cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of minimizing diagnostic blood loss in the critically ill.

Background The use of a small-volume phlebotomy tube (SVPT) versus conventional-volume phlebotomy tube (CVPT) has led to a decrease in daily blood loss. Blood loss due to phlebotomy can lead ultimately to decreased rates of anemia and blood transfusions, which can be important in the critically ill patient. Methods We compared SVPT vs CVPT retrospectively in critically ill adult patients age ≥18 years admitted to a surgical intensive care unit for ≥48 hours. CVPT were evaluated from January 2011 to May 2011 and SVPT from June 2012 to October 2012. Results Amount of blood drawn for laboratory tests and transfusions were evaluated in 248 patients (116 SVPT vs 132 CVPT). When compared with CVPT, total blood volume removed (mean ± SD) with SVPT was less overall, 174 ± 182 mL vs 299 ± 355 mL, P = .001. Daily blood draws also were less, 22.5 ± 17.3 mL vs 31.7 ± 15.5 mL, P P = .16. Conclusion The use of SVPT blood sampling led to a decreased amount of blood drawn. Strategies that use SVPT in a larger cohort also may decrease the number of transfusions in selected patients. Every effort should be made to use SVPT.
Vest Chest Physiotherapy Airway Clearance is Associated with Nitric Oxide Metabolism.

Background. Vest chest physiotherapy (VCPT) enhances airway clearance in cystic fibrosis (CF) by an unknown mechanism. Because cilia are sensitive to nitric oxide (NO), we hypothesized that VCPT enhances clearance by changing NO metabolism. Methods. Both normal subjects and stable CF subjects had pre- and post-VCPT airway clearance assessed using nasal saccharin transit time (NSTT) followed by a collection of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) analyzed for NO metabolites (). Results. VCPT shorted NSTT by 35&#x25; in normal and stable CF subjects with no difference observed between the groups. EBC concentrations decreased 68&#x25; in control subjects after VCPT (before = 115 &#xb1; 32&#x2009;&#x3bc;M versus after = 37 &#xb1; 17&#x2009;&#x3bc;M; ). CF subjects had a trend toward lower EBC . Conclusion. We found an association between VCPT-stimulated clearance and exhaled levels in human subjects. We speculate that VCPT stimulates clearance via increased NO metabolism.
FFT computation with linear processor arrays using a data-driven control scheme

For a large numberN of data points, linear FFT arrays consisting of ?(log2N) processors provide significant economy in hardware. In this paper we discuss the radix-2 decimation-in-frequency Cooley-Tukey algorithm implemented on linear arrays, thereby allowing a continuous real-time application using a word-serial input data stream to the linear arrays. In order to avoid memory access and data path switching under central control, we present a novel data-driven scheme permitting the proposed linear arrays to correctly operate on arbitrarily arriving signal sequences. This distributed control scheme incorporates a control signal propagated with the data signals, in the form of a tag attached to data items. The tag provides control information to initiate the access to the memory containing the coefficients and to select and appropriate data path so that regular data flow can be achieved within the linear array. The cascade structures are well suited for the computation and can operate in pipeline fashion at extremely high data rates. The proposed data-driven control scheme can be used with both synchronous and asynchronous (wavefront) processor arrays.
Pseudo-random center placement O-space imaging for improved incoherence compressed sensing parallel MRI.

Purpose Nonlinear spatial encoding magnetic (SEM) field strategies such as O-space imaging have previously reported dispersed artifacts during accelerated scans. Compressed sensing (CS) has shown a sparsity-promoting convex program allows image reconstruction from a reduced data set when using the appropriate sampling. The development of a pseudo-random center placement (CP) O-space CS approach optimizes incoherence through SEM field modulation to reconstruct an image with reduced error. Theory and Methods The incoherence parameter determines the sparsity levels for which CS is valid and the related transform point spread function measures the maximum interference for a single point. The O-space acquisition is optimized for CS by perturbing the Z2 strength within 30% of the nominal value and demonstrated on a human 3T scanner. Results Pseudo-random CP O-space imaging is shown to improve incoherence between the sensing and sparse domains. Images indicate pseudo-random CP O-space has reduced mean squared error compared with a typical linear SEM field acquisition method. Conclusion Pseudo-random CP O-space imaging, with a nonlinear SEM field designed for CS, is shown to reduce mean squared error of images at high acceleration over linear encoding methods for a 2D slice when using an eight channel circumferential receiver array for parallel imaging. Magn Reson Med 73:2212–2224, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A method for measuring partial inductance

This paper presents and validates a method for measuring partial inductance with a set of measurement data in comparison to their corresponding exact analytic solution for samples of round wires of different lengths. The concept of partial inductance was introduced and known as a mathematical concept and often perceived “not measurable”, which has been the primary reason for a debate on the existence of the partial inductance. This paper demonstrates that partial inductance exists and is measurable, and also validates the known analytic equations for self- and mutual partial inductance for wires having round and rectangular cross sections with a set of measurement data.
Effect of doping level during rapid thermal processing of multilayer structures

A numerical model has been developed to examine the temperature history of a multilayer wafer undergoing rapid thermal processing (RTP) for various doping densities. Partial transparency and thin film interference effects are considered. Doping levels from ∼1015 to ∼1018 cm−3 are examined. Numerical temperature predictions of the lightly doped wafer are compared with experimental measurements. Heating rates for the lightly doped wafer fluctuate due to partial transparency effects and reach a maximum of ∼50 °C/s. The heavily doped wafer sees a maximum heating rate of ∼100 °C/s. Because the wafers are opaque above 700 °C regardless of their level of doping, all wafers reach steady state at ∼845 °C.
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Upregulates p35, Alters CDK-5 Localization, and Stimulates CDK-5 Kinase Activity during Acute Infection in Neurons

The cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK-5) activating protein, p35, is important for acute herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) replication in mice. This report shows that HSV-1 increases p35 levels, changes the primary localization of CDK-5 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, and enhances CDK-5 activity during lytic or acute infection. Infected neurons also stained positive for the DNA damage response (DDR) marker γH2AX. We propose that CDK-5 is activated by the DDR to protect infected neurons from apoptosis.
Power and Visibility: Development and the Invention and Management of the Third World

This article presents in a succinct manner the basic argument and the major results and lines of analysis of a doctoral dissertation on the constitution of a number of nations (much of Asia, Africa, and Latin America) as "Third World" or "underdeveloped," and their treatment as such thereafter (Escobar 1987). The study builds upon recent work in various fields on the dynamics of discourse and power in the representation of social reality, and examines (1) the conformation of a new mode of thinking about social and economic life in those countries in the early post-World War 11 period; (2) the anchoring of this new mode of thinking in Western economic practices; and (3) the institutional practices through which "development" functions, at the same time enacting the discourse and creating extended cultural and social relations. Some of these issues will be illustrated with the experience of one country, Colombia. Finally, some conclusions are offered in relation to anthropology.
Estimating 3D Positions and Velocities of Projectiles from Monocular Views

In this paper, we consider the problem of localizing a projectile in 3D based on its apparent motion in a stationary monocular view. A thorough theoretical analysis is developed, from which we establish the minimum conditions for the existence of a unique solution. The theoretical results obtained have important implications for applications involving projectile motion. A robust, nonlinear optimization-based formulation is proposed, and the use of a local optimization method is justified by detailed examination of the local convexity structure of the cost function. The potential of this approach is validated by experimental results.
Experimental Fecal Transmission of Human Cryptosporidia to Pigs, and Attempted Treatment with an Ornithine Decarboxylase Inhibitor

Fecal material collected from an immunologically deficient man with persistent cryptosporidia infection was stored in potassium dichromate for two weeks and then fed (inoculated) to newborn pigs. The six inoculated newborn pigs shed the organism in their feces starting four to five days afer inoculation and continuing for as long as 22 days after inoculation. Pigs which were killed and necropsied while shedding had cryptosporidia infection of ileum, cecum, and colon. Infected pigs had atrophied ileal villi and flattened irregular cecal and colonic epithelium. Uninoculated littermate controls remained free to the infection and had histologically normal intestinal tracts at necropsy. Treatment of three of the six inoculated pigs with the ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor, DL-alpha-difluoromethylornithine, orally for ten days had no apparent effect on the infection.
An auto-homeomorphism of a Cantor set with derivative zero everywhere

Abstract We construct a closed bounded subset X of R with no isolated points which admits a differentiable bijection f : X → X such that f ′ ( x ) = 0 for all x ∈ X . We also show that any such function admits a restriction f ↾ P to an uncountable closed P ⊆ X forming a minimal dynamical system. The existence of such a map f seems to contradict several well know results. The map f marks a limit beyond which Banach Fixed-Point Theorem cannot be generalized.
Development, not division: local versus external perceptions of the Niger-Nigeria boundary

This article traces the evolution of the Nigerien-Nigerian boundary over the past 20 years. It focuses in particular on a single border crossing that separates two neighbouring Hausa villages of equivalent demographic size, administrative status, and economic importance. During the past two decades, border control, monitoring and surveillance have gradually intensified, resulting in the establishment of immigration and customs offices on the Nigerian side of the boundary and a douane (customs) post on the Nigerien side. However, local inhabitants do not view these changes in terms of ethnic partition or division. Rather, they see border control infrastructure positively, in terms both of development and national identity. For the border line Hausa, identity is not zero-sum: feeling more and more Nigerien/Nigerian does not result in diminution of their 'Hausa-ness'. Post-9/II international pressures to intensify border controls and monitoring in regions where Muslim extremists are thought to shelter highlight contradictions between indigenous and international conceptions of the African frontier.
Some speculations on the Paleogene and Neogene tectonics of Jamaica

Many neotectonic structures (<15 Ma) in Jamaica are best understood as reactivations (or inversion) of Paleogene structures (65–22 Ma). In the Paleocene, Jamaica underwent crustal extension which formed north-northwest-trending listric normal faults, including those of the Wagwater Belt which occupied a half-graben formed over the northeast-dipping Wagwater Fault. From the Middle Eocene (45 Ma) to Late Oligocene (23 Ma), further subsidence (possibly thermally induced following lithospheric thinning) resulted in the accumulation of a carbonate bank. Beginning in the Early to Middle Miocene, the tectonic regime changed to one of active east–west-trending, left-lateral, strike-slip motion that persists to the present day. New east–west-trending faults formed during this phase, but secondary northeast–southwest shortening produced in this regime reactivated many of the older, Paleogene north-northwest-trending structures. In eastern Jamaica, oblique thrust motion is concentrated on the Wagwater Fault, tectonically inverting the Wagwater Belt. The Long Mountain anticline may be a fault propagation fold over a thrust that branched from the main Wagwater Fault surface. Motion on the Silver Hill Plantain Garden Fault system resulted in the northward rotation of the Blue Mountain Block around an approximately horizontal axis and revealing the upper crustal structure of eastern Jamaica. In the central part of Jamaica, north-northwest-trending faults divide the terrane into a series of blocks. Evidence of right-lateral, horizontal-slip on some of the faults and palaeomagnetic results may suggest a domino-style, anticlockwise rotation around vertical axis by about 10°. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Enhanced Digital Image Correlation Technique for Feature Tracking During Drying of Wood

: The enhanced digital image correlation (EDIC) technique is proposed as an improvement of the digital image correlation (DIC) technique in that it utilises monogenic filtering as a prefilter for extracting intrinsic local phase information from the low-contrast images and normalized cross-correlation (NCC) as a feature-tracking algorithm. The monogenic filtering separates local structural information that is the local phase of an image, which is invariant with respect to the local energy of the image. Therefore, it improves the image, permitting the DIC technique to produce stable and accurate measurements of deformation for a heterogeneous and hygroscopic material like wood during drying.
FFT-cache: a flexible fault-tolerant cache architecture for ultra low voltage operation

Caches are known to consume a large part of total microprocessor power. Traditionally, voltage scaling has been used to reduce both dynamic and leakage power in caches. However, aggressive voltage reduction causes process-variation-induced failures in cache SRAM arrays, which compromise cache reliability. In this paper, we propose Flexible Fault-Tolerant Cache (FFT-Cache) that uses a flexible defect map to configure its architecture to achieve significant reduction in energy consumption through aggressive voltage scaling, while maintaining high error reliability. FFT-Cache uses a portion of faulty cache blocks as redundancy - using block-level or line-level replication within or between sets - to tolerate other faulty caches lines and blocks. Our configuration algorithm categorizes the cache lines based on degree of conflict of their blocks to reduce the granularity of redundancy replacement. FFT-Cache thereby sacrifices a minimal number of cache lines to avoid impacting performance while tolerating the maximum amount of defects. Our experimental results on SPEC2K benchmarks demonstrate that the operational voltage can be reduced down to 375mV, which achieves up to 80% reduction in dynamic power and up to 48% reduction in leakage power with small performance impact and area overhead.
Model of magnetically enhanced, capacitive RF discharges

Magnetically enhanced, capacitive RF discharges (called RF magnetrons or MERIE discharges) are playing an increasing role in thin film etching for integrated circuit processing. In these discharges, a weak DC magnetic field is imposed, lying parallel to the powered electrode surface. The authors determine the RF power transferred to the discharge electrons by the oscillating electron sheath in the presence of the magnetic field. Using this, along with particle and energy conservation, they obtain discharge parameters such as the ion flux and ion bombarding energy at the powered electrode as functions of pressure, RF power, and the magnetic field. Some results of the model show good agreement with experiments done on a commercial MERIE system. >
The microelectronic device selection process

A methodology which has yielded excellent results in identifying critical device needs for complex military systems is described. This methodology is illustrated using examples derived from advanced satellite and other processing system studies. The microelectronic device selection process begins with the identification of mission requirements. The system designer then identifies the system functions necessary to perform the mission and allocates these functions to architectural elements within the system. At some level in this allocation is the processing system (hardware and software). From this point, the synthesis of possible processing concepts and configurations is initiated. This iterative process includes functional, technology, and packaging trade studies which establish the parameters of the trade space(s) involved and identify design sensitivities. From these analyses, the designer and his customer identify tradeoff criteria so that the lower level trades can be made to isolate technology needs. These needs may be satisfied with mature technology or, if schedule permits, the development of new or maturing technology. The key elements of this selection process are technology and risk assessment. Particular emphasis is placed on these two aspects of the process. >
Dynamic spectrum access opportunities for public safety in land mobile radio bands

We present the results of a preliminary assessment of the potential for applying Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) methods to improve radio frequency spectrum utilization in the land mobile radio (LMR) bands in the U.S. This band includes both public safety and commercial user frequency assignments. First, using RF spectrum measurements made in Chicago, occupancy statistics in the widely used 450–470 MHz band are presented for several days during 2009 and 2011. The results show an increase in the average occupancy, and also in the total number of active channels detected. In view of the 2013 narrowbanding mandate from the FCC, a surprising find was that between 2009 to 2011, only about 10% of the wideband (25 kHz) LMR channels studied have shifted to 12.5 kHz transmissions. While the detected number of active LMR channels has increased by 15% in just 15 months, overall occupancy remains rather low, suggesting good opportunity for Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) systems, even with the impending transition to narrower channels. Finally, and somewhat opportunistically, we illustrate the effect of a major weather event (the Chicago Blizzard of 2011) on the utilization of the spectrum in the LMR band. The event reveals that while overall LMR utilization decreased during this weather event, public safety utilization increased, indicating that DSA could provide additional capacity for public safety during similar events.
The Place of Foreign Languages in a Technological Civilization

DURING most of the twentieth century foreign languages have fought a losing fight to maintain their place in the curriculum of the schools and colleges in the United States. In spite of the important role played by modern foreign languages in the conduct of World War II the pressure against them continues. Although there was an over-all increase of .5 per cent in college enrollment during the two year period 1947-49, the combined enrollment in French, German, and Spanish fell off 17 per cent.' Meantime, foreign language teachers have shown no lack of interest in methods of teaching languages. At the beginning of the century the Report of the Committee of Twelve2 was widely discussed. This report, claiming to be "based on sound reasoning and embodying the best thought and expression of the day," recognized that conditions in the United States are different from those of European countries by reason of their geographical position. It minimized the importance of colloquial practice and advocated the employment of a grammar-translation method as the best means of transmitting cultural values. A generation later,3 the Modern Foreign Language Study, financed by the Carnegie Corporation, carried out a much more extensive study. After a prolonged program of research it issued its report in 1929.4 Its conclusion was in accord with that of the Committee of Twelve that conditions in the educational institutions in the United States would not permit of a program emphasizing reading, writing, and speaking. The time allotted to the study of foreign languages in the schools and colleges was too short to achieve this aim. It, too, advocated the "reading method." But it sought to develop reC ding ability through graded texts, with a minimum of translation. Then came World War II with its pressing need for Americans who could understand and speak foreign languages. The army, by means of intensive study, taught a highly selective group of young Americans to speak and understand a number of foreign languages. The result of the army's experience has been to greatly increase the emphasis on the oralaural approach.
Ultra-shallow seismic imaging of the top of the saturated zone

This is the published version. Copyright 2010 by the American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved.
A Novel Design for a Database To Improve Compliance with Current Construction Standard Practice

ISSUE: Our institution has had a standard practice in place since 1996 to ensure that during a time of renovation, construction and demolition, hospital occupants are protected from mold and other potentially harmful environmental organisms. The Standard Practice, written in conjunction with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in Health-Care Facilities has been continually improved and refined over time. In our institution, each construction or repair activity is categorized as a Class I or a Class II risk based entirely on whether or not the activities significantly increase the risk of infection. The use of only two classes leans heavily towards protection and was based on the high number of immune compromised patients who traverse our hallways on any given day.
Relationships Between Recreation and Levels of Self-Determination for Adolescents and Young Adults With Disabilities:

Self-determination continues to be a focus for secondary students who have intellectual disabilities. This study examined the relationship between recreation and self-determination for adolescents ...
A previously unrecognized step in pentachlorophenol degradation in Sphingobium chlorophenolicum is catalyzed by tetrachlorobenzoquinone reductase (PcpD)

The first step in the pentachlorophenol (PCP) degradation pathway in Sphingobium chlorophenolicum has been believed for more than a decade to be conversion of PCP to tetrachlorohydroquinone. We show here that PCP is actually converted to tetrachlorobenzoquinone, which is subsequently reduced to tetrachlorohydroquinone by PcpD, a protein that had previously been suggested to be a PCP hydroxylase reductase. pcpD is immediately downstream of pcpB, the gene encoding PCP hydroxylase (PCP monooxygenase). Expression of PcpD is induced in the presence of PCP. A mutant strain lacking functional PcpD has an impaired ability to remove PCP from the medium. In contrast, the mutant strain removes tetrachlorophenol from the medium at the same rate as does the wild-type strain. These data suggest that PcpD catalyzes a step necessary for degradation of PCP, but not for degradation of tetrachlorophenol. Based upon the known mechanisms of flavin monooxygenases such as PCP hydroxylase, hydroxylation of PCP should produce tetrachlorobenzoquinone, while hydroxylation of tetrachlorophenol should produce tetrachlorohydroquinone. Thus, we proposed and verified experimentally that PcpD is a tetrachlorobenzoquinone reductase that catalyzes the NADPH-dependent reduction of tetrachlorobenzoquinone to tetrachlorohydroquinone.
A brief dietary assessment to guide cholesterol reduction in low-income individuals: Design and validation

Low-income Americans are at greatest risk for coronary heart disease. Dietary assessment methods are needed that can efficiently and effectively guide diet counseling to reduce serum cholesterol in this population. The Dietary Risk Assessment is a brief food frequency questionnaire designed to guide an intervention program for cholesterol reduction. It can easily be administered and scored in 10 to 15 minutes by persons who are not trained in nutrition. The assessment is culturally specific for a low-income southern population, identifies positive as well as problematic dietary behaviors, is easily interpreted, and measures potential barriers to dietary change. The assessment was validated against 3 days of dietary recall data in a sample of 42 low-income individuals recruited from the waiting room of an ambulatory care clinic. A Keys score, which measures the serum-cholesterol-raising potential of the diet, was calculated for each patient from their recall data. The Keys and Dietary Risk Assessment scores were significantly correlated (r = .60, P less than .001). We conclude that the Dietary Risk Assessment can rank individuals by level of dietary atherogenic risk adequately to guide a dietary treatment program for low-income patients, an underserved population with a high prevalence of diet-induced elevations in serum cholesterol.
Spatiotemporal Organization of Fast (>200 Hz) Electrical Oscillations in Rat Vibrissa/Barrel Cortex

A 64-channel electrode array was used to study the spatial and temporal characteristics of fast (>200 Hz) electrical oscillations recorded from the surface of rat cortex in both awake and anesthetized animals. Transient vibrissal displacements were effective in evoking oscillatory responses in the vibrissa/barrel field and were tightly time-locked to stimulus onset, coinciding with the earliest temporal components of the coincident slow-wave response. Vibrissa-evoked fast oscillations exhibited modality specificity and were earliest and of largest amplitude over the cortical barrel, which corresponded to the vibrissa stimulated, spreading to sequentially engage neighboring barrels over subsequent oscillatory cycles. The response was enhanced after paired-vibrissal stimulation and was sensitive to time delays between movement of separate vibrissae. These data suggest that spatiotemporal interactions between fast oscillatory bursts in the barrel field may play a role in rapidly integrating information from the vibrissal array during the earliest cortical response to somatosensory stimulation.
Patterned Processing as Performative Violence

Violence serves social functions. Performative violence is used to reinforce social behavior and to create and reinforce social relationships between aggressors, witnesses, and victims. Sacred Ridge (a PI site in southwestern Colorado dating to approximately AD 100) is a large EP (Extreme Processing) assemblage where at least 33 individuals were killed, disarticulated and fragmented, and their remains placed within a pit structure. The crania, in particular, exhibit consistent patterning in fracture distribution and type, mutilation, burning, tool marks, and missing bone; this indicates that individual crania were treated similarly regardless of age or sex. Distribution of the remains within the pit structure indicates that the crania were deposited in a fragmented state, meaning they would have been unidentifiable as individuals and possibly as human beings. This chapter explores the patterned processing of the crania as performance. The roles of the aggressors, witnesses, and victims associated with this assemblage are explored through this performative lens.
Lessons from test-based education reform in the U.S.

Germany and many other nations are in the early stages of constructing test-based systems for monitoring the educational system or holding educators accountable. The American experience with such reforms, which began there more than 30 years ago, holds lessons for nations now starting on this path. Research has shown several serious problems with accountability as implemented in the U.S., including sometimes severe inflation of scores. However, the extant research is limited and leaves many essential questions about the design of accountability systems unanswered. This paper sketches the evolution of accountability-oriented testing in the U.S. It describes a number of the important issues raised by the U.S. experience, noting both research findings and gaps in the extant research. It concludes with several recommendations for the development of new accountability systems
Examining pathways to safety and financial performance in hospitals: A study of lean in professional service operations

Abstract Healthcare operates in a complex professional service environment that faces challenges in delivering high quality and affordable care – a set of goals that some healthcare professionals believe are incongruous. To consider opportunities to achieve these important outcomes, this study examines the relationships among comprehensive lean orientation, internal integration, patient safety, and financial performance. This study draws on the professional services operations (PSOs) literature stream to explain and offer a means of addressing the complexity of healthcare delivery. Grounded in dynamic capabilities, this study develops a model for improving financial performance and patient safety in hospitals. Using structural equation modeling, the model is tested with survey data from 211 acute care hospitals in the USA that are matched with data from two other sources – objective patient safety data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and objective net income data from the American Hospital Directory. Results indicate that although a comprehensive lean orientation has a direct and positive impact on patient safety, it impacts financial performance indirectly through internal integration. The results have major implications for enhancing patient safety and financial performance in healthcare service organizations, and improving operations in PSOs more broadly.
Twenty-year follow-up of monostotic fibrous dysplasia of the second cervical vertebra: a case report and review of the literature.

We present a twenty-year follow-up report on a patient with monostotic fibrous dysplasia of C2 treated with posterior spinal fusion from C1 to C3. The short-term results of this case have been presented previously1. This is one of the longest durations of follow-up of monostotic fibrous dysplasia of the spine reported in the literature, and it demonstrated monostotic fibrous dysplasia extending through the fusion mass to involve a previously unaffected vertebra. This behavior may provide new insight into the pathophysiology of fibrous dysplasia. Fibrous dysplasia is a benign intramedullary fibro-osseous lesion originally described by Lichtenstein2 in 1938 and Lichtenstein and Jaffe3 in 1942. Fibrous dysplasia can present in one bone (monostotic fibrous dysplasia) or multiple bones (polyostotic fibrous dysplasia) and can be associated with cafe au lait spots and endocrinopathies (McCune-Albright syndrome) or soft-tissue masses (Mazabraud syndrome). Fibrous dysplasia is relatively common, accounting for approximately 7% of benign bone tumors4. However, monostotic fibrous dysplasia involving the spine is quite rare. Dahlin and Unni5 noted only six cases (1.4%) involving the spine in their review of 418 cases of monostotic fibrous dysplasia. We reviewed the literature to delineate the clinical, radiographic, and pathologic features of monostotic fibrous dysplasia of the spine. Given the rarity of monostotic fibrous dysplasia of the spine, a thorough search of PubMed/MEDLINE was performed with use of the terms “monostotic fibrous dysplasia” and “spine.” The abstracts of all results were then reviewed for relevance. Additional studies were identified by reviewing the references listed in studies found by the literature search. Only studies that clearly delineated the lesions as monostotic fibrous dysplasia and in which an anatomic location within the spine was reported were included. This methodology allowed us to identify more cases of monostotic fibrous dysplasia involving the spine than …
High-resolution subject-specific mitral valve imaging and modeling: experimental and computational methods

The diversity of mitral valve (MV) geometries and multitude of surgical options for correction of MV diseases necessitates the use of computational modeling. Numerical simulations of the MV would allow surgeons and engineers to evaluate repairs, devices, procedures, and concepts before performing them and before moving on to more costly testing modalities. Constructing, tuning, and validating these models rely upon extensive in vitro characterization of valve structure, function, and response to change due to diseases. Micro-computed tomography ([Formula: see text]CT) allows for unmatched spatial resolution for soft tissue imaging. However, it is still technically challenging to obtain an accurate geometry of the diastolic MV. We discuss here the development of a novel technique for treating MV specimens with glutaraldehyde fixative in order to minimize geometric distortions in preparation for [Formula: see text]CT scanning. The technique provides a resulting MV geometry which is significantly more detailed in chordal structure, accurate in leaflet shape, and closer to its physiological diastolic geometry. In this paper, computational fluid-structure interaction (FSI) simulations are used to show the importance of more detailed subject-specific MV geometry with 3D chordal structure to simulate a proper closure validated against [Formula: see text]CT images of the closed valve. Two computational models, before and after use of the aforementioned technique, are used to simulate closure of the MV.
Electroplated copper nanowires as Thermal Interface Materials

With the continued miniaturization of microelectronics and increased power densities, thermal management of electronic devices is a major challenge. One of the main bottlenecks in thermal management is the thermal contact resistance at the interfaces of the various device components. Typically, Thermal Interface Materials (TIMs) have been used to reduce the thermal contact resistance. An ideal TIM would have low thermal resistance to improve thermal performance as well as good mechanical compliance to reduce thermally-induced stresses due to the CTE mismatch between silicon and heatspreader or heatsink. In this paper, we build on previous work using copper nanowires as electrical interconnects and show that copper nanowire arrays can be easily fabricated and used as high-performance TIMs. High mechanical compliance is achieved due to the high aspect ratio structure of the array. The thermal resistance of the arrays is measured using an ASTM D5470 apparatus, and it is seen that the nanowire arrays have the potential of having a thermal resistance as low as 0.2 mm2K/W.
Cow size and age as economic drivers of beef production systems in the Nebraska Sandhills1

ABSTRACT Contribution of cow age and size to profitability of beef production systems in the Nebraska Sandhills was analyzed using hedonic methodology. Four years of cow-calf production systems data from 197 observations per year were used. Historical prices for inputs and production outputs were used. Pooled hedonic type regression models, representing 9 possible production system scenarios, evaluated the effect of cow size and age on profitability. Each model included production year, marketing year, calving season, calf BW at birth, calf weaning age, calf BW at weaning, average cow BW, cow age, wintering system, calf sex, and postweaning system as independent variables. Three variables—(1) calf BW at birth, (2) calf BW at weaning, and (3) calf weaning age—were used as dependent variables in 3 secondary regressions. The secondary estimated effects were added to the primary estimated effects providing an adjusted estimate of cow characteristics on net returns. In general, animals marketed at slaughter contribute more positively to profit if they are from heavier cows. Conversely, if animals are sold at weaning or as yearlings, calves born to the lightest dams contribute most to returns. Dam age also contributes to returns differentially depending on marketing scheme. Younger dams contribute more to profit if cattle are marketed on a hot carcass basis, whereas grid pricing favors contribution to returns of more mature dams. If profit is the motive, the contribution cow size and age make on profitability may or may not be worth considering depending on both production and marketing scheme.
Therapeutic gene delivery and transfection in human pancreatic cancer cells using epidermal growth factor receptor-targeted gelatin nanoparticles.

More than 32,000 patients are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the United States per year and the disease is associated with very high mortality 1. Urgent need exists to develop novel clinically-translatable therapeutic strategies that can improve on the dismal survival statistics of pancreatic cancer patients. Although gene therapy in cancer has shown a tremendous promise, the major challenge is in the development of safe and effective delivery system, which can lead to sustained transgene expression. Gelatin is one of the most versatile natural biopolymer, widely used in food and pharmaceutical products. Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that type B gelatin could physical encapsulate DNA, which preserved the supercoiled structure of the plasmid and improved transfection efficiency upon intracellular delivery. By thiolation of gelatin, the sulfhydryl groups could be introduced into the polymer and would form disulfide bond within nanoparticles, which stabilizes the whole complex and once disulfide bond is broken due to the presence of glutathione in cytosol, payload would be released 2-5. Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-modified GENS, when administered into the systemic circulation, provides long-circulation times and preferentially targets to the tumor mass due to the hyper-permeability of the neovasculature by the enhanced permeability and retention effect 6. Studies have shown over-expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on Panc-1 human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells 7. In order to actively target pancreatic cancer cell line, EGFR specific peptide was conjugated on the particle surface through a PEG spacer.8 Most anti-tumor gene therapies are focused on administration of the tumor suppressor genes, such as wild-type p53 (wt-p53), to restore the pro-apoptotic function in the cells 9. The p53 mechanism functions as a critical signaling pathway in cell growth, which regulates apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, metabolism and other processes 10. In pancreatic cancer, most cells have mutations in p53 protein, causing the loss of apoptotic activity. With the introduction of wt-p53, the apoptosis could be repaired and further triggers cell death in cancer cells 11. Based on the above rationale, we have designed EGFR targeting peptide-modified thiolated gelatin nanoparticles for wt-p53 gene delivery and evaluated delivery efficiency and transfection in Panc-1 cells.
Case 58: An ICU Patient

A 58-year-old male is admitted from a medical ward to the ICU. He has had a severe GI bleed. On examination he is confused, hypoxic, tachycardiac, and hypotensive. His past history is significant for cirrhosis and renal insufficiency. His left arm is seen to be full of eccymosis, edema, and is extremely tender. There is significant erythema around an 18-G IV on the back of his left hand. This is the only IV he has. It is also the only IV that has been used since admission, 48 h ago, for resuscitation and blood products. You remove the 18-G IV and ask for a stat surgical consult for the left arm.
Technical Communique: H 2-optimal synthesis of controllers with relative degree two

This paper considers fixed-structure H"2-optimal relative degree two controller synthesis. The problem is presented in a decentralized static output feedback framework developed for fixed-order (i.e., full- and reduced-order) dynamic controller synthesis. A quasi-Newton/continuation algorithm is used to compute solutions to the necessary conditions. To demonstrate the approach, a flexible structure example is considered.
Adaptive eigensystem truncation for spectral shape signatures

ABSTRACTThe ability to compare the shapes of objects is crucial to the practice of engineering design. Spectral shape signatures provide a high-quality similarity measure based on diffusion physics by means of the spectrum of an estimate of the Laplace-Beltrami operator for the surface of an object.However, point cloud and mesh models often have very large intrinsic sizes and subsequently large Laplace-Beltrami estimate matrices. Recommendations from the current spectral shape signature literature are to use only a fixed number of arithmetically greatest eigenvalues and their corresponding eigenvectors in the computation of a spectral shape signature. This recommendation “seems to work well”, but it is not yet understood the degree to which this fixed number of eigenpairs approximates the full spectrum for the purposes of shape similarity measures or even what fixed number to use. Using a fixed number of eigenpairs for all model sizes and samplings also introduces inconsistencies between different samplin...
β-glucan–is the current research relevant?

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide responsible for approximately of all deaths in the United States Most cancers have external causes and in principle should be preventable Evidence suggests that the structure of diet significantly impacts our immune system Therefore current research is focusing on changing dietary composition as a method of improving our immune function nbsp nbsp
Exploring the patient experience of chronic illness through literature and film

Objective: Caring for patients with a chronic illness requires a holistic approach. To help RN-BSN nursing students in a course focusing on chronic illness see the patient as a unique individual and to foster empathy by emphasizing the person behind each patient, literature and film were used to make the patient’s lived experience of chronic illness real. Methods: Students read autobiographies or biographies and viewed film about the patient experience of chronic illness. Materials were selected based on the illness and patient issues described. Using the Socratic Seminar, students prepared questions based on weekly reading assignments; faculty prepared questions for each film, encouraging active participation and group discussion of underlying insights. Many discussions revolved around select film scenes or quotations students selected from the text and the comparison to their practice experience with similar patients in the clinical setting. Results: Satisfaction with the course was overwhelming, with all students rating every evaluative category as a “5”, strongly agreeing that the course advanced their empathy towards patients with chronic illness. Comments detailed students’ having a better understanding of how chronic illness truly affects the patient and family. The books resonated with the class more than the films, as the books had more detail and put the reader into the setting as if they were the person. Conclusions: The use of literature and film is an effective means to enhance RN-BSN nursing students’ ability to understand and empathize with a patient’s needs and was successful in helping students understand the patient experience.
Genetic Composition of Largemouth Bass in Puerto Rico Reservoirs

AbstractThe Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides includes two recognized subspecies, the Northern Largemouth Bass (NLMB; M. salmoides salmoides) and the Florida Largemouth Bass (FLMB; M. salmoides floridanus), which can hybridize to produce introgressed Largemouth Bass (ILMB; NLMB × FLMB). Largemouth Bass were introduced into Puerto Rico by using source populations from unknown origins (1915), a natural intergrade zone (1946 and 1947; ILMB), and peninsular Florida (1957; FLMB). All subsequent supplemental stocking efforts used broodstock collected from reservoirs in Puerto Rico with an effort to preferentially propagate non-introgressed FLMB. Here, we document contemporary FLMB-specific alleles and genotypes, changes in allele frequencies over the last decade, and differences in size structure between genotypes of the FLMB and its hybrids (ILMB) in Puerto Rico. Among 12 island reservoirs, FLMB alleles were prevalent at rates similar to estimates from a decade earlier, and the proportion of FLMB alleles (...
Dynamic emotion transitions based on emotion hysteresis

This research attempts to extract and quantify dynamic emotion transition (DET) psychophysiological features. The DET features are defined and explored based on neurophysiological dynamics underlying emotion hysteresis theory, which could potentially explain individual differences in emotion processing of environmental changing stimuli. Directional changing stimuli probes are used for attentive and preattentive stimuli-induced emotional processing. Three progressive paradigms examine hysteresis with multimodal emotion detection techniques including central and peripheral physiological measurements. The DET, an individualized feature, representing abrupt changes in emotion responses, could lead to an enhanced Brain-Computer Interface system for monitoring stress and detecting changes in emotion. This could then provide timely restorative feedback stimuli for emotion regulation training. Moreover, this approach is promising for mental disorder diagnostic and prognostic tools.
Cementitious materials exposed to high concentration of sodium chloride solution: Formation of a deleterious chemical phase change

Abstract This paper investigates deleterious chemical interactions between cementitious materials and high concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl) solution (i.e., salt concentration >12% by mass). The behavior of mortar specimens made using Type I and Type V ordinary portland cements was investigated as the temperature varied in the presence of NaCl solution with concentrations of 15% and 20% (by mass). A low-temperature longitudinal guarded comparative calorimeter (LGCC) in conjunction with an acousto-ultrasonic technique were used to monitor the damage development in mortar samples. Cooling-heating cycles were applied with a minimum temperature above the freezing temperature of the solution to avoid ice formation. Nevertheless, damage was observed in specimens. Calcium aluminate phases, mainly tricalcium aluminate (C3A), seem to be the source of damage as the magnitude of damage was relatively minor when Type V cement (C3A
Conformer-specific microwave spectroscopy of 3-phenylpropionitrile by strong field coherence breaking

Abstract Strong field coherence breaking (SFCB) was used with a chirped-pulse Fourier Transform microwave spectrometer to obtain conformer-specific rotational spectra of 3-phenylpropionitrile in the 8–18 GHz region. Transitions belonging to anti and gauche conformers were identified and assigned and accurate experimental rotational constants were determined to provide insight to the molecular structure. Experimental rotational transitions provided relative abundances in the supersonic expansion. A modified line picking scheme was developed in the process to modulate more transitions and improve the overall efficiency of the SFCB multiple selective excitation technique.
Author’s response to invited commentary “a perspective on the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Composite Score for evaluating esophagectomy for esophageal cancer”

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) launched its Adult Cardiac Surgery database in 1989 as a prospective clinical outcomes database for enhancing quality improvement and improving patient safety. Participation in ACSD is voluntary but includes more than 90% of centers performing cardiac surgery in the United States (1). In contrast the penetrance of the STS General Thoracic Surgery Database (GTSD), established in 2002, is far lower.