cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mean Minkowski Measures

In this final chapter we introduce a sequence of new measures of symmetry \(\{\boldsymbol{\sigma }_{k}\}_{k\geq 1}\). For a convex body \(\mathcal{C}\), the kth term \(\boldsymbol{\sigma }_{k} =\boldsymbol{\sigma } _{\mathcal{C},k}\), k ≥ 1, is a function on the interior of \(\mathcal{C}\). For an interior point O of \(\mathcal{C}\), \(\boldsymbol{\sigma }_{k}(O)\) measures how far are the k-dimensional affine slices of \(\mathcal{C}\) (across O) from a k-simplex (viewed from O). The minimum value of \(\boldsymbol{\sigma }_{k}(O)\) is 1 corresponding to a k-dimensional simplicial slice of \(\mathcal{C}\). For k ≥ 2, the maximum value of \(\boldsymbol{\sigma }_{k}(O)\) corresponds to symmetric \(\mathcal{C}\) with respect to O. In this section we derive a host of arithmetic properties of the sequence \(\{\boldsymbol{\sigma }_{k}\}_{k\geq 1}\), and show various connections with the maximal distortion \(\mathfrak{m}_{\mathcal{C}}\), and the Minkowski measure \(\mathfrak{m}_{\mathcal{C}}^{{\ast}}\).
Exploring the Relationships between Design, Students’ Affective States, and Disengaged Behaviors within an ITS

Recent research has shown that differences in software design and content are associated with differences in how much students game the system and go off-task. In particular the design features of a tutor have found to predict substantial amounts of variance in gaming and off-task behavior. However, it is not yet understood how this influence takes place. In this paper we investigate the relationship between a student’s affective state, their tendency to engage in disengaged behavior, and the design aspects of the learning environments, towards understanding the role that affect plays in this process. To investigate this question, we integrate an existing taxonomy of the features of tutor lessons [3] with automated detectors of affect [8]. We find that confusion and frustration are significantly associated with lesson features which were found to be associated with disengaged behavior in past research. At the same time, we find that the affective state of engaged concentration is significantly associated with features associated with lower frequencies of disengaged behavior. This analysis suggests that simple re-designs of tutors along these lines may lead to both better affect and less disengaged behavior.
Bifenthrin Causes Trophic Cascade and Altered Insect Emergence in Mesocosms: Implications for Small Streams.

Direct and indirect ecological effects of the widely used insecticide bifenthrin on stream ecosystems are largely unknown. To investigate such effects, a manipulative experiment was conducted in stream mesocosms that were colonized by aquatic insect communities and exposed to bifenthrin-contaminated sediment; implications for natural streams were interpreted through comparison of mesocosm results to a survey of 100 Midwestern streams, USA. In the mesocosm experiment, direct effects of bifenthrin exposure included reduced larval macroinvertebrate abundance, richness, and biomass at concentrations (EC50’s ranged from 197.6 to 233.5 ng bifenthrin/g organic carbon) previously thought safe for aquatic life. Indirect effects included a trophic cascade in which periphyton abundance increased after macroinvertebrate scrapers decreased. Adult emergence dynamics and corresponding terrestrial subsidies were altered at all bifenthrin concentrations tested. Extrapolating these results to the Midwestern stream assessme...
Fault Tolerant Signal Processing for Nano-scale VLSI Circuit Technology

Adaptive fault tolerance (AFT) takes advantage of non-canonical adaptive filter architectures that use adaptive principles to achieve automatic fault recovery. Recent work has demonstrated the capability of AFT methods to mask single and multiple stuck-at bit errors in the filter coefficients, and also to demonstrate the capability of AFT filters to resist the effects of soft errors. This paper explores several approaches to fault tolerance that can be used in VLSI adaptive filters that are prone to soft errors caused by scaling down of feature dimensions and voltage thresholds.
Bupropion sustained release for pregnant smokers: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial

Background Bupropion is used to treat depression during pregnancy. However, its usefulness as a smoking cessation aid for pregnant women is not fully known. Objective The objective of the study was to evaluate the preliminary efficacy of bupropion sustained release for smoking cessation during pregnancy. Study Design We conducted a randomized, prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot trial. Pregnant women who smoked daily received individualized behavior counseling and were randomly assigned to a 12 week, twice-a-day treatment with 150 mg bupropion sustained release or placebo. The primary study objectives were to determine whether bupropion sustained release reduces nicotine withdrawal symptoms on the quit date and during the treatment period compared with placebo and whether it increases 7 day point prevalence abstinence at the end of the treatment period and at the end of pregnancy. Results Subjects in the bupropion (n = 30) and placebo (n = 35) groups were comparable in age, smoking history, number of daily smoked cigarettes, and nicotine dependence. After controlling for maternal age and race, bupropion sustained release reduced cigarette cravings (1.5 ± 1.1 vs 2.1 ± 1.2, P = .02) and total nicotine withdrawal symptoms (3.8 ± 4.3 vs 5.4 ± 5.1, P = .028) during the treatment period. Administration of bupropion sustained release reduced tobacco exposure, as determined by levels of carbon monoxide in exhaled air (7.4 ± 6.4 vs 9.1 ± 5.8, P = .053) and concentrations of cotinine in urine (348 ± 384 ng/mL vs 831 ± 727 ng/mL, P = .007) and increased overall abstinence rates during treatment (19% vs 2%, P = .003). However, there was no significant difference in 7 day point prevalence abstinence rates between the 2 groups at the end of medication treatment (17% vs 3%, P = .087) and at the end of pregnancy (10% vs 3%, P = .328). Conclusion Individual smoking cessation counseling along with the twice-daily use of 150 mg bupropion sustained release increased smoking cessation rates and reduced cravings and total nicotine withdrawal symptoms during the treatment period. However, there was no significant difference in abstinence rates between groups at the end of medication treatment and at the end of pregnancy, likely because of the small sample size. A larger study is needed to confirm these findings and to examine the potential benefit/ risk ratio of bupropion sustained release for smoking cessation during pregnancy.
Initial conditions and modeling for simulations of shock driven turbulent material mixing

Abstract We focus on the simulation of shock-driven material mixing driven by flow instabilities and initial conditions (IC). Beyond complex multi-scale resolution issues of shocks and variable density turbulence, me must address the equally difficult problem of predicting flow transition promoted by energy deposited at the material interfacial layer during the shock interface interactions. Transition involves unsteady large-scale coherent-structure dynamics capturable by a large eddy simulation (LES) strategy, but not by an unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) approach based on developed equilibrium turbulence assumptions and single-point-closure modeling. On the engineering end of computations, such URANS with reduced 1D/2D dimensionality and coarser grids, tend to be preferred for faster turnaround in full-scale configurations. With suitable initialization around each transition – e.g., reshock, URANS can be used to simulate the subsequent near-equilibrium weakly turbulent flow. We demonstrate 3D state-of-the-art URANS performance in one such flow regime, in the context of a sequential LES/URANS hybrid simulation strategy. We first simulate canonical shock-tube (AWE and CEA) experiments with an implicit LES (ILES) strategy. We report new validation studies benchmarking ILES with the available turbulence velocity and mixing data from the CEA laboratory studies. In turn, the ILES generated flow data is then used to initialize and as reference to assess the 3D URANS. We find that by prescribing (ILES generated) physics-based 3D IC and allowing for 3D convection with just enough resolution, the computed dissipation in 3D URANS blends effectively with the modeled dissipation to yield significantly improved statistical predictions.
Wave of Memory

This article explores theories of selfhood by juxtaposing them against an individual's lived experience. As Ronald Manheimer reflects upon his friendship with Hildegard, a student from one of the classes that he taught at a senior center in Olympia, Washington, he compares this experience with that described by various theories of selfhood. Building on the linguistic self, the narrative self, and the relational self, Manheimer posits a self that exists through time within a network of relationships, not a fixed determined self, but a dynamic self, subject to revision and reimagining.
How a lncRNA Shapes Chromatin Structure to Control Gene Expression

Mammalian genomes encode many thousands of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that play important roles in diverse biological processes. As a class, lncRNAs are generally enriched in the nucleus and specifically within the chromatin-associated fraction. Here, we will discuss the evidence that many nuclear-retained lncRNAs can interact with various chromatin regulatory proteins and recruit them to specific sites on DNA to regulate gene expression and shape three-dimensional nuclear organization. Specifically, we will discuss emerging mechanistic insights derived from the Xist lncRNA, a paradigm for lncRNA-mediated gene regulation, into how lncRNAs regulate gene expression by localizing to genomic target sites, recruiting regulatory complexes, and reshaping nuclear organization.
Community Detection Algorithm with Membership Function

Most of the community detection algorithms underperform on overlapping community structures. To eliminate the ambiguity, we define a membership function which can compute a node’s subordinate level to communities. This paper proposed a heuristic community detection algorithm with membership function (MCDA) utilizing which as a measure for community detection. By computing one node’s membership to each community, we can find which community it belongs to. Considering the edge connectivity, information transmission efficiency and other factors, some experiments are taken to demonstrate that the proposed algorithm perform higher accuracy and lower time complexity.
The Competition between the Noise and Shear Motion Sensitivity of Cochlear Inner Hair Cell Stereocilia

Abstract Acoustical excitation of the organ of Corti induces radial fluid flow in the subtectorial space (STS) that excites the hair bundles (HBs) of the sensory inner hair cell of the mammalian cochlea. The inner hair cell HBs are bathed in endolymphatic fluid filling a thin gap in the STS between the tectorial membrane and the reticular lamina. According to the fluctuation dissipation theorem, the fluid viscosity gives rise to mechanical fluctuations that are transduced into current noise. Conversely, the stochastic fluctuations of the mechanically gated channels of the HBs also induce dissipation. We develop an analytic model of the STS complex in a cross section of the gerbil organ of Corti. We predict that the dominant noise at the apex is due to the channel stochasticity whereas viscous effects dominate at the base. The net root mean square fluctuation of the HB motion is estimated to be at least 1.18 nm at the base and 2.72 nm at the apex. By varying the HB height for a fixed STS gap, we find that taller HBs are better sensors with lower thresholds. An integrated active HB model is shown to reduce the hydrodynamic resistance through a cycle-by-cycle power addition through adaptation, reducing the thresholds of hearing, hinting at one potential role for HB activity in mammalian hearing. We determine that a Couette flow approximation in the STS underestimates the dissipation and that modeling the entire STS complex is necessary to correctly predict the low-frequency dissipation in the cochlea. Finally, the difference in the noise budget at the base and the apex of the cochlea indicate that a sensing modality other than the shear motion of the TM that may be used to achieve low-noise acoustic sensing at the apex.
Malignant Progression of a Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor in the Setting of Rhabdoid Tumor Predisposition Syndrome

Malignant progression of a benign or low-grade tumor in individuals with germline alteration of SMARCB1 gene is not well characterized. In a family in which two carrier children had germline SMARCB1 mutations and atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor, we report malignant progression of a nerve sheath tumor over a 7-year period in an affected adult family member. Prompt identification of the germline SMARCB1 alteration and the resultant rhabdoid tumor predisposition syndrome can help guide genetic counseling and surveillance in affected family members.
Synchronous nephron-sparing approaches for bilateral renal masses: peri-operative and renal functional outcomes.

Objectives To evaluate the peri-operative and renal functional outcomes of patients undergoing synchronous bilateral partial nephrectomy (PN) or percutaneous cryoablation (PCA). Patients and methods We retrospectively reviewed our institutional nephrectomy and renal mass ablation registries to identify all patients with synchronous bilateral renal masses who underwent simultaneous bilateral PN (n = 76) or PCA (n = 13) between 1974 and 2013. Changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) as well as peri-operative complications are descriptively reported for each procedure. Results The number of treated renal masses in the 76 patients in the PN group and the 13 patients in the PCA group was 249 and 28, respectively. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age at treatment was 62 (50, 71) years for the PN group and 67 (56, 72) for the PCA group. The median (IQR) maximum tumour sizes were 4.6 (3.4, 6.5) cm and 2.6 (2.4, 3.2) cm for the PN and PCA groups, respectively. The median (IQR) length of hospital stay was 7 (5, 8) days for the PN group and 1 (1, 10) days for the PCA group. The median (IQR) change in eGFR from baseline to discharge was -32 (-46, -15)% for the PN group and -17% (-33, -3) for the PCA group. By 3 months, median (IQR) renal function improved, with changes of -9 (-19, 0)% and -8 (-11, 15)%, respectively, compared with baseline. No patient in either group required renal replacement therapy in the peri-operative period. Early postoperative complications (within 30 days) occurred in 16 patients (21.6%) in the PN and four patients in the PCA group. In particular, angioembolization for bleeding was required in the postoperative period in two patients (2.7%) in the PN and one patient in the PCA group. Conclusions Our experience suggests that synchronous bilateral PN or PCA are feasible treatment options for select patients presenting with bilateral renal masses. In select cases, both approaches appear to have reasonable rates of peri-operative complications and effects on renal function.
Muscle Overactivity in the Upper Motor Neuron Syndrome: Conceptualizing a Treatment Plan and Establishing Meaningful Goals

Spasticity is a major physical complication of many neurologic and traumatic conditions of the brain and spine and can lead to muscle contracture, joint stiffness, reduced range of movement, skin breakdown, and pain. The management of spasticity includes a range of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions, often used in combination to optimize outcomes. However, it is important to identify and prioritize the patient's and clinician's goals, in order to create common attainable goals. These goals should be reviewed and revised at regular intervals.
OPTIMAL PATHS AND IRREVERSIBILITY

The conformational change of an enzyme can lead to a complex cascade of biochemical reactions in a cell. The escape of electrons from an energy well can determine most of the electrical properties of a semiconductor. What these seemingly disparate events have in common is that they involve large, rare fluctuations. Constructing theories to explain such fluctuations is a considerable task, and a new experimental study provides a way of assessing their applicability to the real world.
Precancerous lesions of the urinary bladder

The pathogenesis of carcinoma of the urinary bladder, like that of the uterine cervix, is characterized by progression through histologically recognizable phases from normal to malignant epithelium. Invasive cancer generally arises in, or in association with, a field of in situ cancer, which in turn is associated with precancerous changes in the bladder epithelium. The histopathologic boundaries between biologically benign and malignant epithelium cannot yet be given with certainty, but recent research findings from light and scanning electron microscopic studies of exfoliated cells may be helpful.
An Introduction to Automatic Video Surveillance

We present a brief summary of the elements in an automatic video surveillance system, from imaging system to metadata. Surveillance system architectures are described, followed by the steps in video analysis, from preprocessing to object detection, tracking, classification and behaviour analysis.
Badly Burned? Effects of an Escaped Prescribed Burn on Social Acceptability of Wildland Fuels Treatments

In Sept. 2003, a prescribed burn on the Uinto National Forest escaped, costing nearly S3 million to extinguish while choking Utah cities with smoke for a week. When the incident drew harsh criticism from local officials and news media, fire managers worried that prescribed burning no longer would be feasible in northern Utah. Subsequently, we surveyed residents of three affected counties, including respondents to a 2001 survey, about acceptability of fuels management practices. Results suggest prescribed fire remains an acceptable tool for some situations but citizens doubt agencies' ability to use it effectively, especially near populated areas.
Opioid withdrawal signs and symptoms in the pediatric patient during opioid tapering

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF OPIOID WITHDRAWAL IN THE PEDIATRIC PATIENT DURING OPIOID TAPERING By Deborah Fisher, PhD, RN, CS, PNP-BC, CPON A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2012 VCU Chair: Mary Jo Grap, PhD, RN, FAAN Professor, Adult Health and Nursing Systems School of Nursing Opioids are used routinely in the pediatric intensive care population for analgesia, sedation, blunting of physiologic responses to stress, and safety. In children, physical dependence may occur in as little as two to three days of continuous opioid therapy. Once the child no longer needs the opioid, the medications are reduced over time. A review of the literature revealed that the majority of the published studies used either a neonatal opioid assessment tool or no assessment tool. A subsequent international survey of pediatric providers found a wide range of opioid tapering practices and sporadic use of opioid withdrawal instruments to guide practice. Since tapering routines vary among practitioners, it is not uncommon to see signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal. A prospective, descriptive study was conducted to describe the frequency of opioid withdrawal signs and symptoms and to identify factors associated with these opioid withdrawal signs and symptoms. The sample of 25 was drawn from all patients, ages 2 weeks to 21 years admitted to the Children’s Hospital of Richmond Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and who have received continuous infusion or scheduled opioids for at least 5 days. Data collected included: opioid withdrawal score (WAT-1), opioid taper rate (total dose of opioid per day in morphine equivalents per kilogram [MEK]), pretaper peak MEK, pretaper cumulative MEK, number of days of opioid exposure prior to taper, and age. Out of 26 enrolled participants, only 9 (45%) had opioid withdrawal on any given day. In addition, there was limited variability in WAT-1 scores. The most common symptoms notes were diarrhea, vomit, sweat, and fever. For optimal opioid withdrawal assessments, clinicians should use a validated instrument such as the WAT-1 to measure for signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Further research is indicated to examine risk factors for opioid withdrawal in children.
The Benefits of Obesity Medicine Certification

With the majority of patients seen by primary care practitioners suffering from overweight or obesity, an additional certification in obesity medicine provides the critical tools and skillset to expertly address the many chronic health conditions predicated by unhealthy adiposity and excess weight.
Shameful Royal Rage

Just as eleventh- and twelfth-century Anglo-Norman ecclesiastical writers lauded kings for displaying anger in situations in which they felt it was warranted, they also condemned expressions of anger that they felt were inappropriate. In addition, the displays of inappropriate anger interestingly mirror those of appropriate anger in many ways. Kings were negatively portrayed for failing to suppress rebellions or cruel lords either because they were too weak or because they supported the wrong sides; for failing to maintain law and justice; for responding inappropriately to minor insults to their honor; or because they were unable to exercise self-control over their anger.
Barriers and facilitators to healthy eating among low-income Latino adolescents

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to explore barriers and facilitators to healthy eating among low-income Latino adolescents using an intervention development framework. Methods Semi-structured interviews (n = 30) were conducted with Latino youth ages 13–17 who had overweight or obesity at a safety-net clinic in San Francisco, CA. Adolescent beliefs and attitudes regarding healthy eating and individual, family, and community level barriers and facilitators were elicited. Interviews were analyzed using an inductive approach and the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation (COM-B) model. Results Participants had capability gaps; while they demonstrated basic nutrition knowledge, they also held significant misconceptions about healthy eating, equating “organic” with healthy and failing to recognize sugar in a number of beverages and foods. Families were a source of support through role modeling and purchasing fresh produce, yet in many cases also undermined adolescents’ healthy eating goals through purchases of high calorie low nutrient food, an opportunity facilitator and challenge. By contrast, peers were mostly a negative influence due to frequent consumption of high calorie low nutrient food. The school environment posed opportunity challenges as participants found school lunch unpalatable and had ready access to unhealthy options nearby. Participants were motivated to improve their eating habits but often not resilient in the face of obstacles. Conclusions Interventions to promote healthy eating among low-income Latino adolescents should address common nutritional misconceptions, target families as well as teens, consider peer influences, and advocate for policy approaches that improve the school food environment.
A non-derivatized method for simultaneous quantitation of proteinogenic, urea-cycle, and acetylated amino acids by liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry

The quantification of amino acids as freely dissolved compounds or from hydrolyzed peptides and proteins is a common endeavor in biomedical and environmental sciences. In order to avoid the drawbacks of derivatization and application challenges of tandem mass spectrometry, we present here a robust 13-min liquid chromatography coupled with a full-scan mass spectrometry method to achieve rapid detection and quantification of 30 amino acids without derivatization. We combined hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography with heated electrospray ionization and high-resolution mass spectrometry operated with polarity switching to analyze the 20 proteinogenic amino acids, ornithine, citrulline, homoserine, cystine, and six acetylated amino acids. We obtained high mass accuracy and good precision of the targeted amino acids. Limits of detection ranged from 0.017 to 1.3 µM. Noteworthy for environmental samples, we found comparable ionization efficiency and quantitative detection for the majority of the analytes prepared with pure water versus a high-salt solution. We applied the method to profile carbon source-dependent secretions of amino acids by Pseudomonas protegens Pf-5, a well-known plant-beneficial bacterium.
Resection of Choledochal Cyst

This chapter describes the surgical care of patients with choledochal cysts as performed by laparoscopic and open approaches. The text includes an introduction that outlines the indications, risks, alternatives, essential steps needed, equipment, and variations in technique for the procedure in question. This is followed by a template operative dictation, which provides the reader with an operative report, such as that found in a patient chart or electronic medical record. A description is provided of the following critical concepts for this procedure: 1. Cholecystectomy 2. Cyst dissection and excision 3. Hepaticoduodenostomy or Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy
The Overbearing Mother

This chapter explores the figure of the overbearing mother, with Gypsy as the example par excellence. It is a necessary exploration into the ways in which common stereotypes intersect with feminist literary theory. We see this in the fantasized mother/son relationship in Next to Normal as a mechanism for coping with her perception of her failure as a mother. Matilda and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee are comedic examples of the overbearing mother figure, whose children give voice to their detrimental presence. Spring Awakening also offers this figure to audiences in the form of Wendla’s mother, whose strict conservativism leads to her daughter’s demise in the guise of maternal protection.
Comparing psoriasis advertisement methods with patient willingness to initiate treatment

Background: Many patients with psoriasis struggle with taking biologic agents. The way in which providers present medications could enhance treatment adherence.Objectives: To determine how fear app...
Optical coherence tomographic measurements of the sound-induced motion of the ossicular chain in chinchillas: Additional modes of ossicular motion enhance the mechanical response of the chinchilla middle ear at higher frequencies.

ABSTRACT Wavelength-swept optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to scan the structure of cadaveric chinchilla ears in three dimensions with high spatial resolution and measure the sound-induced displacements of the entire OCT-visible lateral surfaces of the ossicles in the lateral-to-medial direction. The simultaneous measurement of structure and displacement allowed a precise match between the observed motion and its structural origin. The structure and measured displacements are consistent with previously published data. The coincident detailed structural and motion measurements demonstrate the presence of several frequency-dependent modes of ossicular motion, including: (i) rotation about an anteriorly-to-posteriorly directed axis positioned near the commonly defined anatomical axis of rotation that dominates at frequencies below 8 kHz, (ii) a lateral-to-medial translational component that is visible at frequencies from 2 to greater than 10 kHz, and (iii) a newly described rotational mode around an inferiorly-to-superiorly directed axis that parallels the manubrium of the malleus and dominates ossicular motion between 10 and 16 kHz. This new axis of rotation is located near the posterior edge of the manubrium. The onset of the second rotational mode leads to a boost in the magnitude of sound-induced stapes displacement near 14 kHz, and adds a half-cycle to the accumulating phase in middle-ear sound transmission. Similar measurements in one ear after interruption of the incudostapedial joint suggest the load of the cochlea and stapes annular ligament is important to the presence of the second rotational mode, and acts to limit simple ossicular translation.
Dynamics of solutions in the generalized Benjamin-Ono equation: A numerical study

Abstract We consider the generalized Benjamin-Ono (gBO) equation on the real line, u t + ∂ x ( − H u x + 1 m u m ) = 0 , x ∈ R , m = 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , and perform numerical study of its solutions. We first compute the ground state solution to − Q − H Q ′ + 1 m Q m = 0 via Petviashvili's iteration method. We then investigate the behavior of solutions in the Benjamin-Ono ( m = 2 ) equation for initial data with different decay rates and show decoupling of the solution into a soliton and radiation, thus, providing confirmation to the soliton resolution conjecture in that equation. In the mBO equation ( m = 3 ), which is L 2 -critical, we investigate solutions close to the ground state mass, and, in particular, we observe the formation of stable blow-up above it. Finally, we focus on the L 2 -supercritical gBO equation with m = 4 , 5 . In that case we investigate the global vs finite time existence of solutions, and give numerical confirmation for the dichotomy conjecture, in particular, exhibiting blow-up phenomena in the supercritical setting.
Snapping Extensor Pollicis Longus Tendon Subluxation Secondary to Trapeziometacarpal Instability: Case Report and Technique.

CASE A 20-year-old woman presented with painful, snapping extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon subluxation and trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint instability. Hemi-extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) tendon autograft stabilized the TMC joint, reconstructing the 1-2 intermetacarpal ligament. The subluxed EPL tendon was centralized over the dorsal first metacarpal by tightening the metacarpophalangeal radial sagittal band and creating a dorsal first metacarpal "neosheath" pulley using ECRL graft remnant. Postoperative rehabilitation included Spica bracing and immediate thumb interphalangeal joint exercises. CONCLUSION The patient's pain due to EPL tendon subluxation and TMC joint instability completely resolved. Postoperative thumb range of motion and function were equivalent to the nonaffected side.
The detrimental association between fear of falling and motor performance in older cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

Abstract Background Cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) are at increased risk of falls and developing fear of falling (FoF). Although FoF may continue to impair motor performance and increase the risk of falling even further, this association remains unexplored in CIPN. Research question Does high FoF in patients with CIPN further deteriorate motor performance beyond the impairment from CIPN-related sensory deficits? Methods In this secondary analysis of data collected from two clinical trials, gait parameters during habitual walking condition and postural sway parameters during 30-second quiet standing (eye-open and eyes-closed) were compared among older participants (≥ 65 years) with CIPN and high FoF (CIPN FoF+; n=16), older participants with CIPN and low FoF (CIPN FoF-; n=19) and normal older controls (i.e., non-cancer, non-diabetic, non-neurologic, and non-orthopedic; n=16). We measured gait and postural sway parameters using wearable sensors (BioSensics, Newton, MA, USA), and FoF severity using the Falls Efficacy Scale-International. Results The largest between-group differences were found in gait speed. The CIPN FoF + group had significantly slower gait speed (0.78 ± 0.21 m/s) than the CIPN FoF- (0.93 ± 0.17 m/s) and normal control groups (1.17 ± 0.13 m/s) (all p Significance Our results suggest that gait performance further deteriorates in patients with CIPN and high FoF beyond the impairment from CIPN-related sensory deficits. Our results also suggest further research is needed regarding FoF, and fall risk, as FoF is a simple tool that healthcare providers can use in clinical practice.
Global Markets and Competitiveness of Gas-Fired Power

The combination of hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling has decreased and stabilized prices of natural gas since 2009. Gas-fired power has subsequently become a more competitive option and has since become the dominant generation source in the United States, holding promise to similarly displace coal in other regions that depend on higher carbon fuels. On the long term, this newfound competitiveness presently faces challenges with plummeting costs of renewables and marginal increases expected in gas prices. Further confounding these challenges, the emerging liquefied natural gas (LNG) market has fierce competition amongst suppliers. This chapter examines the competitiveness of natural gas vis-a-vis other generation alternatives, the economic landscape facing the LNG market as well as the life cycle environmental implications of this bourgeoning industry.
The gamma delta resolvase bends the res site into a recombinogenic complex.

We have characterized complexes between the gamma delta resolvase and its recombination site, res, using both a gel retardation assay and DNase I cleavage. The mobility of resolvase-res complexes in polyacrylamide gels is sensitive to the location of res within the DNA fragment and is at a minimum when res is at its center. This behavior is characteristic of a protein-dependent bend. By the same assay we have found that bends are induced upon the binding of resolvase to each of the three individual binding sites that constitute res. In the wild-type res, the centers of binding sites I and II are 53 bp apart and the central section of the intersite DNA is sensitive to DNase I cleavage. We find that insertions of 10 or 21 bp (one or two turns of the DNA helix) have no discernible effect on the ability of res to recombine or to form complexes with resolvase. However, insertions of short segment (e.g. 6 or 17 bp) equivalent to nonintegral numbers of helical turns, inhibit recombination and prevent the formation of the normally compact resolvase-res complex. Complexes of resolvase with res containing 10 or 21 bp insertions exhibit a pattern of enhanced and suppressed DNase I cleavages that suggest that the intersite segment is curved. This curvature requires both that site I and II are appropriately spaced, and that site III is also present and occupied.
Incremental attribute evaluation for multi-user semantics-based editors

This thesis addresses two fundamental problems associated with performing incremental attribute evaluation in multi-user editors based on the attribute grammar formalism: (1) multiple asynchronous modifications of the attributed derivation tree, and (2) segmentation of the tree into separate modular units. Solutions to these problems make it possible to construct semantics-based editors for use by teams of programmers developing or maintaining large software systems. Multi-user semantics-based editors improve software productivity by reducing communication costs and snafus. The objectives of an incremental attribute evaluation algorithm for multiple asynchronous changes are that (a) all attributes of the derivation tree have correct values when evaluation terminates, and (b) the cost of evaluating attributes necessary to reestablish a correctly attributed derivation tree is minimized. We present a family of algorithms that differ in how they balance the tradeoff between algorithm efficiency and expressiveness of the attribute grammar. This is important because multi-user editors seem a practical basis for many areas of computer-supported cooperative work, not just programming. Different application areas may have distinct definitions of efficiency, and may impose different requirements on the expressiveness of the attribute grammar. The characteristics of the application domain can then be used to select the most efficient strategy for each particular editor. To address the second problem, we define an extension of classical attribute grammars that allows the specification of interface consistency checking for programs composed of many modules. Classical attribute grammars can specify the static semantics of monolithic programs or modules, but not inter-module semantics; the latter was done in the past using ad hoc techniques. Extended attribute grammars support programming-in-the-large constructs found in real programming languages, including textual inclusion, multiple kinds of modular units and nested modular units. We discuss attribute evaluation in the context of programming-in-the-large, particularly the separation of concerns between the local evaluator for each modular unit and the global evaluator that propagates attribute flows across module boundaries. The result is a uniform approach to formal specification of both intra-module and inter-module static semantic properties, with the ability to use attribute evaluation algorithms to carry out a complete static semantic analysis of a multi-module program.
Trade liberalization in China's accession to the World Trade Organization

Before reform, China's trade was dominated by a few foreign trade corporations with monopolies on the trade of specific ranges of products. Planners could control imports through these corporations so there was little need for conventional instruments such as tariffs, quotas, and licenses. Trade reforms increased the range of enterprises eligible to trade in specific commodities and led to the development of indirect new trade instruments, such as duty exemptions. Duty exemptions almost completely liberalized the imports of intermediate inputs used to produce exports and investment goods used in joint ventures with foreign enterprises. Comprehensive liberalization measures in China's World Trade Organization (WTO) accession package will help ease this problem as tariff reduction reduces the costs of domestic inputs to exporters. WTO commitments will also lead to the abolition of most nontariff barriers and of quotas on textiles and clothing. With accession, China's share of world exports may almost double between 1995 and 2005 - an estimate that is smaller than those found in studies that do not incorporate duty exemptions. (Duty exemptions were a form of partial liberalization, so any further reduction in protection will boost trade volume less than some estimate.) With reform, labor-intensive industries are expected to grow most, especially exports of apparel. Wages of unskilled worker should rise.
Alcohol use prior to pregnancy recognition.

Abstract Background: Frequent alcohol use during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy can result in spontaneous abortion and dysmorphologic changes in the developing organ systems of the embryo, including the heart, kidneys, and brain. However, few population-based studies are available that describe the prevalence of frequent drinking (6 or more drinks per week) among women prior to and during early pregnancy (the periconceptional period), and the sociodemographic and behavioral factors that characterize these women. Such knowledge is fundamental to the design of targeted interventions for the prevention of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and other prenatal alcohol-related disorders. Methods: This cross-sectional study used survey data collected by the National Center for Health Statistics as part of the 1988 National Maternal and Infant Health Survey (NMIHS). Weighted prevalence estimates were calculated using SUDAAN, and multivariate analyses were used to determine risk factors for frequent drinking. Results: Forty-five percent of all women surveyed reported consuming alcohol during the 3 months before finding out they were pregnant, and 5% reported consuming 6 or more drinks per week. Sixty percent of women who reported alcohol consumption also reported that they did not learn they were pregnant until after the fourth week of gestation. Risk factors for frequent drinking during the periconceptional period included 1 or more of the following: being unmarried, being a smoker, being white non-Hispanic, being 25 years of age or older, or being college educated. Conclusions: Half of all pregnant women in this study drank alcohol during the 3 months preceding pregnancy recognition , with 1 in 20 drinking at moderate to heavy levels. The majority did not know they were pregnant until after the fourth week of pregnancy, and many did not know until after the 6th week. Alcohol is a teratogen capable of producing a number of adverse reproductive and infant outcomes. Public health measures needed to reduce these potentially harmful exposures include alcohol assessment , education, and counseling for women of childbearing age, with referral sources for problem drinking, and family planning services for pregnancy postponement until problem drinking is resolved.
ATP, pain and a full bladder.

Sensations of pain have many causes, from tissue damage to sunburn. Several types of pain are sensed by a mechanism involving ATP — the chemical powerhouse of all cells.
Ethics and Statistics: The AAA Tranche of Subprime Science

One of our ongoing themes when discussing scientific ethics is the central role of statistics in recognizing and communicating uncertainty. Unfortunately, statistics—and the scientific process more...
Boundedness below for fermion model theories. Part II. The linear lower bound

The Generalised Yukawa Model (GY 2), ± $$\bar \psi $$ ψφN+φ2M, M>N>1, is bounded below, uniformly in a momentum cutoff, and linearly in the volume of a spatial cutoff.
Effects of modeling and expectancy of reward on cheating behavior.

The present experiment compared the effects of modeling honest and dishonest responses with the effects of expectancy of reward. Sixty preschool children viewed one of three modeling films prior to their playing a pegboard game: (a) dishonest model receiving positive reinforcement, (b) dishonest model receiving no reinforcement, and (c) honest model receiving positive reinforcement.Ss were also told that a reward was dependent on a high level of performance or that a reward was noncontingent on performance with a bonus reward contingent on performance. An overwhelming majority of children in all groups imitated the model they observed with no significant effect due to expectancy of reward.
Proton wide-line nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of hydrated proteins

Abstract The wide-line proton magnetic resonance spectra of ribonuclease and bovine serum albumin have been measured in the hydrated and vacuum-dried states over the temperature range −140° to −180°. A single, broad signal attributed to the protein protons was observed for the dried proteins up to 120°. Little variation in line-widths or second moments was noted over the entire temperature range. Above 120° the spectra showed an additional weak, narrow signal due to residual adsorbed water molecules. The spectra for hydrated proteins are essentially the same as for the dried proteins below −40°. Above −40° the spectra consist of a narrow signal superimposed upon a broad signal; the narrow signal can be removed by prolonged pumping in vacuo and is due to weakly adsorbed H2O molecules. The broad signals for both hydrated proteins undergo line-narrowing transitions in the temperature range −60° to −10°. A further more marked transition of the broad component is noted at approx. 60° for ribonuclease and approx. 20° for bovine serum albumin. From the magnitudes of the line-widths and second moments of the broad signals it is concluded that the hydrated and dried proteins have considerable motional freedom in the solid state at all of the temperatures studied. The present measurements also indicate that the extent of thermally induced configurational changes in the proteins at elevated temperatures is strongly linked to the amount and structural properties of the adsorbed water.
High responsivity, LWIR dots-in-a-well quantum dot infrared photodetectors

Abstract In this paper we report studies on normal incidence, InAs/In0.15Ga0.85As quantum dot infrared photodetectors (QDIPs) in the dots-in-a-well (DWELL) configuration. Three QDIP structures with similar dot and well dimensions were grown and devices were fabricated from each wafer. Of the three devices studied, the first served as the control, the second was grown with an additional 400 A AlGaAs blocking layer, and the third was grown on a GaAs n+ substrate with the intention of testing a single pass geometry. Spectral measurements on all three devices show one main peak in the long-wave IR (≈8 μm). The absorption was attributed to the bound-to-bound transition between the ground state of the InAs quantum dot and the ground state of the In0.15Ga0.85As well. Calibrated peak responsivity and peak detectivity measurements were performed on each device at 40, 60, and 80 K. For the same temperatures, frequency response measurements from ∼20 Hz to 4 kHz at a bias of Vb=−1 V were also performed. The addition of the blocking layer was shown to slightly enhance responsivity, which peaked at ∼2.4 A/W at 77 K, Vb=−1 V and responsivity was observed to be significantly reduced in the single pass (n+ substrate) sample. The rolloff of the frequency response was observed to be heavily dependent on temperature, bias, and irradiance. The results from the characterization of each sample are reported and discussed.
Coxsackievirus B3 clinical isolates and murine myocarditis

Fifteen clinical coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) isolates were assessed for cardiopathologic capabilities in adolescent male CD-1 mice in comparison to two well characterized cardiovirulent CVB3 strains. One isolate was cardiovirulent, one minimally cardiovirulent and the remaining 13 isolates were noncardiovirulent. The two cardiovirulent isolates and one well characterized cardiovirulent strain, established higher viremic titers, in comparison to five noncardiovirulent isolates that were examined. The two cardiovirulent isolates and one well characterized cardiovirulent strain replicated to significantly higher titers than five noncardiovirulent isolates in primary cultures of murine neonatal or adolescent cardiac fibroblasts. Nucleotide sequence analysis of an area defined by nucleotides(N)300-N599 in the 5'-nontranslated region were performed on the two well characterized cardiovirulent CVB3 strains, the two cardiovirulent isolates and 12 noncardiovirulent isolates. The data detected a single discriminatory nucleotide position. An A was present at N565 in three of four cardiovirulent CVB3, whereas a U or C was present in this position in 12 of 12 noncardiovirulent CVB3. In toto, these data are compatible with the hypothesis that the type of the nucleotide at N565, a position within the internal ribosome entry site, is associated with capacity of a CVB3 for replication in vivo and in vitro and this capacity for vigorous replication is associated with cardiovirulence.
Is severe macrosomia manifested at 11-14 weeks of gestation?

Objective To determine the association between fetal biometry in the first or early second trimester and severe macrosomia at delivery. Methods This case–control study included 30 term severely macrosomic neonates; 90 appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) neonates served as controls. All pregnancies underwent nuchal translucency (NT) screening at 11–14 weeks' gestation. Pregnancies were dated by accurate last menstrual period consistent with crown–rump length (CRL) measurements at the time of screening, early pregnancy CRL or date of fertilization. The association between birth weight and the difference between the measured and the expected CRL at the time of NT screening was analyzed. Results The difference between measured and expected CRL, expressed both in mm and in days of gestation, was statistically greater in the severely macrosomic neonates compared with controls (mean, 6.66 ± 4.78 mm vs. 1.17 ± 4.6 mm, P < 0.0001 and 3 ± 2.2 days vs. 0.5 ± 2.3 days, P < 0.0001, respectively). Furthermore, there were significant correlations between the extent of macrosomia and the discrepancy between expected and measured fetal size at the time of NT screening (r = 0.47, P < 0.01 and r = 0.48, P < 0.01, respectively). Conclusion Severe macrosomia apparently manifests as early as 11–14 weeks' gestation. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.