cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Eales' disease presenting as stroke in the young adult

Eales' disease is an uncommon idiopathic disorder characterized by retinal perivasculitis and recurrent vitreous hemorrhages in young males. Associated neurological involvement is rare. We report a 38-year-old man who presented with stroke attributed to Eales' disease.
Context and structure: The nature of students' knowledge about three spatial diagram representations

The authors investigated whether college students possess abstract rules concerning the applicability conditions for three spatial diagrams that are important tools for thinking—matrices, networks, and hierarchies. A total of 127 students were asked to select which type of diagram would be best for organising the information in each of several short scenarios. The scenarios were written using three different story contexts: (a) neutral, presenting a real-life situation but not cueing a particular representation; (b) abstract, presenting only variable names and relations; and (c) incongruent, in which the context and informational structure cued different representations. The results indicated above-chance performance on the abstract scenarios, as well as comparable performance on the abstract and neutral context scenarios. In a follow-up study in which eight students thought out loud while selecting diagrams for the abstract scenarios, there were almost no references to concrete examples. The results of t...
Three-Dimensional Localization of pORF65 in Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Capsid

Of the six herpesvirus capsid proteins, the smallest capsid proteins (SCPs) share the least sequence homology among herpesvirus family members and have been implicated in virus specificity during infection. The herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) SCP was shown to be horn shaped and to specifically bind the upper domain of each major capsid protein in hexons but not in pentons. In Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), the protein encoded by the ORF65 gene (pORF65) is the putative SCP but its location remains controversial due to the absence of such horn-shaped densities from both the pentons and hexons of the KSHV capsid reconstructions. To directly locate the KSHV SCP, we have used electron cryomicroscopy and three-dimensional reconstruction techniques to compare the three-dimensional structure of KSHV capsids to that of anti-pORF65 antibody-labeled capsids. Our difference map shows prominent antibody densities bound to the tips of the hexons but not to pentons, indicating that KSHV SCP is attached to the upper domain of the major capsid protein in hexons but not to that in pentons, similar to HSV-1 SCP. The lack of horn-shaped densities on the hexons indicates that KSHV SCP exhibits structural features that are substantially different from those of HSV-1 SCP. The location of SCP at the outermost regions of the capsid suggests a possible role in mediating capsid interactions with the tegument and cytoskeletal proteins during infection.
Droplet Routing in the Synthesis of Digital Microfluidic Biochips

Recent advances in microfluidics are expected to lead to sensor systems for high-throughput biochemical analysis. CAD tools are needed to handle increased design complexity for such systems. Analogous to classical VLSI synthesis, a top-down design automation approach can shorten the design cycle and reduce human effort. We focus here on the droplet routing problem, which is a key issue in biochip physical design automation. We develop the first systematic droplet routing method that can be integrated with biochip synthesis. The proposed approach minimizes the number of cells used for droplet routing, while satisfying constraints imposed by throughput considerations and fluidic properties. A real-life biochemical application is used to evaluate the proposed method.
Psychometric characteristics of the mini-mental state examination in patients with Alzheimer’s disease— a grade of membership analysis of cerad data: part II

In order to determine whether the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) assesses multiple areas of cognitive functioning, a grade of membership analysis, carried out initially on data from a representative sample of community residents (see Part I), was repeated on data from 718 carefully characterized Alzheimer’s disease (AD) cases. The findings from both normal and demented samples differed little. In AD cases three pure types were identified which varied in level of cognitive impairment rather than by aspect of cognitive functioning. The presence of the originally proposed five aspects of cognitive functioning was not confirmed, although subsets (selected orientation items; three recall items; the two naming items) were identified. Nevertheless, since problems with learning and recall are a function of AD, and may underlie ability to respond to the items of the MMSE, summary MMSE score may be a sound indicator of severity of cognitive impairment, even if specific areas of cognitive functioning cannot be identified.
Striatum and insula dysfunction during reinforcement learning differentiates abstinent and relapsed methamphetamine‐dependent individuals

Author(s): Stewart, Jennifer L; Connolly, Colm G; May, April C; Tapert, Susan F; Wittmann, Marc; Paulus, Martin P | Abstract: Background and aimsIndividuals with methamphetamine dependence (MD) exhibit dysfunction in brain regions involved in goal maintenance and reward processing when compared with healthy individuals. We examined whether these characteristics also reflect relapse vulnerability within a sample of MD patients.DesignLongitudinal, with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and clinical interview data collected at baseline and relapse status collected at 1-year follow-up interview.SettingKeck Imaging Center, University of California San Diego, USA.ParticipantsMD patients (n = 60) enrolled into an in-patient drug treatment program at baseline. MD participants remaining abstinent at 1-year follow-up (abstinent MD group; n = 42) were compared with MD participants who relapsed within this period (relapsed MD group; n = 18).MeasurementsBehavioral and neural responses to a reinforcement learning (paper-scissors-rock) paradigm recorded during an fMRI session at time of treatment.FindingsThe relapsed MD group exhibited greater bilateral inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and right striatal activation than the abstinent MD group during the learning of reward contingencies (Cohen's d range: 0.60-0.83). In contrast, the relapsed MD group displayed lower bilateral striatum, bilateral insula, left IFG and left anterior cingulate activation than the abstinent MD group (Cohen's d range: 0.90-1.23) in response to winning, tying and losing feedback.ConclusionsMethamphetamine-dependent individuals who achieve abstinence and then relapse show greater inferior frontal gyrus activation during learning, and relatively attenuated striatal, insular and frontal activation in response to feedback, compared with methamphetamine-dependent people who remain abstinent.
Building knowledge-based tools for requirements analysis: a pragmatic approach

In the industry, requirements analysis often translates to answering the question 'Can our product meet the needs of this client?' This is a high payoff problem for the use of knowledge-based approaches. But there are several problems in applying the available approaches for building tools in this context. The authors systematically analyze these problems and develop an approach that has significant advantages for use in this context. They present the details of their approach, and discuss how they have applied it for building ASTRA, a knowledge-based tool that can perform requirements analysis in the car rental management domain. They establish the significance of the work and outline directions for future work. >
The Learning Performance and Cost Effectiveness of Mentally Disabled Workers

This article presents the results of an empirical test of the applicability of using a learning curve to plan and evaluate the performance of a group of mentally disabled production workers at a small manufacturing plant. A regression model of the worker's performance over 10 weeks shows that they experienced the standard log-linear learning curve relationship between task time per unit and cumulative units. Their learning rate was approximately 85%, which falls within the learning rate range of earlier studies of nondisabled workers. Comparison of mentally disabled and nondisabled workers on the same task shows that the latter had higher turnover, lower initial task time, and a slower learning rate. Extending the learning curve model shows how a firm can include wage differentials between disabled and nondisabled workers to evaluate the cost effectiveness of disabled workers. For the firm in this study, disabled workers created a short-term cost penalty but generated long-term savings. The firm's cost-ef...
Some Notes on American Fiction at the End of the Mechanical Age

(1992). Some Notes on American Fiction at the End of the Mechanical Age. ANQ: A Quarterly Journal of Short Articles, Notes and Reviews: Vol. 5, Forum: The Future of American Fiction, pp. 185-188.
Few in number: research on mathematical teaching and learning in the online setting

In this chapter, we describe how research focusing on online and blended mathematics learning (OBML) has generally focused on OBML as a treatment for learning rather than a context for it. Within this focus, research has generally suggested a mix of positive, negative, and no significant differences in mathematical learning outcomes for OBML and traditional face-to-face learning environments. Further, the majority of OBML research, and practice, resides in secondary mathematics. We discuss reasons for the current focus on OBML research, recommendations for building upon this literature base, and implications for practice.
Effects of reserpine and chlorpromazine in prevention of cerebral edema and reversible cell damage.

Summary1) Serotonin, administered into brain-tissue via an extravascular route, induces edema, possibly due to its musculotropic property. 2) Serotonin was confirmed to have a neurotropic action which appeared to be responsible for the reversible hemiplegic symptoms. 3) The neurotropic effect of serotonin is biphasic, i.e. when administered in low dosage via internal-carotid artery, it causes transient spastic paralyses. In high dosage, it causes flaccid paralyses without inducing cerebral edema. 4) Chlorpromazine and reserpine both block the edemainducing action of serotonin. Reserpine is, however, effective in a much lower dosage. 5) Chlorpromazine potentiates the neurotropic depressant effect of serotonin, but apparently does not alter its stimulating action. 6) Reserpine inhibits the neurotropic effect of serotonin. This holds true for the spastic as well as for the flaccid symptoms. 7) Therapeutic considerations suggest that reserpine may be specifically indicated in prophylactic treatment of apoplexy.
Experimental Effects of the tissue-compatibility with PIIIsurface-modified on Intravascular stents

Objectives Evaluated the tissue-compatibility of the PⅢsurface-modified on Intravas- cular stents.Methods As many as 30 clean white rabbits with average weight ranging from 2.5 kg to 3.0 kg were chosen to be divided randomly into 2 groups.The test group contained 16 rabbits while the check group contained 14 ones.Before stent implantation some blood tests were held,and after blood drawing, rabbits of the test group were reversely implanted with modified stents in abdomen aorta through arteria crura- lis,while rabbits from the check group were implanted with common stents.Including the tests of 4 rabbits for each group 4 weeks later,the tests of 6 rabbits of the test group,and 6 rabbits for each group 20 weeks later.Pathological testing were conducted both with three single pieces got respectively from liver,spleen and kidney and with piece of stent tissue.Results There were no differences between the test group and the check group before and after the operation.Pathological sections showed normal structure,without infiltration of lymphocytes and foreign-body giant cells or mesenchymal dropsy.No corrosion and rustiness were seen on stents.And there were neither foreign body reject reaction nor inflammatory reaction on vascular wall.Lym- phocytes and infiltration of foreign-body giant cells were not observed on pathological sections of stents.The stent surface was covered by intima and connected with normal arterial intima.Stereoscan photograph showed that the majority of stent surface was covered by fresh intima.Conclusions Stent with surface modification has good histocompatibility afterimplantation into rabbit's abdominal aorta,and it will not have untoward effect against blood and important organs.
Research on Autonomous English Learning Ability of Non-English Major Undergraduates

This present paper reports a quantitative investigation with regard to 235 non-English major undergraduates' autonomous English learning abilities by means of the questionnaire on "Non-English major undergraduates' autonomous English abilities".The result demonstrates that the subjects possess a certain degree of autonomous English learning abilities.Based on the reflections on the results of the investigation,the problems were found and some suggestions for the enhancement of the competence are proposed.
The relationship between hs-CRP and short-term prognosis in patients with acute cerebral infarction

Objective To explore the relationship between hs-CRP and short-term prognosis in patients with acute cerebral infarction. Methods Consecutively collecting 252 acute cerebral infarction patients during April,2012 to October,2013 in the second nerval medical department ward of Hebei United University Hospital. All the patients were divided into four groups by quartile method according to the serum hs-CRP levels,Unadjusted and multiple adjusted logistic regression models were used to analyze the relationship between hs-CRP and short-term prognosis in patients with acute cerebral infarction. Results Multivariate logistic regression( adjusted for hypertension,drinking,infarction position,complication,dyslipidemia,NIHSS score,age.) showed that: the OR value and 95% CI was higher in hs-CRP level ≥3. 41 mg / L group[4. 22( 1. 09 ~16. 615) ]than in hs-CRP level ≤0. 30 mg / L group. Conclusion Elevated hs-CRP level is risk factor for early poor prognosis in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Modal Testing of a Nose Cone Using Three-Dimensional Scanning Laser Doppler Vibrometry

The Structural Dynamics department at Sandia National Laboratories has acquired a 3D Scanning Laser Doppler Vibrometer system for making vibration and modal test measurements. This paper presents the results of testing performed to examine the capabilities and limitations of that system. The test article under consideration was a conical part with two different surface materials which allowed the examination of the effect of angle of incidence and surface reflectivity on the measurement. The system was operated in both 1D and 3D modes, and the results from the 1D scan were compared to a scan performed with a previous generation system to evaluate the improvements between the generations. Data from the laser systems were exported to standard curve fitting software, and modes were fit to the data.
The Geopolitics of Maharashtra

For an understanding of the spatial framework of the Maratha polity there are several crucial terms which appear throughout this study. The two most important are the Deccan and Maharashtra. The Deccan, which translates as “south,” is an old term appearing in the Vedic literature and the Mahabharata as Dakshinapatha. It meant the area below the Tapti River, and suggested an area suitable for conquest. Throughout history, “Deccan” has retained these overtones, the perspective of a northern conqueror considering possible domains. What constituted the Deccan, at any particular moment, depended on where the kingdom's southern border lay and what lay beyond. Over the whole historical period, the area from the Tapti to the Godavari was frequently integrated into northern empires, and the area south of it, between the Godavari and the Krishna, became the Deccan. In this sense, I will use the term Deccan not as a fixed place, but only as a relational term, the area beyond the southern border of a northern-based kingdom. The term “Maharashtra” is much easier to define. It is simply the area where Marathi is the dominant language. As a place, Maharashtra was mentioned from the first century ad onwards, but not until inscriptional evidence of the seventh century is it possible roughly to map the region. Ma ho leska (Maharashtra) figures prominently in the narrative of the Chinese Buddhist pilgrim, Hsuan Tsang, in this period. With the further development of Marathi, between 800 AD and 1300 AD, we can trace a definite linguistic region. For example, the saint-reformer Chakradhara travelled all over the Marathi-speaking region, preaching and plying his trade as a barber.
Comparison of Femoral Neck Stress Fractures in Pediatric versus Young Adult Athletes

Objectives:To compare the demographics, metabolic bone health, radiologic features, treatment approaches and recurrence rates of pediatric versus young adult athletes with femoral neck stress fract...
Neuron–Glial Interactions: Neurotransmitter Signaling to Cells of the Oligodendrocyte Lineage

Abstract Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs, NG2+ glial cells) express receptors for neurotransmitters and form direct synapses with neurons. Experiments in vitro and in vivo indicate that neurotransmitters can influence the maturation of OPCs and that neuronal activity shapes myelination, suggesting that neurotransmitter signaling helps coordinate the behavior of these progenitors to ensure the proper timing and location of myelin production during development. OPCs remain abundant in the adult central nervous system, retain the ability to proliferate and differentiate throughout life, and undergo profound changes in response to injury, raising the possibility that neurotransmitter signaling may also influence adaptive myelination, myelin repair, and nonprogenitor behaviors of these cells.
Flavanone Intake Is Inversely Associated with Risk of Incident Ischemic Stroke in the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study.

Background Flavonoids may have beneficial cerebrovascular effects, but evidence from racially and geographically representative cohorts in comprehensive flavonoid databases is lacking. Given racial and geographic disparities in stroke incidence, representative cohort studies are needed. Objectives We evaluated the association between flavonoid intake and incident ischemic stroke in a biracial, national cohort using updated flavonoid composition tables and assessed differences in flavonoid intake by sex, race, and region of residence. Methods We evaluated 20,024 participants in the REGARDS (REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke) study, a biracial prospective study. Participants with stroke history or missing dietary data were excluded. Flavonoid intake was estimated by using a Block98 food frequency questionnaire and the USDA's Provisional Flavonoid Addendum and Proanthocyanidin Database. Associations between quintiles of flavonoid intake and incident ischemic stroke were evaluated by using Cox proportional hazards models, adjusting for confounders. Results Over 6.5 y, 524 acute ischemic strokes occurred. Flavanone intake was lower in the Southeastern United States but higher in blacks than in whites. After multivariable adjustment, flavanone intake was inversely associated with incident ischemic stroke (HR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.55, 0.95; P-trend = 0.03). Consumption of citrus fruits and juices was inversely associated with incident ischemic stroke (HR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.53, 0.91; P-trend = 0.02). Total flavonoids and other flavonoid subclasses were not associated with incident ischemic stroke. There was no statistical interaction with sex, race, or region for any flavonoid measure. Conclusions Greater consumption of flavanones, but not total or other flavonoid subclasses, was inversely associated with incident ischemic stroke. Associations did not differ by sex, race, or region for the association; however, regional differences in flavanone intake may contribute to regional disparities in ischemic stroke incidence. Higher flavanone intake in blacks suggests that flavanone intake is not implicated in racial disparities in ischemic stroke incidence.
Suboptimal maternal diets alter mu opioid receptor and dopamine type 1 receptor binding but exert no effect on dopamine transporters in the offspring brain

Birthweight is a marker for suboptimal fetal growth and development in utero. Offspring can be born large for gestational age (LGA), which is linked to maternal obesity or excessive gestational weight gain, as well as small for gestational age (SGA), arising from nutrient or calorie deficiency, placental dysfunction, or other maternal conditions (hypertension, infection). In humans, LGA and SGA babies are at an increased risk for certain neurodevelopmental disorders, including Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, schizophrenia, and social and mood disorders. Using mouse models of LGA (maternal high fat (HF) diet) and SGA (maternal low protein (LP) diet) offspring, our lab has previously shown that these offspring display alterations in the expression of mesocorticolimbic genes that regulate dopamine and opioid function, thus indicating that these brain regions and neurotransmitter systems are vulnerable to gestational insults. Interestingly, these two maternal diets affected dopamine and opioid systems in somewhat opposing directions (e.g., LP offspring are generally hyperdopaminergic with reduced opioid expression, and the reverse is found for the HF offspring). These data largely involved evaluation at the transcriptional level, so the present experiment was designed to extend these analyses through an assessment of receptor binding. In this study, control, SGA and LGA offspring were generated from dams fed control, low protein or high fat diet, respectively, throughout pregnancy and lactation. At weaning, mice were placed on the control diet and sacrificed at 12 weeks of age. In vitro autoradiography was used to measure mu-opioid receptor (MOR), dopamine type 1 receptor (D1R), and dopamine transporter (DAT) binding level in mesolimbic brain regions. Results showed that the LP offspring (males and females) had significantly higher MOR and D1R binding than the control animals in the regions associated with reward. In HF offspring there were no differences in MOR binding, and limited increases in D1R binding, seen only in females in the nucleus accumbens core and the dorsomedial caudate/putamen. DAT binding revealed no differences in either models. In conclusion, LP but not HF offspring show significantly elevated MOR and D1R binding in the brain thus affecting DA and opioid signaling. These findings advance the current understanding of how suboptimal gestational diets can adversely impact neurodevelopment and increase the risk for disorders such as ADHD, obesity and addiction.
A new method for functionalizing α,γ‐dinitro compounds at the β‐position: application to the cyclization of β‐alkoxy‐α,γ‐dinitro compounds

Treatment of 2,4-dinitropentane with bromine and sodium methoxide in methanol, affords formation of an ether product, 2,4-dibromo-3-methoxy-2,4-dinitropentane, in 59% yield as a mixture of three diastereomers. This observation has led to a general synthesis of 3-alkoxy-2,4-dibromo-2,4-dinitropentanes, obtained in 75-86% yield from 2,4-dibromo-2,4-dinitropentane as the preferred reactant. 4-Bromo-2,4-dinitro-2-pentene has been identified as an intermediate in these reactions. The nitroalkene has been isolated and undergoes conjugate addition with alkoxides to afford the same ether products after brominative work-up. The nitroalkene undergoes conjugate addition with sodium azide to give 3-azido-2,4-dibromo-2,4-dinitropentane in 38% yield as a mixture of two isomers in which the (R*,R*) isomer predominates. Sequential treatment of 2,4-dibromo-2,4-dinitropentane with sodium methoxide followed by sodium iodide and acetic acid gives 3-methoxy-2,4-dinitropentane in 63% yield, the overall product of simple methoxylation of 2,4-dinitropentane. However, attempted complete debromination of 2,4-dibromo-3-methoxy-2,4-dinitropentane with excess sodium iodide and acetic acid results only in monodebromination to give 2-bromo-3-methoxy-2,4-dinitropentane in 86% yield. Likewise, 2-bromo-3-ethoxy-2,4-dinitropentane is formed in 93% yield from the ethoxy analog. A mechanistic rationale is offered for condition-specific removal of the second Br atom in these reactions. Treatment of 3-methoxy-2,4-dinitropentane with potassium acetate/iodine in dimethyl sulfoxide affords formation of 4,5-dihydro-3,4-dimethyl-3-methoxy-4-nitroisoxazole 2-oxide in 30% yield as a single diastereomer. Conversion of 2-bromo-3-methoxy-2,4-dinitropentane in 15% yield to 4,5-dihydro-3,4-dimethyl-3-methoxy-4-nitroisoxazole 2-oxide is also possible by using potassium acetate in dimethyl sulfoxide. The mechanistic pathways for formation of 4,5-dihydro-3,4-dimethyl-3-methoxy-4-nitroisoxazole 2-oxide apparently involve unstable 3-methoxy-1,2-dimethyl-1,2-dinitrocyclopropane as the common intermediate. Similarly, 2-bromo-3-ethoxy-2,4-dinitropentane affords 4,5-dihydro-3-ethoxy-3,4-dimethyl-4-nitroisoxazole 2-oxide in 13% yield. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Managing chronic conditions in college: Findings from prompted health incidents diaries

ABSTRACTObjective: This pilot study assessed an electronic health diary method designed to collect data about critical health incidents experienced by college students who have chronic health conditions. Participants: Nine university students with chronic medical conditions were recruited to complete a series of e-mail–based surveys, sent once every 3 days across the fall 2014 semester. Methods: In each survey, participants described a health-related incident that occurred within the past day and cited resources that helped or could have helped in that situation. They completed follow-up interviews and ranked the importance of cited resources. Results: The diary completion rate was 78.3% (141/180). Most frequently affected management areas were activities (61.3%), monitoring (34.9%), and problem-solving (34.3%). Resources considered helpful included situational knowledge, campus health professionals, peer support, and relaxation opportunities. Conclusions: Prompted health incidents diary method achieved a...
The narrative properties of ideology: the adversarial turn and climate skepticism in the USA

A central concern in policy studies is understanding how multiple, contending groups in society interact, deliberate, and forge agreements over policy issues. Often, public discourse turns from engagement into impasse, as in the fractured politics of climate policy in the USA. Existing theories are unclear about how such an “adversarial turn” develops. We theorize that an important aspect of the adversarial turn is the evolution of a group’s narrative into what can be understood as an ideology, the formation of which is observable through certain textual-linguistic properties. Analysis “of” these narrative properties elucidates the role of narrative in fostering (1) coalescence around a group ideology, and (2) group isolation and isolation of ideological coalitions from others’ influence. By examining a climate skeptical narrative, we demonstrate how to analyze ideological properties of narrative, and illustrate the role of ideological narratives in galvanizing and, subsequently, isolating groups in society. We end the piece with a reflection on further issues suggested by the narrative analysis, such as the possibility that climate skepticism is founded upon a more “genetic” meta-narrative that has roots in social issues far removed from climate, which means efforts at better communicating climate change science may not suffice to support action on climate change.
Reliability modeling of mixtures of one-shot units under thermal cyclic stresses

Abstract Modeling components’ thermal fatigue life due to cyclic temperature fluctuation based on Coffin–Mason principle has been extensively investigated. However, sparse research assesses the thermal fatigue life by providing the reliability metrics of components/systems under thermal fatigue. The Birnbaum–Saunders (BS) distribution is developed to model the unit's fatigue failure induced by mechanical stresses and provides the unit's reliability metrics. In this paper, we investigate a generalized Birnbaum–Saunders (GBS) distribution and its performance in predicting fatigue failure caused by thermal cyclic stresses. We then apply the GBS distribution to model the reliability metrics of a system with mixtures of nonhomogeneous one-shot units subject to thermal fatigue. An extensive simulation model is developed to validate the system reliability metrics accuracy. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the use of the models.
Determination of critical energy release rates for discrete damage mechanics analysis in ANSYS

Abstract Matrix cracks are the first type of degradation observed in most polymer matrix composites. The Discrete Damage Mechanics (DDM) model has been added to ANSYS ® as a user material (UserMAT) to enable prediction of initiation and evolution of matrix cracks in laminated composites. Besides the usual material properties that describe the elasticity and strength of a ply, DDM uses two, in situ, critical energy release rates (GIc and GIIc) to provide accurate predictions of intralaminar cracking. No standard test method exists to determine these properties in situ, in a finished laminate. Therefore, a methodology is proposed herein to evaluate these properties in terms of experimental stiffness-degradation data from specimens made with two different laminate stacking sequences. Experimental data for other stacking sequences of the same material system are used to validate the methodology. Comparison with other model-results are also presented. The objectivity of the constitutive model is evaluated by performing both p- and h-refinement.
Radar autofocus algorithm incorporating terrain knowledge for correction of Mars' ionospheric distortion in MARSIS observations

Low-frequency subsurface radar observations of Mars' polar ice deposits by MARSIS (Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionosphere Sounding) are heavily impacted by the electron content of Mars' ionosphere, which has a peak plasma frequency close to MARSIS operating frequencies. The resulting ionospheric distortion can be represented as attenuation and bulk delay, in addition to higher-order frequency dispersion effects. Baseline, uncorrected images are often unusable when the solar zenith angle is less than 90° (day side). In this work, a radar autofocus algorithm is developed that estimates and inverts ionospheric distortion, producing a focused radargram of the ice deposit subsurface. A maximum likelihood approach is developed that incorporates simulated surface clutter returns for the current spacecraft position, based on the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) elevation model of the Martian surface. An ancillary product is a surface-only clutter simulation for each orbit, which is necessary to identify true subsurface features.
Rapid Isolation and Detection of Exosomes and Associated Biomarkers from Plasma

Exosomes found in the circulation are a primary source of important cancer-related RNA and protein biomarkers that are expected to lead to early detection, liquid biopsy, and point-of-care diagnostic applications. Unfortunately, due to their small size (50–150 nm) and low density, exosomes are extremely difficult to isolate from plasma. Current isolation methods are time-consuming multistep procedures that are unlikely to translate into diagnostic applications. To address this issue, we demonstrate the ability of an alternating current electrokinetic (ACE) microarray chip device to rapidly isolate and recover glioblastoma exosomes from undiluted human plasma samples. The ACE device requires a small plasma sample (30–50 μL) and is able to concentrate the exosomes into high-field regions around the ACE microelectrodes within 15 min. A simple buffer wash removes bulk plasma materials, leaving the exosomes concentrated on the microelectrodes. The entire isolation process and on-chip fluorescence analysis is c...
Design and fabrication of adjustable X-ray optics using piezoelectric thin films

Piezoelectric adjustable optics are being developed for high throughput, high resolution, low mass Xray mirror assemblies. These optics require robust piezoelectric thin films and reproducible lithographic patterning on curved glass substrates. This work details the cleaning of Corning Eagle XG glass substrates for thin shell X-ray mirrors by a three stage acid and solvent cleaning procedure before a 0.02 μm Ti adhesion layer and a 0.1 μm Pt bottom electrode layer was deposited using DC magnetron sputtering. Piezoelectric Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)0.99Nb0.01O3 thin films with a thickness of 1.5 μm were then deposited by radio frequency magnetron sputtering in three 0.5 µm layers with intermittent annealing steps in a rapid thermal annealing furnace at 650°C for 60 seconds. Defects observed in the piezoelectric thin films were linked to residue remaining on the glass after cleaning. 112 piezoelectric cells and 100 μm wide conductive Pt traces were patterned using bilayer photolithography. The photoresist layers were deposited using spin coating at 2000 and 4000 RPM to achieve uniform 1 μm thick layers, resulting in reproducibly resolved features with limiting resolutions of approximately >25 μm. The resulting mirror pieces achieved a 100% yield, with average relative permittivity of 1270, dielectric loss 0.047, coercive field 30 kV/cm and remanent polarization of 20 μC/cm2 . While the defects observed in the films appeared to have not influence on the electrical properties, additional cleaning steps using DI water were proposed to further reduce their presence.
Artistic Rendering of Portraits

This chapter presents an overview of the latest computerized artistic portrait rendering techniques. Artistic rendering of portraits can be viewed as an image generating process controlled by two factors. The first one is face fidelity, meaning a rendered portrait image should preserve a certain amount of the original face’s information. The second factor is the artistic style chosen to simulate different media such as sketch and painting. In the literature, portrait rendering algorithms either adopt different models and data structures to represent the facial information or use different graphical elements and compositional methods to simulate various media and styles. These two factors essentially reveal the two principles in portraiture, namely the pursuits of likeness and aesthetic.
Composition of Micro-eukaryotes on the Skin of the Cascades Frog (Rana cascadae) and Patterns of Correlation between Skin Microbes and Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis.

Global amphibian decline linked to fungal pathogens has galvanized research on applied amphibian conservation. Skin-associated bacterial communities of amphibians have been shown to mediate fungal skin infections and the development of probiotic treatments with antifungal bacteria has become an emergent area of research. While exploring the role of protective bacteria has been a primary focus for amphibian conservation, we aim to expand and study the other microbes present in amphibian skin communities including fungi and other micro-eukaryotes. Here we characterize skin-associated bacteria and micro-eukaryotic diversity found across life stages of Cascades frog (Rana cascadae) and their associated aquatic environments using culture independent 16S and 18S rRNA marker-gene sequencing. Individuals of various life stages of Cascades frogs were sampled from a population located in the Trinity Alps in northern California during an epidemic of the chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). We filtered the bacterial sequences against a published database of bacteria known to inhibit Bd in co-culture to estimate the proportion of the skin bacterial community that is likely to provide defense against Bd. Tadpoles had a significantly higher proportion of Bd-inhibitory bacterial sequence matches relative to subadult and adult Cascades frogs. We applied a network analysis to examine patterns of correlation between bacterial taxa and Bd, as well as micro-eukaryotic taxa and Bd. Combined with the published database of bacteria known to inhibit Bd, we used the network analysis to identify bacteria that negatively correlated with Bd and thus could be good probiotic candidates in the Cascades frog system.
The role of proximity to waterfront in residents' relocation decision-making post-Hurricane Sandy

Abstract The experience with Superstorm Sandy advanced the dialogue on the long-term response options that would minimize risks and ensure livability in high-risk coastal environments. One strategy considered permanent relocation of homes from flood-prone areas. However, little is known about the factors that might influence a homeowner's decision to relocate, how their home's proximity to the shoreline may affect their risk perceptions and willingness to relocate. This paper explores the role that proximity to the oceanfront plays in relocation decision-making. It examines geospatial determinants collected as a part of a 2013 household survey conducted post Hurricane Sandy and their relationship with survey responses and socioeconomic predisposition. The analysis uses geospatial data to assess the proximity attributes of participating households. The proximity parameters were statistically compared to the socioeconomic profile and survey responses. The results demonstrate that the location of surveyed households, even though adequately dispersed to the oceanfront proximity, had only a minor effect on the willingness to relocate, suggesting that non-geophysical factors, such as household-level confidence in the ability to adapt and continue habitation in such locations, values, and other qualitative personal factors play a larger role. The findings also show that participants living closer to the bay are more likely to consider relocation if exposed to repetitive flooding and offered participation in buyout program.
A medical-legal perspective on overlapping surgery

In the U.S., there has recently been increased scrutiny on the appropriateness of surgeons performing overlapping cases and the potential for adverse consequences. This article describes the current literature on overlapping surgery and the ethics that guide behavior by performing a review of the PUBMED literature on overlapping surgery and analysis. Although the literature on overlapping surgery supports it as a safe practice, some public opinion runs contrary to the data, which is driving changes in policy. Surgeons should become familiar with the overlapping surgery policy in the hospital(s) in which they practice and be mindful of the potential consequences of performing overlapping surgeries.
Carpal tunnel syndrome micro-mis management

Case Studies and Phenomenological Studies revealed that the effects experienced by employees with of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome still permutated the workplace today. However, what was missing from Case Studies and Phenomenological studies surrounding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome was how the physical affects of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome caused an employee to experience psychological, sociological and psychosomatic effects that prevented them from working because they were exposed to repeated bullying tactics from their employer in the workplace.
An Arabidopsis Nudix Hydrolase Modulates the Innate Immune Response Independent of NPR1 and Salicylate

Plants have evolved complicated systems to regulate immune responses. The innate immune response which is triggered following recognition of conserved microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) provides the first layer of induced defense against an invading pathogen. The innate immune response (also termed basal resistance), together with pre-formed physical and chemical barriers, successfully prevents most infections from becoming established. Pathogens have evolved mechanisms, such as delivering virulence effectors to host cells, to block the basal defense system to promote its infection. In turn, plants have evolved the gene-for-gene recognition mechanism to recognize specific effectors as a signal of invasion, resulting in activation of a second tier of defense against the pathogens.
The Benefits of Closed-Loop Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation on Subjective Sleep Quality.

Background: Poor sleep quality is a common complaint, affecting over one third of people in the United States. While sleep quality is thought to be related to slow-wave sleep (SWS), there has been little investigation to address whether modulating slow-wave oscillations (SWOs) that characterize SWS could impact sleep quality. Here we examined whether closed-loop transcranial alternating current stimulation (CL-tACS) applied during sleep impacts sleep quality and efficiency. Methods: CL-tACS was used in 21 participants delivered at the same frequency and in phase with endogenous SWOs during sleep. Sleep quality was assessed in the morning following either verum or sham control stimulation during sleep, with order counterbalanced within participants. Results: Higher sleep quality and efficiency were found after verum stimulation nights compared to control. The largest effects on sleep quality were found immediately following an adaptation night in the laboratory for which sleep quality was reduced. Conclusions: Applying CL-tACS at the same frequency and phase as endogenous SWOs may offer a novel method to improve subjective sleep quality after a night with poor quality sleep. CL-tACS might be helpful for increasing sleep quality and efficiency in otherwise healthy people, and in patients with clinical disorders that involve sleep deficits.
Healthcare Analytics Is the Future

Background Medical data has long been generated and shared. Today, not only do healthcare analytics assist us in understanding past performance, but is also used to obtain insight into what may occur in the future. Healthcare analytics has become essential, achievable, and unavoidable. The Blood and Marrow Transplant (BMT) department at one Comprehensive Cancer Center has firsthand experience with a variety of healthcare software and informatics programs. In 2015, a team from the organization reported the process of choosing the best match for BMT informatics software. At present, the BMT department has set out to use a new hospital software program, "Software M", which helps hospitals use patient-oriented data to manage, measure and monitor quality, patient safety, financial and clinical outcomes. [1] The BMT data managers (DM), along with the BMT Program Manager, have taken advantage of this software's quality performance aspect to improve their CIBMTR data accuracy rate. Method Internal assessments (IA) were completed and audited by the DM for validity and quality of registry data. After auditing the IA forms, the DM entered monthly IA through "Software M". In the past, calculating results proved laborious. Now, calculating the accuracy rate of CIBMTR data has become much more efficient. Using the software has improved DM efficiency and leaves less room for data entry error. To enhance output of the report, the DM provided a variety of IA forms to a healthcare analyst at the hospital. According to CIBMTR criteria, the DM distinguished which IA form fields were critical fields versus random fields. Data could now be displayed through a variety of visual representations, the DM reviewed the output requirements with the analyst. Results Identified output resulted in the following: Total number (No.) of questions (QNS) correct; total No. of QNS answered; percent success overall; total No. of critical QNS answered; total No. of correct critical QNS; percentage success of critical QNS; total No. of non-critical QNS correct; total No. of non-critical QNS answered; percentage success of non-critical QNS. In addition, a graph with the overall, critical, and random percentages is displayed. After the use of "Software M", the analysis of the accuracy rate has become significantly more precise and descriptive. CONCLUSION Healthcare analytics is making data more accessible than ever. Over the past four years, the BMT department has made advances with state-of-the-art technology. Trends of the data accuracy rates of IA can be viewed at a glance and if need be, corrected in a more timely manner, improving overall outcomes and allowing for a thorough training for staff. With CIBMTR and FACT standards becoming increasingly stringent, better strategies for timely data analysis are key.
A small native predator reduces reproductive success of a large invasive fish as revealed by whole-lake experiments

The extent to which native fish communities might control the success of invasive fish has been of interest to ecologists, but it has been rarely addressed using experiments. We conducted an experiment in six small lakes in the Upper Mississippi Region to test the effects of a small native predator, bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) on the recruitment of a large, invasive fish, the common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Bluegills are predominant throughout the region and were previously shown to consume carp eggs and larvae. We stocked both lakes at each of our 3 sites with adult carp (spawners) and one lake at each site with bluegills. We repeated the experiment at two of the three sites for two consecutive years. In each lake we assessed the abundance of post-larval carp one month after spawning (backpack electrofishing surveys) and at the end of the season (mark-recapture). For each site/year combination, catch rate of post-larval carp was typically an order of magnitude higher in control than bluegill lakes, but it often declined quickly over time. The abundance of end-of-seasonal juveniles was significantly higher (no 95% CI overlap) in control lakes than in bluegill lakes, except for one pair of lakes during one year when both the control and bluegill lake had similar, low abundance of end-of-season carp. Overall, our results support the hypothesis that common carp recruitment is substantially reduced in habitats dominated by bluegills. We also suggest our results may be applicable to other species, and that managers should explore how predation on early life stages may control other invasive species.
Fewer civilian casualties: Trending toward a constraint on the use of force

AbstractIn response to World War II's immense collateral damage from airpower, the United States implemented laws, policies, strategies, and technologies to protect civilians during war. When advan...
Spinal Arteriovenous Fistula, A Manifestation of Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia: A Case Report

Author(s): Spangler, Jodi; Watsjold, Bjorn; Ilgen, Jonathan S. | Abstract: Introduction: Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by arteriovenous malformations (AVM). HHT can have neurological manifestations.Case Report: A 32-year-old woman with a history of HHT presented to the emergency department with acute partial paralysis of the right leg, urinary retention, and right-sided back and hip pain. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine demonstrated multiple, dilated blood vessels along the cervical spine, diffuse AVMs in the lumbar and thoracic spine, and a new arteriovenous fistula at the twelfth thoracic (T12) vertebral level. Her symptoms improved after endovascular embolization of the fistula.Conclusion: Spinal AVMs are thought to be more prevalent in patients with HHT. Given the high morbidity of arteriovenous fistulas, early recognition and intervention are critical.