cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distributed Dislocation Method for Determining Elastic Fields of 2D and 3D Volume Misfit Particles in Infinite Space and Extension of the Method for Particles in Half Space

A multitude of researchers have utilized a variety of techniques to formulate the stresses and deformations caused by volume misfit inclusions in infinite host media. Few of such techniques can also be extended to derive solutions for inclusions in a half space. In this manuscript we present a novel computational method for determining the elastic fields of two and three-dimensional inclusions of arbitrary shape in an infinite host matrix. The misfit strain is treated by a distribution of prismatic dislocation loops. A systematic numerical assessment illustrates that the discretization can yield excellent agreement with existing analytical solutions for certain particle geometries. This method is then further developed to solve for two-dimensional problems in a half space.
Effect of intracisternally administered insulin-131-I in normal and vagotomized dogs.

SummaryInsulin, labeled with 131I, was injected intracisternally in normal and vagotomized dogs. In both types of experiments a significant fall in plasma glucose concentration was observed. The amount of insulin which passed into the blood from the cerebrospinal fluid, as determined by the amount of insulin-131I in the plasma, was more than sufficient to account for the observed hypoglycemia. These findings indicate that insulin enters the blood after intracisternal injection, and that the hypoglycemia observed after intracisternal insulin administration is most likely due to a peripheral rather than a central effect of insulin.
Decisions of the Supreme Court of the United States on Constitutional Questions: 1914–1917. I

In previous issues of this Review Professor Wambaugh and the late Judge McClain have summarized the decisions of the Supreme Court on constitutional questions from 1909 to 1914. It is the purpose of this and a succeeding paper to deal in like manner with the decisions of the last three years. Owing to the number of cases decided during the triennium, the writer must content himself with the role of annalist and refrain from assuming that of analyst. For the benefit of those who desire fuller comment or criticism, references are given to articles and notes in various legal periodicals discussing the more important cases. Since the expiration of the October term of 1913, three changes have occurred in the personnel of the bench. Mr. Justice Lurton died July 12, 1914, and his successor, Mr. Justice McReynolds, took his seat October 12, 1914. Illness prevented Mr. Justice Lamar from participating in any of the decisions of the October term of 1915. He died on January 2, 1916. The commission of Mr. Justice Brandeis, who succeeded him, was not recorded until June 5, 1916, so that during the 1915 term only eight justices participated in the work of the court. Mr. Justice Hughes resigned June 10, 1916, to accept the Republican nomination for the presidency, and his successor, Mr. Justice Clarke, took his seat on October 9, 1916. The bench as at present constituted consists of Chief Justice White, appointed associate justice by President Cleveland and chief justice by President Taft; Mr. Justice McKenna, appointed by President McKinley; Justices Holmes and Day, appointed by President Roosevelt; Justices Van Devanter and Pitney, appointed by President Taft; and the three new justices appointed by President Wilson.
Comparison of Shot Encoding Functions For Reverse-time Migration

Reverse-time migration (RTM) represents one of the most accurate, but also one of the costliest algorithms available for imaging in complex media. The RTM computational cost can be reduced by shot encoding, i.e. by imaging simultaneously a large number of shots. This approach reduces computational cost if the number of encoded seismic experiments is smaller than the number of shots. Different encoding strategies are possible, including linear and random encoding which represent end-members of a more general family of encodings. For a fixed maximum delay (i.e., computational cost), we can trade spatial bandwidth for cross-talk noise. Linear encoding is characterized by low bandwidth and high signal-to-noise ratio, while random encoding is characterized by high bandwidth and low signal-to-noise ratio. Mixed encodings allows us to calibrate the amount of resolution desired in the migrated image, given an acceptable level of noise in the image.
Comparative analysis of three criteria in the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome among employees in Hangzhou

Objective To compare the coincidence of three criteria in the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome among employees in Hangzhou. Methods Three diagnostic criteria including the US National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Programs Third Report(ATP Ⅲ),the International Diabetes Federation(IDF)and the Chinese Medical Association Diabetes Society(CDS)were applied for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome among 1 946 employees randomly selected from 12 enterprises and institutions in Hangzhou.A standardized self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted,physical examinations were performed and blood samples were also collected.SPSS 16.0software was used for data statistical analysis.Pearson test was used to compare rate and constituent ratio.ANOVA test was used to analyze the quantitative variables.Cochran Armitage and KAPPA test were used to analyze linear trend and consistency.P0.05 was defined as statistically significant. Results According to IDF and ATPⅢ diagnostic criteria,abnormal rates of waist circumference,high blood pressure,high blood sugar,triglycerides,high-density lipoprotein were15.62%,21.53%,18.24%,17.52% and 55.14%.Meanwhile,based on CDS diagnostic criteria,the abnormal rates of BMI,hypertension,hyperglycemia,dyslipidemia were 19.12%,11.20%,8.12%,37.10%,respectively.The standardized incidence rates of metabolic syndrome were 12.16%,16.97% and 6.16% according to the criteria of IDF,ATP Ⅲ and CDS.The incidence rate was higher among male subjects than females based on ATP Ⅲ(χ2=11.490,P=0.001)and CDS(χ2=19.865,P0.05).Both of total and sub-gender prevalence of metabolic syndrome increased along with age.The coincidence rates of IDF and ATP Ⅲ,IDF and CDS,CDS and ATP Ⅲ diagnostic criteria were 95.48%,91.93% and 89.16%,respectively,with the Kappa values of 0.799(P0.05),0.447(P0.05)and 0.419(P0.05). Conclusions The diagnostic criteria of ATP Ⅲis recommended to be used for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome among employees from enterprises and institutions in Hangzhou due to it′s high sensitivity.
The generation and application of polyester new variety and new product

The generation of new varieties and new products of polyester resin were investigated from the point of product development.It is show that the generation of new product has inseparable relation with the demend of appli cation and the improvement of technology.
Adrenal insufficiency: An uncommon presentation of non-small cell lung cancer

Metastasis to the adrenal gland has been observed in several malignancies; however, adrenal insufficiency as the presenting sign seems rare in these patients. This is a case of a patient presenting with nausea, vomiting, generalized fatigue, and hyponatremia. CT scan demonstrated left upper lobe opacity and bilateral adrenal masses. A biopsy of the adrenal gland revealed non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with metastatic involvement of the adrenal glands. The non-specific symptoms and relative adrenal insufficiency in patients with lung masses should heighten the suspicion for metastatic involvement of the adrenals.
Post-translational Control of Intracellular Pathogen Sensing Pathways

Mammalian cells recognize virus-derived nucleic acids using a defined set of intracellular sensors including the DNA sensors cyclic GMP–AMP (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS) and interferon gamma (IFNγ)-inducible protein 16 (IFI16) as well as viral RNA receptors of the retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptor (RLR) family. Following innate immune recognition, these sensors launch an immune response that is characterized by the transcriptional upregulation of many antiviral molecules, including proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and IFN-stimulated genes. Recent studies have demonstrated that the signal transduction initiated by these sensors is sophisticatedly regulated by post-translational modifications (PTMs) resulting in a robust yet ‘tunable’ cytokine response to maintain immune homeostasis. Here we summarize recent advances in our understanding of how PTMs and regulatory enzymes control the signaling activity of RLRs, cGAS, and IFI16 as well as their proximal adaptor proteins.
Video-assisted thoracoscopic diaphragm plication using a running suture technique is durable and effective.

Abstract Objective Surgeons have hesitated to adopt minimally invasive diaphragm plication techniques because of technical limitations rendering the procedure cumbersome or leading to early failure or reduced efficacy. We sought to demonstrate efficacy and durability of our thoracoscopic plication technique using a single running suture. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent our technique for diaphragm plication since 2008. We used a single, buttressed, double-layered, to-and-fro running suture with additional plicating horizontal mattress sutures as needed. Results Eighteen patients underwent thoracoscopic plication from 2008 to 2015. There were no operative mortalities and 2 unrelated late deaths. Median hospital stay was 3 days (range, 1-12). Atrial fibrillation occurred in 1 patient (5.5%), pneumonia occurred in 2 patients (11%), reintubation occurred in 1 patient (5.5%), and ileus occurred in 1 patient (5.5%). Of 14 patients with complete follow-up, median follow-up was 29.4 months (range, 3.4-84.7). Significant increases between preoperative and postoperative pulmonary function tests (% predicted values) were found for mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second (73.5% ± 3.5% to 88.8% ± 4.5%, P = .002) and mean forced vital capacity (70.6% ± 3.5% to 82.3% ± 3.5%, P = .002). Preoperative mean Baseline Dyspnea Index was 8.1 ± 0.7. Mean Transitional Dyspnea Index 6 months postoperatively was 7.1 ± 0.6 (moderate to major improvement). Transitional Dyspnea Index at last contact (median 29.4 months postoperatively) was 7.2 ± 0.6 ( P = .38). Compared with previously published results, this is at least equivalent. Conclusions Thoracoscopic diaphragm plication with a running suture is safe and achieves excellent early and long-term improvements. This addresses technical challenges of tying multiple interrupted sutures by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery without any apparent compromise to efficacy or durability.
Image quality issues for an enhanced vision head up display

A part task simulation study was performed to determine the ability of pilots to land an aircraft using head up display (HUD) guidance symbology overlaying an emulated millimeter wave imagery. The task was to land in Category IIIa weather at a Category I facility. Three image parameters were varied: image update rate, image processing latency, and the luminance contrast ratio of the runway image to the background noise. ILS beam bending that was representative of a Category I facility was randomly varied across the experimental runs. Nine pilots completed the test matrix. The only variable that made a significant difference was the runway to background contrast ratio. >
Optimizing the application of Bacillus velezensis BAC03 in controlling the disease caused by Streptomyces scabies

BAC03 is a novel Bacillus velezensis strain previously studied for biological control of scabby diseases caused by Streptomyces scabies. To optimize its efficacy in disease control, different application strategies of BAC03 were investigated in this study, including timing, frequency, and concentrations of BAC03. BAC03 was either used for seed tuber treatment, foliar application or drenching in potting mix infested with S. scabies. Neither foliar application nor seed treatment affected disease severity. BAC03 applied five days before planting significantly reduced S. scabies population and completely suppressed radish scab, but the later BAC03 was applied the less effective it was. BAC03 at 105 CFU cm−3 potting mix or higher concentrations was effective in reducing radish scab. Increasing the frequency of BAC03 application did not increase the efficacy on disease reduction. BAC03 also increased the biomass of radish roots and leaves whether the pathogen was present or not.
How Emotional Support and Informational Support Relate to Linguistic Alignment

Linguistic alignment in text-based communication means that people tend to adjust their language use to one another both in terms of word choice and sentence structure. Previous studies about linguistic alignment suggested that these two forms of adaptation are correlated with each other, and that they build up to alignment at a higher representational level, such as pragmatic alignment for support functions. Two types of social support have been identified as important for online health communities (OHCs): emotional and informational support between support seekers and support providers. Do the two lower-level alignment measures (lexical and syntactic) relate to these two types of social support in the same way or, are they different? Our hypothesis was that they are similar, due to their correlation relationship. However, we found that, based on an analysis of a 10-year online forum for cancer survivors, the lower-level alignment measures have distinct relationships to the two higher-level support functions. In this paper, we describe this finding and its implications regarding potential refinement of the Interactive Alignment Model.
Hypothetical) Negative Probabilities Can Speed Up Uncertainty Propagation Algorithms

One of the main features of quantum physics is that, as basic objects describing uncertainty, instead of (non-negative) probabilities and probability density functions, we have complex-valued probability amplitudes and wave functions. In particular, in quantum computing, negative amplitudes are actively used. In the current quantum theories, the actual probabilities are always non-negative. However, there have been some speculations about the possibility of actually negative probabilities. In this paper, we show that such hypothetical negative probabilities can lead to a drastic speed up of uncertainty propagation algorithms.
Exploring Optimal Voting in Native Language Identification.

We describe the submissions entered by the National Research Council Canada in the NLI-2017 evaluation. We mainly explored the use of voting, and various ways to optimize the choice and number of voting systems. We also explored the use of features that rely on no linguistic preprocessing. Long ngrams of characters obtained from raw text turned out to yield the best performance on all textual input (written essays and speech transcripts). Voting ensembles turned out to produce small performance gains, with little difference between the various optimization strategies we tried. Our top systems achieved accuracies of 87% on the essay track, 84% on the speech track, and close to 92% by combining essays, speech and i-vectors in the fusion track.
Common Resident Errors When Interpreting Computed Tomography of the Abdomen and Pelvis: A Review of Types, Pitfalls, and Strategies for Improvement.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to identify common errors that radiology residents make when interpreting abdominopelvic (AP) computed tomography (CT) while on call, to review the typical imaging findings of these cases, and to discuss strategies for improvement. Materials and Methods AP (or chest, abdomen, pelvis) CTs from 518 weekend senior call shifts (R3 or R4) were retrospectively reviewed. Discrepancies between preliminary and final reports were identified and then rated by whether the miss could impact short-term management. The imaging findings from the cases were reviewed. Results A total of 4695 CTs were reviewed, revealing a total of 145 discrepancies that could affect short-term clinical management (miss rate 3.1%). The most common misses were related to blood clots (13.8%), colitis (8.3%), misplaced lines or tubes (6.9%), or pyelonephritis (5.5%). Common pitfalls and strategies from improved detection are discussed using image examples. Conclusions Through increased attention to the vasculature, colon, devices, and kidneys, trainees may improve their discrepancy rates and improve on-call reporting.
Adapting a Technology-Based Eating Disorder Model for Athletes

Eating disorders (EDs) are common amongst athletes, yet few receive treatment. Given that athletes have a unique set of risk factors for eating disorders and are faced with additional barriers to treatment, new models outside of face-to-face treatment are necessary to reach the population and provide more affordable, tailored, evidence-based care. One solution is to use digital mental health programs to provide primary or supplemental therapy. Digital programs can provide accessibility and privacy, and recent advancements allow for more personalized online experiences. However, there have been no studies to date that integrate technology-based tools to address the especially high prevalence rates of EDs in athletes. This paper describes how an integrated model that includes online screening linked to guided self-help programs, all adapted specifically for athletes, can be used to provide prevention and intervention of EDs in athletes.
Scintillating Colloidal Crystal Arrays

Polystyrene colloidal particles (95 nm) were doped in situ with anthracene, an organic scintillator. These particles were then self-assembled into crystalline colloidal arrays.
Search in Social Tagging Systems Using Ontological User Profiles

In this paper we present a modified hierarchical agglomerative clustering algorithm for building tag ontologies for social tagging systems. The modified algorithm first uses a clustering algorithm called Domain Similarity Clustering By Committee (DSCBC) (Tomuro et al. 2007) to derive a set of tag committees. We apply DSCBC to the tags entered by the users of social tagging systems and derive (un-ambiguous) committees of tags. Using the committees, a tag ontology is constructed in which an ambiguous tag is separated into multiple, disambiguated tags/nodes. Then a tag profile of a given user is matched against the ontology, and an ontological profile of the user is created. Finally a preference vector is fed into the (modified) FolkRank algorithm (Hotho et al. 2006a), and the web resources ordered based on the user’s preferences are returned. We run our system on the data from two social tagging systems and compare the results with other algorithms. The results showed our algorithm achieved marked improvements over other algorithms.
Renal monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease (MIDD): the Columbia experience

Renal manifestations of plasma cell dyscrasia are diverse and include AL amyloidosis, myeloma cast nephropathy, monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease, light chain Fanconi syndrome, cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis, and renal infiltration by lymphoplasmacytic malignancies. The non-amyloidotic monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition diseases (MIDD) are a family of related disorders that share the clinical-pathologic features of nodular sclerosing glomerulopathy, nephrotic proteinuria, and renal insufficiency1. These entities are defined by the deposition within renal basement membranes of monoclonal light and/or heavy chains, producing a characteristic linear immunofluorescence pattern in all renal compartments. The three subtypes of MIDD include light chain (LCDD)2–4, light and heavy chain (LHCDD)5–6, and heavy chain deposition diseases (HCDD)7–10. LCDD comprises the vast majority of cases, with relatively few examples of LHCDD and HCDD11. The lower reported incidence of LHCDD and HCDD may depend to some extent on the pathologist’s familiarity with these entities and the diagnostic accuracy of the pathologic interpretation. Over 80% of LCDD manifest renal deposits of k light chain. Cases of HCDD have included examples of γ1, γ2, γ3, γ4 and α-heavy chain subtypes7–10,12. In all the cases of HCDD reported to date there is a common deletion of the CHI constant domain of the γ heavy chain13,14.
Evaluation of selection indices in a recurrent selection program in corn (Zea mays L.)

Plant breeders are generally interested in simultaneously improving several traits, or improving one trait without affecting the performance of others. One way of selecting for more than one trait at a time in a breeding program is through index selection. The objective of this study was to evaluate several selection indices in corn for the simultaneous improvement of grain yield, grain moisture, root lodging, and stalk lodging. The indices evaluated were three of the Smith-Hazel type, the corresponding base indices, the Smith 1981-type when genotypic and phenotypic correlations are considered to be zero and two weight free indices (multiplicative and rank summation). All indices were compared by using selection differentials, expressed as a percentage of the selection differentials obtained when single-trait selection was practiced, and predicted genetic gains for each of the traits. For determining similarities among indices, rank correlations and percentage of selected lines in common were calculated for all pairs of indices. The indices were calculated for five cycles of half-sib family selection and six cycles of
Verrucous carcinoma of the paranasal sinuses: a case report.

Verrucous carcinoma is a low-grade variant of squamous cell carcinoma reported to occur in all anatomic sites in the head and neck region, most commonly the oral cavity. The tumor grows locally inv...
Economic Growth and Government Debt of Six Large National Economies before and after the 2008 Financial Crisis

This paper investigates the causal relationship between economic growth and government debt of six large national economies ten years before and ten years after the 2008 financial crisis. There have been numerous studies on whether government debt has any negative effect on economic growth. The results of most empirical studies are mixed depending on the levels of government debt, the countries included in the sample, the sample periods chosen, and the methodologies employed. This paper focuses on six large national economies, namely, the United States, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Canada during the periods ten years before and ten years after the most recent financial crisis of 2008. It is found that there are significant increases in the level of government debt and decreases in economic growth during the ten years after the financial crisis for all six countries. Our results show that the hypothesis that government debt does not Granger-cause economic growth is rejected for all six countries combined for the pre- financial crisis sub-period and the whole sample period, but not for the post financial crisis sub-period. The hypothesis that economic growth does not Granger-cause government debt is also rejected for both the pre- and post- financial crisis sub-periods as well as for the whole period. In short, our investigation documented a bidirectional Granger causality between government debt and economic growth during periods ten years before, ten years after, and the combined periods before and after the 2008 financial crisis. The evidence also suggests that economic growth reduced government debt for most countries during all three sample periods.
f-Sim: A quasi-realistic fMRI simulation toolbox using digital brain phantom and modeled noise

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) uses a noninvasive technique to study the functionality of the human brain by measuring the Blood Oxygenation Level Dependent (BOLD) signal and has been researched for decades. However, some potential problems still remain in achieving correct interpretation of BOLD-induced signals due to quite low signal levels, high noise levels, artifacts, lack of ground truth and a number of other inherent problems. We present here the development of a MATLAB based fMRI simulator (f-Sim) using digital phantom brain that generates quasi-realistic 4D fMRI volumes including modeled noise. Such 4D fMRI data can serve to hypothesize ground truth for experimentally acquired data under both task-evoked and resting state designs in investigation of localized or whole brain activation and functional connectivity patterns.
Concise derivation of oscillating-gradient-derived ADC.

Abstract The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) is analyzed for the case of oscillating diffusion-sensitizing gradients in the high-frequency regime. We provide a concise derivation of the analytical expression for the ADC for an arbitrary number of gradient oscillations N and initial phase φ. It is demonstrated that an ultimate goal – to determine the surface-to-volume ratio (S/V) from MR measurements by using oscillating gradients – can be achieved with cosine-type gradients (φ = 0) for an arbitrary N. However, to determine S/V employing gradients with φ ≠ 0 (including the sine-type gradients) and arbitrary N additionally requires prior knowledge of the time-dependent diffusion coefficient D(t). The latter is rarely known a priori but can be estimated under certain limiting conditions: (i) in the short time regime, when the total diffusion time of the measurements, t, is smaller than the characteristic diffusion time of the microstructural system of interest, an analytical expression for D(t) is available (Mitra’s expression) and this allows S/V to be determined in the short time regime with sine-type gradients; (ii) in the important case of purely restricted diffusion, D(t) → 0 at sufficiently long time, the signal becomes independent of φ and behaves as for the cosine-type gradients, thus, allowing determination of S/V.
Ampullary cancer: Evaluation of somatic and germline genetic alterations and association with clinical outcomes

Background Ampullary carcinoma (AC) is a rare gastrointestinal cancer. Pathogenic germline alterations (PGAs) in BRCA2 and potentially targetable somatic alterations (SAs) in ERBB2 and ELF3 have been previously described in AC. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has implemented an opt-in strategy for germline testing (GT) and somatic testing (ST) for patients with AC to further evaluate the spectrum of PGAs and SAs. Methods Forty-five patients with pathologically confirmed AC prospectively consented with the Memorial Sloan Kettering Integrated Mutation Profiling of Actionable Cancer Targets (MSK-IMPACT) test (410-468 genes). A subset of the cohort (23 of the 45 patients) also consented to GT with MSK-IMPACT (76-88 genes). Germline data for 21 of the remaining 22 patients who had not consented to GT were obtained in a de-identified fashion without clinical correlation. Clinicopathologic features, treatment histories, and survival data for consenting patients were collected and analyzed. Results Pancreaticobiliary, intestinal, and mixed features of the 2 types were the primary pathologic subtypes of AC identified in this cohort. No difference in median overall survival was found between pathologic subtypes. Eight of 44 patients (18%) were identified as harboring pathogenic mutations in BRCA2, ATM, RAD50, and MUTYH. In addition, this study found a wide spectrum of SAs in genes such as KRAS, MDM2, ERBB2, ELF3, and PIK3CA. Two patients in the cohort underwent SA-targeted therapy, and 1 had a partial radiographic response. Conclusions Mutations in multiple somatic and germline genes were identified in this cohort. Significantly, actionable targets were identified in the tumors, and broader testing for PGAs and SAs should be considered for all patients with AC.
Empathy and Close Social Ties in Late Life.

Objectives Older adults with stronger social ties often lead longer, healthier, and happier lives, but these ties may differ based on older adults' ability to share and understand others' emotions (i.e., empathy). This study asked how empathy was associated with the way that older adults construct and engage in their social worlds. Method We drew on the Daily Experiences and Well-being Study to examine how older adults' empathy was associated with the structure (e.g., network size and contact), function (e.g., support), and quality (e.g., affection and conflict) of their close social ties. Participants (N = 333) self-rated empathy and listed their social partners using three concentric convoy circles. Results Empathy was not associated with older adults' social network structure, but more empathic older adults exchanged support with more social partners and reported greater affection for their social partners. We did not observe a significant link between older adults' empathy and conflict with social partners. Discussion Examining empathy advances our understanding of individual differences in older adults' close social ties. This study suggests that empathy may play a promising role with regard to promoting older adults' social experiences and strengthening their close ties.
Fault monitoring, detection, and correction using synchrophasor measurements in modern power systems

A collection of clustering algorithms was presented for grouping the PMU datasets into good and bad data. The results presented provide promising results for situational awareness for the next generation power grid.
Nephrotoxicity of Natural Products

No doubt a number of naturally produced chemical compounds have dramatic effects on renal function. Although it is conceivable that such effects may be beneficial as well as detrimental, in general, most of the focus of the biomedical and toxicologic community has been on the potential for the production of nephrotoxicity.
Not if, but when whiteness shows up what do we do about it?

This is my story of how I came to understand my whiteness and the ways in which my whiteness has so brilliantly blinded me from the realities of life in the United States for non-white identifying ...
Outcomes of Bilateral Shoulder Arthroplasties: A Comparison of Bilateral Total Shoulder Arthroplasties and Bilateral Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasties.

Background The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of patients who underwent bilateral total shoulder arthroplasties (TSAs) for osteoarthritis (OA) versus bilateral reverse shoulder arthroplasties (RSAs) for cuff tear arthropathy (CTA). Methods Inclusion criteria were patients who underwent bilateral TSAs for OA or bilateral RSAs for CTA with at least 2 years of follow-up. Twenty-six TSA patients (52 shoulders) were matched 2 to 1 with 13 RSA patients (26 shoulders) by sex, age at first surgery, and time between surgeries. Outcomes measured were shoulder range of motion (ROM), complications, and patient-reported scores. Results Preoperatively, TSA patients had significantly better forward elevation (FE) of both shoulders than RSA patients (dominant side [Dom]: 103° ± 32° vs. 81° ± 31°, p = 0.047; nondominant side [non-Dom]: 111° ± 28° vs. 70° ± 42°, p = 0.005) without significant differences in external (ER) or internal rotation (IR). Postoperatively, TSA patients had significantly better FE (Dom and non-Dom: 156° ± 12°, 156° ± 14° vs. 134° ± 24°, 137° ± 23°; p = 0.006, p = 0.019) and ER (42° ± 11°, 43° ± 10° vs. 24° ± 12°, 25° ± 10°; p < 0.001, p < 0.001) bilaterally and IR of their dominant arm (L1 vs. L4, p = 0.045). TSA patients had significantly better activities of daily living external and internal rotations (ADLEIR) scores (Dom and non-Dom: 35.3 ± 1.0, 35.5 ± 0.9 vs. 32.1 ± 2.4, 32.5 ± 2.2; p = 0.001, p = 0.001), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores (94.2 ± 8.4, 94.2 ± 8.2 vs. 84.7 ± 10.0, 84.5 ± 8.0; p = 0.015, p = 0.004), and Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (SANE) scores (93.5 ± 7.6, 93.8 ± 11.8 vs. 80.5 ± 14.2, 82.3 ± 13.1; p = 0.014, p = 0.025), with no significant difference in visual analog scale pain scores (0.4 ± 1.0, 0.3 ± 1.0 vs. 0.7 ± 1.3, 0.8 ± 1.2) bilaterally. Conclusions Overall, patients with bilateral TSAs and RSAs exhibited improved ROM and patient-reported outcomes. Those with bilateral TSAs had better functional outcomes than those with bilateral RSAs.
A GLOBAL CONVERGENCE METHOD IN SOLVING THE NONLINEAR DIFFERENCE SCHEME FOR BOUNDARY VALUE PROBLEMS

The numerical continuation method for nonlinear equation implies a try of extending convergence domain. In the paper, the author has given the numerical method for solving nonlinear difference scheme for boundary value problems by using the numerical continuation method, and gotten a simple convergence criterion.
Low renesting propensity and reproductive success make renesting unproductive for the threatened Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus)

Upon reproductive failure, many bird species make a secondary attempt at nesting (hereafter, ″renesting”). Renesting may be an effective strategy to maximize current and lifetime reproductive success, but individuals face uncertainty in the probability of success because reproductive attempts initiated later in the breeding season often have reduced nest, pre-fledging, and post-fledging brood survival. We evaluated renesting propensity, renesting intervals, and renest reproductive success of Piping Plovers (Charadrius melodus) by following 1,922 nests and 1,785 unique breeding adults from 2014 to 2016 in the Northern Great Plains of the United States. The apparent renesting rate for individuals was 25% for reproductive attempts that failed in the nest stage (egg laying and incubation) and only 1.2% for reproductive attempts when broods were lost. Renesting propensity declined if reproductive attempts failed during the brood-rearing stage, nests were depredated, reproductive failure occurred later in the breeding season, or individuals had previously renested that year. Additionally, plovers that nested on reservoirs were less likely to renest compared to other habitats. Renesting intervals declined when individuals had not already renested, were after-second-year adults without known prior breeding experience, and moved short distances between nest attempts. Renesting intervals also decreased if the attempt failed later in the season. Overall, reproductive success and daily nest survival were lower for renests than first nests throughout the breeding season. Furthermore, renests on reservoirs had reduced apparent reproductive success and daily nest survival unless the predicted amount of habitat on reservoirs increased within the breeding season. Our results provide important demographic measures for this threatened species and suggest that predation- and water-management strategies that maximize success of early nests would be more likely to increase productivity. Altogether, renesting appears to be an unproductive reproductive strategy to replace lost reproductive attempts for Piping Plovers breeding in the Northern Great Plains.
Grant Report on Social Reward Learning in Schizophrenia

We report on the ongoing R21 project “Social Reward Learning in Schizophrenia”. Impairments in social cognition are a hallmark of schizophrenia. However, little work has been done on social reward learning deficits in schizophrenia. The overall goal of the project is to assess social reward learning in schizophrenia. A probabilistic reward learning (PRL) task is being used in the MRI scanner to evaluate reward learning to negative and positive social feedback. Monetary reward learning is used as a comparison to assess specificity. Behavioral outcomes and brain areas, included those involved in reward, are assessed in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and controls. It is also critical to determine whether decreased expected value (EV) of social stimuli and/or reward prediction error (RPE) learning underlie social reward learning deficits to inform potential treatment pathways. Our central hypothesis is that the pattern of social learning deficits is an extension of a more general reward learning impairment in schizophrenia and that social reward learning deficits critically contribute to deficits in social motivation and pleasure. We hypothesize that people with schizophrenia will show impaired behavioral social reward learning compared to controls, as well as decreased ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) EV signaling at time of choice and decreased striatal RPE signaling at time of outcome, with potentially greater impairment to positive than negative feedback. The grant is in its second year. It is hoped that this innovative approach may lead to novel and more targeted treatment approaches for social cognitive impairments, using cognitive remediation and/or brain stimulation.
The Making of the Indo-Islamic World: c.700–1800 CE

In a new accessible narrative, Andre Wink presents his major reinterpretation of the long-term history of India and the Indian Ocean region from the perspective of world history and geography. Situating the history of the Indianized territories of South Asia and Southeast Asia within the wider history of the Islamic world, he argues that the long-term development and transformation of Indo-Islamic history is best understood as the outcome of a major shift in the relationship between the sedentary peasant societies of the river plains, the nomads of the great Saharasian arid zone and the seafaring populations of the Indian Ocean. This revisionist work redraws the Asian past as the outcome of the fusion of these different types of settled and mobile societies, placing geography and environment at the centre of human history.
Evidence of Selenium Deficiency in Mice Fed a Soy-Based Diet

The selenium (Se) status of humans and animals receiving total nutrition from single source diets has been investigated by measuring Se levels in blood, liver, nail or hair samples or by determining Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase in tissue, plasma, erythrocytes or platelets. Our objective was to determine if a soy-based formula (SB) contains adequate levels of Se using mouse spermatogenesis as a bioassay.
Introduction to a Debate: 'Marijuana: Legalize, Decriminalize, or Leave the Status Quo in Place?'

What someone thinks of marijuana can depend on who that person is. To a botanist, marijuana is a plant known as Cannabis sativa L that traces its lineage to the first quintile of the Holocene Epoch. To a chemist, marijuana is a source of the psychoactive substance Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). To a narcotics officer, marijuana is contraband. To students of public policy, marijuana is the focus of a debate that has raged for the last fifty years. This paper is an introduction to that debate and summarizes the position taken by each side. At the center of that debate has been the issue whether marijuana has legitimate medical uses, is addictive, and is actually or potentially physically or psychologically harmful. Numerous studies and articles have examined each of those issues. Powerful arguments have been made for and against the liberalization of federal and state marijuana laws. The debate centers around three issues: (1) Does marijuana or one of its components (known as cannabinoids) have a legitimate medical use?; (2) Is marijuana or one of its components physically or psychologically harmful?; and (3) Is marijuana or one of its components physically or psychologically addictive? Advocates for liberalization of the federal and state marijuana laws argue that marijuana has legitimate medical uses, particularly when smoked, to treat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, to increase appetite and decrease weight loss associated with HIV/AIDS, to address the neuropathic pain and spasticity afflicting victims of multiple sclerosis, to alleviate the chronic pain in adults that over-the-counter analgesics cannot assuage, and to help with sleep disturbances attributable to several different diseases. Marijuana, they add, is no more harmful than alcohol or tobacco. Opponents of reform — in particular, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration — and highly respected medical organizations — the American Medical Association, the American Cancer Society, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the National Institute for Drug Abuse — maintain that today’s marijuana is not only more potent than your grandfather’s marijuana and is addictive, but it also has a number of adverse short- and long-term health effects, particularly for minors. Defenders of the status quo would also contend that there is no good reason to exempt marijuana from the approval process demanded by the drug safety laws.
Kinematics and Dynamics

This chapter presents the kinematic and dynamic formulation of the deformable models. The kinematic formulation leads to the computation of a Jacobian matrix L which allows the transformation of 3D vectors into q-dimensional vectors, whereqis the number of geometric degrees of freedom of the deformable model. These parameters are also called generalized coordinates. The dynamic formulation is based on Lagrangian dynamics and uses generalized coordinates. We propose a systematic procedure for converting geometrically defined parameters into physical degrees of freedom. The resulting motion equations govern the evolution of generalized coordinates as a result of the application of external forces on the model. The forces stem either from data fitting techniques in vision applications or from interactions with simulated physical worlds in graphics applications. We also present a force-based estimation technique for shape and nonrigid motion estimation in computer vision applications.
Tracking Student Pathways to Competency in Online Geoscience Learning

Tracking Student Pathways to Competency in Online Geoscience Learning Currently, more than 100,000 college students take introductory geology courses in online or blended learning formats. For the most part, these courses utilize a “competency-based” assessment rubric. Many geology professors contend that tracking students’ knowledge of subject material via competency-based testing may not be well suited to the geological sciences. One concern is that students can “guess” their way through exercises and produce the “appearance” of competency without actually gaining sufficient knowledge of the material.
Multitasking: Effects of processing multiple auditory feature patterns

ERPs and behavioral responses were measured to assess how task-irrelevant sounds interact with task processing demands and affect the ability to monitor and track multiple sound events. Participants listened to four-tone sequential frequency patterns, and responded to frequency pattern deviants (reversals of the pattern). Irrelevant tone feature patterns (duration and intensity) and respective pattern deviants were presented together with frequency patterns and frequency pattern deviants in separate conditions. Responses to task-relevant and task-irrelevant feature pattern deviants were used to test processing demands for irrelevant sound input. Behavioral performance was significantly better when there were no distracting feature patterns. Errors primarily occurred in response to the to-be-ignored feature pattern deviants. Task-irrelevant elicitation of ERP components was consistent with the error analysis, indicating a level of processing for the irrelevant features. Task-relevant elicitation of ERP components was consistent with behavioral performance, demonstrating a “cost” of performance when there were two feature patterns presented simultaneously. These results provide evidence that the brain tracked the irrelevant duration and intensity feature patterns, affecting behavioral performance. Overall, our results demonstrate that irrelevant informational streams are processed at a cost, which may be considered a type of multitasking that is an ongoing, automatic processing of taskirrelevant sensory events.
A solid state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance investigation of the thermal degradation of a poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(vinyl alcohol) binder in an alumina ceramic

Cross polarization and magic angle spinning 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (CP-MAS 13C NMR) has been used to investigate the thermal degradation of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-alumina, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-alumina, and a mixture of 6% PEG and 0.5% PVA in alumina. Samples were prepared by thermally treating each polymer at 450°C to remove pre-specified weight losses. The results showed that the polymer chains of both PEG and PVA thermally degraded as postulated in previously published mechanistic studies based on volatile degradation product analyses. The CP-MAS 13C NMR spectra of PEG and PVA in alumina showed that the two polymers thermally decomposed independently of each other.
Analysis on Factors Affecting Seedling Establishment in Rice

Elongations of coleoptile and mesocotyl are related directly to rice seedling establishment in soil and height of plant is related to lodging in rice production. Twelve typical rice cultivars with different lengths of coleoptile and mesocotyl (long, medium and short) were selected by screening the lengths of coleoptile and mesocotyl in 1500 accessions. The seedling establishments of these typical cultivars were compared under the combinations of different sowing depths and flooding durations, and two semi-dwarf varieties (G140, Zhong 96-21) with good seedling establishments and optimum mesocotyl lengths were found. The length of mesocotyl was completely fitted negative binomial distribution and the length of coleoptile was nearly fitted lognormal distribution. Analysis of the relationships among mesocotyl, coleoptile, seeding depth, flooding duration, and their interactions to seedling establishment percentage showed that there existed significant relations among mesocotyl, coleoptile, mesocotyl x coleoptile, seeding depth, flooding duration and mesocotyl x sowing depth in the experiment for seedling establishment.
Underlying genetic structure impacts the association between CYP2B6 polymorphisms and response to efavirenz and nevirapine.

Objective: CYP2B6 variation predicts pharmacokinetic characteristics of its substrates. Consideration for underlying genetic structure is critical to protect against spurious associations with the highly polymorphic CYP2B6 gene. Design: The effect of CYP2B6 variation on response to its substrates, nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), was explored in the Women’s Interagency HIV Study. Methods: Five putative functional polymorphisms were tested for associations with virologic suppression within 1 year after NNRTI initiation in women naive to antiretroviral agents (n ¼ 91). Principal components were generated to control for population substructure. Logistic regression was used to test the joint effect of rs3745274 and rs28399499, which together indicate slow, intermediate, and extensive metabolizers. Results: Rs3745274 was significantly associated with virologic suppression [odds ratio ¼ 3.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16–11.22, P trend ¼ 0.03]; the remaining polymorphisms tested were not significantly associated with response. Women classified as intermediate and slow metabolizers were 2.90 (95% CI 0.79–12.28) and 13.44 (95% CI 1.66 to infinity) times as likely to achieve virologic suppression compared to extensive metabolizers after adjustment for principal components (P trend ¼ 0.005). Failure to control for genetic ancestry resulted in substantial confounding of the relationship between the metabolizer phenotype and treatment response. Conclusion: The CYP2B6 metabolizer phenotype was significantly associated with virologic response to NNRTIs; this relationship would have been masked by simple adjustment for self-reported ethnicity. Given the appreciable genetic heterogeneity that exists within self-reported ethnicity, these results exemplify the importance of characterizing underlying genetic structure in pharmacogenetic studies. Further follow-up of the CYP2B6 metabolizer phenotype is warranted, given the potential clinical importance of this finding. 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins AIDS 2012, 26:2097–2106