cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Activated carbons from end-products of tree nut and tree fruit production as sorbents for removing methyl bromide in ventilation effluent following postharvest chamber fumigation.

End-products of tree nuts and tree fruits grown in California, USA were evaluated for the ability to remove methyl bromide (MB) from ventilation effluent following postharvest chamber fumigation. A...
Fungal Degradation of Azo Dyes and Its Relationship to their Structure

Organic chemists add approximately 200,000 new chemicals per year to the millions already used by the USA, Japan, and the advanced industrial nations of Europe. About 100,000 of the chemicals in use are synthetic dyes (Meyer, 1981). Azo dyes are the most numerous and widely manufactured of the synthetic dyes, having a great variety of uses ranging from food dyes to gasoline additives (solvent dyes). Highly water soluble azo dyes are widely used in the fiber dyeing industry, and azo pigments that are highly insoluble in water and in organic solvents are used in paint products (Hunger et al., 1985). The characteristic feature of azo dyes is the presence of one or more chromophoric azo group(s) R-N=N-R, where at least one nitrogen atom is linked to a carbon atom belonging to an aromatic carbocycle.
A semi-analytical decomposition analysis of surface plasmon generation and the optimal nanoledge plasmonic device

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of nanostructured thin metal films (so-called nanoplasmonics) has attracted intense attention due to its versatility for optical sensing and chip-based device integration. Understanding the underlying physics and developing applications of nanoplasmonic devices with desirable optical properties, e.g. intensity of light scattering and high refractive index (RI) sensitivity at the perforated metal film, is crucial for practical uses in physics, biomedical detection, and environmental monitoring. This work presents a semi-analytical model that enables decomposition and quantitative analysis of surface plasmon generation at a new complex nanoledge aperture structure under plane-wave illumination, thus providing insight on how to optimize plasmonic devices for optimal plasmonic generation efficiencies and RI sensitivity. A factor analysis of parameters (geometric, dielectric-RI, and incident wavelength) relevant to surface plasmon generation is quantitatively investigated to predict the surface plasmon polariton (SPP) generation efficiency. In concert with the analytical treatment, a finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation is used to model the optical transmission spectra and RI sensitivity as a function of the nanoledge device's geometric parameters, and it shows good agreement with the analytical model. Further validation of the analytical approach is provided by fabricating subwavelength nanoledge devices and testing their optical transmission and RI sensitivity.
Investigation of the photocatalytic activity of TiO2--polyoxometalate systems.

The present study reports the investigation of polyoxometalate catalyzed electron transfer from the conduction band of photoexcited TiO2 to molecular oxygen. The oxidation of 1,2-dichlorobenzene (DCB) was used as an index reaction for evaluating the photocatalyst systems TiO2−PW12O403-, TiO2−SiW12O40,4- and TiO2−W10O324- in oxygenated aqueous solution. Addition of these polyoxometalate (POM) anions to TiO2 suspensions resulted in significant rate enhancement for DCB oxidation. Photodegradation kinetics exhibited [POM] dependence, experiencing different maximum (k = 0.0318 min-1, 0.0108 min-1, and 0.0066 min-1) for each POM at different [POM] (0.1 mM PW12O403-, 0.07 mM SiW12O40,4- and 1 mM W10O32,4- respectively). The probability that the difference in the adsorption affinity of POMs on TiO2 surface could account for the observed ranking of photodegradation rates was ruled out by adsorption isotherm experiments that revealed similar binding constants for each POM (467 M-1, 459 M-1, and 417 M-1 for PW12O403...
The Structures of Tantalum Pentoxide Film Formed by Reactive DC Magnetron Sputter-Deposition of Ta

Tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5) films are candidates for application as storage capacitors in high density memory cells and as gate insulators in MOS devices because of their large dielectric constant. Thin Ta2O5 films deposited by reactive DC magnetron sputtering of a pure Ta target using an argon/oxygen mixture have been characterized using TEM, glancing angle X-ray diffraction and RBS. The films are amorphous in the as-deposited condition but crystallize after high temperature (> 600 °C) annealing. Numerous pores and significant grain boundary grooving were observed in the crystallized film. A high level (∼2 at. %) of argon was detected in both as-deposited and annealed films formed by Ar/O2 sputtering. The effects of sputtering and annealing conditions on the structure of the films were investigated.
Fast Random Event Detection Using Optical Frequency Comb

Application of tunable optical parametric frequency combs in spectral decomposition and detection of the non-repetitive high-speed and low SNR signal is discussed. A significant improvement in detection sensitivity is reported for the newly introduced receiver architecture.
Low Temperature Water Gas Shift: Evaluation of Pt/HfO2 and Correlation between Reaction Mechanism and Periodic Trends in Tetravalent (Ti, Zr, Hf, Ce, Th) Metal Oxides

It is well-known that catalysts containing small quantities of noble metals (e.g., Pt, Au) that are highly dispersed on Group IV and related tetravalent metal oxides (e.g., TiO2, ZrO2, CeO2, ThO2) display, once activated, high conversion for water-gas shift (WGS). The mechanism suggested for this by many authors is bimolecular in nature. In one view, adsorption of CO on the partially reducible oxide produces formates by reaction with active bridging OH groups, followed by water-assisted formate decomposition by dehydrogenation, with this second step being facilitated by metal particles at the metal–support interface. Considering this group of oxides, HfO2, as far as we are aware, had not yet been studied as a potential candidate for low temperature water-gas shift (LTWGS). Thus, in this contribution, catalysts composed of Pt supported on HfO2 were prepared and tested. Catalyst testing results suggest that this system is, like Pt/ZrO2 and Pt/CeO2, active for the WGS reaction, although additional studies ar...
Effects of Inflow Forcing on Jet Noise Using Large Eddy Simulation

Recent discoveries have shown that by adjusting selected in∞ow forcing parameters, properties such as turbulent ∞ow development and most importantly jet noise are in∞uenced to some extent. To implement fully a nozzle structure in a high-end simulation like Large Eddy Simulation (LES) would require a prohibitive number of grid points to resolve the boundary layer for realistic Reynolds numbers. Thus, in∞ow forcing currently seems to be a reasonable substitute for a nozzle geometry. However, the drawback of this approach is that the ∞ow fleld results are sensitive to in∞ow forcing parameters used. With LES as an investigative tool, this paper studies the efiects of in∞ow forcing with particular emphasis on the number of azimuthal modes. We flnd that by removing the flrst few modes results in the jet developing slower, i.e. longer potential core. Furthermore, the peak turbulence intensities increase when we remove the flrst 6 and 8 modes of forcing. Due to this high peak turbulence intensities we found that the overall sound pressure level (OASPL) also increases at all observation angles for a closed control surface using the Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings method.
The participation of plasma thromboplastin antecedent (Factor XI) in contact-activated fibrinolysis.

SummaryExposure of human plasma to foreign surfaces, under certain conditions, may lead to the development of fibrinolytic activity. To assess the role of plasma thromboplastin antecedent (PTA, Factor XI) in contact-mediated activation of plasminogen, kaolin-induced plasmin generation was examined in 11 severely PTA-deficient plasmas. PTA-deficient plasmas generated significantly less plasmin activity, as measured upon a substrate of H-D-Valyl-L-leucyl-L-lysine-P-nitroanilide, than normal plasmas. Impaired plasmin generation was not due to the presence of excessive inhibitors, nor due to a deficiency of plasminogen, Hageman factor, prekallikrein, or high-molecular-weight kininogen. Reconstitution of PTA-deficient plasmas with purified PTA completely corrected impaired contact-activated plasmin generation. These results suggest a requirement of PTA in the contact-activated generation of plasmin in human plasma, and support a hypothesis that PTA functions not only as a blood-clotting factor, but also as a c...
Controllable Reversible Addition–Fragmentation Termination Monomers for Advances in Photochemically Controlled Covalent Adaptable Networks

With the advent of systematically designed controllable reversible addition–fragmentation termination (CRAFT) compounds, we have identified structure–property relationships related to the RAFT compositional structure as it impacts photoplasticity in covalent adaptable networks (CANs). In this study, we have expanded the range and functional capabilities of addition–fragmentation capable network forming monomers by synthesizing and evaluating systematically varying CRAFT monomers with the general formula ABCBA. Subsequent assessment of the impact of these monomers on photoplasticity and stress relaxation was performed. Structural variation of the A and B segments, in particular, imparts increased efficiency and efficacy in stress relaxation and photoplasticity. The CRAFT monomers employed have highly efficient stress relaxation properties demonstrating stress reduction of up to 54% and 75%, respectively, in postpolymerization network photoplasticity experiments. Furthermore, polymerization stress reduction...
Experimental Liver Failure

The liver plays a central role in the regulation and availability of metabolic substrates. Absorption of substances across the gastrointestinal tract are carried by the portal vein to the liver where most are taken up by the hepatocytes or Kupffer cells for further processing. The resulting metabolites produced are used by the peripheral tissue as required and these processes are regulated by the hormonal milieu. Excess glucose is stored as glycogen to be used ultimately by the functioning organs, particularly the obligatory users of glucose. Additional excess glucose is utilized for lipid and amino acid synthesis. Fatty acids along with α-glycerophosphate are converted to triglycerides and stored, particularly in adipose tissue. Amino acids contribute to production of new proteins. All of these pathways are interrelated and interdependent. The liver plays a prominent role in all aspects of metabolism and is susceptible to regulation by a variety of substances.
Higher Moments of a Maximum‐Likelihood Estimate

SUMMARY For a distribution depending on a single parameter the first four sampling moments of the maximum-likelihood estimate to orders N-2, N-3, N-3 and N-4 respectively are given. Expressions for the measures of skewness Y1 and y2 are also given. Several illustrative examples are included as a check on the heavy algebra. The paper extends earlier work by Haldane and Smith.
How to Manage Cystic Tumors of the Pancreas in High-Risk Individuals

Cystic tumors of the pancreas are detected with increasing frequency. Reliable differentiation between benign cysts, cysts with malignant potential, and cysts that harbor invasive cancer is crucial for patient management, but poses a clinical challenge. Interestingly, in individuals with an increased risk for pancreatic cancer, the prevalence of pancreatic cysts is high, up to 42 %. Cyst management in these high-risk individuals presents an even greater challenge, as little is known about the natural behavior of cystic lesions in general, but even less in this high-risk group.
Statistical Monitoring Techniques for Contamination Data

Monitoring of particle contamination by statistically based methods is used extensively in semiconductor manufacturing. Often Shewhart-type control charts are used for this purpose. These charts suffer from some potential disadvantages in this application environment. Specifically, they are slow to detect shifts or changes in the level of particle contamination and, in some situations, the underlying statistical assumptions of the charts are inappropriate for contamination data. We suggest the use of cumulative sum and exponentially weighted moving average control charts for monitoring particle contamination. The advantages of these charts for the types of particle contamination data typically encountered in semiconductor manufacturing are discussed and illustrated with examples.
ASHP Guidelines on Pharmacy Services in Correctional Facilities.

Correctional facilities include county, state, and federal jails, prisons, and detention centers whose populations may be adult or juvenile, U.S. citizen or noncitizen, sentenced inmates or detainees awaiting judicial proceedings. They may be managed directly by the relevant jurisdiction, run by a
Differentiating Familial Neuropathies from Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Differentiating Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) from inherited neuropathies and other acquired peripheral neuropathies requires understanding the atypical presentations of GBS and its variant forms, as well as historical and physical features suggestive of inherited neuropathies. GBS is typically characterized by the acute onset of ascending flaccid paralysis, areflexia, and dysesthesia secondary to peripheral nerve fiber demyelination. The disorder usually arises following a benign gastrointestinal or respiratory illness, is monophasic, reaches a nadir with several weeks, and responds to immunomodulatory therapy. Inherited neuropathies with onset before adulthood, whose presentation may mimic Guillain-Barre syndrome, are reviewed.
Having But Not Holding: Consumerism & Commodification in Second Life

This is a brief essay, we call "think-pieces", designed to stimulate a discussion on a particular topic. For this series of essays we propose the following question: "Consumer behavior in virtual worlds, is it really any different to the real world, or is it simply a case of 'old wine in a new bottle'?"
Defect Generation in Shock-Wave Deformation

A theoretical framework elucidating the generation of shock-induced defects is presented. Three different mechanisms responsible for the generation of point, line, and planar defects (twins and stacking faults), respectively, are described. Dislocations are homogeneously nucleated at or slightly behind the shock front by the powerful deviatoric stresses generated by the shock pulse; they are accelerated by the residual deviatoric stresses either towards or away from the front. Dislocation dynamical considerations limit their velocity to the velocity of shear waves in the medium. Their self-energy and stiffness are very high at the high velocities; hence, their ability to generate point defects upon intersecting each other is greatly enhanced, because the drag stress produced by the jogs is essentially independent of the velocity.
Is Inequality Designed or Preordained

The conventional explanation of raising income inequality is often referred to as the market forces hypothesis. Global forces have led to structural economic changes in which we now have a two-tier...
Estimating significance in observations of variable and transient gamma-ray sources

Abstract The standard method for estimating the statistical significance of a gamma-ray source detection is that introduced by Li & Ma (1983), Eq. (17). In observing sources with time-dependent light curves, one can improve on this method by including approximate a priori knowledge of the source temporal behavior. A maximum-likelihood-based approach is suggested that provides an improvement in sensitivity with respect to the Li & Ma technique. The method is demonstrated by applying it to Monte Carlo simulations of gamma-ray burst observations with parameters chosen to reproduce the performance of current generation imaging air Cherenkov telescopes (IACTs). One particular example of a simulated burst observation near the current-generation IACT detection threshold results in a sensitivity improvement of approximately 25% . It is also shown that this method can work with highly variable light curves without much computational complexity, and that the sensitivity gain is robust against uncertainties in the a priori -defined light curve.
A fast simulation algorithm for multiple moving bottlenecks and applications in urban freight traffic management

Abstract Moving bottlenecks are moving capacity restrictions that affect traffic flows, and they can be used to describe the effects of buses and trucks in transportation networks. The computation of solutions associated with the presence of moving bottlenecks is complex, since they both influence and are influenced by surrounding traffic. In this study, we propose a fast numerical scheme that can efficiently compute the solutions to an arbitrary number of moving (and fixed) bottlenecks, for a stretch of road modeled by the Lighthill–Whitham–Richards (LWR) model. Several different moving bottlenecks can be simulated endogenously all together by means of an algorithm based on a semi-analytic Lax–Hopf formula. Since the numerical scheme is semi-analytic and requires a very low number of operations, it can be employed for traffic estimation problems where fast and accurate solutions are required. We demonstrate the capabilities of the method by implementing two alternative traffic management strategies designed to minimize the negative impacts of trucks and buses in urban environments.
Intersurgeon Cost Variability in Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion.

Study design Retrospective review of prospective patient outcomes and cost data. Objective To analyze the contribution of surgeon-specific variability in cost and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) to overall variability in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), whereas adjusting for patient comorbidities. Summary of background data Cost reduction in surgical care has received increased attention. Patient factors contributing to cost variability in ACDF have been described; however, intersurgeon cost and outcome variability has received less attention in the literature. Methods Adult patients undergoing elective primary ACDF by five different surgeons were analyzed from a prospective registry database. Direct and indirect 90-day costs were compared across each surgeon, along with PROs. Predicted costs were calculated based on patient co-morbidities, and an "observed versus expected" cost differential was measured for each surgeon; this O/E cost ratio was then compared with PROs. Results A total of 431 patients were included in the analysis. There were no differences in comorbidities, age, smoking status, or narcotic use. There was significant variation between surgeons in total 90-day costs, as well as variation between each surgeon's observed versus expected cost ratio. Despite these surgeon-specific cost variations, there were no differences in PROs across the participating surgeons. Conclusion Intersurgeon cost variation in elective ACDF persists even after adjusting for patient comorbidities. There was no apparent correlation between increased surgeon-specific costs and 90-day PROs. These findings show there is opportunity for improvement in inter-surgeon cost variation without compromise in PROs. Level of evidence 3.
Rheumatic Heart Disease in Pregnancy: Global Challenges and Clear Opportunities.

Acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic valvular disease remain prevalent in many parts of the world, and are probably the most common cause of heart disease in pregnancy. Mitral stenosis is the most frequently encountered rheumatic valvular lesion. A variety of pregnancy-associated cardiovascular changes often exacerbate the signs and symptoms of valvular lesions. Pregnancy should not be allowed to proceed, if possible, in patients with uncorrected severe valvular lesions or mechanical heart valves requiring anticoagulation, as maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality are high. For those with milder disease, pregnancy is best undertaken after the valvular lesion has been rectified or stabilised. Recent advances in the management of valvular disease include the use of beta-blockers for patients with mitral stenosis, vasodilators in those with aortic and mitral regurgitation, and percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty for mitral and aortic stenosis. Application of these therapies in the pregnant patient is as yet unclear, and management decision needs to be individualized, weighing the risk and benefit to ensure maternal survival and to promote fetal well-being.
CrowdLayout: Crowdsourced Design and Evaluation of Biological Network Visualizations

Biologists often perform experiments whose results generate large quantities of data, such as interactions between molecules in a cell, that are best represented as networks (graphs). To visualize these networks and communicate them in publications, biologists must manually position the nodes and edges of each network to reflect their real-world physical structure. This process does not scale well, and graph layout algorithms lack the biological underpinnings to offer a viable alternative. In this paper, we present CrowdLayout, a crowdsourcing system that leverages human intelligence and creativity to design layouts of biological network visualizations. CrowdLayout provides design guidelines, abstractions, and editing tools to help novice workers perform like experts. We evaluated CrowdLayout in two experiments with paid crowd workers and real biological network data, finding that crowds could both create and evaluate meaningful, high-quality layouts. We also discuss implications for crowdsourced design and network visualizations in other domains.
IOL-Kalkulation nach refraktiver Hornhautchirurgie

Die genaue Berechnung von Intraokularlinsen fur Augen, die bereits keratorefraktiven Eingriffen unterzogen wurden, ist bekanntermasen schwierig. Dafur gibt es zwei wesentliche Grunde: Ungenaue Messung der kornealen Brechkraft durch Standardkeratometer oder auch computerisierte Videokeratographie (CVK) Fehlerhafte Einschatzung der tatsachlichen (effektiven) Linsenposition (ELP), die von den meisten der entsprechenden IOL-Formeln der 3. und 4. Generation benotigt wird
Chapter 12 - Responses of Temperate Crops in North America to Soil Compaction

Summary Soil compaction concerns are increasing in the temperate region of North America. Increased size and weight of field equipment, plus changes in farming patterns to a predominate row-crop culture, are contributing to this problem. Soils in the region are annually subjected to a freezing and thawing cycle plus several wetting and drying cycles. However, these natural forces do not necessarily ameliorate soil structural changes resultant from compaction. Yield decreases from soil compaction have been identified for all investigated crops grown in the region, but responses have been variable and in some cases difficult to assess, although compaction problems are magnified when combined with other plant stress situations. Soil compaction effects have been identified by increased bulk density, higher soil strength and reduced pore volumes, which in turn exert a negative influence on soil aeration, root exploration, and water and nutrient uptake. Crop responses to compaction are strongly influenced by soil texture and soil water content at the time of load application. However, crop responses are not always negative, as they are also a function of growing season precipitation. Subsoil compaction, which is mainly due to high axle loads, is causing increasingly serious concerns about future productivity. Subsoil compaction is long-lasting and difficult to correct. In the temperate region of North America, efforts to reduce soil compaction have been limited and compaction will remain a production problem until changes in farm practices are made.
A New LMS Algorithm Based Deadtime Compensation Method for PMSM FOC Drives

This paper presents a new least-mean-square (LMS) algorithm based deadtime compensation method to suppress the current distortion in permanent-magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) field-oriented control (FOC) drives. Compared to conventional average value compensations, the proposed method is robust to switching device parameter variations thanks to the online adaptation capability of the LMS algorithm. Similarly, the disturbance observer compensators are also immune to switching device parameter variations; however, varying motor parameters degrade their compensation performance. Without prior knowledge of switching device or motor parameters, the proposed method can directly reduce the deadtime current harmonics by generating compensation voltage references. In addition, the proposed method is easy to implement since it does not require voltage errors estimation or current harmonics extraction, which are necessary for disturbance observer and adaptive filter based methods. The proposed method is tested on a 2.5-kW voltage-source inverter PMSM drive controlled by an FOC algorithm. Its effectiveness is validated by both experimental results and spectrum analysis.
Resolution Analysis of Acoustic Tomographic Imaging with Finite-Size Apertures Based on Spatial-Frequency Coverage

The objective of this paper is to present a comprehensive analysis of resolving capability of acoustic diffraction tomography using finite-size receiving apertures based on the span of spatial spectral coverage. The analysis is conducted on both the transmission and reflection modes, and can be generalized into various data acquisition configurations. In addition, the analysis provides an important link to other tomographic imaging modalities such as the classical X-ray tomography and synthetic aperture radar systems.
Modelling Characteristics of Human-Robot Interaction in an Exoskeleton System with Elastic Elements

In the paper, problem of modelling the human robot interactions in an exoskeleton system is investigated. In particular, a the case of a lower limb exoskeleton is considered. The interaction is supported by a special connector device featuring elastic elements and pressure sensors, allowing measuring the relative position of the human body and the mechanism links. An algorithm for calculating the position of the human body using the feedback from the pressure sensor is presented. Simulation results taking into account the noise and quantization of the sensor output showed validity of the proposed algorithm. Further simulations allowed to analyze the behavior of the control system in the case of harmonic inputs over a range of different frequencies.
Principles of Auditory Object Formation by Nonhuman Animals

Early in the twentieth century, the Gestalt psychologists outlined principles governing the ability of the human visual system to construct integrated percepts of objects in visual scenes. By the close of the twentieth century, ample evidence suggested that the human auditory system follows similar principles of perceptual organization. Several Gestalt principles of grouping—proximity, similarity, common fate, good continuation, and familiarity, govern our ability to decompose complex mixtures of sounds into percepts of auditory objects in acoustic scenes. Auditory objects are perceptual groupings of sounds generated by the same source that are present at different times and in different parts of the frequency spectrum. The ability to form auditory objects likely plays an important role in allowing animals to navigate human-altered soundscapes. This chapter reviews studies of insects, fish, frogs, birds, and nonhuman mammals in which experimenters manipulated potential grouping cues and measured performance on behavioral tasks designed to reveal the animal’s perception of auditory objects. These studies employed techniques ranging from measuring natural behaviors in response to communication signals to operant conditioning of responses to artificial sounds such as pure tones. The totality of the studies reviewed here unequivocally reveals that nonhuman animals not only form auditory objects but that they also follow the Gestalt principles of grouping. These principles and their underlying mechanisms allow animals to perceptually organize the often noisy and complex acoustic environments in which they live.
Raspberry ketone-supplemented diet has no effect on fitness parameters or lure responsiveness in male melon flies, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Abstract The male annihilation technique (MAT) and sterile insect technique (SIT) are often used to control pestiferous tephritid fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae). MAT involves the deployment of traps containing a male attractant and insecticide with the goal of drastically reducing male abundance and ultimately eliminating the entire population. SIT, which involves the mass production, sterilization, and release of the target species, may also be implemented to achieve final extirpation. Generally, simultaneous implementation of MAT and SIT is counterproductive, because the presence of large numbers of male-specific traps in the environment (MAT) would greatly reduce the number of sterile males available for copulating with wild females (SIT). However, studies on the Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt), indicate that concurrent use of MAT and SIT may be feasible. Sexually mature males of B. tryoni are attracted to the raspberry ketone and its synthetic analogue cue-lure. Males of B. tryoni fed raspberry-ketone-supplemented diet when newly emerged showed lower attraction to cue-lure baited traps than control males. In addition, newly emerged males provided this diet displayed accelerated sexual maturation, which would allow the early release of sterile males and reduce pre-release holding costs. Here, we examined whether the addition of raspberry ketone to the adult diet of male melon flies, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett), produced effects similar to those observed for B. tryoni. Despite using similar methods, no significant effect of raspberry ketone-supplemented diet on time to sexual maturity, survival, mating competitiveness, or attraction to cue-lure baited traps in mass-reared Z. cucurbitae males.
Does perceived ostracism contribute to mental health concerns among veterans who have been deployed

Posttraumatic stress-negative psychological experiences as a result of traumatic stressors-can hinder military veterans' reintegration into society and cause various mental health problems. Veterans need quality social relationships to facilitate reintegration and to cope with posttraumatic stress and related mental health problems; discrimination or other forms of interpersonal rejection can exacerbate these veterans' problems. Ostracism (i.e., being ignored and excluded) is a painful and psychologically distressing experience that may be one factor that contributes to the problems of veterans who are dealing with posttraumatic stress. To our knowledge, this connection has yet to be tested empirically. Thus, we investigated the correlation between posttraumatic stress, perceived ostracism, and other theoretically relevant variables (i.e., mental health problems, perceived social support, psychological need satisfaction) in a sample of veterans who have had at least one deployment. Our results provide preliminary empirical evidence suggesting that perceived ostracism may contribute to veteran' deployment-related psychological problems. Veterans' perceived ostracism correlated with psychological problems (i.e., posttraumatic stress symptoms, anxiety and psychological distress), and it explained additional variance in posttraumatic stress symptoms above and beyond common predictors of these symptoms (i.e., deployment stress, perceived military and civilian-based social support). Finally, perceived ostracism emerged as the most important predictor of posttraumatic stress symptoms in a relative weights analysis.
Catchin' Feelings: Experiences of Intimacy During Black College Students' Sexual Encounters.

Research regarding intimacy within Black relationships is often deficiency-focused, reinforcing negative stereotypes about Black people’s capacity to relate in sexual and romantic relationships. Utilizing social exchange theory and social learning theory as a combined framework, we examined intimacy-related narratives of 18 Black college students during their first and last sexual encounters. A thematic analysis constructed five themes: (a) limited knowledge of intimacy, (b) internal barriers to non-sexual intimacy, (c) external barriers to non-sexual intimacy, (d) seeking an emotional connection, and (e) experiencing intimacy. Findings suggest varying perspectives and experiences related to intimacy. Intimacy barriers and facilitators are discussed.
Flight inspection data and crack initiation times

Lockheed C-130 service-flight inspection data is reduced by means of fracture mechanics and statistical analysis into a form from which the probability of time to crack initiation and the distribution of initial flaw sizes for various locations on the aircraft can be determined. Crack sizes are normalized by extrapolating a growing crack backwards from its first recorded size to .03 inches (crack initiation size) yielding the time to crack initiation. In a similar fashion, the crack is grown backwards to a time equal to zero to yield an initial flaw size. In order to perform the discussed computations, crack growth constants were computed for each individual location and were analyzed statistically. Statistical distributions were fitted to times to crack initiation and to initial flaw sizes in order to describe their expected behavior. Weibull and Johnson distributions have been found to fit the data reasonably well but for a better fit convolution integrals of Poisson load distributions and Weibull strength distributions are needed.
Verifying Internet of Things Safety and Security in Physical Spaces

Concerns about safety and security have led to questions about the risk of embracing the Internet of Things (IoT). We consider the needs and techniques for verifying the correct operation of IoT devices and environments within the physical spaces they inhabit.
Precedence rules in matching algorithms

Abstract Markets with time priority rules incentivize efforts to increase trading speeds. In particular, revenues resulting from liquidity provision due to discrete pricing can often accrue to the fastest traders, those who can hold favorable queue positions. We examine the impact of precedence rules for a single market that switched to a first-in-first-out (FIFO) matching algorithm from one primarily based on pro-rata. Due to a technology issue, in May 2015 the two year Treasury futures contract unexpectedly switched from partially pro-rata to FIFO for several days. We study the effects of this switch through a difference-in-difference comparison with a related futures contract that had no change in priority rules. We find that compared to FIFO, orders placed later in time are significantly more profitable under pro-rata. However, the lower profitability of earlier orders in the queue under pro-rata matching causes prices to be less efficient under pro-rata rules. Secondary results find that order sizes and cancellations increase under pro-rata. While analyzed using the Treasury futures market, our findings are applicable to commodity futures as well, where both FIFO and pro-rata are widely used.
Retrospective review of patients treated with intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with or without concurrent chemotherapy for locally advanced thyroid cancer: The Dana-Farber experience.

e16060 Background: Chemotherapy has been used concurrently with radiation for local control as adjuvant treatment or for locally recurrent thyroid cancer. We present our experience using IMRT with ...
“Between a Regular Person and a Brand”: Managing the Contradictions of the Authentic Self-Brand

Drawing on qualitative research on personal style blogging, I examine how the marketization of self through the process of self-branding impacts self-presentation, particularly the performance of a...
Extending a Model for Animating Adverbs of Manner in American Sign Language

The goal of this work is to show that a model produced to characterize adverbs of manner can be applied to a variety of neutral animated signs to be used towards avatar sign language synthesis. This case study presents the extension of a new approach that was first presented at SLTAT 2019 in Hamburg for modeling language processes that manifest themselves as modifications to the manual channel. This work discusses additions to the model to be effective for one-handed and two-handed signs, repeating and non-repeating signs, and signs with contact.
Salvage Penile Plication Is an Effective Modality for Resolving Residual Curvature After Surgery for Peyronie's Disease.

Abstract Introduction Penile plication is highly successful in appropriately selected patients with Peyronie’s disease; however, a minority of patients experience residual curvature or delayed recurrence of curvature. Revision surgery outcomes are seldomly reported. Aim To determine the efficacy of salvage penile plication for the correction of residual and recurrent curvature. Methods Our institutional review board–approved prospective single-surgeon database of patients with Peyronie’s disease was reviewed for cases performed from 2011 to 2019. Patients requiring salvage procedures were analyzed. A successful salvage was defined by residual curvature Main outcome measure The outcomes of this study are subjective and patient-reported success of salvage plication. Results Data analysis identified 134 men treated surgically for Peyronie’s disease. Management involved plication in 105 (78.4%), incision and grafting in 14 (10.4%), excision and grafting with inflatable penile prosthesis in 7 (5.2%), plication with inflatable penile prosthesis in 6 (4.5%), or grafting, plication, and inflatable penile prosthesis in 2 (1.5%). Mean preoperative degree of curvature before initial surgery was 55° (30°–90°). Of this cohort, 5.2% (n=7) required salvage plication for a median residual or recurrent curvature of 45° (35°–90°). Initially, 3 men (43%) received an 8-dot plication, 3 (43%) underwent 16-dot plication, and 1 (14%) received plaque incision and grafting. Among salvage patients, 4 (57%) had initially satisfying results followed by recurrence of curvature and 3 (43%) desired correction of residual curvature. Salvage plication entailed an 8-dot plication in 3 (42.9%) and a 16-dot plication procedure in 4 (57.1%). The median time to salvage surgery was 9 (3–15) months, with all patients showing intraoperative resolution of curvature. At a median follow-up of 12 (1–20) months, 6 (85.7%) patients reported satisfaction with residual curvature Conclusion Patients with residual or delayed recurrence of curvature after plication for Peyronie’s disease can be effectively managed with salvage plication. Deebel NA, Scarberry K, Dutta R, et al. Salvage Penile Plication Is an Effective Modality for Resolving Residual Curvature After Surgery for Peyronie's Disease. Sex Med 2020;8:686–690.
Prospective study of plasma levels of coenzyme Q10 and lung cancer risk in a low‐income population in the Southeastern United States

Background Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a ubiquitous molecule in living organisms serving as a cofactor in energy production. Epidemiological studies have reported low CoQ10 levels being associated with an increased risk of various cancers. We conducted the first study to evaluate the association of CoQ10 concentrations with lung cancer risk. Methods A nested case-control study including 201 lung cancer cases and 395 matched controls from the Southern Community Cohort Study was conducted. Plasma CoQ10 levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography with photo-diode array detection. Conditional logistic regression models were applied to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between plasma CoQ10 levels and lung cancer risk. Results Plasma CoQ10 concentration was inversely associated with the risk of lung cancer. After adjusting for age, sex, race, and socioeconomic status, the OR (95% CI) comparing the third to first tertile was 0.57 (0.36-0.91, P for trend = 0.02). Further adjustments for smoking, alcohol, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and body mass index attenuated the point estimate slightly (OR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.34-1.08, P for trend = 0.11), comparing third to first tertiles. Stratified analyses identified a significant inverse association between plasma CoQ10 levels and lung cancer risk in current smokers, but not in former/never smokers. The association was more evident in cases who were diagnosed within 1 year of blood draw than in cases diagnosed after 1 year. Conclusions Low plasma CoQ10 was significantly associated with increased lung cancer risk, particularly among current smokers. The stronger association seen shortly following the blood draw suggests that CoQ10 may be related to disease progression.
Indications and Outcomes After Ligamentum Teres Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

Purpose To systematically review the literature to better understand the current indications for ligamentum teres reconstruction (LTR), current graft and acetabular fixation options used, patient-reported outcomes after LTR, and incidence of complications and reoperations after LTR. Methods A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement. All literature related to LTR published prior to July 2020 was identified. The inclusion criteria consisted of investigations reporting on human patients with pathology of the ligamentum teres who underwent LTR, including mentions of the indications, graft type, acetabular fixation method, postoperative patient-reported outcome scores, and incidence of complications and reoperations. Results Seven studies comprising 26 patients (28 hips) were included. The most commonly reported indication for LTR was persistent pain and instability after failed prior hip arthroscopy (68%, 19 of 28 hips). The mean postoperative modified Harris Hip Score, Non-arthritic Hip Score, and visual analog scale score all showed improvement when compared with preoperative values. A total of 2 complications occurred. Complication rates ranged from 0% to 100% in included case reports and 0% to 11% in included case series. A total of 9 reoperations were performed. Reoperation rates ranged from 0% to 100% for case reports and 18% to 100% for case series. Reoperation rates ranged from 33% to 100% in studies with patients receiving acetabular fixation using anchors versus 0% to 22% in studies performing LTR with buttons. Reoperation rates in athletic patients and patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome ranged from 0% to 100% and 0% to 50%, respectively. Conclusions The main indication for LTR was persistent hip or groin pain and instability after a prior hip arthroscopy. The short-term postoperative modified Harris Hip Score, Non-arthritic Hip Score, and visual analog scale score after LTR showed favorable outcomes. However, reoperations after LTR were not uncommon. Level of Evidence Level V, systematic review of Level IV and V studies.
Increasing Insurance Choices In The Affordable Care Act Marketplaces, 2018-21

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) relies on insurers to offer health plans in the individual health insurance Marketplaces. Since the ACA's implementation, levels of Marketplace competition have varied, reaching a nadir in 2018. We examined the characteristics of counties that experienced changes in insurers' participation in the ACA Marketplaces from 2016 to 2021. Using data from the Kaiser Family Foundation and other sources, we found that 1,968 counties (accounting for 66 percent of the US population younger than age sixty-five) have more insurers in 2021 than in 2018, whereas only twelve counties (comprising 0.4 percent of the US nonelderly population) have fewer insurers. The number of counties with monopolist Marketplace insurers declined from 1,616 in 2018 to 294 in 2021. Recent Marketplace insurer gains were more likely in counties that lost insurers from 2016 to 2018 or had a monopolist insurer in 2018. Increased competition may lead to lower gross premiums in the ACA Marketplaces. Given the Biden administration's support for the ACA Marketplaces, it appears likely that the ACA individual health insurance market will be stable and profitable for the next several years.
Electronically conducting poly-tris(5,5′-bis(3-acrylyl-1-propoxy) carbonyl]-2,2′-bipyridine)ruthenium-modified electrodes: Studies of bilayer films and solution redox reactions

Abstract The electrochemistry of electrodes coated with ∼0.1 μm thick films of thermally polymerized poly-tris(5,5′-bis[(3-acrylyl-1-propoxy)carbonyl]-2,2′-bipyridine)ruthenium(II) tosylate (popy-1) was investigated employing the cationic polymer poly(1,1-dimethyl-3,5-dimethylenepiperidium hexafluorophosphate) (PDD+PF−6), as the supportin electrolyte. In the presence of PDD+PF−6 electrolyte, poly-1 films can be blocked from reducing beyond the zero oxidation state. The electrochemistry of the solution soluble species [Ru(bpy)2Cl2]PF6 and 9-fluorenone was examined on electrodes modified with poly-1. [Ru(bpy)2Cl2]+ is reduced in the potential region positive of the 2+ /1 + couple of poly-1 where the polymer is an electronic insulator. 9-Fluorenone, on the other hand, is reduced at potentials negative of the poly-1 1 + /0 couple, where the polymer is an electronic conductor. In addition to the studies of solution species on poly-1 monolayer films, bilayer film electrodes were prepared by the electrochemical polymerization of tris(4-vinyl,4′-methyl)-2,2′-bipyridine)ruthenium on the poly-1 surface.
γ-Aminobutyric acidA receptor subunit expression predicts functional changes in hippocampal dentate granule cells during postnatal development

Profound alterations in the function of GABA occur over the course of postnatal development. Changes in GABAA receptor expression are thought to contribute to these differences in GABAergic function, but how subunit changes correlate with receptor function in individual developing neurons has not been defined precisely. In the current study, we correlate expression of 14 different GABAA receptor subunit mRNAs with changes in the pharmacological properties of the receptor in individual hippocampal dentate granule cells over the course of postnatal development in rat. We demonstrate significant developmental differences in GABAA receptor subunit mRNA expression, including greater than two-fold lower expression of α1-, α4- and γ2-subunit mRNAs and 10-fold higher expression of α5-mRNA in immature compared with adult neurons. These differences correlate both with regional changes in subunit protein level and with alterations in GABAA receptor function in immature dentate granule cells, including two-fold higher blockade by zinc and three-fold lower augmentation by type-I benzodiazepine site modulators. Further, we find an inverse correlation between changes in GABAA receptor zinc sensitivity and abundance of vesicular zinc in dentate gyrus during postnatal development. These findings suggest that developmental differences in subunit expression contribute to alterations in GABAA receptor function during postnatal development.