cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using simulation to improve root cause analysis of adverse surgical outcomes.

Objective. The purpose of this study was to develop and test a simulation method of conducting investigation of the causality of adverse surgical outcomes. Design. Six hundred and thirty-one closed claims of a major medical malpractice insurance company were reviewed. Each case had undergone conventional root cause analysis (RCA). Claims were categorized by comparing the predominant underlying cause documented in the case files. Three cases were selected for simulation. Setting. All records (medical and legal) were analyzed. Simulation scenarios were developed by abstracting data from the records and then developing paper and electronic medical records, choosing appropriate study participants including test subjects and confederates, scripting the simulation and choosing the appropriate simulated environment. Intervention. In a simulation center, each case simulation was run 6–7 times and recorded, with participants debriefed at the conclusion. Main Outcome Measures. Sources of error identified during simulation were compared with those noted in the closed claims. Test subject decision-making was assessed qualitatively. Results. Simulation of adverse outcomes (SAOs) identified more system errors and revealed the way complex decisions were made by test subjects. Compared with conventional RCA, SAO identified root causes less focused on errors by individuals and more on systems-based error. Conclusions. The use of simulation for investigation of adverse surgical outcomes is feasible and identifies causes that may be more amenable to effective systems changes than conventional RCA. The information that SAO provides may facilitate the implementation of corrective measures, decreasing the risk of recurrence and improving patient safety.
Decomposition and Traceability in Software Design

Decomposition is a common practice in design of technical systems to manage abstractions and to create components that can be developed separately. However, the hierarchical decomposition methods used in current software design are unable to control the dependency and provide the traceability of decisions effectively. As the difficulty of software systems rises along with increasing demands for more function, lower cost, higher quality and shorter delivery time, this shortcoming has become a major challenge in the software design community. One reason for this shortcoming is the failure of clearly differentiating between the functional and physical notions during the design process. To remedy this deficiency, we employ the Axiomatic Design (AD) theory developed from engineering design to augment Object-oriented software design. This paper explains the features of Axiomatic Design approach and compare it with traditional software design methods. A case study that compares our proposed AD-based software design results with that from traditional Object-oriented design approaches is included to demonstrate its applications and benefits in software design. The results show that explicitly managing functional dependencies at early design stages and focusing on decision traceability along the design process can lead to better software systems with higher quality and maintainability.
Scalar contribution to the graviton self-energy during inflation

We use dimensional regularization to evaluate the one loop contribution to the graviton self-energy from a massless, minimally coupled scalar on a locally de Sitter background. For noncoincident points our result agrees with the stress tensor correlators obtained recently by Perez-Nadal, Roura, and Verdaguer. We absorb the ultraviolet divergences using the ${R}^{2}$ and ${C}^{2}$ counterterms first derived by 't Hooft and Veltman, and we take the $D=4$ limit of the finite remainder. The renormalized result is expressed as the sum of two transverse, fourth order differential operators acting on nonlocal, de Sitter invariant structure functions. In this form it can be used to quantum correct the linearized Einstein equations so that one can study how the inflationary production of infrared scalars affects the propagation of dynamical gravitons and the force of gravity.
CYNOD: A Neutronics Code for Pebble Bed Modular Reactor Coupled Transient Analysis

In this paper, a new neutron kinetics solver for cylindrical R-Z geometry, CYNOD, is presented for the simulation of coupled transient problems for pebble bed reactors. The code utilizes the Direct Coarse Mesh Finite Difference method, in which a set of one-dimensional equations in each transverse direction is solved by means of the analytic Green’s function method. A method that deals with control rod cusping problems is also presented. A heterogeneous fuel kernel model is implemented in order to accurately take into account Doppler feedback effects. Numerical results that demonstrate the accuracy of the code are also presented.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
“Vet Med” for the Trojan Horse

Since I am also the system operator (sysop) of the Biomedical Library's WELLSPRING RBBS here at U.C. Irvine, I was glad to see Cathy Moore's article “Low‐Cost, High Quality Software” in the April 1986 issue of OCLC Micro. Both public‐domain and user‐supported software (i.e., “shareware”) have not always received the recognition they deserve.
Matlab extensions for the development, testing and verification of real-time DSP software

The purpose of this paper is to present the required tools for the development, testing and verification of DSP software in Matlab. The paper motivates a DSP Simulator concept that can be combined with the MATLAB executable interface to develop, evaluate and test DSP software within a single environment. Programming guidelines and optimization results are also provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the intrinsics software development approach.
Binuclear Salan borate compounds with three-coordinate boron atoms

A series of binuclear boron compounds supported by Salan( t Bu)H4 ligands have been prepared. They are of the general formula Salan( t Bu)[B(OR)]2. The compounds are Salean( t Bu)(BOR)2 [Salean( t Bu) = (N,N 0 -ethylenebis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-salicylamine)), R = Me (1), SiMe3 (4)], Salban( t Bu)(BOR)2[Salban( t Bu) = (N,N 0 -butylenebis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-salicylamine)), R = Me (2), SiMe3 (5)], and Salhan( t Bu)(BOR)2 [Salhan( t Bu) = (N,N 0 -hexylenebis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-salicylamine)), R = Me (3)]. All of the compounds were characterized by spectroscopic ( 1 H NMR, 11 B NMR, IR) and physical (mp, EA) techniques. Also, 1, 2 and 4 were structurally characterized
Book Review: You’re Going to Love this Kid!: Teaching Students with Autism in the Inclusive Classroom

Author: Paula Kluth Reviewer: Patricia Wright Publisher: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., 2003 Cost: $27.00, paperback ISBN: 1557666148
E4. How Does One Cut a Triangle

The solution of problem 4.4 showed that not every triangle can be cut into two triangles similar to each other, and on the other hand, every triangle can be cut into six triangles similar to each other. In 1970, still an undergraduate student, I posed and solved the following two much more general problems.
3D Packages with TSV Silicon Interposers

This paper presents the development status overview for large die assembly of 3D packages with TSV bearing silicon interposers and logic devices at Amkor Technology. Combining discrete silicon devices and their attendant functionality onto a silicon interposer has garnered a great deal of interest in the high performance community, driven by considerations such chip to chip bandwidth, lower latency and even lower power. Interposers with silicon fab back-end routing density and new ultra fine pitch copper pillar joining techniques promises to offer a timely performance stepping stone for high performance devices, who in some cases are now finding that the incremental performance benefit from advancing transistor performance alone is less that gratifying. The design motivations and tradeoffs for taking this bold step are reviewed and their influence on assembly technologies. Assembly process and supply chain alternatives to achieve this offering are reviewed and discussed. Technical process development chal...
Can a Libertarian Accept the ATSB

The Air Transportation Stabilization Board has followed its legislated mandate to provide appropriate stabilization to airlines for negative effects from the September 11 tragedy, but has not mission crept into saving airlines from pre-9/11 maladies. A laissez-faire libertarian who philosophically abhors industrial policy may have reason to feel comfortable that this program to assist an industry directly harmed by terrorism has provided an effective policy model for those rare circumstances when government intervention may be necessary.
A revision of the African hygropetric genus Coelometopon Janssens, and description of Oomtelecopon new genus (Coleoptera: Hydraenidae)

The African hygropetric beetle genus Coelometopon Janssens is revised, and Oomtelecopon new genus is described, based on the study of 1,884 specimens. The genus Coelometopon is redescribed, and redescriptions are provided for C. cavifrons Janssens, C. leleupi Janssens, C. madidum Janssens, and C. mussardi Janssens. Eighteen new species of Coelometopon and two new species of Oomtelecopon are described. The two genera are placed in the Coelometoponini, new tribe, of the subfamily Prosthetopinae. A key to the two genera and 24 known species is given. High resolution digital images of all holotypes are presented (online version in color), the male genitalia are illustrated, and geographic distributions are mapped. Structural details of a representative species, C. granulatum, are illustrated with scanning electron micrographs. Members of Coelometopon are restricted to hygropetric microhabitats, being found on vertical or near vertical rock surfaces which have a thin film of flowing water, such as rock seeps and splash zones of waterfalls and cascades. Members of Oomtelecopon have been collected from algae in seeps, from wet cliff faces, and by sifting marsh shore litter. New species of Coelometopon are: C. angulatum (Lesotho: Mamathes, 5 mi. E. Tayateyaneng), C. balfourbrownei (South Africa: Cape Prov., George District, near George), C. blinkwater (South Africa: Cape Prov., Table Mountain, Blinkwater ravine), C. brincki (Lesotho: Mamathes, 5 mi. E. Tayateyaneng), C. clandestinum (South Africa: Natal Prov., Olivershoek Pass), C. coronatum (Lesotho: Mamathes, 5 mi. E. Tayateyaneng), C. costatum (South Africa: Transvaal Prov., Zoutpansberg, 6 mi. NNE Louis Trichardt), C. drakensbergense (South Africa: Natal Prov., Drakensburg, Cathedral Peak, Mikes Pass), C. emarginatum (South Africa: Transvaal Prov., Nelshoogte, Knuckles rocks forest), C. endroedyi (South Africa: Natal Prov., Drakensburg, Loteni Reserve), C. fimbriatum (South Africa: Cape Prov., Swellendam District, Langeberge Mountains, Tradouw Pass), C. granulatum (South Africa: Natal Prov., Mpumalanga, 13 km E Sabie), C. kilimanjaro (Tanzania: Kilimanjaro, Marangu), C. langebergense (South Africa: Cape Prov., Swellendam District, Langeberge Mountains, Tradouw Pass), C. minipunctum (South Africa: Natal Prov., Drakensberg, Cathedral Peak, Rainbow G.), C. natalensis (South Africa: Natal Prov., Mpumalanga, 28 km N Graskop), C. punctipennis (South Africa: Cape Prov., Xalanga District, Cala Pass), and C. zulu (South Africa: Natal Prov., Zulu Drakensberg, 7 km N Nogome Forest Reserve). New species of Oomtelecopon are: O. sebastiani (South Africa: Cape Prov., Cape-Cederberg), and O. setosum (type species) (South Africa: Cape Prov., Table Mountain, Blinkwater Ravine).
Identification and fine mapping of lemma-distortion1, a single recessive gene playing an essential role in the development of lemma in rice

Floral organ development influences plant reproduction and crop yield. The mechanism of floral organ specification is generally conserved in angiosperms as demonstrated by the ‘ABC’ model. However, mechanisms underlying the development of floral organs in specific groups of species such as grasses remain unclear. In the genus Oryza (rice), a spikelet consists of a fertile floret sub-tended by a lemma, a palea, two sterile lemmas and rudimentary glumes. To understand how the lemma is formed, a curve-shaped lemma-distortion1 (ld1) mutant was identified. Genetic analysis confirmed that the ld1 mutant phenotype was due to a single recessive gene mutation. Using a large F 2 population, the LD1 gene was mapped between markers Indel-7-15 and Indel-7-18, which encompassed a region of 15·6 kilo base pairs (kbp). According to rice genome annotations, two putative genes, LOC_Os07g32510 and LOC_Os07g32520, were located in this candidate region. However, DNA sequencing results indicated only 1 base pair (bp) substitution (T⇨C) was found in LOC_Os07g32510 between the wild-type and the ld1 mutant. Thus LOC_Os07g32510, encoding a DNA binding with one zinc finger (DoF) containing protein, was the candidate gene for LD1. Further analysis showed that mutation of the amino acid cysteine (C) to arginine (R) was likely to lead to zinc finger protein deactivation. Phylogenetic and conservation analysis of the gene from different species revealed that cysteine was critical to LD1 function. As a new gene controlling lemma development, the study of LD1 could provide insights into rice floral organ formation mechanisms.
Classroom Computer Capsules.

(1990). Classroom Computer Capsules. The College Mathematics Journal: Vol. 21, No. 1, pp. 51-56.
A new standard: A review of Handbook of Ion Channels

Handbook of Ion Channels (2015) Jie Zheng and Matthew Trudeau, editors CRC Press, 691 pp. The publication in 1984 of Bertil Hille’s Ionic Channels in Excitable Membranes ([Hille, 1984][1]) marked a milestone and turning point in the field of ion channel biophysics and physiology. Not only did
Bollworm: Effect of Soybean Leaf Age and Pod Maturity on Devlopment in the Laboratory,

Larvae of the bollworm, Heliothis zea (Boddie), fed exclusively on young expanding soybean trifoliolates developed faster and had lower mortality than larvae fed the 3rd, 5th, or 7th trifoliolates below the uppermost expanding trifoliolate. Larvae also showed a feeding preference for the young trifoliolates. Bollworms presented a choice of pods that differed in maturity damaged the most seeds in the least mature pods. Mortality was higher when the larvae were limited to pods as a food source than when they were fed soybean leaves. Consideration of leaf age and pod maturity is necessary in studies of bollworm development when larvae are fed leaflets or pods from determinate soybeans.
Modeling Study on Dendrite Growth of Steels During Slab Continuous Casting Process

A simplified numerical method for the dendrite growth was used to analyze and calculate some micro-structural parameters for both medium carbon steel and AISI304 type stainless steels under different casting conditions.The dendrite tip radius,dendrite growth velocity,dendrite arm spacing,temperature gradient and the dendrite tip temperature in the front of solid and liquid interface were investigated and comparisons of these parameters for the two steel grades were carried out.Parametric studies for these two steel grades were also discussed.The comparisons showed that the micro-structural parameter values of stainless steel were all smaller than that of the carbon steel due to its special compositions and solidification mode characteristics.
Theoretical Corpora and Compositional Practice

By combining two distinct research tools, algorithmically generated musical corpora and computational models of music perception, Dean & Pearce (this volume) report a novel methodology and results that might be of interest to both composers and theorists of non-tonal music. This commentary briefly elaborates on one particular implication of their work, namely, the potential to predict the salience of theoretical principles prior to implementing them within compositional practice. Several limitations specific to this particular implication are discussed.
Evaluation of the leaching risk posed by the beneficial use of ammoniated coal fly ash

In an effort to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOX) emission, many coal-fired electric utilities employ NOx control devices that utilize ammonia injection; this process, although successful at reducing NOx, results in a fly ash with elevated concentrations of ammonia. The reuse of ammoniated fly ash (AFA) raises environmental concerns due to the potential for ammonia to leach from the fly ash and impact water supplies. Leaching of AFA was examined for both unencapsulated (raw fly ash) and encapsulated (concrete) uses. Synthetic precipitation leaching procedure (SPLP) results revealed that AFA used in an unencapsulated application released up to 98% of the initial ammonia content within the fly ash. When the AFA was encapsulated in Portland cement concrete, monolith leaching tests showed release of 18–37% of the initial ammonia, while size-reduced concretes released 58–68% in batch tests. The high percentage of NH3 leached from the raw material suggests that unencapsulated uses might not be a viable option for AFA; comparison of leached concentrations from AFA amended concrete to regulatory risk thresholds support an acceptable leachability threshold which would be substantially higher than those thresholds commonly used to prevent inhalation risks to workers for NH3, indicating inhalation is likely the critical pathway for reuse of AFA.
Current beliefs and practice patterns among urologists regarding prostate magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance–targeted biopsy

Abstract Introduction and objective Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance (MR) -targeted biopsy have a growing role in the screening and evaluation of prostate cancer. We aim to evaluate the current knowledge, attitude, and practice patterns of urologists regarding this new technique. Methods An anonymous online questionnaire was designed to collect information on urologists’ beliefs and use of prostate multiparametric MRI and MR-targeted biopsy. The survey was sent to members of the Society of Urologic Oncology, the Endourological Society, and European Association of Urology. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine predictors for use of prostate MRI and MR-targeted biopsy. Results A total of 302 responses were received (Endourological Society: 175, European Association of Urology: 23, and Society of Urologic Oncology: 104). Most respondents (83.6%) believe MR-targeted biopsy to be moderately to extremely beneficial in the evaluation of prostate cancer. Overall, 85.7% of responders use prostate MRI in their practice, and 63.0% use MR-targeted biopsy. The 2 most common settings for use of MR-targeted biopsy include patients with history of prior negative biopsy result (96.3%) and monitoring patients on active surveillance (72.5%). In those who do not use MR-targeted biopsy, the principal reasons were lack of necessary infrastructure (64.1%) and prohibitive costs (48.1%). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, practice in an academic setting (1.86 [1.02–3.40], P = 0.043) and performing greater than 25 radical prostatectomies per year (2.32 [1.18–4.56], P = 0.015) remained independent predictors for using MR-targeted biopsy. Conclusions Most respondents of our survey look favorably on use of prostate MRI and MR-targeted biopsy in clinical practice. Over time, reduction in fixed costs and easier access to equipment may lead to further dissemination of this novel and potentially transformative technology.
Playing in Time: Integrating Temporal Information in the Computational Measurement of Musical Similarity

In this article we discuss the importance of temporal information in assessing musical similarity and we present a content-based approach that emphasizes the sequential repetition of perceptually relevant, expressive musical features. To examine these approaches, we implemented three previously proposed MFCC-based music similarity assessment systems and compared their results with those obtained from the proposed new system. We employed human listeners to provide a “ground-truth” assessment of musical similarity for a body of 60 songs spanning 14 musical styles. Analysis of this body of music by the four methods showed higher correlation of human listener similarity assessments with the machine results for the ordering of musical features has the potential to increase performance of music similarity models.
Thermodynamic considerations for optimal thermal compressor design

Abstract A unified framework for the modeling of the thermal compressor of a single-effect ammonia–water absorption system is developed. An optimal thermal compressor configuration is found through a comparative assessment of various desorption and rectification configurations, and pertinent figures of merit are defined. The diabatic distillation column configuration is shown to achieve the highest thermal compressor performance. Parameters relevant to quantitative thermal compressor characterization are identified. Two optimal operating temperatures are identified, for the optimization of energetic and exergetic objectives, respectively. Statistical regression and artificial neural network analyses from thermodynamic simulations over a wide range of ambient and evaporator temperatures provide accurate prediction of thermal compressor performance and are compared. These results facilitate the assessment of absorption technology through simple predictive tools at the cycle design stage. This framework could also yield a design tool and could guide system design, optimal control, and flexible operation.
Analysis of Thermoacoustic Instability: A Time-Delay System Approach

This study is on the analysis of thermoacoustic instability on a Rijke tube. This phenomenon results from a coupling between the heat release rate fluctuations and acoustic pressure. The simplified dynamics is modeled as a linear time-invariant multiple time-delayed system of neutral type. The conditions leading to unstable operation are identified using the Cluster Treatment of Characteristic Roots (CTCR) paradigm. This method assesses the stability of time-delay systems exhaustively and non-conservatively in the space of system parameters. Several experimental tests are conducted on a laboratory scale Rijke tube setup, and their results are used to verify the analytical findings.
In vivo imaging and quantification of regional adiposity in zebrafish.

Adipose tissues (ATs) are lipid-rich structures that supply and sequester energy-dense lipid in response to the energy status of an organism. As such, ATs provide an organism energetic insurance during periods of adverse physiological burden. ATs are deposited in diverse anatomical locations, and excessive accumulation of particular regional ATs modulates disease risk. Therefore, a model system that facilitates the visualization and quantification of regional adiposity holds significant biomedical promise. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) has emerged as a new model system for AT research in which the entire complement of regional ATs can be imaged and quantified in live individuals. Here we present detailed methods for labeling adipocytes in live zebrafish using fluorescent lipophilic dyes, and for identifying and quantifying regional zebrafish ATs.
Does studying economics in college influence loan decisions later in life

The authors investigate the relationship between undergraduate economics coursework or majoring in economics and the debt behavior of the college graduates. The data come from the Baccalaureate and...
A randomized study of the efficacy and safety of parecoxib for the treatment of pain following total knee arthroplasty in Korean patients

Purpose Parecoxib is an injectable cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor with proven postoperative analgesic efficacy in a variety of settings, including total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The effect of ethnicity on the efficacy of parecoxib for post-TKA pain has not been studied. Patients and methods This was a parallel-group, double-blind, randomized, placebo- controlled study of ethnically Korean patients aged ≥18 years who had unilateral TKA. Patients who reported moderate or severe pain 6 hours after the end of postoperative opioid analgesia were randomized to receive a single intravenous dose of parecoxib sodium 40 mg or placebo. Patients were evaluated for 24 hours postdose. The primary efficacy endpoints included time-specific pain intensity difference (PID), time-specific pain relief (PR), and time to rescue medication. The incidence and nature of adverse events (AEs) assessed safety. Results Of the 116 patients randomized, 58 received parecoxib and 58 placebo. Mean (SD) PID was significantly greater for parecoxib vs placebo 1 hour postdose (0.69 [0.67] vs 0.40 [0.59], respectively; p<0.05), and for each time point up to 24 hours. Similarly, mean (SD) PR was significantly greater for parecoxib vs placebo 1.5 hours postdose (1.63 [0.85] vs 1.07 [0.90], respectively; p=0.001), and for each time point up to 24 hours. The median time (hours:minutes) to rescue medication was significantly longer for parecoxib vs placebo (21:30 vs 4:08, respectively; p<0.001). Generally, fewer AEs were reported with parecoxib than placebo, and the AE profile was consistent with previous studies. These results are comparable to the findings from a similarly designed study in a Caucasian patient population. Conclusion Parecoxib 40 mg significantly improved postoperative pain vs placebo in Korean patients after TKA. The efficacy and safety of parecoxib in Korean patients is similar to that seen in Caucasian patients.
Climate of the Late Cretaceous North American Gulf and Atlantic Coasts

Abstract Understanding the response of temperature to elevated atmospheric CO2 during past greenhouse intervals such as the Late Cretaceous can constrain hypotheses of expected future warming tied to the rise of modern atmospheric CO2 levels. Here we present new reconstructions of Gulf and Atlantic Coast coastal marine temperatures through the late Campanian (∼76–72 Ma) and Maastrichtian (72 Ma–66 Ma), as determined by carbonate clumped isotope analysis of marine bivalves and gastropods. We find temperatures in the range of ∼7–25 °C across multiple sites located between 31°N and 36°N paleolatitude, and cooler temperatures of ∼3–14 °C at sites around 39°N paleolatitude. Temperatures agree across a variety of taxa, indicating no appreciable organism-specific vital effects. The calculated paleotemperatures are very similar to modern marine temperatures at the same locations, despite the Late Cretaceous generally being considered a warmer interval. Clumped isotope temperatures are cooler than published temperatures from a nearby site measured using the TEX86 paleotemperature proxy, revealing a potential warm bias in TEX86 temperature estimates. The best agreement between clumped isotope and TEX86 temperatures is achieved when using the TEX 86 L calibration over TEX 86 H or BAYSPAR calibrations.
Differences in verbal and nonverbal communication between depressed and non-depressed elderly patients

Introduction: Doctor-patient communication is a complex process where verbal and nonverbal interactions happen simultaneously. We systematically evaluated and compared these behaviors in geriatric ...
Magnetic resonance imaging-guided stereotactic biopsy: A review of 83 cases with outcomes

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the radiological and histopathological distribution of the cerebral lesions diagnosed with stereotactic biopsy (STB) procedure and its outcomes. Materials and Methods: In the current study, a retrospective analysis of 83 patients that underwent the STB in our clinic from January 2011 to December 2015 was made. T1-weighted contrast-enhanced cranial magnetic resonance imaging examinations were performed on patients on whom Leksell stereotactic frame system was installed. The histopathological and the radiological data derived from the STB procedure were classified. Results: In terms of localization, glial tumor (56.6%) was the most common lesion in all regions, except for the multifocal lesions. Contrary to the common knowledge, lymphoma (14.4%) was found to be the most common lesion among multifocal lesions. The success of obtaining positive STB samples in the current series was 95.2% and the complication rate was 3.6%. Conclusion: Had a routine computed tomography scan been performed on each patient in this series, the number of clinically insignificant small intracerebral hematomas would have probably been higher. Nevertheless, the rate of the STB sampling accuracy and the complication rate were similar to those reported in the relevant literature.
The relationship between mass spectrometric, thermolytic and photolytic reactivity

The unimolecular reactions of ions in a mass spectrometer are remarkably well correlated with both photochemical and thermochemical reactions of the corresponding neutrals. The reactivity correlations are seldom quantitative and exceptions to the correlation should be expected when heteroatoms or delocalization effects convey unusual stability to the ions in the mass spectrometer as compared to their neutral analogs. In spite of the special effects on ionic stability and the relatively large amount of energy that is available in 70 eV electron impact, it appears that mass spectra will be an increasingly useful guide to new photochemical and thermochemical reactions.
Revisionism, Ultranationalism, Sexism: Relations Between the Far Right and the Establishment Over the ‘Comfort Women’ Issue

The ultranationalist Action Conservative Movement (ACM), a network of new far right groups that emerged around 2007, has taken an interest in the controversy surrounding Japan’s colonial past. Influenced by the historical revisionism promoted by mainstream conservatives, such as Nippon Kaigi and the government under Prime Minister Abe Shinzˉo, they have engaged in street-level activism against former ‘comfort women’ and their support groups. Based on extensive fieldwork and interviews, this article discusses how ACM activists established an independent identity by differentiating themselves from other right-wing movements through aggressive and ‘active’ engagement on the comfort women issue. By looking at the different motivations and strategies taken by ACM activists, I demonstrate that even as the ACM criticizes the conservative establishment for inactivity, it functions to elevate claims by mainstream conservatives. Amplifying the establishment’s criticism of the comfort women’s claims as mere fabrications, the ACM has changed the perceptions of a wide range of right-wing groups and even the general public. By paying close attention to a number of activists’ narratives, I show that despite their critical attitudes and sensational tactics, ACM activists function to complement the revisionist stance of the conservative establishment.
Estimating residual uncertainties for lunar irradiance measurements due to imaging acquisition parameters

Lunar calibration is a commonly used method to track a climate satellite sensor's long-term radiometric stability. We present a modeling approach to examine the satellite sensor lunar observation uncertainties due to several important aspects related to the lunar image acquisition by the satellite sensor: lunar pixel shift, point spread function (PSF), lunar orientation, pitch, and oversampling rates. Our analyses can be summarized as follows: (1) The sensor observed lunar irradiance can vary due to small lunar pixel shift if the PSF is less than ideal; (2) During lunar calibration, an unstable oversampling rate due to spacecraft control will result in errors in observed lunar irradiance. A drift in oversampling rate would result in a bias in observed lunar irradiance and a random variation in oversampling rate would cause random error in lunar irradiance. Increasing the overall oversampling rates can reduce random error in observed lunar irradiance but would not change the biases in the observation; (3) Furthermore, the biases can vary when the Moon is observed at different orientations. Our results show impacts on observed lunar irradiance are on the order of 0.1 percent, which is a significant part of the overall uncertainty for a lunar irradiance measurement of a climate satellite sensor.
Complete rectal prolapse: evolution of management and results.

Optional treatment for complete rectal prolapse remains controversial. PURPOSE: We reviewed our experience over a 19-year period to assess trends in choice of operation, recurrence rates, and functional results. METHODS: We identified 372 patients who underwent surgery for complete rectal prolapse between 1976 and 1994. Charts were reviewed and follow-up (median, 64; range, 12–231 months) was obtained by mailed questionnaire (149 patients; 40 percent) and telephone interview (35 patients; 9 percent). Functional results were obtained from 184 responders (49 percent). RESULTS: Median age of patients was 64 (11–100) years, and females outnumbered males by nine to one. One-hundred and eighty-eight patients (51 percent) were lost to follow-up; 183 patients (49 percent) underwent perineal rectosigmoidectomy, and 161 patients (43 percent) underwent abdominal rectopexy with bowel resection. The percentage of patients who underwent perineal rectosigmoidectomy increased from 22 percent in the first five years of the study to 79 percent in the most recent five years. Patients undergoing perineal rectosigmoidectomy were more likely to have associated medical problems as compared with patients undergoing abdominal rectopexy (61vs. 30 percent,P=0.00001). There was no significant difference in morbidity, with 14 percent for perineal rectosigmoidectomyvs. 20 percent for abdominal rectopexy. Abdominal procedures were associated with a longer length of stay as compared with perineal rectosigmoidectomy (8vs. 5 days,P=0.001). Perineal procedures, however, had a higher recurrence rate (16vs. 5 percent,P=0.002). Functional improvement was not significantly different, and most patients were satisfied with treatment and outcome. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that abdominal rectopexy with bowel resection is associated with low recurrence rates. Perineal rectosigmoidectomy provides lower morbidity and shorter length of stay, but recurrence rates are much higher. Despite this, perineal rectosigmoidectomy has appeal as a lesser procedure for elderly patients or those patients in the high surgical risk category. For younger patients, the benefits of perineal rectosigmoidectomy being a lesser procedure must be weighed against a higher recurrence rate.
Blood DNA Methylation and Breast Cancer: A Prospective Case-Cohort Analysis in the Sister Study

BACKGROUND Peripheral blood DNA methylation may be associated with breast cancer, but studies of candidate genes and global and genome-wide DNA methylation have been inconsistent. METHODS We performed an epigenome-wide study using Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChips with prospectively collected blood DNA samples from the Sister Study (1552 cases, 1224 subcohort). Differentially methylated cytosine-phosphate-guanine sites (dmCpGs) were identified using case-cohort proportional hazard models and replicated using deposited data from European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition in Italy (EPIC-Italy) (n = 329). The correlation between methylation and time to diagnosis was examined using robust linear regression. Causal or consequential relationships of methylation to breast cancer were examined by Mendelian randomization using OncoArray 500 K single-nucleotide polymorphism data. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS We identified 9601 CpG markers associated with invasive breast cancer (false discovery rate = q < 0.01), with 510 meeting a strict Bonferroni correction threshold (10-7). A total of 2095 of these CpGs replicated in the independent EPIC-Italy dataset, including 144 meeting the Bonferroni threshold. Sister Study women who developed ductal carcinoma in situ had methylation similar to noncases. Most (1501, 71.6%) dmCpGs showed lower methylation in invasive cases. In case-only analysis, methylation was statistically significantly associated (false discovery rate = q < 0.05) with time to diagnosis for 892 (42.6%) of the dmCpGs. Analyses based on genetic association suggest that methylation differences are likely a consequence rather than a cause of breast cancer. Pathway analysis shows enrichment of breast cancer-related gene pathways, and dmCpGs are overrepresented in known breast cancer susceptibility genes. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the DNA methylation profile of blood starts to change in response to invasive breast cancer years before the tumor is clinically detected.
Target-related parietal P3 and medial frontal theta index the genetic risk for problematic substance use.

Theoretical and empirical work suggests that problematic substance use (PSU) is associated with individual differences in prefrontal cortex activity. While research has strongly linked parietal P3 amplitude reduction (P3AR) to genetic risk for problematic substance use, few studies have tested whether prefrontal EEG measures are sensitive to this genetic liability. In addition to P3, oddball target detection tasks elicit medial frontal theta power, reflecting attentional allocation, and parietal delta, indexing decision making or stimulus-response link updating. Midfrontal theta and parietal delta may index neurocognitive processes relevant to PSU beyond P3AR. The present investigation examined the etiological relationship between PSU and P3, frontal theta, and parietal delta in a large twin sample (N = 754). EEG was recorded during a visual oddball task. Greater PSU was associated with reduced target P3 amplitude and midfrontal theta/parietal delta power, and increased mean reaction time and reaction time variability (RTV; indexing attentional fluctuations). P3, theta, and RTV, but not delta or mean RT, explained unique variance in PSU (R2 = 0.04). Twin biometric modeling indicated a genetic relationship between PSU and P3, theta, and RTV. Theta accounted for distinct genetic variance in PSU beyond P3 and RTV. Together, 23% of the total additive genetic variance in PSU was explained by the three endophenotypes. Results replicate P3AR as an endophenotype and provide support for additional behavioral (RTV) and neurophysiological (midfrontal theta) endophenotypes of PSU. Reduced theta and greater RTV may reflect variations in a prefrontal attentional network that confers genetic risk for substance use problems.
Architectural modification of shells by terrestrial hermit crabs alters social dynamics in later generations.

Organisms architecturally modify environments and these modifications may persist across generations, potentially strongly shaping social behavior. However, few experiments have directly tested the impact of architectural modifications from earlier generations on social behavior in later generations. Here, I report experiments using extremely durable resources, shells, which endure for decades to centuries in stable form. Terrestrial hermit crabs (Coenobita compressus) architecturally remodel shells and pass these modified shelters to subsequent generations, which reuse them long after the original architect's death. I conducted controlled field experiments in a population of these crabs in which shells have been individually marked and tracked for a decade. I examined the impact of architectural modifications by contrasting social behavior around introduced shells, either remodeled shells (whose internal architecture was modified by earlier generations) or unremodeled shells (whose architecture had never been modified). Remodeled shells generated radically different social dynamics than unremodeled shells, catalyzing vacancy chains in which shells were socially redistributed across the population. Social groups that formed around remodeled shells consisted of size-ordered queues, with precise timing and social coordination required if individuals were to acquire superior shells. Interestingly, comparative experiments in two non-architect species (Clibanarius albidigitus and Calcinus obscurus) failed to show any impact of architectural modifications on social behavior; such impacts were only found in the architect species (C. compressus). Broadly, architecture from earlier generations can thus play a major role in driving social dynamics among later generations.
Perimenstrual psychiatric hospitalization: case report and literature review

Despite the fact that menstrual psychosis has been described since the eighteenth century, there are only about 80 cases reported in the literature. The knowledge and awareness about the disorder remain poor, leading to inaccurate diagnoses and suboptimal treatment. This is the case of a 25-year-old woman with recurrent hospitalizations for mental status changes including psychotic phenomena and catatonia that appeared to follow a cyclical pattern that correlated with her menstrual periods, with complete symptom resolution and return to her usual level of functioning between episodes despite continued treatment with antipsychotic medications. This pattern remitted only after hormonal therapy was initiated. Through this case report, the authors review the literature on the menstrual psychoses, exemplified by this case, and discuss treatment options and prognosis. Menstrual psychosis is an underrecognized condition where psychotic symptoms recur cyclically with menses. Given the poor response that this entity shows to antipsychotic treatment, hormonal therapies have a prominent role.
The Salt Daemon

Jung’s inquiry into the interconnectivity of psyche and matter and body and soul included alchemical studies and his psychoid theory, which was loosely based on the dynamics of the electromagnetic field. Using Jung’s presentational methodology in which psyche and physis are held evenly, this study presents salt as a liminal, psychophysical substance animating body and soul, world and anima mundi. Salts dissociate in the solutions of the body and sea, creating the electrolytic spark of life, just as alchemical sal in solutio signals a dissociative, incoherent yet psychoactive state, which seeks recrystallization—coagulatio or coherence. The rhythmic movement between incoherence and coherence is self-organized by a fieldlike guiding force of the psychoid that I call the salt daemon, which is entangled with other such salt spirits. The salt daemon’s alternation between uneasiness and calm—the sensate conscience—works toward increasingly differentiated body-soul coherence: the alchemical sal sapientiae, embodied wisdom.
Bring the war home: the white power movement and paramilitary America: by Kathleen Belew, Cambridge, Harvard University Press, 2018, 339 pp., U.S. $29.95 (hardcover), ISBN 9780674286078

How do you reconstruct the history of a social movement whose members want to remain in the shadows? Kathleen Belew takes on this challenge in her disturbing and riveting book by charting the rise ...
The American South and the Great War, 1914-1924. Edited by Matthew L. Downs and M. Ryan Floyd. (Baton Rouge, LA: Louisiana State University Press, 2018. Pp. vi, 248. $47.00.)

The American South and the Great War, 1914‐1924 is a substantial contribution to scholarship evaluating the specifically Southern experience during World War I. The book, consisting of nine essays,...
Machine Learning for Prediction of Mid to Long Term Habitual Transportation Mode Use

Prediction of daily transportation mode use (car, public transit, or active travel) is a important task in transportation research. Unlike statistical models that impose a predetermined model structure, machine learning models are learned from the data, making them more flexible with higher prediction accuracy. However, prediction of mid-to long-term habitual modes still largely relies on traditional statistical analysis using small samples of cross-sectional data. Low interpretability of “black-box” machine learning models limits their usefulness for generating behavior insights needed for designing appropriate interventions. This paper, leveraging a set of unique longitudinal life course data, is the first use case to demonstrate machine learning methods applied for both predicting and interpreting regularly used travel modes. We combine sequence clustering and tree-based machine learning methods coupled with TreeExplainer to predict and interpret habitual travel modes using mid-to long-term predictors. Five life course clusters are derived to provide evaluation and interpretation contexts. This allows us to improve upon a recently developed TreeExplainer method to better distinguish predictor importance locally and globally; and predictor interactions across subpopulations within distinctive life history contexts. Our results demonstrate a promising step toward interpretable machine learning applications to mid-to long-term prediction of travel modes for transportation planning.
PERICARDIAL FAT NECROSIS: A RARE CAUSE OF ACUTE CHEST PAIN

Pericardial fat necrosis is a rare and benign cause of acute chest pain that mimics more severe clinical entities including acute coronary syndrome, pulmonary embolism and pericarditis. 55-year-old female with history of acid reflux disease presented to the hospital with acute chest pain that began
Molecular Basis of Vestibular Organ Formation During Ontogeny

Synopsis This article provides an overview of the molecular development of the vestibular system, beginning at the otic placode stage and ending with the formation of the sensory organs and their components. In addition, a brief overview of the evolutionary changes of the vestibular system is provided to better understand differences between vertebrates.
Parental Knowledge and Opinions on Palliative Care for Children

Purpose: A pilot study to ascertain awareness and understanding of palliative care among parents of pediatric patients at a single academic medical center. Methods: This study was given Institutional Review Board approval as an exempt study. It was conducted over a 3 week period in July 2015 at three subspecialty ambulatory care clinics in New York City. A convenience sample of 100 subjects was selected. Participation was voluntary and subjects were randomly selected. Inclusion criteria included being a patient’s parent or legal guardian and the ability to speak and …
A Relearning Approach to Reinforcement Learning for Control of Smart Buildings

This paper demonstrates that continual relearning of control policies using incremental deep reinforcement learning (RL) can improve policy learning for non-stationary processes. We demonstrate this approach for a data-driven 'smart building environment' that we use as a test-bed for developing HVAC controllers for reducing energy consumption of large buildings on our university campus. The non-stationarity in building operations and weather patterns makes it imperative to develop control strategies that are adaptive to changing conditions. On-policy RL algorithms, such as Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO) represent an approach for addressing this non-stationarity, but exploration on the actual system is not an option for safety-critical systems. As an alternative, we develop an incremental RL technique that simultaneously reduces building energy consumption without sacrificing overall comfort. We compare the performance of our incremental RL controller to that of a static RL controller that does not implement the relearning function. The performance of the static controller diminishes significantly over time, but the relearning controller adjusts to changing conditions while ensuring comfort and optimal energy performance.