cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
GROWTH CHANGES IN MEASUREMENTS OF UPPER FACIAL POSITIONING

Growth changes in the position of the midline upper face are examined for samples of Pan troglodytes, Gorilla gorilla, and modern humans. Horizontal and vertical distances between nasion and the anterior end of the cribriform plate are plotted against stage of dental development. Kendall's nonparametric correlations between facial positioning and stage of dental development are tested for significance. In African apes, the upper face becomes more projecting and positioned higher relative to the anterior cranial base. The extent of this horizontal and vertical separation reflects primarily facial size. In modern humans, the upper face becomes more projecting but is relatively stable in its vertical position. Comparison of Pan and modern human crania in the youngest dental age category indicates that the upper face of modern humans is positioned lower early in postnatal life. The position of the upper face (glabella) relative to the anterior and posterior cranial base is presented for several fossil hominid crania. The fossil crania are similar to Pan and modern humans in facial projection relative to the anterior cranial base. However, glabella is positioned low in the fossil crania. Total facial projection (relative to hormion) for Sts 5 is similar to the mean for Gorilla. Fossil Homo and robust australopithecine crania display very projecting upper faces. We suggest that the upper face of Homo is projecting due to the length of the anterior cranial fossa, while robust australopithecines possess a thick frontal bone.
Outcome Improvement and Cost Reduction in an Increasingly Morbid Cardiac Surgery Population

Two studies assessed initiatives to improve the quality and the cost-effectiveness of cardiac surgery. The first evaluated a system for access and stabilization (SAS), with coronary stabilization, and a clinical effectiveness quality initiative (CEQI) in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. The SAS + CEQI cohort showed significantly lower mortality, a lower percentage of patients requiring prolonged ventilation, and a shorter mean postoperative length of hospital stay than the pre-SAS cohort who underwent on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. The second study assessed the potential for noninvasive cerebral oximetry to reduce strokes related to all cardiac surgery by optimizing cerebral oxygen delivery. The incidence of permanent stroke was significantly lower in the cerebral oximetry group than in an earlier control group in which cerebral oximetry was not used, despite the fact that the study group had a significantly greater number of patients in New York Heart Association classes III and IV. The proportion of patients requiring prolonged ventilation was significantly lower, and the length of postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the study group than in the control group. The incidence of cerebrovascular accident in the study group was 0.97%, compared with 2.03% in the controls. This translated to a potential avoidance of 12 cerebrovascular accidents and approximately $254,214 in direct costs and more than $425,000 in total costs. The results show that specific measures can improve outcomes and reduce costs in cardiac surgery. Therefore, the use of a clinical effectiveness quality initiative and cerebral oximetry in all cardiac surgery, with the SAS system for off-pump surgery, should be advocated.
An object-oriented world-view for intelligent, discrete, next-event simulation

Concepts from software engineering and knowledge engineering are incorporated into discrete, next-event simulation. The existing, conventional world-view utilized within discrete simulation is reviewed. A construct is presented that makes existing discrete simulation world-views more robust for problems involving endogenous decision-making. The use of knowledge bases and inference engines as mechanisms for modeling such decision making is presented. The result is a simulation world view that is able to simulate systems involving intelligent decision-making entities (actors) whose decisions strongly impact the state of the system.
Robotic-assisted pancreatic surgery

Pancreatic surgery is a challenging application of minimally invasive surgery. Due to the complexity of the surgical technique, requiring dissection along major abdominal vessels as well as delicate reconstruction involving biliary, pancreatic and enteric anastomoses, reports on laparoscopic pancreatic surgery have been scanty. With the advent of robotic-assisted surgery, however, the increased dexterity granted by endo-wristed instruments, the improved three-dimensional vision and the computer filtration of the surgeon’s movements have brought minimally invasive pancreatic surgery into a new era. As the surgical group which has performed the highest number of robotic-assisted pancreatic procedures worldwide, we review the state of the art of minimally invasive robotic-assisted pancreatic surgery. Clinical results from all major robotic-assisted pancreatic surgery series are considered. Preliminary reports from the published major pancreatic surgery series show encouraging results, with morbidity and mortality comparable to open surgery. Preliminary data on cancer survival rates also appear to be similar to open series. Robotic-assisted pancreatic surgery is safe and feasible for all pancreatic diseases. The complexity of pancreatic procedures warrant them to be carried out in specialised centres, where short- and long-term outcomes seem to be similar to the ones achieved in open surgery.
Effect of Trypsin and Ribonuclease on the Immunogenic Activity of Ribosomes and Ribonucleic Acid Isolated from Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Abstract Youmans, Anne S. (Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Ill.), and Guy P. Youmans. Effect of trypsin and ribonuclease on the immunogenic activity of ribosomes and ribonucleic acid isolated from Myobacterium tuberculosis. J. Bacteriol. 91:2146–2154. 1966.—The ribosomal fraction of the attenuated strain, H37Ra, of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was treated with trypsin alone, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) alone, EDTA and pancreatic ribonuclease, or with trypsin and ribonuclease. After each of these treatments, the ribosomal fractions were injected intraperitoneally into male CF-1 mice to test their capacity to produce an immune response to infection with virulent tubercle bacilli, strain H37Rv. Removal of protein with trypsin left the immunogenicity unchanged; EDTA alone reduced immunogenicity in the smaller vaccinating doses; EDTA plus ribonuclease reduced the immunogenicity by approximately 50% in the highest (1.0 mg) vaccinating dose; ribonuclease alone, after treatment with trypsin, reduced immunogenicity also approximately 50%. A crude mycobacterial ribonucleic acid (RNA) was prepared by extraction of the ribosomal fraction with alcohol. This RNA preparation was as effective in producing an immune response as the ribosomal fraction from which it was prepared, unless the RNA was partially or completely degraded during the preparation. The effect of ribonuclease on the immunogenicity of the RNA was similar to that obtained with the ribosomal fractions, except that ribonuclease completely destroyed the immunogenicity of a partially degraded RNA. RNA appears to be an essential part of an immunizing substance in attenuated tubercle bacilli, which produces a high degree of immunity in mice; 50 μg (dry weight) will protect approximately 80% of the mice, and as little as 0.5 μg will protect approximately 30% of the mice. Mycobacterial RNA not incorporated in Freund's incomplete adjuvant was nonimmunogenic. Yeast RNA incorporated in Freund's incomplete adjuvant was not immunogenic.
The Analysis of Regional International Politics: The Integration Versus the Empirical Systems Approach

It is argued that the study of regional international politics is important (1) for empirical reasons having to do with the real world saliency of the region as a factor in international politics; (2) for theoretical reasons having to do with the subordinate system as being relatively neglected in scholarship with the exception of the integrationist approach; and (3) for policy reasons having to do with the importance of accurately understanding the dynamics of the region as part of the objective of stabilizing the international system. The dominant approach to regional international politics of the integrationists (neo–functionalists and transactionalists) is then discussed and criticized in terms of the two approaches' normative concerns, the nature of the model utilized, and the theoretical issues that are raised. A major conclusion is that the integrative model used is inappropriate as a vestige of the level of analysis problem, and such theoretical issues as the nature of the dependent variable remain unspecified. It is then argued that the authors' formulation of an empirical systems approach begins to meet these criticisms.
Bringing realism to the classroom: an experimental design project for a lecture setting

A 'project' is described in which students are involved in a design project within a lecture setting. The 'project' is used to emphasize real-world applications in a microprocessor class stressing hardware and software integration. It amounts to completing a project design in three lecture periods which is not pre-planned in any way. Students are given the opportunity to choose the project and then to participate by contributing to the design as it progresses. Allowing the student input to the project eliminates pre-planning and tends to increase student motivation. Students contribute to the project, making it more realistic and allowing them to develop a feel for the methods and problems associated with project development. >
Factors Influencing Parental Caregiving by Adult Women: Variations by Care Intensity and Duration

This article examines a variety of demographic and structural characteristics that influence die provision of care to elderly parents by adult daughters. In particular, variations in these characteristics by the duration and intensity of care provision are examined. Age, education, and marital slams are found to be the most important individual characteristics influencing the provision of care. Parental age, the number of living parents, and the proximity of parents and daughters are also important. However, when caregivers are examined by the duration and intensity of their care, only parental age is consistently related to care. Geographic proximity does not appear significant for women who are providing short, intense periods of care, implying that "crisis" care is undertaken by women despite their distance from parents. This research highlights the importance of distinguishing among different types of caregiving.
Economic Determinants of Changes in the Aggregate Earnings-Returns Relation Over Time

Prior research documents a negative contemporaneous relation between earnings changes and stock returns at the aggregate level. We find that the aggregate earnings-returns relation turns significantly positive in recent years (1992-2013). As explanations for that shift, we test over-time shifts in the properties of firm-level earnings and the magnitude of inflation rates. To do so, we use the Bureau of Economic Analysis’ (BEA) corporate profits series as an alternative measure of aggregate earnings, because it is unaffected by changes in GAAP measurement rules and is adjusted for changes in price levels. While changes in both aggregate GAAP earnings and the BEA’s corporate profits series exhibit a significant negative (positive) relation with aggregate returns in the 1970-1991 (1992-2013) period, changes in aggregate GAAP earnings have incremental explanatory power for aggregate returns beyond the BEA’s corporate profits measure in the 1992-2013 period. Additional analysis reveals that such incremental explanatory power stems from GAAP earnings’ inclusion of non-operating items. We also find that a shift over time in inflation, as well as in the proportion of loss-making firms, contribute to inter-temporal variation in the aggregate earnings-returns relation. The effect of changes in the properties of GAAP earnings and inflation rates over time on the aggregate earnings-returns relation is new to the literature.
Prevalence of Intracranial Aneurysms in Patients with Connective Tissue Diseases: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Few studies have examined the prevalence of intracranial aneurysms in connective tissue diseases such as Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1, and Loeys-Dietz syndrome. We studied the prevalence of intracranial aneurysms and other intracranial neurovascular pathologies such as arteriovenous malformations and intracranial dissections, in these 4 patient populations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients who had a clinical diagnosis of Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1, or Loeys-Dietz syndrome who underwent MRA, CTA, and/or DSA imaging of the intracranial circulation between January 1, 2005, and January 31, 2015. The presence, location, and maximum dimensions of intracranial aneurysms were catalogued. Other neurovascular findings studied included intracranial dissections and arteriovenous fistulas and shunts. Baseline data collected included demographic characteristics (sex, age, smoking history), imaging modality, and cardiovascular comorbidities. RESULTS: The prevalence of intracranial saccular and fusiform aneurysms was as follows: 14% (8/59) among patients with Marfan syndrome, 12% (12/99) among patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, 11% (5/47) among patients with neurofibromatosis type 1, and 28% (7/25) among patients with Loeys-Dietz syndrome. Intracranial dissections were found in 2 patients (3%) with Marfan syndrome and 1 patient (1%) with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. No intracranial dissections were found in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 or Loeys-Dietz syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with connective tissue disorders, including Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1, and Loeys-Dietz syndrome, have a high prevalence of intracranial aneurysms.
Temporal Dynamics of NAPL Source Zone Strength: Relationship between Groundwater Flux and Contaminant Mass Discharge

AbstractUse of contaminant mass discharge (CMD) or mass-flux measurements to characterize site conditions and assess remediation performance of nonaqueous phase liquid (NAPL) is becoming popular. The main objective of this study is to determine how groundwater flux variations in the source zone can affect nonaqueous phase liquid (NAPL) dissolution dynamics. In particular, the authors develop interplays among groundwater flux variations, NAPL aqueous concentration, NAPL CMD, and other source strength dynamics. A power-law functional form is used to describe groundwater flux variations in illustrating how NAPL source strength functions can be affected. The developed analytical models can capture a wide range of NAPL source zone dynamics encountered in real-world applications. The results demonstrate the significance of groundwater flux variations in influencing the NAPL source dynamics. If groundwater flux decreases with time, the CMD declines initially at higher rate, but the rate decreases at later stages...
Stability of Zeolites in Hot Liquid Water

Zeolites Y and ZSM-5 with varying Si/Al ratios are treated in liquid water at 150 and 200 °C under autogenic pressure to assess their hydrothermal stability. The changes in the structure are characterized by atomic absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, argon physisorption, 27Al and 29Si MAS NMR spectroscopy, temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia, and pyridine adsorption followed by IR spectroscopy. During treatment in hot water, zeolite Y with a Si/Al ratio of 14 or higher is transformed into an amorphous material, and the rate of this degradation increases with increasing Si/Al ratio. In contrast, ZSM-5 is not modified under the same conditions. The main degradation mechanism is suggested to be hydrolysis of the siloxane bonds (Si−O−Si) as opposed to dealumination, which dominates under steaming conditions. In the resulting amorphous phase, Al remains tetrahedrally coordinated, but the micropore volume and concentration of accessible acid sites is reduced dramat...
Sampling methods: urine/blood analysis.

Asthma and other recurrent wheezing disorders, cystic fibrosis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and chronic lung disease of prematurity are the most frequent pediatric disorders in which inflammatory processes within the airways play a crucial role (1-3). Although airway inflammation is of crucial pathogenetic importance in these diseases, because direct access to the airways is rarely possible, alternative markers of airway inflammation are needed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes (Table 1). This article explores the use of biomarkers in peripheral blood and in urine (4, 5) as possible indirect measures to study airway inflammation (Table 2). In particular, the article focuses on the use of biomarkers, especially the use of eosinophil granule proteins in the blood and urine of children with asthma/wheezy bronchitis and cystic fibrosis, in comparison with healthy subjects.
Ancillary Ligand Effects on Carbon Dioxide-Ethylene Coupling at Zerovalent Molybdenum

A series of zerovalent molybdenum complexes bearing triphosphine ligands, [Ar2PCH2CH2]2PPh, have been synthesized and evaluated for reductive functionalization of CO2 with ethylene. The ability to form dimeric triphosphine molybdenum(II) acrylate hydride species from CO2-ethylene coupling was found to be highly sensitive to steric encumbrance on the phosphine aryl substituents. Trapping of triphosphine molybdenum(II) acrylate hydride species using triphenylphosphine afforded isolable monomeric CO2 functionalization products with all ancillary ligands studied. Kinetic analysis of the acrylate formation reaction revealed a first-order dependence on molybdenum, but no influence from CO2 pressure or the triphenylphosphine trap. Systematic attenuation of steric and electronic features of the triphosphine ligands showed a strong CO2 functionalization rate influence for ligand size with [(3,5-tBu-C6H3)2PCH2CH2]2PPh coupling nearly four times slower than with [(3,5-Me-C6H3)2PCH2CH2]2PPh. A considerably milder ele...
AIR TRAFFIC CONCEPT UTILIZING 4D TRAJECTORIES AND AIRBORNE SEPARATION ASSISTANCE

Funding for this work was provided by the Advanced Air Transportation Technologies (AATT) project office of NASA's Airspace Systems Program. This paper presents a concept – with the potential for increasing airspace system-wide efficiency and safety – which combines strategic, 4-D userpreferred trajectories with tactical, Airborne Separation Assistance Systems (ASAS). First, prior research and concepts for improving air traffic management are reviewed. Second, the concept for integrating trajectory-orientation and airborne separation assistance is described. Using an example traffic scenario, we then examine how the conflicts might be resolved using A) current day tactical operations, B) current day tactical operations with airborne separation assistance added, and C) a pure trajectory-oriented approach.
Analysis and implementation of the foveated vision of the raptor eye

A foveated optical system has non-uniform resolution across its field of view. Typically, the resolution of such a lens is peaked in the center region of field of view, such as in the human eye. In biological systems this is often a result of localized depressions on the retina called foveae. Birds of prey, or raptors, have two foveae in each eye, each of which accounts for a localized region of high magnification within the raptor's field of view. This paper presents an analysis of the bifoveated vision of raptors and presents a method whereby this unique optical characteristic may be achieved in an optical system using freeform optics and aberration correction techniques.
Significance of Sample Weight and Enrichment Ratio on the Isolation of Naturally Occurring Campylobacter spp. in Commercial Retail Broiler Meat

The goal of these experiments was to evaluate the efficacy of different meat to broth ratios for the isolation of Campylobacter spp. from retail broiler chicken meat. The evaluation included 25 g of meat enriched in 100 ml of Bolton broth (1:4 ratio, subsample A), 50 g in 200 ml (1:4, subsample B), 100 g in 300 ml (1:3, subsample C), and 150 g in 300 ml (1:2, subsample D). For 29 samples, another subsample (E) was evaluated at a 1:9 ratio. The results from 110 samples revealed no differences (P > 0.05) among subsamples (A through D) for the detection of Campylobacter-positive samples. By adding the results from subsamples A and B, the number of Campylobacter-positive samples was higher (P < 0.05) than that found based on results of subsamples A or B alone. However, the addition of the results from subsamples C and D increased the number of positive samples detected by only three. Subsamples C and D were the most contaminated, and contamination for subsamples A and B depended more on the original contamination of the meat than on the enrichment ratio. The mixing of the meat resulted in detection of more Campylobacter-positive samples than were found when the samples were not mixed before the subsamples were collected. No differences were found in the number of positive samples detected among subsamples A, B, C, or D based on product type. These results suggest that the linear extrapolation of positive results may not be appropriate for predicting the presence of Campylobacter spp. and that a 1:4 enrichment ratio with 25 g of meat is the most practical approach for the isolation of Campylobacter spp. from retail broiler meat.
A major complication of the modified Bristow procedure for recurrent dislocation of the shoulder. A case report.

A case has been presented in which a modified Bristow operation was used to correct the problem of recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder. Loosening and displacement of the bone screw caused a false aneurysm of the axillary artery with subsequent compression of the brachial plexus cords and paralysis of an upper extremity. If a bone screw is used in this region, its removal is recommended after it has served its purpose.
Longitudinal Voice Outcomes After Type I Gore-tex Thyroplasty for Nonparalytic Glottic Incompetence.

Objective Type I Gore-tex thyroplasty (GTP) for nonparalytic glottic incompetence (GI) results in significantly improved subjective and perceptual voice outcomes. We endeavored to investigate the longitudinal course of voice outcomes measuring the same patients across time points stratified by diagnostic subgroup. Methods Seventy-five patients with nonparalytic GI treated with GTP in the past 9 years were retrospectively reviewed and grouped according to their primary diagnoses (atrophy, scar, hypomobility, and paresis). Voice outcome measures, Voice-Related Quality of Life (VRQOL), Glottal Function Index (GFI), and GRBAS (grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, and strain) for each individual patient and diagnostic subgroup were grouped by time interval following surgery: 0 to 90 days, 3 to 9 months, 9 to 18 months, 18 to 36 months, 3 to 5 years, and 5 to 10 years. Results Across all diagnoses, statistically significant improvement in VRQOL was maintained at 3 to 5 years (P = .03) and GFI at 5 to 10 years (P = .02). The GRBAS showed statistically significant improvements out to 18 to 36 months (P = .02). In the subgroup analysis, hypomobility/paresis patients maintained significant improvement voice measures longer than patients with other diagnoses. As a group, scar patients did not show statistically significant postoperative improvement in VRQOL or GFI at any of the tested time points. Conclusions Gore-tex thyroplasty provides durable improvement in subjective and perceptual voice outcomes for patients with nonparalytic GI. Patients treated for hypomobility/paresis have the most durable vocal outcomes followed by atrophy and lastly, scar.
Prognostic value of pre-transplant FDG PET/CT Scan in patients with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma ((DLBCL)undergoing Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (ASCT)

604 Objectives Analyze data on patients with DLBCL treated with ASCT to assess the impact of pre-transplant FDG-PET/CT on relapse and survival. Methods HIPAA compliant, IRB approved single institution retrospective review of 32 patients with DLBCL who underwent ASCT January 2000 to December 2012 using high dose Bu/Cy/VP regimen and had both a relapse FDG-PET/CT and a pre-transplant FDG-PET/CT. Visual analysis performed using Deauville five-point scale with semi-quantitative analysis of maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax). Δ SUVmax was calculated by determining the difference between the SUVmax at the time of relapse and the SUVmax immediately prior to transplant. Categorical baseline characteristics were compared using the Chi-square test and overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) from the date of ASCT were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. Results Median age at transplant was 57y with 69% males. Patients were grouped into pre-transplant Deauville Score 1-3 or 4-5. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics or performance score of patients who had a Deauville Score 1-3 compared to patients who had a Deauville Score 4-5. There was a trend towards significance in the mean SUVmax at relapse in the Deauville 1-3 group compared to the Deauville 4-5 group (12.9 vs. 19.9, p=0.08). There was a significant difference in the mean pre-transplant SUVmax in the Deauville 1-3 group compared to the Deauville 4-5 group (2.5 vs. 7.8, p 74% vs. ≤ 74%) was not predictive of RFS or OS (p=0.64 and p=0.92, respectively). However a high pre-transplant SUVmax (>6 vs. Conclusions Pre-transplant FDG-PET/CT Deauville Score is prognostic of RFS and OS in patients with DLBCL undergoing ASCT. High SUVmax (>6) prior to transplant is predictive of poor RFS. Figure 1: RFS of DLBCL patients undergoing ASCT based on pre-transplant SUVmax.Figure 2: OS of DLBCL patients undergoing ASCT based on pre-transplant Deauville score.
An Augmented Norm Activation Model: The Case of Residential Outdoor Water Use

ABSTRACTUnderstanding the factors that influence voluntary conservation is critical for developing effective residential water conservation policy. Previous work drawing on Schwartz’s Norm Activation Model (NAM) has been useful to understand some of these factors. However, one’s relationship with the broader community impacted by consumptive decisions has often been overlooked. Similarly, scholars have emphasized the importance of contextual factors not captured in the NAM. In this study we hypothesize and test an augmented NAM that incorporates community attachment, along with contextual variables (sociodemographic and household infrastructure), to understand the factors that lead to the development of moral obligations to conserve water and their relationship with residential outdoor water use. Results indicate personal norms, defined as a moral obligation to conserve water, are negatively related to outdoor water use, and that community attachment is a predictor of personal norms. Contextual factors ar...
DES modeling of erosional forces around streamlined piers and implications for scour countermeasures

AbstractThis study employed the detached eddy simulation (DES) numerical model to investigate the pier streamlining effect on dynamic turbulence intensity around bridge piers and the implication of...
Role of Statin Drugs for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Objective: To review the potential role and specific impact of statin drugs in women with PCOS. The evidence for this use of statins in PCOS is limited and still under further investigation. Materials and methods: A search was conducted using PubMed, DynaMed and PubMedHealth databases through October 16, 2016 using the terms polycystic ovary syndrome, PCOS, hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors, hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA, statin, atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin and simvastatin. English-language trials evaluating statins in PCOS were obtained and incorporated if they provided relevant data for providers. Results: We summarize twelve trials involving statins in PCOS. The trials were predominantly 12 weeks to 3 months in length (8 of the 12 trials) and low to moderate dose of statin drugs were used. The majority (10 of 12) of the trials show that statins reduce testosterone levels or other androgen hormones (DHEA-S and androstenedione), half of the trials evaluating LH/FSH ratio show an improvement, and all had positive effects on lipid profiles. Conclusion: Statins show promising improvements in serum levels of androgens and LH/FSH ratios translating to improved cardiovascular risk factors above and beyond simply lowering LDL levels. More investigation is needed to determine if statins can clinically impact women with PCOS long term, particularly those who are young and are not yet candidates for traditional preventative treatment with a statin medication.
Carcinosarcoma of the Tunica Vaginalis Following Radiation Therapy for Localized Prostate Cancer

Abstract Spermatic cord tumors (SCTs) are rare neoplasms with 80% exhibiting benign pathology. Of the malignant SCTs, 90% are sarcomas. To date there has only been one documented case of primary CS of the spermatic cord which occurred in a 40 year old with no reported medical history. A 76-year-old male with a history of biopsy proven Gleason score 7 (3 + 4) prostatic adenocarcinoma underwent external beam radiation therapy (7920 cGy) in 44 fractions in 2004. He presented with a 3 year history of an asymptomatic right hydrocele. Several scrotal ultrasounds had been performed confirming a hydrocele, with the most recent revealing a hydrocele measuring 10 × 14 cm and several epididymal cysts. During the hydrocelectomy a firm suspicious mass was noted inside the tunica vaginalis and involving the spermatic cord. Given the intraoperative findings, decision was made to proceed with radical orchiectomy. Final pathologic examination revealed the tumor to have a biphasic pattern composed of spindled cells and also cells with an epithelioid morphology. Five months following orchiectomy he patient presented with a painful, enlarging right upper scrotal mass. A CT scan revealed new soft tissue lesions suspicious for necrotic lymph nodes within the right inguinal canal. Additional metastatic evaluation revealed multiple new pleural and parenchymal lung nodules. CT guided needle biopsy of a left lung nodule demonstrated spindle cells with high cellularity and areas of necrosis which were histomorphologically similar to the previous scrotal CS. Gemcitabine therapy was subsequently started. Four months following the diagnosis of metastatic CS, the patient expired. Dedifferentiation of prostatic adenocarcinoma to prostatic CS should be considered as a treatment outcome after localized radiation therapy to the prostate due to the highly aggressive nature of metastatic CS.
Diuretics and Invasive Fluid Management Strategies

Abstract Congestion is one of the most common clinical features of heart failure. Fluid overload may occur in patients with acute or chronic heart failure and can lead to symptoms independent of cardiac output. Among children, signs and symptoms of congestion frequently include hepatomegaly, abdominal pain, gallop heart rhythm, poor appetite, tachypnea, and wheezing. Peripheral edema, hyponatremia, and jugular venous distention occur in more advanced stages of heart failure. Symptomatic relief may be obtained with diuresis as cardiac filling pressures are lowered and extravascular fluid is mobilized from the lungs and peripheral tissues. Cardiac performance may also improve with diuresis as left ventricular end-diastolic pressure is reduced and mitral regurgitation is decreased (Ramierez and Abelmann, 1968).
From Playing to Working

The chapter argues that children’s play in modern society bears little or no connection to adult work, whereas virtually all play in a traditional village is related directly or indirectly to the typical work activities of the community. Children play with objects, and these are, inevitably, tools or their facsimiles. In the course of play, they learn to handle the tool correctly and effectively. Indirectly, children “try out,” in sometimes quite elaborate make-believe play, their understanding of what appear to be the critical tasks undertaken by those older. Parents or other kin may support this play to work connection by donating to the child an old or scaled-down version of a tool such as a hoe. All toddlers join a play group supervised by older siblings, and a great deal of their activity consists of make-believe or practice play that mimics adult work.
Nanoantenna-microcavity hybrid resonators with highly cooperative plasmonic-photonic coupling

We study a nanoantenna-microcavity hybrid approach for synergistic hotspot enhancement. We demonstrate that coupling to the photonic crystal guided resonance boosts the hotspot intensity of the gold nanorod (AuNR) by at least 1 order of magnitude in comparison to the Fabry-Perot cavity enhanced (~5x) AuNR.
Obscuring Oppression: Racism, Cissexism, and the Persistence of Social Inequality:

This article outlines a generic process in the reproduction of inequality the authors name obscuring oppression. On the basis of 35 in-depth interviews with college students seeking to make sense o...
“My Deputies Arrest Anyone Who Breaks the Law”: Understanding How Color-blind Discourse and Reasonable Suspicion Facilitate Racist Policing:

In 2010, Arizona passed Senate Bill 1070. Although the Department of Justice has since deflated some of the racist tones contained within the bill, it set into motion several similar bills in other...
Wearable Brain Computer Interface (BCI) to assist communication in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

Lack of communication in hospitals can be a significant factor in causing distress for both patients and doctors, particularly in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The use of computers in this context, Brain Computer Interface (BCI) systems in particular, can facilitate communication on demand. BCI systems enable ICU patients to communicate using the electrical activity of their brains. For this purpose, we designed and developed a BCI system comprised of an Android tablet that allows patients to look at the screen to call the nurse, or ask for what they need solely using patients Electroencephalogram (EEG) recorded using a wireless wearable BCI. The flickering icons are rendered on the tablets screen, each conveying a specific message using an openGL-based paradigm stimuli. Meanwhile, the EEG signals are recorded wirelessly via Bluetooth in real-time. Subsequently, our designed and developed signal processing module interpret the EEG dynamics and identifies the flickering icon that the subject is focusing on. Our experimental results on 10 subjects demonstrated 98.7% average SSVEP identification accuracy.
Finite element analysis of lung ultrasound surface wave elastography

Interstitial lung disease manifested as fibrotic and stiffened lung tissue, resulting in symptoms such as dyspnea and may lead to respiratory failure. We recently developed a lung ultrasound surface wave elastography for evaluating the elastic properties of superficial lung tissue. In this abstract, we present a finite element analysis to investigate the effects of pleural effusion on the shear wave propagation of superficial lung tissue. The muscle, pleural effusion, and lung tissue were simulated by a 2D planar model of an infinite elastic medium with densities for different materials. A nearly incompressible, linear elastic model was used to model muscle, pleural effusion and lung. The model was excited using a line source on the muscle surface. Harmonic excitations were performed at 100, 150 and 200 Hz with duration of 0.1 s. The boundaries of lung and muscle were attached to an infinite. The mesh of muscle, pleural effusion, and lung were constructed using linear quadrilateral elements. The infinite region was meshed by infinite elements (type CINPE4). The dynamic responses of the tissue model to the excitations were solved by the ABAQUS explicit dynamic solver with automatic step size control. Insignificant difference in shear wave speeds of lung tissue at different excitation frequencies was found in both simulations with and without taking into account the pleural effusion, indicating that pleural effusion does not affect the measurements of shear wave speeds in ultrasound elastography.Interstitial lung disease manifested as fibrotic and stiffened lung tissue, resulting in symptoms such as dyspnea and may lead to respiratory failure. We recently developed a lung ultrasound surface wave elastography for evaluating the elastic properties of superficial lung tissue. In this abstract, we present a finite element analysis to investigate the effects of pleural effusion on the shear wave propagation of superficial lung tissue. The muscle, pleural effusion, and lung tissue were simulated by a 2D planar model of an infinite elastic medium with densities for different materials. A nearly incompressible, linear elastic model was used to model muscle, pleural effusion and lung. The model was excited using a line source on the muscle surface. Harmonic excitations were performed at 100, 150 and 200 Hz with duration of 0.1 s. The boundaries of lung and muscle were attached to an infinite. The mesh of muscle, pleural effusion, and lung were constructed using linear quadrilateral elements. The infinite ...
The Advection Equation in Air Quality Modeling

Air quality models are mathematical descriptions of atmospheric transport, diffusion and chemical reaction of pollutants. The unknown variables are concentrations of chemical species in the air. The aims are to be able to predict how peak concentrations will change in response to prescribed changes in meteorology and in the source of pollution. Ozone air quality modeling, commonly referred to as photochemical air quality modeling, has been one of the main areas of emphasis in the United States within the last twenty years. The developments in this area are described in an excellent review article by J.H. Seinfeld [1].
Reproducing curvature effects due to differential diffusion in tabulated chemistry for premixed flames

Tabulated chemistry reduces the cost of modeling reacting flows by transporting fewer scalars. It also has the benefit of introducing fewer terms that must be closed for Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes and large eddy simulation modeling. In this study of premixed lean hydrogen–air flames, an extension to an existing tabulated chemistry model was developed by including differential diffusion and thermal diffusion of multiple species, using a mixture-averaged diffusion model. The transport equations for the tabulation variables (a progress variable and a mixture fraction-like variable) have been formulated, and curvature effects are intrinsic to the transport equations derived from first principles. The mathematical derivation is general, such that other fuel/air mixtures could be examined. The new tabulated chemistry model was then validated using a range of configurations, including flames with curvature, extinction, and hot spots. The model validation indicated excellent agreement with detailed chemistry simulations for lean premixed hydrogen–air mixtures. Conditional means of the progress variable source term were shown to agree well with detailed chemistry simulations of two-dimensional freely propagating flames and three-dimensional turbulent flames. Finally, progress variable source terms three times higher than one-dimensional flat flame results were identified and validated with detailed chemistry, and super-adiabatic hot spots were also predicted in the turbulent flame configuration.
FaRCa1: a major subgenome-specific locus conferring resistance to Colletotrichum acutatum in strawberry.

Optimal strategies for genetic improvement in crops depend on accurate assessments of the genetic architecture of traits. The overall objective of the present study was to determine the genetic architecture of anthracnose fruit rot (AFR) resistance caused by the fungus Colletotrichum acutatum in the University of Florida strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) breeding germplasm. In 2016–2017, 33 full-sib families resulting from crosses between parents with varying levels of AFR resistance were tested. In 2017–2018, six full-sib families resulting from putative heterozygous resistant parents and homozygous susceptible parents were tested. Additionally, a validation population consisting of 77 advanced selections and ten cultivars was tested in the second season. Inoculation was performed using a mixture of three local isolates of the C. acutatum species complex. Phenotypes were scored weekly, and genotyping was performed using the IStraw35 Affymetrix Axiom® SNP array. A pedigree-based QTL analysis was performed using FlexQTL™ software. A major resistance locus, which we name FaRCa1, was detected in both seasons with a peak located at 55–56 cM on LG 6B and explaining at least 50% of the phenotypic variation across trials and seasons. The resistant allele exhibited partial dominance in all trials. The FaRCa1 locus is distinct from the previously discovered Rca2 locus, which mapped to LG 7B. While Rca2 is effective against European isolates from pathogenicity group 2, FaRCa1 appears to confer resistance to isolates of pathogenicity group 1.
Mm-Wave and THz Active Electromagnetic Systems on Chip: Circuits-EM-Systems Codesign Approach

The ability to integrate antennas in silicon at mmWave and THz frequencies creates an interesting opportunity for a fundamentally new class of active and reconfigurable electromagnetic systems at these frequencies. Being able to realize radiating surfaces on-chip in close proximity with millions of active devices that can synthesize and detect signals at these frequencies with high precision allows us to move away from the classical partitioned block-by-block design approach in favor of a more holistic one. Active sub-wavelength synthesis and sensing on-chip at mm-Wave and THz frequencies can enable new forms of multi-functional electromagnetic (EM) structures for signal generation and reception for fully integrated, high-performance THz systems-onchip. In this paper, we highlight a few examples from phased arrays on chip to imaging and source-free spectroscopes that exploit this concept of sub-wavelength synthesis and sensing to enable ultra-miniaturization and integration.
Reactive Power Optimization of Wind Farm Considering Reactive Power Regulation Capacity of Wind Generators

Due to the fluctuation and intermittency of wind power, adequate reactive compensation devices need to be installed in the wind farm booster station to control the voltage within a reasonable range, leading to great investment of reactive compensation device. With development of wind power technology, reactive power control capability of wind generator (WG) can be utilized in voltage control of wind farm. Based on a practical wind farm in Hubei province, the composition of the system loss and shares of each element in the wind farm are studied. The influence of transformer tap stalls and reactive power compensation output and power factor of WGs on system power loss and bus voltages are analyzed in detail. Taking minimum power loss as the objective function, results of different reactive power optimization methods under different wind power are compared. Conclusions of this research can provide a reference for the economic operation of wind farm.
Lip reconstruction using the Gillies fan flap

The Gillies Fan flap is a single-stage composite rotational-advancement flap for reconstruction of medium to large full thickness lower lip defects. It can be thought of as an extension of the Estlander flap. It is nourished by a narrow superiorly-based pedicle of the superior labial artery. Mobilized tissue includes adjacent lower lip tissue as well as tissue from the opposing lateral lip. The oral commissure is distorted with use of this technique, and sometimes requires a second stage for refinement using a commissureplasty, discussed elsewhere in this issue. This flap is unique when compared with other reconstructive modalities of the lip because it requires a full thickness incision through the lip, thereby resulting in division of neurovascular and muscular structures, and as such has largely been replaced by the Karapandzic flap, which maintains the radial neurovascular supply, better preserving functions of the lip. This is accomplished by making incisions through mucosa and skin only, rather than full thickness as described herein. The Gillies fan flap can also be utilized using the MacGregor modification depending on the scenario.
Uncertain diagnoses in a children's hospital: patient characteristics and outcomes.

Background A quality improvement initiative at our institution resulted in a new process for prospectively identifying pediatric hospital medicine (PHM) patients with uncertain diagnoses (UD). This study describes the clinical characteristics and healthcare utilization patterns of patients with UD. Methods This single center cross-sectional study included all PHM patients identified with UD during their admission. A structured chart review was used to abstract patient demographics, primary symptoms, discharge diagnoses, and healthcare utilization patterns, including consult service use, length of stay (LOS), escalation in care, and 30-day healthcare reutilization. Appropriate descriptive statistics were used for categorical and continuous variables. Results This study includes 200 PHM patients identified with UD. Gastrointestinal symptoms were the primary finding in 45% of patients with UD. Consult service use was highly variable, with a range of 0-8 consult services for individual patients. The median LOS was 1.6 days and only 5% required a rapid response team evaluation. As for reutilization, 7% of patients were readmitted within 30 days. Conclusions This descriptive study highlights the heterogeneity of patients with uncertain diagnoses. Ongoing work is needed to further understand the impact of UD and to optimize the care of these patients.
Development of Poly(1,8-octanediol-co-citrate-co-ascorbate) Elastomers with Enhanced Ascorbate Performance for Use as a Graft Coating to Prevent Neointimal Hyperplasia

Small-diameter expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) graft surfaces have poor long-term patency due to limited endothelial cell (EC) coverage and anastomotic intimal hyperplasia. Multifunctional...
Transverse cracking in carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites: Modal acoustic emission and peak frequency analysis

Abstract The initiation and propagation of cracks in carbon-fiber reinforced toughened epoxy polymer composite laminates were studied using modal acoustic emission and waveform energies, coupled with peak frequency data and correlated to matrix crack density in the transverse direction. Composites of four different ply layups were studied. Results show the placement of the 90° ply (e.g., on the surface or internal) as well as the number of adjacent 90° plies directly influence the applied stress load at which transverse cracks are formed and the resulting stress distribution. Results for matrix cracking show that peak frequency data alone was unable to fully characterize the damage initiation, contrary to prior studies. However, based on modal acoustic emission principles, coupling the peak frequency data with acoustic energy of waveforms, effectively corresponded to the stress-dependent number of 90° ply transverse cracks and the through-the-thickness location of the 90° ply. This information can be very useful to understand stress-dependent transverse cracking in a given 90° ply or to develop optimal lay-up sequences to maximize composite properties.