cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Observations on Reproduction and Development in Cockroaches

Although various information has been published previously on reproduction and development in the common species of cockroaches, similar data on less common cockroaches are comparatively meager. During the last few years we have accumulated considerable miscellaneous biological information on seventeen species of cockroaches. This material has been reduced to a number of mean values which are presented hereinafter with estimates of their variability. Although simultaneous comparisons of our data with those of other workers would be desirable, economy of space precludes our increasing the tabular material by including comparative values from the literature.
Portal-vein blood samples as a new diagnostic entity for pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancers are highly lethal with the 5-year overall survival in pancreatic cancer a meager 4–7% [1]. This is, in part, due to a silent progression until the primary tumor growth or seconda...
Ethical dilemmas in the treatment of the extremely low birth weight infant.

Despite dramatically improved outcomes in prematures generally, the very smallest—those weighing below 750 grams—have a high mortality and a substantial morbidity among survivors. In addition, the cost and resource consumption required for care of these babies is large. Some survivors from this weight group appear to be entirely normal, however. Thus, there is a moral and ethical dilemma whether, for the sake of the potential intact survivors, the entire group should receive drastic life support. Today's neonatologist is caught in a crossfire of conflicting demands from families, referring physicians, federal and state regulations, hospital administrators, cost considerations, and personal ethical beliefs.
Diagnosis of small round cell tumors of childhood

Primitive tumors, especially in children, can be extremely difficult to diagnose by conventional means. A wide variety of new methods have appeared in biomedical research that are applicable to diagnosis. These include (but are not limited to) tissue culture, cytogenetics, molecular genetics, and immunophenotypic analysis. Application of these methods can both provide a diagnosis and resolve long standing ambiguity regarding the origin and relationship of several childhood tumors including: (1) the relationship of neuroblastoma to other neural tumors in children and young adults; (2) the origin of Ewing's sarcoma, a perennial enigma; (3) the relationship of embryonal to alveolar rhadomyosarcoma. These issues are resolved by demonstrating characteristic findings in each of these tumors as a result of the appropriate application of each of these methods. As a consequence, these tumors are understood in a different perspective, including striking changes in terminology, categorization, diagnosis, and therefore treatment. In particular, (1) neuroblastoma is distinguished biologically and diagnostically from all other neural tumors of children; (2) Ewing's sarcoma is revealed as a neural tumor; (3) primitive forms of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma are defined and regrouped with the common forms.
US adult smokers’ perceptions' of Australia's cigarette warning labels: variance by warning content and consistency across sociodemographic subsegments

The implementation of Australia's aggressive plain-packing policy in 2012, mandating the removal of all tobacco industry branding and replacement with photographic warnings on 80% of packaging, was associated with a significant decline in smoking prevalence.1 Could Australia's plain-packaging model have a similar effect on US-adult cigarette users who have not yet been exposed to graphic warning labels on their cigarette packs? To generate evidence for this, we obtained a license from the Commonwealth of Australia to use up to eight of their current warning images (figure 1). Our randomised trial, entitled California smokers in Australia (CASA), will enrol 450 cigarette users who are not ready to quit and randomise them to purchase cigarettes that have been repackaged into either plain packs, current Australian packs or to a no-change control, for a period of 3 months.2 Warning labels on cigarette packs can cue cognitions on health consequences each time the consumer reaches for a cigarette, until he or she becomes desensitised. Accordingly, rotating multiple warnings is needed to increase the time before any particular warning ‘wears out’.3 ,4 Because of cost concerns of manufacturing new cigarette packs in our trial, we decided to rotate only three of the graphic images in our study. In this letter, we report results from a stated preference methodology that allowed US-adult cigarette users to identify which of the …
Recovery from volumetric muscle loss injury: A comparison between young and aged rats.

Abstract Termed volumetric muscle loss (VML), the bulk loss of skeletal muscle tissue either through trauma or surgery overwhelms the capacity for repair, leading to the formation of non-contractile scar tissue. The myogenic potential, along with other factors that influence wound repair are known to decline with age. In order to develop effective treatment strategies for VML injuries that are effective across a broad range of patient populations, it is necessary to understand how the response to VML injury is affected by aging. Towards this end, this study was conducted to compare the response of young and aged animal groups to a lower extremity VML injury. Young (3 months, n = 12) and aged (18 months, n = 8) male Fischer 344 rats underwent surgical VML injury of the tibialis anterior muscle. Three months after VML injury it was found that young TA muscle was on average 16% heavier than aged muscle when no VML injury was performed and 25% heavier when comparing VML treated young and aged animals (p
Utility-interactive high-frequency flyback transformer link three-phase inverter for photovoltaic AC module

This paper presents a novel utility-interactive high-frequency flyback transformer link three-phase inverter circuit applied to photovoltaic AC module. The proposed inverter consists of a high-frequency flyback transformer driven by two switches configuration in primary side and six change-over switches with reverse block diode in secondary side to supply three-phase currents. The paper describes basic operating principle and fundamental analyses to design the circuit parameters for optimizing and verifying the operating performances of the proposed inverter. The effectiveness of the proposed inverter are evaluated by using a breadboard set-up of 250W output capacity employing 39kHz switching frequency operation based on power MOSFET device and DSP control. And the paper indicates that the well-controlled three-phase sinusoidal balance currents flow to the utility-grid.
Seasonally Resolved Distributional Trends of North American Temperatures Show Contraction of Winter Variability

AbstractThere is considerable interest in determining whether recent changes in the temperature distribution extend beyond simple shifts in the mean. The authors present a framework based on quantile regression, wherein trends are estimated across percentiles. Pointwise trends from surface station observations are mapped into continuous spatial fields using thin-plate spline regression. This procedure allows for resolving spatial dependence of distributional trends, providing uncertainty estimates that account for spatial covariance and varying station density. The method is applied to seasonal near-surface temperatures between 1979 and 2014 to unambiguously assess distributional changes in the densely sampled North American region. Strong seasonal differences are found, with summer trends exhibiting significant warming throughout the domain with little distributional dependence, while the spatial distribution of spring and fall trends show a dipole structure. In contrast, the spread between the 95th and ...
Parent-Child Dialogue with eBooks

Research shows that dialogic reading (adults and children engaging in conversation about the book they are reading) facilitates young children's language and vocabulary development and success in learning to read. A growing body of research suggests that parent-child dyads engage in less dialogic reading with e-books than with traditional paper books. Previous researchers have suggested this effect may be due to interactive features such as animations and games distracting children from the storyline, or that voice-over narration may compete with parent verbalization. The current study is the first to test this explanation directly, by comparing parent-child reading of a "feature-free" e-book with reading a paper book. Results showed that even "plain" e-books with severely limited interactive features led to less parent-child conversation about book content than reading with paper books. It is critical that these results inform parents, educators, developers, and the research community with regard to policy and practice for young children's media use.
Effects of Civic Education and Electoral Observation During Violent Elections

This paper examines whether democracy promotion programs typically supported by international donors -- civic education and election observation -- can affect citizens' attitudes and political behaviors in countries where violence has become a routine part of the electoral process. This is the context found during Cote d'Ivoire's 2015 presidential election, the first such election held in the country after the previous election led to a civil war. In the run-up to the election, we conducted a survey of potential voters to assess their confidence in the electoral process, their approval of violent tactics, and their participation in election activities. Respondents in four regions of the country and nine neighborhoods of the country's largest city, Abidjan, were randomly exposed to experimental treatment conditions regarding local voter education, monitoring by domestic observers, or monitoring by international observers. Additionally, in randomly selected neighborhoods of Abidjan, we collaborated with a local civil society organization to conduct a field experiment that provided residents with an actual voter education campaign. Our findings appreciably nuance, if not challenge, the received wisdom on the benefits of democracy promotion programs in four ways. First, we find that voter responses to the experimental primes were significantly shaped by local political conditions: Abidjan respondents reacted in systematically different ways when compared to those in the four rural regions. Second, voters exposed to the voter education prime had more negative attitudes toward the state of democracy in their country and whether it was safe to vote. Third, the election observation primes did not systematically affect voters' responses on most questions. Fourth, respondents exposed to the field experiment in Abidjan were significantly less likely to believe it would be safe to vote, more likely to fear becoming the target of violence, and less likely to trust the police.
Enhanced ventral hippocampal synaptic transmission and impaired synaptic plasticity in a rodent model of alcohol addiction vulnerability

It has long been appreciated that adolescence represents a uniquely vulnerable period when chronic exposure to stressors can precipitate the onset of a broad spectrum of psychiatric disorders and addiction in adulthood. However, the neurobiological substrates and the full repertoire of adaptations within these substrates making adolescence a particularly susceptible developmental stage are not well understood. Prior work has demonstrated that a rodent model of adolescent social isolation (aSI) produces robust and persistent increases in phenotypes relevant to anxiety/stressor disorders and alcohol addiction, including anxiogenesis, deficits in fear extinction, and increased ethanol consumption. Here, we used extracellular field recordings in hippocampal slices to investigate adaptations in synaptic function and synaptic plasticity arising from aSI. We demonstrate that this early life stressor leads to enhanced excitatory synaptic transmission and decreased levels of long-term potentiation at hippocampal Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses. Further, these changes were largely confined to the ventral hippocampus. As the ventral hippocampus is integral to neurocircuitry that mediates emotional behaviors, our results add to mounting evidence that aSI has profound effects on brain areas that regulate affective states. These studies also lend additional support to our recent proposal of the aSI model as a valid model of alcohol addiction vulnerability.
Understanding Fatigue and Stamina Management Opportunities and Challenges in Wheelchair Basketball

Wearable fitness devices have demonstrated the capacity to improve overall fitness and athletic performance. Previous research has identified a need for these technologies to take into consideration a broader range of abilities to create more inclusive fitness communities. The adaptive sports community offers opportunities to explore technology use within a specialized community wherein physical activity is central to its identity. In this paper, we explore the current use and future potential of fitness technologies for stamina and fatigue management in wheelchair basketball, a team-based sport originally created for paraplegic athletes. We present findings from observations, seven interviews, and a survey (76 responses) with wheelchair basketball players and coaches. We present findings relating to their experience with and interest in automatic tracking of fatigue and stamina related metrics for themselves and their players.
Room temperature deformation mechanisms of Mg/Nb nanolayered composites

In this work, the deformation mechanisms underlying the room temperature deformation of the pseudomorphic body centered cubic (BCC) Mg phase in Mg/Nb nanolayered composites are studied. Nanolayered composites comprised of 50% volume fraction of Mg and Nb were synthesized using physical vapor deposition with the individual layer thicknesses h of 5, 6.7, and 50 nm. At the lower layer thicknesses of h = 5 and 6.7 nm, Mg has undergone a phase transition from HCP to BCC such that it formed a coherent interface with the adjoining Nb phase. Micropillar compression testing normal and parallel to the interface plane shows that the BCC Mg nanolayered composite is much stronger and can sustain higher strains to failure than the HCP Mg nanolayered composite. A crystal plasticity model incorporating confined layer slip is presented and applied to link the observed anisotropy and hardening in the deformation response to the underlying slip mechanisms.
A19 Session 5: General Urology

The past several decades have been tumultuous with regards to the diagnosis and management of the small renal cortical neoplasm. This significance of this challenge has been exacerbated by the explosive increase in the use of axial imaging technologies, commensurate robust increase in the number of renal tumors which are discovered annually, and increasing pressures to limit healthcare expenditures. All the while, these changes are occurring in light of increased patient expectations for truly “minimally invasive” management options. Remarkable recent changes in our understanding of the epidemiology and biology of the small renal cortical neoplasm have been paralleled by the rapid introduction of biotechnologies and techniques. Active surveillance data has clearly demonstrated the indolent nature of the majority of incidentally discovered small renal lesions. Simultaneously, the critical importance of proper small renal cortical neoplasm diagnosis, including the once taboo concept of renal mass biopsy, is being reconsidered globally. Finally, the Urologic community is now understanding of the major impact of renal function on cardiovascular health and long-term patient survival. From a technological perspective, laparoscopy, robotics and LESS surgery have engendered much interest in the Urologic community. Over time, these technologies have been readily accepted. However, while incremental improvements, laparoscopy, robotics and LESS represent modified access mechanisms, and therefore are maintenance of the existing extirpative gold standard. Remarkably, the concept of ablation has gained limited traction in the Urologic community. Ablation technologies such as cryoablation can be deployed percutaneously under CT or MRI guidance offering the least invasive option for active management. Similarly, longer-term results have demonstrated both excellent oncologic control, safety, and the ability to optimally preserve renal function. The current lecture will review the salient epidemiologic and biologic features of the small renal cortical neoplasm, the importance of pre-treatment biopsy, and the advantages and limitations of contemporary cryoablation.
Longipenol, a novel tetracyclic diterpene from the termite soldier Longipeditermes longipes

Abstract Longipenol, a tetracyclic diterpenoid from soldiers of the nasute termite longipeditermes longipes , has been shown by detailed carbon and proton NMR studies (COSY, NOSY) to have the novel spiro-fused structure (1).
Mean Square Limitations of Spatially Invariant Networked Systems

In this chapter, we summarize some of our recent results on spatially invariant networked systems. We study the effects of unreliable communication on these systems’ stability and performance. Because of their special structure, the quantities that characterize the limitations of these systems can be computed more easily. In particular, we focus on Mean Square stability and performance, and investigate network architectures, which are more robust and better performing. We consider multi-agent networked systems where the communication links are unreliable and stochastically dropout. Spatial invariance leads to a simplified computation of the MS stability limitation, and allows us to derive an uncertainty conservation law enjoyed by such systems. We then focus on distributed averaging systems, for which the loss of Mean Square stability leads to the emergence of certain complex behavior related to Levy flights. We present closed form formulae characterizing Mean Square stability and performance in the presence of unreliable communication among the nodes. Finally, we study Mean square performance in the presence of unreliable links. Our results allow to characterize the interplay between Mean Square performance and stability of torus networks of different dimensions.
Compressible Flow Separation

This chapter presents the concept of compressible flow separation. For compressible flow, it is possible to prevent flow separation by removing the boundary layer by suction from the channel wall similar to incompressible flow, indicating that the absence of viscosity prevents flow separation. As at supersonic speeds, shocks are formed and pressure rise behind the shocks are much stronger than those cases of subsonic flows, more pronounced adverse pressure gradients exist in stream wise direction at supersonic speeds. The chapter presents recent researches on shock-induced separation and onset of compressible flow separation. In the past, the problem of shock-induced separation was mainly concerned with oblique shock waves. The chapter highlights the case of the normal shock.
Set4 is a chromatin-associated protein, promotes survival during oxidative stress, and regulates stress response genes in yeast.

The Set4 protein in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae contains both a PHD finger and a SET domain, a common signature of chromatin-associated proteins, and shares sequence homology with the yeast protein Set3, the fly protein UpSET, and the human protein mixed-lineage leukemia 5 (MLL5). However, the biological role for Set4 and its potential function in chromatin regulation has not been well defined. Here, we analyzed yeast cell phenotypes associated with loss of Set4 or its overexpression, which revealed that Set4 protects against oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide. Gene expression analysis indicated that Set4 promotes the activation of stress response genes in the presence of oxidative insults. Using ChIP analysis and other biochemical assays, we also found that Set4 interacts with chromatin and directly localizes to stress response genes upon oxidative stress. However, recombinant Set4 did not show detectable methyltransferase activity on histones. Our findings also suggest that Set4 abundance in the cell is balanced under normal and stress conditions to promote survival. Overall, these results suggest a model in which Set4 is a stress-responsive, chromatin-associated protein that activates gene expression programs required for cellular protection against oxidative stress. This work advances our understanding of mechanisms that protect cells during oxidative stress and further defines the role of the Set3–Set4 subfamily of SET domain–containing proteins in controlling gene expression in response to adverse environmental conditions.
Gender and Terror Management Theory

One clear pattern that arises from the data on gender and terror management theory (TMT) seems to be that death defenses frequently involve thoughts or behavior based on gender stereotypes and traditional beliefs about gender. Stereotypical thoughts and behavior, on the part of men and women in mortality-salience conditions, contribute to ideology that is hegemonic and limiting for both genders. Walsh and Smith sought to determine whether American college-aged women would be influenced by gender norms of inclusiveness or general cultural norms of uniqueness following mortality-salience induction when primed with either gender identity or self-identity. Researchers possess demographic data that allow them to cleanly divide male and female participants into distinct categories for comparison, making gender the most commonly analyzed moderator in mortality-salience studies. it findings continue to echo those described in Burke's meta-analysis with an assortment of gender differences, mixed results, and no differences among men and women in mortality-salience conditions.
P-022 Acute ischemic stroke outcomes in the elderly undergoing endovascular thrombectomy – a multicenter study

Introduction Although endovascular thrombectomy (ET) is currently a standard of care in managing acute ischemic stroke, the design of major trials on ET either excluded or under-represented patients older than 80 years old. However, several centers in the US and internationally have expanded the use of ET in the elderly patients often using similar selection criteria to younger patients. In this work, we evaluated functional outcomes, complications, and predictors of outcome after ET in the elderly compared to younger patients. Methods Records of patient undergoing ET for acute ischemic stroke at seven major centers in the United States between January 2013 and December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed for patient characteristics, procedural variables, complications, incidence of post-procedural hemorrhage and functional outcomes measured by 90 day mRS scores. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis were used to compare elderly patients (80 years and older) to younger adults and to determine whether advanced age (≥80 years) is an independent predictor of outcomes of stroke patients undergoing ET. Results A total of 1406 patients (367 patients ≥80 years old) were included in analysis of which 1270 had completed follow-up. Octogenarians had significantly higher percentage of females (65.9% vs 46.3% p 0.05). The median number of comorbidities was 2 in both groups. Procedure variables including procedure time, rate IA-tpa use, final TICI flow, technique used (direct aspiration vs stent retriever), and the rate of complications were not different between the two groups (p>0.05). Elderly patients had a significantly higher median mRS at 90 day follow-up (4 vs 3, p Conclusion Although some randomized controlled trials have provided limited evidence of benefit for using ET in the elderly population, expanding ET to this population in the real-world requires careful refinement of patient selection. This study emphasizes that advanced age coupled to higher NIHSS on admission and an anticipated long procedure should prompt careful discussion of the risks and benefits of ET in the elderly. Disclosures A. Alawieh: None. R. Starke: None. A. Chatterjee: None. A. Turk: None. R. De Leacy: None. A. Rai: 2; C; Stryker. K. Fargen: None. P. Kan: 2; C; Medtronics, Stryker. J. Singh: None. L. Vilella: None. F. Nascimento: None. T. Dumont: None. A. Spiotta: 1; C; Penumbra, Pulsar Vascular, Microvention, Stryker,. 2; C; Penumbra, Pulsar Vascular, Microvention, Stryker.
Post-SDI Missile Defense

Two days after North Korea’s missile launch in May 2017, the US successfully tested its national missile defense system. This was the first hit in almost 3 years. It was also the first time that the system was tested against an ICBM-class target. Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) has cost $123 billion since 2002, with nine out of 18 successful tests since 1999—exactly 50%.
An investigation of variation in bilateral investment treaties: exploring every BIT

To date, countries have signed nearly 3000 bilateral investment treaties (BITs). The widespread use of BITs raises an important question: do BITs increase foreign direct investment to developing co...
Tibiofemoral Cartilage Contact Differences Between Level Walking and Downhill Running.

Background:Some studies have suggested that altered tibiofemoral cartilage contact behavior (arthrokinematics) may contribute to long-term cartilage degeneration, potentially leading to tibiofemora...
A scalable bonding technique for the development of nextgeneration brain-machine interfaces *

Brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) have demonstrated potential both for neuroscience studies and for neural-prosthetic or therapeutic devices. Given the high density of brain neurons, engineering a dense array of neural recording sites across a large brain region is important for BMIs with significantly improved capabilities such as high-dexterity motor control. In our development of a high-channel-count and high-density BMI system using complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) arrays mated with massively parallel microelectrodes, we determined that the connection between the microelectrode and chip interface (MCI) is a crucial process for device performance and scalability. Here we report our results extending flip chip bonding technique to establish the electrical connections en masse at the MCI. Key parameters affecting bonding quality were identified and optimized, and the quality of bonding was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in phosphate buffered saline (PBS). With proper packaging, the bonding technique can be directly transferred to the fabrication of high-channel-count BMIs and standardized for broader applications where interconnection between massively parallel interfaces is required.
The Social Implications of Wearable Information Technologies: Extending IT Identity Theory

Existing theories of information technology (IT) use focus on utilitarian benefits to a user but seldom capture the complex socio-emotional relationships people have with IT. Understanding how, why, and when technology users create particular identification with technology use has been critical as technology has gradually become a part of people's identity. This research examines the complex way people relate to IT by exploring how IT can be incorporated into an individual's identity. We extend a conceptual framework from IT identity (ITID) theory to explore the complex relationships people have with IT in a dynamic, social environment. This study also explores how ITID changes over time. The research questions are: What are the social implications of ITID? How do these social implications influence ITID change over time?To answer these research questions, we conducted two studies. The first is a cross-sectional survey to develops, tests, and validates a contextualized model of ITID for investigating how users' self-identification with a specific IT category-wearable fitness IT-influences their social behaviors. The second study is a longitudinal field study to test how ITID changes over time. The second study draws on the identity change literature to understand how ITID changes as a result of IT use and a feedback effect of social behaviors on user experience. This research provides theoretical contributions to the ITID literature by exploring the social implication of ITID. This study also has significant implications for user identity change, as well as long-term relationships between IT and users. In practice, the findings are expected to help bring more compelling wearable fitness IT products to market and ultimately enhance users' well-being.
Phase II trial of gemcitabine and tanespimycin (17AAG) in metastatic pancreatic cancer: a Mayo Clinic Phase II Consortium study

Objectives Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90) is a molecular chaperone that stabilizes many oncogenic proteins. HSP90 inhibitors may sensitize tumors to cytotoxic agents by causing client protein degradation. Gemcitabine, which has modest activity in pancreas cancer, activates Chk1, a client protein of HSP90. This phase II trial was designed to determine whether 17AAG could enhance the clinical activity of gemcitabine through degradation of Chk1 in patients with stage IV pancreatic cancer. Methods A multicenter, prospective study combining gemcitabine and 17AAG enrolled patients with stage IV pancreatic adenocarcinoma, adequate liver and kidney function, ECOG performance status 0–2, and no prior chemotherapy for metastatic disease. The primary goal was to achieve a 60 % overall survival at 6 months. Sixty-six patients were planned for accrual, with an interim analysis after 25 patients enrolled. Results After a futility analysis to achieve the endpoint, accrual was halted with 21 patients enrolled. No complete or partial responses were seen. Forty percent of patients were alive at 6 months. Median overall survival was 5.4 months. Tolerability was moderate, with 65 % of patients having ≥ grade 3 adverse events (AE), and 15 % having grade 4 events. Conclusions The lack of clinical activity suggests that targeting Chk1 by inhibiting HSP90 is not important in pancreatic cancer sensitivity to gemcitabine alone. Further studies of HSP90 targeted agents with gemcitabine alone are not warranted.
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome with lumbar drainage and surgery: coincidence or correlation? A case report.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a rare neurological disorder usually associated with specific medical conditions that cause a disturbance of the CNS homeostasis. It has seldom been reported to be a consequence of an iatrogenic intervention causing intracranial hypotension. We report the case of an individual 69-year-old male presenting with headache and blurred vision following cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak from resection of a sellar mass. The patient developed the condition following removal of the lumbar drain post-operatively. Magnetic Resonance Imaging showed bilateral occipital, parieto-occipital, and cerebellar T2 FLAIR hyper-intensities, suggesting a radiological diagnosis of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). The patient’s symptoms started to improve shortly afterwards and had completely resolved at 3 months follow-up. The absence of severe hypertension and presence of an intraoperative CSF leak requiring placement of the lumbar drain suggests that decreased CSF volume and associated reactive hyperemia could have a role in the pathophysiology of the disease.
Progression of diabetic kidney disease in T2DN rats

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the leading pathological causes of decreased renal function and progression to end-stage kidney failure. To explore and characterize age-related changes in D...
Healing Our Own: A Randomized Trial to Assess Benefits of Peer Support.

Objectives This study aimed to develop and evaluate a structured peer support program to address the needs of providers involved in obstetric adverse outcomes. Methods In this pilot randomized controlled trial, participants were providers who experienced an obstetric-related adverse outcome. Providers were randomly assigned to routine support (no further follow-up) or enhanced support (follow-up with a trained peer supporter). Participants completed surveys at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. The primary outcome was the use of resources and the perception of their helpfulness. Secondary outcomes were the effect on the recovery stages and the duration of use of peer support. Results Fifty participants were enrolled and randomly assigned 1:1 to each group; 42 completed the program (enhanced, 23; routine, 19). The 2 groups were not significantly different with respect to event type, demographics, or baseline stage; in both groups, most participants started at the stage 6 thriving path. Most participants required less than 3 months of support: 65.2% did not need follow-up after the first contact, and 91.3% did not need follow-up after the second contact. Participants who transitioned from an early stage of recovery (stages 1-3) to the stage 6 thriving path reported that they most often sought support from peers (P = 0.02) and departmental leadership (P = 0.07). Those in the enhanced support group were significantly more likely to consider departmental leadership as one of the most helpful resources (P = 0.02). Conclusions For supporting health care providers involved in adverse outcomes, structured peer support is a practicable intervention that can be initiated with limited resources.
An energy-efficient queuing mechanism for latency reduction in multi-threading

Abstract Energy-efficient mechanisms for reducing the latency in queuing of multiple threads running on multi-core chips have been a topic of great interest. This is because not only is a high latency undesirable, but it also collectively exacerbates the energy consumption. For lowering latency, one can use techniques such as lock-free algorithms, but they keep threads spinning, incurring high CPU usage, which in turn consumes higher energy. Common blocking synchronization primitives such as mutual exclusion locks or semaphores may be more energy-efficient, but their performance can be poor because they incur high latency. This paper proposes a new approach that combines a lock-free algorithm with resource efficiency of blocking synchronization primitives. The algorithm, named eLCRQ, is implemented as queueing scheme that uses the lightweight Linux Futex system call to construct a block-when-necessary layer on top of the popular lock-free LCRQ. The algorithm judiciously uses the block-when-necessary principle, which results in a close to lock-free performance under contention. For no-contention conditions, we use the Futex System call for conditional blocking instead of spinning in a retry loop. The advantage of this scheme is that it releases the CPU, allowing it to perform other tasks without wasting its energy on useless spinning. We analyzed the performance of our scheme on a heterogeneous platform and with varying levels loads. We also compared the proposed scheme with other well-known IPC mechanisms under various settings. Our experimental results illustrate that eLCRQ-spin achieves better latency and higher energy reduction.
Sports Diplomacy at its Tipping Point: Can NBA China Survive a Culture Clash over Free Speech Norms?

For the past twelve years, the Chinese government has been an active participant in the joint venture of NBA China — a business venture that has allowed the National Basketball Association to host exhibition basketball games in the People’s Republic of China (“China”), broadcast basketball games on Chinese television networks, and operate a Chinese-approved Internet website. Nevertheless, the future of the NBA China joint venture was called into doubt last year when an NBA team employee, on his personal Twitter account, shared an image bearing the caption “Fight for Freedom. Stand with Hong Kong” — a message that both the Chinese and Hong Kong governments regard as supporting a civil insurrection. This article explores the future of sports diplomacy between the U.S. and China in the aftermath of this October 2019 conflict over an NBA employee’s tweets about the Hong Kong protest movement. This topic is important not only to the study of freedom of speech, but also to the generalized study of political relations between the U.S. and China and the role that sports diplomacy plays in improving international relations between these two countries. Thus, any potential demise in collaboration between Chinese and American citizens in the realm of sports business could mark further separation, if not isolation, of these two countries within their respective spheres of influence.
The number of spanning trees of the Bruhat graph

Abstract We provide an explicit product formula for the number of spanning trees of the Bruhat graph of the symmetric group, that is, the graph where two permutations π and σ are connected with an edge if π σ − 1 is a transposition. We also give the number of spanning trees for the graph where the two permutations are connected if π σ − 1 is an r-cycle for r even. For r odd we obtain the similar result for the alternating group.
Theoretical Description of Helium Clusters

Helium droplets are unique bosonic finite systems that can be studied from a few-body bound state, through droplets of thousands of particles, up to the bulk limit. They therefore provide an excellent laboratory for the study of finite-size dependence of many physical properties. Moreover, due to the simplicity of the helium-helium interaction, exact Monte Carlo simulations [1] of the ground state can be performed to critically assess the validity of approximate theoretical techniques and (semi)-phenomenological models.
Raman-based technique for measuring thermal conductivity of graphene and related materials

We describe Raman spectroscopy-based method of measuring thermal conductivity of thin films and review significant results achieved with this technique pertinent to graphene and other two-dimensional materials. The optothermal Raman method was instrumental for the discovery of unique heat conduction properties of graphene. In this method, Raman spectroscopy is used to determine the local temperature of the sample, while the excitation laser is utilized as a heat source. The success of Raman spectroscopy in investigating thermal conductivity of suspended graphene and graphene-based thin films motivated the extension of this technique to other material systems and films. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preference for and Efficacy of a PrEP Decision Aid for Women with Substance Use Disorders.

Background Women with substance use disorders (SUDs) are a key population for HIV prevention with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), though uptake is limited by awareness of PrEP, misestimation of personal HIV risk, and minimally integrated HIV prevention and addiction treatment services. Patient-centered decision aids (DA) could address these barriers to PrEP, but no extant DA for PrEP has been published, including for women with SUDs. Methods We developed a patient-centered PrEP DA for women in addiction treatment. In a pilot randomized preference trial, we compared the DA to enhanced standard of care (eSOC) providing standardized information. The primary outcome was opting to receive more information through the DA; we also assessed the impact of the DA on PrEP decisional preference and PrEP uptake over 12 months. Results A total of 164 enrolled participants (DA: 83; eSOC: 81) were similar in terms of HIV risk and demographics, which are representative of women in addiction treatment programs nationally, and most (92%) had opioid use disorder. Half of participants were PrEP eligible, though 37% underestimated their personal HIV risk. Independent correlates of selecting the PrEP DA relative to eSOC included higher alcohol use severity (aOR 4.13, 95% CI 1.05-16.28, p=0.04) and perception of high risk for HIV (aOR 2.95, 95% CI 1.19-7.35, p=0.02). For those selecting the DA, interest in PrEP increased significantly from 25% to 89%. DA participants were also significantly more likely than eSOC participants to see a provider for PrEP during follow-up (15.7% vs 6.2%; p=0.05). Conclusion Half of the women selected to use the DA, and those who did significantly increased their engagement in the HIV prevention cascade through increased interest in and initiation of PrEP. Future iterations should accelerate the HIV prevention cascade for women with SUDs by integrating PrEP decision aids into existing addiction treatment services and actively linking women to PrEP.
Erectile Dysfunction Associated with Pharmacological Agents

The purpose of this chapter is to review pharmacological effects on male erectile dysfunction. As will be documented in this chapter, a wide variety of pharmacological agents have been reported to have sexual side effects. Drugs may influence male sexual function at various levels including (1) sexual interest or desire (also termed libido), (2) the capacity to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient for coitus, (3) ejaculation, and (4) fertility. Although the issue of fertility is beyond the scope of this review, drugs that inhibit fertility often suppress hormonal secretions and may thus influence sexual behavior. This text is concerned primarly with erectile function. However, libido and ejaculation problems often coexist and interact with erectile problems. The effects of drugs on these sexual activities will also be reviewed.
Chapter 59 Evaluating Anti-Poverty Programs

Abstract The chapter critically reviews the methods available for the ex post counterfactual analysis of programs that are assigned exclusively to individuals, households or locations. The emphasis is on the problems encountered in applying these methods to anti-poverty programs in developing countries, drawing on examples from actual evaluations. Two main lessons emerge. Firstly, despite the claims of advocates, no single method dominates; rigorous, policy-relevant evaluations should be open-minded about methodology, adapting to the problem, setting and data constraints. Secondly, future efforts to draw useful lessons from evaluations call for more policy-relevant data and methods than used in the classic assessment of mean impact for those assigned to the program.
Effects of prechilling and sequential washing on enumeration of microorganisms from refuse.

Techniques were evaluated for formation of a liquid inoculum from shredded municipal refuse, including chilling the refuse at 4°C prior to blending and multiple washing and blending cycles. The average count of cellulolytic bacteria from six different detachment treatments was 5.1 × 104 cells per g (dry weight) of refuse with a range of 0.7 × 104 to 12.7 × 104 cells per g (dry weight). The liquid obtained from blending the refuse in phosphate buffer followed by hand squeezing was the selected detachment procedure. The inoculum formation procedure was validated by the addition of ruminal cellulolytic bacteria to refuse and recovery of the cellulolytic bacteria by most-probable-number enumerations. The ratio of measured to expected cell counts among tests in which different volumes of ruminal fluid were added to refuse ranged from 2.7 to 14.4. There was no evidence of anaerobic cellulolytic fungi in a refuse sample.
From Paper to Podium: Exploring the Gap between University Training and Professional Experience in Orchestral Conductors

Acknowledgements Dedication List of Tables Chapter 1: Literature Review Introduction Part I: Conducting Technique Part II: Ethnography Summary of Qualitative Studies on American Conductor Summary of Qualitative Studies on Orchestral Players Conclusions Chapter 2: Two Case Studies Demographics of the WAU Symphony Orchestra Demographics of the Middletown Symphony Orchestra Conclusions Chapter 3: Findings Part I: Reaching a Shared Vision Part II: What Instrumentalists Need from Conductors Part III: What Instrumentalists Need from Each Other Part IV: Rehearsal Techniques Part V: Concert Programs and Audience Engagement iii
Inheritance of White Wing Color, a Sex-Limited (Sex-Controlled) Variation in Yellow Pierid Butterflies.

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Laryngeal enhancement in early Germanic

This paper builds on growing evidence that aspirated or fortis obstruents in languages like English and German are laryngeally marked, but that phonetic voicing in the (unmarked) unaspirated or lenis series is contextually determined. Employing the laryngeal feature set proposed by Halle & Stevens (1971), as incorporated into the ‘ dimensional theory ’ of laryngeal representation (Avery & Idsardi 2001, forthcoming), we develop an explicit account of this phonetic enhancement of phonological contrasts, which is widely known as ‘ passive voicing ’. We find that both passive voicing and inherent aspiration have been phonetic and phonological characteristics of the Germanic languages since the break-up of Indo-European, with laryngeally unmarked stops repeatedly enhanced by the gesture of [spread glottis]. A key implication of this view is that Verner’s Law was not an innovation specifically of early Germanic, but rather is an automatic (ultimately phonologised) reflex of passive voicing, itself a ‘ persistent change’ rising out of the enduring ‘ base of articulation ’ that came to characterise Germanic.
The congressional Office of Technology Assessment

Abstract The Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) was established to serve the United States Congress. In return, Congress contributed uniquely to the technology assessment process as it was implemented by OTA. It will be enormously challenging to establish the conditions provided by congressional stewardship that enabled OTA's uneasy but effective marriage of expert advice and democratic participation. These congressional contributions are analyzed and their implications for several alternative approaches to technology assessment institutions are examined.
The silicate inclusions of the Ocotillo IAB iron meteorite

— The Ocotillo IAB iron meteorite contains small silicate inclusions consisting of olivine, low-Ca pyroxene, chromian diopside, plagioclase, magnesiochromite, apatite, troilite and metal. The ferromagnesian silicates have a small range of Fe/(Fe + Mg) ratios that are not due to zoning. These phases appear to be not well equilibrated. The FeO content of magnesiochromite is lower than values normally seen in silicate assemblages in IAB iron meteorites. The minerals in Ocotillo are generally like silicate assemblages in other IAB meteorites, covering similar composition ranges and exhibiting a metamorphic (granoblastic) texture. An estimate was made of the bulk composition of Ocotillo silicate inclusions. The bulk composition is close to that of ordinary chondrites with the exception of a deficiency in CaO that might be due to a sampling problem associated with the method used to estimate the bulk composition.
Flexible ceramic nanofibermat electrospun from TiO2–SiO2 aqueous sol

Abstract Flexible ceramic nanofibers have been electrospun from a novel TiO 2 –SiO 2 aqueous sol. The nanofibers obtained have an average diameter of around 150 nm and are amorphous even after heat treatment at 600 °C for 3 h in air. Since the material is amorphous it may be considered as electrospun glass nanofiber. Fracture in glass usually initiates from surface defects and in the absence of any preferred plane propagates perpendicular to the surface. The presence of surface defects on the heat treated nanofibers could not be detected on SEM and TEM images. It is hypothesized that the observed flexibility is due to significant reduction in surface defects.