cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Weakly null sequences with upper ℓp-estimates

A Banach space X has property (5) if every weakly null sequence in BaX, the unit ball of X, has a subsequence which is C-dominated by the unit vector basis of Co for some constant C < 00. In [11] it was shown that if X has property (5), then the constant C can be chosen to be independent of the particular weakly null sequence in B a X. Here we generalize this result to the case of upper £p-estimates.
Two-Flap Palatoplasty

This chapter provides an operative dictation template for a two-flap palatoplasty. It outlines the indications for the procedure potential complications and provides a detailed guide to the individual steps of the procedure.
Makerspaces and Local Economic Development

The maker movement has risen from a fringe hobby to a prominent lifestyle with important implications for economic development. In the past, tools have been available only to those working in firms...
Post diagnosis weight gain and the role of exercise in breast cancer survivors.

9007 Background: Obesity is linked to poor breast cancer (Br Ca) outcomes including higher risk of recurrence and death. No study has examined if post-diagnosis weight (wt) gain modifies the effect...
The effect of arousal on regulation of negative emotions using cognitive reappraisal: An ERP study

Because the effectiveness of the emotion regulation strategy cognitive reappraisal may vary with emotion intensity, we investigated how stimulus arousal affects reappraisal success. Participants up- and down-regulated emotional responses using cognitive reappraisal to low and high arousing unpleasant pictures while the electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded. Up-regulation resulted in more negative self-reported valence, while down-regulation resulted in less negative self-reported valence regardless of stimulus arousal, suggesting that subjective reappraisal success does not vary with emotional intensity. Participants felt that down-regulation of emotional responses to low arousing unpleasant pictures was easiest, which is in line with previous findings that participants showed a greater preference for reappraisal in low than high arousing situations. The late positive potential (LPP) amplitude was enhanced by down-regulation of high arousing unpleasant pictures. Even though this effect was unexpected and is opposite to the typical effect of down-regulation on the LPP, it is in line with several previous studies. Potential explanations for LPP regulation effects in the unexpected direction, such as strategy selection and task design, are evaluated. Suggestions and recommendations for future research are discussed, including using trial-by-trial manipulation of regulation instructions and studying the effect of stimulus arousal on up- and down-regulation of positive emotions.
The Coping Function of Adolescent Alcohol and Drug Use

It is widely accepted by both the lay public and scientific experts (e.g., Freed, 1978; Lettieri, 1978; Pandina, 1982) that individuals often rely on alcohol and/or drugs to manage and control the subjective experience of their internal affective states. These states are assumed to include both moods and emotions. Presumably, moods are more general and diffuse, representing central tendencies in affect and motivation with some degree of continuity and stability over time and situations. In comparison, emotions are more specific, more discontinuous, and less stable (Ketai, 1975; Lazarus, Kanner, & Folkman, 1980). Furthermore, it is generally believed that the self-regulation of subjectively experienced, affective states represents an important aspect of an individual’s attempts to cope with, and adapt to, the environment (Breger, 1974).
Parasocial Relationships With Media Characters: Imaginary Companions for Young Children's Social and Cognitive Development

Learning cognitive concepts, such as STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), involves engagement, attention, interaction, and mastery of information, generally through the guidance of a teacher in formal learning environments. In this chapter, I examine the ubiquitous presence and value of media characters as children's early teachers of STEM concepts in informal environments through social processes that bind the child to the character. Specifically, I describe the importance of emotionally tinged relationships, known as parasocial relationships, that children form with media characters in early learning. I discuss what comprises these relationships, how they develop, end, and impact STEM learning in both established and emerging technological interfaces. The creation of engaging media characters is explored, including ways to address the developmental needs of children and how certain production features aid cognitive skill development. I conclude by examining the value of creating engaging educational media characters for children's future scholastic and occupational success.
Effects of exoskeleton weight and inertia on human walking

Various leg exoskeletons have been designed for gait rehabilitation. The transparency of these exoskeletons is crucial to their effectiveness in gait training. The weight and inertia of an exoskeleton are two important factors affecting its transparency. In this study, using a light-weight leg exoskeleton C-ALEX, we conducted a series of experiments to explore the effect of exoskeleton weight and inertia on the natural walking of twelve healthy subjects. They walked in C-ALEX under three levels of mass added to the leg: (i) no added mass, (ii) 1.8 kg, and (iii) 3.6 kg, and three different setups of C-ALEX: (i) freewalking without C-ALEX, (ii) with C-ALEX, and (iii) with C-ALEX compensating for the weight of the added mass. The result shows that increasing exoskeleton mass increases step length, decreases step height, and reduces maximum knee flexion. After weight compensation, the step height, and the maximum knee flexion partially restored, but the step length did not, implying that the inertia is responsible for the change in step length. The study demonstrates that compensating for weight alone cannot eliminate the changes due to exoskeleton mass. On the other hand, reducing the overall mass of the exoskeleton can better preserve the natural gait of the subjects.
Assessment of an Extended Interval Fondaparinux Dosing Regimen for Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Critically Ill Patients with Severe Renal Dysfunction Using Antifactor Xa Levels.

Objective Pharmacologic options for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis are often limited in critically ill patients due to thrombocytopenia and multisystem organ dysfunction. Fondaparinux offers potential advantages in the critically ill; however, it is currently contraindicated in severe renal dysfunction (SRD). We evaluated antifactor Xa levels in critically ill patients with SRD who were receiving an extended interval dosing regimen of fondaparinux for VTE prophylaxis. Methods A prospective, single arm, interventional study was conducted at two academic hospitals of the Detroit Medical Center. Eligible patients were in the intensive care unit, had an estimated creatinine clearance less than30 ml/min, and had either acute kidney injury or end-stage renal disease; several patients were on renal replacement therapy. Fondaparinux was administered at an extended interval dosing regimen of 2.5 mg subcutaneously every 48 hours. Fondaparinux peak and trough antifactor Xa levels were obtained. Lower extremity venous duplex studies were performed at baseline and study completion to assess for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and patients were monitored for bleeding complications. Results Thirty two patients were enrolled. Patients received a median of 4 doses (interquartile range 2-5) of fondaparinux. Fondaparinux peak (n=98) and trough (n=86) antifactor Xa levels were 0.36 ± 0.18 mg/L and 0.17 ± 0.11 mg/L (mean ± SD), respectively, and were similar to levels reported in patients with normal renal function receiving conventional once-daily dosing. No lower extremity DVTs or suspected VTE events occurred. Two patients (6%) had significant bleeding events. Conclusions In critically ill patients with SRD, an extended interval fondaparinux dosing regimen of 2.5 mg every 48 hours for VTE prophylaxis achieved peak and trough antifactor Xa levels similar to those reported in noncritically ill patients with normal renal function receiving once-daily fondaparinux. This regimen offers an alternative for patients with SRD when heparinoids must be avoided. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Temporal product bundling with myopic and strategic consumers: Manifestations and relative effectiveness

Bundling in this era of eCommerce and high technology is a potent and widespread selling tool. The literature has focused on three static bundling strategies under which the products are sold separately (pure components or PC) or only in a bundled form (pure bundling or PB) or both (mixed bundling or MB). In a generalization, and motivated by real world examples, this paper examines the relative effectiveness of temporal bundling. We consider a firm that sells to a market of myopic and strategic consumers, and a selling season consisting of two stages. We compare four strategies – PC-PC (i.e., pure components in each of two stages), PB-PB, PB-PC and PC-PB – relative to MB. Our results show that PB-PB maximizes profits under low marginal costs; PC-PC prevails under high marginal costs given a large proportion of myopic consumers; and PB-PC is profit maximizing under moderate marginal costs when most consumers are strategic. These temporal strategies dominate MB except when the market is comprised entirely of strategic consumers. Finally, while temporal mixed bundling – MB-MB – is weakly superior to other temporal strategies, the latter are much easier to implement, as shown by real-world uses, and suffice to capture most of the profits. Related interesting pricing implications are discussed. Three extensions to the main model are also proposed.
Acute Delirium After Ketamine Infusion for Chronic Pain

Unlike acute pain, chronic pain is hard to manage and is resistant to many interventions. The N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is key in chronic pain, making it a prime target for treatment. Ketamine is the most commonly used NMDA antagonist used in the management of chronic pain. A short-term infusion of ketamine produces potent analgesia during administration. Some studies of prolonged infusion (4–14 days) show long-term analgesic effects up to 3 months. The common adverse effects of ketamine reported in clinical studies are nervous system symptoms (hallucinations, memory defects, panic attacks, somnolence), gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea/vomiting), cardiovascular stimulation, and, in a few cases, liver failure. In a clinical setting, ketamine is well tolerated, especially when benzodiazepines are used to prevent its psychotropic effects. In monitoring patients receiving ketamine, the focus is on central nervous system or hemodynamic changes during infusion, hepatic function, and the potential for abuse on repeated administration.
Oxidized low density lipoprotein : An extreme example of lipoprotein heterogeneity

The intense interest in the possibility that oxidative modification of low density lipoprotein (LDL) plays an important role in atherogenesis has led to an explosion in the number of papers dealing one way or another with "oxidized LDL". A great deal has been learned about the biological properties of "oxidized LDL", the complex chemical processes accompanying oxidation and its pathogenetic role in experimental animal models. Yet the term itself--"oxidized LDL"--is woefully inadequate. In this short essay to honor the memory of my friend and colleague, Shlomo Eisenberg, I will attempt to indicate the questions that need to be asked; I do not provide the answers.
The Effect of Lateral Boundary Values on Atmospheric Mercury Simulations with the CMAQ Model

Simulation results from three global-scale models of atmospheric mercury have been used to define three sets of initial condition and boundary condition (IC/BC) data for regional-scale model simulations over North America using the Community Multi-scale Air Quality (CMAQ) model. The IC/BC data sets derived from these global models show significant differences in air concentration of mercury species. Variations in the CMAQ model simulation results obtained from each of the three IC/BC data sets provide a measure of the range of certainty regarding patterns of mercury deposition across the study region and the relative importance of domestic versus foreign emission sources responsible for these deposition patterns.
Tectonic seismicity and the storage of carbon dioxide in geologic formations

Publisher Summary The risk of tectonic seismicity should also be examined, and expressed in terms of costs that can be incorporated into the decision-making process. Tectonic seismicity, or natural seismic activity, poses potential dangers to CO2 capture and storage (CCS) surface equipment and infrastructure, such as compression, surge tank, and injection facilities and pipelines, and the cost of mitigating this risk—via strict construction codes and tighter operational rules—should be considered alongside other factors when evaluating prospective storage options. This chapter develops a method to compute costs associated with replacing capital equipment. Seismic hazards maps may be easily incorporated without qualification into high-level discussions of CCS analysis and site evaluation. However, without presenting these data within a structured, risk-based framework, the maps provide little value to national or region-scale assessments. While the costs of mitigating the effects of a seismic event should be incorporated into costing analyses associated with site evaluation, for most of the United States, the annual risk of significant damage is very low, and the costs associated with seismic risk is likely have only a very small impact on total project costs. However, for a few locations in the United States, incorporating these risks might affect the decision to store CO2 in geologic formations near that specific locale.
Incident cancer in patients with heart failure: causation or mere association?

Heart failure (HF) and cancer are becoming increasingly prevalent as our population ages. Both conditions are associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Although the increased risk of incident HF in patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy has been well documented [(1)][1], little is
Learning visual object models on a robot using context and appearance cues

Visual object recognition is a key challenge to the deployment of robots in domains characterized by partial observability and unforeseen changes. Sophisticated algorithms developed for modeling and recognizing objects using different visual cues [Mikolajczyk:IJCV04,Porway:PAMI11] are computationally expensive, sensitive to changes in object configurations and environmental factors, and require many training samples and accurate domain knowledge to learn object models, making it difficult for robots to reliably and efficiently model and recognize objects. These challenges are partially offset by the fact that many objects possess unique characteristics (e.g., color and shape) and motion patterns, although these characteristics and patterns are not known in advance and may change over time. Furthermore, only a subset of domain objects are relevant to any given task and a variety of cues can be extracted from images to represent objects. This paper presents an algorithm that enables robots to identify a set of interesting objects, using appearance-based and contextual cues extracted from a small number of images to efficiently learn models of these objects. Robots learn the domain map and consider objects that move to be interesting, using motion cues to identify the corresponding image regions. Object models learned automatically from these regions consist of spatial arrangement of gradient features, graph-based models of neighborhoods of gradient features, parts-based models of image segments, color distributions, and mixture models of local context. The learned models are used for object recognition in novel scenes based on energy minimization and a generative model for information fusion. All algorithms are evaluated on wheeled robots in indoor and outdoor domains.
Early ambulation after colorectal oncologic resection with perineal reconstruction is safe and effective

Abstract Background Post-operative bedrest is common following perineal reconstruction despite little supporting data. We sought to determine the safety of early ambulation following colorectal oncologic resection and flap-based perineal reconstruction. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted with two cohorts: standard bedrest (BC) and early ambulation (EAC). Ambulation capacity was objectively assessed. Regression analysis was performed to determine the effects of ambulation timing on 60-day reoperations or readmissions and other surgical outcomes. Results There were 57 participants. Those in the EAC were significantly more ambulatory on post-operative days one through three (p Conclusions Early ambulation following perineal reconstruction is safe and may potentially decrease wound complications. Summary and keywords Institution of early ambulation protocols is rapidly becoming the standard of care for many oncological surgery patients. In cases requiring perineal reconstruction with vascularized flaps, however, there is no data to uproot the historical practice of mandatory bedrest. Our study demonstrates that the benefits of early ambulation are attainable in these patients without compromising reconstructive outcomes.
Correlation of L-Dex Bioimpedance Spectroscopy with Limb Volume and Lymphatic Function in Lymphedema.

Abstract Background: Bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) is an established tool for the measurement of extracellular fluid in lymphedema. This study assesses the validity of BIS measurements using the ...
White folks’ work: digital allyship praxis in the #BlackLivesMatter movement

#BlackLivesMatter, a social-media-fueled social movement for racial justice in the United States, rose to international prominence between 2014 and 2016. Described by one of its co-creators as a ca...
Evaluation of the Far-Zone Electric Fields Radiated by Thin Elliptical Loop Antennas

Circular loop antennas have been rigorously studied in the past for RF applications and more recently for the case of dispersive materials at optical wavelengths. The elliptical loop is the more general case which has received considerably less attention. This work extends upon a recent derivation of the electric fields radiated by thin elliptical loops. It is shown that elliptical loops possess interesting behaviors such as the ability to increase the field strength at resonance, simply by pinching a circular loop of the same size. This suggests the possibility of many new and exciting applications to be explored in the future, especially in the optical regime.
How a Tumor Gets its Spots

Among the great challenges facing the treatment of cancer is the diversity of cell types within a tumor. Each of these cell types may have different responses to drug treatment
Motivational equity and the will to learn

Be happy in your work. colonel situ in pierre boulle , The Bridge over the River Kwai It was inevitable that Colonel Situ's advice would fail to move the British prisoners under his control. After all, the work in question was building a railroad bridge that would advance Japan's cause in World War II, and to comply – happily or not – would mean collaborating with the enemy. As a result, Situ had few motivational cards to play. Yet he needed British help. At first he sought to persuade the prisoners by increasing their food ration. Later, when these positive inducements failed, Situ applied the principle of negative reinforcement . By resuming work the prisoners could escape brutal beatings. Still British cooperation was only half-hearted and punctuated by numerous acts of sabotage. Situ's frustration compellingly illustrates what we already know about achievement dynamics: The quality of one's effort, whether it be enthusiastic engagement, timid reluctance, or active resistance, depends largely on the reasons for performing. Clearly, defiance and anger are a poor basis on which to build anything – not bridges and certainly not the future. In the first six chapters we explored the consequences of using competition as a means to motivate students, and in the process were led to investigate the complex relationship between school achievement, on the one hand, and fear-of-failure dynamics and anxiety, on the other – all thanks to the perspective provided by drive theory.
Automated Detection of Stressful Conversations Using Wearable Physiological and Inertial Sensors

Stressful conversation is a frequently occurring stressor in our daily life. Stressors not only adversely affect our physical and mental health but also our relationships with family, friends, and coworkers. In this paper, we present a model to automatically detect stressful conversations using wearable physiological and inertial sensors. We conducted a lab and a field study with cohabiting couples to collect ecologically valid sensor data with temporally-precise labels of stressors. We introduce the concept of stress cycles, i.e., the physiological arousal and recovery, within a stress event. We identify several novel features from stress cycles and show that they exhibit distinguishing patterns during stressful conversations when compared to physiological response due to other stressors. We observe that hand gestures also show a distinct pattern when stress occurs due to stressful conversations. We train and test our model using field data collected from 38 participants. Our model can determine whether a detected stress event is due to a stressful conversation with an F1-score of 0.83, using features obtained from only one stress cycle, facilitating intervention delivery within 3.9 minutes since the start of a stressful conversation.
Vaccine-induced ischemic dermatopathy in the dog

Post-rabies vaccination alopecia associated with concurrent multifocal ischemic dermatopathy was identified in three unrelated dogs. All dogs received subcutaneous rabies vaccine dorsally between the scapulae several months prior to observation of the initial area of alopecia at the vaccination site. All three dogs developed multifocal cutaneous disease within 1-5 months after the appearance of the initial skin lesion. Cutaneous lesions were characterized clinically by variable alopecia, crusting, hyperpigmentation, erosions, and ulcers on the pinnal margins, periocular areas, skin overlying boney prominences, tip of the tail, and paw pads. Lingual erosions and ulcers were observed in two dogs. Histopathologic examination of the skin revealed moderate to severe follicular atrophy, hyalinization of collagen, vasculopathy, and cell-poor interface dermatitis and mural folliculitis. Hypovascularity was demonstrated by diminished Factor VIII staining of blood vessels. Nodular accumulations of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and histiocytes in the deep dermis and panniculus also were noted at the rabies vaccination site. An atrophic, ischemic myopathy paralleling the onset of skin disease was identified in two dogs. Histological examination of muscle biopsy specimens demonstrated perifascicular atrophy, perimysial fibrosis, and complement (C) 5b-9 (membrane attack complex) deposition in the microvasculature of both dogs with myopathy. Marked improvement of the skin disease was obtained with oral pentoxifylline and vitamin E.
Electromagnetic induction sensing of unexploded ordinance and soil properties from unmanned aerial systems

Development over the last two decades of electromagnetic induction (EMI) sensing technology has enabled more accurate identification of unexploded ordinance (UXO) and soil properties. False alarm rates and false negative rates for modern EMI sensors have reduced the cost associated with range cleanup dramatically. However, all EMI UXO sensors continue to have at least two problems associated with safer and more cost-effective cleanup. The first problem centers around requiring a human to push or otherwise operate a sensor on the ground potentially in harm’s way rendering the data acquisition phase of remediation costly and dangerous. The second challenge involves the data interpretation side of EMI sensing. The soil conductivity generates a response that can contaminate EMI data, though in some applications ascertaining soil properties are the goal of the sensor. We developed a lightweight time domain EMI sensor aimed at UXO detection and classification suitable for flying on a UAS platform. This sensor is designed to detect larger targets at up to 2 m from the transmitter and receiver coils. Additionally, we created a time domain sensor suitable for ascertaining the conductivity and magnetic permeability of soils in the top several meters, also suitable for UAS deployment. Both sensors have balanced payloads weighing less than 12 pounds. We present the sensors as well as preliminary calibration and field data demonstrating the efficacy and potential of these sensors to render the process of acquiring UXO data and soil property data less expensive, more efficient and safer.
State LGBTQ policies and binge drinking among sexual minority youth in the US: a multilevel analysis.

Though higher rates of binge drinking have been reported among sexual minority (lesbian, gay, and bisexual) youths compared to their heterosexual peers in the United States, questions remain about which specific structural factors drive these inequities. We test whether state LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning) policy climate is associated with youth binge drinking, as well as whether that association is unique to sexual minority youth. We use LGBTQ policy scores compiled by the Movement Advancement Project in 2017 and analyze 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey data (126,432 youths living in 24 states). We fit multi-level logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios for binge drinking with state-level LGBTQ policy scores. More progressive state-level overall LGBTQ policies were associated with lower odds of binge drinking among sexual minority youths (interaction term OR = 0.990, CI 0.984–0.996, p = 0.0009), but not among heterosexuals (OR = 1.001, CI 0.992, 1.009, p = 0.881). For sexual minorities, living in the most LGBTQ-affirming state was associated with a probability of binge drinking 27% lower than that of those living in the least LGBTQ-affirming state. In sensitivity analyses, policies specific to LGBTQ youth (opposed to general LGBTQ people) were even more strongly related to sexual minorities’ binge drinking (interaction term: state-level youth policy score × individual-level sexual identity—of OR = 0.949, CI 0.927–0.971, p = 0.00001). In sex-stratified models, associations with overall LGBTQ policy scores were significant only for girls (OR = 0.986, CI 0.979–0.993, p < 0.001), not boys (OR = 0.997, CI 0.986–1.008, p = 0.551), while associations with youth-focused LGBTQ policies were significant for both sexual minority girls and boys. Our findings point to state-level LGBTQ policy climate as a potential social determinant of binge drinking problems among sexual minority youths.
Should the Number of Overlapping Experiencers Count

According to the cohabitation account, all the persons that result from a fission event cohabit the same body prior to fission. This article concerns a problem for this account. Suppose Manuel and Jimena are suffering from an equally painful migraine. Unlike Jimena, however, Manuel will undergo fission. Assuming you have a spare painkiller, whom should you give it to? Intuitively, you have no more reason to give it to one or the other. The problem is that the cohabitation account suggests otherwise. According to the account, there are two persons cohabiting Manuel’s body, in which case you should arguably give them the pill, since doing so alleviates the pain of more beings. One response argues that the two persons cohabiting Manuel’s body share one pain. Thus, giving them the pill alleviates no more pain than giving it to Jimena, and therefore you have no more reason to do one or the other. The goal of this article is to show that this response fails.
Surgical Predictors of Clinical Outcome Six Years following Revision ACL Reconstruction

Objectives: Revision ACL reconstruction has been documented to have inferior outcomes compared with primary ACL reconstructions. The reasons why remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine if surgical factors performed at the time of revision ACL reconstruction have the ability to influence a patient’s outcome at 6-year follow-up.
Clinical analysis of pulmonary sequestration with torsion in 4 cases and literature review

Objective: To summarize and analyze the clinical characteristics of children pulmonary sequestration with torsion. Methods: The main clinical manifestations, auxiliary examinations (chest B ultrasound, chest enhanced CT, pathological results), treatment and prognosis of 4 cases with pulmonary sequestration with torsion in Shenzhen Children's Hospital from November 2010 to November 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Among the 4 children, 2 were male and female,The age was 3 years and 8 months, 6 years and 9 months, 7 years and 5 months, 10 years old respectively.All the 4 cases were extralobar sequestrations, 2 cases were on the left side and 2 cases were on the right side. Abdominal pain was the first symptom, followed by chest pain in 2 cases, fever in 2 cases, shortness of breath in 1 case; 4 cases of chest color ultrasonography showed the soft tissue masses in the chest, medium volume pleural effusion in 2 cases, small pleural effusion in 2 cases, enhanced chest CT showed soft tissue mass without enhancement or slight enhancement in all 4 cases, and the blood supply artery was not clearly shown. Pathological results showed pulmonary sequestration with hemorrhage and necrosis, and 4 cases were cured after thoracoscopic surgery. Conclusions: Abdominal pain is often the first or main symptom of pulmonary sequestration with torsion in children, accompanied by or without chest pain. Chest ultrasound and CT can reveal the soft tissue density mass which is not enhanced or slightly enhanced during enhancement, and the blood supply artery is unclear. The effect of resection is well.
Left-Handedness in Obstetrics and Gynecology: A Nationwide Survey of U.S. Trainees and Educators.

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the views and influence of left-handedness among obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) trainees and educators and to identify perceived obstacles in training by left-handed (LH) trainees. Study Design An online survey was sent to the U.S. Obstetrics and Gynecology training programs. All participants were asked questions on hand preference for various medical and nonmedical activities, as well as on demographics. Participant responses to handedness and their role as a learner or educator directed them toward further questions. Trainees were surveyed on their experience and outlook as a LH physician in OBGYN. Educators were surveyed on their experience and attitudes in working with LH trainees. LH educators were also surveyed on their experience as a LH physician, similar to the LH trainees. Chi-square or Fisher's exact analysis was used as appropriate, with p-value Results Responses were received from 21 training programs, totaling 304 individuals. Participants included 205 learners (156 right handed and 49 left handed), and 99 faculty (82 right handed and 17 left handed). A lack of LH surgical instrument availability (93.6%) and difficulty using right-handed (RH) instruments (83%) were notable obstacles reported by LH learners. The majority of LH learners (57.4%) did not consider their handedness to be disadvantageous but did note added difficulty when training under RH mentors when compared with training under LH mentors (66%). In contrast to LH educators, RH educators endorsed added difficulty in instructing operative procedures to LH learners (32.1 vs. 13.3%, p = 0.012). Conclusion LH trainees face unique challenges during their OBGYN training. Educators would benefit from guidance on how best to manage these trainees. Educators should work to adapt surgical and procedural techniques to accommodate LH trainees. Key Points
2-D and 3-D Lamb-Wave Spectrum Analysis Using Complex Transducer Points

In prior studies of Gaussian beam reflection from immersed plates [1–5], it is shown that the reflected field or receiver voltage as a function of transducer position, at any incident angle, can be calculated or measured at constant frequency, and the 2-D calculated reflected field or receiver voltage in the incident plane is almost the same as a 3-D calculation, except for a scale factor as we show later in this paper. This is not the case, however, for the reflection and transmission frequency spectrum, which is widely used to infer the plate material parameters [6,7]. In this paper we extend the complex transducer point (CTP) to this widely used ultrasonic Lamb wave technology. We show that the reflection frequency spectrum requires a full 3-D voltage calculation to achieve the desired accuracy under all conditions. The 3-D receiver voltage frequency spectrum calculated here is compared to extensive experimental results on several materials and in different experimental configurations. The results show that the 3-D voltage spectrum calculation must be used under some conditions to make accurate deductions of material parameters.
Relation of chemical of heparin to its anticoagulant activity.

The relation of the chemical structure of heparin to its anticoagulant activity has been of interest for many years (4, 8, 11), and much information has accumulated on it. However, study of this has been complicated by the variability in composition of heparin (1) and by its chemical similarity to some other mucopolysaccharides with which it is often associated in tissues. It is now possible to isolate heparin that is nearly free of contaminating polysaccharides and has high biologic activity, but this was not always so. Thus, some of the early reports of the effects of molecular size or sulfate concentration on biologic activity are difficult to assess. Because earlier preparations generally had lower and more variable anticoagulant activity than current ones, conflicting reports of the relation of various characteristics to biologic activity have appeared, and the problem is made more difficult by the lack of full knowledge of the chemical structure of heparin and by the complexity of its possible structural arrangements.
Applied Renal Physiology in the PICU

The kidneys are central to numerous homeostatic mechanisms in the body. Responsible for solute and fluid handling, removal of waste products of nutrients, metabolism, detoxification, and excretion of drugs and metabolites, and regulation of vascular tone, the kidneys also elaborate many metabolites that act in local and distant fashion. The kidneys receive a high proportion of cardiac output per minute and have a high rate of oxygen consumption, evidence of the intensity of regulation that occurs in perpetuity. In this chapter, we will discuss renal physiology using the structure as background, function, and response to illness. Both hemodynamics and filtration will be described in detail. Relevant examples of how commonly encountered disease states affect kidney function will be discussed. Finally, the emerging paradigm of crosstalk between the kidneys and other vital organs will be broached. Critical illness carries dramatic consequence on kidney function and understanding the elements of how the kidneys regulate their own mechanics, and what happens when these compensatory mechanisms are overwhelmed, is essential to practitioners in the pediatric intensive care unit.
Nanoelectronics: nanotubes, nanowires, molecules, and novel concepts

As device sizes approach the nanoscale, new opportunities arise from harnessing the physical and chemical properties at the nanoscale. Chemical synthesis, self-assembly, and templated self-assembly promise the precise fabrication of device structures or even the entire functional entity. Quantum phenomena and one- dimensional transport may lead to new functional devices with very different power/performance tradeoffs. New materials with novel electronic, optical, and mechanical properties emerge as a result of the ability to manipulate matter on a nanoscale. It is now feasible to contemplate new nanoelectronic systems based on new devices with completely new system architectures. This paper gives an overview of the materials, technology, and device opportunities in the nanoscale era. The focus of discussion is on nanotubes, nanowires, molecular devices, and novel device concepts for nanoelectronics.
Why is the equation of state for tin so soft

The distribution of isoscalar monopole strength in the neutron-even $^{112\ensuremath{-}124}\mathrm{Sn}$ isotopes has been computed using a relativistic random-phase-approximation approach. The accurately-calibrated model used here (``FSUGold'') has been successful in reproducing both ground-state observables as well as collective excitations---including the giant monopole resonance (GMR) in $^{90}\mathrm{Zr}$, $^{144}\mathrm{Sm}$, and $^{208}\mathrm{Pb}$. Yet this same model significantly overestimates the GMR energies in the Sn isotopes. It is argued that the question of ``Why is tin so soft?'' becomes an important challenge to the field and one that should be answered without sacrificing the success already achieved by several theoretical models.
e-Participatory Budgeting: e-Democracy from theory to success?

This paper concerns the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) as a strategy for reinforcing democratic processes - broadly defined as "electronic democracy" practices - and focuses on the use of ICTs in participatory democracy initiatives. By considering the experience of the e-Participatory Budgeting in the city of Belo Horizonte (Brazil), the aim is to understand some of the possible prospects and limitations offered by ICTs in participatory processes at the local level.Considering the fact that the e-Participatory Budgeting took place in a city with 1.7 million electors and attained a level of participation of nearly 10%, the e-Participatory Budgeting of Belo Horizonte is, by any standards, one of the most significant initiatives in the world in the domain of e-democracy to have been implemented so far.Among other findings, this paper argues that even though the use of ICTs was essential to the success of the initiative, other factors were also crucial in accomplishing such a level of participation, notably: i) the scope of the public works at stake; ii) the salience of the initiative and iii) citizens' perception of their actual impact in the decision-making process.It is expected that the outcomes of this incipient research will contribute to the literature on electronic and participatory democracy, as well as providing a policy evaluation of the use of ICTs at the local level in a large-scale participatory initiative.
GRAIL: a unique mediator of CD4 T-lymphocyte unresponsiveness.

GRAIL (gene related to anergy in lymphocytes, also known as RNF128), an ubiquitin-protein ligase (E3), utilizes a unique single transmembrane protein with a split function motif, and is an important gatekeeper of T cell unresponsiveness. While it may play a role in other CD4 T cell functions including activation, survival, and differentiation, GRAIL is most well characterized as a negative regulator of TCR responsiveness and cytokine production. Here, we review the recent literature on this remarkable E3 in the regulation of human and mouse CD4 T cell unresponsiveness.
An inverse source problem for heat equation

Abstract Several inverse problems for the heat equation in a noncylindrical domain are studied. The unknown source function f is recovered under different assumptions on the smoothness of input data and f itself. The typical problem is reduced to the system of Volterra linear integral equations. The integral transform technique is used to establish the uniqueness theorems.
An Effect of Temperature on X-Ray Absorption

The effect of temperature on the average atomic absorption coefficients for x-rays.---The variation with temperature of the absorption by sheets of Al, Cu, Fe, Ni, Ag, and Pb of the total x-radiation from a tungsten x-ray tube operated at 50 kv has been studied. The measurements were made by balancing the ionization currents produced by two x-ray beams from the same tube, one of which passed through the absorber. After proper corrections are made for changes in the density of the absorber and of the air in the path of the beam, there remains a residual effect indicating a true variation of the atomic absorption coefficient with temperature. The results indicate that for all absorbers used the average atomic absorption coefficients for the total x-radiation from the tungsten target increased nearly linearly with the temperature by about 0.2 percent per 100\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C up to temperatures near the melting point of the absorber. The work is being continued to determine the magnitude of the effect at different wave-lengths.
Using 1-MCP to inhibit the influence of ripening on impact properties of pear and apple tissue

Abstract This work is part of a larger effort to determine the effects of hydration on the impact failure properties (loading velocities >100 mm s −1 ) and bruise threshold of apple and pear tissue. Since time is required to dehydrate fruit slightly, and since ripening normally occurs during that time, it is desirable to arrest ripening during the dehydration process to minimize or eliminate ripening effects so that hydration effects can be determined. This experiment used 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) to arrest ripening, and then tested whether 1-MCP affected impact failure properties. Thirty fruit from each of four apple cultivars (‘Fuji,’ ‘Red Delicious,’ ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Rome’) and two pear cultivars (‘Bartlett’ and ‘D'Anjou’) were randomly assigned to one of three treatments. The ‘fresh’ treatment fruit were tested immediately using the procedure described below. The second group was treated with 2 ppm of 1-MCP for 16 h, and the last group was left untreated as a control. The 1-MCP treated samples and the control samples were stored at room temperature in 98+% RH chambers (to minimize moisture loss) for 10 days and then mass losses were measured and tissue samples were subjected to dynamic axial compression (DAC). Six cylindrical tissue samples from each fruit were loaded to failure (strain rate 80 s −1 ) at room temperature (≈23°C) to determine tissue failure stress, failure strain and shock wave speed. Magness–Taylor (MT) force measurements were made on the same fruit immediately prior to the DAC testing. The MT values showed no significant difference between fresh (control) fruit at time 0 and 1-MCP treated fruit after 10 days at room temperature, except for the ‘Bartlett’ pears, which ripened and softened over the 10 days. Untreated fruit all showed significantly lower MT forces after 10 days, except for the ‘Fuji’ apples. DAC measurements showed significant changes in most of the mechanical properties with treatment, but these changes were consistent with the mass loss and corresponding slight dehydration in these fruit. While this work did not conclusively show that 1-MCP stopped the ripening process completely, it did show that smaller changes in the tissue mechanical properties occurred for the treated than for the untreated samples.
AdaptSAPS utility for adaptive ATR development and assessment

The ATR community has a strong and growing interest in ATR systems that adapt to changing circumstances and is developing means to solve these dynamic and difficult ATR problems. To facilitate this research, the AFRL COMPASE and SDMS organizations have developed an AdaptSAPS framework for developing and assessing such adaptive ATR systems. This framework, in the form of AdaptSAPS Version 1.0, provides MATLAB code, organized procedures, and an organized database for adaptive ATR systems. SAIC is applying their Ellipse Detector (ED) to this framework to validate the AdaptSAPS procedures and to test the AdaptSAPS database. The ED previously has shown utility on a variety of sensors and ATR problems. Although computationally efficient, the ED is more complex and much more powerful than simpler detectors such as a two parameter CFAR. However, the ED is not currently implemented as an adaptive ATR. In this paper, we show the utility of the AdaptSAPS framework for developing and assessing a non-trivial adaptive ATR by embedding the SAIC ED in the AdaptSAPS framework. We point out the strong points and weak points of AdaptSAPS Version 1.0 and recommend enhancements for future versions. In particular, we comment on AdaptSAPS as delivered, the current missions and data bases in AdaptSAPS, and the current performance measures in AdaptSAPS.
FREQUENCY AND CORRELATES OF BIRTH-SITE FIDELITY IN PRONGHORNS (ANTILOCAPRA AMERICANA)

Abstract Although a variety of species exhibit birth-site fidelity, examples from ungulate species are rare. We recorded birth-site locations of pronghorns (Antilocapra americana) at the National Bison Range in northwestern Montana during 2000–2004 and found that 82% of females changed locations from the previous year. Females that exhibited birth-site fidelity had successfully weaned more fawns and were less likely to have experienced a fawn mortality event in the previous year than females that changed birth sites. Females that weaned a single fawn or weaned 0 fawns were equally likely to change birth sites. There was a year effect on distribution of birth sites as well as on birth-site fidelity. Dry range conditions in 2003 after multiple years of low precipitation may have caused more females to move their birth sites to areas of greater forage availability. The low observed frequency of birth-site fidelity may be a result of high fawn mortality rates at the National Bison Range. Success in the previo...
Postmenopausal uterine inversion associated with endometrial polyps.

BACKGROUND: Postmenopausal uterine inversion is an extremely rare gynecologic complication. We report a case of uterine inversion associated with endometrial polyps alone. CASE: A postmenopausal nullipara with a history of recurrent postmenopausal bleeding was evaluated for persistent vaginal bleeding. Benign endometrial polyps were found, and the patient's symptoms improved after a therapeutic dilation and curettage. She had acute onset of profuse vaginal bleeding 3 months later and a mass protruded from the cervix. A laparotomy revealed an inverted uterus that was resolved by the Haultain technique and was followed by total abdominal hysterectomy. CONCLUSION: Nonpuerperal uterine inversion associated with endometrial polyps was successfully treated surgically.
Surface Structures of Possibly Atomic Dimensions using Autelectronic or ‘Field’ Emission from Fine Metal Points

WE have set out to study the contamination of metal surfaces, using the field emission from fine points to give large-scale patterns representing the angular distribution of electron emission.
Ultrasonic relaxation studies in potassium-borate melts

Abstract The potassium-borate system, as other alkali-borates, shows a peculiar viscosity behavior. As potassium oxide is added to boron trioxide, the isothermal viscosity first decreases to a minimum then increases to a maximum. Ultrasonic relaxation studies show that the minimum and maximum are due to the behavior of the most probable relaxation time and the width of the distribution of relaxation times. These results support the model proposed by Beekenkamp when the effect of his alkali-borate structures on the relaxation times is interpreted by an environmental relaxation model developed by two of these authors. The relaxation measurements appear to be insensitive to the alleged phase transition in this system.