, mobile sensors are a feasible and promising tool for characterizing children’s daily interactions and their role in development.
Stories Children Tell: Should the Thematic Apperception Test be Included in Psychoeducational Assessments?

Federal law requires that psychoeducational evaluations be comprehensive, and utilize variety of assessment measures that evaluate the child’s functioning along academic and cognitive domains as well as life skills outside of the classroom (Wiley, 2014) . Previous research suggests the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT; Harvard University Press, 1943), a measure requiring responses to ambiguous stimuli, is an important part of comprehensive psychological evaluations (Adolescence, 43(171): 593-606, 2008). However, when integrated into psychoeducational assessment batteries, the TAT poses challenges associated with validity, reliability, and theoretical conceptualization (Miller and Nickerson 2006). In light of this criticism, this study examines the role that the TAT may play in psychoeducational assessment of children. Specifically, the study explores the relationship between TAT narratives, based on Teglasi’s coding system (Wiley, 2010), and data from intelligence testing, self- and informant-rating scales of behavior. Utilizing an exploratory mixed-method design, the study concluded that the TAT and standardized intelligence and personality tests measure different aspects of cognitive and emotional domains. Clinicians are encouraged to include the TAT in comprehensive psychoeducational assessments in order to evaluate contextual cognitive processes and implicit emotional functioning that are not measured by standardized tests.
'I was ready for it at the beginning': Parent experiences with early introduction of continuous glucose monitoring following their child's Type 1 diabetes diagnosis.

Aim This study aimed to capture the experience of parents of youth with recent onset Type 1 diabetes who initiated use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology soon after diagnosis, which is a new practice. Methods Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with parents of youth with Type 1 diabetes who had early initiation of CGM as part of a new clinical protocol. Interviewers used a semi-structured interview guide to elicit feedback and experiences with starting CGM within 30 days of diagnosis, and the benefits and barriers they experienced when adjusting to this technology. Groups and interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed using content analysis. Results Participants were 16 parents (age 44.13 ± 8.43 years; 75% female; 56.25% non-Hispanic White) of youth (age 12.38 ± 4.15 years; 50% female; 50% non-Hispanic White; diabetes duration 10.35 ± 3.89 months) who initiated CGM 11.31 ± 7.33 days after diabetes diagnosis. Overall, parents reported high levels of satisfaction with starting CGM within a month of diagnosis and described a high level of reliance on the technology to help manage their child's diabetes. All participants recommended early CGM initiation for future families and were committed to continue using the technology for the foreseeable future, provided that insurance covered it. Conclusion Parents experienced CGM initiation shortly after their child's Type 1 diabetes diagnosis as a highly beneficial and essential part of adjusting to living with diabetes.
Prestigious Journals, Predatory Publishers and the Tall Poppy Syndrome in Medicine: A Brief Overview

Fringe medicine (euphemistically called alternative), their articles (sometimes called throw aways) and products (supplements) have peacefully but uncomfortably coexisted with traditional medicine. The advent of the internet and the spread of misinformation have made traditional medicine evaluate the interpretation of all medical information. Traditional or prestigious journals, not without their own failings, are now in competition with the internet which includes open access e-journals, which have given rise to predatory publishers, as well as medical misinformation. A case report illustrates how misinformation in Lancet (prestigious journal) led to the anti-vaccination movement. Two papers within a year refuted the findings and Lancet eventually retracted the article. The lead author lost his medical license and became a victim of the Tall Poppy Syndrome (TPS) for his egregious actions. Authors, editors and readers must remain vigilant for misinformation in the age of literal and figurative virality.
Testing Spearman's hypotheses using a bi-factor model with WAIS-IV/WMS-IV standardization data

Abstract Spearman's hypothesis (SH) is a phrase coined by Arthur Jensen, which posits that the size of Black–White mean differences across a group of diverse mental tests is a positive function of each test's loading onto the general intelligence (g) factor. Initially, a correlated vector (CV) approach was used to examine SH, where the results typically confirmed that the magnitude of g loadings were positively correlated with the size of mean group differences in the observed test scores. The CV approach has been heavily criticized by scholars who have argued that a more precise method for examining SH can be better investigated using a multi-group confirmatory factor analysis (MG-CFA). Studies of SH using MG-CFA have been much more equivocal, with results not clearly confirming nor disconfirming SH. In the current study, we argue that a better method for extracting g in both the CV and MG-CFA approaches is to use a bi-factor model. Because non-g factors extracted from a bi-factor approach are independent of g, the bi-factor model allows for a robust examination of the influence of g and non-g factors on group differences on mental test scores. Using co-normed standardization data from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition and the Wechsler Memory Scale-Fourth Edition, we examined SH using both CV and MG-CFA procedures. We found support for the weak form of SH in both methods, which suggests that both g and non-g factors were involved in the observed mean score differences between Black and White adults.
An Inverse Jacobian Solution for the Control of Multi-link Flexible Manipulators

In this paper, an inverse Jacobian solution is presented for a multi-link flexible manipulator. This solution yields quick endpoint control of flexible manipulators that are modeled as a series of finite elements. The model is partitioned into links connected by passive (nonactuated) and active (actuated) joints. This partitioned structure is maintained in the development of the kinematics and dynamics of the multi-link flexible manipulator. After some rearrangement of the matrix blocks, an application of the matrix inversion lemma, and an application of a fast recursive inversion of mass and Jacobian matrices developed for rigid link manipulators, the final inverse Jacobian solution is obtained.
Groups in Exotic Environments

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on groups of people in polar camps, submarines, space capsules, and other exotic environments that are defined by the characteristics of isolation, confinement, and risk. At the same time that exotic environments are becoming more salient, behavioral research on groups in exotic environments has almost ground to a halt. The chapter considers certain barriers to further advancement in which people involved in such groups may view psychological research as useless or counterproductive. The exotic environments of yesteryear have changed substantially, and many new exotic environments are available for study. Social and organizational psychology has changed immensely, and many new developments can be taken into account. The chapter illustrates those two theoretical models, the ecological and the behavioral, that have evolved around isolation and confinement research. As group level phenomena are supplemented by organizational level phenomena, open systems theory may be put to good use.
Faculty Responsibilities in Dealing with Collegiate Cheating: A Student Development Perspective

Recent research has demonstrated that business students have more tolerant attitudes toward cheating (Roig and Ballew, 1994), tend to believe they need unethical beliefs in order to complete their degrees (Lane and Schaupp, 1989), and are more likely to cheat than non-business students (Baird, 1980; McCabe and Trevino, 1995). Given the importance of this issue, this paper discusses the responsibilities of faculty members in dealing with collegiate cheating. A student development perspective (Kibler, 1993; Sanford, 1966) is used to articulate these responsibilities. Three other perspectives are discussed with respect to each viewpoint's limitations to students' development. In addition, based on empirical, theoretical, and experimental information, strategies for managing classroom cheating are offered within the framework of the student development perspective. Special attention is paid to issues relevant to business students and faculty throughout the paper.
Salvage focal and salvage total cryoablation for locally recurrent prostate cancer after primary radiation therapy.

Objectives To present the oncological and functional outcomes of salvage focal (SFC) and salvage total (STC) cryoablation for recurrent prostate cancer (PCa) after failed primary radiotherapy. Patients and Methods From March 2003 to August 2010, 50 men with biopsy-proven unilateral (n = 25) or bilateral (n = 25) radio-recurrent PCa underwent SFC or STC, respectively. Patients were assessed after treatment by prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, transrectal ultrasonography, biopsy and questionnaires. Biochemical failure (BF) was defined using the Phoenix criteria (PSA nadir + 2 mg/mL). Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively analysed. Results The median pre-cryoablation PSA level and Gleason score were, respectively, 2.8 ng/mL and 7 for SFC, and 3.9 ng/mL and 7 for STC. The median follow-up was 31 and 53 months (P = 0.004) for SFC and STC, respectively. Oncological outcomes were as follows: no patient died; one patient who underwent STC developed bone metastases; eight patients who underwent SFC and three who underwent STC had BF and the 5-year BF-free survival rates were 54 and 86%, respectively. In those patients without BF, the mean PSA decreased by 86% for SFC and 90% for STC within the first year and remained stable. Functional outcomes were as follows: new onset urinary incontinence occurred in three (13%) patients in the STC group, whereas no patient in the SFC group developed incontinence (P = 0.10); Two of seven patients in the SFC group retained postoperative potency, but none of the four potent patients in the STC group recovered potency postoperatively (P = 0.48); one (4%) patient in the STC group developed a recto-urethral fistula, but none occurred in the SFC group (P = 0.48). Conclusions SFC and STC are feasible and safe with acceptable mid-term oncological outcomes. For carefully selected patients, SFC is an option that could be associated with lower treatment-related morbidity compared with STC. Although longer follow-up and more patient numbers are needed, our initial oncological and functional outcomes of SFC and STC are encouraging.
Mixing by shear instability at high Reynolds number

[1] Shear instability is the dominant mechanism for converting fluid motion to mixing in the stratified ocean and atmosphere. The transition to turbulence has been well characterized in laboratory settings and numerical simulations at moderate Reynolds number—it involves “rolling up”, i.e., overturning of the density structure within the cores of the instabilities. In contrast, measurements in an energetic estuarine shear zone reveal that the mixing induced by shear instability at high Reynolds number does not primarily occur by overturning in the cores; rather it results from secondary shear instabilities within the zones of intensified shear separating the cores. This regime is not likely to be observed in the relatively low Reynolds number flows of the laboratory or in direct numerical simulations, but it is likely a common occurrence in the ocean and atmosphere.
Evidence for Nuclear Reactions in Imploding Bubbles

Nuclear fusion powers the Sun, but controlled fusion reactions on Earth usually require large accelerators or large magnetic or laser-implosion devices. In his Perspective, [Becchetti][1] highlights the report by [ Taleyarkhan et al .][2], who provide evidence for fusion reactions in a "table-top" sonoluminescence device. If confirmed, this approach may soon enable researchers to study nuclear fusion and other nuclear reactions with relative ease in their laboratories. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/295/5561/1850 [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/295/5561/1868
Automatic data partitioning for irregular and adaptive applications

An important component in compiling for distributed memory machines is data partitioning. While a number of automatic analysis techniques have been proposed for this phase, none of them is applicable for irregular problems. In this paper, we present compile-time analysis for determining data partitioning for such applications. We have developed a set of cost functions for determining communication and redistribution costs in irregular codes. We first determine the appropriate distributions for a single data parallel statement, and then use the cost functions with a greedy algorithm for computing distributions for the full program. Initial performance results on a 16-processor IBM SP-2 are also presented.
Stimulation of choline acetyltransferase activity by retinoic acid and sodium butyrate in a cultured human neuroblastoma.

Abstract Choline acetyltransferase (Acetyl-CoA:choline μ-acetyltransferase, EC 2.3.1.6, abbreviated ChAt), the biosynthetic enzyme for acetylcholine and acetylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7, abbreviated AChE) are expressed in a human cholinergic neuroblastoma cell line, MC-IXC. We have shown that ChAT activity can be regulated in culture by retinoic acid, an active metabolite of vitamin A, and by sodium butyrate, an organic fatty acid. Optimal concentrations of these agents produce 4.3-fold and 1.6-fold increases in ChAT activity, respectively. The effects of retinoic acid are statistically after 24 h, whereas for sodium butyrate significant differences are seen only after 48 h. Since retinoic acid stimulation of ChAT activity was reversed only by trypsin treatment and not by removal of retinoic acid from the medium, this suggests that this agent may be acting at the level of the cell surface. Other differentiating conditions, such as culture in serum-free medium or addition of 1–2% dimethylsulfoxide did not increase ChAT activity. Acetylcholinesterase activity was shown to increase only in the presence of sodium butyrate, suggesting the retinoic acid and sodium butyrate may be acting via different pathways. Retinoic acid and sodium butyrate both seem to be permissive rather than instructive in regulating ChAT activity in that they are unable to induce ChAT expression de novo in cell lines which do not already express ChAT activity.
Thermal aspects of shear localization in microporous viscoplastic solids

A set of phenomenological state variable constitutive equations for large deformations of isotropic, thermo-elasto-viscoplastic, porous materials is considered, and a new semi-implicit, incrementally objective time-integration procedure for these constitutive equations is developed. The constitutive equations and the time-integration procedure are implemented in a finite element program, and used to study the shear band formation and ductile fracture initiation triggered by flow softening due to the combined effects of void growth and deformation heating, in a plane strain tension test.
Oligo(ethylene glycol)-Based Thermoresponsive Core−Shell Microgels

Oligo(ethylene glycol)-based thermoresponsive core−shell microgels were synthesized by a two-step polymerization method: The core particles mainly consisted of poly(ethylene glycol) ethyl ether methacrylate (PEGEEMA), while the shell mainly consisted of a copolymer of PEGEEMA, poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMEMA), and poly(acrylic acid). The copolymerization of the shell resulted in a higher volume phase transition temperature than that of the core. The mass of a single microgel particle was determined by both the static light scattering method and a new method using UV−visible spectroscopy. Core−shell microgels in water self-assembled into crystalline structures with iridescent colors, which were the result of Bragg diffraction. The melting kinetics of microgel crystals was studied by using UV−visible transmission spectroscopy.
Mean relaxation rate of the dynamic structure factor of the rouse chain

We study the internal autocorrelation function of a Gaussian coil in the free-drainage limit for chains of finite length that are much larger than the size of the monomer and obtain an exact analytic expression for the mean decay rate over the entire qR G range, where q is the scattering vector and R G is the radius of gyration of the coil. The mean decay rate approaches 30π/τ 1 at the low q limit, where τ 1 is the characteristic time of the first mode, and has the predicted q 4 scaling when qR G » 1. At long times, the autocorrelation function decays as a single exponential with rate 2/τ 1 but the transition from multiexponential decay at short times to single-exponential decay at long times is very much dependent on the scattering vector.
The potential of radioimmunotherapy as a new hope for HIV patients

HIV/AIDS remains an enormous public health burden. Advances in anti-retroviral therapy (ART) have greatly reduced mortality and morbidity but HIV remains incurable, with patients suffering numerous disease- and treatment-related side effects. Any curative strategy for HIV must selectively eliminate existing infected cells. Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) is an established clinical modality in cancer treatment and has been shown to be effective in multiple infectious diseases models. We have recently demonstrated that RIT using a gp41-targeting antibody was effective and safe in eliminating HIV-infected cells in vivo (in mice), in vitro, and ex vivo in cells from HIV patients treated with ART. In addition, there is strong evidence that this radiolabeled antibody can eliminate HIV infected cells across the blood brain barrier. We consider RIT to be the most promising backbone strategy for HIV eradication.
Optimal Control of Aeroacoustic Noise Generated by Cylinder Vortex Interaction

This paper presents an optimal control formulation and solution for an idealized Blade Vortex Interaction (BVI) problem. This problem consists of the interaction of an inviscid vortex pair with a circular cylinder in a steady Mach 0.3 uniform flow with wall-normal velocity used as control on the cylinder surface. This model problem captures the fundamental noise generation process of the BVI phenomena while mitigating many of the complexities of the full rotorcraft problem. The optimal control problem is solved using a gradient based method where gradient information is computed from a continuous adjoint analysis of the governing unsteady Euler equations. The BVI wave packet is targeted by defining an objective function that measures the square amplitude of pressure fluctuations in an observation region over a time interval of interest. When the observation region encloses the entire flow a 6 dB reduction in overall BVI noise is obtained. When the observation region is limited to the region of greatest BV...
Single-Crystal Elastic Properties of the Modified Spinel (Beta) Phase of Magnesium Orthosilicate

The single-crystal elastic moduli of the modified spinel structure (beta phase) of magnesium orthosilicate (Mg(2)SiO(4)) have been measured by Brillouin spectroscopy under ambient conditions. Single crystals with dimensions up to 500 micrometers were grown at 22 gigapascals and 2000 degrees C over a period of 1 hour. Growth of crystals larger than 100 micrometers was achieved only when the pressure was within 5 percent of the pressure of the phase boundary separating the beta- and gamma-phase stability fields. A comparison of the elastic properties of the modified spinel phase with those of the olivine phase suggests that the 400-kilometer seismic discontinuity in the earth's mantle can be described by a mantle with 40 percent olivine. These results confirm that the 400-kilometer discontinuity can be due to the transition from olivine to modified spinel. The amount of olivine that must be present is less than that in a pyrolite model, although the results do not exclude pyrolite as a possible mantle model.
The estimation of relative water solubility for prodrugs that are unstable in water

The pH 4.0 buffer solubilities (SH2O) of three series of N-acyl-5-fluorouracil (5-FU) prodrugs have been estimated from their solubilities in isopropyl myristate (IPM) and their very rapidly determined partition coefficient values between IPM and pH 4.0 buffer (K). These estimated values have been compared (1) with directly determined values for the two more hydrolytically stable series (1-alkyloxycarbonyl- and 1-alkylaminocarbonyl-5-FU), (2) with literature values and (3) with values calculated from (log water solubility) = −(log partition coefficient)−0.01(melting point) + 1.05. There is good agreement between the absolute and relative values of the estimated and directly measured buffer solubilities for the two more hydrolytically stable series. There is also excellent agreement between the estimated values for the two more hydrolytically stable series and the literature values except for the 1-ethyloxycarbonyl-5-FU derivative where the literature value appears to be almost an order of magnitude too low. The calculated water solubilities give values that are one to three orders of magnitude too high and do not accurately reflect trends in the series. The partition coefficient and estimated buffer solubility values for the hydrolytically unstable series (1-alkylcarbonyl-5-FU) are reproducible and consistent with those of the two more stable series. Thus, the estimated buffer solubilities for the hydrolytically unstable series are reliable values that are accurate relative to other series of N-acyl prodrugs.
Graphene-based hyperbolic metamaterial at terahertz frequencies

We introduce graphene-based hyperbolic metamaterial for terahertz frequencies. The LDOS as well as the scattered power by a microsphere at its surface are enhanced by orders of magnitude, and controlled via chemical potential.
Hydrogen production from cellulose in a two-stage process combining fermentation and electrohydrogenesis

Abstract A two-stage dark-fermentation and electrohydrogenesis process was used to convert the recalcitrant lignocellulosic materials into hydrogen gas at high yields and rates. Fermentation using Clostridium thermocellum produced 1.67 mol H 2 /mol-glucose at a rate of 0.25 L H 2 /L-d with a corn stover lignocellulose feed, and 1.64 mol H 2 /mol-glucose and 1.65 L H 2 /L-d with a cellobiose feed. The lignocelluose and cellobiose fermentation effluent consisted primarily of: acetic, lactic, succinic, and formic acids and ethanol. An additional 800 ± 290 mL H 2 /g-COD was produced from a synthetic effluent with a wastewater inoculum (fermentation effluent inoculum; FEI) by electrohydrogensis using microbial electrolysis cells (MECs). Hydrogen yields were increased to 980 ± 110 mL H 2 /g-COD with the synthetic effluent by combining in the inoculum samples from multiple microbial fuel cells (MFCs) each pre-acclimated to a single substrate (single substrate inocula; SSI). Hydrogen yields and production rates with SSI and the actual fermentation effluents were 980 ± 110 mL/g-COD and 1.11 ± 0.13 L/L-d (synthetic); 900 ± 140 mL/g-COD and 0.96 ± 0.16 L/L-d (cellobiose); and 750 ± 180 mL/g-COD and 1.00 ± 0.19 L/L-d (lignocellulose). A maximum hydrogen production rate of 1.11 ± 0.13 L H 2 /L reactor/d was produced with synthetic effluent. Energy efficiencies based on electricity needed for the MEC using SSI were 270 ± 20% for the synthetic effluent, 230 ± 50% for lignocellulose effluent and 220 ± 30% for the cellobiose effluent. COD removals were ∼90% for the synthetic effluents, and 70–85% based on VFA removal (65% COD removal) with the cellobiose and lignocellulose effluent. The overall hydrogen yield was 9.95 mol-H 2 /mol-glucose for the cellobiose. These results show that pre-acclimation of MFCs to single substrates improves performance with a complex mixture of substrates, and that high hydrogen yields and gas production rates can be achieved using a two-stage fermentation and MEC process.
Stratification in American Science

Although differential ranking in science is not readily visible to lay observers, American science is, in fact, sharply graded. Rewards and facilities for research are concentrated among relatively few investigators and organizations. This distinctive pattern of stratification, at odds with the egalitarian ethos of science, is not solely attributable to the distribution of talent in the scientific community. There is however a high correlation between assessed contributions to science and investigators' scientific standing. The present pattern of stratification is the outcome of processes of allocation of men and resources among various sectors of science which include selective recruitment and socialization of young investigators, differential access to publication and research facilities, and differential recognition of scientists' contributions through citations to their work and honorific awards. In a time when the legitimacy of reward systems in many social institutions is routinely challenged, scientists are apt to accept their own as just and correct.
Recent developments in micellar drug carriers featuring substituted poly(ε-caprolactone)s

In the field of drug delivery, synthetic polymers have been widely explored due to their range of properties and functions achievable by tuning their structures. Poly(e-caprolactone)s in particular have established themselves as excellent candidates for biomedical applications because of their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and synthetic versatility. In this review, applications of functional poly(e-caprolactone)s in drug delivery systems are highlighted. Recent studies regarding the encapsulation or direct conjugation of drugs, bioactive molecules and moieties for targeting are discussed. Also considered are advances in amphiphilic polymers with functional poly(e-caprolactone)s that exhibit stimuli-responsive behavior: pH-, thermo-, photo-, and reduction-sensitive. Ongoing research and development of functional poly(e-caprolactone)s continues to expand their potential for use in micellar drug delivery systems.