cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Threshold Functions, Node Isolation, and Emergent Lacunae in Sensor Networks

A geometrically random network of sensors is obtained by modeling sensors as random points in the unit disc equipped with a local sensing capability and the ability to communicate with other sensors in their vicinity. Node extinctions in the network representing the finite battery lifetimes of the sensors are modeled as a sequence of independent random variables governed by a common probability distribution parametrized by the sensing and communication radii of the sensor nodes. Following its establishment, the devolution of the network with time is characterized by the appearance first of isolated nodes, then the growth of sensory lacunae or dead spots in the sensor field, and, eventually, a breakdown in connectivity between survivors. It is shown that these phenomena occur very sharply in time, these phase transitions occurring at times characteristic of the underlying probability law governing lifetimes. More precisely, it is shown that as the number of sensors grows there exists a critical point in time determined solely by the lifetime distribution at which the number of emergent lacunae of a given size is asymptotically Poisson
Preoperative factors predictive of complicated postoperative management after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity.

Introduction: This study was undertaken to determine preoperative predictive factors of complicated postoperative management after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) for morbid obesity.Methods: Between January 1999 and January 2002, 158 patients who underwent a RYGB received a standardized preoperative evaluation and data were collected prospectively. Complicated postoperative management was defined as patients requiring postoperative ICU admission for ≥48 h, or those needing transfer from the floor to the ICU. Patients with complicated management were compared with those in whom ICU admission was not necessary.Results: Twenty-three patients (14.5%) required prolonged ICU admission (mean stay of 6.3 ± 1.7 days). After multivariate analysis, body mass index (BMI) >50 kg/m2, forced expiratory volume (FEV1) 50 kg/m2, FEV1 <80% predicted, previous abdominal surgeries, and abnormal EKG increase the likelihood of complicated postoperative management after RYGB for morbid obesity.
Flight test results of an active flutter suppression system

Flight flutter test results of the first aeroelastic research wing of NASA's Drones for Aerodynamic and Structural Testing (DAST) Program are presented. The implementation of the flutter suppression system and the flight test operation are described. The conduct of the flutter testing and the near-real-time damping estimation algorithm are also described in detail. Flight data were obtained at Mach numbers up to 0.91 and were of high quality. Response to fast frequency sweep excitation provided reliable damping estimates and the open-loop flutter boundary was well defined. Evidence of angle-of-atta ck effects upon damping at high transonic Mach numbers is also presented. While the flutter suppression system provided augmented damping at speeds below the flutter boundary, an error in the implementation of the system gain caused the system to be less stable than predicted and the vehicle encountered system-on flutter on the third flight.
Julia sets of rational functions are uniformly perfect

Let f be a rational function of degree at least two. We shall prove that the Julia set J(f) of f is uniformly perfect. This means that there is a constant c∈(0, 1) depending on f only such that whenever z∈J(f) and 0 < r < diam J(f) then J(f) intersects the annulus .
Faster pharmacokinetics and increased patient acceptance of intradermal insulin delivery using a single hollow microneedle in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes

Objective In an effort to improve compliance with insulin therapy and to accelerate insulin pharmacokinetics, we tested the hypothesis that intradermal insulin delivery using a hollow microneedle causes less pain and leads to faster onset and offset of insulin pharmacokinetics in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) compared with a subcutaneous, insulin pump catheter. Research design and methods In this repeated measures study, 16 children and adolescents with T1DM received Lispro insulin by microneedle and subcutaneous administration on separate days. Subjects rated the pain of insertion and infusion using a visual analog scale. Blood specimens were collected over 4 h to determine insulin and glucose concentrations. Results Microneedle insertion pain was significantly lower compared with insertion of the subcutaneous catheter (p = 0.005). Insulin onset time was 22 min faster (p = 0.0004) and offset time was 34 min faster (p = 0.017) after hollow microneedle delivery compared with subcutaneous delivery. Conclusions In this study, intradermal insulin delivery using a single, hollow microneedle device resulted in less insertion pain and faster insulin onset and offset in children and adolescents with T1DM. A reduction in pain might improve compliance with insulin delivery. The faster onset and offset times of insulin action may enable closed-loop insulin therapy.
Effects of ionic liquid media on the cation selectivity of uranyl structural units in five new compounds produced using the ionothermal technique

Ionothermal reactions of uranyl salts in several ionic liquids containing cyclic cations produced single crystals of five new uranyl compounds. (C4H7N2)[(UO2)(AsO4)] (1), (C8H15N2)2[(UO2)4(SeO3)5] (2), (C6H11N2)2[(UO2)3(C2H5PO4)4] (3), and (C5H5N)2[(UO2)2(SeO4)3] (4) are each comprised of two-dimensional structural units. (C4H7N2)[(UO2)5(PO4)3(HPO4)(H2O)2]·3H2O (5) is composed of a three-dimensional network. While the uranyl structural units in all five compounds are directly related to ones found in either uranyl minerals or compounds produced in aqueous media, each contain cyclic ionic liquid constituents as charge-balancing agents. These results suggest that the cation selectivity of these structural units is low, even under various solvation conditions and templating effects from cyclic cations donated from ionic liquid media.
Morphinelike arousal by methadone during sleep.

Methadone was investigated to see if it induced an insomnia comparable to that after single doses of morphine. After one adaptation night, the sleep of seven male nondependent opiate addicts was studied after intramuscular methadone (7.5, 15, or 30 mg/70 kg), morphine (10 or 20 mg/70 kg), and placebo at weekly intervals in a randomized double-blind crossover design. Drug effects were measured on several sleep and wakefulness patterns. Methadone is equipotent to morphine in its increase of wakefulness, drowsiness, muscle tension, shifts in sleep-waking state, and latency to rapid eye movement sleep (REMS) and its decrease of sleep efficiency, delta sleep, and REMS. This similarity of methadone to morphine in acute arousal from sleep is in contrast to the differences between these two drugs during long-term administration, when morphine induces a small but persistent arousal and methadone does not. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1981) 30, 796–804; doi:10.1038/clpt.1981.240
Rapid self testing for HIV infection

A rapid self test could enable even more people to know their HIV status during the early stages of infection; thus they could receive antiretroviral therapy before their illness progressed. Knowledge of HIV status is particularly important for women of childbearing age, who with this knowledge can make reproductive decisions and benefit from antiretroviral therapy that reduces by as much as two thirds the rate of perinatal transmission. A substantial increase in the number of individuals who are aware of their HIV status might also lead to more openness about HIV infection and less stigma being attached to the infection. The more people who come to know their HIV status and modify their behaviour, the quicker the rate of HIV transmission will decrease. Although knowledge of HIV status alone is generally insufficient to sustain behaviour change, such knowledge had played a key role in certain successful behavioural interventions—eg, in programmes for counselling serodiscordant couples. 9
Reduced-Complexity Iterative Maximum-Likelihood Sequence Estimation on Channels with Memory

Existing maximum-likelihood sequence estimation (MLSE) schemes for channels with memory, resulting in intersymbol interference (ISI), have typically been implemented using the viterbi algorithm (VA). For memoryless modulation schemes the resulting search complexity is O(M/sup L/), where M is the alphabet size and L is the length of the ISI span in channel signaling intervals. This complexity renders the VA impractical for large M and/or L. In this paper we describe the structure and properties of a novel reduced-complexity iterative MLSE scheme based upon the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm. This reduced-complexity iterative MLSE scheme is shown to have complexity O(LM) at each iteration. The approach provides an attractive alternative to the VA for large signaling alphabets and/or ISI span.
A methodology for measurement and characterization of substrate noise in high frequency circuits

A method is proposed in this paper to measure and characterize substrate noise in high-frequency circuits. Since substrate coupled signals are small quantities, special precautions must be taken to isolate these signals to avoid contamination by signals coupled through the package and the board. The method proposed is based on sensing and down-converting substrate signals on-chip to lower frequencies for measurement. As an illustration of this general method, we measure the noise injected by an on-chip Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) using down-converting mixers as sensors.
The Medici Bank Organization and Management

The organization of a commercial firm or a corporation is usually J. determined by the nature of its business. We must, therefore, know the meaning of the word “bank” which appears in the title of this study. Today this word has a variety of meanings. There are all sorts of banks: central banks, commercial banks, member banks, and so forth. In the fifteenth century, there were not so many kinds of credit institutions. But still the word “bank” had more than one meaning. What kind of a bank was the Medici bank?
Resolution and Reconstitution of the System of Photophosphorylation

For many years studies on the mechanism of light-activated reactions in plants have been conducted mainly by physicists and biophysicists. The biochemists were told that the production of bioenergy by light is very different from anything that has been encountered in animal cells. This is undoubtedly still true for the primary reaction in photosynthesis involving light and chlorophyll. However, it is becoming evident that the function of this reaction is to provide electrons for the reduction of the electron transfer carriers of the chloroplasts. The basic mechanism of the electron flow and the phosphorylation coupled to this process seems in principle the same as that catalyzed by the mitochondrial membrane in oxidative phosphorylation. In fact, mitochondria also use water as a source of electrons and protons. Instead of cleaving it with the help of light and chlorophyll, the enzymes of the Krebs cycle incorporate water into the carbon skeletons of tricarboxylic acid intermediates and then oxidatively separate the hydrogen from the oxygen. This assimilation of water gives full justification for the complexity of the carbon rearrangements of the Krebs cycle since it increases the yield of ATP during pyruvate oxidation by over 100%.
Joint NASA and DoD deployable optics space experiment

The Air Force Research Lab is proposing a DoD partnership with NASA on NEXUS; a deployable optics flight demonstrator scheduled to launch in 2004. NEXUS is designed to demonstrate technologies for the Next Generation Space Telescope, primarily the deployment and wave front control of a 2.8 meter optical telescope in space.
Rational deterrence by proxy: designing cooperative security agreements

President Obama’s call for change in the conduct of US foreign policy shifts emphasis from direct interventions to cooperative partnerships. With a billion pledge as support for their development, the issue of effectiveness and design is brought to the fore. If terror organizations cannot be eradicated, can a donor state successfully delegate the deterrence or at least the containment of a violent non-state actor to the host country from which it operates? We identify, assess for impact, and value rational delegated deterrence arrangements, in which the US subsidizes a host, and the host, with agreed upon vigor, inhibits the activity of the violent non-state actor operating within its borders. We account for the US’ imperfect monitoring of host and non-state actor activity and identify agreements that can successfully deter the targeted organizations. We also find that mutually agreeable weak cooperation between donor and host can endure despite the survival of the violent non-state actor on host territory.
A Statistical Analysis of Some Experiments on Slipped Tendon

Abstract MANY suggestions have been made by various workers concerning the cause of a malformation of the leg bones of chicks commonly known as slipped tendon. Several conflicting opinions have been presented. The writer has attempted a statistical analysis of the literature of the field, in order to ascertain whether or not there is any constant relationship between certain constituents of the ration and the incidence of slipped tendon. METHOD OF ANALYSIS The data here analyzed are taken from the work of Hunter and Funk (1931), Payne, Hughes, and Leinhardt (1932), Titus (1932), and Mussehl, Ackerson, and Blish (1927). The work of the latter was not on slipped tendon, but a condition of “typical rickets” which developed in one lot that was irradiated is described. The description of the malformation indicates that it might represent the condition known as slipped tendon. Four other lots in this experiment are also used in . . .
Digital image politics: the networked rhetoric of Anonymous

This essay examines the origins, structure, and tactics of Anonymous. Anonymous is a meme-complex shared by unique actors and networks of activists that are born digital, have network structures, and engage in ‘digital image politics’. Anonymous networks demonstrate an evolution in image politics by staging image events in cyberspace and physical space, while using the mobile public screens of social media to both circumvent and hijack the public screens of mass media.
Alkaline Phosphatase-Correlation of Histochemical Demonstrability in Pancreatic Tissue with Presence in Pancreatic Juice

SummaryIn man, dog and rabbit alkaline phosphatase is demonstrable histochemically in the intralobular ducts and centro-acinar cells of the pancreatic tissue and is present in the pancreatic juice. In the cat and guinea pig this enzyme is present neither in the intralobular ducts and centro-acinar cells nor in the pancreatic juice.
Self-consistent band structure of ordered β -brass

A comparison of self-consistent charge distributions and density of states for elemental bcc copper and zinc and ordered CuZn shows that in the compound, a net flow of electronic charge from zinc to copper occurs and a $3d$-band narrowing of a factor of 2 results from the decrease in overlap between like atoms.
Geometric and Electronic Confinement Effects on Catalysis

We report a density functional theory-based study of the electronic and geometric effects exerted on molecules confined between transition-metal surfaces. We first investigate changes in adsorption energies and activation barriers for dissociation of O2 and NO2 on Pt(111) and Fe(111), respectively. It is found that the energy barrier for dissociation of an O2 molecule adsorbed on the bridge site when the molecule is confined between two Pt (111) surfaces is 35% lower than that on a single surface, and the barrier becomes negligible when the molecule adsorbs with its axis forming and angle of 60 or 90° with the planes of the surfaces. In the case of NO2 confined between Fe (111) surfaces, the decrease is from 5 to 12% in the first deoxygenation and 10–15% in the second deoxygenation reaction. For both confined molecules, there is a substantial charge transfer from the metal surfaces that induces bond weakening, thus facilitating dissociation. It is also found that the dissociations of CO, NO, and O2 on var...
Racism, the Immigration Enforcement Regime, and the Implications for Racial Inequality in the Lives of Undocumented Young Adults:

The current immigration enforcement regime embodies a colorblind racial project of the state rooted in the racial structure of society and resulting in racism toward immigrants. Approaching racism from structural and social process perspectives, we seek to understand the social consequences of enforcement practices in the lives of undocumented immigrant young adults who moved to the United States as minors. Findings indicate that although legal discourse regarding immigration enforcement theoretically purports colorblindness, racial practices such as profiling subject immigrants to arrest, detention, and deportation and, in effect, criminalize them. Further, enforcement practices produce distress, vulnerability, and anxiety in the lives of young immigrants and their families, often resulting in legitimate fears of detention and deportation since enforcement measures disproportionately affect Latinos and other racialized immigrant groups in U.S. society. We conclude that policies and programs that exclude,...
Use of Rituximab in Infant Childhood Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura Who Useless with Routine Treatment

Objective To discuss the effect and safety of rituximab treatment in infant with immune thrombocytopenic purpura(ITP).Methods Two useless of routine treatment(IVIG,Steroid) infant patients(3y) were given by an intravenous infusion at a dose of 375 mg/m2 weekly for 4 doses,monitor the platelet number and side effect,review published literatures.Results In these two patients,one achieved a mirror response(MR),the other no response(NR),the time of follow-up long as 12 weeks,no side effect was observed.There are 11 literatures about rituximab treatment in children ITP published,including 3 infant patients.All these 5 patients:one reached CR,one MR,the other three were NR;but none had side effect during and after the treatment.Conclusion Rituximab may be a safe treatment for infant ITP who useless with routine treatment,but the effect must be evaluate further.
Investigation and Analysis of An Outbreak of Chickenpox in A School of Bao′an District

Objective This investigation was to analyze the risk factors and epidemiological characteristics of one outbreak of chickenpox. Method The case was defined as getting chickenpox-like herpes within more than three days with or without slight fever among the teachers and students in Longhua foreign language-experimental school on Feb.28. By means of field epidemiology investigation and case-control study, the epidemiology characteristics and the risk factors were explored. Result 123 cases were found in 1797 kids in 42 classes from grade 1 to 12, and identified as chickenpox (clinical or laboratory diagnosis), whose attack dates were from Feb.28 to May.21. The attack rate is 6.8% (male 6.7%, female 7.0%). The highest peak of outbreak occurred during Apr 30 to May 3. The attack rate is 20.1% in grade 3, and 16.2% in grade 1. Both taking 2-hour break at noon in dormitories (RR=4.9, 95%CI=3.4- 7.1) and taking the school bus (RR=3.2, 95%CI=2.3-4.5) are significant risk factors. The stratified analysis on the status of taking break at noon and taking the school bus among 1501 kids from 42 classes shows the RR value of taking break at noon without taking school bus (RR=7.9, 95%CI=5.1-12.4 ) is higher than that of taking break at noon and by bus (RR=4.03, 95%CI=2.7-6.6). The further stratified analysis among 940 kids from 27 classes with cases shows taking break at noon without taking bus (RR=5.4, 95%CI=3.5-8.3) is more important than taking break at noon and taking bus (RR=2.8, 95%CI=1.9-4.2). The cluster analysis for cases who take 2-hour break at noon in 57 dormitories shows there was obvious clustering among these cases (P0.01). Four indexes and their modes of transmission were found during sporadic period. Conclusion There is an outbreak of chickenpox in a school from Apr. 26 to May 15; the risk factors include contacts in dormitories for 2-hour break at noon and taking school bus. The effective measures are disinfection of classrooms, school buses and dormitories and isolation of the infected cases till recovery.
SP0006 A Difficult to Treat Case with Relapsing Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis

A 34 year-old woman with known history of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is evaluated due to new onset dyspnea, hemoptysis, malaise, fever and migratory arthralgias. Patient had been diagnosed with GPA approximately two years before current presentation when she was evaluated due to recurrent sinusitis, indeterminate pulmonary nodules and acute renal failure in the setting of an active urinary sediment and a positive c-ANCA/PR3. A kidney biopsy at that time showed necrotizing pauci-immune glomerulonephritis. She was initially treated 4 months with oral cyclophosphamide and tapering oral corticosteroids for induction of remission and then switched to azathioprine for maintenance of remission which she had been taking for approximately 18 months prior to current presentation. Patient was hospitalized given her new symptoms and also due to the presence of new onset hypoxemia requiring oxygen supplementation. Given her new onset dyspnea and hemoptysis, the patient underwent chest imaging that revealed the presence of bilateral alveolar opacities. Her hemoglobin was slightly reduced from her baseline, inflammatory markers were significantly elevated and her creatinine had doubled from baseline with evidence of active urinary sediment. A diagnostic bronchoscopy was performed from the right middle lobe and showed progressively bloodier return after repeated aliquot injections. BAL studies did not reveal the presence on an infectious process. Her condition deteriorated requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation; in addition, her renal function also worsened requiring initiation of renal replacement therapy. Patient9s spouse raised concerns with repeated cyclophosphamide therapy and fertility and the patient was then treated with high doses of corticosteroids and 4 infusions of rituximab. Patient was also treated with 6 sessions of plasma exchange. Patient9s respiratory failure resolved and her renal function improved and was able to come off hemodialysis therapy before discharge from the hospital. Patient achieved complete remission 4 months after discharge. Disclosure of Interest None declared
Progression of sinus disease in the intubated patient.

BACKGROUND: Sinus disease in the intubated patient remains a frequent reason behind otolaryngological consultation to the Intensive Care Unit. Previous prospective studies often have been limited to only one computed tomography (CT) scan of the sinuses. The purpose of this study was to verify the development of sinus disease in the orotracheally intubated patient and determine a radiographic pattern of its progression if present. METHODS: The charts of all patients admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of aneurysm or subarachnoid hemorrhage over a 2-year period were evaluated. Patients who were orotracheally intubated with at least one postintubation CT scan of the head were included. CT scans obtained after the initiation of antibiotics or tracheostomy were excluded. The Lund-Mackay staging system was used to evaluate the scans. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients with 172 scans were evaluated. Analysis revealed a significant trend toward increasing severity of radiological sinus disease over the first 7 days of intubation (p < 0.001). The presence of a nasogastric tube (NGT) resulted in an increased Lund-Mackay score, but the trend remained significant for patients without an NGT as well. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the presence and progression of sinus findings is fairly common in the intubated patient and that although the placement of an NGT increased the rate of development of sinus findings, the lack of one did not preclude sinus disease. Clinical exam remains a more important indicator of disease when evaluating the Intensive Care Unit patient for rhinosinusitis.
Abstract LB-038: Constitutive activation of mTORC1 in endothelial cells leads to the development and progression of lymphangiosarcoma through VEGF autocrine signaling

Angiosarcoma/ lymphangiosarcoma is a rare malignancy with poor prognosis, for which animal models with a defined molecular pathogenesis are lacking. Here, we generated a new mouse model with an inducible endothelial cell specific deletion of Tsc1 to examine the potential role of abnormal activation of mTORC1 signaling in lymphangiosarcoma. We found that loss of Tsc1 increased EC proliferation and retinal angiogenesis in neonates. In adult mice, Tsc1 deletion led to a spectrum of endothelial proliferative lesions, ranging from vascular malformations to vascular tumors. Studies using rapamycin indicated that sustained mTORC1 signaling is required for both the development and maintenance of lymphangiosarcomas. Further analysis showed increased VEGF expression through increased activity of HIF1α and c-Myc transcription factors in tumor cells, and that blockade of autocrine VEGF signaling decreased proliferation of these cells both in vitro and in vivo. Lastly, we found significant correlations between mTORC1 activation and expression of VEGF, HIF1α and c-Myc in human angiosarcoma samples. Together, these studies demonstrate critical mechanisms of aberrant mTORC1 activation in the development of lymphangiosarcoma, and validate Tsc1iΔEC mice as a valuable novel model of lymphangiosarcoma with known molecular underpinnings for further study. Citation Format: Shaogang Sun, Song Chen, Fei Liu, Haige Wu, Jonathan McHugh, Ingrid Bergin, Anita Gupta, Denise Adams, Jun-Lin Guan. Constitutive activation of mTORC1 in endothelial cells leads to the development and progression of lymphangiosarcoma through VEGF autocrine signaling. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-038.
Defective Nucleotide Metabolism Contributes To p53 Activation In Diamond-Blackfan Anemia

Diamond-Blackfan Anemia (DBA) is a rare childhood bone marrow failure disorder, characterized by the presence of red cell aplasia, congenital abnormalities, and increased levels of adenosine deaminase (ADA). Haploinsufficiency of ribosomal proteins (RPs) due to mutations in RPS19 and RPL11 occurs approximately 25% and 5% of DBA patients, respectively. The pathogenesis of DBA has been associated with activation of p53, but the mechanism of how this leads to the erythroid defect in DBA patients is not well understood. To understand the molecular pathways leading to DBA, we used previously published zebrafish models of RPS19 and RPL11 deficiency, in addition to primary human fetal liver CD34+ cells transduced with RPS19 shRNA to evaluate signaling pathways upstream of p53. One of the earliest responses to RP deficiency was upregulation of rrm1 , a subunit of ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), responsible for de novo synthesis of dNTPs. Since ADA expression is increased in DBA and ADA is involved in nucleotide catabolism, we hypothesized that RP deficient zebrafish and primary human fetal liver CD34+ cells have defects in nucleotide metabolism, which result in replication stress and activation of p53 through the ATR/ATM/Chk1/2 pathways. Several genes involved in de novo nucleotide synthesis, nucleotide catabolism, and purine salvage are upregulated in RPL11 and RPS19 deficient zebrafish, including rrm1 (2-7 fold), ada (2.8 fold), xdh (2.3 fold), and hprt1 (3-fold). In contrast, genes involved in pyrimidine salvage, such as tk1 and dck were downregulated in RP deficient zebrafish (0.4 and 0.8 fold, respectively). RP deficient zebrafish also had imbalanced dNTP pools, with increased dTTP and decreased dCTP levels compared to controls. To test whether these alterations in nucleotide metabolism lead to replication stress, we evaluated DNA damage and stress-induced proteins in primary human fetal liver CD34+ cells transduced with RPS19 shRNA and found increased phosphorylation of p53 (Ser15 and Ser37), ATM (Ser1981), 53BP1 (Ser1778), Chk1 (Ser345), and Chk2 (Thr68), indicating activation of the ATR/ATM/Chk1/2/p53 pathway in RP deficient cells. To rescue the RP-deficient zebrafish, we treated them with a mixture of exogenous nucleosides. Nucleoside treatment decreased p53 expression, restored rrm1 , ada , tk1 , and dck to normal levels, decreased number of apoptotic cells, and increased the number of Gata1-expressing cells in RP deficient zebrafish. Our data suggest that defective nucleotide metabolism contributes to p53 upregulation in DBA, and that nucleoside supplements alleviate replication stress and may prove beneficial for patients with DBA. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Making teacher education matter

Learning to teach takes time, will, and huge support that is both caring and carefully calibrated to the individual. That is the message of each of the articles in this issue of Teachers and Teachi...
Effects of composition and structure on the performance of tin/graphene-containing carbon nanofibers for Li-ion anodes

Tin is a promising replacement for graphite anodes in Li-ion batteries (994 mA h g−1 for Sn vs. 372 mA h g−1 for graphite), but suffers from particle pulverization upon lithiation that causes capacity fade. Herein, thermally reduced graphene oxide-containing carbon nanofibers (TRGO/CNFs) are used as scaffolds to house Sn/SnO2 particles, enhance anode capacity beyond that of graphite, and prolong cycle life of Sn-based electrodes. This study attempts to elucidate structure–composition relationships of tin-TRGO/CNF electrodes that lead to increased capacity retention. The composition and morphology of tin-TRGO/CNFs are assessed as a function of heat-treatment temperature and Sn loading as a means to understand and correlate electrochemical performance with physical features. We find: (1) the oxidation state of tin in TRGO/CNFs is in part determined by temperature-dependent, thermal-decomposition products of polyacrylonitrile-derived CNFs, and (2) precursor Sn(IV) loadings ≤10 wt% in the tin-TRGO/CNFs lead to Sn(0) or SnO2 particles embedded within the fiber + TRGO matrix. Electrodes with precursor Sn(IV) loading ≤10 wt% have smaller tin particles than electrodes with Sn(IV) loadings >10 wt%, and have longer cycle-lives; reversible capacities of ∼600 mA h g−1 are observed at 0.2C rates, while capacities of ∼400 mA h g−1 are observed after hundreds of cycles at 2C rates. The durable graphene-containing nanofiber matrix, coupled with the high-capacity of tin, provides a promising anode material for Li-ion cells.
Probing the neutralization behavior of zwitterionic monomer-containing dental adhesive.

Abstract Objective To investigate the polymerization kinetics, neutralization behavior, and mechanical properties of amine-functionalized dental adhesive cured in the presence of zwitterionic monomer, methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC). Methods The control adhesive was a mixture based on HEMA/BisGMA/2-N-morpholinoethyl methacrylate (MEMA) (40/30/30, w/w/w). The control and experimental formulations containing MPC were characterized with regard to water miscibility of liquid resins, photopolymerization kinetics, water sorption and solubility, dynamic mechanical properties and leachables from the polymers (aged in ethanol). The neutralization behavior of the adhesives was determined by monitoring the pH of lactic acid (LA) solution. Results The water miscibility decreased with increasing MPC amount. The water sorption of experimental copolymer specimen was greater than the control. The addition of 8 wt% water led to improved photo-polymerization efficiency for experimental formulations at MPC of 2.5 and 5 wt%, and significant reduction in the cumulative amounts of leached HEMA, BisGMA, and MEMA, i.e. 90, 60 and 50% reduction, respectively. The neutralization rate of MPC-containing adhesive was faster than control. The optimal MPC concentration in the formulations was 5 wt%. Significance Incompatibility between MEMA and MPC led to a decrease in water miscibility of the liquid resins. Water (at 8 wt%) in the MPC-containing formulations (2.5–5 wt% MPC) led to higher DC, faster R P max and significant reduction in leached HEMA, BisGMA, and MEMA. The neutralization rate was enhanced with the addition of MPC in the amine-containing formulation. Promoting the neutralization capability of dentin adhesives could play an important role in reducing recurrent decay at the composite/tooth interface.
Self-Assembled Guanosine-Based Nanoscale Molecular Photonic Devices

The semiconductor industry has seen a remarkable miniaturization trend, driven by innovations in nanofabrication and nanoscale characterization [1]. Semiconductor technology can currently manufacture devices with feature size less than 100 nm. A modern microprocessor can have more than 500 million transistors. Electronic integrated circuits are inherently single-channel connected device arrays within a two-dimensional printed circuit board [2]. By further shrinking transistor size, one approaches the technical, physical, and economical limits, which will be reached within a few years [3]. At the same time, the insulating layer is also getting thinner leading to an enhancement in the current leakage and resulting in short circuit [4]. Manufacture cost increases drastically with further size reduction. As this trend is likely to yield faster and compact electronic and photonic devices, the size of microelectronic circuit components will soon need to reach the scale of atoms or molecules [1]. Those limitations and application requirements inspired extensive research aimed at developing new materials, device concepts, and fabrication approaches that may enable the integrated devices to overcome the limitations of the conventional microelectronic technology. This will require a conceptual design of new device structures beyond CMOS technology which may require alternative materials to overcome these limits. Hybrid organic–inorganic system is one of the alternative solutions.
Electrochemical Properties of the Mechanically Activated Composite Based on ZrMnCrNiV Alloy

By the methods of cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, it is shown that the oxidation of electrodes made of an AB2 -type zirconium alloy in air reduces the activation period and increases the electrochemical capacity. The improvement of the charge-discharge characteristics of zirconium alloys after mechanical activation is explained by the fine distribution of nickel in the composite material and by the formation of the interface leading to the appearance of a more homogeneous surface film and, hence, to the creation of a quasihomogeneous layer on the electrode–electrolyte interface.
Classroom Processes: Conceptual Considerations and Design of the Study

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the conceptual considerations and design of the study. Any study that attempts to make meaningful international comparisons involving the teaching, and learning of mathematics must consider the context in which teaching, and learning occurs. At the beginning of each topic-specific questionnaire, teachers were asked to indicate whether the following materials were used as a primary or secondary source, or not used at all: Student textbook, other published text materials, locally produced text materials, commercially or locally produced individualized materials, films, filmstrips, teacher demonstration models, or laboratory materials for student use. Information from this item provides a basis for describing the extensiveness of teachers' resources, and a context for interpreting teachers' responses to other questionnaire items. Possible questions to be considered include how many interpretations are emphasized, or used, which interpretations tend to dominate, and are the number or type of interpretations related to other factors.
Building a Medicaid Ambulatory Complex Care Program Within an Urban Medical Home

Five percent of Medicaid patients account for 50% of total costs. Preventable costs are often incurred by patients with complex medical, behavioral, and social needs who disproportionately utilize acute care services. Evidence for design, implementation, and evaluation of complex care programs in the urban Medicaid population is lacking. The article provides a description of a complex care program (CCP), challenges, and early outcomes based on a pre-post evaluation. The CCP was located within an existing urban medical home. Patients were eligible if they lived within 10 miles of the clinic and had at least 2 inpatient visits and/or 3 emergency room visits within the prior 6 months. Ambulatory Care Groups® were used to predict estimated total costs of patients, who were included if potential cost savings exceeded $5000. Patient experience and quality of care were assessed using validated measures and costs. Return on investment was calculated based on investment and cost savings. Costs include visits (clinic, specialty, and emergency room), hospital admissions, medications, tests and services, as well as salary and benefits of clinical staff. Eighty-six of 211 eligible patients (41%) were enrolled during the first 18 months of the pilot program. There were positive trends in quality metrics and patient satisfaction. The pre-post evaluation demonstrated a reduction in emergency room visits and hospitalizations (67% and 65%, respectively), which resulted in a 2.2:1 return on investment. This article offers lessons learned to colleagues considering population health approaches in the care of high-risk Medicaid patients.
Comparison of the New Energy-Based Versions of the Stochastic Linearization Technique

In this study a generalization of the stochastic linearization method is proposed; namely the nonlinear system is suggested to be replaced by a linear system equivalent to the original one in the following sense: The two systems should share common mean-square values of potential energies, as well as have coincident mean square values of energy dissipation function. An example of a system with nonlinear damping and nonlinear stiffness is numerically evaluated, to elucidate the proposed method.
How Will Paying for Performance Affect Patient Care

Appropriate use of the pay-for-performance system may improve quality of care by counteracting physician incentives to overtreat in fee-for-service situations or undertreat in capitation plans. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
The Ethical Legitimacy of Class-Action, Institutional-Reform Litigation on Behalf of Children: A Response to Martha Matthews

A lawyer appointed to represent a child in an abuse and neglect case may be expected to serve several different functions-as an attorney for a child client, as a guardian ad litem who is considered an officer of the court, or as a representative serving in a capacity that is a hybrid of these two roles. 1 Frustration with the lack of a clear definition of the lawyer's role,2 inadequate training, meager compensation, and large caseloads has led to a demand for guidelines for lawyers who represent children. Within the past few years, several states have adopted court rules, statutes, and bar association guidelines for guardians ad litem and lawyers representing children? Un-
High-Accuracy Mass, Spin, and Recoil Predictions of Generic Black-Hole Merger Remnants.

We present accurate fits for the remnant properties of generically precessing binary black holes, trained on large banks of numerical-relativity simulations. We use Gaussian process regression to interpolate the remnant mass, spin, and recoil velocity in the seven-dimensional parameter space of precessing black-hole binaries with mass ratios q ≤ 2, and spin magnitudes χ_1, χ_2 ≤ 0.8. For precessing systems, our errors in estimating the remnant mass, spin magnitude, and kick magnitude are lower than those of existing fitting formulae by at least an order of magnitude (improvement is also reported in the extrapolated region at high mass ratios and spins). In addition, we also model the remnant spin and kick directions. Being trained directly on precessing simulations, our fits are free from ambiguities regarding the initial frequency at which precessing quantities are defined. We also construct a model for remnant properties of aligned-spin systems with mass ratios q ≤ 8, and spin magnitudes χ_1, χ_2 ≤ 0.8. As a byproduct, we also provide error estimates for all fitted quantities, which can be consistently incorporated into current and future gravitational-wave parameter-estimation analyses. Our model(s) are made publicly available through a fast and easy-to-use PYTHON module called SURFINBH.
Atrial Fibrillation Is Associated With Higher Overall Mortality in Patients With Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background Implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) improves survival when used for primary or secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death. Whether the benefits of ICD in patients with atrial ...
Iterative Framework for Performance and Environmental Impacts of Airfields

The main goal of a durable and sustainable airfield is to withstand repeated aircraft traffic loading while minimizing the environmental impact. The objective of this study is to develop a design-l...
ACT Now: The Intersection of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with Palliative Care in a Veteran with Chronic Suicidal Ideation

Suicide rates are increasing in the United States and groups at elevated risk include older adults, veterans, and those with life-limiting illnesses. However, the treatment of suicidality at end-of-life has been little studied. There is emerging evidence that palliative care itself may be protective against suicide and there is some support for the use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) at end-of-life. The overlapping mechanisms of palliative care and ACT are especially well-suited for individuals struggling with suicidality in the context of life-limiting illness.A case from a Veterans Affairs Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC) team is used to illustrate the challenges and opportunities when providing end-of-life care to an older veteran with chronic suicidal ideation. Prior mental health treatment had limited impact on his suicidality. However, with an integrated ACT and palliative care approach, the HBPC team was better able to focus on the veteran's goals. This approach was helpful in reducing suicidal ideation and engaging him in end-of-life decision-making discussions. This case highlights the valuable role of palliative care in suicide prevention and how the addition of ACT can aid in the effective treatment of chronic suicidal ideation at the end-of-life.
Epicardial Adipose Tissue in Patients with Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

Background Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (TCM) is characterized by transient dysfunction of the left ventricle involving apical hypokinesis and basal hyperkinesis in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). Triggers include emotional and physical stressors. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has been shown to be metabolically active by producing cytokines and inflammatory markers. Studies have shown correlation of increased EAT with metabolic syndrome, CAD, heart failure and atrial fibrillation. We seek to investigate whether increased EAT contributes to TCM. Methods We analyzed transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE) of patients with and without TCM. EAT was defined as the hypoechoic area from the outer wall of the myocardium to the visceral layer of the pericardium, determined from the parasternal long-axis view. EAT was measured perpendicularly from the free wall of the right ventricle during systole. EAT thickness from three cardiac cycles were measured. Results Twenty-five patients with TCM and a control group of 25 patients without TCM, matched for similar baseline characteristics were enrolled. EAT thickness was 5.3mm ± 1.3 mm in TCM patients and 4.5 ± 1.4 mm in the non-TCM group (p Conclusions Our study demonstrates patients with TCM have increased EAT thickness, which we hypothesize may play a role in the pathogenesis of TCM.
Trinidad and Tobago in a Liminal Space

The author concludes that the longevity of the Immortelle Children’s Centre reflects the interactions of persistent individual agency and advocacy combined with high-status social capital and corporate support, assisted by government policies, but impeded by a hierarchical educational system embedded in a deeply entrenched bureaucracy. Despite the nation’s official ideology of equality, a combination of traditional social, economic, and educational hierarchies reinforce the low priority placed on disability issues. The summary highlights the role of government in addressing the policy and service gaps identified by participants in the study and specifies four key obstacles: legislation, funding, bureaucracy, and negative attitudes to disability. The author concludes, however, that the society’s cultural traits of caring, diversity, and humanism provide a strong basis for a mandate for education services for all, while emphasizing that details of implementation must be crafted to fit the context of Trinidad and Tobago.
G133 A seemingly isolated inflammatory lesion of the right axilla, with more to the story

This 11-year-old girl presented with an erythematous scaly lesion of her right axilla from the age of 2, which deteriorated over time. Initial skin biopsy at age 4 suggested epidermal naevus with underlying pseudolymphomatous reaction. It was managed with emollients and topical steroids. Extensor erythematous plaques over her knees and elbows were attributed to eczema, and papules over her small joints had been attributed to warts. She had no history of muscle weakness nor functional impairment. A repeat skin biopsy performed at age 10 suggested cutaneous lupus and she was started on hydroxychloroquine along with tacrolimus topically. Five weeks into treatment she developed a rash over her eyelids and was advised to stop the hydroxychloroquine. At the rheumatology review, she had a patch of calcified morphea in the right axilla causing asymmetry of the chest wall and involving the breast. She had a very subtle heliotrope rash and faint Gottron’s papules over her knuckles. A photosensitive rash of the face was described. Capillaroscopy identified nailfold capillary abnormalities. Her muscle strength testing was normal. Bloods revealed slight elevation in creatine kinase of 224IU/L and aspartate aminotransferase of 52IU/L, with normal lactate dehydrogenase and inflammatory makers. Myositis antibodies indicated TIF1gamma antibodies, with negative ANA and anti-dsDNA. An MRI confirmed myositis of thigh and buttock muscles, although the muscle biopsy was normal. The patient was treated with intravenous methylprednisolone followed by a weaning course of prednisolone, hydroxychloroquine and methotrexate. Her axillary lesion has significantly improved with less deformity, along with improvements in her Gottron’s papules and abnormal capillaroscopy. In the presence of progressive skin lesions involving more than one site, systemic inflammatory conditions should be sought. Skin biopsy findings are often non-specific and over attribution may prevent consideration of a broader differential. Muscle disease can be very subtle or absent in dermatomyositis.
Estimating Coke's and Pepsi's Price and Advertising Strategies

A semiparametric, information-based estimator is used to estimate strategies in prices and advertising for Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola. Separate strategies for each firm are estimated with and without restrictions from game theory. These information/entropy estimators are consistent and efficient. These estimates are used to test theories about the strategies of firms and to see how changes in incomes or factor prices affect these strategies.