cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ON THE NECKING ZONE MODEL OF DUCTILE CRACK PROPAGATIO

The further investigation on the Necking Zone Model of ductile crack propagation suggested in 1997 by the first author is reported. The test results of double cantilever beam (DCB) specimens loaded in tensile, Mode Ⅰ sense at crosshead velocity of up to 5m/s show again that the Necking Zone Model describes the main characteristics of ductile crack propagation. Comparing with the static test results, the necking zone width reduces and the average strain in the zone increases in dynamic case. But the product n k of the necking zone width factor k 1 and the strain factor k 2 is reasonably constant and is not affected by the specimen ligament thickness and loading rate, i.e., n k is considered as a material constant affecting the ductile crack propagation resistance. According to the Necking Zone Model, the increase in fracture resistance with respect to loading rate is mainly attributed to the strain*.rate strengthening effect of the material. The Necking Zone Model not only suggests a simple engineering approach of calculating the energy dissipated by the ductile fracture during impact case, but also suggests a simple experimental method of measuring dynamic crack resistance using dynamic tensile test and static tensile tearing test.
Non-linear correction of α-ray dew point transducer

The principle of α-ray dew point transducer is introduced,which is made of wish semiconductor detector and temperature transducer.The output characteristic of α-ray dew point transducer is analyzed.It is found that the response of transducer is non-linear and the transducer suffers from the influence of over a wide measuring range.A method for non-linearity compensation of dew point transducer voltage based on neural network high accuracy linearization sub-block network integration interpolation is presented in this paper.In order to realize temperature compensation over a full range,the neural network is trained to properly represent the nonlinear mapping between transducer reading and their represent output accurately at different temperature.It is revealed from the experiment result that not only the influence of temperature fluctuation can be eliminated effectively,but also a desired linear relationship between the transducer input and the neural network output can be obtained.
Determination of Pb in High Salt Food by Non-resonant Line Background Correction-Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

FAAS method for determination of Pb in high salt food was established.Lead and the background absorption was determined by Pb 283.3nm resonante line,the background absorption was determined by Pb 280 nm non-resonante line,Subtract the background absorption.The precision of this method was 0.8%—4.1% and the recovery was 91%—102.5.%.This method was fast with simple operation,that was suitable for the determination of Pb content in high salt food.
Simulation of single carrier ultra-wideband system based on SystemVue

A baseband simulation platform for the single carrier UWB(SC-UWB) system is constructed under the SystemVue environment.Based on the platform,the bit error rate(BER) performance is studied under IEEE 802.15.3a UWB channel model.Simulation results show that SC-UWB scheme can achieve good performance under IEEE 802.15.3a channel model and therefore verify the feasibility of the scheme.Based on extensibility of SystemVue,a seamless interconnectivity of SC-UWB simulation platform and measurement instruments is implemented,and an integrated environment for simulation and test is constructed,conducive to SC-UWB baseband hardware development and verification.
Isolation of a Renal Thiol Protease that Activates Inactive Plasma Renin

1. A thiol protease with properties similar to those of cathepsin B (EC 3.4.22.1) has been isolated and purified from human renal cortex. 2. This enzyme can generate renin activity from renin-suppressed and anephric human plasma at pH 5·5. 3. The renin activity thus generated is inhibited completely by antibody to purified human renal renin. This activation therefore represents the release of inactive renin.
Time-dependent analysis of visible helium line-ratios for electron temperature and density diagnostic using synthetic simulations on NSTX-U

Helium line-ratios for electron temperature (Te) and density (ne) plasma diagnostic in the Scrape-Off-Layer (SOL) and edge regions of tokamaks are widely used. Due to their intensities and proximity of wavelengths, the singlet, 667.8 and 728.1 nm, and triplet, 706.5 nm, visible lines have been typically preferred. Time-dependency of the triplet line (706.5 nm) has been previously analyzed in detail by including transient effects on line-ratios during gas-puff diagnostic applications. In this work, several line-ratio combinations within each of the two spin systems are analyzed with the purpose of eliminating transient effects to extend the application of this powerful diagnostic to high temporal resolution characterization of plasmas. The analysis is done using synthetic emission modeling and diagnostic for low electron density NSTX SOL plasma conditions by several visible lines. Quasi-static equilibrium and time-dependent models are employed to evaluate transient effects of the atomic population levels that may affect the derived electron temperatures and densities as the helium gas-puff penetrates the plasma. The analysis of a wider range of spectral lines will help to extend this powerful diagnostic to experiments where the wavelength range of the measured spectra may be constrained either by limitations of the spectrometer or by other conflicting lines from different ions.
Speeding up machine-code synthesis

Machine-code synthesis is the problem of searching for an instruction sequence that implements a semantic specification, given as a formula in quantifier-free bit-vector logic (QFBV). Instruction sets like Intel's IA-32 have around 43,000 unique instruction schemas; this huge instruction pool, along with the exponential cost inherent in enumerative synthesis, results in an enormous search space for a machine-code synthesizer: even for relatively small specifications, the synthesizer might take several hours or days to find an implementation. In this paper, we present several improvements to the algorithms used in a state-of-the-art machine-code synthesizer McSynth. In addition to a novel pruning heuristic, our improvements incorporate a number of ideas known from the literature, which we adapt in novel ways for the purpose of speeding up machine-code synthesis. Our experiments for Intel's IA-32 instruction set show that our improvements enable synthesis of code for 12 out of 14 formulas on which McSynth times out, speeding up the synthesis time by at least 1981X, and for the remaining formulas, speeds up synthesis by 3X.
Using travel time reliability measures with individual vehicle data

The assessment of travel time reliability for segments and routes is a rapidly advancing frontier. The increasing availability of probe data is making it possible to monitor reliability in real-time based on individual vehicle data as opposed to ex-post-facto based on averages. This paper examines metrics that can be used to monitor reliability based on probe data. The merits of traditional metrics like the planning time index, buffer index, and travel time index are compared with newer ideas like complete cumulative distribution functions and mean/variance combinations. The question is: what is the quality of information about real-time reliability provided by these various options? This paper compares these metrics in the context of probe-based observations of travel times and rates. Also, a new idea for a pairwise metric, the root mean square travel rate τ rms in conjunction with the standard deviation σ τ . These two measures in combination seem to provide a picture of reliability that is nearly as complete as the underlying Cumulative Density Function (CDF) and better than the simpler metrics. These ideas are examined in the context of probe data from I-5 in Sacramento, CA.
Model-Based Normalization of a Fractional-Crystal Collimator for Small-Animal PET Imaging

Previously, we proposed to use a coincidence collimator to achieve fractional-crystal resolution in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. We have designed and fabricated a collimator prototype for a small-animal PET scanner (A-PET). To compensate for imperfections in the fabricated collimator prototype, collimator normalization, as well as scanner normalization, is required to reconstruct quantitative and artifact-free images. In this paper, we develop a normalization method for the collimator prototype based on the A-PET normalization using a uniform cylinder phantom. We performed data acquisition without the collimator for scanner normalization first, and then with the collimator from eight different rotation views for collimator normalization. After a reconstruction without correction, we extracted the cylinder parameters from which we generated expected emission sinograms. Single scatter simulation was used to generate the scattered sinograms. We used the least-squares method to generate the normalization coefficient for each line of response (LOR) based on measured, expected, and scattered sinograms. The scanner and collimator normalization coefficients were factorized by performing two normalizations separately. The normalization methods were also verified using experimental data acquired from A-PET with and without the collimator. In summary, we developed a model-based collimator normalization that can significantly reduce variance and produce collimator normalization with adequate statistical quality within feasible scan time.
Graphene Coated Microfiltration Ceramic Membrane Fabricated by Photothermic Conversion of Polyimide

In this study, a novel technique has been developed for the fabrication of uniform, stable, and strongly bonded graphene layers on microporous ceramic membranes. A composite ceramic-LIG membrane was obtained following one step scalable methodology. First, the ceramic support was spin-coated with poly (pyromellitic dianhydrideco-4, 4´-oxidianiline, amic acid) (PMDA-ODA) and transformed to polyimide (PI) by thermal imidization. The PI was then irradiated with a CO2 laser to photothermally convert the sp3-carbon atoms to sp2-carbon atoms. Different PMDA-ODA layers were applied to achieve uniform coating by LIG on the membrane surface. The LIG was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and contact angle (CA) measurements. FTIR results showed a complete conversion of PMDA-ODA to PI following the thermal imidization reaction. The XRD results revealed the crystalline structure of graphene layer, which had a surface area of 130 ± 5.6 m2/g, determined by BET nitrogen adsorption. However, the permeability of uncoated ceramic membranes decreased with increasing number of PMDA-ODA layers, as evidenced by the clean water filtration experiments. The new composite membrane is a promising new material for membrane distillation or electro osmosis, where the hydrophobicity of the graphene layer may provide important advantages over current membrane materials.
SURVIVORSHIP AND PATIENT SATISFACTION OF ROBOTIC-ASSISTED MEDIAL UNICOMPARTMENTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY AT A MINIMUM TWO-YEAR FOLLOW-UP

INTRODUCTION Successful clinical outcomes following unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) depend on component positioning, soft tissue balance and lower limb alignment, all of which can be difficult to achieve using manual instrumentation. A new robotic-guided technology has been shown to improve postoperative implant positioning and lower limb alignment in UKA but so far no studies have reported clinical results of robotic-assisted medial UKA. Goal of this study therefore was to assess outcomes of robotic-assisted medial UKA in a large cohort of patients at short-term follow-up. METHODS This multicenter study with IRB approval examines the survivorship and satisfaction of this robotic-assisted procedure coupled with an anatomically designed UKA implant at a minimum of two-year follow-up. A total of 1007 patients (1135 knees) underwent robotic-assisted surgery for a medial UKA from six surgeons at separate institutions in the United States. All patients received a fixed-bearing metal backed onlay implant as the tibial component between March 2009 and December 2011 (Figure 1). Each patient was contacted at minimum two-year follow-up and asked a series of five questions to determine implant survivorship and patient satisfaction. Survivorship analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier method and worst-case scenario analysis was performed whereby all patients were considered as revision when they declined study participation. Revision rates were compared in younger and older patients (age cut-off 60 years) and in patients with different body mass index (body mass index cut-off 35 kg/m 2 ). Two-sided chi-square tests were used to compare these groups. RESULTS Data was collected for 797 patients (909 knees) with an average follow-up of 29.6 months (range: 22 – 52 months). At 2.5-years follow-up, eleven knees were reported as revised, which resulted in a survivorship of 98.8% (Figure 2). Thirty-five patients declined to participate in the study yielding a worst-case survivorship of 96.0%. Higher revision rates were seen in younger patients (2.60% versus 0.93%, p = 0.09) and in morbidly obese patients (3.36% versus 0.91%, p = 0.03). Of all patients without revision, 92% was either very satisfied or satisfied with their knee function (Figure 3). CONCLUSION In this multicenter study, robotic-assisted UKA was found to have high survivorship and satisfaction rate at short-term follow-up. Prospective comparison studies with longer follow-up are necessary in order to compare survivorship and satisfaction rates of robotic-assisted UKA to conventional UKA and robotic-assisted UKA to total knee arthroplasty. For any figures or tables, please contact authors directly (see Info & Metrics tab above).
Protecting partial regions in FPGA bitstreams

In previous generations of Intel FPGAs, we employed design separation through the use of LogicLock in Cyclone IIILS and Arria V devices. In the past, this meant separation of design elements as well as designated protected design boundaries in different ‘Logic Lock’ regions. Though separated logically, these regions have the same protection and risk if the key is revealed. Today, using Partition-Based Security, we can encrypt these regions with different keys thus fully supporting separation and allowing secure, encrypted regions of the FPGA fabric to exist. We demonstrate partition-based security using an Intel FPGA Arria 10 SoC Development Kit with two partial reconfiguration regions encrypted with two different keys.
Force and dynamism in Aristotle and Heidegger: Becoming what you are... to be

Force and dynamism (actuality and potentiality; energeita and dunamis) together constitute one of the four fundamental “ways” of being described by Aristotle in the Metaphysics; and one of the two “ways,” along with being according to the categories, that constitutes the subject matter of the primary science. Aristotle’s ontology remains the phenomenologist’s touchstone, and indeed this characterization of being has guided the work of Heidegger among others.
134 AUTOMATIC TUBE COMPENSATION: DOES IT WORK IN NEONATES?

Background Automatic tube compensation (ATC) is designed to compensate for endotracheal tube (ETT) resistance and associated flow-dependent pressure decrease across the ETT. ATC has been shown to decrease the work of breathing and improve synchrony in adults. There are no data in neonates. Objective To compare the relative performance of increasing levels of ATC with varying ETT sizes using neonatal lung models generated by an active servo lung. Methods Lung models were created using an active breathing lung simulator (Active Servo Lung 5000, Ingmar Medical) with a sinusoidal flow pattern. The Evita XL ventilator (Drager) provided CPAP (5 cm H2O) and ATC at 0, 50, 90, and 100% compensation levels for 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0 ETT sizes. Each ETT size was tested with a different lung model reflecting differences in respiratory system mechanics in spontaneously breathing infants of varying weights. Tidal volume (VT), peak inspiratory (PIP), and mean airway (MAP) pressures were measured both at the proximal (PRE) and distal (POST) end of the ETT (NICO, Novametrix). Results The pressure gradients across the ETTs under these simulated neonatal flow conditions were very small. Thus, increasing the levels of ATC plus CPAP of 5 cm H2O did not result in significant increase in PIP or MAP in our model. Conclusions Because the actual pressure gradient across the ETTs under neonatal flow conditions is quite small, this ATC system does not generate appreciable additional inspiratory pressure. These data were presented at the 2005 Pediatric Academic Societies9 Annual Meeting.
Narrative Identity: Challenges for Retribution in the Criminal Justice System

Jecker and Ko (2017) advocate a twofold concept of identity for understanding the persistence of persons. The authors make the distinction between numerical identity—the mere persistence of the org...
Real time eye movement analysis framework: Objective-based systematic approach

As eye tracking is becoming available in wearable or portable devices, eye movement (EM) analysis will be used to provide real time alerts, feedback, and/or assistive information for diversified objectives when performing tasks. However, we lack the methodologies to effectively analyze real time EM attributes including eye fixation numbers, durations, and especially visual scanpath sequences (i.e. time-ordered eye fixation sequences). Therefore, a systematic approach to analyze real time EM data is introduced through proposing the concepts of hierarchical areas of interest (HAOIs) and objective-based EM attribute thresholds. The framework will facilitate the automatic analysis of real time EM data with minimal human intervention or analysis efforts.
A time delay model of the wide area monitoring and control system

A phasor measurement unit (PMU)-based wide area monitoring and control (WAMC) system is an essential part of the next-generation smart power grid. The performance of a WAMC system largely depends on the time delay of transmitting data through the communication network used by the WAMC system. This paper proposes a time delay model of the WAMC system. The model considers the time delays caused by data sampling of PMUs, data propagation in the communication network, and data processing in the control center. An algorithm is proposed to determine the shortest-time route and calculate the corresponding shortest routing time between each PMU and the control center, from which the components of the proposed time delay model can be calculated. According to the time delay calculated by the proposed model and a marginal processing time in the control center defined in this paper, the possibility of the appearance of a hidden cascading failure of a power grid can be evaluated. The proposed time delay model is demonstrated by case studies of a WAMC system communication network in a normal and a fault conditions.
Cloud Computing for MATLAB and R Users

Cloud based computing has tremendous potential for academia in general and researchers in particular. The ability to store, read and manipulate large data sets is increasingly important to be on the cutting edge of research. While most researchers have extensive programming skills, they generally are not computer scientists. A number of cloud based, virtual work spaces have been developed which can bring enormous computing advantages over any desktop or laptop. However, the instructions to get up and running in the cloud are often overwhelming, and require a significant investment of time. There is an initial steep learning curve associated with developing a high performance computing environment that several times becomes an obstacle that prevents many to benefit the most from using the cloud. This paper seeks to demystify the process and get the reader up and running very quickly. Once this initial process is over and the reader is proficient on these issues, performing computational chores that would take days on a desktop can be done in minutes. We next show the way the readers can implement their research using two well-known computer programs, MATLAB and R.
COLORADO AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION REGISTRY: Design and Clinical Risk Factors of the Cohort.

Purpose To study new and existing risk factors related to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) phenotypes in a Colorado cohort. Methods Age-related macular degeneration was categorized into early, intermediate, or advanced forms. Controls (n = 180) were patients with cataract and no AMD. Demographic and clinical data were gathered by patient interview and verified by chart review. Image data were reviewed by vitreoretinal specialists. Statistical analysis included univariable and multivariate logistic regression analysis (P Results Among the 456 patients with AMD, 157 (34.4%), 80 (17.6%), and 219 (48.0%) had the early/intermediate, geographic atrophy, and neovascular forms of the disease, respectively. Adjusted for age, African-American race was associated with a reduced risk of early/intermediate (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.08, confidence interval [CI] = 0.01-0.67) and neovascular AMD (AOR = 0.15, CI = 0.03-0.72). A family history of AMD was a risk factor for early/intermediate (AOR = 4.08, CI = 2.30-7.25), geographic atrophy (AOR = 8.62, CI = 3.77-19.7), and neovascular AMD (AOR = 3.76, CI = 2.16-6.56). A history of asthma was related to the early/intermediate form of AMD (AOR = 2.34, CI = 1.22-4.46). Conclusion Studying AMD in specific populations may reveal novel risk factors such as our finding of a relationship between asthma history and AMD.
Oregon's Emphasis On Equity Shows Signs Of Early Success For Black And American Indian Medicaid Enrollees.

In 2012 Oregon transformed its Medicaid program, providing coverage through sixteen coordinated care organizations (CCOs). The state identified the elimination of health disparities as a priority for the CCOs, implementing a multipronged approach that included strategic planning, community health workers, and Regional Health Equity Coalitions. We used claims-based measures of utilization, access, and quality to assess baseline disparities and test for changes over time. Prior to the CCO intervention there were significant white-black and white–American Indian/Alaska Native disparities in utilization measures and white-black disparities in quality measures. The CCOs’ transformation and implementation of health equity policies was associated with reductions in disparities in primary care visits and white-black differences in access to care, but no change in emergency department use, with higher visit rates persisting among black and American Indian/Alaska Native enrollees, compared to whites. States that en...
Epigenetics in Male Reproduction: A Practical Introduction to the Informatics of Next Generation Sequencing

At fertilization, the male germ cell conveys a richly layered genetic landscape consisting of both DNA and its associated epigenetic information. A systems level understanding of these forms of information could reveal some of the origins of idiopathic male infertility. Characterizing the genetic and epigenetic contributions to fertilization could also offer insight into the root causes of aberrant development. Perhaps some of these elements reflect the fetal origins of adult disease. As a host of new tools and techniques emerge, we have the opportunity to reassess our models of gametogenesis in the male. The challenge is no longer to construct biological models from sparse data but to assimilate a wealth of data being generated by high throughput technologies. By aggregating data from multiple high throughput and targeted experiments, bioinformatics offers potential insight into how genetic and epigenetic information are utilized in the sperm-oocyte system. In this chapter, we will review online resources that can aid in conducting an epigenetic investigation as well as describing approaches to managing second and third generation deep sequencing data.
The Noun Phrase

Chapter 2 introduced the basic definition of a noun as a person, place, or thing. In this chapter, we will examine in more detail what constitutes the word class noun to expand our understanding of what exactly a noun encompasses. We will also discuss different types of nouns and various noun signals that can help to identify which words are functioning as nouns. The chapter is divided into four parts. Section 3.1 discusses identifying nouns. Section 3.2 examines different types of nouns. Section 3.3 considers some of the structure classes that signal nouns; and Sect. 3.4 reviews pronouns, words that substitute for nouns.
The sensing of oxygen tension in the pulmonary circulation--discussion.

I think the reason I was invited to participate in this symposium was that I collaborated with Anton Hauge in some experiments suggesting histamine as the mediator by which reduced alveolar oxygen tension was sensed in the pulmonary circulation1. I am not going to defend histamine or any other mechanism, but will inquire as to how we can learn the truth about this fascinating problem that has led reputable scientists on a merry chase for decades. Dr. Fishman’s review2 covers all the essential issues. My brief comments will be confined to stating my approach to the problem, assembling the scattered results of our laboratory’s work which bear on the issue, and describing an interesting new lead. I will even mention histamine briefly.
General Considerations and Background

Hydrolases and other lytic enzymes play essential roles in virtually all living systems. Even a number of viruses code for “lysozymes” and “neuraminidases” that are suspected to participate in viral entry into or exit from cells or tissues (Shatkin 1971, Inouye et al. 1973). Extracellular digestive enzymes involved in nutrition or other functions are released by cells as diverse as bacteria and pancreatic acinar cells. Intracellular turnover, of almost all types of macromolecules, is thought to occur continuously within most eucaryotic cell types, and can be fairly extensive in procaryotes as well, at least under some circumstances. Such turnover is based on enzymatic degradation of macromolecules whose constituents are thereby made available for metabolic reuse. Degradative enzymes also participate in processes leading to fertilization in higher plants and animals, selective exclusion of foreign DNA in bacteria, escape of insects from their coccoons, blood-clotting and clot-dissolution, anti-microbial defense systems of higher organisms and an immense variety of other phenomena.
Russell’s Conundrum: On the Relation of Leibniz’s Monads to the Continuum

In his influential book on Leibniz (1900), Bertrand Russell often let his new-found anti-Hegelianism come between him and his subject, attacking doctrines held by the likes of Bradley and MacTaggart in the belief that he was attacking one of their main sources. This is particularly true of his chapter on Leibniz’s treatment of the continuum, where after rather wildly accusing Leibniz of courting “the essentially Hegelian view that abstraction is falsification”,1 he proceeds to the charge that “his whole deduction of Monadism from the difficulties of the continuum, seems to bear a close analogy to a dialectical argument” (110). This is intended as a hostile criticism, as Russell makes clear, explaining that in calling the argument “dialectical” he means that Leibniz infers the reality of monads “from premisses admittedly false, and inconsistent with each other”. He charges that Leibniz’s argument, “in obtaining many reals, assumes that these are parts of matter — a premiss which it is compelled to deny in order to show that the reals are not material”.2
Extensions and Cohomology

A group G having a normal subgroup K can be “factored” into K and G/K. The study of extensions involves the inverse question: Given K ⊲ G and G/K, to what extent can one recapture G?
Wide-Complex Tachycardia After Colectomy

A 72-year-old man was hospitalized for treatment of infective endocarditis. The diagnosis was made after one month of intermittent fever, weakness, and malaise, when blood cultures were found to be positive for Staphylococcus aureus and an echocardiogram showed a vegetation on the mitral valve. The patient had had coronary bypass surgery 11 years earlier with vein grafts to the left anterior descending and right coronary arteries. Balloon angioplasty had been performed on the left circumflex artery two years before the current admission.Therapy was begun with gentamicin and vancomycin; after three days, nafcillin and rifampin were substituted. The fever resolved and the patient improved clinically. However, his anemia worsened, and stools were guaiac-positive. Colonoscopy showed a carcinoma of the ascending colon, and a right hemicolectomy was performed. On the third postoperative day, a rapid irregular cardiac rhythm was noted. The ECG is shown.
Trends in Routine and Complex Hepatobiliary Surgery Among General and Pediatric Surgical Residents: What is the Next Generation Learning and is it Enough?

OBJECTIVE Previous studies reveal a correlation between surgical volume and outcomes; thus, a similar relationship likely exists between trainee operative volume and technical competence. While routine hepatobiliary surgery is commonplace, trainee exposure to the more advanced procedures may be lacking. We hypothesize that experience in complex hepatobiliary procedures may be deficient both during general surgery residency and pediatric surgery fellowship training. DESIGN Case log data from the ACGME were queried for general surgery residents (2000-2017) and pediatric surgery fellows (2004-2017). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was considered a routine hepatobiliary procedure for both specialties. For general surgery, hepatic lobectomy/segmentectomy and choledochoenteric anastomosis were considered complex and for pediatric surgery, hepatic lobectomy, biliary atresia and choledochal cyst procedures were considered complex. SETTING Publicly available case log data from the ACGME. PARTICIPANTS General surgery residents and pediatric surgery fellows at ACGME-accredited training programs. RESULTS The number of trainees increased over the study period for both groups. Mean case volumes for laparoscopic cholecystectomy increased by 36% in surgery graduates and by 114% in pediatric surgery graduates. In surgery, the mean volumes for choledochoenteric anastomosis procedures decreased by 53% from 3.0 to 1.4 procedures/year with increasing variability in trainee experience. Volumes for hepatic lobectomy/segmentectomy increased by 68% from 3.4 to 5.7 procedures/year with decreasing variability. In pediatric surgery, case volumes for complex procedures were low (mean CONCLUSIONS Case logs suggest that the volume of complex hepatobiliary surgery remains low and highly variable in both disciplines with some trainees obtaining minimal or no exposure to certain cases. The relationship between these trends and the development of competency is worthy of further study.
Implementing Music as a Formative Assessment Strategy to Improve Student Cognition

This article provides teaching strategies for implementing music and/or poetry in a health classroom as a formative assessment to improve and evaluate student learning.
How Urban Identity, Affect, and Knowledge Predict Perceptions About Coyotes and Their Management

ABSTRACTGlobally, the number of humans and wildlife species sharing urban spaces continues to grow. As these populations grow, so too does the frequency of human–wildlife interactions in urban area...
Postural control in male ten-pin bowlers of different level of competitiveness

Ten-pin bowling is considered a highly skilled recreational activity with players demonstrating various anthropometric and physiological characteristics. The purpose of the current study was to assess both static and dynamic body balance, in ten-pin bowlers of different level of competitiveness. Thirty four ten-pin bowlers who competed at a high (Level-A, n=17) and a lower level (Level-B, n=17) as well as eighteen individuals without experience in ten-pin bowling (Non-bowlers) participated in the study. Static balance was determined based on the anteroposterior (APd) and mediolateral displacement (MLd) of the center-of-foot-pressure (CoP) that was recorded during single-leg-stance with open and close eyes as well as with open eyes and head extension. Dynamic balance was determined based on the APd and MLd of CoP as well as the normalized distances reached during execution of the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) in the posterior, posterolateral and lateral directions. Significantly better dynamic balance, in terms of the distances reached during SEBT execution, was demonstrated by Level-A bowlers compared to Level-B bowlers and Non-bowlers. The differences between groups regarding APd and MLd, during both static and dynamic balance testing, were in general not significant. Our findings revealed that ten-pin bowlers who compete at a higher level demonstrate better dynamic balance ability. Sports scientists and coaches should be aware of these differences to optimize performance or distinguish ten-pin bowlers with different level of competitiveness.
DNA methylation in children with prenatal methamphetamine exposure and environmental adversity.

Methamphetamine (MA) use during pregnancy is a significant public health concern in the United States and affects long-term brain and behavioral development in children. We hypothesized that prenatal MA exposure would be related to greater DNA methylation of HSD11B2 and postnatal environmental stress. The Infant Development, Environment, and Lifestyle Study (IDEAL), a longitudinal study of prenatal MA exposure enrolled mother−infant dyads in California, Hawaii, Iowa, and Oklahoma. Prenatal exposure was defined by maternal self-report and/or meconium toxicology screening. At ages 10–11 years, 100 children were assessed for drug exposure and DNA methylation of HSD11B2. Hierarchical linear models were used to determine the association between prenatal MA exposure and methylation of HSD11B2 at four CpG sites. Prenatal MA exposure (1.4% vs 0.31%, P < 0.01) and early childhood adversity (3.0 vs 2.0, P < 0.01) were associated with greater DNA methylation of HSD11B2 at the CpG2 site. The statistically significant effects of early childhood adversity (B = 0.11, P < 0.01) and prenatal MA exposure (B = 0.32, P = 0.03) on DNA methylation remained after adjusting for covariates. Prenatal MA exposure is related to postnatal childhood adversity and epigenetic alterations in HSD11B2, an important gene along the stress response pathway suggesting prenatal and postnatal programming effects.
The Role of Pre-participation Assessment and Screening in Basketball

The pre-participation evaluation (PPE) is a complete history and physical exam performed by a medical professional on athletes of all ages. PPE origins come from the late 1800s, when British children were examined prior to the start of physical education classes. This exam was improved by the United States military physicians to determine if draftees were fit for duty. Now, governed by six medical societies, the main goal of a PPE is to allow athletes to compete and promote lifelong health and safety. The PPE is not evidence-based due to lack of outcome data and little to no change in overall morbidity and mortality. Despite lack of evidence, the PPE remains the standard of care for all athletes. PPEs are often performed prior to the start of the season to allow for evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation on any provider concerns. Methodology for PPEs include a single provider, office-based setting, and team-based physicals. Historical forms should be completed prior to PPEs, and focus should remain on the cardiac, musculoskeletal, and neurological systems. Cardiac screening, with a thorough history review, is an essential portion of the PPE. Although currently screening EKGs during routine PPEs are not recommended by many governing societies, some evidence indicates that performing EKGs on high-risk populations may improve cardiac screening. Basketball players commonly have lower extremity musculoskeletal injuries. Sports-specific dynamic testing are adjuncts to the routine PPE musculoskeletal exam that may be beneficial. Physicality in basketball has been on the rise, thus injury, including concussions, has become more prevalent in basketball associations; baseline concussion testing is recommended by many sports organizations as a onetime screening tool which can also be used for return to play guides. Screening labs and tests may be great additions to the PPE but are not custom to the PPE. Lastly, athletes with physical and mental disabilities undergo the same PPE processes, except pathology-specific exams must be performed for medical eligibility.
Impacts of field-edge flower plantings on pollinator conservation and ecosystem service delivery – A meta-analysis

Abstract Planting flowers along crop field edges is an increasingly common management strategy for addressing pollinator declines and improving crop pollination. However, few reviews have been published summarizing the efficacy of this specific management practice and how it impacts ecosystem service delivery to crops. We conducted a systematic review (54 studies) and meta-analysis (4–29 studies, depending on the response) to determine whether such plantings 1) increase pollinator abundance or richness within field edges, 2) increase the abundance or richness of pollinators visiting crop flowers, or 3) improve crop yields. Our review and meta-analysis suggest that field-edge flower plantings are highly effective at increasing pollinator richness and abundance in field edges and that plantings become more effective as they mature. However, the influence of field-edge plantings on crop pollination and yield is inconsistent. Planting size and richness did not change these results. While this analysis shows that field-edge flower plantings consistently increase pollinator abundance and richness, there remain critical gaps in our knowledge of when and how plantings can improve ecosystem service provision and delivery. Determining if field-edge plantings affect pollinator population growth may clarify how plantings improve crop pollination, while further research on landscape context and crop type may define when this happens.
Nonrepeatability effects on time-lapse 4D seismic full-waveform inversion for ocean-bottom node data

ABSTRACTFull-waveform inversion (FWI) can be applied to time-lapse (4D) seismic data for subsurface reservoir monitoring. However, nonrepeatability (NR) issues can contaminate the data and cause ar...
Nonlinear binding of valproic acid (VPA) and E-Δ2-valproic acid to rat plasma proteins

The binding characteristics of valproic acid (VPA) and its pharmacologically active monounsaturated metabolite, E-Δ2-VPA, to rat plasma proteins were compared. The plasma free fraction was determined by a rapid equilibrium procedure, which minimizes the interfering effects of nonesterified fatty acids liberated by in vitro lipolysis. Nonlinear binding behavior was observed with both compounds over their respective pharmacologic concentration range. Multiple binding-site models were invoked to explain the binding isotherm. The 2-unsaturated compound has a much higher affinity for the rat plasma proteins (mainly albumin) than its saturated precursor. The equilibrium association constants for the high- and intermediate-affinity sites were more than an order of magnitude higher with E-Δ2-VPA than with VPA (104–106 versus 103M−1). This difference in binding affinity was also reflected by a lower plasma free fraction for E-Δ2-VPA compared with VPA ( 20% at total concentrations of less than 100 µg/ml). A more pronounced dose- and concentration-dependent variation in the distribution and clearance kinetics is predicted for the 2-unsaturated analogue compared to VPA. Also, the structural dependency in plasma protein binding observed with these branched-chain fatty acids may provide insights into the mechanism of interaction between fatty acyl molecules and albumin.
Compactness and Eigenfunctions

In previous chapters we explored the connection between compactness for composition operators and the existence of angular derivatives for their inducing maps. Here we begin to study how compactness affects the eigen-functions of a composition operator. The eigenfunction equation for a composition operator Cφ is called Schroder’s equation: $$ f \circ \varphi = \lambda f $$ (1) and has been studied in one form or another since the late nineteenth century [Shr ‘71].
Duration Estimation for Bonds and Bond Portfolios

The major risk faced by participants in the bond market is interest rate risk. An investor or a portfolio manager can measure the exposure to interest rate changes of a position by revaluing that position based on various interest rate scenarios. However, the typical way in which interest rate risk is measured is by approximating the impact of a change in interest rates on a bond or a bond portfolio. The first approximation is referred to as duration. To improve upon this approximation, a second measure is estimated and is referred to as convexity. There are different types of duration measures: duration, dollar duration, modified duration, Macaulay duration, effective duration, option-adjusted duration, portfolio duration, contribution to portfolio duration, spread duration, and index duration. The duration estimate require a good valuation model. Keywords: duration; dollar duration; price value of a basis point; dollar value of a basis point; modified duration; Macaulay duration; effective duration; positive convexity; negative convexity; option-adjusted duration; portfolio duration; contribution to portfolio duration; spread duration; index duration
Hereditary crossed products

First published in Transactions of the American Mathematical Society in vol. 352, no. 7, published by the American Mathematical Society.
STAT-1 Signaling in Human Lung Fibroblasts Is Induced by Vanadium Pentoxide through an IFN-β Autocrine Loop

The inhalation of vanadium pentoxide (V 2 O 5 ) results in bronchitis and airway fibrosis. The lung fibrotic response to V 2 O 5 partially resolves where fibroblasts first proliferate and deposit collagen, but then undergo growth arrest and apoptosis. STAT-1 mediates fibroblast growth arrest and apoptosis. We previously reported that STAT-1 is a protective factor and mice lacking STAT-1 are more susceptible to lung fibrosis. We also reported that V 2 O 5 -induced STAT-1 phosphorylation in lung fibroblasts requires H 2 O 2 and de novo protein synthesis. In this study, we identified IFN-β as the protein that mediates STAT-1 activation by V 2 O 5 in normal human lung fibroblasts and identified NADPH and xanthine oxidase systems as sources of H 2 O 2 that drive IFN -β gene expression. STAT-1 phosphorylation was decreased with neutralizing Abs to IFN-β as well as an inhibitor of JAK. V 2 O 5 also increased transcription of an IFN-inducible and STAT-1-dependent chemokine, CXCL10. Inhibition of H 2 O 2 -generating enzyme systems NADPH oxidase by apocynin and xanthine oxidase by allopurinol individually reduced STAT-1 phosphorylation. Apocynin and allopurinol also decreased V 2 O 5 -induced IFN-β mRNA levels and CXCL10 expression. IFN-α transcription was inhibited only by allopurinol. Taken together, these data indicate that fibroblasts play a role in the innate immune response to vanadium-induced oxidative stress by synthesizing IFN-β and activating STAT-1 to cause growth arrest and increase levels of CXCL10, a potent antifibrotic factor. This mechanism is postulated to counterbalance profibrogenic mechanisms that follow V 2 O 5 injury.
Assessing combined chemical exposures as risk factors for neural tube defects.

Abstract Many studies have investigated whether chemical exposures early in pregnancy increase risks to women of delivering offspring with congenital anomalies. We investigated whether periconceptional exposures to chemicals in combination increased risks to women of having neural tube defect (NTD)-affected pregnancies. Women were asked about occupational tasks performed during the periconceptional period. These tasks were assigned by an industrial hygienist to a priori defined exposure categories. The exposure categories included 74 chemical groups. Two population-based case control studies were analyzed. Information on tasks was obtained from mothers of 538 NTD cases and their 539 controls in one study, and mothers of 265 NTD cases and 481 controls from another study. We used data from the first study to identify clues. Specifically, we estimated NTD risks for maternal occupational exposures to all possible pairs, triplets, and quadruplets of 74 chemical groups. Chemical combinations revealing elevated NTD risks in these “clue generation” analyses were then investigated in the second population-based case-control study for their contribution to risk of NTDs. We computed odds ratios for each of the total 192,374 possible comparisons and identified all combinations that produced odds ratios of 5 or more. A 5-fold elevated risk criterion revealed 53 combinations. These 53 reflected various combinations of exposures exclusive to 12 of 74 chemical groups. Analyses of data from the second study did not identify odds ratios of 2.0 or greater for maternal exposures to the 12 chemical groups that resulted in 5-fold elevated risks in the first study. Despite the use of a labor-intensive method to categorize exposures, we were unable to substantiate clues associated with combined chemical exposures identified in one large case-control study as NTD risk factors in a second case-control study.
Voltage maps simplify electric circuit analysis

The pioneering work over 50 years ago by M.I.T. faculty who wrote textbooks for the study of electrical sciences set the pattern for the study of electric circuits in the United States. Authors who developed textbooks after those early works largely followed the techniques advanced there. This paper extends the analytical procedures adopted for identifying current direction and voltage polarities in a circuit. While the M.I.T. works adopted an arrow to indicate current direction, a similar arrow symbol for voltage was not adopted. Double subscript notation identifying nodes and relative polarity was used instead. This notation has contributed to confusion of students who are learning electric circuits. A simpler designation of voltage polarity by an open-head arrow promotes a better understanding of electric circuit operation. This paper proposes the use of a closed-head arrow for current direction, and an open-head arrow for a voltage rise between nodes. In this method all voltages are rises only. All voltages can be drawn in a voltage map of a circuit, using open-head arrows to show both voltage rises from sources of emf and voltage rises across resistors caused by Ohm's law relationships. This proposed method for identifying voltages corresponds with the node voltage polarity terminology used to interpret results from computer software programs such as PSPICE. A consistent conformity with symbols in circuit analysis is an enhancement to learning for the beginning student of electric circuit analysis. The voltage map is such a learning enhancement. >
Evaluating Ratings on Bidirectional Scales

Procedures are described for determining the statistical significance of a set of ratings made on bidirectional (or bipolar) scales. A B (bidirectional) coefficient, ranging in value from −1 to +1 ...