cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inorganic-organic polymers as a route to biodegradable materials

The polyphosphazene platform allows the design and synthesis of a broad range of different polymers, some of which have special properties as biodegradable materials. Different polyphosphazenes are produced mainly by means of macromolecular substitution reactions carried out on a reactive polymeric intermediate, poly(dichlorophosphazene), (NPCl 2 ) n . Organic side groups such as amino acid esters, glucosyl, glyceryl, glycolate, lactate, or imidazolyl sensitize the polymers to hydrolysis to benign materials such as phosphate, ammonia, and the free side unit. Other polymers are of interest as the basis for hydrogels and microencapsulation materials.
Risk factors for chronic rejection in renal allograft recipients.

Chronic rejection is a major barrier to long-term renal allograft survival. Cyclosporine, though effective at reducing graft loss to acute rejection, has had little impact on the incidence of chronic rejection. Between June 2, 1986 and January 22, 1991, 587 kidney-alone transplants (566 patients) were performed, and had been entered into our renal transplant database and had at least 1 year of follow-up: 103 with biopsy-proven chronic rejection (37 living-related donor, 66 cadaver) and 484 without chronic rejection (236 LRD 248 CAD). The 5-year patient survival was 84% for recipients with biopsy-proven chronic rejection vs. 89% without (P = .08). The 5-year graft survival was 31% for recipients with biopsy-proven chronic rejection vs. 81% without (P 50 years), gender, human leukocyte antigen matching, peak and transplant panel-reactive antibody, acute rejection episodes, infections (including cytomegalovirus, viral, and bacterial), donor age, and CsA dosage at 1 year ( or = 5 mg/kg). Logistic regression models were fit to the data using a forward stepwise selection procedure. In this analysis, risk factors included an acute rejection episode (P < .001), CsA dosage < 5 mg/kg/day at 1 year (P = .007), infection (P = .023), female gender (P = .042), and retransplant (P = .103). Individual analyses were done for CAD and LRD recipients. For both groups, important variables were acute rejection, infection, CsA dosage at 1 year, and age at transplant. In conclusion, acute rejection, CsA dosage < 5 mg/kg/day at 1 year, and infection are the major risk factors for the development of chronic rejection, suggesting that chronic rejection may be the result of inadequate immunosuppression (acute rejection episodes and low CsA dosage) or the production of inflammatory cytokines (infections).
A Finite Element Model Based on Discontinuous Galerkin Methods on Moving Grids for Vertebrate Limb Pattern Formation

Skeletal patterning in the vertebrate limb, i.e., the spatiotemporal regulation of cartilage differentiation (chondrogenesis) during embryogenesis and regeneration, is one of the best studied examples of a multicellular developmental process. Recently (Alber et al., The morphostatic limit for a model of skeletal pattern formation in the vertebrate limb, Bulletin of Mathematical Biology, 2008, v70, pp. 460-483), a simplified two-equation reaction-diffusion system was developed to describe the interaction of two of the key morphogens: the activator and an activator-dependent inhibitor of precartilage condensation formation. A discontinuous Galerkin (DG) finite element method was applied to solve this nonlinear system on complex domains to study the effects of domain geometry on the pattern generated (Zhu et al., Application of Discontinuous Galerkin Methods for reaction-diffusion systems in developmental biology, Journal of Scientific Computing, 2009, v40, pp. 391-418). In this paper, we extend these previous results and develop a DG finite element model in a moving and deforming domain for skeletal pattern formation in the vertebrate limb. Simulations reflect the actual dynamics of limb development and indicate the important role played by the geometry of the undifferentiated apical zone.
CuteCloud: putting "Credit Union" cloud computing into practice

While cloud computing claims many advantages over prior computing paradigms such as high performance computing and grid computing, the Credit Union (CU) Cloud Computing Model [3] furthers many of the claimed advantages and tries to circumvent the inherent concern of human consumers for security and privacy with today's clouds due to lack of direct control. The key point of the CU Model lies in its fundamental principle -- utilizing the vast, under-utilized computing resources (CPU cycles, memory, disc space, etc.) in labs, offices and homes, and transforming them into self-provisioned community/organization-owned clouds mimicking the business model of Credit Unions in the financial industry. Such built clouds, called Credit Union clouds or CU clouds for short, bear greater advantages, e.g., vendor independence, improved availability (due to reduced Internet-dependence), and increased resource utilization. This paper reports an on-going project, named CuteCloud, that aims at putting the CU Model into practice, delivering a framework accompanied with a suite of tools in order to be used by any community/organization to quickly setup its self-provisioned, secure, and community/organization-owned (and typically on-premise) clouds.
10 Gb/s wavelength conversion using a widely tunable series push-pull photocurrent-driven transmitter

Error-free operation at 10 Gb/s was demonstrated for a hybrid photocurrent-driven series push-pull Mach-Zehnder-based wavelength converter. Back-to-back power penalties of <1 dB for pseudorandom binary sequence (PRBS) 2/sup 7/-1 and <2.3 dB for PRBS 2/sup 31/-1 were measured across the 37-nm wavelength tuning range of the sampled-grating distributed Bragg reflector.
Human Response to Climate Change during the Umm an‐Nar/Wadi Suq Transition in the United Arab Emirates

Stable oxygen isotope ratios in archaeological human dental enamel represent an under-utilised tool in the examination of changing climatic patterns in the ancient world. In the Oman Peninsula at the end of the third millennium bc, rapid aridification was accompanied by a breakdown in interregional trade relations; however, the human response to these changes is poorly understood. At the Bronze Age necropolis at Shimal in the United Arab Emirates, dental enamel from individuals interred in both Umm an-Nar (ca 2700–2000 bc) and Wadi Suq (ca 2000–1300 bc) tombs underwent oxygen, strontium and carbon isotope analyses to examine how local inhabitants of southeastern Arabia responded to both environmental and socioeconomic change. While individuals from Shimal exhibit a clear shift in mean δ18Oc(VPDB) values from the Umm an-Nar (−3.5 ± 0.6‰, 1σ) to the Wadi Suq (−2.4 ± 0.9‰, 1σ), corresponding 87Sr/86Sr and δ13Cap signatures display homogeneity indicative of continuity in Bronze Age lifeways. Together, these data highlight the ability of local communities to successfully adapt to their changing environs (in lieu of societal collapse or a shift to a more mobile lifestyle) in an effort to maintain their way of life. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sequencing analytical methods for small sample dating and dye identification of textile fibers: Application to a fragment from Seip Mound Group, Ohio

Examination of fibers from a colored fabric fragment from Seip Mound Group, Ohio, demonstrates the utility of sequencing analytical techniques: (1) minimally destructive pretreatment to remove humic acids followed by plasma-chemical oxidation, in preparation for accelerator mass spectrometric determination of radiocarbon age and (2) direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry (DART-MS) of the pretreatment solution, for the determination of red colorants. Pretreatment followed by plasma-chemical oxidation provided the opportunity to date 3 mg of fiber using just 200 mcg of carbon. Examination of the pretreatment solution by DART-MS confirmed the composition of anthraquinones consistent with those from bedstraw root (Galium sp.). The date determined (1,805 ± 35 B.P.) places the textile in the midrange of radiocarbon dates previously obtained for the Seip earthworks; identification of the dye plant shows that the Hopewell possessed a sophisticated knowledge of plants and their uses.
Quantitative Trace Analysis by X-ray Fluorescence Using the Computer Program NRLXRF

The computer program NRLXRF has been applied to the determination of minor and trace constituents in aluminum alloys and several National Bureau of Standards certified standard reference materials. Limitations arising from energy dispersive x-ray analysis and the fundamental-parameter method used by NRLXRF are illustrated.
COMPETITIVE INTERACTIONS BETWEEN THE INVASIVE EUROPEAN HONEY BEE AND NATIVE BUMBLE BEES

Biological invasions represent both an increasingly important applied problem and a tool for gaining insight into the structure of ecological communities. Although competitive interactions between invasive and native species are considered among the most important mechanisms driving invasion dynamics, such interactions are in general poorly understood. The European honey bee (Apis mellifera) is a widespread and economically important invader long suspected to competitively suppress many native bee species. Yet the extent to which this introduced species alters native communities remains controversial, reflecting ongoing debate over the importance of resource competition in regulating pollinator populations. I experimentally tested the effects of competition with Apis on colony foraging behavior and reproductive success of a native eusocial bee, Bombus occidentalis Greene, in coastal California. B. occidentalis colonies located near experimentally introduced Apis hives had lower mean rates of forager return and a lower ratio of foraging trips for pollen relative to nectar. Both male and female reproductive success of B. occidentalis were also reduced with greater proximity to introduced Apis hives. Reproductive success correlated significantly with measures of colony foraging behavior, most strongly with the relative allocation of foraging effort to pollen collection. This pattern suggests that B. occidentalis colonies exposed to competition with Apis experienced increased nectar scarcity and responded by reallocating foragers from pollen to nectar collection, resulting in lowered rates of larval production. These results provide evidence that Apis competitively suppresses a native social bee known to be an important pollinator, with the potential for cascading effects on native plant communities. This work also contributes to a greater understanding of the role competitive interactions play in pollinator communities, particularly for social bees.
Identification of β-Secretase (BACE1) Substrates Using Quantitative Proteomics

β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) is a transmembrane aspartyl protease with a lumenal active site that sheds the ectodomains of membrane proteins through juxtamembrane proteolysis. BACE1 has been studied principally for its role in Alzheimer's disease as the β-secretase responsible for generating the amyloid-β protein. Emerging evidence from mouse models has identified the importance of BACE1 in myelination and cognitive performance. However, the substrates that BACE1 processes to regulate these functions are unknown, and to date only a few β-secretase substrates have been identified through candidate-based studies. Using an unbiased approach to substrate identification, we performed quantitative proteomic analysis of two human epithelial cell lines stably expressing BACE1 and identified 68 putative β-secretase substrates, a number of which we validated in a cell culture system. The vast majority were of type I transmembrane topology, although one was type II and three were GPI-linked proteins. Intriguingly, a preponderance of these proteins are involved in contact-dependent intercellular communication or serve as receptors and have recognized roles in the nervous system and other organs. No consistent sequence motif predicting BACE1 cleavage was identified in substrates versus non-substrates. These findings expand our understanding of the proteins and cellular processes that BACE1 may regulate, and suggest possible mechanisms of toxicity arising from chronic BACE1 inhibition.
Automatic tumor segmentation using knowledge-based techniques

A system that automatically segments and labels glioblastoma-multiforme tumors in magnetic resonance images (MRIs) of the human brain is presented. The MRIs consist of T1-weighted, proton density, and T2-weighted feature images and are processed by a system which integrates knowledge-based (KB) techniques with multispectral analysis. Initial segmentation is performed by an unsupervised clustering algorithm. The segmented image, along with cluster centers for each class are provided to a rule-based expert system which extracts the intracranial region. Multispectral histogram analysis separates suspected tumor from the rest of the intracranial region, with region analysis used in performing the final tumor labeling. This system has been trained on three volume data sets and tested on thirteen unseen volume data sets acquired from a single MRI system. The KB tumor segmentation was compared with supervised, radiologist-labeled "ground truth" tumor volumes and supervised K-nearest neighbors tumor segmentations. The results of this system generally correspond well to ground truth, both on a per slice basis and more importantly in tracking total tumor volume during treatment over time.
An empirical Bayes model using a competition score for metabolite identification in gas chromatography mass spectrometry.

Background Mass spectrometry (MS) based metabolite profiling has been increasingly popular for scientific and biomedical studies, primarily due to recent technological development such as comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GCxGC/TOF-MS). Nevertheless, the identifications of metabolites from complex samples are subject to errors. Statistical/computational approaches to improve the accuracy of the identifications and false positive estimate are in great need. We propose an empirical Bayes model which accounts for a competing score in addition to the similarity score to tackle this problem. The competition score characterizes the propensity of a candidate metabolite of being matched to some spectrum based on the metabolite's similarity score with other spectra in the library searched against. The competition score allows the model to properly assess the evidence on the presence/absence status of a metabolite based on whether or not the metabolite is matched to some sample spectrum.
Kinetics of chondrocyte growth in cell‐polymer implants

In vitro cultivation of cartilage cells (chondrocytes) on biodegradable polyglycolic acid (PGA) scaffolds resulted in implants which could potentially be used to repair damaged joint cartilage or for reconstructive surgery. Cell growth kinetics were studied to define conditions under which the cellularity of implants made from isolated calf chondrocytes reached that of the parent calf cartilage. In static cultures, condrocyte growth rates decreased as either implant thickness or implant cell density increased. Over 4 weeks of cultivation, implant permeability to glucose decreased to 3% that of the plain polymer scaffold; this effect was attributed to the decrease in effective implant porosity associated with cartilage tissue regeneration.In a well-mixed culture, implants 1 cm in diameter by 0.3 cm thick maintained high cell growth rates over 7 weeks and hard normal cell densities. Regenerated cartilage with these dimensions is large enough to resurface small joints such as the trapezium bone at the base of the human thumb. Such implants could not be grown statically, since cell growth stopped at 3-4 weeks and cell densities remained below normal. Optimization of the tissue culture environment is thus essential in order to cultivate clinically useful cartilage implants in vitro. (c) 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Comparison of Long-Term Observed Sediment Trap Efficiency with Empirical Equations for Coralville Reservoir, Iowa

Trapping efficiency (TE) is defined as the percent of particles that are retained within an impoundment. TE can vary from ⩽0% indicating no sediment is retained or is lost, to 100% where all the sediment is retained. In this paper a high quality, long-term data set (32 years) was used to demonstrate that annual sediment trap efficiencies for a run of the river impoundment are variable. For water years 1973–2005, annual trap efficiencies for Coralville Reservoir ranged from 5.6 to 95.8%, with a mean of 74.7% and a median of 79.9%. Overall trap efficiency for the entire period was determined to be 80.3% and a detention time of 12.4 days . A comparison of the observed long-term TE was done against different empirical TE equations that are commonly used (Brown, Brune, Churchill, Dendy, Heinemann, & USDA/Summit Co., Water District). The Churchill equation provided the best fit of the empirical trap efficiency equations ( TEC =79.1%) ; all other empirical TE relationships underestimated the observed trap effici...
Commissioning of a grid-based Boltzmann solver for cervical cancer brachytherapy treatment planning with shielded colpostats

Abstract Purpose We sought to commission a gynecologic shielded colpostat analytic model provided from a treatment planning system (TPS) library. We have reported retrospectively the dosimetric impact of this applicator model in a cohort of patients. Methods and Materials A commercial TPS with a grid-based Boltzmann solver (GBBS) was commissioned for 192 Ir high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy for cervical cancer with stainless steel–shielded colpostats. Verification of the colpostat analytic model was verified using a radiograph and vendor schematics. MCNPX v2.6 Monte Carlo simulations were performed to compare dose distributions around the applicator in water with the TPS GBBS dose predictions. Retrospectively, the dosimetric impact was assessed over 24 cervical cancer patients’ HDR plans. Results Applicator (TPS ID #AL13122005) shield dimensions were within 0.4 mm of the independent shield dimensions verification. GBBS profiles in planes bisecting the cap around the applicator agreed with Monte Carlo simulations within 2% at most locations; differing screw representations resulted in differences of up to 9%. For the retrospective study, the GBBS doses differed from TG-43 as follows (mean value ± standard deviation [min, max]): International Commission on Radiation units [ICRU] rectum (−8.4 ± 2.5% [−14.1, −4.1%]), ICRU bladder (−7.2 ± 3.6% [−15.7, −2.1%]), D 2cc-rectum (−6.2 ± 2.6% [−11.9, −0.8%]), D 2cc-sigmoid (−5.6 ± 2.6% [−9.3, −2.0%]), and D 2cc-bladder (−3.4 ± 1.9% [−7.2, −1.1%]). Conclusions As brachytherapy TPSs implement advanced model-based dose calculations, the analytic applicator models stored in TPSs should be independently validated before clinical use. For this cohort, clinically meaningful differences (>5%) from TG-43 were observed. Accurate dosimetric modeling of shielded applicators may help to refine organ toxicity studies.
An empirical model for phase difference statistics of rough surfaces

Polarimetric radar measurements were conducted for bare soil surfaces under a variety of roughness and moisture conditions at 1.5, 4.75, and 9.5 GHz at incidence angles ranging from 20/spl deg/ to 70/spl deg/. Using a laser profile meter and dielectric probes, complete and accurate sets of ground truth data were collected for each surface condition from which accurate measurement were made of the rms height, correlation length, and dielectric constant. Based on the experimental observations, an empirical model is developed for the degree of correlation, which is a measure of the width of the probability density function of the co-polarized phase angle /spl phisub c/(=/spl phisub hh/-/spl phisub /spl upsispl upsi) for a distributed target. The validity of the proposed model is checked by comparing the results based on the empirical model with an independent data set measured by a different radar system. >
Technological Neutrality and Conceptual Singularity

The issue remains a matter of controversy, debate and confusion. Was tagged from various interest groups, often only seek a favorable scenario for their business interests, philosophical or power. Technology neutrality is a key point for the administration of all governments and often implies a very significant impact on the public economy of the countries.
Incroyables gazettes et fabuleux métaux: Les retours de trésors américains d’après les gazettes hollandaises (XVIe-XVIIIe siècles)

The discovery of America was followed by the discovery of her silver and gold. Year after year these precious metals were mined and sent to Spain and to Portugal and from there throughout the world. From the beginning of the sixteenth century, historians and economists have accorded great importance to these movements of treasure. The whole of European economic development has been linked to them by way of increases in prices (the quantitative theory). Nevertheless prior to this work, no exhaustive documentation of the actual volumes transferred was undertaken: the well-known work of E. J. Hamilton covers only a part of the period; that of Soetbeer is imprecise and out of date. The primary object of this book, written in French, is thus to establish complete and reliable statistics. Morineau has finally located these in the Dutch gazettes, faithful observers of the Spanish Carerra. His reconstruction of actual movements has led him to question many widely accepted hypotheses and concepts.
Plasma Hemoglobin Determination by Recording Derivative Spectrophotometry

Recording derivative spectrophotometry (DS) is a technic for analyzing absorbance curves by measuring the derivative (slope) of those curves. The derivative is a mathematical function that enhances rapid changes of direction of a curve and suppresses slow changes. We are presenting a simple, rapid, and reproducible method for determining plasma hemoglobin concentration, even in the presence of bilirubin, myoglobin, or marked turbidity. No toxic reagents are used and, since the analysis is purely physicomathematic, the sample is not altered and can be used for additional tests.
Parameters tuning of PID controller based on Max-Min Ant System

PID parameters are the important parameters to influence the control effect.A new kind of PID parameters tuning strategy based on Max-Min Ant System named MPID is proposed by this paper,a detailed realizing process of the new algorithm is also presented.The result of simulation experiment shows the PID parameters tuned by the new algorithm MPID are better than Genetic Algorithm and Basic Ant Colony Algorithm,and it illustrates the feasibility and superiority of the new algorithm MPID.
Intraindividual Changes in Ambulation Associated With Falls in a Population of Vulnerable Older Adults in Long-Term Care

Abstract Objective To examine how intraindividual changes in ambulation characteristics may be used to predict falls. Design Longitudinal study design. Setting Assisted living facility. Participants Ambulatory older adults (N=26; mean age, 79y). Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Continuous measure of average weekly ambulation characteristics (time and distance walked, speed, path measures [eg, path time and distance, number of paths (where a path is at least 60s of uninterrupted walking separated by at least a 30-s stop)]), accounting for weekly changes in these ambulation characteristics on an individual level over time along with falls (yes/no) and cognitive impairment (CI) (measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment). Results In hierarchical linear models accounting for intraindividual changes in ambulation characteristics over the 8-month course of the study and level of CI, path distance (odds ratio, 1.02; P ≤.001) was associated with an increased risk of a fall. In the short-term, intraindividual changes in path distance were associated with a fall within the 4-week interval the change was noted. Path distance had fair sensitivity (.74) and specificity (.66) to a fall (area under the curve, .70). Conclusions Study findings suggest that falls may have specific predictors, specifically that older adults with CI are more likely to fall when walking continuously with little/no breaks. Interventions focused on reducing path-associated fatigue may effectively reduce fall incidence in this population.
Low-Flow Criteria for Stream Standards

Virginia's 7-day, 10-yr low flow criterion for determining a stream's capacity for waste assimilation is evaluated. The study consisted of five general phases: selection of the gaging stations and the period of record to be investigated, obtaining low-flow summaries and daily discharge data, preparation of frequency curves, preparation of duration curves by a digital computer from the daily discharge data, and evaluation of the 7-day, 10-yr standard based on the percent of time that the resulting design flow was equaled or exceeded during the period studied. Thirty years of continuous daily discharge data from 30 gaging stations located in six drainage basins were studied, and it was found that the 7-day, 10-yr standard is uniform when applied to the areas of Virginia analyzed in this study. The standard provided a design flow that was is every case, except one, equal to or greater than 99% of the daily flows. No advantages were seen to be gained in changing the present 7-day, 10-yr minimum stream-flow standard.
The Emergence of Geopolitics

The postwar world began in 1919, with the signing of the Versailles peace treaty. This chapter explores aspects of the international system of the 1920s and the role played by the United States in its evolution and preservation. First of all, despite the confusion of the immediate postwar years, the major powers showed remarkable readiness to undertake programs of disarmament. Disarmament could not be separated from other questions of Asian-Pacific security, in particular the future of the Anglo-Japanese alliance and the fortification of the powers' bases in the Pacific Ocean. The peace of the 1920s was built on more than merely disarmament agreements. It was sustained through various other arrangements, including the League of Nations, the Locarno Conference treaties in Europe, and the Washington Conference treaties for Asia. In the meantime, in Europe the postwar peace remained fragile in the immediate aftermath of the Versailles conference.
Designing a Lawn and Landscape Blower Family Using Proactive Platform Design Approach

In this chapter, a Scaling, Small Product, P roactive P latform Design Method Using M odularity (PPM) for Product Variations is used to create a product family of lawn and landscape blowers from the conception of an idea for the family, to the actual product variations.
Abstract 426: Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Increases MMP-9 Expression in Carotid Plaques of Symptomatic Patients with Carotid Stenosis

Unstable carotid atherosclerotic plaques are characterized by rupture of their fibrous cap, leading to thromboembolism and stroke. The role of MMPs in plaque disruption is not well understood. The control of MMP transcription is complex but recently, EGFR expression has been implicated in the up-regulation of MMP-9. The aim of this study was to determine the MMP-9 mRNA expression as well as other MMPs (MMP-3, -7, and -14/MT1-MMP) expression in carotid plaques as well as in isolated SMCs from asymptomatic and symptomatic patients with carotid stenosis. The MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities were determined by gelatin zymography. The mRNA transcripts of MMP-9, -3, -7, -14 and EGFR were quantified by qPCR. The activity of MMP-9 on gelatin zymograms and the MMP-9 mRNA transcripts were significantly increased in symptomatic carotid plaques and isolated SMCs compared to those from plaques of asymptomatic patients. There was a parallel increase in the mRNA transcripts of MMP-7, -3 and -14. The mRNA transcripts for EGFR were also up-regulated. These results suggest that MMP-9 may be activated by MMP-7 and -3 and thus destabilizes the symptomatic plaques of patients compared to those from asymptomatic plaques and this effect may be mediated by EGFR.
Negativity Bias or Backlash: Interaction With Civil and Uncivil Online Political News Content:

Researchers condemn the effects of news but have only recently turned their attention to determining the extent to which individuals engage with news. Within the context of online uncivil news, the...
Implementing a patient-centered approach to immunotherapy treatment on an inpatient step-down unit.

38Background: Executing an innovative investigational therapy within a pre-existing infrastructure, while incorporating the organizational mission and vision is a complex process. Literature supports the use of patient-centered framework and integration of evidence in standardizing nursing practice to promote efficient workflow, accountability, and ultimately, optimal patient-care outcomes. The aim of this presentation is to describe the experience of a step-down unit at a comprehensive cancer center in developing and implementing processes to safely administer immunotherapy. Methods: A multidisciplinary workgroup reviewed the pre-existing infrastructure, determined the financial impact of new clinical trials and availability of resources, distinguished roles and stakeholder responsibilities, and developed staff education and technology utilization. A unit-prospective analysis, using the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) methodology was performed to assist in planning and reducing v...
Use of computer-assisted design and manufacturing to localize dural venous sinuses during reconstructive surgery for craniosynostosis.

Cranial vault remodeling surgery for craniosynostosis carries the potential risk of dural venous sinus injury given the extensive bony exposure. Identification of the dural venous sinuses can be challenging in patients with craniosynostosis given the lack of accurate surface-localizing landmarks. Computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) has allowed surgeons to pre-operatively plan these complex procedures in an effort to increase reconstructive efficiency. An added benefit of this technology is the ability to intraoperatively map the dural venous sinuses based on pre-operative imaging. We utilized CAD/CAM technology to intraoperatively map the dural venous sinuses for patients undergoing reconstructive surgery for craniosynostosis in an effort to prevent sinus injury, increase operative efficiency, and enhance patient safety. Here, we describe our experience utilizing this intraoperative technology in pediatric patients with craniosynostosis. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of children undergoing reconstructive surgery for craniosynostosis using CAD/CAM surgical planning guides at our institution between 2012 and 2016. Data collected included the following: age, gender, type of craniosynostosis, estimated blood loss, sagittal sinus deviation from the sagittal suture, peri-operative outcomes, and hospital length of stay. Thirty-two patients underwent reconstructive cranial surgery for craniosynostosis, with a median age of 11 months (range, 7–160). Types of synostosis included metopic (6), unicoronal (6), sagittal (15), lambdoid (1), and multiple suture (4). Sagittal sinus deviation from the sagittal suture was maximal in unicoronal synostosis patients (10.2 ± 0.9 mm). All patients tolerated surgery well, and there were no occurrences of sagittal sinus, transverse sinus, or torcular injury. The use of CAD/CAM technology allows for accurate intraoperative dural venous sinus localization during reconstructive surgery for craniosynostosis and enhances operative efficiency and surgeon confidence while minimizing the risk of patient morbidity.
The influence of varying vowel phonation and duration on rhythmic grouping biases among Spanish and English speakers

Abstract Native Mexican Spanish and American English speakers were presented with streams of alternating syllables in which vowel duration and/or creaky phonation were rhythmically varied. Participants’ grouping biases were measured as a function of their behaviour in segmenting sequences into recurrent bisyllabic units. Results indicated a creak-last grouping bias in both language groups. Duration varied singly was associated with a weak long-first grouping bias for Spanish and no consistent trend for English. When long creaky and short modal syllables were alternated, there was a significant creak-last bias and again no effect of duration in the English group. However, in the Spanish group, the long-first trend observed for duration varied singly was reversed and the effects of duration and creak were additive. Finally, when short creaky and long modal syllables were alternated, duration effects were highly significant in both language groups (fewer creak-last, more long-last groupings). Creak has been associated with final positions in higher-order prosodic domains in English, and less prevalently in Spanish. The current results show that both English and Spanish speakers can use this cue to segment rhythmic sequences into smaller, foot or word-sized units. This study is the first to establish that creak is perceptually salient for Spanish speakers and to demonstrate that the percept associated with duration can differ depending on whether it is varied singly or together with creak. More generally, the current findings show that grouping effects extend beyond intensity, pitch and duration, the features most often manipulated in rhythmic grouping studies inspired by the Iambic-Trochaic Law.
A Novel Pavement Crack Detection Approach Using Pre-selection Based on Transfer Learning

Most of the existing pavement image crack detection methods cannot effectively solve the noise problem caused by the complicated pavement textures and intensity inhomogeneity. In this paper, we propose a novel fully automatic crack detection approach by incorporating a pre-selection process. It starts by dividing images into small blocks and training a deep convolutional neural network to screen out the non-crack regions in a pavement image which usually cause lots of noise and errors when performing crack detection; then an efficient thresholding method based on linear regression is applied to the crack-block regions to find the possible crack pixels; at last, tensor voting-based curve detection is employed to fill the gaps between crack fragments and produce the continuous crack curves. We validate the approach on a dataset of 600 (2000 × 4000-pixel) pavement images. The experimental results demonstrate that, with pre-selection, the proposed detection approach achieves very good performance (recall = 0.947, and precision = 0.846).
Penile Prosthesis Implantation

Numerous causes for failure of the penis to achieve adequate rigidity for vaginal penetration have become apparent, and sophisticated methods have been developed for determining more accurately the particular cause in a given case. The therapeutic options remain limited, however, especially in patients with true organic disease. Fortunately, the surgically implantable penile prosthesis has evolved into an effective, reliable means of establishing penile rigidity suitable for intromission. This chapter will deal with such prostheses from the standpoint of historical significance, patient selection, device selection, surgical technique, and future considerations.
On the Experimental Evaluation of the Fracture Toughness of Shape Memory Alloys

A methodology for measuring the fracture toughness of shape memory alloys (SMAs) from a single compact tension (CT) nominally isothermal load-load line displacement record is proposed. The methodology uses J-integral as the fracture criterion, relies on the ASTM standards E1820 modified to accommodate the Young’s moduli mismatch between the austenite and martensite phases. Finite element analysis (FEA) is employed to validate the methodology while experimental data from CT specimens are interpreted accordingly. The fracture toughness of martensitic equiatomic NiTi at room temperature is much higher than the phenomenological value reported on the basis of linear elastic fracture mechanics.
Biomaterial scaffolds for non-invasive focal hyperthermia as a potential tool to ablate metastatic cancer cells.

Abstract Currently, there are very few therapeutic options for treatment of metastatic disease, as it often remains undetected until the burden of disease is too high. Microporous poly(e-caprolactone) biomaterials have been shown to attract metastasizing breast cancer cells in vivo early in tumor progression. In order to enhance the therapeutic potential of these scaffolds, they were modified such that infiltrating cells could be eliminated with non-invasive focal hyperthermia. Metal disks were incorporated into poly(e-caprolactone) scaffolds to generate heat through electromagnetic induction by an oscillating magnetic field within a radiofrequency coil . Heat generation was modulated by varying the size of the metal disk, the strength of the magnetic field (at a fixed frequency), or the type of metal. When implanted subcutaneously in mice, the modified scaffolds were biocompatible and became properly integrated with the host tissue. Optimal parameters for in vivo heating were identified through a combination of computational modeling and ex vivo characterization to both predict and verify heat transfer dynamics and cell death kinetics during inductive heating . In vivo inductive heating of implanted, tissue-laden composite scaffolds led to tissue necrosis as seen by histological analysis . The ability to thermally ablate captured cells non-invasively using biomaterial scaffolds has the potential to extend the application of focal thermal therapies to disseminated cancers.
2011 APSA Teaching and Learning Conference Track Summaries

The eighth annual meeting of the Diversity, Inclusiveness, and Equality (DIE) track at the 2011 APSA Teaching and Learning Conference focused on issues of difference, diversity, and equality as they relate to political science classrooms, departments, and institutions. This year, DIE included 22 participants and seven research papers on a broad range of issues. Subject matter included the incorporation of diversity topics into political science curriculum, the impact of campus demographics and diversity, and challenges faced by faculty in teaching diversity in politics.
Ceramide pathway and Apoptosis in Autoimmunity and Atherosclerosis

Publisher Summary The morphologic features of apoptosis are typical and well conserved in diverse cell types. This suggests a possible convergence of multiple signaling pathways, which ultimately culminate in one common route towards apoptosis. The ceramide/sphingomyelin (SM) pathway may constitute that common step. The studies have begun to identify a receptor-activated pathway of signal transduction involving the sphingolipid SM and its hydrolysis product ceramide. Apoptotic cell death was originally distinguished from necrosis based on morphological differences and on the tendency of necrotic, but not apoptotic, cells to induce an inflammatory response. Although it is still not clear how necrotic cells trigger inflammation, this capacity may be critical in relating tissue damage to the generation of an immune response. Apoptotic cell death, which concludes in the execution, packaging, and removal of the dying cells, has emerged as a physiological response to developmental and environmental signals. The pathways suggested for this significant process may vary between different types of cells.
Strategies to explore new approaches in the investigation and treatment of osteosarcoma.

Studies in osteosarcoma over the past 40 years have led to a steady improvement in the overall outcome of patients with osteosarcoma. In the year 2008, we can expect greater than 60% overall survival for newly diagnosed non-metastatic appendicular osteosarcoma. However, to achieve this current outcome, many patients are treated with aggressive cytotoxic chemotherapy and ultimately are not cured, and some patients who would be curable even without this aggressive approach are likely treated and cured. And finally, patients presenting with metastatic disease and those whose tumors recur after standard approaches continue to do very poorly. We believe that in order to continue to make progress in the treatment of this disease, we must achieve two main objectives. Firstly, we must find biomarkers that prospectively and accurately identify newly diagnosed non-metastatic patients who will not be cured with current modalities.
A New Role of Graph Projections in Index Theory

The orthogonal projection corresponding to the graph of a closed operator is a useful tool in Operator Theory. We will show that it is also useful in noncommutative geometry.
Beliefs About the Malleability of Anxiety and General Emotions and Their Relation to Treatment Outcomes in Acute Psychiatric Treatment

Beliefs about the malleability of self-attributes—mindsets—may have important relevance to clinical psychology. Individuals with growth mindsets of anxiety and general emotions (the belief that these attributes are changeable) report fewer psychological symptoms, more adaptive emotion regulation strategies, and prefer effortful treatments. However, most research has been conducted in unselected student samples, limiting understanding of clinical utility. Thus, we evaluated mindsets of anxiety and emotion in patients attending an intensive psychiatric partial hospitalization program using cognitive-behavior therapy, acceptance–commitment therapy, and dialectical-behavior therapy. Growth mindsets of anxiety and emotion were negatively correlated with psychological distress. Baseline growth mindset of anxiety, but not general emotion, predicted fewer anxiety symptoms at discharge, even after controlling for psychiatric symptoms, number of inpatient hospitalizations, and treatment expectations. Moreover, patients became significantly more growth-minded about anxiety at discharge, especially those with elevated psychiatric symptoms at baseline. Findings highlight the clinical potential of mindsets and point to intervention targets.
It takes a village: Reflections on a randomized controlled trial to teach mindfulness skills to teens in foster and kinship care:

In this article, we reflect on a pilot project implementing a mindfulness-based stress reduction program among traumatized youth in foster and kinship care. We adapted a mindfulness intervention to...
Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal mesothelioma: patient selection and special considerations

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare, aggressive malignancy that typically presents with vague symptoms, ascites, and/or diffuse peritoneal studding. Despite findings of advanced disease within the peritoneal cavity, spread beyond the abdomen is uncommon. Although advances in systemic chemotherapy have been made, cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) remain the mainstay of treatment. Median overall survival of approximately 50 months with CRS/HIPEC has been demonstrated, with age, gender, histologic subtype, peritoneal carcinomatosis index, comorbidities, nodal and extra-abdominal metastases, and completeness of cytoreduction all playing a role in prognosis. In patients with refractory malignant ascites and unresectable disease, complete resolution of ascites and improvement in quality of life have been demonstrated with palliative HIPEC. In appropriately selected patients, CRS/HIPEC plays a critical role in the treatment and palliation of MPM.
An Ensemble Learning for Detecting Situational Awareness Tweets during Environmental Hazards

The shift to social media platforms like Twitter during environmental hazards and emergencies has expanded recently. Yet, the classification of situational awareness tweet based on people post is a complicated process due to the high dimensionality of features. In this empirical study, A framework using machine learning and Natural Language Processing techniques was developed for two-stage binary classification of Twitter data. The First stage consists of four models: Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, Naive Bayes and Decision Trees. Whereas, the second stage includes an ensemble learning approach. Text features - TFIDF (term frequency, inverse document frequency), psychometric, and linguistic - were analyzed as predictors of binary classification to categorize each tweet as situational relevant or irrelevant automatically. A manually built and labeled dataset of 4,000 tweets were analyzed for situational awareness of environmental health hazards in Barbados from water, mosquito-borne diseases, and sewage during the period 2014 - 2018. Based on the experiment, our model was able to achieve over 85% accuracy on classifying tweets that contribute to situational awareness. Furthermore, the results indicate that applying ensemble learning in the second stage showed superior results compared to the combined features-based classification models.
Reasoning on a highlighted user model to respond to misconceptions

Responses to misconceptions given by human conversational partners very often contain information refuting possible reasoning which may have led to the misconceptions. Surprisingly there is a great deal of regularity in these responses across different domains of discourse. For instance, one reason a user might have given an object a property it does not have is that the user confused the object with another similar object. In correcting such a misconception, a human conversational partner is likely to point out this possible confusion.This work describes a method for generating responses like the one just described by reasoning on a highlighted model of the user to identify possible sources of the error. Through a transcript study a number of response strategies were abstracted. Each strategy was associated with a structural configuration of the user model. For example, the above mentioned strategy of pointing out a similar confused object is associated with a configuration of the user model that indicates the user believes there is an important similar object that has the property involved in the misconception. Upon finding that configuration in the highlighted user model, the system can respond with the associated strategy.Notice that the reasoning must be done on a highlighted user model since the perception of both an object's importance and its similarity with another object change with the perspective being taken on the domain. This paper investigates how domain perspective can be modeled to provide the needed highlighting and introduces a similarity metric that is sensitive to the highlighting provided by the domain perspective. Finally, the paper shows how the highlighting affects misconception responses.
External Fixators for Limb Lengthening

Distraction osteogenesis is a technique used to form new bone using gradual and controlled distraction after a corticotomy or osteotomy. The regenerate is formed by a combination of endochondral and intramembranous ossification. This technique can be used for limb lengthening, bone transport, or a combination of both. Details of the biophysical events that lead to bone formation will be discussed in detail. This technique is most often performed using external fixators. Ilizarov circular fixators are described as the classic method, but other varieties of internal and external fixator constructs have been proposed and will be discussed in this chapter. The goals of using distraction osteogenesis are to create and maintain stable bone alignment, allow adequate compression at the docking site, and promote a healthy column of regenerate bone. The stability of the construct can be directly modified by the treating surgeon and is a critical area of research in the field of osteogenesis. Finally, recent techniques have been developed to address some of the challenges with distraction osteogenesis. Integrated techniques, including lengthening over an intramedullary device and lengthening and then nailing, will be discussed and proposed as a method to decrease the bone healing index and frame time.