cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
North carolina's uninsured

ost people in the United States have health insurance coverage through their employers. More than 61% of the non-elderly in this state have employer-sponsored insurance (ESI). The connection between health insurance coverage and employment dates back to World War II, when Congress passed the Labor Stabilization Act (1942), which restricted employers from offering wage increases to attract workers. The Act restricted wage increases, but did not limit the use of non-wage benefits. As a result, many employers began offering health insurance as a means of competing for scarce workers. The connection between employment and health insurance coverage was solidified in 1954, when the Internal Revenue Service ruled that employer contributions to health benefits plans were non-taxable benefits to employees. Health insurance purchased outside an employer-based system has never been afforded the same tax advantage. While most people obtain health insurance coverage through their employers, this connection has grown more tenuous in recent years. The percentage of non-elderly people with employersponsored insurance declined by nine percentage points in North Carolina, from 67.6% (in 1999-2000) to 61.5% (2003-2004).
Frontalis Injection with Botulinum Toxin

Frontalis injection is useful in treated horizontal forehead wrinkles. Injection sites are at least 2.0 cm above the eyebrows to avoid a ptotic or adynamic and expressionless eyebrow. Injection is delivered across the medial and lateral frontalis to avoid segmental eyebrow elevation. Two injections per side is usually a good starting point, which may be increased to ten sites depending upon patient response.
Ethnic variations in the pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment of hypertension: biopsychosocial perspective.

Blood pressure regulation is a complex, dynamic process influenced by psychosocial, behavioral, and cultural factors. Integrative theories of cross-population differences in the prevalence of hypertension and response to treatment include physiological, social, and genetic perspectives. Ethnic differences in salt sensitivity, calcium regulation of sodium flux, vascular reactivity to psychosocial stress, and drug metabolism are integral components of observed cross-cultural variations in hypertension. In general, pharmacological treatment of hypertension in blacks is most consistently achieved through diuretics and calcium-channel blockers; angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and beta-blockers are more efficacious in whites. These stereotypical patterns are consistent with the higher prevalence of salt sensitivity, stress-induced vasoconstriction and slower natriuresis, and alpha-adrenergic receptor mediated vascular reactivity observed in blacks compared with whites. Some antihypertensive agents produce adverse glucose metabolic side effects, thus contraindicating their use in individuals with high sympathetic tone, insulin resistance, or obesity. Cross-population differences in adopted guidelines for treating hypertension exist but are not likely a factor in observed ethnic differences in rate of treatment or control. Attitudes toward nontraditional treatment options (e.g., herbal medicine), political and individual responsibilities in health care, and adaptations to acculturation and urbanization stress differ between and within societies and thus play a role in observed cross-cultural differences in hypertension as well. The value of regular exercise in controlling hypertension is widely recognized, and reductions in blood pressure reactivity to behavioral stress following acute exercise have been documented; however, empirical studies of ethnic differences in exercise-related blood pressure control are lacking. Overall, increased awareness of the multifactorial nature of hypertension by both the physician and the patient will facilitate treatment of this disease on an individual basis.
Personal Reflections on My Work in Conflict Analysis and Resolution

Numerous experiences and activities—personal and professional—over the course of my life have steered me to work at the intersection of social psychology and the field of conflict analysis and resolution.
Liver Transplantation for Malignant Primary Pediatric Hepatic Tumors

Background Malignant primary pediatric hepatic tumors (MPPHTs) are rare and account for approximately 1% of all childhood malignancies. In recent years, liver transplantation has emerged as a viable treatment options for select patients with MPPHTs. Study Design We performed a single-center retrospective study using a prospective database to compare outcomes of pediatric liver transplant recipients, with and without cancer, between January 2000 and December 2014. Results One hundred fifty-three children underwent 173 liver transplantations during the study period. Of these, 21 (12%) children received 23 (13.3%) transplants for unresectable MPPHTs: 16 hepatoblastomas (HBs), 3 embryonal cell sarcomas (ECS), and 2 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). There was no significant difference in 1-, 3-, and 10-year patient and graft survival rates between MPPHT and non-MPPHT patients (95.2%, 81.2%, 81.2%, and 95.2%, 72,2%, 72.2% for MPPHT vs 92.7%, 89.8%, 87.6% and 85.4%, 81.1%, 75% for the non-MPPHT group, respectively) (p > 0.05). Rates of 1-, 5-, and 10-year disease-free survival for MPPHT patients were 76%, 76%, and 76%, respectively. Median age at transplantation for MPPHT patients was 3.1 years (range 58 days to 17 years), median listing time was 81 days, and median wait list time was 15 days. Eight (38%) children had 2 tumors or more and 4 of 16 (25%) HB patients had metastatic disease at presentation. All children received neoadjuvant treatment, with radiographic response in 19 of 21 patients. Presence of metastatic HB at presentation, International Society of Pediatric Oncology Epithelial Liver (SIOPEL) high risk status, and persistently elevated alpha fetoprotein levels after neoadjuvant chemotherapy might be risk factors for tumor recurrence and decreased survival. Conclusions Liver transplantation is an excellent option for select patients with unresectable MPPHTs, with outcomes comparable to those after transplantation for nonmalignant causes.
Spinal column shortening for tethered cord syndrome associated with myelomeningocele, lumbosacral lipoma, and lipomyelomeningocele in children and young adults

OBJECTIVE Tethered cord syndrome is the clinical manifestation of an abnormal stretch on the spinal cord, presumably causing mechanical injury, a compromised blood supply, and altered spinal cord metabolism. Tethered cord release is the standard treatment for tethered cord syndrome. However, direct untethering of the spinal cord carries potential risks, such as new neurological deficits from spinal cord injury, a CSF leak from opening the dura, and retethering of the spinal cord from normal scar formation after surgery. To avoid these risks, the authors applied spinal column shortening to children and transitional adults with primary and secondary tethered cord syndrome and report treatment outcomes. The authors' aim with this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of spinal column shortening for tethered cord syndrome by analyzing their experience with this surgical technique. METHODS The authors retrospectively reviewed the demographic and procedural data of children and young adults who had undergone spinal column shortening for primary or secondary tethered cord syndrome. RESULTS Seven patients with tethered cord syndrome caused by myelomeningocele, lipomyelomeningocele, and transitional spinal lipoma were treated with spinal column shortening. One patient with less than 24 months of follow-up was excluded from further analysis. There were 3 males and 4 females; the average age at the time was surgery was 16 years (range 8-30 years). Clinical presentations for our patients included pain (in 5 patients), weakness (in 4 patients), and bowel/bladder dysfunction (in 4 patients). Spinal column osteotomy was most commonly performed at the L-1 level, with fusion between T-12 and L-2 using a pedicle screw-rod construct. Pedicle subtraction osteotomy was performed in 6 patients, and vertebral column resection was performed in 1 patient. The average follow-up period was 31 months (range 26-37 months). Computed tomography-based radiographic outcomes showed solid fusion and no instrumentation failure in all cases by the most recent follow-up. Five of 7 patients (71%) reported improvement in preoperative symptoms during the follow-up period. The mean differences in initial and most recent Scoliosis Research Society Outcomes Questionnaire and Oswestry Disability Index scores were 0.26 and -13%, respectively; minimum clinically important difference in SRS-22 and ODI were assumed to be 0.4% and -12.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Spinal column shortening seems to represent a safe and efficacious alternative to traditional untethering of the spinal cord for tethered cord syndrome.
Hypophysitis: Nursing Management of Immune-Related Adverse Events .

Immunotherapy can treat cancer and prevent future cancer relapse by enhancing the body's immune system. With novel immunotherapeutic agents like checkpoint inhibitors come unique immune-related adverse events. Hypophysitis, one of the lesser known immune-related complications, may be observed in patients receiving checkpoint inhibitors. Although the acute symptoms of immune-related hypophysitis may be managed with attentive monitoring and high-dose corticosteroids, lifelong hormone substitution therapy may be warranted. Oncology nurses are responsible for educating themselves and their patients on the complications of immunotherapy. .
Saccate thallus of the red alga Halosaccion glandiforme harbor diverse invertebrate fauna

Rocky intertidal zones are biologically diverse environments with numerous physical stressors; as such, close associations between organisms often develop to overcome such stressors and enhance survival of associates. As major components of rocky shores, macroalgae support numerous invertebrate species. In this study, we evaluated the habitat-providing role of the red alga, Halosaccion glandiforme (S.G. Gmelin) Ruprecht. This alga, also called sea sacs, is commonly found on rocky shores along the West Coast of North America. During emersion, this seaweed holds water within its saccate thallus, which can potentially serve as microhabitat for various organisms. Little is known about the composition of microfauna associated with this seaweed; as such, we documented richness and abundance of species found inside its thallus. Algal specimens were collected from Charleston, Oregon and transported to the laboratory for further analyses. Of the 119 thalli examined, 12 taxa were documented. Nematodes and copepods were the dominant taxa. Other groups represented included ostracods, turbellarians, halacarid mites, bivalves, rotifers, and three larval types (barnacle cyprids, copepod nauplii, mollusc veliger). Diatoms, crustacean molt remnants, detritus, and sand particles were also observed inside thalli. Species richness and abundance were positively correlated with thalli volume, as well as intra-thalli fluid volume. Several feeding and other behaviors of colonizers were noted; they included herbivory, predator–prey interactions, detritivory, and molting. Our findings demonstrate that H. glandiforme provide refuge for organisms from harsh environmental conditions during emersion periods, and also serve as feeding and nursery grounds for its diverse invertebrate fauna.
The global financial crisis—Market misconduct and regulation from a behavioral view

Abstract This paper explores the problem of the global financial crisis of 2008–9, using a behavioral perspective to examine in some detail the issue of governance failures. These failures are evident in the inadequate oversight/regulation provided by US financial market regulators, as well as the inability of financial market participants to adequately judge and assign risk measures to key financial instruments. In total, five elements of behavioral finance are shown to characterize the crisis. The paper shows how specific adjustments in government policy (dealing with market structural imperfections) and company governance (dealing mainly with risk management) can respond to the key elements of the crisis. It also points out that future financial crises cannot be avoided, so that mitigation is the only remedy to deal with such phenomena.
Microfabricated blood vessels undergo neoangiogenesis

Abstract The greatest ambition and promise of tissue engineering is to manufacture human organs. Before “made-to-measure” tissues can become a reality [1] , [2] , [3] , however, three-dimensional tissues must be reconstructed and characterized. The current inability to manufacture operational vasculature has limited the growth of engineered tissues. Here, free-standing, small diameter blood vessels with organized cell layers that recapitulate normal biological functionality are fabricated using microfluidic technology. Over time in culture, the endothelial cells form a monolayer on the luminal wall and remodel the scaffold with human extracellular matrix proteins. After integration into three-dimensional gels containing fibroblasts, the microvessels sprout and generate extended hollow branches that anastomose with neighboring capillaries to form a network. Both the microfabricated vessels and the extended sprouts support perfusion of fluids and particles. The ability to create cellularized microvessels that can be designed with a diameter of choice, produced by the meter, and undergo angiogenesis and anastomoses will be an extremely valuable tool for vascularization of engineered tissues. To summarize, ultraviolet (UV) photo-crosslinkable poly(ethylene glycol) and gelatin methacrylate polymers used in combination with sheath-flow microfluidics allow for the fabrication of small diameter blood vessels which undergo neoangiogenesis as well as other developmental processes associated with normal human blood vessel maturation. Once mature, these vessels can be embedded; perfused; cryogenically stored and respond to stimuli such as chemokines and shear stresses to mimic native human blood vessels. The applications range from tissue-on-chip systems for drug screening, characterization of normal and pathologic processes, and creation and characterization of engineered tissues for organ repair.
Assessing device reliability margin in scaled CMOS technologies using ring oscillator circuits

Device performance enhancement elements are frequently reducing device reliability margin in scaled CMOS technologies. To assess the impact of HCI degradation on digital CMOS logic we study the frequency degradation (Δf/f) of ring oscillator circuits using core and IO devices in 14nm FinFET technology and correlate the results with discrete device degradation using the conventional DC and a novel AC HCI stress methodology. While for IO devices the traditional scaling factor of 50x used to define DC equivalent HCI targets is applicable, additional HCI margin is demonstrated for core devices bringing relief for device optimization in scaled technology nodes.
Translanguaging in Schools: Subiendo y Bajando, Bajando y Subiendo as Afterword

Translanguaging pedagogies are considered here as mechanisms that work against the normalizing ideology of monolingual and monoglossic school language. In so doing, we consider how this restrictive...
Biologic Properties of Ethanol and the Biphasic Nature of Ethanol Withdrawal Syndrome

In 1966, Maurice Victor1 noted: The literature has been characterized by outstanding confusion, inexactness and contradictions; the major shortcomings of which were that no clear distinction has been made between the problems of acute alcoholic intoxication, alcohol addiction, mild withdrawal signs and symptoms, and delirium tremens.
Abstract PL05-01: Personal regulome navigation

In every human cell, two meters of DNA are packed into a ~10-micron nucleus. The genome is extensively compacted, except for the active regulatory DNA elements that remain accessible. We have developed an Assay of Transpose Accessible Chromatin by sequencing (ATAC-seq) as a facile and sensitive method to map the landscape of gene regulation. The landscape of accessible chromatin from primary cells and tissues is uniquely informative for cell types, cell states, and the molecular basis of genetic variants associated with human diseases. Single-cell chromatin accessibility reveals DNA elements and trans-acting factors that mediate cell-to-cell variation, which directly impacts cancer heterogeneity. Real-time monitoring of gene regulation landscape in patients can provide prognostic prediction for response to cancer therapy. New technologies that incorporate 3-dimensional chromosome conformation, in situ imaging, and single-cell multi-omics provide new levels of precision and insights into human diseases. Citation Format: Howard Y. Chang. Personal regulome navigation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2017 Oct 26-30; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2018;17(1 Suppl):Abstract nr PL05-01.
1631b Risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome – findings from the niosh upper extremity musculoskeletal disorder consortium

Starting in 2000, six research groups from the USA were supported by NIOSH to perform large, prospective epidemiologic studies examining associations between workplace physical risk factors and upper limb musculoskeletal disorders. A total of 4321 workers at 55 employers/plants across a variety of hand-intensive industries were followed for up to six years. Individual workplace exposure data included direct observation and video analysis. Health data included self-report, physical examination, and nerve conduction measures; our case definition for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) required both typical symptoms and nerve conduction abnormalities. Those performing the physical examinations and the video analyses were blinded to exposure and medical condition, respectively. Pooled analyses of consortium data controlled for personal factors (age, body mass index, gender, co-morbid diseases) and non-overlapping physical exposures (force, posture repetition) to study the association between work exposures and carpal tunnel syndrome. We found no independent effects of wrist posture or total repetition rate on the incidence of CTS. In contrast, strong dose-dependent associations were found between incident CTS and peak hand force (Borg CR10 >3), forceful repetition rate (>3 exertions per minute of >9N pinch force or 45N power grip), and the proportion of time spent in forceful exertion (>11%). We also found that the ACGIH Threshold Limit Value for Hand Activity (TLV for HAL) predicted CTS, and that that current ‘action limit’ is too high to adequately protect workers. Varying the formula of the TLV to emphasise force over repetition better predicted incident CTS. Study findings suggest that efforts to reduce workplace exposures should focus on jobs requiring high hand force and repeated or prolonged forceful exertions. Our study also suggests that the TLV for HAL and other less labour intensive assessment methods are valid and usable tools for workplace prevention.
Siphon Flows in Solar Magnetic Flux Tubes and Sunspots

The behavior of steady siphon flows along thin, arched magnetic flux tubes in the solar atmosphere is discussed, with particluar attention to the case of “flexible” flux tubes in the solar photosphere, where the plasma beta is of order unity. Qualitative features of subcritical and supercritical siphon flows are illustrated by the simple case of isothermal flow in an isothermal external atmosphere. More realistic flows, including representations of the temperature-stratified external solar atmosphere, the radiative transfer of energy between the flux tube and its surroundings, and variable ionization fraction along the flow are also discussed. The jump conditions for an adiabatic tube shock in a supercritical siphon flow are analyzed in some detail. Siphon flows have been detected in intense photospheric flux tubes arching across a magnetic neutral line on the Sun. Siphon flows also offer the most plausible explanation of the Evershed effect in sunspots. Recent observational and theoretical evidence concerning the siphon-flow model of the Evershed effect is discussed.
Asymptotic Efficiencies of MINQUE and ANOVA Variance Component Estimates in the Nonnormal Random Model

The following question is addressed: For which quadratic unbiased estimates of variance components, and under what asymptotic assumptions, are the estimates as efficient as estimates based on the random effects themselves, with or without the normality assumption? Westfall and Bremer (1993) have identified sufficient asymptotic conditions under which such an efficiency property holds for the ‘cell means estimates’ in the general k-way classification model. In this paper, the asymptotic behavior of MINQUE, ANOVA, and cell means estimates is considered in the one-way random model.
EVIDENCE FOR AN I-E SUBREGION

An absorption analysts of a B10.A(4R) anti-B10.A(2R) antiserum of unusually high cytotoxic titer has been performed in an attempt to define and map new Ia specificities.
Targeted Endoplasmic Reticulum Localization of Storage Protein mRNAs Requires the RNA-Binding Protein RBP-L.

The transport and targeting of glutelin and prolamine mRNAs to distinct subdomains of the cortical endoplasmic reticulum is a model for mRNA localization in plants. This process requires a number of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that recognize and bind to mRNA cis-localization (zipcode) elements to form messenger ribonucleoprotein complexes, which then transport the RNAs to their destination sites at the cortical endoplasmic reticulum. Here, we present evidence that the rice (Oryza sativa) RNA-binding protein, RBP-L, like its interacting RBP-P partner, specifically binds to glutelin and prolamine zipcode RNA sequences and is required for proper mRNA localization in rice endosperm cells. A transfer DNA insertion in the 3′ untranslated region resulted in reduced expression of the RBP-L gene to 10% to 25% of that in the wild-type. Reduced amounts of RBP-L caused partial mislocalization of glutelin and prolamine RNAs and conferred other general growth defects, including dwarfism, late flowering, and smaller seeds. Transcriptome analysis showed that RBP-L knockdown greatly affected the expression of prolamine family genes and several classes of transcription factors. Collectively, these results indicate that RBP-L, like RBP-P, is a key RBP involved in mRNA localization in rice endosperm cells. Moreover, distinct from RBP-P, RBP-L exhibits additional regulatory roles in development, either directly through its binding to corresponding RNAs or indirectly through its effect on transcription factors.
A supply chain model of hip stem prostheses produced using 3D printing: a comprehensive description of the simulation model

Medical device companies have a growing interest in additive manufacturing (AM) for orthopedic implant production. AM provides an opportunity for economically feasible customized implants to supplement the current traditionally-manufactured, standard-sized prosthesis. In this paper, a simulation model is developed to analyze the supply chain of custom hip stem production using AM. A test case is implemented into the simulation model to determine the supply chain’s responses in key performance indices, such as production lead time of a uniquely customized prosthesis and resource utilization, to resource level variations based on current state of the practice for additive and subtractive manufacturing. The method of this research was to use a simulation focused on measuring the performance of the supply chain for hip stem implants in order to determine supply chain resource requirements.
A Spatially Distributed Vibrotactile Actuator Array (SDVAA) for music-to-vibrotactile sensory augmentation

The design of a Spatially Distributed Vibrotactile Actuator Array (SDVAA) is presented. It employs a multitude of vibrotactile actuators in order to communicate a larger amount of information than is possible using a single actuator. The SDVAA is currently being used for applications in music-to-vibrotactile sensory augmentation. While prior related projects have focused more on sensory substitution, this project aims only to add to a person’s experience by augmenting a multimedia presentation with vibrotactile feedback. Because haptic perception is fundamentally different than auditory perception, it makes sense to rearrange the information transmitted to the haptic senses. For example, while auditory perception is limited to approximately the range 20 Hz to 20 kHz, tactile perception is limited primarily to the range 0 Hz to 800 Hz (if not higher). Accordingly, one approach being considered for converting auditory signals to vibrotactile signals is pitch shifting. Project results relating to music compo...
Changes in Use Patterns Over 1 Year Among Smokers and Dual Users of Combustible and Electronic Cigarettes.

Author(s): Piper, Megan E; Baker, Timothy B; Benowitz, Neal L; Jorenby, Douglas E | Abstract: BackgroundDual use of combustible and electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) is a growing use pattern; more than half of e-cigarette users are dual users. However, little is known regarding the course of dual use; for example, the likelihood of discontinuation of either combustible or e-cigarettes or both.MethodsAdult daily smokers and dual users (daily smokers who also vaped at least once per week) who did not intend to quit use of either product in the next 30 days participated in a longitudinal, observational study (N = 322, 51.2% women, 62.7% white, mean age = 42.27 [SD = 14.05]). At baseline, participants completed demographics and smoking and vaping history assessments. They also reported daily cigarette and e-cigarette use via timeline follow-back assessment and provided a breath sample for carbon monoxide assay at 4-month intervals for 1 year.ResultsOf those who completed the year 1 follow-up, 1.9% baseline smokers and 8.0% dual users achieved biochemically confirmed seven-day point-prevalence abstinence from combustible cigarettes (χ2 = 4.57, p = .03). Of initial dual users, by 1 year 43.9% were smoking only, 48.8% continued dual use, 5.9% were vaping only, and 1.4% abstained from both products. Among baseline smokers, 92.3% continued as exclusive smokers. Baseline dual users who continued e-cigarette use were more likely to be white and report higher baseline e-cigarette dependence.ConclusionsIn this community sample, the majority of dual users transitioned to exclusive smoking. A higher percentage of dual users quit smoking than smokers, but attrition and baseline differences between the groups compromise strong conclusions. Sustained e-cigarette use was related to baseline e-cigarette dependence.ImplicationsThis research suggests that dual use of combustible and e-cigarettes is not a sustained pattern for the majority of dual users, but it is more likely to be a continued pattern if the user is more dependent on e-cigarettes. There was evidence that dual users were more likely to quit smoking than exclusive smokers, but this may be due to factors other than their dual use.
Outcomes After Resection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Intersection of Travel Distance and Hospital Volume

Data on the impact of hospital volume and travel distance on patient outcomes after major abdominal surgery remain poorly defined. We sought to characterize the relationship of travel distance, hospital volume, and long-term outcomes of patients undergoing surgical resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The 2004–2015 National Cancer Database was used to identify patients who underwent resection of HCC. Patients were stratified according to travel distance and hospital volume quartiles, and multivariable regression models were utilized to examine the impact of travel distance, hospital volume, and travel distance/hospital volume on overall survival (OS). Among the 12,266 patients identified, procedures included wedge/segmental resections (N = 7354, 59.9%), hemi-hepatectomy (N = 4003, 32.6%), and extended hepatectomy (N = 909, 7.5%). Stratifying data into quartiles, travel distance to surgical care was ≤ 5.7 miles (mi), > 5.7–14.2 mi, > 14.2–44.4 mi, and ≥ 44.4 mi, while hospital volume quartiles determined on the hospital level were ≤ 1 case per year, 1.1–4, 4.1–12.5, and ≥ 12.5. On multivariable analysis, increased hospital volume was associated with decreased hazard of mortality (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.45–0.82, p < 0.001). Travel distance was not significantly associated with hazard of mortality. Furthermore, only hospital volume was associated with mortality (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.56–0.80, p < 0.001) after controlling for both travel distance and hospital volume. Only hospital volume was associated with increased hazard of mortality. The benefits of undergoing resection for HCC at a high-volume hospital appear to outweigh the inconvenience of longer travel distances.
Development of an Operational Multi-sensor and Multi-channel Aerosol Assimilation Package Using NAAPS and NAVDAS

Abstract : Due to the significance of aerosol particles in visibility forecasting, air pollution, and global climate change studies, the modeling and successful prediction of aerosol events is of great interest to both military and civilian users. Recognizing this interest, the Naval Research Laboratory Marine Meteorology Division developed the Navy Aerosol Analysis and Prediction System (NAAPS), the world's only truly operational aerosol prediction model. NAAPS provides both aerosol and visibility forecasts for fleet operation. A recent study showed that by ingesting over-ocean satellite observations into NAAPS through data assimilation, NAAPS forecasting capability could be improved by 20-40%. This research effort, however, also found that there are fundamental issues remaining that must be addressed before a global (i.e., over both ocean and land) aerosol data assimilation can realistically be ported to operational use. These include needs for: (1) Developing an over-land (with bright surface areas) aerosol data assimilation capability; (2) Improving observational data coverage through a multi-sensor data fusion/data assimilation technique; (3) Utilizing multi-channel information to improve the accuracy of NAAPS aerosol vertical profiles and specification; and (4) Developing a better parameterization for characterizing model forecasting errors We are investigating these issues and are developing a multi-sensor and multi-channel aerosol assimilation package using Level 2 aerosol products from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Collection 5, MODIS Deep Blue, Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO), and Advanced Along Track Scanning Radiometer (AATSR). We will also integrate geostationary, polar orbiting, and even surface network data as they become available. This research will be transitioned for operational use at the Fleet Numerical Meteorological and Oceanographic Center (FNMOC), and will greatly advance air quali
The Small Aortic Root

The patient with concomitant aortic valve disease and small aortic root represents a unique surgical challenge. To replace the native diseased valve with an adequately sized prosthetic valve, the surgeon must be familiar with the various types of prostheses, the surgical techniques for root enlargement and root replacement, and the expected long-term outcomes and implications in order to select the most appropriate operation for each patient.
SDN Security: Information Disclosure and Flow Table Overflow Attacks

In this paper, we study some of the security pitfalls present in the OpenFlow protocol, which plays a central role in Software Defined Networks. Specifically, we introduce information disclosure attacks capable of identifying idle and hard timeout values, and the number of free entries in the flow tables at SDN switches. We then leverage this information to mount Denial of Service (DoS) attacks using a small number of packets and without flooding the SDN network, making it harder to detect. Experimental results indicate that mounting the proposed attack leads to delays and packet losses for legitimate flows. We further propose solutions to detect and mitigate similar attacks.
4.09 – Dynamic Triggering

A growing body of evidence demonstrates that dynamic stresses propagating as seismic waves from large earthquakes are capable of triggering additional earthquakes ranging from aftershocks in the near-field (within one or two source dimensions of the mainshock epicenter) to remotely triggered earthquakes at distances exceeding 10 000 km. Most of the triggered earthquakes are small (generally M ≤ 3) except within the near field, where dynamic stresses may trigger slip on subadjacent fault segments leading to complex rupture comprising of several large earthquakes of comparable magnitude. Crustal surface waves with periods of 15–30 s and peak dynamic stresses greater than ∼0.01 MPa seem to be most efficient in triggering remote seismicity. Current models for dynamic triggering fall under two broad groups: one appealing to Coulomb failure with various friction laws, and the other appealing to the activation of crustal fluids either hydrous or magmatic. No single model appears capable of accounting for the wide variation observed in the nature of triggered activity. Spatial sampling of dynamic triggering on a global scale is still woefully inadequate because of the limited distribution of adequate seismic networks. From the limited data currently available, it appears that extensional stress regimes hosting geothermal and volcanic activity are more susceptible to remote dynamic triggering than compressional stress regimes, although remote triggering is not limited to extensional regimes. Instances of remote triggering in the few areas with continuous, high-resolution deformation instrumentation (all volcanic or geothermal areas) include distinctive deformation transients, suggesting that the locally triggered seismicity in these areas may be a secondary response to a more fundamental aseismic process that likely involves some form of fluid transport or phase change. Recent evidence for triggering by solid Earth tides and ocean loading in convergent plate margins provides a low-frequency, low-amplitude reference point for the spectrum of stresses capable of dynamic triggering. Remaining challenges include establishing better sampling of the distribution of triggered seismicity and better constraints on physical models for the triggering process.
Net Load Redistribution Attacks on Nodal Voltage Magnitude Estimation in AC Distribution Networks

A high penetration level of smart devices and communication networks increases the threat of cyber-attacks in the distribution system. In this paper, we model a hidden, coordinated, net load redistribution attack (NLRA) in an AC distribution system. Based on local information of an attack region, the attacker’s goal is to create violations in nodal voltage magnitude estimation. Acting as a system operator equipped with global AC state estimation and bad data detection, we validate the stealthiness of the hidden NLRA in multiple attack cases. Simulation results on a modified PG&E 69-node distribution system show the validity of the proposed NLRA. The influence of NLRA on the distribution system is assessed and the impact of attack regions, attack timing, and system observability is also revealed.
Chapter 5 – Arena Basics

Publisher Summary Arena is a simulation environment consisting of module templates, built around SIMAN language constructs and other facilities, and augmented by a visual front end. This chapter provides an overview of Arena basics at an introductory level. SIMAN consists of two classes of objects: blocks and elements. More specifically, blocks are basic logic constructs that represent operations. Arena's fundamental modeling components, called modules, are selected from template panels, such as Basic Process, Advanced Process, and Advanced Transfer, and placed on a canvas in the course of model construction. A module is a high-level construct, composed of SIMAN blocks and/or elements. Arena also supports other modules, such as Statistic, Variable, and Output. Arena implements a programming paradigm that combines visual and textual programming.
Hippocampus-lateral septum circuitry mediates memory for food location in rats

Remembering the location of a food source is essential for securing energy for survival. Here we identify a hippocampal-septal neural circuit that controls food-directed spatial memory. Both reversible and chronic disconnection of ventral hippocampus CA1 subregion (CA1v) projections to the lateral-septum (LS) using pathway-specific dual viral approaches impaired memory retention in a spatial food-seeking foraging task in rats. However, disconnection of this pathway did not affect performance in an aversive escape-motivated spatial memory task that used the same apparatus and visuospatial cues, suggesting that CA1v-LS signaling selectively mediates spatial memory for food location vs. spatial memory in general. The selectivity of this pathway in mediating foraging-related spatial memory was further supported by results showing that CA1v-LS disconnection did not affect anxiety-like behavior, locomotor activity, or social and olfactory-based appetitive learning. To examine whether CA1v-LS mediation of foraging-related spatial memory involves collateral projections of CA1v neurons, we utilized virus-based neural pathway tracing analyses to identify the mPFC as a collateral target of LS-projecting CA1v neurons. However, functional disconnection of the CA1v and mPFC did not affect spatial memory for food location, thus further supporting the selectivity of CA1v-LS signaling for this behavior. The nucleus accumbens, lateral hypothalamic area, and other brain regions associated with food motivation and reward were identified as second-order targets of CA1v-LS signaling using a multisynaptic anterograde tracing approach. Collective results reveal that CA1v to LS communication plays a critical role in remembering the environmental location of food, thus identifying a novel neural pathway regulating foraging-related memory processes.
The Effect of Price Transparency on Brand Perception and Purchase Intention

This study examines the impact of transparent pricing on consumers’ perceptions of the brand and intentions to purchase its products. Our study also explores the moderating role of product price and country of origin on the effectiveness of price transparency. We collected a total of 210 responses, 191 responses were considered valid and were used in the study. The results of this study showed that when a company provides consumers with detailed price information for its products, consumers tend to perceive its products to be of higher quality. Transparent pricing can also help the company create a higher perceived value for its products and generate a more favorable brand attitude. The results also suggest that price transparency strategy is an effective way to generate a more favorable brand attitude, especially for high-end brands made in the US and for low-end brands not made in the US.
Initial investigations of precipitating quasi-geostrophic turbulence with phase changes

Asymptotic models have provided valuable insight into the atmosphere and its dynamics. Nevertheless, one shortcoming of the classic asymptotic models, such as the quasi-geostrophic (QG) equations, is that they describe a “dry” atmosphere and do not account for water vapor, clouds, and rainfall. Recently, precipitating QG (PQG) equations were derived in an asymptotic limit, starting from atmospheric equations that include changes of water between different phases (vapor, liquid, etc.). The PQG equations include Heaviside nonlinearities due to phase changes, which can potentially have a significant influence on QG turbulence. Here, simple numerical methods are presented for the PQG equations, accounting for the Heaviside nonlinearities, and an initial set of numerical experiments is conducted to probe the behavior of PQG turbulence. A two-vertical-level setup is used for an idealized vertical structure, as in the classic Phillips model. Due to phase changes and rainfall, the mid-latitude jet variability displays a variety of behaviors, including poleward propagation of the latitude of the jet. The simulations suggest a new set of phenomena that arise in QG turbulence due to phase changes, in a simplified model that is potentially amenable to mathematical analysis.
Distress Screening Through Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) at an Academic Cancer Center and Network Site: Implementation of a Hybrid Model.

PURPOSE:Cancer care guidelines recommend regular distress screening of patients, with approximately one in three patients with cancer experiencing significant distress. However, the implementation ...
Superior Gluteal Reconstruction Results in Promising Outcomes for Massive Abductor Tendon Tears.

Purpose To evaluate the 1-year outcomes of a small patient series following open gluteus medius/minimus repair with human dermal allograft incorporated into the repair construct using a double-row repair. Methods Data from consecutive patients undergoing a superior gluteal reconstruction for massive, irreparable abductor tendon tears with severe tendon loss and atrophy by a single fellowship trained surgeon from January 2018 to May 2019 were collected and analyzed. Baseline demographic data and magnetic resonance imaging were collected preoperatively. Clinical outcomes including Hip Outcome Score–Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), HOS–Sports Subscale (HOS-SS), modified Harris hip score (mHHS), international Hip Outcome Score-12 (iHOT-12), visual analog scale (VAS) pain, and VAS satisfaction were recorded at 1-year postoperatively. Results A total of 8 patients underwent open superior gluteal reconstruction for severe hip abductor deficiency. The mean age and body mass index were 62.6 ± 7.3 years and 29.6 ± 5.3 kg/m2, respectively. The majority of patients were female (N = 7, 87.5%). Three (37.5%) patients had undergone previous endoscopic gluteus medius repair and presented for revision surgery. All patients had full-thickness tears with gluteus medius and gluteus minimus involvement. Patients were evaluated at an average of 11.5 ± 1.7 months from the initial surgical intervention and reported a mean HOS-ADL of 82.9 ± 24.3, HOS-SS of 73.2 ± 37.3, mHHS of 83.6 ± 17.1, iHOT-12 of 63.9 ± 27.4, VAS Pain of 30.0 ± 23.1, and VAS Satisfaction of 87.1 ± 17.0. There was no evidence of retears in this patient cohort as defined by physical examination findings and/or corroborating magnetic resonance imaging. Conclusions Superior gluteal reconstruction for massive, irreparable abductor tendon tears with severe tendon loss and atrophy is a technique that demonstrates promising 1-year postoperative outcomes in both primary and revision patients. Level of Evidence Level IV, therapeutic case series.
Intra-Shift Information Costs: Transition Services Agreements in Corporate Spinoffs

In this study, we introduce the concept of intra-shift information costs, defined as the costs that market participants incur of acquiring and processing information about a company during (as oppo...
CNNC: A Visual Analytics System for Comparative Studies of Deep Convolutional Neural Networks.

The rapid development of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) in recent years has triggered significant breakthroughs in many machine learning (ML) applications. The ability to understand and compare various CNN models available is thus essential. The conventional approach with visualizing each model's quantitative features, such as classification accuracy and computational complexity, is not sufficient for a deeper understanding and comparison of the behaviors of different models. Moreover, most of the existing tools for assessing CNN behaviors only support comparison between two models and lack the flexibility of customizing the analysis tasks according to user needs. This paper presents a visual analytics system, CNN Comparator (CNNC), that supports the in-depth inspection of a single CNN model as well as comparative studies of two or more models. The ability to compare a larger number of (e.g., tens of) models especially distinguishes our system from previous ones. With a carefully designed model visualization and explaining support, CNNC facilitates a highly interactive workflow that promptly presents both quantitative and qualitative information at each analysis stage. We demonstrate CNNC's effectiveness for assisting ML practitioners in evaluating and comparing multiple CNN models through two use cases and one preliminary evaluation study using the image classification tasks on the ImageNet dataset.
3.52 – Antigen-Antibody Binding Kinetics for Biosensor Applications: An Analysis Using the Nyikos-Pajkossy Equation for Diffusion Towards Fractal Surfaces

This chapter reviews antigen–antibody binding kinetics for biosensor applications. Different antigen–antibody reactions occurring on different biosensor surfaces are analyzed using the Nyikos–Pajkossy equation of diffusion toward and reaction on fractal surfaces. The analysis provides a quantitative indication of the state of disorder or the conformational states of the antigen–antibody complex on the surface. The fractal analysis of both types of systems wherein (1) the antigen is in solution, and the antibody is immobilized on the surface, and (2) the antibody is in solution and the antigen is immobilized on the surface indicates the versatility of the analysis, and facilitates comparisons between the systems. Valuable physical insights were obtained where, (1) significant data was available, and (2) where the influence of different parameters on the fractal dimension ( D f ) value could be correlated. The chapter highlights that the analysis of the Ogert et al. (1992) data on Clostridium botulinum toxin A is of particular interest because one can obtain the influence of Clostridium botulinum toxin A (antigen) concentration in solution on the D f value.
Vegetables, Fruits, and Herbs in Health Promotion

Plants and Animal Estrogens in Menopause Coenzyme Q10 and Heart Disease and Health Promotion Japanese Vegetable Juice, Aojiru, and Health Promotion The Immunomodulatory Potential of Phytochemicals Nutrients in Cognitive Disorder Antioxidants as Therapies of Diseases of Old Age Nutrition and Stress in Cause and Prevention of Eye Diseases of Old Age Fruits and Vegetables and Cancer Risk of the Aged Vegetable Extract Supplements: Nutritional and Biomedical Effects Nutrients and Vegetables: Protection from Sun Damage Vegetables and Their Antioxidants in Reducing Tobacco Smoke Toxicity Functional Medicine Diets to Attenuate Neurodegenerative Diseases Cranberries and Disease Prevention Taste and Vegetable and Fruit Intake in the Aged Gastrointestinal Nutritional Problems in the Aged: Role in Vegetable and Fruit Use Foods That Reduce Stress: Immune Management Tomatoes and Their Extract in Health Promotion Role of Fruits and Vegetables and Their Extracts in Preventing Osteoporosis Soybean and Soybean Phytochemicals: Prospects for Cancer and Disease Prevention Garlic and Health Promotion Wine and Grapes Herbal and Alternative Medicine Alternative Medicine From a European Perspective Dietary Intervention Strategy