cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ions around DNA: Monte Carlo estimates of distribution with improved electrostatic potentials

Coulomb's law for the electrostatic interactions between ions is modified when discontinuities in dielectric constant (relative permittivity) occur. In a DNA solution such a discontinuity occurs at the interface between the DNA molecular helix and the surrounding water. We take the modified interaction potentials from a previous report [Macromolecules (1986) 19, 1186–1194] and use them with the Monte Carlo method to find the distribution of univalent and bivalent counterions around the DNA helix in the absence of coions (i.e., no added salt). In comparing the ion distribution with the modified potential to the distribution without, we find that the effects of the modifications to the potentials are considerable. The modifications tend to drive the ions out of the grooves of the helix, especially out of the major groove. This result comes partly from the repulsion exerted on the ions by the low-permittivity helix and partly from the concentration of the field of the phosphates at the surface of the helix, a concentration that is also caused by the discontinuity in permittivity.
On sparse finite-difference schemes applied to chemical process engineering problems

Abstract In this note we apply two sparse finite-difference schemes, namely Curtis, Powell and Reid's method (CPR) and Coleman and More's method (CM), to a set of 16 chemical engineering problems. Our results show that the CPR algorithm is very competitive in finding optimal groupings of Jacobian columns, at least on this set of problems. It also requires significantly less execution time.
Ion-beam Assisted Deposition of MgO with in situ RHEED Monitoring to Control Bi-axial Texture

We have studied the growth of magnesium oxide using ion-beam assisted deposition (IBAD) to achieve (100) oriented, bi-axially textured films with low mosaic spread, for film thicknesses of 10 nm on silicon substrates. We have refined the process by using reflected high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) to monitor the growth of IBAD MgO films and found that the diffracted intensity can be used to determine (and ultimately control) final in-plane texture of the film. Here we present results on our work to develop the use of real-time RHEED monitoring to deposit well-oriented IBAD MgO films. The results have been corroborated with extensive grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction (GID). Results of these analyses have allowed us to deposit films on metallic substrates with in-plane mosaic spread less than 7°.
A Longitudinal Analysis of Globalization and Regionalization in International Trade: A Social Network Approach

Although there have been heated debates over globalization and regionalization, refined empirical research has been lacking. Defining globalization and regionalization as specific types of linkages between countries, we attempt to empirically examine the following: (1) Has the world been globalized and/or regionalized? and (2) If it has, what are the consequences of these processes? To explore these questions, we analyze longitudinal data on international commodity trade using the social network approach. Data analysis shows that the world became increasingly globalized between 1959 and 1996 in the sense that each country studied traded with more countries in 1996 than in 1959. As a result, the world trade network became denser. At the core of this process has been the development of countries in the middle strata. We also find that the structure of the world trade network became decentralized over time, a change that provides greater support for neoclassical economic theory than for world-system/dependency theory. Regarding regionalization, we find that intraregional density is greater than interregional density and that intraregional ties are stronger than interregional ones. Moreover, both intraregional and interregional density increased significantly between 1959 and 1996, indicating, first, that the flow of world trade became regionalized and, second, that globalization and regionalization are not contradictory processes.
A Limitation of the Pulsed Capacitance Technique of Measuring Impurity Profiles

This paper reports the results of an investigation of a limitation of the pulsed‐capacitance technique for measuring impurity profiles in semiconductors (1). The limitation arises from the neglect of the majority carriers in the derivation of the previously published equation. The results, for the mathematically tractable example of a uniform profile, show that there is a minimum depth at which the technique is accurate and that this depth is a function of impurity concentration—decreasing with increasing concentration. This is a fundamental limitation of the technique as opposed to an instrumentation limitation.
Removal of a nest-mate elicits an age-dependent increase in plasma corticosterone of nestling Black-legged Kittiwakes

Plasma corticosterone concentrations in birds often increase about 3 min after exposure to a Stressor such as capture and handling. When measuring adrenal responsiveness of nestlings in broods with more than one nestling, standardizing capture protocols to equalize the Stressor among nestlings if they simultaneously perceive the presence and activity of a researcher as a Stressor is logistically difficult. The objective of our study was to determine if nestling Black-legged Kittiwakes {Rissa tridactyla) in broods of two mount a corticosterone response when the first nestling is removed from the nest or, alternatively, if each initiates a corticosterone response only at the time it is handled. We obtained blood samples from one nestling within 3 min of initial disturbance of the nest, and then removed and sampled its sibling 10 min later. For younger nestlings, we found no difference in corticosterone levels between those sampled at 3 min and their sibling sampled at 10 min. In contrast, older nestlings sampled at 10 min after initial nest disturbance had elevated corticosterone levels compared to those sampled within 3 min. In addition, nestlings sampled within 3 min of capture had elevated corticosterone when exposed to protracted periods of investigator disturbance at nearby nests. Our results suggest that it is necessary to treat initial disturbance of the nest as the onset of the stress response for all nestlings in multi-nestling broods when handling older nestlings or nestlings of unknown age. In addition, for species that nest in dense colonies, the presence of an investigator at one nest may be a Stressor for nestlings in adjacent nests.
Development of a decision making algorithm for airbag control

The method for airbag control developed uses two different parameters to predict the severity of the crash. The first parameter is the change in vehicle velocity, which is used to discriminate between barrier crashes. The second parameter is the length of the filtered accelerometer signal curve, which is used to discriminate between all other cases. The authors tested the algorithm on crash data and found that the results were very close to the requirement. >
Postarthrodesis Cervical Stenosis: Incidence, Etiology, and Surgical Options

Cervical spine fusion is often complicated by adjacent segment disease necessitating repeat surgical intervention. Several theories exist as to the etiology of as well as the optimal approach to correcting residual or recurrent stenosis. Common options include repeat anterior cervical discectomy with fusion or posterior decompression by laminoplasty, laminectomy, or laminoforaminotomy with or without fusion.
Efficient 3D FDTD analysis of arbitrary birefringent and dichroic media with obliquely incident sources

ABSTRACT We have developed a 3D Finite Dierence Time Domain ( FDTD) algorithm to model obliquely incident wavesthrough arbitrary birefringent and dichroic media with transverse periodic boundaries. Beginning with arbitraryconductivity and permittivity tensors, we employed the split-eld method (SFM) to enable broadband sourceswith oblique incidence. We terminate our boundaries with a uniaxial perfectly matched layer (UPML) in onedimension and periodic boundaries in the other two dimensions. The algorithm is validated via several casestudies: a polarizer pair, a twisted nematic liquid crystal, and an array of conducting particles. Using thisapproach, we simulate for the rst time polarizationgratingswith light obliquely incident in directions orthogonalto the grating vector (i.e., at oblique angles outside the normal dir action plane).Keywords: FDTD, 3D, oblique incidence, birefringence, dichroism, split-eld 1. INTRODUCTION In 1966, Yee proposed a numerical method of solving Maxw ells equations by continuously stepping forward intime in discrete steps and solving a series of linear equations at each step.
Potential Moderators of Physical Activity on Brain Health

Age-related cognitive decline is linked to numerous molecular, structural, and functional changes in the brain. However, physical activity is a promising method of reducing unfavorable age-related changes. Physical activity exerts its effects on the brain through many molecular pathways, some of which are regulated by genetic variants in humans. In this paper, we highlight genes including apolipoprotein E (APOE), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) along with dietary omega-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), as potential moderators of the effect of physical activity on brain health. There are a growing number of studies indicating that physical activity might mitigate the genetic risks for disease and brain dysfunction and that the combination of greater amounts of DHA intake with physical activity might promote better brain function than either treatment alone. Understanding whether genes or other lifestyles moderate the effects of physical activity on neurocognitive health is necessary for delineating the pathways by which brain health can be enhanced and for grasping the individual variation in the effectiveness of physical activity interventions on the brain and cognition. There is a need for future research to continue to assess the factors that moderate the effects of physical activity on neurocognitive function.
Further observations on the potentiation of postnephrectomy hypertension of the dog by dietary protein.

An assay procedure for the evaluation of dietary factors in renoprival hypertension over a short period is described. By means of this procedure dietary protein was found to potentiate renoprival hypertension of the dog. In the absence of dietary protein 2.5 mEq. sodium per kilogram per day was attended by a slight but significant elevation in the arterial pressure. The same level of hypertension was observed with fluid and sodium loading alone, dietary protein plus a lesser sodium intake, and dietary protein plus a greater sodium intake.
Individualizing therapy using direct xenografting of pancreas cancers: a multi-modality approach

B2 While there are many new agents entering clinical development, often there is no information on biomarkers that may predict the activity of these drugs, and there is very little data to prioritize which agents should be administered to a given patient. We have generated a cohort of 30 pancreatic cancer xenografts by implanting tumor materials from surgical specimens in nude mice. Molecular studies show that a) these tumors maintain the genetic features of the originator cancer; b) tumors represent the heterogeneity of pancreatic cancer well and c) features do not changed over time. We have used this retrospective platform to explore the activity of a set of over 20 anticancer agents including inhibitors of tubulin, MAPK, EGFR, mTOR, PLK1, src kinase, Ras oncogene, angiogenesis, heat shock protein 90 and hedgehog pathway inhibitors using a methodology similar to a two stage phase II clinical trial. All agents are tested against 10 xenografts. Those inactive are not explored further. Active agents are tested against the full set of tumors. For active agents, we have characterized the tumors for potential strategies and biormarkers that may predict activity using both a target-focus approach as well as general profiling approach. We have taken a step forward in the individualization of therapy, and are following a three-fold approach. First, we are developing predictive markers for these therapies, such as the correlation between MAPT expression and sensitivity to a new family of BPU analogs. Second, we are developing ex vivo assays applicable to fine-needle aspiration (FNA) tumor tissue, that allow exposing briefly the tumor cells to the drug and testing whether they are sensitive before the individual patient is even treated; examples of this are ex vivo assays for EGFR and PLK1 inhibitors. The 30-case xenograft bank has demonstrated to be a powerful tool, as each case represents an individual subject, and the ex vivo assays can be validated after testing the whole cohort. Thirdly, we are conducting a clinical trial where patients give permission to prospectively xenograft and perpetuate resected pancreas cancer specimens. While the patients receive adjuvant therapy, their tumors are treated as xenografts on mice with a panel of approved anticancer agents; in those cases where the patient develops disease progression we are utilizing the growth inhibition information to guide his/her therapy in the advanced setting. This ultimately corresponds to the clinical validation of the xenograft platform. Examples of newly discovered and developed predictive factors and ex vivo assays, and an update on the clinical trial will be presented. This multi-direction approach towards the individualization of therapy is needed given that the increasing abundance of anticancer agents has little impact on those diseases where few lines of treatment can be realistically administered, such as pancreas cancer.
Cell characterization using a protein-functionalized pore.

We demonstrate a highly-sensitive and label-free method for characterizing cells based on cell-surface receptors. The method involves measuring a current pulse generated when an individual cell passes through an artificial pore. When the pore is functionalized with proteins, specific interactions between a cell-surface marker and the functionalized proteins retard the cell, thus leading to an increased pulse duration that indicates the presence of that specific biomarker. For proof-of-principle, we successfully screened murine erythroleukemia cells based on their CD34 surface marker in both a single and mixed population of cells. Further, we developed a unified constrained statistical model for estimating the ratios of cells in a mixed population. Finally, we demonstrated our ability to screen a small number of cells (hundreds or less) with high accuracy and sensitivity. Overall, our pore-based method is broadly applicable and, in the future, could provide a full range of in vitrocell-based assays.
An Empirical Investigation of Innovation and Community Development through Information and Communication Technology

Recently, discussion has begun to consider serving the base of the economic pyramid for business and societal benefit. Suggestions for so doing have focused on business model innovation, improving internal capabilities, promoting stronger governance, and providing leapfrog technologies (such as ICT) to promote effective change. We consider the questions of what types of innovation are occurring when businesses and other organizations enter the base of the pyramid and what types of social, economic, and consumer benefits they bring to local communities. We base our findings on an analysis of more than 1,000 cases describing base of the pyramid activities.
Correspondence Regarding the Consensus Statement from the Worldwide Network for Blood and Marrow Transplantation Standing Committee on Donor Issues.

We read the recent consensus statement from the Worldwide Network for Blood and Marrow Transplantation Standing Committee on Donor Issues regarding the suitability criteria for adult related donors outlined by Drs. Worel, Halter, and colleagues, published online on August 10, 2015. We suggest that in addition to the recommendations of the committee, it is extremely important to consider inherited predisposition to hematopoietic malignancies at the time of selection of any HLA-matched related donor for allogeneic stem cell transplantation. An especially notable group of donors are those found to have mild cytopenias. The recommendation proposed to allow donors with mild anemia (defined as 2 g/dL below anemia thresholds), mild neutropenia (defined as <1 109 neutrophils/L), mild lymphopenia (defined as <.5 109 lymphocytes/L), or mild thrombocytopenia (defined as between 100 and 130 109/L) absent a contraindication requires further comment. We and others have found that it is among this group of donors that workup will have the highest likelihood of finding unsuspected inherited hematopoietic malignancy syndromes [1]. Thus, we propose that without specific mention of when and how to evaluate
Enhanced sensing in mixed porous–solid photonic stacks

A mix-and-match sol–gel deposition method allows fabrication of one-dimensional photonic bandgap materials with strategically placed porous layers. Examples of fabricated optical devices include a Bragg mirror with an ultra-high refractive index difference, an all-silica optical reflection switch and a porous Fabry–Perot microcavity with excellent relative humidity sensing ability.
Education Finance Reform in the American States: A Discrete-Time Competing Risks Model

In this research, we develop a model that predicts the occurrence of education finance reform in the states. We improve upon existing studies of education finance reform that depict the process as a single event that may happen in only state supreme courts or state legislatures. We account for the possibility of reform via courts, legislatures or referendum as well as the possibility of repeated reform events. In this way, we have a more complete, more accurate picture of the reform movement in the states.
A direct effect of atrial peptide on arterioles of the terminal microvasculature

Responses to atrial peptide (AP) were observed in cheek pouch arterioles of anesthetized golden hamsters (pentobarbital sodium, 70 mg/kg ip). Vessels for observation were selected on the basis of their functional status in relation to controlling the perfused capillary surface area. Local application of AP onto microvessels at a final concentration of from 7 X 10(-9) to 3 X 10(-8) M was achieved via micropipettes; responses were compared with those produced by application of vehicle only. Individual vessels were observed during control conditions and during vasoconstriction of the microvascular bed induced via either equilibration of the superfusate with 10% oxygen or addition to the superfusate of 5 X 10(-7) M norepinephrine (NE). Compared with responses induced by the vehicle in each condition, AP produced a statistically significant dilation during control conditions, and during raised PO2, but no statistically significant effect during NE exposure. Mean diameter changes were from a base line of 27.8 +/- 4.7 to 29.7 +/- 4.5 microns with vehicle and 33.2 +/- 4.4 microns with AP in controls; from 22.7 +/- 4.6 to 25.8 +/- 4.5 microns with vehicle and 30.1 +/- 4.7 microns with AP during raised PO2; and from 25.2 +/- 4.7 to 29.8 +/- 5.4 microns with vehicle and 33.5 +/- 4.9 microns with AP during NE exposure. The data show that arterioles of the terminal microvasculature can respond selectively to AP.
Silver Linings Playbook

Severe mental health conditions can profoundly hinder the core functionality of a family. The individual with the mental disorder and each of their family members collectively endure a unique emoti...
Systematic review and meta-analysis of glyphosate exposure and risk of lymphohematopoietic cancers

This systematic review and meta-analysis rigorously examines the relationship between glyphosate exposure and risk of lymphohematopoietic cancer (LHC) including NHL, Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), multiple myeloma (MM), and leukemia. Meta-relative risks (meta-RRs) were positive and marginally statistically significant for the association between any versus no use of glyphosate and risk of NHL (meta-RR = 1.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.0-1.6, based on six studies) and MM (meta-RR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.0-1.9; four studies). Associations were statistically null for HL (meta-RR = 1.1, 95% CI = 0.7-1.6; two studies), leukemia (meta-RR = 1.0, 95% CI = 0.6-1.5; three studies), and NHL subtypes except B-cell lymphoma (two studies each). Bias and confounding may account for observed associations. Meta-analysis is constrained by few studies and a crude exposure metric, while the overall body of literature is methodologically limited and findings are not strong or consistent. Thus, a causal relationship has not been established between glyphosate exposure and risk of any type of LHC.
Alkaline phosphatase activity and basophilia in hepatic cells following administration of butter yellow to rats.

Summary aand ConclusionsAs with the reformation of Nissl substance in the motor neuron, the resynthesis of nucleic acid in thecytoplasm of the regenerating hepatic cell, injured by butter yellow, is accompanied, during certain phases of the reaction at least, by an enhanced activity of alkaline phosphatase. The cellular distribution of the alteration is principally cytoplasmic in the nerve cell, with the optimum pH in the acid range, and nuclear in the hepatic cell, with the optimum pH in the alkaline range.
Rocket Propulsion Testing at Stennis Space Center: Current Capability and Future Challenges

In recent years, the rocket propulsion test capability at NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center’s (SSC) has been greatly enhanced to accommodate a variety of rocket propulsion test projects that range from large scale systems level test work down to midand smallscale component level research activity. Combustion devices as complex as cryogenic turbopumps and powerheads, or as simple as monopropellant catalyst beds, have been successfully tested in modernized facilities carefully designed and constructed to provide for safe and cost-effective testing. This work complements ongoing flight engine qualification and certification test activity associated with two of the major operational rocket propulsion programs, namely the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) and the RS-68 Liquid Rocket Engine (LRE) for Delta IV launch vehicle. An overview of recent test activity, and the approach to rocket propulsion testing, is given in this paper. The SSC test complex in South Mississippi plays a predominant role in ensuring the nation’s access to space through the liquid rocket engine testing, and facilitating the ground test demonstration of next generation rocket propulsion technologies that will power future launch systems.
Pulmonary Emboli: An Unusual Case Presentation

The majority of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolus occur in older adults with cardiovascular risk factors. The case study presented is significant because it involves a 23-year-old African m...
Study on determination of indicator PCBs in soil by GC-MS

Objective:To establish a method for the determination of indicator PCBs in soil by GC-MS.Methods: Soil sample was added with 13C12L labeled internal standard after drying,then soxhlet extracted by N-hexane/dichloromethane(v/v 1∶1).Further cleanup procedure was followed by sulfonation,acid-base silica gel column and alumina column,respectively.The sample was determined by GC-MS in selected ion monitoring mode.Results: The detection limit ranged of seven indicator PCBs was 1.1 μg/L～4.5 μg/L,and linear range was 20 μg/L～2000 μg/L(R≥0.999).The recoveries for the soil samples ranged from 82.5%～101.5%,and the relative standard deviation ranged from 3.45%～9.98%(n=6).Conclusion: Results indicated that,this study provided a accurate and sensitive method for determining the indicator PCBs in soil.
Hopf Bifurcation Control of the Qi System Based on State Feedback and Washout-Filter

To control the Hopf bifurcation of a Qi system,the Hopf bifurcation type was firstly determined by bifurcation stability index.Then,the state feedback controller and Washout filteraided feedback controller were designed to control the Hopf bifurcation,respectively.The effects of controller parameters on the bifurcation position and the amplitude of limit cycle were discussed based on the Normal Form method.Simultaneously,the simulations using Matlab software were carried out to illustrate the results.Simulation charts and theoretical results show that the linear gain can change the position of Hopf bifurcation and even eliminate Hopf bifurcation,while the nonlinear gain can change the bifurcation type of original system.Finally,some conclusions were obtained with a comparison between the state feedback controller and the Washout filter-aided ones.The results showed that the control effect based on Washout filter is better than the effect based on nonlinear state feedback controller.
Are routine blood cultures effective in the evaluation of patients clinically diagnosed to have nosocomial pneumonia

Blood cultures are a routine part of the evaluation of patients with clinically diagnosed nosocomial pneumonia ; however, their utility has not been proven. We performed a retrospective chart review of 77 consecutive trauma patients diagnosed clinically to have nosocomial pneumonia at our level 1 trauma intensive care unit. Routine blood cultures did not alter the therapy of patients clinically diagnosed to have nosocomial pneumonia. We found the incidence of gram negative pneumonia was 71.4 per cent (55/77 patients) and gram positive pneumonia was 40.3 per cent (31/77 patients). Routine blood cultures taken at the time of diagnosis of nosocomial pneumonia fail to alter therapy.
Evaluation and treatment of failed shoulder instability procedures

Management of the unstable shoulder after a failed stabilization procedure can be difficult and challenging. Detailed understanding of the native shoulder anatomy, including its static and dynamic restraints, is necessary for determining the patient's primary pathology. In addition, evaluation of the patient's history, physical exam, and imaging is important for identifying the cause for failure after the initial procedure. Common mistakes include under-appreciation of bony defects, failure to recognize capsular laxity, technical errors, and missed associated pathology. Many potential treatment options exist for revision surgery, including open or arthroscopic Bankart repair, bony augmentation procedures, and management of Hill Sachs defects. The aim of this narrative review is to discuss in-depth the common risk factors for post-surgical failure, components for appropriate evaluation, and the different surgical options available for revision stabilization. Level of evidence Level V.
Defining Honors in the Surgery Clerkship

Background Although highly influential, no published criteria exist that define who should receive the highest grade in the core surgery clerkship ("honors"). Therefore, significant variability exists in how this evaluation is assigned. Identifying the critical characteristics of the student receiving this grade can improve its usefulness in residency selection, class standing, and direct students' efforts. The purpose of this study was to attain expert consensus on the characteristics of an honors student in the core surgery clerkship. Study Design A 3-round modified Delphi technique was used in 2 parallel cycles to obtain expert consensus from the major stakeholders—program directors and clerkship directors in surgery. Experts were recruited from across the United States, although not from the same institutions. The 2 consensus lists were evaluated for congruency. Results All 15 of the invited clerkship directors and 14 of 15 invited program directors participated. A total of 65 unique characteristics were submitted by program directors and consensus was reached on 23. Clerkship directors submitted 62 characteristics and achieved agreement on 22. Ten of the final characteristics were identical between the 2 groups. These were communication skills, "shelf" exam score, synthetic ability (organizing data into meaningful care plans), absence of professionalism issues, outstanding work ethic, taking advantage of learning opportunities, accurate and complete history and physicals, enthusiasm, becoming an essential member of the care team, and outstanding clinical acumen. Conclusions Expert consensus on the characteristics of an honors student in the core surgery clerkship was achieved. By using these criteria, the honors grade becomes emblematic of these 10 characteristics. This might reduce grade inflation within and between institutions, provide program directors with a consistent and reliable assessment of excellence, and effectively direct student efforts.
Responses of Tropical Ocean Clouds and Precipitation to the Large-Scale Circulation: Atmospheric-Water-Budget-Related Phase Space and Dynamical Regimes

AbstractAn atmospheric-water-budget-related phase space is constructed with the tendency terms related to dynamical convergence (QCON ≡ −Q∇ ⋅ V) and moisture advection (QADV ≡ −V ⋅ ∇Q) in the water budget equation. Over the tropical oceans, QCON accounts for large-scale dynamical conditions related to conditional instability, and QADV accounts for conditions related to lower-tropospheric moisture gradient. Two reanalysis products [MERRA and ERA-Interim (ERAi)] are used to calculate QCON and QADV. Using the phase space as a reference frame, the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) cloud-top pressure (CTP) and cloud optical depth (COD) are used to evaluate simulated clouds in the GISS-E2 general circulation model. In regimes of divergence over the tropical oceans, moist advection yields frequent high- to midlevel medium-thickness to thick clouds associated with moderate stratiform precipitation, while dry advection yields low-level thin clouds associated with shallow convection with lowered...
Violence to obey, honor, and connect with the gods

Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love – Isaac – and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. He said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.” Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?” “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together. When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” Genesis 22:1–13; New International Version
Templated growth of diamond optical resonators via plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition

We utilize plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition through a patterned silica mask for templated diamond growth to create optical resonators. The pyramid-shaped structures have quality factors Q up to 600, measured using confocal photoluminescence spectroscopy, and mode volumes V as small as 2.5(λ/n)3 for resonances at wavelengths λ between 550 and 650 nm, and refractive index n, obtained using finite-difference time-domain simulations. Bright luminescence from nitrogen-vacancy and silicon-vacancy centers in the grown diamond is observed. The resonator design and fabrication technique obviates any etching of diamond, which preserves emitter properties in a pristine host lattice.
Dickinson’s Promise This—When you Be Dying

(1991). Dickinson’s Promise This—When you Be Dying. The Explicator: Vol. 49, No. 3, pp. 155-159.
X-ray absorption spectroscopy characterization of embedded and extracted nano-oxides

Abstract The chemistries and structures of both embedded and extracted Y Ti O nanometer-scale oxides in a nanostructured ferritic alloy (NFA) were probed by x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Y2Ti2O7 is the primary embedded phase, while the slightly larger extracted oxides are primarily Y2TiO5. Analysis of the embedded nano-oxides is difficult partly due to the multiple Ti environments associated with different oxides and those still residing in matrix lattice sites. Thus, bulk extraction followed by selective filtration was used to isolate the larger Y2TiO5 oxides for XAS, while the smaller predominant embedded phase Y2Ti2O7 oxides passed through the filters and were analyzed using the log-ratio method.
An Enhanced Visualization Method to Aid Behavioral Trajectory Pattern Recognition Infrastructure for Big Longitudinal Data

Big longitudinal data provide more reliable information for decision making and are common in all kinds of fields. Trajectory pattern recognition is in an urgent need to discover important structures for such data. Developing better and more computationally-efficient visualization tool is crucial to guide this technique. This paper proposes an enhanced projection pursuit (EPP) method to better project and visualize the structures (e.g., clusters) of big high-dimensional (HD) longitudinal data on a lower-dimensional plane. Unlike classic PP methods potentially useful for longitudinal data, EPP is built upon nonlinear mapping algorithms to compute its stress (error) function by balancing the paired weights for between and within structure stress while preserving original structure membership in the high-dimensional space. Specifically, EPP solves an NP hard optimization problem by integrating gradual optimization and non-linear mapping algorithms, and automates the searching of an optimal number of iterations to display a stable structure for varying sample sizes and dimensions. Using publicized UCI and real longitudinal clinical trial datasets as well as simulation, EPP demonstrates its better performance in visualizing big HD longitudinal data.
Not all cemented femoral stems are created equal: A selection algorithm

Abstract Cementless femoral stem fixation predominates in total hip arthroplasty with North America and includes various designs designated as fit and fill or double taper proximally porous coated stems, parallel sided taper wedge or "blade" stems, tapered rectangular cross-section Zweymuller-type stems, fully-porous coated cylindrical stems, Wagner-style conical shape splined titanium stems, and modular proximal sleeve stems. Regardless of the stem type, the essential tenets of long-term fixation and osseointegration remain obtaining adequate mechanical stability and intimate prosthesis contact with viable host bone. This manuscript will detail a selection an algorithm for selection of an appropriate femoral stem for a given patient anatomy.
Cisplatin/etoposide vs paclitaxel/cisplatin/G-CSF vs paclitaxel/cisplatin in non-small-cell lung cancer

A phase III trial conducted by Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) investigators assessed the possible impact of paclitaxel on survival, response, and toxicity in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. Three regimens were compared: cisplatin/etoposide, paclitaxel/ cisplatin/granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), and paclitaxel/ cisplatin. Patients were randomly assigned to the regimens, each of which was repeated every 21 days over a 17-month period. Response rates were 12% in the cisplatin/etoposide group, 31% in the paclitaxel/cisplatin/G-CSF group, and 26% in the paclitaxel/cisplatin group. Significant differences in response were observed between the cisplatin/etoposide and paclitaxel/cisplatin/G-CSF groups and the cisplatin/etoposide and paclitaxel/cisplatin groups; there was no significant difference between patients treated with paclitaxel/cisplatin vs paclitaxel/cisplatin/G-CSF. Both paclitaxel regimens were associated with significantly higher response rates compared with etoposide/cisplatin. Based on preliminary survival analyses, the investigators concluded that the paclitaxel regimens may be associated with superior survival.
Application of MIDAS Approach to the Design of Real-Time Systems

Abstract This paper presents an integrated approach called MIDAS that allows timing characteristics of a real-time system to be determined through all stages of its development, from initial design to system deployment. The paper suggests the use of Partially Implemented Performance Specifications (PIPS) as the design paradigm for real-time systems. A PIPS model is a partially implemented system where some system components exist as simulation models and others as operational subsystems. Given its functional and timing specifications, a proposed real-time system is represented as a PIPS model which is iteratively refined into an operational system. During each stage of model refinement, the PIPS model may be executed in an appropriate operating environment to evaluate soft timing constraints and/or be verified for the satisfaction of hard timing constraints. The paper describes the language and proof theory that support the use of PIPS to design real-time systems. It also illustrates the use of MIDAS approach in designing various real-time systems.
Optimal decision making and matching are tied through diminishing returns

How individuals make decisions has been a matter of long-standing debate among economists and researchers in the life sciences. In economics, subjects are viewed as optimal decision makers who maximize their overall reward income. This framework has been widely influential, but requires a complete knowledge of the reward contingencies associated with a given choice situation. Psychologists and ecologists have observed that individuals tend to use a simpler “matching” strategy, distributing their behavior in proportion to relative rewards associated with their options. This article demonstrates that the two dominant frameworks of choice behavior are linked through the law of diminishing returns. The relatively simple matching can in fact provide maximal reward when the rewards associated with decision makers’ options saturate with the invested effort. Such saturating relationships between reward and effort are hallmarks of the law of diminishing returns. Given the prevalence of diminishing returns in nature and social settings, this finding can explain why humans and animals so commonly behave according to the matching law. The article underscores the importance of the law of diminishing returns in choice behavior.
Adaptive Digitization and Variable Channel Coding for Enhancement of Compressed Digital Mobile Fronthaul in PAM-4 Optical Links

The standardization and development of LTE-A and 5G introduced advanced wireless technologies including multiple-input multiple-output and carrier aggregation, which require multiple wireless carriers to be delivered to and from each remote radio head. The common public radio interface (CPRI) as the mainstream standard in mobile fronthaul (MFH) with on-off-keying-based optical links cannot fulfill the capacity and efficiency requirement. Instead, using compressed CPRI in a high-speed pulse-amplitude-modulation-4 (PAM-4) link is actively researched and demonstrated. In this paper, we propose and demonstrate adaptive digitization and channel coding based on these compression and capacity boosting technologies. Depending on the optical link condition, the digitization bits and channel coding rates can be adaptively and dynamically changed to achieve the lowest error vector magnitude (EVM) of wireless carriers. By separating digitization bits into high bits and low bits, the coding overhead can be different between groups, while still keeping the same bit rate per wireless carrier. Based on the existing digital MFH infrastructure, the proposed scheme can significantly improve the capacity and sensitivity in the PAM-4-based compressed digital MFH. Capacity gains from 30% to 68%, sensitivity improvement of 2–9 dB, and significant EVM improvements are demonstrated experimentally, comparing with other compressed CPRI MFH solutions.
Electromagnetic Fields in Inhomogeneous Media

There are several techniques available for electromagnetic (EM) forward modeling in inhomogeneous media. They are based on numerical implementation of the differential equation (DE) approach (finite difference, FD, or finite element, FE, methods) or the integral equation (IE) approach. In this chapter, I discuss the principles of all these methods. The integral equation (IE) method is a powerful tool in electromagnetic (EM) modeling for geophysical applications. We derive the fundamental equations of the IE method in two and three dimensions and consider the methods of their solution in isotropic and anisotropic media. An effective approach to solve the system of integral equations is based on application of the contraction operator, which can be treated as an effective preconditioner of the original system of equations. We also consider a family of linear and nonlinear integral approximations of the EM fields, based on the IE formulation of Maxwell's equations. Another powerful group of methods of numerical modeling of EM fields uses differential equation methods. We discuss in detail the most important of these methods, the finite difference (FD) and finite element (FE) methods. The finite difference method provides a simple but effective tool for numerically solving the electromagnetic boundary-value problem. We present a discretization of Maxwell's equations using a staggered grid, and introduce a contraction preconditioner for a system of FD equations. Finally, this chapter concludes with the exposition of the most powerful technique for numerical modeling – the method of finite elements.
Additive direct-write microfabrication for MEMS: A review

Direct-write additive manufacturing refers to a rich and growing repertoire of well-established fabrication techniques that builds solid objects directly from computer- generated solid models without elaborate intermediate fabrication steps. At the macroscale, direct-write techniques such as stereolithography, selective laser sintering, fused deposition modeling ink-jet printing, and laminated object manufacturing have significantly reduced concept-to-product lead time, enabled complex geometries, and importantly, has led to the renaissance in fabrication known as the maker movement. The technological premises of all direct-write additive manufacturing are identical—converting computer generated three-dimensional models into layers of two-dimensional planes or slices, which are then reconstructed sequentially into threedimensional solid objects in a layer-by-layer format. The key differences between the various additive manufacturing techniques are the means of creating the finished layers and the ancillary processes that accompany them. While still at its infancy, direct-write additive manufacturing techniques at the microscale have the potential to significantly lower the barrier-of-entry—in terms of cost, time and training—for the prototyping and fabrication of MEMS parts that have larger dimensions, high aspect ratios, and complex shapes. In recent years, significant advancements in materials chemistry, laser technology, heat and fluid modeling, and control systems have enabled additive manufacturing to achieve higher resolutions at the micrometer and nanometer length scales to be a viable technology for MEMS fabrication. Compared to traditional MEMS processes that rely heavily on expensive equipment and time-consuming steps, direct-write additive manufacturing techniques allow for rapid design-to-prototype realization by limiting or circumventing the need for cleanrooms, photolithography and extensive training. With current direct-write additive manufacturing technologies, it is possible to fabricate unsophisticated micrometer scale structures at adequate resolutions and precisions using materials that range from polymers, metals, ceramics, to composites. In both academia and industry, direct-write additive manufacturing offers extraordinary promises to revolutionize research and development in microfabrication and MEMS technologies. Importantly, direct-write additive manufacturing could appreciably augment current MEMS fabrication technologies, enable faster design-to-product cycle, empower new paradigms in MEMS designs, and critically, encourage wider participation in MEMS research at institutions or for individuals with limited or no access to cleanroom facilities. This article aims to provide a limited review of the current landscape of direct-write additive manufacturing techniques that are potentially applicable for MEMS microfabrication.
To Readmission and Beyond

* Abbreviations: EHR — : electronic health record LOS — : length of stay NRD — : Nationwide Readmissions Database The study of pediatric readmission has received significant attention since 2012, when the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services signaled the possibility of financial risk to hospitals based on pediatric 30-day readmission rates.1 We have since learned that readmission rates appear to depend on many factors,2,3 the importance of which vary by age and medical condition,4–6 surgical procedure,7–9 the presence of chronic or complex care needs,10,11 social determinants of health,12,13 access to care,14–16 adherence to evidence-based practice,17–19 and patient–health system interactions, particularly those involving transitions of care and care coordination.20–22 Identifying prevention targets has been hampered by limited study generalizability and the paucity of preventable phenomena.23 In fact, it has been estimated that preventable readmissions represent <2% of all pediatric admissions.24 Whereas a short length of stay (LOS) has been associated with an increased risk of readmission in certain adult patient populations,25 a longer LOS is not necessarily associated with fewer readmissions, and there remains little evidence to support any such association for pediatric care. In this month’s issue of Pediatrics , Markham et al … Address correspondence to Paul T. Rosenau, MD, MS, Department of Pediatrics, Larner College of Medicine, The University of Vermont, 89 Beaumont Ave, Given CY S259, Burlington, VT 05405. E-mail: paul.rosenau{at}uvmhealth.org
Differential diagnosis of knee pain following a surgically induced lumbosacral plexus stretch injury. A case report.

ABSTRACTBackground and Purpose: Knee joint biomechanics requires an understanding of lower extremity (LE) segmental interactions. In some cases, knee pain may arise as a result of altered LE biomec...
An Orthonormal Basis for Entailment.

Entailment is a logical relationship in which the truth of a proposition implies the truth of another proposition. The ability to detect entailment has applications in IR, QA, and many other areas. This study uses the vector space model to explore the relationship between cohesion and entailment. A Latent Semantic Analysis space is used to measure cohesion between propositions using vector similarity. We present perhaps the first vector space model of entailment. The critical element of the model is the orthonormal basis, which we propose is a geometric construction for inference.