cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Application of the Finite-Element Method to One-Dimensional Flame Propagation Problems

A linear semidiscrete Galerkin method and an adaptive finite-element method are first used to compute the steady-state wave speed of a reaction-diffusion equation which has an exact traveling wave solution. The Galerkin method is then applied to study the propagation of a laminar flame in a closed combustor. The numerical results obtained with the Galerkin and adaptive finite-element methods are compared to those obtained with a finite-difference Crank-Nicolson scheme. The comparisons show that the finite-element methods overpredict the wave speed, whereas the Crank-Nicolson scheme underpredicts it. The Galerkin method results are closer to the exact solution than those of the Crank-Nicolson scheme for a 901 point grid. The adaptive finite element requires about 171 points to obtain a wave speed equal to that of the Galerkin method with 901 points. The application of the Galerkin method to the propagation of one-dimension al enclosed deflagrations shows that, in order to account properly for the steep temperature gradients at the flame front, at least 400 grid points are required. The largest temperature difference between the finite-difference and finite-element results is less than 2%. This difference is attributed to the oscillations present in the finite-element method, the linearization of the reaction terms and the use of linear basis.
Support for the revocation of general safety test regulations in biologics license applications

The United States Food and Drug Administration recently removed the requirement for a General Safety Test (GST) for biologics in the Code of Federal Regulations (21 CFR 610.11). The GST, as well as abnormal toxicity (European Pharmacopeia) and innocuity tests (World Health Organization), were designed to test for extraneous toxic contaminants on each product lot intended for human use. Tests require one-week observations for general health and weight following injection of specified volumes of product batches into guinea pigs and mice. At the volumes specified, dose-related toxicity may result when the product is pharmacologically active in rodents. With vaccines, required doses may be > 3 logs higher than intended human dose on a weight-adjusted basis and if an immune modulatory adjuvant is included, systemic immune hyperactivation may cause toxicity. Herein, using the CpG/alum adjuvant combination we evaluated the different test protocols and showed their unsuitability for this adjuvant combination.
A Systematic Review of Patient- or Proxy-Reported Validated Instruments Assessing Pediatric Dysphagia.

ObjectivePediatric dysphagia occurs in 500,000 children each year; however, there is not a common tool to assess these children. Our aim was to identify validated patient- or parent-reported outcome assessment tools evaluating pediatric dysphagia.Data SourcesScopus, EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL electronic databases (all indexed years through August 2014).Review MethodsInclusion criteria included English-language articles containing instruments evaluated in children. Two investigators independently reviewed all articles, and the review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses).ResultsThe initial search yielded 1697 abstracts; 158 studies were assessed further. Four symptom questionnaires, validated in adults, were used to report pediatric dysphagia outcomes. Four outcomes tools assessing dysphagia were validated in pediatrics in selected populations. The Dysphagia in Multiple Sclerosis questionnaire and the Dysphagia Sy...
Usefulness of a gentamicin pharmacokinetics service in selected high-risk pediatric patients

A pharmacokinetic consultation service was initiated in 1985 at Children's Hospital ofPittsburgh for individualizing aminoglycoside therapy. Charts of all patients receiving these antibiotics were reviewed for clinical and laboratory data, and pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles were generated. PK data from oncology and appendectomy patients receiving gentamicin were analyzed to document the usefulness of the service. One hundred eighty-six PK profiles were obtained for 79 oncology patients. On initial determination, 57% (45) had therapeutic levels, 39% (31) had subtherapeutic peaks, and 4% (3) had toxic levels. Subsequent PK data in 47 patients showed that therapeutic levels were achieved in 85% (40/47) with recommended dosage changes. In three of seven patients with persistent subtherapeutic levels, recommended dosage changes were not followed. In the remaining four patients, changes in the volume of distribution made readjustment necessary. In the appendectomy group, 105 profiles were generated for 84 patients. On initial evaluation, 60% (51) had therapeutic levels and 40% (33) had subtherapeutic levels; no follow-up was available in 23 patients in the latter group. Eighty percent (8/10) of patients with subtherapeutic levels on initial evaluation achieved therapeuticlevels with recommended dosages; dosage recommendations were not followed in two patients who remained subtherapeutic. In both groups 20% of the levels obtained were unusable due to poor collection technique or inaccurate time of collection or dosing; use of these levels would have led to incorrect dosage changes. Individualizing gentamicin regimens based on pharmacokinetic evaluations optimizes dosing regimens to achieve therapeutic concentrations in these high-risk populations.
Fusarium tuber rots of late potatoes as related to injuries and certain chemical treatments

Potatoes with digger cuts and bruises were much more susceptible to Fusarium tuber rots than tubers without these defects. Digger cuts made potatoes more susceptible to rot than did bruises. None of the chemical treatments tested was effective in reducing storage rots.
Intermediate Time Behavior of a Heat Equation Problem

section. We also assume the bar is in standard position with the x-axis along the axis of the bar and the ends at x = 0 and x = 1. Let u = u(x, t) be the temperature of the bar where x is position and t is time, and let a2 be the thermal diffusivity constant of the bar. The temperature of the bar is determined by the heat conduction equation a 2u = ut for 0 0, and the side conditions. The side conditions we shall consider are the initial condition u(x, 0) = b for 0 0. In other words, the bar is heated to a uniform temperature b; at time t = 0 the left end is changed to a temperature of 0 while the right end is changed to temperature a, and these end temperatures are then maintained. To simplify the discussion we shall assume a > 0 and 0 < b < a/2. The solution to this problem may be found in many texts such as [1] or [2]. Clearly the steady-state temperature distribution is limt u(x, t) = (a/l) x. If the temperature of the bar is plotted as a function of x for different times t, then a reasonable guess as to the intermediate time behavior of the solution is shown in FIGURE 1. Surprisingly, this behavior only occurs in the special case where b = a/2. If 0 < b < a/2, then for any x where 0 < x < bl/a (where the initial temperature is greater than the steady-state temperature), substitution of large values of t into the solution for that x results in temperatures lower than the steady-state value. For 0 < b < a/2, even where the initial temperature is greater than steady-state, the temperature of the bar will converge to the steady-state value from below. To verify and understand this behavior we must examine the solution of the problem. The
Energy-efficient contention-aware application mapping and scheduling on NoC-based MPSoCs

We consider the problem of energy-efficient contention-aware application mapping and scheduling on Network-on-Chip (NoC) based multiprocessors. For an application represented by a directed acyclic graph, we present a model where voltage scaling techniques for processors can be combined with frequency tuning techniques for NoC links to save overall system energy consumption. We employ a two-step approach to solve the overall mapping and scheduling problem. First, the application mapping problem is formulated as a quadratic binary programming problem, which aims to minimize the communication energy; we apply a relaxation-based iterative rounding algorithm to solve it. With the mapping achieved, we further consider the application scheduling problem, which aims to find the optimal voltage level for each task of the application and optimal frequency level for each communication of the application to minimize the overall system energy consumption, given the application deadline. To attack the second problem, we first design an algorithm based on the earliest time first scheduling to determine the application's finish time if a voltage and frequency assignment is given; then, we develop a genetic algorithm to search the solution space for the voltage and frequency assignment that minimizes the overall system energy consumption and meets the application's deadline. Through these two steps, we produce a mapping and scheduling that meets the application's deadline, and significantly reduces the overall system energy consumption. Experiments are conducted for a number of randomly generated application graphs, as well as several real application graphs to verify the energy reduction and applicability of the proposed model and algorithms. Energy-efficient application mapping and scheduling for Network-on-Chip systems.An approach that combines processor voltage scaling and link frequency tuning.A two-step method that provides clear and organized solution.Using genetic algorithm to achieve near-optimal voltage and frequency assignment.
New edition diagnosis standard of Alzheimer′s of USA and drug clinical trials

National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer′s(AD) Association(NIA-AA)of USA published the new diagnosis standard,named as NIA-AA,in April 19th 2011.Based as reserving the framework of NINCDS-ADRDA of the 1984 edition,the NIA-AA clears some new conditions and conceptions,especially proposed that AD is a continuous process from preclinical stage to dementia stage,and has three stages diagnose standard,and has core clinical diagnosis standard and clinical study standard.These give a new space and direction for clinical trials.The new standard are open and need continuously consummate.
Monocular and Binocular Visual Fields of Butterfly Interneurons in Response to White- and Coloured-Light Stimulation*

Extracellular recordings from visual interneurons in the optic lobes and brain of butterflies were processed to produce detailed maps of the corresponding visual fields in response to white and coloured flashes of 2,5° diameter on different backgrounds.
Open reduction,radial or ulnaris osteotomy and annular ligament reconstruction for old Monteggia fracture in children

Objective To sum up the experiences in surgical treatment for old Monteggia frac- ture in children.Methods The clinical data of 21 cases(14 boys,7 girls)aged from 2.5 to 13 years with old Monteggia fracture admitted from March 2001 to Oct.2005 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 6 cases on the left side and 15 on the right.Among them,18 cases underwent ulnaris oste- otomy,two cases received radial diaphysis osteotomy.Radial head open reduction,annular ligament re- construction,cubital articulation tight sutures and internal fixation with Kirschner pin were performed at the same time.One cases had only tight sutures of cubital articulation.Results The follow-up with an average of 3 years and 7 months showed that 8 cases had loss of pronation movement with mean of 15 de- grees.Two patients had subluxation of caput radii on X-ray film without function disturbance.One patient had transient radial nerve palsy that recovered spontaneously 3 months later.The flexion movement was all improved and increased 30 degrees on average.According to Kim's scoring system,the outcome of 14 cases was satisfactory,4 cases good,and 3 poor.Conclusions Open reduction、osteotomy and annular ligament reconstruction is a safe and effective therapy for old Monteggia fracture in children.
Rethinking Race, Calculation, Quantification, and Measure

Focusing on “new regimes of calculation” and the limits and possibilities of mobilizing critical theory to make sense of such shifts, the author uses Roderick Ferguson’s Foucauldian call for a reor...
NGF gene expression in dividing and non-dividing cells from AAV-derived constructs

NGF expression in COS cells when driven by pTR.NGF (CMV promoter, AAV TRs) was more effective than either pc.NGF (CMV promoter, no AAV TRs) or dlk.NGF (AAV promoters and TRs). This NGF was able to differentiate PC12 cells. Differentiated PC12 cells transfected with pTR.NGF released NGF into medium. The fraction of pTR.NGF transfected PC12 cells that extended neurite-like processes 7 days post-transfection was similar to the transfection efficiency, suggesting that transfected cells were selectively differentiated by locally released NGF. pTR.NGF-transfected primary cultures of either neurons or glia did not express exogenous NGF. These results indicate that NGF can be released by dividing and non-dividing cells, but not neonatally derived brain cells.
Initial Nuclear Assessment for a Low Aspect Ratio Power Plant

Interest in the low aspect ratio (LAR) concept led the U.S. ARIES team to examine the credibility of this advanced concept as a future source of fusion energy. The compactness of the LAR machine imposes severe constraints on the Cu center post (CP). The analysis showed that the lifetime of CP is limited by the Class C low level waste disposal requirements. Identification of potential radioactive waste problems for the Cu conductor resulted in either limiting the lifetime of the unshielded CP to 0.12 FPV or shielding the CP with 20-30 cm of shield. The effects of neutron fluence on conductor resistivity, swelling, and atomic displacement have been assessed. 11 refs., 1 fig., 5 tabs.
Oxazole-based liquid crystals with low temperature nematic phases

This paper describes the synthesis and phase behavior of new oxazole containing liquid crystals. These compounds are related to oxadiazole derivatives which show a cybotactic nematic phase. The com...
Nonradiological Occupational Hazards at a Fusion Power Station: Part II. Nonionizing Electromagnetic Fields

Nonionizing electromagnetic fields will almost certainly be present at future magnetic fusion reactor sites. The extents of the fields into areas occupied by personnel are only roughly known at pre...
An Introduction to Integrative Genomics and Systems Medicine in Cancer

In this Special Issue (SI), with a theme of “Integrative Genomics and Systems Medicine in Cancer”, we have collected a total of 12 research and review articles from researchers in the field of genomics and systems medicine[...]
Patient nonadherence to filling discharge medication prescriptions from the emergency department: Barriers and clinical implications.

Purpose Barriers to and clinical implications of patient nonadherence to filling discharge medication prescriptions from the emergency department (ED) were evaluated. Methods This was a retrospective, observational analysis of patients discharged from the ED from April 2013 through May 2015 with medication prescriptions. Patients age 18–89 years who were seen in the ED and did not retrieve discharge medication prescriptions from the onsite, 24-hour ED discharge pharmacy were included in this study. Patients who did not pick up prescriptions were called and asked about barriers to prescription filling. These charts were then retrospectively reviewed and categorized. The primary study outcome was the frequency of nonadherence to filling discharge medications prescribed during the ED visit at the ED outpatient pharmacy. Secondary outcomes included identifying barriers to medication adherence, the rate of return ED visits within 30 days of ED discharge, and the rate of 30-day hospital admissions. Associations between patient and medication variables and the rates of return ED visits within 30 days of discharge and 30-day hospital admissions were analyzed. Results Of the 4,444 patients discharged from the ED with a prescription to be filled at the satellite pharmacy, 510 were nonadherent. Of these patients, 505 had complete chart information available for evaluation. A large proportion of nonadherent patients revisited the ED within 30 days of ED discharge. Multivariate logistic regression found payer class, ethnicity, and sex were independently associated with return ED visits. Conclusion The majority of patients who received a prescription during an ED visit filled their discharge medications. Sex, ethnicity, and payer class were independently associated with nonadherence.
Effect of nicotine and alpha-7 nicotinic modulators on visceral pain-induced conditioned place aversion in mice.

Background Preclinical assays of affective and sensorial aspects of nociception play a key role in research on both the neurobiology of pain and the development of novel analgesics. Therefore, we investigated the effects of nicotine and alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) modulators in the negative affective and sensory components of visceral pain in mice. Methods and results Intraperitoneal acetic acid (AA) administration resulted in a robust stretching behaviour and conditioned place aversion (CPA) in mice. We observed a dose-dependent reduction in AA-induced stretching and CPA by the nonselective nAChRs agonist nicotine. Mecamylamine, a nonselective nAChRs agonist, was able to block its effects; however, hexamethonium, a peripherally restricted nonselective nicotinic antagonist, was able to block nicotine's effect on stretching behaviour but not on CPA. In addition, systemic administration of α7 nAChR full agonists PHA543613 and PNU282987 was failed to block stretching and CPA behaviour induced by AA. However, the α7 nAChR-positive allosteric modulator PNU120596 blocked AA-induced CPA in a dose-dependent manner without reducing stretching behaviours. Conclusions Our data revealed that while nonselective nAChR activation induces antinociceptive properties on the sensorial and affective signs of visceral pain in mice, α7 nAChRS activation has no effect on these responses. In addition, nonselective nAChR activation-induced antinociceptive effect on stretching behaviour was mediated by central and peripheral mechanisms. However, the effect of nonselective nAChR activation on CPA was mediated centrally. Furthermore, our data suggest a pivotal role of allosteric modulation of α7 nAChRS in the negative affective, but not sensory, component of visceral pain. Significance The present results suggest that allosteric modulation of α7 nAChR may provide new strategies in affective aspects of nociception.
Living Conditions in Retirement Homes in the Czech Republic and Austria from Seniors’ Point of View

Senior citizens generally face more challenging life situations than other people (death of people close to them, deteriorating health, loss of social status, leaving home, etc.) â€“ even multiple such situations at one time â€“ and must cope with them. The focus of this report is one of these situations: the life of senior citizens in a retirement home, which is a type of residential social services. Objective: The objective of this research was to map the living conditions of seniors living in 1 retirement home in the PA­sek region (Czech Republic) and in 1 retirement home in the Innsbruck region (Austria). METHODS: The enquiry method was chosen for the research. A semi-standardised interview with 40 seniors was carried out as part of routine data collection. The topics of the interview were compiled as to cover areas related to residential standards, eating, economic situation, maintaining of social contacts, use of free time and assessment of health care. RESULTS: The research showed that both Czech and Austrian seniors assess their living conditions in the home as good. The respondents gave positive feedback on the clean environment, health and nursing care and the rate of participation in events organised in the homes. What the seniors found positive is maintaining social contacts and they prefer the availability of the above-standard service provided in the home. CONCLUSION: The research also showed that the reason for moving into the retirement home is primarily health problems and the related fear of compromised independence.
Pulmonary Factors in Redo Open Heart Surgery

Pulmonary factors are quite relevant for redo cardiac surgery. Postoperative pulmonary complications contribute significantly to overall perioperative morbidity and mortality. This section will review preoperative and postoperative pulmonary considerations in patients undergoing redo cardiac surgery. These factors can be divided into patient-related and procedure-related risks.
Vector competence for arboviruses in relation to the larval environment of mosquitoes

Mosquito vector competence studies are reviewed to identify the species and environmental conditions that modify susceptibility to infection and transmission of pathogens. Most studies on vector competence have focused on environmental conditions experienced by adults, but the larval environment shapes the phenotypes of adult mosquitoes and may, thereby, alter vector competence for arthropod-borne (arbo)viruses. This review summarizes results of studies on the effects of nutrition, competition, temperature and insecticides during the larval stages on adult vector competence for arboviruses. A statistical analysis of previously published work supported the conclusion that larval environment may significantly alter susceptibility to infection, dissemination, and virus transmission. These effects show multiple and environmentally specific effects on barriers to virus infection. Involvement of multiple virus barriers in the adult mosquito suggests that several factors may be responsible for the alteration of vector competence by larval environment.
Butein Activates Autophagy Through AMPK/TSC2/ULK1/mTOR Pathway to Inhibit IL-6 Expression in IL-1β Stimulated Human Chondrocytes.

Background/aims Butein (2',3,4,4'-Tetrahydroxychalcone), a polyphenol produced by several plants including Butea monoserpma, has been reported to exert potent anti-inflammatory activity but the mechanism remains unknown. In the present work we investigated the mechanism of Butein-mediated suppression of IL-6 expression in normal and human osteoarthritis (OA) chondrocytes under pathological conditions. Methods Expression level of interleukin-6 (IL-6) protein in OA cartilage was analyzed by immunohistochemistry using a validated antibody. Chondrocytes derived from normal or OA cartilage by enzymatic digestion were pretreated with Butein followed by stimulation with interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and the levels of IL-6 mRNA were quantified by TaqMan assay and the protein levels were measured by Western immunoblotting. Autophagy activation was determined by Western blotting and confocal microscopy. Autophagy was inhibited by siRNA mediated knockdown of ATG5. Results Expression of IL-6 protein was high in the OA cartilage compared to smooth cartilage from the same patient. OA chondrocytes and cartilage explants stimulated with IL-1β showed high level expression of IL-6 mRNA and protein. Butein increased the phosphorylation of AMPKαThr-172, TSC2Ser-1387 and ULK1Ser-317 and inhibited the phosphorylation of mTORSer-2448 and its downstream target p70S6K and increased autophagy flux that correlated with the suppression of the IL-1β mediated expression of IL-6 in normal and OA chondrocytes. In OA chondrocytes with siRNA-mediated knockdown of ATG5 expression, treatment with Butein failed to activate autophagy and abrogated the suppression of IL-1β induced IL-6 expression. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate for the first time that Butein activate autophagy in OA chondrocytes via AMPK/TSC2/ULK1/mTOR pathway. Additionally, activation of autophagy was essential to block the IL-1β-induced expression of IL-6 in OA chondrocytes. These data support further studies to evaluate the use of Butein or compounds derived from it for the management of OA.
Using cross-disciplinary knowledge to facilitate advancements in animal communication and science communication research

Although humans may have more nuanced reasons for communicating - e.g. to teach or inform, to share or change opinions or attitudes - all animals engage in communication with members of their own as well as other species, and there are more similarities than differences between non-human and human communication. All communication systems are composed of the same basic elements and all face comparable challenges. In this Commentary, we explore the extent to which research investigating how non-human animals communicate with each other (animal communication) overlaps in questions and approaches with research focused on how humans communicate with each other. We place a special focus on human communication involving scientific content, i.e. science communication. We begin with a brief review of the fields of animal communication and science communication. We next synthesize literature from each field to examine the roles, impacts and potential interactions of communication system elements - signaling environments, signalers, signal form and receivers - on effective communication. We find that research examining animal and human communication, including science communication, often has different emphases. Animal communication research, for example, tends to focus more on the role of the signaling environment through quantification of receiver responses. In contrast, science communication research currently emphasizes relationship building between signalers and receivers, and quantifies aspects of the receiver's psychology. Informed by our cross-disciplinary assessment, we propose potentially productive avenues of future research in both animal communication and science communication.
Smart and Connected Bioelectronics for Seamless Health Monitoring and Persistent Human-Machine Interfaces

Abstract Recent advancement of flexible wearable electronics allows significant enhancement of portable, continuous health monitoring and persistent human-machine interfaces. Enabled by flexible el...
APPLICATION OF CHANNEL FLOWS TO SINGLE-PHASE LIQUID COOLING OF CHIPS AND MULTI-CHIP MODULES

By virtue of their compatibility with conventional packaging schemes, channel flows are well suited for cooling planar, multi-chip arrays. For example, chips may be mounted on one (or more) walls of a rectangular channel, while cooling is provided by flow of a liquid through the channel. Alternatively, cooling may be provided by microchannels manufactured in the chip itself. This paper focuses primarily on hydrodynamic and thermal conditions associated with liquid flow through a rectangular channel for which one wall houses an array of chips. Both single-phase mixed and forced convection cooling are considered, as are the benefits to be derived from using extended surfaces for heat transfer enhancement. Existing results provide a useful knowledge base for cooling system design, and depending on the Reynolds number, single-phase channel flows may be used to dissipate chip heat fluxes over a range from approximately 2 to 100 W/cm2. Consideration is also given to flow conditions associated with microchannels and their applicability to electronic cooling.
An analysis on genetic characterization of HA1 gene of influenza virus subtype H3N2 circulated from 2001 to 2006 in Liaoning local area

Objective To understand the HA1 genetic variation characterization of influenza virus subtype H3N2 circulated from 2001 to 2006 in Liaoning local area. Methods Viral RNA was extracted and transcribed into eDNA by reverse transcriptase and amplified by PCR. The product of PCR was purified by QIAgen purification kits,and sequenced by AB1 3100avant. The sequence data were analyzed phylogenetically by Sequence software with epidemic records. Finally, the phylogenetic trees were drawn according to deduced amino acid sequences of influenza virus H3N2 from 2000 to 2006 in the NCBI database. Results The seven HAldomain sequences of H3N2 influenza viruses circulated from 2001 to 2006 in Liaoning local area had been analyzed. Compared with WHO 2004--2006 H3N2 vaccine A/California/7/2004, 12 bases had changed, 4 positions had amino acid substitution in 62 ＊ 〉 E, 182 T 〉 1,224 S 〉 A,225 C 〉 Y. 224 and 225 are RBS （Receptor binding site）. The homology is lower than 98 %. Phylogenetic tree showed Liaoning H3N2 2006 strains and Zhejiang 2005 strains were similar to WHO Northern hemisphere winter 2006-2007 Vaccine A/Wisconsin/67/2005 （H3N2）-like virus and grouped together to form an independent cluster even though several bases were still different. Conclusion The HA1 domain of HA gene of influenza viruses （H3N2） isolated from 2001--2006 in Liaoning local area showed base mutation, amino acid sequence difference compared to A/Califoruia/7/2004 （2005--2006 vaccine）, suggesting it might be the main cause leading to the spread of influenza. The sequence analysis showed Liaoning 2006 H3N2 strains were similar to those from Southern area which suggested that furher surveullance should be conducted to monitor the virus mutation in circulation. Key words: Orthomyxoviridae; Genes HA1 ; Sequence analysis
Statin Use is Protective Against Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Case-control Study.

Background and goal The incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is rising. We aimed to characterize risk factors for NAFLD-HCC development. Methods We performed a retrospective case-control study of HCC cases from a cohort of NAFLD patients who underwent at least 2 computed tomography scans. NAFLD-HCC cases confirmed on contrast imaging and/or biopsy were included. Controls were NAFLD patients without HCC matched by sex and age. Clinical variables were assessed. Visceral adipose tissue and subcutaneous adipose tissue were measured by computed tomography at 2 timepoints: before HCC diagnosis and at diagnosis. Results We identified 102 subjects [34 HCC cases, 68 controls, 65% (n=66) males, mean age: 69 y] from 2002 to 2016. Cirrhosis was present in 91%. In multivariate analysis, statin use was protective against HCC [odds ratio (OR)=0.20, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.07-0.60, P=0.004], while hypertension was a risk factor for HCC (OR=5.80, 95% CI: 2.01-16.75, P=0.001). In multivariate analysis, visceral adipose tissue in males was higher before HCC diagnosis and declined by HCC diagnosis in 86%, which was a significant difference compared with controls (OR=2.78, 95% CI: 1.10-7.44, P=0.04). Conclusions In a cohort of NAFLD-HCC patients, statin use was protective against HCC, while hypertension conferred an increased risk. Visceral adiposity at baseline was not a risk factor, but was higher in male patients before HCC development, declining in the majority by HCC diagnosis.
Hybrid Modeling of Electrohydrodynamic Jet Printing

Additive manufacturing (AM) has grown quickly in popularity as a fast, flexible fabrication technique. However, the physical complexity of most AM processes makes it difficult to produce dynamical models that capture the system evolution from the beginning to the end of the process. This difficulty in model creation inhibits the application of many sophisticated control techniques that may improve process performance and reliability. This work uses a hybrid dynamical system structure and the combination of physics- and data-driven partial process models to address the modeling challenge for a specific AM technology—a microscale resolution technique called electrohydrodynamic jet printing—in which electric field is used to eject droplets from the meniscus at the end of a fluid-filled nozzle. Specifically, modeling of the fluid meniscus as a paraboloidal cap instead of a spherical cap extends the range of meniscus deformation that can be captured by the physics-driven model. In addition, the physics-driven model fidelity is improved by using equilibrium information and two-parameter correction coefficients identified from data to relax assumptions on the electric field and nozzle geometry models. Then, the maximum stable meniscus deformation is leveraged to define the limit of the physics-driven model’s applicability, and for the remaining segment of the process, data-driven time-delayed linear time invariant models are identified. Finally, the complete hybrid model is validated against empirical time series data.
Extensive Remodeling of the Immune Microenvironment in B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Summary A subset of B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) patients will relapse and succumb to therapy-resistant disease. The bone marrow microenvironment may support B-ALL progression and treatment evasion. Utilizing single-cell approaches, we demonstrate B-ALL bone marrow immune microenvironment remodeling upon disease initiation and subsequent re-emergence during conventional chemotherapy. We uncover a role for non-classical monocytes in B-ALL survival, and demonstrate monocyte abundance at B-ALL diagnosis is predictive of pediatric and adult B-ALL patient survival. We show that human B-ALL blasts alter a vascularized microenvironment promoting monocytic differentiation, while depleting leukemia-associated monocytes in B-ALL animal models prolongs disease remission in vivo. Our profiling of the B-ALL immune microenvironment identifies extrinsic regulators of B-ALL survival supporting new immune-based therapeutic approaches for high-risk B-ALL treatment.
Destination Irrational Procrastination: An Exploration of the Role of Attributional Thinking and Self-Regulation on Procrastination in Synchronous Online Graduate Students

The purpose of this study was to determine if internally directed attributions and perceived degree of engagement in self-regulation predicted the degree to which synchronous online graduate students procrastinate. Internally directed attributions to ability and effort and adaptive self-regulation of learning were selected as research suggests these variables are responsive to training (Greene & Azevedo, 2007; Hood, 2013). As a relationship among these variables had not yet been established in this population, the current results add to our burgeoning understanding of how to best support the success of our synchronous online graduate students.
On Passivity of Bulk Power Grids: Challenges and New Findings

Stability analysis of the bulk power grid with progressively increasing interconnections of new devices is challenging as it repeatedly needs the complete system modeling and assessment. In this context, passivity theory is appealing since it gives a sufficiency condition for stability and individually passive components ensure passivity of their interconnected system. In literature, a significant attention is focused on improving component-level passivity while the grid is represented by Thevenin’s equivalent algebraic models that are assumed passive. We have shown that bulk power grid is not necessarily passive, especially in the electromechanial frequency range when a dynamic model is considered. Moreover, the passivity property can alter with changing operating conditions. It is shown that power system stabilizers (PSSs) can ensure passivity in one condition and loose it in another. This highlights the need for considering passivity in control design and ensuring robustness in that process.
Optimal stochastic data collection and transmission policy for self-sustaining structural health monitoring sensing architectures

Data acquisition methods for structural health monitoring (SHM) historically rely on schedule-based or transmit-all data collection strategies. For sensing systems that are self-sustaining (e.g. those relying on harvested energy), these data collection methods are unable to explicitly account for the availability of energy and the value of structural response data. As a result, sensing systems often fail to capture and transmit key data to end users and require an excessive amount of time to characterize statistical parameters of response data. As structural monitoring data is increasingly incorporated into decision-making processes for asset management, there is a need for an automated data collection and transmission strategy that facilitates the characterization of the statistical parameters of structural response data with minimum variance so that bridge managers can increase the frequency with which they track structural condition without compromising accuracy. This paper presents a stochastic data collection and transmission policy that minimizes the variance of estimated component parameters of a measured process subject to constraints imposed by a sensing node’s energy and data buffer sizes, stochastic models of the incoming energy and event arrivals, the value of data, and temporal death. This work then extends the optimal data collection and transmission policy to a proposed SHM application in which a standard steel pin-and-hanger assembly is monitored to track the safety of the component with respect to its net-section yielding limit state. The proposed monitoring system utilizes sensing nodes that operate using harvested solar energy and are subject to stringent energy constraints due to the size of the solar panels and availability of incoming energy, geographic location, and battery size. Numerical results are presented and illustrate the gains achieved by implementing the optimal policy, meaning the optimal policy minimizes the variance of the estimated measured process parameter, and in turn, minimizes the variance of the measured reliability index.
Structural and energetic properties of OC-BX3 complexes: unrealized potential for bond-stretch isomerism.

We have explored the structural and energetic properties of OC–BX3 (X = F, Cl, or Br) complexes using computations and low-temperature infrared spectroscopy. Quantum-chemical calculations have provided equilibrium structures, binding energies, vibrational frequencies, and B–C potential energy curves. The OC–BF3 system is a weak, long-bonded complex with a single minimum on the B–C potential (R(B–C) = 2.865 A). For the remaining two complexes, OC–BCl3 and OC–BBr3, computations predict two stable minima on their B–C potential curves. The BCl3 system is a weak complex with a long bond (R(B–C) = 3.358 A), but it exhibits a secondary, meta-stable minimum with a short bond length of 1.659 A. For OC–BBr3, the system is a weak complex with a relatively short bond of 1.604 A (according to wB97X-D/aug-cc-pVTZ), but also has a secondary minimum at R(B–C) = 3.483 A. This long-bond structure is the global minimum according to CCSD/aug-cc-pVTZ. In addition, the long-bond forms of both OC–BCl3 and OC–BBr3 were observed in matrix-isolation IR experiments. The measured CO stretching frequencies were 2145 cm−1 and 2143 cm−1, respectively. No signals due to the short-bond forms of OC–BCl3 and OC–BBr3 were observed.
Electronic consultations and economies of scale: a qualitative study of clinician perspectives on scaling up e-consult delivery.

Objective To explore Veterans Health Administration clinicians' perspectives on the idea of redesigning electronic consultation (e-consult) delivery in line with a hub-and-spoke (centralized) model. Materials and methods We conducted a qualitative study in VA New England Healthcare System (VISN 1). Semi-structured phone interviews were conducted with 35 primary care providers and 38 specialty care providers, including 13 clinical leaders, at 6 VISN 1 sites varying in size, specialist availability, and e-consult volume. Interviews included exploration of the hub-and-spoke (centralized) e-consult model as a system redesign option. Qualitative content analysis procedures were applied to identify and describe salient categories. Results Participants saw several potential benefits to scaling up e-consult delivery from a decentralized model to a hub-and-spoke model, including expanded access to specialist expertise and increased timeliness of e-consult responses. Concerns included differences in resource availability and management styles between sites, anticipated disruption to working relationships, lack of incentives for central e-consultants, dedicated staff's burnout and fatigue, technological challenges, and lack of motivation for change. Discussion Based on a case study from one of the largest integrated healthcare systems in the United States, our work identifies novel concerns and offers insights for healthcare organizations contemplating a scale-up of their e-consult systems. Conclusions Scaling up e-consults in line with the hub-and-spoke model may help pave the way for a centralized and efficient approach to care delivery, but the success of this transformation will depend on healthcare systems' ability to evaluate and address barriers to leveraging economies of scale for e-consults.
Diagnosis and treatment of limb-girdle and distal dystrophies Payment policy perspectives

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMDs) and distal dystrophies are a diverse group of genetically heterogeneous myopathies characterized by an evolving and often confusing nomenclature. Though rare as a group, they are commonly seen in neuromuscular clinics and occasionally in general neurology clinics, and are frequently a source of diagnostic dilemma. A recent evidence-based guideline by the American Academy of Neurology provides a comprehensive analysis of the clinical phenotypes, diagnostic approach, and management principles of the LGMDs and associated disorders. There remain many unanswered questions regarding the role of radiologic and genetic testing, cardiorespiratory screening, and physical therapy in managing these patients. This payment policy article suggests potential solutions to challenging coverage scenarios that result from incomplete or conflicting evidence.
A Gopher on the Reference Desk

Gopher is an Internet search software which is useful in a health sciences reference environment. Gopher is helpful because it eliminates the need to understand all of the mechanics of searching the Internet, accommodating the range of Internet experience among reference staff members. Gopher saves reference librarians time by reducing the number of software programs required to search the Internet and by providing a way to revisit Internet resources once found. In this paper, Gopher is introduced, its applications and resources are discussed, and resources useful in performing health sciences reference are described.
Li0.5Fe2.5−xMnxO4 ferrite sintered from microwave-induced combustion

Abstract Li0.5Fe2.5−xMnxO4 (0≦x≦1.0) powders with small and uniformly sized particles were successfully synthesized by microwave-induced combustion, using lithium nitrate, ferric nitrate, manganese nitrate and carbohydrazide as the starting materials. The process takes only a few minutes to obtain as-received Mn-substituted lithium ferrite powders. The resultant powders annealed at 650 °C for 2 h and were investigated by thermogravimeter/differential thermal analyzer (TG/DTA), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and thermomagnetic analysis (TMA). The results revealed that the Mn content were strongly influenced the magnetic properties and Curie temperature of Mn-substituted lithium ferrite powder. As for sintered Li0.5Fe2.5−xMnxO4 specimens, substituting an appropriate amount of Mn for Fe in the Li0.5Fe2.5−xMnxO4 specimens markedly improved the complex permeability and loss tangent.
Single Machine Models (Stochastic)

Stochastic models, especially with exponential processing times, may often contain more structure than their deterministic counterparts and may lead to results which, at first sight, seem surprising. Models that are NP-hard in a deterministic setting often allow a simple priority policy to be optimal in a stochastic setting.
Effect of Fiber-Matrix Interphase Defects on Microlevel Stress States at Neighboring Fibers

A fiber with inferior interphase properties generates higher stresses at the fiber matrix interfaces of neighboring fibers. In this paper detailed calculations are presented for this effect. The mechanical behavior of the interphase between fibers and matrix is modelled by continuity of tractions and a linear relation between displacement differences across the interphase and the conjugate tractions. The proportionality constants characterize the stiffness and the strength of the interphase. For a cell of the composite which contains a cluster of fibers, calculations have been carried out by the use of the boundary element method. Four cases have been considered: (1) perfect composite. (2) a single fiber in the composite with lower interphase stiffness, (3) a single fiber in the composite with interphase cracks and lower interphase stiffness, and (4) a missing fiber in the composite. The interface stresses for neighboring fibers have been calculated. Also, for the case of the fiber with an interphase crac...
Magnetic Epitaxial Layers

The sections in this article are 1 Magnetic Interactions as Studied by Neutron Scattering 2 Neutron Scattering From Thin Films 3 Research Review 4 Conclusion
Sequence and genome organization of Borna disease virus.

Abstract We have previously demonstrated that Borna disease virus (BDV) has a negative nonsegmented single-stranded (NNS) RNA genome that replicates in the nucleus of infected cells. Here we report for the first time the cloning and complete sequence of the BDV genome. Our results revealed that BDV has a genomic organization similar to that of other members of the Mononegavirales order. We have identified five main open reading frames (ORFs). The largest ORF, V, is located closest to the 5' end in the BDV genome and, on the basis of strong homology with other NNS-RNA virus polymerases, is a member of the L-protein family. The intercistronic regions vary in length and nucleotide composition and contain putative transcriptional start and stop signals. BDV untranslated 3' and 5' RNA sequences resemble those of other NNS-RNA viruses. Using a set of overlapping probes across the BDV genome, we identified nine in vivo synthesized species of polyadenylated subgenomic RNAs complementary to the negative-strand RNA genome, including monocistronic transcripts corresponding to ORFs I, II, and IV, as well as six polycistronic polyadenylated BDV RNAs. Interestingly, although ORFs III and V were detected within polycistronic transcripts, their corresponding monocistronic transcripts were not detected. Our data indicate that BDV is a member of the Mononegavirales, specially related to the family Rhabdoviridae. However, in contrast to the rest of the NNS-RNA animal viruses, BDV replication and transcription occur in the nucleus of infected cells. These findings suggest a possible relationship between BDV and the plant rhabdoviruses, which also replicate and transcribe in the nucleus.
Hybrid methods for calculating optimal few-stage sequential strategies: Data monitoring for a clinical trial

Optimal batch-sequential designs are difficult to compute, even when sufficient statistics and relatively uncomplicated loss functions simplify the calculations required. While backward induction applies, its difficulty grows exponentially in the number of stages, while a recently developed forward algorithm grows only linearly, but involves a maximization over a rather flat surface. This paper explores a hybrid algorithm, partially backward induction, partially forward, that has some of the advantages of each.