cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Direct detection of nonlinear modal interactions from time series measurements

Abstract This work describes a new method for the detection and characterization of strongly nonlinear modal interactions that occur in dynamical systems with an underlying linear structure and smooth, local nonlinearities directly from transient response data. The method relies on proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) to extract energy-dependent proper orthogonal mode shapes, which are used as trial vectors in the Rayleigh quotient to estimate the system’s frequency content at varying energy levels. By plotting the estimated frequencies as functions of energy, an approximate frequency-energy plot (FEP) is created, which reveals the rich and interesting nonlinear dynamical interactions directly from the measured time series. The method is first applied to the simulated response of a cantilever beam with local, smooth nonlinearity and then to the experimentally measured response of a comparable cantilever beam. In both applications, the approximate FEP reveals the presence of nonsmooth perturbations in the frequency estimates emanating from the curves that connect different nonlinear normal modes (NNMs) of the system. Using wavelet-bounded empirical mode decomposition and slow-flow analysis, the nonsmooth perturbations are shown to be the result of internal resonances between two or more interacting NNMs. Ultimately, the method provides significant insight into the nonlinear physics governing dynamical systems with local, smooth nonlinearities while remaining conceptually and computationally simple compared to traditional methods.
The effect and evolution of patient selection on outcomes in endoscopic third ventriculostomy for hydrocephalus: A large-scale review of the literature.

Abstract Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) has become a popular technique for the treatment of hydrocephalus, but small sample size has limited the generalizability of prior studies. We performed a large-scale review of all available studies to help eliminate bias and determine how outcomes have changed and been influenced by patient selection over time. A systematic literature search was performed for studies of ETV that contained original, extractable patient data, and a meta-analytic model was generated for correlative and predictive analysis. A total of 130 studies were identified, which included 11,952 cases. Brain tumor or cyst was the most common hydrocephalus etiology, but high-risk etiologies, post-infectious or post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus, accounted for 18.4%. Post-operative mortality was very low (0.2%) and morbidity was only slightly higher in developing than in industrialized countries. The rate of ETV failure was 34.7% and was higher in the first months and plateaued around 20 months. As anticipated, ETV is less successful in high-risk etiologies of hydrocephalus and younger patients. Younger patient age and high-risk etiologies predicted failure. ETVs were performed more often in high-risk etiologies over time, but, surprisingly, there was no overall change in ETV success rate over time. This study should help to influence optimal patient selection and offer guidance in predicting outcomes.
Nursing Home Care

Nursing homes are an important part of the healthcare system. People residing in nursing homes are generally classified as being short stay, such as for rehabilitation or reconditioning after surgery or illness, or long stay, meaning they and their families are no longer able to meet their needs at home. Dementia and behavior challenges are common in that population. Nursing home staff consists of nurses, physical and occupational therapists, social workers, physicians and nurse practitioners, and administrators. Nursing homes are highly regulated environments and are subjected to government oversight, which is in response to long-standing concerns about quality of care in these facilities. Nursing home care is now incorporated into the healthcare system and costs $175 billion a year, payed mostly by Medicaid, though Medicare will cover some short-term care. Innovation in long-term care includes new models of care, professionalization of staff, ensuring the needed workforce, and ongoing efforts to improve the quality of care. New payment models may include reimbursement systems that are a better fit for long-term care.
POROSITY AND PORE-SIZE DISTRIBUTION

Pore space and its geometrical character are crucial to soil transport phenomena, the soil’s response to alteration, and its interaction with other components of the biosphere. Porosity, the fraction of soil volume not occupied by solids, is relatively easy to conceptualize and measure. Pore size distribution is a complex topic, in part from the lack of a clear and unique concept of a soil pore as a discrete object. With conventions and operational definitions derived from hydraulic concepts, it is possible to construct representations of pore size distributions that have great value in assessing soil dynamics and transport properties.
Matrix metalloproteinases in heart failure: evidence from experimental models

The LV myocardial remodeling process invariably occurs with the development and progression of congestive heart failure (CHF). LV remodeling is a multi-cellular process that results in abnormalities in LV myocardial wall structure and chamber geometry. It is becoming appreciated that important changes occur within the extra-cellular matrix (ECM) of the myocardium and can contribute to the LV remodeling process. Moreover, it has become increasingly evident that the myocardial ECM is not a static structure, but rather a dynamic entity that may play a fundamental role in myocardial adaptation to a pathological stress and thereby facilitate remodeling. Specifically, in both human and animal studies, it has been reported that alterations in the collagen interface, both in structure and composition, occur within the LV myocardium, which in turn may influence LV geometry [1-5]. The myocardial ECM contains a fibrillar collagen network, a basement membrane, proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans, and bioactive signaling molecules. The myocardial fibrillar collagens such as collagen Types I and III, ensure structural integrity of adjoining myocytes, provide the means by which myocyte shortening is translated into overall LV pump function and are essential for maintaining alignment of myofibrils within the myocyte through a collagen-integrin-cytoskeletal-myofibril relation. The ECM forms a continuum between different cell types within the myocardium and provides a structural supporting network in order to maintain myocardial geometry during the cardiac cycle. Specific and distinct changes occur within the ECM with each of the three main cardiac disease states which give rise to CHF: Myocardial infarction, severe LV hypertrophy, and the cardiomyopathies.
Computer Systems and Models, Use of

Models in a variety of forms play a critical role in advancing our understanding of natural systems. Models abstract basic principles and derive the implications of such abstractions. This provides a method to analyze alternative hypotheses about natural system responses and the mechanisms that underlie these responses. This article presents an introduction to various modeling approaches, emphasizing those implemented on computers, and discusses how these have been applied to analyze species abundance and distribution.
Generation in a natural language interface

The PHRED (PHR asal English Diction) generator produces the natural language output of Berkeley's UNIX Consultant system (UC). The generator shares its knowledge base with the language analyzer PHRAN (PHRasal ANalyser). The parser and generator, together a component of UC's user interface, draw from a database of pattern-concept pairs where the basic unit of the linguistic patterns is the phrase. Both are designed to provide multilingual capabilities, to facilitate linguistic paraphrases, and to be adaptable to the individual user's vocabulary and knowledge. The generator affords extensibility,simplicity, and processing speed while performing the task of producing natural language utterances from conceptual representations using a large knowledge base. This paper describes the implementation of the phrasal generator and discusses the role of generation in a user-friendly natural language interface.
Industrial development, technology transfer and global competition

Starting this review with a very personal experience, I moved to Paris in April 2018. Coming from the Far East, France is quite different from my home country, Japan. On the third day of my new lif...
Geographies of Latin American Corruption

This chapter addresses the historical and contemporary dimensions of corruption in Latin America. It opens with a brief overview of the long history of corruption in the region. Second, it focuses on the geography of corruption throughout Latin America, including maps, tables of bribery rates, and a statistical analysis. The third part offers brief summaries of corruption in various countries. Then, it offers case studies of corruption in Mexico, Venezuela, and Brazil. It concludes with comments about corruption in light of the uneven geography of democracy.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of osteoarticular brucellosis.

Background Infection of bones and joints remains one of the most commonly described complications of brucellosis in humans and is predominantly reported in all ages and sexes in high-risk regions, such as the Middle East, Asia, South and Central America, and Africa. We aimed to systematically review the literature and perform a meta-analysis to estimate the global prevalence of osteoarticular brucellosis (OAB). Methodology Major bibliographic databases were searched using keywords and suitable combinations. All studies reporting the incidence and clinical manifestations of osteoarticular brucellosis in humans, and demonstrated by two or more diagnostic methods (bacteriological, molecular, serological, and/or radiographic) were included. Random model was used, and statistical significance was set at 0.05% Principal findings A total of 56 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. There was an evidence of geographical variation in the prevalence of osteoarticular disease with estimates ranging from 27% in low-risk regions to 36% in high-risk regions. However, the difference was not significant. Thus, brucellosis patients have at least a 27% chance of developing osteoarticular disease. Conclusions The prevalence of OAB is not dependent on the endemicity of brucellosis in a particular region. Hence, further research should investigate the potential mechanisms of OAB, as well as the influence of age, gender, and other socioeconomic factor variations in its global prevalence, as this may provide insight into associated exposure risks and management of the disease.
Evidence-Based Community Fall Prevention Programs at Senior Centers Near 10 US Academic Centers

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that patients at risk of falling engage in evidence-based community fall prevention programs (EBCFPPs). EBCFPPs are often delivered in senior centers (SCs). This is the first independent assessment of availability of EBCFPPs in SCs. DESIGN Cross-sectional study of four types of EBCFPPs in the 25-mile radius of 10 US academic centers (ACs). SETTING SCs. PARTICIPANTS SCs. INTERVENTION None. MEASUREMENTS Number and types of EBCFPPs offered at SCs. RESULTS Across the 10 ACs, 249 SCs were sampled. Of the SCs, 35% offered zero, 54% offered at least one, 9% offered at least two, and 2% offered at least three EBCFPPs. Tai Chi of any type was offered in 59.8%, A Matter of Balance was offered in 8.9%, Stepping On was offered in 8.0%, and Staying Active and Independent for Life was offered in 1.2% of SCs sampled. SCs near Columbia University offered all four of the programs, while those near the University of Utah, Johns Hopkins University, and Seattle University only offered three of the programs. In univariate analysis, the number of local SCs was significantly associated with quantity of EBCFPPs (odds ratio [OR] = 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.9-2.6; P < .001), but not with diversity of EBCFPPs (OR = 1.0; 95% CI = 1.0-1.1; P = .13). In multivariate regression, city, sex distribution, and average household income did not correlate with the overall number or the diversity of EBCFPPs, whereas locales with more SCs offered more EBCFPPs (OR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.7-2.9; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS A significant number of SCs still do not offer any EBCFPPs. From those that do, few offer a diversity of these programs. Opportunities exist to increase access to EBCFPPs in SCs.
Stepping toward a Synodal Church

In his address commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of the institution of the Synod of Bishops, Pope Francis expressed hope for a more synodal church. Consulting recent theological literature aid...
Comparison of cross-sectional geometrical properties and bone density of the proximal radius between Saint Bernard and other giant breed dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the geometrical properties and bone mineral density (BMD) of the proximal radius between Saint Bernard and other giant breed dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Observational, cross‐sectional, descriptive study. ANIMALS: Thirteen client‐owned Saint Bernard dogs and 13 other client‐owned giant breed dogs. METHODS: Computed tomography (CT) studies of Saint Bernard and other giant breed dogs were reviewed. Multiplanar reconstruction of the CT images was used to determine cross‐sectional variables at the proximal half of the radius, including mean cortical thickness (mCT) and moment of inertia (MOI). Cortical BMD was estimated from Hounsfield unit measurements at each cross‐section and averaged per bone. One‐way analysis of variance was used to detect differences between groups. RESULTS: Proximal radii of Saint Bernard dogs had a lower cortical/medullary ratio (1.75 vs 2.2, P < .001), mCT (1.96 vs 2.64 mm, P < .001), and MOI in all planes (mediolateral [ML]: 2086.09 vs 2757.69 mm⁴, P < .001; craniocaudal [CrCd]: 3736.36 vs 4370.28 mm⁴, P = .025; and polar: 5852.45 vs 7127.97 mm⁴, P = .002) compared with bones of other breeds. Cross‐sectional BMD did not differ between groups of dogs, but the mean BMD of all cross‐sections was lower in Saint Bernard dogs (1214.27 vs 1289.80 mg/mm³, P = .029). CONCLUSION: The proximal radii of Saint Bernard dogs had thinner cortices and lower CrCd, ML, and polar MOI compared with corresponding bones in giant breed dogs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The structural properties of the proximal radius of the Saint Bernard differ from those in other giant breeds and could reduce the ability of this region to sustain biomechanical loads. These properties could predispose Saint Bernard dogs to complications after surgical limb‐sparing procedures.
From MOF‐74‐Zn to Triazolate‐Directed Nonsymmetric Assembly of Chiral Zn6@Zn6 Clusters

The creation of new cluster building blocks, as well as new ligand coordination modes, are among the most effective ways to develop new framework materials. Yet, large and chiral clusters are both difficult to create and relatively few. Here, by studying the competing coordination of different azolates against carboxylate and combined carboxylate/phenolate, it is shown that the impact of azolates in the MOF-74 synthesis system differs dramatically, leading to the synthesis of MOF-74, UTSA-74, and CPM-72 for 2-methylimidazole, 1,2,4-triazole, and 1,2,3-triazole, respectively. The new CPM-72 contains a novel chiral Zn12 triazolate cluster, which features a trigonal-prismatic Zn6 core inside an octahedral Zn6 shell. In contrast with MOF-74 with fully deprotonated and symmetrically bonded 2,5-dihydroxyterephthalic acid (H4 DOBDC), H4 DOBDC adopts an unusual nonsymmetric bonding mode in CPM-72 (carboxylate only at one end and carboxylate/phenolate at the other), resulting in a highly porous and intrinsically chiral 3D framework. The nonsymmetric bonding mode by H4 DOBDC, apparently dictated by the chiral Zn12 cluster, can be replicated with 2-hydroxyterephthalic acid (H3 OBDC), leading to the synthesis of porous isoreticular CPM-73.
Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Elbow in Children: MRI Findings of Instability

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to investigate the performance of MRI criteria for predicting instability of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions of the elbow in children. MATERIALS AND...
A Controlled Release Theophylline Delivery System Based on a Bilayer Floating System.

Objectives Bilayer floating drug delivery is an approach that helps to overcome the shortcomings of single-layered tablets. There is little or no fluctuation of the drug in the blood stream or tissue, while control is enabled over the time and site of drug release. In the current study, bilayer theophylline matrix tablets were formulated by double compression and evaluated using granules produced by polymeric granulation and simple coacervation techniques. Materials and methods Bilayer floating theophylline tablets containing an immediate release layer (IRL) and a sustained release layer (SRL) were prepared. Granules for the IRL section were produced by wet granulation, while those for the SRL section were produced by polymeric granulation and simple coacervation techniques using Eudragit RL100 and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as binder. The resulting granules were characterized for flowability and packing properties. Granules with adequate flow were compressed into flat-faced tablets 12 mm in diameter using a single punch tableting machine at an arbitrary load of 28 kgF on a load scale. The tablets were evaluated for hardness, weight variability, disintegration, friability, swelling index, floating time, and in vitro drug release. Results The angle of repose and Hausner ratio were 29.07±0.330 to 40.08±0.660 and 1.07±0.01 to 1.28±0.01, respectively. Tablets hardness values ranged from 4.74±0.36 to 9.84±0.49 kgF, while percentage friability ranged from 0.5% to 1.51%. Floating lag time was between 1±0.41 and 9±0.71 min, while the total floating time was between 1 min and 9 h. Over 50% of the drug was released within 7 h. Conclusion Drug release from the tablets showed a prompt release phase and an extended release phase. Therefore, appropriate combination of Eudragit and CMC and the right reagent can produce well retarded bilayer floating tablets.
Evaluating a treatment without extinction for elopement maintained by access to stereotypy

Elopement is a common and potentially dangerous form of problem behavior. Results of a functional analysis found that the elopement of a child with autism was maintained by access to stereotypy in the form of door play. We implemented functional communication training and contingency-based delays dependent on the absence of elopement and increased the amount of time the participant waited prior to engaging in stereotypy. We also conducted treatment-extension probes, with the participant waiting up to 10 min without elopement.
Synthesis and characterization of iron oxide superparticles with various polymers

Abstract Iron oxide superparticles referring to a cluster of smaller nanoparticles have recently attracted much attention because of their enhanced magnetic moments but maintaining superparamagnetic behavior. In this study, iron oxide superparticles have been synthesized using a solvothermal method in the presence of six different polymers (e.g., sodium polyacrylate, pectin sodium alginate, chitosan oligosaccharides, polyethylene glycol, and polyvinylpyrrolidine). The functional group variation in these polymers affected their interactions with precursor iron ions, and subsequently influenced crystalline grain sizes within superparticles and their magnetic properties. These superparticles were extensively characterized by transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, x-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry.
A 65nm Image Processing SoC Supporting Multiple DNN Models and Real-Time Computation-Communication Trade-Off Via Actor-Critical Neuro-Controller

This paper presents a 65nm wireless image processing SoC for real-time computation-communication trade-off on resource-constrained edge devices. The test-chip includes (1) an all-digital, near-memory, reconfigurable and programmable neural-network (NN) based systolic image processor at 1.05TOPS/W (peak), (2) a digitally-adaptive RF-DAC based transceiver with Tx energy-efficiency of 768pJ/b and (3) a mixed-signal, time-based, actor-critic neuro-controller with compute-in-memory (CIM) and inplace weight updates that provides online learning and adaptation at 0.59pJ/MAC for efficiently controlling the computation, communication blocks separately as well as jointly.
Group Cognitive Behavioural Treatment for Anxiety in Autistic Adolescents with Intellectual Disability: A Pilot and Feasibility Study.

BACKGROUND Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability evidence significant anxiety. This study aimed to adapt a group cognitive behaviour therapies (CBT) programme designed for youth with ASD and anxiety to meet the cognitive, communication, and behavioural needs of adolescents with intellectual disability, and assess initial feasibility and efficacy of the intervention. METHODS Structural, content and procedural adaptations were made to a 14-week family-focused CBT intervention. Twenty-three adolescents with ASD, intellectual disability and anxiety were included. Treatment acceptability along with adolescent anxiety symptoms was assessed via parent report measures. RESULTS Of the 23 participants, 19 completed treatment and attended 94% of sessions. Parent acceptability was high. Significant reductions were noted on anxiety symptoms post-intervention. CONCLUSIONS Results indicate that the CBT group was feasible and acceptable. Preliminary outcomes suggest that adolescent anxiety improved, although replication with a larger sample and comparison to a control group is needed.
Realizing the Potential of Nurse Home Visiting.

* Abbreviation: NHV — : nurse home visiting In this issue of Pediatrics , Goldfeld et al1 report maternal mental health outcomes after 3 years of follow-up from a randomized controlled trial of right@home, a nurse home visiting (NHV) program in Australia. The trial enrolled 722 pregnant women experiencing ≥2 risk factors for adversity, such as young age, limited social support, low income, and low educational attainment, and randomly assigned them to right@home (25 nurse home visits beginning antenatally) or usual care. After 2 years (when primary outcomes were to be collected), right@home produced benefits in parent care, parent responsivity, and home learning environment.2 In the current study, the authors followed participant families to 3 years and compared maternal mental health outcomes across 255 right@home women and 240 controls. In this analysis, right@home mothers reported better mental health according to the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales, with effect sizes of 0.25 (95% confidence interval: 0.08–0.32) for depression and 0.20 (95% confidence interval: 0.05–0.30) for anxiety.1 Methodologically, the study has significant strengths, most notably, a rigorous multisite design. The results, however, should be interpreted with caution, the primary reason being that the maternal mental health outcomes at 3 years do not appear to … Address correspondence to Kelsey A. Egan, MD, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Medical Center, 801 Albany St, Boston, MA 02119. E-mail: kelsey.egan{at}bmc.org
Easing pain on the western front: American nurses of the Great War and the birth of modern nursing practice: by Paul E. Stepansky, Jefferson, NC, McFarland & Company, 2020, xi + 232 pp., $39.95 (paperback), ISBN 978-1-4766-8001-9

As the subtitle of this book indicates, Paul Stepansky wishes to illuminate the experience of American nurses in World War I and demonstrate how they collectively ushered in a new era of nursing. S...
Ultrasonic Bone Scalpel (USBS) Does Not Reduce Blood Loss During Posterior Spinal Fusion (PSF) in Patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS): Randomized Clinical Trial.

Study design Randomized Clinical Trial. Objective The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of USBS with standard-of-care surgical instruments during posterior spinal fusion (PSF) in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) by evaluating the difference in estimated blood loss per level fused (EBL/level). Summary of background data PSF surgery for AIS is often associated with high blood loss. Use of an ultrasonic bone scalpel (USBS) has been proposed to reduce blood loss during scoliosis surgery. Methods This was a single-blinded (patient-blinded), randomized, controlled superiority trial. We randomized 66 patients with AIS undergoing PSF to the control group (osteotome) or the experimental group (USBS). The primary outcome was intraoperative EBL/level obtained from red blood cell salvage reports. One-year follow-up was available for 57 of 62 (92%) of patients. Results EBL/level averaged 35 and 39 mL/level in the experimental and control groups, respectively [adjusted mean difference USBS - osteotome -8 mL/level, 95% CI: -16.4 to 0.3 mL/level, P = 0.0575]. There was no difference in curve correction [adjusted mean difference: -1.7%, 95% CI: -7.0 to 3.6%, P = 0.5321] or operative time [adjusted mean difference: -3.55 minutes, 95% CI: -22.45 to 15.46 min, P = 0.7089] between groups. Complications requiring change in routine postoperative care were noted in eight patients: two occurred in patients assigned to the experimental group and six occurred in patients assigned to the control group. Conclusion There was no clinically significant difference in total blood loss, EBL/level, or complications between the two groups. In contrast to reports from other centers, at our high-volume spine center, USBS did not lead to reduced blood loss during PSF for AIS. These results may not be generalizable to centers with longer baseline operative times or higher baseline average blood loss during PSF for AIS.Level of Evidence: 1.
Recent Progress Using De Novo Design to Study Protein Structure, Design and Binding Interactions

De novo protein design is a powerful methodology used to study natural functions in an artificial-protein context. Since its inception, it has been used to reproduce a plethora of reactions and uncover biophysical principles that are often difficult to extract from direct studies of natural proteins. Natural proteins are capable of assuming a variety of different structures and subsequently binding ligands at impressively high levels of both specificity and affinity. Here, we will review recent examples of de novo design studies on binding reactions for small molecules, nucleic acids, and the formation of protein-protein interactions. We will then discuss some new structural advances in the field. Finally, we will discuss some advancements in computational modeling and design approaches and provide an overview of some modern algorithmic tools being used to design these proteins.
Horn Fly Control with Topically Applied Ivermectin

The adult stage of the horn fly, Haematobia irritans (L.) is a permanent haematophagus parasite of cattle throughout the United States. Populations may exceed 1,000 flies per animal in some areas. Nationally, the loss due to this ectoparasite is estimated to be 730 million dollars per year (1). Heavy populations decrease weight gains 0.10 lbs per day and decrease feed conversion efficiency about 9% (2). Historically, the horn fly was controlled by various types of insecticide treatments applied as sprays or dips, or by self-treatment devices such as cable rubbers or dust bags. Insecticide-impregnated cattle ear tags rapidly became the treatment of choice in the 1980's because they provided efficient, economical and season-long control with one treatment. Unfortunately, ear tag treatment provided an ideal mechanism for development of insecticide resistance. Within a few years following the introduction of pyrethroid-impregnated ear tags, horn flies began to show widespread resistance to this entire class of insecticides (3). Hom fly control for the future should rely on strategies that minimize exposure of horn flies to a single class of insecticide, and particularly to the pyrethroids. Studies reported herein show the efficacy of topically applied ivermectin against the horn fly on pastured cattle. In addition, studies evaluating the persistence of topical ivermectin treatments on animals exposed to controlled environmental conditions are presented.
Review and analysis of modern lumbar spinal fusion techniques.

PURPOSE A variety of different lumbar spinal fusion techniques have been developed. In this study, we review published medical literature highlighting the differences between lumbar interbody fusion techniques with regard to their surgical technique, clinical outcomes, and complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar searches were performed for studies published between January 1990 to April 2018 reporting spinal fusion surgery clinical outcomes of at least one fusion technique. Clinical outcomes were extracted and pooled by surgical technique. Chi-squared analyses and Fisher Exact Tests were used to determine differences in rates between groups. RESULTS PLIF had the highest rate of successful fusion (97% [155/159]) and the lowest rate of complications (4% [6/131]). A chi square analysis revealed a significant difference in fusion success in PLIF compared to PLF (84% [278/330], p < .001). PLIF also had significantly fewer complications compared to PSF (14.7% [251/1709], p = .001), PLF (13.4% [47/351], p = .008), ALIF (14.2% [22/155], p = .008), and LIC (13.9% [47/339], p = .005). Additionally, there were significant differences in the rate of successful fusion when comparing lateral interbody cage (LIC) techniques (p = .041), which include OLIF (100% [63/63]), DLIF (92% [24/26]), and XLIF (87% [67/77]). LIC techniques overall had higher fusion success rates (93.0% [154/166] compared to PLF (p = .01), but a higher rate of complications (14% [47/339]) compared to PLIF (p = .005) and TLIF (6% [17/259], p = .005). CONCLUSIONS Overall, PLF and XLIF have the lowest fusion success rates, and OLIF demonstrated a trend of higher fusion rates among LIC. Techniques that utilized interbody fusion tended to increase the rate of fusion. While interbody fusion techniques offer higher rates of fusion, complication rates also tend to rise with the increase in complexity of the surgical technique, as with OLIF which notably has the highest fusion rate and complication rate.
A Real-world Dataset of Netflix Videos and User Watch-Behavior: Analysis and Insights

Netflix is the most popular video streaming site contributing to nearly a quarter of global video traffic. Given the dominance of Netflix on Internet traffic, understanding how individual users consume content on Netflix is of interest to not only the research community, but to network operators, content creators and providers, users and advertisers. In this context, we collect Netflix viewing activity from 1060 users spanning a 1 year period, and consisting of over 1.7 million episodes and movies. We group the users based on their activity level, and provide key insights pertaining to the user’s watch patterns, watch-session length, user preferences, predictability and watch-behavior continuation tendencies. We also implement and evaluate classifiers which are used to predict the user’s engagement in a series based on their past behavioral patterns.
Utilization of Medically Obtained Evidence in Cases of Sexual Assault: Results of a Survey

Recent studies of the problem of sexual assault [1–3] have reached a consensus that physical evidence is valuable in investigations of such incidents. While physical evidence such as fingerprints, footprints, and tire tracks may be obtained in many cases of sexual assault, the physical evidence most frequently encountered in such cases is the biological material transferred during sexual activity: hair, semen, blood, and other fluids or tissues. The collecting of such evidence is the province of the emergency room physician (or medical examiner, if the victim is deceased). The victim of a sexual attack who suffers trauma, or fears pregnancy or venereal disease, will probably seek medical treatment. If the victim reports the assault to the police she will also almost certainly receive a medical examination. This medical examination not only provides a basis for further medical treatment but also serves as the primary opportunity for the recovery and preservation of potentially valuable physical evidence.
Inelastic vector soliton collisions: a lattice-based quantum representation.

Latticebased quantum algorithms are developed for vector soliton collisions in the completely integrable Manakov equations, a system of coupled nonlinear Schrdinger (coupledNLS) equations that desc...
SEXUAL DIFFERENCE AND TRINITARIAN DEATH: CROSS, KENOSIS, AND HIERARCHY IN THE THEO‐DRAMA

Hans Urs von Balthasar's “Theo-Drama: Theological Dramatic Theory” exhibits a mutual funding of a hierarchical ordering of the relation between “man” and “woman” and a hierarchical ordering of the relation between the Father, the Son, and the Spirit. The two hierarchies explain, illustrate, and support one another. Von Balthasar's oscillation between hierarchy and equality, particularly in the divine case, results in a tortured understanding of personhood where being in relation means handing oneself over to another with the threat of death always present. Von Balthasar's understanding of personhood turns out to be fundamentally masochistic. Further, difference collapses into hierarchy and thus turns out to be no more than repetition in the mode of reception, which then poses a serious challenge to Balthasar's account of divine and human being. Since the point of connection between the two is found in his account of the way inner-trinitarian relations of origin are extended into the world in the sending of the Son, this is the thesis which needs problematizing. For von Balthasar, the kenotic nature of the inner-trinitarian processions explains what in the life of God makes the cross possible, but this move ascribes something like suffering and death to the inner life of God in a way that undercuts the fullness of divine love while undergirding a hierarchical understanding of divine relationality.
Epidemiologic measures and policy formulation: lessons from potential outcomes

This paper provides a critique of the common practice in the health-policy literature of focusing on hypothetical outcome removal at the expense of intervention analysis. The paper begins with an introduction to measures of causal effects within the potential-outcomes framework, focusing on underlying conceptual models, definitions and drawbacks of special relevance to policy formulation based on epidemiologic data. It is argued that, for policy purposes, one should analyze intervention effects within a multivariate-outcome framework to capture the impact of major sources of morbidity and mortality. This framework can clarify what is captured and missed by summary measures of population health, and shows that the concept of summary measure can and should be extended to multidimensional indices.
Attack on lignified grass cell walls by a facultatively anaerobic bacterium.

A filamentous, facultatively anaerobic microorganism that attacked lignified tissue in forage grasses was isolated from rumen fluid with a Bermuda grass-containing anaerobic medium in roll tubes. The microbe, designated 7-1, demonstrated various colony and cellular morphologies under different growth conditions. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that 7-1 attacked lignified cell walls in aerobic and anaerobic culture. 7-1 predominately degraded tissues reacting positively for lignin with the chlorine-sulfite stain (i.e., sclerenchyma in leaf blades and parenchyma in stems) rather than the more resistant acid phloroglucinol-positive tissues (i.e., lignified vascular tissue and sclerenchyma ring in stems), although the latter tissues were occasionally attacked. Turbidimetric tests showed that 7-1 in anaerobic culture grew optimally at 39°C at a pH of 7.4 to 8.0. Tests for growth on plant cell wall carbohydrates showed that 7-1 grew on xylan and pectin slowly in aerobic cultures but not with pectin and only slightly with xylan in anaerobic culture. 7-1 was noncellulolytic as shown by filter paper tests. The microbe used the phenolic acids sinapic, ferulic, and p -coumaric acids as substrates for growth; the more highly methoxylated acids were used more effectively. Images
Recovery of Clustered Sparse Signals from Compressive Measurements

We introduce a new signal model, called (K,C)-sparse, to capture K-sparse signals in N dimensions whose nonzero coefficients are contained within at most C clusters, with C < K << N. In contrast to the existing work in the sparse approximation and compressive sensing literature on block sparsity, no prior knowledge of the locations and sizes of the clusters is assumed. We prove that O (K + C log(N/C))) random projections are sufficient for (K,C)-model sparse signal recovery based on subspace enumeration. We also provide a robust polynomialtime recovery algorithm for (K,C)-model sparse signals with provable estimation guarantees.
A Mutant KcsA K+ Channel with Altered Conduction Properties and Selectivity Filter Ion Distribution

Abstract The selectivity filter of K + channels is comprised of a linear queue of four equal-spaced ion-binding sites spanning a distance of 12 A. Each site is formed of eight oxygen atoms from the protein. The first three sites, numbered 1–3 from the extracellular side, are made of exclusively main-chain carbonyl oxygen atoms. The fourth site, closest to the intracellular side, is made of four main-chain carbonyl oxygen atoms and four threonine side-chain hydroxyl oxygen atoms. Here we characterize the effects of mutating the threonine to cysteine on the distribution of ions in the selectivity filter and on the conduction of ions through the filter. The mutation influences the occupancy of K + at sites 2 and 4 and it reduces the maximum rate of conduction in the limit of high K + concentration. The mutation does not affect the conduction of Rb + . These results can be understood in the context of a conduction mechanism in which a pair of K ions switch between energetically balanced 1,3 and 2,4 configurations.
Anatase (100) thin film surface computational model for photoelectrochemical cell

Using computational approaches, one is able to better understand electron transfer and specific atomistic behaviors in semiconductor materials; it is also more cost and time effective than experimental methods. If computed semiconductor characteristics show promise, experimentalists can synthesize and further examine the structure. Specifically, doping TiO2 thin film surfaces with platinum and ruthenium have shown great promise for efficient H2 production and is beneficial in comparison to other materials such as the pure silicon used for most of today's solar cells. In computational studies, TiO2 anatase thin film (100) surfaces are doped with platinum and ruthenium. The formulas used are Pt2Ti32O72H16 or Ru2Ti32O72H16 with the (100) crystallographic surface exposed and covered with a monolayer of water. Optimization is completed by density functional theory and Perdue Burke Ernzerhof, (PBE) in Vienna Ab-initio simulation package (VASP) software. The density of states, absorption spectra, and partial charge densities are compared between slabs doped by the two elements as well as Ti32 O72H16 with no dopant as a standard for reference. The information can be used to show the mechanism of how doping the titanium dioxide nanocrystals facilitates photoinduced charge transfer at the surfaces, which is useful in understanding photoelectrochemical water splitting. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A storage allocation and reference structure

A method is proposed and discussed which allows a subscripted-variable capability (in the FORTRAN sense) to be added to AUTOCODER-Type assembly systems.
Cardiomyopathy in a Dish: Using Human Inducible Pluripotent Stem Cells to Model Inherited Cardiomyopathies

Abstract Inherited cardiomyopathies, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathies, arrythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, and other inherited forms of heart failure, represent a unique set of genetically defined cardiovascular disease processes. Unraveling the molecular mechanisms of these deadly forms of human heart disease has been challenging, but recent groundbreaking scientific advances in stem cell technology have allowed for the generation of patient-specific human inducible stem cell (hiPSC)–derived cardiomyocytes (CMs). hiPSC-derived CMs retain the genetic blueprint of the patient, they can be maintained in culture, and they recapitulate the phenotypic characteristics of the disease in vitro, thus serving as a disease in a dish. This review provides an overview of in vitro modeling of inherited cardiomyopathies with the use of patient-specific hiPSC-derived CMs.
Departures from the Eightfold Way. III. Pseudoscalar-Meson Electromagnetic Masses

The leading contributions to the ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}$ and ${K}^{+}\ensuremath{-}{K}^{0}$ mass differences are calculated. The contributions of pseudoscalar-meson and vector-meson intermediate states are considered, and the Feynman integrations are performed assuming very general momentum dependence at the vertices. Using form factors having poles at the vector-meson masses, and the unitary-symmetric vector mixing model of Coleman and Schnitzer, we find ${m}_{\ensuremath{\pi}+}\ensuremath{-}{m}_{\ensuremath{\pi}0}=4.9$ MeV and ${{m}_{K}}^{+}\ensuremath{-}{{m}_{K}}^{0}=2.9$ MeV. It is difficult to give a reliable estimate of the errors in these calculations; we believe they are correct to within 1 MeV. The uncertainty lies partly in the determination of the $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\rho}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\pi}$ coupling constant and partly in the dynamical assumptions. When the scalar-meson contribution suggested by Coleman and Glashow is included, the $\ensuremath{\pi}$-meson mass difference is unchanged and the $K$-meson mass difference becomes ${{m}_{K}}^{+}\ensuremath{-}{{m}_{K}}^{0}=\ensuremath{-}1.4$ MeV. Our numerical values have been tabulated without discussion in two earlier papers of this series.
Breeding bird communities of upland hardwood forest 12 years after shelterwood logging

Abstract We studied the relationship between the effects of shelterwood logging on forest structure and long-term abundance, diversity, and richness of breeding bird communities in an upland hardwood forest at Land Between The Lakes (LBL), Kentucky and Tennessee. Breeding bird communities (point counts in 1987–1989, 1999) and forest vegetation structure (1987–1988, 1999), the year prior to, 1 and 2 years after, and 12 years after shelterwood logging were compared between logged and uncut (>40 years since logging) forest sites. Shelterwood sites had significantly greater mid-story canopy. General avian community trends demonstrated an initial increase in diversity and density the year following logging, and decreased diversity and density in 1999. Uncut sites showed a general decline in diversity in 1989 and 1999. The influence of shelterwood logging varied among taxa and among foraging guilds. Specifically, the ground-gleaning guild was significantly more diverse on uncut sites than on shelterwood sites. We attribute this greater diversity to a more complex and diverse forest understory with greater opportunity for foraging. Logging did not significantly influence diversity, evenness, or richness of the nesting guilds. We examined four priority species of concern (as designated by Partners in Flight): Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina), Worm-eating Warbler (Helmitheros vermivorus), Kentucky Warbler (Oporonis formosus), and Hooded Warbler (Wilsonia citrina). Of these, population densities of Wood Thrush were significantly lower on logged sites than on uncut sites while worm-eating warblers were higher on logged sites. The Kentucky Warbler and Hooded Warbler did not occur on logged sites. Higher densities of birds in our study sites compared to regional surveys suggest LBL is an important local area for breeding bird communities.
Lift and pitching moment coefficient changes from low-level freestream turbulence

Etude experimentale des variations du moment de tangage et de la portance en fonction de la turbulence. Modele de variation du coefficient de portance
Fragile X mental retardation protein in plasticity and disease.

Fragile X syndrome is the most common cause of mental retardation known to be inherited. The syndrome results from the suppressed expression of a single protein, the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). Understanding the function and regulation of FMRP can, therefore, offer insights into both the pathophysiology of fragile X syndrome and the molecular mechanisms of learning and memory. We provide an overview of current concepts of how FMRP functions in the nervous system, with special emphasis on recent evidence that FMRP has a role in metabotropic glutamate receptor-activated protein translation and synaptic plasticity.
A Regression Method for Estimating Population Changes of Local Areas

Abstract A regression method is presented in which current sample data and symptomatic information are combined to estimate postcensal populations for local areas. This procedure was tested for counties and states using 1970 Census data, and the resulting estimates were found to be more accurate than estimates computed by standard demographic procedures for the same period. The ratio-correlation estimates were the most accurate series of standard estimates. When this series was added to the set of symptomatic information used in the regression method, further increases in accuracy were obtained.
Detection of gas plumes in cluttered environments using long-wave infrared hyperspectral sensors

Long-wave infrared hyperspectral sensors provide the ability to detect gas plumes at stand-off distances. A number of detection algorithms have been developed for such applications, but in situations where the gas is released in a complex background and is at air temperature, these detectors can generate a considerable amount of false alarms. To make matters more difficult, the gas tends to have non-uniform concentrations throughout the plume making it spatially similar to the false alarms. Simple post-processing using median filters can remove a number of the false alarms, but at the cost of removing a significant amount of the gas plume as well. We approach the problem using an adaptive subpixel detector and morphological processing techniques. The adaptive subpixel detection algorithm is able to detect the gas plume against the complex background. We then use morphological processing techniques to isolate the gas plume while simultaneously rejecting nearly all false alarms. Results will be demonstrated on a set of ground-based long-wave infrared hyperspectral image sequences.
American Glamour and the Evolution of Modern Architecture

American Glamour and the Evolution of Modern Architecture By Alice T. Friedman Yale University Press, 2010 ISBN 978-0-300-11654-0 £45.00, Hardback, pp. 272, with illustrations At the plenary sessio...
Cost savings realized by use of the PhaSeal(®) closed-system transfer device for preparation of antineoplastic agents.

Purpose: Medication cost is a major factor associated with increasing health care costs in the United States. Expenditures for prescription drugs in 2013 are estimated to be $283.7 billion. Closed system transfer devices are widely used for preparation of hazardous drugs. Reports indicate the Phaseal closed system transfer device maintains