cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structure, energetics, and electronic coupling in the (TCNE2)-* encounter complex in solution: a polarizable continuum study.

For the prototypical dyad (TCNE2)-•, previous in vacuo calculations indicate that sizable distortion of the equilibrium gas-phase structure may be required to reduce the donor/acceptor electronic coupling element (HDA) to the solution-phase experimental estimates. We employ the polarizable continuum model (PCM) to simulate the solvation environment for several polar solvents, finding noticeable structure change associated with the promotion of charge localization due to solvation. We have extended the counterpoise (CP) correction procedure so as to include fragment relaxation energies within the PCM model, and it would be of interest to incorporate this approach into schemes for optimizing coordinates on CP-corrected energy surfaces. The calculations include face-to-face encounter geometries as well as several lateral and twist distortions of the face-to-face structures. In proceeding from vacuum to solution, the calculated stabilization energy is reduced from −18 to −3 kcal/mol, and the calculated energy...
Processes controlling retention of spring-spawned Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) in the western Gulf of Maine and their relationship to an index of recruitment success

Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua, harvested in US waters are currently managed as a Gulf of Maine stock and as a stock comprising Georges Bank and southern New England populations. Over the past two and a half decades, success of age-1 recruitment to the Gulf of Maine stock has varied by more than an order of magnitude. To investigate the hypothesis that this variation is related to variation in the transport of larval cod to nursery areas, we carried out model simulations of the movement of planktonic eggs and larvae spawned within the western Gulf of Maine during spring spawning events of 1995–2005. Results indicate that the retention of spring-spawned cod, and their transport to areas suitable for early stage juvenile development, is strongly dependent on local wind conditions. Larval cod retention is favored during times of downwelling-favorable winds and is least likely during times of upwelling-favorable winds, during which buoyant eggs and early stage larvae tend to be advected offshore to the Western Maine Coastal Current and subsequently carried out of the Gulf of Maine. Model results also indicate that diel vertical migration of later stage larvae enhances the likelihood of retention within the western Gulf of Maine. Consistent with model results is a strong correlation between age-1 recruitment success to the Gulf of Maine cod stock and the mean northward wind velocity measured in Massachusetts Bay during May. Based on these findings, we propose a wind index for strong recruitment success of age-1 cod to the Gulf of Maine stock.
A cross-Layer diversity technique for multicarrier OFDM multimedia networks

Diversity can be used to combat multipath fading and improve the performance of wireless multimedia communication systems. In this work, by considering transmission of an embedded bitstream over an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system in a slowly varying Rayleigh faded environment, we develop a cross-layer diversity technique which takes advantage of both multiple description coding and frequency diversity techniques. More specifically, assuming a frequency-selective channel, we study the packet loss behavior of an OFDM system and construct multiple independent descriptions using an FEC-based strategy. We provide some analysis of this cross-layer approach and demonstrate its superior performance using the set partitioning in hierarchical trees image coder.
Stimulation of Lake Michigan Plankton Metabolism by Sediment Resuspension and River Runoff

ABSTRACT Previous work during a major sediment resuspension event (March 1988) in southern Lake Michigan demonstrated that nutrients and carbon derived from resuspended sediment stimulated intense winter heterotrophic production while simultaneously decreasing light availability and autotrophic biomass. However, the role of riverine inputs on plankton metabolism remained unclear. Here we present results from a simulated enrichment experiment (March 2000) designed to examine the influence of resuspended sediments and riverine inputs on Lake Michigan plankton dynamics. Lake water amended with realistic levels of river water, coastal resuspended sediment and river water + sediment all showed enhanced heterotrophic bacterial production and plankton respiration rates, relative to the lake water control. Bacterial production increased by approximately 4× in river water treatments and by a factor of 2.5× for the sediment only treatment compared to lake water controls. Rates of net primary production were stimula...
Improving Job Scheduling on Production Supercomputers

Job scheduling is a critical task on large-scale supercomputers, where small variety in scheduling policies can result in substantial differences in performance or resource utilization. Tremendous research has been focused on improving job scheduling theoretically. This work aims at addressing the job scheduling problem from practice. Driven by the practical motivating problems, we design and implement job scheduling schemes which can be easily deployed on production machines. All the schemes are evaluated by event-driven simulations using real workload from the production Blue Gene/P system at Argonne National Laboratory. Experimental results show our schemes can effectively improve job scheduling in terms of user satisfaction and system utilization.
Long‐term surgical results for congenital aural atresia

Thirty-nine primary surgical cases for correction of congenital aural atresia were reviewed for complications and long-term hearing results. Hearing averages of 25 dB for mild atresia, 40 dB for moderate atresia, and 46 dB for severe atresia were obtained. Serviceable hearing was achieved in 64% of the cases. The two most frequent complications were stenosis and recurrent infections of the cavity and canal skin, with an incidence of 33% and 31%, respectively. Use of split-thickness instead of full-thickness skin graft was associated with fewer complications. The goal of this review is also to share the experience of the senior author in the management of this complex problem.
Considering the Impact of Preservice Teacher Beliefs on Future Practice

Preservice teacher beliefs merit additional attention from special education teacher-educators. Given current policy and reforms aimed at improving outcomes for students with disabilities and increasing the adoption of evidence-based practices, teacher-educators should recognize the barrier that preservice teacher beliefs can pose and consider beliefs as a potential contributor to the longstanding gap between research and practice in special education. Two particular belief constructs addressed in this article are (a) self-efficacy and (b) credibility for information sources. Each of these influences preservice teacher confidence, motivation, decision making, and actions in service of students with disabilities, impacting instructional decision making and treatment of children.
Widespread Lateral Gene Transfer from Intracellular Bacteria to Multicellular Eukaryotes

Although common among bacteria, lateral gene transfer-the movement of genes between distantly related organisms-is thought to occur only rarely between bacteria and multicellular eukaryotes. However, the presence of endosymbionts, such as Wolbachia pipientis, within some eukaryotic germlines may facilitate bacterial gene transfers to eukaryotic host genomes. We therefore examined host genomes for evidence of gene transfer events from Wolbachia bacteria to their hosts. We found and confirmed transfers into the genomes of four insect and four nematode species that range from nearly the entire Wolbachia genome (>1 megabase) to short (<500 base pairs) insertions. Potential Wolbachia-to-host transfers were also detected computationally in three additional sequenced insect genomes. We also show that some of these inserted Wolbachia genes are transcribed within eukaryotic cells lacking endosymbionts. Therefore, heritable lateral gene transfer occurs into eukaryotic hosts from their prokaryote symbionts, potentially providing a mechanism for acquisition of new genes and functions.
THE COMPOSITION OF FLUIDS AND SERA OF SOME MARINE ANIMALS AND OF THE SEA WATER IN WHICH THEY LIVE

1. The electrolyte composition, the pH, and freezing points of the fluids of several invertebrates and one primitive chordate are reported. 2. Fluids of the worms, echinoderms, and the clam Venus were isotonic with sea water; fluids of the Arthropoda were hypertonic to sea water. 3. The pH of all fluids was below that of sea water. In the Arthropoda and Myxine less individual variation in pH appeared than in the echinoderms and worms. 4. Ratios of ionic concentrations in the fluid to those in the sea water indicated (1) uniform distribution of ions between the internal and external media for the echinoderms and Venus, (2) differential distribution of potassium and magnesium in the worms; (3) differential distribution of sulfate, magnesium, potassium, and calcium in the Arthropoda; and (4) differential distribution of calcium, magnesium, and sulfate in Myxine. 5. The unequal distribution of ions implies the expenditure of energy against a concentration gradient across the absorbing or excreting membranes, a capacity frequently overlooked in the invertebrates. 6. The sera of the Arthropoda from diluted sea water showed higher concentrations of sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride ions relative to the respective concentrations in the external medium than in normal sea water, and also showed different orders for those ions. 7. The increase in osmotic pressure of the sera of the animals moving into brackish water is caused by unequal accumulation of sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride ions. Sulfate and magnesium ionic ratios do not change.
Guidelines for the Performance of a Comprehensive Intraoperative Epiaortic Ultrasonographic Examination: Recommendations of the American Society of Echocardiography and the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists; Endorsed by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Kathryn E. Glas, MD, FASE, Madhav Swaminathan, MD, FASE, Scott T. Reeves, MD, FASE, Jack S. Shanewise, MD, FASE, David Rubenson, MD, FASE, Peter K. Smith, MD, Joseph P. Mathew, MD, FASE, and Stanton K. Shernan, MD, FASE, for The Council for Intraoperative Echocardiography of the American Society of Echocardiography, Atlanta, Georgia; Durham, North Carolina; Charleston, South Carolina; New York, New York; La Jolla, California; and Boston, Massachusetts
ATTITUDES AND ATTAINED PROFICIENCY IN EFL: A SOCIOLINGUISTIC STUDY OF ADULT JAPANESE SPEAKERS

Measures intended to assess attitudes of Japanese students of EFL toward themselves, toward other Japanese, toward English speakers, toward travel to an English speaking country, and finally toward learning English, are studied in relation to attained EFL proficiency. The measures used to assess attitudes and motivations were modelled after previous questionnaires by Gardner, Lambert, Spolsky, and others. Results show weak correlations between factors distilled from the attitude measures and attained EFL proficiency. In some cases where positive correlations are expected, negative or insignificant correlations are observed. Two possible explanations are suggested: first, as Gardner has surmised, the relationship between attitudes and the attainment of proficiency in a target language may be quite indirect and therefore weak. However, this suggestion cannot explain the unpredicted positive and negative correlations. A second alternative is to question the validity of the attitude measures. If this is done the results and conclusions of many previous studies are drawn into question.
An exercise in non-ideal authorship attribution: the mysterious Maria Ward

The dangers of computational approaches to authorship attribution in the absence of an adequate set of training texts for the claimant authors are well known. This study aims to show, however, that significant progress can be made even where conditions are quite problematic. We investigate a difficult authorship question involving three texts, ostensibly by three authors, each of whom wrote nothing else. Only one of the texts can be unquestionably ascribed to a known author, and this author has been suggested as the true author of one of the two remaining texts. We investigate these three texts, along with similar texts by other authors, using cluster analysis, Delta analysis, t-testing, and PCA. We also create simulations of our authorship problem using sets of three texts of known authorship by one, two, and three authors. We test these sets using correct and incorrect assumptions of authorial difference, and then compare the results with analyses of our three texts based on the same range of assumptions. By combining information from all of these tests, we achieve what we believe is a persuasive, if not conclusive, solution to a significant and long-standing question concerning the authorship of Maria Warda's violently anti-Mormon Female Life Among the Mormons. At the same time, we demonstrate methods for making progress in cases where conditions are less than ideal.
Analysis and fabrication of submicron PbT/ZnTe thin films for superlattice structured solar cells

A model for calculating crucial ZnTe/PbTe superlattice parameters was developed. The model calculates the required film thicknesses that permit developing mini-bands in the structure. It also provides mini-band potential energy values. First order approximations were employed in a Kronig-Penny model to compute the above parameters. Uniform submicron ZnTe (as thin as 200 nm) and PbTe (as thin as 20nm) films have been electrodeposited onto indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated glass substrates. These films have been characterized structurally, chemically and optically. The results of the modeling and experiments are presented in this paper.
MINIMUM-COST DESIGN OF FLEXIBLE PAVEMENTS

The formulation of a mixed integer‐linear programming model to determine a minimum‐cost flexible pavement design is presented. The model identifies the number, type, and thicknesses of paving materials required to meet the structural strength requirements of the pavement system at a minimum initial cost to the highway agency. Policies regarding the designation of minimum and maximum layer thicknesses are accommodated in the model formulation, including the establishment of variable minimum and maximum thicknesses based on the underlying material. In addition, the structural layer coefficients are allowed to vary with the pavement configuration, including the number and type of constituent layers. The model can be used to calculate a marginal‐cost function which has applications in the selection of cost‐effective measures designed to strengthen the structural pavement capacity.
Interfaced heterogeneous nanodimers

Dimerization of different nanocomponents in single nanoparticles becomes interesting due to not only inheritance of properties of both components but also generation of new properties associated with strong coupling of the two components. As a class of emerging nanomaterials, interfaced heterogeneous nanodimers (IHNDs) are attracting more attentions in the field of materials research, in particular, nanoscience and nanotechnology. This review provides a timely and comprehensive overview on the general principles for the synthesis of IHNDs and typical examples of IHNDs made of various compositional combinations. The current challenges related to the synthesis and characterization of IHNDs are summarized at the end of the review and future research directions are also discussed.
Temperature distribution in the crust and mantle

In an attempt to understand the temperature distribution in the earth, experimental constraints on the geotherm in the crust and mantle are considered. The basic form of the geotherm is interpreted on the basis of two dominant mechanisms by which heat is transported in the earth: (1) conduction through the rock, and (2) advection by thermal flow. Data reveal that: (1) the temperature distributions through continental lithosphere and through oceanic lithosphere more than 60 million years old are practically indistinguishable, (2) crustal uplift is instrumental in modifying continental geotherms, and (3) the average temperature through the Archean crust and mantle was similar to that at present. It is noted that current limitations in understanding the constitution of the lower mantle can lead to significant uncertainties in the thermal response time of the planetary interior.
George's T-Shirts Addendum

This addendum to George's T-shirts (UVA-QA-0346) offers a revised forecast in the form of a cumulative distribution function for the two key uncertainties in the case. It can be used as the basis for introductory risk analysis tools such as Crystal Ball or @Risk.
Laser-assisted vasectomy reversal: experience in 32 patients.

AbstractA Food and Drug Administration approved protocol using a microsurgical carbon dioxide laser to assist in vasectomy reversal was instituted in January 1987. Between January 1987 and December 1988 the procedure was performed on 32 patients, 31 of whom submitted sperm and were available to evaluate. Success rates for sperm in the ejaculate in patients who underwent vasectomy less than 10 years previously were excellent, approaching 95%. The pregnancy rate in this group was 35%. In patients whose vasectomy was performed more than 10 years before reversal the results were much poorer. The success rate for sperm in the ejaculate was only 36% and the pregnancy rate was only 9%.The advantage of laser-assisted vasectomy reversal is that it is a simpler technical procedure that requires considerably less time than a 2-layer microsurgical technique. There were no significant complications, sperm granuloma, or even significant swelling or hematoma in any patient operated upon. Laser-assisted vasectomy reversa...
Leaky modes in low-damping ε-near-zero slabs

We present a complex-mode analysis of an e-near-zero metamaterial slab made of chains of core-shell nanocylinders. The mesoscopic nature of the slab induces narrowband, strong, effective nonlocal response mediated by leaky modes.
Importance of the bursa of fabricius in resistance to disease. 1. Resistance to certain virus diseases.

Abstract IN RECENT YEARS most attempts to determine the role of the bursa of Fabricius have been immunological studies. Glick et al. (1956), using Salmonella typhimurium as the antigen, demonstrated antibody titers in 86% of the non-bursectomized birds tested and in only 11% of the bursectomized birds. Chang et al. (1957, 1959) showed that bursectomy of young chickens prior to 5 weeks of age reduced the production of antibody to S. typhimurium antigen and sheep red blood cells. Since this early work, further evidence has been presented indicating that the bursa of Fabricius is important in antibody production (Glick, 1960; Graetzer et al., 1963; Mueller et al., 1962; and Isakovic et al., 1963). The importance of the bursa of Fabricius in resistance to disease has been investigated only to a limited extent. Chang et al. (1959) found that bursectomized, broiler-type chickens suffered greater mortality from S. typhimurium infection than normal birds. . . .
Dye-mediated photolysis of human neuroblastoma cells: implications for autologous bone marrow transplantation

Cells from three different human neuroblastoma cell lines and normal human bone marrow cells were exposed to the lipophilic fluorescent dye, merocyanine 540 (MC 540), and white light. In vitro clonogenic tumor cells were inactivated up to 25,000 times more rapidly than multipotent hematopoietic progenitor cells (CFU-GEMM). It is conceivable that this pronounced difference in sensitivity to MC 540-mediated photolysis can be exploited for the selective killing of residual neuroblastoma cells in autologous remission marrow grafts.
Miscibility Gap Closure, Interface Morphology, and Phase Microstructure of 3D LixFePO4 Nanoparticles from Surface Wetting and Coherency Strain

We study the mesoscopic effects which modify phase-segregation in LixFePO4 nanoparticles using a multiphysics phase-field model implement on a high performance cluster. We simulate 3D spherical particles of radii from 3 to 40 nm and examine the equilibrium microstructure and voltage profiles as they depend on size and overall lithiation. The model includes anisotropic, concentration-dependent elastic moduli, misfit strain, and facet dependent surface wetting within a Cahn–Hilliard formulation. We find that the miscibility gap vanishes for particles of radius ∼5 nm, and the solubility limits change with overall particle lithiation. Surface wetting stabilizes minority phases by aligning them with energetically beneficial facets. The equilibrium voltage profile is modified by these effects in magnitude, and the length and slope of the voltage plateau during two-phase coexistence.
The transmission of reflexes in the spinal cord of cats during direct irradiation with microwaves.

ABSTRACTThe spinal cord of cats was directly exposed to 2450 CW microwave radiation in order to study the effect on reflex response and synaptic function. A small but statistically significant increase in the reflex response was detected in the first series of experiments, which indicates enhancement of the synaptic transmission. However, this effect was not observed in a second series of experiments in which the incident power density was increased from 10 m W/cm”2to 20 m W/cm”2 and a more rigorous experimental design was employed. The slight changes that were observed in the second series could be attributed to small temperature variations during the experiment.
The surgical technique of total hip arthroplasty, modified from Charnley, as done at the Mayo Clinic.

SUMMARY Using the technique described for total hip arthroplasty, we have been able to visualize the hip clearly and restore the biomechanics properly after placement of both the acetabular and femoral components. Whereas in surgery of the uncomplicated, simple osteoarthritic hip, many of the details can be omitted and a simpler exposure can be used, advantages have been gained from the clear vision afforded. The central displacement of the acetabulum stressed by Charnley, the return of the trochanter under proper physiologic tension, and the neutral or slight valgus position of the femoral component are integral parts of the surgical technique.
Issues of Hydrologic Data Collection by Remote Sensing in Afghanistan and Surrounding Countries

The paucity of data about the many subsystem parts of the water cycle in Afghanistan leads to new analytical measures through the use of satellite sensors that operate in space and that download their collected data electronically. Numerous satellites (Landsat, SPOT, Terra, ASTER, TRMM, Aqua, GRACE, Global Precipitation Measurement Core Observatory, etc.) have been launched in the past half century by different nations to assess water in all its forms and locations; the imagery and data from these can be used to considerable advantage to assist Afghanistan and neighboring countries.
General Amino Acid Control and 14-3-3 Proteins Bmh1/2 Are Required for Nitrogen Catabolite Repression-Sensitive Regulation of Gln3 and Gat1 Localization

Nitrogen catabolite repression (NCR), the ability of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to use good nitrogen sources in preference to poor ones, derives from nitrogen-responsive regulation of the GATA family transcription activators Gln3 and Gat1. In nitrogen-replete conditions, the GATA factors are cytoplasmic and NCR-sensitive transcription minimal. When only poor nitrogen sources are available, Gln3 is nuclear, dramatically increasing GATA factor-mediated transcription. This regulation was originally attributed to mechanistic Tor protein kinase complex 1 (mTorC1)-mediated control of Gln3. However, we recently showed that two regulatory systems act cumulatively to maintain cytoplasmic Gln3 sequestration, only one of which is mTorC1. Present experiments demonstrate that the other previously elusive component is uncharged transfer RNA-activated, Gcn2 protein kinase-mediated general amino acid control (GAAC). Gcn2 and Gcn4 are required for NCR-sensitive nuclear Gln3-Myc13 localization, and from epistasis experiments Gcn2 appears to function upstream of Ure2. Bmh1/2 are also required for nuclear Gln3-Myc13 localization and appear to function downstream of Ure2. Overall, Gln3 phosphorylation levels decrease upon loss of Gcn2, Gcn4, or Bmh1/2. Our results add a new dimension to nitrogen-responsive GATA-factor regulation and demonstrate the cumulative participation of the mTorC1 and GAAC pathways, which respond oppositely to nitrogen availability, in the nitrogen-responsive control of catabolic gene expression in yeast.
This nonviolent stuff’ll get you killed: how guns made the Civil Rights Movement possible

While the bellicose title of this book may lead potential readers to anticipate a critique of nonviolence as a tactic in movements for social justice, they will be sadly disappointed as they delve ...
Multidrug resistant tuberculosis in prisons located in former Soviet countries: A systematic review.

Background A systematic literature review was performed to investigate the occurrence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) in prisons located in countries formerly part of the Soviet Union. Methods A systematic search of published studies reporting MDR TB occurrence in prisons located in former Soviet countries was conducted by probing PubMed and Cumulative Index Nursing and Allied Health Literature for articles that met predetermined inclusion criteria. Results Seventeen studies were identified for systematic review. Studies were conducted in six different countries. Overall, prevalence of MDR TB among prisoners varied greatly between studies. Our findings suggest a high prevalence of MDR TB in prisons of Post-Soviet states with percentages as high as 16 times more than the worldwide prevalence estimated by the WHO in 2014. Conclusion All studies suggested a high prevalence of MDR TB in prison populations in Post-Soviet states.
An optimal stopping approach to managing travel-time uncertainty for time-sensitive customer pickup

Abstract In dynamic vehicle routing, it is common to respond to real-time information with immediate updates to routes and fleet management. However, even if routes are updated continuously, in practice, some decisions once made are difficult to reverse. At times, it may thus be valuable to wait for additional information before acting on a decision. We use the theory of optimal stopping to determine the optimal timing of a recourse action when vehicles are likely to miss customer deadlines due to travel-time stochasticities and backup services are available. The factors involved in making this decision – that is, the likelihood that the primary vehicle will arrive late, the location of the backup vehicle, and value of waiting for additional travel-time information – each change dynamically over time. We develop a recourse model that accounts for this complexity. We formulate the optimal recourse policy as a stochastic dynamic program. Properties of the optimal policy are derived analytically, and its solution is approximated with a binomial lattice method used in the pricing of American options. Finally, we develop a two-stage stochastic optimization approach to show how the opportunity to take recourse dynamically might be integrated into a priori scheduling and routing. The framework is demonstrated for a stochastic dial-a-ride application in which taxis serve as backup to ridesharing vehicles.
Total retinal volumetric blood flow rate in diabetic patients with poor glycemic control.

Total retinal volumetric blood flow rate was measured in 12 normal subjects and 18 poorly controlled diabetic patients with background diabetic retinopathy. Maximum or center-line erythrocyte velocity (Vmax) was assessed by bidirectional laser Doppler velocimetry in four to five major retinal veins of one eye of each subject. Venous diameter (D) was measured from monochromatic fundus photographs. Total venous cross-section and measured total retinal volumetric blood flow in the diabetic patients were significantly larger than normal (P = 0.001 and P = 0.02, respectively). A positive linear correlation was found between Vmax and D in normal and diabetic eyes. Volumetric blood flow rate, Q, varied with D at a power of 2.87 in normal eyes and 2.67 in diabetic eyes. Total volumetric blood flow correlated with total venous cross-section. It was found that Q in the temporal retina was significantly larger than in the nasal retina in normal subjects {P = 0.0008) and diabetic patients (P = 0.0002). A significant difference in Q was observed between the superior and inferior retina in diabetic patients (P = 0.03) but not in normal subjects. The retinal vascular regulatory response to 100% oxygen breathing was reduced (P = 0.019) in diabetic patients and correlated with the level of background diabetic retinopathy. A close estimate of total volumetric blood flow may be obtained from blood flow measurement in one major retinal vein and the determination of total venous cross-section. This may be important for clinical studies in which measurements of all individual retinal veins may not be feasible. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 33:356-363,1992 The retina is one of the major sites of the body affected by diabetic microvascular pathology. Abnormalities of the retinal circulation and its regulatory responses 1 " 12 are known to occur in the eyes of diabetic patients with retinopathy and are probably an important factor in the development of retinal diabetic pathology. Laser Doppler velocimetry studies of retinal hemodynamics in diabetes mellitus have been done previously. 6 " 11 In most of these studies, measurements of one single retinal vessel have been obtained in each eye. Because volumetric blood flow rate is a function of the size of the vessel measured and the area perfused, large variability in blood flow between patients has been reported. 8 " 11 In our study, to overcome this problem, we determined total retinal venous volumetric blood flow rate by adding the flows measured in four to five major retinal veins in each eye.
Rep. Upton's Welcome Call for Radio Ownership Reform

Chairman Upton's request to the FCC for additional tiers to current ownership caps is an important step in closing the regulatory gap between broadcast radio and competing platforms. Granted there are concerns raised over concentrated market power in the broadcast radio industry, where critics of ownership rule reform proposed by the FCC in 2003 claimed deregulation would hurt competition and access to information. But even while consolidation of the radio industry has taken place since the implementation of the Telecom Act, note that it has helped many firms to survive in an environment of increasing competition from less regulated media outlets. The level of concentration is also far less of a concern from an antitrust standpoint compared to other industries. Additionally, industry concentration statistics do not take into account competition from competing platforms and media outlets. The first reason why regulatory reform is urgently needed is how ownership regulation applied in an environment of scarce radio spectrum no longer makes sense in today's media market. Numerous platforms and devices used to consume audio entertainment now compete directly with terrestrial radio. Disparity in ownership regulations between providers does not leave a level playing field for competition. Another reason involves new competition and concerns about localism in media, where the broadcast radio industry has begun to both consolidate and deconsolidate in order to compete with non-regulated direct alternatives, such as satellite radio. Finally, speech restrictions are only imposed on broadcast outlets for the moment. However in a world of media convergence, this regulatory disparity leaves all new technologies and outlets vulnerable to speech restriction. Deregulation of the radio market is essential in order to ensure all media outlets are accorded the same fundamental level of speech protection consistent with our nation's First Amendment heritage.
Heterotic type I strings at high temperature

We show that the high-temperature limits of the heterotic ${E}_{8}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{E}_{8}$ and $\mathrm{Spin}\text{ }32/\mathrm{Z}2$ strings and their type I A/B superstring duals are finite and convergent. The Hagedorn growth of the degeneracies in the string mass level expansion is suppressed by an exponential that is linear in the mass level number for both heterotic strings, and suppressed by the exponential of the negative square root of the mass level number for the type IB superstring. However, in the massless gauge field-theoretic limit of the type IB open and closed superstring, we find clear evidence for the thermal deconfinement phase transition at the self-dual temperature by examining the annulus graph alone. Above the self-dual temperature, there is a discontinuity in the first derivative with respect to temperature of both the free energy, and the heavy quark potential, leading to a deconfined thermal gluon ensemble, with universal $1/r$ potential, and temperature-dependent corrections, as predicted by L\"uscher and Weisz. A number of essential aspects of the worldsheet formalism of the heterotic strings are derived in an Appendix, deducing thereby the O8-D0-D8-brane type IA duals of all of the heterotic Chaudhuri-Hockney-Lykken island universe moduli spaces.
The Multigenerational Family System in Dementia: Assessment and Feedback

In diseases marked by anosognosia, a neurologically based unawareness of deficit, and otherwise good health, there is often literally no complaint for the neuropsychologist to address were it not for the observations and assistance of the multigenerational family system. Because we rely on the family as a rich, ongoing source of clinical information to guide dementia diagnosis and as the primary avenue for carrying out recommendations over the course of the disease, our clinical focus during the initial clinical interview and feedback session must necessarily include the patient’s extended family. This chapter will address strategies for harnessing and nurturing the insight, observations, and caregiving network of the multigenerational family system in the initial clinical interview and feedback sessions to facilitate assessment and management of dementia patients. Understanding the pressures and strengths of the family dynamics is complicated for clinicians as changing societal expectations and the diversity inherent in different cultures and unique family dynamics result in an almost limitless variety of presentations. Clinicians must therefore design our assessments to specifically ask families about dynamics, preferably in person, and be prepared to utilize that understanding to improve diagnostic accuracy and support the multigenerational family system as care plans are developed and carried out.
Effects of the influenza vaccine on pediatric kidney transplant outcomes

The influenza vaccine is critical for preventing influenza-related complications in transplant patients. Previous studies demonstrated de novo donor-specific antibody formation and rejection following the influenza vaccination. This risk has not been adequately assessed in the pediatric population. We performed a single-center retrospective analysis of 187 unique pediatric kidney transplant recipients, transplanted from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2015, assessing for an association of the influenza vaccination with various transplant outcomes. The influenza vaccine was received by 125 of 187 patients within the first year post-transplant. Using log-rank tests and Kaplan-Meier curves, vaccinated patients had a significantly lower risk of mortality (P = 0.048). There were no differences in death-censored graft survival (P = 0.253), graft survival (P = 0.098), or rejection (P = 0.195) between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. To address the problem of multiple exposures for a yearly vaccine, Cox proportional hazards regression was utilized with post-transplant vaccination status considered as a time-dependent covariate; analyses were performed using both a 360- and 180-day vaccination period following any post-transplant influenza vaccination. In this model, being vaccinated did not result in a significant difference in mortality (HR 0.90 [0.16, 5.15], P = 0.91), death-censored graft survival (HR 0.70 [0.31, 1.58], P = 0.39), graft survival (HR 0.69 [0.32, 1.49], P = 0.34), or rejection (HR 0.67 [0.37, 1.19], P = 0.17). Eight patients developed de novo donor-specific antibodies following the first post-transplant influenza vaccination; three then developed biopsy-proven rejection. These results suggest influenza vaccination is safe in pediatric kidney transplant recipients, and larger prospective studies are required to conclusively confirm our findings.
Predictors of discharge against medical advice in adult trauma patients.

Abstract Background Patients who leave against medical advice (AMA) have higher readmission rates and mortality. However, little is known about the characteristics of trauma patients that leave AMA. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors for leaving AMA in adult trauma patients. Methods The Trauma Quality Improvement Program database was queried between 2010 and 2016 for patients ≥18 years of age presenting after trauma. Two groups were compared: those who left AMA and those that did not. Bivariate analysis using Chi-squared and Mann–Whitney U tests was performed. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors for leaving AMA. Results Of 1,403,466 trauma patients identified, 10,659 (0.76%) left AMA. Patients that left AMA were younger (median age, 48 vs. 53 years-old, p Conclusion In adult trauma patients, male gender, stab mechanism of injury, being uninsured, and alcohol/drug use were strong predictors of leaving AMA. The risk factors identified may help in developing strategies aimed at preventing trauma patients from leaving AMA.
Predicting Unethical Physician Behavior At Scale: A Distributed Computing Framework

As the amount of publicly shared data increases, developing a robust pipeline to stream, store and process data is critical, as the casual user often lacks the technology, hardware and/or skills needed to work with such voluminous data. In this research, the authors employ Amazon EC2 and EMR and Apache Spark to explore 28.5 gigabytes of CMS Open Payments data in an attempt to identify physicians who may have a high propensity to act unethically, owing to significant transfers of wealth from medical companies. A Random Forest Classifier is employed to predict the top decile of physicians who have the highest risk of unethical behavior in the following year, resulting in an F-Score of 91%. The authors also employ an anomaly detection algorithm that correctly identified a high-profile case of a physician leaving his prestigious position, failing to disclose anomalously-large transfers of wealth from medical companies.
Inelastic Neutron Scattering from Single Grains of Icosahedral and Cubic Al-Li-Cu

The results of inelastic neutron scattering measurements on single grains of icosahedral Al-Li-Cu and the related cubic R-phase are described. Measurements along the high symmetry two-, three- and five-fold axes of the icosahedral phase clearly show the existence of well-defined propagating modes, with isotropic dispersion, near strong Bragg peaks. In several instances “quasi”-Brillouin zones, with stationary points at the “special” high-symmetry points of a simple icosahedral lattice, can be identified.
Piezo2 integrates mechanical and thermal cues in vertebrate mechanoreceptors

Tactile information is detected by thermoreceptors and mechanoreceptors in the skin and integrated by the central nervous system to produce the perception of somatosensation. Here we investigate the mechanism by which thermal and mechanical stimuli begin to interact and report that it is achieved by the mechanotransduction apparatus in cutaneous mechanoreceptors. We show that moderate cold potentiates the conversion of mechanical force into excitatory current in all types of mechanoreceptors from mice and tactile-specialist birds. This effect is observed at the level of mechanosensitive Piezo2 channels and can be replicated in heterologous systems using Piezo2 orthologs from different species. The cold sensitivity of Piezo2 is dependent on its blade domains, which render the channel resistant to cold-induced perturbations of the physical properties of the plasma membrane and give rise to a different mechanism of mechanical activation than that of Piezo1. Our data reveal that Piezo2 is an evolutionarily conserved mediator of thermal-tactile integration in cutaneous mechanoreceptors.
The Effect of the APOE ε2ε4 Genotype on the Development of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) in Non‐Latino Whites

OBJECTIVES To examine the associations of APOE e2e4 with the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in non-Latino whites. DESIGN Prospective longitudinal cohort study. SETTING Uniform Data Set from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) between 2005 and August 2018 (data freeze in September 2018). PARTICIPANTS Participants who were non-Latino white, had an APOE genotype available, first visit with dementia free for AD cohort and both dementia and MCI free for MCI cohort, and had a minimum of one follow-up visit (n = 11 871 for AD cohort, and n = 8305 for MCI cohort). MEASUREMENTS The incidences of AD and MCI were determined based on consensus meetings at each Alzheimer's disease center. We used NACC-derived variables to define individuals experiencing incidents of AD and MCI at the initial visit as well as the follow-up visits. RESULTS Among participants in the AD cohort (N = 11 871), e2e4 accounted for 2.5%, e2e2 accounted for 0.4%, e2e3 accounted for 11.0%, e4e4 accounted for 4.4%, e3e4 accounted for 27.3%, and e3e3 accounted for 54.4%. Over an average of 4.6 years follow-up, 1857 (15.6%) developed AD dementia, with the range from 6.0% to 35.2% across the six groups. Compared to e3e3 carriers, e2e4 carriers exhibited an increased risk of incident AD (18.4% vs 11.7%; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.74; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.32-2.30; P < .0001). Among participants in the MCI cohort (N = 8305), the average follow-up was 4.7 years, and 1912 (23.0%) developed MCI, with the range from 20.4% to 33.9% across the six groups. Compared to e3e3 carriers, e2e4 carriers exhibited an increased risk of incident MCI (27.5% vs 21.5%; aHR = 1.52; 95% CI = 1.15-1.99; P = .003). CONCLUSIONS The APOE e2e4 genotype is associated with the increased risk of AD and MCI in non-Latino whites. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1044-1049, 2020.
Assessing the Potential Impact of a Long-Acting SkinDisinfectant in the Prevention of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Transmission.

Healthcare-associated transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) remains a persistent problem. The use of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) as a means of decolonizing patients, either through targeted decolonization or daily bathing, is frequently used to supplement other interventions. We explore the potential of a long-acting disinfectant with a persistent effect, immediate decolonizing action in the prevention of MRSA acquisition, and clinical illness and mortality in an 18-bed intensive care unit, based on a previous model. A scenario with no intervention is compared to CHG bathing, which decolonizes patients but provides no additional protection, and a hypothetical treatment that both decolonizes them and provides protection from subsequent colonization. The duration and effectiveness of this protection is varied to fully explore the potential utility of such a treatment. Increasing the effectiveness of the decolonizing agent reduces colonization, with a 10% increase resulting in a colonization rate ratio (RR) of 0.89 (95% CI: 0.89,0.90). Increasing the duration of protection results in a much more modest reduction, with a 12-hour increase in protection resulting in an RR of 0.99 (95% CI: 0.99, 0.99). There is little evidence of synergy between the two.
Information Aware max-norm Dirichlet networks for predictive uncertainty estimation

Abstract Precise estimation of uncertainty in predictions for AI systems is a critical factor in ensuring trust and safety. Deep neural networks trained with a conventional method are prone to over-confident predictions. In contrast to Bayesian neural networks that learn approximate distributions on weights to infer prediction confidence, we propose a novel method, Information Aware Dirichlet networks, that learn an explicit Dirichlet prior distribution on predictive distributions by minimizing a bound on the expected max norm of the prediction error and penalizing information associated with incorrect outcomes. Properties of the new cost function are derived to indicate how improved uncertainty estimation is achieved. Experiments using real datasets show that our technique outperforms, by a large margin, state-of-the-art neural networks for estimating within-distribution and out-of-distribution uncertainty, and detecting adversarial examples.
Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (IgA Vasculitis): Rapid Evidence Review.

Henoch-Schonlein purpura, now called immunoglobulin A (IgA) vasculitis, is a systemic, immune complex-mediated, small-vessel leukocytoclastic vasculitis characterized by nonthrombocytopenic palpable purpura, arthritis, and abdominal pain. It is the most common vasculitis in children but can also occur in adults. Diagnostic testing is required only to exclude other etiologies of purpura, to identify renal involvement, and, if indicated, to determine its extent with biopsy. Imaging or endoscopy may be needed to assess organ complications. IgA vasculitis spontaneously resolves in 94% of children and 89% of adults, making supportive treatment the primary management strategy. However, a subset of patients experience renal involvement that can persist and relapse years later. Additional complications can include gastrointestinal bleeding, orchitis, and central nervous system involvement. Systematic reviews have shown that steroids do not prevent complications and should not be used prophylactically. However, randomized trials have demonstrated success with high-dose steroids, cyclosporine, and mycophenolate in treating glomerulonephritis and other complications. Long-term prognosis depends on the extent of renal involvement. Six months of follow-up is prudent to assess for disease relapse or remission.
Intermediary clip placement to assist accurate axillary lymph node localization.

Localization of metastatic axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer patients is an increasingly common procedure performed by radiologists. In 2014, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines stated that "clinically positive axillary lymph node (s) should be sampled by FNA or core biopsy and clipped with image-detectable marker; clipped lymph nodes must be removed if FNA or core biopsy was positive prior to neoadjuvant therapy". Since then, multiple studies have further supported targeted axillary surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), with excision of the clipped metastatic axillary node in addition to the sentinel node (s). Requests for image guided localization of clipped axillary nodes will continue to increase and likely become the standard of care. However, when lymph nodes have decreased in size after NAC, or when small deep lymph nodes are sampled, the clipped node can be difficult to identify under ultrasound at the time of localization. When the target node is questionable, we have found it valuable to place an intermediary clip, and use an axillary mammographic view to confirm this intermediary clip co-localizes with the intended target. With this confirmation, safe, accurate localization can then be performed. We describe 3 cases of intermediary clip placement facilitating successful localization of previously clipped axillary lymph nodes.