cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Setup Calculation Method of Application Platform for Process Сontrol System of Tandem Cold Rolling Mills

Setup calculation function of the process control system for tandem cold rolling mills not only determinates the dimension accuracy of finished strip materials directly, but also affects the control of surface quality of strip materials. In the present work, an attempt was made to develop a new setup calculation method for tandem cold rolling mills to maximize the throughput and improve the surface quality of strips. Based on the application platform for level-2 process control system, the modular design method was adopted, and then the setup calculation function was developed. And four functional modules consisting of preset preparation module (PPM), basic setup calculation module (BSCM), dynamic setup calculation module (DSCM), and adaptive calculation module (ACM) were developed. The preset data from PPM were used in equipment of level-1 process control system, and the purposes of BSCM was to achieve high quality of products, reduce off thickness deviation and achieve stable rolling at maximum possible rolling speed for raising productivity. In order to minimize off error of preset and actual data, DSCM was provided. Thanks to the design of ACM, accuracy of mathematical model can be effectively improved on line. Ultimately, the precise model on setup calculation method for cold tandem rolling of strip steels was established, and then it was put into practical production. Statistics analysis showed that the measured data was in excellent agreement with the model, and exactly, the relative deviations on rolling force and delivery thickness of strips were less than 3.67% and 0.42%, respectively. The new setup calculation method has high precision and good generalization capability.
Recent Lithic Technological Studies on the Southern Plains and Adjacent Regions Part I: Identifying and Sourcing Raw Materials

AbstractIn this, the first of a two-part series, lithic technological research sime 1990 is reviewed for the Southern Plains and their eastern and western borders. The study region is basically that covered in the 1990 monograph, From Mountain Peaks to Alligator Stomachs, compiled and written by Larry Banks. My review looks at the identification and sourcing of knappable stone in archaeological studies of how that material got reduced, transported, and used over this study area. This first part focuses on the identification of knappable materials discovered since the publication of Banks' monograph and on efforts to refine the identification and sources of varieties of materials discussed by Banks. While some progress has been made in furthering our knowledge of the character and sources of diverse tool stones in the region, archaeologists have not been availing themselves of geologists' expertise or technologies that could enhance our understanding of what these materials are and where they occur. With t...
Sustainable stripmine reclamation

For many years areas stripmined for coal in the United States typically had deep lakes adjacent to ungraded spoil ridges and valleys with sustainable forest cover. The rooting medium was a mixture of rock fragments and soil fines that became prime forest alternative topsoil with good tree growth. Some barren areas had acid mine drainage. After 1977, emerging state regulation of coal mining was subject to federal law. Post-regulation landscapes in southern Illinois typically have replaced unproductive fine-textured surface soils, including intensively graded fragipans. Mined land cropped for bond release commonly becomes unmanaged grasslands. Scant mineland is returned to trees, with survival and growth poorer than on reclaimed minelands pre-regulation. Problems include high soil strength, poor water relations and excessive ground cover. Sustainable plant communities have not developed.
Endoscopic breast-conserving surgery in the treatment of early stage of breast cancer via transaxillary small concealing incision

Objective To study the feasibility and effect of endoscopic breast conserving surgery in the treatment of early stage of breast cancer(EBC) via transaxillary small concealing incision. Methods Twenty -one cases of EBC were treated by endoscopic breast conserving surgery,combined with the lipolysis and suction of the fat in axilla, via transaxillary small incision. Results There was no cancer residue in all the resected margins of all samples confirmed by the frozen sections. The lymph nodes metastasis was found in 3 cases. The average operation time was 81.6 minutes. Subcutaneous liquid collection occurred in one case postoperatively,the liquid disappeared quickly after treatment. All patient′s had a good breast configuration. All patients were followed-up for 3.1 months to 15.6 months after operation. There were no recurrence and distant metastasis in this series. Conclusions Breast conserving surgery can be smoothly performed by a small concealing incision with endoscope. This operation has many advantages, such as the incision is small and concealing, so it can improve the patients′ quality of life. The suction of the fat in axilla makes axillary dissection easier.
Methodologies for system-level remaining useful life prediction

Abstract While most prognostics approaches focus on accurate computation of the degradation rate and the remaining useful life (RUL) of individual components, it is the rate at which the performance of subsystems and systems degrade that is of greater interest to the operators and maintenance personnel of these systems. We develop a comprehensive methodology for system-level prognostics under different forms of uncertainty in this paper. Our approach combines an estimation scheme with a prediction scheme to compute the RUL as a stochastic distribution over the life of the system. We compare two prediction methods: (1) stochastic simulation and (2) the inverse first order reliability method (inverse-FORM). We compare the computational complexity and the accuracy of the two approaches using a case study of a system with several degrading components.
New technique to anesthetize the prostate for transurethral balloon dilation.

SUMMARY Transperineal, digitally guided infiltration of 1 per cent lidocaine solution bilaterally at the base of the prostate gland provides adequate anesthesia for balloon dilation of the prostate; no additional sedation is required. This prostate anesthesia may also be useful for other endoscopic procedures such as cystoscopy, retrograde pyelography, and placement of ureteral stents.
Identifying the Common Characteristics of Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs in Louisiana.

The purpose of this project was to (a) determine the common characteristics of current comprehensive school physical activity programs (CSPAP) in Louisiana and (b) identify strategies for implementing a CSPAP. Four individuals (i.e., one physical education teacher, one principal, and two classroom teachers) were recruited from three public schools in Louisiana and asked to (a) complete the national CSPAP survey, (b) complete a follow-up self-designed e-mailed question set, and (c) participate in individual in-person interviews. The data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Survey results showed that participating schools implemented at least one other CSPAP component beyond physical education, and the CSPAP activities implemented within each component varied across schools. Two overall themes emerged across participant groups and schools: (a) an overarching network of individuals to facilitate CSPAP implementation is necessary and (b) the physical education teacher is integral to implementing a CSPAP. The conclusion of the study was that physical education teachers should strive to have at least their principal and a stakeholder, specifically a classroom teacher, supporting their CSPAP efforts to ensure successful CSPAP implementation.
An Empirical Examination of the Influence of Job Characteristics on Salesperson Motivation

Do job characteristics produce significant influence on salesperson motivation? This issue has been examined in this article by focussing on the relationships between perceived job characteristics and intrinsic and extrinsic dimensions of motivation. Hypotheses are generated on the basis of information available form organizational psychology and tested using data gathered from a population of industrial salespersons. Finally, implications of these findings are discussed from a managerial perspective.
SU-F-T-666: Molecular-Targeted Gold Nanorods Enhances the RBE of Proton Therapy

Purpose: In recent years, proton beam radiation therapy (PBRT) has gained significant attention in the treatment of tumors in anatomically complex locations. However, the therapeutic benefit of PBRT is limited by a relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of just 1.1. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether this limitation can be overcome by artificially enhancing the RBE using molecular-targeted gold nanorods (GNRs). Methods: Molecular-targeting of GNRs was accomplished using Cetuximab (antibody specific to epidermal growth factor receptor that is over-expressed in tumors) conjugated GNRs (cGNRs) and their binding affinity to Head and Neck cancer cells was confirmed using dark field microscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The radiosensitization potential of cGNRs when irradiated with photon (6MV) and proton (100 and 160 MeV) beams was determined using clonogenic assays. The RBE at 10% surviving fraction (RBE10) for proton therapies at central and distal locations of SOBP was calculated with respect to 6 MV photons. IgGconjugated GNRs (iGNRs) were used as controls in all experiments. Results: cGNRs demonstrated significant radiosensitization when compared to iGNRs for 6MV photons (1.14 vs 1.04), 100 MeV protons (1.19 vs 1.04), and 160 MeV protons (1.17 vs 1.04). While RBE10 for proton beams at the center of SOBP revealed similar effects for both 100 and 160 MeV (RBE10=1.39 vs 1.38; p>0.05), enhanced radiosensitization was observed at the distal SOBP with 100 MeV beams demonstrating greater effect than 160 MeV beams (RBE10=1.79 vs 1.6; p<0.05). Conclusion: EGFR-targeting GNRs significantly enhance the RBE of protons well above the accepted 1.1 value. The enhanced RBE observed for lower energy protons (100 MeV) and at the distal SOBP suggests that low energy components may play a role in the observed radiosensitization effect. This strategy holds promise for clinical translation and could evolve as a paradigm-changing approach in the field of radiation oncology. The UT MD Anderson Cancer Center's Institutional Research Grant funding to P. Diagaradjane
The riddle of the sphincters.

“He founded the sciences of analogical proctoscopy and psychosym- bolistic cosmography, developed the Rectimetric Index for ‘distinguishing, arithmetically and forever, the sheep from the goats,’ and explored the faint initial insights of what was to become Spielman’s Law, .... In three words Max Spielman . . . showed the ‘sphincter’s riddle’ and the mystery of the University to be the same. ONTOGENY RECAPITULATES COSMOGENY-what is it but to say that proctoscopy repeats hagiography?” Giles Goat-Boy J ohn B arth
Adding data analytics capabilities to scaled-out object store

In-situ MapReduce computation on large-scale data in object store.Scale object store while computation layer remains lightweight.Implementation with Hadoop and Ceph storage system.Improved initial data ingest performance by up to 96.Improved MapReduce performance by up to 20. This work focuses on enabling effective data analytics on scaled-out object storage systems. Typically, applications perform MapReduce computations by first copying large amounts of data to a separate compute cluster (i.e. a Hadoop cluster). However; this approach is not very efficient considering that storage systems can host hundreds of petabytes of data. Network bandwidth can be easily saturated and the overall energy consumption would increase during large-scale data transfer. Instead of moving data between remote clusters; we propose the implementation of a data analytics layer on an object-based storage cluster to perform in-place MapReduce computation on existing data. The analytics layer is tied to the underlying object store, utilizing its data redundancy and distribution policies across the cluster. We implemented this approach with Ceph object storage system and Hadoop, and conducted evaluations with various benchmarks. Performance evaluations show that initial data copy performance is improved by up to 96% and the MapReduce performance is improved by up to 20% compared to the stock Hadoop implementation.
Associational development during the Giolitti era

We are at the beginning of a new historical period; anyone who is not blind can see it. New mass currents are entering our political life; every day new problems are presenting themselves; new forces are arising with which any government must deal. The very confusion of parliamentary parties demonstrates that the questions which divide us today are no longer those which divided us before. The ascendant movement of the popular classes becomes ever more accelerated. It is an invincible movement because it is common to all civilized nations and because it is supported by the principle of equality among men. No one should delude himself that the popular classes can be impeded from conquering their share of economic and political influence. Those who are the friends of established political institutions have a duty, above all, to persuade these classes – and to persuade them with facts – that from the existing institutions they can expect more than from dreams of the future; that each of their legitimate interests will find efficacious support in the existing sociopolitical order. It depends principally upon us, on the attitude assumed by the constitutional parties in relation to the popular classes, whether the ascendancy of these classes will be a new conservative force, a new element of prosperity and greatness, or whether instead it will be a whirlwind sweeping away the fortune of the Patria!
Criticality data for spherical 235U, 239Pu, and 237Np systems reflector-moderated by low capturing-moderator materials

The critical dimensions of spherical systems moderated and reflected by low-capturing materials such as D 2 O, BeO, Be, and C were investigated. A parametric study of the critical mass of enriched uranium, plutonium, and neptunium is examined and tabulated. The results obtained expand on the understanding of reflector-moderated critical systems, and they show regions of unstable criticality for 235 U and 239 Pu reflected cores at intermediate densities. This instability is illustrated by calculations of the positive reactivity coefficient of volume expansion. The coefficient is positive, not negative, in the intermediate density region for 235 U and 239 Pu systems. For 237 Np cores reflected by the same moderator, the effect is negligible. The critical dimensions were calculated with the DANTSYS codes using the Hansen-Roach cross-section libraries. This study is both a summary of mostly unpublished calculations and new calculations. Experimental data for these configurations are extremely limited. These are examined in the text when applicable.
Clinical Effectiveness of Dry Needling Immediately After Application on Myofascial Trigger Point in Upper Trapezius Muscle.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of dry needling (DN) on pain intensity and pressure pain threshold (PPT) compared with ischemic compression (IC) immediately and 48 hours after each treatment session in individuals with myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle. Methods Thirty-one patients with myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle participated in this study. Patients were randomly assigned to a standard (N = 17) or experimental group (N = 14). The treatment protocol for the standard group consisted of IC, whereas the patients in the experimental group received DN. Results The results indicated that the effect size of the DN methods for pain intensity and PPT was considerably greater after 2 days compared with immediately after the treatment session. In contrast, the effect of the IC for PPT was greater immediately after treatment compared with the measures after 2 days. There was also no noticeable difference in the effect size for IC on pain intensity between the scores obtained immediately and 2 days after treatment. However, our data also revealed a greater effect size for DN on PPT after 2 days compared with the IC technique. Conclusions In this study, DN improved the pain intensity and PPT after 2 days. However, it had no clinical improvement immediately after application because of muscle soreness. Thus, assessment of the effect of DN immediately after application can be criticized, and the results should be interpreted with caution.
Read disturb errors in a CMOS static RAM chip

The authors describe an extensive investigation into pattern-sensitive soft errors (read disturb errors) in the TCC244 CMOS static RAM chip. The TCC244, also known as the SA2838, is a radiation-hard, single-event-upset (SEU)-resistant 4 by 256 memory chip. This device is being used by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in the Galileo and Magellan spacecraft, which will have encounters with Jupiter and Venus, respectively. Two aspects of the part's design are shown to result in the occurrence of read disturb errors: the transparence of the signal path from the address pins to the array of cells, and the large resistance in the Vdd and Vss lines of the cells in the center of the array. Probe measurements taken during a read disturb failure illustrate how address skews and the data pattern in the chip combine to produce a bit flip. A capacitive charge pump formed by the individual cell capacitances and the resistance in the supply lines pumps down both the internal cell voltage and the local supply voltage until a bit flip occurs. >
GroupLoop: A Collaborative, Network-Enabled Audio Feedback Instrument

GroupLoop is a browser-based, collaborative audio feedback control system for musical performance. GroupLoop users send their microphone stream to other participants while simultaneously controlling the mix of other users' streams played through their speakers. Collaborations among users can yield complex feedback loops where feedback paths overlap and interact. Users are able to shape the feedback sounds in real-time by adjusting delay, EQ, and gain, as well as manipulating the acoustics of their portion of the audio feedback path. This paper outlines the basic principles underlying Grouploop, describes its design and feature-set, and discusses observations of GroupLoop in performances. It concludes with a look at future research and refinement.
A state of the art review to develop novel workflow for microscopic scale understanding of advanced water flooding mechanisms in carbonates

Abstract Advanced water flooding processes through tailoring of injection water salinity and ionic composition are becoming an attractive proposition for improved and enhanced oil recovery (IOR/EOR) in carbonate reservoirs. The importance of microscopic and submicroscopic scale investigations on such optimized chemistry water injection processes in carbonates has not received wide attention. To fill this existing knowledge gap, we provided a comprehensive review on the state-of-the-art microscopic and sub-microscopic scale experimental methods in this study. A new workflow has been developed for advanced flooding processes by including different interfacial instruments and many advanced techniques in combination with several high-resolution imaging and spectroscopic tools. The practical applicability of different components in the workflow and their implications on advanced water flooding processes are demonstrated by using selected examples from published data. These results pointed out that atomic to molecular scale interactions occurring at both fluid-fluid and rock-fluids interfaces together play an important role to impact oil recovery and mobilization in advanced water floods. The proposed workflow can also be applicable to understand the fundamentals of several other recovery processes, but not limited to the following: secondary water injection, low salinity water flooding in sandstones, and other enhanced oil recovery processes involving surfactant chemicals and nanoparticles. A framework on desired methodology has been provided to describe how to sequentially progress these atomic to molecular scale data measured at interfaces to core and field scales (atomic - > molecular - > pore - > core - > well bore - > near wellbore - > reservoir). The three major path forward steps on: (1) upscaling of measured atomic to molecular scale data into models, (2) pushing the technology limits of techniques to perform measurements at appropriate reservoir conditions, and (3) bridge existing knowledge gap in the industry by acquiring scientists from other disciplines are suggested for successful implementation of proposed workflow to perform fundamental research studies at both fluid-fluid and rock-fluids interfaces.
Smart sensing for IoT applications

Large scale deployment of sensing nodes for Internet of Things (IoT) applications will be an energy constrained system. To improve the energy efficiency in such systems, making sensors more intelligent will be an important tool. In this paper, we will discuss three emerging trends for smart sensing: (1) Integration of sensing elements with low-power in-situ signal processing on the same chip or package, (2) Integration of multiple sensing modalities on the same chip or package to provide more useful data to the end application, and (3) Compressive sensing techniques to extract the useful information from raw sensor output.
An optimization approach for observation association with systemic uncertainty applied to electro-optical systems

Abstract The observation to observation measurement association problem for dynamical systems can be addressed by determining if the uncertain admissible regions produced from each observation have one or more points of intersection in state space. An observation association method is developed which uses an optimization based approach to identify local Mahalanobis distance minima in state space between two uncertain admissible regions. A binary hypothesis test with a selected false alarm rate is used to assess the probability that an intersection exists at the point(s) of minimum distance. The systemic uncertainties, such as measurement uncertainties, timing errors, and other parameter errors, define a distribution about a state estimate located at the local Mahalanobis distance minima. If local minima do not exist, then the observations are not associated. The proposed method utilizes an optimization approach defined on a reduced dimension state space to reduce the computational load of the algorithm. The efficacy and efficiency of the proposed method is demonstrated on observation data collected from the Georgia Tech Space Object Research Telescope.
Type I interferon in rheumatic diseases

The type I interferon pathway has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of rheumatic diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren syndrome, myositis, systemic sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. In normal immune responses, type I interferons have a critical role in the defence against viruses, yet in many rheumatic diseases, large subgroups of patients demonstrate persistent activation of the type I interferon pathway. Genetic variations in type I interferon-related genes are risk factors for some rheumatic diseases, and can explain some of the heterogeneity in type I interferon responses seen between patients within a given disease. Inappropriate activation of the immune response via Toll-like receptors and other nucleic acid sensors also contributes to the dysregulation of the type I interferon pathway in a number of rheumatic diseases. Theoretically, differences in type I interferon activity between patients might predict response to immune-based therapies, as has been demonstrated for rheumatoid arthritis. A number of type I interferon and type I interferon pathway blocking therapies are currently in clinical trials, the results of which are promising thus far. This Review provides an overview of the many ways in which the type I interferon system affects rheumatic diseases.
Lessons from a Female Academician: Some Further Reflections on a Glass Ceiling

Much discussion has occurred in recent years regarding the participation of women in behavior analysis. The purpose of this article is to share lessons learned as a female academician and impart helpful information to other, newer female university faculty members.
Mapping Machine Learning Advances from HCI Research to Reveal Starting Places for Design Innovation

HCI has become particularly interested in using machine learning (ML) to improve user experience (UX). However, some design researchers claim that there is a lack of design innovation in envisioning how ML might improve UX. We investigate this claim by analyzing 2,494 related HCI research publications. Our review confirmed a lack of research integrating UX and ML. To help span this gap, we mined our corpus to generate a topic landscape, mapping out 7 clusters of ML technical capabilities within HCI. Among them, we identified 3 under-explored clusters that design researchers can dig in and create sensitizing concepts for. To help operationalize these technical design materials, our analysis then identified value channels through which the technical capabilities can provide value for users: self, context, optimal, and utility-capability. The clusters and the value channels collectively mark starting places for envisioning new ways for ML technology to improve people's lives.
An investigation of the radial dependence of the galaxy luminosity function in Abell clusters.

The luminosity functions of inner and outer regions of six Abell clusters (A569, A1656, A2147, A2151, A2199, and A2634) were compared. These clusters have a single, reasonably symmetric central concentration of galaxies within the central Mpc. For three other clusters with irregular spatial distributions of galaxies (A779, A1367, and A2197) luminosity functions for high and low density regions were compared. For three of the clusters in the first group (A1656, A2147, and A2199) there is a deficit of bright galaxies, according to the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Wilcoxon rank-sum nonparametric tests, in a region of radius 0.5 Mpc about the cluster center compared to a concentric annular region with bounds of 0.5 and 1.0 Mpc.
Lower buckling load in the non-linear buckling theory for thin shells

For thin shells the relation between the load P and the deflection e beyond the classical buckling load is very often non-linear. For instance, when a uniform thin circular cylinder is loaded in the axial direction, the load P when plotted against the end-shortening e has the characteristic shown in Fig. 1. If the strain energy S and the total potential φ = S - Pe are calculated, their behavior can be represented by the curves shown in Figs. 2 and 3. It can be demonstrated that the branches OC and AB corresponds to stable equilibrium configurations and the branch BC to unstable equilibrium configurations. The point B is then the point of transition from stable to unstable equilibrium configurations.
An Intelligent Path Towards Fast and Accurate Attribution

Cyber defense, cyber deterrence, and cyber offense for targeting purpose all depend on attribution, which, however, is hard to be done in many cases currently. How can artificial intelligence help to handle this challenge? What is a heuristic path that can quickly lead to accurate attribution? These are the questions that need to be addressed. Existing heuristic algorithms have issues in supporting both accuracy and speed simultaneously. This paper proposes a novel heuristic approach that is empowered by intelligent hints and intelligence collection. With the help of the weighted system, this new heuristic approach is able to determine the priority in search of the missing attributes, thus successfully providing a path towards fast and accurate attribution.
The bacillithiol pathway is required for biofilm formation in Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract Staphylococcus aureus is a major human pathogen that can cause infections that range from superficial skin and mucosal infections to life threatening disseminated infections. S. aureus can attach to medical devices and host tissues and form biofilms that allow the bacteria to evade the host immune system and provide protection from antimicrobial agents. To counter host-generated oxidative and nitrosative stress mechanisms that are part of the normal host responses to invading pathogens, S. aureus utilizes low molecular weight (LMW) thiols, such as bacillithiol (BSH). Additionally, S. aureus synthesizes its own nitric oxide (NO), which combined with its downstream metabolites may also protect the bacteria against specific host responses. We have previously shown that LMW thiols are required for biofilm formation in Mycobacterium smegmatis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Our data show that the bshC mutant, which is defective in the last step of the bacillithiol pathway and lacks BSH, is impaired in biofilm formation. We also identify a putative S-nitrosobacillithiol reductase (BSNOR), similar to a S-nitrosomycothiol reductase found in M. smegmatis, and show that the BSNOR mutant has reduced levels of BSH and decreased biofilm formation. Our studies also show that NO plays an important role in biofilm formation and that acidified sodium nitrite severely reduces biofilm thickness. These studies provide insight into the roles of oxidative and nitrosative stress mechanisms on biofilm formation and indicate that bacillithiol and nitric oxide are key players in normal biofilm formation in S. aureus. Importance Staphylococcus aureus is the most frequent cause of biofilm-associated infections in hospital settings. The biofilm mode of growth allows the pathogen to escape the host immune response and is extremely difficult to combat, as biofilms are highly resistant to physical and chemical stressors. As outbreaks of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains become more commonplace, it is essential to understand the pathways involved in biofilm formation in order to target this important virulence factor. Low molecular weight thiols enable S. aureus to combat oxidative and nitrosative stress mechanisms that are used by host cells to defend against infection. Our findings indicate that bacillithiol and nitric oxide, which are produced by S. aureus to combat these host generated stressors, are important for biofilm development, and that disruption of these pathways results in biofilm defects. In the long term, this work may lead to new solutions to eradicate S. aureus biofilms in the clinic.
Medicine in a Genetic and Genomic Context

Abstract The idea that all diseases are to greater or lesser degrees “genetic” is far from a new concept. The advent of genomics, which makes possible the study of the genetics of diseases of complex origin in families of patients who have affected relatives as well as in those who do not, emphasizes that genetic variation underlies the latter no less than the former. In disease, the variant gene products and the experiences of the environment with which they are incongruent account for characteristic signs and symptoms. Understanding the meaning of individuality in medicine will enable improved possibility and plausibility of prevention and treatment.
CHARACTERISTICS AND LONGER-TERM OUTCOMES OF PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY: A TERTIARY CARE CENTER EXPERIENCE

We sought to describe outcomes of pediatric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (PHCM) patients. We studied 398 consecutive PHCM patients (<18 years, 12±5 years, 65% males) seen at our center between 2002-2018. Baseline clinical & echo data was collected. Z-score for left ventricular (LV) wall thickness
Surgical fixation of pilon injuries: a comparison of the anterolateral and posterolateral approach

This study looks to compare patient outcomes in those with pilon fractures fixed with the anterolateral approach versus those with the posterolateral approach. 135 patient charts of those with surgically treated pilon fractures over a 7-year period were retrospectively reviewed, recording demographic information, fracture description, surgical intervention timeline, operative outcomes, patient outcomes, and complication rates. Of the 44 included patients (32 anterolateral and 12 posterolateral), most were older than 40 years of age (65.9%) and male (63.6%). There was no difference seen between anterolateral approach and posterolateral approach tourniquet times (p = 0.80), operating room time (p = 0.40), or estimated blood loss (p = 0.73). There was also no reported difference in decrease in Numerical Rating Scale pain scores (p = 0.38), FOTO (Focus on Therapeutic Outcomes) percent increase (p = 0.13), active flexion–extension axis range of motion (p = 0.35), or inversion–eversion axis (p = 0.25) range of motion after an anterolateral approach versus a posterolateral approach. Finally, statistically similar complication rates (p = 0.75) were seen between anterolateral and posterolateral approaches, but patients who underwent a posterolateral approach surgical fixation were trending towards significantly using more post-operative outpatient opioid medications for pain control compared to those who underwent surgical fixation with an anterolateral approach (p = 0.09). Pilon injuries that lend themselves to anterolateral fixation have similar outcomes peri-operatively and post-operatively compared to injuries lending to posterolateral fixation. Both approaches can be used as dictated by the injury not fearing poorer outcomes or increased complication rates. However, surgeons must be wary of high complication rates associated with all pilon injury patterns. Therapeutic Level IV.
Flanagan and Cartesian free will: a defense of agent causation

In a recent book, The Problem of the Soul, Owen Flanagan discusses the Cartesian, or agent causation, view of free will. According to this view, when a person acts of his own free will his action is not caused by antecedent events but is caused by the agent himself, and in acting the agent acts as an uncaused cause. Flanagan argues at length that this view is false. In this article, I defend the agent causation view against Flanagan�s criticisms and I go on to critically address his own �neo-compatibilist� alternative to the agent causation view. In doing so, I hope to exhibit some common misconceptions about the nature of the agent causation view and to show that this is a view that deserves more serious consideration.
Experimental Data Analysis of Nanoparticles for Enhanced Oil Recovery

Enhanced oil recovery with nanometer-sized particles is an attractive topic in the industry because of the various advantages brought about by the size. Since nanoparticles have not been applied wi...
Development of N,N-bis(perfluoroalkanesulfonyl)squaramides as new strong Brønsted acids and their application to organic reactions

Abstract New strong Bronsted acids derived from a squaric acid scaffold bearing different perfluoroalkanesulfonyl groups have been developed and applied to several organic reactions. These squaramides are bench-stable and exhibit much higher reactivities in several organic reactions than squaric acid itself. N , N -Bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)squaramide 2a was applied to the Mukaiyama aldol reaction and Mukaiyama Michael reaction. Mechanistic studies revealed that the Bronsted acid might be the predominant catalyst through direct protonation of carbonyl compound by the acid itself rather than the silylated Bronsted acid. The utility of this acid 2a was further extended to Hosomi–Sakurai allylation of aldehydes and a carbonyl-ene reaction. Furthermore, other squaramides 2b and c bearing longer perfluoroalkyl chains have been developed, which are also bench-stable and displayed similar reactivities with squaramide 2a in several organic reactions.
Using multi-wavelength Mie-Raman Lidar to measure low-level cloud properties

Abstract Because clouds can result in a warming or a cooling effect according to their characteristics and altitudes, they have a significant influence on the climate system and a better understanding of cloud properties can improve weather forecasts and global climate models. Mie and Raman lidars have been proven to be very useful remote sensing tools to measure low-level cloud properties and locations. In this paper, low-level cloud boundary (top and base), temperature, extinction coefficients, optical depth (OD) and lidar ratio are obtained by combining Mie, rotational Raman (RR) and vibrational Raman (VR) techniques. These results of low-level cloud properties measured by the Hampton University (HU) Mie-Rotational-Vibrational Raman Lidar describe the relation between cloud lidar ratio and temperature, the relation between cloud lidar ratio and OD and the relation between cloud OD and temperature. The relationship between cloud OD and cloud lidar ratios is relatively strong, while the relationship between cloud lidar ratios and temperature difference of cloud base and top (DCBT) and between DCBT and cloud OD is relatively weak. These quantitative analyses of simultaneous measurements can improve the understanding of low-level cloud effects of radiative transfer.
Robotic Solutions for Eldercare

This paper seeks to study the capabilities of robotics to provide healthcare and support to an increasing elderly population. Two different types of robots, the TurtleBot 2 and NAO V5, are put in a variety of simulated eldercare scenarios to test their compatibility and performance. The robots will attempt to alert the elderly patient when it is time to take their medication and provide their daily dose. They will also monitor the patient's habits and attempt to locate them if they are not detected moving over a period of time. If the robot assesses that an emergency scenario is taking place, they will contact a human care provider. Future experiments are also proposed using real elderly people to test their satisfaction with the robots.
Blending Operations in Crude Oil Refineries

Outputs from treatment units in an oil refinery are only semi-finished products. In this chapter, we discuss procedures for blending these products into finished products like gasoline, diesel oil, etc. meeting various specifications on them for selling in the marketplace.
Denial and Distraction: How the Populist Radical Right Responds to COVID-19 Comment on "A Scoping Review of PRR Parties' Influence on Welfare Policy and its Implication for Population Health in Europe".

This commentary considers the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the study of populist radical right (PRR) politicians and their influence on public health and health policy. A systematic review of recent research on the influence of PRR politicians on the health and welfare policies shows that health is not a policy arena that these politicians have much experience in. In office, their effects can be destructive, primarily because they subordinate health to their other goals. Brazil, the US and the UK all show this pattern. PRR politicians in opposition such as the Freedom Party of Austria (FPO) in Austria or the Lega in Italy, said very little during the actual health crisis, but once the public no longer appeared afraid they lost no time in reactivating anti-European Union (EU) sentiments. Whether in government or in opposition, PRR politicians opted for distraction and denial. Their effects ranged from making the pandemic worse.
Radiometric performance characterization of the CubeSat Infrared Atmospheric Sounder (CIRAS) High Operating Temperature-Barrier Infrared Detectors (HOT-BIRD)

The CubeSat Infrared Atmospheric Sounder (CIRAS) is a remote sensing instrument under development for the demonstration and technology maturation of hyperspectral infrared sounding in a 6U CubeSat. The CIRAS instrument utilizes a 2D Focal Plane Array (FPA) of High Operating Temperature-Barrier Infrared Detectors (HOT-BIRD). The HOT-BIRD material provides improved uniformity, higher allowable operating temperatures, and lower 1/f noise. The performance of the HOT-BIRD FPA was tested inside a Integrated Dewar and Cryocooler Assembly (IDCA). Testing involved using an external Blackbody Calibrator Target (BCT) to generate numerous images of the object at varying temperatures of the scene. The data acquired was compared to a radiometric model to characterize the responsivity of the detectors. In addition, a solid angle correction was developed to improve the accuracy of the modeling. Real and synthetic images are presented in the comparative analysis to validate the expected responsivity of the detectors through calculation of the quantum efficiency.
How effective are drainage systems in mitigating flood losses

Abstract The impacts of flooding can be devastating. Huge financial burden often follows major storm events to recover from structural damage. Well-designed drainage systems allow for effective discharge of stormwater, reducing property losses and expenditures on recovery. However, a lack of empirical studies on the topic has impeded the determination of which drainage method might be the most effective in preventing or minimizing property losses from flooding. This study assessed the economic impacts of three drainage systems − storage-, conveyance-, and infiltration-based facilities – on reducing flood damage recorded from 2009 to 2012 by Federal Emergency Management Agency in the Buffalo Bayou watershed in Houston, Texas, USA. Ordinary least squares and spatial autoregressive models were developed with a group of variables featuring drainage system, housing structure, geophysical environment, and storm characteristics. The results show that storage-based systems outperform conveyance-based mechanisms. Infiltration-based facilities are found to be less effective in reducing property damage because green spaces disconnected from sewer systems are rapidly inundated after being saturated while excessive overflow is not properly drained. This study confirms that the performance of a drainage system varies by facility type and environmental setting. The results encourage the recovery of wetlands and integration of retention/detention basins into community development in flood-prone areas to prevent potential future economic losses.
First RF Power Operation of AlN/GaN/AlN HEMTs With >3 A/mm and 3 W/mm at 10 GHz

The AlN/GaN/AlN heterostructure is attractive for microwave and millimeter-wave power devices due to its thin top barrier, tight carrier confinement, and improved breakdown voltage. This work explores the large-signal RF performance of high-electron-mobility transistors on this heterostructure. Results are highlighted by record high on-current of 3.6 A/mm, and record maximum oscillation frequency ( $f_{max}$ ) of 233 GHz. The load-pull power sweep at 10 GHz demonstrate a peak power added efficiency (PAE) of 22.7% with an associated gain ( $G_{T}$ ) of 8.7 dB and output power ( $P_{out}$ ) of 3 W/mm. When optimized for power, the peak $P_{out}$ of 3.3 W/mm has an associated PAE of 14.7% and $G_{T}$ of 3.2 dB. This first demonstration is encouraging for the mm-wave power potential of the AlN/GaN/AlN HEMT.
COVID-19 and cotton import demand in China

Abstract As the leading import market for cotton, and leading export market for manufactured products like clothing and apparel, China provides the ideal case for examining how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting international cotton trade The COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in decreased global demand for products like clothing, directly affecting China's demand for cotton from exporting countries In this study, we examined Chinese demand for imported cotton by product form (raw cotton and yarn) and by source (e g , United States, India), as well as the dynamic price relationships across countries Using year-to-date trade, demand estimates, and price forecasts, we assessed the impact of COVID-19 on Chinese imports and the countries supplying this market Depending on the projections, the most severe impacts of COVID-19 on Chinese cotton imports are either behind us, or the latter half of 2020 could potentially be just as bad as the early part of the year The outcome depends on the impact of manufactured-product prices on imports;the effects of which are large but insignificant As a consequence, even when imports from certain countries are projected to significantly decline, projection intervals suggest the possibility of a negligible decline or even a positive outcome
Neuropathic Pain Medications

Medications covered in this question set include a variety of medication types including gabapentinoids, anti-depressants, local anesthetics, and herbal medications among others. Each of these medication categories has different treatment recommendations, titration schedules, adverse effects, contraindications, and drug-drug interactions that must be considered when prescribing. Question in this chapter will attempt to highlight key components of these factors.
The impact of preoperative opioid use on complications, readmission, and cost following ankle fracture surgery.

Abstract Background The incidence of ankle fractures requiring surgical fixation is increasing. Although there has been increasing evidence to suggest that preoperative opioid use negatively impacts surgical outcomes, literature focusing primarily on ankle fractures is scarce. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between preoperative opioid use and outcomes following ankle fracture open reduction and surgical fixation (ORIF). We hypothesized that patients prescribed higher preoperative oral morphine equivalents (OMEs) would have poorer postoperative outcomes. Methods The Truven Marketscan claims database was used to identify patients who underwent ankle fracture surgery from 2009 to 2018 based on CPT codes. We used preoperative opioid use status to divide patients into groups based on the average daily OMEs consumed in the 6 months before surgery: opioid-naive, Results We identified 61,424 patients. Of those patients, 80.9% did not receive any preoperative opioids, while 6.6%, 6.9%, 1.7%, and 3.9% received 5 OME per day had higher rates of ED visits, and patients using >10 OMEs had higher rates of pain related ED visits and readmissions. Adjusted differences in 6-month preoperative and 3-month postoperative health care costs were seen in the opioid use groups compared with opioid-naive patients, ranging from US$2052 to US$8,592 (P Conclusion Opioids use prior to ankle fracture surgery is a common scenario. Unfortunately preoperative opioid use is a risk factor for postoperative complications, ER visits, and readmissions. Furthermore this risk is greater with higher dose opioid use. The results of this study suggests that surgeons should encourage decreased opioid use prior to ankle fracture surgery.