cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The dithered signed-error constant modulus algorithm

Adaptive blind equalization has gained widespread use in communication systems that operate without training signals. In particular, the constant modulus algorithm (CMA) has become a favorite of practitioners due to its LMS-like complexity and desirable robustness properties. The desire for further reduction in computational complexity has motivated signed-error versions of CMA, which have been found to lack the robustness properties of the CMA. This paper presents a simple modification of signed-error CMA, based on the judicious use of dither, that results in an algorithm with robustness properties closely resembling those of CMA. An approximation to the steady-state mean-squared error performance of the new algorithm is derived for comparison to that of CMA.
Alimentation et réseau social : une étude sur « le goût par nécessité » en contexte social

L’influence de la societe sur les preferences alimentaires a fait l’objet de nombreuses etudes sans toutefois que ces dernieres tiennent compte des roles joues par les rapports sociaux. Bien que les celebres travaux sociologiques de Pierre Bourdieu mettent en evidence le lien entre le capital economique, culturel et social, et les choix alimentaires, tres peu d’etudes sur l’alimentation ont prete une attention empirique explicite au reseau social en tant que forme de capital social. Pour remedier a cette lacune, la presente recherche utilise les donnees provenant d’une etude de cohorte prospective sur la sante examinant les choix alimentaires de plusieurs milliers de personnes et ceux de leur reseau social immediat. Une comparaison entre les preferences alimentaires d’une personne et celles de son reseau social offre une nouvelle perspective sur la formation et le developpement des gouts et fournit de nouvelles preuves de l’influence des relations interpersonnelles sur les choix en matiere d’alimentation.
A functional and phylogenetic interpretation of the skull of the Erycinae (Reptilia, Serpentes)

Based on skull structure, the genus Gongylophis Wagler is again placed in synonomy with the genus Eryx Daudin. Lichanura is considered to be structurally close to the early erycine stock from which Charina evolved as an early, separate off-shoot. Skull characters which adapt erycines to burrowing habits show clinal variation: they involve shortening of the skull and streamlining of its contours through snout depression, the development of a spatulate transverse process of the pre-maxilla reinforced by the nasals and a specialization of the naso-frontal joint which supports the snout. The jaws retain their mobility. Burrowing habits are a specialized feature of the Erycinae.
The effect of sodium chloride on the dynamic surface tension of sodium dodecyl sulfate solutions

Abstract The dynamic surface tension of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solutions in the absence and presence of 0.5 M sodium chloride, using a tensiometer based on the principle of maximum bubble pressure, is examined. The surface tension of various concentrations of SDS was measured at 30°C using a variety of bubble rates, and the critical micelle concentration (CMC) determined from the surface tension versus log concentration curves. In the absence of salt, the CMC of SDS at various bubble rates was between 8.67 and 8.88 mM, within 4% of literature values. In the presence of 0.5 M sodium chloride, however, the surface tension and CMCs were lower than those determined in the salt-free systems and not comparable to reported values. The surface tension versus bubble rate plots for the salt-free surfactant systems (0.52, 1.73, 2.77, and 20 mM) had slopes between 0.6 and 0.3 g s−1. For the salt-containing SDS concentration above or at the CMC (1.73, 2.77, and 20 mM), the slopes of the surface tension versus bubble rate curves were between 1.5 and 0.35 g s−1, and decreased with rising surfactant concentration. In the salinized SDS concentrations below the CMC (0.29 and 0.52 mM) the surface tension-versus-bubble rate plots were sigmoid, showing a greater increase in surface tension compared to the other curves.
Hybrid photomultiplier tube and photodiode parallel detection array for wideband optical spectroscopy of the breast guided by magnetic resonance imaging

A new optical parallel detection system of hybrid frequency and continuous-wave domains was developed to improve the data quality and accuracy in recovery of all breast optical properties. This new system was deployed in a previously existing system for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided spectroscopy, and allows incorporation of additional near-infrared wavelengths beyond 850 nm, with interlaced channels of photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) and silicon photodiodes (PDs). The acquisition time for obtaining frequency-domain data at six wavelengths (660, 735, 785, 808, 826, and 849 nm) and continuous-wave data at three wavelengths (903, 912, and 948 nm) is 12 min. The dynamic ranges of the detected signal are 105 and 106 for PMT and PD detectors, respectively. Compared to the previous detection system, the SNR ratio of frequency-domain detection was improved by nearly 103 through the addition of an RF amplifier and the utilization of programmable gain. The current system is being utilized in a clinical trial imaging suspected breast cancer tumors as detected by contrast MRI scans.
A single nurse-led educational session may facilitate transition from paediatric to adult healthcare for adolescents with heart disease.

Commentary on: Mackie AS, Islam S, Magill-Evans J, et al. Healthcare transition for youth with heart disease: a clinical trial. Heart 2014;100:1113–18.[OpenUrl][1][Abstract/FREE Full Text][2] As children with special healthcare needs reach adulthood, they must transition from paediatric to adult care. There is increasing recognition that the approach to this transition, both in terms of preparing the patient and increasing the support available in the healthcare system, is critical.1 Potential risks associated with poor transition include loss of access to established services, incomplete transfer of information … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DHeart%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1136%252Fheartjnl-2014-305748%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F24842870%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/ijlink?linkType=ABST&journalCode=heartjnl&resid=100/14/1113&atom=%2Febnurs%2F18%2F3%2F83.atom
Mechanical and morphological properties of poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) and poly(lactic acid) blended with organically modified silicate layers

Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) is a biodegradable polymer with high ultimate elongation but low modulus. This work studied the addition of a rigid bio-based and biodegradable polymer, poly(lactic acid) (PLA), along with organically modified silicate layers as a conceivable means to improve the modulus of PBAT. Blending with PLA would also reduce both the cost of the ultimate blend and its dependence on nonrenewable resources. Compounds of PBAT with PLA and organically modified silicate layers showed significantly improved tensile and flexural strength resulting in enhanced thermomechanical performances compared to neat PBAT. The state of clay dispersion was evaluated using common analytical techniques such as transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and rheometry. The clay platelets were partially dispersed in a PBAT and PLA phase and a large portion of the platelets were located at the interface. The incorporation of organoclay reduced the dispersed phase domain (i.e., PLA) size significantly. The smaller PLA size however, did not translate into better elongational properties. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Structure: Its Shadow and Substance

On December 9, 1908 Max Planck addressed the Student Corps of the Faculty of Natural Sciences of the University of Leiden. His announced topic was The Unity of the Physical World-Picture , but the real intent was a polemic against a whole bevy of famous scientists who had turned against realism in the past fifty years. The debate concerning how science represents nature, and specifically whether it represents more than solely structural aspects of the phenomena, had begun earlier in the 19th century, and would continue for the remainder of the 20th I will discuss both the scientific motivations and the philosophical reactions, including scientific realism and the new Structural Realism, as well as offer an empiricist structuralist view as alternative.
Perceptions of the other: Voices of adjunct and fulltime community college faculty

The practice of hiring adjunct instructors was initially considered to be an anomalous event (Todd, 2004). Community college employment of adjunct instructors, however, witnessed a 50% increase during the 1970s (Cain, 1999) and, by 1984, adjunct instructor utilization in community colleges rose dramatically with an additional 80% growth. Over a 33-year period, 1970-2003, the employment of adjunct faculty in the academe increased 422% (Bouton, 2010). With such a strong adjunct presence within the community college, one question came to mind: How do adjunct and fulltime faculty perceive the other? The purpose of this study was to investigate adjunct perceptions of fulltime faculty and, vice versa, fulltime faculty perceptions of adjunct faculty. With an increasing presence of adjunct instructors within the community college environment, it was deemed important to illuminate the experiences and perceptions held by each strata of faculty concerning the “other”. Ethnomethodology was used to conduct this study. Four community college liberal arts fulltime faculty members and four community college liberal arts adjunct faculty members were selected as research participants, utilizing a purposive sampling technique involving four research sites, which were located in the same geographical location within the continental United States. One liberal arts fulltime faculty member and one liberal arts adjunct faculty member who taught in the same field were selected from each of the four sites. Data gathered from semi-structured interviews and institutional artifacts were analyzed to identify emerging themes. From the data analysis,
Impact of harvesting and processing conditions on green leaf volatile development and phenolics in Concord grape juice.

UNLABELLED The disruption of plant cell walls during fruit juice processing results in the enzymatic formation of herbaceous-smelling green leaf volatiles (GLVs). Our objective was to assess the impact of thermal processing conditions on resulting levels of GLVs (hexanal, trans-2-hexenal, hexanol, cis-3-hexenol, and trans-2-hexenol), total phenols, monomeric anthocyanins, and percent polymeric color in Concord grape juice. The effects of fruit maturity and stage of juice processing on juice GLV content was also assessed. Of the GLVs studied, only trans-2-hexenal routinely exceeded its published sensory threshold in finished juice. We observed an inverse linear correlation between berry maturity (total soluble solids) and trans-2-hexenal levels in finished juice (P 30-fold over detection threshold [DT]), decreased to 100 microg/kg following depectinization, pressing, and pasteurization, and to 32 microg/kg following cold-stabilization. The loss of trans-2-hexenal could be explained primarily by its reduction to trans-2-hexenol, which increased from 53 microg/kg after crushing to 500 microg/kg after cold-stabilization. High temperature pretreatment of must immediately following crushing ("hot break") resulted in 5- to 6-fold higher concentrations of trans-2-hexenal in the final bottled juice as compared to conventional hot press. Contrary to expectations, no significant increase in phenolics and anthocyanins were observed in hot break conditions. These results indicate that hot break procedures may thermally inactivate enzymes responsible for transforming trans-2-hexenal under normal processing conditions and potentially alter the flavor qualities of the finished Concord juice. Different equivalent pasteurization regimes (82 to 93 degrees C) prior to bottling had no significant effect on GLV content of the finished Concord juices (P > 0.05). PRACTICAL APPLICATION Introducing new processing techniques to fruit juice production can potentially result in undesirable changes to organoleptic properties. We have observed significantly higher levels of trans-2-hexenal, a potent herbaceous off-flavor, in Concord grape juice prepared with an initial high temperature heat treatment ("hot break"). Concord juice producers should be cautious in using hot break processing, especially with immature fruit, as it may result in persistence of green aromas in juice.
Free energy calculations for theophylline binding to an RNA aptamer: Comparison of MM-PBSA and thermodynamic integration methods.

We have applied the molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) method (J. Srinivasan, T. E. Cheatham, P. Cieplak, P. A. Kollman, and D. A. Case, Journal of the American Chemical Society, 1998, Vol. 120, pp. 9401-9409) to study the interaction of an RNA aptamer with theophylline and its analogs. The MM-PBSA free energy analysis provides a reasonable absolute binding free energy for the RNA aptamer-theophylline complex formation. Energetic analysis reveals that the van der Waals interaction and the nonpolar contribution to solvation provide the basis for the favorable absolute free energy of complex. This trend is similar to other protein-ligand interactions studied previously. The MM-PBSA method also ranks the relative binding energies of five theophylline analogs approximately correctly, but not as well as the more conventional thermodynamic integration calculations, which were carried out to convert theophylline into its analogs. The comparison of MM-PBSA with TI suggests that the MM-PBSA method has some difficulties with the first-solvation-shell energetics.
Using Reconfigurable Devices to Maximize Spectral Efficiency in Future Heterogeneous Wireless Systems

As broadband data further blends with cellular voice, mobile devices will become the dominant portals to the connected world. However current design practices still involve building independent networks that each make their own resource decisions. In spite of the tremendous amount of related research in this area, there are still several elemental questions that must be addressed. First, is it better to treat wireless systems as independent access networks requiring the user to handle aspects of roaming between disparate wireless networks or is an internet model better where independent autonomous wireless systems (AWS) cooperate to form a single, unified cloud to users, with network level resource allocation? Second, is it better to have dedicated, low power circuitry that supports a limited set of independent wireless Radio Access technologies (RATs) or is it better to build agile handsets that adapt (reconfigure) in real-time to operate over a large range of RAT technologies and operating modes? The results in this paper shed light on these questions. We present preliminary results from a MATLAB-based simulation study that highlights the increase in spectral efficiency as the modality of devices increase. Our analysis takes into account the cost of radio reconfiguration in terms of the temporary communications downtime and the surge of power that occurs with each reconfiguration operation. Our main result suggests that nomadic users benefit the most primarily due to their ability to route traffic over 'hotspot' type of RATs that tend to have high data rates at reduced coverage, and that this in turn helps increase the 3G or 4G bandwidth available to mobile users. All nodes in the system experience an increase in spectral efficiency ranging from 14% to 75% when compared to a similar scenario that assumes no network cooperation and static radios.
2010 BP Oil Spill and the Systemic Construct of the Gulf Coast Shrimp Supply Chain

On April 20, 2010, the blast on the rig Deepwater Horizon, and the ensuing disaster known as the BP oil spill, has disrupted the Gulf Coast Shrimp supply chain. Six elements of the systemic supply and demand side of that supply chain are identified and discussed. On the supply side are shrimpers, processors, wholesalers, retailers, and restaurants. On the demand side is the consumer. Qualitative investigative methods shed light upon the systemic practice within the gulf coast shrimp industry in the United States.
A Case of Moral Heroism: Sympathy, Personal Identification, and Mortality in Rwanda

What sort of person chooses to remain in a place like Rwanda when an easy exit is offered, when leaving seems the only safe or sane option, and when one is not directly connected to the would-be victims? And how does this person come to develop a circle of care that is expansive enough to include those who are radically Other? In what follows, I consider these questions through a detailed examination of the recent example of Paul Rusesabagina, the Hutu hotel manager in Kigali, Rwanda, who sheltered more than a thousand Tutsi and moderate Hutu refugees during the hundred-day genocide. I argue that Rusesabagina was primarily motivated by an awareness of his own mortality, his personal history, a desire to distance himself from the negative behavior of Hutu like himself, and a strong identification with the Tutsi refugees under his protection.
Understanding and Enhancing Pain Coping in Patients with Arthritis Pain

In this chapter we focus on understanding pain coping in arthritis pain, what factors impact patients’ abilities to cope with arthritis pain, how coping can be enhanced in patients with arthritis pain, and how clinicians can apply this information to help patients improve their arthritis pain and other outcomes. First, we discuss what coping with pain is in relation to a chronic disease like arthritis. Then, using a biopsychosocial framework, we describe factors that have empirical support as being important in impacting how patients cope with their arthritis pain. Second, we describe psychosocial intervention strategies that have been studied and shown efficacy for improving patients’ abilities to cope with their arthritis pain. We present interventions that focus on the patient, on the patient and caregiver, and on treating patients with significant pain and comorbid medical problems (e.g., obesity). Finally, we discuss the practicalities of assessing pain coping, including what measurement tools to use, and using these assessments to implement intervention strategies that can lead to improved pain coping and overall arthritis outcomes. We complete this chapter with a discussion of what is unknown about coping with arthritis pain and suggest several areas that warrant future research.
The Shock Noise of High Speed Rotating Blades — The Supersonic Shock Problem

Shock waves associated with high speed rotating blades, such as helicopter rotors, are potent noise generators. In general, these shocks are time dependent in shape and extent. The shock noise generation is described by part of the quadrupole source term of the Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings (FW-H) equation. An efficient calculation of such shock noise is an aim of aeroacousticians. Earlier a formulation for prediction of shock noise produced by subsonically moving shocks was published. The main difference between subsonically and supersonically moving shock noise generation is that in the latter case multiple emission times may exist for some regions of the shock. This introduces additional complexity into the analytic formulation and the possibility of singularities in the solution. Here we present two formulations for supersonic shock noise prediction. Both are based on the boundary element method with the boundary data supplied by nonlinear aerodynamic codes. The emphasis in this paper is on the analytical derivation of results suitable for efficient computation in applications of interest.
Start-Up and Transient Behavior of an Oscillating Heat Pipe

Microelectronics devices require relatively low and uniform temperatures for maximum reliability and oscillating heat pipes (OHPs) may prove to be extremely well suited to this application. However, in some operating conditions, temperature overshoot has been observed at startup, which could lead to premature electronics failure. In this paper, the effect of various OHP operating parameters such as working fluid (deionized water, methanol, and acetone), inclination angle (vertical, 45°, and horizontal), fill ratio (50%, 60%, 70%, and 80%), and heat load (10W, 20W, and 30W) on start-up performance of a 20-turn OHP were investigated. This information could be used by a designer to optimize an OHP system to reduce the risk of start-up evaporator temperature overshoot before the system begins cooling. All working fluids performed best at high power. Water, for most cases, did not exhibit overshoot, but it performed well only in the vertical orientation with high fill ratios. However, methanol and acetone performed best at low fill ratios irrespective of inclination angle. Low power (10 W) was not sufficient to initiate oscillations when the fill ratio was high for these fluids, and overshoot occurred for both methanol and acetone at different conditions. Methanol, in general, did not overshoot either at low power and low fill ratio or high power and high fill ratio. However, acetone showed overshoot only at high heat load regardless of fill ratio and inclination angle. Start up behavior was somewhat unpredictable, with repeated test runs showing different results despite identical operating parameters.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Insights to the formation of secondary inorganic PM2.5: Current knowledge and future needs

As a criteria pollutant, fine particulate matter (fine PM, i.e. PM2.5) adversely affects public health and environment, contributes to visibility degradation and regional haze. Atmospheric fine PM includes primary and secondary PM2.5. While the primary PM2.5 is from direct emissions, the secondary PM2.5 is formed in the atmosphere through photochemical reaction, condensation and other atmospheric processes. Although it is well known that ammonia (NH3) may react with acidic gas species to form secondary inorganic PM2.5 (iPM2.5) as ammonium salts, limited research has been done to quantify the impacts of NH3 emissions of animal feeding operations (AFOs) on the dynamics of such chemical reactions and gas-particle phases partitioning. This paper is to provide comprehensive review of existing research on AFO PM chemical speciation and on the formation of secondary iPM2.5 as impacted by AFO air emissions. Research gaps and future studies in characterizing AFO PM and assessing impacts of AFO air emissions on atmospheric PM are discussed. Keywords: environmental pollution, particulate matter, inorganic PM2.5, animal feeding operations, ammonia, formation of secondary PM2.5 DOI: 10.3965/j.ijabe.20150802.1810
Shifting Paradigms of Parochialism: Lessons for Legal Education

This book chapter is part of a symposium edition for the annual conference of the American Society of International Law, International Economic Law Interest Group held at Bretton Woods, New Hampshire in November 2006. The focus of this piece is on the teaching of international economic law and the future of the discipline. More specifically, this chapter draws from the author's experiences of teaching a NAFTA course transnationally; that is, with the participation of Mexican, Canadian, and U.S. students working on trade issues that affect all three nationalities. This piece reflects on parochial attitudes more generally and on their specific impact on international trade. It proposes ways that international trade professors may help address these parochial attitudes in the classroom so that students may understand that they are part of a larger regional network sharing in common interests.
Variation in the Pigmentation and Interior Quality of Commercially Available Table Eggs

Abstract USDA Grade A, large eggs were purchased from a local retail outlet at regular intervals over a 48-week period and evaluated individually for pigmentation and albumen quality, using reflectance spectrophotometry and Haugh units, respectively. Relatively large variations in both pigmentation and Haugh units were observed between sampling times and within each dozen eggs collected. Pigmentation became paler and less intense from January to October, then increased (more yellow) from October to December. There appeared to be no effect of this variability on consumer purchasing levels or complaints.
Myocardial perfusion by contrast echocardiography: diagnosis of coronary artery disease using contrast-enhanced stress echocardiography and assessment of coronary anatomy and flow reserve

The advent of intravenous contrast agents, and newer ultrasound technology to enhance their detection, promises to improve and augment our conventional stress echocardiographic practice by improving diagnostic accuracy and providing novel information regarding myocardial perfusion and functional assessment of the coronary vasculature. The combination of intravenous contrast and harmonic stress echocardiography is a powerful tool for improved wall motion analysis through enhanced image quality, routinely permitting the evaluation of patients with suboptimal images. In this era of cost containment, we await studies in large populations addressing resource utilization and cost-effectiveness to determine if, indeed, all patients presenting with stress echocardiography should receive contrast. Myocardial perfusion can be observed using the technique, but the complex interactions of microbubbles and ultrasound in patients must be understood more fully before its implementation becomes routine practice. Non-invasive imaging of coronary arteries using contrast-enhanced transthoracic harmonic echo/Doppler promises to expand the field of diagnostic and experimental echocardiography, bringing new insight into the pathophysiology of ischemic and non-ischemic heart disease. The continued development of newer contrast agents and refinement of ultrasound imaging equipment ensures that the applications of contrast echocardiography in the assessment of CAD will continue to increase.
Discussion on Fire Protection Design of Small Hotel and Some Relevant Issues

Hotel,as one of staff-intensive public gathering places,not just it’s personnel intensive,but also it’s complex fixtures,with more fire use and electric use,people always in non-conscious state when fire happens,the fire risk is much greater than in other places,the fire protection design is particularly important.Small hotels,as a special form of hotel,the fire protection design is also equipped with its uniqueness,this article will analyze the fire risks of small hotels,introduce several significant influence over a larger fire,explain the fire administrative licensing and other procedures of small hotels,and focus on fire protection designs and elaborate some specific problems of fire protection designs of small hotels and further explored.
Sjögren's syndrome: a women's health problem.

Like many other systemic connective tissue diseases, Sjogren's syndrome (SS) occurs more frequently in women, with a female to male ratio of 9:1. Unlike other diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, this syndrome occurs more frequently in menopausal and postmenopausal women, although there is now evidence to suggest some patients may have autoimmune diathesis years before they develop sicca complaints. Several clinical features of SS have particular relevance for the female patient. An abnormal pregnancy, as occurs in the neonatal lupus syndrome, may be the initial manifestation of an autoimmune diathesis. Dyspareunia and chronic fatigue are important complaints that are not taken seriously. This paper will address the clinical manifestations of SS, with particular emphasis on those features that demonstrate that SS is a women's health problem.
Effect of thoracotomy upon the carotid sinus control of regional hemodynamics in the dog.

The effects of bilateral thoracotomy upon the operating characteristics of the carotid sinus reflex were examined in 11 vagotomized dogs. Pressure-flow relationships in the aorta, celiac, mesenteric, renal, and femoral arteries were studied as a function of pressure in the isolated carotid sinuses. These relationships were analyzed to give the carotid sinus reflex operating point values and sensitivities of pressure, flow, impedance, and power for each regional vascular bed. Following thoracotomy there was a significant fall in the closed-loop operating point pressure (CLOP) (p
Analysis of political and trade decisions in international gas markets: A model-based systems engineering framework

By taking a model-based systems engineering (MBSE) approach, a framework can be developed for long-term exploration of a complex adaptive system in multiple contexts. The framework uses MBSE tools to define the complex system architecture and modern internet state transfer and structured data format standards to integrate natural language descriptions, datasets, and models. These can constitute a knowledge architecture that can be used as a long-term research tool. The long-term goal is a framework that captures conceptual models of the complex system, data sets and relationships, dynamic models and simulations, and decision analytics within a common environment. This paper presents a scenario in which we evaluate links between transformations of complex natural gas systems and analyze political intervention into the Russian-European natural gas markets. In this example, we specifically examine geographical, physical (cross-border infrastructure), and commercial value streams through the prism of network analyses. This is one context of a more general model of international gas relationships and flows at multiple levels. The resulting framework provides insight into dynamic behaviors at multiple levels of the system, such as the emergence of infrastructure network and intricate relationships of strong corporate ties and knowledge networks, along with possible strategies for political and economic intervention. The primary goal of an MBSE approach is to capture interrelationships in the complex system at varying levels of abstraction, which enables a common reference for diverse models and datasets.
Centrographic Indices: Some Methods for Analyzing Complex Areal Distributions in Archaeology

When sites and artifacts are abundant, and geographical distributions of different artifact classes overlap markedly, it becomes difficult to define and demonstrate patterns of artifact distributio...
An unusual cause of cervical kyphosis

Abstract Background Context Acute fixed cervical kyphosis may be a rare presentation of conversion disorder, psychogenic dystonia, and potentially as a side effect from typical antipsychotic drugs. Haldol has been associated with acute dystonic reactions. In some cases, rigid deformities ensue. We are reporting a case of a fixed cervical kyphosis after the use of Haldol. Purpose To present a case of a potential acute dystonic reaction temporally associated with Haldol ingestion leading to fixed cervical kyphosis. Study design This is a case report. Methods A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder presented to the emergency room several times with severe neck pain and stiffness. The neck appeared fixed in flexion with extensive osteophyte formation over a 3-month period. Results The patient's condition was resolved by a posterior-anterior-posterior surgical approach. It corrected the patient's cervical curvature from 88° to 5°. Conclusions Acute dystonic reactions have the potential to apply enough pressure on bone to cause rapid osteophyte formation.
Entry of Botulinum Neurotoxin Subtypes A1 and A2 into Neurons

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are the most toxic proteins for humans but also are common therapies for neurological diseases. BoNTs are dichain toxins, comprising an N-terminal catalytic domain (LC) disulfide bond linked to a C-terminal heavy chain (HC) which includes a translocation domain (HN) and a receptor binding domain (HC). Recently, the BoNT serotype A (BoNT/A) subtypes A1 and A2 were reported to possess similar potencies but different rates of cellular intoxication and pathology in a mouse model of botulism. The current study measured HCA1 and HCA2 entry into rat primary neurons and cultured Neuro2A cells. We found that there were two sequential steps during the association of BoNT/A with neurons. The initial step was ganglioside dependent, while the subsequent step involved association with synaptic vesicles. HCA1 and HCA2 entered the same population of synaptic vesicles and entered cells at similar rates. The primary difference was that HCA2 had a higher degree of receptor occupancy for cells and neurons than HcA1. Thus, HCA2 and HCA1 share receptors and entry pathway but differ in their affinity for receptor. The initial interaction of HCA1 and HCA2 with neurons may contribute to the unique pathologies of BoNT/A1 and BoNT/A2 in mouse models.
Interpreting Our World: 100 Discoveries that Revolutionized Geography: Joseph J. Kerski Santa Barbara, California: ABC-CLIO, 2016. 386 pages. Hardcover ($89.00). ISBN: 978-1-61069-919-8.

Geography is revolutionary.So begins Joseph Kerski's Interpreting Our World, wherein he describes one hundred revolutionary geographic discoveries (or, in some cases, discoverers). Within each, he ...
Diagnosing Post-Polio Syndrome in the Elderly, a Case Report

Poliomyelitis is a disorder of the nervous system caused by an enterovirus. There are many survivors who, years later, develop a little-understood condition called Post-polio syndrome. Post-polio syndrome is a group of delayed sequalae of polio infection that can cause paralysis and bulbar symptoms in patients with a history of polio infection who have had a prolonged symptom-free period, often greater than two decades. Diagnosis of post-polio syndrome is difficult in the geriatric population because many of the symptoms overlap with other disease processes affecting older individuals. An extensive workup is necessary to exclude more concerning etiologies. Furthermore, several symptoms can be attributed to normal ageing. We present the case of an elderly patient with a history of poliomyelitis and multiple comorbidities who presented with complaints of weakness and fatigue.
First-in-Class Composite Angiotensin Receptor–Neprilysin Inhibitors (ARNI) in Practice

Sacubitril/valsartan, a first-in-class angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) inhibits angiotensin II and neprilysin, enhancing circulating vasoactive peptides. It is recommended in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) as a result of the PARADIGM-HF trial.1 This review discusses the rationale for neprilysin inhibition, data supporting efficacy, and practical tips for patient selection and utilization.
Text-Critical Witnesses and Methodology for Isolating a Distinctive D-Text in Acts

Within the past decade, a few leading New Testament textual critics have challenged two major, long-standing convictions by urging that we should speak no longer (1) of “text-types” or (2) of two textual streams in the Acts of the Apostles. Certainly the term “type” is too rigid and definitive to describe our textual groups, and “textual clusters” is more appropriate. The present essay concerns whether dual texts can be identified certifiably in Acts, thereby distinguishing a “D-Textual Cluster” from an alternate cluster headed by Codex Vaticanus (B) and Codex Sinaiticus ( א). It is clear that all D-Text Primary witnesses are mixed texts that, over time in various ways, have been conformed and assimilated to the increasingly dominant B-Cluster, as well as to the ascending Byzantine text.A fresh method, however, is proposed and illustrated at length (1) to identify a tightly cohesive group of Primary witnesses to a D-Textual Cluster, which (2) reveals that these D-Text readings virtually always are opposed by the א-B-Cluster. The result is a strong testimony to the early existence of dual textual streams in Acts that stand firmly over against one another.The fresh aspect of the method involves, for each variation -unit, (1) identifying the Primary witnesses available for a given reading; (2) counting the number supporting a presumptive D-Text reading; (3) counting those that do not; and (4) calculating the percentages of witnesses agreeing and not agreeing to the readings in question. Three or more Primary witnesses must be present in a variation-unit to be included. The global figures show that available Primary D-Text witnesses agree with one another 88% of the time on readings in 425 variation-units, while 97% of the time these readings are opposed by both א and B together.
Iron–sulfur protein maturation in Helicobacter pylori: identifying a Nfu‐type cluster carrier protein and its iron–sulfur protein targets

Helicobacter pylori is anomalous among non nitrogen-fixing bacteria in containing an incomplete NIF system for Fe-S cluster assembly comprising two essential proteins, NifS (cysteine desulfurase) and NifU (scaffold protein). Although nifU deletion strains cannot be obtained via the conventional gene replacement, a NifU-depleted strain was constructed and shown to be more sensitive to oxidative stress compared to wild-type (WT) strains. The hp1492 gene, encoding a putative Nfu-type Fe-S cluster carrier protein, was disrupted in three different H. pylori strains, indicating that it is not essential. However, Δnfu strains have growth deficiency, are more sensitive to oxidative stress and are unable to colonize mouse stomachs. Moreover, Δnfu strains have lower aconitase activity but higher hydrogenase activity than the WT. Recombinant Nfu was found to bind either one [2Fe-2S] or [4Fe-4S] cluster/dimer, based on analytical, UV-visible absorption/CD and resonance Raman studies. A bacterial two-hybrid system was used to ascertain interactions between Nfu, NifS, NifU and each of 36 putative Fe-S-containing target proteins. Nfu, NifS and NifU were found to interact with 15, 6 and 29 putative Fe-S proteins respectively. The results indicate that Nfu, NifS and NifU play a major role in the biosynthesis and/or delivery of Fe-S clusters in H. pylori.
Experimental and analytical studies in crack initiation under fatigue: Part I — Experimental studies

Mechanistic investigations of damage evolution before crack initiation in an amorphous polymer show that damage consists of a core of highly dense crazing and a peripheral less dense zone of crazing. Damage characterization is carried out at consecutive configurations of the damage zone. Analysis of the kinematics of damage at different times involves comparisons of the inertia moments of damage distributions. The results indicate that damage evolution between consecutive configurations can be approximated by a linear transformation of the space variables. Thus, the process of damage growth can be described by translation and deformation of the damage zone. The growth rates of the damage zone movements decrease until crack initiation. In all cases, the average densities exhibit a damping type behavior with the number of cycles. The crack initiates within a core zone immediately ahead of the stress concentrator. The experimental results suggest that damage density within the core zone is independent of the loading conditions considered herein. This value is approximately equal to the damage density around the crack tip during slow crack propagation. The crack length at initiation is found to increase exponentially with the stress level. A simple decaying exponential relationship relates the crack initiation times and the applied stress level. This result is consistent with the fracture models based on absolute reaction theories.
Freud: The Psychology of Psychoanalysis

Both the meaning and the significance of Freud’s epochal work remain at the focus of heated disputes within the psychoanalytic and the intellectual communities in general. This is perhaps due to the control of Freud’s legacy by his students and colleagues. Only in a situation such as this would the control and curatorship of personal archives cause both a major court case and the report of that situation in a popular magazine such as the New Yorker.1 In the late 1960’s, this phenomenon was noted by Paul Roazen, himself one of the surviving members of Freud’s circle in Vienna.
Structure property behavior of polydimethylsiloxane and poly(tetramethylene oxide) modified TEOS based sol-gel materials V. Effect of titaniumisopropoxide incorporation

Titanium has been successfully incorporated into polydimethylsiloxane and poly(tetramethylene oxide) modified TEOS based materials using sol-gel chemistry. Incorporation of titanium into the oligomer modified TEOS based materials altered the physical properties, however, the gross structural features remained the same.
Gestational weight gain in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A controlled study

Context Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have increased risk for pregnancy complications, possibly related to pre-existing obesity and excessive gestational weight gain (GWG). Objectives To assess the contributions of diagnosis and preconception weight on GWG and perinatal outcomes. Research design and methods Prospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies in PCOS (n = 164) and ovulatory controls (n = 176) from infertility treatment. Main outcome measures GWG, birthweight, pregnancy complications. Results From preconception baseline, normal-weight women with PCOS gained 2.3 pounds more during the first trimester (95% CI, 0.3 to 4.3; P = 0.02), and by the end of the second trimester, 4.2 pounds more than controls (95% CI, 0.7 to 7.7; P = 0.02). Women who were overweight with PCOS gained significantly more weight than did controls by the end of the second trimester (5.2 pounds; 95% CI, 0.2 to 10.2; P = 0.04), whereas women with obesity and PCOS and control women had similar weight gain throughout pregnancy. Within normal-weight, overweight, and obese groups, prevalence of pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes did not differ between the PCOS and control groups, nor was there a difference in birthweight. Preconception body mass index (BMI) was significantly associated with GWG; for every 1-kg/m2 increase in preconception BMI, GWG decreased by 0.62 pounds (95% CI, -0.85 to -0.40; P Conclusions Women with PCOS who are of normal weight or are overweight before conception experience more GWG than do ovulatory controls. Within normal-weight, overweight, and obese groups, rates of perinatal complications do not significantly differ between women with PCOS and controls. Preconception BMI is the strongest predictor of GWG.
Markovian Wildfire Modeling via Evidential Reasoning

This paper presents a new evidential reasoning approach for autonomously modeling the state of an evolving wildfire. The objective is to update the current geospatial representation of a wildfire through the inclusion of the available evidence regarding a wildfire's presence at a given location. This evidential support is calculated from data provided by imperfect temperature and machine vision sensors using belief functions based in the Dempster-Shafer theory of probable reasoning. The derivation and mathematical validity of these belief functions is shown through rigorous analysis and a simplified example is considered that exhibits the benefits of this evidential reasoning approach. Based on the methods and models explored in this work, concepts for autonomous path-planning procedures are discussed for further studies.
Incidental detection of oropharyngeal cancer with fluciclovine PET

BACKGROUND Fluorine-18-labeled 1-amino-3-fluorocyclobutane-1-carboxylic acid (fluciclovine) is a synthetic amino acid radiopharmaceutical initially developed to improve noninvasive diagnosis of gliomas and currently FDA approved for prostate cancer imaging. Although fluciclovine positron emission tomography (PET) has proven to be efficacious in detecting multiple types of cancer, its ability to detect oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is largely unknown. METHODS We describe a case of incidental OPSCC detection with fluciclovine PET in a 66-year old male patient during workup for recurrent prostate adenocarcinoma. RESULTS Fluciclovine PET detected a left base of tongue (BOT) lesion, which was subsequently confirmed as invasive SCC on surgical pathology. CONCLUSION Given these findings, we discuss potential future directions for research with fluciclovine to overcome some of the known limitations of 18 [F]fluorodeoxyglucose in oncological imaging.
State of Public and Private Blockchains: Myths and Reality

It has been a decade since the concept of blockchain was invented as the underlying core data structure of the permissionless or public Bitcoin cryptocurrency network. Since then, several cryptocurrencies, tokens and ICOs have emerged. After much speculation and hype, significant number of them have become problematic or worthless! The public blockchain system Ethereum emerged by generalizing the use of blockchains to manage any kind of asset, be it physical or purely digital, with the introduction of Smart Contracts. Over the years, numerous myths have developed with respect to the purported utility and the need for public blockchains. The adoption and further adaptation of blockchains and smart contracts for use in the permissioned or private environments is what I consider to be useful and of practical consequence. Hence, the technical aspects of only private blockchain systems will be the focus of my SIGMOD 2019 keynote. Along the way, I will bust many myths associated with public blockchains. I will also compare traditional database technologies with blockchain systems' features and identify desirable future research topics.
The Fit to the Time Evolution

This chapter describes the fit to the time-evolution of the flavor-tagged, \(C\!P\)-even and \(C\!P\)-odd fraction of \(B_s^0 \rightarrow J/\psi \phi \) decays used in the measurement.
Faecal microbiota transplant decreases mortality in severe and fulminant Clostridioides difficile infection in critically ill patients

Background Severe and fulminant Clostridioides difficile infection is associated with high mortality rates. While faecal microbiota transplant has been shown to be effective for recurrent C difficile infection, there is little data on the utility of faecal microbiota transplant in severe or fulminant C difficile infection. Aim To compare the outcomes of antibiotics and faecal microbiota transplantation vs antibiotics alone (standard of care) in critically ill patients with severe or fulminant C difficile infection. Methods This was a retrospective, matched cohort study in one urban tertiary academic care centre including 48 patients hospitalised with severe or fulminant C difficile infection who required care in intensive care unit. Results Patients who received faecal microbiota transplantation (n = 16) had a 77% decrease in odds for mortality (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.06-0.97) with a number needed to treat of 3 to prevent one death. Conclusions Faecal microbiota transplantation provides mortality benefit over standard of care for severe and fulminant C difficile infection and should be considered in critically ill patients.
Dual-wavelength laser-induced damage threshold of a HfO2/SiO2 dichroic coating developed for high transmission at 527 nm and high reflection at 1054 nm

Dichroic coatings have been developed for high transmission at 527 nm and high reflection at 1054 nm for laser operations in the nanosecond pulse regime. The coatings consist of HfO2 and SiO2 layers deposited with e-beam evaporation, and laser-induced damage thresholds as high as 12.5 J/cm2 were measured at 532 nm with 3.5 ns pulses (22.5 degrees angle of incidence, in S-polarization). However, laser damage measurements at the single wavelength of 532 nm do not adequately characterize the laser damage resistance of these coatings, since they were designed to operate at dual wavelengths simultaneously. This became apparent after one of the coatings damaged prematurely at a lower fluence in the beam train, which inspired further investigations. To gain a more complete understanding of the laser damage resistance, results of a dual-wavelength laser damage test performed at both 532 nm and 1064 nm are presented.