cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MB40 RLY100 Series Protection Modules and Their Application to Small and Medium Hydropower Stations

The principle of MB40 RLY100 series protection modules is introduced,including the configuration and function,and the engineering application to small and medium hydropower stations is illustrated. The integrated monitoring and protection system architecture is employed to the protection modules,of which the hardware design,software design,function design,message exchange etc. are distinctive,offering a novel design proposal for the building of new stations and the modernization of existing stations. The cost performance of the integrated automation system of small and medium hydropower stations is improved.
Global sea-level rise: weighing country responsibility and risk

Accelerated sea-level rise will be one of the most significant effects of global warming. Global mean sea level has risen more than 0.2 m since 1880 and continues rising at above 4 mm yr.−1. Here we allocate responsibility to countries for global sea-level rise commitment (SLRC) over the period 1850 to 2100 and weigh that against their exposure to inundation from sea-level rise. We bridge two lines of climate-related research by combining assessment of countries’ greenhouse gas emissions with predictions of the multi-millennial sea level response to global warming. Under the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s business-as-usual scenario our findings show that the five most responsible countries for global SLRC are also the most exposed to absolute land loss. This is mostly due to their own emissions, which we call intrinsic risk. We also assess extrinsic risk, defined as a country’s land exposed to inundation due to all other countries’ emissions. We show that for 6 m of global SLRC, the two non-island countries with the highest extrinsic risk are predicted to lose 27 % and 15 % of their own land, yet contributed less than 1.1 % each to the emissions driving SLRC. We anticipate that our findings will directly inform policy discussions in international climate negotiations by identifying the relative degree of country responsibility and risk associated with sea-level rise.
CHAPTER 27 – Interleukin-1 Family [IL-1F1, F2]

IL-2 and cytokines affect lymphocyte function, and lymphocyte expansion, IL-1 and its related family members are primarily proinflammatory cytokines by their ability to stimulate the expression of genes associated with inflammation, and autoimmune diseases. The relevant properties of IL-1 in inflammation are the initiation of cyclooxygenase type 2 (COX-2), type 2 phospholipase A, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). This accounts for the large amount of prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2), platelet activating factor, and nitric oxide (NO) produced by cells exposed to IL-1 or in animals or humans injected with IL-1. Another important proinflammatory property of IL-1 is its ability to increase the expression of adhesion molecules, such as intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), on mesenchymal cells, and vascular-cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) on endothelial cells. The latter property promotes the infiltration of inflammatory and immunocompetent cells into the extravascular space. IL-1 is also an angiogenic factor by increasing the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor. It plays a role in tumor metastasis and blood vessel supply. The strongest case for the importance of IL-1 in disease processes comes from the administration of the IL-1 receptor antagonist, a member of the IL-1 family that prevents IL-1 activity. In addition to proinflammatory properties, IL-1 is also an adjuvant during antibody production, and acts on bone marrow stem cells for differentiation in the myeloid series. IL-1 was administered to humans in order to reduce the nadir of white blood cells, and platelets of patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation.
How the CT Community Failed to Anticipate the Islamic State

AbstractThis article is a critique of the dominant approach within the counter-terrorism (CT) community that failed to analyze IS’s trajectory as a distinct group since at least 2006. We argue that two factors account for this failure. The first concerns the Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF), the law that was enacted in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, providing options to the U.S. President to authorize the use of Armed Forces “against those responsible” for the 9/11 attacks. We contend that this law served as an incentive to lump regional jihadi groups under the AQ umbrella instead of discerning their differences. The second factor concerns what we term as the “al-Qa‘ida fixation,” it has to do with a post-9/11 bias towards understanding the threat emanating from jihadi groups around the world through the lens of AQ. This translated into falsely constructing a so-called “al-Qaeda Central” in the business of ‘franchising’ its brand and cloning its violent operations by establishing regional...
Soft, flexible 3D printed fibers for capacitive tactile sensing

This study presents our latest efforts towards developing a force sensor array by weaving 3D printed functionalized polymer fibers. Silicone was used as the base polymer and carbon fillers were used to impart electrical conductivity. Two “H”-shaped fiber cross-sections oriented orthogonally acted as a parallel plate capacitor and were used for detecting normal forces. In this article, we present the fabrication method of the unique “H”-shaped fiber cross-section along with the investigation of the relation between applied force and measured capacitance. We also report the sensor response to variation in temperature. The sensing crossover was found to have a stable mechanical and electrical response in the force range of 0–6 N and the performance of this soft sensor was not significantly affected by temperature.
Hard targets for a second skeleton: therapeutic horizons for fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP).

The mutation that causes fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) creates a second skeleton of heterotopic bone for which there is no effective prevention or treatment. Clinical and basic resear...
Spinal subdural hematoma: a rare case of spinal subdural hematoma complicating routine, minimally invasive lumbar discectomy and decompression and relevant literature review

We present a case of apparently uncomplicated lumbar decompression and discectomy with delayed postoperative neurological deterioration secondary to subdural hematoma at the thoracolumbar level of the spinal cord. Previously described subdural hematomas have occurred spontaneously or related to iatrogenic injury. Hitherto, no case of acute postoperative subdural hematoma has been reported in the postoperative setting in the absence of known iatrogenic dural injury. A 76-year-old male with central and lateral recess spinal stenosis underwent apparently uncomplicated bilateral L3-4 and left sided L4-5 decompressive partial laminectomies and discectomy. No incidental dural injury or cerebrospinal fluid leak was detected. On postoperative day two, he developed progressive, profound weakness, sensory changes and urinary retention. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a compressive subdural fluid collection extending between T11-L2, which was confirmed to be xanthochromic and under pressure superficial to an undisturbed arachnoid at emergent surgical exploration and evacuation. The mechanism of this complication is unknown. The patient went on to a complete recovery following surgical evacuation of the fluid via durotomy. While this is a very rare event, it reminds that a high index of suspicion is required with a low threshold for urgent imaging and intervention in the postoperative period upon development of unexpected, progressive and/or profound neurological findings regardless of intraoperative course.
Orthotopic Urinary Diversion in Men

Orthotopic urinary diversion has been performed for more than three decades. Although it is considered to be the gold standard form of diversion in many centers of expertise, the ileal conduit remains the most commonly performed urinary diversion. Variations in philosophy and experience heavily influence the discussion with patients regarding choice of diversion. Over the past decade, there has been a significant improvement in understanding factors that influence outcomes following orthotopic diversion. This chapter reviews the techniques of orthotopic urinary diversion with a detailed description of modern post-operative management focusing on enhanced recovery protocols.
Everything You Wanted to Know about Smart Health Care: Evaluating the Different Technologies and Components of the Internet of Things for Better Health

The Internet-of-Things (IoT) has taken over the business spectrum, and its applications vary widely from agriculture and health care to transportation. A hospital environment can be very stressful, especially for senior citizens and children. With the ever-increasing world population, the conventional patient-doctor appointment has lost its effectiveness. Hence, smart health care becomes very important. Smart health care can be implemented at all levels, starting from temperature monitoring for babies to tracking vital signs in the elderly.
Immunity against the Obligate Intracellular Bacterial Pathogen Rickettsia australis Requires a Functional Complement System

The complement system has a well-defined role in deterring blood-borne infections. However, complement is not entirely efficacious, as several bacterial pathogens, including some obligate intracellular pathogens, have evolved mechanisms for resistance. It is presumed that obligate intracellular bacteria evade complement attack by residing within a host cell; however, recent studies have challenged this presumption. Here, we demonstrate that the complement system is activated during infection with the obligate intracellular bacterium Rickettsia australis and that genetic ablation of complement increases susceptibility to infection. Interaction of Rickettsia australis with serum-borne complement leads to activation of the complement cascade, producing three effector mechanisms that could negatively influence R. australis. The C9-dependent membrane attack complex can lead to deposition of a bacteriolytic membrane pore on the bacteria, but this system does not contribute to control of rickettsial infection. Similarly, complement receptor (CR1/2)-dependent opsonophagocytosis may lead to engulfment and killing of the bacteria, but this system is also dispensable for immunity. Nevertheless, intact complement is essential for naturally acquired and antibody-mediated immunity to Rickettsia infection. Comparison of infection in mice lacking the central complement protein C3 with infection in their wild-type counterparts demonstrated decreases in gamma interferon (IFN-γ) production, IgG secretion, and spleen hyperplasia in animals lacking complement. The correlation between loss of secondary immune functions and loss of complement indicates that the proinflammatory signaling components of the complement system, and not membrane attack complex or opsonophagocytosis, contribute to the immune response to this pathogen.
Female Surgeons as Counter Stereotype: The Impact of Gender Perceptions on Trainee Evaluations of Physician Faculty.

Objective Similar to women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics disciplines, women in medicine are subject to negative stereotyping when they do not adhere to their sex-role expectations. These biases may vary by specialty, largely dependent on the gender’s representation in that specialty. Thus, females in male-dominated surgical specialties are especially at risk of stereotype threat. Herein, we present the role of gender expectations using trainee evaluations of physician faculty at a single academic center, over a 5-year period (2010-2014). Design Using Graduate Medical Education evaluation data of physician faculty from MedHub, we examined the differences in evaluation scores for male and female physicians within specialties that have traditionally had low female representation (e.g., surgical fields) compared to those with average or high female representation (e.g., pediatrics). Setting Stanford Medicine residents and fellows’ MedHub ratings of their physician faculty from 2010 to 2014. Participants A total of 3648 evaluations across 1066 physician faculty. Results Overall, female physicians received lower median scores than their male counterparts across all specialties. When using regression analyses controlling for race, age, rank, and specialty-specific characteristics, the negative effect persists only for female physicians in specialties with low female representation. Conclusions This finding suggests that female physicians in traditionally male-dominated specialties may face different criteria based on sex-role expectations when being evaluated by trainees. As trainee evaluations play an important role in career advancement decisions, dictate perceptions of quality within academic medical centers and affect overall job satisfaction, we propose that these differences in evaluations based merely on gender stereotypes could account, in part, for the narrowing pipeline of women promoted to higher ranks in academic medicine.
Family Values and Real Life

Historically, public policy has not responded to family values per se, because of the American emphasis on individuals rather than on families
Challenges and directions for monitoring P2P file sharing networks-or: why my printer received a DMCA takedown notice

We reverse engineer copyright enforcement in the popular BitTorrent file sharing network and find that a common approach for identifying infringing users is not conclusive. We describe simple techniques for implicating arbitrary network endpoints in illegal content sharing and demonstrate the effectiveness of these techniques experimentally, attracting real DMCA complaints for nonsense devices, e.g., IP printers and a wireless access point. We then step back and evaluate the challenges and possible future directions for pervasive monitoring in P2P file sharing networks.
Greening the Food Supply in New York

New York City’s food system, like those of most major cities, offers an abundance of high-quality, low-cost food from all around the world. Food to satisfy diverse tastes is available year round at markets and restaurants throughout the city’s five boroughs. Superficially, the system that feeds New Yorkers appears to work wonderfully. Yet, as is apparent to an increasing number of policy makers and advocates, the city’s food system is based on an inherently unsustainable and vulnerable foundation. It is rife with inefficiencies that increase costs, cause environmental problems, and inequitably distribute resources so that while many New Yorkers enjoy the best that food has to offer, millions of others lack easy access to healthy, fresh food. During the last several years, individuals have sought to forge policies and develop wide-ranging programs to address these problems, making New York City one of the nation’s leaders in sustainable urban food initiatives.
The Path to Λ -Bounded variation

This is a personal account describing the evolution of the concept of Λ-bounded variation. Earlier generalizations of bounded variation are described. A test for the convergence of Fourier series due to Salem was pivotal, leading to a condition for preservation of convergence of Fourier series under change of variable and, finally, to a new notion of bounded variation. Some applications and generalizations to higher dimensions are indicated.
Incidence trends for upper aerodigestive tract cancers in rural United States counties

Background Recent declines in cancer incidence and mortality have not been distributed equally across the United States. Factors such as tobacco cessation and human papillomavirus presence might differentially affect urban and rural portions of the country. Methods We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database to assess cancer incidence rates and trends from 1973 to 2015. We compared incidence rates for oral cavity, oropharynx, and larynx cancer in urban and rural counties and identified trends using Joinpoint software. Results Incidence of larynx and oral cavity cancer are decreasing faster in urban areas than in rural areas, while incidence of oropharynx cancer is increasing faster in rural areas than urban areas. Conclusions Relative trends in incidence of larynx, oral cavity, and oropharynx cancer over the past 40 years are unfavorable for rural United States counties compared with urban areas. Cancer control programs should take this into account.
Variables Associated with Emergency Department Utilization by Pediatric Patients with Asthma in a Federally Qualified Health Center

To study variables associated with Emergency Department (ED) utilization among pediatric patients with asthma in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). We analyzed Electronic Health Record (EHR) data in a retrospective cohort study of patients with asthma between ages 2 and 18 who received primary care at a FQHC. The primary outcome studied was a visit to the ED at Ann and Robert Lurie’s Children’s Hospital (LCH) for an acute visit related to asthma. Univariate analyses and a multiple logistic regression were performed to study the effect of demographic and clinical variables on ED utilization. Of the 286 patients in the initial EHR query, 200 were included in the final analysis. The median age of subjects in the study cohort was 8.73 years. Patients in the cohort with ED visits averaged 1.32 ED visits in the 15-month period of analysis. The multivariable logistic regression model demonstrated the significant predictors of ED utilization were (1) younger age (OR 0.977, 0.968–0.984, P < 0.001), (2) proximity of patient residence to the hospital when compared with their primary care medical home (OR 0.907, 95% CI 0.828–0.992, P < 0.05), and (3) absence of an asthma action plan (OR 0.079, 95% CI, 0.016–0.283, P < 0.001). Younger age, closer relative proximity of the patient’s home to the hospital compared with the clinic, and absence of an asthma action plan were all identified as significant predictors of ED utilization. Sex, ethnicity, language, passive smoke exposure, and insurance status were not statistically significant predictors of ED utilization.
Consideration for Employer-Based and Geographic Attributes Included in Value Assessment Methods of Next-Generation Sequencing Tests.

SUMMARY: There is a need for formal cost-effectiveness evidence to better model the real-world payer decision context in which general economic models are currently being used, specifically regardi...
An Investigation of the Music Literature Being Performed at Jazz Band Music Performance Assessments in Florida

The purpose of this study was to examine the performance trends of middle school, junior/senior high school, and high school ensembles at District Florida Bandmasters Association (FBA) Jazz Band Mu...
Impact of Age on Locoregional and Distant Recurrence After Mastectomy for Ductal Carcinoma In Situ With or Without Microinvasion.

Locoregional recurrence (LRR) after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is increased in young women. We examined the impact of age on LRR and distant disease after mastectomy for DCIS ± microinvasion. We identified consecutive patients with DCIS ± microinvasion treated with mastectomy from 1995 to 2017. LRR was defined as recurrence at the ipsilateral chest wall or regional nodes. Overall, 3121 cases were identified, of which 421 (13.5%) had DCIS + microinvasion. Median age was 49 years and median follow-up was 6.4 years; 821 were followed for 10 or more years. Thirty-four LRRs were observed: 33 (97%) were invasive, and 23 (68%) were in the chest wall alone. Cumulative 10-year LRR incidence was 1.4%. Age < 50 years, high grade, and DCIS + microinvasion were associated with LRR (p ≤ 0.001); however, margin status was not (p = 0.14). Adjusting for grade and DCIS + microinvasion, age < 50 years (hazard ratio [HR] 14.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.5–61.5; p < 0.001) was associated with LRR. Compared with women ≥ 50 years of age, women age < 40 years had the highest risk (HR 27.0, 95% CI 6.0–121), and women age 40–49 years had intermediate risk (HR 11.8, 95% CI 2.8–50.5). The cumulative 10-year LRR incidence was 4.2% for women < 40 years of age, 2.0% for women 40–49 years of age, and 0.2% for women ≥ 50 years of age. Women age < 40 years had a 10-year distant disease rate of 1.6% versus women age 40–49 years (0.7%) and women age ≥ 50 years (0.7%) (log-rank p = 0.051). Grade, DCIS + microinvasion, and margins were unassociated with distant disease. LRR after mastectomy for DCIS ± microinvasion is uncommon, but is more frequent among women < 50 years of age, particularly in those < 40 years of age. The 10-year LRR rate in this youngest group remains low at 4.2%. Young age is an independent risk factor for LRR after BCS or mastectomy.
Static and cyclic oxidation of Nb-Cr-V-W-Ta high entropy alloy in air from 600 to 1400 °C

Abstract An oxidation resistance study has been made on Nb-Cr-V-W-Ta high entropy alloy in a range of temperature from 600 to 1400 °C in air. Static oxidation study has been performed for either (a) 12 or 24 h of heating time or (b) 3 or 10 °C/min heating rates to the desired oxidation temperature. Cyclic oxidation study conducted for three and a half days has been conducted at 600, 700, and 800 °C using 12 h of heating cycles. The alloy can withstand the cyclic oxidation process with only a reasonable loss of alloy. The identification of oxides indicates crystals of W and Ta oxides in cylindrical form while Nb and Cr oxides show a nodular or granular morphology at both 1000 and 1200 °C while and additional of oxide of V in whisker forms at 1200 °C.
Gestational Trophoblastic Disease-Induced Thyroid Storm

In the United States, gestational trophoblastic diseases (GTD), including molar pregnancies, occur in 121 out of 100,000 pregnancies.1 Many patients with GTD may develop hyperthyroidism. GTD-induced thyroid storm is a rare but life-threatening complication of GTD.2 Once patients are hemodynamically stable, the mainstay of definitive treatment is evacuation of the mole.3 We present a case of molar pregnancy-induced thyroid storm presenting as vaginal bleeding, fever, and tachycardia.
Geospatial variation in caesarean delivery

Aim The purpose of this study was to evaluate the variation in caesarean delivery rates across counties in Georgia and to determine whether county-level characteristics were associated with clusters. Design This was a retrospective, observational study. Methods Rates of primary and repeat caesarean by maternal county of residence were calculated for 2008 through 2012. Global Moran's I (Spatial Autocorrelation) was used to identify geographic clustering. Characteristics of high and low-rate counties were compared using student's t test and chi-squared test. Results Spatial analysis of both primary and repeat caesarean rate identified the presence of clusters (Moran's I = 0.375; p < .001). Counties in high-rate clusters had significantly lower access to midwives, more deliveries paid by Medicaid, higher proportion of births for women belonging to racial/ethnic minority groups and were more likely to be rural.
All-Mode Quantum-Classical Path Integral Simulation of Bacteriochlorophyll Dimer Exciton-Vibration Dynamics

We use the quantum-classical path integral (QCPI) methodology to report numerically exact, fully quantum mechanical results for the exciton-vibration dynamics in the bacteriochlorophyll dimer, including all 50 coupled vibrational normal modes of each bacteriochlorophyll explicitly with parameters obtained from spectroscopic Huang-Rhys factors. We present a coordinate transformation that maps the dimer on a spin-Boson Hamiltonian with a single collective bath. We consider two vibrational initial conditions which correspond to a Franck-Condon excitation or to modes initially equilibrated with the excited monomer. Our calculations reveal persistent, underdamped oscillations of the electronic energy between the two pigments at room temperature. Static disorder leads to additional damping, but the population dynamics remains oscillatory. The population curves exhibit atypical, nonsmooth features that arise from the complexity of the bacteriochlorophyll vibrational spectrum and which cannot be captured by simple analytical spectral density functions.
Knee Arthroscopy After Total Knee Arthroplasty: Not a Benign Procedure

Abstract Background Outcomes of knee arthroscopy (KA) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have been limited to small case series with short-term follow-up. The purpose of this study is to report the outcomes of patients who undergo a KA after a TKA using a large longitudinal database. Methods The PearlDiver Medicare database was queried for patients who underwent a KA procedure after a TKA on the ipsilateral extremity. A randomly selected control group was created by matching controls to cases in a 3:1 ratio based on age, gender, year of procedure, and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index. Revision for infection and all-cause revision were used as end points. Results A total of192 TKA patients who underwent a subsequent KA (TKA + KA group) were compared to 571 TKA patients who did not have a subsequent KA (TKA − KA group). The incidence of revision for infection was 6.3% in the TKA + KA group compared to 2.2% in the TKA − KA group (odds ratio, 2.87; P = .009). The incidence of all-cause revision was 18.8% in the TKA + KA group compared to 5.1% in the TKA − KA group (odds ratio, 4.34; P Conclusion KA after TKA was associated with increased infection-related and all-cause revision. The association between KA and subsequent infection requires further investigation.
The Relationship Between Provider Gender Preferences and Perceptions of Providers Among Veterans Who Experienced Military Sexual Trauma

Previous research has demonstrated that most veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST) have provider gender preferences. Although provider gender mismatch, defined as not receiving a provider of the gender of one's preference, may deter veterans from disclosing MST or seeking MST-related care, there is little research that has examined this issue. The current study aimed to explore how provider gender mismatch is related to veterans' comfort with providers, perception of their providers' competency, and their endorsement of perceived provider barriers when communicating about MST. The current study was conducted as part of a larger national survey of veterans' barriers to accessing MST-related care. Participants in the study were identified using Veterans Health Administration (VHA) administrative data. Criteria for inclusion in the overall study were being enrolled in VHA health care, having screened positive for MST, and having received at least one VHA outpatient service. A subset of eligible veterans who had endorsed MST, reported a provider gender preference, and endorsed discussing MST with a VHA provider (N = 1,591) were included in the current study. Results demonstrated that provider gender preference mismatch was associated with greater endorsement of perceived provider barriers, less comfort with providers, and lower perceived provider competency in women; and greater perceived provider barriers and less comfort with providers among men. The study demonstrates that provider gender preferences may affect care for veterans who have experienced MST, and that the impact may differ for men and women. These findings may be used to improve patient-centered care and inform future research regarding veterans' provider gender preferences.
Associations of Prenatal Exposure to Phthalates with Measures of Cognition in 4.5-Month-Old Infants

The association of prenatal phthalate exposure with physical reasoning was assessed in 159 (78 female; 81 male) 4.5-month-old infants from a prospective cohort. Phthalate metabolites were quantified in urine from 16–18 gestational weeks and a pool of five urines from across pregnancy. Infants’ looking times to physically impossible and possible events were recorded via infrared eye-tracking. Infants that recognize that one of the events is impossible will look at that event longer. Associations of phthalate biomarkers with looking time differences (impossible–possible) were adjusted for maternal age, infant sex, and order of event presentation, and effect modification by infant sex was assessed. Each interquartile range (IQR) increase of monoethyl phthalate in the pooled sample was associated with females’ increased looking time (β = 1.0; 95%CI = 0.3, 1.7 s) to the impossible event. However, for males, an IQR increase in monoethyl phthalate at 16–18 weeks (β = −2.5; 95%CI = −4.4,−0.6 s), the sum of di(isononyl) phthalate metabolites in the pooled sample (β = −1.0; 95%CI = −1.8, −0.1 s), and the sum of all phthalate metabolites in both samples (β = −2.3; 95%CI = −4.4, −0.2 s) were associated with increased looking to the possible event, suggesting that higher prenatal phthalate exposure is associated with poorer physical reasoning in male infants.
Development of an employee call center for healthcare workers with symptoms and exposures to COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019 placed unprecedented challenges on the modern healthcare system. In addition to caring for patients directly affected by the virus, hospitals and clinics had to quickly mobilize forces in order to protect and manage employees with symptoms and/or exposures to COVID-19. Interventions are needed to efficiently diagnose and quarantine healthcare workers with disease while returning those without disease expediently in order to maintain a workforce capable of dealing with the pandemic surge. This article describes the Johns Hopkins system-wide occupational health response to the coronavirus outbreak. Specifically, the steps taken to develop and implement an employee covid call center that fielded 9,000 calls during the 2½ month initial surge of the virus are outlined. The 24/7 availability and rapid triage of healthcare workers led to an ultimate decline in call volume despite increasing exposure to the virus and rising hospitalizations.
Inflation and Some Questions

Inflation involves an extremely rapid expansion of the universe, which can be qualitatively described in terms of a de Sitter model universe. We will briefly discuss the dominant current view of inflation, which is based on one (or several) scalar fields that caused the early universe to expand exponentially much like a de Sitter universe. Quantum fluctuations during the expansion may be used to explain the subsequent structure we observe on the cosmological scale. Observational data on the inflationary era however are sparse and many questions remain. Other questions of note that we will briefly mention are the physical nature of dark matter and dark energy, and the quantum properties of the universe in the earliest times.
Being Lost to Follow-Up to Healthcare Appointments: A Concept Analysis.

The concept of being lost to follow-up is very common in healthcare. Though its meaning might seem literal, its use, particularly in healthcare, requires detailed analysis, to understand factors su...
Living to Be a Hundred

living room filled the kitchen. Chairs inverted on chairs surrounded the dining table. A long tan couch, stripped of its cushions, blocked the hall. In our bedroom, beside the dresser, a wooden coffee table stood upright like a basset hound begging for scraps. On our knees in the emptied living room, we pieced together carpet remnants. I aligned a wide strip of tape, bending low to hold it, my shirt wrinkling against my back like molting skin. Harvis applied heat with Linda's travel-iron, while she held the odd-shaped pieces together. We inched across the floor, inhaling the odors of scorched glue, new carpet, our own sweating bodies. An oscillating fan vibrated against the wall every fifteen seconds, the air from it blocked by Mix, our sleeping golden retriever.
Preferential Recruitment of Neutrophils into the Cerebellum and Brainstem Contributes to the Atypical Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Phenotype.

The JAK/STAT pathway is critical for development, regulation, and termination of immune responses, and dysregulation of the JAK/STAT pathway, that is, hyperactivation, has pathological implications in autoimmune and neuroinflammatory diseases. Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) regulates STAT3 activation in response to cytokines that play important roles in the pathogenesis of neuroinflammatory diseases, including IL-6 and IL-23. We previously demonstrated that myeloid lineage–specific deletion of SOCS3 resulted in a severe, nonresolving atypical form of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), characterized by lesions, inflammatory infiltrates, elevated STAT activation, and elevated cytokine and chemokine expression in the cerebellum. Clinically, these mice exhibit ataxia and tremors. In this study, we provide a detailed analysis of this model, demonstrating that the atypical EAE observed in LysMCre-SOCS3fl/fl mice is characterized by extensive neutrophil infiltration into the cerebellum and brainstem, increased inducible NO synthase levels in the cerebellum and brainstem, and prominent axonal damage. Importantly, infiltrating SOCS3-deficient neutrophils produce high levels of CXCL2, CCL2, CXCL10, NO, TNF-α, and IL-1β. Kinetic studies demonstrate that neutrophil infiltration into the cerebellum and brainstem of LysMCre-SOCS3fl/fl mice closely correlates with atypical EAE clinical symptoms. Ab-mediated depletion of neutrophils converts the atypical phenotype to the classical EAE phenotype and, in some cases, a mixed atypical/classical phenotype. Blocking CXCR2 signaling ameliorates atypical EAE development by reducing neutrophil infiltration into the cerebellum/brainstem. Thus, neutrophils lacking SOCS3 display elevated STAT3 activation and expression of proinflammatory mediators and play a critical role in the development of atypical EAE.
Optimal Measurement Sequencing in M-Ary Hypothesis Testing Problems

In this paper, we formulate and solve a sequential decision problem of a special type arising in M-ary hypothesis testing. In this problem, a team, comprised of a primary decisionmaker (DM) and N geographically separated subordinate DMs, is faced with the task of deciding which one of the M prespecified hypotheses is true, subject to the constraint that the team is allowed to make at most K measurement. The subordinate DMs serve as information sources for the primary DM. At each stage k, k = 1,2,.., K of the decision process, the primary DM decides which subordinate DM should observe and send the measurement. When the information seeking process terminates, the primary DM makes a decision for the team as to which hypothesis is true. The objective of the team is to maximize the probability of correct decision after K measurements. In this paper, we develop measurement sequencing strategies based on dynamic programming (DP), and a computationally efficient greedy algorithm for this problem. Numerical results show that the performance of greedy measurement sequencing strategy is within 1% of the optimal DP strategy.
Poor prognosis despite aggressive treatment in adults with intramedullary spinal cord glioblastoma.

We report our institution’s experience with adult patients who underwent surgery for intramedullary spinal cord glioblastoma. Spine involvement of glioblastoma is rare, representing 7.5% of all intramedullary gliomas and 1–3% of all spinal cord tumors. We performed a retrospective review of five male patients with intramedullary spinal cord glioblastoma who underwent surgical resection from 1990 to 2014. Demographic, operative, and postoperative factors were recorded. The median age at treatment was 31 years (range: 18–61) and all men presented with motor or sensory dysfunction. Two had prior surgical resection of an intramedullary World Health Organization Grade III anaplastic astrocytoma lesion with adjuvant chemoradiation. All tumors were present in the cervical (n = 2; 40%) or thoracic (n = 3; 60%) spine, spanning a median of three levels (range: 2–4). Gross total resection was achieved in three men (60%), and there were no intraoperative mortalities or complications. Although one had improvement in his neurological status postoperatively, all five men died with a median time to death of 20 months (range: 2–31). Adult intramedullary spinal cord glioblastoma is rare, and despite aggressive treatment, prognosis is poor, with a median survival in our series of only 20 months. New treatment strategies are necessary to improve survival in this patient population.
Capabilities and Limitations of Convection-Permitting WRF Simulations of Lake-Effect Systems over the Great Salt Lake

AbstractAlthough previous studies suggest that the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model can produce physically realistic banded Great Salt Lake–effect (GSLE) precipitation features, the accuracy and reliability of these simulations for forecasting applications remains unquantified. The ability of the WRF to simulate nonbanded GSLE features is also unknown. This paper uses subjective, traditional, and object-based verification to evaluate convection-permitting (1.33-km grid spacing) WRF simulations of 11 banded and 8 nonbanded GSLE events. In all simulations, the WRF was configured with the Thompson microphysics and the Yonsei University (YSU) planetary boundary layer parameterizations. Subjectively, a majority of the simulations of banded GSLE events produce physically realistic precipitation features. In contrast, simulations of nonbanded GSLE events rarely produce physically realistic precipitation features and sometimes erroneously produce banded precipitation features. Simulations of banded GS...
A comparison of two methods of endoscopic dilation of acute subglottic stenosis using a ferret model.

Objectives/Hypothesis: Balloon dilation is accepted as a first line treatment of acute subglottic stenosis, but its effects on the subglottic tissue remain largely unknown. We aimed to develop an animal model of acute subglottic stenosis using endoscopic techniques. Once developed, this model was used to compare the immediate effects of balloon dilation and endotracheal tube dilation on subglottic tissue. Study Design: Prospective randomized animal study. Methods: Acute subglottic injury was induced in 10 ferrets by endoscopic cauterization with silver nitrate. After 48–72 hours of observation, eight animals were randomized to undergo subglottic dilation with either a 5-mm balloon or endotracheal tubes of increasing diameter. These eight ferrets were euthanized within 10 minutes after dilation. The other two ferrets served as controls and were euthanized following observation only. The larynx from each ferret was harvested, and the subglottis was examined histologically by a pathologist blinded to the treatment arms. Results: Acute subglottic stenosis was induced in all 10 ferrets using the endoscopic technique. Both balloon and endotracheal tube dilation resulted in comparable improvement in the subglottic airway diameter. A decreased thickness of submucosa/lamina propria was seen in the balloon dilation group. Conclusions: Acute subglottic stenosis can be reliably induced in ferrets using endoscopic techniques. Multiple dilation methods can be used to relieve acute obstruction. Balloon dilators seem to improve airway patency, in part, by decreasing the thickness of the submucosa and lamina propria. Further research is needed to determine how this impacts later stages of wound healing and final outcomes. Laryngoscope, 2013
Coronary artery disease: Percent stenosis in CAD--a flaw in current practice

The optimum strategy to treat patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) has been under debate. New data show that revascularization guided by fractional flow measurements leads to better outcomes than revascularization guided by arteriography. we call for a paradigm shift in CAD care, with coronary flow measurements by PET as key to diagnosis and clinical decision-making.
Thyroidectomy technique for the large thyroid mass with substernal extension

Abstract Removal of large thyroid tumors with substernal or intrathoracic extension requires a surgical technique that varies from standard thyroidectomy. We have developed such a technique that uses a cervical incision and combines clear access to the mass with low morbidity. The principal features include complete sternocleidomastoid mobilization and early identification of the neurovascular pedicle through a lateral approach. In this article, we describe the elements of our technique in detail, from preoperative considerations through wound closure, and discuss the debate concerning the ideal treatment of these challenging tumors.
Ordered mesoporous cobalt oxide as highly efficient oxygen evolution catalyst.

Oxygen evolution from water by use of earth-abundant element-based catalysts is crucial for mass solar fuel production. In this report, a mesoporous cobalt oxide with an ultrahigh surface area (up to 250 m2·g–1) has been fabricated through Mg substitution in the mesoporous Co3O4 spinel, followed by a Mg-selective leaching process. Approximately a third of Mg cations were removed in the leaching process, resulting in a highly porous cobalt oxide with a significant amount of defects in the spinel structure. The activated mesoporous cobalt oxide exhibited high oxygen evolution activities in both the visible-light-driven [Ru(bpy)3]2+–persulfate system and the Ce4+/Ce3+ chemical water oxidation system. Under a strong acidic environment, a high turnover frequency (TOF) of ∼2.2 × 10–3 s–1 per Co atom was achieved, which is more than twice the TOF of traditional hard-templated, mesoporous Co3O4.
Effect of Aspirin on Brachial Artery Occlusion following Brachial Arteriotomy for Coronary Arteriography

The effect of oral aspirin in doses known to influence in vitro platelet aggregation was evaluated in patients undergoing brachial artery catheterization. Neither arterial thrombus formation nor pulse reduction was affected in patients given aspirin when compared to controls. Aspirin in small doses does not decrease the incidence of vascular occlusion after brachial artery catheterization.
Exploring Decision Rules for Sellers in Business-to-Consumer(B2C) Internet Auctions

The recent growth of business-to-consumer (B2C) Internet auctions challenges researchers to develop empirically-sound explanations of critical factors that allow merchants to earn price premiums in these auctions. The absence of a comprehensive model of Internet auctions leads us to conduct an exploratory study to elucidate and rank critical factors that lead to price premiums in Internet auctions. We employ Classification and Regression Trees (CART), a decision-tree induction technique, to analyze data collected in a field study of eBay auctions. Our analysis yields decision trees that visually depict noteworthy factors that may lead to price premiums and that indicate the relative importance of these factors. We find shipping cost, reputation, initial bid price, and auction ending time as the factors most predictive of price premiums in B2C Internet auctions.
Adjustment of Measuring Devices With Linear Models

We consider the problem of linear calibration or adjustment of two measuring devices based on a sample of replicated measurements. Linear adjustments are routinely used in the pavement industry. A simple solution based on linear regression of the average measurements of one device on the other has been used by field engineers. Toaddress the statistical concern that the regression parameter estimates are biased due to attenuation, we consider a more sophisticated multivariate model to obtain asymptotically unbiased estimates of the calibration parameters. The maximum likelihood estimates (MLEs) of the multivariate model are computed with the EM algorithm. Simulation studies and asymptotic calculations are used to compare properties of the MLE with the simple regression method. Data from two measuring devices used for determining asphalt pavement density, coring and nuclear gauge, are used in an example. We find that the superiority in parameter estimation of the MLE does not always result in better adjustm...
N,N′-dichloro-p-nitrobenzenesulfonamide (dichloramine-N) as a new oxidimetric reagent: Synthesis and analytical application

Abstract A new oxidimetric reagent, dichloramine-N ( N,N′ -dichloro- p -nitrobenzenesulfonamide; DCN) has been synthesized and its structure elucidated from the spectral data and elemental analyses. The ultraviolet, infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectral data have been presented. Analytical applications of DCN as a potential redox titrant in the determination of diverse reductants such as ascorbic acid, methionine, sulfite, arsenite, glutathione, and indigocarmine have been described.
Vertex-disjoint hexagons with chords in a bipartite graph

Abstract In this paper, we explore vertex-disjoint subgraphs in a bipartite graph. Let G = ( V 1 , V 2 ; E ) be a bipartite graph with | V 1 | = | V 2 | = s k, where s ⩾ 2 and k ⩾ 1 are integers. We conjecture that if the minimum degree of G is at least ( s − 1) k + 1, then G contains k vertex-disjoint subgraphs isomorphic to K s,s . We verify this conjecture for k ⩽ 3. When s = 3, we show that G contains k vertex-disjoint hexagons such that each of them has two chords, i.e., G k( K 3,3 − e).
Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis of Dovetail Attachments With and Without Crowning

The stress analysis of dovetail attachments presents some challenges. These stem from the high stress gradients present, the contact inequalities attending conforming contact, and the nonlinearities inherent in Coulomb friction laws. Obtaining converged contact stresses in the presence of these phenomena is demanding, especially in three dimensions. In [1], a submodeling approach with finite elements is employed to meet these challenges when friction is not present. Here we extend this approach to treat contact when friction is present. Converged stresses are obtained by using two successive submodels. Comparing these stresses with two-dimensional analysis elucidates some of the truly three-dimensional aspects of the stress analysis of dovetail attachments. Further comparisons of contact stresses when crowning is added indicate the possible alleviation of fretting fatigue that may be afforded by this means.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities for the Market Economy: An Investigation of Student Perceptions Before and After China's WTO Entry

This exploratory study conducted in the People's Republic of China sought to determine the managerial knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) that are perceived as important for the Chinese market economy. Questionnaire responses were collected from 145 business students in 2001 (before China's WTO entry) and 141 business students in 2006 (after China's WTO entry). The identified set of eight managerial knowledge, skills, and abilities included: business area knowledge and skills, communication skills, creativity/adaptability, ethics, leadership, problem solving, teamwork, and work habits. For each time period examined, the mean score for “importance” of each KSA was significantly higher than the mean score for “presence.” The differences between the importance mean and the presence mean for each KSA was denoted as a “gap.” This study revealed that five of the eight KSAs had a significantly smaller gap in 2006 than in 2001. This suggests that the business education system in China is enabling the developm...
Input Processing: A Study of Ab Initio Learners with Multilingual Backgrounds

Research on input processing in the acquisition of a non-primary language has rested largely on the assumption that learners use a meaning-based approach as the ‘default’ when processing input (Van...