cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Testing cosmic censorship with black hole collisions.

There exists an upper limit on the mass of black holes when the cosmological constant \ensuremath{\Lambda} is positive. We study the collision of two black holes whose total mass exceeds this limit. Our investigation is based on a recently discovered exact solution describing the collision of Q=M black holes with \ensuremath{\Lambda}g0. The global structure of this solution is analyzed. We find that if the total mass is less than the extremal limit, then the black holes coalesce. If it is greater, then a naked singularity forms to the future of a Cauchy horizon. However, the horizon is not smooth. Generically, there is a mild curvature singularity, which still allows geodesics to be extended. The implications of these results for cosmic censorship are discussed.
Thyroxine injections do not cause premature induction of thymidine kinase in sg/sg mice.

: Severe hyperthyroidism from the time of birth causes a premature induction and termination of thymidine kinase activity in the cerebella of wild-type mice. This leads to elevated enzyme levels at postnatal days 5 and 6, with significantly lower levels by postnatal day 7 (which is actually the time of peak activity in normal animals). In this study, neonatal hyperthyroidism does not have significant effects on postnatal day 5, 6, or 7 enzyme levels in the neurological mutant staggerer. This is consistent with the hypothesis that thyroid hormone exerts its effects via the Purkinje cells, which are reduced in number and grossly stunted in the mutant.
Cerebral oxygen balance is impaired during repair of aortic coarctation in infants and children

Objective During repair of aortic coarctation through a left thoracotomy without cardiopulmonary bypass, clamping the proximal transverse aortic arch occludes antegrade flow to the left carotid and vertebral arteries. It is assumed that flow through the right carotid and vertebral arteries is adequate for cerebral perfusion. The study objective is to determine whether aortic occlusion impairs left hemispheric cerebral oxygen balance measured by near-infrared spectroscopy. Methods In 18 children having repair of aortic coarctation, we measured the maximum change and integral for hemoglobin D (difference of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin), total oxygenation index, and the redox state of cytochrome aa3. Thirteen subjects had recordings from the left hemisphere to test the hypothesis that aortic occlusion impairs left hemispheric oxygen balance. Five subjects had recordings from the right hemisphere for comparison. Results After aortic clamping, a significant decrease in hemoglobin D was observed in recordings from the left hemisphere compared with those from the right hemisphere ( P = .03, maximum change in hemoglobin D). Total oxygenation index and cytochrome aa3 were generally preserved. There was an inverse linear relationship for the change in hemoglobin D during clamp application and after removal (Spearman rho=−0.74), with increased hemoglobin D after clamp removal in those subjects with the greatest decrease of hemoglobin D during arch occlusion. Linear regression analysis identified nitroprusside administration as significantly associated with a decrease in hemoglobin D ( P Conclusions Significant impairment in left hemispheric cerebral oxygen balance was identified during arch clamping. The neurodevelopmental significance of impaired cerebral oxygen balance detected by near-infrared spectroscopy during aortic coarctation repair remains to be elucidated.
Exploring repetitive DNA landscapes using REPCLASS, a tool that automates the classification of transposable elements in eukaryotic genomes.

Eukaryotic genomes contain large amount of repetitive DNA, most of which is derived from transposable elements (TEs). Progress has been made to develop computational tools for ab initio identification of repeat families, but there is an urgent need to develop tools to automate the annotation of TEs in genome sequences. Here we introduce REPCLASS, a tool that automates the classification of TE sequences. Using control repeat libraries, we show that the program can classify accurately virtually any known TE types. Combining REPCLASS to ab initio repeat finding in the genomes of Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster allowed us to recover the contrasting TE landscape characteristic of these species. Unexpectedly, REPCLASS also uncovered several novel TE families in both genomes, augmenting the TE repertoire of these model species. When applied to the genomes of distant Caenorhabditis and Drosophila species, the approach revealed a remarkable conservation of TE composition profile within each genus, despite substantial interspecific covariations in genome size and in the number of TEs and TE families. Lastly, we applied REPCLASS to analyze 10 fungal genomes from a wide taxonomic range, most of which have not been analyzed for TE content previously. The results showed that TE diversity varies widely across the fungi “kingdom” and appears to positively correlate with genome size, in particular for DNA transposons. Together, these data validate REPCLASS as a powerful tool to explore the repetitive DNA landscapes of eukaryotes and to shed light onto the evolutionary forces shaping TE diversity and genome architecture.
Reducing Complications in Rhinoplasty

The nose plays a functional role in nasal breathing and an esthetic role because it represents the most prominent and central facial feature. That the nose has enormous psychological, emotional, social, and symbolic importance is indisputable [1]. Studies suggest that most rhinoplasty patients benefit psychologically from the operation [1]. Although rhinoplasty can be a satisfying procedure for the patient and the surgeon, the literature reports an incidence of postoperative rhinoplasty complications ranging from 8% to 15%. The rhinoplasty surgeon must take great care to minimize the incidence of functional and cosmetic complications [2–10]. Ultimately, success in rhinoplasty is based on well-developed judgment, wisdom, and accumulated knowledge and experience. Similar to most surgeries, rhinoplasty is a science and an art. Skill comes from experience and wisdom, combined with a measure of talent. The surgeon must have a detailed understanding of the multiple anatomic variants encountered. The surgeon also must have accumulated the appropriate surgical techniques and experience. Specifically, the surgeon must acquire knowledge of the surgical alternatives, and how healing forces affect the result. This skill set is acquired by careful follow-up of operated patients over time. There is no ‘‘standard’’ rhinoplasty. Each operation is unique in that it must be tailored to the specific anatomic components involved and the desires of the patient. By developing a consistent, meticulous routine in which the patient’s nose is analyzed with regard to its anatomic components and their complex interrelationships, the surgeon can best select the appropriate incisions, approaches, and techniques for the patient’s nose.
Vestibular Toxicity Due to Inhaled Tobramycin in a Patient With Renal Insufficiency

Inhaled tobramycin is being used increasingly in patients with cystic fibrosis and other forms of bronchiectasis for treatment of bronchial colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The goal of inhaled antibiotics is to provide maximal concentrations at the site of infection without risking systemic toxicity. We report an unusual case of reversible vestibular toxicity due to inhaled tobramycin in a patient with renal failure who was undergoing hemodialysis. Although systemic absorption after inhaled tobramycin is reportedly negligible, no recommendations have been published regarding monitoring of serum concentrations in patients receiving this form of therapy. We suggest that clinicians consider monitoring serum concentrations of tobramycin in patients at risk of renal toxicity and/or ototoxicity, such as those with predisposing renal or otologic compromise. Further studies in at-risk patients are needed to determine the optimal frequency and timing of such monitoring.
The Drug Court as Postmodern Justice

The drug court is far more than a new version of the old drug-diversion idea. It is a fundamental embodiment of postmodern justice and represents a paradigm shift from criminal court practices. This article compares the drug court to the criminal court in terms of the dimensions of the modernism-postmodernism debate as specified in legal research and public policy scholarship. First, the courts are differentiated in terms of their worldviews, ideas on the nature of society, definitions of truth, and conceptions of the foundation of law. Next, the drug court and criminal court jurisprudence are juxtaposed. Specific dimensions include their collaborative versus adversarial systems and the individualized versus the due process framework. Finally, the two courts are considered in terms of their divergent visions of the drug user. Upon analysis, it appears that the two courts are in an intractable ideological disagreement framed by competing modern versus postmodern intellectual dispositions.
The intracellular handling of insulin-related peptides in isolated pancreatic islets. Evidence for differential rates of degradation of insulin and C-peptide.

Islets of Langerhans isolated from adult rats were maintained in tissue culture for 3 days in the continued presence of [3H]leucine. Labelled proinsulin, C-peptide and insulin were measured by quantitative h.p.l.c., a method which also allowed for resolution of C-peptide I and II, and of insulin I and II (the products of the two rat insulin genes). The results showed that: (1) at early times, proinsulin was the major radiolabelled product; with progressive time in culture, intra-islet levels of [3H]proinsulin decreased, despite continuous labelling with [3H]leucine, indicating that the combined rates of proinsulin conversion into insulin and of proinsulin release, exceeded the rate of synthesis; (2) insulin I levels were always greater than those of insulin II, both in the islets and for products released to the medium; (3) the molar ratio of [3H]insulin I and II to their respective 3H-labelled C-peptides increased with time for products retained within islets, reaching a value close to 3:1 by 3 days; by contrast, for products released to the medium during the culture period, the ratio was always close to unity; (4) when islets were incubated with [3H]leucine for 2 days, and then left for a further 1 day without label (chase period), the intra-islet [3H]insulin/[3H]C-peptide ratios rose to values as high as 9:1. Again, for material released to the medium, the values were close to 1:1; (5) it is concluded that C-peptide is degraded more rapidly than insulin within islet cells, thereby accounting for the elevated insulin/C-peptide ratios. The difference between the ratios observed in the islets and those for material released to the medium is taken to indicate that degradation occurs in a discrete cellular compartment and not in the secretory granule itself.
A survey of unmanned aircraft systems regulation: Status and future perspectives

Any aircraft, manned or unmanned, may enter safely and legally into the US National Airspace System (NAS) provided that it has been issued an airworthiness certificate complying with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements. Unfortunately corresponding requirements, procedures and regulations for airworthiness certification of unmanned aircraft are in early development stages and flight of such systems is still restricted. This paper presents a survey of the current status of unmanned aircraft system (UAS) regulations both in the US and internationally, followed by brief overview of current manned aviation airworthiness certification procedures and requirements. Future perspectives of UAS regulation are discussed along with a proposed UAS classification for certification purposes.
Concepts and models for DNA repair: From Escherichia coli to mammalian cells

Much of our early understanding of the mechanisms of excision-repair and its roles in maintaining genome integrity and cellular viability was derived from studies with bacteria. In fact, the discoveries of damage excision and repair replication were made in ultraviolet (UV)-irradiated Escherichia coli. Recent advances in recombinant DNA technology have helped to further our understanding of the manner in which mammalian cells deal with damage in their complex genomes. These include the discovery that expressed genes may be preferentially repaired and, furthermore, that the transcribed DNA strand, for some types of damage, is selectively repaired within an active gene. The latter finding has now been documented in E. coli as well, so it is likely that it is of widespread importance as a mechanism to ensure the expression of active genes in otherwise damaged cells. It is certain that studies with bacterial systems as models will continue to have an important impact on the development of the field of mammalian DNA repair.
Temporal and spatial sensor fusion in a robotic manufacturing workcell

Discusses the problem of using visual and other sensors in the manipulation of a part by a robotic manipulator in a manufacturing workcell. The authors' emphasis is on the part localization problem involved. The authors introduce a new sensor-fusion approach which fuses sensory information from different sensors at various spatial and temporal scales. Relative spatial information obtained from processing of visual information is mapped to absolute taskspace of the robot through fusing of information from an encoder. Data obtained this way can be superimposed upon data obtained from displacement based vision algorithms at coarser time scales to improve overall reliability. Tracking plans reflecting sensor fusion are proposed. The localization of a part by spatial sensor fusion is experimentally demonstrated to be able to give required fast and accurate part localization.
Genetic epidemiology: an expanding scientific discipline

Genetic epidemiology is a relatively new discipline that studies the interaction between genetic and environmental factors in the etiology of human diseases. Taking advantage of genetic markers provided by molecular biological research, complex computerized algorithms, and large databases, the field of genetic epidemiology has undergone significant development over the past 10 years. Using concrete examples from recent scientific literature, this article describes the objectives and methodology of genetic epidemiology.
Polycystic ovaries and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: a systematic review*.

Objectives. To assess and quantify the relationship between polycystic ovaries (PCOs) and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Data Sources. Published studies, any language, identified through MEDLINE, EMBASE, BIOSIS, Web of Science, and bibliographies. Studies were selected if exposure (ultrasound findings of PCO before treatment) and outcome (OHSS) could be abstracted to two-by-two tables. Results. Ten studies, meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria, were analyzed. When PCO were present, the combined odds ratio for OHSS was 6.8 (95% confidence interval 4.9-9.6). Conclusion. There is a significant and consistent relationship between PCO and OHSS. When PCO are present before treatment with assisted reproduction, deliberate policies to moderate treatment appear justified.
The Old Testament in the New, Intertextuality and Allegory:

This article examines the phenomenon of the investigation of the New Testament use of the Old Testament by discussing representative twentieth-century approaches to the question, the relevance of the literary-critical concept of ‘intertextuality’, the ground-breaking semiotic approach of Stefan Alkier, and the possibilities afforded for allegorical interpretation. The article contends that the investigation of the NT use of the OT opens up fruitful avenues for the postcritical retrieval of premodern practices of interpretation, ready for a new hearing in a postmodern age.
Automatic generation and adaptation of 3-D finite element models from X-ray CT images

The authors developed an adaptive finite element algorithm for modeling the highly heterogeneous 3D domains often encountered in biomedical applications. The method differs from traditional approaches in that no explicit description is required of the boundaries between objects with dissimilar material properties. This allows an efficient and completely automated generation of subject-specific models from classified medical images.
Abdominal adiposity, body composition and survival after liver transplantation

BACKGROUND Current measures of obesity do not accurately describe body composition. Using cross-sectional imaging, objective measures of musculature and adiposity are possible and may inform efforts to optimize liver transplantation outcomes. METHODS Abdominal visceral fat area and psoas muscle cross-sectional area were measured on CT scans for 348 liver transplant recipients. After controlling for donor and recipient characteristics, survival analysis was performed using Cox regression. RESULTS Visceral fat area was significantly associated with post-transplant mortality (p < 0.001; HR = 1.06 per 10 cm(2) , 95% CI: 1.04-1.09), as were positive hepatitis C status (p = 0.004; HR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.21-2.61) and total psoas area (TPA) (p < 0.001; HR = 0.91 per cm(2) , 95% CI: 0.88-0.94). Among patients with smaller TPA, the patients with high visceral fat area had 71.8% one-yr survival compared to 81.8% for those with low visceral fat area (p = 0.15). At five yr, the smaller muscle patients with high visceral fat area had 36.9% survival compared to 58.2% for those with low visceral fat area (p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS Abdominal adiposity is associated with survival after liver transplantation, especially in patients with small trunk muscle size. When coupled with trunk musculature, abdominal adiposity offers direct characterization of body composition that can aid preoperative risk evaluation and inform transplant decision-making.
Efficient second-harmonic generation using an external resonant cavity for cw ultraviolet radiation

We report on an efficient generation of cw ultraviolet radiation (257 nm) using external resonant doubling. The technique of second- harmonic generation (SHG) for cw tight has been developed by following two different approaches: an intracavity method1 and an external resonant cavity method.2 Recently, 257-nm cw radiation of over 1 W was generated1 by the intracavity method, using a libarium borate (BBO) crystal and an argon laser. However, from the viewpoint of practical use, laser-diode-pumped solid-state lasers (such as YAG) are becoming very attractive as fundamental light sources for generating deep ultraviolet light, which is fouth harmonic. In this application, efficient external resonant doubling is required.
Predictors of positive endoscopic findings in hospitalized patients with occult gastrointestinal bleeding

Anemia with occult gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) is a common reason for inpatient gastroenterology consultation and endoscopy. However, the utility of inpatient endoscopy in this setting is unclear. The aim of this paper is to determine variables that predict positive endoscopic examinations for inpatients presenting with anemia and OGIB. We performed a prospective observational study of consecutive hospitalized patients between March 2013 and April 2014 with anemia and OGIB. For patients undergoing inpatient endoscopic evaluation, logistic regression was used to determine which variables were associated with detecting etiology of OGIB. An occult bleeding score (OBS) was created using receiver operating characteristics and area under the curve (AUC) analysis to predict detection of bleeding source and need for endoscopic intervention. Of the 74 patients identified, 55 (74%) underwent endoscopic evaluation, of whom 28 patients had a source of OGIB identified. Patients with malignancy (OR 7.25, 95%CI 1.06-144) were more likely to have a bleeding source identified on endoscopy, whereas patients with higher admission hemoglobin levels were less likely to have a detected source (OR 0.62, 95%CI 0.41-0.86). The OBS was constructed by assigning a point each for malignancy and admission hemoglobin <8.2 g/dL. The OBS predicted detection of etiology of bleeding and endoscopic intervention with an AUC of 0.79 and 0.75. The yield of endoscopy in determining a bleeding source in patients with OGIB is significant particularly in patients with malignancy or a low hemoglobin level. A simple score can assist in determining whether inpatient endoscopy is warranted in this population.
Aggressive and impulsive behavior in military psychiatric inpatients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if a history of aggressive/impulsive behavior adversely affected the return to full duty of a military psychiatric inpatient population. METHOD: Charts were reviewed for aggressive/impulsive behavior as indicated by self-report on a standardized admission form and by history in 211 consecutive admissions pooled from two separate 2-month intervals during a 9-month period. RESULTS: Seventy-three percent of the population was between the ages of 17 and 24 years. Sixty-eight percent of the population reported a history of at least one school suspension/expulsion, arrest, or military nonjudicial punishment (males, 74%; females, 45%). Seven percent of patients reporting aggressive/impulsive behavior were returned to full duty unconditionally, compared with 28% of patients not reporting said behavior. Eighteen percent of patients met the criteria for adult antisocial behavior. Only one patient with adult antisocial behavior was returned to full duty. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that a history of aggressive/impulsive behavior was positively correlated with substance abuse and negatively correlated with return to full military duty. Language: en
Frauen mit Epilepsie: 7 wichtige Aspekte

Weibliche Geschlechtshormone scheinen eine Rolle in der Epileptogenese zu spielen. Ein Teil der Frauen mit Epilepsie leidet unter zyklusabhangigen Anfallen. Die Fertilitat von Frauen mit Epilepsie ist geringer als jene der Allgemeinbevolkerung. Antiepileptika haben einen Einfluss auf weibliche Geschlechtshormone. Fur einige Antiepileptika wurden Wechselwirkungen mit hormonellen Kontrazeptiva beschrieben. So schwanken z. B. die Plasmaspiegel von Lamotrigin wahrend des normalen Zyklus bzw. unter Einnahme von oralen Kontrazeptiva. Umgekehrt konnen Enzym-induzierende Antikonvulsiva (Carbamazepin, Eslicarbazepin, Oxcarbazepin, Phenytoin, Primidon) die Wirksamkeit von oralen Kontrazeptiva deutlich abschwachen. Ein polyzystisches Ovar-Syndrom wird haufiger bei Frauen, die Valproinsaure einnehmen, diagnostiziert. 50% der Patientinnen unter einer antiepileptischen Dauermedikation leidet unter einer Osteopathie. Das Risiko einer Malformation ist bei Kindern von Muttern mit Epilepsie, die Antiepileptika einnehmen, etwa doppelt so hoch wie bei Kindern von gesunden Muttern. Die haufigsten Malformationen nach Antiepileptika-Exposition des Kindes wahrend der Schwangerschaft betreffen das Herz. Das Risiko einer Malformation durfte besonders hoch bei Valproinsaure-Tagesdosen von uber 1 000 mg sein. Im Gegensatz dazu legen die Ergebnisse einer rezenten Populations-basierten Studie nahe, dass unter folgenden neueren Antikonvulsiva kein erhohtes Risiko fur schwere kindliche Malformationen bestehen durfte: Lamotrigin, Oxcarbazepin, Topiramat, Gabapentin und Levetiracetam. Kinder, deren Mutter wahrend der Schwangerschaft mit Valproinsaure behandelt wurden, wiesen geringere IQ Werte auf als Kinder, deren Mutter ein anderes Antiepileptikum einnahmen. Zur Verhinderung von Neuralrohrdefekten sollte bei allen gebarfahigen Frauen mit Epilepsie unbedingt eine Folsaure-Prophylaxe erfolgen.
Normative concerns for endurance athletes

AbstractEndurance athletes work at creating habits and lifestyles which correspond to Aristotle’s notion of eudomania (human flourishing). They spend time and energy dedicating themselves to their craft. They relinquish other interests in pursuit of excellence. They fully accept William James’ notion of precipitousness as they create goals and work toward achievement. In this paper, we examine normative issues related to endurance sport participation, the potential dark side of this pursuit of excellence. Our overriding concern is how best to work toward and experience human flourishing while simultaneously remaining attentive to relationships and responsibilities. In terms of potential perils associated with endurance sport, we address questions of autonomy, authenticity and identification. We contend that endurance athletes concerned with these questions benefit from transcendental and pragmatic notions of the good life.
Expanding the Epistemological Terrain Increasing Equity and Diversity Within the American Educational Research Association

During the civil rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s, the quest for civil rights by African Americans and other groups of color reverberated throughout the United States and the world, including within educational professional and research organizations, such as the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, the National Council of Teachers of English, and the American Educational Research Association (AERA). In this article, I discuss the presidential addresses of four AERA presidents, the historical and demographic context in which they were presented, and the ways in which these addresses increased equity and diversity within AERA by expanding its epistemological terrain.
240 RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH TERM AND PRETERM LOW BIRTH WEIGHT IN THAI NGUYEN, VIETNAM.

Objective LBW ( Methods The original LBW case group was stratified into term and preterm deliveries. The control for this study was term, normal weight births (≥ 2,500 g), derived from the original control group. Logistical regression was used to estimate odd ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results Risk factors associated with term LBW included advanced maternal age (OR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.6, 6.3), unmarried status (OR: 5.0, 95% CI: 1.8, 13.7), rural residence (OR: 4.1, 95% CI: 2.1, 8.0), farming occupation (OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.0, 3.5), shorter stature (OR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.5, 4.9), having an unemployed partner (OR: 4.4, 95% CI: 1.7, 11.6), lower rate of weight gain (OR: 4.2, 95% CI: 2.3, 7.6), exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) (OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1, 3.4), and placenta abnormality (OR: 13.9, 95% CI: 3.1, 61.9). Risk factors associated with preterm LBW were less than 3 antenatal visits (OR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.6, 5.3), lower (OR: 10.6, 95% CI: 4.9, 23) or higher (OR: 4.5, 95% CI: 2, 10) rate of weight gain, having an unemployed partner (OR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.2, 7.0), history of LBW infants (OR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.7, 8.7), history of spontaneous abortion or preterm delivery (OR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.4, 4.7), psychosocial stress (OR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.5, 4.8), exposure to ETS (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.4, 3.6), vaginal hemorrhage (OR: 7.5, 95% CI: 3.6, 15.7), placenta abnormality (OR: 7.7, 95% CI: 1.9, 31.1), gestational hypertension (OR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.2, 5.2), and anemia (OR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.0, 2.5). Conclusion A comparison of the risk factors suggests potential benefits for distinguishing between term and preterm LBW deliveries in some populations.
ANODIC OXIDATION OF PbSO4, Pb3O4, 2PbCO3 Pb(OH)2 and PbO

ABSTRACT Several compounds present in positive paste of lead acid cells were individually anodized in dilute sulfuric acid. The products were examined by x-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. PbSO 4 , Pb 3 O 4 , 2PbCO 3 . Pb(OH) 2 and orthorhombic PbO were converted to βPbO 2 . While tetragonal PbO became covered with a superficial layer of βPbO 2 , deeper layers appeared to be oxidized by interstitial introduction of oxygen into the lattice. These crystals were converted to a mixture of α and βPbI 2 by chemical treatment or cycling. Electron microscopic examination of the anodic products showed dendritic and nodular morphologies. The mechanical strength of a battery plate is attributed to the nature of the interparticle boundaries which are probably more stable in a predominantly dendritic growth of PbO 2 .
A Historical and Global Perspective on Liberal Arts Education: What Was, What Is, and What Will Be

Debates about higher education’s purpose have long been polarized between specialized preparation for specific vocations and a broad, general knowledge foundation known as liberal education. Exclud...
A Case Report of Thoracic Endovascular Aneurysm Repair under Local Anesthesia with Resolution of Acute Onset Lower Extremity Paraplegia from an Acute Complicated Type B Aortic Dissection

Spinal cord ischemia (SCI) is a rare presenting symptom of acute complicated type B aortic dissection, occurring in approximately 3% of patients . We present a case report of a patient with this presentation who had observed resolution of his paraplegia symptoms immediately after placement of a thoracic stent graft under local anesthesia. The temporal association between true lumen flow restoration and paraplegia resolution intraoperatively is a novel finding. We feel that this case report may provide support for recognized cord perfusion theory , as well as contribute to the understanding of the time frame associated with SCI and reversibility of paraplegia.
The Association of Sevelamer Crystals with Severe Gastrointestinal Tract Damage and Perforation

Objectives: Sevelamer is an anion-exchange resin used in patients with end-stage renal disease to decrease serum phosphorus by binding phosphate in the digestive tract. It demonstrates cardiovascular benefits over other binders, but in recent years has been histologically described and associated with multiple …
Schrödinger and Heisenberg formulation of classical pulse propagation with dispersion and attenuation

AbstractWe consider the possibility of formulating classical wave prorogation in a quantum mechanical formalism. The classical wave may have dispersion and attenuation. We derive a Schrodinger type equation of motion where the equivalent Hamiltonian is the dispersion relation. We also derive a Heisenberg equation of motion for the cases with and without damping. When there is damping, we show that the Heisenberg equation of motion contains both a commutator and an anticommutator.
The flexibility of DNA: I. Thermal fluctuations

Abstract The theory of the flexibility of DNA makes use of a worm-like coil model which implies an isotropic bending potential. This paper investigates the influence of non-isotropic bending which is cased by the real, lower symmetry of a DNA molecule. Formulas are developed for the persistence and mean square length of a molecule in terms of DNA symmetry elements, i.e., a helical screw operation and perpendicular dyad axes. It is shown that the low symmetry of a DNA helix leads to mean propagation properties which differ from the static equilibrium properties. The worm-like coil model may be justified in terms of the mean, thermally averaged, properties of the DNA but not in terms of its static equilibrium properties. Changes in helix angle and displacement with temperature and solvent are a natural result of the asymmetric potential of DNA.
University Faculty Beliefs About Emergent Multilinguals and Linguistically Responsive Instruction

Internationalization trends worldwide have brought more multilingual students into English-medium university classrooms in the United States and elsewhere. Faculty across the disciplines increasingly have the dual challenge of developing both content and advanced academic language. Ample precedent in P–12 education suggests developing instructors’ knowledge of (a) students as language learners, (b) instructional techniques grounded in second language acquisition theory, and (c) contextual factors necessary for helping instructors implement linguistically responsive instruction (LRI). This study probes the extent to which prior work transfers to the tertiary setting, focusing on participating faculty members’ beliefs about multilingual students, LRI, and context. The authors collected survey data from 197 faculty at a mid-size comprehensive university in the midwestern United States and analyzed written comments provided by participants. They found that, on the whole, faculty participants displayed deficit views regarding students’ linguistic and academic abilities and questioned the appropriateness and feasibility of several of the LRI techniques. Many rejected the notion that language instruction was within the scope of their responsibilities and expressed a strong preference for support provided outside of class time. The authors discuss the results in terms of the notions of rigor, college readiness, and faculty development in LRI.
Dynamic Choke Sensing for Timing Error Resilience in NTC Systems

Process variation (PV) is a conspicuous predicament for submicrometer VLSI circuits. In this paper, we illustrate “choke points” as a vital consequence of PV in the near-threshold computing domain. Choke points are PV affected sensitized logic gates with increased delay deviation. They dominate the choice of critical paths postfabrication. To mitigate the timing errors induced thereby, we propose dynamic choke sensing (DCS). This technique senses the timing error causing opcode sequences, and uses the knowledge to prevent similar sequences from causing errors in the future. We propose two variants of our scheme. Our techniques provide ~55% improvement in performance and ~73% improvement in energy efficiency as compared with popular timing error mitigation scheme, Razor, with minimal area and power overheads.
Ultraviolet and Vacuum-Ultraviolet Radiation Effects on Spacecraft Thermal Control Materials

Ultraviolet (UV) and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) light has been found to contribute significantly to materials degradation in earth orbiting spacecraft. UV/VUV radiation is ubiquitous, occurring at all orbital altitudes and, while the effects of degradation sources such as atomic oxygen may be more pronounced at certain altitudes (e.g. low earth orbit), damage due to UV/VUV radiation will be present in all orbiting vehicles. Of the materials used in spacecraft construction thermal control materials (e.g. blankets and paints) show the most significant degradation due to UV/VUV exposure. This degradation manifests itself as surface erosion in polymers and as an increase in absorptivity (darkening) in both polymers and thermal paints. It is this change in absorbance that compromises the thermal control properties of the materials. The temperature of the spacecraft is proportional to the ratio of its solar absorptivity (αsolar) to its emissivity (∊).
Outcomes of an anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty with a contralateral reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

Background It is common for patients to require staged bilateral shoulder arthroplasties. There is a unique cohort of patients who require an anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and a contralateral reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). This study compared the outcomes of patients with a TSA in 1 shoulder and an RSA in the contralateral shoulder. Methods Our institutional database was queried to identify all patients with a TSA and a contralateral RSA. Data collection included patient demographics, preoperative and latest follow-up shoulder range of motion, radiographic analysis, and postoperative complications. Identified patients were assessed at follow-up visits or contacted by phone for functional outcome scores. Results Nineteen patients met our inclusion/exclusion criteria. There was statistically significant greater internal rotation in the TSA shoulder (P = .044) but no significant difference in forward elevation (P = .573) or external rotation (P = .368). There was no radiographic evidence of humeral or glenoid component loosening of any arthroplasty implants. There were no significant differences between TSA and RSA shoulders for the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment (P = .381), Simple Shoulder Test (P = .352), Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (P = .709), and visual analog scale satisfaction (P = .448) or pain scores (P = .305). Thirteen patients (68.4%) preferred the RSA side, 1 patient (5.3%; z = 4.04, P Conclusion Despite known limitations and differences between TSA and RSA designs, patients who have received both implants are highly satisfied with both. The only parameter in which the TSA had superior outcomes was internal rotation.
Teen Mothers' Perceptions of Medicalization and the Patient/Provider Relationship

TEEN MOTHERS' PERCEPTIONS OF MEDICALIZATION AND THE PATIENTIPROVIDER RELATIONSHIP By Preston T. Martin-Lyon, B.A. A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2005. Major Director: Sarah Jane Brubaker, PhD Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology Within the past twenty years, a great deal of research has addressed pregnancy and childbirth in the United States. Often, however, prior studies have focused on white middle-class women and have neglected the experiences of women of color and lowincome women. Teen mothers have also been marginalized in past research. With few exceptions, the limited research that does exist on African American teen mothers is usually framed around the "teen pregnancy crisis" in the U.S; seldom are teens included in studies dealing with the overall issue of medicalization. In an effort to understand the extent to which the medical model of childbirth shapes teens' understandings and experiences of prenatal care, this paper analyzes in-depth interviews with 40 pregnant or parenting African American adolescents attending a Teen Parenting Program. The analysis focuses on teens' accounts of their experiences with the patient provider relationship and their interpretations of and responses to the medicalization of pregnancy and birth contextualized in teens' encounters with medical providers during pregnancy. Overall, the adolescents accepted the medical model of pregnancy and childbirth. There were, however, acts of resistance and defiance of medical authority. Chapter
Complications of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

Since the initial description of “percutaneous pyelolithotomy” by Fernstrom and Johansson in 1976, percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has become the standard for the treatment of large renal or proximal ureteral stones [Fernstrom and Johansson (Scand J Urol Nephrol 10(3):257–259, 1976)]. Recently, various versions of the procedure have expanded indications to treat a variety of stone burdens and have rendered open nephrolithotomy as a historic procedure. With shorter procedure times, lower transfusion rates, lower narcotic requirements, shorter hospital stay, faster convalescence, and lower cost, PCNL can be applied to nearly any stone burden or location [Snyder and Smith (J Urol 136(2):351–354, 1986)]. Despite overall safety and effectiveness of PCNL for the therapy of renal stones [Preminger et al. (J Urol 173(6):1991–2000, 2005)], PCNL can still be associated with significant morbidity, especially when complications are monitored in a standardized fashion. One recent study cited a nearly 60 % complication rate [de la Rosette et al. (J Urol 180(6):2489–2493, 2008)]. While the majority of these complications are mild, the urologist must be ready to prevent, appropriately identify, and treat any complication that he/she could encounter during or after PCNL.
Location of Access Points in Wireless Local Area Networking

A model is presented for finding the most effective location of Access Points to create a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). WLANs have a number of advantages over traditional wired Local Area Networks, including enabling user mobility and having reduced wiring costs. Wireless Local Area Network deployment also brings with it a different set of decisions than faced when implementing wired Local Area Networks. With wired Local Area Networks, the topology, or geographic layout of links between terminals and concentrators, is a critical design issue. Wireless Local Area Networks, not having physical links between user devices and access points, must consider the coverage area of the radio signals used and ensure that all users are able to communicate with an access point from the locations that are identified as their coverage area. Computational experiments that evaluate a number of factors affecting feasibility and performance of Wireless Local Area Networks are conducted.
Clinical detection of Hepatitis C viral infection by yeast-secreted HCV-core:Gold-binding-peptide

Abstract Access to affordable and field deployable diagnostics are key barriers to the control and eradication of many endemic and emerging infectious diseases. While cost, accuracy, and usability have all improved in recent years, there remains a pressing need for even less expensive and more scalable technologies. To that end, we explored new methods to inexpensively produce and couple protein-based biosensing molecules (affinity reagents) with scalable electrochemical sensors. Previous whole-cell constructs resulted in confounding measurements in clinical testing due to significant cross-reactivity when probing for host-immune (antibody) response to infection. To address this, we developed two complimentary strategies based on either the release of surface displayed or secretion of fusion proteins. These dual affinity biosensing elements couple antibody recognition (using antigen) and sensor surface adhesion (using gold-binding peptide-GBP) to allow single-step reagent production, purification, and biosensor assembly. As a proof-of-concept, we developed Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-core antigen-GBP fusion proteins. These constructs were first tested and optimized for consistent surface adhesion then the assembled immunosensors were tested for cross-reactivity and evaluated for performance in vitro. We observed loss of function of the released reagents while secreted constructs performed well in in vitro testing with 2 orders of dynamic range, and a limit of detection of 32 nM. Finally, we validated the secreted platform with clinical isolates (n = 3) with statistically significant differentiation of positive vs. non-infected serum (p
Abstract WP79: Surgical Clipping of Recurrent Previously Coiled Intracerebral Aneurysms: A Single-Center Experience in a Series of 70 Patients

Introduction: A paradigm shift in the management of intracerebral aneurysms occurred after the favorable outcomes of coiling were established. Over time, coiled aneurysms have shown high recurrence...
Adult Science-Based Learning: The Intersection of Digital, Science, and Information Literacies.

In today’s learning environment, adult learners conduct learning episodes on the Internet meaning they are now expected to approach a self-directed science-based learning endeavor with knowledge of...
Albatrossidine: A large, easily synthesized molecular cleft

Abstract 2,6-Bis(heptaphenyl-2-naphthyl)pyridine ( 1 ) was prepared in three steps from 2,6-bis(phenylethynyl)pyridine, and its X-ray structure was determined. The pyridine nitrogen lies at the base of a broad, chiral molecular cleft created by the perphenylnaphthyl “wings” of 1 .
On the generalized Erdős–Kneser conjecture: Proofs and reductions

Abstract Alon, Frankl, and Lovasz proved a conjecture of Erdős that one needs at least ⌈ n − r ( k − 1 ) r − 1 ⌉ colors to color the k-subsets of { 1 , … , n } such that any r of the k -subsets that have the same color are not pairwise disjoint . A generalization of this problem where one requires s-wise instead of pairwise intersections was considered by Sarkaria. He claimed a proof of a generalized Erdős–Kneser conjecture establishing a lower bound for the number of colors that reduces to Erdős' original conjecture for s = 2 . Lange and Ziegler pointed out that his proof fails whenever r is not a prime. Here we establish this generalized Erdős–Kneser conjecture for every r, as long as s is not too close to r. Our result encompasses earlier results but is significantly more general. We discuss relations of our results to conjectures of Ziegler and of Abyazi Sani and Alishahi, and prove the latter in several cases.
The Role of Interferon for the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection

For many years the only available therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection was interferon-based therapy. Interferons are a family of cytokines that are an essential part of the body’s natural response to viral pathogens. In 1991, interferon-α (IFN-α) injections were first approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of HCV infection and remained the backbone of therapy until late 2014. As monotherapy, IFN-α injected thrice weekly yielded low sustained virologic response (SVR) rates. In 1998, the addition of ribavirin, a broad-spectrum, non-specific antiviral agent, decreased liver inflammation alone and, in combination with IFN-α, increased the SVR rate; however, the addition of ribavirin also increased side effects. In the early 2000s, IFN-α plus ribavirin combination treatment was further improved by the development of longer-acting pegylated IFN-α (PegIFN-α). While this reduced the need for subcutaneous injections from three times a week to once a week which improved patients’ adherence, the increase in SVR with PegIFN-α over standard IFN-α was relatively modest. Further, drug-related side effects remained problematic, limiting HCV treatment uptake and effectiveness. In the early direct-acting antiviral (DAA) era, PegIFN-α and ribavirin were used in combination with DAAs to prevent drug resistance and increase the SVR rate. With the advent of combination DAA regimens, the role of IFN-α decreased dramatically and, in late 2017, IFN-α was no longer recommended by professional societies as a first-line treatment for any HCV genotype or patient population, marking the end of the IFN-α era.
Combined tube cystostomy and urethrotomy for the treatment of urethral obstruction due to urolithiasis in goats.

OBJECTIVE To describe the treatment of goats with urethral obstruction secondary to urolithiasis by combining tube cystostomy and urethrotomy. ANIMALS Eight male goats. STUDY DESIGN Short case series. METHODS Medical records (September 2012-September 2017) of male goats treated for obstruction secondary to urolithiasis with tube cystostomy and urethrotomy were reviewed. Data collected included signalment, history, physical examination findings, diagnostic results, perioperative treatments, operative details, hospitalization duration, intraoperative and postoperative complications, urolith analysis, and time to restoration of urethral patency. Long-term follow-up (>12 months) was obtained by email or telephone interviews of owners or by clinical examination. RESULTS Seven of eight goats were castrated males of various of breeds. All goats were tachycardic with urethral pulsation at admission. Uroliths were composed of calcium carbonate in four goats and silica in one goat. All goats regained urethral patency during hospitalization, and all were discharged alive from the hospital. Seven goats were alive at long-term follow-up. Postoperative complications included persistent urethral obstruction requiring a second urethrotomy 2 days postoperatively, premature dislodgement of the bladder catheter and jejunal obstruction secondary to adhesions, and recurrence of obstructive urolithiasis within the proximal perineal urethra requiring a second surgery 8 months later (1 each). Long-term outcome was good, with urethral patency beyond 12 months in six of eight goats. CONCLUSION Combining tube cystostomy and urethrotomy restored urethral patency in goats with urethral obstruction from uroliths. Although none of the complications seemed directly related to the urethrotomy, formation of abdominal adhesions and recurrence of urolithiasis affected long-term outcomes. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Uroliths that do not dissolve in acidic urine may be more frequent in some practices. The combined approach of tube cystostomy and urethrotomy appears to successfully restore urethral patency with promising long-term outcomes.
Enhancing Older People’s Participation in the ElectoralProcess in Liberia

While developed countries, continue to make progress in caring for an aging population, developing countries such as Liberia, face a lack of a social protection policy...