cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The sweet spot: Chest compressions between 100-120/minute optimize successful resuscitation from cardiac rest

The quality of CPR and chest compressions are key factors for survival from cardiac arrest.1 Over the past 50 years, there has been a progressive increase in the recommended rate of chest compressions during CPR. In 1960, the recommended rate was 60 compressions/ minute; this increased to at least 100 compressions/ minute in the latest guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA) in 2010.1–4 However, guidance is not provided for a maximum chest compression rate. In this article, I’ll review key studies and gaps in our knowledge about chest compression rate, including the study recently published in the journal Circulation and how it can be used to guide clinical practice.5 I’ll also review what further studies need to be done regarding chest compression rate and quality of CPR in general. One of the most fundamental things that we have learned from research over the past 10 years is that survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest depends mostly on the quality of BLS (including defibrillation) that is given in the field before the patient arrives at a hospital. In Dallas-Fort Worth, and at least one other Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (ROC) site, less than 1% of patients who are not resuscitated in the field will leave the hospital alive. The recommended rate of chest compressions during CPR has increased over the past 50 years, but recent research shows that we must also consider the ideal maxmium rate and avoid exceeding 125 compressions/minute.
Detecting Subtle Effects of Diet Preservatives on European Corn Borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

A wheat germ-casien-agar diet for rearing European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis Hubner, contains five preservatives, sorbic acid (0.055% w/w), para-hydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester (methyl paraben, 0.144% w/w), propionic acid (0.488% w/w), aureomycin (0.292% w/w), and phosphoric acid (0.084% w/w). We conducted studies to determine if the first four of these preservatives can be reduced. In the first experiment we eliminated simultaneously propionic acid and aureomycin and either retained all sorbic acid and methyl paraben or reduced them by 50% or eliminated them as well. The diet with full sorbic acid and methyl paraben and no propionic acid and aureomycin performed similar to the unchanged control. All other diets resulted in microbial contamination that reduced survival of larvae. In the second experiment, we compared 5 diets, the full complement of sorbic acid and methyl paraben with elimination or 50% reduction of both propionic acid and aureomycin, elimination of aureomycin and 50% reduction in pr...
Nineteenth century criminal geography: W.E.B. Du Bois and the Pennsylvania Prison Society

Abstract W.E.B. Du Bois's The Philadelphia Negro continues to inform the contemporary disciplines of sociology, geography, and criminology. This essay explores how Du Bois's study of the social and geographical organization of Philadelphia's black residents was informed by prison reform discourse of the period. Founded in Philadelphia in 1787, the Pennsylvania Prison Society is among the oldest and most influential prison reform organizations in American history. By reading The Philadelphia Negro alongside Du Bois’s earlier and contemporary writings about the sociology of race as well as some of the principal insights disseminated by the Pennsylvania Prison Society, the essay demonstrates how racial and criminal identities performed in and through space respond to dominant ideologies about race and the institutions that uphold them.
Network coordinates in the wild

Network coordinates provide a mechanism for selecting and placing servers efficiently in a large distributed system. This approach works well as long as the coordinates continue to accurately reflect network topology. We conducted a long-term study of a subset of a million-plus node coordinate system and found that it exhibited some of the problems for which network coordinates are frequently criticized, for example, inaccuracy and fragility in the presence of violations of the triangle inequality. Fortunately, we show that several simple techniques remedy many of these problems. Using the Azureus BitTorrent network as our testbed, we show that live, large-scale network coordinate systems behave differently than their tame PlanetLab and simulation-based counterparts. We find higher relative errors, more triangle inequality violations, and higher churn. We present and evaluate a number of techniques that, when applied to Azureus, efficiently produce accurate and stable network coordinates.
NMR Sample Preparation

On many occasions while carrying out interesting NMR projects, researchers have found that protein sample preparation is the bottleneck and most time-consuming stage for the success of the planned studies. A similar situation occurs in crystallographic studies; however, a difference is that NMR samples usually require isotope-labeling. Because the cost of 13C, 15N, or 2H source compounds is significantly higher than natural abundant sources, the isotopic labeling of the proteins is usually done in minimal growth media using bacterial expression systems. This chapter describes common steps of protein sample preparation for NMR studies. Most of these steps are common for regular protein preparation by molecular biologists and biochemists. Some steps are especially NMR-oriented and are emphasized in more detail. Some tips for sample preparation are also provided. It should be noted that there is often a great deal of flexibility in the application of protocols. Hence, it is often possible to alter or adapt a technique to specific needs.
Comments on “Thermodynamic modeling studies of aqueous solubility of caffeine, gallic acid and their cocrystal in the temperature range of 303 K–363 K”

Abstract The activity coefficients reported by Dabir and coworkers [Fluid Phase Equilib. 456 (2017) 65–76] were based on a thermodynamic relationship that failed to properly take into account the solid phase transition that both caffeine and gallic acid exhibited prior to melting. The calculation of activity coefficients for crystalline nonelectrolyte solutes exhibiting a solid phase transition is discussed.
Mitigating DAO inconsistency attack in RPL-based low power and lossy networks

Due to the shared medium and the lack of physical protection, RPL-based low power and lossy networks (LLNs) are vulnerable to various attacks. Instinctive resources constraint also prevent devices from deploying expensive cryptography and enabling secure operation modes. In this paper, we propose a dynamic threshold mechanism, called DTM, to mitigate DAO inconsistency attack in RPL-based LLNs, where a malicious node intentionally drops the received data packet and replies the forwarding error packet to cause the parent node to discard valid downward routes in the routing table. In the DTM, each parent node dynamically adjusts the threshold of accepting forwarding error packets within a time period based on the number of received forwarding error packets as well as the estimated normal forwarding error rate to counter DAO inconsistency attack. Simulation results indicate that the proposed scheme can provide higher packet delivery ratio but lower energy consumption compared to the fixed threshold scheme.
Dynamic interactions of inorganic species at carbonate/brine interfaces: An electrokinetic study

Abstract Adjusting brine chemistry during waterflooding of carbonate and clastic reservoirs shows favorable impact on oil recovery. In carbonates, inorganic ions in the injection water play a key role on altering rock-fluid interactions and subsequently influencing rock wettability. Emphasis in this study is given to the direct measurements of carbonate particles zeta potential at different ionic content and aging times. A disturbance at interfaces was observed for most brine solutions especially within the first hour of interactions. The zeta potential of particles became steady with time as a result of attaining chemical equilibrium at interfaces. Individual ions including cations, and anions altered carbonate zeta potential and interacted differently at interfaces, in spite of having an identical salinity. Monovalent ions, for example sodium, significantly reduced the absolute surface potential of limestone particles. The hardness ions, calcium and magnesium, reversed the zeta potential of both calcite and limestone particles towards the positive side. The electrical properties, in general, were found to be affected by the ionic content and cation to anion ratio in the injection water. The dissolved divalent cations play a role in the interactions at the Stern layer boundary, which eventually impact the zeta potential at interfaces. In view of these zeta potential results, specific brines – SmartWater (10-times diluted seawater), key ions (calcium, magnesium and sulfates) and salt solutions containing strictly sodium or sulfate – were able to create electrical repulsions between oil/water and carbonate-particles/water interfaces. As a result, such tailored brines will alter the rock wettability to water-wet and therefore can enhance the oil recovery in carbonate reservoirs. This further understanding of ions specific impact on surface potential, hence wettability, provide essential insights for the successful design of optimal SmartWater recipes.
Distortion for abelian subgroups of Out(Fn)

We prove that abelian subgroups of the outer automorphism group of a free group are quasi-isometrically embedded. Our proof uses recent developments in the theory of train track maps by Feighn–Handel. As an application, we prove the rank conjecture for Out(Fn).
Interaction of Metal Alloys and Cell Lines

Metals and their alloys show a variety of applications in health care and biotechnologies. The ability of metal alloys to be used in practice is significantly affected by interaction with a cell line in a given environment. Biolo¬gical tests in vitro show the applicability of metal alloys on the implant surface. This work demonstrated the ability of the cell line MG63 to colonize the sample surface of different compositions of the material.
Hepatic one-carbon metabolism in early folate deficiency in rats

Glycine N-methyltransferase (GNMT) is inhibited by 5-methyltetrahydrofolate polyglutamate in vitro. It is believed to play a regulatory role in the synthesis de novo of methyl groups. We have used the amino-acid-defined diet of Walzem and Clifford [(1988) J. Nutr. 118, 1089-1096] to determine whether folate deficiency in vivo would affect GNMT activity, as predicted by the studies in vitro. Weanling male rats were fed on the folate-deficient diet or a folate-supplemented diet pair-fed to the deficient group. A third group was fed on the folate-supplemented diet ad libitum. Development of folate deficiency rapidly resulted in decreased levels of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and elevation of S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH). The ratios of SAM to SAH were 1.8, 2.7 and 1.5 in the deficient group for weeks 2, 3 and 4 of the experiment, and the values were 9.7, 7.1 and 8.9 for the pair-fed control group and 10.3, 8.8 and 8.0 for the control group ad libitum fed. The activity of GNMT was significantly higher in the deficient group than in either of the two control groups at each time period. This was not due to increased amounts of GNMT protein, but reflected an increase in specific enzyme activity. Levels of folate in both the cytosol and mitochondria were severely lowered after only 2 weeks on the diet. The distribution of folate coenzymes was also affected by the deficiency, which resulted in a marked increase in the percentage of tetrahydrofolate polyglutamates in both cytosol and mitochondria and a very large decrease in cytosolic 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. The increased GNMT activity is therefore consistent with decreased folate levels and decreased inhibition of enzyme activity.
Public Policy Proposal for the Corporate Governance College

In divergent and intensely complicated ways, both corporations and mechanisms for investment have evolved faster than corporate governance has been able to adapt. This paper presents a comprehensive plan for the creation of a private-sector institution, called the Corporate Governance College (CGC), whose mission it is to restore and maintain trust, confidence, and investment in U.S. corporations. It is considered an update to the current governance system and is designed to improve the interactions between managers and owners, corporations and regulators, and boards and investors - especially over issues such as executive compensation. Central to the mission of the CGC is the canonization of the role of directors as professionals, who are experienced, full-time, and independent fiduciaries, who serve on multiple boards and create a living network of best practices. Such professionals are appointed to boards of public companies in teams of three with the CGC acting as a clearinghouse. The scope of the paper also includes issues surrounding the practical implementation of such a private-sector, non-profit solution. It is hoped that this work will aid institutions in defining the roles of boards and their members, that it will catalyze the thinking around representational directors in the United States, and that it will enable corporations to be overseen with more affirmative governance, yet minimal interference.
Cooperativity in Biomembranes

It is a special honor to give this lecture here, not only because these colloquia have established the highest standards, but also because, as an organizer of the Meeting, I have the pleasure to “stand in” for a most gifted group of thinkers, concerned with one of the most exciting areas of biomedicine. The whole domain of membrane biology is in ferment, as attested by a huge literature, many good, reviews and numerous international conferences. But the phenomenon of cooperativity appears common to nearly all membranes, and can be discussed without excessive concern about the molecular architecture of a given membrane. Moreover, the topic links the functionality of membranes to the properties characterizing regulatory enzymes.
Determination of the Lubricant Thickness Distribution on Magnetic Disks by Means of X-Ray Induced Volatilization and Simultaneous Photoelectron Spectroscopy

Magnetic storage disks (Fe2O3 + polymer coating) are covered with a thin layer of a fluorocarbon lubricant to maintain proper interaction between the disk and the read/write head. These lubricants are known to volatilize under bombardment with high energy particles or quanta.
Assistive technology design and fabrication

Abstract The effective realization of technology-based solutions requires a grasp of important concepts, including the “hierarchy of solutions” that range from general off-the-shelf products-used as-is or modified, to those that are custom designed and fabricated. When designing modified or newly fabricated devices, contemporary principles such as user-centered design and universal design should be incorporated within a consumer-driven model of service delivery where people with disabilities are valued as inventors and collaborators. There are many reasons to favor simple, easy-to-implement solutions over more complex ones. Arriving at the best solution should be understood as an iterative process that involves user trials and refinements.
Sexual Victimization and Sex-Related Drinking Motives: How Protective is Emotion Regulation?

One in five college women experience sexual victimization (SV), and SV severity is associated with subsequent psychological distress, including sex-related distress. SV severity may also be associa...
Shakespeare Productions in the USA: The Voices and Sounds of America’s Shakespeare

This chapter focuses on Shakespearean productions mounted and directed by US performers, specifically Paul Robeson and Orson Welles, who were both enabled by Interwar innovations in broadcasting. Robeson proclaimed he hoped for “a double victory” with his performances, one against tyranny abroad and the other against racial discrimination at home. Welles also combined politics and play production in his adaptation of Julius Caesar in 1937, using stage designs which focused on the rise of Mussolini and Hitler. With his so-called “Voodoo” Macbeth (1936) employing an all-black cast, and debuting the play in Harlem, Welles cemented his status as one of the most innovative Interwar interpreters of Shakespeare’s works.
Carriage and Subtypes of Foodborne Pathogens Identified in Wild Birds Residing near Agricultural Lands in California: a Repeated Cross-Sectional Study.

Current California agricultural practices strive to co-manage food safety and habitat conservation on farmland. However, the ecology of foodborne pathogens in wild bird populations, especially those avian species residing in proximity to fresh produce production fields, is not fully understood. In this repeated cross-sectional study, avifauna within agricultural lands in California were sampled over one year. Feces, oral swabs and feet/feather swabs were cultured for zoonotic Salmonella, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and characterized by serotyping and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Of 60 avian species sampled, 8 species (13.3%, bird groups sparrows, icterids, geese, wrens and kinglets) were positive for at least one of these foodborne pathogens. At the individual bird level, the detection of foodborne pathogens was infrequent in feces (n=583, 0.5% Salmonella, 0.34% E. coli O157:H7 and 0.5% non-O157 STEC) and in feet/feathers (n=401, 0.5% non-O157 STEC), and absent from oral swabs (n=353). Several subtypes of public health importance were identified including Salmonella Newport, E. coli O157:H7, and STEC serogroups O103 and O26. In late summer and autumn, the same STEC subtype was episodically found in several individuals of the same and different avian species, suggesting a common source of contamination in the environment. Sympatric free-range cattle shared subtypes of STEC O26 and O163 with wild geese. A limited rate of positive detection in wild birds provides insights to broad risk profile considerations, but cannot preclude or predict risk on an individual farm. Importance The shedding dynamics of foodborne pathogens by wild birds on farmland is not well-characterized. This year-long study sampled wild birds for foodborne pathogens within agricultural lands in Northern California. There was a low prevalence of Salmonella, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and non-O157 Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (prevalence 0.34% to 0.50%) identified in bird populations in this study. However, pathogens of public health importance were identified in fecal samples, such as Salmonella Newport, E. coli O157:H7, STEC O103 and O26, and two birds carried STEC on their feet or feathers. Identical pathogen strains were shared episodically among birds, and between wild geese and free-range cattle. This result suggests a common source of contamination in the environment, and potential transmission between species. These findings can be used to assess the risk posed by bird intrusions in produce fields and enhance policy decisions towards the co-management of food safety and farmland habitat conservation.
Sleep Measure Validation in a Pediatric Neurocritical Care Acquired Brain Injury Population

Lingering morbidities including physical, cognitive, emotional, and psychosocial sequelae, termed the Post-Intensive Care Syndrome, persist years after pediatric neurocritical care (PNCC) hospitalization. Sleep disturbances impact other Post-Intensive Care Syndrome domains and are under-evaluated to date due to a lack of appropriate measurement tools. The present study evaluated the validity of the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) to address the growing need for assessing sleep problems after PNCC. We conducted a prospective observational study of youth aged 3–17 years with acquired brain injury (N = 69) receiving care through longitudinal PNCC programs at two tertiary academic medical centers. Parents completed the SDSC and provided proxy reports of internalizing symptoms, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), fatigue, pain behavior, and cognitive function within 3 months of hospital discharge. Evidence for the validity of the SDSC was established by utilizing the full sample for psychosocial measure comparisons and by comparing SDSC outcomes by severity (Low Risk, Mild-Moderate Risk, and High Risk defined by reported standardized T-scores). Internal consistency of the SDSC was good (α = .81). Within the full sample, increased sleep disturbances on the SDSC were significantly correlated with Post-Intensive Care Syndrome measures, including worse physical (r = .65), psychological (r = .62), and cognitive (r = − .74) sequelae. Youth in the High Risk group evidenced greater dysfunction in mental acuity, pain behavior, internalizing symptoms, and social engagement. Findings revealed both statistically and clinically significant impacts of sleep disturbances as measured by the SDSC on HRQOL. The SDSC is a valid and reliable measure for assessing sleep disturbances in children after PNCC. Results support the use of the SDSC to measure sleep disturbances after PNCC. Targeted interventions for sleep disturbances may be key to overall patient recovery.
Identical or fraternal twins? The chemical homogeneity of wide binaries from Gaia DR2

One of the high-level goals of Galactic archaeology is chemical tagging of stars across the Milky Way to piece together its assembly history. For this to work, stars born together must be uniquely chemically homogeneous. Wide binary systems are an important laboratory to test this underlying assumption. Here we present the detailed chemical abundance patterns of 50 stars across 25 wide binary systems comprised of main-sequence stars of similar spectral type identified in Gaia DR2 with the aim of quantifying their level of chemical homogeneity. Using high-resolution spectra obtained with McDonald Observatory, we derive stellar atmospheric parameters and precise detailed chemical abundances for light/odd-Z (Li, C, Na, Al, Sc, V, Cu), $\alpha$ (Mg, Si, Ca), Fe-peak (Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn), and neutron capture (Sr, Y, Zr, Ba, La, Nd, Eu) elements. Results indicate that 80% (20 pairs) of the systems are homogeneous in [Fe/H] at levels below 0.02 dex. These systems are also chemically homogeneous in all elemental abundances studied, with offsets and dispersions consistent with measurement uncertainties. We also find that wide binary systems are far more chemically homogeneous than random pairings of field stars of similar spectral type. These results indicate that wide binary systems tend to be chemically homogeneous but in some cases they can differ in their detailed elemental abundances at a level of [X/H] ~ 0.10 dex, overall implying chemical tagging in broad strokes can work.
Feminist Citizenship in the Banlieue: Houda Benyamina’s Divines (2016)

The voices of women filmmakers in the Mediterranean have often been overlooked by producers in a realm that is notoriously dominated by men. Ardizzoni’s chapter addresses this critical lacuna by focusing on a recent film by French-Moroccan director Houda Benyamina. Divines (2016) was inspired by France’s 2005 banlieue riots and follows two young women as they journey through the forgotten, destitute Parisian city projects. Benyamina’s directorial lens is focused on this energetic female friendship, which develops against the grainy background of the banlieue streets, the mosque, and the Roma slums that frame the protagonists’ lives. Ardizzoni’s analysis situates Benyamina’s Divines within the context of Beur filmmaking and analyzes its aesthetics and its political contribution to contemporary notions of feminist citizenship in the banlieue.
Impact of adverse events of bevacizumab on survival outcomes of patients with recurrent glioblastoma

Abstract Background Bevacizumab is widely used for treatment of recurrent glioblastoma (rGB). It is well known that adverse events (AEs) due to bevacizumab can cause early discontinuation of treatment. However, the association between AEs and survival outcomes is not well defined. Methods We retrospectively identified patients with rGB, who were treated with single-agent bevacizumab or bevacizumab-based combination regimens from 07/2005 through 07/2014, and who discontinued bevacizumab due to either AEs or physician’s decision. Those who discontinued bevacizumab because of tumor progression were excluded. Demographic, treatment, and survival data were collected from the database. Results Of 298 adults with rGB treated with bevacizumab in our database, 65 patients discontinued bevacizumab due to AEs (n = 39, 60%) or physician’s decision (n = 26, 40%). There were no statistically significant differences in regards to age, performance status, extent of resection, number of lesions, the time between diagnosis and first recurrence, time between diagnosis and initiation of bevacizumab, number of recurrences before bevacizumab initiation, and duration of bevacizumab treatment between the two groups. Interestingly, patients who discontinued bevacizumab because of AEs progressed earlier after bevacizumab discontinuation (3.9 months vs 5.7 months; p = 0.02), had significantly shorter progression-free survival (PFS) (10.4 months vs 14.2 months; p = 0.01) and shorter overall survival (OS) from bevacizumab initiation (13.9 months vs 32.5 months; p = 0.01) as well as shorter OS from tumor diagnosis (20 months vs 49.3 months; p = 0.007) when compared to patients who discontinued bevacizumab due to a physician’s decision. Conclusions Our results indicate that the development of AEs to bevacizumab or bevacizumab-containing regimens is associated with unfavorable glioma-related survival outcomes in patients with rGB.
Comparing the roles of social context, networks, and perceived social functioning with health-related quality of life among self-reported rural female cancer survivors.

Rural women, compared to urban, experience worse survivorship outcomes, including poorer health-related quality of life (QOL). There is a need to characterize the role of multilevel social factors that contribute to QOL, including context, networks, and functioning. Our objectives were to (1) use latent class analysis to identify distinct classes of social context and social networks and (2) examine how multilevel social factors (context, networks, and functioning) are associated with health-related QOL. We recruited self-identified rural survivors to the Illinois Rural Cancer Assessment (2017–2018), via community-based sampling methods, and participants completed the survey online, by phone, or on paper. We used latent class analysis to generate multidimensional variables for contextual and network factors. We next modeled each social factor sas a predictor in separate, bivariable linear regressions for the QOL outcomes, followed by multivariable, adjusted regressions. For our first objective, there were three classes each of county-level contexts (1, highly rural, socioeconomically disadvantaged, and mostly lacking in cancer-related services; 2, mostly rural, moderately disadvantaged, and underserved; 3, mostly metropolitan, less disadvantaged, and most-resourced) and social networks (1, no caregivers; 2, only spousal caregivers with whom they communicated daily; 3, multiple caregivers with varying daily communication). For our second objective, among all social factors, only functioning was associated with better mental health-related QOL. No factors were associated with physical health-related QOL. Our findings suggest a rich diversity of social context and networks among rural female cancer survivors, and social functioning is particularly important for mental health-related QOL.
Using International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning Standards to Evaluate the Rigor of High-Fidelity Simulation Learning Experiences

Abstract Background Ensuring rigorous simulation-based learning experiences (SLEs) is an essential step before substituting two or more clinical hours with one hour of simulation. Methods SLE evaluation rubric was developed based on international standards to evaluate SLE quality and to promote standardization for 2:1 substitution. Eight SLEs across courses were evaluated using the rubric in blinded peer review. Results Reliability between reviewers reached 100% agreement before approving for 2:1 substitution. (Cohen’s k = 1.0) Conclusions The rubric is an effective way to standardize plans for high quality SLE. Further studies of validity and reliability need to be conducted.
The Growth Kinetics of Collision Nodal Metastasis from Medullary and Papillary Thyroid Carcinomas: A Case Report.

Introduction The collision of medullary (MTC) and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in the same cervical lymph node can occur, but its growth kinetics has not been reported. Case Presentation We report a 27-year-old male patient who had collision nodal metastases from PTC and sporadic MTC in the central compartment. This was treated with total thyroidectomy and central neck dissection. The collision nodal metastasis persisted and presented with a single sonographically enlarging central compartmental lymph node postoperatively. The volume of the collision nodal metastasis increased from 226 to 507 mm3 over the first 8 months, from 507 to 572 mm3 over the next 6 months, and from 572 to 762 mm3 over the next 31 months. The calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) fluctuated in the first 19 months followed by a steady increase at a doubling time of 1.97 and 8.42 years, respectively. Unstimulated thyroglobulin remained at 0.2 ng/mL or lower during the same period while thyrotropin (TSH) was not suppressed. Revision central neck dissection performed 4.5 years later resulted in undetectable serum calcitonin, CEA of 2 ng/mL, and thyroglobulin of 0.1 ng/mL from a preoperative calcitonin of 212 ng/L, CEA of 10 ng/mL, and thyroglobulin of 0.2 ng/mL. Further structural imaging 13.5 months later revealed no evidence of disease. Discussion The growth kinetics of collision nodal metastasis from PTC and MTC can be similar to conventional PTC and MTC. Furthermore, the growth rate of such collision nodal metastases can be slow. Guided by tumor marker doubling time and regular structural imaging, surgical salvage performed after a period of active surveillance may still result in biochemical and structural remission.
Hedge Fund Activism, Corporate Governance, and Firm Performance

Using a large hand-collected data set from 2001 to 2006, we find that activist hedge funds in the United States propose strategic, operational, and financial remedies and attain success or partial success in two-thirds of the cases. Hedge funds seldom seek control and in most cases are nonconfrontational. The abnormal return around the announcement of activism is approximately 7%, with no reversal during the subsequent year. Target firms experience increases in payout, operating performance, and higher CEO turnover after activism. Our analysis provides important new evidence on the mechanisms and effects of informed shareholder monitoring. ALTHOUGH HEDGE FUND ACTIVISM IS WIDELY discussed and fundamentally important, it remains poorly understood. Much of the commentary on hedge fund activism is based on supposition or anecdotal evidence. Critics and regulators question whether hedge fund activism benefits shareholders, while numerous commentators claim that hedge fund activists destroy value by distracting managers from long-term projects. However, there is a dearth of large-sample evidence about hedge fund activism, and existing samples are plagued by various biases. ∗ We thank the Acting Editor who handled our submission. Brav is with Duke University, Jiang
A High-Precision Analog Front End Integrated in a 32bit Microcontroller for Industrial Sensing Applications

This paper describes a microcontroller combining a high-precision AFE and a 32bit controller for industrial sensing applications such as temperature control, recording, weighing, and force sensing. The MCU based on an RXv2 core with DSP and FPU can process complex computations to enable sensor measurements, controls, and communications. By employing the proposed PGA with auto-zeroing technique and chip implementation techniques, the high-precision AFE achieves 29nVrms RMS noise at 7.6 sps, 10 nV/°C offset drift, 0.74 ppm/°C gain drift, which meets the requirements for sensing applications. The MCU enables signals to be measured with better than 0.1% precision without calibration. The temperature measurement system was demonstrated, which indicates sufficient measurement accuracy.
Primary Care Providers' Perspectives on Using Automated HIV Risk Prediction Models to Identify Potential Candidates for Pre-exposure Prophylaxis.

Identifying patients at increased risk for HIV acquisition can be challenging. Primary care providers (PCPs) may benefit from tools that help them identify appropriate candidates for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). We and others have previously developed and validated HIV risk prediction models to identify PrEP candidates using electronic health records data. In the current study, we convened focus groups with PCPs to elicit their perspectives on using prediction models to identify PrEP candidates in clinical practice. PCPs were receptive to using prediction models to identify PrEP candidates. PCPs believed that models could facilitate patient-provider communication about HIV risk, destigmatize and standardize HIV risk assessments, help patients accurately perceive their risk, and identify PrEP candidates who might otherwise be missed. However, PCPs had concerns about patients’ reactions to having their medical records searched, harms from potential breaches in confidentiality, and the accuracy of model predictions. Interest in clinical decision-support for PrEP was greatest among PrEP-inexperienced providers. Successful implementation of prediction models will require tailoring them to providers’ preferences and addressing concerns about their use.
Strain tuned thermal conductivity reduction in Indium Arsenide (InAs) – A first-principles study

Abstract Indium based semiconductors are promising materials for thermoelectric devices. Efficiency of a thermoelectric material can be improved by minimizing the lattice thermal conductivity (k). Using first-principles calculations, we report ~20% reduction in in-plane thermal conductivity of Indium arsenide (InAs) with 3% biaxial compressive strain. At 300 K, the bulk thermal conductivity of 33.85 Wm−1K−1 computed for unstrained indium arsenide (InAs) is reduced to 27 Wm−1K−1 for the 3% biaxially strained InAs. Systematic analysis of the effect of applied biaxial strain on phonon group velocities and phonon scattering rates of longitudinal (LA) and transverse (TA) acoustic phonon modes is carried out. Our results shed a light on modulating thermal conductivity of materials through biaxial strain.
Enhancing Space-Time Adaptive Processing Through the Slepian Transform 1

A High Dynamic Range Space-Time Adaptive Processing (HDR-STAP) improves cancellation of large interference sources by using a Fast Slepian Transform to capture and cancel more clutter energy than other STAP approaches. STAP’s efficacy relies on its ability to estimate clutter interference across space (antenna elements) and time (pulses) but hits limitations due to interference strength and spectrum spread. In addition to clutter cancellation limits, the target signal can suffer a STAP processing loss. This paper focuses on the signal to clutter enhancement metric to compare performance of different STAP techniques. HDR-STAP projects the estimated clutter covariance matrix onto the Slepian basis functions. A limited number of orthogonal Slepian basis functions are defined using the signals’ sample rate and a selected finite bandwidth. HDR-STAP takes advantage of a Fast Slepian transform (FST) from Karnik, et. all [1], producing a practical implementation. This article demonstrates that HDR-STAP removes more clutter than sample matrix inversion (SMI) and Eigendecomposition STAP while achieving signal losses below those predicted by the Reed, Mallet, and Brennon (RMB) rule.
Selective crystallization of four bis(phthalocyaninato)lanthanoid(III) polymorphs

Bis(phthalocyaninato)lanthanoid(III) (LnPc2) complexes have attracted significant attention for their exceptional optical, electronic and magnetic properties. Crystallization of these compounds usually requires cumbersome methods such as sublimation and electrocrystallization, which is a significant limitation to both structural determinations and the preparation of high purity materials at scale. We report here the selective crystallization of four polymorphs of LnPc2 obtained exclusively by the slow evaporation of saturated solutions. The obtained phase depends on the initial oxidation state of the LnPc2 molecule and the choice of solvent. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies were used to determine 14 new structures including Ln = La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy, Er and Yb, as well as correct previous mis-identifications from the literature. We provide a detailed comparison of molecular structure and crystal packing in all LnPc2 polymorphs. The primary feature in all phases is columnar stacking based on parallel π–π interactions, with a variety of slip angles within those stacks as well as secondary interactions between them. Chemical redox and acid–base titrations, performed on re-dissolved crystals demonstrate that LnPc2+ and LnPc2− are easily obtained through weak oxidizing and reducing agents, respectively. Additionally, we show that the protonated form of the NdPc2− complex has a nearly identical UV-vis spectrum to that of neutral NdPc2, explaining some of the confusion over chemical composition in previously published literature.
Climatic and Demographic Consequences of the Massive Volcanic Eruption of 1258

Somewhere in the tropics, a volcano exploded violently during the year 1258, producing a massive stratospheric aerosol veil that eventually blanketed the globe. Arctic and Antarctic ice cores suggest that this was the world's largest volcanic eruption of the past millennium. According to contemporary chronicles, the stratospheric dry fog possibly manifested itself in Europe as a persistently cloudy aspect of the sky and also through an apparently total darkening of the eclipsed Moon. Based on a sudden temperature drop for several months in England, the eruption's initiation date can be inferred to have been probably January 1258. The frequent cold and rain that year led to severe crop damage and famine throughout much of Europe. Pestilence repeatedly broke out in 1258 and 1259; it occurred also in the Middle East, reportedly there as plague. Another very cold winter followed in 1260-1261. The troubled period's wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes appear to have contributed in part to the rise of the European flagellant movement of 1260, one of the most bizarre social phenomena of the Middle Ages. Analogies can be drawn with the climatic aftereffects and European social unrest following another great tropical eruption, Tambora in 1815. Some generalizations about the climatic impacts of tropical eruptions are made from these and other data.
Focusing Cell Biology

Picture Control The Electron Microscope and the Transformation of Biology in America, 1940-1960. Nicolas Rasmussen . Stanford University Press, Stanford, CA, 1997. 356 pp. $55. ISBN 0-8047-28372.
The conversion of 2,3-butanediol to methyl ethyl ketone over zeolites

In situ DRIFTS and differential reaction studies of 2,3-butanediol dehydration over a series of well-characterized ZSM-5, mordenite, β- and Y-zeolites show that dehydration to methyl ethyl ketone is favored on ZSM-5 but is facile on all the zeolites. At the temperatures above 400 K needed to allow transport into and out of the zeolite channels, aldol condensation and ultimately aromatization narrow the window of practical utility of this family of catalysts.
The diagnosis of very early carcinoma of the uterine cervix during pregnancy.

W E BELIEVE that pregnant women offer favorable opportunity for detection of incipient cancer of the cervix uteri and will present material in support of such opinion. This is based on discovery of one very early malignancy by random biopsies of friable or bleeding cervical erosions among 2,000 pregnanciesl; and one early invasive growth, plus one quest,ionable carcinoma in situ from 1,600 cytological screenings2 previously reported. To this we now add a small new series of 500 Papanicolaou cervical smears showing 3 highly suspicious cervical lesions but no cancer. There are certain difficulties in the search for early cancer of the cervix during pregnancy which are responsible for. much skepticism concerning the value of such effort. The most important criticisms are: (1) infrequency of cervical cancer in relatively young age groups; (2) gross and microscopic changes in the cervix during pregnancy frequently simulate early malignancy; (3) limitations of cytologic cervical smears and unreliability of single smear tests for screening purposes; (4) inability to secure safely really adequate biopsy material such as complete sharp or cold cervical conization, due to risk of hrmorrhagc. These four questions will be discussed in order. Our two cervical malignancies, one questionable carcinoma in situ, and three suspicious cases were all in multigravidas averaging 31 years of age and parity iv. However, there is ample evidence to indicate variable prolonged dormant stages of both preinvasive and invasive cervical cancer. Nearly one-half of all of our patients showed gross cervical lesions, mostly simple, elevated, papillary or polypoid “erosion,” generally friable, including many polyps and some condylomas, all of which were biopsied and a few found to be decidual. If we add to the above features, bleeding from threatened abortion, cervical discharge, and vaginal exudate due to frequent Trichomonns ,uaginnlis or mycotic vaginitis, it is obvious that neither subjective symptoms nor simple inspection provides reliable basis for suspecting cancer. Microscopic diagnosis of preinvasive cervical cancer during pregnancy can be positive after multiple expert opinions or prolonged post,natal observations or both, but early invasive cancer can be det,ermined immediatcl$. Biopsy diagnosis of carcinoma in situ from the nonpregnant cervix is difficult, as shown by Novak and Galvin,3 who reported 25 cases not confirmed after operation. Error in these cases was attributed to misinterpretation of varying degrees of basal-ccl1 hyper.I__ *Rear1 at a meeting of the Philadelphia Obstetrical Society. March 6. 1950.
Skiing Toward Nonstop mRNA Decay

Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have quality assurance mechanisms that operate during translation to prevent buildup of deleterious protein products. In her Perspective, [Maquat][1] discusses new work ([ Frischmeyer et al .][2] and [ van Hoof et al .][3]) that describes how eukaryotic cells identify and degrade messenger RNA that lacks a termination codon. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/295/5563/2221 [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/295/5563/2258 [3]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/295/5563/2262
Coping With a Small Financial System: Policy Issues for Africa

Abstract Does it matter that all of the sub-Saharan African countries have small financial systems? In this short paper, we review the reasons why absolute size is relevant, and consider some of the possible ways of alleviating the problems resulting from having a small financial system. One of the potential solutions is regional cooperation. This has already been tried, with a degree of success, in parts of Africa. More could be done.
Research to Guide Management of Backcountry Camping at Isle Royale National Park: Part II—Prescriptive Research

This paper is the second in a sequence of two papers that report on descriptive and prescriptive research undertaken at Isle Royale National Park to support development of a new wilderness management plan at the Park. The first paper reports on the initial phase of study aimed at developing descriptive information on backcountry camping at Isle Royale using computer simulation modeling. The present paper reports on the second phase of research. In this study, management alternatives identified in the first phase of research were incorporated into prescriptive research designed to help managers evaluate the public’s acceptance of consequences associated with these alternatives. A number of prescriptive questions associated with managing backcountry camping at Isle Royale National Park are examined in this study. For example, do visitors consider the costs to visitor freedoms and spontaneity associated with a fixed itinerary system to outweigh the benefits of increasing opportunities to camp out of sight and sound of other groups? Is it in the public’s interest to limit backcountry camping use in order to improve visitors’ chances of finding a vacant campsite each night of a trip? If so, to what extent should use be limited to achieve a greater degree of camping solitude?Study findings suggest that visitors may be willing to forfeit some campsite solitude in order to avoid restrictive limits on visitor use, regulated backcountry camping experiences, and/or the construction of a large number of new campsites in the Park. For example, study results suggest that among four management alternatives evaluated, visitors would be most likely to support those that would not require visitors to follow fixed itineraries or involve building additional campsites, even though visitors may have to share campsites with other groups. These and related findings offer important insights into the relative importance of campsite solitude and the tradeoffs (e.g., reductions in visitor use, more regulation, additional campsite development) that visitors are (or are not) willing to make to achieve it. In this way, the results of the study assist managers in reaching “informed judgements” concerning how to manage backcountry camping at Isle Royale National Park. Further, the research presented in this sequence of papers provides a model for integrating descriptive and prescriptive research findings into the planning and management of parks and wilderness.
The Revival of a Failed Constructed Wetland Treating a High Fe Load AMD

Acid mine drainage (AMD) from abandoned mines has significantly impaired water quality in eastern Kentucky. A small surface flow wetland constructed in 1989 to reduce AMD effects and subsequently failed after six months of operation was renovated by incorporating anoxic limestone drains (ALDs) and anaerobic subsurface drains promoting vertical flow through successive alkalinity producing (SAPS) limestone organic compost beds. Two years of post renovation monitoring indicate that mean iron concentrations have decreased from 787 to 39mg L-1, pH increased from 3.38 to 6.46 and acidity has been reduced from 2,244 to 199mg L-1, (CaCO3 equivalent). Mass removal rates averaged 98% for Al, 95% for Fe, 94% for acidity, 55% for sulfate and 49% for Mn during the study period. The combination of ALDs and SAPS technologies used in the renovation and the sequence in which they were implemented within the wetland system appeared to provide sufficient buffering and longer residence time rendering a promising design for treatment of this and other sources of high metal load AMD.
Convergence-preserving functions

(1988). Convergence-Preserving Functions. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 95, No. 6, pp. 542-544.