cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Automatic translation of software binaries onto FPGAs

The introduction of advanced FPGA architectures, with built-in DSP support, has given DSP designers a new hardware alternative. By exploiting its inherent parallelism, it is expected that FPGAs can outperform DSP processors. This paper describes the process and considerations for automatically translating binaries targeted for general DSP processors into Register Transfer Level (RTL) VHDL or Verilog code to be mapped onto commercial FPGAs. The Texas Instruments C6000 DSP processor architecture is chosen as the DSP processor platform, and the Xilinx Virtex II as a target FPGA. Various optimizations are discussed, including data dependency analysis, procedure extraction, induction variable analysis, memory optimizations, and scheduling. Experimental results on resource usage and performance are shown for ten software binary benchmarks. Results show performance gains of 3-20X in the FPGA designs over that of the DSP processors in terms of reductions of execution cycles.
What Determines Vertical Mergers in U.S. Food Manufacturing Industries? 1

Vertical mergers have become an important business strategy among food manufacturers because it allows them to manage and customize their production according to consumer needs. Economic theories have shown that vertical mergers may be induced by transaction costs, demand variability, and other factors. Using an input-output methodology, a measure of vertical merger is developed for U.S. food manufacturing industries and the transaction cost hypotheses tested in an attempt to examine the factors that motivate vertical mergers in the food manufacturing industries. The results are consistent with previous studies that confirm the role of transaction cost factors, such as lock-in effects in terms of asset specificity and managerial diseconomies.
Rethinking the Tension between Peace and Justice: The International Criminal Prosecutor as Diplomat

Imagine you are the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. The year is 2014, and the war-weary Afghani people have struck a tentative deal to end their civil war. The deal contemplates amnesty for Mullah Omar and his deputies, many of whom have likely committed war crimes or crimes against humanity. As Prosecutor, you face a dilemma: Should you quietly accept the deal — or should you prosecute the Taliban, even though a prosecution risks jeopardizing the peace? Using that hypothetical as a frame, this essay explores how the ICC Prosecutor ought to balance competing considerations of peace and justice when deciding whether to initiate a criminal investigation or prosecution. The Prosecutor’s official policy position is that he cannot consider the interests of peace when deciding whether to prosecute suspected criminals. In other words, his decision whether to go after Mullah Omar must be made without considering how his acts will affect ongoing peace processes. This essay counters that it is both prudent and inevitable for the Prosecutor to consider the interests of peace. In a policy paper, the Prosecutor has ruled out the most natural method for considering the interests of peace, namely the Rome Statute’s Article 53 “Interests of Justice” provision. But there remain two other ways for the Prosecutor to take into account the interests of peace: first, through careful use of timing when initiating investigations and prosecutions; and second, through a process of proactive complementarity. This essay explains that on balance, delay and complementary are actually better vehicles to address the tension between peace and justice than Article 53’s Interests of Justice provision. The essay concludes by providing a set of practical guidelines the Prosecutor should follow when deciding when to prosecute, and when to defer. While the Prosecutor should not explicitly bargain with offenders or acknowledge the validity of blanket amnesty programs, he should delay investigations and employ proactive complementary when an investigation or prosecution unduly risks jeopardizing peace prospects.
Utility of simultaneously acquired gradient-echo and spin-echo cerebral blood volume and morphology maps in brain tumor patients.

An interleaved gradient-echo (GE) / spin-echo (SE) EPI sequence was used to acquire images during the first pass of a susceptibility contrast agent, in patients with brain tumors. Maps of 1) GE (total) rCBV (relative cerebral blood volume), 2) SE (microvascular) rCBV, both corrected for T(1) leakage effects, and 3) (DeltaR(2)*/DeltaR(2)), a potential marker of averaged vessel diameter, were determined. Both GE rCBV and DeltaR(2)*/DeltaR(2) correlated strongly with tumor grade (P = 0.01, P = 0.01, n = 15), while SE rCBV did not (P = 0.24, n = 15). When the GE rCBV data were not corrected for leakage effects, the correlation with tumor grade was no longer significant (P = 0.09, n = 15). These findings suggest that MRI measurements of total blood volume fraction (corrected for agent extravasation) and DeltaR(2)*/DeltaR(2), as opposed to maps of microvascular volume, may prove to be the most appropriate markers for the evaluation of tumor angiogenesis (the induction of new blood vessels) and antiangiogenic therapies. Magn Reson Med 43:845-853, 2000.
The Impact of Time at Work and Time Off from Work on Rule Compliance: The Case of Hand Hygiene in Healthcare

In order to deliver high quality, reliable, and consistent services safely, organizations develop professional standards. Despite the communication and reinforcement of these standards, they are often not followed consistently. Although previous research suggests that high job demands are associated with declines in compliance over lengthy intervals, we hypothesized – drawing on theoretical arguments focused on fatigue and depletion – that the impact of job demands on routine compliance with professional standards might accumulate much more quickly. To test this hypothesis, we studied a problem that represents one of the most significant compliance challenges in healthcare today: hand hygiene. Using longitudinal field observations of over 4,157 caregivers working in 35 different hospitals and experiencing more than 13.7 million hand hygiene opportunities, we found that hand hygiene compliance rates dropped by a regression-estimated 8.7 percentage points on average from the beginning to the end of a typical, 12-hour work shift. This decline in compliance was magnified by increased work intensity. Further, longer breaks between work shifts increased subsequent compliance rates, and such benefits were greater for individuals when they had ended their preceding shift with a lower compliance rate. In addition, (a) the decline in compliance over the course of a work shift and (b) the improvement in compliance following a longer break increased as individuals accumulated more total work hours the preceding week. The implications of these findings for patient safety and job design are discussed.
Black Lipid Membranes at Bifaces : Formation characteristics, optical and some thermodynamic properties.

Black lipid membranes (BLM) less than 90 A thick have been shown to be the most realistic approach to biological membrane models. This paper describes the formation characteristics, optical properties, and thermodynamics of BLM at water/oil/water bifaces. In particular, the nature of the Plateau-Gibbs border which supports the black membrane is analyzed in some detail. The formation of BLM at the biface involves a spontaneous reduction of the free energy of the system. As long as the integrity of the membrane is maintained, the limiting structure of the BLM represents the lowest free energy configuration.
A Combined Equivalenced-Electric, Economic, and Market Representation of the Northeastern Power Coordinating Council U.S. Electric Power System

This paper develops a representation of the Northeastern U.S. bulk electric power system, with an emphasis on New York and New England. The representation has two parts: a 36-bus electrical model in PTI-23 format and market data in the form of generator bids and load demands. The market data are distilled from historical data on public web sites. Since the historical data are available on an hourly basis over many years, the representation is quite rich. In addition, this paper includes the mix of generation at each bus in the model so that generation cost (fuel and emissions) and unit commitment constraints can be deduced. The representation is intended to be a test-bed for formulating, simulating and analyzing the combined technical and economic objectives of the changing electric power industry. It is further intended to be a test-bed for comparing methods of simulating electric power systems and electricity markets operating under engineering constraints. It can, for example, be used for power flow, optimal power flow, reliability, market clearing, and other economic studies. The representation as described is intended only for steady-state equilibrium studies and does not account for inter-temporal effects such as unit commitment constraints. It can, however, be extended to account for those effects.
Serine/alanine amino acid polymorphism of the L-cone photopigment assessed by dual Rayleigh-type color matches

The dual Rayleigh-type color match is the ratio of 621 nm light to 550 nm light that in admixture matches 586 nm light, divided by the ratio of 667 nm light to 550 nm light that in admixture matches 586 nm light. Compared to the classical Rayleigh match, the dual-match procedure minimizes variation in color matching arising from differences in lens pigmentation and photopigment optical density, and thus amplifies individual differences due to shifts in L pigment λmax. We hypothesized that the dual matches would provide a clearer distinction between subjects with serine and subjects with alanine than would the classical Rayleigh match because individuals with serine express L pigments with a λmax shifted toward longer wavelengths than do those with alanine. Classical Rayleigh color matches were compared with dual Rayleigh-type color matches in 14 color-normal observers whose DNA had been analyzed previously for the presence of the amino acid serine or alanine at position 180 in the L opsin. The resulting distribution of dual-match measurements for the seven subjects with serine does not overlap the distribution of measurements for the seven subjects with alanine. The classical Rayleighmatch measurements for these two groups of subjects, on the other hand, overlap substantially. More than half of the subjects' classical Rayleigh matches are within the overlapping range. The dual Rayleigh-type matches, therefore, provide an improved psychophysical technique for assessing whether an individual observer has serine or alanine at position 180.
Multiple Zeta Functions, Modular Forms and Adeles

In this paper we give an adelic interpretation of the multiple zeta functions, of multiple completed zeta functions and of multiple L-functions associated to modular forms.
My iPod, My iCon: How and Why Do Images Become Icons?

This paper engages the cultic following of Apple computer through an examination of their brand image, here represented by the famous iPod silhouette commercials. I argue that Apple employs the techniques of the Orthodox icon, constructing a mode of seeing known as symbolical realism. This mode cues the reader to see with their divine eye, recognizing neither a realistic portrayal of an actual event nor a symbolic representation. Instead, the viewer sees the advertisements as a hypostasis of the immersion in music. This mode of seeing deflects attention from Apple's ideological gain and invites viewer participation in a cult celebrating the immersive experience. In short, the ads construct a visual enthymeme whose missing element is the user. By participating in the ritual of seeing through symbolic realism and thereby completing the enthymeme, the iPod is transformed into my iCon, bestowing the commodity, and by extension the corporation, with cult value.
Design hierarchy-guided multilevel circuit partitioning

In this paper, we present a new multilevel circuit partitioning algorithm (dhml) which is guided by design hierarchy. In addition to flat netlist hypergraph, we use user design hierarchy as a hint for partitioning. This design hierarchy already has some implications on connectivity between logical blocks in the design. Using design hierarchy in partitioning is nontrivial since the hierarchical elements in design hierarchy do not necessarily have strong internal connectivity; hence, we need to determine whether it is preferable to break up or preserve the hierarchical elements. In order to identify and select the hierarchical elements with strong connectivity, their Rent exponents are used. Then, the selected hierarchical elements serve as effective clustering scopes during the multilevel coarsening phase. The scopes are dynamically updated (enlarged) while building up a clustering tree so that the clustering tree resembles the densely connected portions of the design hierarchy. We tested our algorithm on a set of large industrial designs in which the largest one has 1.8 million cells, 2.8 million nets, and 11 levels of hierarchy. By exploiting design hierarchy, our algorithm produces higher quality partitioning results than the state-of-the-art multilevel partitioner hMetis. Furthermore, experimental results show that dhml yields significantly more stable solutions, which is helpful in practice to reduce the number of runs to obtain the best result.
Exposure to the polyester PET precursor—terephthalic acid induces and perpetuates DNA damage-harboring non-malignant human breast cells

Identification of early perturbations induced in cells from non-cancerous breast tissue is critical for understanding possible breast cancer risk from chemical exposure. We have demonstrated previously that exposure to the ubiquitous xenoestrogens, bisphenol A (BPA) and methyl paraben, promotes the hallmarks of cancer in non-malignant human high-risk donor breast epithelial cells (HRBECs) isolated from several donors. Here we show that terephthalic acid (TPA), a major chemical precursor of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers used for the storage of food and beverages, increased the ERα: ERβ ratio in multiple HRBEC samples, suggesting an estrogenic effect. Although, like BPA and methyl paraben, TPA also promoted resistance to tamoxifen-induced apoptosis, unlike these chemicals instead of inducing an increased S-phase fraction, TPA treatment arrested cell proliferation. DNA-PK, ATM and members of the MRN complex, known to be involved in DNA damage sensor and effector proteins, were elevated indicating induction of DNA strand breaks. Early DNA damage checkpoint response, mediated through p53/p21, led to G1 arrest in TPA-exposed cells. Removal of TPA from the growth medium resulted in the rapid induction of BCL2, increasing the ratio of anti-: pro-apoptotic proteins, together with overexpression of Cyclin A/CDK2 proteins. Consequently, despite elevated p53pSer15 and H2AXpSer139, indicating sustained DNA damage, TPA exposed cells resumed robust growth rates seen prior to TPA exposure. The propensity for the perpetuation of DNA aberrations that activate DNA damage pathways in non-malignant breast cells justifies careful consideration of human exposure to TPA, particularly at vulnerable life stages.
NAM: a network adaptable middleware to enhance response time of Web services

Web services are an emerging software technology that employ XML to share and exchange data. They may serve as wrappers for legacy data sources, integrate multiple remote data sources, filter information by processing queries (function shipping), etc. With those that interact with an end user, a fast response time might be the difference between a frustrated and a satisfied user. A Web service may employ a loss-less compression technique, e.g., Zip, XMill, etc., to reduce the size of an XML message in order to enhance its transmission time. This saving might be outweighed by the overhead of compressing the output of a Web service at a server and decompressing it at a client. The primary contribution of this paper is NAM, a middleware that strikes a compromise between these two factors in order to enhance response time. NAM decides when to compress data based on the available client and server processor speeds, and network characteristics. When compared with today's common practice to transmit the output of a Web service uncompressed always, our experimental results show NAM either provides similar or significantly improved response times (at times more than 90% improvement) with Internet connections that offer bandwidths ranging between 80 to 100 Mbps.
Selective encryption, information theory and compression

Selective encryption only encrypts a portion of a compressed bitstream, relying on the characteristics of the compression format to render the remaining in-the-clear content unusable. While the technique has been proposed in a number of practical applications, it is also motivated by concepts from the origins of Shannon theory on the links between source coding and encryption and benefits from an evaluation of its performance on compression primitives, such as quantization and Huffman coding, used in constructing many compression algorithms.
Perceived aesthetic characteristics of interpersonal conversations

The researchers sought to describe the characteristics of interaction experiences that were reported to elicit an emotional response of aesthetic pleasure, that is, a response of deep pleasure, stimulation, and joy evoked by what is perceived as beautiful. Two hundred and thirty‐six participants provided written critical‐incident accounts of conversations in their personal relationships that they found aesthetically pleasing and aesthetically displeasing. Open coding, using the constant‐comparison method, identified seven characteristics of conversations that were aesthetically pleasing and seven characteristics of conversations that were aesthetically displeasing. Taken collectively, the results suggest that aesthetic pleasure is evoked in communication encounters that achieve the realization of wholeness through the consummation of: selves, personal relationships, and relationships between humans and nature/God. Specific categories of pleasing and displeasing characteristics are presented in the study.
A Monoclonal Antibody That Reacts with the Ventro-Caudal Quadrant of Newly Formed Somites

In the late nineteenth century and continuing into the twentieth century, embryology textbooks frequently portrayed somites in a saggital plane showing a distinct morphological difference between the rostral and the caudal portions of the somite. These portrayals were most prominent in the chapter dealing with the development of the spinal cord, and the differences were associated with spinal nerves. It was not until the 1980s that these differences were examined in closer detail. One of the first instances of correlating molecular differences with nerve outgrowth was that of Stern, et al. (1986), who demonstrated a regional specification with relation to the binding of PNA (peanut agglutinin), which localized in the caudal region of the developing somites of chick embryos.
Fetal Development and Prenatal Evaluation of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

Over the past two decades, ultrasound has emerged as a reliable and accurate method to detect congenital malformations before birth. Fetal echocardiography has achieved early diagnosis of congenital heart defects and has altered the management strategy for many of these lesions. Prenatal imaging and in particular, serial echocardiographic studies have also given us an opportunity to observe the natural history and progression of many cardiac defects in utero, including one of the most critical cardiac lesions, hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS).
On Accuracy and Revelance in Lithic Use-wear Analysis

AbstractDiscussion of the high magnification/microwear and low magnification/edge-damage techniques of lithic use-wear analysis has been impeded by the use of a single set of accuracy estimates for the latter. The results of six blind test results, apparently indicated almost equal abilities of individuals using microwear and edge damage techniques to determine stone tool uses. The rapid artifact-processing rate of the edge damage approach allows a more inclusive sampling of the archaeological record and a more direct assessment of inter-assemblage functional variability. To increase the relevance of lithic use-wear data, analysts must provide archaeologists with convincing evidence of their own accuracy.
Defect Studies in Silicon Dioxide by Local Density Approximation Total Energy Methods

The oxygen vacancy in silicon dioxide is currently believed to explain one of the most important defects observed in this material, the E1 ' center. To get a better understanding of the oxygen vacancy, we have investigated the equilibrium geometric structures, total energies, and charge densities of several charge states of the defect in alpha cristobalite. We also present some preliminary results for alpha quartz.
Peyronie's disease: a study of its natural history and treatment with orthovoltage radiotherapy.

AbstractFollowup data on 90 of 177 patients with Peyronie’s disease seen from January 1, 1950 to April 1, 1970 revealed that the ultimate outcome of the disease when not treated was no different from that following orthovoltage radiotherapy. The real benefit derived from orthovoltage radiotherapy appears to be that it hastens symptomatic improvement by 3 to 7 months. In 21 per cent of the patients there was an associated inflammatory joint or tendon disease, an association not previously reported.
Protein rethreading: A novel approach to protein design.

Protein engineering is an important tool for the design of proteins with novel and desirable features. Templates from the protein databank (PDB) are often used as initial models that can be modified to introduce new properties. We examine whether it is possible to reconnect a protein in a manner that generates a new topology yet preserves its structural integrity. Here, we describe the rethreading of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) from E. coli (wtDHFR). The rethreading process involved the removal of three native loops and the introduction of three new loops with alternate connections. The structure of the rethreaded DHFR (rDHFR-1) was determined to 1.6 A, demonstrating the success of the rethreading process. Both wtDHFR and rDHFR-1 exhibited similar affinities towards methotrexate. However, rDHFR-1 showed no reducing activity towards dihydrofolate and exhibited about ~6-fold lower affinity towards NADPH than wtDHFR. This work demonstrates that protein rethreading can be a powerful tool for the design of a large array of proteins with novel structures and topologies and that by careful rearrangement of a protein sequence, the sequence to structure relationship can be expanded substantially.
Upper Urinary Tract Air: a Benign Finding Indicating Presence and Degree of Ureteral Reflux

AbstractTwo cases are reported in which air refluxed from the bladder to the pelviocaliceal systems after voiding cystourethrography. We stress that this is a benign condition, which can indicate the presence and degree of ureteral reflux.
Distal Radius Fracture: Kapandji (Intrafocal) Pinning Technique

Intrafocal pinning is a percutaneous method of reduction and stabilization of a distal radius fracture first described by Adalbert Kapandji. The technique involves creating a buttress against the displaced fragment by pin insertion and manipulation directly at the fracture site. Original indications for intrafocal pinning included displaced extraarticular distal radius fractures with large fragments, minimal comminution, and good bone quality. Overall the results of intrafocal pinning have been good and when indicated is an excellent option for distal radius fracture treatment.
Whither Critique in the World Language Department

Language departments have long confronted a disciplinary divide between the study of literature and language. This divide in tenure lines and course content has engendered a similarly deep-seated divide in pedagogical practices. In world language departments, critique often seems confined, for reasons both epistemological and historic, to literature courses. Conversely, in language courses, instructors commonly utilize corrective feedback to train students to think like disciplinary experts. Is it possible then to define a signature pedagogy of the world language department? This article seeks to answer this question by locating a common disciplinary belief in the centrality of language to human experience. Examining the history of critique in teaching and learning in world language departments, the author traces this belief in order to propose a resolution to the departmental divide in the form of a “bilingual critique” that combines elements from both sides.
Lower layers in R2 and convex sets in R3 are not GB classes

In R2 let iff u e A then e A. Let λ be Lebesgue measure on a bounded, open, non-empty set in R2. Let W be the Gaussian process indexed by Borel sets with EW(A)=0 and EW(A)W(B)=λ(A ∩ B) (white noise).
Presidential Politicization and Centralization Across the Modern-Traditional Divide*

Conventional wisdom describes the "modern presidency" as an institution with more political authority and autonomy than its "traditional" nineteenth-century predecessor. A central claim is that since the rise of the modern executive establishment, presidents have had an incentive to "politicize" and "centralize" their authority within the executive branch. Examining three lesser-known pre-modern presidents, we argue that the tendency for presidents to politicize and centralize is neither distinctly modern nor particularly extraordinary. Rather, it is a fundamental presidential impulse that finds its roots in the ambiguous form of executive power in America.
Turning to Waheguru: Religious and Cultural Coping Mechanisms of Bereaved Sikhs.

Grief and loss are universal experiences for all individuals and communities. The experience of a loss due to death and the bereavement process to follow are influenced by an individual’s religious...
Obesity at diagnosis increases relapse rate and shortens time to relapse in breast cancer patients

21123 Objective: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in US women. One in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Obesity, one of the 10 leading US health indicators, is associ...
An analytic method for identifying dynamically formed runaway stars

In this paper, we study the 3-body products (two single stars and a binary) of binary-binary (2+2) scattering interactions. This is done using a combination of analytic methods and numerical simulations of 2+2 scattering interactions, both in isolation and in a homogeneous background potential. We derive analytically a simple formula relating the angle between the velocity vectors of the two ejected single stars and the orbital separation of the remaining binary. We compare our analytic formulation to numerical scattering simulations, and illustrate that the agreement is excellent, both in isolation and in a homogeneous background potential. Our results are ideally suited for application to the GAIA database, which is expected to identify many hundred runaway stars. The analytic relation presented here has the potential to identify runaway stars formed dynamically with high confidence. Finally, by applying our method to the runaways AE Aur and $\mu$ Col, we illustrate that it can be used to constrain the history of the background potential, which was denser than the presently observed density in the case of the Trapezium cluster.
Lessening the Burden of Familial Hypercholesterolemia Using Health Information Technology.

Despite advances in our understanding of heritable lipid disorders and the availability of highly effective lipid-lowering drugs, the awareness, detection, and control of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) remain suboptimal. 1 A major reason for the low detection rate in the United States is the lack of a widely accepted screening strategy, despite the recommendations for universal or targeted lipid screening by several expert panels. Although the use of universal lipid screening remains a matter of debate, cascade screening (a form of targeted screening of family members of affected individuals) is acknowledged as the most cost-effective screening strategy for FH. In the Netherlands >26 000 new cases were identified over 2 decades by genotyping family members of FH probands, and it is estimated that genetic cascade screening, coupled with statin therapy for diagnosed patients, could save $92 million per year in the European Union. 1 Several factors lead to the low rates of cascade screening for FH in the United States. First, no nationwide strategy for the early detection of FH exists. Second, the low acceptance of genetic testing for FH in the United States is an impediment to unambiguous diagnosis and cascade screening. Third, patients and family members are often concerned about the stigma associated with genetic diagnoses. Fourth, because of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, disclosing the risk of genetic disease to family members can incur liability, even if this knowledge leads to early detection and treatment. Fifth, …
Formation of a Highly Reactive Cobalt Nanocluster Crystal within a Highly Negatively Charged Porous Coordination Cage

Earth-abundant first-row transition-metal nanoclusters (NCs) have been extensively investigated as catalysts. However, their catalytic activity is relatively low compared with noble metal NCs. Enhanced catalytic activity of cobalt NCs can be achieved by encapsulating Co NCs in soluble porous coordination cages (PCCs). Two cages, PCC-2a and 2b, possess almost identical cavity in shape and size, while PCC-2a has five times more net charges than PCC-2b. Co2+ cations were accumulated in PCC-2a and reduced to ultra-small Co NCs in situ, while for PCC-2b, only bulky Co particles were formed. As a result, Co NCs@PCC-2a accomplished the highest catalytic activity in the hydrolysis of ammonium borane among all the first-row transition-metals NCs. Based on these results, it is envisioned that confining in the charged porous coordination cage could be a novel route for the synthesis of ultra-small NCs with extraordinary properties.
Intraoperative utilization of advanced imaging modalities in a complex kidney stone case: a pilot case study

Despite the increasing use of advanced 3D imaging techniques and 3D printing, these techniques have not yet been comprehensively compared in a surgical setting. The purpose of this study is to explore the effectiveness of five different advanced imaging modalities during a complex renal surgical procedure. A patient with a horseshoe kidney and multiple large, symptomatic stones that had failed Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) and ureteroscopy treatment was used for this evaluation. CT data were used to generate five different imaging modalities, including a 3D printed model, three different volume rendered models, and a geometric CAD model. A survey was used to evaluate the quality and breadth of the imaging modalities during four different phases of the laparoscopic procedure. In the case of a complex kidney procedure, the CAD model, 3D print, volume render on an autostereoscopic 3D display, interactive and basic volume render models demonstrated added insight and complemented the surgical procedure. CAD manual segmentation allowed tissue layers and/or kidney stones to be made colorful and semi-transparent, allowing easier navigation through abnormal vasculature. The 3D print allowed for simultaneous visualization of renal pelvis and surrounding vasculature. Our preliminary exploration indicates that various advanced imaging modalities, when properly utilized and supported during surgery, can be useful in complementing the CT data and laparoscopic display. This study suggests that various imaging modalities, such as ones utilized in this case, can be beneficial intraoperatively depending on the surgical step involved and may be more helpful than 3D printed models. We also present factors to consider when evaluating advanced imaging modalities during complex surgery.
ANALYSIS, DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING OF A TENSION CONTROLLED SKYLINE LOG-YARDING CARRIAGE

This paper describes a novel skyline yarding carriage invented and developed at the National Research Council’s engineering laboratories in Vancouver. A skyline system has advantages over other cab...
Thoughts on Constitutions: Occasioned by a Congress on Iceland’s Democracy

On June 3, 2017, a “Congress on Iceland’s Democracy” met in Berkeley—an outgrowth of a previous effort in Iceland to “crowd source” a new constitution. The citizens of Iceland had led their parliam...
Wide step width reduces knee abduction moment of obese adults during stair negotiation.

Abstract Purpose An increased likelihood of developing obesity-related knee osteoarthritis may be associated with increased peak internal knee abduction moments (KAbM). Increases in step width (SW) may act to reduce this moment. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of increased SW on knee biomechanics during stair negotiation of healthy-weight and obese participants. Methods Participants (24: 10 obese and 14 healthy-weight) used stairs and walked over level ground while walking at their preferred speed in two different SW conditions – preferred and wide (200% preferred). A 2 × 2 (group × condition) mixed model analysis of variance was performed to analyze differences between groups and conditions (p Results Increased SW increased the loading-response peak knee extension moment during descent and level gait, decreased loading-response KAbMs, knee extension and abduction range of motion (ROM) during ascent, and knee adduction ROM during descent. Increased SW increased loading-response peak mediolateral ground reaction force (GRF), increased peak knee abduction angle during ascent, and decreased peak knee adduction angle during descent and level gait. Obese participants experienced disproportionate changes in loading-response mediolateral GRF, KAbM and peak adduction angle during level walking, and peak knee abduction angle and ROM during ascent. Conclusion Increased SW successfully decreased loading-response peak KAbM. Implications of this finding are that increased SW may decrease medial compartment knee joint loading, decreasing pain and reducing joint deterioration. Increased SW influenced obese and healthy-weight participants differently and should be investigated further.
On Magnetic Relaxation in Spin Clusters

We summarize some of the significant features of the exotic behavior in the relaxation of molecular spin clusters and comment on aspects of some theories intended to account for observations. We point out that while the peaks in the relaxation rate and the hysteresis steps are connected with what may be termed “resonant transitions” at crossings of Zeeman levels, and are probably due to quantum tunneling, what is lacking is a direct confirmation through controllable parameters that are connected with theory. We discuss the need to match theoretical calculations with experimental conditions. This author and others have presented a theory for the hysteresis steps based upon quantum tunneling. However, the size of the observed steps far exceeds that predicted by theory. The results indicate that a combination of other fields - such as nuclear hyperfine fields, dipole fields, and anisotropy fields due to optical phonons - are important.
Deep lobe parotidectomy

Deep lobe parotidectomy (DLP) is a critical procedure to master for any head and neck oncologic surgeon. This procedure is indicated for any deep lobe malignancy, a superficial lobe malignancy with extension into the deep lobe, refractory inflammatory conditions, and the presence of metastatic disease within a superficial or periparotid lymph node. This article describes the relevant anatomy and steps required to perform a deep lobe parotidectomy with and without facial nerve sacrifice. In addition, the history of the procedure, patient work up, indications, and possible complications are discussed.
The Vertical Structure of Radiative Heating Rates: A Multimodel Evaluation Using A-Train Satellite Observations

AbstractWe assess the vertical distribution of radiative heating rates (RHRs) in climate models using a multimodel experiment and A-Train satellite observations, for the first time. As RHRs rely on...
The effects of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt on the diagnosis of hepatocellular cancer.

Background and aims Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) may be placed to treat complications of portal hypertension by creating a conduit between the hepatic and portal vein. The diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is typically made by multiphasic imaging studies demonstrating arterial enhancement with washout on arterial, portal venous, and delayed phase imaging. The aim of our study was to determine how the presence of TIPS would affect the imaging diagnosis of HCC. Methods This was a single-center electronic database review of all patients who underwent multiphasic imaging with MRI or CT scan for HCC screening between January 2000 and July 2017 and who were subsequently diagnosed with HCC. Data collected included patient demographics, liver disease characteristics including CPT score, MELD-Na, AFP, type of imaging, tumor stage, and lab values at the time of HCC diagnosis. The diagnosis of HCC was made using LI-RADS criteria on contrast-enhanced CT or MR imaging and confirmed by chart abstraction as documented by the treating clinician. Demographic and imaging characteristics for HCC patients with and without TIPS were compared. Results A total of 279 patients met eligibility criteria for the study, 37 (13.2%) of whom had TIPS placed prior to diagnosis of HCC. There was no significant difference in demographics or liver disease characteristics between patients with and without TIPS. Compared to cirrhotic patients with no TIPS prior to HCC diagnosis, patients with TIPS had significantly more scans with a longer duration of surveillance until HCC diagnosis. However, LI-RADS criteria and stage of HCC at diagnosis were not significantly different between both groups. There were no differences in outcomes including liver transplant and survival. Conclusion The presence of TIPS does not lead to a delayed diagnosis of HCC. It is associated, however, with greater duration of time from first scan to diagnosis of HCC.
On the material and material-adapted approaches to curve framing with applications in path estimation, shape reconstruction, and computer graphics

Abstract In this paper, we investigate an approach towards curve framing using material frames (MF). Motivated from the successful application of MF in shape sensing of rods in our previous work, we now present these frames as an alternative curve framing method. There are numerous instances of practical importance, where the dynamic system in consideration can be geometrically modeled by means of framed space curve. Unlike the Frenet-Serret and relatively parallel adapted frames (RPAF), the MF is conveniently defined in terms of the parameters associated with the system configuration. We detail the construction of the various material frames. We develop the relationships among the MF, Frenet frame, and the RPAF. We discuss the estimation of state space of the system from a limited set of material curvature and velocity data. In one of the approaches discussed, we obtain curvature-dependent shape functions to estimate the framed curve globally and discuss the errors associated with such estimations. We also describe the potential strengths of framed space curves in the reconstruction of slender structures, trajectory estimation of moving objects (like drone swarms), and in computer graphics. We do this by creating an analogy between the non-linear geometry of Cosserat beams and these applications.
Asian management of hypertension: Current status, home blood pressure, and specific concerns in Pakistan.

Hypertension has reached epidemic proportions in Pakistan, and cardiovascular disease accounts for half of all non-communicable diseases in the country. Although home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) is being used in Pakistan, it is not routine practice, and cost is a major barrier to uptake. Other barriers include a lack of awareness of the utility of HBPM among patients and physicians, low education literacy levels in the general population, variability of results obtained using HBPM due to the presence of a large number of non-validated monitors on the market, and a lack of awareness among physicians about the correct methodology for using HBPM. The Pakistan Hypertension League (PHL) does recommend use of a validated digital HBPM device for BP measurement. Recent data suggest that calcium channel blockers are the most commonly used antihypertensive agents, with s-blockers and angiotensin receptor blockers also widely used. Traditional medicine remains popular in Pakistan because it is more accessible, especially in rural areas, and is less expensive than conventional antihypertensives. The growing burden of hypertension and cardiovascular disease in Pakistan is compounded by the poor socioeconomic status of a fairly large proportion of the population, and lack of literacy and education. There is also a shortage of adequately trained medical personnel to take care of the increasing number of patients. The PHL and Pakistan Cardiac Society are working to increase awareness of hypertension at both the population and government levels.
Optical Data Stream Wavelength Conversion by a Dual-Active-Cavity Silicon Microring Wavelength Converter

Data wavelength conversion is demonstrated in coupled active silicon microring resonators with push-pull cavity modulation. A 4 Gbps NRZ signal is up/down-converted by 24GHz and 56GHz with respective conversion efficiencies of −13 and −18 dB.
Photo Sleuth: Identifying Historical Portraits with Face Recognition and Crowdsourced Human Expertise

Identifying people in historical photographs is important for preserving material culture, correcting the historical record, and creating economic value, but it is also a complex and challenging task. In this article, we focus on identifying portraits of soldiers who participated in the American Civil War (1861--65), the first widely photographed conflict. Many thousands of these portraits survive, but only 10%--20% are identified. We created Photo Sleuth, a web-based platform that combines crowdsourced human expertise and automated face recognition to support Civil War portrait identification. Our mixed-methods evaluations of Photo Sleuth one month and 11 months after its public launch showed that it helped users successfully identify unknown portraits and provided a sustainable model for volunteer contribution. We also discuss implications for crowd-AI interaction and person identification pipelines.
Design Optimization of a Novel Axial Flux Ferrite Magnet Assisted Synchronous Reluctance Motor

Ferrite magnets have become a potential replacement of rare earth magnets in electric motors because of its lower price and easier availability. For axial flux permanent magnet (AFPM) motors, the ferrite magnets are placed at the surface or inside the rotor which result in lower saliency and reluctance torque. However, the state-of-the-art flux barrier design coupled with distributed winding can generate a significant amount of reluctance torque for AFPMs. In this paper, a novel design optimization approach of an axial flux ferrite magnet assisted synchronous reluctance motor (AFFMa- SynRM) have been discussed. In this design, a novel symmetric "dog-bone" flux barrier structure along with a distributed winding has been utilized to generate higher reluctance torque. Based on the design equations and materials, an initial design of AFFMa-SynRM has been developed in 3-D finite element analysis (FEA). This model has further been optimized by utilizing a multi-objective optimization approach consisting of multivariate nonlinear regression analysis and Genetic Algorithm. After that, the performance of the optimized model has been compared to the initial model in terms of average torque and torque ripple of the motor. Finally, structural and demagnetization analyses have been conducted to check the performance of AFFMa-SynRM.
The nature buffer: The missing link in climate change and mental health research

The connections between climate change and mental health are well known (Berry et al., Int J Publ Health 55(2):123–132, 2010; Clayton and Manning 2018; Kim et al., J Environ Sci Health C 32(3):299–318, 2014). Research also points to the positive impacts of nature on mental health, well-being, and attention (Capaldi et al., Int J Wellbeing 5(4):1–16, 2015; Kaplan and Kaplan 1989; Tillmann et al., J Epidemiol Community Health 72(10):958–966, 2018). However, no empirical research has examined how degradation of nature as a result of climate change can impact the mental health benefits that nature provides. This paper first reviews the existing research on the negative mental health consequences of climate change and the benefits of nature exposure for stress, mental health, and well-being. The connection between these two lines of research is examined in order to fully understand the impacts of climate change on mental health. Suggestions for future research are included.
How Can Speech-Language Pathologists Think About Sensation During Swallowing Evaluation and Intervention?

Purpose Both the enjoyment of foods and safe swallowing revolve around incorporating multiple streams of sensory feedback to form a positive sensory experience; these include information about the ...
Deferring gender equality until the next generation: evidence of the persistence of postfeminist discourse in advertising

Through a textual analysis of award-winning femvertising, this article identifies and articulates the elements of an iteration of postfeminist discourse featuring children, which we refer to as the...
Asymptotic Statistical Analysis of Sparse Group LASSO via Approximate Message Passing.

Sparse Group LASSO (SGL) is a regularized model for high-dimensional linear regression problems with grouped covariates. SGL applies \(l_1\) and \(l_2\) penalties on the individual predictors and group predictors, respectively, to guarantee sparse effects both on the inter-group and within-group levels. In this paper, we apply the approximate message passing (AMP) algorithm to efficiently solve the SGL problem under Gaussian random designs. We further use the recently developed state evolution analysis of AMP to derive an asymptotically exact characterization of SGL solution. This allows us to conduct multiple fine-grained statistical analyses of SGL, through which we investigate the effects of the group information and \(\gamma \) (proportion of \(\ell _1\) penalty). With the lens of various performance measures, we show that SGL with small \(\gamma \) benefits significantly from the group information and can outperform other SGL (including LASSO) or regularized models which does not exploit the group information, in terms of the recovery rate of signal, false discovery rate and mean squared error.