cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Resection for Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Infants and Children

1.Twenty-five children ranging in age from two years and nine months to 15 years had excisional surgery for pulmonary tuberculosis. 2.There was one operative death, a cardiac arrest, and three postoperative complications, one resulting in death. This represents 8 per cent mortality. 3.All surviving patients are living and well, pursuing normal activity. No sign of active pulmonary disease was present within a 15 to 36 month follow-up period. 4.It has been demonstrated that pulmonary resection is a safe and effective mode of therapy for selected children with pulmonary tuberculosis.
Use of a non-cross-linked porcine dermal scaffold in abdominal wall reconstruction.

Abstract Background Reconstruction of complex abdominal wall defects is challenging. The use of prosthetic mesh can be associated with surgical site infection, fistula formation, and adhesions. This study presents our experience using a non–cross-linked porcine dermal scaffold (NCPDS) in abdominal wall reconstruction. Methods Patients undergoing abdominal wall reconstruction with NCPDS between May 2006 and January 2008 underwent a retrospective chart review. Demographics, indications for NCPDS placement, surgical technique, complications, and follow-up data were evaluated. Results Sixteen patients were identified in whom NCPDS was implanted into complex abdominal wall defects. These included 13 planned and 3 emergency surgeries. Indications for surgery included delayed reconstruction of giant ventral hernia secondary to decompressive laparotomy and open management of abdominal trauma, recurrence of large incisional hernia, temporary coverage of open abdomen secondary to intra-abdominal catastrophes, and open abdominal closure owing to compartment syndrome secondary to necrotizing fasciitis. In all, NCPDS was positioned in a subfascial underlay technique. Forty-four percent required a combination of components separation and NCPDS insertion. At a mean follow-up period of 16.5 months, the majority had desirable outcomes. Complications included seroma (21%), superficial wound dehiscence (7%), recurrence (7%), and infection (7%). Two patients died from multiorgan failure unrelated to NCPDS placement. The material only had to be removed in 1 patient because of wound infection and superficial wound dehiscence. Conclusions NCPDS seems to be a safe and effective alternative to prosthetic mesh in the reconstruction of complicated abdominal wall defects.
Student Placement: The Challenge of Helping Our Undergraduate Marketing Students Prepare for the Job Marketplace and their Careers in Marketing:

The desired culminating experience for most of our marketing graduates is career placement. This research was conducted in an effort to assist undergraduate marketing students in gaining entrance t...
Romantic ideation, partner-seeking, and HIV risk among young gay and bisexual men.

Structural changes in the acceptability of same-sex relationships may provide young gay and bisexual men (YGBM) with opportunities to develop expectations about their ideal future relationships. Expectations about the future may act as a promotive factor in youths’ lives and reduce HIV risk-taking behaviors; however, few studies have examined the relationship between ideation of a future relationship and sexual behaviors of YGBM. In this study, we examined the relationship between romantic ideation (i.e., intimacy, passion, and commitment) and number of sexual partners in a sample of young men (N = 431; M age = 21.49 years; 88% self-identified as gay) who reported using the Internet to meet other men. Using multivariate Poisson regressions, we found a negative association between commitment and number of partners for unprotected sex, both receptive and insertive, in the past two months. We found similar results when we examined the association between relationship exclusivity and number of partners. These associations persisted after accounting for age, race/ethnicity, sexual identity, and hours spent seeking casual and romantic partners online. We found no significant association between number of partners and ideation of an intimate or passionate relationship, respectively. We discuss the implications of our findings and conclude that there is a need to consider and include YGBM’s expectations about the future in on-going HIV prevention programs.
A Computer Generated Hologram For Diffraction-Pattern Sampling

Diffraction pattern sampling provides a feature space suitable for object classification, orientation and inspection. It allows significant dimensionality reduction. These properties are best achieved by the use of specifically-shaped Fourier transform plane detector elements and this can be realized with considerable flexibility, reduced size and improved performance by the use of computer generated holograms.
Aggressive management of juvenile dermatomyositis results in improved outcome and decreased incidence of calcinosis.

Abstract Background: Long-term consequences of juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) include onset of calcinosis and subsequent functional impairment. Historic incidence of calcinosis has been reported between approximately 23% and 70%. Recent reports note improved outcome with high-dose steroids, yet the incidence of calcinosis has remained above 30%. Objective: We attempted to determine whether rapid, aggressive disease management can prevent calcinosis and improve functional outcome. Methods: Medical records of children with JDM managed at a pediatric medical center during a 10-year period were reviewed to determine (1) interval between onset of symptoms and diagnosis, (2) treatment modality, and (3) functional outcome and presence of calcinosis. Results: A total of 21 female and 14 male subjects diagnosed with JDM met inclusion criteria, with a mean age of diagnosis of 7.6 ± 3.9 years. Mean time from onset of symptoms to treatment was 6.6 ± 8.2 months. Pulse intravenous methylprednisone (30 mg/kg daily) or high-dose prednisone was used in 31 of 35 patients. Patients who failed to respond within 6 weeks were started on a regimen of methotrexate (23/35). At follow-up, 5 patients had mild calcinosis (14%). Onset of calcinosis was associated with a longer time to diagnosis and treatment (30.6 vs 6 months, P = .003), a longer duration of elevated muscle enzymes (34 vs 12.6 months, P = .03), and longer disease duration (42.8 vs 22.2 months, P = .05). Conclusion: Stepwise, aggressive treatment directed at achieving rapid and complete control of muscle inflammation is highly successful in minimizing the long range sequelae of JDM, including calcinosis. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2002;47:505-11.)
The genetic structure of a tribal population, the Yanomama Indians VII. Anthropometric differences among Yanomama villages

Anthropometric data on 12 variables in 19 villages of the Yanomama Indians demonstrate significant heterogeneity in physique among villages of this tribe. Mahalanobis' distances (D2) calculated from the data lead to the tentative conclusion of a general correspondence between anthropometric and geographic distances separating villages. The mean stature of the Yanomama is smaller than that of most other South American tribes which have been measured, and the Yanomama are genetically distinct from the other small Indians as shown by genetic distances based on allele frequencies for a variety of genetic markers. Since some subjects were measured more than once by the same and by different observers, it was possible to calculate approximate estimates of variance within and between observers. Univariate analysis indicates that face height and nose height are especially susceptible to systematic differences in technique between observers. The variances obtained in this field study compare favorably with those of some classical laboratory studies described in the literature. It was found that measurement error nevertheless probably makes a substantial contribution to anthropometric distance between villages. The median error variance as a fraction of that of Herskovits ('30) is 0.62 for the seven measurements in common with this study. The median value of the error variance for the 12 variables in this study is between 16% and 17% of the total variance.
An acute post-sexual assault intervention to prevent drug abuse: Updated findings

Sexual assault and rape routinely produce extreme distress and negative psychological reactions in victims. Further, past research suggests that victims are at increased risk of developing substance use or abuse post-rape. The post-rape forensic medical exam may itself exacerbate peritraumatic distress because it includes cues that may serve as reminders of the assault, thereby potentiating post-assault negative sequelae. To address these problems, a two-part video intervention was developed to take advantage of the existing sexual assault forensic exam infrastructure, and to specifically (a) minimize anxiety/discomfort during forensic examinations, thereby reducing risk of future emotional problems, and (b) prevent increased substance use and abuse following sexual assault. Updated findings with a sample of 268 sexual assault victims participating in the forensic medical exam and completing one or more follow-up assessments at: (1)<3 months post-assault; (2) 3 to 6 months post-assault; or (3) 6 months or longer post-assault indicated that the video was associated with significantly lower frequency of marijuana use at each time point, among women who reported use prior to the assault.
Performance asymmetries in dichotic listening: the role of structural and attentional mechanisms.

Abstract The present study was designed to test a prediction derived from the attentional model of the ear asymmetry phenomenon observed in dichotic listening. Pairs of consonant-vowel syllables were presented through headphones and through loudspeakers to three commissurotomy and 20 neurologically normal subjects. Proponents of the attentional model have suggested that both groups of subjects should show an asymmetry in favor of the stimulus delivered from the right that is independent of whether headphones or loudspeakers are used. Results showed that the right side advantage obtained in the headphone modality decreased but did not disappear for both subject groups when stimuli were presented through loudspeakers. Implications for the role of structural and attentional mechanisms in dichotic listening performance are considered.
The regulation of GM-CSF is dependent on a complex interplay of multiple nuclear proteins

GM-CSF is an important mediator of hematopoiesis and its dysregulation may play a role in neoplastic and inflammatory conditions. Previous studies have demonstrated that GM-CSF production depends upon the accumulation of specific mRNA, which occurs by transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. In order to dissect the cis-acting sequences responsible for its regulation, we performed an extensive mutagenesis study spanning 54 nucleotides 5' of the GM-CSF coding region. Our analysis suggests that the previously-described functional elements of the GM-CSF promoter, kappa B and a repetitive CATTT/A motif, the former co-exists with an overlapping 9 nucleotide site which silences promoter activity, and the CATTT/A complex binds multiple polypeptides which differentially contribute to basal and inducible promoter activity. These two sites interact to provide tissue-appropriate and stimulus-specific promoter function. Using DNA-protein cross-linking and co-transfection studies, we demonstrate that the c-rel-related proteins p65 and p50 bind to the GM-CSF promoter and that p65 binding is primarily responsible for the enhancing effects at this site. In addition, we show that the GM-CSF kappa B decanucleotide is inadequate to provide full binding affinity; mutation of nucleotides flanking this site affect promoter function by altering NF-kappa B binding affinity. Together these results suggest that the transcriptional response of GM-CSF is dependent on a complex interplay of multiple DNA binding proteins.
The Critical Thickness of the Dislocation-Free Stranski Krastanow Pattern of Growth.

It was demonstrated earlier in the framework of equilibrium thermodynamics that the morphological stability of the free boundaries and interfaces in crystals is extremely sensitive to the presence of shear stresses. Relying on that idea we have established the formula H = μσ/τ2 of a critical thickness of solidifying He4 films and of the dislocation-free Stranski-Krastanow growth of epitaxial films (where σ - the coefficient of surface tension, μ. - the shear module of the crystal, τ - the external or misfit stress). In this report we present certain facts pertaining to possible patterns of the growing corrugations and introduce the second critical thickness at which a symmetry change in the patterns has to occur.
Decolonisation and mysticism in William Butler Yeats's The Celtic Twilight and The Secret Rose

Yeats's responsibilities as one of Ireland's most prominent artists commenced with his aspiration to make Ireland a nation. His writings incorporate the three phases of development that Frantz Fanon posited for all new nations. Although Fanon described his three phases of decolonisation well after The Celtic Twilight and The Secret Rose were compiled, Fanon's framework elucidates Yeats's writings. Yeats's use of mystical elements embodies Fanon's idea of the colonial binary, the negritude binary, and transnational consciousness. Yeats discovered the answers to decolonisation in mysticism. His insights about folklore when coupled with imagination brought about many mystical revelations that linked Ireland to mysticism of global dimensions. Yeats's insights moved Ireland beyond binaries and solely nationalistic thinking to encourage Ireland to develop a transnational consciousness, transcending postcolonial binaries to achieve nationhood.
Ca2+-Calmodulin-dependent Protein Kinase II Potentiates Store-operated Ca2+ Current

Abstract A rise in intracellular Ca2+ (Ca2+i) mediates various cellular functions ranging from fertilization to gene expression. A ubiquitous Ca2+ influx pathway that contributes significantly to the generation of Ca2+i signals, especially in non-excitable cells, is store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE). Consequently, the modulation of SOCE current affects Ca2+i dynamics and thus the ensuing cellular response. Therefore, it is important to define the mechanisms that regulate SOCE. Here we show that a rise in Ca2+i potentiates SOCE. This potentiation is mediated by Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), because inhibition of endogenous CaMKII activity abrogates Ca2+i-mediated SOCE potentiation and expression of constitutively active CaMKII potentiates SOCE current independently of Ca2+i. Moreover, we present evidence that CaMKII potentiates SOCE by altering SOCE channel gating. The regulation of SOCE by CaMKII defines a novel modulatory mechanism of SOCE with important physiological consequences.
La crisis de la privatización de las pensiones: ¿desaparición o resurgimiento de una tendencia política global?

Desde 1981 a 2007 mas de treinta paises en todo el mundo sustituyeron total o parcialmente sus sistemas de pensiones de reparto existentes por sistemas basados en cuentas de ahorro individuales privadas. Este proceso suele denominarse privatizacion de las pensiones. Tras la crisis financiera mundial, esta tendencia quedo en suspenso por motivos economicos, ideologicos e institucionales, a pesar del incremento del endeudamiento critico que, en el pasado, facilito la privatizacion de las pensiones. ?La tendencia mundial de privatizacion de las pensiones esta acabada o quiza a punto de resurgir de forma algo diferente? Varias tendencias recientes apuntan a su resurgimiento, ya que los encargados de la formulacion de politicas estan recortando los sistemas de pensiones publicos y privados, centrandose en las pensiones minimas y alentando, mas que obligando, a la poblacion a ahorrar para la jubilacion.
A COMPARISON OF DECAY KINETICS OF PHOTO‐PRODUCED ABSORBANCE, EPR, AND LUMINESCENCE CHANGES IN CHROMATOPHORES OF RHODOSPIRRILLUM RUBRUM*

–Quantitative comparison of the decay rate for absorbance photochanges in chromatophores of R. rubrum at the major wavelengths of peaks and troughs (280, 365, 385, 433, 605, 763, 790, 810, 850, 865, 890 nm) reveal no major differences under a variety of sample conditions. In addition, the decay kinetics of EPR phtochange at the two environmental potentials used in this study are identical with the absorbance ph;otochange decay. Decay curves for fresh chromatophores, aged chromatophores, and fresh chromatophores at high ionic strength display a variety of half times and curve shapes. All of these data however, may be fit (within 10 per cent) by the equation x=αe8.2t+βe0.18t by merely varying the values of α and β. This is interpreted as meaning that any single trapping site may exist in one of two major forms each of which decays following a first order or pseudo-first order reaction. Although the change in decay pattern upon aging is not reversible, that due to high ionic strength is. The time dependencies for two light emission phenomena have been measured as well as their response to the oxidation state of molecules at the trapping site. A major component of long-lived luminescence follows pseudo-second order kinetics with a half time of 38 msec. A very long lived luminescence shows an increse with time which is nearly proportional to the decay of absorbance photochanges.
Improved power flow robustness for personal computers

Mine electrical power-flow solutions are often obtained using personal computers. Because of the limited precision used by the compilers on these machines, power-flow solution procedures may diverge or possibly oscillate until the iteration limit is reached, even though an operable solution exists. Two methods to create virtually extended-precision calculations in full Newton-Raphson and decoupled powerflow algorithms without the attendant slow down associated with full double-precision codes are presented. It is shown that insufficient precision for convergence of the IEEE 118 bus system occurs near the single precision limit of a PC- or VAX-class minicomputer, the number of bits required for convergence can be simply and quickly estimated and the most critical routine in which precision generally needs to be increased is the mismatch routine. Simulation results are discussed. >
Kalman filtering for self-similar processes

In this paper, we develop a state space representation and Kalman filtering method for self-similar processes. Key components of our development are the concept of multivariate self-similarity and the mathematical framework of scale stationarity. We define multivariate self-similarity as joint self-similarity, in which the self-similarity is governed by a matrix valued parameter H. Such a generalization suits the nature of Multi-Input Multi-Output (MIMO) systems, since each channel is likely to be governed by a different self-similarity parameter. The system and measurement models for the proposed Kalman filter are defined as tx˙(t) = tHAt-Hx(t) + tHBu(t) and y(t) = Cx(t) + Dv(t), respectively. Here, the derivative operator tx˙(t) indicates that the memory of the process is stored in time scales, unlike the memory stored in time shifts for stationary processes. We exploit this fact in developing an insightful interpretation of the Riccati equation and the Kalman gain matrix, which lead to an efficient numerical implementation of the proposed Kalman filter via exponential sampling. Additionally, we include a discussion of network traffic modeling and communications applications of the proposed Kalman filter. This study demonstrates that the scale stationarity framework leads to mathematically tractable and physically intuitive formulation of Kalman filtering for self-similar processes.
Opioid-receptor mRNA expression in the rat CNS: anatomical and functional implications

The cloning of the opioid receptors has profoundly affected our understanding of opioid-receptor expression, regulation and function. This review focuses on the impact that cloning has had on our understanding of opioid-receptor anatomy, and provides broad anatomical maps of the three opioid-receptor mRNAs in relation to their binding sites. In addition, three model anatomical systems, the nigrostriatal and mesolimbic dopamine systems, the hypothalamic neuroendocrine axes, and the ascending and descending pain pathways, have been highlighted to discuss issues of receptor transport, trafficking and pre- versus postsynaptic localization.
Measurements of Rayleigh-wave phase velocities in Nevada: Implications for explosion sources and the Massachusetts Mountain earthquake

Single-station measurements of Rayleigh-wave phase velocity are obtained for paths between the Nevada Test Site and the Livermore broadband regional stations. Nuclear underground explosions detonated in Yucca Valley were the sources of the Rayleigh waves. The source phase phi/sup s/ required by the single-station method is calculated for an explosion source by assuming a spherically symmetric point source with step-function time dependence. The phase velocities are used to analyze the Rayleigh waves of the Massachusetts Mountain earthquake of 5 August 1971. Measured values of source phase for this earthquake are consistent with the focal mechanism determined from P-wave first motion data. A moment-tensor inversion of the Rayleigh wave spectra for a 3-km-deep source gives a horizontal, least-compressive stress axis oriented N63/sup 0/W and a seismic moment of 5.5 x 10/sup 22/ dyne-cm. The general agreement between this work and the work of others on P-waves supports the measurements of phase velocities and, in turn, the explosion source model used to calculate phi/sup s/. 20 references, 15 figures.
Inflammatory and immune-related conditions associated with Waldenström macroglobulinemia: a single center experience.

We read with great interest the recently published article of Ku et al. [1] on the rare association of Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) and pure red cell aplasia (PRCA). The authors dissect a cas...
Multiple-V/sub dd/ scheduling/allocation for partitioned floorplan

We propose a multiple-V/sub dd/ scheduling and allocation scheme for low-power that considers a partitioned floorplan. Multiple-V/sup dd/ designs inevitably introduce an additional power mesh, thus consuming an additional metal layer. Considering voltage partition during scheduling, we may place the resources of same voltage in one partition; thereby reducing the additional power meshes. Such a schedule can also reduce the interfaces between different voltage partitions. Therefore, the logic level-converters and the interconnects can be reduced. To accomplish this, we first generate a multiple-V/sub dd/ schedule using force-directed scheduling. Given resource and time constraints, the multiple-V/sub dd/ scheduler determines the voltage assignment of each node with resource constraints. Next, voltage partitioning is performed. Based on pair-wise and multiple-way graph partitioning, the voltage partitioning algorithm iteratively improves the schedule and the allocation. The proposed scheme generates a multiple-V/sub dd/ schedule for an improved voltage partitioned floorplan. Reduction of level-converter cost, interconnect cost, and the number of voltage clusters were achieved. Relative to the minimum single voltage design, the average energy savings of a multiple-V/sub dd/ partitioned design was 29.7%. Reductions of 33.1%, 28.3%, 51.3% were achieved for level-conversion energy, total bus length and interconnect energy, respectively.
Daoism and Anarchism: Critiques of State Autonomy in Ancient and Modern China

In Daoism and Anarchism, John A. Rapp takes the reader on an ambitious tour of Chinese intellectual history in search of thinkers who have posited strong critiques or complete abjuration of state a...
Investigation of Microgrids With Both Inverter Interfaced and Direct AC-Connected Distributed Energy Resources

With the increasing use of renewable energy resources and energy storage devices, inverter-based distributed energy resources (DERs) become the important components in microgrids. As diesel generators with direct ac connections are the current most cost effective and reliable power sources, the stability investigation of microgrids should include both types of DERs. In this paper, dynamics of diesel generation will be included and the interaction of the diesel generators and the inverter-based DERs will be investigated using eigenvalue analysis and time-domain simulations. The significant contributions of this paper include: 1) identification of the stability problem in microgrids with inverter-based DERs and conventional generators and 2) investigation of the interaction problem of inverter-based DERs and conventional generators in islanded microgrids.
Perspective on 2015 DoD Cyber Strategy

Abstract : In April 2015, the DoD released a new cyber strategy in order to guide the development of DoD s cyber forces and strengthen [its] cyber defense and cyber deterrence posture. 4 The Strategy identifies three cyber missions for DoD: (1) defending its own networks, systems, and data; (2) defending U.S. national interests against cyberattacks of significant consequence, including loss of life, significant damage to property, serious adverse U.S. foreign policy consequences, and serious economic impact; and (3) when directed by the President or Secretary of Defense, supporting military operations and contingency plans with cyber operations, including by disrupting an adversary s military-related networks.
Clampitt and the Cloisters

This article describes the importance of a visionary experience that Amy Clampitt had while visiting the Cloisters in New York City in 1956. Immediately afterwards, Clampitt began writing poetry fo...
Implementation of a Real-Time Telerobotic System for Generating an Assistive Force Feedback for Rehabilitation Applications

In this paper we describe the implementation of a system that gives assistive force feedback to the remote user in a teleoperation based environment. The force feedback would help the user in trajectory following exercises for stroke rehabilitation. Exercises in virtual environments on a PC as well as real world exercises with a remote robotic arm, that would follow a trajectory in real-time as the user moves the master device, could be performed. Such real world exercises augmented with real-time force feedback can make the exercises more effective as the user gets force assistance along the desired path. Moreover, the system can find its application in remote therapy, where the therapist is away from the user, as it can be teleoperated and has internet based protocols. The assistive force feedback has been implemented using simple sensors such as the camera and the laser and a PC-based real-time multithreaded control system. The real-time force feedback from the remote robot to the master device has been possible using effective multithreading programming strategies in the control system design and novel sensor integration. The system also has the capabilities of autonomous as well as supervisory control of the remote robot and is modular as far as integration of different master devices for stroke rehabilitation exercises is concerned.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
A New Concept for Renewable Power Generation: Integrating Off-Shore Wind Turbines With a Unique Wave Power Generation System

Off shore wind turbine farms are becoming more popular as the efficiency and per unit cost of the systems become more economical. Wave power generating systems have been conceptualized for centuries but only relatively recently, since the 1970’s, has private and public financial support been forthcoming to provide some model and full-scale testing. Northeastern University researchers are studying the integration of these two technologies. The objective is to reduce the combined cost per kW for the power generating system by accomplishing two distinct improvements: 1. sharing the electrical and civil engineering systems that are common to the integrated design, and 2. storing the ocean wave energy for use later when the wind energy is not sufficient to produce maximum wind turbine power. Several new concepts for wave power generation and storage are identified in the process. This paper will describe the current research at Northeastern University and the preliminary designs for the integrated wind turbine generator and wave power system using state-of-the-art wind turbines and air expander systems.© 2005 ASME
Feeding on Normally Rejected Plants by Maxillectomized Larvae of the Tobacco Hornworm, Protoparce sexta (Lepidoptera, Sphingidae)

The larvae of P. sexta normally feed only on Solanaceae. Amputation of the maxillae led to continuous feeding on dandelion ( Taraxacum officinale ), a normally rejected plant, when no other food was available. Amputation of the antennae and the labial palpi did not have a similar effect. The chemoreceptors of the maxilla are confined to the third segment of the palpus and to the headpiece, a protuberance of the first segment. Removal of both of these groups of chemoreceptors led to as much feeding on dandelion as did removal of the entire maxilla. Amputation of the headpieces alone had an intermediate effect while amputation of the third segments alone had no effect. Maxillectomized larvae retained a reduced ability to distinguish between the leaves of dandelion and tomato, the normal host. They became adapted to dandelion and usually chose it over tomato in preference tests. They also fed more extensively on bland media such as an agar and cellulose powder gel than did intact larvae, suggesting that the maxillae spontaneously inhibit feeding. Maxillectomized fourth-instar larvae fed and grew well on some Plantaginaceae, Compositae, and members of families closely allied to the Solanaceae. Some of these plants were occasionally accepted by intact larvae. Other plants were either completely rejected or eaten in small quantities.
Electron Kinetic Characteristics in Plasma Plumes: Fully Kinetic Simulations

The expansion of a mesothermal, plasma plume into vacuum is a classical topic in plasma dynamics. (Mesothermal plasma is defined as having a flow characteristics of vte >> vbeam >> vti, where vte, vbeam and vti are the electron thermal velocity, beam drifting velocity and ion thermal velocity, respectively.) It is also relevant to many application problems in spacecraft-plasma interactions and electric propulsion. Studies of mesothermal plasma expansion have mostly focused on the ion plasma time scale. Thus, a common approach used in almost all previous studies is to assume that the electrons may be modeled as an equilibrium, massless fluid so to simplify the treatment of electron dynamics. This approach, combined with a further assumption that the electrons are isothermal, leads to the commonly used Boltzmann relationship between the electron density ne and the potential Φ:
Photocatalytic Growth of Copper Nanowires from Cu2O Seeds

This article describes the photocatalytic growth of copper nanowires from Cu2O octahedra. When exposed to visible light with an energy greater than the band gap of Cu2O, electrons excited from the valence band to the conduction band within Cu2O octahedra reduce Cu(OH)2– onto the octahedra to form copper nanowires. This phenomenon was used to turn nanowire growth on and off with visible light, as well as pattern the growth of nanowires on a substrate.
Inverse kinetic isotope effect in the excited-state relaxation of a Ru(II)-aquo complex: revealing the impact of hydrogen-bond dynamics on nonradiative decay.

Photophysics of the MLCT excited-state of [Ru(bpy)(tpy)(OH2)]2+ (1) and [Ru(bpy)(tpy)(OD2)]2+ (2) (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine and tpy = 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine) have been investigated in room-temperature H2O and D2O using ultrafast transient pump-probe spectroscopy. An inverse isotope effect is observed in the ground-state recovery for the two complexes. These data indicate control of excited-state lifetime via a pre-equilibrium between the 3MLCT state that initiates H-bond dynamics with the solvent and the 3MC state that serves as the principal pathway for nonradiative decay.
THE HEALING OF SEMILUNAR CARTILAGES

In seven knee joints of dogs, the internal semilunar cartilages were freed, to a varying extent, from their attachments to the synovial membrane and capsule peripherally. Within a few days, the dogs walked and ran about in a normal way; no locking of the joints was produced. After a period of time (two weeks to three and a half months), the animals were sacrificed and the joints were examined. In each case, the cartilage was firmly healed in normal anatomical position. In thirteen joints, the semilunar cartilages were incised longitudinally. In each case the incision did not communicate with the synovial membrane and varied in its position in the cartilage. With one exception (Dog 14), the two fragments of the semilunar cartilages remained closely apposed although no postoperative fixation was used. In spite of this close apposition, there was not the slightest evidence of healing between the fragments during the period of observation (three weeks to two months). In seven joints, the longitudinal incision was carried through the convex edge of the meniscus to the synovial membrane. In each case, the peripheral end of the incision healed by connective tissue arising from the synovial membrane and capsule. In one instance (Dog 3), the entire incision was filled with scar tissue. When the semilunar cartilage was divided transversely (in six joints), the two fragments were separated a short distance. The free space thus produced was obliterated by an ingrowth of connective tissue from the synovial membrane, linking the two fragments firmly together. This connective tissue, which grossly resembled fibrocartilage, contained no cartilage cells. Our experiments indicate that: 1. Tears which are limited to the semilunar cartilage probably never heal. 2. A torn meniscus can be healed by connective tissue if the tear communicates with the synovial membrane laterally. 3. A complete transverse or oblique tear results in some separation of the fragments, but the intervening space fills in with connective tissue arising from the synovial membrane. This connective tissue is quite firm in three weeks, which suggests the length of time necessary for complete fixation in these cases. 4. If the meniscus is partially torn from its peripheral attachment, it heals in normal anatomical position without difficulty.
Computational fluid dynamics upper airway effective compliance, critical closing pressure, and obstructive sleep apnea severity in obese adolescent girls.

This study applied an engineering tool, computational fluid dynamics, to noninvasively estimate the pharyngeal air pressure field based on dynamic MR images acquired during relaxed wakeful tidal br...
Employment and Wage Disparities for Nurses With Activity Limitations

Purpose No studies quantify the labor market disparities between nurses with and without activity difficulties (physical impairment or disability). We explore disparate treatment of nurses with activity difficulties at three margins of the labor market: the ability to get a job, the relative wage rate offered once a nurse has a job, and the annual hours of work given that wage rate. Design Key variables from the American Community Survey (ACS) were analyzed, including basic demographic information, wages, hours of work, and employment status of registered nurses from 2006 to 2014. Findings Although there is relatively little disparity in hourly wages, there is enormous disparity in the disabled's employment and hours of work opportunities, and hence a moderate amount of disparity in annual wages. Conclusions This has significant implications for the nursing labor force, particularly as the nursing workforce continues to age and physical limitations or disabilities increase by 15-fold from 25 to 65 years of age. Clinical Relevance Physical or psychological difficulties increase sharply over the course of a nurse's career, and employers must heighten efforts to facilitate an aging workforce and provide appropriate job accommodations for nurses with activity limitations.
Submesoscale hotspots of productivity and respiration: Insights from high-resolution oxygen and fluorescence sections

Modeling studies have shown that mesoscale and submesoscale processes can stimulate phytoplankton productivity and export production. Here, we present observations from an undulating, towed Video Plankton Recorder (VPR-II) in the tropical Atlantic. The VPR-II collected profiles of oxygen, fluorescence, temperature and salinity in the upper 140 m of the water column at a spatial resolution of 1 m in the vertical and <2 km in the horizontal. The data reveal remarkable "hotspots", i.e. locations 5–10 km wide which have elevated fluorescence and decreased oxygen, both of which are likely the result of intense submesoscale upwelling. Based on estimates of source water, estimated from identical temperature and salinity surfaces, hotspots are more often areas of net respiration than areas of net production — although the inferred changes in oxygen are subject to uncertainty in the determination of the source of the upwelled waters since the true source water may not have been sampled. We discuss the spatial distribution of these hotspots and present a conceptual model outlining their possible generation and decline. Simultaneous measurements of O2/Ar in the mixed layer from a shipboard mass spectrometer provide estimates of rates of surface net community production. We find that the subsurface biological hotspots are often expressed as an increase in mixed layer rates of net community production. Overall, the large number of these hotspots support the growing evidence that submesoscale processes are important drivers in upper ocean biological production.
Current Review on H2S Signaling

Hydrogen Sulfide, a pungent gas traditionally thought to be toxic to the human body, is now emerging as one of the most important endogenously synthesized gaseous transmitters. Over the course of the past decade, we have witnessed better characterization of its synthetic pathways, discovered how it affects its targets at the molecular level by modifying cysteine residues, a process termed sulfhydration, as well as begun to identify the critical role it plays in the modulation of various cellular processes. In this article, we will review some of these findings.
Biblical Narratives and Life Transformation: An Apology for the Narrative Teaching of Bible Stories:

In this essay, I contend that the purposeful teaching of biblical narratives directed toward life transformations ought to become an intentional activity for teachers of the Word. To support my con...
Estimated US infant exposures to 3-MCPD esters and glycidyl esters from consumption of infant formula.

A dietary exposure assessment was conducted for 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) esters (3-MCPDE) and glycidyl esters (GE) in infant formulas available for consumption in the United States. 3-...
Sustained submaximal exercise does not alter the integrity of the lung blood-gas barrier in elite athletes

The extreme thinness of the pulmonary blood-gas barrier results in high mechanical stresses in the capillary wall when the capillary pressure rises during exercise. We have previously shown that, i...
Analysis of CAD Gene Amplification Using a Combined Approach of Molecular Genetics and Cytogenetics

CAD2 is a multifunctional protein which catalyzes the first three steps of de novo uridine biosynthesis. Rodent cells resistant to PALA,3 a specific inhibitor of the ATCase activity of CAD, overproduce the CAD protein and CAD mRNA as a direct result of the amplification of the CAD gene. In order to study the mechanism of CAD gene amplification, a functional Syrian hamster CAD gene was inserted into a cosmid vector using molecular cloning techniques. The cloned genes were assayed for biological function by fusing CAD-deficient Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell mutants with protoplasts of E. coli containing the CAD cosmids. Two clones with functional CAD genes were isolated and shown to contain inserts 40 and 45 kb long. The cloned genes could also be introduced into wild type CHO cells by selecting for cells which became resistant to high PALA concentrations in a single step. Transformations of mutant and wild type CHO cells contained multiple active copies of the donated Syrian hamster CAD genes in addition to their endogenous CHO CAD genes. The cloned genes in all transformants analyzed are integrated into host cell chromosomes at single locations defined by in situ hybridization. Independently isolated transformants contain the donated genes in different chromosomes. Co-transformation of CHO cells with two different genes by protoplast fusion is also shown to be possible.
Building community service projects effectively

This paper presents an approach to using real projects for non-profit agencies in computer science courses. The goals are to deliver a useful project to our non-profit clients while providing a valuable learning experience to our students. The paper builds on failures and difficulties encountered in past community service projects. Risk factors are identified and measures devised to counter them. These measures include developing a systematic approach to managing such projects, enhancing course offerings to better prepare students for working on real projects, and building a repository of practical knowledge within the department. Proper communication between students within teams and between other teams, as well as timely feedback to faculty, and better preparation and communication in the community agencies is essential for effective projects. We also propose building an application framework, reusing proven design and implementation techniques to exploit the fact that many of our non-profit clients have similar requirements.
Impact of Line and Via Resistance on Device Performance at the 5nm Gate All Around Node and Beyond

The impact of back-end-of-line (BEOL) loading on logic performance at the 7nm, 5nm and 3nm technology nodes is evaluated using a combination of ab initio, finite-element and circuit analysis methods. The effects of processing variations, including line-edge-roughness (LER) and line height variation (LHV) on line resistance and overall frequency performance are quantified at each technology node. We find that barrier material optimization beyond the 5nm node can reduce via resistance by as much as 26%, resulting in a ~2 % performance uplift. Depending on amplitude, the combined effects of LER and LHV can result in a >25% line resistance penalty beyond the 5nm node and a corresponding 8% performance penalty.
Bowel Management for the Treatment of Chronic Constipation and Soiling in Patients Operated for Hirschsprung’s Disease

In this chapter, the bowel management for the treatment of constipation and fecal incontinence after an operation for Hirschsprung’s disease is discussed.
Absolute configuration of novel bioactive flavonoids from Tephrosia purpurea.

Three novel flavonoids, (+)-tephrorins A (1) and B (2) and (+)-tephrosone (3), were isolated from Tephrosia purpurea. Their structures were elucidated by NMR spectral analysis, and their absolute configurations were determined by Mosher ester methodology. Compounds 1 and 2 are flavanones containing an unusual tetrahydrofuran moiety. Compounds 1−3 were evaluated for their potential cancer chemopreventive properties using a cell-based quinone reductase induction assay.
Net Promoter Sentiment Classifier Using OHPL-ALL

Net Promotor Score is an important business measurement process where customers are surveyed and asked to rate their likelihood of recommending the company’s products and/or services. In many applications, customers are asked to respond on an 11-point ordinal scale of 0 to 10. In developing the score, the data are reformulated into a labelled 3 class scale (0-6: Detractor, 7-8: Passive and 9-10: Promoter). [1] Many companies that choose to use Net Promoter Score as a core management metric integrate the measurement into all phases of the company and seek every opportunity to assess company performance in terms of likelihood to promote the company. In addition to a variety of survey opportunities, the ability to score comments in survey, social media and blogs with promoter rating may provide an additional valuable source of business insight. Even on a three-point scale, Net Promoter is an ordinal classification problem. A number of successful algorithms, that develop ordinal classifiers have been developed. [2] None of the top performing classifiers can be used for applications like text classification or image classification, since they don’t employ deep learning. Any appropriate strategy must utilize the ordering information of classes without imposing a strong continuous assumption or fixed spacing assumption on the ordinal classes. In this paper, we use a novel Deep Learning methodology called OHPLnet (Ordinal Hyperplane Loss Network) that is specifically designed for data with ordinal classes. [3] The algorithm is used to develop predictions of the eleven classes, that may be used in the standard Net Promoter Score generation process.
Chapter 45 – The Neutrophil

Neutrophils represent the first responders of the innate immune system. They possess an array of powerful biological weapons including soluble mediators as well as a capacity for phagocytosis of pathogens and microbial killing. Thus, they are critical elements of the defense against the microbiota at mucosal surfaces and also serve as an indispensable bridge between the innate and the acquired immune system in the defense against infection. However, in the absence of appropriate regulation, neutrophils are also capable of significant tissue damage. Thus, mechanisms exist to regulate both the magnitude and the duration of their activity in response to infection and inflammation. Here, we review the basic structure, function, recruitment, and regulation of these important innate immune cells, along with their mechanisms of microbial killing. Finally, the roles of the neutrophil in interactions with mucosal tissues and other elements of the mucosal immune system are summarized.
Integrating Palliative Care for Patients on Clinical Trials: Opportunities for Oncology Nurses

The purpose of this article is to describe the lessons learned in the course of a 5-year research study on a palliative care intervention for persons on a Phase 1 clinical trial. Patients who are participating in Phase 1 trials and the families who care for them may be especially vulnerable and require special attention. The patients are generally experiencing the effects of advanced disease, and they also may soon experience unknown side effects, intense treatment regimens, and the emotional stress of an uncertain future as a result of clinical trial participation. Oncology nurses in all roles including clinical trials/research nurses, clinicians, educators, and advanced practice registered nurses play a critical role in addressing the quality-of-life concerns in this population. Palliative care can provide better symptom control and information on treatment options and facilitate a better understanding of patient/family goals. Attending to these factors can ultimately mean improved survival for the advanced cancer patient, and support for these patients can assist in advancing the field of oncology as these investigational therapies hold the promise for enhancing survival.