cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Herman hollerith: data processing pioneer

A chronological sketch of Herman Hollerith's (1860–1929) personal life, inventions and business activities has been abstracted from a Drexel Institute Master's thesis which covers these subjects comprehensively. Two of the more important contentions supported by the thesis and mentioned here are that Dr. John Shaw Billings had little to do with the invention of the Hollerith system, and that, contrary to rumor, Hollerith was a successful business man who pioneered in the marketing of punched card systems in the United States and abroad before he sold his business to Computer-Tabulating-Recording Company, which later became International Business Machines Company (IBM). Hollerith is a pioneer in information science because he invented the first machine for automated selective sorting; he developed a means of translating English words and census-takers' checkmarks into machine-readable language; he used the two now-classic means of organizing machine-readable files, for random (direct) access and serial access; and he developed some still-used methods for checking errors within card decks. His machine techniques were easily understood, highly effective, efficient, and enduring.
Data recovery during two-dimensional readout of optical tape

Optical tape offers the greatest volumetric storage density of any commercially available storage medium, and thus is a cost effective alternative to traditional forms of archival storage. Traditional optical tape mechanisms read a 1D line of data marks. We propose a 2D read-out mechanism that can improve the data transfer rate of optical tape systems to meet future demands. However, such a mechanism relies on a CCD array for retrieving an image of data bits stored on the tape. In order to recover the binary data, some processing of the image data must be performed, which should not be detrimental to the throughput of the system. We have experimented with two data recovery techniques, one based on image processing and one on an artificial neural network. We describe an experimental set up of the read-out head in our laboratory for obtaining data that are then processed by the two data recovery methods. Our results show that the neural network performs better in almost every case. The resulting RBERs indicate that with the expected improvements in the hardware of the read-out mechanism any errors in the array of bits will be corrected by the error control process.
The welfare economics of optional seasonal time-of-day electricity tariffs

Abstract Presenting optional time-of-day (TOD) and non-TOD tariffs to a heterogeneous group of customers will result in some customers choosing each tariff when it is not desirable for them to do so from the standpoint of welfare economics. Further, continual upward repricing of the non-TOD tariff may eventually drive virtually all customers to the TOD tariff even when it is not desirable. Current research indicates that TOD tariffs will be of net benefit for only the larger customers in the residential and commercial classes. Thus, optional TOD tariffs should be limited to these customers and be part of a mandatory TOD tariff plan for such customers.
Survival of Francisella tularensis Type A in brackish-water

Martha’s Vineyard (MV), Massachusetts has been the location of two outbreaks of pneumonic tularemia; landscaping activities have been associated with risk, suggesting environmental inhalation exposure. We determined whether salinity or other components of brackish-water present in a location with endemic tularemia may prolong survival of F. tularensis. In addition, we demonstrate for the first time that F. tularensis Type A appears similar to Type B with respect to environmental stability. The results of this study suggest an explanation for why MV is the site of pneumonic tularemia transmission as opposed to sites in the southcentral USA, where tularemia is more commonly reported: Bacteria may be more prone to surviving in salt-influenced soil or moisture in the island setting.
A study of serum and spinal fluid calcium and magnesium in normal humans.

Abstract Preliminary data have been presented on normal serum for calcium and magnesium in nonfasting and fasting states, and on normal cerebrospinal fluid for calcium and magnesium values in fasting individuals. The variation of concentrations of these two ions in serum and in cerebrospinal fluid is comparatively small. The concentration of calcium is much less in the cerebrospinal fluid than it is in the serum, whereas the concentration of magnesium is greater in the cerebrospinal fluid than it is in the serum. The method of Simonsen (7) for the determination of serum magnesium is applicable to the determination of cerebrospinal fluid magnesium.
Data sharing and access protection in Business System 12

Abstract In a relational database system, a number of concurrent users execute queries for Read and Update on shared data tuples. Domains are used to ensure data integrity. At data creation time for each column of a tuple set, a set of rules that data must satisfy before they are stored in the database, can be specified by the user. This set of rules is called a Domain. The User Sharing and Authority features of the system are discussed in detail, showing the flexibility for the end user to grant and retract sharing to other users and applications, as well as the several levels of control of updatability of shared sets of tuples and Relational Views on sets of tuples. In addition, further facilities for access control on top of the sharing functions are explained. These are the Trap-, and the Passwords on tuple sets-, facilities which are available to end users or applications.
Development of Fabric Sintering/Compaction Process to Produce Porous UHMW Polyethylene Composites

Implants based on solid (nonporous) Ultra High Molecular Weight (UHMW) polyethylene have serious disadvantages such as generation of fine polymer particles, because of the lack of internal natural lubricant inside the implant body. A novel family of porous multilayer composites based on Ultra High Molecular Weight (UHMW) polyethylene commercial fabrics has been developed. These composites are produced using a compaction/sintering process with a compression molding technique. The developed porous materials have much higher tensile strength than solid (nonporous) UHMW polyethylene materials.
Hepatic Steatosis, Fibrosis, and Cancer in Elderly Cadavers

The incidence of hepatic steatosis, fibrosis, and cancer in the elderly population remains unknown. Human cadavers used in anatomy teaching, which come largely from older adults, may provide liver tissue for examining their pathologies. Livers were obtained from 68 cadavers (mean age 82.1 ± 10.4 years) with diverse causes of death in the Anatomy course at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Paraffin sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Sirius red and evaluated for steatosis, fibrosis, cancer, and lipofuscin. Tissue preservation was graded as good in 38.2% of the embalmed livers, fair in 36.7%, and poor in 25.0%. Steatosis was observed in 35.3% of the livers, central vein fibrosis in 49.2%, perisinusoidal fibrosis in 63.2%, portal tract (PT) fibrosis in 47.0%, septa formation in 44.1%, bridging fibrosis in 30.8%, and cirrhosis in 4.4%. One hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and six metastatic tumors were detected. Lobular inflammation occurred in 20.8% of the livers and PT inflammation in 38.8%. Nine livers showed minimal change. Lipofuscin was detected in 60.2% of the livers. Steatosis, fibrosis, and cancer are highly prevalent in elderly cadavers with diverse causes of death. The prevalence of steatosis and fibrosis is consistent with the data in patients with specific liver diseases. Steatosis alongside fibrosis can accelerate the progression of fibrosis to cirrhosis and ultimately HCC. Though not indicated as the primary cause of death, the liver injury may have compromised hepatic functions and enhanced disease susceptibility, thereby exacerbating the health conditions in this elderly population.
Expression of Wnt10a in the Central Nervous System of Developing Zebrafish

A polymerase chain reaction-derived clone with sequence homology to partial-length shark and salamander Wnt-10a was used to screen a zebrafish cDNA library, yielding a cDNA encoding a full-length Wnt polypeptide. Transcripts encoding zebrafish wnt10a are first detected during the segmentation period of embryogenesis, at a time when there is extensive development and differentiation of the central nervous system. wnt10a transcripts are confined to differentiating brain regions, with expression first appearing diffusely in the floor of the hindbrain ventricle and proceeding anteriorly to the mid- and forebrain. Comparatively, zebrafish wnt1 transcripts are expressed in a stripe at the future midbrain-hindbrain boundary and at the future forebrain-midbrain border. With the differentiation of the neural tube into distinct regions, wnt1 signals are also detected along the dorsal midline of the midbrain, the mid- and posterior hindbrain, and the spinal cord. These patterns suggest roles for wnt10a in the regionalization of the brain.
Low-energy internal cardioversion for atrial fibrillation resistant to external cardioversion.

UNLABELLED Internal Cardioversion. INTRODUCTION This report describes the electrical conversion of atrial fibrillation in two morbidly obese patients refractory to external cardioversion at 360 J. METHODS AND RESULTS The two patients were lightly sedated and underwent placement of decapolar catheters in the coronary sinus and right atrial appendage. All ten electrodes of each decapolar catheter were electrically coupled, and defibrillation was attempted at successively increasing levels using a biphasic decaying exponential waveform generated by an external defibrillator. Both patients were returned to normal sinus rhythm using < or = 10 J without complication. CONCLUSION Internal cardioversion is effective in restoration of sinus rhythm in some patients refractory to conventional forms of therapy.
Medical student psychiatric educators' perceptions of supports, resources, and rewards.

The primary purpose of this study was to determine the adequacy of resources for medical student education in psychiatry in US medical schools. An e-questionnaire was deployed to psychiatric educators in the Association of the Directors of Medical Student Education in Psychiatry (ADMSEP) regarding resources for fulfilling their educational mission. Medical student educators in psychiatry were neutral as to whether they had adequate mentoring, yet did report support from their chair. Participants’ roles in medical student education and membership in ADMSEP enhanced their work satisfaction, career satisfaction, and career development. Many participants reflected a lack of adequate resources to achieve student education goals. There are opportunities for improvement in provision of teaching resources, mentoring for medical student educators, greater protected time for teaching and administration, and rewards (salary and non-monetary) for educators. If actualized, these improvements would promote optimization of medical student education in psychiatry.
Safety evaluation of sinus surfactant solution on respiratory cilia function.

Background: A common complaint of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is thickened inspissated nasal secretions and concomitant postnasal drip. Recently, the use of diluted, baby shampoo demonstrated modest improvement in these complaints. Removal of hair-specific ingredients, such as thickeners and fragrances, and addition of a humectant and optimization of mucoactive ingredients generated a topical surfactant solution designed for sinonasal use. This study evaluates the safety of this solution on respiratory cilia function. Methods: Murine nasal explants as well as murine nasal air-liquid interface cultures were tested. Using high-speed video microscopy, baseline ciliary beat frequency (CBF) was established, followed by addition of the surfactant solution. CBF was recorded every 30 seconds for 15 minutes. Results: Sinonasal surfactant solution diluted in bicarbonate buffered saline resulted in a transient increase of CBF in murine explants and mature epithelial cultures with no evidence of toxicity on respiratory cilia over the 15 minutes. Conclusion: Respiratory mucosal explants and air-liquid interface cultures demonstrate robust ciliary beating and represent 2 model systems for screening topical agents for ciliotoxicity. In both systems, application of a novel sinonasal surfactant solution diluted in bicarbonate buffered saline was not ciliotoxic to respiratory epithelium over a 15-minute period. © 2011 ARS-AAOA, LLC.
Identifying habitat linkages to maintain connectivity for corridor dwellers in a fragmented landscape

ABSTRACT Anthropogenic habitat fragmentation typically precedes conservation planning; maintaining remaining linkages among core habitat areas can thus become a key conservation objective. Identifying linkages for dispersal and ensuring those linkages have long-term protection and management are challenging tasks for wildlife managers. These tasks can be especially daunting for smaller species with low mobility, termed corridor dwellers, which must maintain sustainable populations within corridors. Between May 2007 and June 2009, we collected occurrence locations for a corridor dweller, the Palm Springs pocket mouse (Perognathus longimembris bangsii), from museums, previous research, and our own field sampling. We used those data to model their suitable niche space and then identify suitable linkages between proposed conservation areas. We used a partitioned Mahalanobis D2 statistic to create a spatially explicit niche model describing the distribution of a suitable niche space, and we validated the model...
SUBSTRATE STRUCTURE AND AMINO ACID/K + SYMPORT IN BRUSH-BORDER MEMBRANE VESICLES FROM LARVAL MANDUCA SEXTA MIDGUT

The effects of amino acid sidechain length, substituent position and c chirality on amino acid/K+ symport have been examined in rapid filtration experiments on brush-border membrane vesicles prepared from larval Manduca sexta midgut. Cis-inhibition and trans-stimulation protocols were used to examine the effects of amino acid analogs on the uptake of alanine, phenylalanine, leucine and lysine, which are cotransported with K+ by a zwitterionic symporter at the high pH characteristic of the midgut in vivo. The symporter was found to translocate both L- and D-stereoisomers of alanine, leucine and lysine, but only the L-form of phenylalanine. Alterations to substrate structure that leave the charge distribution unchanged do not affect symport. Thus, moving the methyl group from C-3 to C-5 in the sequence isoleucine, leucine and norleucine has no effect on their ability to inhibit leucine symport. Increasing sidechain length among alanine homologs has little effect on their ability to inhibit alanine uptake, but increasing the sidechain length of lysine homologs from 1 to 3 methylene groups enhances cis-inhibition and trans-stimulation of lysine symport. The substantial difference in molecular charge distribution among aminobutanoic acid isomers has a large impact on alanine symport with only alpha- (or 2-) aminobutanoic acid functioning as an alanine analog. Only those changes in substrate structure that are coupled to the molecular charge distribution seem to affect symport. The tolerance of the symporter may reflect a balance mandated by the conflicting demands of selectivity and throughput.
ON THE POWER OF FINANCE CAPITAL OVER CITISES: A REJOINER TO THE POLITICAL POWER OF FINANCE AND CAPITAL AND URBAN FISCAL CRISES: CLEVELAND'S DEFAULT, 1978

: The banks precipitated Cleveland's 1978 default for political reasons. Default, however, was not the result of a struggle between the capitalist class, led by finance capital, and a working class, led by populist Mayor Dennis Kucinich. Instead, each side represented class factions. Moreover, the power by the banks through their control over credit WBS limited. Kucinich's experiment in urban populism ended primarily because he failed to organize a broad coalition and made key errors in political strategy. In addition, the Cleveland example of banks blackmailing a city administration by threatening to withdraw credit is not broadly generalizable because most cities do not rely on banks for their lending needs. Those who are interested in progressive urban policies must focus more on the ways that economic constraints on city decisionmaking are filtered by political variables.
Collaboration is required for successful immunotherapy

Comment on Zhou et al, page [3251][1] In this issue of Blood, Zhou and colleagues demonstrate that the coordinate activation of both innate and adaptive immunity and the limitation of regulatory T cells in mice immunized with a DNA vaccine enhance the ability of the host immune system to control
Modeling the Relationships Between Macro Forms of Social Control

The last decade has witnessed a plethora of macro studies of various forms of social control ranging from lynching to hospitalization. Unfortunately, these specific areas of research tend to be isolated from each other and do not constitute a recognizable literature. This paper shifts the focus of study from substantive forms of social control to theoretical issues that cut across them. One such issue is the relationship between forms of social control. First, the paper explicates this issue. Second, the paper reviews and critiques three specific research literatures on the relationships between various forms of social control that are isolated from each other although they bear on the same theoretical questions. Third, the paper argues that bivariate relationships between forms of social control are not meaningful theoretically in that they are not clearly derived from general theories of social control. Fourth, the paper argues that we should focus on the causal processes and structures that underlie the relationships between forms of social control and explicate their implications for these relationships.
Regeneration of transplanted chelae in two species of fiddler crabs (Uca pugilator and Uca pugnax)

The extensor muscle and chela of unoperated and transplanted regenerated limbs from two species of Uca were examined to test the theory of neurotrophic control on crustacean muscle. Initially, tuberculation patterns, sensory hair number, and claw shape of the transplanted regenerated limb resembled those of the donor. Sarcomere lengths were donorlike except when the transplant was from male to female. Eventually the transplanted regenerated limb acquired some recipientlike features, although the claw shape and sarcomere length measurements of secondary regenerates resembled those of the donor. Because of these findings, it is no longer possible to hypothesize that innervation alone controls the growth and differentiation of muscle.
Angiotensin II type 2 receptor-coupled nitric oxide production modulates free radical availability and voltage-gated Ca2+ currents in NTS neurons

The medial region of the nucleus tractus solitarius (mNTS) is a key brain stem site controlling cardiovascular function, wherein ANG II modulates neuronal L-type Ca(2+) currents via activation of ANG II type 1 receptors (AT(1)R) and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ANG II type 2 receptors (AT(2)R) induce production of nitric oxide (NO), which may interact with ROS and modulate AT(1)R signaling. We sought to determine whether AT(2)R-mediated NO production occurs in mNTS neurons and, if so, to elucidate the NO source and the functional interaction with AT(1)R-induced ROS or Ca(2+) influx. Electron microscopic (EM) immunolabeling showed that AT(2)R and neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) are coexpressed in neuronal somata and dendrites receiving synapses in the mNTS. In the presence of the AT(1)R antagonist losartan, ANG II increased NO production in isolated mNTS neurons, an effect blocked by the AT(2)R antagonist PD123319, but not the angiotensin (1-7) antagonist D-Ala. Studies in mNTS neurons of nNOS-null or endothelial NOS (eNOS)-null mice established nNOS as the source of NO. ANG II-induced ROS production was enhanced by PD123319, the NOS inhibitor N(G)-nitro-l-arginine (LNNA), or in nNOS-null mice. Moreover, in the presence of losartan, ANG II reduced voltage-gated L-type Ca(2+) current, an effect blocked by PD123319 or LNNA. We conclude that AT(2)R are closely associated and functionally coupled with nNOS in mNTS neurons. The resulting NO production antagonizes AT(1)R-mediated ROS and dampens L-type Ca(2+) currents. The ensuing signaling changes in the NTS may counteract the deleterious effects of AT(1)R on cardiovascular function.
A Review of: “Ganor, Boaz. The Counter-Terrorism Puzzle: A Guide for Decision Makers”

This is a valuable book about a vital topic. The subtitle suggests that the Israeli analyst Boaz Ganor wrote it with a limited audience in mind, i.e., those government officials around the world re...
Autonomous Ground Vehicle Navigation Using Integrated GPS and Laser-scanner Measurements

This paper describes the design, analysis and testing of a navigation system based on combined GPS and laser-scanner measurements. Using carrier phase differential GPS, centimeter- level positioning of autonomous ground vehicles (AGVs) is achievable. However, GPS signals are easily attenuated or blocked, so their use is generally restricted to open-sky areas. In response, in this work we augment GPS with two-dimensional laser-scanner measurements. The latter are available when GPS is not, and provide in addition, a means for obstacle detection. Laser measurements are processed using a Simultaneous Localization And Mapping (SLAM) procedure. Vehicle and landmark position estimation is performed simultaneously using an extended Kalman filter; we address the data association problem, which establishes correspondences between consecutive sets of measurements and a continuously updated map of landmarks. The resulting laser-based SLAM solution is carefully analyzed by identifying and isolating the individual effects of the joint angular and ranging measurements, the combination of measurements from multiple landmarks, the correlation between vehicle and landmark position estimates, and the uncertainty on the vehicle's heading angle. A detailed covariance analysis is then carried out in order to quantify the sensitivity of the vehicle's position estimate error to the vehicle's velocity, the landmark geometry, and the laser's range limit. Further sensitivity analyses are structured around two scenarios: first, a 'forest scenario' where the vehicle roves across a GPS-unavailable area using tree trunks as landmarks in order to maintain a precise position estimate; second, an 'urban canyon' scenario describing how we can make use of GPS signals that alone are too few to generate a position fix, by utilizing additional laser measurements to buildings' edges. Finally, experimental results using a prototype AGV are presented to validate the navigation system performance. I. INTRODUCTION This paper describes the design, analysis and testing of a navigation system based on combined Global Positioning System (GPS) and laser-scanner measurements. In order to fully exploit the complementary properties of the two sensors, their measurements are integrated in the range domain. The performance of the resulting positioning and mapping algorithm exceeds that of position-domain integration, especially in places such as urban canyons, where fewer than four GPS satellite signals are available. The algorithm presented in this work is intended to be used on an outdoor autonomous ground vehicle (AGV). AGVs can
Second‐Order Renormalization and Phase Stability in Strontium Titanate

The temperature dependence of the transverse optic (T.O.) mode with wave number k ∼ 0, and of its contribution to the electric susceptibility, is discussed both in zero and in finite field, in terms of the renormalization of a Hamiltonian proposed by SILVERMAN and JOSEPH. The renormalization proceeds in two steps: (a) a canonical transformation is introduced which removes linear terms and also quadratic and cubic terms nondiagonal in the normal mode coordinates for which k > 0; (b) a thermal average is made of quartic terms proportional to the square of the ferroelectric mode frequency, giving rise to an effective frequency which depends on temperature. In zero field, it is shown that the contributions of T. O. modes to the renormalized frequency become large at low-temperature, preventing this frequency from vanishing at any temperature, and thus rendering impossible a ferroelectric transition. In finite field of sufficient magnitude the optical branch frequencies are all raised, reducing their stabilizing effect. It is shown that if the stabilization is reduced sufficiently, there will exist two phases of which one is metastable, has a ferroelectric mode frequency which vanishes, and is capable of two opposed states of polarization. The second phase is stable, with a frequency which does not vanish and a susceptibility which exhibits a maximum independently of the properties of the first phase. Such a maximum has been observed by HEGENBARTH.
Within-mouth correlations and reliabilities for probing depth and attachment level.

Replicate measurements of probing depth and attachment level were made by three examiners on the six Ramfjord teeth of 34 patients. Within-mouth correlations were high for single measurements, and yet higher for means across replicate measurements. Interand intra-examiner variability were both found to be low relative to between-patient variability. Conclusions are that the low within-mouth correlations reported by others may be the result of poor reliability, and that it is inappropriate to take the individual site as the unit of statistical analysis in clinical studies of periodontitis.
Association between Physician Trainee Self-Assessments in Discussing Religion and Spirituality and Their Patients' Reports

Abstract Background: Effective physician communication at the end-of-life is a cornerstone to providing patient-centered palliative care. Educational programs in physician communication often rely on self-assessments of physician knowledge and attitudes and seldom provide patients' reports. Thus, it is unclear whether physician self-assessments are associated with patient perspectives. Objective: To determine whether physician trainees' self-assessments of their communication skills in religious/spiritual discussions were associated with assessments obtained from patients under their care. Design: Prospective, observational, survey-based study of internal medicine trainees' self-assessments matched with their patients' reports. Data were obtained from preintervention surveys prior to the trainees participating in a communication educational intervention. Setting and subjects: The study took place at two internal medicine training programs, one in the southeastern United States and one in the northwestern ...
Effective Ice Particle Densities Derived from Aircraft Data

Abstract In this study, aircraft data are used to derive effective ice particle densities. This density is defined as the ice particle mass divided by the volume of an equivalent diameter sphere. Measured ice particle size distributions and total ice water contents are used to derive effective ice densities for ice particle populations (ρe) as a function of particle size [ρe(D)]. The density values are critical for modeling and remote sensing applications. The method uses particle size distributions (PSDs) measured by several particle spectrometers to compute the total particle volume per unit volume of air, assuming that the particles are spheres. Simultaneous direct measurements of ice water content from a counterflow virtual impactor (CVI) yield values for the number of grams of ice per unit volume of air, enabling the overall effective ice density for a population to be calculated. The measured PSD together with the CVI measurements are used to derive mass–dimension relationships. The methods are appl...
Another look at college student’s ratings of course quality: data from Penn State student surveys in three settings

This study assessed the relationships of student attributes, course characteristics and course outcomes to college students’ ratings of course quality in three types of settings. The analysis utilised data from online surveys of samples of college students conducted in 2011 and 2012 at the Pennsylvania State University. Included in the analysis were: (1) 1805 students at the main campus; (2) 1453 students at 19 smaller satellite campus locations of the university scattered across the state; and (3) 522 students participating in online degree programmes through Penn State’s World Campus. Students were asked to rate the quality of instruction they received in a randomly selected course in which they had been enrolled during the previous semester, and to respond to a number of questions about the course, the instructor’s behaviour and themselves. The relationships of these factors to how students rated the course were assessed for subjects in the three study settings. In all three settings, student and cours...
Unusual Source of Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Pancreatic transplant pseudoaneurysm is a rare but important cause of lower gastrointestinal bleeding, best diagnosed on angiogram and treated interventionally. In those with enteric-drained allografts, a pseudoaneurysm of the arterial Y graft may fistulize with the donor duodenum, then bleed through the bowel anastamosis. Journal of Nature and Science, 1(4):e73, 2015
Software Coherence Management on Non-coherent Cache Multi-cores

The design complexity and power consumption of hardware cache coherence logic increase considerably with the increase in number of cores. Although skipping coherence can simplify hardware and make it more power-efficient, programming becomes more challenging as programmers have to manually insert DMA instructions to ensure that there is coherence of shared data between cores. To reduce the burden of parallel programming, we propose program transformations and a runtime library that will enable correct execution of data-race-free multi-threaded programs. Our scheme manages coherence at byte granularity rather than conventional page-granularity. We further optimize the performance by introducing the concept of private write notice for each core and combining write notices in our coherence implementation. Experimental results of running multi-threaded signal processing benchmarks on the 8-core non-cache coherent Texas Instruments processor TMS320C6678 demonstrates that our technique achieves 12X performance improvement over naive scheme of disabling caches, and 2X performance improvement over the state-of-art technique.
Nanorod Self-Assembly for Tuning Optical Absorption

Metallic nanoparticles that absorb and concentrate light are leading to greater efficiencies in nanophotonic devices. By confining gold nanorods (Au NRs) in a polymer film, we can control their spacing and orientation and, in turn, the absorption and polarization characteristics of the nanocomposite. In this study, we systematically increase the volume fraction of Au NRs (ϕrod) (aspect ratio ν = 3.3) while maintaining a uniform dispersion. As ϕrod increases from 1 to 16 vol %, the spacing between rods decreases from 120 to 20 nm and scales as ϕrod−0.4. Simultaneously, the local 2D orientational order parameter increases linearly with ϕrod, although the rods are globally isotropic. The Au NR dispersion is found to depend on the enthalpic interactions between poly(ethylene glycol) brush grafted to the Au NRs and the poly(methyl methacrylate) matrix chains. Furthermore, the plasmon resonance exhibits a red shift with increasing ϕrod, and coupling is observed for separations up to 70 nm. Because NR spacing an...
How to Find Minimum-Fuel Controllers

p-variants of the L 1 -norm of the control and not the popular quadratic forms. The penalty for not using the L 1 -norm is signiflcantly more propellant consumption and undesirable continuous thrusting. An illustrative double-integrator problem is used to demonstrate that the fuel penalty incurred for using quadratic costs is at least 18% and could be as high as 50%. Techniques for solving the nonsmooth L 1 -optimal control problem for nonlinear dynamical systems are discussed. An example low-thrust orbit transfer problem is formulated and solved to illustrate the techniques.
Cancer Pain Management: Strategies for Safe and Effective Opioid Prescribing

Although controversial in recent years, the use of opioid analgesics is a fundamental component of the management of patients with malignant pain. Decisions about whether to initiate opioid therapy require comprehensive patient assessment and a great deal of compassion, with an eye toward achieving a safety balance among patients, prescribers, and the community. At the NCCN 21st Annual Conference, Judith Paice, PhD, RN, reviewed the basics of pain assessment, the dangers of undertreatment and overtreatment, goals of pain management, and practical strategies for navigating through the continuum of pain and substance abuse.
CRÍTICA DE ARTE APÓS O FIM DA ARTE

Por volta da metade do ano de 1984, eu publiquei um ensaio intitulado “O Fim da Arte”. Em outubro deste mesmo ano, comecei uma carreira como critico de arte publicando meu primeiro trabalho na revista The Nation . Por vezes tem sido expressa uma visao de que se o fim da arte chegou mesmo, nao deve haver mais nada sobre o que escrever critica de arte, de modo que minha nova pratica estava de algum modo inconsistente com a tese de meu ensaio. Contudo, nunca foi parte de minha tese dizer que a arte deixaria de ser feita — eu nao tinha proclamado a morte da arte!
E-Cigarettes and Future Cigarette Use

BACKGROUND: There has been little research examining whether e-cigarette use increases the risk of cigarette initiation among adolescents in the transition to adulthood when the sale of cigarettes becomes legal. METHODS: The Children’s Health Study is a prospectively followed cohort in Southern California. Data on e-cigarette use were collected in 11th and 12th grade (mean age = 17.4); follow-up data on tobacco product use were collected an average of 16 months later from never-smoking e-cigarette users at initial evaluation ( n = 146) and from a sample of never-smoking, never e-cigarette users ( n = 152) frequency matched to e-cigarette users on gender, ethnicity, and grade. RESULTS: Cigarette initiation during follow-up was reported by 40.4% of e-cigarette users ( n = 59) and 10.5% of never users ( n = 16). E-cigarette users had 6.17 times (95% confidence interval: 3.30–11.6) the odds of initiating cigarettes as never e-cigarette users. Results were robust to adjustment for potential confounders and in analyses restricted to never users of any combustible tobacco product. Associations were stronger in adolescents with no intention of smoking at initial evaluation. E-cigarette users were also more likely to initiate use of any combustible product (odds ratio = 4.98; 95% confidence interval: 2.37–10.4), including hookah, cigars, or pipes. CONCLUSIONS: E-cigarette use in never-smoking youth may increase risk of subsequent initiation of cigarettes and other combustible products during the transition to adulthood when the purchase of tobacco products becomes legal. Stronger associations in participants with no intention of smoking suggests that e-cigarette use was not simply a marker for individuals who would have gone on to smoke regardless of e-cigarette use.
Effects of Homogenization on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of a ZE20 Mg Alloy Processed by Indirect Extrusion

The effects of billet homogenization on final grain size, texture, and mechanical properties after indirect extrusion of a ZE20 magnesium (Mg) alloy were studied. Using a laboratory scale indirect extrusion process, both as-cast, and homogenized ZE20 billets were extruded into solid rods with an extrusion ratio of 25, at 454°C and at several ram speeds. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) was used to characterize texture and grain size of the extruded material. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was used to characterize the effect of homogenization on elemental segregation. To determine the effects of homogenization and extrusion on mechanical properties, tension and compression tests were performed at room temperature and quasi-static test conditions. In tension, the homogenized extruded material exhibited a 29% elongation to failure, a 5% increase over the as-cast extruded material that obtained a 24% elongation to failure. The texture of the homogenized extruded material was also significantly weaker than that of the as-cast extruded materials.
Rules of the road: A qualitative and quantitative synthesis of large wood transport through drainage networks

Abstract To effectively manage wood in rivers, we need a better understanding of wood mobility within river networks. Here, we review primarily field-based (and some numerical) studies of wood transport. We distinguish small, medium, large, and great rivers based on wood piece dimensions relative to channel and flow dimensions and dominant controls on wood transport. We suggest further identification and designation of wood transport regimes as a useful way to characterize spatial-temporal network heterogeneity and to conceptualize the primary controls on wood mobility in diverse river segments. We draw analogies between wood and bedload transport, including distinguishing Eulerian and Lagrangian approaches, exploring transport capacity, and quantifying thresholds of wood mobility. We identify mobility envelopes for remobilization of wood with relation to increasing peak discharges, stream size, and dimensionless log lengths. Wood transport in natural channels exhibits high spatial and temporal variability, with discontinuities along the channel network at bankfull flow and when log lengths equal channel widths. Although median mobilization rates increase with increasing channel size, maximum mobilization rates are greatest in medium-sized channels. Most wood is transported during relatively infrequent high flows, but flows under bankfull can transport up to 30% of stored wood. We use conceptual models of dynamic equilibrium of wood in storage and of spiralling wood transport paths through drainage networks, as well as a metaphor of traffic on a road, to explore discontinuous wood movement through a river network. The primary limitations to describing wood transport are inappropriate time scales of observation and lack of sufficient data on mobility from diverse rivers. Improving models of wood flux requires better characterization of average step lengths within the lifetime travel path of a piece of wood. We suggest that future studies focus on: (i) continuous or high-frequency monitoring of wood mobility; (ii) monitoring changes in wood storage; (iii) using wood characteristics to fingerprint wood sources; (iv) quantifying volumes of wood buried within river corridors; (v) obtaining existing or new data from unconventional sources, such as citizen science initiatives, and (vi) creating online interactive data platforms to facilitate data synthesis.
Two meter solar UAV: Design approach and performance prediction for autonomous sensing applications

This work focuses on the design and predicted performance of a two meter wingspan solar powered unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Such a platform would be ideal for distributed robotics applications because it combines the portability and deployment simplicity of a small airframe with the long flight time of a solar UAV. Methods to design and predict properties of a two meter solar UAV are described including airframe type selection, mass estimation, and propulsion requirements. A simplified approach to predict flight time is presented as well as an improved metric for quantifying multiday flight robustness. Maximum flight time for the two meter airframe considered is estimated to be greater than ten hours which is an order of magnitude improvement over reported commercially available options. In terms of multi-day flight capability, total mass is predicted to be within the bounds of a realizable aircraft based on extrapolation from larger experimentally tested multi-day solar UAVs.
Optimistic bias and the consistency of hurricane track forecasts

Forecast graphics depicting a hurricane track and uncertainty cone have become pervasive in the communication of hurricane risk. This study examined whether the effect of hurricane tracks on risk perception is influenced by the consistency and optimistic bias. Specifically, it focused on the differences between forecasts that remain consistent compared to those that veer away for a forecast period. To answer the research question, this study conducted online surveys in which respondents from two coastal universities were asked risk perception questions based on a series of forecast graphics. Other variables measured included dispositional optimism, general hurricane risk perception, and hurricane information use. Optimistic bias was calculated from two of the risk perception questions. Results did not indicate strong support for an influence of optimistic bias or changing forecast track on risk perception. There was limited evidence that a veering track scenario may lead to differences in risk judgments about another location, but most measures of personal risk estimation were not influenced by the track. Dispositional optimism was not related to optimistic bias or many of the risk perception variables tested, including general hurricane risk perception. There did appear to be an interaction between track scenario and optimistic bias with more relationships being significant among those who received the consistent track scenario.
Obstetric practice patterns in pregnancies complicated by fetal trisomy 13 or 18.

AbstractPurpose: Describe practice patterns among obstetrician/gynecologists (OB/GYNs) when caring for women with pregnancy complicated by fetal trisomy 13 (T13) or 18 (T18) and compare these between maternal–fetal medicine (MFM) and non-MFM providers.Materials and methods: We conducted an electronic survey using the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists database. Using simple statistics, we describe demographics and practice patterns among respondents and compare those of MFM practitioners with non-MFM providers.Results: The survey was sent to 300 individuals, 161 individuals verified email receipt, and 105 had complete response and were included. The median age was 58 (IQR 53,62). Sixty percent were female, 69% were private practice, and 38% were MFM. All providers were more likely to offer than to recommend antenatal and intrapartum interventions. MFMs were more likely to offer growth ultrasounds and neonatal hospice consults (53% vs. 29%, p = .02; 88% vs. 60%, p < .01). During labor, MFM...
Outcomes of Abdominal Surgery in Patients With Mechanical Ventricular Assist Devices: A Multi-institutional Study.

Objective:The aim of this study was to examine the outcomes of elective and emergent abdominal operations performed in end-stage heart failure patients supported with ventricular assist devices (VADs).Summary of Background Data:With the growing volume of end-stage heart failure patients receiving VA
Perceived Benefits and Challenges of a Multiethnic-Racial Identity: Insight From Adults With Mixed Heritage

The purpose of this inquiry was to explore the lived experiences of multiethnic-racial individuals (i.e., individuals with parents from different ethnic-racial groups). In-depth interviews were con...
Bud-sex, Dude-sex, and Heteroflexible Men: The Relationship between Straight Identification and Social Attitudes in a Nationally Representative Sample of Men with Same-sex Attractions or Sexual Practices:

We examine the relationship between straight identification and nonsexual social factors among men who are attracted to men and/or have had two or more male sexual partners. All data come from the ...
Impact of PET/CT in the evaluation of IgG4-related autoimmune disease

1255 Learning Objectives 1. To present the positive PET findings contributing to the diagnosis of IgG4-related sclerosing disease. 2. To highlight the impact of PET/CT in the biopsy guidance of IgG4-related lesions. 3. To show the usefulness of PET/CT in the monitoring of the corticosteroid therapy. IgG4-related autoimmune disease is characterized by lesions with lymphoplasmacytic infiltrative fibrosis. Also known as autoimmune pancreatitis due to the originally reported pancreatic involvement, this disorder also features lesions of different organ systems of the body. It may mimic malignant processes such as diffuse metastases or lymphoma based on conventional cross-sectional imaging. Functional PET/CT imaging is contributory to the correct identification and evaluation of this disease. The authors present different sites of this disease include the pancreas, gallbladder, kidneys, retroperitoneum, peri-aortic region, lymph nodes, lungs, airways, prostate, parotid and submandibular glands, thyroid gland and retro-orbital soft tissue. The authors also raise the awareness of the important PET/CT imaging impact in the diagnosis, biopsy guidance and corticosteroid treatment follow-up of IgG4-related sclerosing disease
Benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, and chloroxylenol - Three replacement antimicrobials are more toxic than triclosan and triclocarban in two model organisms

Abstract With the recent ban of triclosan (TCS) and triclocarban (TCC) from some personal care products, many replacement antimicrobial compounds have been used. Yet the potential health risk and environmental impact of these replacement compounds are largely unknown. Here we investigated the toxicological effects of three commonly used replacement antimicrobials, benzalkonium chloride (BAC), benzethonium chloride (BEC), and chloroxylenol (CX) to two model organisms, the nematode C. elegans and zebrafish (Danio rerio), and compared them to the banned TCS and TCC. We found that these replacement compounds are not any safer than the banned antimicrobials. In the worm, at least one of the three, BAC, showed comparable toxicity to TCS from organismal to molecular levels, with toxic effects occurring at lower hundred μg/L to lower mg/L levels. In the fish, all three compounds at the tested concentration ranges (0.05–5 mg/L) showed toxicity effects to zebrafish embryos, indicated by hatching delay or inhibition, embryonic mortality, morphological malformations, and neurotoxicity. BAC was the most toxic among the three, with acute lethal toxicity occurring at environmentally relevant concentrations (hundreds of μg/L), which is comparable to the banned TCC. However, the toxicity effects of BAC and TCC occurred within different time windows, potentially suggesting different mechanisms of toxicity. CX was the only compound that induced a “body curvature” phenotype among the five compounds examined, suggesting a unique mode of toxic action for this compound. Furthermore, all five compounds except TCS induced neurotoxicity in fish larvae, indicated by alterations in secondary motoneuron axonal projections. Such neurotoxicity has been largely understudied for these antimicrobials in the past years and calls for further investigations in terms of its underlying mechanisms and ecological significance. These findings strongly indicate that scrutiny should be put on these replacement compounds before their introduction into massive use in personal care products.
Discriminative training of n-gram classifiers for speech and text routing.

We present a method for conditional maximum likelihood estimation of N-gram models used for text or speech utterance classification. The method employs a well known technique relying on a generalization of the Baum-Eagon inequality from polynomials to rational functions. The best performance is achieved for the 1-gram classifier where conditional maximum likelihood training reduces the class error rate over a maximum likelihood classifier by 45% relative.