cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonisolated Single-Switch Two-Channel LED Driver with Simple Lossless Snubber and Low-Voltage Stress

In two-channel light-emitting diode (LED) driver, capacitive-current-balancing method is the simplest and the most effective way to equally balance the current in each channel due to its simplicity. As a result, the capacitive balancing method was used with flyback or tapped-boost converters in low-power LED applications. Since flyback and tapped-boost converters suffer from a snubber loss and a high-voltage stress on the switching devices, conventional approaches use additional passive components, resulting in the limitations on the cost and power density. In this paper, a new converter topology for low-power two-channel LED application has been proposed. The proposed converter uses the blocking capacitor and the output capacitor as a snubber capacitor so that it has a low-voltage stress without using the additional components. Although the blocking capacitor plays a role as a snubber capacitor, the current balancing characteristic is still preserved. Furthermore, the proposed converter has a high efficiency since it minimizes the number of semiconductor components in the current paths. The effectiveness of the proposed converter has been verified with an offline 3.3 Vdc input and 11.55 W rated output prototype.
Multiphysics analysis of lightning strike damage in laminated carbon/glass fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite materials: A review of problem formulation and computational modeling

Abstract Laminated carbon/glass fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite structures experience rapid temperature rise, resin decomposition, delamination, thermal ablation, and possible dielectric breakdown subjected to lightning strikes. The predictive analysis of these damage is challenging due to the complicated electric-thermal-mechanical-chemical coupling effects. In this paper, the basic physics, problem formulations, and numerical approaches for such multiphysics analysis are thoroughly reviewed. Limitations of the existing problem formulations and numerical approaches are extensively discussed. Possible solutions to overcome those limitations and future directions on improving the fidelity and accuracy of such predictive analysis are also provided. In addition, part of the material properties that are required for these analyses, such as the temperature-dependent thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties of the composite lamina, the fracture properties of the interface resin, and the dielectric breakdown strength of the composite laminate are collected from various sources and are provided in this paper.
Second-harmonic patterned polarization-analyzed reflection confocal microscope

We introduce the second-harmonic patterned polarization-analyzed reflection confocal (SPPARC) microscope—a multimodal imaging platform that integrates Mueller matrix polarimetry with reflection confocal and second-harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy. SPPARC microscopy provides label-free three-dimensional (3-D), SHG-patterned confocal images that lend themselves to spatially dependent, linear polarimetric analysis for extraction of rich polarization information based on the Mueller calculus. To demonstrate its capabilities, we use SPPARC microscopy to analyze both porcine tendon and ligament samples and find differences in both circular degree-of-polarization and depolarization parameters. Moreover, using the collagen-generated SHG signal as an endogenous counterstain, we show that the technique can be used to provide 3-D polarimetric information of the surrounding extrafibrillar matrix plus cells or EFMC region. The unique characteristics of SPPARC microscopy holds strong potential for it to more accurately and quantitatively describe microstructural changes in collagen-rich samples in three spatial dimensions.
Regional variation in racial disparities among patients with peripheral artery disease.

Abstract Objective Prior studies identified significant racial disparities as well as regional variation in outcomes of patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). We aimed to determine whether regional variation contributes to these racial disparities. Methods We identified all white or black patients who underwent infrainguinal revascularization or amputation in 15 deidentified regions of the Vascular Quality Initiative between 2003 and 2017. We excluded three regions with Results We identified 90,418 patients, 15,527 (17%) of whom were black. Patients underwent 31,263 bypasses, 52,462 endovascular interventions, and 6693 amputations. Black patients were younger and less likely to smoke, to have coronary artery disease, or to have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but they were more likely to have diabetes, limb-threatening ischemia, dialysis dependence, and hypertension and to be self-insured or on Medicaid (all P Conclusions Significant racial disparities exist in outcomes after lower extremity procedures in patients with PAD, with regional variation contributing to perioperative but not long-term outcome disparities. Underperforming regions should use these data to generate quality improvement projects, as understanding the etiology of these disparities is critical to improving the care of all patients with PAD.
Complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy with lasers or cautery is a feasible, effective, and worthwhile operative procedure that is subject to morbidity and mortality. There is unequivocal evidence that the complication incidence is directly related to the training and experience of the surgeon, applicability of basic principles of gallbladder and common duct surgery, and preventive measures toward iatrogenic injuries in gallbladder surgery. Continued and sustained investigation in laparoscopic cholecystectomy, technological developments in equipment, and the continued education of the surgeon in the applicability and use of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, intraoperative cholangiography, and choledocholithotomy are essential. At the St Francis Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 1009 laparoscopic cholecystectomies with lasers or cautery were performed between March 1989 and October 1991. There were 32 (3%) abandoned laparoscopic cholecystectomies with alternative open cholecystectomy. There were six extrahepatic ductal injuries and a complication incidence of 10.9%. The mortality rate was 0.38%. The average length of stay was 2 days. In comparison with standard cholecystectomy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a competitive and superior procedure in selected circumstances.
Polite speech emerges from competing social goals

Language is a remarkably efficient tool for transmitting information. Yet human speakers make statements that are inefficient, imprecise, or even contrary to their own beliefs, all in the service of being polite. What rational machinery underlies polite language use? Here, we show that polite speech emerges from the competition of three communicative goals: to convey information, to be kind, and to present oneself in a good light. We formalize this goal tradeoff using a probabilistic model of utterance production, which predicts human utterance choices in socially sensitive situations with high quantitative accuracy, and we show that our full model is superior to its variants with subsets of the three goals. This utility-theoretic approach to speech acts takes a step toward explaining the richness and subtlety of social language use.
Input Parameter Distributions

This chapter provides modeling tools and concepts for the input random variables of the system to be simulated. After a discussion of dependence and correlation measures between random variables, Sect. 3.2 provides an introduction to copulas for approximating the joint distribution of several random variables given only their marginals and possibly covariance data. Sections 3.4 and 3.5 introduce the singular value decomposition of the data matrix of realizations of finitely many RV as well as the analogue for stochastic processes, the Karhunen-Loeve expansion. Section 3.6 closes with some remarks on the delicate issue of choosing input distributions.
Naringenin Promotes Thermogenic Gene Expression in Human White Adipose Tissue.

OBJECTIVE Naringenin, a citrus flavonoid, prevents diet-induced weight gain and improves glucose and lipid metabolism in rodents. There is evidence that naringenin activates brown fat and increases energy expenditure in mice, but little is known about its effects in humans. The goal of this study was to examine the effects of naringenin on energy expenditure in adipose tissue. METHODS Human white adipocyte cultures (hADSC) and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (pWAT) were treated with naringenin for 7 to 14 days. Expression (quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting) of candidate genes involved in thermogenesis and glucose metabolism was measured. Oxygen consumption rate was measured in hADSC using a Seahorse flux analyzer. RESULTS In hADSC, naringenin increased expression of the genes associated with thermogenesis and fat oxidation, including uncoupling protein 1 and adipose triglyceride lipase, and key factors associated with insulin sensitivity, including glucose transporter type 4, adiponectin, and carbohydrate-responsive element-binding protein (P < 0.01). Similar responses were observed in pWAT. Basal, ATP-linked, maximal and reserve oxygen consumption rate increased in the naringenin-treated hADSC (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Naringenin increases energy expenditure in hADSC and stimulates expression of key enzymes involved in thermogenesis and insulin sensitivity in hADSC and pWAT. Naringenin may promote conversion of human white adipose tissue to a brown/beige phenotype.
A Decision Model for Prioritizing and Addressing Consumer Information Problems

An approach for diagnosing and prescribing remedies to consumer information problems is proposed. It is contended that the appropriate policy stance to take for dealing with the consumer informatio...
Trps1 Regulates Development of Craniofacial Skeleton and Is Required for the Initiation of Palatal Shelves Fusion

Trichorhinophalangeal syndrome (TRPS) is an autosomal dominant disorder resulting from heterozygous mutations of the TRPS1 gene. Common craniofacial abnormalities in TRPS patients include micrognathia, hypoplastic zygomatic arch, high-arched palate, and, occasionally, cleft palate. Studies have demonstrated that mice with a heterozygous Trps1 mutation (Trps1+/- mice) have similar features to patients with TRPS, including high-arched palates. However, mice with a homozygous Trps1 mutation (Trps1-/- mice) exhibit similar but more severe abnormalities, including cleft palate. Our study aimed to characterize the craniofacial phenotype to understand the role of Trps1 in craniofacial development and gain insight on the cleft palate pathogenesis in Trps1 deficiency. Whole-mount skeletal staining revealed hypoplastic skeletal and cartilaginous elements, steep nasal slope, and missing presphenoid in Trps1-/- mice. Although several craniofacial skeleton elements were abnormal in Trps1-/- mice, the Trps1 deficiency did not appear to disrupt cranial vault development. All Trps1-/- mice presented with cleft palate. Analyses of Trps1 expression during palatogenesis detected Trps1 mRNA and protein in palatal mesenchyme and in specific regions of palatal epithelium, which suggested that Trps1 is involved in palatal fusion. Ex vivo culture experiments demonstrated that Trps1-/- palatal shelves were unable to initiate the fusion process. On the molecular level, Trps1 deficiency resulted in decreased epithelial expression of proteins involved in palatal fusion, including chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan, transforming growth factor-beta 3, Twist1, and beta-catenin. Mesenchymal expression of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan expression was unaffected, indicating a cell type-specific mechanism of Trps1 regulation on chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan. In conclusion, we demonstrated that Trps1 is involved in the development of craniofacial skeletal elements and in the initiation of the palatal shelves fusion. Furthermore, our studies uncovered that Trps1 is required for epithelial expression of several proteins involved in the palatal shelves fusion.
Suicidal ideation among recently returned veterans and its relationship to insomnia and depression.

Abstract Suicide is a significant public health problem associated with numerous health factors such as insomnia. Suicidal ideation is common among veterans, who often present with multiple comorbidities. The present study examined direct and indirect relationships among suicidal ideation, insomnia, depression, and alcohol use. U.S. veterans (n = 850) recently separated from military service completed phone-based interviews covering multiple domains. Tests of indirect effects and bias-corrected confidence intervals were used to conduct a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a larger parent study examining relationships among the latent variables of suicidal ideation, insomnia, alcohol use, and depression. In this analysis insomnia did not have direct associations with suicidal ideation (Β = 0.06, t = 0.29, p = .772) or alcohol use (Β = 0.07, t = 1.73, p = .084). Insomnia severity was, however, significantly and positively related to depression severity (Β = 0.58, t = 21.70, p
Stereocontrolled syntheses of deoxyribonucleosides via photoinduced electron-transfer deoxygenation of benzoyl-protected ribo- and arabinonucleosides.

The stereocontrolled, de novo syntheses of β-2‘-deoxy-, α-2‘-deoxy-, β-3‘-deoxy-, and β-2‘,3‘-dideoxyribonucleosides are described. Strategically protected ribose, arabinose, and xylose glycosylation precursors were synthesized bearing C2-esters capable of directing Vorbruggen glycosylation. The key step is the regioselective deoxygenation of the desired hydroxyl group as either the benzoyl- or 3-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl derivative. This deoxygenation is accomplished via a photoinduced electron-transfer (PET) mechanism using carbazole derivatives as the photosensitizer. The syntheses of the desired deoxynucleoside generally proceed in three steps from a common, readily available precursor.
Breast Tissue-Equivalent Contrast Detail, Resolution and Dosimetry Phantom for 3D Imaging

A tissue-equivalent phantom for measuring contrast detail, high contrast object resolution and glandular dose in 3D has been developed. The phantom consists of homogenous solid slabs with mass attenuation coefficients equivalent to glandular, fat and a 50/50 mixture of glandular and fat. Solid phantom sections have been developed for contrast detail measurements of mass-like objects and different sized calcifications. Removable inserts are provided for TLD measurement at different levels and chest wall to nipple locations. (3D quality measurements and breast dose profiles will be presented for breast tissue compositions ranging from 0% glandular to 100% glandular and thickness from 2 to 8 cm.)
The subversive cathedra: a theology of the cathedral building:

In 2015, the Anglican cathedrals’ number of Theology (Vol. 118, no. 6) focused on particular roles of cathedrals – as focus of community life, of pilgrimage, of urban regeneration. This article is ...
5-azacitidine reversing "spent" phase polycythemia vera back to proliferative phase and need for phlebotomy.

IntroductionPolycythemia vera is a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) characterized by increased red blood cell mass. The natural evolution of this MPN is to progress to an anemic/cytopenic phase al...
Pharmacokinetics of Intravenous and Oral Phenobarbital Sodium in Healthy Goats

Phenobarbital is a common drug used to manage epilepsy in goats. However, the recommended dose and dosing frequency are based on studies in dogs and horses. Studies describing the pharmacokinetics of phenobarbital when administered orally and assessing changes in behavior with concurrent electroencephalogram (EEG) readings are warranted in goats. The objectives of this study were to determine the bioavailability of orally administered phenobarbital and determine the effect of phenobarbital on brain activity using EEG in healthy goats. A cross-over design with 8 non-pregnant goats was performed. The goats were administered phenobarbital intravenously at 10 mg/kg, followed by a 2 week wash out period, and then administered phenobarbital, orally, at 10 mg/kg. Plasma sample determination of phenobarbital concentrations were collected at 13 time points. Continuous EEG readings with simultaneous video recording for 12 h was performed to determine the state of vigilance using a behavior scoring system prior to and after phenobarbital administration. Bioavailability of phenobarbital was 24.9%. Mean ± SD for half-life was similar between the oral (3.80 ± 0.826 h) and intravenous (4.0 ± 0.619 h) routes. Time to observed maximum concentration (Tmax), and maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) for the oral administration were 1.75 ± 0.46 h and 4,478.7 ± 962.4 ng/mL, respectively. Clearance was 152.5 ± 102.7 ml/h/kg. Area under the curve from zero to infinity (AUC0→∞) was 155,813 ± 218,448 and 38,763 ± 9,832 h*ng/mL for the intravenous and oral administration routes, respectively. Behavior score at 3 h after phenobarbital administration was different (P = 0.0002) from the score prior to administration for the oral administration route. In contrast, behavior scores before administration of phenobarbital and each time point after administration were not different (P >0.05) for the intravenous administration route or other oral administration route time points. Bioavailability of phenobarbital was poor, and the half-life was very short due to a high clearance. Doses >10 mg/kg should be considered when phenobarbital is administered orally in goats.
A CASE OF TARDIVE DYSKINESIA (TD) IN A PATIENT WITH NON SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA BEING TREATED WITH ARIPIPRAZOLE

Introduction Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic that is usually well tolerated. It is FDA approved for treatment for schizophrenia and mania in Bipolar Disorder. Off label use includes augmentation protocols for depression and anxiety disorders as well as aggression in the pediatric population. Properties include 5-HT1A partial agonism and 5HT1-A antagonism along with D2 and D3 agonism. Abilify is often preferred due to reduced risk of metabolic syndrome, extrapyramidal symptoms and minimal sedative profile. Second generation antipsychotics are usually preferred for their “better” side effect profile as far as extrapyramidal symptoms such as tardive dyskinesia is concerned. Methods This is a case study regarding an outpatient. Literature review regarding this topic is also provided.We describe a patient with history of Non Squamous Cell Carcinoma (NSCC) of lung who developed overt symptoms and signs of tardive dyskinesia secondary to initiation of aripiprazole which suggests need for monitoring for TD even with atypical antipsychotics Results Aripiprazole being a partial dopamine agonist rather than being a full dopamine agonist allows for increase dopamine release in areas of the brain which are hypofunctioningand for dampening of dopaminergic activity in areas which are hyperfunctioning.At a therapeutic dose, it is noteworthy that aripiprazole has one of the highest D2 receptor affinities; however because of its partial agonist properties, it has a lower risk of causing acute EPS and probably TD. Special considerations for medicating elderly patients with psychosis on antipsychotics should include utilization of a screening tool such as the abnormal involuntary movement questionnaire (AIMS) to detect TD at its earliest and take active measures to prevent worsening of symptoms. Conclusions Further research is required to identify the specific dopaminergic pathway responsible for induction of tardive dyskinesia in patients which can lead to more specific therapeutic targets without this side effect with aripiprazole. We suggest dosing for shorter periods of time especially when utilizing aripiprazole as an augmenting agent for depression or anxiety or off- clinical use. In theory, SGAs are safer in terms of tardive dyskinesia however our case study underlies the need for informed consent and psychoeducation regarding this side effect. This research was funded by: No funding was received
Chapter 8 – Random Sampling: Planning Ahead for Data Gathering

This chapter will show you how random sampling ensures a representative sample (on average) and makes it possible for you to describe (approximately) how different your results (from the sample) are from the (unknown) characteristics of the population. By using a random sample, your survey results will be approximately correct (compared with what you would find by interviewing all customers), and you will know if your results are close enough for comfort. The language we use when sampling helps us distinguish the population (that we wish to know about) from the sample (that we have selected to observe). A population is any collection of units that you are interested in knowing about. A sample is a smaller collection of units selected from the population. A sample is representative if characteristics arise with the same percentages in the sample as in the population. A biased sample is not representative in an important way. A sampling frame gives you access to the population units so that a random sample can be chosen. A sample statistic is any number computed from your sample data. A population parameter is any number computed for the entire population. An estimator is a description of a sample statistic used as a guess for the value of a population parameter, and the actual number computed from the data is called an estimate. The error of estimation is the estimator (or estimate) minus the population parameter and is usually unknown. An unbiased estimator is correct on average (neither systematically too high nor too low). A pilot study is a small-scale version of a study, designed to help you identify problems and fix them before the real study is run. A random sample consists of independently chosen units where each population unit has equal probability of being chosen. The central limit theorem is an amazing mathematical fact about random sampling that tells you that the average of the sample values follows a distribution that becomes more normal-shaped as the sample size grows, tells you that the mean of the sample average is the population mean, and tells you that the standard deviation of the sample average (which indicates the quality of the sample information) is the population standard deviation divided by the square root of the sample size. The standard error of a sample statistic indicates approximately how far the statistic is from its population value. The standard error of the average tells approximately how far the sample average is from the unknown population mean.
Pre-service elementary teachers’ conceptual understanding of average speed: the systematicity and persistence of related and unrelated concepts

Recent literature indicates that the trend towards investigating pre-service elementary teachers’ conceptual understanding of science concepts they are expected to teach and their command of that c...
Impact of Prosthesis-Patient Mismatch After Mitral Valve Replacement: A Propensity Score Analysis.

The effect of patient-prosthesis mismatch (PPM) on late outcomes after mitral valve replacement (MVR) remains unclear. We evaluated the impact of PPM after MVR on the late survival using propensity score matching analysis. From 2007 to 2018, 660 consecutive MVRs were performed. Effective orifice areas were obtained from a literature review of in vivo echocardiographic data, and mitral PPM was defined as an effective orifice area index of ≤1.2 cm2/m2. Propensity score matching yielded a cohort of 126 patients with PPM and 126 patients without PPM. Mitral PPM was found in 37.8% of the patients. In the whole matched patients, there were no differences in late survival (log-rank test, P = 0.629) between 2 groups. Patients aged ≤70 years and those aged >70 years had no differences in late survival (log-rank test, P = 0.073 and 0.572). The Cox proportional hazards model for the overall survival showed that mitral PPM tended to decrease survival in patients aged ≤70 years (P = 0.084, hazard ratio [HR] 2.647, 95% CI: 0.876–7.994). Mitral PPM did not adversely affect long-term survival. There may be a tendency of adverse impact on late survival in patients aged ≤70 years. Implanting a safe size rather than larger size prosthesis in mitral position may be an appropriate option in older patients.
Complete removal of massive thrombus trapped in the common carotid artery in stages

Abstract With recent innovative aspiration catheters, even a large thrombus in the internal carotid artery can be removed at a high rate. Though, we still sometimes have difficulty absorbing hard and large thrombus. Here, we report a case in which we eliminated a massive thrombus stuck in the common carotid artery in multi-steps. Tremendously large thrombus trapped in the common carotid artery is extremely rare. The thrombus was first loosened and deformed with balloon compression and removed with several attempts with an aspiration catheter and a stent retriever to finish it off. The thrombus was much larger than the thickest balloon-guide catheter and we had to pull it out and introduce it again for each time. It required a lot of work but was less-invasive and effective.
China's emerging market for property rights: Theoretical and empirical perspectives1

his paper contrasts state–directed and market–mediated reform of enterprise ownership rights in transition economies. We evaluate China's emerging market for enterprise ownership rights from the perspective of conditions underpinning the Coase Theorem: the assignment of property rights, the degree of competition, and the nature of transaction costs. China's recent experience suggests that policies designed to expand and support the scope of decentralized, market–based restructuring of ownership rights, even under conditions that deviate widely from the ideal assumptions underlying the Coase Theorem, may prove more beneficial than direct official intervention. JEL classification: G34, K11, L1 and P3.
Concomitant Sternal Fractures: Harbinger of Worse Pulmonary Complications and Mortality in Patients With Rib Fractures.

BackgroundSternal and rib fractures are common concomitant injuries. However, the impact of concurrent sternal fractures on clinical outcomes of patients with rib fractures is unclear. We aimed to ...
Abstract 17502: Using Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Principles to Develop and Implement a Mobile Heart Failure Self-Care Program

Introduction: Patients admitted with decompensated heart failure (HF) are at risk for hospital readmission and poor quality of life. Remote monitoring and mobile health (mHealth) technologies can h...
Bureaucratic Archaeology: State, Science and Past in Postcolonial India

Bureaucratic Archaeology is a multi-faceted ethnography of quotidian practices of archaeology, bureaucracy and science in postcolonial India, concentrating on the workings of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). This book uncovers an endemic link between micro-practice of archaeology in the trenches of the ASI to the manufacture of archaeological knowledge, wielded in the making of political and religious identity and summoned as indelible evidence in the juridical adjudication in the highest courts of India. This book is a rare ethnography of the daily practice of a postcolonial bureaucracy from within rather than from the outside. It meticulously uncovers the social, cultural, political and epistemological ecology of ASI archaeologists to show how postcolonial state assembles and produces knowledge. This is the first book length monograph on the workings of archaeology in a non-western world, which meticulously shows how theory of archaeological practice deviates, transforms and generates knowledge outside the Euro-American epistemological tradition.
Food allergen labeling of commonly used ingredients in Chinese restaurants in the United States

Abstract This study aimed to create a food allergy reference resource to identify food allergens in commonly used Chinese restaurant packaged foods to create an initial reference database. Ninety-nine commonly used packaged foods in Chinese restaurants were identified, and their ingredient labels collected for analysis for major allergens, adherence to Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act labeling regulations, and use of voluntary allergen advisories. Analyzed data was used in the creation of a food allergen reference resource of packaged Chinese restaurant ingredients to extend the knowledge of allergens commonly found in Chinese restaurants. Wheat (71.7%) and soy (53.5%) were the commonly found allergens on ingredient labels. The manner in which allergens were listed varied among ingredient labels. Food allergen labeling legislation that provides standard guidelines on allergen labeling for easy identification of food allergens and providing food allergy training to foodservice workers about reading ingredient labels could help restaurants, especially Chinese restaurants to better serve customers with food allergies.
Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

This chapter outlines an interdisciplinary approach for the rehabilitation of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Complex regional pain syndrome is often complicated by marked physical disability and psychosocial factors. Published guidelines recommend interdisciplinary care when early response to treatment has not been adequate. Integrated pain rehabilitation has been recognized as superior to single specialty pain treatment for complicated chronic pain patients. Rehabilitation focuses on functional restoration and quality-of-life improvement versus pain elimination and this approach has shown efficacy for several pain conditions. This chapter presents knowledge gained based primarily on clinical experience through Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital’s interdisciplinary pain management program. This program includes medical care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychology intervention. Key components of CRPS treatment for each discipline are presented in addition to a discussion of the role of interdisciplinary care in the treatment of CRPS.
Ensemble Learning, Prediction and Li-Ion Cell Charging Cycle Divergence

In recent years, the pervasive use of lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries in applications such as cell phones, laptop computers, electric vehicles, and grid energy storage systems has prompted the development of specialized battery management systems (BMS). The primary goal of a BMS is to maintain a reliable and safe battery power source while maximizing the calendar life and performance of the cells. To maintain safe operation, a BMS should be programmed to minimize degradation and prevent damage to a Li-ion cell, which can lead to thermal runaway. Cell damage can occur over time if a BMS is not properly configured to avoid overcharging and discharging. To prevent cell damage, efficient and accurate cell charging cycle characteristics algorithms must be employed. In this paper, computationally efficient and accurate ensemble learning algorithms capable of detecting Li-ion cell charging irregularities are described. Additionally, it is shown using machine and deep learning that it is possible to accurately and efficiently detect when a cell has experienced thermal and electrical stress due to cell overcharging by measuring charging cycle divergence.
Des ressources et des appropriations. Retour, après la révolution, dans les oasis du Jérid (Tunisie)

Au Jerid (region d’oasis du Sud-Ouest tunisien), les dynamiques d’appropriation des ressources varient selon les ressources considerees : si les genes echappent quelque peu a l’Etat technocratique, il n’en va pas de meme des ressources naturelles comme l’eau et la terre. L’agriculture de la region est entierement contenue dans les palmeraies d’oasis, ecosystemes singuliers. Un retour sur le terrain apres la revolution de 2011 a permis de souligner les dynamiques les plus recentes mais aussi de repenser la notion d’« appropriation ». Il ne s’agit pas seulement de s’approprier des choses materielles mais egalement d’approprier a un usage, de s’approprier des usages et des modes de relation au monde. Cette competence est peut-etre mieux distribuee parmi les agriculteurs locaux que parmi les administrateurs de l’agriculture, detenteurs officiels du savoir agronomique et de la legitimite.
Evolution from the AGB: Variability

Luminous low-mass stars of intermediate T eff - candidates for post-AGB transition objects to PNNi, are all expected to be pulsationally variable. Different modes and their combinations may be involved, leading to a variety of observed behaviour.
Estrogen restores postischemic pial microvascular dilation.

Estrogen protects the brain from experimental cerebral ischemia, likely through both vascular and neuronal cellular mechanisms. The purpose of this study was to determine whether chronic estrogen t...
The National Family Caregiver Support Program: A Multivariate Examination of State-Level Implementation

Research on caregiver support policy implementation has offered valuable insights but has not incorporated theoretical frameworks or multivariate analysis. This article describes how the communications model for intergovernmental policy implementation was used as a framework to examine predictors of successful statewide implementation of the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP). Using data from the National Center on Caregiving State of the States survey, U.S. Census, Administration on Aging, and historical records, implementation (extent of service delivery) was examined in 50 states and the District of Columbia. State-level characteristics (demographic, historical, political, and organizational) were tested for their ability to explain more or less successful implementation. Bivariate and multivariate findings suggest that historical characteristics predict the likelihood of delivering more counseling, support group, and training. States that recognize caregivers as both service recipients ...
Clonal diversification in OspA-specific antibodies from peripheral circulation of a chronic Lyme arthritis patient.

Abstract Chronic, antibiotic treatment-resistant Lyme arthritis develops in a subset of patients following infection with the tick-borne spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi and persists after apparent microbial clearance. IgG responses to Outer Surface Protein (Osp) A, an abundant spirochetal lipoprotein, correlate with both severity and duration of joint inflammation. Characterization of this OspA-directed antibody response is, therefore, important for understanding some of the mechanisms that sustain persistent pathology. Such analyses in Lyme arthritis patients have been previously hampered by relatively small amounts of clinical blood samples, as well as the general intractability and low success rates of B-cell immortalization procedures. Here we describe a robust method for generation of OspA-specific monoclonal antibody fragments from archival cell samples employing a three-step procedure — isolation of single OspA-specific B-cells, their ex vivo clonal expansion and production of expressed immunoglobulins as single chain variable region fragments (scFvs). Interestingly, two of three scFvs generated from a single patient were of a common clonal origin, additional somatic mutations in the downstream member resulting in a concomitant modulation of antigen binding affinity. Computational docking of OspA into corresponding Fv domains, generated by molecular modeling, reveals subtle binding site differences which could account for the observed alteration in ligand binding. Besides their utility as standards in routine diagnostic assays, being the first described OspA-specific human monoclonal reagents, these scFvs are useful tools for analysis of the anti-OspA repertoire in patients and for identification of putative human mimics of the bacterial protein.
Use of SEER-Medicare data for measuring cancer surgery.

BACKGROUND. The accuracy and completeness of the SEER-Medicare data for measuring cancer-related therapy have not been extensively evaluated. OBJECTIVES. To investigate the best method for measuring cancer-related surgery among patients in the SEER-Medicare database. SUBJECTS. A total of 149,970 incident cases of breast, colorectal, endometrial, lung, pancreatic, and prostate cancer diagnosed between 1991 and 1993. MEASURES. The most invasive surgical procedure identified through Medicare's inpatient, physician, and hospital outpatient claims was compared with corresponding data from the SEER files.
Analysis of environmental influences in nuclear half-life measurements exhibiting time-dependent decay rates

Abstract In a recent series of papers evidence has been presented for correlations between solar activity and nuclear decay rates. This includes an apparent correlation between Earth–Sun distance and data taken at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), and at the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB). Although these correlations could arise from a direct interaction between the decaying nuclei and some particles or fields emanating from the Sun, they could also represent an “environmental” effect arising from a seasonal variation of the sensitivities of the BNL and PTB detectors due to changes in temperature, relative humidity, background radiation, etc. In this paper, we present a detailed analysis of the responses of the detectors actually used in the BNL and PTB experiments, and show that sensitivities to seasonal variations in the respective detectors are likely too small to produce the observed fluctuations.
A genetic analysis of aggressive behavior in two strains of mice.

Examination of BALB/cJ and A/J mouse strains revealed marked differences in their levels of isolation-induced aggression. Using the dangler paradigm, we found that BALB/cJ males were uniformly aggressive, while A/J males showed no tendency to attaak. Genetic analysis showed that the expression of aggressive behavior in the F1, F2, and backcross generations was consistent with the transmission of high aggressivity as a single, autosomal recessive trait. Although the data are consistent with a majorlocus effect, more complex polygenic modes of inheritance have not been excluded.
An integral method for the analysis of flow in arterial stenoses.

An approximate solution is presented to the problem of incompressible flow through an axisymmetric constriction. The geometry is intended to simulate an arterial stenosis, and the solution is applicable to both mild and severe stenoses for Reynolds numbers below transition. Theoretical results obtained for specific geometries are given for the velocity distribution, pressure drop, wall shearing stress, and separation phenomena. These results reveal the significant alterations in flow caused by a stenosis. Experiments using model stenoses are described and compared with the theoretical results. Theoretical predictions of pressure drop and separation characteristics are in reasonably good agreement with the experimental observations.
Probability of correct identification of non-additive cells in row–column designs

Consider a row-column design with m non-additive (NA) cells. Let δ h (h= 1,...,m) be the amount of non-additivity in the hth NA cell. Let σ 2 be the error variance. The set of NA cells and the δ's are all unknown, and must be identified (so that the estimates of treatment contrasts be made distortion free). Let U be a set of m distinct cells, and S c 2 (U) be the sum of squares due to error using all data, but ignoring the cells U. Consider Srivastava's rule R 1 (introduced by Srivastava in search linear model theory) of identifying NA cells: take U 0 as the set of NA cells if and only if S e 2 (U) is minimum for U = U 0 . It has been proved that the m NA cells are identifiable if and only if R 1 can identify them when σ 2 =0. For the noisy cases, what is the probability of correct identification of NA cells using R 1 technique? In this paper, we shall study non-additivity of row-column designs for the noisy cases and develop some general theoretical methods to find the probability of correct identification of NA cells.
Is prosocial behaviour a good thing? Developmental changes in children's evaluations of helping, sharing, cooperating, and comforting

This study investigated the development of prosocial thinking in children. The participants were 83 children (7–12 years of age) who responded to questions concerning helping, sharing, cooperating, and comforting. Specifically, for each of the prosocial behaviours studied, participants were asked: (1) whether they would respond in a prosocial manner (Expected Behaviour); (2) whether they thought it would be alright if they did not respond in a prosocial manner (Obligation); (3) whether they would feel good about themselves for not responding prosocially (Selfevaluation); (4) whether it would bother them if others thought they were mean for not responding prosocially (Peer Evaluation). The results revealed age and prosocial behavioural differences as well as an interaction between age and prosocial behaviour type (e.g. curvilinear relationships are reported).
Flameless Atomic Absorption Determination of Platinum, Palladium, and Rhodium in Geologic Materials

Platinum, palladium and rhodium have been determined in 18 U.S. Geological Survey reference materials by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry after preconcentration by the classical leadfree assay technique. A comparison with literature values shows clearly the need for additional data on these samples before “best” values can be assigned.
Low incidence of paraplegia after thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair with proactive spinal cord protective protocols

Objective Paraparesis and paraplegia after thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) is a greatly feared complication. Multiple case series report this risk up to 13% with no, or inconsistent, application of interventions to enhance and protect spinal cord perfusion. In this study, we report our single-institution experience of TEVAR, using the same proactive spinal cord ischemia protection protocol we use for open repair. Methods Endovascular thoracic aortic interventions were performed for both on-label (aneurysm) and off-label (trauma, other) indications. Aortic area covered was recorded as a fraction from the subclavian to celiac origins and reported as a percentage. If debranching was required, measurements were taken from the most distal arch vessel left intact. Intraoperative imaging and postoperative computed tomographic angiogram were used in calculating aortic percent coverage. Outcomes were recorded in a clinical database and analyzed retrospectively. The spinal cord ischemia protection included routine spinal drainage (spinal fluid pressure 90 mm Hg), and optimizing cardiac function. Results From 2005 to 2012, 94 consecutive TEVARs were studied. Indications were thoracic aneurysm (n = 48), plaque rupture with or without dissection (n = 23), trauma (n = 15), and other (n = 8). Forty-nine percent were acute, average age was 68.5 years, 60% (n = 56) were male, and the mean follow-up was 12 months. Mean length of aortic coverage was 161 mm, correlating to 59.4% aortic coverage. One patient had delayed paralysis (1.1%; observed/expected ratio, 0.12) and recovered enough to ambulate easily without assistance. Other complications included wound (7.5%), stroke (4.3%), myocardial infarct (4.3%), and renal failure (1.1%). Conclusions Proactive spinal cord protective protocols appear to reduce the incidence of spinal ischemia after TEVAR compared with historical series. This study would suggest that active, as opposed to reactive, approaches to spinal ischemia portend a better long-term outcome. Multimodal protection is essential, especially if long segment coverage is planned.
No Behavioral Control over Mating Frequency in Queen Honey Bees (Apis mellifera L.): Implications for the Evolution of Extreme Polyandry.

Ever since the seminal papers of Hamilton (1964), a common focus of sociobiology has been the genetic relationships among individuals of insect societies. At issue are agents that reduce the average relatedness among colony members since they are difficult to interpret in light of the evolution of sociality by kin selection. One such factor is polyandry or female multiple mating. Low levels of polyandry are common among the social Hymenoptera, occurring across a broad range of taxa and social systems (Page and Metcalf 1982; Page 1986; Crozier and Pamilo 1996). In spite of that, high mating frequencies (‚2 mates/ female) are relatively rare among the highly eusocial Hymenoptera, limited to only one or a few genera in each of the ants, bees, and wasps (Boomsma and Ratnieks 1996). These extraordinary levels of polyandry have been of particular interest among students of social insect research since their adaptive significance is still in question and highly debated (Kraus and Page 1998; Sherman et al. 1998). The genus Apis has been studied in depth for both queen reproductive behavior and mating frequency, facts that allow insight into the evolution of extreme polyandry in these species. The reproductive behavior of honey bee queens (Apis mellifera) occurs early in their lifetimes. Virgin queens initiate mating behavior when they are about 1 wk old by briefly exiting the colony and orienting to local landmarks (Ruttner 1956). After such orientation * To whom correspondence should be addressed; e-mail: drtarpy@
THE GENESIS OF SIZE HIERARCHIES IN SEEDLING POPULATIONS OF IMPATIENS CAPENSIS MEERB.

Summary In 1978 and 1980 I planted 660 and 900 seeds of Impatiens capensis Meerb. at four densities in the greenhouse to examine how variation in plant performance is generated. I noted seed weight, seed type (cleistogamous or chasmogamous), maternal parent, and population of origin, and monitored emergence date, cotyledon area, the biomass of competitors within the same flat, and the final size reached by the seedlings after 63 to 80 d of growth. Larger seeds tended to germinate sooner, as did seeds derived from chasmogamous flowers. Seeds from northern populations took longer to germinate. Seeds from different maternal parents also germinated at different rates. Cotyledon area strongly depended on seed weight, and, to a lesser extent, germination date. Maternal parent and seed type significantly affected cotyledon area in 1980. Plant density and cotyledon area influenced final size the most, but almost every factor proved to be statistically significant. As expected, earlier emerging seedlings with larger cotyledons growing at the lowest density grew into the largest plants. I applied path analysis to summarize the interactions among the continuous variables and to disentangle direct from indirect causal effects. This technique revealed that seed weight enhanced performance primarily through its effects on emergence date and cotyledon area. Chasmogamous seedlings outperformed cleistogamous seedlings, and their advantage was expressed during most phases of growth. Together, the predictor variables accounted for over four-fifths of the total variation in final size. The inequality of plant sizes, as measured by the Gini coefficient, increased appreciably during the course of the experiment. There was no simple relation to density, however, suggesting that both intrinsic differences in growth rate, and competitive dominance and supression fuel the establishment of size hierarchies.