cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
X-Ray CT High Density Artifact Suppression in Cryosurgery

X-ray CT provides imaging guidance for cryosurgery that allows 3D visualization of frozen and unfrozen tissue. Temperature in the tissue water-ice interface (0 to −10 °C) may be calibrated to Hounsfield units. However x-ray CT images and their thermal calibration can be compromised by the cryoprobes generating high-density streak artifacts. A new subtraction technique for suppression of these artifacts is proposed and tested in prostate cryosurgery simulations. By subtracting the profile without cryoprobes from the profile with cryoprobes and iceballs, we can get the combined profile of the cryoprobes and a low value background. A polynomial interpolation is performed to obtain the background profile, which is then added back to the original profile without probes. The resulting profile is then fed to a conventional filtered back-projection routine to reconstruct the probe-free image. Finally the cryoprobe pixels in the originally constructed image with probes are added back to the probe-free image to get the final artifact-suppressed image. The major advantage of this subtraction technique is that it can successfully suppress the high-density artifacts in bone abundant body regions. X-ray CT images of cryoprobe arrays in a homogeneous gelatin phantom and the pelvic region of an anthropomorphic Rando phantom containing a human skeleton were generated. After suppression, cryoprobe metal artifact streaks are reduced and visualization of the positions and dimensions of the cryoprobes are well preserved. In-vivo canine studies are planned to test this new suppression technique for cryosurgery use.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Lean Production and Labor Controls in the Chinese Automobile Industry in An Age of Globalization

This article explores the changing workplace and labor-management relations in the Chinese automobile industry under the influence of globalization and China's market reform. It depicts the everyday working lives of Chinese autoworkers and the shop-floor dynamics of labor relations based on the author's intensive fieldwork at the seven major automobile assembly enterprises in China during 2004–2007.The main findings of this paper are that, in spite of the generalized lean production and homogenization of workplace experiences of Chinese autoworkers, two different models of labor controls have emerged in the Chinese auto industry: “lean-and-dual” and “lean-and-mean.” On the one hand, under the lean-and-dual regime, management adopts labor force dualism by using both formal contract workers and agency workers on production lines side by side, which leads to a “hybrid” factory regime that combines both “hegemonic” and “despotic” elements. Hegemonic relations have been established between management and formal workers based on high wages, generous benefits, better working conditions, and relatively secure employment for formal workers, while “despotic” labor control characterizes the conditions for temporary agency workers with lower wages and insecure employment.On the other hand, the lean-and-mean type of auto firms adopt a high-wage, high-turnover strategy of lean production without the promise of job security to their entire workforce. The interventionist roles of the Chinese central and local states in regulating labor relations and the roles of managerial staff, factory unions, and factory party committees in building hegemonic consent among workers in the auto industry are also explored. The paper concludes by discussing the potentials and limits of Chinese autoworkers and the likely roles they are to play in the evolution of labor relations under China's current market transition and globalization.
Harborview assessment for risk of mortality: an improved measure of injury severity on the basis of ICD-9-CM.

BackgroundThere have been several attempts to develop a scoring system that can accurately reflect the severity of a trauma patient’s injuries, particularly with respect to the effect of the injury on survival. Current methodologies require unreliable physiologic data for the assignment of a surviva
Isolation of salivary ribonuclease, deoxyribonuclease and amylase from the parotid gland of the rat, Rattus norvegicus albinus.

The salivary enzymes amylase, deoxyribonuclease and ribonuclease have been purified from a crude homogenate of parotid glands from the rat, Rattus norvegicus albinus. Initial separation of the three enzymes was effected by chromatography on DEAE-Sephadex, with elution of amylase and DNAase by a NaCl gradient. Amylase was further purified by chromatography on Sephadex G-100, exploiting its tendency to bind to the dextran gel and to elute as if it were a much smaller molecule. When analyzed by anionic disc gel electrophoresis at pH 8.3, one major and two minor amylase species were detected in the preparation. The RNAase and DNAase fractions were each separated on Sephadex G-100 and then on ion-exchange resins. RNAase was purified on a Bio-Rex 70 column, and showed three distinct peaks when eluted with 0.2 M phosphate buffer (pH 6.15). The two major peaks showed identical, single bands when analyzed by cationic disc electrophoresis at pH 4.5. DNAase was prepared by SE-Sephadex chromatography, using an acetate gradient at pH 4.7, and eluted as a single peak at 0.35 M sodium acetate buffer. The DNAase preparation showed a major and a minor band with DNAase activity, when subjected to anionic disc gel electrophoresis at pH 8.3.
A micromechanical theory of fatique crack initiation from notches

Abstract The fatigue crack initiation along the slip banks emanating from notches is analyzed theoretically with the use of the dislocation dipole accumulation model proposed previously by the authors. The complex function analysis for an elliptical notch under the anti-plane shear gives a quantitative method for assessment of the reduction of fatigue strength as a function of the notch tip radius, the notch size and the elastic stress concentration factor. Special cases of this theoretical analysis yield several semi-empirical formulae commonly used by engineers for data collection. In the derivation, the limitations for each engineering approach are clarified. The material properties are included in the present micromechanical theory as the slip band length and the dislocation frictional stress.
Nearby Young Solar Analogs. I. Catalog and Stellar Characteristics

We present a catalog of 38 young solar analogs within 25 pc, stars which are uniquely well-suited for observations of thier circumstellar environments to improve our understanding of conditions within the Solar System during the Hadean/early Archean eons (prior to 3.8 Ga).
Principles of Dynamics for Design Applied to a Brush-Belt Material-Transfer System

This paper considers the performance characteristics of a brush-based material-transfer system, and the frictional interactions that result from the presence of particulate contaminants. The analysis of the dynamics of spherical objects transported through a cartridge by the brush is applied to isotropic and anisotropic belt designs. Experimental measurements of the load on individual objects, obtained using an instrumented cantilever, are compared with the predictions from a heuristic model, as well as preliminary observations from a qualitative bifurcation analysis of a piecewise-smooth dynamical system, in which a spring-loaded object slides along a looped belt with patches of distinct frictional properties.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
The New Employment Contract and the ''At Risk'' Worker

Employees of large blue chip corporations in the 1950s through the mid-1960s demonstrated great loyalty to their employers. In return, those employers provided cradle to grave job security and benefits for their workers. During the 1980s, however, this social contract between employees and employers seems to have undergone a change. The norms of the organization man of the earlier period passed from use and a new normative framework seems to have developed. The norm of loyalty on the part of both parties seems to have passed from practice. Employers would now terminate employees if it was in their short term interest to do so, while employees began to move from company to company, no longer making a career with one employer. Many writers have attributed this new employment relationship to the dynamics of the times, as we move from modern to late modern/early post-modern times. This paper reports the findings of a pilot qualitative study done with graduating seniors from an AACSB accredited business school (n=48). The subjects were asked to write self-reflective essays on the following themes: Given the nature of the new employment contract, are careers a vestige of the past? How do you feel about such concepts as career self reliance and career resiliency? Do you feel “at risk” in the new world of work? If so why, if not why not? If so, how do you plan to deal with it? The paper reports the critical response patterns of these graduating seniors and draws insights and conclusions from the literature illuminating the student reflections.
Vibration equipment for making refractories

A design was developed for an industrial vibroimpact installation for making refractories. The equipment has been introduced into production. A series of measures were studied and introduced, leading to increases in the working reliability of the vibration equipment, sharply reducing the noise level, increasing the effectiveness of densification, and reducing the transmission of oscillations from the foundation of the vibration equipment to the surrounding elements of the building.
Synthetical Analysis on Geological Factors Ccontrolling Coalbed Methane

Abstract The gas-controlling property is the important content for the coalbed methane (CBM) theoretical research, and it has the important role for guiding the CBM exploration and development. The evolution features of the coal-bearing strata and structure and the current CBM preservation condition are the keys determining the CBM enrichment and reservoir formation. In the case that the earth curst is stable in the sedimentary period of the coal-bearing strata and after the coal-bearing strata are deposited, the coal seam deposited by the coal-accumulation has the large and stable thickness, the earth curst is stably subsided after the coal-accumulation period or the strength of the structural movement is low and the uplifted amplitude is little, then it is favorable for the CBM enrichment. In the area there the coal-bearing strata have the simple structure, the enclosing rock of coal seam is stable and compact, the seam buried depth is deep, and in the stagnant area with the simple hydrogeological condition, the CBM-controlling property is well. The research on the CBM-controlling property is restricted by the exploration degree, with respect to the area with the low exploration degree, the research on the CBM-controlling property could be combined with the exploration results of the area with the high exploration degree, on the basis of analysing the CBM distribution features and control factors of the area with the high exploration degree, adopting the analysis method such as the geological analogy and so on, it conducts the research work from the evolution features of the coal-bearing strata andstructure and the current CBM preservation condition.
Hyperbranched polyol/carbon nanofiber composites

Carbon nanofiber (CNF) and carbon nanotube (CNT) composites have enhanced mechanical and electrical properties that make these composites desirable for antistatic and electronic dissipation technology. These applications require a homogenous dispersion of CNFs within a polymer matrix. To improve the compatibility/dispersability of CNFs within a polymer matrix, a hyperbranched polyol CNF composite was synthesized by the chemical modification of oxidized CNFs with glycidol and boron trifluoride diethyl etherate. The resulting polyol CNFs were characterized by TGA, FTIR, TEM/SEM and XPS. The hydroxyl groups were reacted with heptafluorobutyryl chloride to determine the amount of oxidized groups in the sample. The resulting composite was characterized by FTIR and elemental analysis. The amount of hydroxyl groups increased by 550% for the polyol CNFs as compared to the oxidized CNFs and an improvement in dispersion ability was observed.
Triple systems with composition forms

(1988). Triple systems with composition forms. Communications in Algebra: Vol. 16, No. 12, pp. 2569-2577.
Irritant dermatitis from tri-butyl tin oxide and contact allergy from chlorocresol.

A shipwright developed a delayed bullous irritant dermatitis from contact with a bis-tri-butyl tin oxide (TBTO) containing antifouling paint. He subsequently developed sensitization to 4-chloro-m-cresol, a constituent of a steroid cream. No cross sensitivity lo 4-ehloro-3,5 xylenol was seen. Low concentrations of 4-chloro-m-cresol in pet, may elicit a true positive reaction. TBTO is a strong irritant which will produce delayed bullous reactions in industrial use and on patch testing at 0.1% aqueous.
One-Pot Synthesis of Coral-Shaped Gold Nanostructures for Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering

In this work, a chelating agent, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was used for the controllable synthesis of gold nanostructures in aqueous solution. Coral-shaped Au nanostructures were synthesized by reducing HAuCl4 with EDTA. EDTA serves not only as a reducing agent but also as a particle capping agent in the formation of coral-shaped Au nanostructures. It is found that the molar ratio of HAuCl4:EDTA and reacted temperature play significant effects on the formation and growth of these novel nanostructures. These Au nanostructures could serve as highly sensitive and reproductive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates for chemical and biological detection.
COMPUTER-INTENSIVE SIGNIFICANCE-TESTING PROCEDURES∗

The role of statistics in geography is now widely recognized, yet there are continuing suspicions as to the appropriateness of traditional methods. I review three computer-intensive approaches to significance testing of sample data. Using these methods, one can virtually always make some statement about the significance of a measure for comparing samples. Yet each approach also yields slightly different information about the measure. This confusion may be lessened somewhat by adopting standard sets of significance-testing procedures.
Interview: A journey towards reducing colon cancer burden

Adeyinka O Laiyemo speaks to NatashaGalukande, Commissioning Editor: Dr Laiyemo iscurrently an Assistant Professor in the Division of Gastroenterologyat the Howard University College of Medicine(Washington, DC, USA), and is heavily involved in studiesfocusing on racial disparity in colorectal cancers. Hegraduated from the University of Lagos (Nigeria) in1990, before working as a General Medical Officer at twohospitals from 1990–1996. Dr Laiyemo had his medicalinternship, medical residency and gastroenterologyfellowship at Howard University College of Medicine from1998–2006. In 2005 he was a cancer prevention fellow at the National CancerInstitute (MD, USA) and in 2006 he graduated from Johns Hopkins University(MD, USA), majoring in epidemiology and biostatics. In recent years Dr Laiyemohas been part of the National Cancer Institute’s Alpha Tocopherol Beta Carotene(ATBC) Cancer Prevention Trial Study Group, the Polyp Prevention Trial (PPT)Study Group, the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Scree...
Platelet transfusions: impact on hemostasis, thrombosis, inflammation and clinical outcomes

Platelet transfusion is one of the most crucial therapeutic approaches in Medicine. However, severe and fatal adverse reactions may develop. In addition to their important function in hemostasis, platelets' role in inflammation has become more evident. Recently, platelets are also recognized as the main source of circulating soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L, (CD154)), which plays significant roles in hemostasis, platelet activation, clot stability, interactions with other cells, and upregulation of different mediators. In this review, we will briefly highlight the importance of platelet transfusion, its role in inflammatory and thrombotic transfusion reactions, and visit the most recent findings on sCD40L.
Osmotic Stress Induces Oxidative Cell Damage to Rhesus Macaque Spermatozoa

Abstract Cryopreservation introduces extreme temperature and osmolality changes that impart lethal and sublethal effects on spermatozoa survival. Additionally, evidence indicates that the osmotic stress induced by cryopreservation causes oxidative stress to spermatozoa as well. Our objective was to determine the effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) sperm function and to determine whether osmotic stress elicits the production of ROS. In the first experiment, the xanthine-xanthine oxidase (X-XO) system was used to generate the ROS superoxide anion (O2−·) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the presence or absence of the ROS scavengers superoxide dismutase and catalase, respectively. In the second experiment, osmotic stress was introduced by incubation of spermatozoa in a series of anisosmotic media ranging from 100 to 1000 mOsmol/kg in the presence or absence of the antioxidant alpha-tocopherol. Treatment with the X-XO system resulted in a significant increase in the genera...
Synthetic receive aperture imaging with phase correction for motion and for tissue inhomogeneities. II. Effects of and correction for motion

For Pt.I see ibid., vol.39, p.489 (1992). The effects of tissue/transducer motion and artifacts from adaptive focusing on synthetic receive aperture (SRA) imaging are explored using experiment, simulation, and theory. The impact of these issues on the selection of SRA subaperture geometry is discussed, and a technique to address this problem is demonstrated. The results indicate that SRA with phase correction holds promise in improving ultrasonic image quality. >
Fixed point iterations for computing square roots and the matrix sign function of complex matrices

The purpose of this work has been the development of new set of rational iterations for computing square roots and the matrix sign function of complex matrices. Given any positive integer r/spl ges/2, we presented a systematic way of deriving rth order convergent algorithms for matrix square roots, the matrix sign function, invariant subspaces in different half-planes, and the polar decomposition. We have shown, that these iterations are applicable for computing square roots of more general type of matrices than previously reported, such as matrices in which some of its eigenvalues are negative. Also, algorithms for computing square roots and the invariant subspace of a given matrix in any given half-plane are derived.
Computer generated natural inner automorphisms of Cayley's algebra

This paper results from the design and development of computer software for lengthy computations with Cayley's algebra C over the field of reals. The algebra C is 8-dimensional over the reals and is not associative. Integer elements of C are defined and can be stored as integer arrays. The problem of solving linear equations αξ = β in C is implemented by using the equation where is the conjugate and N (α) is the non-zero norm of α. Programming multiplication of Cayley numbers is comparable in difficulty to programming matrix multiplication for matrices with eight rows and eight columns.
Economic Growth and Employment from 1990-2010: Explaining Elasticities by Gender

In this article we estimate the growth elasticity of employment by gender for 160 countries during 1990-2010. We then econometrically model these elasticities to draw out the structural contexts in...
How frugal is mother nature with haplotypes

Motivation: Inference of haplotypes from genotype data is crucial and challenging for many vitally important studies. The first, and most critical step, is the ascertainment of a biologically sound model to be optimized. Many models that have been proposed rely partially or entirely on reducing the number of unique haplotypes in the solution. Results: This article examines the parsimony of haplotypes using known haplotypes as well as genotypes from the HapMap project. Our study reveals that there are relatively few unique haplotypes, but not always the least possible, for the datasets with known solutions. Furthermore, we show that there are frequently very large numbers of parsimonious solutions, and the number increases exponentially with increasing cardinality. Moreover, these solutions are quite varied, most of which are not consistent with the true solutions. These results quantify the limitations of the Pure Parsimony model and demonstrate the imperative need to consider additional properties for haplotype inference models. At a higher level, and with broad applicability, this article illustrates the power of combinatorial methods to tease out imperfections in a given biological model. Contact: weixiong.zhang@wustl.edu
Leveraging Structure from Motion to Learn Discriminative Codebooks for Scalable Landmark Classification

In this paper we propose a new technique for learning a discriminative codebook for local feature descriptors, specifically designed for scalable landmark classification. The key contribution lies in exploiting the knowledge of correspondences within sets of feature descriptors during code-book learning. Feature correspondences are obtained using structure from motion (SfM) computation on Internet photo collections which serve as the training data. Our codebook is defined by a random forest that is trained to map corresponding feature descriptors into identical codes. Unlike prior forest-based codebook learning methods, we utilize fine-grained descriptor labels and address the challenge of training a forest with an extremely large number of labels. Our codebook is used with various existing feature encoding schemes and also a variant we propose for importance-weighted aggregation of local features. We evaluate our approach on a public dataset of 25 landmarks and our new dataset of 620 landmarks (614K images). Our approach significantly outperforms the state of the art in landmark classification. Furthermore, our method is memory efficient and scalable.
NMDA antagonist MK801 recreates auditory electrophysiology disruption present in autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Autism is a highly disabling neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social deficits, language impairment, and repetitive behaviors. There are few effective biological treatments for this disorder, partly due to the lack of translational biomarkers. However, recent data suggest that autism has reliable electrophysiological endophenotypes, along with evidence that some deficits may be caused by NMDA receptor (NMDAR) dysfunction. Similarly, the NMDAR antagonist MK801 has been used in behavioral animal models of autism. Since MK801 has also been used as a model of schizophrenia, this paper examines the independent and overlapping ways in which MK801 recreates the electrophysiogical changes present in both diseases. Mouse EEG was recorded in response to auditory stimuli after either vehicle or MK801 and the dose-response relationship for each measure was determined. ERP component amplitude and latency analysis was performed along with time–frequency analysis of gamma frequency inter-trial coherence and evoked power. Evoked gamma power and ITC were decreased by MK801 at the highest dose. P1, N1 latency and gamma baseline power were increased in dose dependent fashion following MK801. There were no amplitude changes in P1 or N1. MK801 caused alterations in evoked gamma activity, gamma ITC, gamma baseline power, P1 and N1 latency similar to findings in autism. These data provide evidence indicating that NMDAR dysfunction may contribute to deficits specific to autism and some that overlap with other disorders such as schizophrenia. Such observations could be important for developing novel therapeutics, as electrophysiological endophenotypes associate with functional measures and may provide early biomarkers for efficacy in clinical trials.
Autonomy and automation for Space Station housekeeping and maintenance functions

The Space Station crew will be a critical resource for economical operation of science and commercial payloads. Core station housekeeping and maintenance functions should be provided in a manner that requires a minimum of crew interaction. This paper outlines a prospective functional architecture for allocation of autonomous and automated control of these functions and discusses implementation issues arising from safety of manned operations, integration test requirements, and evolution of future station capabilities.
Spinal Cord Infections

Spinal cord infections pose urgent diagnostic and management issues. This article outlines a clinical approach to potential spinal cord infection based on demographic risk factors and both central nervous system (CNS) and extra-CNS clinical clues. The spectrum of disease in vulnerable patient groups, such as transplant and chemotherapy recipients, patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus, and international travelers, is discussed. Serologic and cerebrospinal fluid investigations for bacterial, viral, and parasitic spinal cord infections are outlined with accompanying characteristic magnetic resonance imaging and other images. Clinical, epidemiologic, and initial management strategies for important spinal cord infections conclude the discussion.
The Structure and Function of Proline Recognition Domains

One particularly abundant group of modular recognition domains consists of those that bind proline-rich motifs. Such modules, including the SH3, WW, and EVH1 domains, play a critical role in the assembly and regulation of many intracellular signaling complexes. These domains use strikingly similar molecular mechanisms of proline recognition. We discuss some of the potential biological advantages conferred by proline recognition, which may explain its widespread use in signaling.
Invariant Chain–independent Function of H-2M in the Formation of Endogenous Peptide–Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II Complexes In Vivo

Efficient loading of major histocompatibility complex class II molecules with peptides requires the invariant chain (Ii) and the class II–like molecule H-2M. Recent in vitro biochemical studies suggest that H2-M may function as a chaperone to rescue empty class II dimers. To test this hypothesis in vivo, we generated mice lacking both Ii and H-2M (Ii−/−M−/−). Antigen presenting cells (APCs) from Ii−/−M−/− mice, as compared with APCs from Ii−/− mice, exhibit a significant reduction in their ability to present self-peptides to a panel of class II I-Ab–restricted T cells. As a consequence of this defect in the loading of self peptides, CD4+ thymocyte development is profoundly impaired in Ii−/−M−/− mice, resulting in a peripheral CD4+ T cell population with low levels of T cell receptor expression. These findings are consistent with the idea that H-2M functions as a chaperone in the peptide loading of class II molecules in vivo.
On the Possibility of Mixed Rydberg-Valence Bonds

Chemical bonding between the Rydberg molecule NH4 and three alkali atoms Li, Na, and K, via their 2s, 3s, or 4s valence orbitals, is examined using flexible atomic orbital basis sets and high level...
Sensitivity of Numerical Simulations to Parameterizations of Roughness for Surface Heat Fluxes at High Winds over the Sea

Abstract A few roughness length schemes for surface sensible and latent heat fluxes have been developed to fit observations under low and moderate wind ( 25 m s−1). In this study, numerical experiments are carried out to reveal the sensitivity of a simulated hurricane to the roughness length schemes for heat fluxes. It is shown that great disparity exists in the response of the model-simulated hurricane to the schemes. This suggests that further research involving both theory and observations is required in order to reduce the uncertainties in numerical simulation of air–sea fluxes under high wind conditions.
Comparison of Direct and Indirect Measures of E-cigarette Risk Perceptions.

OBJECTIVES Risk perception measures of tobacco products relative to cigarettes are commonly used and important to tobacco research given that they may be associated with and predict tobacco use. However, results may differ based on measures used. This study compares direct and indirect approaches to measuring e-cigarette/cigarette risk perceptions. METHODS We compared the responses of 519 current smokers on a nationally representative 2014 survey that gauged perceptions of e-cigarettes' harm relative to cigarettes in two ways: 1) a single-item direct measure of comparative harm and a two-item indirect measure (which measured perceived levels of harm from e-cigarettes and cigarettes independently in two parallel questions). RESULTS We found that 60% of smokers rated e-cigarettes "less harmful" than cigarettes when using a direct comparative risk measure versus 73% when using an indirect measure. Agreement between measure types was fair (Cohen's Kappa=0.45) and was lower for males, Blacks, older and less educated smokers. CONCLUSIONS E-cigarettes were more likely to be rated by smokers as less harmful than cigarettes when using indirect versus direct measures. Additional methodology research into this area is warranted given the importance of risk perceptions to tobacco control interventions, communications, policy-making and regulation.
Critical Issues and Promising Practices for Teaching Play to Young Children with Disabilities

Play contributes to the learning, development, and well-being of children. Play offers an ideal context for engaging with others in meaningful and mutually beneficial interactions. Play also promotes participation in natural environments in ways that advance learning and development. Early experiences that promote increasing complexity of play provide a foundation for future friendships, participation, and learning. Children with disabilities, however, play less often and use less complex play than their peers. The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of the intervention research related to increasing play skills in young children. Implications for research and practice also are described.
Extracellular Matrix-Coated Composite Scaffolds Promote Mesenchymal Stem Cell Persistence and Osteogenesis

Composite scaffolds of bioactive glass and poly(lactide-co-glycolide) provide advantages over homogeneous scaffolds, yet their therapeutic potential can be improved by strategies that promote adhesion and present instructive cues to associated cells. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-secreted extracellular matrix (ECM) enhances survival and function of associated cells. To synergize the benefits of an instructive ECM with composite scaffolds, we tested the capacity of ECM-coated composite scaffolds to promote cell persistence and resultant osteogenesis. Human MSCs cultured on ECM-coated scaffolds exhibited increased metabolic activity and decreased apoptosis compared to uncoated scaffolds. Additionally, MSCs on ECM-coated substrates in short-term culture secreted more proangiogenic factors while maintaining markers of osteogenic differentiation. Upon implantation, we detected improved survival of MSCs on ECM-coated scaffolds over 3 weeks. Histological evaluation revealed enhanced cellularization and osteogenic ...
Pulmonary Irradiation Fibrosis Is Preceded By Increased Endothelial Cell Gene Expression

Irradiation of the C57BL/6NHsd mouse lung results in pulmonary fibrosis. An acute phase (days 1 to 28) following irradiation recognized by an inflammatory response is followed by a latent phase (day 28 to day 125) where lung appears normal. Fibrosis occurs from day 125 till death characterized by bone marrow stromal cell migration to and proliferation in lung and increased collagen deposition. To investigate the role of endothelial cells, C57BL/6NHsd female mice were irradiated to 20 Gy to the pulmonary cavity shielding the rest of the body. Lung was excised at serial times, endothelial cells separated and tested for expression of endothelial genes vWF, VEGF, FGF1, CCL13 and CTGF; inflammatory genes IL-6; IGFbp7 and genes associated with fibrosis including MnSOD, Nrf2, NfkB, TLR4 and TGF-B. Endothelial cells were separated by using antibodies to CD45, or PECAM and sorting using flow cytometry. RNA was extracted using Triazol and gene expression determined using Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). In irradiated total lung there was significant increase in endothelial cell markers at all times, compared to nonirradiated lung. Transcripts for vWF increased by 474.1 ± 388.5% (p = 0.017) by 2 days after irradiation, 520 ± 55.4% (p Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Darbepoetin alfa Radiosensitizes Tumors Independent of Anemia or the Correction of Anemia.

Darbepoetin alfa (DA) is a FDA approved long acting erythropoietic protein. We hypothesized that correction of anemia in tumor-bearing mice by DA would secondarily increase the tumor pO2 and potentiate radiation-induced cell killing of tumor cells. To test this hypothesis, we used total body irradiation (TBI) to induce anemia in C3H mice. Murine squamous cell carcinoma tumor (SCC VII) and fibrosarcoma (RIF-1) models were used to study tumor responses to radiation in vivo. DA (30μg/kg) was administered i.p. either every two weeks or weekly. EPO-R RNA levels were measured in tumors from normal, anemic and DA treated mice in both tumor models. Tumors were locally irradiated with daily fractions of 250 cGy for 5 days. Following 500 cGy TBI, hemoglobin levels decreased and reached a nadir of 7.0 ± 0.9 gm/dL 14 days post TBI. Administration of DA reduced the depth and duration of anemia and improved the general health condition of anemic animals as evidenced by accelerated recovery of body weight following the TBI and maintenance of normal levels of activity compared to similarly irradiated animals not treated with DA. Mice treated with DA on the same day as the TBI had elevated hemoglobin levels with a nadir of 11.1 gm/dL on day 14 after TBI. Systemic administration of DA alone did not stimulate tumor growth in TBI-induced anemic mice. When combined with fractionated local tumor irradiation, administration of DA at any of the time points studied (18, 11, 4 and 0 days before initiation of local tumor irradiation) delayed tumor growth and increased the tumor growth delay time from 2.7 days for irradiation alone to 7.3 – 10.6 days for DA treated animals (p
Return to Play After Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation of the Capitellum: A Systematic Review

Purpose To determine the rate of return to play and to identify lesion or osteochondral graft characteristics that may influence the return to competitive athletics after osteochondral autograft transplantation (OAT) for symptomatic osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions. Methods A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A duplicate search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and CENTRAL databases was performed, beginning from the database inception dates through July 2016, for all articles evaluating the return to play after OAT for OCD lesions of the capitellum. A methodological quality assessment was completed for all included studies. Patient demographics, osteochondral lesion and graft characteristics, the number of patients, and timing of return to competitive activity were collected and evaluated. Association between graft size/number, the time to osseous healing, and return to sport was evaluated. Results Seven articles met the inclusion criteria. All included studies were case series of moderate quality with a mean Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies score of 12/16. Overall, 94% (119/126) of patients undergoing OAT for OCD lesions of the capitellum successfully returned to competitive sports. The mean reported time for unrestricted return to athletic competition after OAT was 5.6 months (range, 3-14 months). Conclusions Current best evidence suggests that OAT is successful in treating advanced OCD lesions of the capitellum and returning athletes to high-level competition. Evidence supporting the association between the size and number of grafts used and the time to osseous healing and return to sport is currently limited. Our assessment of the time to return to athletic competition was limited because of variable surgical technique, postoperative rehabilitation protocols, and outcome assessment. Level of Evidence Level IV, systematic review of Level IV studies.
An Assessment of Ratio Scales of Opinion Produced by Sensory-Modality Matching

The validity and potential usefulness of ratio scales of opinion are assessed by looking at some of the parallels that exist between these scales and those obtained by ratio scaling in psychophysics. Several experiments show that opinion scales can be validated by means of two or more sensory-modality matches. In addition, inverse opinion scales and scales for individual subjects are examined. The results show that ratio scales of opinion have many of the characteristics of sensory ratio scales. Preliminary efforts have been made to use sensory-modality scales in verbal learning, psycholinguistics, and with children.
Gaps and Controversies of New Treatment Recommendations in Recent Pulmonary Hypertension Guidelines: What We Know and What We Don't

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare, severe disease of the small pulmonary arteries that is characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance and ultimately progression to right heart failure.1 Broadly categorized as World Health Organization (WHO) Group 1 PAH, it encompasses a heterogeneous group of underlying disorders.2–4 Despite the development of new treatment options and strategies over the past 2 decades, survival rates in newly diagnosed patients at 5 years are only 61.2%, and are even poorer in patients with advanced disease.5 New European Society of Cardiology (ESC)/European Respiratory Society (ERS) pulmonary hypertension guidelines were released in 2015, with redesigned treatment algorithms aimed at addressing the recent advances in PAH medications, treatment initiation strategies, and treatment goals.3 Though much progress has been made, many areas of uncertainty remain, and some aspects of the 2015 ESC/ERS recommendations are still controversial. Herein, we will discuss so...
An Application of the Double Hurdle Model to U.S. Saltwater Recreational Fishing Expenditures

This study used cross-sectional data extracted from the 2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation to analyze individual trip-related expenditures associated with saltwater recreational fishing in the United States, based on the utility maximization framework in the double hurdle model. Empirical results (income, age, gender, ethnicity, urban setting, fishing license, fishing on a boat, fish types) showed significant effects on U.S. saltwater recreational fishing trip-related expenditures. The results of this study can provide insight into the determinants of U.S. saltwater recreational fishing trip-related expenditures, which can be used for saltwater recreational fisheries management and policy.
Active Control of Shallow, Slack Cable Using the Parametric Control of End Tension

This study presents a practical, fieldable active controller applicable to shallow, slack cables. The controller is based upon an underlying theory that does not assume that the inertial forces are negligible in the direction of the cable chord. The theoretical framework is developed, and an experimental verification is presented. The experiments utilized a TV camera to track a small number of LED targets on the controlled cable, a commercial X-Y tracker and a PC to compute the cable's present position and velocity, and a linear actuator to vary the cable's tension. A Kalman filter was employed to smooth the position estimates and provide least-squares estimates of the cable velocity. The stability limits for the phase and amplitude of the control signal were established. An analytical estimate of the induced damping expected from the control algorithm is derived. Experimental measurements of the cable frequency and induced damping compared well with theoretical predictions. It is shown that he proposed active control approach is a simple, reliable, as well as an effective, method for vibration attenuation in lightly damped, shallow, slack cables.
Study on a new type of sole for a health care implement

In Japan, many of them restrain user's body and motion. Therefore, many people pay attention to a walking to keep their health. Therefore, in this study, we propose a new type of sole with high performance by making use of sponge-core-soft rubber actuator (SCSRA). Since the actuator can estimate an external force by measurement of pressure in the chamber, the actuator can estimate the distribution of the external forces with foot parts. Thus, the actuators can adjust the center of gravity position of the foot part by control of inner pressure. In this paper, basic performances of the proposed mechanism are clarified from some experimental results. Furthermore, we investigate an adaptive shape of the actuator in the sole to control the balance of the foot part.
Impact of Distributed Solar PV Systems Operation on Residential Feeders Performance

Simulations using PSCAD have been performed to evaluate the impact of distributed solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on the performance of suburban feeders. Multiple scenarios including low, medium and high feeder loading as well as different PV generation levels and micro-inverters reactive power supports have been analyzed and compared to the baseline case referred to as no PV. Results showed at high PV generation feeder losses increases when load is below a medium level. They also consistently showed that the feeder performance, in particular the power factor at the feeder head, is deteriorated when no reactive power support is provided by the PV micro-inverters. Adjusting the micro-inverters power factor based on the generation level significantly improves the feeder performance. Alternately a fixed micro-inverter power factor of 0.9 will provided better performance relatively to the baseline.
Spoilers Go Bump in the Night

Abstract. Spoilers are frequently a source of concern for entertainment audiences. Online discussions, promotional materials, and reviews can all potentially reveal pertinent information about stor...
Infinite Horizon Nonlinear Quadratic Cost Regulator

This paper develops a Nonlinear Quadratic cost Regulator (NLQR) through an efficient Taylor series expansion of the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equation. Utilizing a set of minimal polynomial basis functions that includes all possible combinations of the states, a nonlinear matrix equation similar to the Riccati equation is constructed from the HJB equation. Solving this nonlinear matrix equation term by term renders the associated value function (i.e, optimal cost-to-go) and the optimal controller with a prescribed truncation order. A recursive closed form procedure to find the coefficients of the series is presented. The computational complexity of this approach is shown to have only a polynomial growth rate with respect to the series order. The developed algorithm, which may be implemented offline, is applied to two nonlinear systems with different types of nonlinearities including actuator saturation.
The Impact of a Community‐Based Serious Illness Care Program on Healthcare Utilization and Patient Care Experience

Objective Healthcare organizations are expanding community-based serious illness care programs to deliver care for homebound patients. Programs typically focus on home-based primary care or home-based palliative care, yet this population may require both services. We developed and evaluated a primary and palliative care program serving seriously ill older adults, called the Reaching Out to Enhance the Health of Adults in Their Communities and Homes (REACH) program. Our objective was to determine the impact of the REACH program on healthcare utilization and the patient care experience. Design Case study using medical record review and telephone interviews. Setting Home-based serious illness care program in central North Carolina. Participants Patients enrolled in the REACH program from August 2014 to March 2016 (n = 159). Intervention Home-based primary and palliative care delivered by an interdisciplinary team for seriously ill older adults. Measurements Structured medical record review including demographics, health and functional status, and acute hospitalization and emergency department (ED) visits in the 12 months preceding and following initiation of the REACH program. A convenience sample of participants completed telephone interviews that measured the quality-of-care experience and quality of communication. Results REACH patients had a 43% reduction in hospital visits and a 25% reduction in ED visits. Participants in telephone interviews reported a high-quality care experience and very good quality of communication with REACH providers. Conclusion A care model that integrates home-based primary care and palliative care has the potential to reduce health service utilization and enhance the care experience for older patients with serious illness. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:825-830, 2019.
Effect of morphine use on oral P2Y12 platelet inhibitors in acute myocardial infarction: Meta-analysis

Abstract Background Morphine is the recommended analgesic in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This recommendation has come under scrutiny because of possible slow uptake of oral antiplatelet agents. Objective We performed a meta-analysis of all available studies in AMI patients treated with prasugrel or ticagrelor (P2Y12 inhibitors) that reported use of morphine prior to loading the antiplatelet agents to critically assess the safety of co-administration of morphine and the newer P2Y12 inhibitors. Methods Several sources were searched from inception to December 2017 with inclusion of eight studies, largely observational. Mean difference (MD) was calculated for continuous variables, and standardized mean difference (SMD) for platelet function was assessed by the various platelet assays, 2 h after the loading dose of oral P2Y12 inhibitors. Results Higher platelet activity was noted among morphine group [SMD = 0.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.4–1.1, p Conclusion Co-administration of morphine with P2Y12 inhibitors possibly decreases their efficacy in platelet inhibition. However, this did not translate into higher adverse outcomes because of low event rates, inadequate for analysis. A large randomized study is needed to evaluate the narcotic-P2Y12 interaction.
The invention of radical reactions. Part XXXV. A novel radical fission reaction of N-sulfonylthioxocarbamates

Abstract A novel radical fission reaction of N -sulfonylthioxocarbamates, obtained from the reactionof alcohols with methanesulfonyl- and toluenesulfonyl isothiocyanates, to give the corresponding O -alkylthioxocarbamates, is described.
Optimal Sparse Linear Encoders and Sparse PCA

Principal components analysis~(PCA) is the optimal linear encoder of data. Sparse linear encoders (e.g., sparse PCA) produce more interpretable features that can promote better generalization. (\rn{1}) Given a level of sparsity, what is the best approximation to PCA? (\rn{2}) Are there efficient algorithms which can achieve this optimal combinatorial tradeoff? We answer both questions by providing the first polynomial-time algorithms to construct \emph{optimal} sparse linear auto-encoders; additionally, we demonstrate the performance of our algorithms on real data.
Noetherian Subrings of Quotient Rings

Let R be a right Noetherian ring which has a classical right quotient ring Q. We study subrings S of Q which are generated by R and finitely many elements of Q. We shall be interested in conditions under which the ring S is right Noetherian. This is a Morita invariant property for right orders in right Artinian rings.
Optothermal-detected microwave-sideband CO2-laser spectroscopy of NCH-NH3

Author Institution: Molecular Physics Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology; Abteilung fur Physlkalische Chemie, Universitat Ulm