cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phylogeny and biogeography of the Enhydris clade (Serpentes: Homalopsidae)

Previous molecular phylogenetic hypotheses for the Homalopsidae, the Oriental-Australian Rear-fanged Water Snakes indicate that Enhydris, the most speciose genus in the Homalopsidae (22 of 37 species), is polyphyletic and may consist of five separate lineages. We expand on earlier phylogenetic hypotheses using three mitochondrial fragments and one nuclear gene, previously shown to be rapidly evolving in snakes, to determine relationships among six closely related species: Enhydris enhydris, E. subtaeniata, E. chinensis, E. innominata, E. jagorii, and E. longicauda. Four of these species (E. subtaeniata, E. innominata, E. jagorii, and E. longicauda) are restricted to river basins in Indochina, while E. chinensis is found in southern China and E. enhydris is widely distributed from India across Southeast Asia. Our phylogenetic analyses indicate that these species are monophyletic and we recognize this clade as the Enhydris clade sensu stricto for nomenclatural reasons. Our analysis shows that E. chinensis is sister-species to a well-supported clade comprising the remaining species of the Enhydris clade (mean p distance between E. chinensis and other in-group taxa was 13.1%, range: 12.7-13.4%). Enhydris innominata, E. longicauda and E. jagorii also formed a strongly supported clade with very low interspecific p distances (mean 0.28%, range: 0–0.46%). We were unable to resolve relationships between E. enhydris and E. subtaeniata (mean divergence of 9.4%, range: 9.2-9.7%), and between these two species and E. innominata, E. longicauda and E. jagorii. We summarize classical morphological (scalation and coloration) characteristics of these species in the context of the molecular phylogeny. The Enhydris clade comprises a substantial portion of the vertebrate biomass of Southeast Asia and we discuss aspects of its biogeography, morphology and systematics.
Tate Motives and the Vanishing Conjectures for Algebraic K-Theory

We give axioms for a triangulated ℚ-tensor category T, generated by “Tate objects” ℚ(a), which ensure the existence of a canonical weight filtration on T, and additional axioms which give rise to an abelian subcategory A generated by the ℚ(a). We show in addition that A is a Tannakian category, with fiber functor to graded ℚ-vectorspaces given by taking the associated graded with respect to the weight filtration. We then apply this to our construction of a triangulated motivic category over a field k, to show that, assuming the vanishing conjectures of Soule and Beilinson are true for k, there is a Tannakian category TM k which has many of the properties of the conjectural category of mixed Tate motives. In particular, the category TM k exists for k a number field.
Managing soil fertility and health for quinoa production and weed control in organic systems

Abstract Quinoa ( Chenpodium quinoa Willd.) could provide a high value crop for organic cropping systems in the Intermountain Western US. This study evaluated quinoa in three cover cropping systems [strip crop (SC), undersown clover (UC), or winter cover crop and tillage (T)] with and without compost (+C or −C) in a split-plot with blocks design. Quinoa produced no seed in 2013 and limited seed in 2014, likely due to excessive temperatures during flowering. Compost increased seed yield in 2014, and in both years, increased total biomass and improved soil health measures. Seed and biomass yield was greater in T than UC on a land-equivalent basis but SC was greatest on a per harvest area basis. Cropping system effects on soil health measures were minimal. However, microbial biomass increased in all systems over time, yet was diminished in the tillage system. Quinoa may be an alternative crop for organic systems provided sufficient nitrogen and phosphorous fertility is available, and yields can be stabilized by identifying heat tolerant varieties before widespread adoption of this crop is feasible.
A periodization approach to building confidence in athletes

AbstractThe purpose of this article is to describe a periodized, or temporally phased, approach to building confidence in athletes. A periodization approach to building confidence involves helping athletes move through the sequential phases of developmental, preparatory, and performance confidence that lead into Execution Mode just prior to and during the competitive event. An evaluation phase after the event is then integrated into the process of developmental confidence to continue the periodization cycle. Examples of the focus needed and specific activities that could be used in each confidence-building phase are provided.
Return to Work Among Stroke Survivors

Despite improvements in the treatment of stroke, many individuals still face cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments. Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability and subsequent failure to return to work (RTW). The purpose of this literature review was to synthesize and discuss the literature relevant to factors affecting RTW for stroke survivors, summarize the identified gaps, and discuss steps occupational health nurses can take to facilitate RTW among stroke survivors. A literature search was conducted using the keywords: "stroke," "cerebrovascular disease," "return to work," and "employment." After excluding articles based on inclusion/exclusion criteria, 19 quantitative research articles were reviewed. Consistent themes found in the literature affecting RTW following stroke included physical, social, and cognitive factors. One of the most consistent predictors of RTW found was stroke severity. Individuals who experienced a mild to moderate stroke, those of Caucasian ethnicity, and higher socioeconomic levels were more likely to RTW. Findings suggest the importance of future studies to examine factors among African American stroke survivors that predict RTW and the role of occupational health nurses.
International Graduate Students' Challenges and Learning Experiences in Online Classes.

The purpose of this case study was to identify the learning experiences and examine the challenges facing three international graduate students enrolled in online, asynchronous classes in an American public university. Applying the lens of constructivism, data were collected from a questionnaire, semi-structured interviews, and a focus group. Findings from the study indicate that the students faced challenges with English language proficiency, isolation, instructor’s lack of experience, and a lack of motivation to study in online classes. Notwithstanding, students described flexibility and convenience as key factors of the learning experiences in a virtual classroom. Implications for administrators and course designers in understanding student perspectives of online classes and best practices for conducting asynchronous classes are provided.
Hydration Status and Fluid Needs of Division I Female Collegiate Athletes Exercising Indoors and Outdoors.

The purpose was to determine differences in acute and chronic hydration status in female student-athletes (n = 40) practicing in moderate, dry conditions (17–25 °C, 30–57% humidity) indoors and outdoors. Body weight and urine samples were recorded before and after exercise as well as fluid intake. Sweat rates expressed as median and interquartile range did not differ, but fluid intake was significantly higher during indoor (0.64 [0.50, 0.83] L/h) vs. outdoor conditions (0.51 [0.43, 0.63] L/h), p = 0.001. Fluid intake compensated for indoor sweat rate but not outdoors. When exercising indoors, 49% of the student-athletes reported urine specific gravity (USG) values >1.020, and 24% of the day after morning samples were scored ≥4 on the color chart rating. The percentages increased to 58% and 31%, respectively, when exercising outdoors (p > 0.05). Thus, fluid intake was higher indoors vs. outdoors but sweat rate did not differ among athletes. Yet, chronic hydration status was impaired in more than 50% of the student-athletes with a discrepancy between USG scores and urine color scores identifying underhydration. This suggest that 24-h fluid intake should be taken into account and that hydration protocols may need to be tailored individually based on urine USG values. Practice location (indoors vs. outdoors) may further complicate hydration protocols.
Process considerations for nanostructured coatings

Nanostructured coatings are those with thickness less than 100 nm. They can be used to improve product properties such as abrasion, chemical and corrosion resistance, the stealth/IR shielding effect in defense applications, anti-reflection (AR) properties, wear resistance, and flame retardancy. Nanotuff coating, flame retardancy coating, AR coating, and pearlescent pigment coating using a fluidized bed are discussed. Methods discussed include X-ray lithography, nanografting of polyurethance coating, plasma spray, electroplating, and electrodeposition. Nanostructure/morphology thermodyanamics, capillary and surface instabilities are touched upon. Self-assembly principles can be used to explain the observations in nanocoating applications. Gaphene-based coatings can be made thinner down to a few atomic layers.
Problems and perspectives of the current Berlin settlement

Since the implementation of the Quadripartite Agreement in June 1972, Berlin has entered a new phase in East-West relations. Once a city of perpetual crisis, it has now become accustomed to the pleasant effects of detente. Through the establishment of many practical improvements, the life of Berliners has become easier and the city has been defused of much of its explosive potential.
A New Narrative About Emotions and Their Connection to Learning

By focusing on current cognitive and neuroscience research, we explore the important role of emotions and feelings play in the learning process (Bresciani Ludvik, 2016; Immordino-Yang, 2016; Zull, 2002, 2011). Specifically, we will deconstruct the myth that the learning process should feel easy (Brown, Roediger, & McDaniel, 2014). To do that, we will also address the gendered associations between “having” feelings as feminine, which informs understanding of why student affairs work is often perceived as feminine work while academic affairs are often viewed as more masculine in higher education (Ludeman, 2011). By deconstructing the racialized way in which feelings are heard in the learning process (DiAngelo, 2016), this chapter highlights how people with disabilities who express their feelings are often not believed or considered (Evans, Broido, Brown, & Wilke, 2017). Finally, we provide specific skills and practical examples for higher education practitioners to connect instruction and content to emotion to maximize equitable access to content and learning.
Neurocritical care of the pregnant patient.

Abstract Introduction: An estimated 0.1%–0.8% of obstetric patients require admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) during pregnancy or the puerperium. When neurologic emergencies occur in pregnancy, collaboration between the neurointensivist, obstetric anesthesiologist, and obstetrician is key in minimizing morbidity and mortality. Principles: Care of the critically ill pregnant patient mirrors that of the critically ill nonpregnant patient with some minor exceptions. Special care must be taken to consider the normal physiologic changes of pregnancy as well as possible fetal exposure to medical interventions. Timing and method of delivery must be carefully considered when caring for patients with neurologic emergencies. Common neurologic emergencies in pregnancy include hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, intracranial neoplasms, noneclamptic seizures, cerebrovascular disorders, and ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunctions. Conclusion: While neurologic emergencies in pregnancy are overall rare, when they do occur, they can be devastating. As in the nonpregnant population, prompt recognition and rapid intervention are crucial in optimizing patient outcomes. When neurologic emergencies occur in pregnancy, maternal and fetal care is optimized through a multidisciplinary care team.
Swan: a two-step power management for distributed search engines

The service quality of web search depends considerably on the request tail latency from Index Serving Nodes (ISNs), prompting data centers to operate them at low utilization and wasting server power. ISNs can be made more energy efficient utilizing Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling (DVFS) or sleep states techniques to take advantage of slack in latency of search queries. However, state-of-the-art frameworks use a single distribution to predict a request's service time and select a high percentile tail latency to derive the CPU's frequency or sleep states. Unfortunately, this misses plenty of energy saving opportunities. In this paper, we develop a simple linear regression predictor to estimate each individual search request's service time, based on the length of the request's posting list. To use this prediction for power management, the major challenge lies in reducing miss rates for deadlines due to prediction errors, while improving energy efficiency. We present Swan, a two-Step poWer mAnagement for distributed search eNgines. For each request, Swan selects an initial, lower frequency to optimize power, and then appropriately boosts the CPU frequency just at the right time to meet the deadline. Additionally, we re-configure the time instant for boosting frequency, when a critical request arrives and avoid deadline violations. Swan is implemented on the widely-used Solr search engine and evaluated with two representative, large query traces. Evaluations show Swan outperforms state-of-the-art approaches, saving at least 39% CPU power on average.
Implications of Postpancreatectomy Hypophosphatemia.

BackgroundElectrolyte abnormalities are commonly found after major abdominal surgery for malignancy. We hypothesized that the severity of hypophosphatemia developed in pancreatectomy patients would...
Venus flytrap-like hierarchical NiCoMn–O@NiMoO4@C nanosheet arrays as free-standing core-shell electrode material for hybrid supercapacitor with high electrochemical performance

Abstract In order to improve the sluggish kinetics of the redox reactions occurring at the battery-type electrodes of hybrid supercapacitors, a Venus flytrap-like hierarchical NiCoMn–O@NiMoO4@C nanosheet arrays electrode material are developed based on three aspects of considerations: 1. The developed NiCoMn-based trimetallic (NiCoMn–O) oxides has better electrical conductivity than any of its bimetallic or monometallic counterparts and the self-decorated nanoneedles on its surface can create more electroactive sites for electrolyte to access. 2 NiMoO4 layer is one of the important redox active materials in this composite since its high electrochemical activity in alkaline solution. 3. Carbon protection shell cannot only enhance the rate capability by shorting the electron transport pathway of the composite but also improve its cycling stability via buffering the volume change during the charge/discharge processes. Consequently, the obtained NiCoMn–O@NiMoO4@C electrode can provide a maximum specific capacitance of 2189.5 F/g (at 0.25 A/g) and 81.6% of its initial specific capacitance can be maintained after 1500 cycles GCD tests (at 6 A/g). The prepared NiCoMn–O@NiMoO4@C//AC hybrid supercapacitor exhibits the maximum energy density of 59.9 Wh/kg (at 0.25 A/g) and its specific capacitance can maintain 88.3% of its initial value after 3000 cycles GCD tests (at 6 A/g).
Rapid detection of fuel adulteration using microfabricated gas chromatography

Abstract Rapid and accurate quality control for fuel adulteration is a major economic and health concern. Current technology lacks capability to provide speedy and accurate point of sale (POS) solutions. Most of the work done on portable solutions rely on absorbance spectroscopy, which provide a qualitative solution with a trade-off between speed and accuracy. This paper demonstrates a technique based on micro gas chromatography (μGC) for portable, fast, and accurate analysis of diesel fuels adulterated with kerosene. The separation columns are fabricated using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology. The columns are 1 m-long and consist of an embedded array of pillars. Two different stationary phase coating were examined to explore the efficacy of the proposed technique. The analysis relies on aggressive pressure and temperature programming of the chip to obtain partially separated chromatograms. When analyzed with well-established chemometrics methods such as Principal Component Analysis and Partial least Squares Regression a linear relationship between the chromatograms and diesel purity was determined. The separation column could discriminate as little as 5% added kerosene to diesel fuel with only four seconds of chromatogram analysis.
Multi-Delay Differential Equations: A Taylor Expansion Approach

It is already well-understood that many delay differential equations with only a single constant delay exhibit a change in stability according to the value of the delay in relation to a critical delay value. Finding a formula for the critical delay is important to understanding the dynamics of delayed systems and is often simple to obtain when the system only has a single constant delay. However, if we consider a system with multiple constant delays, there is no known way to obtain such a formula that determines for what values of the delays a change in stability occurs. In this paper, we present some single-delay approximations to a multi-delay system obtained via a Taylor expansion as well as formulas for their critical delays which are used to approximate where the change in stability occurs in the multi-delay system. We determine when our approximations perform well and we give extra analytical and numerical attention to the two-delay and three-delay settings.
The Psychological Impact of the Mangled Limb

Early during treatment of an upper extremity injury, the surgeon must be proactive to evaluate the psychological effects of trauma, which have a high likelihood of resulting in depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Taking a moment to ask relevant screening questions can result in expedient treatment. Not recognizing such disorders can result in ineffective motivation for rehabilitation and decreased functional outcome following even the most effortful of reconstructions – which impairs social interaction and ability to return to work. For a variety of reasons, patients also have a propensity for developing chronic opioid reliance. Due to the staggering rates of opioid abuse in the United States, the clinician should keep a vigilant eye out for opioid use that extends more than one month postoperatively and help guide such patients to appropriate therapy and resources to prevent long-term abuse.
Youth Participation in a Digital World: Designing and Implementing Spaces, Programs, and Methodologies

This spotlight seeks to share Youth and Media’s initial insights around ways different stakeholders — such as international organizations, companies, researchers, and educators — can build participation models (e.g., spaces, programs, and methodologies) that enable meaningful youth (ages 12-18) engagement in our digital world. The paper, inspired by results from a 2020 global online youth consultation and informed by different implementation pilots, highlights four specific models of youth participation: youth labs, learning and co-design spaces, youth boards, and participatory research. The spotlight describes, for each model, the overall goal, what adult and youth participation might look like, potential challenges and barriers within and across models, possible first steps in designing such models, and existing examples of these forms of engagement.
Local Human Rights Lawyering

International human rights offer a powerful set of norms that have helped domestic advocates to successfully secure additional civil, political, economic and social rights for those living in poverty in the U.S. Legal aid attorneys, public defenders, and other public interest advocates have recognized human rights as an additional advocacy tool and are increasingly using human rights arguments in U.S. courts. This article examines three cases in which legal aid attorneys and public defenders successfully used human rights arguments in U.S. courts, and discusses emerging best practices for using human rights in litigation in the U.S.
Primary Vestibular Schwannoma Cells Activate p21 and RAD51-Associated DNA Repair Following Radiation-Induced DNA Damage.

Hypothesis Vestibular Schwannoma (VS) can avoid cell death following radiation injury by entering cell cycle arrest and activating RAD51-related DNA repair. Background Although the radiobiology of various cancers is well-studied, the radiobiological effects in VS are poorly understood. In this study, we describe how VS cells enter cell cycle arrest (through p21 expression), activate DNA repair (through RAD51 upregulation), and avoid cell death after radiation-induced double-stranded breaks (DSB) in DNA (as measured by γ-H2AX). Methods Primary human VS cells were cultured on 96-well plates and 16-well culture slides at 10,000 cells/well and exposed to either 0 or 18 Gray of radiation. Viability assays were performed at 96 h in vitro. Immunofluorescence for γ-H2AX, RAD51, and p21 was performed at 6 h. Results Radiation (18 Gy) induced the expression of γ-H2AX, p21, and RAD51 in six cultured VS, suggesting that irradiated VS acquire DSBs, enter cell cycle arrest, and initiate RAD51 DNA repair to evade cell death. However, viability studies demonstrate variable responses in individual VS cells with 3 of 6 VS showing radiation resistance to 18 Gy. On further analyses, radiation-resistant VS cells expressed significantly more p21 than radiation-responsive tumors. Conclusions In response to radiation-induced DNA damage, primary VS cells can enter cell cycle arrest and express RAD51 DNA repair mechanisms to avoid cell death. Radioresistant VS cells may mount a more robust p21 response to ensure sufficient time for DNA repair. Further investigation into DNA repair proteins and cell cycle checkpoints may provide important insight on the radiobiology of VS and mechanisms for resistance.
Outdoor walking exhibits peak ankle and knee flexion differences compared to fixed and adaptive-speed treadmills in older adults.

BACKGROUND Walking mechanics recorded with a traditional treadmill may not be the same as the mechanics exhibited during activities of daily living due to constrained walking speeds. Adaptive-speed treadmills allow for unconstrained walking speeds similar to outdoor walking. The aim of this study was to determine differences in kinematic walking parameters of older adults between adaptive-speed treadmill (AST), fixed-speed treadmill (FST) and outdoor walking. We hypothesized that self-selected walking speed (SSWS) during AST walking and outdoor walking would increase compared to FST walking. Furthermore, we hypothesized that AST walking and outdoor walking would increase peak knee flexion, hip flexion, and ankle plantarflexion angles compared to FST walking independent of walking speed changes. METHODS Fourteen older adult participants were asked to complete 3 min of FST and AST walking on a split-belt treadmill. Participants were also asked to complete 6 min of outdoor walking following a circular route in a neighboring park. A wireless inertial measurement unit-based motion capture system was used to record lower extremity kinematics during all walking conditions. RESULTS The outdoor walking condition produces significantly higher SSWS compared to FST (p < 0.001) and AST (p = 0.02) conditions. A significantly faster SSWS was exhibited during the AST condition compared to the FST condition (p = 0.026). Significantly higher peak ankle plantarflexion angles are exhibited during the outdoor walking condition compared to the AST (p < 0.001, g = 1.14) and FST (p < 0.001, g = 1.13) conditions after accounting for walking speed. There was a significantly lowered difference between the outdoor walking condition and both AST (p = 0.029, g = 0.49) and FST (p = 0.013, g = 0.63) conditions in peak knee flexion angles after accounting for SSWS. There are no significant differences between outdoor, AST, and FST conditions on peak hip flexion angles. Older adults exhibit changes in peak ankle plantarflexion and peak knee flexion angles during outdoor walking compared to treadmill walking but not between treadmill controller types. We found no differences in the kinematics exhibited by older adults between both AST and FST walking. CONCLUSIONS Incorporating unconstrained walking speed with the AST while maintaining similar FST sagittal plane kinematics may allow for more translatable conditional balance and walking rehabilitation.
Experiments on Stability on Spherical Caps

Series of experiments on shallow spherical shells (caps) were carried out to determine deformations and critical concentrated loads at the apex, and thus to provide additional design data and information on the mechanism of buckling of caps. A snap-through buckling was observed for simply supported and free edge conditions for all types of concentrated loads. The cut-off geometry parameter, λ, coincides with previously found values and different types of loadings. Clamped caps do not buckle under the constant load concentrated loads; this was observed previously for constant displacement concentrated loads.
Development of flexible, free-standing, thin films for additive manufacturing and localized energy generation

Film energetics are becoming increasingly popular because a variety of technologies are driving a need for localized energy generation in a stable, safe and flexible form. Aluminum (Al) and molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) composites were mixed into a silicon binder and extruded using a blade casting technique to form flexible free-standing films ideal for localized energy generation. Since this material can be extruded onto a surface it is well suited to additive manufacturing applications. This study examines the influence of 0-35% by mass potassium perchlorate (KClO4) additive on the combustion behavior of these energetic films. Without KClO4 the film exhibits thermal instabilities that produce unsteady energy propagation upon reaction. All films were cast at a thickness of 1 mm with constant volume percent solids to ensure consistent rheological properties. The films were ignited and flame propagation was measured. The results show that as the mass percent KClO4 increased, the flame speed increased and peak...
Screening for prostate cancer.

Abstract Prostate cancer is a serious health care problem in the United States. Whether or not to screen for it has become a timely issue. Although a large number of men have clinically important, asymptomatic, undetected prostate cancer, an even larger number have clinically unimportant cancer. To justify screening programs, not only must we avoid detecting biologically unimportant cancers, we must also detect and effectively treat that subset of tumors that, if undiagnosed, would progress, produce symptoms, and reduce life expectancy. Serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) assay, or its variations such as PSA density, PSA velocity, and age-specific reference ranges, and the digital rectal examination are the best tests for detecting clinically important, asymptomatic, curable tumors. Recent data suggest that using serum PSA levels does not result in an overdetection of unimportant tumors. Highly effective, curative treatment of localized prostate cancer is available. These factors promote optimism that screening for prostate cancer will ultimately prove beneficial. Nonetheless, men should be informed regarding the benefits and possible risks before being screened for prostate cancer.
Assessing the Proliferation Resistance of Innovative Nuclear Fuel Cycles

The National Nuclear Security Administration is developing methods for nonproliferation assessments to support the development and implementation of U.S. nonproliferation policy. This paper summarizes the key results of that effort. Proliferation resistance is the degree of difficulty that a nuclear material, facility, process, or activity poses to the acquisition of one or more nuclear weapons. A top-level measure of proliferation resistance for a fuel cycle system is developed here from a hierarchy of metrics. At the lowest level, intrinsic and extrinsic barriers to proliferation are defined. These barriers are recommended as a means to characterize the proliferation characteristics of a fuel cycle. Because of the complexity of nonproliferation assessments, the problem is decomposed into: metrics to be computed, barriers to proliferation, and a finite set of threats. The spectrum of potential threats of nuclear proliferation is complex and ranges from small terrorist cells to industrialized countries with advanced nuclear fuel cycles. Two general categories of methods have historically been used for nonproliferation assessments: attribute analysis and scenario analysis. In the former, attributes of the systems being evaluated (often fuel cycle systems) are identified that affect their proliferation potential. For a particular system under consideration, the attributes are weighted subjectively. In scenario analysis, hypothesized scenarios of pathways to proliferation are examined. The analyst models the process undertaken by the proliferant to overcome barriers to proliferation and estimates the likelihood of success in achieving a proliferation objective. An attribute analysis approach should be used at the conceptual design level in the selection of fuel cycles that will receive significant investment for development. In the development of a detailed facility design, a scenario approach should be undertaken to reduce the potential for design vulnerabilities. While, there are distinctive elements in each approach, an analysis could be performed that utilizes aspects of each approach.
Simulation of Thermal and Electrical Transport in Nanotube and Nanowire Composites

Nanotube-based thin-film composites promise significant improvement over existing technologies in the performance of large-area macroelectronics, flexible electronics, energy harvesting and storage, and in bio-chemical sensing applications. We present an overview of recent research on the electrical and thermal performance of thin-film composites composed of random 2D dispersions of nanotubes in a host matrix. Results from direct simulations of electrical and thermal transport in these composites using a finite volume method are compared to those using an effective medium approximation. The role of contact physics and percolation in influencing electrical and thermal behavior are explored. The effect of heterogeneous networks of semiconducting and metallic tubes on the transport properties of the thin film composites is investigated. Transport through a network of nanotubes is dominated by the interfacial resistance at the contact of two tubes. We explore the interfacial thermal interaction between two carbon nanotubes in a crossed configuration using molecular dynamics simulation and wavelet methods. We pass a high temperature pulse along one of the nanotubes and investigate the energy transfer to the other tube. Wavelet transformations of heat pulses show that how different phonon modes are excited and how they evolve and propagate along the tube axis depending on its chirality.
HP Hyperplex(r) Clustering Technology

HP HyperPlex (r) is a clustering technology that leverages HP platforms, mass storage and interconnect products to provide customers with mission-critical high availability and increased processing capacity. A HyperPlex cluster consists of two or more symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) nodes, an interconnect, mass storage options, and a centrally-managed operating environment. Further, HyperPlex solutions lower costs by consolidating resources and increasing users' productivity. This paper describes the technologies for each of these components, the features and benefits of Hewlett-Packard's HyperPlex implementation, and the software that complements these technologies.
The provision of transurethral prostatectomy on a day‐case basis using bipolar plasma kinetic technology

Objective To evaluate, in a prospective study, the potential for providing elective transurethral prostatectomy on a day-case basis, using new bipolar electrosurgical technology. Patients and methods Forty men with confirmed bladder outlet obstruction caused by benign prostatic enlargement underwent plasma kinetic vaporization of the prostate (PKVP) in the Day Surgery Unit; they were scheduled to be discharged on the day of surgery with an indwelling catheter, returning for a trial removal of the catheter at 48 h, and followed up at 2 and 4 months after surgery. Results Thirty-four (85%) of the 40 patients were able to return home on the day of surgery. All patients, including the six who failed to return home as a day-case, successfully voided at 48 h; 78% felt the procedure was acceptable on a day-case basis. At 4 months the mean improvement in the International Prostate Symptom Score and Quality of Life score were 64% and 84%, respectively. The mean improvement in flow rate was 200–250%. Conclusion PKVP effectively relieves prostatic obstruction, at least in the short-term (a longer term follow-up is required). The procedure can be delivered safely on a day-case basis and was very acceptable to the patients.
The Global Transcription Factor Lrp Controls Virulence Modulation in Xenorhabdus nematophila.

The bacterium Xenorhabdus nematophila engages in phenotypic variation with respect to pathogenicity against insect larvae, yielding both virulent and attenuated subpopulations of cells from an isogenic culture. The global regulatory protein Lrp is necessary for X. nematophila virulence and immunosuppression in insects, as well as colonization of the mutualistic host nematode Steinernema carpocapsae, and mediates expression of numerous genes implicated in each of these phenotypes. Given the central role of Lrp in X. nematophila host associations, as well as its involvement in regulating phenotypic variation pathways in other bacteria, we assessed its function in virulence modulation. We discovered that expression of lrp varies within an isogenic population, in a manner that correlates with modulation of virulence. Unexpectedly, although Lrp is necessary for optimal virulence and immunosuppression, cells expressing high levels of lrp were attenuated in these processes relative to those with low to intermediate lrp expression. Furthermore, fixed expression of lrp at high and low levels resulted in attenuated and normal virulence and immunosuppression, respectively, and eliminated population variability of these phenotypes. These data suggest that fluctuating lrp expression levels are sufficient to drive phenotypic variation in X. nematophila. IMPORTANCE Many bacteria use cell-to-cell phenotypic variation, characterized by distinct phenotypic subpopulations within an isogenic population, to cope with environmental change. Pathogenic bacteria utilize this strategy to vary antigen or virulence factor expression. Our work establishes that the global transcription factor Lrp regulates phenotypic variation in the insect pathogen Xenorhabdus nematophila, leading to attenuation of virulence and immunosuppression in insect hosts. Unexpectedly, we found an inverse correlation between Lrp expression levels and virulence: high levels of expression of Lrp-dependent putative virulence genes are detrimental for virulence but may have an adaptive advantage in other aspects of the life cycle. Investigation of X. nematophila phenotypic variation facilitates dissection of this phenomenon in the context of a naturally occurring symbiosis.
Analytic prediction of medical document retrieval system performance

The performance of medical information retrieval systems is measured using historical data or predicted using formal probabilistic methods derived from artificial intelligence and statistical decision theoretic considerations. Technique have been described that assist the searcher with a query or information need by providing graphs showing the quality of past retrieval performance for that specific query, as well as expected future performance. Documents or text fragments (from a hypertext system) are ranked for possible presentation to the searcher based on the document of fragment's odds of relevance. The expected performance is computed from knowledge gained from relevance judgments provided by the searcher about the quality of the retrieved documents, as well as any system knowledge available about possible initial values of parameters of distributions describing the occurrence of features of relevance and all text fragments. The individual documents do not need to be examined to predict performance. >
Drugs That Act on the Immune System. Cytokines and Monoclonal Antibodies

Abstract This review of the July 2013 to December 2014 publications on cytokines and monoclonal antibodies covers bone morphogenic proteins, colony-stimulating factors, interferons, interleukins, tumor necrosis factor alfa, adalimumab, certolizumab, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab, abciximab, alemtuzumab, bevacizumab, cetuximab, daclizumab, natalizumab, ranibizumab, rituximab, tocilizumab and trastuzumab.
Nutrition and immune function II : Maternal factors influencing transmission

The risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV ranges from 15-35 percent depending on the population under study (Fowler and Rogers 1996, Peckham and Gibb 1995). The recent finding that zidovudine treatment during pregnancy can reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV by as much as two-thirds in some populations (CDC 1994, Connor et al. 1994), raises the question of which maternal, fetal, viral, immunologic, and placental factors play the greatest role in vertical transmission. It is clear that not only does the transmission rate vary dramatically by geographical distribution, but both the prevalence of infection and susceptibility of the uninfected may be higher in parts of the developing world. The transmission rate is significantly higher in the developing world presumably due to numerous factors including coinfection with other STD's, very little economic support for prevention, education, health maintenance or improving nutritional contributions to curb the spread of HIV. Furthermore, the strategies to reduce vertical transmission in industrialized countries are often not feasible in the developing world. Providing widescale availability of antivirals may not be feasible in areas where, to date, vitamin deficiencies often still exist. The healthcare budget in many of these developing countries cannot even pay for basic medical or prenatal services. The future directions in reducing the rate of mother-to-infant transmission must focus on strategies applicable to the developing world as well as industrialized countries. The vast majority of HIV in the pediatric age group is the result of vertical transmission of the virus. A number of maternal immunologic factors have been associated with vertical transmission. This paper offers a brief review of the extant knowledge with regard to the role of maternal factors in vertical transmission of HIV infection.
ATRIUMTM Fuel – Continuous Upgrading for High Duty BWR Plants

The evolution of BWR fuel assemblies over the last forty years was driven by improvement of plant economics in combination with a substantial increase of fuel assembly burnup from 30 MWd/kgU up to 70 MWd/kgU. Additional thermal margins obtained by transition from 7x7 to 10x10 lattices were consumed in more efficient core loadings. Despite increasingly demanding operating conditions, the failure rate for BWR fuel could be significantly reduced and has reached a low level. Debris fretting and pellet cladding interaction (PCI) are the main causes for fuel failures and require further design improvement efforts. AREVA developed in the frame of the DELTA project the next generation BWR fuel assembly with the clear goal to realize a problem- and failure-free product. Furthermore, the new fuel must be suited to reactor power uprates from 10% up to 30%, which the majority of BWRs worldwide will have completed by the year 2015 and which will limit flexibility of operation of today’s fuel assemblies. The combination of these requirements resulted in the development of the ATRIUMTM 11 which will be available to the market by the year 2012.
Conjugate Addition/Ireland−Claisen Rearrangements of Allyl Fumarates: Simple Access to Terminally Differentiated Succinates

The conjugate addition of dialkylzinc reagents to allyl fumarates with subsequent Ireland-Claisen rearrangement has been accomplished yielding substituted unsymmetrical succinic acid derivatives. This one-pot reaction creates two new carbon-carbon bonds at contiguous stereogenic centers. The reaction proceeds for several alkylzinc reagents and substituted allyl fumarates. The products contain distinguishable functional handles for further manipulation.
Selected Corrosion Properties of a Novel Amorphous Al-Co-Ce Alloy System

Selected corrosion properties of the recently developed amorphous Al-Co-Ce alloy system are reported over a range of cobalt and cerium compositions. Improved resistance to halide-induced pitting was observed in 0.6 M NaCIsolution when fully amorphous and aged alloys (100°C for up to 1000 h) were compared to polycrystalline aluminum. Corrosion behavior was strongly influenced by the cobalt concentration in solid solution in the amorphous state. Tunable corrosion properties based on pre-selection of Co content is shown to be feasible. These corrosion properties remained after heat treatment at 100°C. However, complete recrystallization at 550°C removed the benefits of the amorphous state.
Severe Primary Dysmenorrhea Due to Functioning Noncommunicating Rudimentary Horn

Abstract Primary dysmenorrhea is a common symptom in the teenage population. The symptoms vary in severity and usually are well controlled by using medications containing prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors. However, the symptoms might be severe enough to interfere with quality of life and may not respond to medications. This may be due to several etiologies, including pelvic endometriosis, cervical aplasia, congenital uterine anomalies, as in cases of a functioning noncommunicating rudimentary horn, and cases of longitudinal vaginal septum obstructing part of the vagina leading to hematocolpos and hematometra. The following case presentation is a teenage patient with severe dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain due to a functioning noncommunicating rudimentary horn of the uterus. Proper evaluation and management of these cases leads to a cure of the symptomatology and avoids many complications related to the rudimentary horn. (J GYNECOL SURG 25:23)
Preparation, structure, and ion-exchange properties of Na4Ti9O20 · xH2O

Abstract A sodium titanate, Na 4 Ti 9 O 14 · x H 2 O, was synthesized at low temperatures (90–280°C) by a reaction of either anatase or titanium isopropoxide with NaOH. Na 4 Ti 9 O 20 · x H 2 O is a layered compound with an interlayer distance of 6.9 A in the anhydrous form, ≈8.6 A in the metastable “semihydrous” form, and 10.0 A in the fully hydrated form. Regardless of its hydration state, this sodium titanate has an ion-exchange capacity of 4.74 meq/g of Na 4 Ti 9 O 20 , and all the Na + ions are exchangeable. When heated to 700°C, Na 4 Ti 9 O 20 · x H 2 O decomposes to a mixture of Na 2 Ti 3 O 7 and Na 2 Ti 6 O 13 .
Homogeneous solutions of the heat equation

Abstract We complete a characterization of homogeneous solutions of the heat equation begun by D. V. Widder. We determine regions of convergence for expansions of temperature functions in terms of the homogeneous solutions.
Normal mode solutions of linear dynamic field theories using Green's extended identity

Abstract Normal mode solutions of certain classes of linear, spatially time-invariant, self-adjoint and nonself-adjoint differential operators, with inhomogeneous boundary conditions in a finite region of arbitrary shape, are obtained by the use of Green's extended identity [1] in conjunction with the eigenvalue problems associated with the differential operators. Thus, continuum field theories belonging to these classes of operators, which encompass arbitrary (a) material and geometrical parameters, (b) spatial and time-dependent boundary conditions, (c) initial conditions can be solved by this technique. This is illustrated by the determination of the transient response of an axisymmetric, finite, thick transversely isotropic elastic hollow cylinder under inhomogeneous boundary conditions of all types (both pure and mixed). It is also shown that the displacement (separation-of-variables, integral transforms) and acceleration (Mindlin-Goodman, Williams) methods currently used for solutions of dynamic problems can both be derived from Green's extended identity.
See Through Optical Architectures for Wearable Displays

HUDs (Head Up Displays) and HMDs (Helmet Mounted Displays) have been with us for a few decades, providing exceptional optical performances for specialized defense applications. On the other hand, consumer electronics HMDs (Head Mounted Displays) have been lingering as personal gadgets for a mere decade. But recently, major companies have launched consumer compelling head mounted display solutions integrating both hardware, operating system as well as content, unlocking the decade long consumer HMD status-quo. As a result, we are witnessing today a fragmentation of the HMD market into various categories which have their very own specificity in terms of functionality, hardware and content. Such fragmentation is responsible for defining new distinct market segments such as consumer near to eye displays, social smart glasses, gaming headsets, as well as professional (engineering and technical) HMDs, specialized (medical, law enforcement, firefighting) HMDs and of course the previously existing defense market. We will be reviewing the different type of optical hardware used in such devices. Article not available.
Self-Assessment of Pubertal Maturation in Overweight African American and Caucasian Children

Self-Assessment of Pubertal Maturation in Overweight African American and Caucasian Children
Metabolism of progesterone to DOC, corticosterone and 18OHDOC in cultured human melanoma cells

We are now showing that cultured human melanoma cells can synthesize steroids such as corticosterone from progesterone or deoxycorticosterone. Corticosterone production is strongly responsive to deoxycorticosterone substrate addition (12-fold increase), but unresponsive to the adrenal stimulating factors ACTH and angiotensin II. This is the first demonstration that skin cells (malignant melanocytes) have the capability to synthesize 11-deoxycorticosterone, corticosterone, and 18-hydroxydeoxycorticosterone.